His Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury's Letter to the Reverend Dr. Batteley, Archdeacon of that Diocese, concerning the late Act against Popery, to be communicated to the Clergy of his Archdeaconry.  
Reverend Sir,  
IT is well known to you, and indeed to the whole Nation, how the late Act for the further preventing the growth of Popery, was extorted by the provoking behaviour of divers of the Members of that Church. Of this, frequent Complaints were made from all parts of the Kingdom; representing the openness of their Assemblies, their daily endeavours to pervert His Majesty's Natural-born Subjects, and other public Affronts to the Laws of this Realm. The Parliament, notwithstanding, in the method of restraining them, hath used such tenderness both to their Persons and Estates, as was consistent with the preservation of our Religion, our Laws, and the public Peace. Particularly, the Favour that is offered to all who shall embrace the Protestant Faith, with the allowance of reasonable Time and Opportunities in order thereunto, are sufficient Arguments that His Majesty and 〈◊〉 Two Houses did principally intent, not ●●eir Punishment, but their Conversion. In pursuance of which good design, it will become the Clergy, both in Conscience and Humanity, to endeavour their exemption from the Penalties of the Act, by their readiness on all Occasions to convince them of the reasonableness of the Change. An Office the more charitable and necessary, considering how they are trained up in a blind Obedience to their Church, and not permitted by their own Guides to search into the true grounds and reasons of their Faith.  
Wherefore, I thought it incumbent on me, especially at this juncture, to desire you to move the Clergy of your Archdeaconry carefully to observe the LXVI Canon, and not to be wanting in any assistance of this kind, either where they are invited to give it, or where on their part it may regularly and conveniently be offered: But that they be ready upon all fitting Occasions, as well to lay open the many dangerous Errors of the Church of Rome, as to show the Agreeableness of the Doctrine of Our Church to the Holy Scriptures, and the purest Ages of Christianity. The successful Management hereof will require great Caution and Prudence; but (being well assured of your Ability) I leave it to your Consideration to suggest to the Clergy aforesaid such Directions as may seem necessary for their conduct in an affair of this nature. I would further desire you to give them notice of a Book entitled, An Address to those of the Roman Communion in England, occasioned by the late Act; written at my Request, and now in the Press.  
Not doubting of your readiness to use all proper means for the promoting a Work of such Importance; I remain,  
Lambeth, May 8th. 1700. Sir, Your Affectionate Brother, Tho. Cantuar.   

LONDON, Printed by Charles Bill, and the Executrix of Thomas Newcomb, deceased; Printers to the Kings most Excellent Majesty. 1700.