86 - 31 July To Nathaniel Brent, warden of Merton College Oxford

Summary

Salutem in Christo.

After my hearty Commendations etc.

While you were absent in the West about my Visitation, there was a Petition deliverd unto me by Mr Earles Fellow of Merton College about his holding that Fellowship longer, notwithstanding his admittance into the Benefice of Gamlingay. I doe not now remember all the Circumstances upon which the Petition was grounded, but hearing very well of the person, I subscrib’d his petition, that nothing should be done to his preiudice in that particular till your Returne; that I might be the better informed what your Statutes are, and what hath been the pratise of the College in that kind, and in that particular Benefice. These are therfore to pray and require you; to take notice of the said Petition, and to doe Mr Earles all the right with favor which may any way belong unto him, and his well deserveings. If he be willing to leave his Fellowship upon the acceptation of this Liveing, ther's an end of the busyness. If otherwise, he continue his Suite to hold his Fellowship longer, then I would have the Statute concerning that point sent unto me, togither with the practise of the College and thereupon I shall either doe that which to iustice shall apperteine, or remitt it freely to yourselves. For though I shall be very willing to shew deserving men favour, yet I shall not doe it with the violation of Statute, nor with such example as shalbe preiudiciall to the Church abroad in point of Residence, or to your College in regard of over long continuance of any Fellowe in it. Thus not doubting but I shall receive one way or other a satisfactory Answere from you, I leave you to the Grace of God and rest

Your very loveing Freind and Visitor.