31. (19). So then Malachy, when within three years[490] _a reward was rendered to the proud_[491] and liberty restored to the church, barbarism driven out and the customs of the Christian religion everywhere instituted anew, seeing that all things were at peace, began to think also of his own peace. And mindful of his design he appointed in his own place Gelasius,[492] a good man, and worthy of so great an honour, the clergy and people tacitly assenting, or rather supporting him because of the agreement.[493] For apart from that it seemed altogether cruel. And when he had been consecrated and earnestly commended to the kings and princes, Malachy himself, renowned for miracles and triumphs, returned to his parish;[494] but not to Connor. Hear the cause, which is worth relating. It is said that that diocese in ancient times had two episcopal sees, and that there were two bishoprics; an arrangement which seemed to Malachy preferable to the existing one. Hence those bishoprics which ambition had welded into one,[495] Malachy divided again into two, yielding one part to another bishop and retaining the other for himself. And for this reason he did not come to Connor, because he had already ordained a bishop in it;[496] but he betook himself to Down, separating the parishes _as in the days of old_.[497] O pure heart! O dove-like eye![498] He handed over to the new bishop the place which seemed better organized, which was held to be more important, the place in which he himself had sat. Where are they that fight about boundaries, carrying on perpetual hostilities against one another for a single village? I know not if there is any class of men whom that ancient prophecy touches more than those: _They have ripped up the women with child of Gilead that they might enlarge their border._[499] But this at another place.[500] 32. When Malachy was made bishop of Down, immediately according to his custom he was at pains to take to himself from his sons, for his comfort, a convent of regular clerics.[501] And lo, again he girds himself, as though a new recruit of Christ, for the spiritual conflict; again he puts on the _weapons_ that are _mighty through God_,[502] the humility of holy poverty, the rigour of monastic discipline, the quietness of contemplation, continuance in prayer. But all these things for a long time he was able to maintain rather in will than in deed. For all men came to him; not only obscure persons, but also nobles and magnates, hastened to commit themselves to his wisdom and holiness for instruction and correction. And he himself meanwhile went about; _he went out to sow his seed_,[503] disposing and decreeing with all authority concerning ecclesiastical affairs, like one of the Apostles. And none _said unto him, By what authority doest thou these things_?[504] inasmuch as all _saw the miracles_ and wonders _which_ he did,[505] and because _where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty_.[506] FOOTNOTES: