166 LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 



occasion as I am now going to mention; because 

 I am sure it will grieve you. And yet I know 

 of no other way of communicating my thoughts 

 to you, with that decency which is due to your 

 character, or that respect I have always, and 

 would always pay to your person, than this of 

 writing, because it is a way that will viake 710 

 noise. It is reported and that your Lord- 

 ship designs to receive the Sacrament at 



next Sunday. Good, my Lord, let me beg of 

 you not to offer it, either then or at any other 

 time, while matters stand with you as they do. 

 I dare say there is none of us but would be most 

 heartily troubled to refuse you the Sacrament, 

 but yet I doubt we must do it if you offer 

 yourself. I am sorry I must say this; but I am 

 more sorry for the cause. Be pleased my Lord 

 to accept this testimony of respect, (for I assure 

 you it is meant so) from 



"Your humble servant, &c. 



"Jo. Ebor." 



This letter, as it stands unsupported by any 

 lights to explain it, may seem something harsh, 

 but if the case were better known in all its cir- 

 cumstances it would not appear so. The Arch- 

 bishop knew what he was doing ; and it answered 

 his intention ; neither did the party admonished 

 break friendship with him on that account. 



