as to the existence of the Antipodes.

The discussion, as to the proper time of observing Easter,
which had occupied the doctors of the Council of Nice in
the fourth century, was raised in Ireland and in Britain
early in the sixth, and complete uniformity was not
established till far on in the eighth. It occupied the
thoughts of several generations of the chief men of the
Irish Church, and some of their arguments still fortunately
survive, to attest their learning and tolerance, as well
as their zeal. St. Patrick had introduced in the fifth
century the computation of time then observed in Gaul,
and to this custom many of the Irish doctors rigidly
adhered, long after the rest of Christendom had agreed
to adopt the Alexandrian computation. Great names were
found on both sides of the controversy: Columbanus,
Fintan, and Aidan, for adhering exactly to the rule of
St. Patrick; Cummian, the White, Laserian and Adamnan,
in favour of strict agreement with Rome and the East.
Monks of the same Monastery and Bishops of the same
Province maintained opposite opinions with equal ardour
and mutual charity. It was a question of discipline, not
a matter of faith; but it involved a still greater
question, whether national churches were to plead the
inviolability of their local usages, even on points of
discipline, against the sense and decision of the Universal
Church.

In the year of our Lord 630, the Synod of Leighlin was
held, under the shelter of the ridge of Leinster, and