8 July 1686 – 14 July 1686

I waited on the Archbishop at Lambeth, where I dined and met the famous preacher and writer, Dr. Allix, doubtless a most excellent and learned person. The Archbishop and he spoke Latin together, and that very readily.

Dr. Meggot, Dean of Winchester preached before the household in St. George's Chapel at Windsor, the late King's glorious chapel now seized on by the mass priests. Dr. Cartwright, Dean of Ripon, preached before the great men of the Court in the same place. We had now the sad news of the Bishop of Oxford's death, an extraordinary loss to the poor Church at this time. Many candidates for his Bishopric and Deanery, Dr. Parker, South, Aldrich, etc. Dr. Walker (now apostatizing) came to Court, and was doubtless very busy.

Note, that standing by the Queen at basset (cards), I observed that she was exceedingly concerned for the loss of £80; her outward affability much changed to stateliness, since she has been exalted. The season very rainy and inconvenient for the camps. His Majesty very cheerful.

Was sealed at our office the constitution of certain commissioners to take upon them full power of all Ecclesiastical affairs, in as unlimited a manner, or rather greater, than the late High Commission-Court, abrogated by Parliament; for it had not only faculty to inspect and visit all Bishops' dioceses, but to change what laws and statutes they should think fit to alter among the colleges, though founded by private men; to punish, suspend, fine, etc., give oaths and call witnesses. The main drift was to suppress zealous preachers. In sum, it was the whole power of a Vicar-General—note the consequence! Of the clergy the commissioners were the Archbishop of Canterbury , Bishop of Durham , and Rochester ; of the Temporals, the Lord Treasurer, the Lord Chancellor (who alone was ever to be of the quorum), the Chief justice , and Lord President .