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‹Better GutenbergThe Most Ancient Lives of Saint PatrickChapter III — Of the Stone of Saint Patrick · 16 of 210Contents›

The Most Ancient Lives of Saint Patrick

by James O'Leary

16 of 210 · Contents · Download EPUB

Chapter III Of the Stone of Saint Patrick

Near this place is a stone which the inhabitants call Saint Patrick’s Rock; for some believe that he was born thereon, and others that on it he celebrated Mass. As often as any controversy arises between the villagers or the neighbors which is thought fit to be determined by an oath, it is brought to this stone, and there, the sacrament being taken, the cause is decided. But if any perjurer or false witness laid his hand thereon, immediately it was wont to pour forth water, and the holiness of Patrick openly showed unto all how accursed was the crime of perjury or of false testimony; yet at any other time it did not use to exude one drop, but always remained in its natural dryness. Which opinion of the people, however, as to this stone, is the more probable, we know not, though the latter may seem the nearer unto the truth. Let it suffice, therefore, to record the miracle which the Bishop Saint Mel testifies that he had oftentimes beheld.

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