LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 185 



(as very lately some of them have done,) that as 

 for their meeting together, as they have conve- 

 nience of neighbourhood, for the promoting of 

 religion and reformation in their parishes, it is a 

 thing I would advise them to. But as for the 

 societies for reformation that are now on foot in 

 several places, they are iieiu th'mgs, and for 

 which there is no foundation in our laws and 

 canons; and we do not know what conse- 

 quences they may in time produce. And there- 

 fore I dare not be the author or adviser to any 

 one, either clergymen or laymen, to embark in 

 these projects. Nevertheless being sensible that 

 a great many wise and good men do approve of these 

 societies, I will not think the worse of any man for 

 engaging in them. Nor shall these societies meet 

 with any discouragement from me, so long as 

 they keep within the bounds which the laws of 

 the land and of the church have prescribed. 



" Letters to this effect I have written to some 

 of my clergy who consulted me; but I must 

 confess I came not to this degree of compliance 

 till after a great deal of discourse with several 

 of the bishops. 



** What my Lord Bishop of Carlisle will think 

 fit to do in the present case of the Chancellor 

 must be left to his own prudence, which I know 

 is very great. I must confess I dare not advise 

 him. Only this I believe I may say, that I 



