The diary of John Evelyn; (reign of Charles II). - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 Excerpt: ...stock (tho' some pretend it was Lord Ashley's counsel, then Chancellor of the Exchequer), was so over confident of the successe of this unworthy designe against the Smyrna merchants, as to put his Majesty on an action which not onely lost the hearts of his subjects, and ruined many widdows and orphans whose stocks were lent him, but the reputation of his Exchequer for ever, it being before in such credit, that he might have commanded halfe the wealth of the Nation. The credit of this bank being thus broken did exceedingly discontent the people, and never did his Majestys affairs prosper to any purpose after it, for as it did not supply the expence of the meditated war, so it mealted away, I know not how. To this succeeded the King's declaration for an universal tolleration; Papists and swarms of Sectaries now boldly shewing themselves in their publiq meetings. This was imputed to the same council, Clifford warping to Home as was believ'd, nor was Lord Arlington cleare of suspicion, to gratifie that party, but as since it has prov d, and was then evidently foreseen, to the extreame weakening the Church of England and its Episcopal Government, as 'twas projected. I speak not this as my own sense, but what was the discourse and thoughts of others who were lookers on; for 1 think there might be some relaxations without tiu least prejudice to the present establishment, discreetlj limited, but to let go the reines in this manner, and then to imagine they could take them up againe ai easily, was a false politiq and greately destructive. The truth is, our Bishops slip'd the occasion, for had they held a steady hand upon his Majesty's restauration, as they might easily have don, the Church of England had emerg'd and flonrish'd without interruption; but they were the...