LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 211 



consistent with the ecclesiastical laws. And I 

 believe it will do you no injury, but tend to 

 your reputation/' &c. 



*' December 20, 1705." 



Upon the receipt of this, the proceedings 

 were respited accordingly. 



Again, when the sentence of excommunica- 

 tion was actually denounced and published 

 against another person, who afterwards, in a 

 fit of sickness, was penitent, and desired the 

 sacrament ; he empowered the minister of the 

 place to absolve him ivithout the formal absolu- 

 tion under the court sealy by virtue of the fol- 

 lowing letter. 



" Bishopthorpf April 22, 1704. 



*' I have received and perused your letter, 

 and am so well satisfied with the account you 



give of Mr , his repentance, that I would 



have you, or, if you think that word is too 

 / little, I do empower you to give him the sacra- 

 ment, notwithstanding his excommunication ; 

 provided that, in the presence of some witness 

 or witnesses, he do particularly declare his sor- 

 row for that fact, for which he hath incurred 

 the censure of excommunication; and withal 

 do promise, that if it please God that he recover 

 of this sickness, he will give such satisfaction 



p 2 



