John by the providence of God Bishop of London. To all Parsons, Vicars, Curates and Churchwardens within the City of London, and the Counties of Middlesex and Essex, Greeting.  
Whereas this bearer Thomas Butler of the town of Colchester, within the County of Essex aforesaid Gunpowdermaker, being at work for the making of Gunpowder in the County of Kent, about five years now past, by sudden misfortune was pitifully burnt and spoiled of his Eyes and Arms apparent yet to behold, then losing all that he had, and since brought greatly indebted, and where also the Byaliffes of the said town of Colchester tenderly respecting his woeful and diseased estate, directed their certificate to the right honourable the Lord Chancellor of England, thereby beseeching his Lordship to grant unto him her majesties license under the great Seal of England, to ask the charity of well disposed people in several Counties, to which the Lord Chancellor of his wont clemency granted, but now the said Thomas Butler by reason of extreme poverty, is far unable to compass the charged of getting out the said Seal. Therefore these are to request you, and every one of you, to whom these presents shall come, that you read and publish this in your Churches, and other places of assemblies, moving the people to extend their benevolence and charity upon this poor man, that he may the better be able to obtain his said request. And this present writing to continue for the space of one whole year next ensuing after the date hereof.  
In witness whereof: I have set to my hand and Seal the xv. of September, in the xxviii. year of her majesties most gracious reign that now is. God save the Queen.