56 - 11 Feb. To the Carpenters’ Company

Summary

Salutem in Christo.

After my harty commendations etcetera.

You cannot but take notice of his Majesties most pious and honourable intention, for the repayre of decayes of St Paules Church here in London, beinge the Mother Church of this Citty and Diocess, and the Great Cathedrall of this Kingdome. A great dishonour it is, not onely to this Cittye, but to the whole State, to see that ancyent and goodly pyle of Buildinge soe decayed as it is; but it will be a farr greater, if care should not be taken to prevent the fall of it into ruynes. And it would be noe less disgrace to Religion, happily established in this Kingdome, if it should have soe little power over the myndes of men, as not to prevayle with them to keepe those Eminent places of Gods service in due and decent repayre, which theyr Forefathers built, in Tymes (by theyr own Confession) not soe full of the knowledge of Gods truth, as this present age is. I am not ignorant how many worthy workes have been done of late, in, and about this Cittye, towardes the Buildinge and repayringe of Churches, which makes me hope that every mans purse will open, accordinge to Gods blessinge upon him, towardes this great and necessary worke, soe much tendinge to the service of God, and the honour of this Nation. The Generall Bodye of the Cittye have done very worthily in thyer bounty allready, as alsoe the Lord Mayour, Aldermen and Sheriffes serverally for thyer owne persons. These are therfore accordinge to theyr Example, hartily to praye and desyre you, the Master, Wardens, and other Assistantes of the worthy Company of the Carpenters, to contribute out of your publyke stocke to the Worke aforesaid what you in your charity and devotion shall thinke fitt, and to paye the Summe resolved on by you into the Chamber of London, at or before our Lady day next, prayinge you that I may receyve, by any Servant of your Company, a note what the Summe is which you resolve to give. And for this charity of yours, whatsoever it shall prove to be, I shall not onely give you harty thankes, but be as ready to serve you, and every of you, as you are to serve God and his Church.