LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 203 



the complaint, write himself to those who were 

 blameable in this respect, and represent to 

 them " how bad a thing it was to take such 

 methods of defeating the benefit of a minister's 

 labours, as being the most effectual course that 

 could be taken to render them insignificant. That 

 the honour of God and religion, and the good of 

 the people did demand of them, and he did beg 

 of them to do so no more. That, for his own 

 part, he was so well satisfied of his Clergy's 

 serious endeavours to do good, that, as far as 

 his authority went, he would stand by them and 

 vindicate them." He would apply himself also 

 to the principal gentlemen of any parish where he 

 thought the minister stood in need of their 

 countenance and encouragement, to shew him 

 their favour, and to give him their assistance in 

 the discharge of his duty. And to use their 

 interest in protecting him from all unjust or 

 unreasonable attacks upon his character, which 

 might make his ministry ineffectual. And if by 

 these means he could not procure that ease and 

 quiet to an industrious clergyman, that he 

 thought he deserved, he would endeavour to 

 make him amends by a removal (which should 

 likewise be an advancement), when a proper 

 opportunity offered. 



The relief which he gave his Clergy out of 

 his pocket, when there was occasion, will more 





