THE REAL ST. PATRICK -- AND THE KING OF TARA AND HIS DRUID WIZARDS -- God preserves history to point to what He did in the past -- so we will be inspired with what to do in the present -- By Kathie Walters

From: Kathie Walters Organization: Good News Fellowship Ministries http://www.goodnews.netministries.org

THE REAL ST. PATRICK --AND THE KING OF TARA AND HIS DRUID WIZARDS -- by Kathie Walters

God preserves history to point to what He did in the past --- we we will be inspired with what to do--in the present

AS WE COME UPON THIS SCENE . . .

"Finally God provided a way for Patrick to return to Ireland in 432 A.D.

So the ministry to the Irish began, not without opposition from the Druids and wizards who tried desperately to keep Patrick away from the kings, for they had prophesied of his coming. Patrick believed that if the kings could be won for God, then the people would follow.

One of the first spiritual battles between Patrick and the Druids was fought at the Hill of Tara. In 433 A.D.

The High King, Laeghaire (Leary), son of the renowned Niall of the Nine Hostages, had invited the sub-kings and nobles and bards to a lavish festival. It was to start with great bonfires, but until those fires were lit by the Druids, it was forbidden for other fires to be seen.

King Laeghaire, in his efforts to hold his power over the lower kings had given himself to the power of the wizards, and skillful magicians and Druidic priests along with their idols.

FALSE PROPHETS WERE TOLD THE TRUE FUTURE

Lochru, and Lucat-Mael, were his chief wizards, and being false prophets they had foretold that "An evil teacher would come from over the sea to their land: That a multitude would receive him, and that he would find love and reverence from the men of Ireland. He would cast out from their realms the evil kings and lords, and would destroy all the idols; the worship established by him, would abide in the land for ever."

No doubt the Druids knew of the progress of Christianity in Britain and Europe. Their brethren abroad had been discredited and they were afraid of the same fate. They were very much afraid of losing their influence and authority.

Patrick leaving the friendly hospitality of Dichu, sailed southward and arrived at Inver Colptha, the mouth of the river Boyne. They followed the course of the stream, for about 12 miles until they came to the hill of Slane, where Patrick proposed to celebrate Easter.

While they rested there on the hill, they saw the magnificent view beneath of the river Boyne; to the north, far away were the purple mountains of Mourne, and to the south lay the beautiful hills of Wicklow. Against this background, about 10 miles away, stood the was the royal hill of Tara. The roofs of the palaces shining in the setting sun.

GOD'S FIRE NEVER TO BE EXTINGUISHED AGAIN

When the sun had set, Patrick began to prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ. It was the first time the paschal fire was lit, never to be extinguished in the land.

Hardly were the Christian torches seen to blaze, when the attention of the High King was drawn to the progidy. The whole of Mag Breg, (the Beautiful Plain), was illuminated by the fires, while Tara was still in darkness.

Angrily the King called his attendants and told them to find out who had dared to light the fires, and break the law he had made for the occasion of the festivals of Beltane and Samhain.

The Druids told King Laeghaire that there was no need to send messengers to Slane for they knew what the fires were. "We see the fire," they said, "And we know that unless it is quenched on the night in which it is made, it will not be quenched for ever. The man who kindled it, will vanquish the kings and lords of Ireland, unless he is stopped."

"This shall not be !" cried the king, "but we will go down and kill this man who made the fires." The horses were hastily made ready.

Meanwhile on the hill of Slane, Patrick had begun with the others the celebration of the Easter festival, singing and worshiping God.

THE ANGEL OVER IRELAND

Demons hovered over Tara, while the Angelic host kept guard over Slane. Patrick, with Victorious, (the Angel who was the guardian of Ireland)*, had no need to fear for the result of the contest.

It was late when nine chariots, bearing the king and queen with two chief Druids, and a number of nobles came thundering toward Slane.

The wizards began to fear that the king might fail by taking a hasty action. As they drew toward the Christians, the Druid wizards spoke to King Laeghaire, "You should be careful," they cautioned the king, "Not to go down to the place where the fire was made, and give any respect to the man who kindled the fire. Stay outside and have him brought out to you, so that he will know that you are the king, and he is the subject." The king was flattered and agreed.

They drove to the place called, "The Graves of Fiacc's Men," and they un-yoked the horses. The king and his nobles sat in solemn state, and the warriors stood with their shields erect in front of them. In the light of the fires they looked very fierce. The king forbade anyone to rise to greet Patrick or any of his company, (contrary to the custom of the Irish). A messenger was sent to fetch Patrick.

SOME TRUST IN CHARIOTS . . .

Soon a bright procession appeared descending the hill. As Patrick advanced, all eyes were fixed on him. Calmly he sang as he approached the king, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will call upon the Name of the Lord our God," (don't you love this?).

As Patricks clear strong voice resounded, a feeling of awe filled the minds of the warriors. One man. Erc, the son of Deg, rose to greet Patrick. By grace, in a moment, he believed in God; and Patrick blessed him. Later on he was baptized and eventually became the first bishop of Slane. And Patrick prophesied to him, "Your city on earth will be high and noble."

After a "formal" greeting between Laeghaire and Patrick, the wizard Lochru attacked him angrily with contention and shouting. He became malicious and hostile, and even violent, blaspheming the Holy Trinity. Patricks anger was roused and he called upon God, "O Lord, Who can do all things. And on Whose power everything depends, You have sent us here to preach Your Name to the heathen. Now let this ungodly man, who blasphemes your Name, be lifted up and let him die."

GOD SUPERNATURALLY DESTROYS HIS ENEMIES BY HIS WORD

When Patrick had finished speaking, a supernatural force raised the wizard in the air. He fell heavily down, his head striking a stone. And so he died in the presence of those assembled. The heathen seeing their own subdued, and realizing that Patrick had more power than the Druids, were greatly affected.

But the king was enraged at the fate of Lochru, on whom he had greatly depended. He then wanted to take the life of Patrick. "Slay this man," he cried to his guards.

But Patrick stood firmly in his place. With flashing eyes and resonant voice he said, "Let God arise and His enemies be scattered; and let them that hate Him, flee from before His face! As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish away: as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God."

By this time the sun had begun to rise and the morning splendor bathed the earth. But at the words of Patrick, darkness crept back over the sky and the ground shook with an earthquake. The swords and spears of the warriors clashed against their shields and it seemed to them that sky was falling down, and there was no hope of escape from impending destruction. The frightened horses galloped away in wild confusion, and the wind blew so fiercely that the chariots were moved.

DOESN'T GOD'S WORD SPEAK OF SUCH THINGS?

Because of the confusion and fear, the warriors began to fight among themselves, and some were killed. Realizing their mistake, they fled, leaving only three people with King Laeghaire and Queen Angas.

The king remained sullen and silent but the queen rose and approached Patrick. She spoke to him with respect. "Just and mighty man," she said, "Do not destroy the king. He shall come to you and he will do

your will and he will kneel and believe in your God," Her influence prevailed and and because the events of the past few hours had shaken him, the king kneeled before Patrick, offering peace. It was a false gesture, designed to allow him to avoid the present situation.

Laehaire designed a plan in his mind to try and kill Patrick on the way to his castle. "Follow after me, to my castle, Cleric," said the wily king, "And at Tara I may believe in your God in the presence of the men of Ireland."

Patrick consented and Laeghire gave orders to his servants that an ambush should be set on several paths between Slane to Tara. The chariots were yoked once more by the attendant who had now returned, and the royal party set out back to the palace. They were very weary and discouraged after their disastrous night with Patrick.

GOD'S HIDES IN OWN IN THE CLOAK OF DARKNESS

Patrick and his company continued the interrupted Easter Day celebration with hearts full of gratitude to the risen Lord, who was so wonderful to them. Then Patrick selected his companions and blessed them before setting out for Tara. There were eight young clerics, including Patrick, and the boy, Benignus, who never left Patricks side. They had ten miles to walk, "but God covered them with cloak of darkness" so that they could not be seen, for God had revealed to Patrick the evil design on the king.

Nevertheless the heathen as they watched saw only eight deer and a fawn (Benignus). It was after this that Patrick wrote his famous hymn, "The Deer's Cry," in which he gave God praise and expressed his firm belief in the Resurrection, the Incarnation and, Death and Ascension of Christ. He united with the citizens of heaven, declaring glory to Him who is his defense against the wiles of the devil and against all forms of superstition and idolatry; ending with an appeal to Christ to be with him always and speak to him through every creature.

THE KING HUMILIATED

Meanwhile King Laeghaire was sitting in grief and shame in the banqueting hall of Tara, together with the nobles, bards and wizards who had escaped from the events of the previous night. The thought that in his terror he had knelt in front of Patrick overwhelmed him with humiliation. He waited anxiously of news that his snares had been successful and that the disturber of his peace, ( Patrick) was no more!

As it was a day of high festival, and however angry he was, he still had to show hospitality to his invited guests. The hall was decked with festive banners and the noble company sat down to the tables with their minds full of the strange events of the previous night, and no other conversation was broached.

THE ANGEL ASSIGNED TO IRELAND HAD GONE TO PATRICK

"I will go to Tara," Patrick had replied to the king, when Laeghaire offered the invitation, "In order to manifest my readiness to the men of Ireland." (End of this part) to be continued.. *Victorious - the angel who orignally appeared to Patrick in Britain. He showed Patrick letters from the Irish people asking him to come back to Ireland. When he was sixteen Patrick had been captured and taken to Ireland as a slave, but escaped after 6 years with the help of the same Angel of Ireland (Victorious). REf. "The Tripartite Life of Patrick" (edt Whitley Stokes) "Legends of Patrick" - (De Vere). "Life and Writings of Patrick"- Arch. Healey "Lives of the Irish Saints" - O'Hanlon