After the Glorious Revolution Friend was expelled from the HAC at a meeting held in February 1689–90, and lost his seat at the board of excise.
James sent him a colonel's commission to raise a regiment of horse against event of the French invading in Kent; but, observes Burnet, 'his purse was more considered than his head, and was open on all occasions as the party applied to him'.
On the discovery of the conspiracy he was arraigned for high treason at the Old Bailey, 23 March 1696, and was denied the assistance of counsel by Chief-justice Sir John Holt.
Friend's remains were barbarously set up at Temple Bar, 'a dismal sight,’ says Evelyn, 'which many pitied'.
According to Le Neve, "Mr. Gibbon, John, write a little pamphlet called the whole life & conversation of Sr Jo.