38 LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SANCROFT. 



where some of the wisest and the best of men 

 were divided in their opinions; where we have 

 the fullest reason to be assured that all acted 

 from the sincere dictates of conscience ; and 

 where the name of Sancroft is found to sanc- 

 tion and to dignify a cause, which our own 

 individual judgments may little dispose us to 

 approve. 



The following letters, written by him to- 

 wards the end of 1692, and at the beginning of 

 1693, exhibit, in the same manner as those 

 which have already been quoted, a pleasing 

 picture of the even serenity of his mind. Al- 

 though he was manifestly wearied with the 

 world and disgusted with its outward pomps; 

 although he had experienced disappointment 

 and reverse to a degree which it falls to the lot 

 of few persons to know; and although, as we 

 have seen, some strong prejudices had taken 

 deep root in his mind ; yet we do not find that 

 his temper was soured by the events which had 

 befallen him; we perceive nothing of that 

 moroseness of spirit which is too often engen- 

 dered by disappointment, and nourished by 

 seclusion from the world. On the contrary, 

 we find him, whenever we are able to descend 

 into his private feelings, possessed of a calm 

 and cheerful temper, evidently satisfied with 

 himself, and appearing to enjoy his retired con- 



