FOrasmuch as I have lately seen two Letters under the hand of the late Lord Bishop of Coventrie. and Lichfield, and now Lord Bishop elect of Norwich; the one dated 22. Septembris 1617. and the other 6. Novembris following, directed to the several Archdeacon's, Ministers, and Churchwardens of the same Diocese for supplying of the wants and defects of Bibles of the new and last translation, being of the greatest letter and larger volume, as also Books of common prayer, in such Parishes as they were Wanting. In which business his Lordship was pleased to employ this bearer William Bramsgrove, who hath already taken much pains therein. And for that I have received credible information, that many parishes within the said Diocese, are yet unfurnished of the said Books, notwithstanding strict order by me given, in the late Metropolitical Visitation, holden there for the now Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, and since that also by the late Lord Bishop of Coventrie and Lichfield, for the providing thereof. I therefore as Vicar general to the said Lord Archbishop, being Custos spiritualitatis sede vacant, for the better service of Almighty God, and edification of the people, have thought meet to provide for the perfecting of that good work so well begun, and to that purpose do hereby will and require you to make diligent inquiry, in every parish within the said Diocese, of the defect and want of the said Books; and once more to admonish the Minister and Churchwardens of every parish, to provide the same with all convenient speed, which if they shall refuse or defer so to do, than forth with to return their names unto me, that if by my ordinary jurisdiction, they will not be brought to supply that defect and abuse, that then by power of the Commissioners Ecclesiastical or otherwise, they may be enforced thereunto; wherein, God willing, I will not fail to take a strict course, betwixt this and the beginning of Michaelmas Term next. And for that I find by experience, that the people for the most part within that Diocese, are grown into extremes, that is to say, some so profane or otherwise so backward in religion, that they have no regard of coming to Church, to hear divine Service and Sermons on Sabbath days and Holy days; some others so precisely curious, that they will bar his majesties Subjects from all lawful recreation on those days, though it be after Evening Service and Sermon ended, it shall not be amiss as you travel for the dispatch of your other business, that you deliver to such Churchwardens of every parish, within that Diocese for their better direction in this behalf, this small Treatise; (Containing his majesties declaration to his Subjects concerning lawful sports to be used) as shall be willing to receive the same. And I require you to make return of the due execution hereof, at or before the beginning of Michaelmas Term next.  
Given at London this 5. of june, 1618. THO. RIDLEY.  
To William Bramsgrove of the City of Litchfield Yeoman, an Officer to the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, being by me specially sent to view and furnish the defective Churches and Chapels, with such books as are commanded by public authority; and to certify accordingly.