MY present Condition is not unknowne to the whole world , yet by few pittied , or deplored ; The righteous God best knowes the justice of my sufferings , on whom both in life and death , I will ever depend , the last of which shall be most welcome , in that my life is now burthensome unto mee , my mind attended with sad , and grievious thoughts , my soule continually vexed with anxiety & trouble , groaning under the heavy burthen of a displeased Parliament ; my name disperst , and grossely abused by the multiplicity of Libellous Pamphlets , and my selfe bard from any wonted accesse to the best of Princes , and it is vox populi that I am Popishly affected : How earnest I have beene in my disputations , exhortations , and otherwise , to quench such sparks , least they should become coales . I hope after my decease , you will acknowledge , yet in the midst of my afflictions there is nothing hath so nearely touched me , as the remembrance of your free and joyfull acceptance of mee , to be your Chancellour , and that I am now shut up from being able to doe you that Service which you might justly expect from mee , when I first received this honour , I intended to have carryed it with mee to the Grave , neither were my hopes any lesse , since the Parliament by his Majesties Command , committed mee to this Royall Prison .

But sith ( by reason of matters of greater consequence yet in hand ) the Parliament is pleased to procrastinate my triall , I do hereby as thankefully resigne my office of being Chancellour , as ever I received that dignity , intreating you to elect some honorable Person ; who upon all occasions may be ready to serve you ; I do beseech God to send you such a one as may doe all things for his glory , and the furtherance of your most famous University ,

This is the continuall Prayer of