Name: The life of William Bedell, D.D., Lord Bishop of Kilmore
Author: Henry Joseph Monck Mason (1778–1858)

Refugee march from Cavan to Drogheda, June 1642

Over 1,200 men, women and children were marched from the Cavan area under rebel escort on 15 June 1642, having survived by eating the cowhides that covered their cabins since Christmas. The refugees spent seven nights in open fields before reaching Drogheda, where the governor's forces met them.

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11 So, on the 15th day of June, 1642, we marched away, above 1,200 men, women and children, after they had eaten the cowhides that covered their cabins and huts from Christmas till June. A sad company of poor people we were, as ever were seen together ; some loaden with children, some great with child, many with two little ones in their arms, yet all rejoicing in the Lord for our enlargement at last. About 2,000 rebels accompanying us for our life-guard, according to the articles of our agreement, which were written by Archdeacon Price before mentioned, but now Archbishop of Cashel. The Scots had about 300 horse, some of them well-appointed, under the conduct of Sir Francis Hamilton, and Sir Arthur Forbes — Major Bayly had his foot company of Scots that lay at Cavan, and had made their escape in the night to those two castles, with all their arms of the trained bands with them. The country had orders to bring us provision for money, as was articled ; which they did in great plenty. Though there were many {>lots to cut us off by the way, yet the Lord of hosts was with us for our defence ; and brought
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On 15 June 1642, over 1,200 men, women and children were marched from Cavan under rebel escort. They had survived since Christmas by eating the cowhides that covered their cabins and huts. The account calls them a sad company of poor people: some laden with children, some great with child, many with two little ones in their arms, yet all, in their words, "rejoicing in the Lord for our enlargement at last." About 2,000 rebels accompanied them as their life-guard, under articles written by Archdeacon Price, who became Archbishop of Cashel. The Scots had about 300 horse under Sir Francis Hamilton and Sir Arthur Forbes. Major Bayly had his foot company of Scots that had lain at Cavan, and had escaped in the night to two castles, with all their arms of the trained bands. The country was ordered to bring provision for money, and did so in great plenty. There were many plots to cut them off by the way. They spent seven nights in open fields before reaching Drogheda, where the governor's forces met them.

Bedell imprisoned at Lough Oughter Castle

Lough Oughter · lake or lakes · Cavan · 1641–1642

During the 1641 insurrection, Bishop Bedell and his companions were held prisoner in a ruined castle at Lough Oughter. The castle was extremely exposed to winter weather, with no doors or windows, and rotten floorboards, yet the prisoners held religious services including Christmas communion.

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short time they consented to take these off, and did not disturb them in the worship of God. The castle was a miserable dwelling, extremely open to the weather, and the winter was very severe ; " there was neither door nor window, of glass or wood, to keep out snow or rain, and the boards of the floors so rotten and broken with rain, that it seemed not very safe to walk on them ; but God's providence in this extremity was marvellously seen towards them." The rebels had brought to the same wretched dungeon one Richard Castledine, who " had come over, a poor carpenter, to Ireland, with nothing but his tools on his back, and was first employed by Sir Richard Waldron, in the carpentry work of Farnham Castle, which he was building in the parish of Cavan ; but, Sir Richard wasting his estate be fore he had finished his house, and afterwards leav ing Ireland, God had so blest the industry of this Castledine, during thirty years of labour, that he bought this estate ; and having only daughters, he married one of them out of gratitude to Sir Richard's youngest son, to whom he intended to have given the estate that had been his father's." He was " es teemed one of the most religious men in all the country ; a devout man and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people and prayed to God always ; the Irish believed that he was very rich, so they preserved him, hoping to draw a good deal of money from him. Being brought to this miserable prison, he got some tools and old boards, and fitted them up as well as possi-
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Lough Oughter in Cavan is where Bishop Bedell and his companions were held in a ruined castle through the winter of 1641 and 1642. The castle was a miserable dwelling, extremely open to the weather, and the winter was very severe. There was neither door nor window, of glass or wood, to keep out snow or rain, and the boards of the floors were so rotten and broken with rain that it seemed not very safe to walk on them. The words of the time say that God's providence in this extremity was marvellously seen towards them. The prisoners were not disturbed in the worship of God, and they held services including Christmas communion in that exposed place. The rebels had brought to the same wretched dungeon one Richard Castledine. He had come over to Ireland a poor carpenter, with nothing but his tools on his back, and was first employed by Sir Richard Waldron in the carpentry work of Farnham Castle, which he was building in the parish of Cavan. Sir Richard wasted his estate before he had finished his house and afterwards left Ireland. God had so blessed the industry of this Castledine, during 30 years of labour, that he bought this estate. Having only daughters, he married one of them out of gratitude to Sir Richard's youngest son, to whom he intended to have given the estate that had been his father's. He was esteemed one of the most religious men in all the country, a devout man who feared God with all his house, gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. The Irish believed that he was very rich, so they preserved him, hoping to draw money from him. Being brought to this miserable prison, he got some tools and old boards, and fitted them up as well as possible.

Bedell's funeral procession to Kilmore churchyard

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

Following his death, Bishop Bedell was escorted by Irish rebel forces from Mr. Sheridan's house to the churchyard of Kilmore for burial. The rebels paid him unusual honors by firing a volley of shot at his interment and declaring him the best of the English bishops.

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the intruding Bishop, for permission to have him buried in the church-yard of the Cathedral ; " We found him,"* says Mr, Clogy, "lying upon a bolster, so drunk with Usquebea, that, *when Mr. Dillon came in and kneeled before him, as their popish manner is, he was not able to stretch forth his hand towards him ; but a fryar that stood by took up his drunken hand, and laid it upon the popish head." At first he excepted to it, and said, the church-yard was holy ground, and was no more to be defiled with Heretics' bodies ; yet he consented to it at last. " So, on the 9th of February, he was buried according to the direction he himself had given, next his wife's coffin. The Irish did him unusual honors at his burial'; for the chief of the rebels gathered their forces together, and with them accompanied his body, from Mr. Sheridan's house to the church-yard of Kilmore, in great solemnity ; and they desired Mr. Clogy to bury him, according to the office prescribed by the Church ; but it was not thought advisable to provoke the rabble so much, as perhaps that might have done ; so it was passed over : but the Irish discharged a volley of shot at his interment, and cried out in Latin, Requiescat in paceultimus Anglorum — ' May the last of the English rest in peace !' — for they had often said that, as they es teemed him the best of the English Bishops, so he should be the last that should be left among them."
* This passage, from the MS. narrative in the British Museum, suffices of itself to demonstrate, that it was written by Mr. Clogy.

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Somewhere close to Kilmore, Bishop Bedell was carried to the churchyard for burial after his death. Mr. Clogy described the intruding bishop as lying on a bolster, so drunk with Usquebea that when Mr. Dillon knelt before him, he could not stretch forth his hand. A friar standing by took up his drunken hand and laid it on the popish head. At first this bishop excepted to the burial. He said the churchyard was holy ground and not to be defiled with heretics' bodies. Yet he consented at last. On the 9th of February, Bedell was buried next to his wife's coffin, according to the direction he had given. The Irish did him unusual honors. The chief of the rebels gathered their forces and accompanied his body from Mr. Sheridan's house to the churchyard in great solemnity. They desired Mr. Clogy to bury him according to the office prescribed by the Church. But it was not thought advisable to provoke the rabble, so it was passed over. The Irish discharged a volley of shot at his interment and cried out in Latin, "Requiescat in pace ultimus Anglorum — May the last of the English rest in peace." They had often said that as they esteemed him the best of the English bishops, so he should be the last left among them.

Destruction of Cavan and route towns in 1641 rebellion

Cavan · town · Cavan · 1641–1642

During the 1641 rising, a tract of land some fifty miles wide was laid waste. Cavan, Virginia, Kells, Navan, Dunsany, Slane, Tara and Swords were left as 'ruinous heaps' with no inhabitants remaining. The minister of Cavan, Mr. Arthur Cullum, was among those caught up in the devastation.

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that was 50 miles distant, and nothing left by the way but destruction and desolation. Cavan, Virginia, Kells,Navan, Dunshaghlin, Slane, Tarah, Swords, all ruinous heaps ; and no inhabitant left in that rich tract of land, which was a woeful spectacle. In this transaction my Lord of Kilmore's children, with the minister of Cavan, Mr. Arthur Cullum, with Mr. Castledyne, were included."
11 So, on the 15th day of June, 1642, we marched away, above 1,200 men, women and children, after they had eaten the cowhides that covered their cabins and huts from Christmas till June. A sad company of poor people we were, as ever were seen together ; some loaden with children, some great with child, many with two little ones in their arms, yet all rejoicing in the Lord for our enlargement at last. About 2,000 rebels accompanying us for our life-guard, according to the articles of our agreement, which were written by Archdeacon Price before mentioned, but now Archbishop of Cashel. The Scots had about 300 horse, some of them well-appointed, under the conduct of Sir Francis Hamilton, and Sir Arthur Forbes — Major Bayly had his foot company of Scots that lay at Cavan, and had made their escape in the night to those two castles, with all their arms of the trained bands with them. The country had orders to bring us provision for money, as was articled ; which they did in great plenty. Though there were many {>lots to cut us off by the way, yet the Lord of hosts was with us for our defence ; and brought

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 192

As the companion tells it

Cavan is a town the road passes through, and in the 1641 rising it became part of a tract of land some fifty miles wide that was laid waste. Cavan, Virginia, Kells, Navan, Dunshaughlin, Slane, Tara and Swords were left as ruinous heaps, with no inhabitant remaining in that rich country. It was, in the words of the source, a woeful spectacle. The minister of Cavan, Mr. Arthur Cullum, was among those caught up in the devastation, along with the Lord of Kilmore's children and Mr. Castledyne. On the 15th of June, 1642, more than 1,200 men, women and children marched away. They had eaten the cowhides that covered their cabins and huts from Christmas until June. Some carried children, some were great with child, many held two little ones in their arms, yet all rejoiced in the Lord for their enlargement at last. About 2,000 rebels accompanied them as a life-guard, according to articles written by Archdeacon Price, now Archbishop of Cashel. The Scots had about 300 horse under Sir Francis Hamilton and Sir Arthur Forbes. Major Bayly had his foot company of Scots that had lain at Cavan, and had made their escape in the night to two castles, with all their arms of the trained bands. The country had orders to bring provision for money, as was articled, and did so in great plenty.

Irish language teaching and sermons at Trinity College Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin

Provost Narcissus Marsh engaged Mr. Higgins to teach natives to read and write Irish at the College and to preach an Irish sermon monthly in the chapel. Audiences often reached 300, including Roman Catholics, and the Duke of Ormonde sometimes attended. Marsh was censured by some great men for propagating the Irish language despite an act of Parliament for abolishing it.

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This Provost was a celebrated person, Dr. Narcis sus Marsh ; who was afterwards appointed succes sively Bishop of Ferns, Archbishop of Dublin, and in 1703, Primate of all Ireland : he founded the ex cellent Library that bears his name, which com prises all the books of Stillingfleet, and bequeathed it to the public. He was a good Irish scholar himself, had composed a grammar of the tongue, and was therefore easily induced to promote its use. Alluding to the efforts of Dr. Sail, he ex presses his zeal in these words — " This inflamed me, and put me upon contriving how I might do some thing considerable that way, towards the carrying on so pious a work." Finding that the natives among the Scholars, although they could in gene ral speak Irish, could not any of them read or write it — "I then," he says, " took up a resolution to provide a man at my own charges, who should teach them to read and write the Irish tongue ; and that none thereafter, during my time, should be chosen into a native's place, that could not do both ; which I observed as long as I was Provost." This led to his appointment of Mr. Higgins as a lecturer; and the engaging of him, " for his diet and lodging in his house, and £16 per annum, to teach the natives, and all who desired to attend
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Dublin has a story tucked inside Trinity College from the time of Provost Narcissus Marsh. He was a good Irish scholar himself and had composed a grammar of the tongue, so he was easily drawn to promote its use. He said the efforts of Dr. Sail inflamed him, and put him upon contriving how he might do something considerable towards carrying on so pious a work. He found that the native scholars could speak Irish but could not read or write it. He took up a resolution to provide a man at his own charges to teach them to read and write the Irish tongue, and ordered that none thereafter, during his time, should be chosen into a native's place who could not do both. He observed this rule as long as he was Provost. This led to his appointment of Mr. Higgins as a lecturer, engaged for his diet and lodging in Marsh's house and £16 per annum, to teach the natives and all who desired to attend.

Bedell's mission to provide Irish-language gospel at Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1629–1630

Upon his promotion to the Bishopric of Kilmore, Bedell sought to provide the people the opportunity of hearing the gospel in their native Irish language. He lamented that the native Irish were neglected by the clergy of the Church and left entirely in the hands of their own priests, an attitude widely shared among Protestant clergy.

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Irish lecture in the College of Dublin, when he was Provost of that seminary ; * and many were prepared by it for a future ministry in that language. Almost immediately upon his promotion to the Bishopric of Kilmore, he endeavoured to procure for the people, the opportunity of hearing the gospel in the language in which they were born. The first difficulty that was to be removed in attempting to gain this point, was the indiiference of the clergy — " he lamented to observe ^ that the native Irish were little regarded by the clergy of the church, but were left entirely in the hands of their own priests ; " an opinion indeed generally prevailed, that Romanists formed no part of the flock com mitted to their care. The very erroneous idea had been admitted among them, that Roman Catholics should be left entirely for spiritual teaching to these priests ; and it seems to have occurred, even to Ussher himself, that an active interference with them, such as that of Bedell, was at least impru dent, if not improper. The aggressive character, which essentially belongs to the ministry of the gospel in spiritual warfare, and which formed a necessary part of it from the time that our Saviour first issued his great missionary command, was but little understood even until some years of the pre sent century had elapsed, when our clergy, as it
* In a letter to the Primate he mentions Mr. Crian, a converted priest, and Mr. Nugent ; besides " we have sundry in the College, and namely, two trained up at the Irish lecture, one whereof hath translated your Grace's Catechism into Irish ; besides Mr. Duncan, and others"

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Somewhere close to Kilmore, William Bedell set out to give the people a chance to hear the gospel in the Irish language they were born to. He had already lectured in Irish at the College of Dublin when he was Provost there, and many were prepared by that work for a future ministry in the language. When he was promoted to the Bishopric of Kilmore, almost immediately he tried to procure for the people the opportunity of hearing the gospel in their own tongue. The first difficulty he faced was the indifference of the clergy. He lamented to observe that the native Irish were little regarded by the clergy of the church, but were left entirely in the hands of their own priests. The opinion generally prevailed that Romanists formed no part of the flock committed to their care. The erroneous idea had been admitted among them that Roman Catholics should be left entirely for spiritual teaching to those priests. It seems to have occurred even to Ussher himself that an active interference with them, such as Bedell's, was at least imprudent, if not improper. The aggressive character that belongs to the ministry of the gospel was but little understood.

Bedell taken prisoner to Lough Oughter Castle

Lough Oughter · lake or lakes · Cavan · 1641

On 18 December 1641, rebels seized Bishop Bedell, his sons, and Mr. Clogy, marching them as prisoners to the Castle of Loch Oughter, a mile and a half from his house. They were not allowed to take any belongings, and a titular bishop took possession of all, saying Mass in the church the following Sunday.

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have much more willingly offered himself to have died for them, than have accepted any favor for him self, from which they should be shut out." The rebels then " sent him word that, though they loved and honored him beyond all the English that ever came into Ireland, because he had never done wrong to any, but good to many ; yet they had re ceived order from the council of state at Kilkenny, that had assumed their government, that, if he would not put away the people that had gathered about him, they should take him from them ;" to this he said no more, than in the words of David and St. Paul, — ' Here I am, the Lord do unto me as seems good to him, — the will of the Lord be done.' So, on the eighteenth of December, they came and seized on him, and all that belonged to him, and carried him on horseback, and his two sons and Mr. Clogy on foot, as prisoners to the Castle of Loch-oughter, a mile and a half from his house." They were not suffered to take any thing with them ; but the titular bishop took possession of all, and said Mass the next Lord's day in the church. How long, and to what extent, the bishop would have experienced the favour and forbearance of the grateful Irish, had he not bound up his lot with the fortunes of others, towards whom they experi enced no such feeling, it is vain to conjecture ; it is sufficient to repeat that even the expulsion of his friends was delayed, until the peremptory orders of their rulers deprived them of all choice in their conduct. They would not allow the wives of the
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Lough Oughter in Cavan is the lake where Bishop Bedell was brought a prisoner in December 1641. He had told the rebels he would rather have died for his people than accept any favour for himself from which they would be shut out. The rebels sent him word that they loved and honoured him beyond all the English that ever came into Ireland, because he had never done wrong to any, but good to many. Yet they had received order from the council of state at Kilkenny, which had assumed their government, that if he would not put away the people gathered about him, they should take him from them. He said no more than the words of David and St. Paul: "Here I am, the Lord do unto me as seems good to him, the will of the Lord be done." On 18 December 1641 they came and seized on him and all that belonged to him. They carried him on horseback, and his two sons and Mr. Clogy on foot, as prisoners to the Castle of Loch Oughter, a mile and a half from his house. They were not suffered to take anything with them. The titular bishop took possession of all, and said Mass the next Lord's day in the church. Even the expulsion of Bedell's friends had been delayed until the peremptory orders of their rulers deprived the rebels of all choice in their conduct.

Bishop Bedell's castle shelters stripped refugees

Cavan · town · Cavan

During the rebellion in Cavan, Bishop Bedell was the only Englishman allowed to stay under his own roof. Stripped refugees sought shelter in his castle's outbuildings, the church, and the churchyard, lodging on straw and eating boiled wheat.

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whose narrative Bishop Burnet has extracted his account, though with the omission of many facts : " He was the only Englishman in all the county of Cavan that was permitted to stay under his own roof. There was but little spare room in his castle ; and the poor stripped people, that had plenty of earthly accommodations but a little before, were now content to lodge in the outbuildings, the church, or the church-yard, on heaps of straw or hay ; and to feed upon boiled wheat, or whatsoever the enemy had left, that could not so suddenly consume so great plenty as was every where to be found. * When Mrs. Moigne, that was his prede cessor's widow, a venerable matron, came hither in the habit of the poorest beggar, (where she had lived many years in great state before) ; and one Mr. Hudson, that was rector of Belturbet, and his wife, stripped of all ; he could not look upon them with dry eyes, but brought them all the clothes he had in the world, save what was on his back, and gave it them. This Mr. Hudson is now bishop of Elphin." — " In this retreat they were every day ex pecting when those swords, which, according to the prophetic phrase, drunk up so much blood, should likewise be satiated with theirs. They did now eat the bread of sorrow, and mingled their cups with their tears. The bishop continued to encourage them to trust in God ; and, in order to that, he preached to them the first Lord's day after this
* Mr. Clogy represents the country to have been abundantly supplied with all kinds of provision in this year.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 171

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In the town of Cavan, during the rebellion, Bishop Bedell was the only Englishman in all the county permitted to stay under his own roof. His castle had little spare room. The stripped people, who had plenty of earthly comforts but a little before, were now content to lodge in the outbuildings, the church, or the churchyard, on heaps of straw or hay. They fed on boiled wheat, or whatsoever the enemy had left, that could not so suddenly consume so great plenty as was everywhere to be found. Mrs. Moigne, his predecessor's widow, a venerable matron, came in the habit of the poorest beggar, where she had lived many years in great state before. Mr. Hudson, rector of Belturbet, and his wife, came stripped of all. The bishop could not look upon them with dry eyes. He brought them all the clothes he had in the world, save what was on his back, and gave it to them. This Mr. Hudson is now bishop of Elphin. In this retreat they expected every day when those swords, which, according to the prophetic phrase, had drunk up so much blood, should likewise be satiated with theirs. They ate the bread of sorrow and mingled their cups with their tears. The bishop continued to encourage them to trust in God, and preached to them the first Lord's day after.

Earl of Kildare burns the church of Cashel

Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1485–1509

Gerald, Earl of Kildare, was accused before King Henry VII of treason and lawless violence, including burning the church of Cashel to the ground. He confessed to the act, stating he believed the Bishop was inside at the time.

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But to return from the dark and turbulent history of these times, we shall select one anecdote, which presents with graphic illustration, a specimen of Irish national sentiments, as they existed in the reign of Henry VII ; four hundred years after the invasion of Henry II. It is well known what trouble the tur bulent and unsubdued spirit of the celebrated Ger ald, Earl of Kildare, gave to the English government in Ireland. More than half an Irishman by des cent, he was exclusively one in his affections and in his character; so that his patriotism, his talents, and his boldness, procured him unbounded influence over the minds of his fellow-countrymen. Arraign ed before the King, of treason and of almost every species of lawless violence, his extraordinary defence confessed and aggravated his aggressions ; he was especially accused of burning the church of Cashel to the ground : " Spare your evidence," he exclaim-
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Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 5

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The town of Cashel was the scene of one of the lawless acts of Gerald, Earl of Kildare, in the reign of Henry VII, four hundred years after the invasion of Henry II. Gerald was more than half Irish by descent, and wholly Irish in his affections and character. His patriotism, his talents, and his boldness gave him unbounded influence over his fellow-countrymen, and gave the English government in Ireland no end of trouble. Arraigned before the King, he was accused of treason and almost every species of lawless violence. He was especially accused of burning the church to the ground. His defence was extraordinary. He confessed and aggravated his aggressions. When accused of burning the church, he exclaimed, "Spare your evidence." He believed the Bishop was inside at the time.

Dr. King sends Gaelic-speaking clergy to Highland settlers in the north

near Derry · city · Derry

When Dr. King was Bishop of Derry, he sent clergymen who could minister in the native language of Highland settlers in the north of Ireland, drawing numbers of them back from attending Roman Catholic services. This experience informed his later warm patronage of using the Irish tongue for converting the natives of the island.

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that being the only tongue understood by some, and most acceptable to all." The Irish Primate, Dr. Lindsay, also, and Drs. Godwin and Ashe, Bishops of Down and of Clogher, should be added to the list of his patrons. But his principal friend in this important business was the excellent Dr. King, Arch bishop of Dublin. This prelate, when Bishop of Derry, had sent forth, among the settlers from the Highlands in the north of Ireland, clergymen who could minister among them in their native language ; through whose means numbers had been drawn back from attending the services of the Roman Catholic churches, to which they had been com pelled, rather than be left without any form of re ligion at all. He therefore warmly patronized the use of the Irish tongue for the conversion of the natives of this island ; and it was his influence, chiefly, that instigated the Convocation and the Uni versity, to make the exertions already mentioned. There is a passage in a letter from that truly good man to Dean Swift, from which it may be implied, that this eminent individual also coincided with the Archbishop in his views. Alluding to the weak attempts that were being made to convert the Irish to Protestantism, the Archbishop observes — that "others would have them come in, but can't approve of the methods proposed, which are — to preach to them in their own language, and have the services in Irish as our canons require ; so that, between them, I am afraid that little will be done." This prelate disapproved of many of the proceed- X 2
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Derry is a city the road passes through. When Dr. King was Bishop of Derry, he sent clergymen out among the settlers from the Highlands in the north of Ireland, men who could minister to them in their native language. Through their work, numbers of those settlers were drawn back from attending the services of the Roman Catholic churches, which they had gone to rather than be left without any form of religion at all. This experience shaped Dr. King's later convictions. He went on to become Archbishop of Dublin, and there he warmly patronized the use of the Irish tongue for the conversion of the natives of the island. His influence, more than any other, instigated the Convocation and the University to make the exertions already spoken of. He was the principal friend in this important business. The Irish Primate, Dr. Lindsay, and Drs. Godwin and Ashe, Bishops of Down and of Clogher, should also be counted among his patrons. There is a passage in a letter from Dr. King to Dean Swift. Alluding to the weak attempts being made to convert the Irish to Protestantism, the Archbishop observes that others would have them come in, but can't approve of the methods proposed, which are to preach to them in their own language, and have the services in Irish as our canons require. He adds that between them, he is afraid that little will be done.

King dragged to Dublin and held under arrest for months

Dublin · city · Dublin

Mr. King, a clergyman defended by Bishop Bedell, was seized by a pursuivant, dragged to horseback, and brought to Dublin where he was kept under arrest for four or five months. Sickness brought him to death's door and prevented him from defending himself before the High Commission Court.

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This account would be imperfect, were we to withhold the manner in which this persecution is complained of, in the letter written by the Bishop to the earl of Strafford upon the occasion — after defending the competency of King in the words already quoted, he proceeds thus — " Touching his being obnoxious, it is true that there is a scanda lous information put in against him in the High Commission Court, by his despoiler, Mr. Baily, (as my Lord of Derry told him in my hearing he was) ; and, Mr. King being cited to answer, and not appearing (as by law he was not bound), was taken pro confesso, deprived of his ministry and living, fined £100 — decreed to be attached and imprisoned. His adversary Mr. Baily, before he was sentenced, purchased a new dispensation to hold his benefice ;" — and a few days after his induction, " he brought down an attachment, and delivered Mr. King to the pursuivant. He was haled by the head and feet to horseback, and brought to Dublin, where he hath been kept and continued under arrest these four or five months, and hath not been suffered to purge his supposed contempt by oath and witnesses — that by reason of his sickness he was hindered, whereby he was brought to death's door, and could not

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 143

As the companion tells it

Dublin is a city this road passes through. A clergyman named King was brought to the city against his will and kept under arrest for four or five months. It began with a scandalous information put in against him in the High Commission Court by his despoiler, Baily. King was cited to answer the charge but did not appear, as by law he was not bound to do. He was taken pro confesso, deprived of his ministry and his living, fined 100 pounds, and decreed to be attached and imprisoned. His adversary Baily, before the sentencing, had purchased a new dispensation to hold his benefice. A few days after his induction, Baily brought down an attachment and delivered King to the pursuivant. He was, as the Bishop wrote to the Earl of Strafford, "haled by the head and feet to horseback" and brought to the city. There he was not allowed to purge his supposed contempt by oath and witnesses. Sickness hindered him, brought him to death's door, and he could not defend himself.

Canons of the Synod of Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

A synod held at Kilmore under Bishop Bedell produced a set of canons regulating church practice, including prohibitions on burying bodies in churches, rules on clerical dress, procedures for excommunication, and the seating of women apart from men. All ministers subscribed except Dr. Faythfull Teate, who objected because he had recently installed a seat for his wife in the chancel.

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The ninth and twelfth canons ordain, that bodies shall not be buried in churches ; and pro vide for the decent interment of the bones of the dead ; the twelfth forbids the noisy grief of women at funerals. The seventeenth enforces the reason able directions of the rubric, by declaring, that the minister may send away those who come to the holy communion of the Lord's supper, without having signified their names to him on the day before. The nineteenth has in it something that is peculiar ; it declares that, if any minister bring an accusation any where against any of his brethren, before he shall have denounced him to the Bishop, all the rest of the clergy shall abstain from his Society — " ab ejus consortio caeteri omnes abstinebunt." The twentieth shows the manners of the age — « Clericicomam ne nutriant ; et habitu clericali, prout Synodo Dublineinsi institutum est, incedant." This custom of wearing every where a clerical dress, which is so general in Roman Catho lic countries, was partly that of Ireland, even among
P 2

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 103

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Bishop Bedell held a synod at Kilmore that produced a set of canons for the church. The ninth and twelfth canons ordained that bodies should not be buried in churches, and provided for the decent interment of the bones of the dead. The twelfth also forbade the noisy grief of women at funerals. The seventeenth enforced the rubric, declaring that a minister could send away anyone who came to holy communion without having signified their names to him the day before. The nineteenth was peculiar. It declared that if any minister brought an accusation anywhere against any of his brethren before denouncing him to the Bishop, all the rest of the clergy should abstain from his company. The twentieth showed the manners of the age. It directed that clergy should not grow long hair, and should go about in clerical dress, as the Synod of Dublin had instituted. This custom of wearing clerical dress everywhere was partly that of Ireland.

Dean publicly traduces Bishop Bedell in the pulpit at Cavan

Cavan · town · Cavan

The Dean, in a dispute over pluralities, acted with violence toward Bishop Bedell, misrepresented the case to the Primate, and publicly traduced him from the Primate's pulpit at Cavan. A subsequent public reconciliation took place at the Lord's table during communion, where the Dean publicly apologized for his conduct.

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It appears that the Dean had acted at the first an unchristian part in this transaction ; he not only conducted himself with much violence and disrespect to his Bishop, but he misrepresented the case to the Primate, and publicly traduced him in his Grace's pulpit at Cavan. He likewise protested against his visitation ; but in the end he appears to have been somewhat ashamed of his conduct. At the time of Bedell's letter to Ussher, he had given occasion to the Bishop to write of him thus — " Although his high heart cannot give his tongue leave to acknowledge his folly, his understanding is not so weak and blind as not to see it;" and that letter contains an account of what appears to have been the close of the busi ness — an interesting scene, that depicts the simple N 2
180 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL:

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 86

As the companion tells it

Cavan is a town the road passes through. In the Primate's pulpit, a Dean publicly traduced Bishop Bedell. The Dean had conducted himself with violence and disrespect toward his Bishop, misrepresented the case to the Primate, and protested against his visitation. In the end he appears to have been somewhat ashamed of his conduct. Bedell wrote to Ussher of him: "Although his high heart cannot give his tongue leave to acknowledge his folly, his understanding is not so weak and blind as not to see it." That letter contains an account of what appears to have been the close of the business.

Distribution of Protestant Bibles in Kingscourt

Kingscourt · town · Cavan

The appendix describes how hundreds of English Protestant Bibles with marginal references were recently circulated in Kingscourt, where previously they had been handed over to the priest to be burned. The demand for these Bibles arose because the Irish-language translation lacked marginal references, driving readers to seek the English version instead.

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In the next place, it might be said, that it is but reasonable, that a new edition of their bible with marginal references should be given, to assist them in their necessary search after divine truth ; and, yet again, the want of this has been the actual cause of such a demand for the English Protestant versions which do contain them, that in King's-court many hundreds have been lately circulated, where they had, but a few years past, been given up to the priest to be burned ; and they are, for the sake of these references, now even more coveted than the Irish. It would also be naturally expected, and it was supposed at the beginning of the work, that the use of the English letter, and also the publication of the Scriptures in the two languages, placed by each other in parallel columns, would facilitate the transition of the Irish-speaking people to the much-desired use of the English tongue ; but this was very soon found to be the greatest mistake of all. In the first place, those who admitted of this conjecture entirely forgot, or were ignorant of, the existing prejudice against the English language, and even against the Irish in the English character, which prevented, as we have al ready stated, the reception of any book in that garb ; they were much mistaken in their reasoning also, because, on account of the different powers of the letters in the different tongues, the use of the Roman character in Irish words created a necessity for more, and not for less, of instruction in new things : and finally, had this measure been continued, we should have missed of one great consequence of the present and simple plan, — the seeking for the English version in the Protestant Bible, — and the inquiry, discussion and conciliation, which have followed from it. Again, we have already mentioned the fears, apparently so well

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 195

As the companion tells it

Kingscourt is a town the road passes through in Cavan, and it holds a curious chapter in the story of the Bible in Ireland. Not long ago, something remarkable happened here with Protestant Bibles in English. A few years before, copies of these scriptures had been handed over to the priest to be burned. Yet lately, many hundreds of them have been circulated through the town, and they are now coveted, even more than the Irish-language scriptures, and all for the sake of marginal references. The Irish translation of the Bible lacked these references, which were meant to assist readers in their search after divine truth. Their absence drove people to seek out the English Protestant versions instead, because those versions did contain them. So a book once surrendered for burning became a book people actively wanted. The expectation had been that printing scriptures in parallel columns, Irish and English together, would help Irish-speaking people move toward the English tongue. This was found to be a mistake. There was a prejudice against the English language, and even against Irish printed in English characters, which prevented the reception of any book in that form. The use of the Roman character in Irish words created a need for more instruction, not less. Had that measure continued, one great consequence would have been missed: the seeking out of the English Protestant Bible, and the inquiry, discussion, and conciliation that followed from it.

Sheriff of Monaghan apostasy and widow's death by famine in Dublin

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1641–1642

The High Sheriff of Monaghan made a Protestant confession in Kilmore Cathedral and married a rich widow, but before the rebellion he drove away her cattle, seized her property, and turned her out stripped. She fled to Dublin where she and her three children died of famine.

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f Mr. Clogy calls him " a desperate young fellow of a small fortune." He says, that " many justices of peace, more than were before, and most if not all the High Sheriffs in Ireland at that time, were Irish Jesuited papists ; and the whole posse comitatus put into their bloody hands." He adds a melancho ly story connected with this Sheriff of Monaghan. " A rich widow had con sented to marry him, on condition of his forsaking popery ; upon which he made an open confession of the protestant faith in the Cathedral of Kilmore, and was married to her by the Bishop, a few weeks previous to the rebellion. But just before it, he "had driven away all her cattle and forsaken her ; and then, having seized upon all she had in the field and in the house, turned her away stript, and her three children that she had by her first husband, with out any pity or compassion ; and he, and his old Squaw, lived together after wards, as they had done before ; and his poor wife, having got to Dublin in more misery, died of famine with all her children, as thousands did there that had escaped, Avith the skin of their teeth, from all parts of the kingdom. This dolorous story," he adds, " I mention, because I know all this."

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 169

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in the Cathedral of Kilmore, a desperate young fellow of a small fortune made an open confession of the Protestant faith. He was the High Sheriff of Monaghan, and many justices of peace and most if not all the High Sheriffs in Ireland at that time were, as Mr. Clogy says, Irish Jesuited papists. A rich widow had consented to marry him on condition of his forsaking popery, and the Bishop married them a few weeks before the rebellion. But just before it, he had driven away all her cattle and forsaken her. He seized upon all she had in the field and in the house, turned her away stript, and her three children that she had by her first husband, without any pity or compassion. He and his old Squaw, as Clogy calls her, lived together afterwards as they had done before. His poor wife got to Dublin in more misery, and there died of famine with all her children, as thousands did there who had escaped with the skin of their teeth from all parts of the kingdom. Clogy says he mentions this dolorous story because he knows all of it.

Siege of two castles near Cavan: famine, disease, and surrender

Cavan · town · Cavan · 1642

Scots defenders holding two small castles in the Cavan area were besieged by rebel forces during the 1641 rebellion. Cut off from forage and straitened by famine and sickness, 180 people died in one castle within weeks, including Sir James Craig and his wife, before the survivors surrendered and marched towards Dublin.

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11 You may, perhaps," says Mr. Clogy in his narrative, " desire to know what became of his children after his death, — they continued at Mr. Sheridan's house until the 15th day of June follow ing, waiting for the the Lord's deliverance ; and the service of God was kept up in that family by Mr. Bedell, and by A. C." (Mr. Clogy,) " the minister of Cavan. The Scots, that had stood upon their own defence in two small castles, being wearied with vain expectation of relief, their small store of ammunition being drained, were at length begirt by all the forces the enemy could draw toge ther ; so that all their forage was cut off, and no possibility of making any sallies into the enemies' camp, as they had done previously in the former siege, they were soon straitened with famine and sickness, for want of room and outward accommo dation, (for nine score died in one castle in a few weeks, Sir James Craig and his lady both died) ; at last they were necessitated to submit to such terms as they could obtain. The rebels were afraid of another desperate sally., so the besieged were suffered to march out with some arms, and with all their moveable goods that they could conveniently carry away with them, by horse or cart, to wards Dublin,

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 191

As the companion tells it

Cavan town was the setting for a grim siege in 1642. Scots defenders had held two small castles in the area, standing on their own defence through an earlier siege, making sallies into the enemy's camp. But this time their small store of ammunition was drained, and all the forces the enemy could draw together begirt them. Their forage was cut off entirely. There was no possibility of sallies. They were soon straitened with famine and sickness, with no room and no outward accommodation to speak of. Nine score people, that is 180, died in one castle alone in a few weeks. Sir James Craig and his lady both died there. At last they were necessitated to submit to such terms as they could obtain. The rebels were afraid of another desperate sally, so the besieged were suffered to march out with some arms, and with all their moveable goods they could conveniently carry away, by horse or cart, towards Dublin.

Mr. King given benefice of Templeport for Old Testament translation

Templeport · parish · Cavan

Bishop Bedell selected Mr. King, a convert from Roman Catholicism regarded as the finest Irish writer of his day, to translate the Old Testament into Irish. Bedell ordained him and conferred upon him the benefice of Templeport in his diocese, where they worked together on the translation.

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Although the Bishop had been acquainted for some time with the native tongue, sufficiently well to check and revise the version, he of course en trusted the translation itself to some more compe tent person ; and, after much inquiry, he selected, by the advice of the Primate and other intelligent men, an individual of the name of King, who had been a Roman Catholic, but was converted many years before. Mr. King was considered to be the most elegant writer then living in the Irish language, both in poetry and prose. He was about seventy years of age at the time ; and, as the Bishop thought him not only fully qualified for this employment, but for the ministry also, he ordained him ; and conferred upon him the benefice of Templeport, in his diocese. They then proceeded together with the version, which was made from the English transla tion, as neither Mr. King, or any of his nation, were acquainted with the originals ; they were very much assisted in the work of translation by Mr. Dennis Sheridan, Bedell's most celebrated convert from among the Roman Catholic Clergy. Every day after dinner or supper, the Bishop read a por-
* It should be mentioned, that Bishop Bedell translated the Apocryphal books ; the M.S. is preserved in Marsh's library, near to St. Patrick's Cathe dral. Mr. Boyle refused to publish these books in his Irish Bible.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

This parish of Templeport was once the living given to a man chosen for a great task. Bishop Bedell knew Irish well enough to check a translation, but he wanted someone more skilled to make it. After much inquiry, and by the advice of the Primate and other intelligent men, he selected a man named King. Mr. King had been a Roman Catholic, converted many years before. He was considered the most elegant writer then living in the Irish language, in poetry and prose. He was about 70 years old. Bedell thought him fit not only for the work of translation but for the ministry also, so he ordained him and gave him the benefice of Templeport in his diocese. Then they proceeded together with the version, which was made from the English translation, as neither Mr. King nor any of his nation were acquainted with the originals. They were very much assisted in the work by Mr. Dennis Sheridan, Bedell's most celebrated convert from among the Roman Catholic clergy. Every day after dinner or supper, the Bishop read a portion.

Irish-language preaching and catechising in Cashel

Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1681

Dr. Andrew Sail preached every Sabbath and catechised in English and Irish in the city of Cashel, under the countenance of Archbishop Dr. Price. He faced opposition from those who feared that converting the Irish would alienate the English congregation, a prejudice long prevalent in Ireland.

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native tongue, wrote to inform him of its existence, and requested of him to assist in having it printed. The MS. was in consequence immediately com mitted, by Mr. Boyle, to Dr. Andrew Sail, a person especially competent to undertake its publication. " My labour and industry," he says, in a letter on the subject to Mr. Boyle, " I will not spare, and will lay aside other studies I was engaged in to attend to this work ; being persuaded that none other can be of more importance for the glory of God, and the good of souls, in this poor country. I have been confirmed in this persuasion, by the great joy I see in the country for the publication of the New Testament ; with many blessings on you, and prayers for you, whose great piety and bounty procured this happiness for them. Several gentle men of this country, Romanists, came to me this term, earnestly desiring to have them for reading to their families ; and one promised to urge their priests to read chapters of it at mass to the congre gation." Dr. Sail preached every Sabbath day, and catechized in English and Irish, in the city of Cashel, under the countenance of Dr. Price the Archbishop ; but not without opposition from a quarter where it should least be expected, for his Grace " was told, that while he went about to con vert the Irish to God, he would lose the English" — a narrow, unfounded, and unscriptural prejudice, which not only at that time, but for centuries pre viously, and many years after, was almost univer sally prevalent in Ireland. Dr. Sail did not live

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 145

As the companion tells it

Cashel, in Tipperary, is the town you are passing through. In 1681, Dr. Andrew Sail preached here every Sabbath day and catechised the people in both English and Irish. He did this under the countenance of Archbishop Dr. Price. Sail had taken on the publication of an Irish-language work, committed to him by Mr. Boyle. In a letter to Boyle, Sail wrote that he would not spare his labour and industry, and would lay aside other studies to attend to the work, being persuaded that nothing could be of more importance for the glory of God and the good of souls in this poor country. He said he saw great joy in the country for the publication of the New Testament, with many blessings and prayers upon Boyle, whose piety and bounty procured this happiness for them. Several gentlemen of the country, Romanists, came to him that term, earnestly desiring copies for reading to their families, and one promised to urge their priests to read chapters of it at mass to the congregation. But his preaching and catechising in Irish met opposition from a quarter where it should least have been expected. The Archbishop was told that while he went about to convert the Irish to God, he would lose the English. The book calls this a narrow, unfounded, and unscriptural prejudice, one almost universally prevalent in Ireland, not only at that time but for centuries before and many years after. Dr. Sail did not live long after.

Bedell defends his ministry to Roman Catholics from Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1630

Writing from Kilmore on 29 March 1630, Bedell defended his approach to Roman Catholics to Primate Ussher, insisting he had not changed his practices since coming to Kilmore from Trinity College. He expressed bewilderment at being rebuked, asking to know his transgression and have a place of defence.

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" My Lord, all this is a riddle to me. What course I have taken with the papists ; what I have done, at which your professors of the gospel did take such offence, or the adversaries were so con firmed ; what it is that I have adventured to do, or what piece so long a building I have pulled down ; what those projects were, and those castles in the air so quickly refuted with present success — as the Lord knows, I know not. For truly, since I came to this place, I have not changed one jot of my purpose, or practice, or course, with papists, from that which I held in England, or in Trinity College ; or found (I thank God) any ill success, but the slanders only of some persons discontented against me from other occasions ; against which I can not hope to justify myself, if your Grace will give ear to private informations. But let me know, I will not say my accuser, (let him continue masked till God discover him), but my transgression, and have place of defence ; and, if mine adversary write a book against me, I will hope to bear it on my shoulder, and bind it to me as a crown."
In the conclusion the Bishop justifies himself with respect to various matters, and finishes thus. 11 Some other passages there be in your Grace's letters, which I, — but I will lay mine hand upon my mouth ; and, craving the blessing of your prayers, ever remain,

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 132

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in March 1630, William Bedell sat down to write to Primate Ussher. He had been rebuked, and he could not understand why. He began by saying that all of it was a riddle to him. He did not know what course he had taken with the papists that had caused such offence among the professors of the gospel, or what he had done that had confirmed the adversaries. He did not know what projects or castles in the air people accused him of building and pulling down. He told Ussher that since he came to this place, he had not changed one jot of his purpose, his practice, or his course with papists, from what he had held in England or in Trinity College. He had found no ill success, he said, only the slanders of some persons discontented with him for other reasons. Against those slanders he could not justify himself if Ussher gave ear to private informations. He asked not to know his accuser. Let him continue masked till God discovered him. But let him know his transgression, and have place of defence. If his adversary wrote a book against him, he said he would bear it on his shoulder and bind it to him as a crown. He closed by laying his hand on his mouth and craving the blessing of Ussher's prayers.

Drogheda garrison receives starving refugees, June 1642

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1642

On 22 June 1642, Sir H. Tichborne, governor of Drogheda, met the refugee column with horse and foot within ten miles of the garrison and conducted them safely into the town. From Drogheda some departed by ship for England, including Bedell's sons.

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"On the 22nd day of June, Sir H.Tichborne, the governor of Drogheda, with Captain Gibson, met us with a party of horse and foot, within ten miles of his garrison of Drogheda, and conducted us safely thither by the good hand of God upon us. The rebels that conducted us took solemn leave of us ; being sore afraid at the sight of our English forces, they hasted away ; having kept us seven nights in the open fields, without any thing under or over us, but what each of us carried about : yet they offered us no violence ; (save in the night, when our men were weary with continual watching, they would steal away a good horse and run away) ; but were very civil to us all the way : and many of them wept at our parting from them, that had lived so long peaceably amongst them, as if we had been one people with them.
" From Drogheda some took shipping, and went for England ; as my Lord of Kilmore's sons, and others who had friends. His eldest son, Mr. William Bedell was made minister of Ratlesden, in Suffolk; his younger son, Mr. Ambrose Bedell, returned speedily into Ireland, and was a captain in Col. Hill's regiment, (who was his wife's uncle) ; for whom my Lord, his father, purchased a good estate of one Mr. Baxter, a minister, where he now lives a justice of peace. Most of our poor pillaged company came towards Dublin ; — a poor exhausted city of refuge, which was neither able

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 192

As the companion tells it

Drogheda, in Louth, saw a column of refugees reach its walls in June 1642. On the 22nd of June, Sir H. Tichborne, the governor of Drogheda, with Captain Gibson, went out with a party of horse and foot and met the refugees within ten miles of his garrison, and conducted them safely thither. The rebels who had been conducting them took solemn leave. They were sore afraid at the sight of the English forces and hasted away. They had kept the refugees seven nights in the open fields, with nothing under or over them but what each carried about. Yet they offered no violence, save in the night, when the men were weary with continual watching, they would steal a good horse and run away. They were very civil all the way, and many of them wept at the parting, for they had lived so long peaceably amongst the refugees, as if they had been one people. From Drogheda some took shipping and went for England, among them the sons of the Lord of Kilmore. William Bedell was made minister of Ratlesden in Suffolk. His younger son Ambrose returned speedily into Ireland and became a captain in Col. Hill's regiment, who was his wife's uncle. His father purchased a good estate from one Mr. Baxter, a minister, where Ambrose now lives a justice of peace. Most of the poor pillaged company came towards Dublin, a poor exhausted city of refuge.

Dublin reaction to the Synod of Kilmore

Dublin · city · Dublin

News of the Synod of Kilmore provoked controversy in Dublin, where some accused Bedell of infringing the law by making canons and sought to have him censured in the Star-Chamber or High-Commission court. Archdeacon Price's account to the government and the Primate's intervention prevented any action against the bishop.

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bishops, for the purpose of attending to the con cerns of their very important vocations. The news however of this synod created much conversation in Dublin ; some considered that, in presuming to make canons, the Bishop had infringed the law, and incurred the penalties of a premunire. Every effort was made to stir up the Earl of Strafford against him ; and it was even expected that he would be brought up, and censured in the Starchamber, or High-commission court : but others looked upon what he had done as the necessary discharge of his episcopal function, and this better opinion prevailed. The Bishop was in deed prepared to justify his conduct in the most satisfactory man ner, but he was not put to that trouble ; for his friend Archdeacon Price gave such an account of the transaction to the government, that nothing was done in the matter ; and the Primate, who well knew that the Bishop could defend himself upon good grounds, advised those who had actually moved that he should be brought up upon it, to let him alone, lest he should be provoked to say more for himself, than any of his accusers could say against him. In the end it was said of him — alluding to this transaction, and his conduct respecting his courts — " Solus Kilmorensis novit se gerere ut Episcopum."
We are not to be surprised at the many instances of unreasonable calumny, by which this excellent, conscientious, and public- spirited prelate, although he was so much revered by those who lived within

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 104

As the companion tells it

Dublin had plenty to say when word came of the Synod of Kilmore. Some people thought the bishop, William Bedell, had broken the law by making canons, and had incurred the penalties of a premunire. They tried to stir up the Earl of Strafford against him, and expected he would be brought up and censured in the Star-chamber or the High-commission court. Others took a different view. They saw what he had done as the necessary discharge of his episcopal function, and that better opinion prevailed. Bedell was ready to justify his conduct in a satisfactory manner, but he was never put to that trouble. His friend Archdeacon Price gave such an account of the transaction to the government that nothing was done. The Primate, who knew well that Bedell could defend himself on good grounds, advised those who had actually moved against him to let him alone, lest he be provoked to say more for himself than any of his accusers could say against him. In the end a saying arose about him: "Solus Kilmorensis novit se gerere ut Episcopum" — only the Bishop of Kilmore knows how to behave as a bishop.

Irish Scripture manuscript immured in Armagh Cathedral

near Armagh · town · Armagh

A medieval prelate of Armagh translated the Scriptures into Irish and had the manuscript sealed into the wall of his cathedral with an inscription prophesying the revelation of truth. The manuscript was reportedly discovered during repairs to the cathedral about two centuries before the book's writing, but was subsequently lost again.

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memory, was held sacred even down to the time of Thomas of Walsingham, his biographer, (A. D. 1633). He was roused by the dreadful profligacy and idle ness of the mendicant orders, to preach against them publicly and vehemently, at St. Paul's Cross, London, and at Avignon before the Pope. In the Church of Rome his character was so high, that upon his decease a Cardinal exclaimed, that a pillar of the Church had fallen ; and the Pope gave order to have inquiry instituted into the truth of miracles ascribed to him.* He translated the Scriptures into the Irish language ; and, previously to his death, caused the MS. to be immured in his Cathedral of Armagh, together with the following inscription — " When this book is found, truth will be revealed to the world, or Christ will shortly ap pear."! The book is said to have been found, on repairing the Cathedral, about two centuries ago ; but if so it was again lost, and most probably for ever, to the world, j This prelate was a shining light indeed, but such as might have been said to have operated chiefly in making visible the obscurity of his age.
In the celebrated Irish record, the catalogue of

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 23

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Armagh, there is a story from this town about a medieval prelate whose memory was held sacred even down to the time of Thomas of Walsingham, his biographer. He was roused by the profligacy and idleness of the mendicant orders to preach against them publicly and vehemently, at St. Paul's Cross in London, and at Avignon before the Pope. In the Church of Rome his character stood so high that upon his death a Cardinal exclaimed that a pillar of the Church had fallen, and the Pope gave order to have inquiry instituted into the truth of miracles ascribed to him. He translated the Scriptures into the Irish language, and before his death caused the manuscript to be immured in his Cathedral of Armagh, together with an inscription reading, "When this book is found, truth will be revealed to the world, or Christ will shortly appear." The book is said to have been found on repairing the Cathedral about two centuries ago, but if so it was again lost, and most probably for ever. This prelate was a shining light, but one that operated chiefly in making visible the obscurity of his age.

Protestant reformation at Dingle from 1836

Dingle · town · Kerry · 1836

In the parish of Dingle, where Irish was universally spoken and few Protestants had previously resided, a Protestant reformation began in 1836 led by the Irish Society. By the time of writing, about 250 converts had been made and large school-houses built and well attended.

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sistent followers of their precepts. This remarkable result began to develope itself in 1836 ; the opera tions of the Society, conducted by the intelligent and indefatigable minister of Dingle, commenced then to produce effects, which have been rapidly progressive towards establishing in it a steady protestant reformation in religion. In that parish, where Irish is universally spoken, and many are utterly ignorant of English ; where but a few years ago scarce a protestant resided, and bitter and bigoted opposition was made to every attempt to enlighten the population ; the number of converts, which is continually increasing, is about 250 at Dingle, and 200 at Ventry. In both these places large school-houses have been built, which are well attended by children and many adults. In Ventry the Committee of the Irish Society has provided an Irish Minister, who acts as a curate of the Parish of Dingle — an evangelical clergyman,* born in the parish, himself a convert from the errors of Romanism, and eloquent in the native language. For him a church is being erected, and a residence has been built. In the neighbouring parish of Dunurlin are 65 converts ; and a church, and school and parsonage-houses, are in progress of being built ; in that of Dunquin the curate of Ventry, at the earnest entreaty of the converts, 110 in number, celebrates divine service in Irish on every Sunday ; and in Kilmelchedar, another
* The Rev. Thomas Moriarty. Y 2

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 159

As the companion tells it

Dingle is a town where, in 1836, a Protestant reformation began to take hold. The parish was a place where Irish was universally spoken, and many were utterly ignorant of English. Only a few years before, scarcely a Protestant resided there, and bitter and bigoted opposition was made to every attempt to enlighten the population. The Irish Society conducted its operations through the intelligent and indefatigable minister of Dingle, and the effects were rapidly progressive. By the time of writing, the number of converts, continually increasing, was about 250 at Dingle and 200 at Ventry. In both places large school-houses had been built, well attended by children and many adults. In Ventry the Committee of the Irish Society provided an Irish Minister who acted as curate of the parish of Dingle, an evangelical clergyman born in the parish, himself a convert from the errors of Romanism, eloquent in the native language. A church was being erected for him, and a residence had been built. In the neighbouring parish of Dunurlin were 65 converts, with a church, school and parsonage-houses in progress. In Dunquin, 110 converts asked the curate of Ventry to celebrate divine service in Irish every Sunday.

Rector of Belturbet stripped by rebels

Belturbet · town · Cavan

Mr. Hudson, the rector of Belturbet, and his wife were stripped of all their possessions by the rebels and fled to Bishop Bedell for refuge. Bedell gave them all the spare clothes he had.

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whose narrative Bishop Burnet has extracted his account, though with the omission of many facts : " He was the only Englishman in all the county of Cavan that was permitted to stay under his own roof. There was but little spare room in his castle ; and the poor stripped people, that had plenty of earthly accommodations but a little before, were now content to lodge in the outbuildings, the church, or the church-yard, on heaps of straw or hay ; and to feed upon boiled wheat, or whatsoever the enemy had left, that could not so suddenly consume so great plenty as was every where to be found. * When Mrs. Moigne, that was his prede cessor's widow, a venerable matron, came hither in the habit of the poorest beggar, (where she had lived many years in great state before) ; and one Mr. Hudson, that was rector of Belturbet, and his wife, stripped of all ; he could not look upon them with dry eyes, but brought them all the clothes he had in the world, save what was on his back, and gave it them. This Mr. Hudson is now bishop of Elphin." — " In this retreat they were every day ex pecting when those swords, which, according to the prophetic phrase, drunk up so much blood, should likewise be satiated with theirs. They did now eat the bread of sorrow, and mingled their cups with their tears. The bishop continued to encourage them to trust in God ; and, in order to that, he preached to them the first Lord's day after this
* Mr. Clogy represents the country to have been abundantly supplied with all kinds of provision in this year.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 171

As the companion tells it

Belturbet is the town you are passing through or near, and its rector, Mr. Hudson, and his wife were stripped of all they had by the rebels. They fled for refuge to Bishop Bedell, the only Englishman in all the county of Cavan permitted to stay under his own roof. There was little spare room in his castle. The poor stripped people, who had plenty of earthly accommodations but a little before, were now content to lodge in the outbuildings, the church, or the churchyard, on heaps of straw or hay, and to feed upon boiled wheat, or whatsoever the enemy had left, that could not so suddenly consume so great plenty as was everywhere to be found. Mrs. Moigne, who was his predecessor's widow, a venerable matron, came there in the habit of the poorest beggar, where she had lived many years in great state before. And Mr. Hudson, rector of Belturbet, and his wife, stripped of all, came too. Bedell could not look upon them with dry eyes. He brought them all the clothes he had in the world, save what was on his back, and gave them. This Mr. Hudson is now bishop of Elphin. In this retreat they were every day expecting when those swords, which, according to the prophetic phrase, drunk up so much blood, should likewise be satiated with theirs. They ate the bread of sorrow, and mingled their cups with their tears. The bishop continued to encourage them to trust in God, and, in order to that, he preached to them the first Lord's day after this.

Irish types sent to St. Patrick's Dublin clergy

Dublin · city · Dublin

Queen Elizabeth sent a fount of Irish types to John Kearney, Treasurer of St. Patrick's Dublin, and Nicholas Walsh, Chancellor of the same, to enable translation of the New Testament into Irish. Walsh commenced the translation but was murdered by one Dullard before completing it.

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The persons to whom these types were transmit ted were, John Kearney, Treasurer of St. Patrick's, Dublin, and Nicholas Walsh, Chancellor of the same, who was afterwards Bishop of Ossory. This prelate commenced a translation of the New Tes tament, but, having been prevented from finishing it, by his being prematurely murdered " by one Dullard, against whom he had issued a Process of adultery," it was continued by Nehemiah Donnellan, Archbishop of Tuam, assisted by Mr. Kearney ; and completed by William Daniel, or O'Donnell,

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 139

As the companion tells it

Dublin was where Queen Elizabeth sent a fount of Irish types, to John Kearney, Treasurer of St. Patrick's, and Nicholas Walsh, Chancellor of the same, afterwards Bishop of Ossory. Walsh began a translation of the New Testament into Irish, but was murdered before he could finish it, by one Dullard, against whom he had issued a Process of adultery. The work was continued by Nehemiah Donnellan, Archbishop of Tuam, assisted by Kearney, and completed by William Daniel, or O'Donnell.

Bedell retires to Sheridan's house near Kilmore after release

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1642

After his release from Lough Oughter, Bishop Bedell was permitted to reside at the house of his convert, Rev. Dennis Sheridan, who lived within a mile of Kilmore. Sheridan, a former Roman Catholic priest of Milesian extraction who had married an English lady, was excepted from the general proscription and had already sheltered Bedell's daughters-in-law.

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ed to besiege them any more, till the 15th day of June following'' — The sally was led by Sir James Craig, Sir Francis Hamilton, and Sir Arthur Forbes, afterwards Lord Granard. Four persons of considerable interest among the prisoners, of the name of O'Rourke, were immediately exchanged for the bishop, his two sons, and Mr. Clogy, who were therefore released from Loch-oughter on the 7th day of January, leaving behind them Mr. Cullum and the carpenter, who parted them with bitter tears. The Irish had promised that they should be permit ted to go safe to Dublin ; but, intending to derive some further advantage from their remaining among them in the country, and still in their power, they would not allow them to quit it ; they suffered them however to take up their residence at the house of Bedell's convert, the Rev. Dennis Sheridan, who lived within a mile of Kilmore, and with whom his son's wives had been permitted to abide. This was one of those extraordinary incidents, in the his tory of Bishop Bedell's life, which evidence the value of the simple and sincere course, which he had uniformly pursued in his dealings with the Roman Catholics in his diocese ; and manifested that his plan was not, as was alleged, " the build ing of castles in the air. " This individual to whose house Bedell was thus permitted to retire, had been himself a Roman Catholic clergyman ; had been converted through the instrumentality of the bishop ; and, although a priest, had married, and even had chosen an English lady for his wife. Not-

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 180

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1642, Bishop Bedell found refuge after his release from Lough Oughter. He had been held prisoner there, along with his two sons and Mr. Clogy. On the 7th of January, they were exchanged for four prisoners of the name of O'Rourke. Mr. Cullum and the carpenter were left behind, and they parted with bitter tears. The Irish had promised the bishop and his party safe passage to Dublin, but they would not allow them to quit the country. Instead, they suffered them to take up residence at the house of the Reverend Dennis Sheridan, who lived within a mile of Kilmore. Bedell's daughters-in-law had already been permitted to abide there with Sheridan. Dennis Sheridan was one of Bedell's converts. He had been a Roman Catholic clergyman himself, and had been converted through the bishop's instrumentality. Though a priest, he had married, and had chosen an English lady for his wife. He was of Milesian extraction, and had been excepted from the general proscription. The source calls this one of those extraordinary incidents in the history of Bedell's life, evidencing the value of the simple and sincere course he had uniformly pursued in his dealings with the Roman Catholics in his diocese. It showed that his plan was not, as was alleged, “the building of castles in the air.”

Bedell's house as refuge during the rebellion

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1641–1642

Bishop Bedell's house became a refuge for neighbours fleeing the rebellion, with fire and desolation all around yet the Irish restrained from harming him for many weeks. He shared everything with those who came, and they spent their time in prayers and fasting.

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house was in no condition to make any resistance, so that it was not any apprehension of the opposi tion that might be made to them, that bound them up. Great numbers of his neighbours also fled to him for shelter ; he received all that came, and shared every thing he had so with them, that all things were common among them. And, now that they had nothing to expect from men, he in vited them all to turn with him to God, and to prepare for that death which they had reason to look for every day ; so they spent their time in prayers and fasting, which last was like to be now imposed on them by necessity. The rebels express ed their esteem for him in such a manner, that he had reason to ascribe it wholly to that overruling power, that stills the raging of the seas, and the tumult of the people. They seemed to be over come with his exemplary conversation among them, and with the tenderness and charity that he had upon all occasions expressed for them ; and they often said, that " he should be the last Englishman that should be sent out of Ireland."
We must unquestionably ascribe these astonish ing influences to HIM, who said, " Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm ;" Psalm cv. 15. but, looking to the human agency and means through which he is pleased always to ac complish his wonderful ends, we cannot but perceive, and must urge it strongly once more, that this ex traordinary circumstance of Bedell's preservation, in the midst of the savage havoc that was made

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 170

As the companion tells it

Somewhere near here is where Bishop Bedell's house stood during the rebellion of 1641. His house could not have resisted any attack, so it was not fear of opposition that held the rebels back. Great numbers of his neighbours fled to him for shelter. He received all who came and shared everything he had with them, so that all things were common among them. They had nothing to expect from men, and he invited them to turn with him to God and to prepare for that death they had reason to look for every day. They spent their time in prayers and fasting, though fasting was likely to be imposed on them by necessity in any case. The rebels expressed their esteem for him in such a manner that he had reason to ascribe it wholly to that overruling power that stills the raging of the seas and the tumult of the people. They seemed overcome by his exemplary conversation among them, and by the tenderness and charity he had on all occasions expressed for them. They often said that he should be the last Englishman that should be sent out of Ireland. This preservation stood in the midst of savage havoc that was made all around, fire and desolation on every side, yet for many weeks the Irish restrained from harming him.

Bishop Bedell resigns the See of Ardagh to oppose pluralities

Ardagh · parish · Longford

Bishop Bedell resigned the See of Ardagh, which he held in union with Kilmore, to set an example against the abuse of pluralities. He had been at considerable expense in recovering the revenues of Ardagh, making the sacrifice notable given the dilapidated state of his finances.

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Most promising is that attempt at Reformation which commences with the Reformer himself : while it demonstrates sincerity, and removes all grounds for suspecting a sinister object, it is almost always a movement resulting from experience, which is far better than the wisdom of the fullest report. Bishop Bedell, considering the evil to be counte nanced by the union of the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh in his own person, so that he could not either conscientiously, or reasonably, require that of others, which he neglected to do himself, exhibited an example of disinterestedness, which in the dilapidated state of his revenues he could ill afford, and resigned the See of Ardagh. The
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Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 83

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Ardagh parish connects to a quiet act of conscience. Bishop William Bedell held this see together with Kilmore, two dioceses united in one man. He came to see that union as an evil he was countenancing. He felt he could not ask others to reform what he neglected in himself. So he resigned the See of Ardagh. It was an example of disinterestedness. He had spent heavily recovering the revenues of Ardagh, and his finances were already in a dilapidated state. The sacrifice was one he could ill afford. Reformation, as the record says, commences with the reformer himself.

Petition from County Cavan regarding army complaints

Cavan · town · Cavan · 1630–1641

Bishop Bedell was reported to have signed a petition from County Cavan that complained about the army and proposed regulations to control them. This action caused friction with Sir Thomas Wentworth, who saw it as an insolent interference with prerogative.

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ABOUT two years after that Doctor Bedell was appointed Bishop, he was brought into dangerous collision with a very remarkable person, by the malignity of his enemies ; this was the celebrated Sir Thomas Wentworth, afterwards Earl of Strafford. The Bishop's intentions and conduct in the following transaction were so misrepresented to the govern ment, as greatly to prejudice against him the mind of this energetic Deputy, as well as to affect even that of the King. He was reported to have signed a petition from the County of Cavan, in which some complaints were made of the army, and some regulations proposed to control them. Went worth, who considered this to be an insolent inter ference with prerogative, of which he was exces sively jealous, and a bad example, was so highly displeased with Bedell on account of it, although whatever was done occurred before he came into office, that, whenever any order or commission was brought to him containing the Bishop's name, he dashed his pen through it with great indigna tion. When Bedell heard of this, he proceeded to
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Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 107

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Cavan town is the place this story belongs to. About two years after Doctor Bedell was made Bishop, he was drawn into trouble with Sir Thomas Wentworth, afterwards Earl of Strafford. The Bishop's enemies misrepresented him so badly that it turned both the Deputy and the King against him. He was reported to have signed a petition from the County of Cavan. The petition made complaints about the army and proposed regulations to control them. Wentworth considered this an insolent interference with prerogative, of which he was excessively jealous. He saw it as a bad example. He was so highly displeased with Bedell that whenever any order or commission was brought to him containing the Bishop's name, he dashed his pen through it with great indignation. This was the more remarkable because whatever was done had occurred before Wentworth came into office. When Bedell heard of this, he proceeded to

Bedell praised as the only true bishop of Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

After Bedell's stand against the High Commission Court, it was widely said that only the Bishop of Kilmore knew how to behave as a bishop. The Latin epigram 'Solus Kilmorensis novit se gerere ut Episcopum' circulated as public commentary on his conduct.

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on one of his clergy, before laymen. In his de clinator of 24 articles, written in his own hand, he gave his many reasons at length ; they were principally these, — because that the Primate did not sit in person ; because the judges had given clear evidences of partiality and pre-judgment of the cause ; because that the appeal should be to a pro vincial synod, or the Primate's consistory ; and be cause, as the ground of the appeal was the dispen sation from his oath which the judges had given to Baily, they were in fact parties to it. The Bishop showed also the impropriety of their conduct, in granting a dispensation contrary to God's law ; and in interfering with the legal jurisdiction which, by the same law, and by the King's authority, he exercised over his diocese : and complained of their indecent conduct, in making him wait on them, for an hour and a half, among the crowd of the court. These were his principal grounds of objection, but they were not attended to ; and, after being treated with the highest contempt, when he appeared personally to the several citations, because he continued firm in declining their authority, he was declared contuma cious, and his perjured opponent was absolved from the sentence, and confirmed in his benefice. " It may be easily imagined," says Burnet, tf how much these proceedings were censured by all fair and equit able men ;" and Mr. Clogy observes, that, as upon a former occasion, so on this, it was generally said — " Solus Kilmorensis novit se gerere ut Episcopum ;" for even the Primate, " though he loved the Bishop
U 2

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 143

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Somewhere around here is Kilmore, the diocese William Bedell held as bishop. He took a stand against the High Commission Court when it cited one of his clergy before laymen. Bedell wrote out a declinator of 24 articles in his own hand, setting down his reasons at length. The Primate did not sit in person. The judges had shown clear evidence of partiality and had already prejudged the cause. The appeal should have gone to a provincial synod or the Primate's consistory. And because the judges had granted a dispensation from his oath to a man called Baily, they were in fact parties to the matter themselves. Bedell also called their conduct improper. They had granted a dispensation contrary to God's law. They had interfered with the legal jurisdiction he held over his diocese by the same law and by the King's authority. And they had made him wait among the crowd of the court for an hour and a half. His objections were not attended to. He was treated with the highest contempt. He appeared personally to each of the citations, but because he stayed firm in declining their authority, he was declared contumacious. His opponent, whom he called perjured, was absolved and confirmed in his benefice. Burnet wrote that these proceedings were censured by all fair and equitable men. And Mr. Clogy observed that it was generally said, in the words of a Latin epigram that circulated as public commentary:

Bedell resigns See of Ardagh to abolish pluralities

Ardagh · parish · Longford · 1633

Bishop Bedell resigned the See of Ardagh to Dr. Richardson, setting an example against pluralities. His clergy, with one exception, unanimously followed his lead and relinquished their own pluralities.

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in this business was exceedingly temperate and wise, and its result was great and unexpected suc cess. He called his clergy together, and affection ately addressed them from the pulpit on the sub ject — he laid before them, out of scripture, the an tiquity and institution, the nature and duties of the ministry of the gospel of Christ. After the sermon he addressed them in Latin, as his brethren and fellow- presbyters ; and, not appearing to assume the least civil pre-eminence over them, he exhorted them to reform that intolerable abuse, which, as it brought a heavy scandal upon the church, and gave their adversaries great advantages against them, so it must very much endanger their own souls, and the souls of their flocks." He then afforded them the example by resigning Ardagh to Dr. Richard son. All his clergy, with one only exception, when thus appealed to, answered and said with aloud voice — " as thou hast said, so must we do" — and freely and unanimously relinquished their pluralities.
This person was the Dean, Doctor Bernard; who was still so ashamed of his conduct afterwards, that, unwilling to continue in the Diocese, he ex changed his Deanery for that of Ardagh, with Dr. Henry Jones, a son of the Bishop of Killaloe, one whom we shall hereafter more particularly notice as Bishop of Meath. Bernard was Chaplain to the Primate, and afterwards his biographer.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 84

As the companion tells it

The parish of Ardagh was the setting for a quiet act of conscience in 1633. Bishop Bedell held the See of Ardagh, and he chose to give it up. He resigned it to Dr. Richardson, to set an example against pluralities, the practice of holding more than one church position at once. He called his clergy together and spoke to them from the pulpit. He laid out from scripture the antiquity and institution, the nature and duties of the ministry of the gospel of Christ. After the sermon he addressed them in Latin, as his brethren and fellow presbyters. He did not assume any civil pre-eminence over them. He exhorted them to reform that intolerable abuse, which brought heavy scandal upon the church and gave their adversaries great advantages against them, and which must endanger their own souls and the souls of their flocks. Then he gave them the example himself, resigning Ardagh to Dr. Richardson. All his clergy, with one only exception, answered with a loud voice:

Fewer cruelties in diocese of Kilmore during rebellion

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1641–1642

The excesses of the 1641 insurrection were not so great in the diocese of Kilmore as elsewhere, attributed partly to the regular command structure and the humanity of Phelim O'Reyly, but also to the individual influence of Bishop Bedell, whom the rebels employed even as prisoner to mediate with government.

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whom they were bravely defended until June 1642 ; when, for want of provision, they were surrendered on honorable terms, which were faithfully kept by Phelim O'Reyly." "Whether it were owing to this manner of their assembling, which put the common Irish immediately under a regular com mand, or to the particular humanity of Phelim O'Reyly, it is certain that there were fewer cruel ties committed in this, (scarce any being murder ed), than in any of the other counties in Ulster." We must attribute much of this to the individual in fluence of Bedell ; the great extent of which is pro ved by their employing him, as we shall hereafter see, even while their prisoner, to mediate with the government on their behalf, and to prepare for them a petition concerning their grievances. But, whatever was the cause, there is no doubt, that the excesses of the insurrection were not so great in the diocese of Kilmore as elsewhere ; at least its violence appears to have been much restrained, on its approach to the residence of the Bishop. We may here follow the interesting account which is given of his fortunes by Bishop Burnet. " It may be easily imagined, how much he was struck with that fearful storm that was breaking on every hand of him, though it did not break in upon himself. There seemed to be a secret guard set about his house ; for, though there was nothing but fire, blood and desolation, round about him, yet the Irish were so restrained, as by some hidden power, that they did him no harm for many weeks. His
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Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 170

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmore, during the rebellion of 1641, the violence that swept across Ulster was held back more than almost anywhere else. A siege in this area was bravely defended until June 1642, when those inside surrendered for want of provision, on honourable terms that were faithfully kept by Phelim O'Reyly. The source says that whether it was owing to the manner of their assembling, which put the common Irish immediately under a regular command, or to the particular humanity of Phelim O'Reyly, there were fewer cruelties committed here, scarce any being murdered, than in any of the other counties in Ulster. Much of this must be attributed to the individual influence of Bishop Bedell. The rebels employed him, even while their prisoner, to mediate with the government on their behalf and to prepare for them a petition concerning their grievances. Whatever the cause, the excesses of the insurrection were not so great in the diocese of Kilmore as elsewhere. Its violence appears to have been much restrained on its approach to the residence of the Bishop. There seemed to be a secret guard set about his house. Though there was nothing but fire, blood and desolation round about him, the Irish were so restrained, as by some hidden power, that they did him no harm for many weeks.

Financial disorder and embezzlement at Trinity College Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1628

A survey of the college chest in December 1628 revealed that nearly £500 had been subtracted from the college treasury, with only £108 found where £693 should have been. The college's estates were of comparatively little value and its resources from inmates were very insignificant in its infancy, yet it was already a target for embezzlement and intrigue.

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of the state of the chest, from the first inhabiting the house ; by which appears, that, when Mr. Johnson entered upon his Bursarship, there ought to have been in the chest £693 13s. Id., where there was only found £80 ; and £28 was put in after, Sept. 7, 1626 ; in toto £108. Add also the money imprest for brewing, which Mr. Stepneth is to answer, viz, £40 ; and £50 taken out by Mr. Temple, without consent. So the chest hath lost £495 13s. Id., of that only which it is accounted to have received ; besides what is in arreare, and was never received, or perhaps never putt in."
A considerable number of entries in the Register and Diary relate to renewals of the College leases, and other pecuniary circumstances ; it is not neces sary to connect them with the Provostship of Bedell, but the following must not be omitted. — " 1628, Nov. 12. Survey of the revenues and disbursements of the Colledge, to take a course that it grow not in debt. The meanes, 1. Admis sion, or plate money to goe to the chest ; 2. The Provost to pay for his Commons ; 3. Natives holden up at 20 " — (I presume a limit for a time to their number) — " 4. The 10s. lately increased in scholler's stipends forborne ; and two Junior fel lowships unelected." Such was the penury in its infancy of this now wealthy establishment ; its estates appear to have been as yet of comparatively little value, and its resources from its inmates were very insignificant ; yet was it found to be a worthy subject for both embezzlement, and intrigue.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1628. Trinity College was still young, its estates of comparatively little value, its resources from inmates very insignificant. Yet someone had already been at the chest. A survey of the college chest showed that when Mr. Johnson entered upon his Bursarship, there ought to have been £693 and 13 shillings in it. There was only £80 found. £28 was put in after, on September 7, 1626, bringing the total to £108. Then there was £40 imprested for brewing, which Mr. Stepneth was to answer for, and £50 taken out by Mr. Temple without consent. So the chest had lost £495 and 13 shillings of what it was accounted to have received, besides what was in arrears and was never received, or perhaps never put in. On November 12, 1628, a survey of the revenues and disbursements of the college was ordered, to take a course that it grow not in debt. The means proposed were these. Admission or plate money was to go to the chest. The Provost was to pay for his commons. Natives were to be held up at 20. The 10 shillings lately increased in scholars' stipends was to be foreborne, and two junior fellowships left unelected. Such was the penury of this now wealthy establishment in its infancy, and yet it was already a worthy subject for embezzlement and intrigue.

1634 Dublin Convocation on Irish Language Liturgy

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1634

In 1634, a convocation assembled in Dublin which adopted the articles of the Church of England for the Church of Ireland. Bishop Bedell successfully argued for translating the Bible and liturgy into the Irish tongue for the benefit of the natives, leading to canons permitting Irish language services.

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In the year 1634 that convocation assembled, which adopted the articles of the Church of Eng land to be those also ofthe Church of Ireland ; in this vote Bishop Bedell concurred. It is to be la mented that there exists but a slender account of the transactions of that assembly, at least of other de bates in which Bedell took the principal part ; — these are thus noticed in a letter from Dr. Anthony Dopping, Bishop of Meath, to Mr. Boyle j~ — " In the convocation held at Dublin 1634, there were no small debates about the version of the Bible, and the liturgy of the church, into the Irish tongue, for the benefit and instruction of the natives ; Dr. Bedell, Bishop of Kilmore, being for the affirma tive ; and Dr. Bramhall, Bishop of Derry, oppo sing it. The reasons of the former were drawn from the principles of Theology, and the good of souls ; of the latter, from an act of Parliament
* Mr. Clogy's Narrative. t His works. Vol. I. App. to his Life p, clxxxii.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 110

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In 1634, Dublin saw a convocation of the Church of Ireland assemble. That body adopted the articles of the Church of England as its own articles, and Bishop Bedell concurred in the vote. The record laments that only a slender account survives of the assembly's other transactions, the debates in which Bedell took the principal part. What we have comes in a letter from Dr. Anthony Dopping, Bishop of Meath, to Mr. Boyle. He wrote that in the convocation of 1634 there were no small debates about translating the Bible and the liturgy of the church into the Irish tongue, for the benefit and instruction of the natives. Dr. Bedell, Bishop of Kilmore, argued for it. Dr. Bramhall, Bishop of Derry, opposed it. Bedell's reasons were drawn from the principles of theology and the good of souls. Bramhall's came from an act of Parliament. There the letter is cut off.

Bishop Bedell resolves clergy plurality at Manorhamilton

Manorhamilton · town · Leitrim

Mr. Moore, a clergyman at Manorhamilton, held two livings but had been deceived by a gentleman of quality into farming them for less than they were worth. Bishop Bedell intervened by writing to the gentleman, and when rebuffed, made the minister resign both livings, placed two worthy men in the churches, and provided Moore with another benefice.

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ignorance also was gross : the Bishop, aware that people look more to the lives than to the doctrines of their teachers, was determined to make every possible attempt towards the reformation of this loose behaviour. He was sensibly touched by that observation of an Irishman, made to him in open court, " that the King's priests were as bad as the Pope's priests ;" — but he proceeded with a wise and benevolent regard to the circumstances and charac ter of the times. The following fact related of him demonstrates his watchfulness and determination. " He had great tenderness for the weakness of his clergy, when he saw reason to think otherwise well of them ; and he helped them out of their troubles, with the care and compassion of a father. One of his clergy," (Mr. Moore of Manor Hamilton), "held two livings : but had been cozened, by a gentle man of quality, to farm them to him for less than either of them was worth, and he acquainted the bishop with this, who upon that, writ very civilly, and yet as became a bishop, to the gentleman, per suading him to give up the bargain : but, having received a sullen and haughty answer from him, he made the minister resign up both to him : for they belonged to his gift ; and he provided him with another benefice, and put two other worthy men in these two churches ; and so he put an end both to the gentleman's fraudulent bargain, and to the churchman's plurality — Thus," says Mr. Clogy, " he released the poor man from that surprisal, and got many a blessing from all that heard of it."
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As the companion tells it

The town of Manorhamilton sits along this road. It was here that one of Bishop Bedell's clergy, Mr. Moore, held two livings but found himself in trouble. The clergy of Bedell's time were caught in loose behaviour, and an Irishman once told the bishop, in open court, that "the King's priests were as bad as the Pope's priests." Bedell was sensibly touched by that, but he moved with wise and benevolent regard for the circumstances and character of the times. Bedell had great tenderness for the weakness of his clergy when he saw reason to think otherwise well of them, and he helped them out of their troubles with the care and compassion of a father. Mr. Moore of Manorhamilton had been cozened by a gentleman of quality into farming his two livings for less than either was worth. Moore brought the matter to the bishop, who wrote very civilly, yet as became a bishop, to the gentleman, persuading him to give up the bargain. The gentleman sent back a sullen and haughty answer. So Bedell made Moore resign both livings, for they belonged to his gift. He provided Moore with another benefice and put two other worthy men in the two churches. That put an end to both the gentleman's fraudulent bargain and the churchman's plurality. As Mr. Clogy, who recorded the story, wrote, Bedell "released the poor man from that surprisal, and got many a blessing from all that heard of it."

Catholic clergy outnumber Protestants in Kilmore diocese

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1633

Bedell states that in his own diocese of Kilmore, the Catholic clergy were double in number to the Protestant clergy, their leaders bound by corporal oath to the Pope. He describes a parallel ecclesiastical hierarchy operating throughout the kingdom under papal direction.

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Pope's nuncios residing at Brussels or Paris — that the Pope hath here a clergy, if I may guess by my own diocese, double in number to us, the heads whereof are by corporal oath bound to him, to maintain him and his regalities contra omnem hominem, and to execute his mandates to the utter most of their forces ; which accordingly they do, stiling themselves in print, Ego N. Dei et Aposto- IICCB Sedis gratid, Episcopus Fernien, et Ossorien. I that knew there is in the kingdom, for the mould ing of the people to the Pope's obedience, a rabble of irregular regulars, commonly younger brothers of good houses, who are grown to that insolency, as to advance themselves to be members of the ecclesiastical hierarchy in better ranks than priests, insomuch that the censure of the Sorbonne is fain to be implored to curb them ; which yet is called in again, so tender is the Pope of his own creatures. I that knew that his Holiness hath erected a new uni versity in Dublin, to confront his Majesty's college there, and to breed the youth of the kingdom to his devotion ; of which university one Paul Harris, the author of that infamous libel that was put forth in print against my Lord Armach's Wansted ser mon, stileth himself in print to be Dean. I that knew, and have given advertisement to the state, that these regulars dare erect new fryeries in the country, since the dissolving of these in the city ; that they have brought the people to such a sottish senselessness, as they care not to learn the com mandments as God himself spake, and writ them ;

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 108

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in the diocese of Kilmore, William Bedell found himself outnumbered. The year was 1633, and Bedell was the Protestant bishop. He wrote that in his own diocese the Catholic clergy were double in number to the Protestant clergy. Their leaders, he said, were bound by corporal oath to the Pope, to maintain him and his regalities against all men, and to execute his mandates to the uttermost of their forces. He described a parallel ecclesiastical hierarchy operating throughout the kingdom under papal direction. The heads of this Catholic clergy styled themselves in print by grace of God and the Apostolic See, as bishops of Ferns and Ossory. Bedell wrote of what he called a rabble of irregular regulars, commonly younger brothers of good houses, who had grown so insolent as to advance themselves to be members of the ecclesiastical hierarchy in better ranks than priests. The censure of the Sorbonne was invoked to curb them, but even that was called back, so tender was the Pope of his own creatures. He wrote that the Pope had erected a new university in Dublin to confront the King's college there, and to breed the youth of the kingdom to his devotion. One Paul Harris, author of an infamous libel against the Lord Armach's sermon, styled himself Dean of that university. Bedell had given advertisement to the state that these regulars dared erect new friaries in the country, since the dissolution of those in the city, and that they had brought the people to such sottish senselessness that they cared not to learn the commandments as God himself spoke and wrote them.

Discovery of Boyle's letters at a Drumcondra mansion

near Drumcondra · townland · Dublin

An ancient house at Drumcondra, formerly belonging to Primate Marsh, was purchased by a relative connected to the Boyle family. In a lumber-room of this mansion, a large heap of papers was discovered containing original letters from Robert Boyle to Dr. Marsh concerning the printing of the Irish Bible.

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near relation, who married a lady of the family of Boyle, purchased an ancient house at Drumcondra, near Dublin, which had formerly belonged to Primate Marsh. In the corner of a lumber-room of this mansion was a large heap of papers, and among them a parcel consisting of letters, indorsed with the name of Boyle ; they brought them away for further examination, and subsequently put them into my hands.
I was at that time engaged in preparing some publication for the use of the Irish Society, and was seeking for additional authority for certain of my assertions, respecting the part which Robert Boyle took in the printing of the Irish Bible ; and my surprise may be well imagined, when I found them to be his original letters, written on the subject to the Provost, Dr. Marsh.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 147

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, an old house once stood, bought by a near relation of a man who had married into the Boyle family. The house had formerly belonged to Primate Marsh. In a lumber-room of this mansion, a large heap of papers lay in a corner. Among them was a parcel of letters, indorsed with the name of Boyle. They were taken away for further examination and later handed to the narrator. He had been preparing a publication for the Irish Society and was looking for authority on the part Robert Boyle took in the printing of the Irish Bible. To his surprise, the letters proved to be Boyle's original correspondence on that very subject, addressed to the Provost, Dr. Marsh.

Farnham Castle built in parish of Cavan

Farnham · townland · Cavan · 1611–1641

Sir Richard Waldron employed Richard Castledine, a poor carpenter, to build Farnham Castle in the parish of Cavan. Waldron wasted his estate before completing the house and left Ireland, while Castledine prospered over thirty years and eventually bought the estate himself.

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short time they consented to take these off, and did not disturb them in the worship of God. The castle was a miserable dwelling, extremely open to the weather, and the winter was very severe ; " there was neither door nor window, of glass or wood, to keep out snow or rain, and the boards of the floors so rotten and broken with rain, that it seemed not very safe to walk on them ; but God's providence in this extremity was marvellously seen towards them." The rebels had brought to the same wretched dungeon one Richard Castledine, who " had come over, a poor carpenter, to Ireland, with nothing but his tools on his back, and was first employed by Sir Richard Waldron, in the carpentry work of Farnham Castle, which he was building in the parish of Cavan ; but, Sir Richard wasting his estate be fore he had finished his house, and afterwards leav ing Ireland, God had so blest the industry of this Castledine, during thirty years of labour, that he bought this estate ; and having only daughters, he married one of them out of gratitude to Sir Richard's youngest son, to whom he intended to have given the estate that had been his father's." He was " es teemed one of the most religious men in all the country ; a devout man and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people and prayed to God always ; the Irish believed that he was very rich, so they preserved him, hoping to draw a good deal of money from him. Being brought to this miserable prison, he got some tools and old boards, and fitted them up as well as possi-
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Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 179

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stands Farnham Castle, built in the parish of Cavan. Sir Richard Waldron set out to build a house here, and he brought over a poor carpenter named Richard Castledine, who came to Ireland with nothing but his tools on his back. Waldron employed him in the carpentry work of the castle. But Sir Richard wasted his estate before he had finished his house, and afterwards left Ireland. God had so blessed the industry of this Castledine, during 30 years of labour, that he bought the estate himself. He had only daughters, and out of gratitude he married one of them to Sir Richard's youngest son, to whom he intended to have given the estate that had been his father's. Castledine was esteemed one of the most religious men in all the country. The source calls him "a devout man and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people and prayed to God always." The Irish believed that he was very rich, so they preserved him, hoping to draw a good deal of money from him. They brought him to a wretched prison, a miserable dwelling extremely open to the weather. There was neither door nor window, of glass or wood, to keep out snow or rain, and the boards of the floors so rotten and broken with rain that it seemed not very safe to walk on them. There he got some tools and old boards, and fitted them up as well as he could.

Levy of over £1000 on County Cavan for church rebuilding

Cavan · town · Cavan · 1633

Bedell describes how he had to lay a charge of over £1000 on County Cavan for re-edifying churches, a sum his fellow Commissioners had previously deemed impossible to levy in any short time. By humouring the people during a dispute over military taxation, he secured their agreement to build the churches by the following May.

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and wise was that speech of one of the Kings of France, which, having imposed something on his subjects, when he was told the people talked of it, broadly answered — Let the good men have words for their money. " — He proceeds then to shew that, if the council-board knew all his motives "for humouring the people upon this occasion, even thus far, I doubt not but they would have holden me worthy of thanks for the good service which herein I performed. I had that day to lay upon the county of Cavan above £1000 * for re-edifying of the churches — a charge, by my fellow Commis sioners at our former meeting, holden impossible to be levied, in any short time ; I saw well I was to have as much difficulty with them, as with the people, if I did not in some sort follow their hu mour. By this means I had them as pliable as I could wish. They yielded to the building of the churches by the 20th. of May, this next Spring, which I scarcely expected would have been done in three years.
Your Lordship's, in all duty, W. KILMORE."

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 109

As the companion tells it

In 1633, William Bedell, Bishop of Kilmore, faced a daunting task in County Cavan. He had to lay a charge of over £1000 on the county for re-edifying the churches. His fellow Commissioners had already deemed such a sum impossible to levy in any short time. Bedell saw he would have as much difficulty with his colleagues as with the people themselves, unless he followed their humour in some way. There was a dispute over military taxation that day, and by humouring the people through it, he won them over. He recalls a saying of one of the Kings of France, who, having imposed something on his subjects and being told the people talked of it, answered that the good men should have words for their money. Bedell's approach worked. The people yielded to the building of the churches by the 20th of May the following spring. He writes that he scarcely expected it would have been done in three years. He believed the council board, if it knew all his motives, would have held him worthy of thanks for the good service he performed.

University of Dublin founded on All Saints' monastery site

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1591–1593

The mayor and citizens of Dublin granted the precinct of the dissolved Augustinian Monastery of All Saints' in Hoggin Green as the site for a new university. The Queen's charter was passed on 3 March 1591-2, the first stone was laid by Mayor Thomas Smith on 13 March, and the first students were received on 9 January 1593.

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But to return, — this attempt of the time of Ed ward IV, failed for want of sufficient endowment. In the reign of Elizabeth, an era of energy in the agents of church and state, many efforts were made towards the accomplishing of the great object of founding an University in Ireland. That ad mirable governor, Sir H. Sydney, in particular, displayed his liberal spirit ; Sir John Perrot also was anxious to accomplish the measure. The College was to be grafted on the ancient one of St. Patrick's Cathedral ; but there were great difficulties and coldnesses in the way. Archbishop Loftus especi ally impeded it ; principally however because that he, at the same time, exerted himself to procure a situ ation and a charter for a new establishment in the vicinity of Dublin. At length the mayor and citizens of that city most liberally consented to grant, as a site for this new University of Loftus, the precinct of the Augustinian Monastery of All Saints' in Hoggin Green, then situate in the sub urbs, which had been given them on the dissolu tion of the monasteries. The Archbishop then em ployed Henry Ussher, at that time Archdeacon of Dublin, and afterwards Primate of Ireland, to ap ply to Elizabeth for her royal charter, and license of Mortmain for the holding of the land. Both of these were obtained ; and the University of Dublin was founded, by the Queen's letters patent, passed on the 3rd of March l591,-2, in the 34th year of her reign. On the 13th of that month, the first stone of the building was laid by Thomas
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Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 49

As the companion tells it

Dublin holds the site of the University of Dublin, founded on the precinct of a dissolved monastery. An earlier attempt to found a university in Ireland, in the time of Edward the Fourth, had failed for want of sufficient endowment. In the reign of Elizabeth, efforts were renewed. Sir Henry Sydney showed a liberal spirit toward the object, and Sir John Perrot was also anxious to accomplish it. The college was to be grafted onto the ancient one of Saint Patrick's Cathedral, but great difficulties and coldnesses stood in the way. Archbishop Loftus especially impeded that plan, principally because he was exerting himself at the same time to procure a situation and a charter for a new establishment in the vicinity of Dublin. At length the mayor and citizens of that city most liberally consented to grant, as a site for this new university of Loftus, the precinct of the Augustinian Monastery of All Saints in Hoggin Green, then in the suburbs, which had been given to them on the dissolution of the monasteries. The Archbishop then employed Henry Ussher, at that time Archdeacon of Dublin and afterwards Primate of Ireland, to apply to Elizabeth for her royal charter and license of Mortmain for the holding of the land. Both were obtained. The University of Dublin was founded by the Queen's letters patent, passed on 3 March 1591, in the 34th year of her reign. On 13 March, the first stone of the building was laid by Mayor Thomas Smith. The first students were received on 9 January 1593.

Widespread poverty across the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

Bishop Bedell reports that the people of his dioceses are generally very poor, burdened by paying double tithes to both Catholic and Protestant clergy, a dearth of corn, death of cattle, and contributions to soldiers. He also acknowledges the oppression of the ecclesiastical court, which he says he cannot excuse and seeks to reform.

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(which are not the tenth part of the remnant,) ob stinate recusants. A popish clergy more numerous by far than we, and in full exercise of all jurisdic tion ecclesiastical, by their Vicar-general and offi cials ; who are so confident as they excommuni cate those that come to our courts, even in matri monial causes; which affront hath been offered myself by the Popish Primate's Vicar-general, for which I have begun a process against him. The Primate himself lives in my parish, within two miles of my house ; the bishop in another part of my Diocese further off. Every parish has its priest ; and some two or three a piece, and so their masshouses also ; in some places mass is said in the churches. Fryers there are in diverse places, who go about, though not in their habit, and by their importunate begging impoverish the people ; who indeed are generally very poor, as from that cause, so from their paying double tythes to their own clergy and ours ; from the dearth of corn, and the death of their cattle these late years ; with the con tributions to their souldiers and their agents ; and, which they forget not to reckon among other causes, the oppression of the court Ecclesiastical, which in very truth, my Lord, I cannot excuse, and do seek to reform. For our own, there are seven or eight ministers in each diocese of good sufficiency ; and, (which is no small cause of the continuance of the people in Popery still,) English — which have not the tongue of the people, nor can perform any divine offices, or converse with them ; and which hold
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Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 82

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmore, the people of these dioceses were generally very poor. Bishop William Bedell said so himself. He wrote of a popish clergy far more numerous than his own, in full exercise of ecclesiastical jurisdiction through their Vicar-general and officials. They were so confident they would excommunicate anyone who came to the Protestant courts, even in matrimonial causes. That affront had been offered to Bedell himself by the Popish Primate's Vicar-general, and he had begun a process against the man. The Primate lived in Bedell's own parish, within two miles of his house. Every parish had its priest, some two or three apiece, and their mass-houses. In some places mass was said in the churches. Friars went about in diverse places, not in their habit, and by their importunate begging impoverished the people further. The people were poor from that cause, and from paying double tithes to their own clergy and to the Protestant clergy. There was a dearth of corn and death of cattle in recent years. There were contributions to soldiers and their agents. And, as Bedell acknowledged, there was the oppression of the court Ecclesiastical, which he said he could not excuse and did seek to reform. He noted too that seven or eight ministers in each diocese were of good sufficiency, but there were English ministers who had not the tongue of the people, could not perform divine offices or converse with them. Bedell called this no small cause of the continuance of the people in Popery still.

Irish New Testament immured in Cathedral of Armagh

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1300–1399

In the 14th century, the Irish Primate Richard of Dundalk made an Irish translation of the New Testament and immured it within his Cathedral of Armagh. This is the first known account of an Irish version of the Bible.

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have given of the translation of the New Testament into that tongue, made in the 14th century, by the Irish Primate, Richard of Dundalk ; which he im mured in his Cathedral of Armagh.
In more modern days, it was not until the refor mation of Religion in England had caused the prin ciple to be laid down, in the articles of her church, that " it is a thing plainly repugnant to the word of God, and the custom of the primitive church, to have public prayers in the church, or to minister the sacraments, in a tongue not understood by the people ;" and that this principle was pressed upon the government ; that this language was resorted to, as a means of spreading religious knowledge through the Irish scriptures. Urged, however, by her intelligent ministers, Queen Elizabeth, as we have already mentioned, sent over to Ireland a fount of Irish types, — " in hope that God would, in mercy, raise up some to translate the New Tes tament into their mother tongue."

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 139

As the companion tells it

The town of Armagh holds a quiet first. In the 14th century the Irish Primate, Richard of Dundalk, made a translation of the New Testament into the Irish tongue. He then immured it within his Cathedral of Armagh. This is the first known account of an Irish version of the Bible. Centuries passed before the principle took hold that public prayers and the sacraments should not be ministered in a tongue the people could not understand. That principle was laid down in the articles of the Church of England after the Reformation, and pressed upon the government. Only then was Irish seriously resorted to as a means of spreading religious knowledge through the scriptures. Queen Elizabeth, urged by her intelligent ministers, sent over to Ireland a fount of Irish types, “in hope that God would, in mercy, raise up some to translate the New Testament into their mother tongue.”

Council of Cashel and the ancient Irish church

Cashel · town · Tipperary

The Council of Cashel ordained uniformity between the English and Irish churches, marking the point at which the ancient church of Ireland relinquished her remaining primitive peculiarities and independence. This was part of a broader policy of assimilation that, in secular matters, left native constitutions largely unaltered outside the English pale.

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It was obviously the policy of the British monarchs, when they chose to forego conquest, and to finish their first attempt upon Ireland by a treaty, to have followed up the assimilating and con ciliating principle throughout. Had they done this, many variances, the causes of future dissension, might have been removed ; and national animosity, left without sufficient materials to feed on, might, in a short time have entirely died away — but from the very beginning it was far otherwise. Doubtless, in respect to assimilation, uniformity between the English and Irish churches was ordained in the Council of Cashel ; an arrangement, by the way, in which the ancient church of Ireland relinquished
6 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL :

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 2

As the companion tells it

Cashel was where the ancient Irish church gave up its independence. The Council of Cashel ordained uniformity between the English and Irish churches, and in that arrangement the old church of Ireland relinquished her remaining primitive peculiarities. It was part of a broader policy. When British monarchs chose to forego conquest and finish their first attempt upon Ireland by treaty, they meant to follow an assimilating and conciliating principle throughout. Had they done so, many variances that caused future dissension might have been removed, and national animosity, left without sufficient materials to feed on, might have died away. But from the very beginning it was far otherwise. In secular matters, native constitutions remained largely unaltered outside the English pale.

County Cavan raised in rebellion under Phelim O'Reyly

Cavan · town · Cavan · 1641

In the 1641 rebellion, County Cavan was raised at once in a more regular manner than other counties. Phelim M'Hugh M'Shane O'Reyly, parliamentary representative for Cavan, was made chieftain and used his nephew the High Sheriff to convene the country in arms.

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The insurrection however commenced in Ulster — 11 The county of Cavan," says Mr. Carte,* "was raised at once, and in a more regular manner than the others. Phelim M'Hugh M'Shane O'Reyly, representative of that county in parliament, was for his parts, activity, and experience, made chief tain of these septs, although his elder brother was living ; and, his nephew Mulmoref being high Sheriff, he caused him to make use of the autho rity of his office, to convene all the country together, and order them to meet in arms. " They seized on Loughoughter and all places of strength, excepting the Castles of Keilagh and Crohan ; places built within a mile of each other by two Scottish knights, Sir Francis Hamilton and Sir John Craig, by
* Life of Ormonde, i. 178.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 169

As the companion tells it

In 1641, the insurrection commenced in Ulster, and Cavan was a town where the county was raised at once, and in a more regular manner than the others. Phelim M'Hugh M'Shane O'Reyly, representative of that county in parliament, was made chieftain of these septs for his parts, activity, and experience, though his elder brother was still living. His nephew Mulmore being High Sheriff, Phelim caused him to use the authority of his office to convene all the country together and order them to meet in arms. They seized on Loughoughter and all places of strength, excepting the castles of Keilagh and Crohan, built within a mile of each other by two Scottish knights, Sir Francis Hamilton and Sir John Craig.

Lutheran community in Dublin reconciled to Church of Ireland

Dublin · city · Dublin

A company of Lutherans in Dublin refused to join in communion with the Church of Ireland and were cited to the Archbishop's consistorial court. Bedell answered their German divines' objections so learnedly that the Lutherans joined the church from that time onward.

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Bedell corresponded with him much upon the subject ; and regularly transmitted to him £20 an nually — a very large sum in those days — to assist in defraying the expences of his negotiations. The Bishop also, by his good sense and moderation, assisted the project more efficiently at home. There was in Dublin a company of Lutherans, who, re fusing to join in communion with the Church of Ireland, were cited to answer for it in the Arch bishop's consistorial court. They desired time to consult with their divines in Germany ; but they, in their letters, objected to communion with that church, because it did not explain the presence of Christ in the Sacrament, in a manner agreeable with their doctrine. The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Bulkeley, sent these letters to Bedell, request ing that he might answer them speedily ; which he did in a manner so learned and clear, as entirely to
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Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 126

As the companion tells it

Bedell had been corresponding on the subject and sending 20 pounds annually to help defray the costs of negotiations, and by his good sense and moderation he assisted the project at home as well. In Dublin, a company of Lutherans refused to join in communion with the Church of Ireland, and were cited to answer for it in the Archbishop's consistorial court. They asked for time to consult with their divines in Germany. Those divines wrote back objecting to communion with the church, because it did not explain the presence of Christ in the Sacrament in a manner agreeable with their doctrine. The Archbishop, Doctor Bulkeley, sent these letters to Bedell, requesting that he answer them speedily. Bedell did, in a manner so learned and clear that the Lutherans joined the church from that time onward.

Merchant tries to lure Dublin College students to Spain

Dublin · city · Dublin

A merchant named Bodkins was reported to the Lord Deputy for attempting to seduce Dublin College scholars and convey them to Spain. He was committed to the Marshalsea prison and required to provide sureties for his good behaviour.

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" August 10. Complaint to my Lord Deputy of Bodkins, a broken merchant, labouring to seduce the scholars of the College, and convey them into Spaine. Sir Walworth and Camb. Griffith brought to confront him. He was committed to the Marshalsea, and to send suretyes for his good be haviour.
" August 11. Martyn Bodkin's petition.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 78

As the companion tells it

Dublin. In August, a complaint reached the Lord Deputy about a broken merchant named Bodkins, who was labouring to seduce the scholars of the College and convey them into Spain. He was committed to the Marshalsea and required to send sureties for his good behaviour. A petition followed the next day from Martyn Bodkin.

Rev. Richardson's Irish Bible efforts at Belturbet

Belturbet · town · Cavan · 1712

Reverend John Richardson, serving as Rector of Annah or Belturbet, vigorously sought subscriptions to print the Bible and other religious texts in Irish. He was instrumental in publishing thousands of copies of the translated liturgy.

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Above all, one zealous individual, the Rev. John Richardson, D.D. Rector of Annah or Belturbet, exerted himself greatly in endeavoring to procure subscriptions for printing the Bible, and other books. By means of these, and with the assistance of the Christian Knowledge Society, he was enabled to do much. He published "A Short History of the attempts to convert the Papists of Ireland to the established Religion," in 1712 ; concerning which Bishop Nicholson remarks, in his Historical Li brary, that to it "a very great supplement might be added, by recounting the excellent services done, in that way, by the worthy author himself; who, about the same time that he sent abroad this little treatise, published also, in the Irish language and character, sermons on the principal points of Re ligion by Archbishop Tillotson, Bishop Beveridge, &c ; the Church Catechism, with Mr. Lewis's scrip tural proofs ; and his own correct translation of our Liturgy," — this last was an edition of 6000 copies. Dr. Richardson was encouraged by the Duke of Ormonde, several learned persons in the English Universities, the British Lord Chief Justice Parker, and by the generality of the English Bishops, who at once saw, that " the likeliest method of convert ing our popish natives was, by proposing to them the saving truths of religion in their own tongue,

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 150

As the companion tells it

The town of Belturbet was where the Reverend John Richardson served as Rector of Annah, and from here he threw himself into one great task: getting the Bible and other religious books printed in the Irish language. He sought subscriptions wherever he could, and with the help of the Christian Knowledge Society, he was able to accomplish a great deal. In 1712 he published a work called A Short History of the Attempts to Convert the Papists of Ireland to the Established Religion. Bishop Nicholson, writing in his Historical Library, said that a very great supplement might be added to it by recounting the excellent services done by the worthy author himself. For about the same time that he sent abroad that little treatise, Richardson also published, in the Irish language and character, sermons on the principal points of religion by Archbishop Tillotson, Bishop Beveridge, and others. He printed the Church Catechism with Mr. Lewis's scriptural proofs. And he produced his own correct translation of the Liturgy, an edition of 6000 copies. The Duke of Ormonde encouraged him, along with several learned persons in the English Universities, the British Lord Chief Justice Parker, and the generality of the English Bishops, who saw, as the record puts it, that "the likeliest method of converting our popish natives was, by proposing to them the saving truths of religion in their own tongue."

Titular bishop Swiney schemes to supplant Bedell at Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

The titular Catholic bishop Swiney, who had come to reside at Cavan, wrote a letter to Bedell seeking lodging at his palace at Kilmore, intending to supplant him before the rebels scattered his property. Bedell replied in Latin, declining and citing the many refugees sheltering in his house and the difference in their forms of worship.

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During the time of the Bishop's residence at his palace at Kilmore, he received a very extraordinary message from the titular bishop of the diocese, who had come to reside at Cavan. His name was Swiney ; a name which, as Burnet says, he resem bled in his nature ; and his brother was one of those persons who had been converted through the means of Bedell, and for some time entertained by the bishop in his own house, until he found out for him some way of subsistence. This person, with a view the more peaceably to supplant Bedell in the enjoyment of his palace and property, be fore it should be scattered by the rebels ; and anxious also to drive away those who had fled to him for protection, wrote a Jesuitical letter to the bishop,
2 A

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 174

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmore stood the palace where William Bedell lived as bishop. The titular Catholic bishop of the diocese, Swiney, had come to reside at Cavan. Burnet said his nature matched his name. Swiney's own brother was among those Bedell had converted and sheltered in his house until he found him a means of subsistence. Swiney wrote a letter to Bedell seeking lodging at the palace. His aim was to supplant Bedell before the rebels scattered his property, and to drive away those who had fled to him for protection. Bedell replied in Latin, declining. He cited the many refugees sheltering in his house and the difference in their forms of worship.

Bedell's reforms at Trinity College Dublin praised by Charles I

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627–1629

Bedell served as Provost of Trinity College Dublin from August 1627 to September 1629. King Charles I praised the 'great reformation' achieved through his care and good government, calling the college the 'principall Nursery of Religion and learning' in Ireland.

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Bedell leaves ;" and — " The King likes wondrous well of the Irish lecture, begun by Mr. Bedell." Still further, a very special testimony of his useful ness, as head of the College, is afforded by the ex pressions of King Charles I, contained in his letter already alluded to, in which he inhibits the pro ceeding to the election of a successor, until his further pleasure be known ;* they are as follows. "As we were pleased, by our former gracious letters, to establish the said W. Bedell, by our Royall authority, in the Provostship of the said Colledge of the blessed Trinity neare Dublin ; where we are informed that, by his care and good government, there hath bene wrought great refor mation, to our singular contentment ; soe we pur pose to continue our sayd care of that Society, being the principall Nursery of Religion and learn ing in that our Realme ; and to recommende unto the Colledge some such person, from whom we may expect the like worthy effects for their good, as we and they have found from Mr. Bedell." This letter bears date " 16th Aprilis, 1629."
The following passage in the Diary exhibits a view of the funds of the College, at this time. It appears that several sums of money had been subtracted from a chest, in which the College treasure was deposited for safe keeping, and which was in the custody of the bursar. The Diary, under the date of Dec. 20, 1628, contains the following entry — " A survey

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 75

As the companion tells it

Dublin. Between August 1627 and September 1629, William Bedell served as Provost of Trinity College, the college of the blessed Trinity near this city. King Charles I had placed him there by royal authority, and what Bedell did in those two years drew rare praise from the king himself. Charles wrote that by Bedell's care and good government, there had been "wrought great reformation" to the king's "singular contentment." He called the college "the principall Nursery of Religion and learning" in his realm. The king's letter bore the date April 16, 1629. In it, Charles inhibited the college from proceeding to elect a successor until his further pleasure was known. He meant to continue his care of the society and to recommend someone from whom he might expect the same worthy effects as he and they had found from Bedell. The king also liked what he heard of the Irish lecture Bedell had begun. That work reached beyond the college walls. But not all was orderly in those years. In December 1628, the college diary records that several sums of money had been taken from a chest where the college treasure was kept for safe keeping, a chest in the custody of the bursar. On December 20, 1628, a survey was begun.

Irish language services in Cashel Cathedral

Cashel · town · Tipperary

Archbishop Price zealously promoted the use of the Irish tongue for religious instruction in his diocese. He specifically arranged for the Psalms and common prayer to be read in his Cathedral at Cashel and maintained Irish-speaking clergymen.

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In the progress of this business Mr. Boyle was encouraged by the warm approbation and counte nance of the Primate Sancroft — a prelate who was so great an admirer of the character ofBishop Bedell, that he formed at one time the intention of writing a memoir of his life ; — and also, by Bishops Lloyd and Fleetwood in England ; the Duke of Ormonde, Lord Lieutenant, and the following prelates of Ireland — Price, Archbishop of Cashel, who had formerly been Archdeacon of Bedell's Diocese of Kilmore. This prelate indeed undertook the cause with zeal, appointed the Psalms and common prayer to be read in his Cathedral, maintained many Irish Clergymen to preach to the people in their native dialect, and strenuously advocated the cause. " Our good Archbishop," says Sail, " has continual battles with them upon this subject;" his success was therefore considerable, as it is thus recorded by Bishop Jones. — " He hath already gathered the comfortable fruits of his godly labours, drawing in, and confirming many of the nation firm in the faith ; the number also of such is in creasing." Dopping, Bishop of Meath, was another; he wrote thus to Mr. Boyle, in allusion to the zealous efforts of Provost Marsh. " That which gives me the greatest hopes of success in this is, our good Provost's care and zeal in training up the present youth in the College, in reading the Irish, which, from the books from you, now in
304 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL :

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 149

As the companion tells it

The town of Cashel was the seat of an archbishop who took up the Irish tongue with uncommon zeal. Archbishop Price had once served as Archdeacon of Bedell's Diocese of Kilmore, and when the cause of Irish-language worship came to him, he threw himself into it. He arranged for the Psalms and common prayer to be read in his cathedral, and he kept Irish-speaking clergymen to preach to the people in their own language. He did not have an easy time of it. One writer, Sail, recorded that "our good Archbishop has continual battles with them upon this subject." But his efforts bore fruit. Bishop Jones wrote that Price had already gathered "the comfortable fruits of his godly labours, drawing in, and confirming many of the nation firm in the faith; the number also of such is increasing." Price was not alone in this work. The effort had been encouraged by Primate Sancroft in England, who admired Bishop Bedell so deeply he once meant to write Bedell's life story. Bishops Lloyd and Fleetwood also supported it, as did the Duke of Ormonde, the Lord Lieutenant. Dopping, Bishop of Meath, wrote to Mr. Boyle that his greatest hope lay in Provost Marsh training young men in the college to read Irish, using books Boyle had supplied.

Synod of Kilmore (1638)

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1638

In the autumn of 1638, Bishop Bedell held a synod of all the clergy of his diocese at Kilmore, passing several canons for the better government of the Church. The canons mandated annual synods and revived the ancient custom of rural deans to inspect and report to the Bishop.

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When Dr. Bedell had been nine years a bishop, and about the autumn of 1638, he held a Synod of all the clergy of his diocese, and passed there seve ral canons for the better government of the Church within it. Some of these are deserving of particu lar notice, as they not only exhibit the great care of the Bishop to prevent abuses, but present a view of the peculiar manners of the age. By the three first it is appointed, that a Synod shall be annually holden in the second week of September ; and that, in absence of the Bishop, his vicar-general, if a pres byter, or his archdeacon, shall preside. It is also
p

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 102

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in the autumn of 1638, Bishop Bedell gathered all the clergy of his diocese for a synod. He had been bishop for nine years. At this gathering he passed several canons for the better government of the Church. The first three canons ordered that a synod be held every year in the second week of September. If the Bishop was absent, his vicar-general, if a presbyter, or his archdeacon, would preside in his place. These canons show the care Bedell took to prevent abuses, and they give a view of the peculiar manners of the age.

Bedell's last days and preaching at Sheridan's house near Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1642

Bishop Bedell spent his final days at Sheridan's house near Kilmore, reading prayers and preaching on successive Sabbaths despite his failing condition. On 9 January he preached on Psalm 44, and on 16 January on Psalm 79, whose imagery of Jerusalem laid on heaps resonated with the miseries of the English settlers.

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In the house of Mr. Sheridan " the bishop spent the few remaining days of his pilgrimage ; having his latter end so clear in view, that he seemed dead to the world, and every thing in it, and to be hasting for the coming of the day of God. During the last sabbaths of his life, though there were three ministers present, he read all the prayers and lessons himself, and likewise preached on all those days. On the 9th of January, he preached on the whole 44th Psalm, being the first of the Psalms appointed for that day, and very suitable to the miseries the English were then in. Next Sabbath, which was the 16th, he preached on the 79th Psalm, the first Psalm for the day, which runs much on the like argument; when the temple was defiled, and Jerusalem was laid on heaps, and the dead bodies of God's servants were given to be meat to the fowls of heaven, and their flesh to the beasts of the earth ; and their blood was shed like water, and there was none to bury them. Their condition being so like one another, it was

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 181

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmore, in the house of Mr. Sheridan, Bishop Bedell spent the few remaining days of his pilgrimage. His latter end was so clear in view that he seemed dead to the world and everything in it, and to be hasting for the coming of the day of God. During the last Sabbaths of his life, though three ministers were present, he read all the prayers and lessons himself, and preached on all those days. On the 9th of January he preached on the whole 44th Psalm, the first Psalm appointed for that day, very suitable to the miseries the English were then in. Next Sabbath, the 16th, he preached on the 79th Psalm, the first Psalm for the day, which runs on the like argument: when the temple was defiled, and Jerusalem was laid on heaps, and the dead bodies of God's servants were given to be meat to the fowls of heaven, and their flesh to the beasts of the earth, and their blood was shed like water, and there was none to bury them. Their condition being so like one another, it was a Psalm that suited the time.

Cathedral of Ardagh completely ruined

Ardagh · parish · Longford · 1630

In 1630, Bishop Bedell reported that the ancient cathedral church of Ardagh, said to be built by St. Patrick, was ruined down to the ground. The bishop's house there was also completely destroyed.

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SINCE my coming to this place, which was a little before Michaelmas, (till which time, the settling of the state of the Colledge, and my Lord Primate's visitation deferred my consecration,) I have not been unmindful of your Lordship's commands, to adver tise you, as my experience should inform me, of the church ; which I shall now the better do, be cause I have been about my Dioceses, and can set down, out of my knowledge and view, what I shall relate : and shortly, to speak much ill matter in a few words, it is very miserable. The cathedral church of Ardagh, one of the most ancient in Ire land, and said to be built by St. Patrick, together with the bishop's house there, down to the ground. The church here built, but without bell or steeple, font or chalice. The parish churches all in a man ner ruined, and unroofed, and unrepaired. The people, saving a few British planters here and there,

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 81

As the companion tells it

Bishop Bedell arrived a little before Michaelmas 1630, his consecration delayed by the settling of the college and the Lord Primate's visitation. He had been commanded to report on the state of the church, and now he could do so from his own knowledge and view, having been about his dioceses. To speak much ill matter in a few words, he said, it is very miserable. The cathedral church of Ardagh, one of the most ancient in Ireland, and said to be built by St. Patrick, together with the bishop's house there, was down to the ground. The parish churches were all in a manner ruined, unroofed, and unrepaired. The people, saving a few British planters here and there — the passage breaks off there.

Church and school built at Ventry for converts

Ventry · townland · Kerry · 1836

In Ventry, 200 converts were made by the Irish Society, with a large school-house built and well attended by children and adults. An Irish Minister, the Rev. Thomas Moriarty, a local convert from Romanism, was provided with a church being erected and a residence built.

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sistent followers of their precepts. This remarkable result began to develope itself in 1836 ; the opera tions of the Society, conducted by the intelligent and indefatigable minister of Dingle, commenced then to produce effects, which have been rapidly progressive towards establishing in it a steady protestant reformation in religion. In that parish, where Irish is universally spoken, and many are utterly ignorant of English ; where but a few years ago scarce a protestant resided, and bitter and bigoted opposition was made to every attempt to enlighten the population ; the number of converts, which is continually increasing, is about 250 at Dingle, and 200 at Ventry. In both these places large school-houses have been built, which are well attended by children and many adults. In Ventry the Committee of the Irish Society has provided an Irish Minister, who acts as a curate of the Parish of Dingle — an evangelical clergyman,* born in the parish, himself a convert from the errors of Romanism, and eloquent in the native language. For him a church is being erected, and a residence has been built. In the neighbouring parish of Dunurlin are 65 converts ; and a church, and school and parsonage-houses, are in progress of being built ; in that of Dunquin the curate of Ventry, at the earnest entreaty of the converts, 110 in number, celebrates divine service in Irish on every Sunday ; and in Kilmelchedar, another
* The Rev. Thomas Moriarty. Y 2

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 159

As the companion tells it

Close to Ventry, something remarkable began in 1836. The Irish Society had been working through the minister of Dingle, and its efforts started to take hold. This was a parish where Irish was universally spoken, where many knew no English at all. A few years earlier, scarce a Protestant lived there, and bitter opposition met every attempt to change things. But by now the number of converts at Ventry stood at about 200, and was still growing. A large school-house was built, and it was well attended, not only by children but by many adults as well. The Society provided an Irish Minister for Ventry, who served as curate of the Parish of Dingle. He was an evangelical clergyman, born in the parish, himself a convert from the errors of Romanism, and eloquent in the native language. For him a church was being erected, and a residence had been built. The work was rapid and progressive, moving towards what the record calls a steady Protestant reformation in religion. The curate of Ventry was also called to the neighbouring parish of Dunquin, where 110 converts asked him at their earnest entreaty to celebrate divine service in Irish on every Sunday. In Dunurlin, 65 converts were counted, with a church, a school, and parsonage-houses in the course of being built.

St. Malachy erects Cashel as an archiepiscopal see

Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1151

In the middle of the twelfth century, St. Malachy, Primate of Armagh, erected Cashel into an Archiepiscopal See. This act, along with his unprecedented appeals to the Pope, demonstrated the variance and independence of the existing Irish Church.

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things — " Quod omnia divina ad instar sacrosanctse ecclesise, juxta quod Anglicana observat ecclesia, in omnibus partibus Hibernise eo modo tractentur : " a condition which implied as much previous liberty to have existed here in the matter of religion, as the Irish nation formerly possessed in temporal matters. The very acts recorded by St. Bernard of St. Malachy, the Primate of Armagh in the middle of the twelfth century — his suing for the palls at Rome ; his erecting of Cashel into an Archiepiscopal See ; his complaints of heterodox usages in Ireland, and his appealing, in an unpre cedented way, for remedies of these to the Pope — all of them denote a foregone conclusion ; and de monstrate much variance and independence in the existing Irish Church, although they also demon strate a ready pliancy in it to subjection. We may add further to the facts, of their having been no archiepiscopal pall sent hither from Rome, until this occasion in the year 1151 ;* and of Gillibertus being appointed about the same period, the first general legate from the Pope to Ireland ; this fur ther truth, that the Romish See did not previously interfere in such matters as provisions or appeals ; and that it was not until the year 1206, under the dastardly and purchased permission of the con temptible Prince John, that the first precedent of the former was permitted to be introduced.
The introduction of Popery into Ireland was altogether gradual, and by almost imperceptible

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 22

As the companion tells it

Cashel stands as a town the road passes through or near, and in the middle of the twelfth century it became something it had not been before. St. Malachy, the Primate of Armagh, erected Cashel into an Archiepiscopal See. He went to Rome to sue for the palls, and he complained to the Pope of heterodox usages in Ireland, appealing in what the record calls an unprecedented way for remedies. St. Bernard recorded these acts. They demonstrate, the passage says, much variance and independence in the existing Irish Church, though also a ready pliancy in it to subjection. No archiepiscopal pall had been sent from Rome until this occasion in 1151. Around the same period, Gillibertus was appointed the first general legate from the Pope to Ireland. Before this, the Romish See had not interfered in such matters as provisions or appeals. It was not until 1206, under Prince John, that the first precedent of provisions was permitted to be introduced. The introduction of what the book calls Popery into Ireland was altogether gradual, and by almost imperceptible steps.

Bedell's plan for Irish-language ministry in Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

Upon becoming Bishop of Kilmore, Bedell wrote to Ussher stating that several persons trained in the Irish language at Dublin College were ready to be employed in the gospel ministry through the native tongue.

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The Irish lecture was most highly approved of by the King, and by the Prelates, Laud and Ussher. In a letter written to the latter, when Bedell became Bishop of Kilmore, he asserts, that several persons trained in it were ready to their hand, to be em ployed in the ministry of the gospel through the medium of the native tongue. From another of these letters,* bearing date March 5, 1628, it ap pears that he was thus early employed in an Irish version of the book of Psalms. " Our translation," he says, " goeth on in the Psalms, and we are now in the 88th" — for it is strange to say, that the trans lation of the Psalms was not in the Common
* Letter 135.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 72

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, William Bedell set his plans for Irish-language ministry into motion. When he became Bishop of Kilmore, he wrote to Archbishop Ussher. He told him that several persons trained in the Irish language at Dublin College were ready to their hand, to be employed in the ministry of the gospel through the medium of the native tongue. The King himself had approved of the Irish lecture, and so had the prelates Laud and Ussher. By March 5, 1628, Bedell was already at work on an Irish version of the Psalms. He wrote of the progress in his own words:

Catholic priests far outnumber Protestant clergy in Kilmore and Ardagh

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

According to recent certificates, there were sixty-six Catholic priests in the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh, compared to only thirty-two Protestant ministers and curates, three of whose wives did not attend church. Bedell cites this numerical disparity as evidence that pluralities should not be tolerated.

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ship, and defrauding the poor of the remains of dedicate things, the ruine of the mansion-houses of the ministers, the desolation of the churches, the swallowing up of parishes by the farmers of them, but from this fountain ? There may be cause, no doubt, why sometimes, in some place, and to some man, many churches may be com mitted ; but now that, as appears by the late cer tificates, there are, besides the titular Primate and Bishop, of priests in the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh sixty-six, of ministers and curates but thirty-two, of which number also three whose wives come not to church — in this so great odds as the adversaries have of us in number, (to omit the advantage of the language, the countenancing of the nobility and gentry), is it a time to commit many churches to one man ? "
Most promising is that attempt at Reformation which commences with the Reformer himself : while it demonstrates sincerity, and removes all grounds for suspecting a sinister object, it is almost always a movement resulting from experience, which is far better than the wisdom of the fullest report. Bishop Bedell, considering the evil to be counte nanced by the union of the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh in his own person, so that he could not either conscientiously, or reasonably, require that of others, which he neglected to do himself, exhibited an example of disinterestedness, which in the dilapidated state of his revenues he could ill afford, and resigned the See of Ardagh. The

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 83

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmore, a bishop once made a case against one man holding many churches. According to the certificates of the time, there were sixty-six Catholic priests in the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh, and only thirty-two Protestant ministers and curates. Three of those ministers' wives did not come to church. Bishop Bedell pointed to this great disparity and asked whether it was a time to commit many churches to one man. He noted too the advantage the other side held in language and in the countenancing of the nobility and gentry. The odds were against them, and he would not make it worse by tolerating pluralities. Bedell saw an evil in the union of the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh in his own person. He could not conscientiously or reasonably require of others what he neglected to do himself. So he resigned the See of Ardagh. His revenues were dilapidated, and he could ill afford it, but he set the example himself. The book calls the most promising reformation one that commences with the reformer, demonstrating sincerity and removing all grounds for suspecting a sinister object. It is a movement resulting from experience, which is far better than the wisdom of the fullest report.

Corbet prints Lysimachus Nicanor in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin

A Scottish exile named Corbet, driven out of Scotland by the fury of the times, came to Dublin where he wrote and printed a sharp book comparing Jesuits and Scotch Covenanters under the title 'Lysimachus Nicanor.' The book's spirit and sharp style won the author considerable favour.

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the second general council upon his account— " If this great tempest is risen for our sakes, take us up, and cast us into the sea, that so there may be a calm." " Some of those." — I give the anecdote here related in the words of Bishop Burnet- — "Some of those that were driven out of Scotland, by the fury of that time, came over to Ireland ; among these there was one Corbet, that came to Dublin, who, being a man of quick parts, writ a very smart book, shewing a parallel between the Jesuits and the Scotch covenanters, which he printed under the title of * Lysimachus Nicanor.' The spirit that was in this book, and the sharpness of the style, procured the author such favour, that, a consider able living falling in the bishop of Killala's gift, he was recommended to it, and so went to that bishop ; but was ill received by him. The bishop had a great affection to his country, (for he was a Scotch man born), and, though he condemned the courses they had taken, yet he did not love to see them ex posed in a strange nation, and did not like the man that had done it. The bishop was a little sharp upon him ; he played on his name, Corby in Scotch being a raven, and said, it was an ill bird that defiled its own nest."
" Several other things he said, which in them selves amounted to nothing, but only expressed an inclination to lessen the faults of the Scots, and to aggravate some provocations that had been given them. Corbet came up full of wrath, and brought with him many informations against the bishop,

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 124

As the companion tells it

Dublin was where a Scottish exile named Corbet found refuge. He had been driven out of Scotland by the fury of the times, and came to Ireland among others who fled. In Dublin, being a man of quick parts, he wrote a sharp book drawing a parallel between the Jesuits and the Scotch Covenanters, and printed it under the title Lysimachus Nicanor. The spirit in the book and the sharpness of the style won the author considerable favour. A living fell in the gift of the Bishop of Killala, and Corbet was recommended to it. He went to that bishop, but was ill received. The bishop was a Scotsman by birth, and though he condemned the courses his countrymen had taken, he did not love to see them exposed in a strange nation, and did not like the man who had done it. The bishop was sharp upon him. He played on his name, for Corby in Scotch means a raven, and said, it was an ill bird that defiled its own nest. The bishop said several other things, which in themselves amounted to nothing, but only expressed an inclination to lessen the faults of the Scots and to aggravate some provocations that had been given them. Corbet came up full of wrath, and brought with him many informations against the bishop.

Dublin College summoned to return Parliamentary Burgesses

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1628

A writ dated 22 September 1628 directed the Provost, fellows, and scholars of the University of Dublin to return two Burgesses to represent it in the approaching Parliament. The Provost (Bedell), though in orders, and James Donnellane were chosen, but the Provost excused himself.

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An extraordinary occurrence is noticed in the Register : upon page IS is the copy of a writ, directed to the Provost, fellows, and scholars of the University, requiring of them to return two Bur gesses to represent it in the approaching Parliament : the writ bears date the 22nd of Sept. 1628, and is followed by this entry — "The Provost " though in orders" and James Donnellane, our lawyer, are chosen Burgesses ; but the Provost excusing himself,

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 74

As the companion tells it

Dublin, 1628. The register notes an extraordinary occurrence. A writ dated 22 September was directed to the Provost, fellows, and scholars of the University, requiring them to return two Burgesses to represent it in the approaching Parliament. The entry follows: the Provost, though in orders, and James Donnellane, "our lawyer," were chosen Burgesses. But the Provost excused himself.

Dublin overwhelmed by refugees and plague, 1642

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1642

Most of the pillaged refugee company made their way to Dublin, described as a poor exhausted city unable to lodge or feed them. Thousands were dying every week from want of food.

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" From Drogheda some took shipping, and went for England ; as my Lord of Kilmore's sons, and others who had friends. His eldest son, Mr. William Bedell was made minister of Ratlesden, in Suffolk; his younger son, Mr. Ambrose Bedell, returned speedily into Ireland, and was a captain in Col. Hill's regiment, (who was his wife's uncle) ; for whom my Lord, his father, purchased a good estate of one Mr. Baxter, a minister, where he now lives a justice of peace. Most of our poor pillaged company came towards Dublin ; — a poor exhausted city of refuge, which was neither able

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 192

As the companion tells it

In 1642, Dublin was a poor exhausted city of refuge. Most of the pillaged company driven from their homes came towards it, but the city was neither able to lodge them nor feed them. Thousands were dying every week from want of food. Some from Drogheda took shipping for England, among them the Lord of Kilmore's sons. His eldest son, William Bedell, was made minister of Ratlesden in Suffolk. His younger son, Ambrose Bedell, returned to Ireland and became a captain in Colonel Hill's regiment. The bishop purchased an estate for him from one Mr. Baxter, a minister.

The life of William Bedell, D.D., Lord Bishop of Kilmore

The stories, best first

Refugee march from Cavan to Drogheda, June 1642

Bedell imprisoned at Lough Oughter Castle

Bedell's funeral procession to Kilmore churchyard

Destruction of Cavan and route towns in 1641 rebellion

Irish language teaching and sermons at Trinity College Dublin

Bedell's mission to provide Irish-language gospel at Kilmore

Bedell taken prisoner to Lough Oughter Castle

Bishop Bedell's castle shelters stripped refugees

Earl of Kildare burns the church of Cashel

Dr. King sends Gaelic-speaking clergy to Highland settlers in the north

King dragged to Dublin and held under arrest for months

Canons of the Synod of Kilmore

Dean publicly traduces Bishop Bedell in the pulpit at Cavan

Distribution of Protestant Bibles in Kingscourt

Sheriff of Monaghan apostasy and widow's death by famine in Dublin

Siege of two castles near Cavan: famine, disease, and surrender

Mr. King given benefice of Templeport for Old Testament translation

Irish-language preaching and catechising in Cashel

Bedell defends his ministry to Roman Catholics from Kilmore

Drogheda garrison receives starving refugees, June 1642

Dublin reaction to the Synod of Kilmore

Irish Scripture manuscript immured in Armagh Cathedral

Protestant reformation at Dingle from 1836

Rector of Belturbet stripped by rebels

Irish types sent to St. Patrick's Dublin clergy

Bedell retires to Sheridan's house near Kilmore after release

Bedell's house as refuge during the rebellion

Bishop Bedell resigns the See of Ardagh to oppose pluralities

Petition from County Cavan regarding army complaints

Bedell praised as the only true bishop of Kilmore

Bedell resigns See of Ardagh to abolish pluralities

Fewer cruelties in diocese of Kilmore during rebellion

Financial disorder and embezzlement at Trinity College Dublin

1634 Dublin Convocation on Irish Language Liturgy

Bishop Bedell resolves clergy plurality at Manorhamilton

Catholic clergy outnumber Protestants in Kilmore diocese

Discovery of Boyle's letters at a Drumcondra mansion

Farnham Castle built in parish of Cavan

Levy of over £1000 on County Cavan for church rebuilding

University of Dublin founded on All Saints' monastery site

Widespread poverty across the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh

Irish New Testament immured in Cathedral of Armagh

Council of Cashel and the ancient Irish church

County Cavan raised in rebellion under Phelim O'Reyly

Lutheran community in Dublin reconciled to Church of Ireland

Merchant tries to lure Dublin College students to Spain

Rev. Richardson's Irish Bible efforts at Belturbet

Titular bishop Swiney schemes to supplant Bedell at Kilmore

Bedell's reforms at Trinity College Dublin praised by Charles I

Irish language services in Cashel Cathedral

Synod of Kilmore (1638)

Bedell's last days and preaching at Sheridan's house near Kilmore

Cathedral of Ardagh completely ruined

Church and school built at Ventry for converts

St. Malachy erects Cashel as an archiepiscopal see

Bedell's plan for Irish-language ministry in Kilmore

Catholic priests far outnumber Protestant clergy in Kilmore and Ardagh

Corbet prints Lysimachus Nicanor in Dublin

Dublin College summoned to return Parliamentary Burgesses

Dublin overwhelmed by refugees and plague, 1642