228 LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 



members. But, as to the matters of discipline, 

 the same care was not taken. And especially 

 from the time of the great rebellion, a visible 

 desuetude or neglect appeared of that order 

 and regularity and decent observances which 

 the statutes directed ; though, at the same time, 

 there were several worthy men members of that 

 body, who wanted not inclination to have set 

 every thing on its right bottom. How it came 

 to pass that nothing was done, is of no conse- 

 quence to enquire now. In this declining and 

 disorderly state, Archbishop Sharp found this 

 church when he came to the see ; and to apply 

 some remedy was one of the first things he took 

 in hand upon his coming down into his diocese. 

 In the spring of 1693, (May 8,) he came to 

 Southwell, staying there three nights, and vi- 

 sited the chapter in form ; and, in pursuance of 

 that visitation, gave injimctions, as empowered 

 by the statutes, concerning residence, prebendal 

 houses, college of vicars choral, registry and 

 grammar school, &c. By which the whole body 

 was put under as good a regulation, as most 

 ecclesiastical bodies in this kingdom. And al- 

 though application was made to his successor. 

 Archbishop Dawes, for a relaxation of some 

 particulars relating to the vicarage-houses, and 

 a petition lodged with Archbishop Blackbourn 

 for a redress of what some of the vicars looked 



