Facts of Faith

Celtic Sabbath-Keepers

WE KNOW from several sources that Christianity entered the British Isles in apostolic times. (Colossians 1:23) Rev. Richard Hart, B. A., Vicar of Catton, says: “That the light of Christianity dawned upon these islands in the course of the first century, is a matter of historical certainty. “Ecclesiastical Records,” p. vii. Cambridge: 1846. Tertullian, about 200 A. D., included the Britons among the many nations which believed in Christ, and he speaks of places among “the Britons-inaccessible to the Romans, but subjugated to Christ.” “Answer to the Jews,” chap. vii. Dr. Ephraim Pagit, in his “Christianography,” printed in London, 1640, gives an interesting account of the early Christians in these islands. FAFA 134.1

Before the church in the British Isles was forced under the papal yoke, it was noted for its institutions of learning. The Rev. Mr. Hart says: FAFA 134.2

“That learning and piety flourished in these islands during the period of their independence is capable of the most satisfactory proof, and Ireland in particular was so universally celebrated, that students flocked thither from all parts of the world.” — “Ecclesiastical Records,“. p. viii.

He says, some came to “Ireland for the sake of studying the Scriptures.” — Id., p. xi. FAFA 134.3