The Diary Of John Evelyn Vol-2

JOHN EVELYN

at the Chancery in Westminster Hall, 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.

loth April, 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 con-
course 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.

nth April, 1687. To London about my suit, some terms
of accommodation being proposed.

19th April, 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 incom-
parable 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 invited to his house; and this was obtained by
particular favor and much difficulty, the Signer much
disdaining to show his talent to any but princes.

24th April, 1687. At Greenwich, 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 ob-
tained the use of the church, after the parish service
was ended The preacher pathetically exhorted to pa-
tience, constancy, and reliance on God amidst all their
sufferings, and the infinite rewards to come.

2d May, 1687 I dined with Mynheer Diskvelts, the
Holland Ambassador, a prudent ancl worthy person,f the reformedans Sloane, and