202 - 2 Sept. To John Bramhall, bishop of Derry

Summary

Salutem in Christo

My very Good Lord.

Your Letters of August 7^th came to my hands the 24^th of the same month. And long before their Comming, I heard of your heavy mischance by the Breach of your Legg; but was still in hope that it was not true. Because in the Interim I receav’d two Letters from my Lord Deputy; And neither of them made any mention of this sad Accident. And now I am very glad to heare from yourselfe, That since it pleas’d God, the Accident did befall you, you are on so faire a way of Recovery, which God blesse to you.

I am glad the Bishopricke of Kilmore is settled according to the purpose of that happie Law, and within the Tyme limited. And as for the Bishops reluctancye, transeat cum cæteris; so the Sea and Succession have the Benefitt. Yet I professe I cannot wonder enough, why a man that otherwise understands himselfe so well, should be so much his owne Enemy, and the Churches. And as for his Diocesan Synod, I shall say noe more, till you have had Opportunity to speake with my Lord Primate. And if his Grace be pleas’d to write freely to mee, I shall make such use of itt, as is fitt. But if any thing bee done upon itt, how it can bee kept from my Lord of Kilmore, or why it should, I know not.

I am very glad the Bishop of Clonfert hath had so good successe; And I hope he and his Successors will now looke to itt.

For the Bishop of Downes busines, if Mr Railton speake to mee About a Letter for a License of Mortmayne, I shall doe all my best Service to remoove any stopp. And shall bee able (I hope) to satisfy the King, your Lordship having layd downe the Busines so cleerly to mee.

For the Passage in your Letter concerning the Scottish Bishops theire Case hath much both troubled, and pittyed mee. And I should be very glad, would itt please God to make mee able, to doe them anie kindnes. But as for their Comming into Ireland, I have already written sufficiently to my Lord Deputy.