This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1855 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV. Columba, the Apostle of the Picts, a Culdee. While the missionaries of the Church of Rome, the clergy of the regulars, were extending and enlarging her powers in Britain, and darkness was overshadowing Christendom; as the pure doctrines of the gospel were being corrupted by tradition, and new doctrines, which like exotic plants, were received into the Church that was denominated infallible; an individual rose in the west, who, by the grace of God, shed a light on regions remote, and inhabited by pagans. This was Columba, a native of Ireland, who was born A.D. 521. He was the most eminent of the followers of the father of literature and founder of so many churches in Ireland. The father of Columba was Felim, son of Neill the Great, King of Ireland. Patrick and Columba changed countries in their turn. This individual came to a people who were idolaters, or followed the practices of their race without much regard to any religion. We have already explained why the Culdees in Caledonia made no progress among them, notwithstanding their wonted zeal to spread the light of the Word. What hope, then, could Columba entertain of succeeding in his missions ? Any but Columba might have despaired, and relinquished the enterprise. We shall hear how he succeeded. We have different biographies of Columba; his life and labours are well known. We are thankful that so much has been recorded of so great and good a man, although we do not subscribe to every thing told of him. Columba excelled all his cotemporaries in learning and piety; he was dedicated to the holy office from his infancy. He received all the advantages of education, and the grace of God abounded in him, as had been apparent in all his behaviour. He received instruction from...