However, on all proper seasons, such as the approach of an election, I throw a suitable dash or two
into my sermons; which I have the pleasure to hear is not disagreeable to Sir Thomas and the other
honest gentlemen my neighbours, who have all promised me these five years to procure an ordination
for a son of mine, who is now near thirty, hath an infinite stock of learning, and is, I thank Heaven, of
an unexceptionable life; though, as he was never at an university, the bishop refuses to ordain him. Too
much care cannot indeed be taken in admitting any to the sacred office; though I hope he will never act
so as to be a disgrace to any order, but will serve his God and his country to the utmost of his power,
as I have endeavoured to do before him; nay, and will lay down his life whenever called to that purpose. I
am sure I have educated him in those principles; so that I have acquitted my duty, and shall have nothing
to answer for on that account. But I do not distrust him, for he is a good boy; and if Providence should
throw it in his way to be of as much consequence in a public light as his father once was, I can answer
for him he will use his talents as honestly as I have done.