56 LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP SANCROFT. 



The Archbishop desired Mr. Wharton to call 

 on him again after a fortnight or three weeks. 

 He accordingly waited on him November 21st. 

 At that time, he fomid him sensibly drawing 

 near to his end. The Archbishop was per- 

 fectly aware of his state. He first caused him 

 to look over all his papers, the greater part 

 of which had not been opened or put in any 

 order, since his removal from Lambeth. On 

 proceeding to do this, Mr. Wharton found many 

 papers relating to Archbishop Laud, scattered 

 among several parcels of other writings. He 

 continued in making this search, till he saw 

 such evident marks of the near approach of 

 death in the Archbishop, that he thought it 

 proper to desist. Knowing too his intention 

 and desire of having the last office of religion 

 performed by a nonjuring clergyman, he was 

 fearful that his presence might be the occasion 

 of some embarrassment, and thought it best to 

 take his leave of his venerable patron, and to 

 quit the house. The Archbishop took leave of 

 him with the greatest possible demonstrations 

 of kindness and affection. He gave him his 

 blessing twice, in the most solemn manner, as 

 he knelt by his bedside. He professed his great 

 repentance for all sins, but more particularly 

 for not having acted with that vigour, authority, 

 and power, in his archiepiscopal office, which 



