First, by viewing their qualities, retinues, abilities, and dispositions; next, by drawing them to private and often conference, lest ignorance make them perversely devout; thirdly, by restraining them from receiving, succouring, or maintaining any wanderers or servitors that feed their humours; and, lastly, by certifying what effects or defects I find to be the cause of so many revolting.
Her Majesty hath trusted me fifteen years since to be of the quorum on the commission ecclesiastical in Hampshire, and therefore age and experience growing, as also my care and charge increasing, I hope I shall not need to produce any further motives to induce her Majesty’s favour therein, but the profession of my duty and promise of my best service with all diligence and discretion, which I hope shall turn to her content and good of her people.
With which my most humble petition, if it please you to acquaint her Majesty; I will render you all due
thanks, and make what speed I may towards the place where I long to be and wish to labour to the pleasure of Almighty God and good liking of her Majesty.
London 17 July 1596.
Signed
Encloses: —
The names and qualities of the wealthier sort of Recusants in Worcester diocese: —
The Lady Windsor, with her retinue. Mr Talbot. Thomas Abington Esq. and Dorothy, his sister. Thomas Throgmorton, Esq. John Wheeler gent. and Elizabeth his wife. Thomas Bluntt gent. and Bridgett, his wife. John Smyth gent. Thomas Greene, gent. Hugh Ligon gent., and Barbara, his wife. Michael Folliatt, gent., and Margaret, his wife. William Coles gent., and Marie, his wife. Mr Bluntt, gent. of Hallow. Hugh Day gent. and Margaret, his wife. Lygon Barton, gent. John Taylor, gent., and Ann, his wife. John Midlemore, gent., Hugh Throgmorton gent. Humphrey Packington, gent. John Woolmer gent. of Inkbarrow. Rowse Woolmer, gent. John Woolmer gent. of Kingston. Mr Busshop gent. of Oldbarrow.
[Total] — 23.
The names of the gentlewomen that refuse the church, though their husbands do not.
Margaret, wife of Roger Pen gent. Jane wife of John Midlemore.