Two biographies of William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, with a selection of his letters and an unpublished treatise;

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1. Bedell rescues oppressed minister at Manorhamilton

   Manorhamilton · town · Leitrim

   Mr Moor, the minister of Manorhamilton, complained to Bedell that Sir Fr. Hamilton had forced him into a disadvantageous bargain holding two of his livings for less than their worth. Bedell wrote to Hamilton demanding release; receiving a proud answer, he had Moore resign both livings and placed him in a better one, presenting two able men to the vacated positions.

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   40. He did so much concern himself in all his clergies troubles and difficulties, and adhere unto them against their potent adversaries, as if he had been their natural father 25 indeed. Insomuch that when one Mr Moor, the minister of Manner-Hamilton, had complain'd unto him that he had made a disadvantageous bargain out of servile fear with a great pei'son that held two good livings of his for less than either of them was worth, he wrote unto sir Fr. Hamilton 30 concerning it, to release the poor man from that surprisal.

   I. demanded, upon the tender of his titles to his parsonage of Horningshearth in England, mentioned before (p. 89). He would commonly accompany. 3. account : so that in this respect he might humbly (with the man after God's own hart) wash his hands in innoceucy, and so compasse 35 God's altar. Whereas before. 4. the chaplen. 6. d-c. even om.

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 56

   As the companion tells it

   Manorhamilton. Mr Moor was the minister of this town. He had made a disadvantageous bargain out of servile fear with Sir Fr. Hamilton, a great person, who held two good livings of his for less than either of them was worth. Moor complained to Bedell, who concerned himself in all his clergy's troubles and difficulties, and adhered to them against their potent adversaries, as if he had been their natural father. Bedell wrote to Hamilton, demanding he release the poor man from that surprisal. Hamilton sent back a proud answer. So Bedell had Moor resign both livings and placed him in a better one, presenting two able men to fill the two vacated positions.

2. Bedell's futile suits for the rights of the Bishoprick of Ardagh

   Ardagh · parish · Longford · 1670–1673

   Bedell writes that his legal suits for the rights of the Bishoprick of Ardagh had such cold success that in three years he could not get a place to set his foot in that Diocese. Leases were made contrary to an Act of State and upheld by forgery and perjury, forcing him to begin anew in the Chancery and Castle Chamber. He eventually resigned the bishopric to Dr Richardson.

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   I haue no better collour to lay vpon my long forbearance to write to you (Good Mr Dr) then the dayly expectation of the accomplishment of your promise touching your more large Vindication of your arguments of the Efficacy of Baptisme which you reuewe still in your letters which I haue receiued ; & in your last by my Lord of Ardagh. Wherein also you giue me hope of the advertisement what hath passed betweene you and the Deane of Cassells. I did thinck that the multitude of your occasions might be the reason that you deferred the performance thereof, and me thought it should be uncivill to call vpon you for it. Which made me more backward to write. But if this excuse will not serve me, 1 have another, that being to write as our old freendship and your desire requires, how things stand with me; and not being able to write what I would, or what you would willingly reade, 1 held it better to be silent : so should I neither grieve you nor offend any other. But this sullennesse must not endure allwayes : I do every day profitt (I hope) in the Schoole of Pacience, and learne to kisse the rod. For my affaires therefore, thus they are. After my cause betweene my Chancellor and me had received a deadly wound by the hand, that afterward would have cured it and could not, my adversary brought a Commission to certaiue Delegates here out of England; who takeing compassioa of the lingering death of it, cutt the thi-oate of it at once, pronouncing both of the Appeale and principall cause (which they never heard) and condemned me iu lOO/i charges; which yet they write my Chancellor had promised them never to require peny of, so he might enjoy my freendship and his place without interruption. I committed the cause to him that judgeth righteously : and since that medle not much with Jurisdiction, which before with some toyle of body and charge I exercised in diverse parts of my Diocesses, and mth some ease to the people in the matter of their Fees, who now are retourned in statu quo. And because I fownd my suites for the rights of the Bishoprick of Ardagh had so cold successe, as in three yeares I could not get so much as a place where to set my foote in that Diocesse ; although the leases were made contrary to an Act of State, and were upholdeu by forgery and perjury, for which I was enforced after a suite at the Counsell Table to begin anew in the Chancery and Castle chamber (which answers with us to the Starre chamber with you), I accounted it my best course to quitt that Bishoprick to Dr Richardson (who had the best living in it) and good frcends, and an

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 165

   As the companion tells it

   This is the parish of Ardagh, in Longford. William Bedell fought for the rights of the Bishoprick, and the fight broke against him. He wrote that his suits had such cold success that in three years he could not get so much as a place, in his words, "where to set his foote" in that Diocese. The leases were made contrary to an Act of State, and upheld by forgery and perjury. After a suit at the Council Table he was forced to begin all over again in the Chancery and the Castle Chamber, which he said answered to the Star Chamber in England. He said he profited every day in the School of Patience, and learned to kiss the rod. He accounted it his best course to quit that Bishoprick to Doctor Richardson, who had the best living in it. Before all this, his cause with his Chancellor had taken a wound he called deadly. His adversary brought a Commission from England, whose delegates pronounced judgment on both the appeal and the principal cause, which they had never heard, and condemned him in 100 pounds charges. They wrote that his Chancellor had promised never to require a penny of it, so he might enjoy Bedell's friendship and his place without interruption. Bedell said he committed the cause to "him that judgeth righteously," and since then meddled not much with jurisdiction, which before he had exercised in diverse parts of his dioceses with some toil of body and charge, and with some ease to the people in the matter of their fees, who now were returned to their former state.

3. Bishop's seat at ancient altar site, Kilmore Cathedral

   Kilmore · townland · Cavan

   Upon arriving at Kilmore Cathedral, Bedell found the Bishop's seat erected in a place he recognized as the ancient site of the Altar. He refused to sit there, citing the ancient altar placement and the precedent of Archbishop Cranmer being traduced for sitting in such a place.

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   But touching that worke, whatsoever become of Mr King, I hope it shall not miscarry. God hath stirred up the Spirit of Sir George Ratcliffe to undertake the charge, which hath boene the only lett of printing it. I humhhj desire your Grace to take notice of Sir George his noble offer, and to encourage him herein. To returne ; your Grace hath in these 2 cases, quemadmodum datur to attempt to reforme non-residence: and by this, I know your wisdome will perceive a great deale more of the state of the Church here, which you required once to be informed of. Before I conclude, me thincks I should not do well either civilly or Christianly, if 1 shoidd not congratulate with you about your spite and opiwsition of lewde gracelessc men, that make religion the maske of their malice. At least I cannot but rejoice to have had some part with you in the same kinde of suffering, and for the same cause. When I was a minister in Suffolke I placed the Communion Table in the upper end of my Chancell ; and when I came to this Cathedrall, finding the Bishops seate erected in that place, I sayd at the first sight, Ileere will I never sitt: and rendered for reason that it was the ancient place of the Altar, and how Archbishop Cranmer your Graces predecessor was traduced for sitting on a scaffold in Commission in such a place; which occasioned some to give out that I would pull downe the Bishops seate, to set up the high Altar, &c.

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 169

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Kilmore, there is a cathedral where William Bedell found something he would not accept. When he arrived at Kilmore Cathedral, he found the Bishop's seat erected in a place he recognized at once. He said, as he put it, "here will I never sitt." His reason was that it was the ancient place of the Altar, and he recalled how Archbishop Cranmer had been traduced for sitting on a scaffold in commission in such a place. That word, traduced, meant accused or slandered, and Bedell took it as warning enough. He had done something similar before, when he was a minister in Suffolk, where he placed the Communion Table in the upper end of his chancel. So the matter at Kilmore was not new to him. His refusal at the cathedral gave some people occasion to give out that he would pull down the Bishop's seat to set up the high Altar. He had come to reform, and even small acts of conscience could be read as trouble. Bedell had already suffered opposition from men who made religion the mask of their malice, and he took some part in that kind of suffering for the same cause. What he saw in that seat was not furniture but a claim about where worship had once centred, and he would not sit where the old Altar had stood.

4. Cattle driven off bishop's ground during 1641 rebellion

   Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1641

   During the 1641 rebellion, Edmund O'Reilly's men drove off all of Bishop Bedell's cattle—oxen, cows, horses, and sheep—from his ground, mostly by night. The stolen animals were kept on O'Reilly's land, leaving the bishop without resources.

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   128. But Edmund 0-Relly would no longer bear this expense of provision, which he said must be for the maintein- 15 ance of the souldiers. And therefore in short space a course was taken that the bishop's cattell, some by night and some by day, were driven all off his ground. They begun with the oxen and cows; next they seized upon the horses both abroad and in the stable; and lastly they took away the 20 sheep out of the court- [ yard. All this in a stealing filchmg f. 43 r". way, most what by night, as if they would seem not altogether to own their enterprize. But afterward it was well known that the cattel were conveyed to Edmund 0-Relly's land and there kept. 25 129. The bishop, for all this, still relieved many poore

   stripped people in his out-houses. But it was a most grievous and daily burthen to his heart (as needs it must to any Christian), that he was forc'd to hear and see the cries and cruel sufferings of those poor and naked people daily under 30 his walls and windows: the common rascality of the Irish still daily gathering together about the house, as ravens about a carcass, and growing more and more insolent, especially those few among them who had gotten any kind of arms. 35 130. One time amongst the rest, when a company of

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 36

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Kilmore, in 1641, Edmund O'Reilly decided he would no longer bear the cost of provisions for the soldiers. His men began driving the bishop's cattle off the ground. They came mostly by night, taking the oxen and cows first, then the horses, both those out in the fields and those standing in the stable, and lastly the sheep from the yard. It was done in a stealing, filching way, as if they did not want to own what they were about. But it was well known afterward that all the cattle were conveyed to O'Reilly's land and kept there. Bishop Bedell was left without his stock, without the means to feed himself or anyone else. And still he relieved many poor stripped people who sheltered in his out-houses. It was a grievous daily burden to him. He could hear their cries and see their suffering from his own walls and windows. The common people gathered about the house, the book says, as ravens about a carcass, growing more insolent by the day, especially the few among them who had gotten any kind of arms.

5. Devastated towns along the Cavan-Dublin road, 1642

   Cavan · town · Cavan · 1642

   After eight months of the 1641 rebellion, the entire tract of land between the besieged castles and Dublin was laid waste. Cavan, Virginia, Kells, Navan, Dunshaughlin, Slane, Tara, and Swords were all described as ruinous heaps with no inhabitants left.

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   128. The way of God's enlarging of us at last was this : The Scotts that had stood upon their owne defence in two small castles (as I told yow before) being wearyed with vain expectation of reliefe from England or Scotland (that began to ruine themselves apace, as we in Ireland, by the common enemy of both, were ruined already), their small store of ammunition being drained, were at length begirt by all the forces the enemy could draw together from the provinces of Ulster and Conaght ; so that all their forrage was cutt off, and possibility of making any sallyes into the enemy's camp, as they had done prosperously in the former siedge. They were sore straitened with famine and sicknes for want of roome and outward accommodati(m (for nine score dyed in one castle in a few weekes, vSir James Craig and his lady both dyed and left no issue behind them), at last were necessitated to submit to such termes as they could obtayne from an absurd and merciless enemy, whom they could resist no longer, unless upon a desperate sally to hazard all that remnant that had escaped for eight monthes to that day. So the faythless enemy, that never gave quarter to any before that had made any resistance unto them, but had used all manner of cruelty towards them, gave quarter to the Scotts and English (for feare more than love), to march out of their castles and hutts with some armes, and with all their mooveable goods that they could conveniently carry away with them, by horse or cart towards Dublin, that was fifty miles distant, and nothing left by the way, but destruction and desolation ; Cavan, Virginia, Kells, Navan, Dvmshocklin, Slany, Tarah, Swords, all ruinous heaps, and no inhabitant left in that rich tract of land, which was a woeful spectacle.

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   As the companion tells it

   Cavan is a town this road passes through, and in 1642 there was nothing left of it. The story comes from a letter written about the aftermath of the 1641 rebellion. After eight months of fighting, a group of Scots who had held two small castles on their own defence were worn down. They had waited in vain for relief from England or Scotland, but both were busy ruining themselves, while Ireland was already ruined by the common enemy of both. Their ammunition was drained. All the forces the enemy could gather from Ulster and Connaught surrounded them. Their forage was cut off. They could no longer make sallies into the enemy's camp as they had done successfully in the earlier siege. Famine and sickness pressed them hard, for they had no room and no outward accommodation. In one castle alone, 180 people died in a few weeks. Sir James Craig and his lady both died and left no issue behind them. At last they were forced to submit to whatever terms they could get from an enemy the writer calls absurd and merciless. They could resist no longer, unless they chose a desperate sally that would hazard every remnant that had survived those eight months. The enemy, who had never before given quarter to any who resisted, now gave quarter to the Scots and English, more out of fear than love. They were allowed to march out of their castles and huts with some arms and whatever movable goods they could carry by horse or cart toward Dublin, fifty miles distant. And nothing was left by the way but destruction and desolation. Cavan, Virginia, Kells, Navan, Dunshaughlin, Slane, Tara, and Swords, all ruinous heaps, and no inhabitant left in that rich tract of land. The writer calls it a woeful spectacle.

6. Major Trafford kills Esquire Waldrone at Belturbet

   Belturbet · town · Cavan

   Major Trafford, who commanded the Welsh company stationed at Belturbet, slew Esquire Waldrone after Waldrone spoke rash words while drunk. Trafford subsequently fled to the German wars.

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   35 esquire Waldrone his eldest son, whom sadly overcome with drinck, major TrafiFord (that commanded the Welsh company that lay at Belturbet) slew for speaking some rash words (as was pretended), he left Ireland and returned to England long before the rebellion. This industrious and thriving carpenter had no sonne, only two daughters ;

   40 the one of which he had married to his master, sir Richard Waldron his youngest sonne, with a full intention to leave him all his other's lands that he had purchased of him, if the rebellion had not inter-

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 97

   As the companion tells it

   Belturbet is a town the road passes through. Major Trafford commanded the Welsh company stationed here. He slew Esquire Waldrone, the eldest son of Sir Richard Waldron, after Waldrone was overcome with drink and spoke what the record calls "some rash words". Trafford then left Ireland and returned to England, long before the rebellion.

7. Parish of Dyn conferred on the intruder by Bedell

   Denn · parish · Cavan

   Bedell had previously conferred the parish of Dyn on the same man who intruded into Templeport, swearing him to personal residence and forbidding him to hold any other living. The man violated this oath by purchasing a dispensation from the prerogative office for a little money.

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   66. At this ungodly act my L. of K. was so startled (who did not use to fear shadows) that he summonM the in- 5 truder to appear in his episcopal court at Cavan, and charged him to relinquish his unjust intrusion into another man's right, seeing he was otherwise also obnoxious ; for the bishop bad conferred him the parish of Dyn, and had sworn him to personal residence and that he should not hold any other 10 living with it : and yet contrary to his solemn oath he marches up to the prerogative office, and for a little money gets a dispensation from that most sacred obligation and a faculty to retain as many livings as he could catch : all which vile practices the b. of K. hated with a perfect hatred. And 15 therefore finding him stiff and obstinate to persist in his abominable iniquity, he excommunicated him after several canonical admonitions, and caused the excommunication to be published throughout the whole deanry, and deprived him of that living, which he justly held, as well as of those 20 into which he had unjustly intruded himself. Hereupon the delinquent appeal'd to the prerogative court, and cited the bishop to answer ; which he readily did in his own defence and in the defence of the translator. But what audience and justice he found there in so just a cause, you may be amazed 25 to hear, but shall evidently see in the 24 articles of his recu-

   they might hear his voyce, that in Ireland there might be one sheepfold and one shep-hard) and was sadly. 2. that had. into. 4. which

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   As the companion tells it

   The parish of Denn was once given by William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, to a man who swore personal residence here and promised he would hold no other living with it. That oath did not hold. Contrary to his solemn word, the man went to the prerogative office and, for a little money, obtained a dispensation from that sacred obligation, along with a faculty to retain as many livings as he could catch. Bedell hated these practices with a perfect hatred. This same man had also intruded himself into another's right. Bedell, who did not use to fear shadows, was so startled at this ungodly act that he summoned the intruder to his episcopal court at Cavan and charged him to relinquish the unjust intrusion, seeing he was otherwise also obnoxious. Finding him stiff and obstinate, persisting in what the bishop called his abominable iniquity, Bedell excommunicated him after several canonical admonitions. He had the excommunication published throughout the whole deanery, and deprived him of the living he justly held, as well as those into which he had unjustly intruded. The delinquent appealed to the prerogative court and cited the bishop to answer, which Bedell readily did, in his own defence and in the defence of the translator. What audience and justice the bishop found there, in so just a cause, the writer says you may be amazed to hear.

8. Printing of Bedell's 1631 Dublin catechism

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1631

   In 1631, William Bedell printed a small bilingual catechism in Dublin to promote religious education among the poor Irish population. The text was distributed throughout his diocese to teach the Creed and Lord's Prayer in the native tongue.

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   20 EngUsh school, or to cause it to be kept, in all their respective parishes ; in some of which was not one Protestant, because not one of a thousand could either read or write. And to this end he printed at Dublin, anno 1631, a small catechism of one sheet, called the A. B. C, or the Institution of

   25 a Christian ; wherein is the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer and Ten Commandments, and some select portions of Scriptures conteining the sum of the Gospel, as namely Gal. iii. 10, 11, 12, 13. Job. iii. 16, 17, 18, 19. 2 Cor. v. 19,

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 65

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin, 1631. William Bedell had English schools kept in parishes where not one person in a thousand could read or write, and in some of which there was not one Protestant. To this end he printed at Dublin a small catechism of one sheet, called the A.B.C., or the Institution of a Christian. It contained the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and select portions of Scripture holding the sum of the Gospel: Galatians chapter 3, verses 10 through 13; John chapter 3, verses 16 through 19; and 2 Corinthians chapter 5, verse 19.

9. Rebuilding churches in Bedell's diocese of Kilmore

   Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1629–1641

   Bishop William Bedell undertook the rebuilding of churches in his diocese during the later years of his life, one of his two great labours alongside translating the Old Testament into Irish.

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   buked by Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Wentworth ; letters to the Archbishop and to Lord Wentwortli ; after a time he waits upon Lord Wentworth, 47, 9(5; case of Bishop of Killelagh, 48, 49, 50, 147, 148, 149, 150; two great labours undertaken during the later years of his life, the rebuilding of the churches in his diocese, and the translating of the Old Testament into the Irish tongue, 54, 55, 5(5, 131 — 144; outbreak of rebellion, Oct. 23, 1641; Bedell visited frequently by the chief of the O'Rellys, 59; great sufferings of the English, stripped of everything ; the Bishop entertains and relieves them, 60, 175, 176 ; his cattle stolen by the Irish, who become more insolent in their treatment of hini, 61, 62, 189 ; he becomes a prisoner in his own house; offered safe conduct to Dublin for himself and his family and those who had taken refuge in his house ; stedfastly refuses to quit his post, 63, 64; Edmund O'Relly comes to the Bishop's house and arrests him ; he is taken to Loughwater Castle as a prisoner, where he is treated with much courtesy ; keeps Christmas with his fellow prisoners at Loughwater, 66-68, 189; by the intervention of some special friends the Bishop and his family were set at liberty, 69, 193; no home to go to; takes refuge in the house of Mr Dennis Sheridan; his own house taken possession of by the papist Bishop of Kilmore, 69, 70,196; Bedell, through Mr Sheridan's help, is able to procure from time to time some of his own books and papers, amongst others his MS. of the Hebrew Bible, which he left in his will to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where it now is, 70, 206 ; the greater part of the Bishop's library taken away by various people, or lost, 71 ; outbreak of fever called Irish ague; Bedell's step-son takes it, and Bedell in nursing him catches it himself, 72, 198; visited in his illness by Philip

   26—2

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 197

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Kilmore, William Bedell, bishop of this diocese, spent the later years of his life on two great labours. One was rebuilding the churches of his diocese. The other was translating the Old Testament into the Irish tongue. The rebellion broke out on the 23rd of October 1641. Bedell was visited frequently by the chief of the O'Rellys. The English suffered greatly, stripped of everything, and the Bishop entertained and relieved them. His cattle were stolen by the Irish, who became more insolent in their treatment of him. He became a prisoner in his own house. He was offered safe conduct to Dublin for himself, his family, and those who had taken refuge in his house. He steadfastly refused to quit his post. Edmund O'Relly came to the Bishop's house and arrested him. He was taken to Loughwater Castle as a prisoner, where he was treated with much courtesy. He kept Christmas with his fellow prisoners at Loughwater. Through the intervention of some special friends, the Bishop and his family were set at liberty. He had no home to go to. He took refuge in the house of Mr Dennis Sheridan. His own house had been taken possession of by the papist Bishop of Kilmore. Through Sheridan's help, Bedell was able to procure from time to time some of his own books and papers, amongst others his manuscript of the Hebrew Bible, which he left in his will to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where it now is. The greater part of the Bishop's library was taken away by various people, or lost. Then came an outbreak of fever called the Irish ague. Bedell's step-son took it, and Bedell, in nursing him, caught it himself.

10. Rector of Belturbet stripped of all during 1641 rebellion

    Belturbet · town · Cavan · 1641

    Mr. Hudson, rector of Belturbet, was stripped of all his possessions during the 1641 rebellion and fled with his wife to Bishop Bedell's castle, where Bedell gave them all the spare clothes he had in the world. Hudson later became bishop of Elphin.

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    97. He was the onely Englishman in all the county that 10 was permitted to stay under his own roof. There was but little spare room in his castle, which was no waies fensible against the least violent assault, and the poor strip't people that had plenty of all earthly accommodations but a little before, were now content to lodge in the out-buildings, in the 15 church or churchyard, in heaps of straw or hay, and to feed upon boil'd wheat or whatsoever the enemy had left ; for they could not so suddenly consume so great plenty, as was every where to be found. When Mrs. Moigne, that was his predecessour's widow, a venerable matron, came thither in the 20 habit of the poorest beggar; and a worthy divine, one Mr. Hudson, that was rector of Belturbet, now bishop of Elphin, with his wife, stript out of all; he could not look upon them with dry eyes, but fetch'd them all the cloathes he had in the world (save what was on his back) and gave it them. 25

    2. Jer. xxxix. 12. om. him (Heb. ^set thine eyes

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    Belturbet is a town the road passes through. Back in 1641, when the rebellion came, the English here were stripped of everything they had. One of them was Mr. Hudson, the rector of Belturbet, a clergyman who would later become bishop of Elphin. He and his wife lost all they owned and fled for shelter to Bishop Bedell's castle. Bedell was the only Englishman in the whole county permitted to stay under his own roof. His castle had little spare room and could not stand against even the slightest assault. The people who gathered there, who had known plenty just a short time before, now slept in out-buildings, in the church, in the churchyard, in heaps of straw or hay. They ate boiled wheat or whatever the enemy had left behind. Mrs. Moigne, the widow of Bedell's predecessor, arrived wearing the clothes of the poorest beggar. When Hudson and his wife came, stripped of everything, Bedell could not look at them with dry eyes. He fetched all the clothes he had in the world, save what was on his own back, and gave them to these people.

11. Bedell of Kilmore praised as model Irish bishop

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    The bishop of Kilmore was celebrated among Irish prelates with the motto 'Solus Kilmorensis novit se gerere id episcopum,' meaning only the bishop of Kilmore knew how to behave as a bishop. He alone had the courage to advocate for oppressed clergy against lay-surrogates and the high-commission court.

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    was deservedly said, Solus Kilmorensis novit se gerere id episcopum, (which was in all the good prelates' moiithes). He alone had the inoeniiitv and couraoe to be the advocate for them all : you see two lay-surrogates, (Rjrvres and Hilton)

    5 substituted by the famous D. Usher, to trample one of the best of prelates and of men under their feet, and he never concerned himself in the least to deliver the oppressed : but this was not all ; when the adversary, that was so active to dash so good a work, could not satisfy his lusts on the good f. 72 v°

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 74

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the bishop of Kilmore was praised among Irish prelates with the saying "Solus Kilmorensis novit se gerere id episcopum" — only the bishop of Kilmore knew how to behave as a bishop. He alone had the courage to be the advocate for them all against lay-surrogates.

12. Bedell's legal battle brought to Dublin's prerogative court

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    Bishop Bedell's protracted legal suit against his pretended chancellor was removed to the prerogative court in Dublin, where proceedings dragged on at great expense. Bedell bitterly called the law his purgatory and his journeys to Dublin his returning into purgatory.

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    69. Being thus worried among them and easily jDerceiving what issue he must expect, he expressed himself to his friend the doctor thus : / have all right on my side, hut hioiv not whether I shall find any to do me right. Also he call'd the law his purgatory and his journeys to Dublin his returning into purgatory: he complain'd to the doctor of his many troublesom thoughts, and often bemoan'd his own case. The doctor also and all his other friends persuaded him to sit still and not to strive against the stream. But the tie of his conscience and of his duty to God in that place were more than all discouragements; and therefore, tho' sure to loose the day, as he wrote to the doctor, he comforted himself with this, Post tenehras spero lucem, et dahit Deus his quoque finem: resolving however to be hearty and to see the uttermost of the business, that he might be able to say Liberavi animam meam.

    70. But before we proceed to relate the final issue of this suit, we shall take breath awhile and observe some other emplo}Tnents of the bishop's, even while this great cause was depending. For | as he laboured to rectify the f- 3° r". miscarriages of his pretended chancellor and the other ofiicers in managing the jurisdiction, so himself was active

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, the city the road carries you through, was where Bishop Bedell's long legal fight ended up. His suit against his pretended chancellor was removed to the prerogative court here, and the proceedings dragged on at great cost. He said to his friend the doctor that he had all right on his side, but knew not whether he should find any to do him right. He called the law his purgatory, and his journeys to Dublin his returning into purgatory. He complained to the doctor of his many troublesome thoughts, and often bemoaned his own case. The doctor and all his other friends persuaded him to sit still and not to strive against the stream. But the tie of his conscience and of his duty to God in that place were more than all discouragements. And so, though sure to lose the day, as he wrote to the doctor, he comforted himself with the words from the source, Post tenebras spero lucem, et dabit Deus his quoque finem. He resolved to be hearty and to see the uttermost of the business, that he might be able to say, Liberavi animam meam.

13. Bedell appointed Provost of Trinity College Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627

    Upon the recommendation of Archbishops Abbot of Canterbury and Ussher of Armagh, Bedell was chosen by the fellows of the college and petitioned to the king, who consented. He was made and sworn provost of the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity near Dublin.

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    retired a life, should be sought for so publick and eminent an employment ; that this should be immediately upon the determination of his long suit and recovery of those lands of the church, to vindicate him from all imputation of selfseeking, and to take him off from all dreggs of anger and 5 dissention that such a suit might have in the bottom ; finally, that two so eminent men for learning and holiness, as those two famous primates, George Abbot archbishop of Canterbury and James Usher archbishop of Armagh, should be the chief instruments of his call to that place : these 10 circumstances cannot be denied to have a special hand of God going along with them, and cannot but testify both the favor of God towards him and his own great abilities. Upon the commendation therefore of these two archbishops he was chosen by the fellows of the colledge, and petitioned 15 for to his majestic ; who was graciously pleased, upon the testimony of Sir Henry Wotton, to assent to the fellows' petition, and Mr Bedell thereupon wa& made and sworn provost of the college of the Holy and Undivided Trinity near Dublin in Ireland. This beginning of that part of his 20 life spent in Ireland was (as we see) favored with the most benign aspect, not only of the best and greatest of the earthly gods among us, but of the God of heaven and earth Himself, as a sweetning and preparative for the more stormy and troublesome part of his life that was to follow. 25

    49. During his abode at the colledge he was often honored with the visits and invitations of the greatest persons about the city, as the archbishops of Armagh, Dublin, and Cashell, the lords Clanebois, Angier, and Dowckra : and in a special manner he had the favour of the lord deputy Falkland. 30 His yearly stipend was £100, to which he had £20 per annum added fur preaching a lecture every fortnight at Christ's- Church ; and this was the utmost of his revenew.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    In 1627, Dublin was where William Bedell's life in Ireland began. He had just finished a long struggle to recover lands of the church. Those who wrote about him said the resolution of that suit cleared him from any charge of self-seeking, and settled whatever anger such a fight might leave behind. Two archbishops spoke for him. George Abbot of Canterbury and James Ussher of Armagh, described as famous for learning and holiness, were the chief instruments of his call. On their commendation, the fellows of the college chose him and petitioned the king. The king was graciously pleased to assent, on the testimony of Sir Henry Wotton, and Bedell was made and sworn provost of the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity. His biographer saw a special hand of God in all this, and called this beginning a preparation for the more stormy and troublesome part of his life that was to follow. During his time at the college, he was often visited and invited by the greatest persons about the city. The archbishops of Armagh, Dublin, and Cashel came, and Lords Clanebois, Angier, and Dowckra. He had the special favour of Lord Deputy Falkland. His yearly stipend was 100 pounds, with 20 pounds added each year for preaching a lecture every fortnight at Christ's Church. That was the utmost of his revenue.

14. Irish New Testament and Prayer Book printed at bridge foot of Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    The New Testament, translated into Irish by Dr. Donelin, Archbishop of Tuam, and the Irish Common Prayer Book were both printed by Sir William Usher at the bridge foot of Dublin. Bedell then resolved to undertake the translation of the Old Testament into Irish.

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    15 all those pious and honourable overtures and intentions, he resolves upon the translation of the O. T. into Irish: the N. T. being before translated by D. Donelin, archbishop of Tuam ; and the Common Prayer-book also, and both printed by sir William Usher at the bridge foot of

    20 Dublin. He communicates this his purpose to many persons of quality in church and state ; and by their advice (that is to say of D. Usher primate of Armagh, D. Martin b. of Meath, my lord Dillon, one of the privy council, sir James Ware, sir Morris Eustace, sir William Usher, and

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin was where the Irish New Testament and the Irish Common Prayer Book were printed, both done by Sir William Usher at the bridge foot of the city. The New Testament had been translated into Irish by Dr. Donelin, Archbishop of Tuam. With those two works already printed, William Bedell resolved to undertake the translation of the Old Testament into Irish. He shared this purpose with many persons of quality in church and state, and by their advice he proceeded.

15. Public fast proclaimed across Ireland for dearth and murrain

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1628

    On arriving in Dublin in 1628, Bedell found the whole country under a public eight-week fast proclaimed by the Lord Deputy, caused by a poor harvest the previous year and a winter murrain of cattle. Preachers blamed the crisis on tolerated idolatry, blasphemy, drunkenness and other sins.

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    Salutem in Christo Jesu. Good Mr Dr, since my comming into Ireland I haue not yet had leysure so much as to write aboue one letter into England, now the opportunity of a hasty messenger makes me breake through all buisiness and salute my freends. Amongst whom neither haue I any more ancient, nor more confident (as the Italian worde is), i.e. more trusty then your selfe. I cannot but begin with tliancks for your kindnes to me, my wife, and your Godson on parting, which I desire you also to render in my name to Mris Warde, and to salute all the good company that were at your house. I deliuered your and their letters to my L. Primate who kindly remembered you all. I had a good jorney I thanck God : a calme but slow passage. Being come to this place, we fownd that the whole country was by proclamation of the L. Deputy in a publick course of Fast for 8 weckcs euery Tuesday, in respect of the dearth which the last yeares unkindly harvest and this winters morraine of cattell had as 2nd causes procured. Our preachers here lay the higher cause on the tollerating and countenanceing Idolatry, Church robbery, swearing and

    294 LIFE AND DEATH

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin in 1628 was a city under a fast. William Bedell arrived that year and found the whole country under a public fast proclaimed by the Lord Deputy. It ran for 8 weeks, every Tuesday. The causes were plain enough. The previous year's harvest had been poor, and over the winter a murrain had swept through the cattle. Those were what Bedell called the second causes. The preachers in Dublin looked higher. They laid the blame on sins that had been tolerated and countenanced: idolatry, church robbery, swearing. Bedell had come to Ireland and written back to England about what he found. He had had a good journey, he said, and a calm but slow passage. He delivered letters to the Lord Primate, who kindly remembered those who had sent them. But the country he had arrived into was a country doing penance. The harvest had failed, the cattle were dying, and the preachers said the people had brought it on themselves.

16. Bedell attends archbishop's court in Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth

    Bishop William Bedell of Kilmore personally attended the archbishop's court in Drogheda, located thirty miles from his house, to manage his legal cause against his chancellor. He attended every court day despite the distance because no proctor would willingly undertake his case.

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    6'j. But notwithstanding this cold comfort the good bishop thought himself bound in conscience to do his endeavour for the regulating his chancellor and reforming the proceedings in his jurisdiction: and therefore trusting his 20 proctor as little as he could, he applied himself to the man- 29 v°. agement of his own cause in his own person. He | missed not a court-day, tho' the place (being the city of Drogheda) was thirty miles distant from his house. He drew his answers himself, or whatever else was to be given in, in writing, being 25 very throughly seen in the study of the civil law. He offered himself and earnestly desired to plead and speak in his own cause when occasion so required, but that would not be allow'd. The bishop alleadged and proved, that anciently 'twas accounted a shame for a bishop to have one 30 speak for him: but the civilians did not like such old fashions ; they were resolved that their manner of proceeding should not be altered; the bishop must speak by his advocate or proctor, or whatever else he spake signified nothing. And so still his hopes of prevailing grew daily more des- 35 perate.

    6d>. In these streights he tried some friends in England; from whom he receiv'd only some small verbal encouragement. The advantage was much every way on the opposite

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda is the town where Bishop William Bedell of Kilmore came to attend the archbishop's court. He had a legal cause against his chancellor and felt bound in conscience to pursue it. No proctor would willingly undertake his case, so he managed it himself in person. The court sat in Drogheda, thirty miles from his house, and he missed not a single court day. He drew his own answers and whatever else had to be given in writing, being thoroughly versed in the study of civil law. He offered himself and earnestly desired to plead and speak in his own cause when occasion required, but that would not be allowed. The bishop alleged and proved that anciently it was accounted a shame for a bishop to have one speak for him. But the civilians did not like such old fashions. They were resolved that their manner of proceeding should not be altered. The bishop must speak by his advocate or proctor, or whatever else he spoke signified nothing. And so his hopes of prevailing grew daily more desperate. In these straits he tried some friends in England, from whom he received only some small verbal encouragement. The advantage was much every way on the opposite side.

17. Bedell avoids Dublin when Wentworth arrives as lord deputy, 1633

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1633

    When Sir Thomas Wentworth entered Ireland as lord deputy in 1633, he was pre-disposed against Bishop Bedell of Kilmore. Unlike other prelates who went to Dublin to pay homage, Bedell stayed away, fearing Wentworth's wrath, but was later reconciled after friends intervened from England.

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    10 the name of the bishop of Kilmore, he immediately dasli'd it out with his pen, whatsoever concern it was of. So that the bishop being informed hereof, and conceiving that he was mightily incensed against him, came not up to Dublin (as the other prelates did) to do his homage unto him, and

    15 congi-atulate his safe and happy aiTival, and honourable entrance upon the magistracy over them; but wrote immediately to sir T. J. his loving patron, and other potent friends, and sent them the petition itself, with this account of the new lord deputies wrath that was kindled against him.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    When Wentworth came to Ireland in 1633 as lord deputy, Dublin was where he made his entrance. He was already set against Bishop Bedell of Kilmore. Whenever the bishop's name appeared on any paper before him, Wentworth struck it out with his pen. Bedell heard of this and, believing the lord deputy incensed against him, did not go up to the city as the other prelates did to pay homage and congratulate him. Instead he wrote to Sir T.J., his loving patron, and other friends in England, sending them the petition itself with this account of the new lord deputy's wrath.

18. Bedell holds visitation courts across Kilmore diocese

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1630

    While the Cooke appeal was pending, Bedell personally traveled his diocese, sat in his own courts, redressed disorders, and mitigated court fees, taking no money himself. He hoped this had disposed the people to a better opinion of Protestant religion and ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

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    austerity the abandoning the Country by above 1000 of the inhabitants the last yearei was more imputed than to the liardnes of the tymes. And a principall man of his Majesties Counsell sayd it within these 2 monethes to me, that he had beene more burthensome to that part of the Country, than tiie contribution to the Soldiers. This man, as was told me by others, had a Commission to be my Chancellor : himselfe would not so much as shew it me, or desire that with my good leave he might hold it. Which although it seemed to me somewhat uncivill, yet I was not willing to breake with him or infringe the Acts of my Predecessor, till by the dayly complaint of my neighbors, and some of my Tenants, and of the clergy I was enforced to demand the sight of his Patent. I fownd a vast heape of authority conferred upon him, without due forme, latine, or common sense. One period before the 'Habendum,' consisting of above 540 words, and yet without any one importing a grant, or any other principall verb at all. Nothing left to the Bishop but a meere shaddow of authority. I called the chapter, examined whether they confirmed it or no, which they denied not, accounting it more concerned the Bishop than them, acknowledging that the Bishop's great scale was not put to it : whereupon I accounting it void or surreptitious, or revoking it in case it had any validity, did inhibit Mr Cooke to do anything by vertue of it as my vicar, and the clergy to assist him therein. Upon this he appealed to my Lord Primates Court, from whence I was inhibited and cited to appeare to answer him. He being in the citation styled vicar of the Courts of Kilmore and Ardagh lawfully established ; For this so apparent a forejuJgeing the cause, ere it was heard, I entered a Recusation before a publick Notary, which I sent to my Lord Primate : yet submitting the cause to his owne censure, omni appellatione remold, if my adversary were so pleased. This he refused. Thus did it hang till Hilary Terme. In the meane season, I went about my Dioces myselfe, and sate in myne owne Courtes redressing the disorders, and mitigating the Fees (whereof yet I tooke no peny but sequestred them only) and in a short space have as I hope disposed the people to some better oiiinion of our religion and jurisdiction, than before they had conceived.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1630, the bishop William Bedell was travelling his diocese and sitting in his own courts. The story behind it begins with a man who held a commission to be Bedell's chancellor. The man never showed Bedell the commission or asked leave to hold it. Bedell let it lie at first, unwilling to break with him or overturn what his predecessor had allowed. But daily complaints from neighbors, tenants, and clergy forced Bedell to demand sight of the patent. What he found was a vast heap of authority conferred without due form, Latin, or common sense. One period before the Habendum ran above 540 words, yet contained no principal verb importing any grant. Nothing was left to the bishop but a mere shadow of authority. Bedell called the chapter together. They acknowledged the bishop's great seal had not been put to it. Accounting it void or surreptitious, he inhibited Mr Cooke from acting as his vicar and forbade the clergy to assist him. Cooke appealed to the Lord Primate's Court. The citation styled Cooke as vicar of the courts of Kilmore and Ardagh, lawfully established, which Bedell saw as apparent prejudging of the cause before it was heard. He entered a recusation before a public notary and sent it to the Lord Primate, yet submitted the cause to the Primate's own censure if his adversary were so pleased. Cooke refused. The matter hung till Hilary Term. In the meantime Bedell went about his diocese himself, sat in his own courts, redressed disorders, and mitigated the fees, taking no penny but sequestering them. He hoped this had disposed the people to some better opinion of their religion and jurisdiction than before they had conceived.

19. Bedell's consistory court a sanctuary for the poor

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1629–1641

    Under Bishop Bedell, the consistory court at Kilmore was transformed from a common grievance into a sanctuary for the poor and needy. He ensured swift dispatch of decimal, testamental, and matrimonial matters with far lighter fines than before, and persuaded priests and friars to renounce fornication.

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    20 than ever before. Insomuch that the consistory, that was look'd upon before as a common gi'ievance, was in his dales esteemed a sanctuary to the poor and needy. And by his f. 67 v" lenity and moderation many priests and friars, that were still brought in for fornication or adultery, were prevailed

    25 with to renounce their filthiness, and to have good thoughts of the reformed religion, that had appointed to all mankind an antidote against un cleanness by holy and honourable marriage, as the bishop often told them in court ; and several of them were converted from popery, and did

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 64

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Kilmore, Bishop Bedell turned the consistory court into something it had never been. Before his time, people saw it as a common grievance. In his days, from 1629 to 1641, the poor and needy came to think of it as a sanctuary. He handled cases with lenity and moderation, and fines were lighter than ever before. Priests and friars who were still brought in for fornication or adultery were prevailed upon to renounce their filthiness. The bishop told them in court that holy and honourable marriage was appointed to all mankind as an antidote against uncleanness. Several of them were converted from popery.

20. Bedell's letter from Cavan during the 1641 rebellion

    Cavan · town · Cavan · 1641

    Writing from Cavan during the 1641 rebellion, Bedell compares the cruelty of the Catholic rebels against Protestants to the persecution of early Christians under pagans. He refers to the Protestants as martyrs confessing the faith of Christ crucified.

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    6. mihi nemjje. 13. Dr. Cavan. Did ever Polycarpus at Smyrna, IS or Ignatius of Antioch, or any other of the famous bisliops and. martyrs of the primitive church, who had their Father's name written in their foreheads, i.e. that made an open and cleir confession of the fayth of Christ crucifyed, come neerer to Him, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession, and shew a greater contempt of the world and 20 of death itselfe under the cruell persecution of the pagans, then this our magnanimous confessor and blessed martyr of Jesus declares in this short and pithy epistle under the cruelty of the bloody papists 1 whose hatred of, and cruelty of all sorts against, the people of God, doth as farr esceede that of their elder brother the pagan, as they may 25 finde one day (if God be true), that tlie torments of hell and those everlasting burnings prepared for doggs and sorcerers and whoremongers and murderers and for idolaters and for whosoever loveth and maketh a lye (for popery is nothing else but a great and presumptuous lye against the true God and truth of God, contained in the Scriptures of truth, and 30 every particular of it), are above these of their popish purgatory ; and they that follow hjm tliat was a mm-derer from the beginning and abode not in the truth, may justly ex^ject to be ranged with him and to suffer as murderers, unless they repent of the works of their hands, that worship devills and idoUs of gold and silver and brass and stone and wood, 35 which neyther can see nor heare nor walke ; and of their murthcrs, of their sorceries and of their fornication and of their thefts. Nee turha deormn talis, ut est hodie. The loud cry of all the saints under the tyranny of the damnable liierarchy of Antichrist, being that of Jeremiah : / have heard a rmjce as of a icoman in trarel and the anguish 40 of her that hringeth forth lier Jirst chcild, the voyce of the daughter

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 92

    As the companion tells it

    Cavan, in 1641, was where a letter was written that compared the suffering of Protestants in the rebellion to the persecution of the early church. The writer asks whether Polycarp at Smyrna, or Ignatius of Antioch, or any of the famous bishops and martyrs of the primitive church, came any nearer to Christ, who witnessed a good confession before Pontius Pilate, than this confessor and blessed martyr of Jesus declares in his short epistle under the cruelty of the papists. The hatred and cruelty of the papists against the people of God exceeds that of their elder brother the pagan, the writer says. The torments of hell, prepared for dogs and sorcerers and whoremongers and murderers and idolaters and all who love and make a lie, are above those of popish purgatory. Popery, the writer says, is nothing but a great and presumptuous lie against the true God and the truth of God contained in the Scriptures. Those who follow him that was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth may expect to be ranged with him and suffer as murderers, unless they repent of the works of their hands, the worship of devils and idols of gold and silver and brass and stone and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. The writer gives the cry of all the saints under the tyranny of the hierarchy of Antichrist as the voice of Jeremiah: I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail and the anguish of her that bringeth forth her first child.

21. Bedell's son sent from the College at Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1635

    Bedell writes that he has sent his 'second and best beloved Son' from the College at Dublin (Trinity College Dublin) 'to a higher university,' a phrase likely referring to the son's death shortly after Christmas 1634, as confirmed by the footnote noting John Bedell died at the end of 1634.

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    Concerning the Quodlibeticall Question I never yet saw one of them. If they had been delivered to Mr Burnet I think I should have received them. I am sory our Mother the University is troubled with such novell phantasies', But these things fiiU out utcernatarfrurnentoraingyaeltas et levitas palearum as Vincentius Lerinensis speaks. I am right glad to hear of Dr Chaderton and l)r Sandcrofts welfare. Remember me to them both, and to Mrs Ward. Since my last to you, I have sent before my second and best beloved Son from the College at Dublin to a higher university as I hope, God bring me well to him. It was little after Christmass last, my self was then and afterwards very crasy and so was my wife, and still continues^. Your Godson I have conferred a Benefice upon, whereupon he is resident and I hope he will prove a good Minister, and an honest man. I pray give him some direction for the course of his studies, for I never yet knew how to study. You as being able in your

    1 Fuller (HUt. of the University, p. 232) says about this time ' it now became the general complaint that many in the University, both iu Schools and pulpits, approached the opinions of the Church of Kome nearer than ever before.' He specially mentions the introduction of organs into chapels.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 168

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin is the city the road takes you through. In 1635, William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, wrote a letter that touched on this place. He spoke of troubles at the university, what he called novell phantasies, but said these things fill out, as Vincentius Lerinensis speaks, the weight and levity of the chaff. He was glad to hear of Dr Chaderton and Dr Sandcroft's welfare, and asked to be remembered to them and to Mrs Ward. Then he wrote that since his last letter, he had sent his second and best beloved Son from the College at Dublin, as he put it, to a higher university as I hope. The boy had died little after Christmas 1634. Bedell himself had been very crasy, and so had his wife, who still continued so. He had conferred a benefice on his godson, who was now resident there, and he hoped the young man would prove a good minister and an honest man. He asked for some direction for his godson's studies, for he never yet knew how to study.

22. Burial of Bishop William Bedell in Kilmore

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1642

    Bishop Bedell was buried on 9 February 1642 in the churchyard at Kilmore, beside his wife's coffin, as he had requested in his will. The rebel forces accompanied the body from Mr Sheridan's house to the churchyard in a great solemnity and fired a volley of shot over his grave.

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    ^° living and the dead. He had a name to be alive but was dead. His licence we obteined at last for my lord's burial. So on the 9th day of Febr. he was laid in grave according to his desire in his last will and testament, hard by his wife's coffin.

    15 1 1 9- The chief of the rebells assembled their forces to-

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Bishop William Bedell was buried on 9 February 1642. They had obtained licence for his burial at last. He was laid in his grave according to his desire in his last will and testament, hard by his wife's coffin. The rebel forces accompanied the body in great solemnity and fired a volley of shot over his grave.

23. Commissioners meet at Kilmore to exchange glebe lands

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    Bishop Bedell proposed exchanging his own lands near parish churches for the inconveniently scattered glebe lands, and secured a commission for the purpose. Commissioners met at Mr Arthur Cullum's house in the parish of Kilmore, where Dr Bramhall, bishop of Derry, criticised Sir William Parsons' land assignments as worse than anything Jesuits could have contrived.

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    36. To extricate the clergy out of this intricacy and snare my lord propounds this expedient. He had sonae 5 lands lying round about most parish-churches and next unto them throughout the whole diocese. He offers to accept these several parcells of gieab-lands assigned to each church in liew and exchange of his own lands, that lay so conveniently for each parish-church. To the effecting hereof 10 he procures a commission from the E. of Strafford, the L. D., and council, to see this pious proposal and exchange brought to pass, that the bishoprick might have no clammage, nor the present leassees any just reason to complain. The commissioners met about it, whereof Dr Bramhall, bishop of 15 Derry, was one ; whom I and all then present at Mr Ai'thur Cullum's house heard say these words; viz. that he told sir Will. Parsons, that if all the jesuites of the church of Rome had conspird together to hinder tlie projmgatioji of the Gospel, they could not have contrivd it more effectually than 20 he had done in these so inconvenient assignements. However the matter was brought very near a period by the agreement of all persons concerned in the behalf of the clergy and of the bishop (whose highest concern was the propagation of the Gospel in his territories); and one of the clergy, Mr 25 Wm. B., chosen and sent into England to beg of the K. a confirmation of this exchange by patent : but the rebellion prevented his return, and marr'd all that work so well begun, with all other good intentions of this good and reverend father indeed. 30

    I. to the bishop of Kihnore's. 3. distance, as by their patent they were bound. 5. expediency. 7. them belonging to his bishoprick. 8. accept of those, by patent assigned. 10. effectuating whereof.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmore, commissioners once gathered in Mr Arthur Cullum's house to settle a matter of land and parish churches. Bishop Bedell had seen the problem. Glebe lands assigned to each church were scattered and inconvenient. But he himself had lands lying round about most of the parish churches throughout the whole diocese, next to them, convenient for each parish. So he proposed an exchange. He would accept those several parcels of glebe lands assigned to each church in lieu of his own lands, that the bishoprick might have no clamour and the present leasees no just reason to complain. He procured a commission from the Earl of Strafford, the Lord Deputy, and council to bring this pious proposal to pass. The commissioners met about it, and Dr Bramhall, bishop of Derry, was one of them. Those present at Mr Arthur Cullum's house heard him say to Sir William Parsons that if all the Jesuits of the Church of Rome had conspired together to hinder the propagation of the Gospel, they could not have contrived it more effectually than he had done in these so inconvenient assignments. The matter was brought very near a period by the agreement of all persons concerned on behalf of the clergy and the bishop, whose highest concern was the propagation of the Gospel in his territories. One of the clergy, Mr William B., was chosen and sent into England to beg of the King a confirmation of this exchange by patent. But the rebellion prevented his return, and marred all that work so well begun, with all other good intentions of this good and reverend father.

24. Dublin College fellow election dispute and vice-provost removal

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1628

    A dispute arose at Dublin College over the election of Fellows Probationers, in which the vice-provost tried to bring in his own kinsman. When the majority would not concur, the Lord Deputy inserted three fellows by mandate; the visitors, including the Lord Primate as Vicechancellor, then removed the vice-provost from his position and fellowship.

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    Sahitem in Christo Jesu. I haue receiued (Good Mr Dr) your letters sent by Mr Avis, since my retorne from London where I spake with our Chancellor, My Lord of Canterbury, and wrote to my Lord Primate our Vicechaiicellor, and to the College. There hath beene a new stirre there, The Vice provost hath holden an election of Fellowes Probationers, wherein he endeavoured to bring in one of his kindred, and name, which the major part not concurring unto, he would not consent to the election of some others that sate, but left the places unchosen. Thereupon the Lord Deputy hath put in 3 by mandate : and the Vice-Provost hath admitted them. For which the Visitors (amongst whom my Lord Primate as Vicechancellor is one) have put him out of his Vice-Provostship and fellowship. This I understand by letters from Dublin to other men at London. For my selfe haue not receiued a worde from them hereabout. I do see well (as you write) how necessary it were for me to keepe the interest of my place here ; but yet from the College or my Lord Primate thereabout I can not yet heare any thing. My Lord of Canterbury touching my case concurres in opinion with you ; that I haue not heneficiimi, and sayth he will maintaine it against any man. I haue written to my Lord Primate, and purpose to expect his answer : which I shall haue leysure to doe, one of my boyes being sick of an Ague, which he hath had these 6 weekes. I haue put my place there in my Lord Primates hands to dispose of as he shall thiuck best for the good of the College : not so much for the stirres before mentioned, as because I haue seene it written from Dublin, that my Lord Primate sayth, / am a weake man, and so accounted by tcise men : which indeede is most true. Of this I haue plainely written to him. Yoii may keepe this to your selfe, for my reputation.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 141

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, in 1628, saw a quarrel break out inside its College. The vice-provost held an election of Fellows Probationers and tried to bring in one of his own kindred. The majority would not concur, so he refused to consent to the election of some others who sat, and left the places unchosen. The Lord Deputy then put in 3 fellows by mandate, and the vice-provost admitted them. For that, the Visitors, among them the Lord Primate as Vicechancellor, put him out of his vice-provostship and his fellowship. The news reached London through letters written from Dublin to other men. One man who had lately returned from London had spoken there with the Chancellor, the Lord of Canterbury, and had written to the Lord Primate and to the College. He had not received a word back from them. He saw, as someone had written to him, how necessary it was to keep the interest of his place. The Lord of Canterbury agreed he had no beneficium and said he would maintain that against any man. He had put his place in the College in the Lord Primate's hands, to dispose of as he thought best for the good of the College. He did so not only for the troubles already mentioned, but because he had seen it written from Dublin that the Lord Primate said of him, "I am a weake man, and so accounted by wise men," which he acknowledged was most true. He had written plainly to the Lord Primate about it. One of his boys had been sick with an ague for 6 weeks, which gave him leisure to wait for an answer.

25. Irish language instruction at Trinity College Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1628

    Bedell reports from Trinity College Dublin that Mr King has been brought in to read Irish aloud daily to selected scholars, using copies of the Book of Common Prayer and beginning with the Catechism. He also discusses efforts to obtain an existing Irish translation of the Psalms from the late Archbishop of Tuam's wife.

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    I haue according to your Graces letters, imparted to me by Mr Thomas, propounded Mr Burtons sonne for a natiues place, and we haue chosen him therto, with condition that he shall haue allowance when he can reade the toungi. "We haue brought Mr King to reade an houre euery day to those that are already chosen, to frame them to the right pronunciation and exercise of the language, to which jjurpose we haue gotten a few coppies of the booke of Common prayer, and do begin with the Catechisme which is there in. I hope this course will not be unfruitefuli. The translation of the Psalmes into prose and verse, whereof I spake to your Grace, would be a good worke, and Mr King hath giuen us an assay in the first psalme which doth not dislyke Mr Fitz Gerald and Mr Lisiagh ; yet I doe forbeare to vrge that yet, because I heare that there is a translation made of the Psalmes already, in the handes of the late Archb. of Tuam's wife, which I also put in hope to obtaine by meanes of one Mr Brimigham sometymes of this house. I beseech your Grace to helpe what you may to the obtaining of this Copy, and in this and in all other our attempts direct us with your aduice. Here haue been with me of late the Bp of Clogher his sonne, and the Bp of Raphe's sonne (with whom Mr Puttock hath to doe) for one cause ; about certaine livings whereof the King that dead is gaue the right of Patronage to the College, rccompenceing them Avith lands for the same as I am informed, and yet they stand out, denieing to resigne the right of these livings to the College.

    ^ Irish. See Life, p. 25.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 147

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin has long had learning at its heart, and in 1628 that learning turned toward the Irish tongue. William Bedell, working from Trinity College, wrote to report that a man called Mr King had been brought in to read Irish aloud for an hour every day to scholars already chosen there. The aim was to frame them to what Bedell called the right pronunciation and exercise of the language. For this purpose they had gotten a few copies of the Book of Common Prayer, and they began with the Catechism printed in it. Bedell hoped this course would not be unfruitful. There was more afoot. Bedell had spoken of a translation of the Psalms into Irish, both prose and verse, and Mr King had given an attempt at the first psalm. Two men, Mr Fitz Gerald and Mr Lisiagh, did not dislike it. But Bedell held back from pressing that work further, because he had heard that a translation of the Psalms had already been made, and it lay in the hands of the late Archbishop of Tuam's wife. He hoped to obtain it through a man called Mr Birmingham, sometime of the college, and he asked his correspondent to help in getting that copy. Bedell also mentioned that Mr Burton's son had been chosen for a native's place at the college, with allowance to come when he could read the tongue. And he noted that the sons of the Bishop of Clogher and the Bishop of Raphoe had been with him lately, disputing rights of patronage over certain livings that the late King had granted to the college.

26. Mr Hill, dean of Kilmore, educated Sheridon in Protestant faith

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    Dennis Sheridon was educated from childhood in the Protestant religion in the house of Mr Hill, sometime dean of Kilmore. This grounding kept Sheridon firm in the Protestant faith and equipped him to minister to Irish-speaking congregations where an Englishman could not serve.

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    rous and potent in the countrey. This man had been educated from his childhood in the protestant-rehgion, in the house of a very reverend and godly divine, Mr Hill, sometime dean of Killmore ; by whom he was so well principled, that he allwaies stood firm to the protestant-religion. The 5 bishop of Kilmore took allwaies a special notice and liking of him ; and for his good conversation and skill in the Irish language he promoted him to the ministry and bestow'd on him a church-living; where the inhabitants being all Irish, an Englishman had been unable in any sort to discharge that 10 duty, incumbent upon a minister to such a people.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in Kilmore, a man named Dennis Sheridon was raised from childhood in the Protestant religion. He was brought up in the house of Mr Hill, sometime dean of Kilmore, a very reverend and godly divine. Hill grounded Sheridon so well that he always stood firm to the Protestant faith. The bishop of Kilmore took a special notice and liking of him, and for his good conversation and his skill in the Irish language, promoted him to the ministry and bestowed on him a church-living. The people there were all Irish, and an Englishman would have been unable in any sort to discharge the duty incumbent on a minister to such a people.

27. Nicholas Bernard's Exchange to Ardagh

    Ardagh · parish · Longford · 1637

    In 1637, Nicholas Bernard, who had been dean of Kilmore, exchanged his position to serve at Ardagh. He later became the preacher of Gray's Inn and chaplain to Oliver Cromwell.

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    p. 37 1. 35. Dt Bernard. Nicholas Bernard, dean of Kilmore 9 Oct. 1627. He exchanged to Ardagh in 1637, became preacher of Gray's Inn 1651, and chaplain to Oliver Cromwell. He published a sermon on the life and death of Archbishop Ussher in 1656. In 1660 he was presented to the living of Whitchurch in Shropshire, and the year before published ' Certain Discourses, to which is added a Character of Bishop Bedell.' He died in 1661.

    p. 38 1. 24. vivit etc. Ovid, Trist. i. 3. 12.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    This parish of Ardagh has a brief link to a man named Nicholas Bernard. He had been dean of Kilmore since 1627. In 1637 he exchanged that position to serve here at Ardagh. His life carried him further after that. By 1651 he was preacher of Gray's Inn, and he became chaplain to Oliver Cromwell. He published a sermon on the life and death of Archbishop Ussher in 1656. In 1660 he was presented to the living of Whitchurch in Shropshire. He died in 1661.

28. Protestant petition against heavy impositions in Cavan

    Cavan · town · Cavan

    Bedell signed a petition from Protestants in County Cavan to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland and the Earl of Cork regarding certain heavy impositions. This reflects the economic burdens placed on the Protestant community in Cavan during Bedell's episcopate.

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    Lish fellows ; Bedell respected by both sides on account of his moderation ; visitors obliged to intervene, and with Bedell's help the fire kept down for a time, but could not be extinguished; differences with the Professor of Divinity, Dr Joshua Hoile, 2G ; appointment, after little more than a year, to the Bishoprics of Kilraore and Ardagh, 27, 94, 297; delay in his consecration ; unwilling to adopt the costly garb and the state commonly used by Bishops; walks with one attendant in the streets of Dublin, instead of riding with three or four, 28, 160, 300; scoffed at by another Bishop for his plainness of garb, 29, 181 ; inquires diligently into state of his diocese, and hears complaints ; appoints a visitation ; impartiallj' redresses grievances ; open opposition of his chancellor abetted by some of the clergy to his intentions for reformation ; great unpopularity, 29, 30 ; lawsuit between Bedell and his chancellor, 31, 32, 33, 3G, 50, 51, 120, 121, 122, 123, 302, 311-318, 325, 32(5; he keeps Courts in all parts of his diocese for redressing grievances, 33, 119, 302; visit to Sir F. Hamilton of Mannor Hamilton, 34, 107 ; misuse of sentence of excommunication, 3G, 119 ; Diocesan Synod called, 38, 110 ; his visitations, 38, 115; account of Bedell by Dr Bernard, sometime dean of Kilmore, 37 ; admonishes ministers to provide sufficient curates, 40 ; care in conferring Holy Orders, 42, 105 ; he persuades Dr John Richardson to become Bishop of Ardagh, which he resigns in order to set a good example in the matter of pluralities, 43, 44, 102 ; is much troubled by lands having been leased by formerBishops to tlieir kindred, and thus alienated from the See, 98, 99; signs a petition from Protestants in County Cavan to Lord Chancellor of Ireland and the Earl of Cork respecting certain heavy impositions, 40; accused of opposing his Majesty's service in Ireland; re-

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Cavan gives its name to a county where, during Bedell's time as bishop, Protestants faced heavy impositions. Bedell himself signed their petition to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland and the Earl of Cork, standing with them against those burdens. For this he was accused of opposing his Majesty's service in Ireland. Bedell had been appointed to the Bishoprics of Kilmore and Ardagh after little more than a year in his earlier post. He delayed his consecration, unwilling to adopt the costly garb and the state commonly used by bishops. He walked with 1 attendant in the streets of Dublin instead of riding with 3 or 4. Another bishop scoffed at him for his plainness of dress. He inquired diligently into the state of his diocese and heard complaints. He appointed a visitation and impartially redressed grievances. His chancellor opposed him openly, abetted by some of the clergy, and a lawsuit followed between them. Bedell kept courts in all parts of his diocese for redressing grievances. He called a Diocesan Synod. He admonished ministers to provide sufficient curates and took care in conferring Holy Orders. He persuaded Dr John Richardson to become Bishop of Ardagh, who then resigned the post to set a good example in the matter of pluralities. Bedell was troubled by lands having been leased by former bishops to their kindred, thus alienated from the See. He was respected by both sides for his moderation.

29. Storming of Trim and death of Sir Charles Coote

    Trim · town · Meath · 1641

    Sir Charles Coote, described as a famous and valiant knight, was slain by rebels during the storming of Trim, situated within twenty miles of Dublin. He was the father-in-law of Sir Francis Hamilton, one of the Scottish commanders who fortified castles nearby during the rebellion.

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    getber at the very beginning of tbe rebeUion, made bead for their own defence against tbe murderers under the command of sir James Craig (that married tbe daughter of sir Moses Hill an old capt. of the Q.) and sir Francis Hamilton (that f. 85 r° 5 married a daughter of that most famous and valiant knight, sir Charles Coot, who was slain by the rebells at the storming of Trim within 20 miles of Dublin). They had also another young Scottish knight called sir Arthur Forbes, son of that stout and gallant S. A. F. that was slain in Germany by sir

    10 Fred. Hamilton upon a petty difference about quarters. These had fortified, as well as they could in such a sudden straight, the castles of Tecrohen, where S. J. C. dwelt, and the castle of Keilach, where S. F. H. dwelt ; there being but one mile of wooddy ground betv/een them, and both within

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    This is the town of Trim. In the rebellion of 1641, rebels stormed Trim, and here they slew Sir Charles Coote, called a most famous and valiant knight. Trim lay within 20 miles of Dublin. Sir Charles Coote was the father-in-law of Sir Francis Hamilton, a Scottish commander who, with Sir James Craig, gathered forces at the very beginning of the rebellion to defend against the murderers. Sir James Craig had married the daughter of Sir Moses Hill, an old captain of the Queen. Another young Scottish knight, Sir Arthur Forbes, son of a stout and gallant Sir Arthur Forbes slain in Germany, was also among them.

30. Alexander Clogy, minister of Cavan, kept worship during rebellion

    Cavan · town · Cavan · 1642

    After Bedell's death, his surviving family and followers sheltered at Mr. Sheridan's house, where Protestant worship was maintained. Alexander Clogy, the minister of Cavan, preached on Psalm cii throughout this crisis, while the group awaited relief that never came due to the outbreak of civil war in England.

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    1 27. You may perhaps desyre also to know what became of his children after his death, and that litle flock and small remnant that had escaped the fury of the adversary. As to their bodyes, though they had nothing left besides their lives, which God alwayes preserved as sacred and unviolable (as He did Job's) after his departure, as before : Indeede, they were mervellously sanctuaryed in the midst of their enemyes ; for they continued at Mr. Sheridin's house untill the 15th day of June following, waiting for the Lord's deliverance and the service of God was kept up in that family by Mr. Bedel, who preached on Psalm xxx, and by Alexander Clogy, the minister of Cavan, who preached on Psalm cii, all that wearisome tyme. We hoped still, that if there were any English or Scotts in the world we might have beene relieved by that tyme; but nothing was done for us; the inraging and cruel jealousyes betweene the king and Parliament of England, tristia condere bella, breaking out into open warrs (in all parts) mcestos habitura triumphos.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    Through the town of Cavan, in 1642, a small group waited out a rebellion. After the death of William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, his children and the little flock that survived had nothing left but their lives. They sheltered at Mr. Sheridan's house, and stayed there until the 15th of June, waiting for deliverance. They were, as the record puts it, marvelously sanctuaryed in the midst of their enemies. Worship was kept up in that house. Mr. Bedel preached on Psalm 30, and Alexander Clogy, the minister of Cavan, preached on Psalm 102 all through that wearisome time. They hoped that if there were any English or Scots in the world, they might have been relieved by then. But nothing was done for them. The cruel jealousies between the king and Parliament of England broke out into open wars, and no relief ever came.

31. Bedell consecrated and resigns bishopric of Ardagh

    Ardagh · parish · Longford · 1629–1632

    Bedell was nominated to the united Bishoprics of Kilmore and Ardagh and consecrated on 13 September 1629. About three years later he resigned Ardagh, partly to avoid setting an example for the widespread practice of holding multiple benefices while maintaining no curates.

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    papers and often ignored), still preserved in the Library, he reformed the services in chapel and the system of lectures, and above all he insisted on instruction in Irish, especially for those who proposed to be clergymen, and set on foot or encouraged the scheme for the translation of the Bible and Prayer Book into Irish'. But his tenure of the Provostship was quickly brought to an end by his nomination to the united Bishoprics of Kilmore and Ardagh, to which he was consecrated on the 13th September, 1629. About three years later he resigned Ardagh, and thenceforth remained Bishop of Kilmore. The difficulties which awaited him in his pastoral office are fully illustrated in his letters here given to the reader. He found himself Bishop only of an insignificant minority, for the bulk of the inhabitants of his diocese were Roman Catholics who rejected all spiritual authority on his part. Some overtures which he made towards a friendly understanding with the Catholic avithorities seem to have been repulsed, and his scheme of converting the Irish by means of ministers who spoke Irish did not have any appreciable success. But even worse than this was the state of the Church in which he was called to govern. Pluralism, non-residence, and the most shameless nepotism were rampant, and even the Bishops frequently impoverished their successors by granting long leases of ecclesiastical properties to wives, sons, or other near relatives. In fact, ecclesiastical property was looked upon as spoil for the

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through or near the parish of Ardagh, in Longford. This was one of two bishoprics held by William Bedell, a man who cared about instruction in Irish and set on foot the scheme for translating the Bible and Prayer Book into Irish. He was nominated to the united Bishoprics of Kilmore and Ardagh and consecrated on the 13th of September, 1629. About three years later he resigned Ardagh, and thenceforth remained Bishop of Kilmore. He gave up Ardagh partly to avoid setting an example for the widespread practice of holding multiple benefices while keeping no curates. The difficulties that awaited him in his pastoral office were severe. He found himself bishop of only an insignificant minority, for the bulk of the inhabitants of his diocese were Roman Catholics who rejected all spiritual authority on his part. Overtures he made towards a friendly understanding with the Catholic authorities seem to have been repulsed. His scheme of converting the Irish through ministers who spoke Irish had no appreciable success. The state of the Church was worse still. Pluralism, non-residence, and the most shameless nepotism were rampant. Even the bishops frequently impoverished their successors by granting long leases of ecclesiastical properties to wives, sons, or other near relatives. Ecclesiastical property was looked upon as spoil.

32. Bedell finds Kilmore diocese in ruin and disorder

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1629–1630

    When Bedell arrived in his diocese of Kilmore, he found widespread dilapidations and disorders among clergy, courts, and people, as though the devastation dated back to the rebellion of the Earls of Tyrone and Tyrconnell. The former bishop Moigne had treated spiritual and temporal church property as vendible commodities, selling orders and livings to the highest bidders.

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    30. When my L. of K, was come into his diocese, he found such dilapidations upon dilapidations, such disorders in his clergy, courts and people of all sorts, as if he had come thither immediately after the rebellion of the E. of Tyrone and E. of Tireconell, assisted by Don John de 15 Aquila ; which Q. Elizabeth of blessed memory put an end

    to by the lord Mountjoy, anno 1600.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, William Bedell arrived in his diocese of Kilmore around 1629. He found dilapidations upon dilapidations, disorders among his clergy, his courts, and his people of all sorts. It was as though he had come immediately after the rebellion of the Earl of Tyrone and the Earl of Tyrconnell, assisted by Don John de Aquila, which Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory put an end to through the lord Mountjoy in the year 1600.

33. Bedell relieves starving Irish prisoners with procurations

    Cavan · town · Cavan

    Bedell used the surplus from episcopal procurations—after defraying the ministers' dinner charges—to relieve poor Irish malefactors who were starving in prison without basic necessities. This directed church funds to pious uses rather than personal or bureaucratic gain.

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    10 did constantly twice a year at the county-town of Cavan preach before the judges in his episcopal habit at the general assizes of the county. The procurations (that were but small) he bestowed in defraying the charges of the ministers' dinner, and the rest he gave to pious uses, as to tlie poor Irish male-

    15 factors that were starving in the prison in w^ant of all things.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 61

    As the companion tells it

    In the town of Cavan, William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, preached before the judges twice a year at the general assizes, wearing his episcopal habit. The procurations were small. He used them first to cover the ministers' dinner charges, and gave what remained to pious uses, among them the poor Irish malefactors starving in prison, in want of all things.

34. Bedell reports Catholic clergy outnumber Protestants in his diocese

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1633

    In a letter to the lord deputy, Bedell described the strength of the Catholic Church in Ireland, estimating that in his own diocese of Kilmore the Catholic clergy were double the number of Protestant clergy. He warned of the political danger of removing the army given this situation.

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    here a clergy, if I may guess by my oiun diocese, double in number to us; the heads whereof are by corporal oath bound to him to maintein him and his regalities contra omnem hoininom, and to ej-ecute his mandats to the uttermost of 5 their forces; which accordingly they do, stiling themselves in print. Ego, N. Dei et apostolicae sedis gratia episcopus Fermien. et Ossorien. &c. / that know there is in this kingdom for the mouldinfj of the people to the popes obedience a rabble of irregular regulars, commonly younger

    lo brothers of good houses, who are grown to that insolency as to advance themselves to be members of the ecclesiastical hierarchic in, better rank than priests, insomuch that the censure of the Serbon is fain to be implored to curb them, tvhich yet is called in again, so tender is the pope of his own

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near Kilmore, in 1633, William Bedell, the Protestant bishop of this diocese, wrote to the lord deputy with a warning about the strength of the Catholic Church in Ireland. He estimated that in his own diocese the Catholic clergy were double the number of Protestant clergy. Their leaders, he wrote, were bound by corporal oath to maintain the pope and his regalities, in his words, "contra omnem hominem," against all men, and to execute his mandates to the uttermost of their forces. They styled themselves in print as bishops by God's grace and the authority of the apostolic see. Bedell described a rabble of irregular regulars, younger brothers of good houses, who had grown so insolent they advanced themselves in the church hierarchy above priests. The censure of the Sorbonne was called upon to curb them, but even that was called back, so tender was the pope of his own.

35. Ruin of churches in Bedell's diocese

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1629–1642

    When Bedell undertook the rebuilding of churches in his diocese, there were scarcely five churches left standing; the walls were all ruined in some places. The land had been much harassed with war, and the people in those northern parts were few and poor, with both English and Irish backward in such good works.

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    114. As for the building the churches, the reader must 30 know that when this work was first taken in hand, there were not five churches in his whole diocese, but were all ruin'd, so

    as scarsly the walls were left standing in some places. The reason was, that the land had been much harass'd with war, and the people were but few and poor in those northern 35 parts, and all too-backward, both English and Irish, to such good works as building of churches. But God stirred up the spirit of his majestie to give commissions by his vice-gerents in Ireland for the setting forward of this pious work. And

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in Kilmore, William Bedell set out to rebuild the churches of his diocese. When he took the work in hand, there were scarcely five churches in the whole diocese left standing. The walls were all ruined, so that in some places hardly even they remained. The land had been much harassed with war. The people in those northern parts were few and poor, and both English and Irish were backward in such good works as the building of churches. But God stirred up the spirit of his majesty to give commissions, by his vice-gerents in Ireland, for the setting forward of this pious work.

36. Scottish foot-company garrisoned at Cavan

    Cavan · town · Cavan · 1641

    During the 1641 rebellion, Major Bayly's foot-company of Scots was stationed at Cavan. They escaped in the night to two nearby castles, bringing all their trained-band arms with them, and participated in the subsequent siege defence.

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    from Christmas till June : A sad company of poore people we were, as ever were seene together ; some loaden with children, some great with cheild, some two children on their backs, many Avith two little ones in their armes, yet all rejoycing in the Lord for our enlargement at last. About 2000 rebells accompanying us for our lyfe-guard, according to the articles of our agreement, which were written by Archdeacon Pryce (before mentioned), but now Archbishop of Cashill. The Scotts had about 300 horse, some of them well appointed, for our guard also, under the conduct of Sir Francis Hamilton and Sir Arthur Forbes. Major Bayly had his foote-company of Scotts, that lay at Cavan, and had made their escape in the night to those two castles, with all their armes of the trayned-band with them.

    130. The countey had orders to bring us provision for money, as was artickled, which they did in great plenty. Though there were many plotts to cutt us off by the way (as against the 10,000 Greekes in Zenophon, that retreated into their owne countrey through many barbarous nations, after the overthrow of Cyrus), yet the Lord of Hostes was with us, and his glory did shyne over us, as in a cloud by day and a fyre by night, for our defence, and restrayned their malice, and brought forth this little flock, as his great flock under the conduct of the Great Shepherd out of Egipt of old, through scorpions and fiery-flying serpents with his mighty hand and outstretched arm : To Him be glory for ever !

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Cavan sits along this road. In 1641, during the rebellion, Major Bayly had his foot-company of Scots garrisoned here. They escaped in the night to two castles, bringing all their trained-band arms with them. They were part of a larger flight. The narrator calls it a sad company of poor people, some laden with children, some great with child, some with two children on their backs, many with two little ones in their arms, yet all rejoicing in the Lord for their enlargement at last. About 2000 rebels accompanied them as their life guard, according to articles of agreement written by Archdeacon Pryce, now Archbishop of Cashill. The Scots had about 300 horse, some well appointed, under the conduct of Sir Francis Hamilton and Sir Arthur Forbes. The country had orders to bring them provision for money, as was agreed, and did so in great plenty. Though there were many plots to cut them off by the way, compared to the 10,000 Greeks in Xenophon who retreated through many barbarous nations after the overthrow of Cyrus, the narrator writes that the Lord of Hosts was with them, and his glory did shine over them, as in a cloud by day and a fire by night, for their defence. He calls them a little flock brought forth through scorpions and fiery-flying serpents, like the great flock under the Great Shepherd out of Egypt of old.

37. Wadsworth's son visits Bishop Bedell at Kilmore

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    The son of the apostate Mr. Wadsworth traveled from Spain to Ireland to visit the Lord of Kilmore at his house. He informed Bedell that his father was grateful for a book Bedell had written, which his father delighted in and kept ever before him.

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    10 tract called the English-Spanish-Pilgrim) came from Spain into Ireland to my lord of Kilmore his house, and told him that his father thank'd 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, / will save one. I know not

    15 any thing that ever was written against popery that will yield more satisfaction to a rational reader; I wish it were reprinted in these times, there being above 50 years run out since the first printing of it, and very few of them to be found.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a man came from Spain to visit the Lord of Kilmore at his house. He was the son of the apostate Mr. Wadsworth. He told Bedell that his father thanked him for his book, that he delighted much in it, and that it was ever before him. He said he heard his father speak these words: "I will save one." The book had been written against popery, and it had been printed over 50 years before, with very few copies left to be found.

38. Bedell invited to provostship of Trinity College Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627

    After living quietly in Suffolk from 1612 to 1627, Bedell was solemnly invited to the provostship of the seminary of learning in Dublin following the death of Sir William Temple. He was chosen unanimously by fellows who had never met him, urged by Archbishop Ussher, and required by the king to accept the post.

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    the year 1612, after his return from Italy, until the year 1627 (as Moses did in Midian, or Elijah at Zarej)ta), he was (through the fame of his worth and writings) solemnly invited to the provostship over the seminary of learning that 30 j^,^„o is in Dublin, after the death of sir Wm. Temple. He was i<J27. chosen by all the fellows (who had never seen him); written to by famous D. Usher, primate of all Ireland, that had heard great things of him; and requir'd by the king to accept the calling, being esteemed by all persons to be quali- 35

    26 — 29. having lived. ..Zarcpta oiw. After this meeting with Deodati he was not long resident upon his benefice in Suflfolk, when through the fame of his worth and writtings he was sollemnely. 31. in Trinity college in. 32. fellows that had. 33. Doctor Usher.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1627. After fifteen years of quiet life in Suffolk, from 1612 to 1627, Bedell was solemnly invited to the provostship of the seminary of learning in Dublin, following the death of Sir William Temple. The fellows of the college chose him unanimously, though none of them had ever seen him. Archbishop Ussher, primate of all Ireland, wrote to him, having heard great things of him. And the king required him to accept the calling, he being esteemed by all persons to be qualified for it.

39. Bedell rejects Dublin bishops' custom of riding with attendants

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    While the common practice of bishops in Dublin was to ride through the streets with three or four attending men, Bedell chose instead to always walk. This reflected his humble disposition and deliberate avoidance of episcopal splendour.

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    58. At his consecration (and so after) he was to enter 25 of necessity into a more costly garb, both for attire and attendance, than ever he had used; and this was no small trouble to his humble and heavenly mind. His own wisedom prompted him to some conformity to the rest of the episcopal rank; and his friends were soUicitous lest he should render 30 himself contemptible, or lie under sinister censures, by coming too much behind other bishops in state and gallantry. And therefore he took a middle way; rising a little, but differing very much in outward splendor from the rest of his rank. He never wore silk, but his girdle, chimier and tippet; never 35 wore bever, castoi', or demi-castor, but allwaies felts. He used not to ride up and down the streets of Dublin about his occasions with his three or four men attending, as was the common usage of the bishops there, but allwaies walked

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    In Dublin, the bishops had a custom. They would ride up and down the streets about their occasions, with three or four men attending them. William Bedell would not. After his consecration, he had to take up a more costly garb than ever he had used, and it was no small trouble to his humble mind. His friends were anxious that he would render himself contemptible, or lie under sinister censures, by coming too much behind other bishops in state and gallantry. He took a middle way, rising a little but differing very much in outward splendor from the rest of his rank. He never wore silk, but his girdle, chimier, and tippet. He never wore bever, castor, or demi-castor, but always felts. And he did not ride through the streets with three or four men attending, as was the common usage of the bishops there. He always walked.

40. Bedell's 1638 synod in Kilmore causes uproar

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1638

    Bishop Bedell held a synod in Kilmore in 1638 that established new ecclesiastical governance. The event provoked outrage and threats of legal censure, including the high commission court and star chamber, against him.

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    25 L. lieutenant, the K of Strafford, was made acquainted with it, as if the bishop of Kilmore had set up a new platform of government in the chui'ch. A praemunire was the least censure ; he must be cited to the high commissioncourt or the star-chamber immediately, &c. ; and many such

    30 things Avere upon the tongues of many. Others said, that he did nothing against the laws of God or of the land;

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Bishop Bedell held a synod in 1638 that set up what looked like a new platform of government in the church. Word of it reached the Lieutenant, the King's Strafford. People talked of citing Bedell to the high commission court or the star chamber, and a praemunire was the least censure threatened against him. Others said he did nothing against the laws of God or of the land.

41. Bedell's house seized by O'Relly and popish bishop

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    After the bishop's release from imprisonment, his own house was found to be in the possession of Edmund O'Relly and the popish bishop, and he was not permitted to return there. The bishop, who had been accustomed to hosting others, was left dependent on the courtesy of friends for shelter.

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    I 148. All being agreed, and the time concluded upon, f. 47 r" the bishop and his children were set at liberty; but such a liberty as was more dangerous than the former imprisonment. As for his own house, that was in possession of Edmund

    30 0-Relly and the popish bishop, and thither they would not suffer him to return. So that now he, that was wont to give entertainment to others, had no place to hide his head but at others courtesy. He had his choice of two places, both not much above a mile distant from his house. One was the

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Kilmore, William Bedell's house was seized after his release from imprisonment. He and his children were set at liberty, but that liberty was, in the source's words, "more dangerous than the former imprisonment." His own house was in the possession of Edmund O'Relly and the popish bishop. Bedell, used to hosting others, was left relying on friends for shelter.

42. Bedell sits in his own courts across the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1629–1630

    Bishop Bedell inhibited his Chancellor, Alan Cooke, whose patent he believed was invalid, and personally sat in his own ecclesiastical courts across the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh. The clamour of the people against the Chancellor was such that Bedell felt compelled to act, undertaking many weary journeys through all parts of his dioceses.

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    Touching myselfe, I thanck God I haue my health, and would do something, if there were any overture or occasion. That which I can do as yet is no more, but by integrity and justice (as farre as I can procure it) in my Courts, to gaine the good opinion of the people. I haue inhibited my Chancellor, and because I am persuaded his Patent is naught, do sit in my Courts myselfe, which costs me many a hard weary journey to all the parts of my Diocesses. But the clamor of the people was such as I could not endure ; though for this he hath appealed me to my Lord Primates Court, and I am cited to appeare there, which is meerely to vexe me and put me to trouble. I haue refused the triall of that Court, and appealed ad quern vel quos for 3 or fewer gravamina in the Citacione : that they receiued his appeale, not presenting as he ought my inhibition ! Another, that they cite me, where as Inhibition alone did suffice for my Chancellors indemnity, neyther doth it appeare that he did require it. 3. They appoint no certaine terme of my appearance. 4. They say he hath rite and legitime appealed before I appeare. Principally they call him Vicariiis qui Kilmorem et Ardaghen legitime fulcetur : which is a plaine prejudice before the cause be heard. Notwithstanding I do submitt the cause to my Lord Primates judgment omni appellatione retnotd, if my Chancellor will do the like, which he refuseth. In short, whether it be for this, or some other doth ill offices against me, I have receiued a very angry letter from my Lord Primate : wherein are strange passages, accusing me to pull daume that ichich others haue beene so long in building^ and to build castles in the aire, with other more like wounding phrases. I haue desired to know, what these things meane, which in truth I do not as yet. The sum is, I shall euer love him and honor him, let him use me as he will.

    The sentence which the good Archbishop of Canterbury did animate me

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 150

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmore, Bishop William Bedell sat in his own ecclesiastical courts, across the dioceses of Kilmore and Ardagh, around 1629 to 1630. He had inhibited his Chancellor, Alan Cooke, because he was persuaded that Cooke's patent was invalid. The clamour of the people against the Chancellor was such that Bedell said he could not endure it, and so he took the courts into his own hands. It cost him, in his words, many a hard weary journey to all the parts of his dioceses. Cooke appealed Bedell to the Lord Primate's Court, and Bedell was cited to appear there, which he called merely to vex him and put him to trouble. He refused the trial of that court and raised his own objections. He said they received Cooke's appeal without presenting his inhibition as ought to have been done. He said they cited him when his inhibition alone should have sufficed for his Chancellor's indemnity. He said they appointed no certain term for his appearance. And he said they declared Cooke had rightly and legitimately appealed before Bedell had even appeared. Worst of all, they called Cooke the vicar who should be lawfully supported in Kilmore and Ardagh, which Bedell called a plain prejudice before the cause was heard. He offered to submit the whole matter to the Lord Primate's judgment, all appeal removed, if Cooke would do the same. Cooke refused. Bedell then received a very angry letter from the Lord Primate, accusing him of pulling down what others had been so long in building, and of building castles in the air, with other wounding phrases. Bedell said he did not yet know what these things meant. He said he would ever love and honour the Primate, let him use him as he would.

43. Diocesan synod at Kilmore and dispute with Dr Cooke

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1638–1639

    Bedell held a Chapter or Diocesan Synode at Kilmore in September 1638, which provoked his Vicar Dr Cooke to appeal first to the Lord Primate and then to the King in Chancery, bringing the cause to Delegates. Cooke slanderously claimed the Primate had refused him a Citation and Inhibition.

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    In your last to me, you gave some aduertisment how I might find the Codex Canonum both in the first and latter lynes, and you gaue also some information of the disposition of him concerning whonie I wrote to you. I have since had many experiences of him and (I know not for what cause but) have founde him the most adverse to me in all occasions, wherein he might have stood me in stead that might be. This sheet of paper would not contayne the particulars. I see well so that he may please his Superiors, he litle respects any other thing,- — the charjicter that as I remember P. Paulo sets on Cardinall Montain. I have retayned my ancient freedome both in speaking and writing to him, for which he told me at cur last meeting he had a quarrell to me. I told him againe I was so bred, as I could not, aliud in corde clausum, aliud in lingua promptum gerere : and desired him to use the same ingenuity towards me. j\Iy Vicar Dr Cooke hath againe fallen foule upon me. The occasion was a Chapter or Diocesan Synode which 1 held at Kilmore in Sept. last. He appealed me to the Lord Primate and from him he hath appealed to the King in chancery, and brought the cause to Delegates. ^lost slanderously laying the cause of his grievance to be, that my Lord Primate would not giue a Citation and Inhibition for iiie, whereas he had both, as my Lord Primate hath certified under his hand and scale. The i)rinie Delegate is he of whom you and I looke for no other but he will continue constant in his course. Pacience. I received some Moneths since a letter from Dr Iloldsworth, by which I vnderstood that one Mr llyece of Preston being gone to God, had left diuers Feoffes, of which I am one, in trust to convey the Rectory of that Parish with the advowson of the vicarage to Kmmanuell College, according to a draught which he left with me before my comming away from England. He desired me to make a letter of Attorney to some frecnd to execute the trust in my name. 1 sent him one to you. !Now I liaue since received sundry letters from sundry freends there (Sir Thomas Jcrmyn among others) in favour of one Mr Copinger, who as they say was nominated by Mr Ryece in his life tyme, who is commended to be an able and honest man. Wherein besides the will of Mr Ryece the donour, and the possession of the parts (though perhaps we in the eye of law have the right of presentation) methincks should take place: and if you mccte not with greater reason to the contrary I pray do Avhat you can to establish Mr Copinger there.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 177

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in September 1638, William Bedell held a Chapter or Diocesan Synod at Kilmore. The synod provoked his Vicar, Dr Cooke, to turn against him once again. Bedell had written to a friend that he had since found a certain man most adverse to him on every occasion where he might have stood in his stead. This man, Bedell wrote, cared little for anything so long as he pleased his superiors, a character Bedell likened to the judgement P. Paulo placed on Cardinal Montain. At their last meeting the man told Bedell he had a quarrel with him. Bedell answered that he was bred to speak and write with freedom, and could not, as he put it, hold one thing shut in his heart and another ready on his tongue. He asked the man to show him the same honesty. The occasion for Dr Cooke's attack was the synod at Kilmore. Cooke appealed to the Lord Primate, and from the Primate he appealed to the King in Chancery, bringing the cause to Delegates. Most slanderously, he claimed the Lord Primate had refused him a Citation and Inhibition. But the Primate had certified under his own hand and seal that Cooke had received both. The prime Delegate, Bedell wrote, was a man from whom he expected nothing but constancy in his course. Bedell's word for it was patience.

44. Dublin as an exhausted city of refuge during the Rebellion

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    Pillaged refugees fleeing the rebellion came to Dublin, described as a poor, exhausted city unable to lodge or feed them. Thousands were dying every week for want of food, a calamity documented by Dr. Jones, Dean of Kilmore, and Sir John Temple.

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    134. Most of our poore pillaged company came towards Dublin, a poore exhausted city of refuge, which was neytheir able to lodge us, nor to relieve us with things necessary, thowsands dying every weeke, being pierced through for want of the fruits of the earth, as is at large set forth in the booke of Dr. Jones, Deane of Kilmore, who wrote the history of the horrid Rebellion ; and also by Sir John Temple, a worthy and honorable privy councillor, before and after that calamity.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 107

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin was a poor, exhausted city of refuge during the Rebellion. Most of the pillaged company fleeing the fighting came towards the city, but it could neither lodge them nor relieve them with things necessary. Thousands were dying every week, pierced through for want of the fruits of the earth. Dr. Jones, Dean of Kilmore, set this forth at large in his history of the horrid Rebellion. Sir John Temple, a worthy privy councillor, documented the calamity too, before and after.

45. Famine and death during eight-month castle siege

    Cavan · town · Cavan · 1641–1642

    During an eight-month siege, the Scottish defenders in two castles near Cavan suffered famine and disease, with 180 people dying in one castle alone. By June 1642, the 1200 survivors had resorted to eating the cowhides that had covered their cabins.

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    1 29. In this transaction, my Lord of Kilmore's children, with the minister of Cavan, Mr. Arthur CuUum, with Mr. Castledyne (that were prisoners with my Lord of Kihnore in Clockwoter Castle) and others, were particularly included and named. So, on the 15th day of June, 1642, in the eighth month after the Rebellion, we marched away above 1200 men, women, and children, after they had eaten the cowes' hydes that had covered their cabbins and hutts,

    14—2

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    Cavan, besieged through 1641 and into 1642. Two castles near the town held Scottish defenders for eight months. Famine and disease set in. 180 people died in one castle alone. By June 1642, the 1200 survivors were eating the cowhides that had once covered their cabins.

46. Kilmore diocese: fertile land, ruined churches, popish dominance

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1629

    Bedell describes his new diocese of Kilmore as a fertile and pleasant country where Roman Catholicism prevails among both the native Irish and the original English settlers. The recent plantations remain raw and the churches are in ruins.

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    it were shortly ; and without any serious matter more then the profession my true love to you. These letters are the first I wrote into England from this place, whither I came the vijth of Septemher , having beene consecrated at Droghedah the 1 3<A. The delay of my Consecration so long was occasioned, partly by tlie desire of our fellowes to haue a free election ; partly out of my Lord Primates and mine to renew the College Ulster Leases, before an vnknown successor should come ; which I thanck God I haue liappily effected so as within these 6 yeares there wilbe almost double the present rents, which it had of these lands formerly. I haue not yet heard whom they haue chosen for my successor. But I make no question but it is Dr Usher my Lord Primates Cosin, and sometyraes fellow of that house. Whom they nominated to the King and had leaue to elect but were forbidden to elect till they heard from the King, vpon my Lord Primates approbation of him and testimony to the King. I am come hither into a Country fertile enough aTid pleasant, but where Popery hath possessed not only the ancient inhabitants, but also our English which planted here at the first, almost universally : and our late plantations are yet rawe, the Churches ruined. My Cathedrall Church is such another as Horningerth was, but without Steeple, Bell or Font. You may imagine the rest — the Popish Bishop of this Diocese is lately chosen Primate, and dwells within a mile or 2 of me. I am in deliberation to write to him, and offer some intercourse ; as I see the African Churches and Bishops did to the Donatists. I desire you to helpe me with your prayers and aduice in any thing which God shall put into your minde for the furtherance of the common cause. So with my true loue and commendations to Mris Ward I rest

    Your loving Brother,

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    Bedell arrived somewhere close to Kilmore on the 7th of September 1629, having been consecrated at Drogheda on the 13th of the month before. The delay in his consecration had been caused partly by his fellows wanting a free election and partly by his and the Lord Primate's desire to renew the College Ulster leases before an unknown successor should come. He thanked God he had effected this so that within 6 years there would be almost double the rents those lands had formerly. He found a country fertile enough and pleasant, but where Popery had possessed not only the ancient inhabitants but also the English who planted there at the first, almost universally. The late plantations were yet raw, and the churches ruined. His cathedral church was such another as Horningerth was, but without steeple, bell, or font. The Popish Bishop of this diocese was lately chosen Primate and dwelled within a mile or 2 of him. Bedell was in deliberation to write to him and offer some intercourse, as the African Churches and Bishops did to the Donatists. He desired help with prayers and advice in anything God should put into the mind for the furtherance of the common cause, and sent his true love and commendations to Mistress Ward, signing himself a loving brother.

47. Opposition to court reforms by Dr. Cook at Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    Dr. Allen Cook, the lay-chancellor, and his associates conspired against the bishop's court reforms, which had been renowned over all Ireland for their exemplariness. Cook commenced a suit in chancery to hinder the bishop's progress, as the hope of their gain was threatened.

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    in itself, and acceptable to all, both . clergy, and people, and renowned over all Ireland for the exemplariness of it, yet was not long free from opposition ; no more than that good lo work (Ezr. iv. 9) of Ezra in the accusation of Rehum the chancellor and Shimsay the. scribe or register. For D. Alane Cook the chancellor and his men, seeing the hope ■ of their gain was like to be cut off by this means, if the bishop were suffered thus to continue, as he had begun, 15 to sit and judge in his own courts; as he had already disappointed them of all their gain from ordinations and institutions, &c., (he writing all such instruments with his own hand, and giving them freely) made head, and conspired all of them together against him^to hinder him in 20 his progress. Dr. Cook the lay-chancellor commenced a suit in the chancery against him ; who made his just defence so

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Armagh was the setting for a struggle over the bishop's courts. Those courts had been renowned over all Ireland for their exemplariness, acceptable to clergy and people alike. But the reforms did not long go unopposed. Dr. Alane Cook, the lay-chancellor, and his men saw that the hope of their gain was like to be cut off if the bishop were suffered to continue sitting and judging in his own courts as he had begun. He had already disappointed them of all their gain from ordinations and institutions, writing all such instruments with his own hand and giving them freely. So Cook and his associates conspired together against him, to hinder his progress. Dr. Cook commenced a suit in the chancery against him. The bishop made his just defence.

48. Corruption and extortion in Armagh church courts

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    On entering the bishopric, he found both clergy and people preyed upon by a lay-official holding office by patent, with manifold extortions in ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The sentence of excommunication was as little regarded as the dirt of the streets.

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    I shall in the next place set down his reformation of his courts and ecclesiastical consistory. Hie totum est pro cor- 2)ore vulnus. The corruption was so great, that he saw nothing in his courts when he entred bishop, but what 5 Solomon saw long before, the place of judgement, that wickedness luas there, and the iiilace of rigldeousness, that iniquity was there. He found both clergy and people a prey and a spoil to a lay-official by patent, and none to deliver them. And as there Avas a simoniacal and sacri-

    10 legious venality of all holy things in his predecessor's house; so there were manifold extortions in the exercise of ecclesiastical jurisdiction in his courts. He was wearied by continual complaints from all sorts of people. The dreadfull sentence of excommunication (both major and minor,

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    Around Armagh, the church courts were rotten. When he entered the bishopric, he found both clergy and people preyed upon by a lay-official holding office by patent, and no one to deliver them. The corruption was so great that the sentence of excommunication was as little regarded as the dirt of the streets. He saw nothing in his courts but what Solomon saw long before: the place of judgement, that wickedness was there, and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.

49. Sir Richard Waldron's Fernham Castle in Cavan

    Cavan · town · Cavan

    Richard Castledine, a carpenter brought from England, built Fernham Castle for Sir Richard Waldron in the parish of Cavan. Castledine eventually purchased the castle and its lands from his master within thirty years before the rebellion.

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    25 his back) by sir Richard W;ildrou, who had a large plantation in the parish of Cavan, where he began to build a castle, called Fernham castle from the name of his place in England. All the carpenter's worke was contrived and performed by this Richard Castledyne, that by his diligence and sobriety in the feare of the Lord had gott a

    30 considerable estate under his master ; who, playing the ill-husband and being corrupted by the Irish commessations, never finished his begun woorke, but gave way to this his servant to purchase his master's castle and all the lands belonging to it in less space then thirty yeares; and withall being exceedingly discouraged by the death of

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 97

    As the companion tells it

    In the parish of Cavan, Sir Richard Waldron had a large plantation where he began to build a castle called Fernham Castle, named after his place in England. All the carpenter's work was contrived and performed by Richard Castledine, who by his diligence and sobriety in the fear of the Lord had gotten a considerable estate under his master. Sir Richard, playing the ill-husband and corrupted by Irish commessations, never finished his begun work, but gave way to his servant to purchase the castle and all its lands in less than thirty years. This was before the rebellion.

50. Bedell's reforms and opposition in the Diocese of Kilmore

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1629

    Upon arriving at his diocese of Kilmore, Bishop Bedell refused customary gifts from his officers, tenants, and ministers, causing widespread discontent. He initiated a visitation to investigate complaints against his chancellor and reform the diocese, but faced fierce opposition from the clergy and his own officials.

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    59. But we shall now carry the reader along with our bishop of Killmore in his plain accoutrements to his diocess, and take some view of his carriage and entertainment there. And the first thing observable may be his sense of those

    20 presents (as horses, fat oxen, brawns) that came then frequently unto him, some from his officers, and some from his tennants and some ministers of his diocess. These were sent so thick, that they were a very great disquieting to his mind: for his way was, either to offer money for such as

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1629, Bishop Bedell arrived at his diocese of Kilmore and refused the customary gifts from his officers, tenants, and ministers. The refusal caused widespread discontent. He began a visitation to investigate complaints against his chancellor and reform the diocese, but the clergy and his own officials opposed him fiercely.

51. Bedell laments court abuses in Diocese of Kilmore

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1630

    Bishop Bedell of Kilmore writes in 1630 about his jurisdictional conflict with his chancellor, Mr. Cooke, in the ecclesiastical courts of Kilmore and Ardagh. He appeals to the Bishop of London for relief on behalf of poor people who suffer severe abuses under the church court system.

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    Diocessios. If they were as anciently constituted only durante beneplacito, they would know themselves. For my part God is my witnes that if I thought I could be excused in conscience for the misgovernment of the people, whom God and his Majesty have comitted unto me, I could easily suffer Mr Cooke to exercise the Jurisdiction, though there be left me nothing but the name of it : but when the blame also and the shame of religion Hes upon it, I hope good men will not account me Pragmatical], if I be sensible, and desire to fulfill my profession made at my consecration, tliat I would be gentle and mercifull for Christs sake to poore and needy people and such as he destitute of helpe. These poore people (to whom to be put into the Bishops Booke as they call it hath beene worse then their imaginary Purgatory) do beseech your Lordship, and by you his Majesty, to pitty them. Religion intreates you to remoove this scandall ; the church to reforme this disorder. I have sayd and done what I can. I leave the successe to God. To whose gracious protection I committ your Lordship and shall ever remaine

    Your Lordships most obliged Will. Kilmoren and Ardaghen. Kilmoren, Aug. 7, 1630.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmore, in 1630, Bishop William Bedell found himself in a bitter struggle over his own church courts. His chancellor, a Mr. Cooke, had taken hold of the jurisdiction, leaving Bedell with little but the name of his office. Bedell wrote to the Bishop of London to plead for relief. He said that if only his conscience could be clear, he could let Cooke carry on. But the blame and the shame of the matter fell on religion itself, and he could not stay silent. He had promised at his consecration to be gentle and merciful, for Christ's sake, to poor and needy people, to those without help. And those poor people, he said, had suffered terribly. To be put into the Bishop's Book, as they called it, had been worse to them than their imaginary purgatory. They begged the Bishop of London, and through him the King, to take pity. Religion itself, Bedell wrote, asked him to remove this scandal, and the church to reform this disorder. He had said and done what he could. He left the outcome to God. He signed the letter from Kilmore on August 7, 1630, as Bishop of Kilmore and Ardagh.

52. Bedell's ordination reforms in Kilmore diocese

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    Bishop Bedell rigorously examined candidates for ordination in the diocese of Kilmore, conducting examinations according to the articles of the Church of Ireland. Dean Bernard of Kilmore witnessed these solemn clergy meetings, and Bedell refused all customary fees for ordination, institution, or induction, eliminating a chain of payments previously expected by the bishop's household.

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    5 his arch-deacon, Mr Tho. Price; at whose examination D. Bernard (then dean of Kilmore) saith in his character of the bishop, he was present in a solemn meeting of the clergy of that diocese for that end. And tho' he were one of the senior and principal fellows of the college of Dublin, when the

    10 bishop was provost, yet his iudagation and diligent scrutiny of him took up at least two full hours. And he also gave free liberty to any person of the clergy to examine the person to be ordained; who were requir'd also to give their votes for his approbation, and to lay on their hands with the

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Kilmore, Bishop Bedell set a new standard for ordaining clergy. He examined candidates rigorously, following the articles of the Church of Ireland. Dean Bernard, who had been a senior fellow of Dublin when Bedell was provost, was present and described a solemn meeting of the clergy gathered for that purpose. When Bedell examined his archdeacon, Thomas Price, the scrutiny lasted at least two full hours. He gave any clergyman present liberty to question the candidate, and required them to vote on his approval and lay on their hands. Bedell refused all customary fees for ordination, institution, or induction, ending the payments expected by his household.

53. Catholic synod at Drogheda decrees against oath of allegiance

    Drogheda · town · Louth

    Bedell reported that Catholic clergy and regulars held a general meeting resembling a synod at Drogheda, where they decreed that it was not lawful to take an oath of allegiance to the king, effectively placing the pope's authority above the crown in their hearts.

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    3^ [ that know that these regulars and this clergy have, at a general meeting like to a synod, as themselves style it, holden at Droghedah, decreed that it is not laufull to take an oath of allegiance, and if they be constant to their oiun doctrine, do account his majestic in their hearts to be king but at the

    35 popes discretion; in this estate of this kingdom to think the

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    Bedell reported that Catholic clergy and regulars held a general meeting they styled a synod at Drogheda. They decreed it was not lawful to take an oath of allegiance. If they were constant to their own doctrine, they did account his majesty in their hearts to be king.

54. Chancery hearing in Dublin over ecclesiastical appeals

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1639

    Bishop Bedell petitioned the Court of Chancery in Dublin against Dr. Cooke's abusive appeal commissions. The court referred the matter to the chief justices and chief baron, who heard it with the assistance of four other judges.

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    To retorne, 1 fownd it was a false allarme that had beene raised against our Synode, as from your Graces pen. Whereof my Lord Primate assured me, by shewing me the very Letters that accompanied your Booke. Inquiring further concerning these second Appeales, I found the incredible boldnes of Dr Cooke and his client, tiiat durst attempt witli a slander, and to his Majesty in Chancery, to dcspoile the Lord Primate of his jurisdiction. I obtained of his Grace an authenticall certificate of the truth, insteedc of Epistles Refutatory, with which I petitioned to his Majesty in Chancery for a Supersedeas to those abusive Commissions. The Court referred the consideration heereof to the Lords Cheefe Justices, and the Lord Chcefe Baron who calling to their Assistance 4 other Judges, heard it the -ZOth of this moneth. I tooke 3 maine exceptions to these Commissions. 1. That where the Statute of Appeales provideth for the remedy of the Subjects in their just and lawfull causes for lack of Justice, here was no such lack, as well appeared under the hand and scale of the Lord Primate the Judge a quo, who was shamefully slandered to have denied that which he gave. 2dly. That where by tlie Statute they should have remedy by Appeale to the King in and for all manor of greefes and causes, as they were wont to have to and from the Bishop of Rome, I shewed by the expresse words of the Decretall (C. Cordi est de Appell' in sexto), that he that appealed to the Pope, imlesse he did assigne the cause of his greevance befoi-e the Judge a quo in scriptis, and demand Epistles, reputahitur non-appiellans ; neither of which had beene here done. 3dly. There is a clause inserted in these Commissions, which destroieth them. For the Delegates are commanded, to proceede in the causes of Appeale, omisso AjJiyellationis articulo, which is impossible. And by this new clause, the wrong done to the Lord Primate should be smoothered, and never so much as mentioned. There were other excei^tions ; as this, that in these Commissions there was no clause of Quorum ; any two of the 20 Delegates might do any act, any three might definitively sentence. The Judges have not yet retourned their Answer, but as farr as I conceive by speech with some of them, they are of opinion that these points cannot now be remedied in Chancery, but are to be considered by the Delegates themselves, who have diflferred the hearing of these causes till the beginning of Trinity Terme. How they shall proceede upon this last insoluhile I cannot conceive. Once I shall have reaped this fruite of my paines, that I have laid open this abuse, and made it notorious. Not without some indignation (I beleeve) to such as shall observe. That whereas anciently (as your Grace shewes) from a Patriarch there lay no Appeale, now the Primate of the Realme shall by one, sometyme his Vicars Clerke, and another his owne Chaplaine, be aiipcalcd from ; not only frivolously, and without due forme, but calunniiously. And being cited to appeare by a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Lawe, when he comes there, it shall never appeare whether he be wronged or no.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin was the setting for a hearing in the Court of Chancery in 1639. Bishop Bedell had come to challenge what he called abusive appeal commissions issued by Dr. Cooke. Cooke and his client had tried, by slander, to strip the Lord Primate of his jurisdiction, claiming the Primate denied justice he had granted. Bedell obtained an authentic certificate from the Lord Primate and petitioned the Court of Chancery for a Supersedeas against those commissions. The Court referred the matter to the Lords Chief Justices and the Lord Chief Baron, who brought in 4 other judges and heard the case on the 20th of the month. Bedell raised three main exceptions. First, the Statute of Appeals provided remedy for lack of justice, but no such lack existed. The Primate was slandered as having denied what he had given. Second, by the Decretall, anyone appealing to the Pope had to assign the cause of grievance before the judge in writing and demand Epistles, or be deemed not to have appealed. Neither had been done here. Third, the commissions commanded delegates to proceed omisso Appellationis articulo, which Bedell called impossible, and which would smother the wrong done to the Primate. Other exceptions followed. The commissions had no clause of Quorum, so any 2 of the 20 delegates could act, and any 3 could give a definitive sentence. The judges had not returned their answer, but Bedell gathered they thought these points could not be remedied in Chancery, only by the delegates themselves, who had deferred the hearing until Trinity Term. He said he had laid the abuse open and made it notorious. Once no appeal lay from a Patriarch; now the Primate could be appealed from by his Vicar's clerk and his own chaplain, frivolously and calumniously.

55. Dr Richardson's tenure of the Bishoprick of Ardagh

    Ardagh · parish · Longford

    After William Bedell resigns the bishoprick of Ardagh to him, Dr. Richardson enjoys it peaceably until the rebellion overturns everything. Bedell had resigned the position to Richardson without any simoniacal compact.

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    34. And that he might he exemplary in this just motion (precepts or exhortations Avithout example signifying little), he desires of them no more than he intends to do himself. For having two bishopricks or benefices (which for the smallness of them had been still united before, 5 as they be now again in the hand of Dr Maxwell, the present bishop of Kilmore), he resolves to part with the one, and to cleave to the other. In order to the solemn accomplishment of this noble and self-denying resolution, he sends immediately for a worthy, learned man, of good 10 report, Dr Richardson, dean of Den^y (who married sir Hugh Bromley of Bromley's daughter in Warrell of Cheshire), and without bartering, trucking, merchandizing, or any other simoniacal compact whatsoever, resigned the bishoprick of Ardagh unto him gratis, under his hand and seal for ever, 15 before many eminent witnesses; and that not out of a vainglorious and Pharisaical ostentation, or affectation of popular applause to be seen of men [nulla famae vel popularis aurae affectatione hyjwcritica), but as a pious declaration of the sincerity and upright intention of his heart in the sight of 20 God and good men. And tho' there be many parsonages in England better than both these robbed and peeled bishopricks of Kilmore and Ardagh in Ireland, and tho' also he was at no small charge with his adversaries in rescuing and recovering some part of the rights of each alike, yet he 25 f. 61 r". rejoiced with much inward tranquillity of mind and content after he had divested and eased himself of the burthen of pluralities. This bishoprick of Ardagh Dr Richardson did peaceably enjoy till the rebellion, that overturned all.

    35. Being led by so fair a precedent, those ministers 30 that had two or more benefices than one were confined to

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 54

    As the companion tells it

    This is the parish of Ardagh in Longford. The story of this place turns on a bishop and a man who gave away his office for nothing. William Bedell held two bishopricks, Kilmore and Ardagh. They were small, and before his time they had been joined together out of necessity. They would be joined again later, under Dr Maxwell, the bishop of Kilmore. But Bedell resolved to part with one and keep the other, to set an example to his clergy who held more than one benefice. He sent for a worthy, learned man, Dr Richardson, dean of Deny, who had married Sir Hugh Bromley of Bromley's daughter in Warrell of Cheshire. And without bartering, trucking, merchandising, or any simoniacal compact whatsoever, Bedell resigned the bishoprick of Ardagh to him gratis, under his hand and seal, for ever, before many eminent witnesses. He did it, in the words of the record, not out of a vainglorious and Pharisaical ostentation, but as a pious declaration of the sincerity and upright intention of his heart in the sight of God and good men. There were many parsonages in England better than both these robbed and peeled bishopricks of Kilmore and Ardagh in Ireland, and Bedell had been at no small charge with his adversaries in rescuing and recovering some part of the rights of each alike. Yet he rejoiced with much inward tranquillity of mind after he had eased himself of the burden of pluralities. Dr Richardson peaceably enjoyed this bishoprick of Ardagh until the rebellion, which overturned all.

56. First diocesan synod at Kilmore cathedral

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    Bishop Bedell called a diocesan synod to meet at the cathedral church of Kilmore, preaching on Psalm 93:5 and administering the sacrament to his clergy. The synod attracted widespread attention and caused stir among some false brethren; its canons were recorded verbatim.

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    45. For the better ordering of his clergy he call'd a 20 diocesan synod to meet at the cathedral church of Kilmore. The text he preach'd upon was in Psal. 93. 5. Thy testimonies are very sure; holiness becometh thine house, 0 Lord, for ever. And because there was much talk of this synod, both far and near, and no small stir made about it by some 25 fals-brethren of the same order, I will set down verbatim the canons made in it.

    Decreta primae synodi Kilmorensis. In nomine Domini Dei et Salvatoris nostri lesu Christi.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 58

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmore, Bishop Bedell called a diocesan synod to meet at the cathedral church. He preached on the words from Psalm 93:5: "Thy testimonies are very sure; holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever." There was much talk of this synod, both far and near, and no small stir was made about it by some false brethren of the same order. The canons made in it were set down verbatim, beginning: In nomine Domini Dei et Salvatoris nostri Iesu Christi.

57. Kilmore synod denounced as a 'Presbyteriall Conventicle'

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1638

    Bedell defends the diocesan synod held at Kilmore, which his vicar Dr. Cooke derided as a 'Presbyteriall Conventicle.' He argues the meeting was rooted in ancient church practice and English precedent, citing statute law and his predecessor's patent reserving the right to call synods.

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    As for our Presbyteriall Conventicle of Kilmore, as it pleaseth my vicar to call it, I did never thinck that malice could have beene so bold, or ignorance so blind as to set tooth in it. Having besides Holy Scripture and the ancient use of the church, the continuall practise of the Churches in England, and here in Ireland. This meeting in the Dioces of Norwich where I lived we called the Seiiie. And the same word is used in the Statutes of this realme, in the 28. Hen. 8 Chap. 13, where Bishops are to inquire of such as uphold the authority of the Pope, in their visitations and Seines, And in the Statute of 2 Elizabeth for uniformity of common praier, they are to enquire of the breakers of that act in their cisitations and Synodes. Yea in the Patent which my Vicar gat of my Predecessor there is this expresse reservation, reservato itidem nobis et successor ibus nostris jure deprivandi et ad Synodos convocandi. And in the Inhibitions of the Archbishop of this Province, he or his officers rather as I conceive it (by what right I know not) forbid us during the tyme of his visitation legem Diocesanam exercere. Another matter it is, if we have made any decree or rule against Lawes divine or humane ; which I hope our Dr cannot shew. How consonant our canons are to Antiquity, may appeare by those quotations which I have set under each of them since they have beene quarrelled ^

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmore, in 1638, a diocesan synod was held that the bishop's own vicar, Dr. Cooke, dismissed as a Presbyteriall Conventicle. William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, answered him at length. He said he never thought malice could be so bold, or ignorance so blind, as to set tooth in it. He argued the meeting stood on Holy Scripture and the ancient use of the church, and on the continual practice of churches in England and in Ireland. In the Diocese of Norwich, where he had lived, they called this meeting the Seiiie. The same word appears in the statutes of the realm. In 28 Henry 8, chapter 13, bishops are to inquire in their visitations and Seines into those who uphold the authority of the Pope. In the statute of 2 Elizabeth for uniformity of common prayer, they are to inquire in their visitations and Synodes into the breakers of that act. Bedell went further. He pointed out that the patent his vicar obtained from his predecessor carried an express reservation of the right to call synods. The archbishop of the province, or his officers, forbade them during his visitation from exercising diocesan law, by what right Bedell did not know. He challenged Cooke to show any decree they had made against laws divine or human, and said their canons were consonant with antiquity, as the quotations set under each of them would prove.

58. Non-resident Dean of Kilmore's plural livings

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1637

    The Dean of Kilmore, Mr N. Barnard, held the vicarages of Kilmore, Ballintemple, and Kildrofarten, and the rectory of Kedy, but resided in none of them. He later resigned these livings, worth over £300 per annum, into the King's hands.

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    My Lord Deputy since his comming hath endeavoured to put some remedie, both in the generall visitation by the viewing of Facultyes, and cassing such as were abusive ; and at his going into England by his letters sent to the high Commissioners requiring them to proceed against non-residents. Accordingly certaine instructions and letters were sent to the severall Bishops of the Kingdonie enjoining them to call the MmiMers to a aetled Residency. But when the disease is inveterate and the continuall causes thereof stronge rooted, ipsa saepe remedia vertunt in tnorhum. It may please your Grace to be informed of a case or two that have hapned in my Dioces. By vertue of these Letters, besides my Pastorall duty I called to residence amongst others of my clergy one Mr N. Barnard Deane of the rurall Deanery of Kilmore, vicar of the parishes of Kilmore and Ballintemple and Kildrofarten, Rector of Kedy ; all of the Bishops collation. He was resident upon none of them all. But since my Lord Deputyes comming, takeing a new title of the Deanery from the King, without mention of the rest, he hath obtained a parrish Church in Drogheda called St Peters to be united to it propter tenuitatem. And yet his former livings are better worth then 300/t. per annum. He was enjoyned Residence by a day. And having answered Interrogatories, upon his other witnesses being produced, fearing tiie successe would no more appeare, but hath resigned those livings into the Kings hands and exchanged with Dr Jones the Deane of Ardagh. By which nieanes I am not only deprived of my right of collation but Institution also, and I feare my successors shalbe of the Patronage of them for ever. I did petition to my Lord Deputy to stay the scale till my right were shewed, and amongst other proofes shewed the Deanes ownc oath acknowledging the benefices of Kilmore, Ballintemple, and Kedy were conferred upon him by my Predecessor, but it availed not.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1637, a clergyman named Mr N. Barnard held several livings and lived in none of them. He was Dean of the rural Deanery of Kilmore, vicar of the parishes of Kilmore, Ballintemple, and Kildrofarten, and Rector of Kedy. All of these were in the Bishop's gift. The Lord Deputy had sent letters to the bishops requiring them to call their clergy to settled residence, and the Bishop of Kilmore called Barnard among others. Barnard had taken a new title of the Deanery from the King, without mention of the rest, and obtained a parish church in Drogheda called St Peter's to be united to it. His former livings were worth over £300 per annum. He was enjoined residence by a day. He answered interrogatories, and when his witnesses were produced, fearing the outcome, he resigned those livings into the King's hands and exchanged with Dr Jones, the Dean of Ardagh. By this means the Bishop was deprived of his right of collation and institution, and feared his successors would lose the patronage of them for ever. The Bishop petitioned the Lord Deputy to stay the matter until his right were shown. Among other proofs he produced Barnard's own oath, acknowledging that the benefices of Kilmore, Ballintemple, and Kedy had been conferred upon him by the Bishop's predecessor. It availed not.

59. Scottish minister placed in Killala diocese sparks bishop's downfall

    Killala · town · Mayo

    A Scottish minister who fled Scotland during tumults over episcopacy was given a living in the diocese of Killala. A bitter dispute with Bishop Archibald Adaire led to the bishop being summoned before the High Commission Court in Ireland.

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    102. And this leads us to that other instance wherein the higher powers frowned upon him ; and that was in the case of the bishop of Killalagh, Archibald Adaire. The case was this. A certain Scottish minister, that fled out of Scotland upon occasion of the tumults there about episcopacy and the 5 common-prayer-book, coming into Ireland, made his case known to those in power, and in such a way as rendred the proceedings of his countrey-men (especially the covenanters) very odious. Whereupon being looked upon as a man driven out of his countrey, destitute of maintenance and zealous of 10 episcopacy, he was soon preferr'd to a living, which happen'd

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Killala was the diocese at the centre of a dispute that brought trouble on its bishop, Archibald Adaire. A Scottish minister fled Scotland during the tumults over episcopacy and the common prayer book. He came into Ireland and made his case known to those in power, putting the conduct of his countrymen, especially the covenanters, in a very odious light. Seen as a man driven from his country, destitute of maintenance, and zealous for episcopacy, he was soon given a living in the diocese. That appointment led to conflict with Bishop Adaire, and the higher powers frowned on the bishop over it.

60. Bedell received by Lord Deputy in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627

    Upon arriving in Dublin to take up the Provostship of Trinity College, Bedell presented himself to the Lord Deputy, who received him graciously. The next day Mr Usher came to him, disputing his right to the position.

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    Salutem in Christo Jesu. Sir, I am retourned from Dublin vpon Michaelmas day, whether I set forth vpon St James day. My iourney I thanck God was prosperous, as farre as hitherto I can judge of it, if the vndertaking a place of that charge and burthen aboue my strength do not oppresse and crush me. At my comming I presented my selfe to my Lord Deputy, by whom I was graciously vsed. The next day came to me Mr Usher, who was elected by the junior fellowes, wishing me to be advised ere I entered a place whereto he had right ; He doubted not but when His Majesty should be informed, he would administer indiflFerent justice to all his subjects etc. I could not get of him the grownds of his pretension nor persuade him to go with me to Drogheda to my Lord Primates, whether I went the next day and communicated with him of all things. He to the point of Mr Usher sayd he was sorry he would not be advised by his friends : wished me to proceede etc. I retourned and having perused the Statutes, went to the College, and took the oath, yet with Protestation that I entended not to binde my selfe to every clause and phrase in the Statutes, but to the Substance : and where the Provost might not hold any Benefice, except it were within three miles of Dublin, I did not intend presently to give over my Benefice, in as much as the place was litigious^, and my family and affayres in England vnsetled, but would do it when with conveniency I might. Thence forward having taken upon me the place I endeavoured to sow up the rent betweene the fellowes ; and to that end appointed a Coinnmnion the next Sunday (a thing intermitted these 11 yeares). Then ordered the members of our governing Senate, I meane the Seniors ; removeing (as by our

    1 The Duke of Buckingham.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 135

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, in 1627, was where William Bedell came to take up the Provostship of Trinity College. He had set out on St James's Day and arrived by Michaelmas. His journey, he wrote, was prosperous, though he feared the charge and burden of the place might crush him. He presented himself to the Lord Deputy, who received him graciously. But the next day, Mr Usher came to him. Usher had been elected by the junior fellows, and he told Bedell to be advised before entering a place to which he had right. He said that when His Majesty was informed, he would administer indifferent justice to all his subjects. Bedell could not get from him the grounds of his claim, nor persuade him to go to Drogheda to the Lord Primate. Bedell went there himself the next day and told the Primate everything. The Primate said he was sorry Usher would not be advised by his friends, and wished Bedell to proceed. Bedell returned, read the Statutes, went to the College, and took the oath, but with a protestation that he did not intend to bind himself to every clause and phrase, only to the substance. Where the Provost might not hold any benefice except within 3 miles of Dublin, he did not intend to give up his own benefice, since the place was litigious and his family and affairs in England were unsettled. He then set about healing the division among the fellows, appointed a Communion for the next Sunday, a thing omitted for 11 years, and ordered the Seniors.