Let Me Die in Ireland, the True Story of Patrick - Softcover

David W. Bercot

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0924722088 ISBN 13: 9780924722080

Publisher: Scroll Publishing Company, 1999

Synopsis

Practically everyone in the western world has heard of the man called St. Patrick. But hardly anyone knows anything about him. About the only two things that more people 'know' about Patrick is that he was Irish and Roman Catholic. In truth, he was neither. He was British, and he belonged to the autonomous Celtic church. Although Patrick is the most famous person of his age, the real man has been buried in a cloud of myths. Myths such as:

He used the shamrock to explain the Trinity.

He was sent to Ireland by the Pope.

He was a wonder-worker who staged miraculous duels with the Druids.

Let Me Die In Ireland cuts through all of the myths about Patrick and presents the authentic, stirring account of one of the greatest missionaries who ever lived. His life is a compelling testimony to the incredible power of the gospel when preached and lived by a man of integrity. He gave up a comfortable life as an upper-class citizen of Roman Britain to live in poverty, suffering, and constant danger in Ireland. Forsaking all, he brought Christ's love to the hated enemies of his own people to the very nation who had once kidnapped and enslaved him. Although ridiculed and rejected by his own people in Britain, Patrick changed the course of an entire nation.

About this title

About the Author

A former attorney and Anglican priest, David Bercot has made early Christianity his special field of study for the past fifteen years. His primary mission is to make the average layperson aware of the early Christians what they believed and how they lived. A member of the North American Patristics Society, Bercot is also the editor of A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Sixteen year old Patrick felt the cool tingle of the wet grass on his feet as he strolled through his father's farm on this late spring morning. As was typical for the west coast of Britain, dense fog enveloped all of the hills and farm buildings. Patrick was excited that his parents had let him stay at their country villa while his father took care of business in London. He had assured them that he was old enough to take care of himself and would be just fine. Besides, he would be in the company of their many servants.

As his sandal-covered feet sloshed through the moist green grass, Patrick's thoughts were on horses and his formal education that would begin in a few weeks. Patrick wasn't looking forward to his schooling at all. Nothing but endless drills, memorization, and study. Those things were okay for the bookish boys. But Patrick was a man of action not books.

"People say I'm an empty-headed dreamer, but they'll see. Someday, I'll be governor of Britain," Patrick said to himself, as he tossed his blond head with an air of importance. He stopped on a grassy knoll and drank in the sweet fragrance of spring. The aroma of the damp, rich earth, laced with the perfumed scent of lilacs, tantalized his nostrils. To the east, he could barely make out the outline of his father's barn. He imagined it to be the governor's palace, where he would live someday. To the north, he could faintly see the outlines of the grazing cows. He pretended they were prize stallions from Arabia.

Turning to the west, Patrick visualized that he was addressing an adoring crowd of his fellow Britons. In the gray fog, he imagined he could see the throng in front of him. He could faintly make out their bodies and faces. They seemed so real. But, of course, he was just imagining things. Or was he? He rubbed his eyes for a few seconds and scrutinized the fog again, hoping it was simply a mirage. However, the ghostly figures were still there, and they seemed to be approaching him.

Suddenly, several blood-curdling shrieks emerged from the fog, followed by the terrifying blast of discordant battle horns. Patrick stood frozen with fear as the phantom figures suddenly materialized from the fog, brandishing swords and spears, heading straight for him. Recovering from his initial shock, Patrick turned and ran as fast as he could towards his parents' villa.

Everywhere pandemonium reigned. Women screamed. Dogs barked. Sheep bleated and ran in terror. Servants blindly raced about in the fog like a flock of chickens scattered by a pack of dogs. Those who tried to resist the armed warriors were mercilessly hacked to death or impaled with spears. Patrick darted nimbly toward the outer courtyard of the villa, his heart beating wildly. He dared not look back. I've got to make it through the gates before they catch me. Once I barricade the gates, I'll be safe. However, as Patrick approached the heavy oak gates, he suddenly stopped in alarm. Another band of warriors was already waiting there.

Patrick whirled around to run to the hills, but instead he ran pell mell into a pursuing raider. Although he was an athletic youth, he was no match for the tall, muscular warrior. The man grabbed him by his shoulders and threw him roughly to the ground. Patrick landed hard on his back, and his head fell against a large stone. Everything went black.

Edition details

• Publisher: Scroll Publishing Company
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0924722088
• ISBN 13: 9780924722080
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192