tbeif



SERMON VIL 161

their profession^ and so friendly to the righte-
ous cause of genuine hberty and pure religion^
that they received one of the highest and most
flattering rewards with which a British subject
can be honoured^ the unanimous thanks of
theXommons of Great Britain in Parliament
assembled^;

• ^hescj perhaps it will be saidi though im-*
portant^ aire past services, and are calculated to
prove, not what we ourselves^ but what our
predecessors have done for the public. Yet
surely they are reasons for esteemiog the
order in general^ for bearing testimony to the
Qierits of those who have formerly adorned it,

* ♦ Journals of the House of Commons, Feb. i, i688.
Among other instances of cool yet resolute opposition
to the despotism of James by the prelates and clergy of
ibie Church of England at this momentous period, the
reader will recollect, with peculiar veneration and grati-*
tade. Bishop Compton*s refusal to comply with the
king's illegal order to suspend Dr. Sharp, for preaching
tijgainst popery; the resistance made by l)r. Hough, and
the Fellows of Magdalen College hi Oxford, to the king'd
arbitrary mandate in favour of a popish president; atid
the truly noble dnd patriotic conduct of the seven
, Bishops who Were sent to the Tower, and brought to a
pubhc trial for their petition to the throne against Ih^
second Declaration of Indulgence founded on the PU*
pensing Powevp Tliese acts of magnanimity on the part of
the English clergy, todisputably prepared and led the way
to the great and glorious eventi which soon after followed.
