Page:The History of the Church & Manor of Wigan part 2.djvu/237

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 everywhere. But especially of late there is one far more cunning then the rest. It beares date feb. 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 persuade the subject that they have noe intention to invade or annoy England. These have been spred att London, Newcastle, and almost everywhere, and I doubt amongst you also. It would be very good service if you could light upon either Author 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 examinac̄on doe as you finde, I know not

This is all yo^r Lr̃es. And for that w^ch yo^r sonne told mee, about yo^r serving of the King by Horse, or by money, I can say no more then I advised yo^r sonne to write p'sently backe to you.

I am now in some hope to gett yo^r Parsonage of Wiggin annex't to y^e 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 p̱ an: upon a Medium of 7 yeares. And withall att how many yeares purchase the p'petuall inheritance of a Rectory is usually sold in those parts.

My Lo: 'tis too long to expresse by Lr̃es what way I am to goe. But I pray faile not to doe this for mee as exactly as you can. So I leave you to God's blessed protection and rest,

yo^r L^ps very loving friend & Brother,

Lambeth, febr. 24th, 1638-9. W. Cant."^[1]

The bishop's reply to this letter, dated Chester, March 1, 1638-9, is preserved among the State Papers:

"By your letter received this day you enquire of me what the true & full yearly value worth is of the parsonage of Wigan. I shall deal clearly & justly with your grace therein, for I know your intention is to benefit the church, and to free it from the hands of corruption and sacriledge with which oft-times lay patrons seize on the fruits of such benefices.

1. Family Evidences.