187 - 24 Feb. To John Bridgeman, bishop of Chester

Summary

Salutem in Christo

My very good Lord.

Upon the receipt of your last Letters of February 11^th I shew’d your Old new Prophesy to the King; And every body that sees itt, is of your Opinion, that neither Stile, nor Verse agree with the tymes of Edward the first; but ‘tis certaynly made and spred, as divers other Pamphlets are, to Dis-service the King, and worke upon the hearts and affections of his People. If you can finde anie Author of it, you will doe a Good Service.

The Seditious Pamphlets you mention, are spred every where. But especially of late, there is one far more Cunning then the rest. It beares date February 4 1639. It railes not, as most of the rest doe, but goes on in a slye way to lulle us asleepe, while They Arme; And to perswade the Subject, that they have noe Intention to Invade, or Annoy England. These have beene spred att London, New-Castle, and almost every where, and I doubt amongst you also. It would be very Good Service, if you could light uppon either Authour, or Spredder. And if any Scotch-man come so neere you as Chester, and give just Occasion of Suspition, why you should not Examine him, and upon Examination doe as you finde, I know not.

This is all your Letter. And for that which your Sonne told mee, about your Serving of the King by Horse, or by Money, I can say noe more then I advised your sonne to write presently backe to you.

I am now in some hope to gett your Parsonage of Wiggin, annex't to the Crowne for ever. And you must be very silent in itt, till I see, what may be done. In the meane tyme, with as much speede as you can, I pray deale clearely and freely with mee, what it is worth at the utmost per Annum upon a Medium of 7 yeares. And withall, att how many yeares purchase, the perpetuall Inheritance of a Rectory is usually sold in those parts. My Lord ‘Tis too long to expresse by Letters what way I am to goe. But I pray faile not to doe this for mee, as exactly as you Can.