22 - 29 Aug. To the Vice-Chancellor and Heads of Colleges at Cambridge university

Summary

After my harty commendations etc.

These are to let you understand that his Maiestie out of his pious and Christian care of the church reflected upon his Universities. Hee thought the church of England could noe longer flourish then the Universities did carefully breed up them which afterward were to instruct it. Hereupon his Maiestie resolved to to [sic] take some course to revive that ancient discipline, which made the members of both Universities honoured both at home and abroad both for life and learneinge; His Maiesties neernesse to Oxford when hee was at Woodstocke recalled what hee thought upon in this kinde. There hee gave Mr Vicechancellour and other governours his owne chardge, synce in the absence of my Lord the Duke of Buckingham your most gracious and honourable Chancellour, hee hath commanded mee to write what was then spoken; That both Universities may receave the same rule, goe on the same way, and soe bee the happie mothers of pietie and union through the church; His Maiesties command therefore is that you Mr Vicechancellour and the other governours doe presently cause a search to bee made in all your records for all directions, orders, iniunctions, admonitions or the like concerneinge learneinge or manners which have beene sent in the happy and blessed raigne of Queene Elizabeth and Kinge James of ever glorious memory to that famous Universitie. And that all such bee faithfully transcribed and sent up to mee, that I may deliver them to his Maiestie upon receipt of these from both Universities. his Maiestie will enter into serious consideration, for the good of both and the whole church, and returne his directions accordingly; And of this I am in his Maiesties name to desire you all to take speciall care and make all convenient hast you can; And now haveinge discharged my selfe of my Masters commands, I give you Mr Vicechancellour, and all other the heads and governours with the whole body of that learned University hearty thanks for the great and undeserved favour, which was lately done mee, when I had the honour to waite upon your most honourable Lord and Chancellour.