tion by an universal neglect of the public, for the love of a voluptuous and sensual life, which a vicious court had brought into credit. I think of it with sorrow and pity, when I consider of how good and debonaire a nature that unhappy prince was, what opportunities he had to have made himself the most renowned king that ever swayed the British sceptre, had he been firm to that church for which his martyred and blessed father suffered; and had he been grateful to Almighty God, who so miraculously restored him, with so excellent a religion; had he endeavoured to own and propagate it as he should have done, not only for the good of his kingdom, but of all the reformed churches in Christendom, now weakened and near ruined through our remissness, and suffering them to be supplanted, persecuted, and destroyed, as in France, which we took no notice of."

The king had been " ever kind" to Evelyn, and “ very gracious upon all occasions; therefore," he says, "I cannot, without ingratitude, but deplore his loss, which for many respects as well as duty I do with all my soul." For such regret there was indeed abundant occasion. Greatly as Charles had neglected the "opportunities of making himself and his people happy," there was yet still less reason to expect that the national welfare would be promoted by a popish king; and it was a most painful reflection, that the unhappy monarch deceased had been cut off in the midst of his sins, and summoned to that tribunal where there is no respect of persons, but where the throne and the sceptre will only be accounted of as talents which swell the solemn account to be then given.

A few passages from Mr. Evelyn's Diary and Letters may properly be inserted here, because they illustrate his character and habits as life advanced.

"1673, Mar. 29. — I carried my son to the bishop of Chichester, that learned and pious man, Dr. Peter Gunning, to be instructed by him before he received the holy sacrament; when he gave him most excellent advice, which I pray God may influence and remain with him as long as he lives; and O that I had been so blessed and instructed when first I was admitted to that sacred ordinance.- Mar. 30, Easter day: myself and son received the blessed communion, it being his first time, and with that whole week's more extraordinary preparation. I beseech God make him a sincere good christian, whilst I endeavour to instil into him the fear and love of God, and discharge the duty of a father."

"1674, Oct. 31.- My birthday; fifty-fourth year of my life. Blessed be God. It was also preparation-day for the holy sacrament, in which I participated the next day, imploring God's protection for the year following, and confirming my resolutions of a more holy life, even upon the holy book. The Lord assist me, and be gracious unto me. Amen."

“1676, Oct. 9.—I went with Mrs. Godolphin and my wife to Blackwall, to see some Indian curiosities. The streets being slippery, I fell against a piece of timber with such violence, that I could not speak nor fetch my breath for some space. Being carried into a house and let blood, I was removed to the water-side, and so home, where after a day's rest I recovered. This being one of my greatest deliverances, the Lord Jesus make me ever mindful and thankful.- Oct. 31, being my birthday, and fifty-six years old, I spent the morning in devotion, imploring God's protection, with solemn thanksgiving for all his signal mercies to me, especially for that escape which concerned me this month at Blackwall."

God give

"1677, Dec. 25.-I gave my son an Office, with instructions how to govern his youth; I pray him the grace to make a right use of it."

"1679, April 20.-Easter day. Our vicar preached exceeding well on 1 Cor. v. 7. The holy communion followed, at which I and my daughter Mary (now about fourteen years old) received for the first time. The Lord Jesus continue his grace unto her, and improve this blessed beginning.-Nov. 4. Went to the funeral of my pious, dear, and ancient learned friend, Dr. Jasper Needham, who was buried at St. Bride's church. He was a true and holy christian, and one who loved me with great affection. Dr. Dove preached, with an eulogy due to his memory. I lost in this person one of my dearest remaining sincere friends."

“1680, Mar. 26.-The dean of Sarum preached, on Jerem. xlv. 5. an hour and half, from his commonplace book, of kings and great men retiring to private situations: scarce anything of scripture in it.-Oct. 30. I went to London to be private, my birthday being the next day, and I now arrived at my sixtieth year; on which I began a more solemn survey of my whole life, in order to the making and confirming my peace with God, by an accurate scrutiny of all my actions past, as far as I was able to call them to mind. How difficult and uncertain, yet how necessary a work! The Lord be merciful to me, and accept me! Who can tell how oft he offendeth? Teach me, therefore, so to number my days that I may apply my heart to wisdom, and make my calling and election sure. Amen, Lord Jesus!-31. I spent this whole day in exercises. A stranger preached at Whitehall, on Luke xvi. 30, 31. I then went to St. Martin's, where the bishop of St. Asaph preached on 1 Peter, iii. 15; the holy communion followed, at which I participated,

humbly imploring God's assistance in the great work I was entering into. In the afternoon I heard Dr. Sprat at St. Margaret's, on Acts, xvii. 11. I began and spent the whole week in examining my life, begging pardon for my faults, and assistance and blessing for the future, that I might in some sort be prepared for the time that now drew near, and not have the great work to begin when one can work no longer. The Lord Jesus bless and assist me! I therefore stirred little abroad till the 5th Nov. when I heard Dr. Tenison, the now vicar of St. Martin's; Dr. Lloyd, the former incumbent, being made bishop of St. Asaph."

"Letter to Dr. Tenison. Nov. 4th, 1680.

"Being now (through the infinite clemency of a gracious God) arrived at the sixtieth year of my age, I have (upon very serious consideration) thought it absolutely necessary to make a more accurate discussion and search into all the passages of my whole life, to this large period and that what I have but hitherto done, perhaps, yea doubtless, too partially, and upon solemn occasions. chiefly, with great infirmities, I might now do universally, and so as I would desire to have my last audit and accounts stated, when God shall call me to die; and have then only that work, which is also a very great one, to finish. I cannot expect my time should now be long in this world. By the course of nature (though, blessed be God, I have enjoyed wonderful health of body), I must and do now look when my change shall come; and I would not be surprised, (as I perceive daily most men are,) with either weakness, pain, or stupidity, which render them exceedingly indisposed for the finishing of anything of this nature, and altogether from beginning of it with any certain comfort. To put this, then, to adventure, I have not the courage, and do therefore endeavour

so to prepare, that I may have nothing then to do but resign myself wholly to the merciful Jesus. I have now been in this exercise some time, but find great necessity of your prayers, which I beg that you will send up for me in particular, that God will especially soften my heart, pardon my great sins, accept and sanctify my purposes of so living as I may die his servant, and behold his glorious presence with joy. And if it were not too bold an interruption, I would also humbly desire to know about what hour to-morrow in the evening, or Saturday, I might wait upon you with least inconveniency; for I know you are full of business; but you are also full of charity, and it would be no small consolation to me at this time, to receive more particularly the seal of remission from your ministry and discerning spirit, and (I am persuaded) extraordinary power with God, full of holy compassion as you are. I humbly implore your prayers and blessing."

Diary. "Nov. 7. I participated of the blessed communion, finishing and confirming my resolutions of giving myself up more entirely to God, to whom I had now most solemnly devoted the rest of my poor remainder of life in this world, the Lord enabling me, who am an unprofitable servant, a miserable sinner, yet depending on his infinite goodness and mercy accepting my endeavours."

"1681. Aug. 14. No sermon this afternoon, which I think did not happen twice in this parish these thirty years; so gracious has God been to it, and indeed to the whole nation; God grant that we abuse not this great privilege, either by our wantonness, schism, or unfaithfulness, under such means as he has not favoured any other nation under heaven besides.-1682. Feb. 7. After this warning and admonition, [of several fits of the ague,] I now began to look over and methodise all my