286 LIFE OF AtlCHBISHOP SHARP. 



in the debates upon occasional co7iformity , in 1702, 

 and again in 1704. In those upon the Queens 

 bounty, 1703; and in those about the Church in 

 danger, in 1705 ; of which an account will be 

 given in its proper place. On other occasions 

 he did rarely interpose, and then only when 

 matters of real importance to the public were 

 debated, viz. such as immediately concerned 

 either the 'prerogative of the Crown, or the liberty 

 of the subject. The first instance of this we have 

 in 1693, on occasion of the bill for frequent 

 calling and meeting of Parliaments. A bill to 

 this effect had passed both Houses in January, 

 1692, while he was absent, and in his diocese*, 

 but had been rejected by the King. In Novem- 

 ber following it was resumed ; and while it was 

 under debate in the House of Peers, he made 

 the following speech, which being the only one 

 that is preserved, shall be here inserted entire ; 

 and the rather, because some things therein 

 foretold, concerning the effects of frequent elec- 

 tions and annual sessions, may be thought per- 

 haps sufficiently fulfilled, upon experience, since 

 passing the triennial act ; which did not take 

 place till the session following, in 1694. The 

 regulating of elections, which he proposed as 

 an antidote or previous step necessary to such 



* He left London this winter on December 28. 



