John Evelyn's Diary 1687

 John Evelyn's Diary 1687 January John Evelyn's Diary 1687 March John Evelyn's Diary 1687 April John Evelyn's Diary 1687 June John Evelyn's Diary 1687 August John Evelyn's Diary 1687 October

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 is in John Evelyn's Diary 1680s.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 January

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 January 01

01 Jan 1687. Mr. Wake (age 29) preached at St. Martin's on 1 Tim. iii. 16, concerning the mystery of godliness. He wrote excellently, in answer to the Bishop of Meaux.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 January 03

03 Jan 1687. A Seal to confirm a gift of £4,000 per annum for 99 years to the Lord Treasurer out of the Post Office, and £1,700 per annum for ever out of Lord Grey's (age 31) estate.

03 Jan 1687. There was now another change of the great officers. The Treasury was put into commission, two professed Papists among them, viz, Lords Bellasis (age 72) and Dover (age 51), joined with the old ones, Lord Godolphin (age 41), Sir Stephen Fox (age 59), and Sir John Ernley.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 January 17

17 Jan 1687. Much expectation of several great men declaring themselves Papists. Lord Tyrconnel (age 57) gone to succeed the Lord-Lieutenant [Clarendon] in Ireland, to the astonishment of all sober men, and to the evident ruin of the Protestants in that kingdom, as well as of its great improvement going on. Much discourse that all the White Staff officers and others should be dismissed for adhering to their religion. Popish Justices of the Peace established in all counties, of the meanest of the people; Judges ignorant of the law, and perverting it-so furiously do the Jesuits drive, and even compel Princes to violent courses, and destruction of an excellent government both in Church and State. God of his infinite mercy open our eyes, and turn our hearts, and establish his truth with peace! The Lord Jesus defend his little flock, and preserve this threatened church and nation!

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 January 24

24 Jan 1687. I saw the Queen's (age 28) new apartment at Whitehall [Map], with her new bed, the embroidery of which cost £3,000. The carving about the chimney piece, by Gibbons (age 38), is incomparable.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 January 30

30 Jan 1687. I heard the famous eunuch, Cifaccio, sing in the new Popish chapel this afternoon; it was indeed very rare, and with great skill. He came over from Rome, esteemed one of the best voices in Italy. Much crowding-little devotion.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 February

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 February 27

27 Feb 1687. Mr. Chetwin preached at Whitehall on Rom. i. 18, a very quaint, neat discourse of Moral righteousness.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 March

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 March 02

02 Mar 1687. Came out a proclamation for universal liberty of conscience in Scotland, and depensation from all tests and laws to the contrary, as also capacitating Papists to be chosen into all offices of trust. The mystery operates.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 March 03

03 Mar 1687. Dr. Meggott, Dean of Winchester, preached before the Princess of Denmark (age 22), on Matt. xiv. 23. In the afternoon, I went out of town to meet my Lord Clarendon, returning from Ireland.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 March 10

10 Mar 1687. His Majesty (age 53) sent for the Commissioners of the Privy Seal this morning into his bedchamber, and told us that though he had thought fit to dispose of the Seal into a single hand, yet he would so provide for us, as it should appear how well he accepted our faithful and loyal service with many gracious expressions to this effect; upon which we delivered the Seal into his hands. It was by all the world both hoped and expected, that he would have restored it to my Lord Clarendon; but they were astonished to see it given to Lord Arundel, of Wardour (age 79), a zealous Roman Catholic. Indeed it was very hard, and looked very unkindly, his Majesty (age 53) (as my Lord Clarendon protested to me, on my going to visit him and long discoursing with him about the affairs of Ireland) finding not the least failure of duty in him during his government of that kingdom, so that his recall plainly appeared to be from the stronger influence of the Papists, who now got all the preferments.

10 Mar 1687. Most of the great officers, both in the Court and country, Lords and others, were dismissed, as they would not promise his Majesty their consent to the repeal of the test and penal statutes against Popish Recusants. To this end, most of the Parliament men were spoken to in his Majesty's closet, and such as refused, if in any place of office or trust, civil or military, were put out of their employments. This was a time of great trial; but hardly one of them assented, which put the Popish interest much backward. The English clergy everywhere preached boldly against their superstition and errors, and were wonderfully followed by the people. Not one considerable proselyte was made in all this time. The party were exceedingly put to the worst by the preaching and writing of the Protestants in many excellent treatises, evincing the doctrine and discipline of the reformed religion, to the manifest disadvantage of their adversaries. To this did not a little contribute the sermon preached at Whitehall before the Princess of Denmark (age 22) and a great crowd of people, and at least thirty of the greatest nobility, by Dr. Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells (age 49), on John viii. 46 (the Gospel of the day), describing through his whole discourse the blasphemies, perfidy, wresting of Scripture, preference of tradition before it, spirit of persecution, superstition, legends, and fables of the Scribes and Pharisees, so that all the auditory understood his meaning of a parallel between them and the Romish priests, and their new Trent religion. He exhorted his audience to adhere to the written Word, and to persevere in the Faith taught in the Church of England, whose doctrine for Catholic and soundness he preferred to all the communities and churches of Christians in the world; concluding with a kind of prophecy, that whatever it suffered, it should after a short trial emerge to the confusion of her adversaries and the glory of God.

10 Mar 1687. I went this evening to see the order of the boys and children at Christ's Hospital. There were near 800 boys and girls so decently clad, cleanly lodged, so wholesomely fed, so admirably taught, some the mathematics, especially the forty of the late King's foundation, that I was delighted to see the progress some little youths of thirteen or fourteen years of age had made. I saw them at supper, visited their dormitories, and much admired the order, economy, and excellent government of this most charitable seminary. Some are taught for the Universities, others designed for seamen, all for trades and callings. The girls are instructed in all such work as becomes their sex and may fit them for good wives, mistresses, and to be a blessing to their generation. They sang a psalm before they sat down to supper in the great Hall, to an organ which played all the time, with such cheerful harmony, that it seemed to me a vision of angels. I came from the place with infinite satisfaction, having never seen a more noble, pious, and admirable charity. All these consisted of orphans only. The foundation was of that pious Prince King Edward VI., whose picture (held to be an original of Holbein is in the court where the Governors meet to consult on the affairs of the Hospital, and his statue in white marble stands in a niche of the wall below, as you go to the church, which is a modern, noble, and ample fabric. This foundation has had, and still has, many benefactors.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 March 16

16 Mar 1687. I saw a trial of those devilish, murdering, mischief doing engines called bombs, shot out of the mortar piece on Blackheath [Map]. The distance that they are cast, the destruction they make where they fall, is prodigious.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 March 20

20 Mar 1687. The Bishop of Bath and Wells (age 49) (Dr. Ken) preached at St. Martin's [Map] to a crowd of people not to be expressed, nor the wonderful eloquence of this admirable preacher; the text was Matt. xxvi. 36 to verse 40, describing the bitterness of our Blessed Savior's agony, the ardor of his love, the infinite obligations we have to imitate his patience and resignation; the means by watching against temptations, and over ourselves with fervent prayer to attain it, and the exceeding reward in the end. Upon all which he made most pathetical discourses. The Communion followed, at which I was participant. I afterward dined at Dr. Tenison's (age 50) with the Bishop and that young, most learned, pious, and excellent preacher, Mr. Wake (age 30). In the afternoon, I went to hear Mr. Wake (age 30) at the newly built church of St. Anne, on Mark viii. 34, upon the subject of taking up the cross, and strenuously behaving ourselves in time of persecution, as this now threatened to be.

20 Mar 1687. His Majesty again prorogued the Parliament, foreseeing it would not remit the laws against Papists, by the extraordinary zeal and bravery of its members, and the free renunciation of the great officers both in Court and state, who would not be prevailed with for any temporal concern.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 March 25

25 Mar 1687 Good Friday. Dr. Tenison (age 50) preached at St. Martin's [Map] on 1 Peter II 24. During the service, a man came into near the middle of the church, with his sword drawn, with several others in that posture; in this jealous time it put the congregation into great confusion, but it appeared to be one who fled for sanctuary, being pursued by bailiffs.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 April

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 April 08

08 Apr 1687. I had a rehearing of my great cause at the Chancery in Westminster Hall [Map], having seven of the most learned Counsel, my adversary five, among which were the Attorney General and late Solicitor Finch, son to the Lord Chancellor Nottingham. The account was at last brought to one article of the surcharge, and referred to a Master. The cause lasted two hours and more.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 April 10

10 Apr 1687. In the last week there was issued a Dispensation from all obligations and tests, by which Dissenters and Papists especially had public liberty of exercising their several ways of worship, without incurring the penalty of the many Laws and Acts of Parliament to the contrary. This was purely obtained by the Papists, thinking thereby to ruin the Church of England, being now the only church which so admirably and strenuously opposed their superstition. There was a wonderful concourse of people at the Dissenters' meeting house in this parish, and the parish church [Deptford] left exceedingly thin. What this will end in, God Almighty only knows; but it looks like confusion, which I pray God avert.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 April 11

11 Apr 1687. To London about my suit, some terms of accommodation being proposed.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 April 19

19 Apr 1687. I heard the famous singer, Cifaccio, esteemed the best in Europe. Indeed, his holding out and delicateness in extending and loosing a note with incomparable softness and sweetness, was admirable; for the rest I found him a mere wanton, effeminate child, very coy, and proudly conceited, to my apprehension. He touched the harpsichord to his voice rarely well. This was before a select number of particular persons whom Mr. Pepys (age 54) invited to his house; and this was obtained by particular favor and much difficulty, the Signor much disdaining to show his talent to any but princes.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 April 24

24 Apr 1687. At Greenwich [Map], at the conclusion of the Church service, there was a French sermon preached after the use of the English Liturgy translated into French, to a congregation of about 100 French refugees, of whom Monsieur Ruvigny was the chief, and had obtained the use of the church, after the parish service was ended. The preacher pathetically exhorted to patience, constancy, and reliance on God amidst all their sufferings, and the infinite rewards to come.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 May

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 May 02

02 May 1687. I dined with Mynheer Diskvelts, the Holland Ambassador, a prudent and worthy person. There dined Lord Middleton (age 37), principal Secretary of State, Lord Pembroke (age 31), Lord Lumley (age 37), Lord Preston, Colonel Fitzpatrick, and Sir John Chardin (age 43). After dinner, the Ambassador discoursed of and deplored the stupid folly of our politics, in suffering the French to take Luxemburg, it being a place of the most concern to have been defended, for the interest not only of the Netherlands, but of England.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 May 12

12 May 1687. To London. Lord Sunderland (age 45) being Lord President and Secretary of State, was made Knight of the Garter and Prime favorite. This day there was such a storm of wind as had seldom happened, being a sort of hurricane. It kept the flood out of the Thames, so that people went on foot over several places above bridge. Also an earthquake in several places in England about the time of the storm.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 May 26

26 May 1687. To London, about my agreement with Mr. Pretyman, after my tedious suit.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 June

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 June 02

02 Jun 1687. I went to London, it having pleased his Majesty to grant me a Privy Seal for £6,000, for discharge of the debt I had been so many years persecuted for, it being indeed for money drawn over by my father-in-law, Sir R. Browne, during his residence in the Court of France, and so with a much greater sum due to Sir Richard from his Majesty; and now this part of the arrear being paid, there remains yet due to me, as executor of Sir Richard, above £6,500 more; but this determining an expensive Chancery suit has been so great a mercy and providence to me (through the kindness and friendship to me of Lord Godolphin (age 41), one of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, that I do acknowledge it with all imaginable thanks to my gracious God.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 June 06

06 Jun 1687. I visited my Lady Pierpoint, daughter to Sir John Evelyn, of Deane [in Wilts], now widow of Mr. Pierpoint, and mother of the Earl of Kingston. She was now engaged in the marriage of my cousin, Evelyn Pierpoint (age 32), her second son.

06 Jun 1687. There was about this time brought into the Downs a vast treasure, which was sunk in a Spanish galleon about forty-five years ago, somewhere near Hispaniola, or the Bahama islands, and was now weighed up by some gentlemen, who were at the charge of divers, etc., to the enriching them beyond all expectation. The Duke of Albemarle's (age 33) share [Governor of Jamaica] came to, I believe, £50,000. Some private gentlemen who adventured £100, gained from £8,000 to £10,000. His Majesty's tenth was £10,000.

06 Jun 1687. The Camp was now again pitched at Hounslow [Map], the Commanders profusely vying in the expense and magnificence of tents.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 June 12

12 Jun 1687. Our Vicar preached on 2 Peter II 21, upon the danger of relapsing into sin. After this, I went and heard M. Lamot, an eloquent French preacher at Greenwich, on Prov. xxx. 8, 9, a consolatory discourse to the poor and religious refugees who escaped out of France in the cruel persecution.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 June 16

16 Jun 1687. I went to Hampton Court [Map] to give his Majesty thanks for his late gracious favor, though it was but granting what was due. While I was in the Council Chamber, came in some persons, at the head of whom was a formal man with a large roll of parchment in his hand, being an Address (as he said, for he introduced it with a speech) of the people of Coventry, giving his Majesty their great acknowledgments for his granting a liberty of conscience; he added that this was not the application of one party only, but the unanimous address of Church of England men, Presbyterians, Independents, and Anabaptists, to show how extensive his Majesty's grace was, as taking in all parties to his indulgence and protection, which had removed all dissensions and animosities, which would not only unite them in bonds of Christian charity, but exceedingly encourage their future industry, to the improvement of trade, and spreading his Majesty's glory throughout the world; and that now he had given to God his empire, God would establish his; with expressions of great loyalty and submission; and so he gave the roll to the King, which being returned to him again, his Majesty caused him to read. The address was short, but much to the substance of the speech of their foreman, to whom the King, pulling off his hat, said that what he had done in giving liberty of conscience, was, what was ever his judgment ought to be done; and that, as he would preserve them in their enjoyment of it during his reign, so he would endeavor to settle it by law, that it should never be altered by his successors. After this, he gave them his hand to kiss. It was reported the Members were above 1,000.

16 Jun 1687. But this is not so remarkable as an address of the week before (as I was assured by one present), of some of the Family of Love, His Majesty asked them what this worship consisted in, and how many their party might consist of; they told him their custom was to read the Scripture, and then to preach; but did not give any further account, only said that for the rest they were a sort of refined Quakers, but their number very small, not consisting, as they said, of above threescore in all, and those chiefly belonging to the Isle of Ely.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 June 18

18 Jun 1687. I dined at Mr. Blathwaite's (two miles from Hampton). This gentleman is Secretary of War, Clerk of the Council, etc., having raised himself by his industry from very moderate circumstances. He is a very proper, handsome person, very dexterous in business, and besides all this, has married a great fortune. His income by the Army, Council, and Secretary to the Committee of Foreign Plantations, brings him in above £2,000 per annum.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 June 23

23 Jun 1687. The Privy Seal for £6,000 was passed to me, so that this tedious affair was dispatched. Hitherto, a very windy and tempestuous summer. The French sermons to the refugees were continued at Greenwich Church.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 July

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 July 19

19 Jul 1687. I went to Wotton. In the way, I dined at Ashted, with my Baroness Mordaunt (age 65).

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 August

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 August 05

05 Aug 1687. I went to see Albury, now purchased by Mr. Finch (age 38) (the King's Solicitor and son to the late Lord Chancellor); I found the garden which I first designed for the Duke of Norfolk, nothing improved.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 August 15

15 Aug 1687. I went to visit Lord Clarendon at Swallowfield, where was my Lord Cornbury (age 25) just arrived from Denmark, whither he had accompanied the Prince of Denmark (age 34) two months before, and now come back. The miserable tyranny under which that nation lives, he related to us; the King keeps them under an army of 40,000 men, all Germans, he not daring to trust his own subjects. Notwithstanding this, the Danes are exceedingly proud, the country very poor and miserable.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 August 22

22 Aug 1687. Returned home to Sayes Court [Map] from Wotton, having been five weeks absent with my brother and friends, who entertained us very nobly. God be praised for his goodness, and this refreshment after my many troubles, and let his mercy and providence ever preserve me. Amen.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 September

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 September 03

03 Sep 1687. The Lord Mayor sent me an Officer with a staff, to be one of the Governors of St. Thomas's Hospital.

03 Sep 1687. Persecution raging in France; divers churches there fired by lightning, priests struck, consecrated hosts, etc., burnt and destroyed, both at St. Malos and Paris, at the grand procession on Corpus Christi day.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 September 13

13 Sep 1687. I went to Lambeth, and dined with the Archbishop (age 70). After dinner, I retired into the library, which I found exceedingly improved; there are also divers rare manuscripts in a room apart.

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 October

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 October 06

06 Oct 1687. I was godfather to Sir John Chardin's (age 43) son, christened at Greenwich Church [Map], named John. The Earl of Bath (age 59) and Countess of Carlisle, the other sponsors.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 October 29

29 Oct 1687. An Anabaptist, a very odd ignorant person, a mechanic, I think, was Lord Mayor. The King (age 54) and Queen (age 29), and Dadi, the Pope's Nuncio, invited to a feast at Guildhall. A strange turn of affairs, that those who scandalized the Church of England as favorers of Popery, should publicly invite an emissary from Rome, one who represented the very person of their Antichrist!

Stewart Books, John Evelyn's Diary 1687 December

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 December 10

10 Dec 1687. My son was returned out of Devon, where he had been on a commission from the Lords of the Treasury about a concealment of land.

John Evelyn's Diary 1687 December 20

20 Dec 1687. I went with my Lord Chief-Justice Herbert, to see his house at Walton-on-Thames: it is a barren place. To a very ordinary house he had built a very handsome library, designing more building to it than the place deserves, in my opinion. He desired my advice about laying out his gardens, etc. The next day, we went to Weybridge, to see some pictures of the Duchess of Norfolk's, particularly the statue, or child in gremio, said to be of Michael Angelo; but there are reasons to think it rather a copy, from some proportion in the figures ill taken. It was now exposed to sale.