TO THE REVEREND AND HONOURABLE, THE vice-chancellor And the Body of the CONVOCATION In the UNIVERSITY of OXFORD.  
Honoured SIRS,  
THough I am Confident I need not to refresh my former desires for the Election of the Master of the Rolls for one of the University Burgesses in the ensuing Parliament, yet understanding the severe opposition against him, I must needs take leave to tell you, that I had never desired that favour either for myself or any Other, had I not apprehended you as ready to grant it, as I was free and cheerful to ask it: And I have reason yet to believe, that I could not so much mistake those Worthy persons, that gave Me a Tender herein, as to imagine a greater favour to myself, than they or you intended me. Gentlemen, it is really the desire of my Heart, to be an instrument in the hand of God, to do good in my best Services, both to yourselves, and the whole Nation, and had I known any Person more able and ready to assist in that Great Work, I had certainly with the same freedom proposed him: But you must give me leave to say, it was not Favour but choice, and that in order to the best Ends, that fixed and determined my Thoughts upon that Worthy Person; And therefore notwithstanding his Modesty, and self-denial herein to me, I take the freedom still to insist upon my first desires; your condescension whereunto will oblige him to continue his Regards to You and the Whole Church, and much gratify  
GENTLEMEN Your very humble Servant G. monk.