A. D. 1692.
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.