It was a painful task: but Sharp had been treated by Jeffreys, in old times, as kindly as it was in the nature of Jeffreys to treat any body, and had once or twice been able, by patiently waiting till the storm of curses and invectives had spent itself, and by dexterously seizing the moment of good humour, to obtain for unhappy families some mitigation of their sufferings.

The prisoner was surprised and pleased.

"What," he said, "dare you own me now ?" It was in vain, however, that the amiable divine tried to give salutary pain to that seared conscience.

Jeffreys, instead of acknowledging his guilt, exclaimed vehemently against the injustice of mankind.

"People call me a murderer for doing what at the time was applauded by some who are now high in public favour.