The Established Church the Deputy regarded as a State Department, to be strictly controlled by the Government, but at the same time to be maintained in such a position of dignity and honour as would command the respect of the people.  Anything likely to conflict with this  aim, such as absenteeism or neglect of their duties on the part of the clergy ; the alienation of episcopal lands ;   carelessness regarding the conduct of church ceremonies or the condition of the churches themselves, ... Read More

Of the grievances from which the Irish Catholic laity suffered, they appear to have felt none more acutely than the difficulty, under the existing laws, of obtaining a liberal education for their sons. During the reign of Elizabeth, this had also been complained of, but now that the English authority had extended itself over the whole island, the state of the case had become worse. Investigations were made, and schoolmasters who had not conformed to the State religion were ordered to close ... Read More