146 - 30 June To the gentry and clergy of Wiltshire

Summary

Salutem in Christo.

After my harty commendations etc.

I am bold to crave your helping handes in a busines to which I am confident you will all give me your best assistance; in what state the worke of St Paules Church in London (by Gods great blessing) now standes I doubt not but most of you know aswell as my self. Yet I must tell you of all the countyes in England (setting aside the charity of some private gentlemen) that church hath hitherto been least beholding to Wilteshire. For I am credibly informed for theis last two yeeres the publique collection throughout that County brought into the Chamber of London arises but to the summ of eight shillings tenn pence; which is a very poore thinge towards such a building. Theis are therfore hartely to pray you, and every of you by some good meanes or other to put a little more lief into this busines, and that you will deale effectually both with the rest of the Commissioners and other gentlemen of that Countye towards the furtherance of this great and chargeable worke as alsoe with such Clergye men as have not already given in some answerable proportion to theire meanes And to this end I thinke it verie fitting that a book be kept by you or anie one of you wherein the names of such as are minded to give annually or otherwise may be set downe togeither with their severall guiftes. And that as oft as this mony soe collected shall arise to some reasonable sum it be carefully sent up to the chamber of London from whence you are to have your acquittance and discharge gratis. Soe with my prayers to god Almighty to blesse the worke and all those that wish it well I leave you all to his gratious protection And rest

your very loveing Freind

W: Cant:

Lambeth June ultimo 1637.

I have desired Mr. Edward Hyde to be at the paines to acquaint you with theis my Letters and to give anie of you a copy if it seeme needfull. I doubt not but he will take upon him the Care of bringing up anie monye which shalbe given Towards this great worke.