114 - 7 Oct. To the sequestrators of Whalley Parish, Lancashire

Summary

Salutem in Christo.

After my harty Commendations etc.

I understand that you are entrusted with the Sequestred proffits of the Rectory of Whaley, and because I am informed that some Rumors have been lately given out in those partes, that my selfe and Sir Ralph Ashton are upon Termes of Agreement, I must needs tell you, his Agents have reported that of purpose to discourage you from undertakinge the Service, or some such end as badd as that. And I assure my selfe they will labour by all the means they can to hinder it, but I hope the rest of theyr paines in that kinde shall be of as little use to them, as the late Inhibition was, which they cunningly and closely procured, without eyther my Lords Grace of Yorke, or his Chancellors knowledge. These are therefore hartily to pray you and every of you to continue your Care and Diligence in this busines, according to such Directions as you have or shall receyve from the Lord Bishop of Chester, to whom his Majesty hath written about it, that Gods Service may not be soe shamefully abused as in those Chappells it hath been. And when this Difference shall receyve a just and legall Triall, which is all I ayme at, I will hope by Gods blessinge to provide soe well for the Church and severall Chappells there, that you shall have noe cause to repent you of the trouble you have been put to in this Particular. Soe not doubting of your Care and kindness herein, I leave you all to Gods grace and rest

Your very loving Freind