LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SHARP. 287 



a bill, has been since attempted by way of re- 

 medy, with what success others must determine. 



'* My Lords, I have always avoided giving 

 you trouble ; and I would give you none now, 

 but that I think the matter before us is of so 

 great importance, that if ever I can judge it 

 proper for me to offer my reasons for the vote I 

 am to give, I must judge it so now. 



*' I was not here the last year when this 

 matter was debated, but I have attentively 

 heard and considered, since the bill hath been 

 now brought in, both what hath been said for 

 it, and what hath been said against it. 



*' I must confess, though I have a mighty 

 respect for the wisdom and judgment of those 

 noble lords who have spoke for the bill in all 

 the clauses of it, when it was examined in the 

 committee, yet I am so unfortunate, that I can 

 no more vote with them in the gross for passing 

 the bill, than I did in the particulars for the 

 passing the clauses of it. And that I may not 

 seem to dissent without reason, I desire to oiFer 

 a few things, upon account of which I think 

 myself obliged to give my vote against it. 



*' In the first place, my Lords, I am afraid 

 this bill is a little too hard upon the King ; and 

 doth in some measure tend to the makitig a 

 change in our constitution. 



*' Whereas our monarchy is now equally 



