May 11. 1644.  
THE Committee of the Militia of the City of London, and parts adjacent, within the Lines of Communication, and Parishes within the weekly bills of Mortality, having taken knowledge that many persons within the Limits aforesaid (out of a pious zeal and good affection to the public Cause) have of late freely and voluntarily subscribed divers sums of money, towards the maintaining of Forces to be sent forth by the said Committee, in pursuit of the late success Almighty God hath given us against our Enemies) have thought fit for the better promoting of so good a work, to direct the further recommendation thereof to the Minister, and churchwardens of the several Parishes within the Limits aforesaid, effectually to move and incite all persons interessed in this Cause, cheerfully and freely to subscribe in some good measure, towards the maintenance of the said Forces, which in pursuit of the Enemy, may (by God's blessing) put a happy end unto this unnatural war, now raging within this kingdom.  
And the said Committee do earnestly desire and require you respectively forthwith to examine diligently what Subscriptions of money have already been made by any person or persons within your said Parish, for the purpose aforesaid; and effectually to move all others (that have not as yet done any thing in this behalf) freely to subscribe in some considerable manner towards this most necessary Service; and to let such well-affected persons know, as shall forthwith advance and pay unto the Treasurers for Money and Plate at the Guild-Hall any sums of money for the purpose aforesaid; that for their encouragement they shall have the security expressed in an Ordinance of Parliament, made the third of April last; by which it is ordained that all such moneys so advanced and lent as aforesaid, and paid to the said Treasurers; shall be employed only to maintain the said forces, and not otherwise; and shall be repaid with interest after the rate of eight pounds per. centum, out of the Receipts of the Excise and New-Impost, granted by a late Ordinance of Parliament: That is to say, the first half years' Interest at six months after the Loane of the said moneys, and the last half years Interest, together with the principal, at the end of the next six months following. And also to let such Parishes know, as shall desire rather to lend their Money for this Cause; to be repaid upon the public Faith; and to choose Collectors and Treasurers among themselves to receive and issue out the same to any of the said Forces, according to the direction of the said Committee of the Militia, that the said Committee upon knowledge thereof, will forthwith endeavour to procure an Ordinance of Parliament for the same purpose.  
And the said Committee do further desire you to certify them in writing under your hands, upon Wednesday next, the names and surnames of all such within your Parish, as have subscribed to this most necessary work, together with the sums of Money, underwritten by them, As also the names and surnames of all such persons of ability within the said Parish, that shall refuse to subscribe for the use and purpose aforesaid.  
Dated this 〈…〉 th' of May, 1644. I 〈…〉 d Committee.