From the diaries of John Evelyn, two references to Advent. The first is in 1654, nine years after Parliament prohibited the Prayer Book and imposed the Directory. Evelyn was still observing Advent Sunday, just as Jeremy Taylor did at Golden Grove . The suggestion in the entry that Advent Sunday was among the "solemn feasts" may reflect a wider usage. Donne in 1619 mentions "the celebration of the advent, before the feast of the birth of our Saviour", while Cosin in a sermon on Advent Sunday 1626 refers to "this holy feast which now we celebrate". 1654. 3 Dec. Advent Sunday. - There being no office at the church but extempore prayers after ye Presbyterian way, - for now all forms are prohibited and most of the preachers were usurpers, - I seldome went to church upon solemn feasts, but either went to London, where some of the orthodox sequestred Divines did privately use ye Common Prayer, administer sacrament, etc., or else I procur’d one to officiate ...
Old High - Burkean - clerk in holy orders