22 Transactions. 



In this way the Celtic usages and the forms and practices 

 sanctioned by St. Columba would have been obnoxious. 

 But St. Ninian did not probably live to witness them. 



Like other monastic worthies Ninian had his cave. And 

 in the lands of Physgill, under a cliff by the sea side, An- 

 drew Symson says here is a cave called St. Ninian's Cave, 

 to which he was in use to retire for his more secret and 

 private devotions. 



The time at last approached that Ninian must die, and 

 he passed happily out of this world, and, accompanied by 

 angelic spirits, says Ailred, he ascended to Heaven, there 

 to enjoy everlasting rewards. 



His body was buried in his Cathedral at Whithorn, being 

 placed in a stone sarcophagus, near the altar, in presence of 

 both clergy and people. 



And here the virtue which shone in him when alive was 

 manifest also in his remains. The faith of believers was 

 strengthened, the profane were terrified, and many diseased 

 both in body and soul obtained cure and health. 



Pilgrims from all parts of Scotland, from Ireland, and 

 from the north of England repaired to the spot to pay their 

 devotions and to be cured of their diseases. And the many 

 cairns in the adjoining parishes in the line of journey testify 

 to the sad casualties which overtook the invalid pilgrims on 

 their way. 



Such pilgrim9.ges continued apparently up to the Refor- 

 mation. King James IV. went many times. And on the 

 22d of June, 1 506, a safe conduct was granted to Sir Wm. 

 Tyrwhit and 16 Englishmen with him to come in pilgrimage 

 to St. Ninian's. 



Ailred speaks of the cures effected centuries previous. 

 But, in his anxiety to exalt his " blessed Ninian," he narrates 

 a circumstance which must be regarded as a pious fraud. 



What Ailred says is to this effect — 



The invalid suppliant, being brought into the church, 



