THe Citizens and inhabitants of the Citie of London and the Liberties thereof , are to pay their tithe by the Decree , The Statute ma●e the 37. Hen. 8. of euery xs rent xvj ob . per annum , and of eu●ry xxˢ rent ijˢ ix d. of all houses , shops , ware-houses , cellars , stable , &c. without fraud or c●nin for ●uer .

Contrary to the true meaning of the said Decree , some defeat the M●nisters of their tithe , by reseruing their yearely rent or paiments , The g●ieuances . by secret bonds , double leases ( one with small rent for the Parson to demand his tithe ; another for the Landlord , whereby he demandeth more rent : ) others call their quarterly paiments by the name of Fines , Pensions , Incomes , New-yeares-gift , and many other secret contracts , reseruations , and agreements , for auoiding of further charges to the Parson .

For reformation of these deuices and other grieuances , they most humbly intreate that commissions may be granted by the Lord Chancellor or Lord Keeper for the time being , What the Mini●te●s de●●re . to the Lo: Bishop of London & his Chancellor , to the Lo: Maior of London & the Recorder and some others , to assesse by valuation or otherwise , that some reasonable tithe be paid of such houses aforenamed , as in their consciences they shall thinke fit . Or that the honorable Court of Parliament will be pleased to appoint any other order which in their wisedome they shall thinke meete .

1. For many hundred yeares before the Decree , Motiues . houses paid iij 〈◊〉 v d. out of euery xxˢ rent , as they were or could be let , or after a common valew ; and houses inhabited by the owners were to be valewed by the Church-wardens , by a composition betweene the Citizens and Ministers . 17. Decemb. 1457.

2. The prices of all things are tripled since the Decree , and the Benefices within the walls not halfe so good , in respect of the losse of personall or priuie tithes , offerings to Saints , Church-lands , Obits , Mortuaries , and many other things , beside the abatement of viij d. of euery xxˢ rent of houses , shops , &c.

3. There be not so many poore Benefices of the like taxe in the Kings bookes in any shire of England , as are within the walls of London , some of them being taxed at 20. l. 30. l. 40. l. 60. l. 100 marks and more ; by which their paiments are very great , for Subsidies , first fruites , continuall tenths , and other paiments .

4. Many Citizens , and some whole Parishes for the most part of the inhabitants therein , haue lately raised themselues to a competent tithe .

5. They desire no house to be raised to more tithe then some Knights , country Gentlemen , and Citizens do already pay for houses of the like worth in the Citie .

6. By this improuement , no one Benefice within the walls , shall come neare to that which hath bin lately raised in some one impropriation within the citie .

7. If there may be a reformation of some great houses inhabited by the richer sort , that pay by the forenamed deuices farre lesse tithe then the meaner sort of handicrafts men , the Ministers may forbeare the poorer sort of citizens , as hitherto they haue done , and still desire to do .

8. To auoide the suspition of excessiue raising of the liuings in London , a prouiso may passe , that if any Benefice shall be raised in tithe by valuing to 50 lib per annum , more then now it is at the making of this Act , then no Parson or Vicar shall haue any more benefit by vertue of this Act.

Whereas the Parsons and Vicars of London in time of superstition before the Decree , had reliefe from time to time by Constitutions , Compositions , Acts of Common councell , and Acts of Parliament .

They most humbly intreat , that this most honorable Court would take to heart the distressed estate of many poore and painfull Ministers , that these variances being taken away , they may enioy peace with their people ; in which happie successe they shall euer acknowledge your honorable & religious care , and not ceasse to pray that this Act , with many other such like , may tend to your eternall comfort in Christ Iesus .