Nel 1874, anche a causa del suicidio dell'amico MacCullagh, abbandonò la matematica e si dedicò allo studio della Chiesa Irlandese. Fu cancelliere della Cattedrale di San Patrizio.
Opere
A treatise on conic sections (1848)
A treatise on higher plane curves: Intended as a sequel to a treatise on conic sections (1852)
Lessons introductory to the modern higher algebra (1859)
A treatise on the analytic geometry of three dimensions (1862)
The eternity of future punishment (1864)
The reign of law (1873)
Non-miraculous Christianity (1881)
Introduction to the New Testament (1885)
The infallibility of the Church (1889)
Thoughts on the textual criticism of the New Testament (1897)