121 - 20 Feb. To the dean and chapter of Wells

Summary

Salutem in Christo

After my harty Commendations etc

These are to lett you know that doctor Warde Residentiary of your Church hath petitioned his Majestie that he may receive all Dividents quotidians, and other emoluments belonging to him thoe he keepe but one halfe of the recidence to which the Charter binds him, This petition is referred to me (as you may see by the Coppie of it, which I send you here enclosed) and power given me to order it as I shall thinke fitt; yet my respect to you is and to the Church is such, that I shall not determine anything, till I heare from you, what opinion you have of the busynesse, which I pray send me with all the convenient speed you can. For my owne parte, I could wishe, that both in that Church, and all other Cathedralls such men were chosen, into Residence, as might keepe the time enioyned them solemnly, which would be a greate honor to the severall Churches and a great strength to the discipline of them, But sence I find many worthy men actualy in those places, which by reason of the places they hold else where abroad in the Church cannot possible without as great preiudice to it as themselves reside soe fully as they should, I am in my owne thoughts inclinable (at least as I stand yet advised) to shewe some favour in this particular, unlesse you can shewe some sufficient reason to the contrary.

I am farther informed by doctor Warde, that the maior part of the Chapter allowed of his cause of absence, at Michaelmas last, and that therefore he desires that divident alsoe may be payd him, which I pray you take into consideration, and let me know your opinion of it, For if this cause of absence were soe allowed, I doe not yet see (the maior parte ruleing all busynesses of Chapter) how this divident can be denyed him, Soe wishing you all health and happines, I leave you to the grace of god and rest

Your very loving friend

W: Cant:

Lambeth February 20 1635

To my very loving freinds the Deane and Chapter of the Cathedrall Church of Wells. these