LETTER CCCXCIII.

MR. EDWARD PARRY TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH.

MOST REVERend,

UPON Wednesday last I received this enclosed, together with a letter from Mr. Temple to the fellows, the contents whereof were these: that it hath pleased the King's Majesty to grant his gracious letter for the settling of Mr. William Bedell in the provost's place; and that they intend to be over very shortly to the putting an end to all tumults, and the long desired settlement of our college. The general report of Mr. Bedell his sufficiency, confirmed especially by the ample testimony your grace hath given of his worth, hath made these news welcome, wherewith I have made bold to acquaint your grace.

The Lord bless your grace with health, and long continuance thereof in all happiness, to the glory of his name, and the good of his Church, which he shall ever pray for who ever rests,

Your Grace's ever ready to be commanded,

Trinity College, this 15th of June,

1627.

EDWARD PARRY.

LETTER CCCXCIV.

MR. WM. BEDELL TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH.

RIGHT REV. FATHER, MY HONOUrable good Lord,

THESE I write to your grace from the Ringes, being ready to embark for England. The little leisure which I have had since my coming to Dublin, and the suddenness of my departing, gave me not respite to do it at Trinity college: and the chief occasion of doing it now was not given me till a little before my departure. I have taken upon me the government of that society, though with privity to myself of very much insufficiency thereto; I have endeavoured hitherto to set order first in the worship of God (much neglected, as appeared by the very ill array of the chapel itself, and omitting of communions these many years). Then in the reducing the statutes, hitherto consisting of a few papers tacked together, part English, part Latin, and all out of order, into one body, as orderly I could. So at least, as I hope, it will now pass for a statute book. Besides this, in the reformation as far as with example and fair means I could, of the abandoning the hall and chapel, and newfangledness in apparel, and long hair, and ruffles, wherein this city, and the very greatest of the clergy are, methinks, very exorbitant. The revenues and state of the college I have not yet looked into. Only desired Sir James Ware to draw out the true estate thereof against my return from England. To the which purpose I have left out for him a rental of the college lands, and all the books of accounts from the beginning. And Mr. Lloyd, whom we have chosen vice-provost, hath promised to give

him all assistance, and is very able to do so, as having taken a view of the whole already. A little before my parting I moved my lord deputy about the pension of forty pounds for the lecture in Christ Church, by which it was written to me that my means being otherwise less than that which I part from, might be exempt. He answered me, that it came out of the defalcations, which were no longer in his hands, which my lord Docwra also affirmed to be true. I found after a note that it was allowed by concordatum out of the imposts and other casualties, and so might be allowed still, if letters were obtained out of England to that purpose. His lordship hath written for that purpose to Sir H. Holcroft, and to my lord Grandison very effectually, and more than I could have desired. The fellows that now supply the lecture, have agreed, if it cannot be obtained, I shall come into part with them, after those that now are in the performance of that place shall any way leave it: or else have the catechist's place the next year, which is as much as I desire, to satisfy my friends, I have not changed for a worse condition than I am to forego.

A little before my coming away, I was requested by them to enter into the consideration of the clause in the charter of the foundation removing them at seven years standing, after they be master of arts, and whereas they desire it should be extended till they be of twelve years standing; and it seems to me that necessarily a new charter is to be obtained, in as much as they have far exceeded their old license of mortmain, it seems that all under one it may be obtained, that in this point there should be an enlargement also. I promised to do something in this affair. But thinking more seriously of the matter, I cannot tell whether I have done well or no, even to promise so much. For though I do not discern any inconvenience herein, yet I cannot tell whether there may not be more than I am aware of. One thing I have even by this means persuaded them unto, viz. the keeping of two common places weekly, henceforth throughout the year; where it was but one a week, and in term time only.

And now, though sooner it had been better, I do humbly entreat your grace to direct and advise me in this doubt. For if it seem to you that this may be for the good of the society, and Church of God here, that they continue here longer, as well to be more ripe ere they come abroad, as to know the state of the college, and assist in the government thereof better: I shall rejoice in this my opinion, which was also the opinion of my friend Dr. Ward, who procured such a like statute to be changed in Sydney College. If otherwise, I do resolve herein to compromit mine own opinion to that of your grace, who understands the condition of these times, this realm and Church, and the college, better far than I do. Wherefore, humbly again beseeching your grace to pardon my boldness, and direct me in this affair, by the letters to be directed to Mr. F. Burnet for me at my coming to London with the next occasion you have to write into England; and if I may be of any use to your grace there, or any where, to command me. I do most heartily commend the same to the gracious protection of our good God, and do rest,

Your Grace's in all duty,

Sept. 10. 1627.

W. BEDELL.

LETTER CCCXCV.

SIR JAMES WARE TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH.

MOST REVEREND,

IT is the least token of thankfulness I can show for the many favours I so often receive from your grace's hands, to let you have the view of all such old manuscripts concerning the affairs of this kingdom which come unto me; especially knowing the good use your grave and deep judgment may make of them. The Annals which I now send do principally concern Leinster. The book also, as I am informed, being known by the name of Liure Leynach, or the Leinster book. I have now a special occasion to use my Ulster annals and the Annals of Inisfallen; I entreat your grace to send them me by this bearer. I cease to be further troublesome, desiring God to continue all your endeavours to his glory, and the good of his Church.

Your Grace's always to he commanded,

Mayeston, 21. September,

1627.

JA. WARE.