1660: Restoration of the monarchy under Charles II.
Everyone is tired of Puritan rule. Puritan laws and censorship are repealed; the theaters re-open.
The "Declaration of Breda" results in tolerance for Puritan views within the Anglican fold. The conflict
with Puritanism leaves distrust for religious individualism and emotionalism ("enthusiasm") among Anglicans.
This will continue through the "Great Awakening". Oppression of Ireland under both Royalists and Puritans
makes it certain that Anglicanism will never be popular there.
| 1662 |
"Act of Uniformity" makes it impossible for Anglican bishops to continue in communion with other Christians
whose ministers lack apostolic succession. Revised Book of Common Prayer makes many practices optional, and reintroduces
many saints' days. |
| 1667 |
John Milton publishes "Paradise Lost". (A "Socinian" and "Arminian", he depicts the
devils as the first Calvinists.) |
| 1677 |
A Greek Orthodox rite church is built in London. A plan for ecumenical relationship with the Orthodox fizzles when
the Ecumenical Patriarch finds out that the bishop of London will be in charge.... |
| 1685 |
Last execution for witchcraft in England. |
| 1692 |
Salem witchcraft fiasco in New England. |
| 1685 |
Charles II dies a Roman Catholic, and is succeeded by his brother, James II, a militant Roman Catholic. |
| 1688 |
"Trial of the Seven Bishops", for publishing a grievance against the king. The king's prosecution of
Archbishop Sancroft and his six colleagues ends with the Glorious Revolution; Parliament bloodlessly replaces James
II with William III (of Orange). The Church of Scotland is officially made Presbyterian, as part of the settlement.
Thomas Ken, bishop of Bath and Wells, refuses to swear allegiance to King William III and is deprived of his see.
He is joined by Archbishop Sancroft and several others. (In 1700, Ken writes the hymn, "Praise God from Whom
all blessings flow.") The Scottish bishops also refuse to swear allegiance. During the next century, they
will reintroduce customs from the ancient church, including adding water to the wine, prayer for the departed,
invocation of the Holy Spirit during eucharist, speaking of the eucharist as "sacrifice". |
| 1689 |
Act of Toleration, partially restores civil rights to Roman Catholics and Dissenters. The events since the Reformation
have finally convinced most Anglicans of the virtues of tolerance and mutual forbearance. |
| 1707 |
Isaac Watts, a dissenter, publishes "Hymns and Spiritual Songs." |
| 1726 |
Jonathan Swift publishes "Gulliver's Travels". |
