14th March, 1686. The Bishop of Bath and Wells preached on John vi. 17, a most excellent and pathetic discourse: after he had recommended the duty of fasting and other penitential duties, he exhorted to constancy in the Protestant religion, detestation of the unheard-of cruelties of the French, and stirring up to a liberal contribution. This sermon was the more acceptable, as it was unexpected from a Bishop who had undergone the censure of being inclined to Popery, the contrary whereof no man could show more. This indeed did all our Bishops, to the disabusing and reproach of all their delators: for none were more zealous against Popery than they were.
16th March, 1686. I was at a review of the army about London in Hyde Park, about 6,000 horse and foot, in excellent order; his Majesty and infinity of people being present.
17th March, 1686. I went to my house in the country, refusing to be present at what was to pass at the Privy Seal the next day. In the morning Dr. Tenison preached an incomparable discourse at Whitehall, on Timothy ii. 3, 4.
24th March, 1686. Dr. Cradock (Provost of Eaton) preached at the same place, on Psalm xlix. 13, showing the vanity of earthly enjoyments.
28th March, 1686. Dr. White, Bishop of Peterborough, preached in a very eloquent style, on Matthew xxvi. 29, submission to the will of God on all accidents, and at all times.
29th March, 1686. The Duke of Northumberland (a natural son of the late King by the Duchess of Cleveland) marrying very meanly, with the help of his brother Grafton, attempted in vain to spirit away his wife.
A Brief was read in all churches for relieving the French Protestants, who came here for protection from the unheard-of cruelties of the King.
2d April, 1686. Sir Edward Hales, a Papist, made Governor of Dover Castle.
15th April, 1686. The Archbishop of York now died of the smallpox, aged 62, a corpulent man. He was my special loving friend, and while Bishop of Rochester (from whence he was translated) my excellent neighbor. He was an inexpressible loss to the whole church, and that Province especially, being a learned, wise, stout, and most worthy prelate; I look on this as a great stroke to the poor Church of England, now in this defecting period.
18th April, 1686. In the afternoon I went to Camberwell, to visit Dr. Parr. After sermon, I accompanied him to his house, where he showed me the Life and Letters of the late learned Primate of Armagh (Usher), and among them that letter of Bishop Bramhall's to the Primate, giving notice of the Popish practices to pervert this nation, by sending a hundred priests into England, who were to conform themselves to all sectaries and conditions for the more easily dispersing their doctrine among us. This letter was the cause of the whole impression being seized, upon pretense that it was a political or historical account of things not relating to theology, though it had been licensed by the Bishop; which plainly showed what an interest the Papists now had,—that a Protestant book, containing the life and letters of so eminent a man, was not to be published. There were also many letters to and from most of the learned persons his correspondents in Europe. The book will, I doubt not, struggle through this unjust impediment.