Two biographies of William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, with a selection of his letters and an unpublished treatise;

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1. Belturbet, the only considerable town in County Cavan

   Belturbet · town · Cavan

   Belturbet is described as the only considerable town in all of County Cavan, though it was comparable only to an ordinary English market-town and had just one church. It lay seven miles from the bishop's house at Kilmore.

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   boggs and loughs ; the countrey was then meetly well planted with English, but scatteringly here and there, which facilitated their ruine. The only considerable town in the whole county was Belterbert, which yet was but as one of our 5 ortlinary market-towns here in England, having but only one church in it. This town was seven miles distant from the bisliop's house. The town of Cavan itself being the county town was nearer, about two miles distant from Kilmore, but not so big by one half as Belterbert. Excepting these two

   lo towns there was nothing considerable in the county. Kilmore itself was but a meer countrey village, of good large bounds, but so thinly inhabited that no where in the whole parish any street or part of a street was to be found. There was a competent number of English, but the Irishmen

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 34

   As the companion tells it

   Belturbet was the only considerable town in all of County Cavan, though considerable is a relative word. It was no more than the equal of an ordinary market-town in England, with just one church in it. The country round about was bog and lough, planted scatteringly with English, here and there. The bishop's house at Kilmore lay seven miles from this town. Cavan itself was the county town, closer to Kilmore by about two miles, but not half the size of Belturbet. Except for these two, there was nothing considerable in the whole county. Kilmore itself was a country village of good large bounds, so thinly inhabited that nowhere in the parish could a street or part of a street be found. There was a competent number of English settled there, but the Irishmen were the rest.

2. Non-resident clergy plaguing Bedell's diocese

   Kilmore · townland · Cavan

   In Bedell's diocese, clergy who held multiple livings across several dioceses and resided at none of them were a deeply rooted problem. Men exploited the prerogative court to seize livings against the bishop's opposition, and Bedell incurred trouble and financial loss fighting them.

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   to pick holes in men's titles and some way or other to intitle the king, and then get the broad seal ; and so in f. 35 r°- spight of any bishops to possess themselves of what | livings 20 they had a mind to. If a bishop should refuse to give institution or a mandate for induction in case of any such intruder ; they needed no more but to goe to the prerogative court, and for their money they might have both. Bishop Bedell in his diocese was not a little infested with this kind 25 of men, and omitted not to oppose them with all his might. And hereupon he drew on himself a great deal of trouble and charge from some of the ministry. And what by his pretended chancellor's encouraging, and the iniquity of the times conniving or (which is worse) encouraging such of- 30 fenders, he could prevail but little, but was fain to goe by the loss in all, save only in what is more worth than all, the peace and comfort of a good conscience.

   95. It would be too long to relate his troubles, occasion'd by some necessary secular affaires, as in his just 35 endeavours to vindicate the rights of his churches. That

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 28

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in William Bedell's diocese, there was a problem that ran deep. Clergy held livings across several dioceses and lived in none of them. They had a method. They would pick holes in men's titles, find some way to intitle the king, and then get the broad seal. With that in hand, they could possess themselves of whatever livings they wanted, in spite of any bishop. If a bishop refused to give institution or a mandate for induction, they needed no more but to go to the prerogative court, and, as the record says, "for their money they might have both." Bedell was not a little infested with this kind of men, and he did not shrink from opposing them with all his might. That drew on him a great deal of trouble and charge from some of the ministry. His pretended chancellor encouraged them, and the times connived or, worse, encouraged such offenders. He could prevail but little. He was fain to go by the loss in all, save only in what he counted more worth than all: the peace and comfort of a good conscience. The record notes also his troubles from necessary secular affairs, in his just endeavours to vindicate the rights of his churches.

3. Court fee reforms for the poor Irish at Armagh

   near Armagh · town · Armagh

   In reforming the ecclesiastical courts, many fees were remitted to the poor, especially the poor Irish who were always vulnerable. Other fees were reduced for moderation's sake, avoiding the exacting of the utmost farthing.

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   or definitive, was to be given, he asked their opinion man by man. Many fees he alltogether remitted, and many he reduced ; the one to the poor, that had little or nothing to pay, specially the poor Irish, that were alwaies obnoxious; the other for moderation sake, avoiding severity and the 5 exacting of the utmost farthing, f. 66 v°. 5 2. But this practice of his, tho' never so warrantable

   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

   Armagh was where William Bedell set about reforming the ecclesiastical courts. When any matter was to be decided, he asked those present their opinion, man by man. Many fees he altogether remitted, and many he reduced. The remissions went to the poor, who had little or nothing to pay, especially the poor Irish, who were always obnoxious. The reductions were for moderation's sake, avoiding severity and, in the words of the source, the exacting of the utmost farthing. This practice, though warranted in itself and acceptable to all, clergy and people alike, and renowned over all Ireland for its exemplariness, was not long free from opposition. Dr. Alane Cook the chancellor and his men saw that the hope of their gain was likely to be cut off if the bishop were suffered to continue as he had begun, sitting and judging in his own courts. 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. They made head and conspired together against him to hinder his progress. Dr. Cook the lay-chancellor commenced a suit in the chancery against him, and he made his just defence.

4. Dr. Cooke styled Sovereign of the Town of Cavan

   Cavan · town · Cavan · 1638

   Bedell catalogues the many offices held by his adversary Dr. Cooke, including Sovereign of the Town of Cavan, alongside multiple diocesan positions and legal-judicial roles. The accumulation of civic and ecclesiastical power in one man is offered as evidence of the disorder prevailing in the Church.

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   Gierke should have two or three vicarages of parochiall Churches, when as a lay man hath as many or more of Diocesan? as of Dublin, Clogher, Kilmore, Ardagh ; and besides all these is oflBciall to the Ai-chdeaconry of Dublin, Judge of the Admiralty, Master of the Chancery, princii)al Advocate of the high Commission Court, one of those of the Prerogative Court and Soveraigne of the Towne of Cavan. For this is the stile of the Venerable and egregious man Mr Dr Cooke, as he qualifieth himselfe in the inhibition under his owne hand which I saw at Droghedagh. What order or peace can be in the Church when we have super-institutions one after another practised plotted countenanced : Simouiacall collusions not detected but palliated 1 All Episcopall rights under collour of visitation for 6 or 7 moneths usurped every three yeares, and some of their owne Clergy set ui^ to play the Bishops, while they serve for cyphers 1

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 172

   As the companion tells it

   Cavan town, in 1638, was a place where one man held sway as its Sovereign. That man was Dr. Cooke, who styled himself so in his own handwriting. William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, saw the document at Drogheda. Cooke was no ordinary figure. He held diocesan positions across Dublin, Clogher, Kilmore, and Ardagh. He served as official to the Archdeaconry of Dublin, Judge of the Admiralty, Master of the Chancery, principal Advocate of the High Commission Court, and sat in the Prerogative Court. And on top of all this, he called himself Sovereign of the Town of Cavan. Bedell asked what order or peace could exist in the Church under such a man. He wrote of super-institutions practiced one after another, of simoniacal collusions not detected but palliated. He wrote of episcopal rights usurped every three years for 6 or 7 months under colour of visitation, with clergy set up to play the bishops while serving as ciphers.

5. Lord Moore's body carried to his house at Mellifont

   Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1643

   After Lord Moore's death at Fortlester, his forces marched with his body to his house at Mellifont, within two miles of Drogheda, for burial.

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   Highlanders and some of Antrim's Irish rebells (that were brethren in evill) against eight hundred Enghsh and Scotts, having commanded his murderers to hxy downe all their fyre-arms, he fell in amongst them (with swords and durcks or scanes) in such a furious and irresistible manner, that it was reported that not a man of them escaped of all the 5 eight hundred; the first and greatest losse in battell that we sustained in all that war, save one in Munster, under the unhappy conduct of sir Charles Vavasor; whereupon the rebells rode in triumph with their swords drawne through the streetes of Kilkeny, as if they had conquered all England. After this sad blow the English and Scotts in Ulster had lo ten thowsand men sent them from Scotland by order of the ])arliament of England, under the conduct of major generaU Robert Monro, an old officer of the king of Swedes in Germany, who lay in Carrigfergus, Belfast, Munsyne, Colerayne, the Newry, Dundalk and other townes upon the sea coast ; but litle or nothing worth the mentioning was ever done 1 5 or attempted by them (though in a plentifull countrey, they were well nigh famished) save of a few men that my lord Moore borrowed from the garrison of Dundalk, under the command of captain Boniman, in his last exployt against the rebells at Fortlester, where he was slaine by a cannon-bidlet of six pound weight, which beat him from his horse and beat 20 ofif the back peice of his armour and I saw taken out of his body, being much spent (by gi-asing) ere it came thither, Sept. 11, 1643. This lord Moore was a most noble and worthy person, valient for the truth, and exceeding bountifull to the souldiers for their encouragement, and long bemoaned by all that knew him, "We buryed his bowells in that place ; 25 and tliough we had lost our commander-in-cheefe and col. Lawrence Crawford (that afterwards was slaine before Hereford in '45), being the eldest field officer, tooke the command of our forces and immediately faced the enemy, yet they kept their fastnes and would not ingage ; so we marcht off next day with my lord Moore's body to his house at Melli- 30 font, within two miles of Drohida.

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 89

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Mellifont, Lord Moore's body was brought home for burial in 1643. Before this, 10,000 men had been sent from Scotland by order of the Parliament of England, under Major General Robert Monro, an old officer of the King of Swedes in Germany, who lay in Carrickfergus, Belfast, Munsyne, Coleraine, Newry, Dundalk and other towns upon the sea coast. But little or nothing worth the mentioning was ever done by them, though in a plentiful country they were well nigh famished. Lord Moore borrowed a few men from the garrison of Dundalk, under the command of Captain Boniman, for his last exploit against the rebels at Fortlester. There he was slain by a cannon-bullet of 6 pound weight, which beat him from his horse and beat off the back piece of his armour. The bullet was much spent by grazing ere it reached his body, and was seen taken out of him, on September 11, 1643. This was the first and greatest loss in battle sustained in all that war, save one in Munster, under the unhappy conduct of Sir Charles Vavasor. Lord Moore was a most noble and worthy person, valiant for the truth, and exceeding bountiful to the soldiers for their encouragement, and long bemoaned by all that knew him. They buried his bowels in the place where he fell. Though they had lost their commander-in-chief, Colonel Lawrence Crawford, being the eldest field officer, took command of their forces and immediately faced the enemy. But the rebels kept their fastness and would not engage. So they marched off the next day with Lord Moore's body to his house, within 2 miles of Drogheda.

6. Patent for the bishoprick of Kilmore

   Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1629

   Bedell was advanced to the episcopal dignity and received a patent from the king for the bishoprick of Kilmore in County Cavan. This final station of his life brought him a multiplicity of business and adversarial conspiracies.

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   apostles' dales; and he might well have been chosen for the 5 Christian patria,rch of any nation under heaven. His honorable patron in England, sir Tho. Jermin, pursued him with all respects he could heap upon him, and sent him ft'om the king (of his own procurement) a patent for the bishoprick of Kilmore in the county of Cavan, and for the 10 bishoprick of Ardagli in the county of Longford, both in the j)rovince of Ulster. And of this last station of his life I can give some larger account than of any of the former, (of which I was not an eye, but an ear-witness only), f. SSv". 27. And though it be {vara avis in terris) a very rare 15

   thing to find a man that lives soberly, righteously, and godly, yet it is far rarer to find such a one without adversaries, especially if he stands before God in any eminency, as Daniel did; the ground of whose preferment was, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the ground of the malice of his 20 malignant enemies against him, because he was faithfull, neither was any error or fault found in him. B. B. was all his life a follower of that which was good in the sight of God and good men; and the gi'eatest harm he susteined and enmity he underwent, was from those of his own house, 25 I mean of his own order: amongst whom he did shine as a star of the first magnitude, till he did sett under that dark cloud of the captivity of the land. He found in this his new calling such a multiplicity of business, as it were besieging him and conspiring together against him on every side, as 30 might have discouraged many mortals: but in the strength

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 48

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in 1629, William Bedell received a patent from the king for the bishoprick of Kilmore, in the county of Cavan, and for the bishoprick of Ardagh in the county of Longford, both in the province of Ulster. The patent came through his honourable patron in England, Sir Tho. Jermin, who pursued him with all the respect he could heap upon him and procured it from the king on his own behalf. This was the last station of Bedell's life, and the biographer gives a larger account of it than of any that came before. The writer says it is a rare thing to find a man who lives soberly, righteously, and godly, but far rarer to find such a one without adversaries, especially if he stands before God in any eminency, as Daniel did. Daniel's preferment came because an excellent spirit was in him, and the malice of his enemies came because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. Bedell was all his life a follower of that which was good in the sight of God and good men. The greatest harm he sustained and enmity he underwent was from those of his own order, among whom he shone, in the biographer's words, as a star of the first magnitude, until he settled under that dark cloud of the captivity of the land. He found in this new calling such a multiplicity of business, as if besieging him and conspiring together against him on every side, as might have discouraged many mortals.

7. Report of Kilmore synod alarms authorities in Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1638

   The report of Bishop Bedell's synod was brought to Dublin, where it was received with great hostility. The Lord Lieutenant, the Earl of Strafford, was informed of the new platform as if it were a threat to the church.

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   46. When the report of this synod was carried up to Dublin it was taken so heinously, as if the \Vord or thing had never been known in the church of God before. The

   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

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 60

   As the companion tells it

   Dublin, 1638. The report of Bishop Bedell's synod was carried up to this city, and it was taken so heinously, as if the word or thing had never been known in the church of God before. The Lord Lieutenant, the Earl of Strafford, was informed of this new platform, as though it were a threat to the church.

8. Scattered glebe lands in Plantation of Ulster

   Cavan · town · Cavan

   During the Plantation of Ulster under King James, surveyors and commissioners so poorly assigned glebe lands that scarcely one minister in ten had any in his own parish. The county-town of Cavan had lands in two parishes many miles from the church, but none within its own parish.

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   10 to the royal intention of the K.), whereof sir Wm. Parsons was chief, that scarce one minister of ten had a foot of gleabland in his own parish, and in other parishes it lay not together, but scatter'd up and down in parcells. The county-town of Cavan had lands in two parishes many

   15 miles distant from the church, but none within the parish. And by the king's patent under the broad seal (which the ministers of each bishoprick had distinct for themselves in particular) the incumbent of each parish was requir'd and strictly enjoin'd to build a house for his personal resi-

   Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 55

   As the companion tells it

   Cavan town had a problem in the Plantation of Ulster. The king's surveyors and commissioners assigned glebe lands so poorly that scarce one minister in ten had a foot of glebe land in his own parish. What land there was lay scattered up and down in parcels, not together. The county-town of Cavan had lands in two parishes many miles distant from the church, but none within its own parish. Under the king's patent and broad seal, the ministers of each bishoprick had distinct patents for themselves, and the incumbent of each parish was required and strictly enjoined to build a house for his personal residence.

9. St Peter's Church in Drogheda united to Deanery

   Drogheda · town · Louth · 1637

   The non-resident Dean of Kilmore obtained St Peter's parish church in Drogheda to be united to his deanery on grounds of poverty (propter tenuitatem). This occurred despite his other livings being worth over £300 a year.

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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

   Drogheda, the town you pass through, holds a church called St Peter's, and in 1637 it became the centre of a dispute over non-residence and wealth. The Lord Deputy had ordered bishops to call their clergy to settled residency, viewing faculties and proceeding against those who did not live among their parishes. The Bishop of Kilmore, William Bedell, answered that call and summoned one of his own: Mr Barnard, Dean of the rural Deanery of Kilmore, vicar of Kilmore, Ballintemple, and Kildrofarten, and rector of Kedy. He was resident on none of them. All were in the bishop's gift. But instead of complying, Barnard took a new title from the King, citing only the deanery and no other living, and obtained St Peter's parish church in Drogheda to be united to it, on grounds of poverty, propter tenuitatem. His former livings were worth better than 300 pounds a year. The bishop enjoined him residence by a set day. Barnard answered interrogatories and produced witnesses, but 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. He petitioned the Lord Deputy to stay the seal until his right could be shown. Among other proofs he produced Barnard's own oath, acknowledging that the benefices of Kilmore, Ballintemple, and Kedy were conferred on him by the bishop's predecessor. It availed nothing.

10. Ussher offers Bedell the Provostship of Dublin College

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1626

    Archbishop Ussher of Armagh wrote to Bedell asking whether he would accept the place of Provost of the College in Dublin, offering £100 per annum with the possibility of betterment through a weekly lecture in the city. Bedell consulted with friends and replied that he would go if commanded, even to Ireland or Virginia, but would not actively seek the position.

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    from my Lord Primate of Armagh ^, demanding to know whether I would accept of the place of Provost of the College there, in case he procured that I were elected thereto : and requiring my present answer. I was and yet am altogether ignorant of the quality of the place. I meane as to the emplnyment (for as for the meanes he writes it is 100//. per annum and may be bettered by the addition of a weekely lecture in the Citty) where in I thought you could somewhat informe me, if it were but from Mr Alvey his report, of whose death you wrote in your last. I went to Bury to consult with Dr Despotiue, and my patrone Sir Tho. Jermyn. It was not Gods will I should finde either of them at home. So the answer I made was this, That I was married, and had .3 cliildren, a good seate in an wholesome aire, with a litle parrish within the compasse of my weake voice ; and aboue 100/<. a yeare living: which made me together with the inclination of my wife, not desirous to change — yet if I should see clearely it was the will of God I should goe, I esteemed I was to close mine eyes against mine owne convenienci/es, and follow his call, which I should esteeme by this, if those that had power to elect there did jyrocure those that might com.mande me here to send me. In which case I was resolved to goe, not only into Ireland but Virginia and that alle I were sure to nfieete with death in the performance. For my selfe I was resolved not to stine a foote or finger to or against this motion, &c. This answer I doe not yet repent of. For in truth What to choose I cannot tell : but would doe what is my duty. To goe thither only to looke to the accounts of a College, I doe not apprehend how it can be of any great use, more then I may performe here, especially if, as / hope and lately vndersiand, there is hope more then heretofore of some doing good at Venice. This I write as vnderstanding from Sir F. Biondi that many of his friends there entreate him to answer a booke printed at Millaine lately about the warres of Boheme and the Jesuites ; wherein possibly I may afford him a litle helpe and so in some other occasions of that sort. Herein let me I pray vnderstand your opinion if you know anything of the quality and employment in Ireland. For the rest I pray (for so I am required) impart not this to any. One thing I will say to you that my Lord Primates worthy disposition doth much encourage me, if I might be of use to his designes of printing the authors of the midle tymes. Concluding I pray you (good Mr Dr) let me heare from you both of this, and if you heare of any new translation of the Councill of Trent whereof you promised to enquire. I receiued from Mr Buck the bookes he sent. L. Greenes man writes they tooke 20 *A. money : which if I had knowne they expected, I would not haue had so many. But they shall not loose by me in that kinde though perhaps they gaine nothing by the booke. I rest.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 132

    As the companion tells it

    In 1626, Dublin was the city where Archbishop Ussher of Armagh offered William Bedell the Provostship of the College. Ussher wrote demanding to know whether Bedell would accept the place, if Ussher procured his election. He required a present answer. Bedell knew nothing of the quality of the employment. As for the means, Ussher wrote it was £100 per annum, and might be bettered by a weekly lecture in the city. Bedell went to Bury to consult with Dr Despotine and his patron Sir Thomas Jermyn. He found neither of them at home. So the answer he made was this. He was married, and had 3 children, a good seat in wholesome air, with a little parish within the compass of his weak voice, and above £100 a year living. Together with the inclination of his wife, this made him not desirous to change. Yet if he saw clearly it was the will of God to go, he was to close his eyes against his own conveniences and follow His call. He would know it by this: if those with power to elect there procured those who might command him here to send him. In that case he was resolved to go, not only to Ireland but Virginia, even if sure to meet with death in the performance. For himself, he would not stir a foot or finger for or against this motion. He did not yet repent of that answer. To go only to look after the accounts of a College, he did not see how it could be of great use more than he might perform at home. He noted that Ussher's worthy disposition did much encourage him, if he might be of use to Ussher's designs of printing the authors of the middle times.

11. Bedell appointed Governor of Dublin University and College

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    Bedell went to Ireland to serve as Governor of the University and College of Dublin. His riding around Ireland in this period improved his health.

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    Ireland; Bedell goes to Ireland as Governor of the University and College of Dublin, 23 ; his riding in Ireland improves his health, 37; custom of three or more livings being held by one minister in Ireland, 40 ; laws in force in Ireland requiring the Irish to learn the English language, 41 ; outbreak of rebellion in, 59, 165; every parish allowed popish priest, every diocese popish bishop, 65, 167 ; state of religion in, 272 ; language, 296

    Italy, Bedell's abode in ; acquaintances made in, 10; return from with Dr Despontine, 12

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin. William Bedell came to this city to serve as Governor of the University and College. He had been in Italy before that, and returned from there with a Doctor Despontine. In Ireland, Bedell took to riding, and the time spent in the saddle improved his health.

12. Bedell cited to Lord Primate's Court in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1630

    Bishop Bedell was cited to the Lord Primate's Court in Dublin, where he received a calumnious libel from Mr Cooke accusing him of seeking to root out all professors of civil and canon law. The Chancellor had brought the cause into the Primate's Court, and Bedell made his personal answer upon oath but forbore to press for a hearing at the Council Board.

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    1 have received your Lordships Letters inclosed in those of Mr Hamilton which after long errors as it seemeth came to my Registers hands, who sent me them hither this Termc. In every line of them I reade your wisdome and love to me. And in truth the declining the ordinary way of the Pacquett I interpret as your favour, that would let me know your minde without noise, and as tymely as might be. My Lord, I did begin to draw in myselfe even before I received your Letters. For having beeue cited againe to my Lord Primates Court, and received there an infamous and calumnious Libell, whereto I have made my persouall answer

    1 Sir John Davies, Kt. (1570—1626), Solicitor-General in Ireland, 1604— 1607. Reports of Cases in Laxv in the King's Courts in Ireland 2nd to Qth of James, Dubl. 1615. The first reports of Irish cases.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 162

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, in 1630. Bishop William Bedell was cited to the Lord Primate's Court here, and there he received an infamous and calumnious libel from Mr Cooke, accusing him of seeking to root out all professors of civil and canon law. The Chancellor had brought the cause into the Primate's Court. Bedell made his personal answer upon oath, but he forbore to press for a hearing at the Council Board. He had already begun to draw in himself before certain letters reached him, and he read in every line of them wisdom and love, sent without noise and as timely as might be.

13. Bedell's sermon at Christ Church, Dublin, 1634

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1634

    Bedell preached a learned sermon on Revelation xviii. 4 at Christ Church, Dublin, in 1634, before Sir Thomas Wentworth, the Lord Deputy, and the parliament. The sermon argued that the Church of Rome's claimed monarchy was the mystical Babylon from which God's people are called out.

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    122. There is a learned sermon of his extant upon 5 Revel, xviii. 4: And I heard another voice from heaven saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye he not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. This sermon was preached in Christ Church, Dublin, 1634, before sir Thomas Weutvvorth the L. deputy and parliament. The 10 occasion of his giving a copy of it was at the request of a great papist, to shew it to some learned men of his own religion, because it demonstrates and maintains unanswerably, that the present monarchy, which the church of Rome claims

    to exercise over the Christian world, is the mystical Babilon, 15 out of which God's people are called. D. Bernard meeting with some imperfect copy (whereof there were many in Essex) published it in the year 1659 with the concurrent judgement of the most learned primate of Armach in that point. It's pity it was not rightly printed, having in it such 20 evidence of truth, which all the popish adversaries are not able to gainsay or resist. He had got such knowledge of the methods and stratagems of the church of Rome, by being so long in Italy with the English ambassadour sir H. W., and conversing so intimately with P. Paulo that great divine 25 and polititian, that no man living could give an exactor account of their damnable and destructive waies; which he and this poor kingdom of Ireland hath now found true by sad experience.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin is where this story belongs. In 1634, William Bedell preached a sermon at Christ Church, Dublin, before Sir Thomas Wentworth, the Lord Deputy, and the parliament. His text was from Revelation, chapter eighteen, verse four: a voice from heaven saying, come out of her, my people, that you be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues. The sermon argued that the monarchy the Church of Rome claims to exercise over the Christian world is the mystical Babylon, out of which God's people are called. A great papist asked Bedell for a copy, to show it to learned men of his own religion, because the sermon demonstrates and maintains, unanswerably, that claim. Dr. Bernard came upon an imperfect copy, of which there were many in Essex, and published it in 1659, with the concurrent judgement of the most learned primate of Armagh in that point. Bedell had gained his knowledge of the methods and stratagems of the Church of Rome by being so long in Italy with the English ambassador, Sir H. W., and conversing intimately with P. Paulo, that great divine and politician. No man living, it was said, could give an exacter account of their ways, which he and this poor kingdom of Ireland had now found true by sad experience.

14. Bedell's weekly preaching at Christ Church, Dublin

    Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1627–1629

    While provost in Dublin, Bedell voluntarily preached in Christ Church every week, a duty not bound to his position. He also divided the Church-Catechism into 52 parts and explained one part each Lord's day afternoon, with many copies taken by scholars and others in Dublin.

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    10 him: for he reform'd many abuses, setled many excellent orders ; he reduced the scatter'd statutes into a method, and the scholars into a godly discipline of true learning and Christianity mingled together, by his catechizing in the college, and preaching every week once in Christ Church, which he

    15 was not bound unto by his place nor any other obligation. The Church-Catechism he divided into 52 parts, according to the number of the weeks of the year, and did explain one part each Lord's day in the afternoon; of which explication many copies were taken by the scholars and others in Dub-

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    This is Christ Church, in Dublin. While Bedell was provost, he preached in this church every week, though not bound to it by his place or any obligation. He reformed many abuses, settled many excellent orders, reduced the scattered statutes into a method, and brought the scholars into a godly discipline of true learning and Christianity mingled together, by his catechizing in the college and his preaching. He divided the Church-Catechism into 52 parts, one for each week of the year, and explained one part each Lord's day in the afternoon. Many copies were taken by the scholars and others in Dublin.

15. Bishop's house at Kilmore built on a high hill

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    The bishop's house at Kilmore adjoined the church and was built on one of the highest hills in the country, with no neighbour of quality within a mile. This left the bishop solitary, naked, and exposed to any insolence.

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    15 more than five times their number; and all these obstinate papists. The bishop's house join'd close to the church, being built upon one of the highest hills in the countrey, not near any neighbour of any quality by a mile.

    120. In this posture, alltogether unfit both for offence f. 41 r" 20 and defence, in a manner solitary and naked and exposed to

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmore, the bishop's house stood on one of the highest hills in the country, adjoining the church. No neighbour of quality lived within a mile. William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, was left in a manner "solitary and naked and exposed" to any insolence, altogether unfit both for offence and defence.

16. Bishop's mansion-house site leased away at Kilmore

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    The very site of the bishop of Kilmore's mansion-house had been leased away before Bedell's arrival, and he was forced into a long and costly legal suit to recover it. He described the troubles and lawsuits surrounding his bishopric as a 'bottomless gulf.'

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    foot ; the very site of the bishop's mansion-house being leas'd away and costing a long and chargeable suit ere he could recover it. The troubles and suits that lay ujwn him in right of that hishopricic, he used to say, ^uere an abyssus or 5 bottomless gulf.

    96. He had also enough and more of the same in his diocese of Kilmore ; being forced to sue for some of his menial lands, leased away quite contrary to law; and was held out of his right by the potency and the subtiltie of some

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the site of the bishop of Kilmore's mansion-house had been leased away before William Bedell ever arrived. He had to fight a long and costly legal suit just to recover it. He used to say the troubles and lawsuits that came with his bishopric were an abyssus, a bottomless gulf. And there was more of the same across his diocese of Kilmore. He was forced to sue for some of his menial lands too, leased away contrary to law, and was held out of his right by the power and subtlety of certain men.

17. Mistress Dillon of Kilmore parish seeks Bedell's counsel

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1641

    Mistress Dillon, wife of the Catholic rebel Luke Dillon and a parishioner of Kilmore, sent to Bishop Bedell for spiritual support during the 1641 rebellion. Her husband had concealed his Catholicism until their marriage, causing her great distress.

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    ing. In this interim one mistrisse Dillon, a worthy gentlewoman (wife to Luke Dillon Esqxiire, a justice of the peace for the county of Cavan), that was of the parish of Kilmore and a constant hearer of my lord's, sent to him for some spirituall support in her great affliction, her

    20 husband being a popish rebell. This mistrisse Dillon had been the wyfe and widow of a rich London merchant, whose name was Hartleb, and was found out by Mr Dillon a younger sonue of the Earl of Roscomen in Ireland, a proper gentleman and bred at the innes of court. She never once questioned his religion (being at the innes of court, and

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 93

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmore, in 1641, Mistress Dillon sought out Bishop Bedell. She was his parishioner, a constant hearer of his preaching. Her husband, Luke Dillon, a justice of the peace for County Cavan, had kept his Catholic faith hidden until they married. That discovery brought her great affliction, and she sent to Bedell for spiritual support.

18. Punishment of Pale notables on Dublin streets

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    The deputy caused twelve principal men of the English Pale to stand on a scaffold with papers on their heads in the streets of Dublin, as punishment for not concurring to some desired verdict. This was seen as a heavy hand against both Irish and English alike.

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    their imprisoned deputy to cause a diversion for his releife and enlargement. But nobody regarded what they sayd, that (by divine permission) did what they pleased against God and man. Indeede the deputy's hand was esteemed heavy upon them, when he caused twelve of the principall men of the English Pale to stand upon a scaffold with 5 papers upon their heads in the streets of Dublin, for not concurring (as it was said) to some desyred and expected verdict. But so it was esteemed also upon the English, as the earl of Cork, the lord Mount Norris, the lord chancellor Loftus and others felt; but his Avrath was greatest against the Scotts, especially after their confederacy against lo prelacy and invading of England with their armies. In detestation of whose presumptuous proceedings he caused a declaration to be penned very sharply and severely, and to be sent throughout the whole kingdome of Ireland; wherin certain commissioners were named that should administer an oath of abjuration to all the Scotts, to cause 15 them renounce all correspondence with their brethren in Scotland, or desire or intension of conjunction with them in their oath of conjuration, in reference to their nationall league and covenant. For the refusing of which oath Mr James Stewart (brother to the longimprisoned lord Ockiltry in the castle of Blackness) with his wyfe and 20 three daughters were brought up from Ulster and imprisoned in Dublin, where I gave them a visit and they shewed me letters from Mr Samuel Rutherford and other cheefe sticklers in their covenant, to comfort them in their durance and strengthen them against the abjuration; as if, with the primitive martyrs, they had suffered for the word of God and 25 testimony of Jesu under the paganish and persecuting emperours. It was sad in the church of God, when they were sworne to one thing on the one side of the water of division that parts Scotland and Ireland, and the quit contrary on the other, under the same God and king and profession of the same religion; as of old, altare contra altare, and 30 synods and anti-sjTiods in the Greeke church, for a long tyme, till they were all ruined as at this day. But the title the rebells stuck to at last was this, that they were the queen^s catJiolick army. But they behaved themselves so cruelly, that it was more likely they had had their commission from Athaliah or Jezabel ; or rather from her that sitts upon a 35 scarlet-coloured beast, that sayth in her hart : / sit as a queene and am no widow and shall see no sorroic ; whose paramour is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name is Abaddon and ApoUyon (Rev. ix. 11). And for a whole month's time, or thereabouts, they meddled not with the Scotts, though they had driven out all the English that were in 40 the fields or in unwalled villages, that had no retyring place ; as thincking it too hazardous to ingage two such potent nations at once, till they had first dispatcht one. In our county of Cavan there was no fortiOcation at all ; nor in the county of Leitrim, Monachen, Longford and Fennanach (save only the island of Enniskellin, where sir William Cole 45 secured himselfe); though my lord Lambert was bound by his patent

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin saw a heavy hand in these years. The deputy caused twelve of the principal men of the English Pale to stand upon a scaffold with papers upon their heads, in the streets of Dublin, for not concurring, as it was said, to some desired and expected verdict. It was a punishment meant to shame, and it was not the only one. His heavy hand was felt upon the English too. The earl of Cork, the lord Mount Norris, the lord chancellor Loftus and others felt it. But his wrath was greatest against the Scots, especially after their confederacy against prelacy and their invading of England with their armies. In detestation of their presumptuous proceedings he caused a declaration to be penned, sharply and severely, and sent throughout the whole kingdom of Ireland. Certain commissioners were named to administer an oath of abjuration to all the Scots, to cause them to renounce all correspondence with their brethren in Scotland, or desire or intention of conjunction with them in their national league and covenant. For refusing this oath, Mr James Stewart, brother to the long-imprisoned lord Ockiltry in the castle of Blackness, with his wife and three daughters, was brought up from Ulster and imprisoned in Dublin. They received letters from Mr Samuel Rutherford and other chief sticklers in their covenant, to comfort them in their durance and strengthen them against the abjuration, as if with the primitive martyrs they had suffered for the word of God.

19. Recovery of Downe bishopric lands from crown patents

    near Down · parish · Down · 1639

    Lands and titles belonging to the Bishoprick of Downe had been wrongly claimed by the King through corrupt offices and then passed by patent from the crown. After investigation, the parties were persuaded to surrender their estates to the Church and accept leases at valuable rents, requiring a license of mortmain as the whole livelihood of that See.

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    I Inunbly thanke your Grace for the Bishopp of Clonfert. Not he only but all the rest of the Bishojjps in that Province and their successours will have cause to pray for your Grace and bless your memory. I have intreated Mr Raileton to moovo your (!race if there should be any stoj)pe for a letter for a license of Mortmaine for the Bishopp of Downe. His Majesty is no way concerned in it in his particular interest. All the difterence was betweene subject and subject. They had first found offices to intitle the Kinge to these lands and tytles which did truly belonge to that Bishopprickc, and then past them by Patent from the crowne (the then Bishopp sometimes conscntinge often connivinge). The present Bishopp petitioned to my Lord Deputy, his Lordship referred it to me, I called before me the parties, heard the difierence, and found the right clearly on the Bishopps syde (savinge those corrupt and unconscionable offices which they had taken). But pressinge some of them with pointc of honour, others of conscience, they all consented every man for liimself to surrender their estates to the Church and accept leases at valueable rents. This 1 thought the plainest way to free the Church from all pretended claime of their heires ; for otherwise the lease would have operated no otherwise then by way of estoppell, as the lawyers speake, duringc the continuance of it. And this is the only cause why we desire a license of mortmaine, it being indeed the whole livelyhood of that See.

    1 have one thing more to represent unto your Grace wherein I humbly crave that liberty which you have hitherto ever alU)wed me^

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 179

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through or near Down, this is a parish whose church lands were nearly lost for good. In 1639, the lands and titles that truly belonged to the Bishoprick of Downe had been seized through corrupt offices that entitled the King to them, and then passed by patent from the crown. The bishop at the time sometimes consented and often connived. The present bishop petitioned the Lord Deputy, who referred the matter to William Bedell. Bedell called the parties before him, heard the dispute, and found the right clearly on the bishop's side, saving those corrupt and unconscionable offices they had taken. Pressing some of the holders on a point of honour and others on conscience, he persuaded every man to surrender his estate to the Church and accept a lease at a valuable rent. He chose this course because it was the plainest way to free the Church from any pretended claim by their heirs. A lease alone, as the lawyers say, would have operated only by way of estoppel, lasting no longer than the lease itself. For this reason a license of mortmain was needed, since these lands were indeed the whole livelihood of that See. Bedell wrote to request that letter, noting that the King was in no way concerned in his particular interest, the whole difference being between subject and subject. He thanked his correspondent for help with the Bishop of Clonfert, and said that all the bishops of that province and their successors would have cause to pray for him and bless his memory.

20. Archbishop Donelin of Tuam translated New Testament into Irish

    Tuam · town · Galway

    Dr. Donelin, Archbishop of Tuam, had previously translated the New Testament into Irish. His brother was a judge and a worthy statesman who loved Bedell for his desire for the salvation of the 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

    Tuam was the seat of Archbishop Donelin, who translated the New Testament into Irish. The Common Prayer-book was also translated, and both were printed by Sir William Usher at the bridge foot of Dublin. This left the Old Testament still to be done. The man who resolved to undertake that work was William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore. He set his purpose before many persons of quality in church and state, and by their advice he went forward. Among them were Dr. Usher, primate of Armagh, Dr. Martin, bishop of Meath, Lord Dillon of the privy council, Sir James Ware, Sir Morris Eustace, and Sir William Usher.

21. Bedell at High Commission Court in Dublin, 1640

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1640

    Writing from Dublin in January 1640, Bedell reports being questioned by his Vicar over a synod held of his clergy in 1638, with appeals carried to the Lord Primate and then to Delegates. He notes that 'Decretalists' rule over the rest and that the church order has become odious, and that he must attend the High Commission Court as a Commissioner.

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    Good Mr Dr, I received by this bearer your letter of the 20th of December. I am ashamed that having put you not only to the troid)le but the charge also, of the bookes whereof you sent me a Catalogue you have not yet received satisfaction for them. I made over in Micliaelnias Terme moneys to my Brother Philip Bowles to pay for them, but I do and must acquite him of blame heerein that you are not payd, for the Bill was not to be payd vpon sight but at 3 moneths day. I hope ere you receive these that debt is discharged, though the obligation I have to you for this and many other kindnesses can never be cancelled. I hope when my Lord Primate shall have received my Lord of Sarum his booke 1 shall get a sight of it. 1 do honour and reverence that your worthy Colleague and what so euer proceedes from him. For my selfe I am questioiud by my Vicar for a Synode holden of my Clergy An". 1638 and first appealed to my Lord Primate ; Then froin him (by a most false suggestion as denieing liim justice) to Delegates, and as the matter is yet carried like enough to

    364 LIFE AND DEATH

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 180

    As the companion tells it

    In January 1640, William Bedell writes from Dublin, answering a letter dated the 20th of December. He speaks of books he ordered, money he sent to his Brother Philip Bowles at Michaelmas Term to pay for them, a bill not due on sight but at 3 months. He hopes the debt is settled. He hopes to see the Lord of Sarum's book once the Lord Primate has received it, and honours whatever proceeds from him. But the heart of his letter is trouble in the church. He is questioned by his Vicar over a synod held among his clergy in 1638. The matter was first appealed to the Lord Primate, then from him to Delegates, on what Bedell calls, in his words, a most false suggestion as denying him justice. He writes that Decretalists now rule over the rest, and that church order has become odious. He must attend the High Commission Court as a Commissioner. The matter, as he writes, is still being carried on.

22. Bedell offered provostship of Dublin College

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627

    Bedell writes that he was summoned to London by Sir Nathaniel Rich on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chancellor of the university, and urged to accept the provostship of Dublin College. The fellows had petitioned the King to confer the place upon him, and Bedell indicated he would at least take trial of the position if they succeeded.

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    Salutem in Christo Jesu. I thank you for your letters, and the Copy of your latter reference from the King. I shall niarvell if tliose that be so zealous about the altering the statute of Em. Coll. do not likewise labour to overthrow the like of Q. Eliz. foundation in the College in Ireland, by which the fellows there may not stay aboue 7 yeares after their beeing Masters of Arts. For that I perceiued this last weeke at London whether I was sent for by Sir Na. Rich by order from my Lord of Canterbury the Chancelor of that University, who when I came to him used a very pithy and weighty speech to me to induce me to accept that chai'ge. I excused me by my deafenes and other insufficiencies, but it auailed not. The fellowes haue put up a Petition to the King desiring I may haue the place conferred upon me. The successe of their suite I did not thinck it fitt to attend. But if they obtane it, I thinck to goe (with the helpe of God) at least to take some triall of the place. Touching my letter, your instance of the conviction of the Devills of the truth of Christian doctrine, who yet cannot pray, is not to the purpose. For there is no grace of Illumination or conviction granted to them to enable them to any supernaturall act. Nor doth Christian doctrine concerne them but mankind to whom Christ is giuen. It seemeth that precisely upon the knowledge of our present misery &c., with all the persuasion of so great a good as the offer of life and happines made by God in Christ to the world, a man should be abled to desire it and Christ the meanes of it, and to pi'ay. Convert me o Lord and I shalbe converted &c. I do freely grant that the belieuer hath euer a greater grace then he that is not converted. For he hathe the gift of Faith it selfe, but whether a greater before faith I doubt. And I would desire to vnderstand in particular what it is, and how, that being denied, the mouth of such as beleaue not shalbe stopped, and their condemnation just. When your leisure shalbe greater, I could desire to receiue the further declaration of this point. Meane while with my true aflFectiou to you and hearty commendations to Mistris Warde I rest

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 134

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1627. In this city, the fellows of the college had been working to bring a new provost to their foundation. They had put up a petition to the King, asking that the place be conferred upon William Bedell. Bedell himself was in England when the matter came to a head. He writes that he was sent for to London by Sir Nathaniel Rich, acting on an order from the Lord of Canterbury, who was Chancellor of the university. When Bedell came to him, the Archbishop used what Bedell calls a very pithy and weighty speech to induce him to accept the charge. Bedell tried to excuse himself. He pleaded his deafness and what he called his other insufficiencies. But it availed him nothing. He did not think it fit to wait upon the success of the fellows' suit to the King. But he writes that if they obtained what they sought, he intended, with the help of God, to go at least to take some trial of the place. The rest of his letter turns to other matters. He argues with his correspondent about devils and Christian doctrine, about whether the knowledge of our present misery, with the offer of life and happiness made by God in Christ, should enable a man to desire it and to pray. He asks to understand further how the condemnation of those who believe not can be just. He sends his hearty commendations to Mistris Warde. But it is the offer of the provostship that ties him to this city. The fellows wanted him. The Archbishop pressed him. And Bedell, for all his hesitation, said he would come and try.

23. Bedell resides quietly at Kilmore after resigning Ardagh

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1673

    After resigning the Bishopric of Ardagh and securing the castle and lands to the Church, Bedell kept at Kilmore, studying to be quiet and to attend to his own business. He had previously exercised jurisdiction in diverse parts of his dioceses, providing some ease to the people in the matter of their fees.

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    Having got sealed to it this fruite, I resigned it^, and since that tyme keepe here at Kilmore, studieing to be quiet and to do myne owne buisines, as the Apostle adviseth. It is true, that whether it be out of the sweetnes of ease after former travell, or my retourning ad ingenium, now that I am freed from enforcement to the contrary, I do litle or nothing in respect of what I threatned. And this lasiues (which you know in me of old) you must take for one cause of my long silence to you. Touching the Proposition of Pacification in Germany, I did indeede write something to Sir Natl). Rich, occasioned by his sending to me a printed sheete of a Probleme to that purpose, which I doubt not but you have scene. And I required of Sir Natb. this only that he would conceale my name : for the rest making what use of it he would. I suppose he guessed by our inwardnes that he did not breake mine injunction in comunicating it with you, but I should have violated myne owne lawe if I had done it. The matter is of great importance, and when you were at Dort, I thinck I did. write to you, to try if you might make any introduction to it. I am sure I spake with Deodati thereabout at Cambridge. And I was bold to write to my Lord of London about it. Who answered me verie worthily and Christianly, that he would employ his uttermost forces and endeavours thereto. 1 have received a letter from Mr Durce in this purpose, and I do

    1 A Cartrone is a quantity of some 60 to 80 acres, English.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1673, William Bedell had resigned the Bishopric of Ardagh. He had secured the castle and lands to the Church, and before that he had exercised jurisdiction in diverse parts of his dioceses, providing some ease to the people in the matter of their fees. Now he kept at Kilmore, studying, as he wrote, to be quiet and to do his own business, as the Apostle advises. He said that whether from the sweetness of ease after former labour, or from returning to his natural disposition now that he was freed from enforcement to the contrary, he did little or nothing compared with what he had threatened. He called this laziness, which he said his correspondent knew in him of old, and took it for one cause of his long silence. He had written something to Sir Nathaniel Rich about a Proposition of Pacification in Germany, prompted by Sir Nathaniel sending him a printed sheet of a problem to that purpose. Bedell required only that Sir Nathaniel conceal his name, leaving him to make what use of it he would. He supposed Sir Nathaniel guessed, from their closeness, that he did not break the injunction by sharing it with the recipient, though Bedell would have violated his own law had he done so himself. He had spoken with Deodati about the matter at Cambridge, and had been bold enough to write to the Lord of London, who answered worthily and Christianly that he would employ his uttermost forces and endeavours to it. He had also received a letter from Mr Durce to the same purpose.

24. Bedell's bishopric rights case argued at Dublin Council Board

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1630

    Bedell brought his suit for the rights of his bishoprics before the Council Board at Dublin, where counsel argued whether a bishop's commission could outlast his own tenure. The Lord Chancellor was unwilling to have the case determined there, and argument was deferred to Michaelmas Term.

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    The case at Dublin was divided in pleading by my Counsaile. 1. That no Bishop may grant a Commission longer then during his owne tyme. 2. That my Predecessor holding 2 Bishopricks, united only for terme of life, could make no greater estate then his owne. That by his death the Bishopricks were agaiue divided, and anew united by his majesty, so as in them I am not his successor. The other part would make a vicar Generall a standing office, and sayd the Deane and Chapter anciently might choose a Bishop, much more then confirme a Bishop's vicar for life. Especially they urged Precedents in England, and some here. The Lord Chancellor seemed unwilling to have this case determined here, which he sayd was never yet adjudged in England. Those of the Counsayle that are of the profession of the Law required it might be argued againe at the beginning of Michaelmas Terme, which was granted.

    1 See p. 297.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1630. Bedell brought his suit for the rights of his bishoprics before the Council Board. His counsel divided the pleading in two. First, that no bishop may grant a commission longer than his own time. Second, that his predecessor, holding two bishoprics united only for term of life, could make no greater estate than his own. By his death the bishoprics were again divided and anew united by his majesty, so in them Bedell was not his successor. The other side would make a vicar general a standing office, and said the dean and chapter anciently might choose a bishop, much more than confirm a bishop's vicar for life. They urged precedents in England, and some here. The Lord Chancellor seemed unwilling to have the case determined there, saying it was never yet adjudged in England. Those of the council of the law required it argued again at Michaelmas Term, which was granted.

25. Bedell's prolonged legal battle over Kilmore bishopric leases

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1634–1638

    Bishop William Bedell describes a four-year legal suit at the council board in Dublin concerning two leases made by his predecessor to benefit his wife and children, contrary to royal proclamations and acts of state. The Bishop of Derry was delegated to certify which parcels were mensal.

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    That I cannot forgett, humbly to thanck you for the care you expresse of me and this See in your Letters of the 20th of November touching my Lord Lambert and MrCulmes leases. I have never forslowed a day to advance the meanes of this Bishoprick, though 1 have not had the like successe with others in this so favourable a tyme of my Lord Deputyes government. These 4 yeares I have had a suite at the counsaile bord about 2 leases made by my last Predecessor to the use of his wife and children, against the Proclamation in the tyme of King James, the Act of State touching Bishops Leases, and the Patent of the See. And these three points are expressely acknowledged to be so, in an Order of the bord of the 20th of February 1637, whereui it was referred to my Lord of Derry to certify which of the parcells were mensall,and which not. His Lordship fownd no tyme to do this till the 7th of June, and then did it so, as he shewed himselfe more than an Advocate to the other part. And when I shall get a conclusion in that buisines God knowes.

    The leases of my Lord Lambert and Mr Culme were referred to my Lord of Derry. Touching the former, nothing could be done, no Agent of iiis appearing with plenary power to deale for liim. Thereupon I was inforced to obtaine a Letter missive for him into England, which he would never be spoken withall to receive. Upon which I gat a rule that he

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 173

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around Kilmore, Bishop William Bedell fought a legal battle that wore on for 4 years. He wrote to thank someone for the care shown him and this See, in letters of the 20th of November, touching Lord Lambert and Mr Culme's leases. He said he had never forslowed a day to advance the means of this Bishoprick, though he had not had the like success with others in so favourable a time of my Lord Deputy's government. The suit was at the council board in Dublin, over 2 leases made by his last predecessor to the use of his wife and children. Those leases were made against the proclamation in the time of King James, the Act of State touching Bishops Leases, and the Patent of the See. These 3 points were expressly acknowledged in an order of the board dated the 20th of February 1637, which referred the matter to my Lord of Derry to certify which of the parcels were mensal and which not. His Lordship found no time to do this until the 7th of June, and when he did, he showed himself more than an advocate to the other part, in Bedell's words. Bedell wrote that when he would get a conclusion in that business, God knows. The leases of Lord Lambert and Mr Culme were referred to my Lord of Derry. Touching Lord Lambert, nothing could be done, no agent of his appearing with plenary power to deal for him. Bedell was enforced to obtain a letter missive for him into England, which he would never be spoken withal to receive. Upon this Bedell got a rule.

26. Controversy over statute excluding Irish natives at Dublin College

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627

    A controversy arose among fellows of Dublin College over a statute requiring seven terms' standing for fellowships, believed by some to have been designed to exclude Irish natives from election. Bedell acknowledged assenting to the statute out of a conviction it was for the good of the College.

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    Mortmaine to purchase Landes : and to what value, and by what name you are incorporated, and whether the Vice Chancellor Proctors and Bedells haue any stipends out of the same, or else their stipends be nieerely out of the Contributions for degrees. To what vse your matriculation money is put : and how the Schooles were first founded, and are yet repaired, if you haue vnderstood what sumraes of money Professors of Law, or Physick do pay to the University for their chairs, and whether the Professors of Divinity do the like or not. Whether the Physitians and lawiers do make any Profession at their taking Degrees of Dr as Divines do. And the copy of the Profession of Divinity if you can conveniently come by it. A hundred more thiiiges I haue to demand which now come not to my minde. As about your sheets (which I thinck were monies pietatis at first) whether there be any use of them now or not. What officers the University hath for their possessions, as Stewards, Auditors Surveyors or the like. For my journey, it is not like to be till the Sjiring. I haue not yet receiued my Lord Primates resolution of my case viz. whether I may, notwithstanding my oath to hold no benefice but within 3 myles of Dublin, retayne the right of my living here, without receiuing any profitt thereby. For my selfe I do most incline to thinck, that I may not, since so long as I haue the title of it, and may execute the duty when I will, I hold the benefice. From the fellowes there, I understand of a new difference since my coming away, upon an opinion that we had made a statute that none should be chosen fellow under a Bachelor of Arts of 7 Termes standing at least, purposely to exclude the natives, and specially a Cousin of my Lord Primates of his name, this next Election. The truth is I assented to that Statute out of a perswasion of the good of the College for all future tymes, and no other regard. And that cousin of my Lord, as it is assured me, is altogether vnfitt for the place. I see it vvilbe a very hard thing to please all sides. The fellowes complaine that my Lord Primate is too open eared to suggestions, an euill many tymes following good natures. How so euer I can yet stay where I am : but I shall perceiue more when I receiue his owne letters. They haue bestowed a grace of Dr upon me in the house, as I heare, though not from them, but my Lord Deputy his Secretary. And my Lord Deputy conferred upon me the place of the Threasurership of St Patricks in Dublin, which was holden in Commendara by the Archb. of Tuam (being of the Collation of the Archb. of Dubline), advising me to get the Royal letters for it, &c. and as I heare passed it for me under scale. I wrote to his Lordship with thancks but refusing to medle in it, or hold any opposition with the Archbishop ; since I understand that the Archb. of Tuam is not dead, and I for my part had rather content my selfe with the meere wages of my place then goe to law for the best place in that Church, though I were sure to evict it. I haue made this honorable offer of his an occasion to petition for the wages of 40/^. per annum, anciently granted to the Provost for maintaning a lecture before the Lord Deputy and Counsell, which for the 7 yeares past hath beene witliholden from the College, although the senior fellowes do yet uphold that lecture. I shall also see what that course will worke, I could haue

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin in 1627, and Dublin College was caught in a quarrel among its own fellows. The trouble turned on a statute the fellows had made, that none should be chosen fellow unless he was a Bachelor of Arts of at least 7 terms' standing. An opinion had spread that this rule was made purposely to exclude the Irish natives, and most of all to shut out a cousin of the Lord Primate, a man of the Primate's own name, at the next election. Bedell, writing from away, acknowledged his own part in it. He said the truth was he had assented to that statute out of a persuasion of the good of the College for all future times, and no other regard. He added that the cousin, as it was assured him, was altogether unfit for the place. He saw it would be a very hard thing to please all sides. The fellows complained that the Lord Primate was too open-eared to suggestions, an evil many times following good natures. Bedell said he could yet stay where he was, but would perceive more when he received the Primate's own letters. The quarrel, then, was not simply about terms and standing. It was about who the College belonged to, who it served, and whether a rule meant for the good of the institution could also be a rule that kept men out.

27. Archbishop William Daniel's Irish translation in Tuam

    Tuam · town · Galway

    Archbishop William Daniel of Tuam had previously caused the New Testament and the common prayer book to be translated into Irish and printed. Bishop Bedell took this as an inspiring example for his own translation of the Old Testament into Irish.

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    25 from j^rosecuting the same with all his might. He had the example of a reverend archbishop of that kingdom, William Daniel sometimes archbishop of Tuam, who caused the New Testament and common-prayer-book to be translated into Irish and printed, out of his zeal for the salvation of the

    30 people. And the bishop of Kilmore thought it a good work to add the Old Testament also.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    Tuam was where Archbishop William Daniel had the New Testament and the common prayer book translated into Irish and printed, out of zeal for the salvation of the people. Bishop Bedell of Kilmore saw this as a good example and thought it a good work to add the Old Testament also.

28. Bedell appointed Provost of Trinity College Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627–1629

    King Charles I appointed Bedell as Provost of Trinity College Dublin, a significant position in the Irish ecclesiastical and educational establishment.

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    Charles I, King of England, letter to the King from Sir Henry Wotten, 4 ; appoints Bedell Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, 24, 92, 270; appoints Bedell to the Bishoprics of Kilmore and Ardagh, 27, 94 ; appoints a Commission to judge the matter between Bedell and his chancellor, 50

    Chemnitius, his Examen of the Council of Trent, 244

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin. King Charles I appointed Bedell Provost of Trinity College. A letter from Sir Henry Wotten to the King speaks to the matter. Bedell held the provostship before Charles later appointed him to the Bishoprics of Kilmore and Ardagh. Charles also appointed a commission to judge a dispute between Bedell and his chancellor.

29. Bedell's provostship at the College of Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627–1629

    Bedell accepted the provostship of the College of Dublin, reforming abuses and settling excellent orders for the students. He reduced scattered statutes into a method and brought the scholars into a godly discipline of learning and Christianity.

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    and all persons concern'd, he left his native soil and accepted of the provostship of the college of Dublin ; to the great joy of heart of all good men there, and the exceeding great profit of all the students, above all that were before

    10 him: for he reform'd many abuses, setled many excellent orders ; he reduced the scatter'd statutes into a method, and the scholars into a godly discipline of true learning and Christianity mingled together, by his catechizing in the college, and preaching every week once in Christ Church, which he

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Dublin, between 1627 and 1629 William Bedell left his native soil and accepted the provostship of the College. He reformed abuses and settled excellent orders for the students, reducing scattered statutes into a method and bringing the scholars into a godly discipline of learning and Christianity. All good men rejoiced, and the students profited beyond all who came before.

30. Dean of Kilmore residing in Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1639

    The late Dean of Kilmore is reported to be living at Drogheda, often dining at the Lord Primate's table. Bedell travels to Drogheda to investigate reports concerning legal matters and to read the Archbishop's book.

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    In the middest of your manifold cares for the publick good, give me leave to call your thoughts a litle to our Ecclesiasticall disorders in Ireland : Which I cannot shortlier do, than by continueing the story of our Seine of Kilmore, about which I was aj^pealed by my vicar t(^ my Lord Primate. About the middest of March, Dr Teate one of my clergy at our first gi-eeting told me he was sory to heare the ill newes. This was, that your Grace had written to my Lord Primate, that by the judgment of Lawiers in England we had by our Synode incurred a Praemunire. He told me his Author, who heard it of the late Deane of Kilmore, now living at Drogheda and often at my Lord Primates Table. Within a few dayes

    1 had a new occasion to try out the truth of this report, being served with

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 175

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda, 1639. The late Dean of Kilmore was living here, often at the Lord Primate's table. Around the middle of March, Dr Teate, one of William Bedell's clergy, told him he was sorry to hear the ill news. The news was that Bedell's correspondent had written to the Lord Primate that by the judgment of lawyers in England, they had by their Synod incurred a Praemunire. Dr Teate's source had heard it from the Dean of Kilmore himself. Bedell had been appealed by his vicar to the Lord Primate over the matter of Kilmore. He wrote of these ecclesiastical disorders in Ireland, calling attention to them amid the cares of the public good.

31. Kilmore described as a robbed and peeled bishoprick

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    William Bedell notes that the bishopricks of Kilmore and Ardagh were so impoverished that many English parsonages were better than them. The small bishoprick of Kilmore had been united with Ardagh and was later held by Dr. Maxwell.

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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

    Somewhere around here is Kilmore, a place William Bedell described as a robbed and peeled bishoprick. He held two bishopricks, Kilmore and Ardagh. They were so small that they had always been united before, and they were united again in the hand of Dr. Maxwell, the present bishop of Kilmore. Bedell resolved to part with one of them and keep the other. He sent for a worthy, learned man of good report, Dr. Richardson, dean of Derry, who had married Sir Hugh Bromley of Bromley's daughter in Warrell of Cheshire. Without bartering, trucking, merchandizing, or any simoniacal compact whatsoever, Bedell resigned the bishoprick of Ardagh unto him gratis, under his hand and seal for ever, before many eminent witnesses. He did this not out of vainglorious ostentation or any affectation of popular applause, to be seen of men, 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. Bedell had also 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 and content after he had divested and eased himself of the burden of pluralities. Dr. Richardson did peaceably enjoy the bishoprick of Ardagh till the rebellion, that overturned all.

32. Kilmore described as a thinly inhabited country village

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    Kilmore was a country village of large bounds but so sparsely populated that no street or part of a street could be found anywhere in the parish. English inhabitants were outnumbered more than five to one by obstinate Irish papists.

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    lo towns there was nothing considerable in the county. Kilmore itself was but a meer countrey village, of good large bounds, but so thinly inhabited that no where in the whole parish any street or part of a street was to be found. There was a competent number of English, but the Irishmen

    15 more than five times their number; and all these obstinate papists. The bishop's house join'd close to the church, being built upon one of the highest hills in the countrey, not near any neighbour of any quality by a mile.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Kilmore, described in its day as a mere country village. It had good large bounds but was so thinly inhabited that nowhere in the whole parish could any street or part of a street be found. There was a competent number of English, but the Irish outnumbered them more than five to one.

33. Luke Dillon's estate on Trinity Island

    Trinity Island · townland · Cavan

    Luke Dillon brought his wife to a small estate on Trinity Island, building a house within a mile and a half of Kilmore. He allowed her to attend church there with her two daughters from her first marriage.

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    35 learne to aske what religion their love is off before their espousalls. This gentleman, after he had disposed of all that she had at his pleasure, brings her unto a very small estate in a litle island, called Trinity island, and builds a house within a myle and a halfe of Kilmore, and gives her full liberty to goe to church with her two daughters by

    40 her first husband, that were good women and marryed to two Scotts that were brothers, Penelope the elder to major Bayly that commanded the standing foote company of Scotts that lay at Cavan before the warrs ; the other, to his brother William that was a minister in the diocese of Kilmore and afterwards bishop of Clonfort.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 93

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Trinity Island, Luke Dillon brought his wife to a very small estate on this island and built a house within a mile and a half of Kilmore. He had already disposed of all that she had at his pleasure. Still, he gave her full liberty to go to church with her two daughters by her first husband. Both daughters were good women, married to two Scottish brothers. The elder, Penelope, was married to Major Bayly, who commanded the standing foot company of Scots that lay at Cavan before the wars. The other daughter was married to William, who was a minister in the diocese of Kilmore and afterwards bishop of Clonfert.

34. Plural livings of Ballintemple parish

    Ballintemple · townland · Cavan · 1637

    The parish of Ballintemple was one of several livings held in plurality by the non-resident Dean of Kilmore, Mr N. Barnard. He resigned the living, which was worth over £300 per annum in total, 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, the parish of Ballintemple was one of several livings held by a man who never lived among them. Mr N. Barnard was Dean of the rural Deanery of Kilmore, vicar of the parishes of Kilmore and Ballintemple and Kildrofarten, and Rector of Kedy. All of these were in the Bishop's gift. He was resident on none of them. The Lord Deputy had come to Ireland and sent letters to the bishops, requiring them to call their clergy to settled residence. Bishop Bedell, acting on those letters and on his own pastoral duty, called Barnard to residence among others of his clergy. Barnard was enjoined residence by a day. But Barnard had already 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. The reason given was thin livings, and yet his former livings were better worth than £300 per annum. Barnard answered interrogatories. When his other 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 not only of his right of collation but of institution also, and feared his successors would be deprived of the patronage of them forever. The bishop petitioned the Lord Deputy to stay the deal 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. But it availed not.

35. Thomas Price advanced to bishopric of Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1660

    Following the Restoration, Thomas Price, who had served as archdeacon to Bishop Bedell, was advanced to the bishopric of Kildare. He later became the Archbishop of Cashel.

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    episcopacy was voted and advanced, by the bounty of the kinges of the earth, above presbytery. Theodosius the emperour. 15. Ambrose bishop. 17. in his. 18. afterwards I shall. 19. also. 25 But one word of this Mr Price his archdeacon, who was very intimate with him. He married the daughter of sir Thomas Dutton, and came over chaplen to the infantry that came out of Ireland by order from the king, after the marques of Ormond had made a cessation of armes with the rebells in '43, as A. C. with the horse. At the 30 siedge of Nantwitch he was shott from Acton steeple, neer the towne, in the right eye ; and the bullet (which he shewed me) taken out under his left eare, and yet the body of his eye not destroyed, but darkned. He was advanced to the bishoprick of Kildare at the restauration, and now is archbishop of Cashill in Conaght. That defeate 35 before Nantwitch was accounted the greatest losse that ever the king sustained, and the greatest victory that ever the P. obtained in all their warrs. When those forces that had beene more then conqucrours over their paganish enemies in Ireland, and accounted it their cheefe joy to be ingaged against them, who never durst so much as looke upon 40 them one way, but fled into boggs, woods, swamj^s, many wayes before them, no sooner had they set their foote upon their owne land, in their

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Kildare is where Thomas Price was advanced to the bishopric at the Restoration in 1660. He had served as archdeacon to Bishop Bedell, and was very intimate with him. He married the daughter of Sir Thomas Dutton. He came over as chaplain to the infantry that came out of Ireland, by order from the king, after the Marquis of Ormond had made a cessation of arms with the rebels. At the siege of Nantwich he was shot from Acton steeple, near the town, in the right eye. The bullet was taken out under his left ear. He showed it to the man who wrote this account. The body of his eye was not destroyed, but darkened. That defeat before Nantwich was accounted the greatest loss the king ever sustained, and the greatest victory the P. obtained in all their wars. Those forces had been more than conquerors over their paganish enemies in Ireland, and accounted it their chief joy to be engaged against them, who never dared so much as look upon them but fled into bogs, woods, swamps, many ways before them. He is now Archbishop of Cashel in Connaught.

36. Thomas Price becomes Archbishop of Cashel

    Cashel · town · Tipperary

    Thomas Price, formerly Bedell's archdeacon, eventually rose to become the Archbishop of Cashel. The text mistakenly places Cashel in the province of Connacht.

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    episcopacy was voted and advanced, by the bounty of the kinges of the earth, above presbytery. Theodosius the emperour. 15. Ambrose bishop. 17. in his. 18. afterwards I shall. 19. also. 25 But one word of this Mr Price his archdeacon, who was very intimate with him. He married the daughter of sir Thomas Dutton, and came over chaplen to the infantry that came out of Ireland by order from the king, after the marques of Ormond had made a cessation of armes with the rebells in '43, as A. C. with the horse. At the 30 siedge of Nantwitch he was shott from Acton steeple, neer the towne, in the right eye ; and the bullet (which he shewed me) taken out under his left eare, and yet the body of his eye not destroyed, but darkned. He was advanced to the bishoprick of Kildare at the restauration, and now is archbishop of Cashill in Conaght. That defeate 35 before Nantwitch was accounted the greatest losse that ever the king sustained, and the greatest victory that ever the P. obtained in all their warrs. When those forces that had beene more then conqucrours over their paganish enemies in Ireland, and accounted it their cheefe joy to be ingaged against them, who never durst so much as looke upon 40 them one way, but fled into boggs, woods, swamj^s, many wayes before them, no sooner had they set their foote upon their owne land, in their

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    Cashel is a town in Tipperary that the road passes through. Thomas Price served as archdeacon to William Bedell, and was very intimate with him. Price married the daughter of Sir Thomas Dutton. He came over as chaplain to the infantry that came out of Ireland by order from the king, after the Marquis of Ormond had made a cessation of arms with the rebels in '43. At the siege of Nantwich he was shot from Acton steeple, near the town, in the right eye. The bullet was taken out under his left ear. Price showed it to the man who wrote this account. His eye was not destroyed but darkened. He was advanced to the bishopric of Kildare at the Restoration, and now is Archbishop of Cashel. The old book places Cashel in Connacht. That defeat before Nantwich was accounted the greatest loss the king sustained, and the greatest victory obtained in all their wars. Those forces had been more than conquerors over their paganish enemies in Ireland, who never dared so much as look upon them one way, but fled into bogs, woods, and swamps, many ways before them.

37. Bedell consecrated bishop at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1629

    Bedell reports that he was consecrated as bishop at Drogheda on September 13, 1629, before traveling on to his diocese at Kilmore. This marks the formal beginning of his episcopal tenure in Ireland.

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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

    Drogheda is the town where William Bedell was consecrated bishop. He writes that he came to this place on the 7th of September and was consecrated at Drogheda on the 13th, in 1629. The consecration had been delayed, he says, partly because the fellows wanted a free election of his successor, and partly because he and the Lord Primate wanted to renew the College Ulster Leases before an unknown successor should come. He thanks God he effected this happily, so that within 6 years there will be almost double the present rents those lands had formerly. He had not yet heard whom they had chosen for his successor, but he made no question it was Dr Usher, the Lord Primate's cousin and sometimes fellow of that house. They had nominated him to the King and had leave to elect but were forbidden to elect until they heard from the King, upon the Lord Primate's approbation and testimony. He writes that he has come into a country fertile enough and pleasant, but where Popery has possessed not only the ancient inhabitants but also the English who planted there at the first, almost universally. The late plantations are yet raw, the churches ruined. His cathedral church is such another as Horningerth was, but without steeple, bell, or font. The Popish Bishop of the diocese is lately chosen Primate and dwells within a mile or 2 of him. He is in deliberation to write to him and offer some intercourse, as he says the African Churches and Bishops did to the Donatists. He asks for prayers and advice in anything God shall put into the mind for the furtherance of the common cause.

38. Cavan town, the county town, two miles from Kilmore

    Cavan · town · Cavan

    Cavan town served as the county town and was situated about two miles from Kilmore, making it closer to the bishop's house than Belturbet. However, it was not half the size of Belturbet.

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    boggs and loughs ; the countrey was then meetly well planted with English, but scatteringly here and there, which facilitated their ruine. The only considerable town in the whole county was Belterbert, which yet was but as one of our 5 ortlinary market-towns here in England, having but only one church in it. This town was seven miles distant from the bisliop's house. The town of Cavan itself being the county town was nearer, about two miles distant from Kilmore, but not so big by one half as Belterbert. Excepting these two

    lo towns there was nothing considerable in the county. Kilmore itself was but a meer countrey village, of good large bounds, but so thinly inhabited that no where in the whole parish any street or part of a street was to be found. There was a competent number of English, but the Irishmen

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    This is Cavan, the county town. The country around it held boggs and loughs, and was then moderately planted with English, but scatteringly here and there, which, as the record says, facilitated their ruin. The only considerable town in the whole county was Belturbet, seven miles from the bishop's house, and even that was no more than an ordinary market-town in England, with only one church. Cavan itself, being the county town, stood nearer, about two miles from Kilmore, but was not so big by one half as Belturbet. Excepting these two towns there was nothing considerable in the county. Kilmore itself was but a mere country village, of good large bounds, but so thinly inhabited that nowhere in the whole parish was any street or part of a street to be found.

39. Bedell's struggle over Kilmore Termon lands and episcopal leases

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1638

    Bedell describes how certain lands by the Bishop's mansion house and parts of the Termon of Kilmore had been leased away to Bishop Drapers' wife and his clerk. He sought to reserve these from further lease extensions but could not obtain it, and the tenants never paid increased rent nor tendered leases for renewal.

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    should send an Agent, otherwise the Board would proceede. The authority of his Agent was discussed. This Ternie he hath answered, and I have replied. Touching Mr Culmes lease my Lord of Derry set downe an order in it, but so as he seemed desirous rather to accommodate others than this See. For where certaine lands lieing by tlie Bisliops mansion house and parts of the Termon of Kilinore (both by the grand office and Patent) were leased away as distinct Tenuous to the use of Bishop Drapers wife, and his Gierke, faine would I have had these at least reserved from any further extent of tyme. I could not obtaine it, yet neither have the Tenants ever payd me a peny of the increased Rent, nor tendered me any leases to renew. But that which hath peremptorily hindered the renewing of these leases, and my passing also the Lands in Leitrini by Patent, for which by your Graces favour I obtayned his Majesties Letters, is this. The ministei*s being called to Residence petitioned to the Lord Deputy, shewing the inconvenience of their Glcbelands, lieing sundry miles distant in other parishes, and desired that according to the directions of King James, there might be exchanges made with some part of the Termon lands, lieing about the churches " And that till such exchanges were made, no leases of the Termon lands within the Dioces should be confirmed to any of the Tenants." This Petition was referred to the Lord Primate ; and the Bishop of Derry who returned their opinions in favour thereof, concluding in these fornuxU words — " And whereas in the said countyes of Cavan and Fermanagh some of the present Tenants may perhaps be obstinate to consent to the sayd exchanges, we conceive that if upon tlie defects that are found to be in the grand leases, now tendered to be confirmed or renewed, there be a stay made thereof, with a clause in the Commission to certify such as shalbe refractory to accept just recompence in the lands to be exchanged, this impediment shalbe the more easily removed." How necessary this story was, I have found in expediting these Commissions these 2 yeares past. Which having now through Gods goodnes performed, returned, and obtayned publication of, the 5th of this instant Deceuiber, I will goe on in the prosecution of the rights of this See with checrefulnes. In the meane tyme, me thincks I am hke the poore beast, that travelling in a rough and unbeaten way as fiist as his leggs can carry him, is at once curb'd with the bitt, and jiut on with the spurres because he makes no more speede. I beseech your Grace to pitty these plunges I am putt to, and to make me partaker of your praiers who am,

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmore, in 1638, Bishop William Bedell was fighting over land that had slipped from his see. Certain lands lying by the Bishop's mansion house, and parts of the Termon of Kilmore, had been leased away as distinct tenements to the use of Bishop Drapers' wife and his clerk. Bedell wanted these at least reserved from any further extent of time. He could not obtain it. The tenants never paid him a penny of the increased rent, nor tendered him any leases for renewal. What peremptorily hindered the renewing of these leases, and his passing the lands in Leitrim by patent, was this. The ministers, being called to residence, petitioned the Lord Deputy, showing the inconvenience of their glebe lands lying sundry miles distant in other parishes. They desired that, according to the directions of King James, exchanges might be made with some part of the Termon lands lying about the churches, and that till such exchanges were made, no leases of the Termon lands within the diocese should be confirmed to any of the tenants. This petition was referred to the Lord Primate and the Bishop of Derry, who returned their opinions in favour of it. They concluded that if, upon defects found in the grand leases now tendered to be confirmed or renewed, a stay were made, with a clause to certify such as should be refractory, this impediment would be the more easily removed. Bedell said he felt like the poor beast, travelling in a rough and unbeaten way as fast as his legs could carry him, at once curbed with the bit and put on with the spurs because he makes no more speed.

40. Bedell's fortnightly lecture at Christ Church Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627

    During his time as provost, Bedell received an additional £20 per annum for preaching a lecture every fortnight at Christ's Church in Dublin, supplementing his £100 stipend.

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    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.

    50. As touching his managing of business in the colledge ; His first care w^as concerning the statutes of the 35

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin in 1627. William Bedell held a stipend of 100 pounds as provost, and 20 pounds per annum was added for preaching a lecture every fortnight at Christ Church. That was the utmost of his revenue. During his time at the college, he was often honoured with visits and invitations from the greatest persons about the city, the archbishops of Armagh, Dublin, and Cashel, and Lords Clanebois, Angier, and Dowckra. He had, in a special manner, the favour of Lord Deputy Falkland.

41. Bedell's patent for lands in Leitrim delayed by disputes

    Leitrim · town · Leitrim · 1638

    Bedell obtained the King's Letters for passing lands in Leitrim by Patent, but the process was hindered by disputes over ministers' glebe lands and the proposed exchanges of Termon lands, which had occupied him for two years.

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    should send an Agent, otherwise the Board would proceede. The authority of his Agent was discussed. This Ternie he hath answered, and I have replied. Touching Mr Culmes lease my Lord of Derry set downe an order in it, but so as he seemed desirous rather to accommodate others than this See. For where certaine lands lieing by tlie Bisliops mansion house and parts of the Termon of Kilinore (both by the grand office and Patent) were leased away as distinct Tenuous to the use of Bishop Drapers wife, and his Gierke, faine would I have had these at least reserved from any further extent of tyme. I could not obtaine it, yet neither have the Tenants ever payd me a peny of the increased Rent, nor tendered me any leases to renew. But that which hath peremptorily hindered the renewing of these leases, and my passing also the Lands in Leitrini by Patent, for which by your Graces favour I obtayned his Majesties Letters, is this. The ministei*s being called to Residence petitioned to the Lord Deputy, shewing the inconvenience of their Glcbelands, lieing sundry miles distant in other parishes, and desired that according to the directions of King James, there might be exchanges made with some part of the Termon lands, lieing about the churches " And that till such exchanges were made, no leases of the Termon lands within the Dioces should be confirmed to any of the Tenants." This Petition was referred to the Lord Primate ; and the Bishop of Derry who returned their opinions in favour thereof, concluding in these fornuxU words — " And whereas in the said countyes of Cavan and Fermanagh some of the present Tenants may perhaps be obstinate to consent to the sayd exchanges, we conceive that if upon tlie defects that are found to be in the grand leases, now tendered to be confirmed or renewed, there be a stay made thereof, with a clause in the Commission to certify such as shalbe refractory to accept just recompence in the lands to be exchanged, this impediment shalbe the more easily removed." How necessary this story was, I have found in expediting these Commissions these 2 yeares past. Which having now through Gods goodnes performed, returned, and obtayned publication of, the 5th of this instant Deceuiber, I will goe on in the prosecution of the rights of this See with checrefulnes. In the meane tyme, me thincks I am hke the poore beast, that travelling in a rough and unbeaten way as fiist as his leggs can carry him, is at once curb'd with the bitt, and jiut on with the spurres because he makes no more speede. I beseech your Grace to pitty these plunges I am putt to, and to make me partaker of your praiers who am,

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    Near the town of Leitrim, in 1638, a bishop named William Bedell was trying to pass lands here by patent. He had obtained the King's Letters for it, through the favour of his grace. But the process had been blocked for two years. The trouble began with the ministers. Called to residence, they petitioned the Lord Deputy, showing the inconvenience of their glebe lands lying sundry miles distant in other parishes. They asked that exchanges be made with some part of the Termon lands lying about the churches, as King James had directed. They asked that until such exchanges were made, no leases of the Termon lands within the diocese should be confirmed to any of the tenants. This petition was referred to the Lord Primate and the Bishop of Derry, who returned their opinions in favour of it. They noted that in the counties of Cavan and Fermanagh some present tenants might be obstinate and refuse to consent. They suggested a stay on the grand leases being confirmed or renewed, with a clause to certify those who refused just recompence in the lands to be exchanged. Bedell also had trouble with lands near his mansion house and parts of the Termon of Kilmore, leased to the use of Bishop Draper's wife and his clerk. He wanted these reserved from further extension but could not obtain it, and the tenants never paid the increased rent. Bedell described himself, in words from his letter, as "like the poor beast, that travelling in a rough and unbeaten way as fast as his legs can carry him, is at once curbed with the bit, and put on with the spurs because he makes no more speed." By December 5th, through God's goodness, he had performed and obtained publication of the commissions, and said he would go on in the prosecution of the rights of this see with cheerfulness.

42. Clonfert episcopal land disputes and plantation

    Clonfert (Butson) · townland · Galway · 1639

    The Bishop of Clonfert writes extensively about disputes over episcopal lands, the composition book, and quarters of land. The discussion involves resigning the fourth part of tithes to incumbents for the benefit of the plantation in the diocese.

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    The other question is concerninge tlie composition booke which is now licld an authenticke recorde, which in many cases finds tiiat the Bishoi)p liath so many quarters of hind in such a proportion, not naminge them, but indefinitely and in gross. Now it falles out tiiat the Bishopp liatli rent out of so many quarters but the land is denied to l>e his. The liishopp is able to proovc that since the coniixjsition was taken he never had rent out of any otiier quarters of land (as they call them) in that proportion nor ever pretended title to any ; and therefore conceives that of necessity this must be his land found by the composition booke. It is true the Commissioners do promise that in the conclusion tliey will consider it the Bishoppricke of Clonfert, as great reason there is: for he is for the benefitt of plantation to resigne to the Incumbents his 4« episcopalis, that is the 4th part of sdl tythes within his Diocess, without which the Incumbents can not subsist, and indowe it with lands at such rents as other planters pay. But this I conceive to be worse for the Crowne, than to give him his riglit out of his owne lands. For the IJishopp shall recover the whole lands where the Kinge shall have but a fowerth parte, except in case of fractions wliere the Kinge shall iiave all, and then the Bishoppes are persuaded to wave all claime and depend upon his Majesties goodness and my Lord Deputies to come in as other planters doe. I am very fearfuU to be seene to have any hand in this business. And if some of these things be pressed it will be remembred who it was that urged them at the board. My humble advise with submission to your Grace is

    1. That you desire Sir Geo. Radcliff to tlianke the Commissioners in your name for their respects to the Bishopps and Church of Connaght in this plantation.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 175

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1639, the Bishop of Clonfert was caught in a dispute over his own lands. The composition book, held as an authentic record, found the Bishop had so many quarters of land in a certain proportion, but named none of them. It spoke only in gross, indefinitely. And yet when the Bishop drew rent from those quarters, the land was denied to be his. The Bishop could prove that since the composition was taken, he had never taken rent from any other quarters of land in that proportion, nor ever pretended title to any. He argued that of necessity this must be his land, as the composition book found it. The Commissioners promised they would consider the Bishoprick of Clonfert in the conclusion. There was good reason. The Bishop was to resign to the incumbents his episcopalis, the fourth part of all tithes within his diocese, for the benefit of the plantation. Without it, the incumbents could not subsist, and they were to be endowed with lands at the same rents other planters paid. The writer of this letter thought the arrangement worse for the Crown than giving the Bishop his right out of his own lands. The Bishop would recover the whole lands where the King would have but a fourth part. In cases of fractions, the King would have all, and then the bishops were persuaded to waive all claim and depend on His Majesty's goodness and the Lord Deputy's, to come in as other planters did. The writer was fearful of being seen to have any hand in the business. If some of these things were pressed, it would be remembered who urged them at the board. His humble advice was to desire Sir George Radcliff to thank the Commissioners, in the Bishop's name, for their respects to the bishops and the Church of Connaght in this plantation.

43. Dean of Ardagh's residence at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth

    Dr Bernard, after exchanging his deanery of Kilmore for the deanery of Ardagh, served as the primate's chaplain and took up residence at Drogheda until all was lost in the rebellion. Bernard had previously been unwilling to be resident or to part with any of his benefices.

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    of K. in discourse upon a time with this Mr J. persuaded him to compose an universal character, to serve in all languages and nations ; the conveniency of it being so great, and the thing itself so feasible, seeing we have universal mathematical characters, as the arithmetical figures, 5 the geometrical, the astronomical of the planets, and of the 12 signes of the zodiack, &c. ; which he undertook. My lord gave him a platform, which he observed; all the difficulty was about the syncategoremata. He styled his book Wit-spell. I have heard that some part of it was printed ; 10 but the rebellion prevented the finishing of it. Yet besides this Mr Johnson, D. Bernard, dean of Kilmore, was neither willing to be resident, nor to part with any one of his benefices, and therefore exchanged his deanery with D. Henry Jones, (eldest son of the bishop of Kilala) for his deanery 15 of Ardasrh; who continued dean of K. till the rebellion, and was afterward bishop of Clogher ; and Dr Bernard, the dean of Ardagh, being the primate's chaplain, took up his residence at Droghedah, till all was lost.

    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.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 58

    As the companion tells it

    There is a town along this road called Drogheda, and in it Dr. Bernard, dean of Ardagh, once took up residence. Before that exchange, Bernard had been dean of Kilmore, but he was unwilling to be resident and unwilling to part with any one of his benefices. So he exchanged his deanery of Kilmore with Dr. Henry Jones, eldest son of the bishop of Killala, for the deanery of Ardagh. Jones continued as dean of Kilmore until the rebellion, and was afterward bishop of Clogher. Bernard, now dean of Ardagh, served as the primate's chaplain and lived at Drogheda until all was lost in the rebellion. Before this, there had been another scheme connected to the same circles. A man persuaded Mr. Johnson to compose a universal character, one to serve in all languages and all nations. The argument was that universal mathematical characters already existed: arithmetical figures, geometrical signs, the astronomical signs of the planets and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Johnson undertook it, following a platform given to him. The difficulty lay in the syncategoremata. He styled his book "Wit-spell." Some part of it was printed, but the rebellion prevented the finishing of it.

44. Exchange of Kilmore and Ardagh deaneries before the rebellion

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    Dr Bernard exchanged his deanery of Kilmore with Dr Henry Jones, eldest son of the Bishop of Killala, for the deanery of Ardagh. Henry Jones continued as dean of Kilmore until the rebellion and was afterward made bishop of Clogher.

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    of K. in discourse upon a time with this Mr J. persuaded him to compose an universal character, to serve in all languages and nations ; the conveniency of it being so great, and the thing itself so feasible, seeing we have universal mathematical characters, as the arithmetical figures, 5 the geometrical, the astronomical of the planets, and of the 12 signes of the zodiack, &c. ; which he undertook. My lord gave him a platform, which he observed; all the difficulty was about the syncategoremata. He styled his book Wit-spell. I have heard that some part of it was printed ; 10 but the rebellion prevented the finishing of it. Yet besides this Mr Johnson, D. Bernard, dean of Kilmore, was neither willing to be resident, nor to part with any one of his benefices, and therefore exchanged his deanery with D. Henry Jones, (eldest son of the bishop of Kilala) for his deanery 15 of Ardasrh; who continued dean of K. till the rebellion, and was afterward bishop of Clogher ; and Dr Bernard, the dean of Ardagh, being the primate's chaplain, took up his residence at Droghedah, till all was lost.

    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.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 58

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilmore, a deanery changed hands before the rebellion. Dr Bernard held the deanery of Kilmore but was neither willing to be resident nor to part with any of his benefices. He exchanged it with Dr Henry Jones, eldest son of the Bishop of Killala, for the deanery of Ardagh. Henry Jones continued as dean of Kilmore until the rebellion, and was afterward made bishop of Clogher. Dr Bernard, now dean of Ardagh and the primate's chaplain, took up his residence at Drogheda, and stayed there till all was lost. Before that exchange, there was another enterprise here. My lord, in discourse with a Mr Johnson, persuaded him to compose a universal character to serve in all languages and nations. The convenience of it being so great, and the thing itself so feasible, seeing there were already universal mathematical characters: the arithmetical figures, the geometrical, the astronomical of the planets, and of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Mr Johnson undertook it. My lord gave him a platform, which he observed. All the difficulty was about the syncategoremata. He styled his book "Wit-spell." Some part of it was printed, but the rebellion prevented the finishing of it. For the better ordering of his clergy, he called a diocesan synod to meet at the cathedral church of Kilmore. The text he preached upon was from Psalms 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 made about it by some false brethren of the same order. The canons made in it were set down verbatim.

45. Lawsuit at Drogheda between Bedell and his chancellor

    Drogheda · town · Louth

    A lawsuit between Bedell and his chancellor Dr Alan Cooke was conducted at Drogheda, reflecting ecclesiastical disputes in the diocese of Kilmore.

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    Drogheda, lawsuit between Bedell and his chancellor conducted there, 32; siege of, 68; Bedell goes there, 271, 300

    Dublin, College of, 4, 23, 41, 92, 93, 94, 105, 271-274, 278, 284, 296, 299, 300 ; Archbishop of, 24, 146

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda, in Louth, was where a lawsuit was conducted between William Bedell, bishop of Kilmore, and his chancellor. The dispute came to this town, one of several episodes recorded in the account of Bedell's life.

46. Priest Paul Harris causes trouble in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    A man who called himself Paul Washington, a priest, came to Dublin under the name Paul Harris and proved to be a very troublesome figure there. He had posed theological questions to Bedell in England regarding the church before Luther and the fate of pre-Reformation souls.

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    35 beene often answered. This popish fellow came afterwards to Dublin, and priested there under the name of Paul Harris, and was a vei-y troublesome fellow. My. 14 and 20. Dr. 15.

    published it, which. 18. hands, that would give litle. 21. of

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin. A man calling himself Paul Washington, a priest, arrived here under the name Paul Harris and proved troublesome. He had put theological questions to Bedell in England, asking about the church before Luther and the fate of pre-Reformation souls.

47. Treasurership of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627

    The Lord Deputy conferred upon Bedell the treasurership of St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, which had been held in commendam by the Archbishop of Tuam. Bedell declined to pursue it, preferring to avoid conflict with the Archbishop and to content himself with his existing wages.

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    Mortmaine to purchase Landes : and to what value, and by what name you are incorporated, and whether the Vice Chancellor Proctors and Bedells haue any stipends out of the same, or else their stipends be nieerely out of the Contributions for degrees. To what vse your matriculation money is put : and how the Schooles were first founded, and are yet repaired, if you haue vnderstood what sumraes of money Professors of Law, or Physick do pay to the University for their chairs, and whether the Professors of Divinity do the like or not. Whether the Physitians and lawiers do make any Profession at their taking Degrees of Dr as Divines do. And the copy of the Profession of Divinity if you can conveniently come by it. A hundred more thiiiges I haue to demand which now come not to my minde. As about your sheets (which I thinck were monies pietatis at first) whether there be any use of them now or not. What officers the University hath for their possessions, as Stewards, Auditors Surveyors or the like. For my journey, it is not like to be till the Sjiring. I haue not yet receiued my Lord Primates resolution of my case viz. whether I may, notwithstanding my oath to hold no benefice but within 3 myles of Dublin, retayne the right of my living here, without receiuing any profitt thereby. For my selfe I do most incline to thinck, that I may not, since so long as I haue the title of it, and may execute the duty when I will, I hold the benefice. From the fellowes there, I understand of a new difference since my coming away, upon an opinion that we had made a statute that none should be chosen fellow under a Bachelor of Arts of 7 Termes standing at least, purposely to exclude the natives, and specially a Cousin of my Lord Primates of his name, this next Election. The truth is I assented to that Statute out of a perswasion of the good of the College for all future tymes, and no other regard. And that cousin of my Lord, as it is assured me, is altogether vnfitt for the place. I see it vvilbe a very hard thing to please all sides. The fellowes complaine that my Lord Primate is too open eared to suggestions, an euill many tymes following good natures. How so euer I can yet stay where I am : but I shall perceiue more when I receiue his owne letters. They haue bestowed a grace of Dr upon me in the house, as I heare, though not from them, but my Lord Deputy his Secretary. And my Lord Deputy conferred upon me the place of the Threasurership of St Patricks in Dublin, which was holden in Commendara by the Archb. of Tuam (being of the Collation of the Archb. of Dubline), advising me to get the Royal letters for it, &c. and as I heare passed it for me under scale. I wrote to his Lordship with thancks but refusing to medle in it, or hold any opposition with the Archbishop ; since I understand that the Archb. of Tuam is not dead, and I for my part had rather content my selfe with the meere wages of my place then goe to law for the best place in that Church, though I were sure to evict it. I haue made this honorable offer of his an occasion to petition for the wages of 40/^. per annum, anciently granted to the Provost for maintaning a lecture before the Lord Deputy and Counsell, which for the 7 yeares past hath beene witliholden from the College, although the senior fellowes do yet uphold that lecture. I shall also see what that course will worke, I could haue

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin in 1627. The Lord Deputy offered Bedell the treasurership of St Patrick's Cathedral in the city. The post had been held in commendam by the Archbishop of Tuam, though it belonged to the collation of the Archbishop of Dublin. The Lord Deputy told Bedell to get the Royal letters for it, and Bedell heard that it had been passed for him under seal. He wrote to the Lord Deputy with thanks, but refused to meddle in it. He would not hold any opposition with the Archbishop of Tuam, since he understood that the Archbishop was not dead. Bedell said he would rather content himself with the mere wages of his place than go to law for the best place in that church, even if he were sure to win it. He used the Lord Deputy's honorable offer as an occasion to petition for wages of 40 pounds per annum, anciently granted to the Provost for maintaining a lecture before the Lord Deputy and Council. For 7 years past, those wages had been withheld from the College, though the senior fellows still upheld the lecture. Bedell said he would see what that course would work. He could have pursued the treasurership, but he chose peace over the best place in the church.

48. Kilmore diocese lands alienated by predecessors' leases

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan

    Bedell's predecessors as bishops of Kilmore and Ardagh had granted long leases of church lands to wives, children, and servants, reducing succeeding bishops' incomes and endangering alienation from the church. Bedell strenuously opposed and partly rectified this abuse.

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    97. It was the usual course of his predecessors, the bishops of Kilmore and Ardagh, to gratify their wives, chil-

    20 dren, kindred and servants, by making them long leases of the lands of their bishopricks, to the manifest injury of the church; and the deans and chapters, | for favour and affection, f. 35 v", were procured to confirm such unlawfull acts; whereby the succeeding bishops were reduc'd to a very small allowance,

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the bishops of Kilmore and Ardagh who came before William Bedell had a habit of granting long leases of church lands to their wives, children, and servants. This stripped income from later bishops and threatened to pull the land away from the church entirely. Bedell fought the practice and managed to undo part of it.

49. Statutes of Queen Elizabeth's foundation at Dublin College

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627

    Bedell notes that the College in Ireland was founded by Queen Elizabeth with statutes limiting fellows to no more than seven years after becoming Masters of Arts. He speculates that those zealous about altering statutes at Emmanuel College might also seek to overturn these at the Dublin foundation.

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    Salutem in Christo Jesu. I thank you for your letters, and the Copy of your latter reference from the King. I shall niarvell if tliose that be so zealous about the altering the statute of Em. Coll. do not likewise labour to overthrow the like of Q. Eliz. foundation in the College in Ireland, by which the fellows there may not stay aboue 7 yeares after their beeing Masters of Arts. For that I perceiued this last weeke at London whether I was sent for by Sir Na. Rich by order from my Lord of Canterbury the Chancelor of that University, who when I came to him used a very pithy and weighty speech to me to induce me to accept that chai'ge. I excused me by my deafenes and other insufficiencies, but it auailed not. The fellowes haue put up a Petition to the King desiring I may haue the place conferred upon me. The successe of their suite I did not thinck it fitt to attend. But if they obtane it, I thinck to goe (with the helpe of God) at least to take some triall of the place. Touching my letter, your instance of the conviction of the Devills of the truth of Christian doctrine, who yet cannot pray, is not to the purpose. For there is no grace of Illumination or conviction granted to them to enable them to any supernaturall act. Nor doth Christian doctrine concerne them but mankind to whom Christ is giuen. It seemeth that precisely upon the knowledge of our present misery &c., with all the persuasion of so great a good as the offer of life and happines made by God in Christ to the world, a man should be abled to desire it and Christ the meanes of it, and to pi'ay. Convert me o Lord and I shalbe converted &c. I do freely grant that the belieuer hath euer a greater grace then he that is not converted. For he hathe the gift of Faith it selfe, but whether a greater before faith I doubt. And I would desire to vnderstand in particular what it is, and how, that being denied, the mouth of such as beleaue not shalbe stopped, and their condemnation just. When your leisure shalbe greater, I could desire to receiue the further declaration of this point. Meane while with my true aflFectiou to you and hearty commendations to Mistris Warde I rest

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 134

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin is where Queen Elizabeth founded a college whose statutes held that fellows could not stay more than 7 years after becoming Masters of Arts. In 1627, William Bedell, writing to a correspondent, thanked him for his letters and a copy of a reference from the King. Bedell said he would marvel if those so zealous about altering the statute at Emmanuel College did not likewise labour to overthrow the like statute of Queen Elizabeth's foundation in the College in Ireland. Bedell had been called to London the week before. Sir Na. Rich sent for him by order from the Lord of Canterbury, the Chancellor of that University. When Bedell came to him, the Chancellor used what Bedell calls a very pithy and weighty speech to induce him to accept that charge. Bedell excused himself by his deafness and other insufficiencies, but it availed not. The fellows had put up a petition to the King, desiring that Bedell have the place conferred upon him. Bedell did not think it fit to attend the success of their suit. But if they obtained it, he thought to go, with the help of God, at least to take some trial of the place. The letter then turned to questions of grace and faith, but the matter of the college and its statutes stood at its start.

50. Tenants in Cavan and Fermanagh resistant to Termon land exchanges

    Cavan · town · Cavan · 1638

    The Lord Primate and Bishop of Derry reported that tenants in Cavan and Fermanagh might resist exchanges of Termon lands, recommending that lease renewals be stayed to compel acceptance of recompense in exchanged lands.

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    should send an Agent, otherwise the Board would proceede. The authority of his Agent was discussed. This Ternie he hath answered, and I have replied. Touching Mr Culmes lease my Lord of Derry set downe an order in it, but so as he seemed desirous rather to accommodate others than this See. For where certaine lands lieing by tlie Bisliops mansion house and parts of the Termon of Kilinore (both by the grand office and Patent) were leased away as distinct Tenuous to the use of Bishop Drapers wife, and his Gierke, faine would I have had these at least reserved from any further extent of tyme. I could not obtaine it, yet neither have the Tenants ever payd me a peny of the increased Rent, nor tendered me any leases to renew. But that which hath peremptorily hindered the renewing of these leases, and my passing also the Lands in Leitrini by Patent, for which by your Graces favour I obtayned his Majesties Letters, is this. The ministei*s being called to Residence petitioned to the Lord Deputy, shewing the inconvenience of their Glcbelands, lieing sundry miles distant in other parishes, and desired that according to the directions of King James, there might be exchanges made with some part of the Termon lands, lieing about the churches " And that till such exchanges were made, no leases of the Termon lands within the Dioces should be confirmed to any of the Tenants." This Petition was referred to the Lord Primate ; and the Bishop of Derry who returned their opinions in favour thereof, concluding in these fornuxU words — " And whereas in the said countyes of Cavan and Fermanagh some of the present Tenants may perhaps be obstinate to consent to the sayd exchanges, we conceive that if upon tlie defects that are found to be in the grand leases, now tendered to be confirmed or renewed, there be a stay made thereof, with a clause in the Commission to certify such as shalbe refractory to accept just recompence in the lands to be exchanged, this impediment shalbe the more easily removed." How necessary this story was, I have found in expediting these Commissions these 2 yeares past. Which having now through Gods goodnes performed, returned, and obtayned publication of, the 5th of this instant Deceuiber, I will goe on in the prosecution of the rights of this See with checrefulnes. In the meane tyme, me thincks I am hke the poore beast, that travelling in a rough and unbeaten way as fiist as his leggs can carry him, is at once curb'd with the bitt, and jiut on with the spurres because he makes no more speede. I beseech your Grace to pitty these plunges I am putt to, and to make me partaker of your praiers who am,

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    Near the town of Cavan, in 1638, there was trouble over land the Church wanted to exchange. Ministers had been called to residence and found their glebe lands lying miles away in other parishes. They petitioned the Lord Deputy, asking that exchanges be made with parts of the Termon lands lying about the churches, and that until such exchanges were made, no leases of the Termon lands within the diocese should be confirmed to any of the tenants. The petition was referred to the Lord Primate and the Bishop of Derry, who returned their opinions in favour of it. They concluded that in the counties of Cavan and Fermanagh, some of the present tenants might perhaps be obstinate and refuse to consent to the exchanges. Their remedy was this: where defects were found in the grand leases now tendered to be confirmed or renewed, a stay should be made, with a clause in the commission to certify any who were refractory about accepting just recompense in the lands to be exchanged. They believed this impediment would be the more easily removed. The writer had found this story necessary in expediting these commissions over the past 2 years, and having now performed, returned, and obtained publication of them on the 5th of December, he said he would go on in the prosecution of the rights of this See with cheerfulness. He compared himself to a poor beast travelling a rough and unbeaten way as fast as his legs could carry him, curbed with the bit and put on with the spurs because he made no more speed.

51. Bedell confined at Lough Oughter Castle

    Lough Oughter · lake or lakes · Cavan

    Bishop Bedell was imprisoned and confined at Loughwater or Loughoughter Castle during the rebellion. The castle served as his place of captivity.

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    Loughwater or Loughoughter Castle, where Bedell was confined, 66, 67 ; sec Clochwater

    Lutherans, of Dublin, their controversy as to the Lord's Supper, 146

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    Lough Oughter is the lake along this road. Bishop Bedell was confined at the castle on these waters, held here during the rebellion.

52. Bedell visits Sir F. Hamilton at Manorhamilton

    Manorhamilton · town · Leitrim

    Bedell visited Sir F. Hamilton at Manor Hamilton during his tenure as Bishop of Kilmore. This visit was part of his engagement with the gentry and local powers within his diocese.

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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

    Manorhamilton in County Leitrim is a town the road passes through. Its story connects to William Bedell, who served as Bishop of Kilmore and Ardagh in the early seventeenth century. Bedell was not a bishop of the usual kind. After his appointment, he refused the costly clothing and the grand style that bishops commonly kept up. He walked the streets of Dublin with a single attendant instead of riding out with three or four. Another bishop mocked him for dressing so plainly. None of this stopped him from looking hard at the state of his diocese. He heard complaints, called visitations, and set about redressing grievances with what the record calls impartiality. He kept courts in every part of his diocese so that wrongs could be put right. His push for reformation met open resistance. His own chancellor stood against him, backed by some of the clergy, and the conflict grew into a long lawsuit. Bedell was greatly unpopular for a time. He also found that former bishops had leased church lands to their own kindred, alienating property from the See. He persuaded Dr John Richardson to take the bishopric of Ardagh and then resign it, to set an example against pluralities. It was during this work that Bedell visited Sir F. Hamilton at Manor Hamilton. The visit belonged to his wider effort to deal honestly with the gentry and the local powers within his diocese. He admonished ministers to provide sufficient curates. He took care in conferring Holy Orders. He called a Diocesan Synod. He signed a petition from Protestants in County Cavan to the Lord Chancellor of Ireland and the Earl of Cork concerning heavy impositions. He was even accused of opposing his Majesty's service in Ireland. The visit to Sir F. Hamilton was one piece of a bishop's restless labor among people who did not always welcome him.

53. Bedell writes from his episcopal seat at Kilmore, 1635

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1635

    Bishop William Bedell writes a letter from Kilmore dated October 11, 1635, discussing Irish ecclesiastical convocation affairs, theological disputes, and his relationships with the Lord of Derry and the Lord Primate. The letter reveals Kilmore as the active seat of the Bishop of Kilmore during this period.

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    course cau save him a great deal of time and paines which he else may loose with little profit. I would desire you to certifie me, how you stand with my Lord of Derry. I have forborne to enter into streighter termes with him (though having received some Courtesies from him) till I should hear more from you, especially because he seemed to some to overtopp my Lord primate here, although some think that was by direction fi*om others. Many more things I could write to you of touching our affairs in Convocation, but I was not there at the conclusion ; and how things passed I doubt not but my Lord Primate hath certified you. I am constrayned here to break off, recommending you to the gracious protection of the highest I am and shall be while I am

    Yours in all true affection

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 168

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1635, Bishop William Bedell was at his episcopal seat, writing a letter on October 11. He was deep in Irish ecclesiastical affairs. He asked his correspondent how things stood with the Lord of Derry, and said he had held back from pressing stricter terms with him, even though he had received courtesies from him. The reason was that the Lord of Derry seemed to some to overtop the Lord Primate, though others thought that came by direction from others. Bedell had more to say about affairs in Convocation, but he had not been there at the conclusion. He trusted the Lord Primate had already written about how things passed. He broke off the letter, recommending his correspondent to the gracious protection of the highest, and signed himself, in his words, "yours in all true affection."

54. Bishop of Clonfert's see: disputes over farm rents and free rents

    Clonfert (Butson) · townland · Galway · 1639

    Bramhall reports that the Bishop of Clonfert presented the state of his see to the Archbishop, with disputes over whether tenants paid free rents or farm rents, and a lack of deeds or offices to prove tenure in fee.

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    The Bi.shopjj of Clonferte hath presented to your Grace the state of his see. I confess in most cases there are no demonstrative proofes on either syde. In many the Bishopps proofe is more probable. And though the rule be melior est conditio possidentis, yet where the doubt is whether a free rent or a farme rent, it can hold no place. There are two questions, the one concerninge the rents which the Bishopp receives as farm rents, the Tenents pay as free rents. To proove them to be free rents they neither shew wardshipp nor marriage nor reliefe, some of which are necessary and infallible badges of all estates in fee, yea very seldome they produce so much as a deed or an office. On the other syde the Bishopp shewes his cosherings

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1639, the Bishop of Clonfert presented the state of his see to the Archbishop. Bramhall reported that in most cases there were no demonstrative proofs on either side, though in many the Bishop's proof was more probable. The dispute turned on rents. The Bishop received them as farm rents, but the tenants paid them as free rents. The old rule that the possessor holds the better case could not apply where the doubt was whether a rent was free or a farm rent. To prove their rents were free, the tenants showed neither wardship nor marriage nor relief, which Bramhall called necessary and infallible badges of all estates in fee. Very seldom did they produce so much as a deed or an office. On his side the Bishop showed his cosherings.

55. Royal letters for Leitrim lands

    Leitrim · town · Leitrim · 1637

    Bishop Bedell and the Lord of Ardagh received the King's Letters in favour of their claims to lands in Leitrim. Bedell expresses gratitude to Archbishop Laud for his help in securing the letters.

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    with my great satisfaction seenc those of the College and had the content to be present at the first publishing and putting them in execution. I wish and do hope that it shalbe healthfull and happy to this Church and Kingdonie. I have also had my part in the gratulation and obligation to your Grace for his Majesties Letters in favour of my Lord of Ardagh and nie, about our Leatrim landes^ I do hartily thanck your Grace for them ; and for him, and that Bishoprick, which through his industry is now as good as this or better. And I wish the example of dissolving Pluralityes, both in Bishopricks and other Bcclesiasticall dignities and charges, may spread further. I was hartily glad to find your Graces judgment so expresse of the banefullnes of them to this Church.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    Leitrim, 1637. Bishop William Bedell wrote to Archbishop Laud with thanks. The King's Letters had come through in favour of Bedell and the Lord of Ardagh, securing their claims to lands in this town. Bedell told Laud he was heartily grateful, both for himself and for the Lord of Ardagh, whose bishopric, through his own industry, was now as good as Bedell's own or better. Bedell had also been present when letters concerning the College were first published and put into execution, and he hoped they would prove healthful and happy for the Church and the kingdom. He wished the example of dissolving pluralities, in bishoprics and other ecclesiastical charges, would spread further. He was glad, he wrote, to find Laud's judgment so express about the banefulness of pluralities to the Church.

56. Scottish foot company stationed at Cavan before the wars

    Cavan · town · Cavan

    Major Bayly commanded the standing foot company of Scots that were stationed at Cavan before the 1641 wars. He married Penelope, the elder daughter of Mistress Dillon from her first marriage.

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    40 her first husband, that were good women and marryed to two Scotts that were brothers, Penelope the elder to major Bayly that commanded the standing foote company of Scotts that lay at Cavan before the warrs ; the other, to his brother William that was a minister in the diocese of Kilmore and afterwards bishop of Clonfort.

    1 84 LIFE AND DEATH

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 93

    As the companion tells it

    Cavan was where a standing foot company of Scots lay before the wars. Major Bayly commanded them. He married Penelope, the elder daughter of Mistress Dillon from her first marriage. Her sister married his brother William, a minister in the diocese of Kilmore and afterwards bishop of Clonfert. The two sisters were called good women, and both married Scots who were brothers.

57. Bishop of Kilmore visits Lord Lieutenant Wentworth in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    After a prolonged period of avoiding Dublin due to Lord Wentworth's displeasure, Bishop Bedell finally visited the lord lieutenant at Dublin once the storm had ceased. He was treated with due respect by Wentworth and his favourites.

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    35 by God's blessing this storm ceased; which as soon as the bishop understood, he took occasion to visit the lord lieutenant at Dublin, and was treated with due respect by himself and his favorites, and for a while scem'd to stand rectus in curia, till another occasion happen'd.

    48 LIFE AND DEATH

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin. Bishop Bedell had long kept away, for Lord Lieutenant Wentworth was displeased with him. By God's blessing, that storm ceased, and as soon as the bishop understood it, he took occasion to visit the lord lieutenant at Dublin. Wentworth and his favourites treated him with due respect. For a while, as the record says, he seemed to stand "rectus in curia," till another occasion happened.

58. Corn dear and bread scarce in Dublin despite English imports

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1628

    Writing from Dublin in July 1628, Bedell reported that corn remained very dear and bread was small, though prices were falling thanks to transportation from England. Meat was reasonably priced.

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    I did what I could to withstand the deferring our Commencement till then, avoyding so long and great an expectation and greater charge, which it will draw with it but others will haue it so. It is desired much that we should make a Theatricall pompe of it, at St Patricks ; which would haue beene better intra domesticos parietes. For my health, with my wife, children and family, I thanck God we haue beene all well hitherto : and although corne is yet very deare, and bread small, yet the price of it falleth by transportation from England, and flesh is reasonable enough.

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin in July 1628. Writing from the city, William Bedell told how corn remained very dear and bread was small. Prices were falling, though, thanks to transportation from England. Meat, he said, was reasonable enough. He wrote that with his wife, children, and family he thanked God they had all been well so far. He had been occupied with a dispute over deferring their Commencement, which others wanted and he did not. It was desired, he wrote, that they make a theatriall pompe of it at St Patricks, which would have been better, in his words, intra domesticos parietes.

59. Landscape of Bishop Bedell's residence in County Cavan

    Cavan · town · Cavan

    The bishop's house was located in County Cavan, Ulster, a region characterized by very steep and high hills. The valleys between these hills are described in the text as well.

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    119. And here the reader must be entreated to understand a little the quality of the countrey where the bishop's 35 seat was, and what neighbours he liv'd among. His house was situate in the county of Cavan in the province of Ulster in Ireland, in a covmtrey consisting alltogether of hills very steep and high, the valleys between being most commonly

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    Cavan sits among hills. The bishop's seat stood here in County Cavan, in the province of Ulster. The country consists altogether of hills, very steep and high, the valleys between them most commonly narrow. This was the landscape William Bedell lived in, and the neighbours around him shaped the story of his time as bishop.

60. Provost's lecture before Lord Deputy and Council at Dublin College

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1627

    A stipend had been anciently granted to the Provost of Dublin College for maintaining a lecture before the Lord Deputy and Council, but had been withheld for seven years. The senior fellows continued to uphold the lecture despite the loss of funding.

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    Mortmaine to purchase Landes : and to what value, and by what name you are incorporated, and whether the Vice Chancellor Proctors and Bedells haue any stipends out of the same, or else their stipends be nieerely out of the Contributions for degrees. To what vse your matriculation money is put : and how the Schooles were first founded, and are yet repaired, if you haue vnderstood what sumraes of money Professors of Law, or Physick do pay to the University for their chairs, and whether the Professors of Divinity do the like or not. Whether the Physitians and lawiers do make any Profession at their taking Degrees of Dr as Divines do. And the copy of the Profession of Divinity if you can conveniently come by it. A hundred more thiiiges I haue to demand which now come not to my minde. As about your sheets (which I thinck were monies pietatis at first) whether there be any use of them now or not. What officers the University hath for their possessions, as Stewards, Auditors Surveyors or the like. For my journey, it is not like to be till the Sjiring. I haue not yet receiued my Lord Primates resolution of my case viz. whether I may, notwithstanding my oath to hold no benefice but within 3 myles of Dublin, retayne the right of my living here, without receiuing any profitt thereby. For my selfe I do most incline to thinck, that I may not, since so long as I haue the title of it, and may execute the duty when I will, I hold the benefice. From the fellowes there, I understand of a new difference since my coming away, upon an opinion that we had made a statute that none should be chosen fellow under a Bachelor of Arts of 7 Termes standing at least, purposely to exclude the natives, and specially a Cousin of my Lord Primates of his name, this next Election. The truth is I assented to that Statute out of a perswasion of the good of the College for all future tymes, and no other regard. And that cousin of my Lord, as it is assured me, is altogether vnfitt for the place. I see it vvilbe a very hard thing to please all sides. The fellowes complaine that my Lord Primate is too open eared to suggestions, an euill many tymes following good natures. How so euer I can yet stay where I am : but I shall perceiue more when I receiue his owne letters. They haue bestowed a grace of Dr upon me in the house, as I heare, though not from them, but my Lord Deputy his Secretary. And my Lord Deputy conferred upon me the place of the Threasurership of St Patricks in Dublin, which was holden in Commendara by the Archb. of Tuam (being of the Collation of the Archb. of Dubline), advising me to get the Royal letters for it, &c. and as I heare passed it for me under scale. I wrote to his Lordship with thancks but refusing to medle in it, or hold any opposition with the Archbishop ; since I understand that the Archb. of Tuam is not dead, and I for my part had rather content my selfe with the meere wages of my place then goe to law for the best place in that Church, though I were sure to evict it. I haue made this honorable offer of his an occasion to petition for the wages of 40/^. per annum, anciently granted to the Provost for maintaning a lecture before the Lord Deputy and Counsell, which for the 7 yeares past hath beene witliholden from the College, although the senior fellowes do yet uphold that lecture. I shall also see what that course will worke, I could haue

    Internet Archive twobiographiesof00shuc, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, in 1627, was where a long-standing arrangement between the university and the government had broken down. A stipend of 40 pounds per annum had been anciently granted to the Provost of Dublin College for maintaining a lecture before the Lord Deputy and Council. For 7 years that money had been withheld from the College. The senior fellows had not let the lecture lapse. They upheld it still, even without the funding. The matter surfaced in a letter from a man who had been away from the College. The Lord Deputy had conferred upon him the Treasurership of St Patrick's in Dublin, a place held in commendam by the Archbishop of Tuam. The Lord Deputy passed it for him under seal, advising him to get the Royal letters for it. The writer wrote to the Lord Deputy with thanks but refused to meddle in it or hold any opposition with the Archbishop, since the Archbishop of Tuam was not dead. He said he had rather content himself with the wages of his place than go to law for the best place in that church, even if he were sure to win it. He had made the Lord Deputy's honorable offer an occasion to petition for the 40 pounds per annum, anciently granted to the Provost for maintaining the lecture before the Lord Deputy and Council, which for 7 years had been withheld from the College. The senior fellows, he noted, still upheld that lecture. He said he would see what that course would work.