Chapter IV

THE WRITINGS OF SAINT PATRICK AND OF HIS DISCIPLES.

I.--ST. PATRICK'S CONFESSION 67
Evidence in favour of its authenticity 68
The Saint's motive in writing it 69
Patrick's parents in Britain 71
Patrick met opposition in preaching the Gospel in Ireland 72

II.--THE EPISTLE TO COROTICUS 73

III.--THE LORICA, OR THE DEER'S CRY 75

IV.--SECHNALL'S HYMN OF ST. PATRICK 77
Secundinus 77
Sechnall, son of Patrick's sister, Darerca 79
Sechnall's father 79

V.--THE HYMN _Sancti Venite_ 80
St. Sechnall the first Christian Poet in Erin 81

VI.--ST. FIACC OF SLETTY 81
Fiacc receives _grade_ or orders 83
He founds two Churches 83
Fiacc's _Metrical Life of St. Patrick_ 85

VII.--THE SAYINGS OF SAINT PATRICK 87

VIII.--THE _Tripartite Life of St. Patrick_ 88
Its date and authorship 89