* 1.1XII. CHAP.
1.2. &c. Of S. Ninianus Birth and education▪
3. Of S. Moyses Apostle of the Saracens: said to have been a Brittain.
* 1.21. THE year after Theodosius his depar∣ture out of Brittany, our Ecclesiasti∣call Monuments commemorate S. Ninianus (call'd by S. Beda, S. Ninias) his iourney to Rome, to be there instructed in the true Ortho∣dox Faith, which he afterward with great efficacy communicated to his own coun∣trey. So that it is probable he attended Theo∣dosius in that voyage.
* 1.32. Concerning whose birth we read thus in his life. He was born in great Brittany, of a Princely Stock▪ in that Region where the Western Ocean as it were stretching forth its arm, and on each side making two angles, divides the Provin∣ces of the Scots and English, as at this day they are separated. Which countrey even to the times of the Saxons enjoy'd their own King, as we are assured not only from the credit of History, but even the memory of some yet alive. His Father was Prince of that countrey (Cumberland,) by Religion a Christian, and truly happy in the bles∣sing of such a Son. Whilst Ninian was yet a child he shew'd great devotion to Churches, and won∣derfull love to his associats. He was sober in his diet, sparing of his tongue, diligent in reading, grave in conversation, averse from lightnes, and always carefull to subject the flesh to the spirit.
3. At last by a forcible instinct of Gods holy spirit the Noble youth undertook a pilgrimage, despising wordly riches and carnall affections. Therfore passing over Sea into Gaule, and taking his way through the Alpes he entred Italy, and with a prosperous iourney came to Rome. Where being arrived, he went to the Cheif Bishop (Pope Damasus,) to whom he declared the cause of his iourney. Whereupon the Holy Bishop commending his devotion, receiv'd him with the tendernes of a Father, and appointed him Teachers to instruct him in the Disciplines of Truth and Orthodox Faith, as likewise in the wholesome sence of Scriptures.
4. By this relation it appears that S. Ninian was of the Nation of the Southern Picts. And whereas he is call'd Son of a King: that Title in the liberal stile of our ancient Le∣gendaries signifies no more then a person of Power and riches in his countrey. Though as Bishop Vsher observes,* 1.4 in the ancient En∣glish Annalls there is frequent mention of the Kingdom of the Cumbri (Cumberland) whereto the Southern Picts belong. The Au∣thour of his life thus proceeds.
5. Young Ninianus therfore with wonderfull avidity studying Gods word,* 1.5 like a diligent Bee composed for his own use as from many flowers out of severall Sentences of holy Doctours, honey-combs of spirituall wisedom: which being layd upp in the hive of his bosome: he preserv'd them for his own interiour refection, in due time likewise to be poured forth for the consolation of many others Thus being chast in body, prudent in mind, provi∣dent in counsels, circumspect both in actions and words, he was commended by all, and every day more favour'd by the supreme Bishop.
6. Now it is no wonder that this holy Young man should make choice of Rome for education, considering what speciall care the Emperour Valentinian took for the pro∣moting of learning there, and the priviled∣ges cōfer'd by him on strangers which came thither to perfect themselves in Studies of literature,* 1.6 as appears by his Law still extant in the Theodosian Code. And Pope Damasus like∣wise being himself learned, was a great fa∣vourer therof.
7. Now how S. Ninianus after little more then twenty years was consecrated Bishop by S. Siri∣cius Successour to Pope Damasus, & sent back into his own countrey to preach the Gospell to the Picts, shall be shew'd in due place.
8. There are not wanting besides our own, some forraign Authours also, who affirm that the famous Bishop Moyses, the Apostle of the Saracens was born in Brittany: by name Notgerus Bishop of Liege, & Henry Fitz-Simon a learned Irish Iesuit. Certain it is that he was in a speciall manner commemorated, & his Festivall observ'd in the Brittish Martyrologe compos'd by S. Beda, where we read these words:* 1.7 In Brittany in the Citty Augusta (London) is on the seaventh of February celebrated the me∣mory of S. Augulus Bishop and Martyr. Likewise of the Venerable Bishop S. Moyses: Who first of all leading a solitary life in the desart, be∣came famous for many miracles. He was after∣ward by his illustrious merits, vertues and glorious miracles made Bishop of the Sara∣cens, at the request of Mauvia their Queen. He