LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 63 



advocates than had been lately requisite. For 

 whereas the debates with the Nonconformists 

 were rather invitations of them into her bosom, 

 and recommendations of her purity, and beauty, 

 and external ornaments, than a contest about 

 her essentials ; so the dispute that was now 

 on foot, or rather the war that was now com- 

 menced, was such as threatened her destruc- 

 tion; — and the point to be decided, whether 

 she was a church or not. Whereby the clergy 

 might see how necessary it was for them to arm 

 themselves to fight pro Arts, as well as the lay- 

 subjects pro Focis. Dr. Sharp was as sensible 

 of the alarm as any of his brethren, as well 

 prepared to act his part, and as resolute to do 

 his duty. 



The first Sunday after the King's death, and 

 proclamation of his successor, he preached at 

 his own church a serious sermon upon Provi- 

 dence ; a subject which he thought not im- 

 proper at that juncture. 



He was desired to draw up the Address of the 

 Grand Jury for the City of London, upon the 

 King's happy accession ; which he did in these 

 words. 



THE ADDRESS, &C. 



*' May it Please Your Majesty; 

 *' Since we are the first in your Majesty's 

 reign that are called to serve upon the Grand 



