LIFE 01' ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 183 



" But though these be my private sentiments, 

 1 find many of the bishops of another mind. 

 Some of them look upon these societies for 

 reformation to be of mighty use. And consi- 

 dering how remiss the magistrates generally are 

 in executing the laws against prophaneness and 

 immorality, they think there is no other way to 

 retrieve that zeal for religion which is every 

 where lost among us, and to promote a reforma- 

 tion of manners, but by such a joint endeavour 

 of well disposed persons. 



" And accordingly they do what they can to 

 promote these societies in their respective dio- 

 ceses. Others of the bishops go not so far, but 

 content themselves to endeavour the regulating 

 and keeping them within bounds where they are 

 voluntarily entered into. 



*' The truth is, the societies of London have 

 been so industrious in spreading their books, 

 and the success they have had (as they say) in 

 this way, has made such a noise every where, 

 that the whole nation almost hath taken the 

 alarm. And so eagerly in many places are the 

 minds of people set upon these new methods, 

 that it may justly be doubted whether it be in 

 the bishop's power to stifle or suppress these 

 societies, though he should use his utmost en- 

 deavours to do it. 



** Add to this, that many of the clergy take 



