109 - 19 Aug. To the Dutch and Walloon congregations in Norwich

Summary

Salutem in Christo.

After my hearty Commendations etc

I received toward the end of June last a Petition from you in the name of both your severall Congregations in Norwich concerning the iniunctions given by my vicar Generall in my visitation for the natives conforming of themselves to the English Liturgie, and resorting to their severall Parishes respectively. In this Petition of yours there wear severall branches, and in them divers allegations why it might be thought very inconvenient to command the natives to the English Churches and the observation of their discipline all which according to my promise to you I made knowne to his Majestie and the Lords in Counsell, and they commanded me to give you this answere, to each severall particular conteined in your Petition

And first in generall, his Majestie is resolved that my iniunctions shall hold, and that obedience shalbe yeelded unto them by all the natives after the first descent; but for them I told you att your being with me I had preveiled with his Majestie and the Lords that the natives of the first descent might continue in your Congregations, to the end, the aliens may the better looke to the education of theire children: and that your severall Congregations might not be too much lessened at once.

1. 1. And this gives answere in part to the first branch of your Petition. For if there had been any intention either in myselfe, or the State, utterly to dissolve your Congregations, I would never have desired this Favour for you, nor would the State have graunted it. Soe that heerby you may be well assured, there is nothing meant towards you, but good what soever apprehension you may have had for the present. And wheras you add that if the natives be taken away, the aliens being fewe, and of the poorest, will not be able to mainteine theire Ministers, and Poore. To this (which you have reason to take care of) you shall receive a very full and satisfactory answere heerafter to the 6^th particular in your Petition.

2. 2. The second is utterly disliked, that men that are natives should be soe bredd, and brought up as not well to understand the English tongue.