A discourse of the religion anciently professed

But whatsoever Liturgy was used here at first: this is sure, that in the succeeding ages no one general form of divine service was retained, but diverse rites and manners of celebrations were observed in diverse parts of this Kingdom; until the Roman ⟨p. 32⟩use was brought in at last by Gillebertus, and Malachi, and Christianus, who were the Popes Legates here about 500. years ago. This Gillebertus (an old acquaintance of ^fAnselm Archbishop of Canterbury) in the Prologue of his book De usu Ecclesiastico, directed to the whole Clergy of Ireland, writeth in this manner. ^gAt the request, yea and at the command of many of you (dearly beloved) I endeavoured to set down in writing the Canonical custom in saying of Hours, and performing the Office of the whole Ecclesiastical Order; not presumptuously, but in desire to serve your most godly command: to the end that those diverse and schismatical Orders, wherewith in a manner all Ireland is deluded, may give place to one Catholic and Roman Office. For what may be said to be more undecent or schismatical; than that the most learned in one order, should be made as a private and lay man in another mans Church?

But whatsoever Liturgie was used here at first: this is sure, that in the succeeding ages no one generall forme of divine service was retained, but diverse rites and manners of celebrations were observed in diverse parts of this Kingdome; untill the Romane ⟨p. 32⟩use was brought in at last by Gillebertus, and Malachias, and Christianus, who were the Popes Legates here about 500. yeeres agoe. This Gillebertus (an old acquaintance of ^fAnselm Archbishop of Canterbury) in the Prologue of his booke De usu Ecclesiastico, directed to the whole Clergie of Ireland, writeth in this manner. ^gAt the request, yea and at the command of many of you (dearely beloved) I endevoured to set downe in writing the Canonicall custome in saying of Houres, and performing the Office of the whole Ecclesiasticall Order; not presumptuously, but in desire to serve your most godly command: to the end that those diverse and schismaticall Orders, wherewith in a manner all Ireland is deluded, may give place to one Catholicke and Romane Office. For what may bee said to bee more undecent or schismaticall; than that the most learned in one order, should bee made as a private and lay man in another mans Church?