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

Dublin streets described as very foul

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627–1628

In conversation with the Archbishop of Canterbury about college statutes requiring students to wear gowns, Bedell defended the rule by noting that Dublin's streets were in poor condition, and that scholars were not ordinarily permitted to go into town without their tutor's consent.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

touching students wearing gowns always in the Colledge, and if it might be when they went into the town ; whereas that of all other, said he, should have been provided for. I answered, the streets in Dublin were very foul, and that by the statutes, scholars were not permitted to go ordina rily into the town without their tutor's consent. He said they might, if the streets were never so foul,
* These are preserved among the MSS. in the Library of the College.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 74

As the companion tells it

The streets of Dublin, in 1627, were very foul. William Bedell said so in conversation with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was asking about college statutes requiring students to wear gowns, even when they went into town. Bedell answered that by the statutes, scholars were not ordinarily permitted to go into town without their tutor's consent. The Archbishop said they might, even if the streets were never so foul.

Foundation of Dublin University by Archbishop Lech

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1311–1313

In 1311, Archbishop John Lech of Dublin obtained a papal bull from Clement V to found a university at Dublin, but the project collapsed upon Lech's death in 1313.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

But what the Danish inroads thus prepared, the full flood of superstition, and consequent jealous ignorance, which accompanied the Anglo-Norman invasion, completed ; it is painful to dwell upon such a subject — especially as it is unnecessary to do so, — but the fact is notorious, that dark ness, gross and palpable, for centuries brooded on this island. Few and feeble and far between were the efforts that were made to revive, or rather to reproduce, its colleges. In the year 1311, John Lech, or de Leche, Archbishop of Dublin, obtain ed a bull from Pope Clement V, for the foundation of an University at Dublin ; but the project fell to the ground, upon that prelate's death in 1313. Seven years afterwards, his successor, Alexander de
the commentaries of their successors ; to the belief of the Christian Church for ten ages; and, moreover, to the clearest dictates of nature." * Moore, ii. 134.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 48

As the companion tells it

For centuries, the author writes, darkness, gross and palpable, brooded on this island. Few and feeble and far between were the efforts to revive or reproduce its colleges. The road passes through Dublin, where one such effort nearly took hold. In 1311, John Lech, or de Leche, Archbishop of that city, obtained a bull from Pope Clement V for the foundation of a university there. But the project fell to the ground upon that prelate's death in 1313. What the Danish inroads began, the full flood of superstition and consequent jealous ignorance that accompanied the Anglo-Norman invasion completed. The author calls the fact notorious and says it is painful to dwell upon such a subject.

Sir Phelim O'Neil's forged commission at Charlemont

near Charlemont · village · Armagh · 1641

During the 1641 rebellion, Sir Phelim O'Neil explained at his trial that he had found a patent belonging to Lord Caulfield in the castle of Charlemont. He removed the great seal from it and attached it to a forged commission to deceive his followers.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

* Sir Phelim O'Neil, on his trial, explained the means by which his follow ers were deceived ; (Lei. iii . 120.) he declared that, in the castle of Charlemont, he found a patent of Lord Caulfield's, from which he took the great Seal, and affixed it to a forged commission. I know not whether this may not be the instance here alluded to ; but the circumstance of the Scottish Seal makes it likely to be another example of such fraud.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 168

As the companion tells it

The road passes near Charlemont. In 1641, during the rebellion, Sir Phelim O'Neil held the castle. At his trial, he explained how he deceived his followers. He said he found a patent belonging to Lord Caulfield in the castle. He took the great seal from it and fixed it to a forged commission. That was how he made his followers believe he had authority.

Stafford's great buildings at Naas

Naas · town · Kildare

Johnston, a man of considerable ingenuity later engaged by Bishop Bedell, was employed by the Earl of Stafford as his engineer on great buildings at Naas. Bedell sought to turn Johnston's abilities to account by proposing a scheme for a universal character.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

than to the spiritual architecture ; " and he was employed by the Earl of Stafford, as his engineer, in some great buildings which he was erecting at Naas, and in the County of Wicklow. How ever, the bishop was determined to turn his ingenuity and ability, which were considerable, to account ; he therefore proposed to him a scheme for composing an universal character, which might be equally intelligible to all nations. The bishop shewed him that, as there were universal mathe matical characters, the other was practicable also ; and he drew himself the scheme. Johnston readily undertook the work, and actually proceeded so far with it as to send it to the press ; some part of the book, called the Witspell, was even printed, but he was prevented from finishing it by the great rebellion.
The steadiness of Bedell on these points of resi dence and pluralities, was often put to the test; and he refused to yield his principle in favor of those whom he otherwise most wished to promote. Thus he would not dispense with it even in the case of a relation of the great Buchanan, and one who bore his name ; although he was personally anxious to serve him for his own sake, and still more for " that of his relative, whose paraphrase of the Psalms he loved beyond all other Latin poetry. "

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 88

As the companion tells it

The town of Naas was once the site of great buildings raised by the Earl of Stafford. His engineer on the work was a man named Johnston, whose ingenuity and ability were considerable. The building work also extended into County Wicklow. A bishop, William Bedell of Kilmore, saw in Johnston a mind he could turn to account. He proposed to him a scheme for composing a universal character, a form of writing that might be equally intelligible to all nations. The bishop showed Johnston that, just as there were universal mathematical characters, this too was practicable, and he drew the scheme himself. Johnston readily undertook the work and proceeded so far with it as to send it to the press. Some part of a book called the Witspell was even printed. But the great rebellion prevented him from finishing it. Johnston's considerable talents had first been put to use in stone and mortar for the Earl of Stafford, before Bedell drew him toward this ambitious attempt at a language all nations could share.

Bishop Berkeley of Cloyne urges Irish-language preaching

Cloyne · town · Cork

Berkeley, while Bishop of Cloyne, advocated for employing Irish-speaking itinerant preachers to instruct the local population. He even suggested that lay persons well-versed in basic religion could serve if able missionaries were unavailable.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The two instances* alluded to are the following — the first was of Dr. Samuel Madden, a cele brated and influential philanthropist ; who, in A. D. 1738, warmly recommended the employing of "a body of itinerant clergy to preach to the natives in Irish." The other was Berkeley, Bishop of Cloyne, who, besides the shrewd question already extracted from his querist, recommends the same measure as that of Dr. Madden ; and even insinuates, that in defect of able Missionaries, " persons conversant in low life, and speaking the Irish language, if well in structed in the first principles of religion, though for the rest on a level with the parish- clerks, or the schoolmasters of charity-schools, should be sent among the people."
Early in the present century a considerable sen sation was created in the public mind, on the sub ject of employing the Irish language as a medium

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

The town of Cloyne was where Berkeley served as bishop, and he had a particular concern for the people here. He advocated employing itinerant clergy to preach to the local population in Irish, the same measure that Dr Samuel Madden had warmly recommended in 1738. Berkeley went further. He suggested that where able missionaries could not be found, other persons might serve. He meant people conversant in ordinary life who spoke the Irish language and were well instructed in the first principles of religion. Even if such persons were, for the rest, on a level with parish clerks or the schoolmasters of charity-schools, he thought they should be sent among the people. His was a practical concern: that the population be instructed in a tongue they understood, by whatever capable hands could be found.

Irish New Testament published at Connaught expense

Tuam · town · Galway · 1602–1609

The Irish translation of the New Testament, continued by Nehemiah Donnellan and completed by William Daniel, Archbishops of Tuam, was published in 1602 at the expense of the province of Connaught. Daniel also translated the Book of Common Prayer, printed 1608-9 at his own expense.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

who was afterwards the successor of Donnellan in that See. This translation was published A.D.* 1602, at the expense of the province of Connaught, and of Sir William Ussher, the clerk of the council.
About this time we find that, upon a report to King James, made by the Lord Deputy, Sir Arthur Chichester, The Lord Chancellor, Lord Wilmot, Lord Caulfield, and others, that Prince issued orders in February, 1603, from which the following is an extract, — " We do also command that the New Testament, and Book of Common Prayer, trans lated into Irish, be hereafter frequently used in the parishes of the Irishrie : and that every non-resident there do constantly keepe and continue one to read service in the Irish tongue." And, in the next reign, King Charles I. in a letter written to Pri mate Ussher, with instructions relative to Ecclesi astical matters, directs that Primate, at his Grace's own request, " to take special care" respecting the orders of King James, that " the New Testament and Book of Common Prayer, translated into Irish, be frequently used in the parishes of the Irishrie ; and that every non-resident there do constantly keep and continue one to reade service in the Irish tongue, as is expreslie commanded by the 36th article of the said orders."

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

Tuam was the seat of the men who gave Ireland the New Testament in its own tongue. The translation, continued by Nehemiah Donnellan and completed by William Daniel, Archbishops of Tuam, was published in 1602 at the expense of the province of Connaught and of Sir William Ussher, the clerk of the council. The book had no sooner appeared than it reached the crown. Upon a report to King James made by the Lord Deputy Sir Arthur Chichester, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Wilmot, Lord Caulfield, and others, the King issued orders in February 1603. The orders commanded that the New Testament and Book of Common Prayer, translated into Irish, be frequently used in the parishes of the Irishrie, and that every non-resident there do constantly keep and continue one to read service in the Irish tongue. In the next reign King Charles the First wrote to Primate Ussher with instructions relative to ecclesiastical matters. He directed the Primate, at his Grace's own request, to take special care respecting the orders of King James, that the Irish New Testament and Book of Common Prayer be frequently used in the parishes of the Irishrie, and that every non-resident keep one to read service in the Irish tongue, as is expressly commanded by the 36th article of the said orders.

University of Dublin's Native's places endowment

Dublin · city · Dublin

The University of Dublin originally provided for the instruction of native Irishmen for the ministry through special endowments known as 'Native's places.' The statutes required that 30 of the 70 Scholars be Irish and of the poorest, though this endowment was later perverted from its original object.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

We have stated that instruction of the natives, with a view to prepare them for the ministry of the gospel, was originally provided for in the University of Dublin, and encouraged with a spe cial endowment — the ancient Native's places — which were continued until very lately, although entirely perverted from their original object ; and their funds are now appropriated to some other purpose : these appear to have been particularly alluded to in King James's letter. Still the preju dices against the native tongue were so strong at the time, that they prevented any serious and continued attempt by the heads of the College, to make it instrumental as a medium of religious instruction. Those persons who entertained the absurd idea, that they could expatriate, by mere legislation, a beloved language from a country in which they could scarcely exercise any efficient act of power, would not be likely to admit, that there could exist any good policy in having its teaching publicly adopted in the University ; therefore, while a few inducements were holden out to the mere Irish, to
112 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL*.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 52

As the companion tells it

Dublin holds an old story about education and what was promised and then turned aside. The University of Dublin once provided for the instruction of native Irishmen, to prepare them for the ministry of the gospel, through a special endowment called the Native's places. The statutes required that 30 of the 70 Scholars be Irish and of the poorest. Those endowments were continued until very lately, though they were entirely perverted from their original object, and their funds are now appropriated to some other purpose. These appear to have been particularly alluded to in King James's letter. Still, the prejudices against the native tongue were so strong at the time that they prevented any serious and continued attempt by the heads of the College to make it instrumental as a medium of religious instruction. Those who held the absurd idea that they could expatriate, by mere legislation, a beloved language from a country in which they could scarcely exercise any efficient act of power, would not be likely to admit good policy in having its teaching publicly adopted in the University.

Bedell personally holds ecclesiastical courts in Belturbet

Belturbet · town · Cavan

Bishop Bedell visited Belturbet to personally preside over his ecclesiastical court, replacing his chancellor, in an effort to reform corrupt court practices. He left instructions with local clergy for redressing abuses.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

He went there attended by a certain number of his clergy, " covered, on each side of him," and advised with them before he pronounced his judg ments. " For my part," he writes, " I cannot bethink me of any course fitter for the present, than to keep the courts myself, and set some good order in them. And to this purpose I have been at Cavan, Belturbet, and Longford ; and do intend to go to the rest ; leaving with some of the minis try there, a few rules touching those things that are to be redressed, that, if my health do not permit to be always present, they may know how to pro ceed in my absence." The immediate consequence of this proceeding doubtless was, the ridding of the country of an intolerable grievance ; but the chancellor and the other officers, already discon tented with a loss of their fees, that followed from the bishop himself writing the titles to benefices, by no means acquiesced in the reformation.
Mr. Cooke instituted a suit against him, in the high court of chancery, for the invasion of his office ; the matter became important, and was made a common cause throughout the kingdom. On the one hand the bishops encouraged Bedell to go re solutely on, and assured him that they would stand by him, confessing that they were but half-bishops, until their authority was recovered from their res pective chancellors ; on the other, all their officers, and their registers in Ireland, combined to resist

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 91

As the companion tells it

Belturbet is a town along this road. In the 1630s, Bishop William Bedell came here to hold his own ecclesiastical court. He arrived attended by a number of his clergy, covered on each side of him, and advised with them before he pronounced his judgments. He had resolved to keep the courts himself and set some good order in them. He had already been to Cavan and Longford, and Belturbet was next. He left with some of the ministry there a few rules touching those things that were to be redressed, so that if his health did not permit him to be always present, they would know how to proceed in his absence. The immediate consequence was the ridding of the country of an intolerable grievance. But his chancellor and the other officers were already discontented. They had lost fees because the bishop himself wrote the titles to benefices, and they did not accept the reformation. Mr. Cooke instituted a suit against him in the high court of chancery for the invasion of his office. The matter became important and was made a common cause throughout the kingdom. The bishops encouraged Bedell to go resolutely on and assured him they would stand by him, confessing that they were but half-bishops until their authority was recovered from their respective chancellors. On the other side, all their officers and their registers in Ireland combined to resist.

Bedell personally holds ecclesiastical courts in Cavan

Cavan · town · Cavan

Bishop Bedell resolved to hold his own courts in person rather than through his chancellor, visiting Cavan among other towns to establish good order and address grievances. He left rules with local ministers so proceedings could continue in his absence if his health failed.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

He went there attended by a certain number of his clergy, " covered, on each side of him," and advised with them before he pronounced his judg ments. " For my part," he writes, " I cannot bethink me of any course fitter for the present, than to keep the courts myself, and set some good order in them. And to this purpose I have been at Cavan, Belturbet, and Longford ; and do intend to go to the rest ; leaving with some of the minis try there, a few rules touching those things that are to be redressed, that, if my health do not permit to be always present, they may know how to pro ceed in my absence." The immediate consequence of this proceeding doubtless was, the ridding of the country of an intolerable grievance ; but the chancellor and the other officers, already discon tented with a loss of their fees, that followed from the bishop himself writing the titles to benefices, by no means acquiesced in the reformation.
Mr. Cooke instituted a suit against him, in the high court of chancery, for the invasion of his office ; the matter became important, and was made a common cause throughout the kingdom. On the one hand the bishops encouraged Bedell to go re solutely on, and assured him that they would stand by him, confessing that they were but half-bishops, until their authority was recovered from their res pective chancellors ; on the other, all their officers, and their registers in Ireland, combined to resist

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 91

As the companion tells it

The road takes you through a town where Bishop Bedell once came to hold his own ecclesiastical courts in person. Rather than leaving the work to his chancellor, he travelled here attended by a number of his clergy, seated covered on each side of him, and advised with them before he pronounced his judgments. He wrote that he could think of no course fitter than to keep the courts himself and set some good order in them. He had been to Cavan, Belturbet, and Longford, and intended to go to the rest, leaving with some of the ministry there a few rules touching those things that were to be redressed, so that if his health did not permit him to be always present, they would know how to proceed in his absence. The consequence was the ridding of the country of an intolerable grievance. But the chancellor and other officers, already discontented with the loss of their fees that followed from the bishop himself writing the titles to benefices, did not acquiesce. Mr. Cooke instituted a suit against him in the high court of chancery for the invasion of his office. The matter became important and was made a common cause throughout the kingdom. The bishops encouraged Bedell to go resolutely on and assured him they would stand by him, confessing that they were but half-bishops until their authority was recovered from their respective chancellors. On the other side, all their officers and their registers in Ireland combined to resist.

Bedell personally holds ecclesiastical courts in Longford

Longford · town · Longford

Bishop Bedell visited Longford to personally conduct his ecclesiastical court proceedings as part of his reform of corrupt court practices. He provided local ministers with rules for addressing abuses in his absence.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

He went there attended by a certain number of his clergy, " covered, on each side of him," and advised with them before he pronounced his judg ments. " For my part," he writes, " I cannot bethink me of any course fitter for the present, than to keep the courts myself, and set some good order in them. And to this purpose I have been at Cavan, Belturbet, and Longford ; and do intend to go to the rest ; leaving with some of the minis try there, a few rules touching those things that are to be redressed, that, if my health do not permit to be always present, they may know how to pro ceed in my absence." The immediate consequence of this proceeding doubtless was, the ridding of the country of an intolerable grievance ; but the chancellor and the other officers, already discon tented with a loss of their fees, that followed from the bishop himself writing the titles to benefices, by no means acquiesced in the reformation.
Mr. Cooke instituted a suit against him, in the high court of chancery, for the invasion of his office ; the matter became important, and was made a common cause throughout the kingdom. On the one hand the bishops encouraged Bedell to go re solutely on, and assured him that they would stand by him, confessing that they were but half-bishops, until their authority was recovered from their res pective chancellors ; on the other, all their officers, and their registers in Ireland, combined to resist

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 91

As the companion tells it

Longford is a town the road passes through, and in the seventeenth century it was one of several places where Bishop William Bedell came to hold his own ecclesiastical courts. He went there attended by a number of his clergy, covered on each side of him, and he advised with them before he pronounced his judgments. He wrote that he could not think of any course fitter than to keep the courts himself and set some good order in them. He had already been to Cavan and Belturbet, and he intended to go to the rest. He left with some of the ministry there a few rules touching those things that were to be redressed, so that if his health did not permit him to be always present, they would know how to proceed in his absence. The immediate consequence was the ridding of the country of an intolerable grievance. But the chancellor and other officers, already discontented over the loss of their fees since the bishop himself wrote the titles to benefices, by no means accepted the reformation. Mr. Cooke brought a suit against him in the high court of chancery for invasion of his office. The bishops encouraged Bedell to go resolutely on, confessing they were but half-bishops until their authority was recovered from their chancellors. All their officers and registers in Ireland combined to resist.

Bedell promoted to united sees of Kilmore and Ardagh

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1629

Bedell's services at Trinity College Dublin were rewarded by promotion to the united sees of Kilmore and Ardagh, secured through the support of Laud and Sir Thomas Jermyn. Laud's letter to Ussher expresses satisfaction at the preferment while noting that enemies had traduced it.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The period during which Mr. Bedell continued to be Provost was two years, and about a month ; he was elected on the 16th of August 1627, and surrendered the office on the 18th of Sept. 1629.* Through the means of his ancient friend Sir Thomas Jermyn.t as Dr. Burnet states, but cer tainly with the zealous seconding of Laud, his services in the College were rewarded by his promotion to the united sees of Kilmore and Ardagh. The ensuing extracts from a letter written by Laud, at that time Bishop of London, to Ussher upon this occasion.: demonstrate how highly these services were estimated in England, and how much also they were traduced by his enemies — " I am glad Mr. Bedell's preferment gives your Grace so much contentment. I see nothing is so well done, but exceptions can fret it, for I hear that which I looked not for concerning Mr. Bedell's preferment." Again, alluding to what is expected of his successor — " My Lord, His Majesty would fain have a man go on where Mr.
» Beg. p. 11 25.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 75

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmore, in 1629, William Bedell was promoted to the united sees of Kilmore and Ardagh. He had been Provost of Trinity College Dublin for about two years and a month, elected on the 16th of August 1627 and surrendering that office on the 18th of September 1629. His services in the College were rewarded through the means of his ancient friend Sir Thomas Jermyn, and certainly with the zealous seconding of Laud. Laud, at that time Bishop of London, wrote to Ussher upon the occasion. His letter shows how highly Bedell's services were estimated in England, and how much they were traduced by his enemies. Laud said, "I am glad Mr. Bedell's preferment gives your Grace so much contentment. I see nothing is so well done, but exceptions can fret it, for I hear that which I looked not for concerning Mr. Bedell's preferment." He then alluded to what was expected of Bedell's successor, saying that His Majesty would fain have a man go on where Mr. Bedell had left off.

Bishop Bedell's burial at Kilmore churchyard

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1642–1774

Bishop Bedell directed in his will that he be buried in the churchyard of Kilmore next to his wife. A later account by Richard Cumberland describes the grave as lying in a small walled enclosure adjoining the churchyard, where Bishop Cumberland himself was later interred beside Bedell's remains.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

* There is in Richard Cumberland's memoirs of his father, Bishop Cum berland, p. 376, a passage relating to the interment of this prelate, which, as it gives peculiar honor to the memory of Bedell, to whom he was successor in the see of Kilmore, I shall here transcribe, — it is thus. " In a small patch of ground, enclosed within stone walls, adjoining to the church-yard of Kilmore, but not within the pale of consecrated ground, my father's corpse was interred, beside the grave of the venerable and exemplary Bishop Bedell. This little spot, as containing the remains of that great and good man, my father had fenced with peculiar devotion ; and he had more than once pointed it out to me as his destined grave, saying to me, as I well remember, in the words of the old prophet of Bethel, — ' When I am dead, then bury me in this sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried ; lay iny bones by his bones. ' This injunction was exactly fulfilled ; and the protestant Bishop of Kilmore, the mild friend of mankind, the impartial benefactor and unprejudiced pro tector of his Catholic poor, who almost adored him whilst living, was not permitted to deposit his remains within the precincts of his own church-yard, though they howled over his grave, and rent the air with their savage lamen tations. Thus, while their carcases monopolize the consecrated ground, his bones and the bones of Bedell, made sacred the humblest soil in which they moulder."

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 193

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmore lies the grave of Bishop Bedell. He directed in his will that he be buried in the churchyard here, next to his wife. Richard Cumberland, in his memoirs of his father Bishop Cumberland, gives an account of the spot. He writes that in a small patch of ground enclosed within stone walls, adjoining the churchyard of Kilmore but not within consecrated ground, his father's corpse was interred beside the grave of Bedell. Cumberland had fenced the little spot with peculiar devotion, and more than once pointed it out to his son as his destined grave, saying, as Cumberland remembers, in the words of the old prophet of Bethel, "When I am dead, then bury me in this sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones by his bones." That injunction was exactly fulfilled. Cumberland, the Protestant Bishop of Kilmore, described as the mild friend of mankind, the impartial benefactor and unprejudiced protector of his Catholic poor, who almost adored him whilst living, was not permitted to deposit his remains within the precincts of his own churchyard. The Catholic poor howled over his grave and rent the air with their savage lamentations. And so, while their carcases monopolized the consecrated ground, the bones of Cumberland and the bones of Bedell made sacred the humblest soil in which they moulder.

Bishop Hickman appoints Irish missionaries in Derry

near Derry · city · Derry

Dr. Hickman, Bishop of Derry, appointed Irish-speaking missionaries to preach within his see. The missionaries were funded by subscription and reportedly laboured with remarkable success among the local population.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The University had also, at the time, many among its successive Provosts and Fellows who encouraged the Irish lecture, and patronized the publication of the Bible. Dr. Hall, the Vice-Provost, supported at his own charge, a private teacher of the language ; and, under the patronage of Archbishop King, the visitor, a professor was publicly employed ; while there still existed a small allowance for native scholars. Some of the Bishops, — as the Primate, and Dr. Hickman of Derry, — appointed Irish missionaries in their sees, who were paid by sub scription, and laboured with remarkable success ; others countenanced the object in various ways. Dr. Wettenhall, Bishop of Kilmore, and several of the clergy and gentry of Ireland, by the advice of the Hon. Francis Annesley, petitioned the Lord Lieutenant, for the printing of the New Testa ment &c, " in the Irish character and tongue ; in order to which, the only set of characters now in Britain is bought already ;" and the design was approved by the government — the types had been purchased for the purpose, by one of the subscribers, a clergyman. Their memorial, amongst other things, states the following important truth — "that the natives, where trial has been made, have ex pressed great satisfaction, upon having divine service performed in their own tongue." It was presented to the Duke of Ormonde, the Lord Lieutenant, who was at the time in London ; received by him
x

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 150

As the companion tells it

Derry is the city you are passing through. In the time of these events, Dr. Hickman was Bishop of Derry, and he appointed Irish-speaking missionaries to preach within his see. The missionaries were not funded by the church alone. They were paid by subscription, and they laboured, the record says, with remarkable success among the local population. Hickman was not alone in this. The Primate did the same in his own see. And at the University, successive Provosts and Fellows encouraged what was called the Irish lecture and supported the publication of the Bible. Dr. Hall, the Vice-Provost, kept a private teacher of the language at his own charge. Under Archbishop King, a professor was publicly employed to teach it. A small allowance still existed for native scholars. The effort reached further. Dr. Wettenhall, Bishop of Kilmore, together with clergy and gentry of Ireland, petitioned the Lord Lieutenant for the printing of the New Testament, as their memorial put it, "in the Irish character and tongue." The types had already been bought for that purpose by a clergyman among the subscribers. Their memorial stated that "the natives, where trial has been made, have expressed great satisfaction, upon having divine service performed in their own tongue." It was presented to the Duke of Ormonde, the Lord Lieutenant, who was in London at the time.

Earl of Westmeath locks curate out of church

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1622

Within the Kilmore or Ardagh diocese, the Earl of Westmeath, a large impropriator, locked a curate out of the church and prevented him from performing his duties. This was cited as an example of how tithes were altogether subtracted from vicars and curates by impropriators.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

It appears also that ' ' several of the cures in this Diocese were served by the same minister, and some were not served at all for want of means ; the tithes in such cases altogether subtracted from the vicar, or curate, by the impropriator ; and in one case, the curate being locked out of the church, and not suffered to do the duty, by the Earl of Westmeath, an impropriator to a large amount. The churches in repair were 14, and one was in building ; those that were not well repaired,

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 80

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmore, in 1622, a curate found his church locked against him. The Earl of Westmeath, a large impropriator, had shut him out and would not suffer him to do the duty. It was one example of a wider trouble in the diocese. Several cures were served by the same minister, and some were not served at all for want of means. The tithes in such cases were altogether subtracted from the vicar or curate by the impropriator. Fourteen churches stood in repair, and one was in building, but others were not well kept.

Forty thousand taught to read Irish Scriptures in King's Court district

Kingscourt · town · Cavan · 1838

By 1838, at least 40,000 persons had been taught to read the Irish Scriptures in the King's Court district, with more than double that number hearing them read in cabins. Evening Scripture meetings, lending libraries, and a surprising degree of scriptural knowledge spread among the people, producing order and quiet.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

1. Forty thousand persons, at the least, taught to read the Irish Scriptures in this district ; and more than double that number brought within its constant hearing in the cabin.
2. English Schools rendered popular — Lending Libraries of English works, filled with the most orthodox and spiritual instruction, established — English Bibles highly prized for the references — Books of the Liturgy in Irish, and even in the English, sought for by many.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

In the Kingscourt district by 1838, at least 40,000 persons had been taught to read the Irish Scriptures, and more than double that number had been brought within the constant hearing of them, read aloud in cabins. English schools grew popular. Lending libraries of English works were established. English Bibles were highly prized for their references, and books of the Liturgy, in Irish and even in English, were sought for by many.

King James I on the College of Dublin's purpose

Dublin · city · Dublin

King James I wrote to the Deputy of Ireland regarding the college in Dublin, originally founded by Queen Elizabeth. He stated it was principally endowed to educate the native Irish in civility, learning, and religion, and directed that Irish-speaking men be trained there to catechise the people.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

It appears also, that this princess had followed up the councils of Sydney respecting the university, at least in their principle, from some passages in a letter which was written by her successor, King James I, to the Deputy of Ireland, in the 17th year of his reign ; and which were thus expressed : — " In behalf of all Prelates and Clergy of his king dom of Ireland" — " Because wee understand that the simple natives of that our kingdom — are still kept in darkness, and apt and ready to bee misled into error, superstition, and disobedience, which proceedeth through want of ministers whoe could speaks their owne language, whome they may un derstand — because our colledge of Dublin was first founded by our late sister of happie memorie, Queen Elizabeth, and hath been since plentifully endowed by us, principallie for breeding up the natives of that kingdom in civility, learning and religion ; we have reason to expect, that, in all this long tyme of our peaceable government, some good number of the natives should have beene trained upp in that Colledge, and might have been employed in teach ing and reducing those which are ignorant among that people ; and to think, that the governors of that house have not performed that trust imposed in them, if the revenewes thereof have been otherwise imployed ; and therefore we doe require, that henceforth special care be had, and that the visitors of that universitie be required particularlie to look unto and take care of this point ; and, for the supplying of the present want, that choice be made of some
108 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL:

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 51

As the companion tells it

Dublin was the city where a college stood that King James I thought was failing its purpose. The college had been founded by Queen Elizabeth, and James had plentifully endowed it since. In the 17th year of his reign, he wrote to the Deputy of Ireland about it. He said the simple natives of his kingdom were still kept in darkness, ready to be misled into error, superstition, and disobedience. The cause, he wrote, was the want of ministers who could speak their own language, whom the people could understand. The college of Dublin had been endowed, he said, "principally for breeding up the natives of that kingdom in civility, learning and religion." James expected that by then, in all the long time of his peaceable government, some good number of natives should have been trained in that college and employed in teaching and reducing the ignorant among the people. If the revenues had been used otherwise, he said, the governors of the house had not performed the trust imposed in them. He required that special care be taken henceforth. The visitors of the university were to look particularly to this point. For the present want, he directed that Irish-speaking men be chosen and trained there to catechise the people.

Three bishoprics united under George Montgomery

near Derry · city · Derry

At the commencement of the 17th century, the Sees of Derry, Raphoe, and Clogher were all committed to one individual, George Montgomery, a Scotsman and favourite of James I. Bedell and Ussher disapproved of this system of pluralism.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

But this primitive state of things was very much altered at the commencement of the 17th Cen tury ; and Ussher, who favoured the system of the eastern church, and Bedell, could not but have been displeased at seeing the Sees of Derry, Raphoe, and Clogher, committed to one individual — George Montgomery, a Scotsman, a favourite of James I. It was likewise manifest that the prelates of that age assumed too high and busy a station, as tem poral lords ; and also, that they yielded to the snares of family aggrandizement, as well as to those of ambition — evils that would in no wise be lessened, by adding to the temptation which extended autho rity and patronage must afford, to great luxury, nepotism, and pride. The humble and pastoral sentiments of Bedell, relating to his office of bishop, appear from several interesting facts detailed in his life ; and we may presume that all these considerations combined with his decided re solution to abolish pluralities, in influencing his de termination, to commit the episcopal care of the See of Ardagh to another.
The manner in which Bishop Bedell proceeded

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 84

As the companion tells it

Derry was one of three bishoprics placed in a single pair of hands at the start of the 1600s. The Sees of Derry, Raphoe, and Clogher were all committed to one individual, George Montgomery, a Scotsman and a favourite of James I. Ussher, who favoured the system of the eastern church, and Bedell, could not but have been displeased. The prelates of that age assumed too high and busy a station as temporal lords. They yielded to the snares of family aggrandizement as well as to those of ambition, evils that would in no wise be lessened by adding to the temptation which extended authority and patronage must afford, to great luxury, nepotism, and pride. The humble and pastoral sentiments of Bedell, relating to his office of bishop, appear from several interesting facts detailed in his life. We may presume that all these considerations combined with his decided resolution to abolish pluralities, in influencing his determination to commit the episcopal care of the See of Ardagh to another.

Ussher's collections enrich Dublin University library

Dublin · city · Dublin

The library and manuscripts of the University of Dublin were founded upon and enriched by the collections of Primate James Ussher. The university is described as being chiefly indebted to his works for its standing among the universities of Europe.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

her sons. He was her first-born ; and, after his full growth, he watched over and cherished her, with more of the anxious fostering of a parent, than the kindness and duty of a son ; guarding, sup porting and strengthening her, in the trials of perilous times. Himself the first fruits of that abundant harvest of piety and learning which the College of Dublin supplies, we perceive in him the nucleus around which all that has since pro moted, or evidenced, its progress to prosperity has been accumulated. Its library and MSS. are founded on, and enriched by, his collections ; and to his own imcomparable works, the University is chiefly indebted, not only for estimation abroad, and rank among the universities of Europe, but also for much of that orthodox and scriptural the ology which it possesses at home, and in which it is not surpassed by any school of Divinity in Christendom — " Semel raptos nunquam demittet honores !" The circumstances of Ussher's name being the first upon our University books,. is an interesting fact. The chain which connects our pre sent spiritual church with the pure and primitive preachers of Christianity in Ireland bad never in deed been broken ; but its intermediate links had been tarnished with rust ; at length its brilliancy was restored in that admirable prelate, who raised Armagh to its ancient preeminence in sacred learning, exhibited in himself a genuine Comhorb (or successor) of St. Patrick, and is recorded as the first of a series of Protestant home-taught
128 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL I

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 60

As the companion tells it

Dublin owes much of its standing as a seat of learning to one man. Primate James Ussher was the first name entered on the books of the University of Dublin. The passage calls him the first fruits of an abundant harvest of piety and learning that the College of Dublin supplies. He watched over and cherished the university with what the text calls more of the anxious fostering of a parent than the kindness and duty of a son, guarding and supporting it through perilous times. The library and manuscripts of the university were founded on and enriched by his collections. The university is chiefly indebted to his own works, not only for its estimation abroad and its rank among the universities of Europe, but also for much of the orthodox and scriptural theology it possesses at home. In that theology, the passage says, it is not surpassed by any school of Divinity in Christendom. Ussher restored brilliancy to a chain connecting the present spiritual church with the pure and primitive preachers of Christianity in Ireland. That chain had never been broken, but its intermediate links had been tarnished with rust. He raised Armagh to its ancient preeminence in sacred learning. The passage calls him a genuine successor of St. Patrick, and records him as the first of a series of Protestant home-taught men.

Waddesworth's son visits Bishop of Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

The son of Mr. Waddesworth traveled from Spain to the house of the Lord of Kilmore in Ireland. He informed Bedell that his father had treasured Bedell's book and thanked him for it.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

" Dr. Bedell answers and refutes all that he could say, so solidly and convincingly, and in so pacific a style, that I have reason to believe it prevailed with him to his final recovery. For, after many years, his son carne from Spain into Ireland, to my Lord of Kilmore's house, and told him, that his father thanked him for his book, and that he delighted much in it, and that it was ever before him ; and that he heard him say these words, ' I will save one :' " — alluding perhaps to his determi nation to educate his son in the protestant faith, although he never returned to it himself. ''This young man, " it is added, " wrote that English tract called ' The English Spanish pilgrim.' " The book that was written by Mr. Bedell was printed in Lon don, A.D. 1624 ; and dedicated to Charles I, then Prince of Wales : it will be found reprinted at the end of Bishop Burnet's Life of Bishop Bedell. The work is entitled — " The copies of certain letters, which have passed between Spain and Eng land, in matter of religion, between Mr. J. Waddesworth, a late pensioner of the holy inquisition in Seville, and William Bedell, a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Suffolk." It consists of the dedication, in which he mentions, as a mat ter of great grief to him, the recent death of Waddesworth ; and ten letters, bearing date between April 1, 1615, and October 22, 1622. The first of these contains, at length, the motives of Mr. Waddesworth to Roman obedience; and the 10th, the refutation of them, in still fuller detail. That
82 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL I

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 39

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, a young man once arrived from Spain with a message for the Bishop of Kilmore. His name was Waddesworth, the son of Mr. Waddesworth, a former pensioner of the holy inquisition in Seville. Years before, this man had written to William Bedell, then a minister in Suffolk, setting out his motives for Roman obedience. Bedell answered him, letter after letter, between April 1, 1615, and October 22, 1622, refuting his arguments, and did so in a style so solid and peaceable that it was believed to have prevailed with the older Waddesworth to his final recovery. Bedell gathered the letters into a book, printed in London in 1624, dedicated to Charles I, then Prince of Wales. He noted in it his grief at Waddesworth's recent death. After many years, the son travelled from Spain to the Lord of Kilmore's house and told Bedell that his father had thanked him for the book, that he delighted in it, and that it was ever before him. The son said he heard his father say these words: "I will save one" — perhaps alluding to his determination to educate his son in the Protestant faith, though he never returned to it himself. This young man went on to write an English tract called "The English Spanish pilgrim."

Bedell obtains Dublin marriage license for daughter's wedding

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1637

When Mrs. Bedell's daughter married Mr. Clogy in Dublin and wished to be blessed by Bishop Bedell, he refused to do so until he first obtained a license from the consistorial court of Dublin, dated 23 November 1637, for his better defense against malevolent tongues.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

marriage of Mrs. Bedell's daughter to Mr. Clogy, in Dublin, when they expressed a desire to be blessed by him, he would not do it, until he first took out a license for the purpose from the consistorial court of Dublin, " November 23. 1637 — for his better defense against malevolent tongues."
The narrative of Mr. Clogy informs us of some circumstances, which it is necessary further to ex plain ; it relates, that "The communion-table was placed by him, not at the east, but within the body of the chancel, without any steps of gradual ascen sion, or circumvallation by rails, though the custom had prevailed otherwise in most churches ; there was no part of the service read at the communion table, (save on a sacrament-day), but in the usual reading-desk, that all the congregation might hear and see. And for other innovations elsewhere in troduced, he followed them not, whosoever was the promoter of them, as bowing to the word, or name, Jesus ; bowing to the communion-table, (upon which lay neither basins nor candles), and towards the east, and such like ; all founded upon ignorance and superstition. His judgment being, as Dr. Ber nard well observes, that those were as well non conformists who added of their own, as those who came short of what was enjoined ; as he that adds an inch to the measure disowns it, as well as he that cuts an inch off." *

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 119

As the companion tells it

Dublin, in 1637. Mrs. Bedell's daughter was to marry Mr. Clogy, and they asked Bishop Bedell to bless the marriage. He would not do it. Not until he had first taken out a license for the purpose from the consistorial court. The license was dated the 23rd of November, 1637. He did it, as the record says, "for his better defense against malevolent tongues." Mr. Clogy's narrative tells us more of how Bedell carried himself in church. He placed the communion-table not at the east end, but within the body of the chancel, with no steps of gradual ascension and no rails around it, though most churches had gone the other way. No part of the service was read at the communion-table, except on a sacrament-day; instead it was read from the usual reading-desk, so that all the congregation might hear and see. He followed none of the innovations introduced elsewhere — bowing to the name Jesus, bowing to the communion-table, which had neither basins nor candles upon it, or bowing towards the east. He called all such things founded upon ignorance and superstition. His judgment, as Dr. Bernard observed, was that those who added of their own were as much nonconformists as those who came short of what was enjoined. He that adds an inch to the measure disowns it, as well as he that cuts an inch off.

Bedell prints Irish-language catechism in Dublin, 1631

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1631

Bishop Bedell required all his clergy to maintain an English school in their respective parishes and arranged for the printing of a small one-sheet catechism in Dublin in 1631, known as 'The A, B, C,' to equip converted clergy with Irish-language instructional materials. This reflected his insistence that ministers perform divine offices in a tongue understood by the people.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

* It should be stated, that the Bishop engaged all his clergy to have an English school kept in their respective parishes ; and printed for their use at Dublin, in 1631, a small catechism of one sheet, called " The A, B,C, or

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 136

As the companion tells it

Dublin, 1631. Bishop Bedell had engaged all his clergy to keep an English school in their respective parishes. For their use he printed here a small catechism of one sheet, called The A, B, C.

Primate Ussher restores Armagh's sacred learning

near Armagh · town · Armagh

Primate James Ussher is credited with restoring Armagh to its ancient preeminence in sacred learning. He is described as exhibiting himself as a genuine successor of St. Patrick and the first of a series of Protestant home-taught divines.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

her sons. He was her first-born ; and, after his full growth, he watched over and cherished her, with more of the anxious fostering of a parent, than the kindness and duty of a son ; guarding, sup porting and strengthening her, in the trials of perilous times. Himself the first fruits of that abundant harvest of piety and learning which the College of Dublin supplies, we perceive in him the nucleus around which all that has since pro moted, or evidenced, its progress to prosperity has been accumulated. Its library and MSS. are founded on, and enriched by, his collections ; and to his own imcomparable works, the University is chiefly indebted, not only for estimation abroad, and rank among the universities of Europe, but also for much of that orthodox and scriptural the ology which it possesses at home, and in which it is not surpassed by any school of Divinity in Christendom — " Semel raptos nunquam demittet honores !" The circumstances of Ussher's name being the first upon our University books,. is an interesting fact. The chain which connects our pre sent spiritual church with the pure and primitive preachers of Christianity in Ireland bad never in deed been broken ; but its intermediate links had been tarnished with rust ; at length its brilliancy was restored in that admirable prelate, who raised Armagh to its ancient preeminence in sacred learning, exhibited in himself a genuine Comhorb (or successor) of St. Patrick, and is recorded as the first of a series of Protestant home-taught
128 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL I

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 60

As the companion tells it

Armagh is the town you are passing through, and its story belongs to Primate James Ussher. The passage describes him as a son of the church, her first-born, who after his full growth watched over and cherished her with more of the anxious fostering of a parent than the kindness and duty of a son, guarding, supporting and strengthening her in the trials of perilous times. He was called the first fruits of that abundant harvest of piety and learning which the College of Dublin supplies. The library and manuscripts of the university were founded on and enriched by his collections. To his own works the university was chiefly indebted, not only for estimation abroad and rank among the universities of Europe, but also for much of that orthodox and scriptural theology which it possessed at home, and in which it was not surpassed by any school of Divinity in Christendom. His name being the first upon the university books is noted as an interesting fact. The chain connecting the present spiritual church with the pure and primitive preachers of Christianity in Ireland had never been broken, but its intermediate links had been tarnished with rust. At length its brilliancy was restored in that admirable prelate, who raised Armagh to its ancient preeminence in sacred learning, exhibited in himself a genuine Comhorb, or successor, of St. Patrick, and is recorded as the first of a series of Protestant home-taught divines.

Remonstrance of Cavan gentry during the 1641 rebellion

Cavan · town · Cavan

The gentry and commonalty of County Cavan submitted a remonstrance declaring their grievances, including fears of captivity of conscience, loss of lawful liberties, and utter expulsion from their native seats. They declared they had taken forts and places of strength into their hands for the King's service and disclaimed any disloyal intent.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

"The humble Remonstrance of the gentry and commonalty of the county of Cavan, of their grievances, common with other parts of this king dom of Ireland.
"Whereas we, his Majestie's loyal subjects of his Highness' Kingdom of Ireland, have of long time groaned under many grievous pressures, occasioned by the rigorous government of such placed over us, as respected more the advancement of their own private fortunes, than the honour of his Majesty, or the welfare of us his subjects ; whereof we in humble manner declared ourselves to his Highness, by our agents, sent from the parliament, the repre sentative body of this kingdom : Notwithstanding which, we find ourselves of late threatened with far greater and more grievous vexations ; either with captivity of our consciences, our losing of our law ful liberties, or utter expulsion from our native seats, without any just ground given on our parts to alter his Majestie's goodness so long continued unto us ; of all which we find great cause of fears, in the proceeding of our neighbour nations, and do see it already attempted upon by certain peti tioners, for the like course to be taken in this king dom for the effecting thereof in a compulsory way ; so, as rumours have caused fears of invasion from other parts, to the dissolving the bond of mutual agreement, which hitherto hath been held

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 173

As the companion tells it

The town of Cavan was where the county's gentry and commonalty put their names to a remonstrance in 1641. They called themselves his Majesty's loyal subjects of Ireland, and said they had groaned for a long time under grievous pressures. The blame fell on those placed over them, who sought their own private fortunes rather than the honour of the King or the welfare of his subjects. They had already declared themselves in humble manner to the King through agents sent from the parliament, the representative body of the kingdom. But now they found themselves threatened with greater vexations. They feared captivity of their consciences, the losing of their lawful liberties, or utter expulsion from their native seats, without any just ground given on their parts to alter the King's goodness so long continued to them. They saw cause for fear in the proceedings of their neighbour nations, and saw it already attempted by certain petitioners seeking the like course to be taken in this kingdom in a compulsory way. Rumours had caused fears of invasion from other parts, dissolving the bond of mutual agreement that had hitherto been held.

University of Dublin founded to educate and spread Protestant faith

Dublin · city · Dublin

The University of Dublin was established to enlighten the Irish people, including through the medium of their native tongue, and to prepare a Protestant ministry for spreading scriptural religion. The author laments that its progress was slow and that the original project of preparing a native Irish-speaking ministry was not properly pursued.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

This method was fortunately resorted to, and the University of Dublin was most happily established. The wise princess, and her still wiser ministers, who laid the foundation of that institution, prepared in it the only proper basis for the superstructure of a national protestant church. It seems to have been the sole overflow of English prosperity that, for se veral centuries, poured abundantly into this island from the sister country ; it has been, from its very commencement, a verdant spot in the midst of a parched wilderness, where somewhat of the peace ful, the refreshing, and the encouraging was ever to be found ; and its present state of flourishing prosperity demonstrates the prudent foresight of those who first projected this great measure. But its progress to this state of prosperity has been lamentably tardy ; its efficiency has at all times been far short of what it might have been, under regula-
94 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL :

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 44

As the companion tells it

Dublin holds the University of Dublin, founded to give Ireland a Protestant ministry and to spread scriptural religion. The author calls it the only proper basis for a national Protestant church, and credits a wise princess and her still wiser ministers with laying its foundation. He describes it as the sole overflow of English prosperity that poured into Ireland for centuries from the sister country, a verdant spot in the midst of a parched wilderness, where something peaceful, refreshing, and encouraging was always to be found. Its present flourishing state, he says, shows the prudent foresight of those who first projected the measure. But he laments that its progress was lamentably tardy, and that its efficiency fell far short of what it might have been. The original design of preparing a native Irish-speaking ministry was not properly pursued.

Deanery of Kilmacduagh bestowed on Dr. Richardson

Kilmacduagh · townland · Galway · 1730

In 1730, Primate Boulter secured the Deanery of Kilmacduagh for Dr. Richardson after Richardson suffered financial losses printing the Common Prayer Book in Irish. The position was valued at around £120 to £140 annually.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The sequel of Mr. Richardson's effort is detailed by the Bishop of Down* — After meeting with great opposition, not to say oppression, instead of either thanks or assistance ; and suffering " the loss of several hundred pounds, expended in printing the Common Prayer Book in Irish, and other necessary charges in that undertaking ;"f after having, " at an advanced age, been obliged to forego a chaplaincy to a regiment, because he was too poor to make the present usually given to the Colonel, on such occa sions, for his consent ; Boulter obtained for him, in 1730, the Deanery of Kilmacduagh, worth then about £120 or £140 a year." The same page of history presents to us the true reason for the fact, that, during the remainderof the eighteenth century, we can discover but two instances within the pale of the establishment, of any persons of influence taking notice of, and recommending publicly, the instrumentality of the Irish language. Just then a petition was presented to King George I, which was graciously received by his Majesty ; and, in
* Hist, of Church of Ireland. Vol. 2. p. 520. t So stated in the letters of Primate Boulter.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 153

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmacduagh, a deanery was given to a man who had lost money on a book. Dr. Richardson had taken on the work of printing the Common Prayer Book in Irish. He met great opposition, even oppression, and received neither thanks nor help for his trouble. He lost several hundred pounds in the printing and the other necessary charges of that undertaking. At an advanced age, he was obliged to give up a chaplaincy to a regiment, because he was too poor to make the present usually given to the Colonel on such occasions for his consent. Primate Boulter obtained for him, in 1730, the Deanery of Kilmacduagh, worth then about £120 or £140 a year. The record notes that for the remainder of the eighteenth century, only two instances can be found within the establishment of persons of influence publicly recommending the use of the Irish language. Around that same time, a petition was presented to King George the First, which was graciously received by his Majesty.

1622 Visitation of Kilmore and Ardagh Dioceses

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1622

Primate Ussher's 1622 visitation recorded 64 benefices across the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh, with about 20 incumbents non-resident. Only 14 churches were in repair and one was under construction; several cures went unserved for want of means, with tithes subtracted by impropriators.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

It appears also that ' ' several of the cures in this Diocese were served by the same minister, and some were not served at all for want of means ; the tithes in such cases altogether subtracted from the vicar, or curate, by the impropriator ; and in one case, the curate being locked out of the church, and not suffered to do the duty, by the Earl of Westmeath, an impropriator to a large amount. The churches in repair were 14, and one was in building ; those that were not well repaired,

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 80

As the companion tells it

Close to Kilmore, in 1622, Primate Ussher's visitation covered 64 benefices across two dioceses, this one and Ardagh. About 20 incumbents were non-resident. Several cures were served by the same minister, and some went unserved for want of means. The tithes were subtracted from the vicar or curate by the impropriator. In one case, the curate was locked out of his church, and

Bedell recommended as Provost of Dublin College

Dublin · city · Dublin

Sir Henry Wotton wrote a letter to Charles I recommending Bedell for the office of Provost of Dublin College (Trinity College Dublin). Wotton's letter testified to Bedell's profound scholarly abilities and his close intellectual relationship with Fra. Paolo Sarpi in Venice.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

It is material for us to establish the point in ques tion, because there is no doubt, that any improve ment that took place in this eminent man's views of religion, owed its confirmation, perhaps its origin, to Bedell. The following words of Sir H. Wotton, in his letter to Charles I. written in recommenda tion of Bedell to the office of Provost of Dublin College, are conclusive of this ; these testify, that Paolo did communicate to him the inwardest thoughts of his heart ; " and that he professed to have received from him more knowledge in all divinity, both scholastical and positive, than from any that he had practised in his days." To his intercourse, therefore, with Bedell, we must attri-
* Doctor Murray, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin : See his letters in a late controversy with the Rev. Roh. Me. Ghee.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 31

As the companion tells it

In Dublin, a letter once crossed kingdoms on William Bedell's behalf. Sir Henry Wotton wrote to Charles I recommending Bedell for the office of Provost of Dublin College, Trinity College Dublin. Wotton's words testified that Bedell's learning was profound, and that in Venice, Fra. Paolo Sarpi had communicated to him the inward thoughts of his heart. Wotton quoted Sarpi saying he had received from Bedell "more knowledge in all divinity, both scholastical and positive, than from any that he had practised in his days." The writer of Bedell's life tells us that any improvement in this eminent man's views of religion owed its confirmation, perhaps its origin, to Bedell.

Bedell's appointment to the Bishopric of Kilmore and Ardagh

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1630

In 1630, William Bedell was appointed Bishop of Kilmore and Ardagh, dioceses located in a region dominated by the Roman Catholic Primate's residence. Despite the unpropitious state of the Protestant Church, he embraced his duties with alacrity and zeal.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

WE have already considered the unpropitious cha racter of the national feelings with respect to religion, when Bedell was appointed Bishop of Kilmore and Ardagh ; the external state of the Protestant Church establishment was not less un promising than its internal ; and these two Dioceses were situated in a part of the country but little favorable to their prosperity, especially as in them was the residence of the Roman Catholic Primate himself. The difficulties to be encountered in any attempt at reforming abuses were great ; but they had no influence upon the mind of the new Bishop. Although in the 59th year of his age, he un dertook the charge with alacrity, determination, and zeal — with such an account as Burnet, himself a prelate of the church, presents us of the great moving principle of this venerable old man, com mencing his abundant and important labors, it would ill become me to insert one in its place. " He considered the Bishop's office made him the shep herd of the inferior shepherds, if not of the whole Diocese ; and therefore he resolved to spare him-
166 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL :

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1630, William Bedell was appointed Bishop of Kilmore and Ardagh. The circumstances were not encouraging. The national feelings toward religion were unpropitious, and the state of the Protestant Church establishment was no more promising on the outside than within. These two dioceses sat in a part of the country little favorable to their prosperity, especially because the residence of the Roman Catholic Primate himself lay among them. The difficulties in any attempt at reforming abuses were great. They had no influence on the new Bishop. He was in the 59th year of his age, yet he undertook the charge with alacrity, determination, and zeal. Burnet, himself a prelate of the church, gave an account of the great moving principle of this venerable old man commencing his abundant and important labors. Bedell considered the Bishop's office made him, in his words, the shepherd of the inferior shepherds, if not of the whole Diocese, and therefore he resolved to spare himself.

Bedell's second return to Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin

Bedell's diary records that upon his second return to Ireland, he set out to sea on June 2nd and did not arrive in Dublin until the 6th, illustrating the tedious and difficult nature of sea travel to Ireland in the 17th century.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

In these our days of rapid transition from place to place, when the passing over to Ireland from Great Britain is but, as it were, the crossing of an inland ferry, we may possibly be surprised at " the hazard of the seas, and a foreign land, with many casualties in travel," having been thought worthy of any notice in influencing a determination on a subject so important ; but, at that period a mission into Ireland was almost exile ; the land journey thither at certain seasons nearly impracticable ; the sea voyage, sometimes attended with more difficul ties than a modern passage to America, and often te dious : for instance, it appears from Bedell's diary that, upon his second return to Ireland, he " set out to sea" on June 2nd. and did not arrive in Dublin till the 6th. When we add to these the character of the country in those days, as a place of safety ; for in all things it had degenerated, and in nothing

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 61

As the companion tells it

Dublin was not always a quick crossing. The book tells us that in the 17th century, a mission into Ireland was almost exile. The land journey there was nearly impracticable at certain seasons, and the sea voyage was sometimes attended with more difficulties than a modern passage to America. Bedell's diary gives us one instance. Upon his second return to Ireland, he set out to sea on June 2nd, and did not arrive in Dublin until the 6th. Four days on the water, for a journey that now might take hours. The source describes what lay behind such a crossing: what it calls the hazard of the seas, and a foreign land, with many casualties in travel. These were thought worthy of notice in influencing a determination on an important subject. The country itself, in those days, had degenerated, and in nothing was it a place of safety. What reads as a line in a diary was, for Bedell, the slow and uncertain approach to his work.

Bedell's sycamore tree at Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

Bedell planted a sycamore tree in the Bishop's garden at Kilmore, which grew to remarkable size and beauty. It was still universally known by his name in the 1840s, visited by some with reverence and consecrated by local tradition to an undefined object of ancient love and respect.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

next his wife, with this simple inscription, such as it now appears, though much obliterated, on his tomb. "Gulielmi Bedel, quondam Episcopi Kilmorensis, Depositum." Close to this spot, and in the Bishop's garden, he planted a tree, a sycamore, which after wards attained to a remarkable size, and a most beautiful form. It is still universally known by his name ; and, while it is sometimes visited with feelings of reverence by a few who know his worth, it is consecrated by affectionate tradition, among a few others of the people, to the memory of some undefined object of ancient love and respect, of which no other trace now exists ; if we except the ruins of Loch-Oughter Castle, which is still pointed out to travellers as Bedell's prison ; and his worn and almost defaced tomb-stone.
This consists of a slab, of which a drawing is given, in the first Volume of Bishop Mant's history of the Irish Church. It is engraved with the armorial bearings of Bedell, surmounted by a mitre. Below the arms are an open book, an hour-glass, a scull, and cross bones ; and under them there is an inscription, which his Lordship is anxious to correct from the inaccuracy of that given by Bishop Burnet ; but his correspondent, whose writing is somewhat at variance with his drawing, has not enabled him to do so precisely. However, the difference is immaterial as to the point commented on by the Bishop of Sarum, in the following words — " ' Depositum7 cannot bear an English translation, it signifying somewhat given to ano-

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 193

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, William Bedell planted a sycamore tree in the Bishop's garden at Kilmore. He was Lord Bishop of Kilmore, and the tree grew afterwards to a remarkable size and a most beautiful form. It was still universally known by his name. A few who know his worth sometimes visit it with feelings of reverence. Among others of the people, it is consecrated by affectionate tradition to the memory of some undefined object of ancient love and respect, of which no other trace now exists, if we except the ruins of Loch-Oughter Castle, still pointed out to travellers as Bedell's prison, and his worn and almost defaced tombstone. His tomb carries a simple inscription, much obliterated: "Gulielmi Bedel, quondam Episcopi Kilmorensis, Depositum." The tombstone is a slab engraved with the armorial bearings of Bedell, surmounted by a mitre. Below the arms are an open book, an hour-glass, a skull, and cross bones. Bishop Mant's history of the Irish Church gives a drawing of it in its first volume. There is an inscription below, which Bishop Burnet gave inaccurately. The Bishop of Sarum commented on the word "Depositum," saying it cannot bear an English translation, signifying somewhat given to another.

Bishop Bedell walked on foot through Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin

Bishop Bedell, when in Dublin, habitually went about on foot with only one servant attending him, never keeping a coach. His strength remained so entire that he was always able to ride on horseback, and it was said to be an interesting sight to see a venerable prelate in clerical habit riding in the public streets.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

of state or greatness ; and " went about always on foot when he was at Dublin, one servant only at tending on him ; except on public occasions that obliged him to ride in procession among his bre thren. He never kept a coach, for his strength continued so entire, that he was always able to ride on horseback." To some this may appear to have been an affectation on the contrary side, and to have partaken somewhat of " the pride that apes humi lity ; " while others may be tempted to accuse him of penury : to the first suggestion we must oppose the direct assertions of those who knew him, and who record, as already alluded to, that " he avoided the affectations of humility as well as pride, the former flowing often from the greater pride of the two ; " the harmony of such conduct with the rest of his independent and spiritual character ; and the manners of the times, in which it would not have been a strange, while it would surely be an inter esting sight, to behold a venerable prelate, adorned by his grey and flowing beard, and dressed in his clerical habit, riding in the public streets.
The idea of a penurious motive for the Bishop's humble expenditure in these matters only leads us to detail the following recorded facts. " His table was well covered, according to the plenty that was in the country ; but there was no luxury in it. Great resort was made to him, and he observed a true hospitality in housekeeping." Mr. Clogy in forms us, that his consumption was " half an Irish beef a week, besides other provision; a great part

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 114

As the companion tells it

Dublin is the city on your road, and it was here that Bishop William Bedell chose to make his way on foot. When he was in Dublin, he went about always on foot, with only one servant attending him, except on public occasions that obliged him to ride in procession among his brethren. He never kept a coach. His strength continued so entire that he was always able to ride on horseback. Some people thought this was an affectation, a kind of pride that apes humility. Others might have accused him of being cheap. But those who knew him said he avoided the affectations of humility as well as pride, and that the former often flowed from the greater pride of the two. His conduct was in harmony with the rest of his independent and spiritual character. The manners of the times played their part too. It would not have been a strange sight, but it would surely have been an interesting one, to see a venerable prelate, adorned by his grey and flowing beard, dressed in his clerical habit, riding in the public streets. The idea that a penurious motive lay behind his humble expenditure only leads to the recorded facts about his table. His table was well covered, according to the plenty that was in the country, but there was no luxury in it. Great resort was made to him, and he observed a true hospitality in housekeeping. Mr. Clogy informs us that his consumption was half an Irish beef a week, besides other provision.

Catholic scholars sign resolutions at King's Court for Irish Scriptures

Kingscourt · town · Cavan · 1825

In December 1825, Roman Catholic masters and scholars in the King's Court district signed resolutions supporting the Irish Society's provision of Scriptures in Irish, representing over 5,000 adults connected with the Society in that district alone. The resolutions declared the want of Scriptures in Irish had been the greatest evil to them and their forefathers.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

In the month of December 1825, a number of the masters and scholars in the district of King's Court, convinced that the intentions of the Society were solely to instruct them for their good, entered into a series of resolutions, to which, in a short time, 3? 5 signaturesof persons, all Roman Catholics, were voluntarily affixed. We shall extract from them, as follows : —
" We, the Roman Catholic Masters and Scholars under the Irish Society, whose names, with our respective residences, parishes, and post-towns, are hereunto annexed, desire to express, on behalf of ourselves and upwards of FIVE THOUSAND of our adult fellow-brethren, who in this district alone are in connexion with the Irish Society, our humble, but conscientious and heart-felt sentiments, with respect to this invaluable Institution, and our read ing of the Scriptures in our venerated and beloved tongue.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 157

As the companion tells it

Kingscourt is a town the road passes through. In December 1825, masters and scholars in this district entered into a series of resolutions, all of them Roman Catholics, signing voluntarily. They believed the Society's intentions were solely to instruct them for their good. In their own words, they were "the Roman Catholic Masters and Scholars under the Irish Society," speaking for themselves and "upwards of 5000 of our adult fellow-brethren, who in this district alone are in connexion with the Irish Society." They expressed their sentiments about the institution and about reading the Scriptures in what they called their "venerated and beloved tongue."

Kilmore church built but lacking fittings

Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1630

Writing from Kilmore in April 1630, Bishop Bedell observed that while the local church had been built, it lacked basic necessities such as a bell, steeple, font, and chalice.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

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

Somewhere around here, Bishop Bedell found a church standing but stripped bare. Writing from Kilmore in April 1630, he had arrived a little before Michaelmas, his consecration delayed by the settling of the college and the Lord Primate's visitation. He travelled through his dioceses and reported what he saw with his own eyes. His judgement was blunt. To speak much ill matter in a few words, he said, the church was 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, lay down to the ground. The church here had been built, but it lacked a bell or steeple, a font or chalice. The parish churches were all in a manner ruined, unroofed, and unrepaired.

Rebels seize Loughoughter and places of strength in Cavan

Lough Oughter · lake or lakes · Cavan · 1641

The Cavan rebels seized Loughoughter and all places of strength, excepting the Castles of Keilagh and Crohan, which had been built within a mile of each other by two Scottish knights, Sir Francis Hamilton and Sir John Craig.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

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

Lough Oughter in Cavan is the place. In 1641 the county rose in rebellion, more orderly than the rest of Ulster. Phelim M'Hugh M'Shane O'Reilly, who represented the county in parliament, was made chieftain of the septs for his ability and experience, though his elder brother was still living. His nephew Mulmore was high sheriff, and Phelim had him use that authority to call the whole country together and order them to gather in arms. They seized Lough Oughter and every place of strength, except the castles of Keilagh and Crohan. Those two had been built within a mile of each other by Scottish knights, Sir Francis Hamilton and Sir John Craig. The rebels took the rest, but those two held out.

Act founding university at Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1465–1467

In the fifth year of Edward IV, an act was passed founding a university at Drogheda, its preamble declaring that Ireland had no university or general place of study within it—an assertion the author considers ill-founded given the continuing existence of St. Patrick's College in Dublin.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Bichnor or Bignor, revived the design, and procured a confirmation of Clement's bull from Pope John XXII ; and the University thus established had lectures in Divinity, civil and canon law, and other clerical sciences, for some time. But it seems never to have thriven very extensively ; so that it has been doubted whether some notices, which seem to be connected with it in subsequent times, have repre sented it as a general College, or a local seminary alone.* it is conjectured that it possessed solely the latter character in the 5th of Edward IV, because that then, in the preamble of an act founding an University at Drogheda, it is declared to have been established, "because the land of Ireland has no University nor general place of study within it." But this doubt is ill-founded, and the general asser tion of the statute must have been made in igno rance of the real fact ; as it is certain, that the College of St. Patrick continued to exist, although in a very languid state, until the reign of Philip and Mary : for these princes, in re-establishing the Cathedral of St. Patrick's, when rehearsing their reasons for doing so, allude to the utility of its University j and declare their desire to have it con tinued, in order that the youth of the nation might thereby be instructed in civilization, and the rules of moral virtue. It was therefore a national Col lege long after the reign of Edward IV.
* Some details, respecting the College above mentioned of Bichnor, will be found in Mr. W. Monck Mason's History of that Cathedral, and the Intro duction to the Dublin University Calendar for 1833.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 48

As the companion tells it

Drogheda was the place chosen for a university in the fifth year of Edward the Fourth, 1465. An act was passed founding one here, and its preamble declared that it was being established because the land of Ireland had no university nor general place of study within it. There had been an earlier university in Ireland, connected with Bichnor or Bignor, which had procured a confirmation of Clement's bull from Pope John the Twenty-Second. That university had lectures in Divinity, civil and canon law, and other clerical sciences, but it never thriven very extensively, and there was doubt whether later notices referred to it as a general college or merely a local seminary. The author of the passage considers the preamble's assertion ill-founded. He says the statute's general statement must have been made in ignorance of the real fact, because the College of St. Patrick continued to exist, although in a very languid state, until the reign of Philip and Mary. Those princes, in re-establishing the Cathedral of St. Patrick's, alluded to the utility of its university and declared their desire to have it continued, so that the youth of the nation might thereby be instructed in civilization and the rules of moral virtue. It was therefore a national college long after the reign of Edward the Fourth.

Bedell appointed head of Trinity College Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin

Bedell, then serving a small benefice in Suffolk, was chosen by the Fellows of Trinity College, Dublin to become their governor, at the desire of Primate Ussher. Sir Henry Wotton wrote to the King warmly recommending him, praising his erudition, piety, and zeal.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

To conclude this view of Mr. Bedell in . his pastoral life — his conduct in it is represented as having been most exemplary; he "watched over his flock, like one who knew that he was to answer to God for those souls committed to his charge, so he preached to the understandings and consciences of his parish, and catechised constantly. And, as the whole course of his own most exemplary beha viour was a continued sermon, so he was very exact in visiting the sick, and dealing in secret with his people, to excite or preserve in them a sense of religion." While engaged in this humble walk, he was called, suddenly and unexpectedly, to act in a more extended sphere ; his fame had spread to Ireland ; and, although not personally known there, he was, agreeably with the desire of the celebrated Primate Ussher, chosen by the Fel lows of Trinity College, Dublin, to become the head of that Seminary. Together with the Letter inviting him to accept of that office, they sent an address, to be presented to the King, praying of his Majesty to command him to do so ; and at the same time, Sir Henry Wotton was induced to write to the Monarch the following epistle : —
11 May it please your Majesty ;

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 43

As the companion tells it

Dublin is where William Bedell's name crossed the sea. He had been serving a small benefice in Suffolk, watching over his flock as one who knew he would answer to God for the souls in his charge. He preached to the understandings and consciences of his parish, catechised constantly, visited the sick, and dealt in secret with his people to keep alive in them a sense of religion. His own conduct was a continued sermon. Then, suddenly and unexpectedly, he was called to a wider sphere. His fame had spread to Ireland, though he was not personally known there. At the desire of Primate Ussher, the Fellows of Trinity College, Dublin chose him to become the head of that seminary. With the letter inviting him to accept the office, they sent an address to be presented to the King, praying his Majesty to command him to do so. Sir Henry Wotton was induced to write to the Monarch too, recommending Bedell warmly and praising his erudition, his piety, and his zeal.

Irish-language services at Dunquin for 110 converts

near Dunquin · parish · Kerry · 1836

In the parish of Dunquin, 110 converts requested divine service in Irish. The curate of Ventry celebrates divine service in Irish every Sunday at their earnest entreaty.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

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

In the parish of Dunquin, in Kerry, 110 converts asked for divine service in Irish, and in 1836 they got it. The curate of Ventry comes here every Sunday and celebrates the service in their own language, at their earnest entreaty. This was part of something larger. Irish is universally spoken in this part of the country, and many people have no English at all. A few years earlier, scarce a Protestant lived here, and bitter opposition met every attempt to enlighten the population. But the work of the Society, led by the minister of Dingle, had begun to produce effects. Converts were increasing steadily: about 250 at Dingle, 200 at Ventry. Large school-houses were built in both places, well attended by children and many adults. In Ventry the Society provided an Irish Minister as curate of the Parish of Dingle. He was born in the parish, himself a convert from Romanism, and eloquent in the Irish language. A church was being erected for him, and a residence built. In the neighbouring parish of Dunurlin were 65 converts, with a church, school, and parsonage-houses under construction.

Bedell visits Drogheda where the Fellows are gathered

Drogheda · town · Louth

Bedell rode to Drogheda, where most of the college Fellows were also assembled. Robert Ussher had previously excused himself from accompanying Bedell to the town.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Aug. 13. Speech to Mr. Ussher, who stood upon the right of his election ; excused himself from accompanying me to Droghedah." This was Robert Ussher, already alluded to as son to the late primate Henry, and successor to Bedell in the Provostship ; whose election by some of the Fellows, as well as that of Mede, had been put aside. Although he thus stood up for his rights, yet, being a gentle and amiable man, and probably influenced by his cou sin the Primate, he went no further in his opposition, and always lived with the Provost on friendly terms. The Diary continues thus — "I drew a note whereto I required the Fellows to subscribe, touching their acceptation of me, as designed to the place by his Majesty — I perused the statutes.
Aug. 14. I rode to Droghedah, where most of the Fellows also were." The Primate's residence was at Termonfeckin near that town.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 63

As the companion tells it

The road passes near Drogheda, and it was to this town that Bedell rode on the 14th of August, where most of the Fellows also were gathered. The day before, on the 13th, Robert Ussher had excused himself from accompanying him. Ussher was son to the late primate Henry, and successor to Bedell in the Provostship. His election, along with that of Mede, had been put aside by some of the Fellows. Though he stood upon the right of his election, he was a gentle and amiable man, and likely influenced by his cousin the Primate, went no further in his opposition, living always with the Provost on friendly terms. That same day Bedell drew up a note requiring the Fellows to subscribe, touching their acceptation of him as designed to the place by his Majesty, and perused the statutes. The Primate's residence was at Termonfeckin, near that town.

Bishop Bedell's address to ministers at the Church of Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

Bishop Bedell assembled his ministers in the church of Kilmore to issue an inhibition against Mr. Cook. During this gathering, he expressed profound grief over various scandalous reports that had been circulated about him, labeling him an Arminian, Neutre, or Papist.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

* Burnet's memoir of his life. He appears on the contrary to have been sensitive in respect to the opinions of men ; yet not so much so as to divert him, in the least degree, from following his straight path of duty. We have seen this in his wavering respecting the Provostship of the College, in some of his letters to the Primate, and we shall find it in the following passage, contained in a letter from L. Robinson, to Ussher, and published in Dr. Parr's Appendix, (letter 150). The writer there, alluding to Bishop Bedell, mentions the " apology he made for himself amongst his ministers, gathered together in the church of Kilmore, for the inhibiting of Mr. Cook; where he shewed much grief, that there were divers scandalous reports raised of him," — as to his being called Arminian, Neutre, Papist, &c. This letter contains a strange paragraph, which proves how much Bishop Bedell was observed, and how little understood. " He sent," says the writer, " a strange absolution to an Irish recusant, in a letter (using many good instructions, for the man was sick), in this form. If you be content to receive Christ, and believe on him ; by the authority which is given to me, I absolve you from all your sins you have confessed to Almighty God, and are truly contrite for ; in the name, &c. Amen."
382 LIFE OF BISHOP BEDELL !

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 188

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmore, Bishop Bedell once gathered his ministers in the church to deal with a matter of discipline. He had called them together to issue an inhibition against a man called Mr. Cook. But what stayed with those who heard him that day was not the inhibition itself. It was the grief he showed. He told his ministers how much it pained him that scandalous reports had been spread about him, calling him an Arminian, a Neutre, a Papist. The account comes from a letter written by L. Robinson to Ussher, published in Dr. Parr's Appendix, letter 150. It shows a man who was sensitive to what people thought of him, yet who did not let that turn him from what he saw as his duty. The same letter records something else that struck the writer as strange. Bedell sent an absolution to a sick Irish recusant, a man who had refused the established church. He wrote to the man with many good instructions, and then gave him this form of words: "If you be content to receive Christ, and believe on him; by the authority which is given to me, I absolve you from all your sins you have confessed to Almighty God, and are truly contrite for." The letter shows how much Bedell was watched, and how little he was understood.

Church and school building at Dunurlin

near Dunurlin · parish · Kerry · 1836

In the neighbouring parish of Dunurlin, 65 converts were made through the Irish Society's operations. A church, school, and parsonage-houses were in progress of being built for the growing Protestant community.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

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

As the road carries you through the parish of Dunurlin, it passes through country where, in 1836, a Protestant community was beginning to take root. That year marked the point at which the Irish Society's operations, led by the minister of Dingle, began to show visible results across this part of Kerry. The language spoken here was Irish, universally, and many people had no English at all. Only a few years before, scarcely a Protestant had lived in these parishes, and any attempt to spread Protestant teaching had met bitter and bigoted opposition. In this parish, 65 converts had been made, a number described as continually increasing. For them, a church was being built, along with a school and parsonage-houses, all in progress. The same movement had brought far larger numbers at Dingle, about 250, and at Ventry, about 200, where school-houses already stood and were well attended by children and many adults. At Ventry the Irish Society had provided an Irish minister, 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.

Clonmacnoise annexed to Meath diocese by Parliament, 1568

Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1568

Clonmacnoise was added to the diocese of Meath by act of Parliament in A.D. 1568. The passage also notes that Trim, Duleek, Arbraccan, and Fore had at one time been separate Sees, all later consolidated into Meath.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

example was the more likely to have effect, as he was fully competent to discharge, of himself, the duties of both the Sees ; and had been at conside rable expense in recovering the revenues of Ardagh. There is no doubt that, in the flourishing times of primitive Christianity in Ireland, and indeed in most parts of Christendom, the jurisdiction of Bishops was very limited in extent of space ; and, without giving credit to the assertion of Nennius, that St. Patrick founded 365 sees in this island, or at least appointed so many bishops, their number was cer tainly at first considerable. The present diocese of Meath, for instance, is an union of several an cient and independent Sees. By a canon of the general council holden A. D. 1152, by Cardinal Paparo at Kells, adopted and enforced by a synod of Simon, bishop of Meath in 1216, the bishop rics of Athenry, Clonard, Kells, Slane, Screen, and Dunshaglin, were merged into one, and were made to be rural deaneries of the bishopric of Meath. Clonmacnoise was added, A.D. 1568, by act of Parliament ; and Trim, Duleek, Arbraccan, and Fore, had at one time been separate Sees.* All this was a Romish and modern innovation upon the simpler and wiser system of the early Irish church ; a system which, in some degree, evidenced the oriental origin of the latter, for in the east, vil lage bishops abounded, under the name of Chorepiscopi.f It is indeed clear from a passage in
* Harris' Ware, t Dr. LedwicVs account of Aghaboe, in Stat. Survey of Ireland, Vol. 1. p. 25.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 83

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Clonmacnoise, in 1568, this place was added to the diocese of Meath by act of Parliament. It was not the first consolidation. The diocese of Meath was itself an union of several ancient and independent Sees. A canon of the general council held in 1152 by Cardinal Paparo at Kells merged the bishoprics of Athenry, Clonard, Kells, Slane, Screen, and Dunshaglin into one, and made them rural deaneries of the bishopric of Meath. That canon was adopted and enforced by a synod of Simon, bishop of Meath, in 1216. Trim, Duleek, Arbraccan, and Fore had at one time been separate Sees as well. The author of the passage calls all this a Romish and modern innovation upon the simpler and wiser system of the early Irish church. In the flourishing times of primitive Christianity in Ireland, the jurisdiction of bishops was very limited in extent of space. Their number was certainly at first considerable. Nennius asserted that Saint Patrick founded 365 sees in this island, or at least appointed so many bishops. The author does not give full credit to that assertion, but notes the point. The text says the early system evidenced the oriental origin of the Irish church, for in the east, village bishops abounded under the name of Chorepiscopi.

St Patrick's College Dublin persists to Tudor era

Dublin · city · Dublin

The College of St. Patrick in Dublin, linked to the earlier university foundation, continued to exist in a languid state until the reign of Philip and Mary, who reaffirmed its utility for instructing youth in civilization and moral virtue.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Bichnor or Bignor, revived the design, and procured a confirmation of Clement's bull from Pope John XXII ; and the University thus established had lectures in Divinity, civil and canon law, and other clerical sciences, for some time. But it seems never to have thriven very extensively ; so that it has been doubted whether some notices, which seem to be connected with it in subsequent times, have repre sented it as a general College, or a local seminary alone.* it is conjectured that it possessed solely the latter character in the 5th of Edward IV, because that then, in the preamble of an act founding an University at Drogheda, it is declared to have been established, "because the land of Ireland has no University nor general place of study within it." But this doubt is ill-founded, and the general asser tion of the statute must have been made in igno rance of the real fact ; as it is certain, that the College of St. Patrick continued to exist, although in a very languid state, until the reign of Philip and Mary : for these princes, in re-establishing the Cathedral of St. Patrick's, when rehearsing their reasons for doing so, allude to the utility of its University j and declare their desire to have it con tinued, in order that the youth of the nation might thereby be instructed in civilization, and the rules of moral virtue. It was therefore a national Col lege long after the reign of Edward IV.
* Some details, respecting the College above mentioned of Bichnor, will be found in Mr. W. Monck Mason's History of that Cathedral, and the Intro duction to the Dublin University Calendar for 1833.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 48

As the companion tells it

Dublin holds the memory of St Patrick's College, a foundation whose story reaches back through centuries of uncertain life. Bichnor, or Bignor as the name is also given, revived an earlier design and obtained confirmation of Pope Clement's bull from Pope John the twenty-second. The University thus established held lectures in Divinity, in civil and canon law, and in other clerical sciences, for some time. But it seems never to have thriven very extensively, and later notices left scholars doubting whether it was a general College or merely a local seminary. In the fifth year of Edward the Fourth, an act founding a University at Drogheda declared that it was established, as the statute put it, "because the land of Ireland has no University nor general place of study within it." But this general assertion was made in ignorance of the real fact. The College of St Patrick continued to exist, although in a very languid state, until the reign of Philip and Mary. These princes, in re-establishing the Cathedral of St Patrick's, rehearsed their reasons for doing so and alluded to the utility of its University. They declared their desire to have it continued, in order that the youth of the nation might thereby be instructed in civilization, and the rules of moral virtue. It was therefore a national College long after the reign of Edward the Fourth.

Bishop Brinkley of Cloyne won over by Irish Society's work

Cloyne · town · Cork

Bishop Brinkley, appointed to the diocese of Cloyne in Munster where Bishop Berkeley had formerly presided, initially shared doubts about missionary work among the Irish. After observing the successful operations of the Irish Society in his neighbourhood, he changed his mind and pledged to forward the Society's objects.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

"j* Another British Divine, the late celebrated Bishop Brinkley, appointed to a diocese in an Irish county, that of Cloyne in Munster, over which Dr. Berkeley had formerly presided, brought down thither the same doubts : but a view of the successful operations of the Irish Society in his neighbour hood induced him to change his mind ; and to write to me, as Secretary of that institution, a note, containing the following sentence — " I feel it my duty to forward in every way the objects of the Irish Society."

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 144

As the companion tells it

Cloyne in Cork is the town. A bishop named Brinkley was appointed here, to a diocese where Bishop Berkeley had formerly presided. He came down with doubts about missionary work among the Irish. Then he saw the Irish Society operating successfully in his own neighbourhood, and he changed his mind. He wrote to the Secretary of that institution with the words: "I feel it my duty to forward in every way the objects of the Irish Society."

High Commission Court established in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1593

The High Commission Court was established in Dublin in 1593 to inspect and reform offences against the Acts of 2 Elizabeth. It was strict in enforcing instructions to provincial governors to observe the established church order.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

us to deal moderately in the great matter of religion, I had, before the receipt of your Lordship's letters, presumed to advise such as dealt in it, for a time to hold a more restrained hand therein." * These au thorities prove that the High Commission Court, which was established at Dublin in the year 1593, to inspect and reform all offences committed against the Acts of 2 Elizabeth, had been strict in enforcing these its own instructions to the provincial governors of Ireland — * ' to embrace and devoutly to observe the order and service of the church established in the realm, by parliament or otherwise ; to execute all man ner of statutes of this realm ; and to levy, or cause to be levied, all forfeitures, &c." They also demon strate that, upon experiment, the good sense of Elizabeth and her ministers induced them to relax. It is useless now to conjecture what might have been the result of the preaching of the gospel, by the peaceful ministers of its Author, had it been sufficiently resorted to; for the experiment was scarcely attempted, and the efforts to inculcate Protestantism in Ireland may be asserted to have been associated, from the very commencement,
* One of the letters of the English Privy Council to Sir Arthur Chichestcr, the Lord Deputy in the reign of James I. (A. D. 1606) contains instructions replete with good sense. "Conformity," they say, " must be wrought with time ; and by the care which you must take to enlarge the passage of God's word, by choice and plantation of sufficient and zealous men, to teach and preach the same unto his people; wherein we have more hope of good effects, (by the favor of God), than by any sudden or violent course in that kingdom, where the people have so little means as yet to be instructed." — (Richardson's pamphlet on the attempts to convert the Irish, pp. 17 and 20.) Dr. Richardson justly observes, that " when the natives were compelled, there was no way made."

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

Dublin was where the High Commission Court was set up in 1593. Its task was to inspect and reform all offences committed against the Acts of 2 Elizabeth. The court had been strict in enforcing its own instructions to the provincial governors of Ireland. Those instructions told the governors to embrace and devoutly observe the order and service of the church established in the realm, by parliament or otherwise; to execute all manner of statutes of this realm; and to levy, or cause to be levied, all forfeitures. But the authorities show that, upon experiment, the good sense of Elizabeth and her ministers induced them to relax. A letter from the English Privy Council to Sir Arthur Chichester, the Lord Deputy in the reign of James the First, contains instructions replete with good sense. They wrote that conformity must be wrought with time, and by the care taken to enlarge the passage of God's word, by choice and plantation of sufficient and zealous men to teach and preach the same unto his people. They said they had more hope of good effects, by the favor of God, than by any sudden or violent course in that kingdom, where the people had so little means as yet to be instructed. It is useless now to conjecture what might have been the result of the preaching of the gospel by the peaceful ministers of its Author, had it been sufficiently resorted to. The experiment was scarcely attempted, and the efforts to inculcate Protestantism in Ireland may be asserted to have been associated, from the very commencement, with compulsion. Dr. Richardson justly observed that when the natives were compelled, there was no way made.

Persecutions and martyrdoms follow conversions in King's Court district

Kingscourt · town · Cavan · 1838

Many individuals in the King's Court district who joined communion with the established Church suffered persecutions and martyrdoms. A fund for widows of those who suffered martyrdom in the cause and one for mutual protection were established, reflecting the social cost of religious conversion in the area.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

4. A surprising degree of scriptural knowledge is thus obtained by indivi duals, and spread among the people ; the results of order and quiet are notorious, and kind feelings have in many cases supplanted the bitterest aversions. A fund for the widows of such as suffer martyrdom in the cause, and one for mutual protection, have been established.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

In Kingscourt, those who joined the established Church faced persecution. Scripture spread among the people, and in many cases kind feelings replaced the bitterest aversions. A fund was established for widows of those who suffered martyrdom in the cause, and another for mutual protection.

Bedell lodges in Copper Alley upon arriving in Dublin

Copper Alley · street · Dublin

William Bedell arrived in Dublin in the morning and lodged at Dr. Siler's house in Copper-alley. In the afternoon, he went to visit the Lord Deputy.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Aug. 12. Came to Dublin in the morning, and lodged in Copper-alley, at Dr. Siler's house. In the afternoon went to the Lord Deputy.
Aug. 13. Speech to Mr. Ussher, who stood upon the right of his election ; excused himself from accompanying me to Droghedah." This was Robert Ussher, already alluded to as son to the late primate Henry, and successor to Bedell in the Provostship ; whose election by some of the Fellows, as well as that of Mede, had been put aside. Although he thus stood up for his rights, yet, being a gentle and amiable man, and probably influenced by his cou sin the Primate, he went no further in his opposition, and always lived with the Provost on friendly terms. The Diary continues thus — "I drew a note whereto I required the Fellows to subscribe, touching their acceptation of me, as designed to the place by his Majesty — I perused the statutes.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 63

As the companion tells it

A narrow street in old Dublin, Copper Alley. On the 12th of August, William Bedell came to Dublin in the morning and lodged at Dr. Siler's house in Copper Alley. In the afternoon he went to visit the Lord Deputy. The next day brought harder business. He spoke to Mr. Ussher, who stood upon the right of his election and excused himself from accompanying Bedell to Drogheda. This was Robert Ussher, son of the late Primate Henry, and successor to Bedell in the Provostship. His election, like that of Mede, had been put aside by some of the Fellows. Though he stood up for his rights, he was a gentle and amiable man, and likely influenced by his cousin the Primate, he went no further in his opposition and always lived with the Provost on friendly terms. Bedell drew a note requiring the Fellows to subscribe, touching their acceptation of him as designed to the place by his Majesty, and perused the statutes.

Bedell's tombstone at Kilmore

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

Bedell's tomb at Kilmore bears a slab engraved with his armorial bearings surmounted by a mitre, below which appear an open book, an hour-glass, a skull and crossbones. The inscription reads 'Gulielmi Bedel, quondam Episcopi Kilmorensis, Depositum' and was already much obliterated by the 1840s.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

This consists of a slab, of which a drawing is given, in the first Volume of Bishop Mant's history of the Irish Church. It is engraved with the armorial bearings of Bedell, surmounted by a mitre. Below the arms are an open book, an hour-glass, a scull, and cross bones ; and under them there is an inscription, which his Lordship is anxious to correct from the inaccuracy of that given by Bishop Burnet ; but his correspondent, whose writing is somewhat at variance with his drawing, has not enabled him to do so precisely. However, the difference is immaterial as to the point commented on by the Bishop of Sarum, in the following words — " ' Depositum7 cannot bear an English translation, it signifying somewhat given to ano-

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 193

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around Kilmore there is a tombstone to William Bedell. It is a slab engraved with his armorial bearings, surmounted by a mitre. Below the arms are an open book, an hour-glass, a skull, and cross bones. Under them is an inscription reading "Gulielmi Bedel, quondam Episcopi Kilmorensis, Depositum." By the 1840s the inscription was already much obliterated. A drawing of this slab appears in the first volume of Bishop Mant's history of the Irish Church. Bishop Burnet had given an inaccurate version of the inscription, and someone tried to correct it, but the correspondent's writing was at variance with the drawing. The Bishop of Sarum commented that "Depositum cannot bear an English translation."

Glebes in County Leitrim poorly located

Leitrim · town · Leitrim · 1630

A survey of the Diocese of Kilmore found that in County Leitrim, glebe lands were mostly allocated in unprofitable and remote locations. This placement directly contradicted royal directions for the allocation of church lands.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

or were ruinous, were 55. There were 13 habita ble Parsonage-houses, on the other benefices there were none ; but 1 3 of the Incumbents were bound to build. In the County of Leitrim, the glebes for the most part are laid out in the most unpro fitable places, and remotest from the church, how soever his Majesty gave directions to the contrary." Corruption also, we are informed, had crept into the administration of all things sacred, so that they were shamefully exposed to sale, and there was scarcely any thing in the Diocese that was sound. In the year 1630, Bishop Bedell found this addi tional evil to exist, that the revenues of his sees had been much wasted by excessive dilapidations ; and it must have been painful to him to have been put under the necessity, in the first instance, of suing for his rights, to enable him even to subsist. His predecessor, Bishop Moigne, had leased out all the Episcopal lands for as long as he possibly could ; had taken very great fines, and reserved but inconsiderable rents. " He had sold some per petual advowsons which ought not to be done ; and, upon the ruins of these two stript bishopricks, had founded his family, and purchased a seignory for his son." * "Therefore my Lord of Kilmore commenced a suit against his widow Mistresse Moigne, and his sonne Roger Moigne, and so recovered somewhat of the spoyle." In addi-
* These facts are related by Mr. Clogy, who commences this part of hi» Memoir by informing us, that " of this his last station of life I can give some larger account," as an " eye-witness."

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 81

As the companion tells it

In the town of Leitrim, in 1630, a survey of the Diocese of Kilmore turned up a sorry state of affairs. The glebe lands across the county had been laid out for the most part in the most unprofitable places, and remotest from the church. This was directly against the directions the King had given for how church lands should be allocated. The survey also counted 55 parsonage houses that were ruinous, with only 13 habitable. On the other benefices there were none, though 13 of the incumbents were bound to build. Corruption had crept into the administration of all things sacred, so that they were shamefully exposed to sale, and there was scarcely anything in the diocese that was sound. Bishop Bedell found that the revenues of his sees had been much wasted by excessive dilapidations. He was put under the necessity of suing for his rights, to enable him even to subsist. His predecessor, Bishop Moigne, had leased out all the Episcopal lands for as long as he possibly could, had taken very great fines, and reserved but inconsiderable rents. He had sold some perpetual advowsons which ought not to be done, and, upon the ruins of these two stripped bishopricks, had founded his family, and purchased a seignory for his son. Therefore the Lord of Kilmore commenced a suit against his widow, Mistrisse Moigne, and his sonne Roger Moigne, and so recovered somewhat of the spoyle.

Lutherans of Dublin join established church through Bedell's letter

Dublin · city · Dublin

Bedell wrote a letter to German divines that successfully persuaded the Lutherans of Dublin to join in communion with the established Church of Ireland. This was one of his notable unpublished works, alongside his grammars of the English and Irish tongues.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Bishop of Sarum's memoir above mentioned. Among the first are his letters to Dr. Ward, on the subject of the justification of infants by baptism. Bedell mentions, in one of his letters, " an answer to Dr. Richardson, on the question concerning the root of efficacy, or efficiency, of grace." We have already noticed his letter to the German divines, which persuaded the Lutherans of Dublin to join in com munion with the established church ; and his grammars of the English and Irish tongues, the former for the use of the celebrated Paolo, which were probably none of them ever printed. His translation of Paolo's history of the Interdict, and of the Inquisition, into Latin, and of the two last books of the history of the council of Trent, have been printed ; but a valuable collection, his corres pondence with that eminent person, written during the contest between the Jesuits and Dominicans on the efficacy of free grace, which contained the views of Paolo on that subject, were destroyed in the rebellion ; together with all the letters he received, in the correspondence which he maintained with many of the learned men of the age.
Mr. Clogy informs us, that Bishop Bedell read annually from the pulpit, before his sermon on the 5th of November, a letter which he received from London, while he was preacher at St. Edmundsbury, about the discovery of the gunpowder plot, with all circumstances of it; "and after supper, he constantly read, on the same day, an excellent poem which he wrote at that time, called the 2 c 2

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 191

As the companion tells it

Dublin was the setting for a quiet reconciliation. William Bedell wrote a letter to German divines, and that letter persuaded the Lutherans of Dublin to join in communion with the established Church of Ireland. The letter itself was never printed. It sits among his unpublished works, alongside his grammars of the English and Irish tongues. The English grammar he wrote for the use of the celebrated Paolo. None of these were probably ever put into print. What did survive in print was his translation of Paolo's history of the Interdict, and of the Inquisition, into Latin, along with the two last books of the history of the Council of Trent. But much was lost. A valuable collection of his correspondence with Paolo, written during the contest between the Jesuits and Dominicans on the efficacy of free grace, was destroyed in the rebellion. All the letters he received from the many learned men of the age perished with it. Mr. Clogy tells us that Bishop Bedell had another annual habit. Each year on the 5th of November, before his sermon, he read from the pulpit a letter he had received from London while he was preacher at St. Edmundsbury, about the discovery of the gunpowder plot, with all circumstances of it. And after supper, he read a poem he had written at that time.

Protestant spirit excited in Cork and South Munster

Cork · city · Cork · 1836

In Cork, a similar spirit of Protestant inquiry to that seen in Kerry was excited, raising hopes for important results throughout South Munster if met with Irish-language evangelical ministry.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

adjacent parish, there are about 45 converts. The total number of these, in these four parishes, is about 700 ; and this spirit, thus put into motion, is extending through almost every part of this beautiful county, inhabited by a most intelligent race* In Cork also a similar spirit has been excited ; so that, were the inquiries of the people responded to by an evangelical ministry in the native tongue, results the most important might reasonably be expected throughout South Munster. Facts such as these speak, with irresistible eloquence, to re commend the projects of Bedell, and the labours of his followers ; they evidence remarkably his wis dom and his foresight, at this distance of two centu ries from the period of his laying the foundationstone of this great work. During the last two years three movements have been simultaneously made, within the pale of the established church, to advance its progress. The first is the foundation of an Irish Professorship in the University of Dublin ; the second, the projecting of an Irish College, for the education of a better class of natives in the ancient language, with the intention of preparing them for the ministry — The guardians of this institution have commenced well, by expend ing the first fruits of their funds, to a large amount, in establishing Irish Scholarships in the University. In doing this they have wisely seconded the wishes of the founders of the Professorship, put forth in their prospectus ; and it is therefore to be hoped, that in all their future operations they will continue

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 159

As the companion tells it

A spirit of Protestant inquiry was excited in the city of Cork, as it had been in Kerry. In four parishes in Kerry, about 700 converts were counted, with about 45 in an adjacent parish, and the spirit was extending through almost every part of that county, described as beautiful and inhabited by a most intelligent race. The hope was that if the inquiries of the people were met by an evangelical ministry in the native tongue, results the most important might reasonably be expected throughout South Munster. These facts, the passage says, speak with irresistible eloquence to recommend the projects of Bedell and the labours of his followers. They evidence his wisdom and foresight, at a distance of two centuries from when he laid the foundation stone of this great work. During the last two years, three movements had been made within the established church to advance its progress. The first was the foundation of an Irish Professorship in the University of Dublin. The second was the projecting of an Irish College, for the education of a better class of natives in the ancient language, with the intention of preparing them for the ministry. The guardians of this institution commenced well, expending the first fruits of their funds to a large amount in establishing Irish Scholarships in the University. In doing so they wisely seconded the wishes of the founders of the Professorship, put forth in their prospectus.

3221 Catholics from five counties around King's Court sign declaration, 1832

Kingscourt · town · Cavan · 1832

A roll containing a declaration signed by 3,221 Roman Catholic masters and scholars from five counties around King's Court was publicly presented at the Irish Society's annual meeting on 17 March 1832. It expressed discontent at the removal of Scriptures from national schools and affirmed the Irish peasantry's desire for Scriptural education.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

This spirit of Scriptural emancipation has since rapidly increased in this neighbourhood. Another document, a roll containing a declaration, signed by 3221 Roman Catholic masters and scholars of the Irish Society, from the five counties around King's Court, was publicly presented at the Society's
* Their authenticity has been unblushingly denied, but they are now matter of record ; as they were produced, and relied on, as undoubtedly genuine, on the late inquiry into Education in Ireland, before a Committee of the House of Lords.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft

As the companion tells it

Kingscourt, 1832. A roll carrying a declaration, signed by 3,221 Roman Catholic masters and scholars of the Irish Society from five counties around the town, was publicly presented at the Society's annual meeting on 17 March 1832. It expressed discontent at the removal of Scriptures from national schools and affirmed the Irish peasantry's desire for Scriptural education.

Irish Professorship founded at University of Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1841

An Irish Professorship was founded at the University of Dublin as part of a movement to advance Protestant progress through the Irish language. An Irish College was also projected to educate natives in the ancient language for the ministry.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

adjacent parish, there are about 45 converts. The total number of these, in these four parishes, is about 700 ; and this spirit, thus put into motion, is extending through almost every part of this beautiful county, inhabited by a most intelligent race* In Cork also a similar spirit has been excited ; so that, were the inquiries of the people responded to by an evangelical ministry in the native tongue, results the most important might reasonably be expected throughout South Munster. Facts such as these speak, with irresistible eloquence, to re commend the projects of Bedell, and the labours of his followers ; they evidence remarkably his wis dom and his foresight, at this distance of two centu ries from the period of his laying the foundationstone of this great work. During the last two years three movements have been simultaneously made, within the pale of the established church, to advance its progress. The first is the foundation of an Irish Professorship in the University of Dublin ; the second, the projecting of an Irish College, for the education of a better class of natives in the ancient language, with the intention of preparing them for the ministry — The guardians of this institution have commenced well, by expend ing the first fruits of their funds, to a large amount, in establishing Irish Scholarships in the University. In doing this they have wisely seconded the wishes of the founders of the Professorship, put forth in their prospectus ; and it is therefore to be hoped, that in all their future operations they will continue

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 159

As the companion tells it

Dublin saw the founding of an Irish Professorship at the University of Dublin in 1841, part of a movement to advance Protestant progress through the Irish language. The inspiration reached back two centuries to William Bedell, who laid the foundation stone of this great work. By this time, about 700 converts had been counted across four parishes, with about 45 in one adjacent parish alone. This spirit was extending through almost every part of a beautiful county, inhabited by "a most intelligent race." A similar spirit had been excited in Cork, so that if the inquiries of the people were responded to by an evangelical ministry in the native tongue, results the most important might reasonably be expected throughout South Munster. During the last two years, three movements had been made within the established church to advance its progress. The first was the foundation of the Irish Professorship in the University of Dublin. The second was the projecting of an Irish College, for the education of a better class of natives in the ancient language, with the intention of preparing them for the ministry. The guardians of this institution commenced well, expending the first fruits of their funds, to a large amount, in establishing Irish Scholarships in the University. In doing so they wisely seconded the wishes of the founders of the Professorship, put forth in their prospectus.

Resolutions presented at the Rotunda in Dublin, March 1826

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1826

The resolutions from the King's Court district were publicly presented at the Irish Society's Annual Meeting held at the Rotunda in Dublin on 17 March 1826 by a deputation from the subscribers. Their authenticity was later relied upon as genuine before a Committee of the House of Lords inquiry into Education in Ireland.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

These Resolutions were presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society, holden publicly at the Rotunda in Dublin, on the 17th day of March 1826, by a deputation from the subscribers. *
This spirit of Scriptural emancipation has since rapidly increased in this neighbourhood. Another document, a roll containing a declaration, signed by 3221 Roman Catholic masters and scholars of the Irish Society, from the five counties around King's Court, was publicly presented at the Society's

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 157

As the companion tells it

Dublin, 1826. At the Rotunda, the Irish Society held its annual meeting on the 17th of March. A deputation from the subscribers presented resolutions from the King's Court district. Their authenticity was later relied upon as genuine before a Committee of the House of Lords inquiring into Education in Ireland. A roll bearing a declaration signed by 3221 Roman Catholic masters and scholars, from five counties around King's Court, was also publicly presented at the Society's meeting.

Bedell's Apocrypha manuscript preserved in Marsh's Library

Dublin · city · Dublin

Bishop Bedell translated the Apocryphal books into Irish, and the manuscript was preserved in Marsh's Library, near St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. Mr. Boyle declined to publish these books in his Irish Bible edition.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

* 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

Bishop Bedell translated the Apocryphal books into Irish. The manuscript is preserved in Marsh's Library, near St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. Mr. Boyle refused to publish these books in his Irish Bible edition.

Bishop Bedell's peaceful meditation in his Kilmore garden

Kilmore · townland · Cavan

Bishop Bedell's gentle and retiring spirit was described as being more in harmony with meditation in his garden at Kilmore than with the bustling enjoyment of episcopal authority. This pastoral seclusion highlighted the personal sacrifices he made in pursuing his high calling.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

more in harmony with the peaceful Society of Emmanuel College, the pastoral seclusion of Horningshearth, and meditation in his garden of Kilmore, than with the exciting bustle of the Provostship, the courted enjoyment of Episcopal authority, or the display of gifted conversation at the table of the great. His personal sacrifices, therefore, to follow his high calling, with the energy that distinguished his character, are the more praiseworthy and remarkable.
It may perhaps be objected, that I have laboured too much to exalt the character of Bishop Bedell. The Bishop of Sarum, in his preface to the life of this admirable man, expresses himself as very jealous of panegyric ; and asserts, that facts alone should be left to " praise the person" that forms the subject of biography : but this remark is neither consonant to my feeling, nor agreeable to my judg ment ; neither did it influence Bishop Burnet him self, when he warmed in the detail of his memoir. Biography should, it is true, be chiefly confined to memorials of the deceased ; but, when the person that is the subject of it is out of the reach of flattery, it can scarcely be in any way injurious, to throw into full relief, by appropriate comment, those qualities which formed the peculiar excellence of his character — to hold him forth a bright example to the world, by giving a good report of his faith, as St. Paul did of that of the elders (Heb. xi.) ; — and to promote the glory of his God, by exhibiting, in just and not cold colouring, the excellence of

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 188

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilmore, Bishop Bedell had a garden. His gentle and retiring spirit was more in harmony with the peaceful society of Emmanuel College, the pastoral seclusion of Horningshearth, and meditation in his garden, than with the exciting bustle of the Provostship, the courted enjoyment of Episcopal authority, or the display of gifted conversation at the table of the great. His personal sacrifices to follow his high calling, with the energy that distinguished his character, are the more praiseworthy and remarkable. The author of this life of Bedell anticipated that some might object he had laboured too much to exalt the character of Bishop Bedell. The Bishop of Sarum, in his preface to the life of this admirable man, expressed himself as very jealous of panegyric and asserted that facts alone should be left to "praise the person" that forms the subject of biography. But the author found this remark neither consonant to his feeling nor agreeable to his judgment, and noted it did not influence Bishop Burnet himself when he warmed in the detail of his memoir. Biography should be chiefly confined to memorials of the deceased, but when the person is out of the reach of flattery, it can scarcely be injurious to throw into full relief those qualities which formed the peculiar excellence of his character.

Rev. Peter Roe's advocacy for Irish language from Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

Rev. Peter Roe wrote from Kilkenny, characterized as a centre of Romanism, to express a strong preference for the Irish language in order to preach to the people. His testimony was part of a body of evidence gathered to justify the publication of Irish Scriptures.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

were printed by several of them, in the proper cha racter. The British and Foreign Bible Society commenced with a stereotyped 12mo. edition of the New Testament, in A.D. 1818 ; and published an 8vo. Bible, in A.D. 1827. The Christian Know ledge Society edited a New Testament with mar ginal references ; and the Hibernian Bible Society completed in 1829, a 12mo. Bible in minion type, for pocket use, the plates of which are stereotyped. This last was undertaken at the request of the Irish Society ; but so little impression had been as yet made upon the public mind on this subject, that it became necessary to procure a body of testimony, from experienced individuals in the remote parts of the country, touching the probable usefulness, in deed the necessity, of the measure ; and to con vince even the Committee of the Bible Society, that the anxious demand for the publication was not, as it was industriously represented, an " idle clamor." But this proved to be a most fortunate circumstance : • — the answers were unanimously favorable ; one individual, among the most observing and expe rienced, the late Rev. Peter Roe, wrote thus from the city of Kilkenny, the centre of Romanism — " I would at this moment prefer the knowledge of the Irish language, so as to be able to preach it, to all other languages." The Archbishop of Tuam, and all his clergy of Connaught, transmitted an urgent memorial ; and the force of the current swept all opposition to publication entirely away. Yet, as respectable individuals, deceived by the misrepre-

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 155

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny was where the Reverend Peter Roe made his stand for the Irish language. His words became part of a long effort to get the Scriptures printed in Irish. The British and Foreign Bible Society began with a stereotyped New Testament in 1818, and published a Bible in 1827. The Christian Knowledge Society edited a New Testament with marginal references. The Hibernian Bible Society completed a pocket Bible in minion type in 1829, stereotyped, undertaken at the request of the Irish Society. But so little impression had been made on the public mind that it became necessary to gather a body of testimony from experienced individuals in the remote parts of the country, touching the probable usefulness, indeed the necessity, of the measure. The Committee of the Bible Society had to be convinced that the anxious demand for publication was not, as it was industriously represented, an idle clamor. The answers came back unanimously favorable. The late Reverend Peter Roe wrote from Kilkenny, called the centre of Romanism. His words were these: "I would at this moment prefer the knowledge of the Irish language, so as to be able to preach it, to all other languages." The Archbishop of Tuam and all his clergy of Connaught sent an urgent memorial. The force of the current swept all opposition to publication away.

The Primate's residence located at Termonfeckin

Termonfeckin · town · Louth

The Lord Primate's residence was situated at Termonfeckin, near the town of Drogheda. Bedell visited the area where the Fellows had gathered.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Aug. 14. I rode to Droghedah, where most of the Fellows also were." The Primate's residence was at Termonfeckin near that town.
Aug. 15. " Returned from Droghedah. My Lord Primate commended a lately converted priest, Mr. O'Fary, to us.

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 63

As the companion tells it

Termonfeckin is where the Lord Primate had his residence, near Drogheda. On August 14, Bedell rode to Drogheda, where most of the Fellows had gathered. The next day he returned, and the Lord Primate commended a lately converted priest, Mr. O'Fary, to them.

Archbishop of Tuam's urgent memorial for Irish Scriptures

Tuam · town · Galway

The Archbishop of Tuam, along with all his clergy of Connaught, sent an urgent memorial advocating for the publication of the Bible in the Irish language. Their support helped overcome opposition to the measure.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

were printed by several of them, in the proper cha racter. The British and Foreign Bible Society commenced with a stereotyped 12mo. edition of the New Testament, in A.D. 1818 ; and published an 8vo. Bible, in A.D. 1827. The Christian Know ledge Society edited a New Testament with mar ginal references ; and the Hibernian Bible Society completed in 1829, a 12mo. Bible in minion type, for pocket use, the plates of which are stereotyped. This last was undertaken at the request of the Irish Society ; but so little impression had been as yet made upon the public mind on this subject, that it became necessary to procure a body of testimony, from experienced individuals in the remote parts of the country, touching the probable usefulness, in deed the necessity, of the measure ; and to con vince even the Committee of the Bible Society, that the anxious demand for the publication was not, as it was industriously represented, an " idle clamor." But this proved to be a most fortunate circumstance : • — the answers were unanimously favorable ; one individual, among the most observing and expe rienced, the late Rev. Peter Roe, wrote thus from the city of Kilkenny, the centre of Romanism — " I would at this moment prefer the knowledge of the Irish language, so as to be able to preach it, to all other languages." The Archbishop of Tuam, and all his clergy of Connaught, transmitted an urgent memorial ; and the force of the current swept all opposition to publication entirely away. Yet, as respectable individuals, deceived by the misrepre-

Internet Archive lifeofbedell00masouoft, Chapter 155

As the companion tells it

Tuam, a town the road passes through in Galway, was the seat of an Archbishop whose voice carried into a debate far beyond Ireland. In the early 1800s, several societies had been printing the Bible and the New Testament in the Irish language, in the proper character. The British and Foreign Bible Society began with a stereotyped New Testament in 1818 and published a Bible in 1827. The Christian Knowledge Society edited a New Testament with marginal references. The Hibernian Bible Society completed a pocket Bible in 1829, undertaken at the request of the Irish Society. But so little impression had been made on the public mind that it became necessary to gather testimony from experienced individuals in the remote parts of the country, to show the usefulness and necessity of the measure, and to convince even the Committee of the Bible Society that the demand was not, as it was industriously represented, an idle clamor. The answers came back unanimously favorable. The late Reverend Peter Roe wrote from Kilkenny, calling it the centre of Romanism, saying he would at that moment prefer the knowledge of the Irish language, so as to be able to preach it, to all other languages. The Archbishop of Tuam and all his clergy of Connaught transmitted an urgent memorial, and the force of the current swept all opposition to publication entirely away.

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

The stories, best first

Dublin streets described as very foul

Foundation of Dublin University by Archbishop Lech

Sir Phelim O'Neil's forged commission at Charlemont

Stafford's great buildings at Naas

Bishop Berkeley of Cloyne urges Irish-language preaching

Irish New Testament published at Connaught expense

University of Dublin's Native's places endowment

Bedell personally holds ecclesiastical courts in Belturbet

Bedell personally holds ecclesiastical courts in Cavan

Bedell personally holds ecclesiastical courts in Longford

Bedell promoted to united sees of Kilmore and Ardagh

Bishop Bedell's burial at Kilmore churchyard

Bishop Hickman appoints Irish missionaries in Derry

Earl of Westmeath locks curate out of church

Forty thousand taught to read Irish Scriptures in King's Court district

King James I on the College of Dublin's purpose

Three bishoprics united under George Montgomery

Ussher's collections enrich Dublin University library

Waddesworth's son visits Bishop of Kilmore

Bedell obtains Dublin marriage license for daughter's wedding

Bedell prints Irish-language catechism in Dublin, 1631

Primate Ussher restores Armagh's sacred learning

Remonstrance of Cavan gentry during the 1641 rebellion

University of Dublin founded to educate and spread Protestant faith

Deanery of Kilmacduagh bestowed on Dr. Richardson

1622 Visitation of Kilmore and Ardagh Dioceses

Bedell recommended as Provost of Dublin College

Bedell's appointment to the Bishopric of Kilmore and Ardagh

Bedell's second return to Dublin

Bedell's sycamore tree at Kilmore

Bishop Bedell walked on foot through Dublin

Catholic scholars sign resolutions at King's Court for Irish Scriptures

Kilmore church built but lacking fittings

Rebels seize Loughoughter and places of strength in Cavan

Act founding university at Drogheda

Bedell appointed head of Trinity College Dublin

Irish-language services at Dunquin for 110 converts

Bedell visits Drogheda where the Fellows are gathered

Bishop Bedell's address to ministers at the Church of Kilmore

Church and school building at Dunurlin

Clonmacnoise annexed to Meath diocese by Parliament, 1568

St Patrick's College Dublin persists to Tudor era

Bishop Brinkley of Cloyne won over by Irish Society's work

High Commission Court established in Dublin

Persecutions and martyrdoms follow conversions in King's Court district

Bedell lodges in Copper Alley upon arriving in Dublin

Bedell's tombstone at Kilmore

Glebes in County Leitrim poorly located

Lutherans of Dublin join established church through Bedell's letter

Protestant spirit excited in Cork and South Munster

3221 Catholics from five counties around King's Court sign declaration, 1832

Irish Professorship founded at University of Dublin

Resolutions presented at the Rotunda in Dublin, March 1826

Bedell's Apocrypha manuscript preserved in Marsh's Library

Bishop Bedell's peaceful meditation in his Kilmore garden

Rev. Peter Roe's advocacy for Irish language from Kilkenny

The Primate's residence located at Termonfeckin

Archbishop of Tuam's urgent memorial for Irish Scriptures