. He prayed often in
the day, and also many times in the night, breaking off his sleep to
return to the divine praises. His afflictions were to him a source of
heavenly benedictions, because he carried his cross with Christ, that
is, with patience, resignation, and holy joy. St. Patrick, after six
months spent in slavery under the same master, was admonished by God in
a dream to return to his own country, and informed that a ship was then
ready to sail thither. He repaired immediately to the sea-coast, though
at a great distance, and found the vessel; but could not obtain his
passage, probably for want of money. Thus new trials ever await the
servants of God. The saint returned towards his hut, praying as he went,
but the sailors, though pagans, called him back, and took him on board.
After three days' sail, they made land, probably in the north of
Scotland: but wandered twenty-seven days through deserts, and were a
long while distressed for want of provisions, finding nothing to eat.
Patrick had often entertained the company on the infinite power of God:
they therefore asked him, why he did not pray for relief. Animated by a
strong faith, he assured them that if they would address themselves with
their whole hearts to the true God, he would hear and succor them. They
did so, and on the same day met with a herd of swine. From that time
provisions never failed them till on the twenty-seventh day they came
into a country that was cultivated and inhabited. During their distress,
Patrick refused to touch meats which had been offered to idols. One day
a great stone from a rock happened to fall upon him, and had like to
have crushed him to death, while he was laid down to take a little rest.
But he invoked Elias, and was delivered from the danger. Some years
afterwards, he was again led captive; but recovered his liberty after
two months. When he was at home with his parents, God manifested to him,
by divers visions, that he destined him to the great work of the
conversion of Ireland. He thought he saw all the children of that
country from the wombs of their mothers, stretching out their hands, and
piteously crying to him for relief.[2]

Some think he had travelled into Gaul before be undertook his mission,
and we find that, while he preached in Ireland, he had a great desire to
visit his brethren in Gaul, and to see those whom he calls the saints of
God, having been formerly acquainted with them. The authors of his life
say,