《明史·列传·卷一百四十三》
十四年九月，吏部缺左侍郎，朝廷推荐的人不能让皇上称心如意，庄烈帝上朝后叹着气，对大臣说： 刘宗周清正敢言，可以充任。 
十四年九月，吏部缺左侍郎，廷推不称旨。帝临朝而叹，谓大臣： 刘宗周清正敢言，可用也。 
In September of the fourteenth year, the position of Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was vacant. The person recommended by the court failed to satisfy the emperor, who sighed after the court session and said to the ministers: Liu Zongzhou is an upright and outspoken man. He can fill this position.