The Cambridge History of English and American Literature in 18 Volumes (1907–21).
Volume VIII. The Age of Dryden.

XII. Divines of the Church of England 1660–1700.

§ 15. Sherlock.


Style such as this was well employed in controversy. South’s Animadversion on Mr. Sherlock’s Book entituled a Vindication of the Holy and ever-blessed Trinity is the liveliest piece of theological criticism of the time. Sherlock himself (master of the Temple and, ultimately, dean of St. Paul’s) wrote well. His Practical Discourse concerning a Future Judgment (1691) is a piece of sound and sober prose, and there is a touch of interest in almost everything that he wrote. But he will not be read to-day, and will be remembered only for the witty remarks on his short sojourn among the non-jurors, and for having undergone the criticism of a writer far abler and more lucid than himself.   21