92 - 16 Jan. To John Bramhall, bishop of Derry

Summary

Salutem in Christo

My very good Lord.

I thanke you for the large, and faire accompt which you have given me in your late Letters, of Church Affaires. As for Downe, and Conner, I have often times heard of great inconformity there, and I perceive now ‘tis true; but if my Lord hold constant (as I know he will) to his resolution, and you to the exequution of it, that busynesse will be better master’d, then ‘ere it was, and their long Table of Good fellowship, a little reformed.

I am glad your owne diocess gives you such content; and that you are like to advance and settle it to more proffitt, and make an open way, for my Lord Primate and some other Bishopps. But I must tell you, Wee heare, like not that branch of the Act of Parliament for 60 yeares, and have reduced it to 21 noe body giving me notice, till your letters came, and with the latest, that this was ordered in regard of Plantation, and that, according to the concession of Kinge James.

I am very glad, soe many men as you mention, are soe willing to be either free, or reasonable in the restitution of Impropriations. Yet as well as I like both the restitution itself, and the Act that is made for it, I pray God it be well fenced, in some circumstances; else it may give a great blowe to some of your Bishoprickes, and by way of example, quite undoe some of the best of ours. I shall take the best care I can, if it be not to late. As for my Lord Cromwell, I am sorry, his agent hath dealt soe untowardly in this busynesse. I see that Lord seldome, but if it be my good hap to meet with him, I will doe the best service I can in the busynesse. .