124 - 6 May To the vice-chancellor and heads of colleges and halls at Cambridge university

Summary

After my hearty commendations etc.

These are to lett you know that I have now considered of all the reasons and other authorities urged by you for the immunity and freedome of that University from Metropoliticall visitation. And I have taken some counsell upon them, and, though not so very much as I purpose to doe, yet sufficient as I conceive, to informe mee, that notwithstanding all that is pretended, my Archiepiscopall right to visit that University, standes firme and unimpeached. And if I have staid somwhat long in the perusall and consideration of the reasons by you exhibited for your exemption, you cannot thinke very much of that, because I staide longer for your Answere to my first letters, then you have now done for these of mine. And farther because I would do all things fairely towards that Body, I have acquainted the Right Honourable the Earle of Holland, your worthy Chancellor, that for ought yet appeares to mee I purpose god willing to visit both the Universityes by my Metropoliticall power, unles you can shew better grounds for your exemption, then hitherto you have done. Yet nevertheles I thought fitt to write once more to you, hereby to pray you to give mee your advised answere, whether you will submitt to my Metropoliticall Visitation or not, and if you bee minded to submitt, then I shall proceed in due time accordingly, without prejudice to any locall Statutes eyther of the University or Colledges, and meddle with nothing but that which is ecclesiasticall. But if you refuse and meane to try the strength of your priviledges then I shall petition his Majestie to assigne some time for his owne hearing to settle the buisines, being of great consequence for the peace and good of this Church and of no litle benefitt to the University it selfe. Thus praying you without further delay to give me your finall answere, whether you will submitt or no, I leave you to Gods blesed protection and rest.

Your very loving friend

W: Cant.

Lambeth May. 6. 1636.

To my Loving freinds the Vicechancellor and the rest of the Heads of colleges and halls in the university of Cambridge