Salutem in Christo.

My very good Lord.

It is more then tyme to give you thankes for the Nagge you sent me, and to pray you hartily to excuse me, that I did it not by your Sonne when he brought me the Horse, and went presently downe. For indeed my Lord I was at that present much overpressed and your Sonne could not but see it in part, and I doubt not but he will beare witness to this truth. My Lord I knowe not how to make you any amendes for this favour done me, but yet certainly if God lend me life I will hope to returne it eyther to your self or your Sonne.

I thanke you alsoe for the love you have shewed to the new Vicar of Rachdale,3 I hope he will continue to deserve it. He hath delyverd me this Petition inclosed concerning a Parishioner of his, and a Seat in the Chancell. I pray your Lordship examine the truth of it, and if you finde that for the well ordering and decency of the Chancell he hath been content to part with his former Seat, soe longe used as is herein expressed, I pray see him elswhere conveniently placed in the Church as is desired. For it will be very fitt to shew favour to orderly men.

I have likewise receyved a Letter from your Lordship in the behalfe of one Francis Edwardes a Minister in Chester, who is like enough to be free from Simony having encreased his Benefice from 20l to 100l per annum against a scraping Patrone, and yet by the malice of some neare him, is like to be put to trouble and charge, as if he were both guilty of that, and inconformity. His Suite is to have a Graunt from the Kinge ad Corroborandum titulum, of which his Majesty is very sparing, alleadging that if he graunt Corroboration, he shall destroye all his Titles by Simony, and never be able sufficiently to punish that crime. If any thinge move the Kinge it must be your testimony, which I will now presently shew to his Majesty and doe the honest man the best favour I can. Soe wishing your Lordship all health and happynes, I leave you to the grace of God and rest.