198 LIFE Of ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 



question, or were but suspected ; if he had but 

 the slightest intimation of any Simonical con- 

 tract, or illegal method of trafficking for prefer- 

 ment between patron and clerk, he was sure to 

 interpose, as occasion offered, and prevent, if 

 he could, any conclusion being made upon such 

 terms. Nor did he think any man too great to 

 be advertised of the mischief and scandal of such 

 practices. A testimony of this his liberty here 

 follows, being a letter to a noble lord whom 

 report had represented as too much inclined to 

 make an illegal composition for one of his livings. 



** My Lord, 



" It is very uneasy to me to meddle in 

 other men's matters, and especially in the affairs 

 of persons of your quality. But this that I now 

 take the confidence to write about, is such, that 

 neither the duty of my place, nor the honour I 

 have for your lordship, will suffer me to be 

 silent in it." 



(Here follows the particular case.) 



** I would gladly believe that the stories that 

 are told about this affair, are not true ; good my 

 Lord, be pleased to consider your own honour; to 

 consider the trust that is reposed in you as apati^ony 

 to consider the honour of God and religion. All 

 which cannot but suffer by your permission of 

 ecclesiastical benefices to be thus prostituted. 



