140 LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 



them, which often proved an advantageous cir- 

 cumstance to them. For he seldom failed to 

 remember them vi^hen it came in his way to do 

 them service ; and some of them who had no 

 claims or pretences in the world to his favour 

 but their good preaching, unblameable lives, 

 and diligence in their callings, were advanced 

 from one benefice to another, partly by his own 

 donations, and partly by his interests with 

 others, till they met with some rewards suitable 

 to their merits ; and to his private bounties and 

 pecuniary succours, (where such were agreeable, 

 till he could assist them in some other way,) 

 they were frequent and considerable debtors, 

 as will be more particularly shewn in another 

 part of this work. Here let it only be further 

 observed, that he guided himself in dispensing 

 his favours to his Clergy, not by their political 

 •principles, hut by their moral characters and 

 parochial labours. When once a man had qua- 

 lified himself according to the laws, and behaved 

 himself modestly, and discreetly, and industri- 

 ously in his station, he was entitled to his favour 

 and service, as opportunity offered, although he 

 were reputed to be of different sentiments from 

 himself in point of politics. 



There are several instances of his preferring 

 such persons himself: and possibly no instance 

 to be given, in so many years as he presided in 



