11 - Royal Instructions to the episcopate, July 1610.

Summary

Salutem in Christo. That which I should have signified to your lordshipp at your beinge here, had we mett togeither, I am nowe to imparte unto you in this sorte: uppon the greivances exhibited unto his maiestie by the lower howse of parliament, he hath byn pleased to undertake much on our behalfe, and to laye a greate burthen uppon me, which I am not otherwise able to beare, but by the assistance of your lordshipp and others our bretheren the bisshopps. These are therefore, in dischardge of myne owne dutie very hartely to praye and requier your lordshipp:

1. That you forthwith informe yourselfe, howe many ministers have twoe benefices within your diocesse, and whether every one of them hath a preacheinge minister to supply his absence where he doth not reside himself, accordinge to the 41 and 47 constitutions. And if herein you finde any wante, sende presently for the parties, and chardge them by vertue of the saide cannons and in his maiesties name, as they will avoyde his displeasure, that without any delaye they supplye that defecte. Perhapps some may give unto your lordship froward answeares, and either refuse, or delaye to give you satisfaction herein: which if they doe, I requier you in his maiesties name to suspende them for their contempte, and to certefie me thereof presently, that I may give order to staie all inhibitions in that case. If any such person keepe the benefice in his owne handes, whereuppon he doeth not reside, then I would have you to sequester the fruites of it, and to allowe out of them a reasonable portion for a curate that is a preacher. If a pluraliste, haveinge one benefice in your lordships dioces, be resident in an other, then you to call him by processe, if he be a delinquent herein, I hartely desier your lordship to use your beste diligence in this matter: to the ende that notice thereof may be had throughout your diocesse, before the nexte session of parliament, and faile not to write unto me before that tyme, what you have donne therein; and uppon any wilfullnes shewed to your lordship, or other impediment whereby you canne not prevaile with some partie, lett me presently be informed of his name, and I will sende for him myself.