53 - 30 Nov. To the Merchant Taylors’ Company

Summary

Salutem in Christo.

After my hearty commendations etcetera.

You cannot but take notice of his majesties most pious and honourable intention for the repaire of the decaies of St Paules Church here in London being the Mother Church of this Citty and Diocesse, and the greate Cathedrall of this Kingdome. A great dishonor it is not onely to this Citty but alsoe to the whole State to see that ancient and goodlie pyle of building soe decaied as it is but it wilbee farr greater if care should not bee taken to prevent the fall of it into ruines and it would bee noe disgrace to religion happily established in this Kingdome if it should have soe little power over the mindes of men as not to prevaile with them to keepe those eminent places of Gods service in due and decent repaire which their forefathers built in times (by their owne confession) not soe full of the knowledge of Gods trueth as this present Age. I am not ignorant how many worthy workes have beene done of late in and about this Citty towards the building and repairing of Churches which makes mee hope that every mans purse will open according to Gods blessing upon him to this great and necessary worke soe much tending to the service of God soe much tending to the honor of this nation. The generall bodie of this Citty having done very worthily in their bounty alreadie as alsoe the Lord Maior Aldermen and Sherriffs severally for their owne persons. Theis are therefore according to their examples heartily to praie and desire you the Master Wardens and other assistants of the worthy Company of the Merchantailors to contribute out of your publicke stocke to the worke aforesaid what you in your Charity and devotion shall thinke fitt and to paie the summe resolved on by you into the Chamber of London at or before the end of January next praying you that I may receive by any servant of your Company a noate what the summe is which you resolve to give. And for this charity of yours whatsoever it shall prove to bee I shall not onley give you hearty thankes but bee as ready to serve you and every of you are to serve God and his Church.