was most severely handled by some of Sacheverell's supporters. Bissett completely failed in his object. Nay, it is questionable, whether he did not injure his cause: for he adduced certain charges affecting Sacheverell's private character, which were manifestly false. In short, if Sacheverell was the tool of the Tories, Bisset was no less the tool of the Whigs.
It was said at the time, that Sacheverell's friends, foreseeing the result, pushed the matter forward. Some of the Whigs, after the trial was over, asserted, that the preaching the Sermons was a Tory attempt to supplant the Whigs. But surely this assertion implies, that the Whigs were less keen sighted than their adversaries. The supposition, while it attributes deep policy to the Tories, renders the Whigs ridiculous, as being duped by their opponents.[1]
It is singular, that Compton defended Sacheverell's views. Sharpe, Archbishop of York, was also among his supporters. Both voted, that he was not guilty. Among the Prints, published on the occasion, there was one, in which Sacheverell is surrounded by various individuals who supported him, and Sharpe and Compton are of the number.
The suspension expired in 1713, March 23rd, and the day was celebrated with great rejoicings in London and several other places. On the following Sunday he preached at his Church, in Southwark: and on the 29th of May he was appointed to preach before the House of Commons, by whom he was thanked for his sermon. In a little time the court bestowed upon him the valuable rectory of St. Andrew's, Holborn. His conviction proved his greatest triumph over his prosecutors: for the popu-
- ↑ Memoirs of Queen Anne, 8vo. 1729, 61.
