Page:Chronicles of the Picts, chronicles of the Scots, and other early memorials of Scottish history.djvu/165

PEEFACE. clvii Church. The influence of the Angles and of their Church upon the Picts had not been without its effect ; for Bede informs us that, in 710, Nectan, king of the Picts, renounced the error by which he and his nation had till then been held, in relation to the observance of Easter, and submitted, together with his people, to celebrate the Catholic time of our Lord's resurrection. He sent messengers to Ceolfrid, Abbot of Jarrow, in Northumberland, re- questing instruction, and likewise that he would send architects that he might build a church after the Eoman manner, which he promised to dedicate in honour of the blessed Peter, and that he and all his people would always follow the custom of the holy Eoman Apostolic Church. Ceolfrid accord- ingly wrote a long letter in support of the Eoman usages ; and Bede goes on to say, that this letter being read in the presence of the king, and carefully interpreted into his own langviage by those who could understand it, he rejoiced, and declared that he would continually hereafter observe the Eoman time of Easter, and that the tonsure should be re- ceived by his clergy. The cycles of nineteen years were sent throughout all the province of the Picts, and the nation, thus reformed, rejoiced, as being newly placed under the direction of St. Peter, and made secure under his protection. This change must have been accompanied by the Expulsion of ^ i ./ Columban mon- introductiou of clergy of the Eoman party from astio clergy, ^ . , and intruduc- Northumbria. And the contest between the secular tion of secular clergy.