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Show ST. PATRICK Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, lived so far back before authentic history that it is not fully clear whether March 17, observed in his honor, was the date of his birth or of his death, or perhaps of some notable event in his life. He was one of the great religious leaders of all time. The old tradition had it that he found no Christians in Ireland and left no heathen there. Even if that is slightly exaggerated, his work in spreading Christionity in a rough and turbulent age was marvellous. Many great nations have been suddenly converted to Christianity in the past. Such changes were in some cases aided by the discovery by the rulers of these countries that the people were embracing the new religion re-ligion so fast that it became politically advantageous to make the change. Some countries became Christian Christ-ian in a nomial wray because they were conquered by armies that adhered to that faith. The conversion of Ireland was accomplished not by political means or military force, but by the elequence of Patrick's preaching. No doubt he had a warm and genial personality, that led people to follow his leadership. leader-ship. The famous old tradition said he drove the snakes out of Ireland. What kind of snakes they were history knows not. Perhaps they were real snakes. He may have helped the people protect themselves against these sneaking enemies. Perhaps they were such figurative snakes as vice, drunkenness, fighting, etc. Whatever they were, he clearly made Ireland a better place to live in. The world needs men like that to-day, of rich and warm eloquence, who can make religion so human and attractive that men and women are glad to follow its teachings. So the people who wear the green ribbon on St. Patrick's day are honoring a great man, and we all wish wre knew more about him. |