Jan. 1. Morning, began Bishop Hall upon Nehemiah ; forenoon, transcribing manuscript account of ejected ministers courteously communicated to me by the author, the reverend and useful Mr. Oliver Heywood.

3. Die Dom. Morning, read Dr. Hall, &c. Mr. Bovil, jun. preached at Old Church from Matt. ii. 16, whence he discoursed eloquently of Herod's cruelty in the actual murder of fourteen thousand infants, and the ititentional murder of our blessed Redeemer. Afternoon, Mr. Dawson, jun. preached well from Psm. cxix. 67, doctrine, that prosperity often occasions a backsliding from God. Evening, read Mr. T. Rogers's Persuasion to a friendly Correspondence between the Conformists and Non-conformists, preached at the funeral of Mr. Anthony Dun-well (our neighbour's brother); was much pleased and affected therewith. Lord, succeed all such pious and peaceable endeavours ! having a peculiar antipathy in my spirit against the extravagant heats of indiscreet persons of all hands. Read Hall.

11. Morning, rise pretty early; read Hall; walked to mill; and afterwards to Mill-hill. Forenoon, enjoyed the ingenious Mr. Priestley's* company in library.

12. So this morning. Then rode with Mr. Ibbetson to Knaresborough; found the ways not so ill as dreaded; was preserved from dangers, though many others were for several hours lost in the terrible mist, upon the forest. After, walked to the petrifying well, and St. Robert's (of whom, vide Fuller's History of Abbeys, Lord Fairfax's Pedigree, &c.) Chapel, hewn out of an entire rock; the altar yet remains, with three heads over the hollow upon the right hand, which I had not light enough to distinguish whether designed for the blessed Trinity, according to the ignorance of those bemisted days. Evening, transcribing an old legend of his life and death . . . but very imperfect.

13. Morning . . . for some hours in the fair, but to no purpose, goods being dear ; bought none. Walking to Mr. Petty's rape and hemp mills. After, to the ruins of the Castle, which has stood very pleasantly upon a steep precipice to the water. Afternoon, returned home.

30. Evening, reading Dr. Bates' excellent sermon upon the funeral of the incomparable Mr. Baxter.


Feb. 10. Evening, reading Archdeacon Nicholson's Letter to Sir William Dugdale, concerning Runic Inscriptions.

21. Die Dom. Read Bishop Hall. Mr. Sharp preached ; after repetition, read Heywood's Heart's Treasure, and Bishop Burnet's sermon at the funeral of the Hon. Robert Boyle, with the extraordinary characters deservedly bestowed upon that excellent person and his virtuous sister, the Countess of Rane-lagh, which rejoiced my heart, &c.

March 7. Morn, read Hall and Alsop. Forenoon, consulting the two oldest registers of Leeds parish, for the two famous Cooks, whom at length I found ; Robert baptized July 23,1550, and Alexander, Sept. 3,1564, both under the name of Gayle :* anno 1570, being the first time I found the name Cook, without alias Gayle, or Gaile alias Cook, as both the two families at Beiston, and that of Hunslet, were denominated. Afternoon, with Lords of Manor. Evening, read manuscripts, Hall, &c.

11. Morning, read Hall and Alsop; then walked to Sheepscar; most of day examining old registers of Leeds Church. One generation goes and another comes, &c.

21. Morning, read Hall and Alsop; then walked to Sheepscar, to view another miserable breach made by a storm and sudden flood last night. Perusing registers. After with relations, &c. to Moortown, to the funeral of Aldress Hick ;* the vicar preached from that of the wise man ; " But the righteous hath hope in his death."

23. Afternoon, perusing Inquisition of Pious Uses.

25. Morning, read; at Sheepscar, collecting Fee-farm rents. Evening, reading Mr. Fairfax's (formerly of Kirk-gate) learned and ingenious manuscript of Witchcraft, and Hall, ut prius.

29- Attending the commissioners at Moothall, where in an arbitrary unreasonable manner, again appointed assessor for this third Poll Bill (having been upon both the former.)

30. Concluded Mr. Fairfax's manuscript of Demonology, wherein he learnedly disputes the point, and judiciously relates the manner of his children's trances, with ingenious remarks.

31. Morning, hastened to workmen, read only Gouge; in return visited Mr. Sharp, then with Mr. T. collecting for him ; with Mr. D. about society affairs. Afternoon wholly at Sheepscar, where are renewed disappointments daily, sometimes hourly. Evening, had Mr. S. Ibbetson's company, which somewhat mitigated ; read, &c.


April 12. Morning, read ; then at Sheepscar, after at Mill-hill and with arbitrators, endeavouring accommodation of differences amongst relations.

29. Morning, ut prius, directing workmen. Evening, with the arbitrators, who now determined the controversies betwixt mother and son.

30. Morning, read Hall. Forenoon at brother W.'s, with Esquire Rodes, about their concerns; then with brother J. Th. about his; after with Mr. Ibbetson and the Guild of Salters. Read only Hall's Paraphrase.


May 16. Apprehensions of a French invasion.

22. Die Dom. Morning, read Bishop Hall. Mr. Sharp preached excellently from former text and doctrine, that if children do not turn to the wisdom and religiousness of their parents, the Lord will smite the earth with a curse. Was upon the last reason to prove, that those that do not turn unto the holiness of their ancestors are more likely to introduce the curse than others, because though committed in common with others, are greater and more highly aggravated than the sins of others. 1st. They are committed against more noble and excellent privileges; and 2nd. against better means. As 1st. against the words of their gracious parents, against all methods used for their reformation. 2nd. Against their works, pious examples, &c. 3rd. Against the blessings which they are instrumental to convey unto thee. God's blessing runs in the blood till they degenerate; it is absolute to their seed before they are capacitated to act for themselves, and conditional to those that can. 4th. Against correction, which if used by godly parents as an ordinance of God, has a blessing upon it. Lastly, Against their faithful prayers : if thy spiritual diseases be grown so inveterate thy case is lamentable, if this fails, all fails, and thou hast sinned thyself beyond the force of means, and beyond the ordinary power that God usually exerts to reform sinners. If thou sin thy praying parents into their graves before they have prayed thee out of thy sins, it is a sad sign that God will have no more prayers put up for thee, but has devoted thee to that dreadful destruction that shall devour the adversary. 3rd. Thy sin is greater than others, and consequently more likely to introduce the curse, because thou sinnest against more patience in God than any ; and 4th. Against greater love, against covenant love, which is a higher degree. 5th. Thou art a more dangerous contributor to the introduction of the curse, because thou sinnest against more full and home convictions than others; and lastly, Because thou not only frustrates! the prayers of thy parents and others, but thou turnest thy own prayers into curses; the provocations of sons and daughters is most heinous. Then entered upon the application by way of doctrine : if when by the means of grace the spirit and disposition of holy parents be not wrought into their children, the Lord will smite the earth with a curse; it doth certainly suppose that children do not naturally walk in the ways of their pious parents ; the best do propagate original corruption. Again it follows, that though sin be, yet grace is not entailed ; again, that birth-privileges are not sufficient to make a man a sound real true Christian ; again, that it is vain for children to think to fare better at God's hands if they live in contradiction to their holy examples; the sins of those who are best born, will be worst borne by God : again, that it is the greatest folly and presumption for such to continue in sin, and bear up themselves upon the covenant of their ancestors; again, that none are laden with a greater burden of wrath on earth than those that go down to hell in the brightest robes. That it shall be eternally worse for a man to be better born than another, if he be no better; nothing profits that brings not nearer to God. That God is no respecter of persons ; were it possible thou shouldst be born of an archangel, of a cherubim or seraphim, yet if thou livest like a devil, thou shouldest fare no better. After repetition, read Hall.

26. Morning read Hall; with workmen at home, and Sheepscar; evening received the confirmation of that wonderful national deliverance in the utter extirpation of the French fleet.



June 19. Die Dom. Morning read Hall's Paraphrase; Mr, Sharp, in prosecution of his former doctrine, proceeded to three heads more that relate to parents. You may be the cause of their not turning by setting an ugly face upon religion, by
sourness, moroseness, fanaticalness; when they see you always melancholy, both seed-time and harvest in tears, they are tempted to think, that if they turn to your ways, they shall never enjoy a good day in the world, and their sprightliness must be drowned in sorrow. Lastly, too soon giving them up as irreclaimable, which, I fear, is no less a sin in parents, than a judgment upon children. 2. The causes in children are many; particularly 1, heed-lessness ; 2, sloth and laziness ; 3, pride, or a high fancy for the fooleries or fineries of the world, which many parents instead of reclaiming, teach their children : children at school are often fatally coupled, living and dead bodies together, and the dead too often corrupt the living; 4, desire to be out of control, unaccountable for what they do or enjoy. Evening, repeated and read Hall in family, wherein had father Sykes's assistance.


July 4. Morning, busy about Poll Bill, taking an account of the inhabitants of this division ; then had a sight of the best of bishops that have honoured this town with their presence in my time, Dr. John Sharp, Archbishop of York, a most excellent preacher, universally beloved.

11. Most of the day busied in preparation for a trial at the Assizes, sending witnesses to York.

12. Morning up pretty early; read Hall; forenoon about ditto employ ; after, rode with Mr. S. Ibbetson to York, about ditto concern. Lord! give me wisdom, and direction, and success, in all lawful enterprizes, so far as agreeable to thy holy pleasure, Mr. Ibbetson prayed well.

13. Morning, hasted abroad to consult Serjeant, formerly Judge, Lutwich, about ditto suit; advised also with Mr. Blythman and Mr. Hatfield; attending the plaintiff's motion, except from ten till twelve, that the judges adjourned the court to hear the fast sermon at the Minster.

14. Morning spent the whole day in a wearisome attendance with the witnesses upon the opposites, who would neither desist nor adventiire to bring on the trial, which wearied us.

15. Morning; forenoon at court; at length prevailed for the bringing on the trial; but, upon the opening of our cause by the Serjeant, the plaintiffs immediately (before so much as one of our witnesses were examined,) moved for a View, to delay what their hearts seemed to faint in the trial of.

16. Morning up pretty early; visited relations without the Bar, and afterwards, the ingenious and industrious antiquary, Mr. Torre ; who, from the records of the Cathedral, and other original writings has composed a large folio manuscript, which he honoured me with the sight of, and allowed me thence to transcribe an account of Archbishop Thoresby's benefactions; and presented me with his seal, whereby it appears that he was Cardinal Presbyter, by the title of St. Peter ad vincula; but had too small time to peruse so pleasing rarities and consult so obliging a gentleman, who, by his courteous demeanour and importunate requests, has laid an obligation upon me to wait on him the first opportunity I can obtain ;* afterwards, returned with my good friend Mr. Ibbetson, whose assistance and attendance at York upon account of this suit, has been very obliging. Blessed be God for comfortable converse, and for all merciful providences, protection from danger, and that we found all well at home; but weary and heavy, and prevented of reading.

28. Morning at the Poor's Assessment making; was troubled to observe the inequality and passions of some concerned. Lord, give me wisdom ! Then at mill, read not till noon ; then at funeral of cousin William's eldest and only son. Lord, sanctify all monits of mortality! Then had Mr. S. Ibbetson and the Guild of Salter's Company at my house till pretty late.


Aug. 25. Forenoon, ut prius. After rode with brother Thoresby to Bramhope ; was very obligingly entertained at Esquire Dineley's by his ingenious lady. Had a pleasant prospect of Wharfdale. Evening returned safe, &c.

26. Forenoon as before, despatched the Spa and Sheepscar business together; was rest of the day putting library, &c. into a little order, in expectation of the Archdeacon's promised visit. Evening had ditto relations (three generations of female Papists) ;* read.


Sept. 9. Morning, at mill, then at the Vicar's, then had a visit from Mr. Lamb, the quondam operator to the famous Mr. Boyle.

10. Read Hall. Morning, abroad about business. Forenoon at Sheepscar, &c. Afternoon had a letter recommendatory from the Lord Wharton for the eminent Mr. Howe of London, whose excellent company, with the Rev. Mr. Todd's, I enjoyed rest of day, and evening his assistance in family duty.

12. Morning, enjoyed Mr. Howe's assistance in family prayer, then accompanied him to Pontefract. Lord, preserve him from the danger of his journey, and convey him safe to his own habitation, that he may be continued as a blessing to this nation.

19. Morning, early at Sheepscar, directing in laying foundation for a horse mill. After sent for by Mr. Jonas Waterhouse, who presented me with his Discourse of God and Religion, newly printed, advised to the publication of the manuscript. Enjoyed his and Mr. Sharp's good company; towards evening again at Sheepscar.

22. Much concerned at the terrible earthquakes in these parts of the world.

26. Morning, rose pretty early, rode to Healey (with brother) to wait upon that excellent pattern of true nobility and piety, Philip Lord Wharton, who received us with abundant respects and kindness. Dined with his honour and several persons of quality ; had afterwards particular orders in private about the Bibles, &c., and after rode to York with Dr. Nicholson, Alderman Tomson, (Parliament-men,) &c. where made a visit to the ingenious Mr. Torre. Evening, had cousin Addison's company. Then sat up till past midnight transcribing from Mr. Torre's manuscript a catalogue of the Abbots of Kirkstal and Vicars of Leeds.

29. Directing at setting up the new iron balcony.


Oct. 1. Writing about business to Dr. J. at mill. Afternoon, had some visitants, Mr. G. and Mr. A. of Cambridge, to see collections, &c. Evening endeavouring, in a faint measure, to prepare this unprepared heart for the solemn ordinance of the Lord's Supper.

2. Die Dom. Mr, Sharp preached from Cant. v. 16. Doctrine, that Jesus Christ is altogether lovely in his nature, person, offices. The succeeding ordinance was this day first celebrated publicly in the New Chapel (having formerly been at brother Wilson's.) Afternoon he proceeded to the beauty of holiness. Evening repeated and read Hall.


Nov. 28. Morning, at mill; read Hall; most of the day about the chapel concerns, agreeing with workmen about repairs, &c.; so part of evening with the other wardens at R. G.'s : read little, save Hall.

30. Morning, at mill; and after at Mill-hill Chapel with workmen, till noon ; read Hall; after received a kind visit from good cousin Whitaker's ; then with Mr. Ib. Evening, read little.


Dec. 12. Evening, at the Free School, seeing the boys act an ingenious comedy.

27. Morning, at mill ; then at New Church, where Mr. Bright Dixon made an excellent and suitable discourse to the occasion, Mr. Harrison's commemoration sermon; very well recommending charity in its different kinds and degrees; but being rest of day busied, was prevented of entering the heads till too much forgot.

29- Morning, ut prim; then transcribing poll-bill, and presenting it to commissioners; afternoon, with many others at the auction, (the first that ever was at this town,) by Mr. Simmons, which took up rest of day and evening.

30. Afternoon, at the auction.