304 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. Archbishop Bancroft presented the living to one of his chaplains, on pretence of a lapse. But Sir Anthony Cope, then sitting in parliament, together with several other mem- bers of the house, waited upon the archbishop, and presented Mr. Harris, wInim his grace, after a long contest, reluctantly admitted. Sir Anthony having formerly spoken against in- sufficient ministers, not without some reflection upon the intolerant proceedings of the archbishops and bishops, Ban- croft embraced this opportunity of shewing his resentment; and, therefore, referred Mr. Harris to be strictly examinedby the most learned of his chaplains. The chaplain, after suffi- cient examination, returned Mr. Harris moderately learned. This proving unsatisfactory to the archbishop, he was com- mitted to the examination of Bishop Barlow, a person exactly suited to Bancroft's wishes. The bishop was a person of great wit and learning, and extremely glad of the opportunity. He examined Mr. Harris first in divinity, then in other branches of learning, particularly the Greek, in which his lordship was esteemed a celebrated, critic. As the story is related, " they Greeked it till they were both run aground for want of words ; upon which they burst into a fit of laughter, and so gave it- over.". Barlow returned to the archbishop, and, delivering a' most favourable testimony, his grace; it is said, was satisfied. Mr. Harris being now settled at Hanwell, Mr. Scudder at Drayton, and Mr. Whately at Banbury, they became parti- cularly intimate, and were united in judgment and affection. Mr. Harris married Mr. Whately's sister, and Mr. Scudder his wife's sister. These divines commonly met together once a week, to translate and analyze a chapter of the Bible. This practice was productive of numerous good effects, by stirring them up to greater diligence, and promoting their mutual edification. Though Mr. Harris was thus comfortably settled, he was called to endure many trials. His faith and patience were much exercised by his wife's long and painful illness. This affliction, saidMr. Dod, was designed to season him and fit him for his work. " And I should have been spoiled," says Mr. Harris, " had I not been thus taken down. Young ministers know not onwhat ground they tread till God make them humble." He, nevertheless, found much encourage- ment in his work. His people began to relish his ministry, and the Lord greatly blessed his labours. He did not feed 1, Clark's Lives, p.
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