88 LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 



self in all things as becomes a most dutiful and 

 loyal subject. 



" And therefore, humbly prays your Majesty 

 of your royal grace and clemency, to restore him 

 to that liberty of his function which the rest of 

 your Clergy enjoy, under your Majesty's gra- 

 cious government. 



** So shall your petitioner ever pray," &c. 



This petition was presented and received ; and 

 the Doctor immediately received the following 

 letter from my Lord Sunderland. 



" Whitehall, Jan. 9, 1686-7. 



** Sir, 



" I have read your petition to the King, who 

 is pleased to accept of your submission, and 

 commands me upon it to acquaint you, that he 

 allows you to return to the exercise of your 

 function, as formerly. 



" I am^ Sir, your friend and servant, 



** Sunderland, P." 



Thus ended the matter. Dr. Sharp never 

 certainly knew who it was that laid the infor- 

 mation against him. But the person who was 

 chiefly charged with bringing this affair upon 

 him, thought fit at the Revolution, to take sanc- 

 tuary and shelter under Doctor Sharp's cha- 

 racter. For he sent all his plate and valuable 



