The Thoresby Society

Jan. 1. Morning, read Assembly's Annotations ; somewhat affected with sorrow for so many years I have unprofitably spent ; was much afflicted with the news of the Queen's death, a public loss to the nation and the Protestant interest in general.

8. Morning, read Annotations before family prayer, wherein more affected than my hard heart usually is, because of the loss of a near relation, my dear brother Wilson, who died this morning ; was with relations there most of the day consulting about funeral.

10. Morning, read Annotations ; assisting at the funeral of dear brother Wilson, who was interred in the choir of the New Church, by his father.

13. Die Dom. Afternoon, Dr. Manlove preached from ii. Cor. v. 5, 8, doctrine that the souls pf believers when they are absent from the body, are present with the Lord, which he explained, proved, and applied well; gave an ample and just (though brief) character of my dear brother Wilson ; prevented of writing per the crowd of hearers.

17. Morning, friends parted for Beverley and Hunslet; and Mr. Ibn. and I, for Hatfield; found the way and weather better than expected, so that we ventured through Bain, and were the first that passed the river Don at Bramwith upon the ice.

18. Morning, Mr. Ibn. prayed ; forenoon, in the fields with Esq. Hatfield, and Bro. Ibn. after, to visit my cousin Mr. Cornelius Lee, and view his collection of curiosities, he presented me with his grandfather's pickadilly.

20. Die Dom. Morning, rode to the meeting at Doncaster; Mr. H. and I attended the public in the forenoon ; Mr. Erat preached from Titus ii. 12. Mr. H. having called in his numerous family, spent the afternoon very coinmendably in reading the word, singing, and repeating a sermon of Mr. W's.

22. We took leave of kind friends and returned over the river at Bratr.with, through Bain, by Campsall and Smeaton, to Stapleton ; but could expect no epitaphs in the chapel, Mr. Greenwood having converted it into a barn for corn, which affected me. Thence by Castleford-bridge, to Ledston-hall; and thence home.

24. Forenoon, writing, and in library with Mr. John Sharp, and nephew W.; after, at funeral of my dear cousin, Mr. James Moxon : the Vicar preached well from John xvi. 33, and concluded with a short, though deserving character of the gentleman deceased, because he would not offer violence to that privacy he so studiously affected all his life.

28. Much of the day collating an old manuscript, de Privilegiis Ordinis Cisterciensis, with Henri-quez. So Evening.

30. Read Annotations. Heard Mr. Emison from Gen. xlix. 6, which he applied to the occasion of the day. After, at the funeral of cousin John Kirkshaw's wife; the Vicar preached from Num. xxiii. 10, whence showed that there is something in the death of the righteous, and something in the very nature of man, that makes even the wicked to wish that their end may be like theirs.

31. Evening, reading ditto manuscript of Fountains Abbey.

Feb. 1. All day collating ditto manuscript with the printed Henriquez.


March 16. Morning, read, &c. Forenoon, writing. After, paying Dr. M. the collections ; had some unpleasant converse with, &c. which pretty much discomposed my spirits.


April 6. Consulting with Mr. Simmons about printing Memoirs. Read Gouge of the Lord's Supper.

8. Morning, read Annotations. All day, consulting authors about the ancient Kine's of Northumberland, in reference to the History of Leeds, in Manuscript Memoirs.

14. Die Dom. Morning, Dr. Manlove preached excellently. Some discussion with an ingenious stranger (Dr. C.) about those studies, or vanities rather, that have too great a share of my affections, and makes me suspect myself too much of the temper of those poor wretches, who when their duty is over, carry it as though religion was over with them too. Evening, catechised.

15. Morning, read Annotations ; then had Dr. Cay's, of Newcastle, company, viewing collections, &c. with several other friends at dinner; with whom
spent most of the afternoon amongst the coins ;* rest with them abroad.

19. Morning, read Annotations. All day, trans-scribing Historical Memoirs of Leeds. So evening, reading Camden.


May 9. Rode with relations to Ledsham, to the funeral of my brother Ray ner's father, an excellent person.

13. Morning, walked to cousin F.'s of Hunslet; rode with him and my other dear friends, Mr. Samuel Ibbetson and brother Thoresby, to Rodvvell, where took leave of relations, thence through Medley, Pontefract, and Wentbridge (upon the famous Roman highway, and by the noted Robin Hood's well) to Doncaster, where we dined; thence by Bawtry, Scruby, Ranskall, to Barnby-on-the-Moor.

14. After a weary night rose pretty early ; rode over Shirewood Forest, by the noted Eel-pie-house, through Tuxford to Carlton, where baited; thence by Cromwell and Muskam-bridge, where we had a pretty prospect of the Lord Lexington's house, to Newark, where we dined, and found a considerable fair for sheep and beasts ; thence by Long Billing-ton and Gunnerby-on-the-Hill, to Grantham, where baited, and thence to Coltsforth, where we lodged, and after a better night's rest was much refreshed.

15. Thence by the long Hedge and five mile Cross, where Sir Ralph Wharton slew the highwayman, upon the noted Roman highway, to Bridge-Casterton, the name and situation whereof plainly import it a Roman station, and very probably the old Gausense ; thence to Stamford, where we baited, and I transcribed a monument, which was all the slender addition I made to my former notes. Thence we rode by Wansford "in England," and Water Newton to Stilton, whence we wrote to our dear wives. Thence by Sautry Chapel, Stonegate-hole, (a noted place for robberies) and Stuckly to Huntingdon, where we lodged.

16. Morning, rose early, rode with the good company, per Godmanchester, to the deservedly famous University of Cambridge, where we enjoyed our late Vicar, the learned and obliging Mr. Milner's, good company, who showed us the delicate walks, &c. of St. John's College ; but was yet more pleased with the curious library, where are some valuable manuscript Hebrew Bibles, delicately writ, and other old gilt ones, a book in the Chinese character, the Greek Testament used by King Charles I. and a serious book, richly embroidered by Queen Elizabeth ; the pictures of the excellent Archbishops Grindal and Williams, Sir Robert Hare, noted benefactors, and Mr. Bendlows, who bestowed several curiosities ; variety of natural marbles so delicately placed and inlaid as make curious prospects; we saw there also a little chameleon, &c. After dinner we viewed the Public Schools and Library, where I took chief notice of the manuscripts, Beza's Greek Testament, a Turkish Herbal, and the Autographs of King James I., and Sir Robert Naunton's, before his works when presented to the University, and the Lord Bacon's before his. There was also an imperfect collection of Greek and Roman coins, some very choice, others as mean, and all handover-head : observed also the Egyptian bark, with the Coptic characters, (of which I have some). We had not time to view the Library at King's College Chapel, but admired the fabric, which would have been, perhaps, one of the most noble things in the world if the designed college had been proportionable ; then it might well have been Stupor mundi, as a foreign ambassador styled Trinity College, which we also viewed, with the delicate fountain • lately erected, and the stately library, which is the noblest case of any, but not yet furnished. We were straitened in time, but enjoyed also the ingenious Dr. Archer's company, till we took horse, for we after rode by Fulmire and Barlow to Barkway, where we lodged at old Pharaoh's.

17. Morning, rode by Puckeridge to Ware, where we baited, and had some showers, which raised the washes upon the road to that height that passengers from London that were upon the road swam, and a poor higgler was drowned, which prevented our travelling for many hours, yet towards evening adventured with some country people, who conducted us (after we had passed Hogsden, which has a fountain in the midst of the town and several very good houses) over the meadows, whereby we missed the deepest of the Wash at Cheshunt, though we rode to the saddle-skirts for a considerable way, but got safe to Walthatn Cross, where we lodged.

18. Morning, rode by Edmunton (where we had our horses led about a mile over the deepest of the Wash) to Highgate, and thence to London. I have the greatest cause of thankfulness, for the goodness of my heavenly protector, that being exposed to greater dangers by my horse's boggling at every coach and waggon we met, I received no damage, though the ways were* very bad, the ruts deep, and the roads extremely full of water, which rendered my circumstances (often meeting the loaded waggons in very inconvenient places) not only melancholy, but really very dangerous. Afternoon, I visited the excellent Mr. Stretton, and condoled the loss of his dear wife : after visited good cousin Dickenson and her ingenious sister Madox ; then enjoyed friends' company at our pro lempore home.

19. Die Bom. Morning, heard the famous Mr.Howe, both before and afternoon, who preached incomparably.

20. Morning, writ in Diary, accounted, &c.; after visited the obliging Mr. Churchill (an undertaker of the late edition of Camden) and the learned Dr. Gale, chief master of St. Paul's school.* Afternoon, with worthy Mr. Stretton, Mr. Carrington, (discoursing of the Demoniac he is about printing the account of,)f Dr. Grier and Mr. Bays ; and after visited the excellent Dr. Sampson, who also obliged me very much by his courteous demeanour.^
21. Morning, rose pretty early; walked with Mr. Churchill to Westminster, there visited the industrious antiquary, and ingenious poet, Mr. Rymer, whom we found amongst the musty records supervising, his Amanuensis transcribing, but missed of my honoured friend Bryan Fairfax, Esq. and Dr. Lister, both being in the country, and also of the sight of Sir Robert Cotton's famous manuscripts, &c.; in our return we visited poor old Mr. Obadiah Walker, an ingenious and obliging person, whose misfortune, or mistake rather, that occasioned it, I am sorry for ;* after dinner, at Mr. Churchill's, then at cousin D.'s and Mrs. M.'s, and at the Exchange, throwing away money. Evening, with the obliging Mr. Johnson, since knighted, who kindly presented me with a curious copy of a most noble medal of Constantine the Great, the original whereof, in gold, was worth above 100/. ; rest of evening with friends at the inn ; sat up late, as too usually.

22. Morning, walked with brother Thoresby to Covent Garden, whence the courteous old gentleman, Mr. Walker (alias Williamsf) walked with us to the Temple, and introduced us to the ingenious Mr. Charlton's museum, who showed us a noble collection of Roman coins; he has very choice of the Emperors, but the vast number of the Family, or Consular, was most surprising to me. I after visited Mr. Nicholson, the Archdeacon's brother, and dined at Dr. Gale's, who, after, conducted me to Greshara College, where, by his means (being himself a Member of the Royal Society, and benefactor to their museum,) I had the privilege to hear Sir John Hos-kins, President, and several learned gentlemen, manage several ingenious arguments, &c. We after viewed the curiosities in their repository, which are well described by Dr. Neh. Grew; but I was especially in love with the noble collection of the Arun-delian manuscripts, which the late Earl Marshal of England bestowed upon them, of which I had as particular a view, as I could wish for, by the courtesy of the Rev. Mr. Perry, Music Lecturer. When the members were risen, we took a more particular view of the pictures of many learned persons in that apartment, Bishop Wilkins, Dr. Harvey, Mr. Boyle, &c., Malpighius, &c. Evening, with several of the Salters, and our fellow-travellers at tavern ; spent too much time.

23. Morning, at Mr. Stretton's; walked thence over Lincoln's Inn Fields to Westminster, and viewed the monuments of the Kings of England, and the noble mausoleum for the late most excellent Queen, but again prevented of the enjoyment of Dr.
Lister and Mr. Fairfax ; transcribed only a few monuments. Afternoon, with the learned Dr. Plot, at the Heralds' Office, to whose kindness when I first saw Oxford, I was exceedingly engaged; after amongst the books till towards evening, when enjoyed the Rev. and learned Mr. Joseph Hill's, of Rotterdam, excellent company, and writ from him Mr. Styles's dying charge.

24. Morning . . . .; forenoon, with Mr. Ib. in Southwark, weighing eleven packs of wool; at Justice Lewyn's and Mr. Weyman's till noon ; dined at Mr. Hardcastle's, where very courteously entertained ; after walked to Mr. Charlton's chambers, at the Temple, who very courteously showed me his museum, which is perhaps the most noble collection of natural and artificial curiosities, of ancient and modern coins and medals, that any private person in the world enjoys ; it is said to have cost him 7,0001. or 8,000£ sterling; there is, I think, the greatest variety of insects and animals, corals, shells^ petrifactions, &c. that ever I < beheld. But I spent the greatest part of my time amongst the coins, for though the British and Saxon be not very extraordinary, yet his silver series of the Emperors and Consuls is very noble. He has also a costly collection of medals, of eminent persons in church and state, domestic and foreign reformers. But before I was half satisfied an unfortunate visit from the Countess of Pembroke, and other ladies from court, prevented further queries, &c. Afterwards, discoursed Mr. Ross about Judge Craig's manuscript de Hominio, which I lent him, the English version whereof is now in the press. Then walked to St. Giles's, to wait upon the pious and noble Lord Wharton, who entertained me most obligingly, gave me a dispensation to dispose of his Bibles to such as perform the conditions, though not resident within the parish of Leeds, and at the parting condescended to desire an interest in my prayers. Was much affected with his piety and charity.

25. Morning, busied about wool concerns; then at Mr. Churchill's and Parkhurst's amongst books ; opportunely met there with worthy Mr. Taylor, my Lord Wharton's Chaplain, that had missed of. Then at the Exchange, busied about bills and other business. After at the shops, buying tippet, black silk, &c. and other things for the country.

26. Die Dom. Rose pretty early; then heard Mr. Smithyes (at St. Michael's, Cornhill, to the building whereof Sir John Langham gave 500/. Sir John Cutler 20/.), he made an excellent sermon from that of Agur Prov. xxx. 9., and very well showed the danger and inconveniencies that frequently attend high estate, that a medium is quit from. Then breakfasted at Mr. Moore's ; in our way saw the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Thomas Lane, with most of the Judges and Aldermen in their robes', though found the excellent judge Rokeby at Haberdashers-hall, where Mr. Stretton preached excellently from that of the apostle, " he hath not left himself without a witness, in doing them good and giving them rain." After dinner took coach for Westminster with Mr. W. B., was again frustrated in my expectations of seeing Dr. Lister, but happily met with my honoured friend Bryan Fairfax, Esq.; thence I went to Mr. Alsop's meeting, where Mr. Kentish, from .... made an excellent discourse against the Socinians, but, alas ! I was as of the rest, prevented of noting the heads till too imperfectly remembered. Evening to visit Mrs. Thwaits (Mr. B. D.'s daughter.)

27. Morning, walked to the Savoy ; visited poor Dr. Johnston, who by his unhappy circumstances is little better than buried alive, and I fear his vast collections, which with prodigous industry he has made, will be in great danger of perishing; then took leave of Mr. Ob. Walker, and Mr. Nath. Boyes, under like piteous circumstances, persons of learning and ingenuity, but alas, unhappy in their mistaken notions of antiquity and Primitive Christianity : the Lord illuminate them ! In return bought many books, (cheap I thought, which made me throw away too much money,) near Gray's Inn ; called at Dr. Horsman's, and Mr. Stretton's, but found neither at home; after exchange dined with Mr. Hill, and Mr. Str. at a cook's-shop ; enjoyed their company, then took leave of the courteous Dr. Gale, but missed of Dr. Sampson and Mr. Howe.

28. Morning, rose pretty early ; walked with brother Jer. Thoresby to Westminster ; viewed Westminster-hall, where saw the Lord Keeper, the excellent as well as honourable Sir John Somers; viewed the Parliament Houses, Westminster-abbey, and the monuments, &c., returned by water, but came full late to the Sailer's (formerly Pinner's) Hall lecture ; heard only the latter end of Mr. Alsop's excellent sermon, which was serious and affecting.

29. Morning, took leave of Mr. Hill, bought some valuable pamphlets of his kinsman, and at Park-hurst's putting up books, &c. ; then set forward with the former company ; had a prospect of the King's-palace at Kensington, then rid by Hammersmith, Brentford, and Hunsloe, Canum Collis, where we dined; by Colebrook and Slowe, to Windsor, where we viewed St. George's Chapel, in which the knights of that noble order are installed, and the monuments there; had time only to transcribe that of the famous Junius : then viewed the royal castle, which I suppose is one of the most noble palaces in the world; admired the very delicate painting in several apartments, that in the chapel especially, of the famous Mr. Antonius Verrio, and the admirable wood-work carving of our countryman* Mr. Grinlin Gibbons, the famous statuary who made also that exquisite statue of King Charles II. in the Royal Exchange at London, which is of white marble; here is a very stately one of the same king in brass, on horseback ; here is also the finest prospect that ever I saw : in the evening we rid thence to Maidenhead, where we lodged.

30. Morning, rose early ; rode by Henley, where are abundance of faggots, a church of flint, with monuments in the yard of wood. Thence by Net-tlebed, Benson, and Dorchester, to Oxford, which we had a very delicate view of upon the road, where the churches and colleges afford a most delightful prospect, but nothing to what the inside, I mean the libraries afford, which we viewed, especially the famous Bodleian with great delight, and wished in vain for more time to take a particular view of the Saxon manuscripts, &c. I was pleased with the sight of the pictures (in the adjoining gallery) of so many noble benefactors and learned and pious members of this famous university; we admired the stately theatre within and without, in the area whereof is the noblest collection of ancient inscriptions, Greek and Latin marbles, &c. that I ever saw, We were much taken with the famous Mr. Ashmole's museum, but much at a loss for the excellent Mr. Llhydcl that Mr. Nicholson had recommended. We saw several colleges, halls, and chapels, of which that stately new one at Trinity is the most remarkable. And were very kindly entertained by Mr. Sizer, at University College, whose good company we enjoyed in the evening, with Mr. Dockray of Bennet, but above all the most excellent and courteous Mr. Gibson, of Queen's, editor of the new Britannia, whom I know not whether more to love or admire, both passions are so extravagant; that when I could scarce hold open my eyes, I yet grudged nature her due rest. Lord, direct the force of my love to that fountain, whence whatever is really lovely doth proceed, and which I can never love too much, as I am apt to do all sublunary enjoyments !

31. Morning, rose early. Was twice at the Museum, and at the very last, had the scanty happiness (when mounted, and my friends before on the road) to see the learned Mr.Llhydd, and present him with the Archdeacon's recommendations, but was prevented of all further converse. Then rode with my former friends, and Mr. ..... of Wakefield, over the delicate plains (though thereby we missed the towns, and had only a prospect of Woodstock at a distance,) to Banbury where we dined ; and thence rode by Byfield and Daventree, a considerable market town, to Lutterworth, famous for the excellent Wickliff's sake, where we lodged.

June 1. Morning, rode over the Moors to Leicester ; but had no time allowed to make any remarks, being foolishly guided on the backside of the town. Thence to Nottingham, where the like humour put more of the company than myself into a fret. I walked to the Church, but found nothing further memorable ; so to Mr. Hanley's hospital, collated the copy I had formerly taken with the original inscription, transcribed another upon the school, and, after dinner, rode over the noted and spacious Shirewood forest to Mansfield. Took account of an hospital founded by a Quaker, E. Heath, which I was much pleased at.

2. Die Dora. Rode with the company from Mansfield to_JRqtherham, but were too late for the forenoon sermon. Afternoon, heard the Vicar, Mr. Bovill (whose father was for some time minister of Bramley, in our parish); made a very ingenious and serious discourse, concerning the woman's being deceived by Satan in the form of a serpent. Spent the evening there, but unsuitably enough to the day.

3. Morning, rode with friends through Brampton and Wombwell, to Stairfoot, where baited. Thence by Burton Grange (where is the pious Lady Armine's benefaction) and Chevet to Wakefield, where we dined, and I transcribed a monument. Thence borne, where found all well. Blessed be our good God for all mercies ! Oh, that I may so visit my habitation as not to sin against thee!

10. Preparing a catalogue of manuscripts for Mr. Gibson.

12. Morning, read ; then taking account of manuscripts till ten; when with brother Rayner engaged in a treaty with Esquire Copley, of Doncaster, and Mr. Stansfield (a memorable old gentleman, whose seventh son has a seventh son living) on behalf of Mr. Hough, whose reverend father's will and other writings we perused, and concluded upon articles in respect of an intended marriage betwixt the said Mr. H. and sister D..S. -

15. Forenoon, writing list of manuscripts; then with workmen ; after, with Dr. M. and his Derbyshire friends ; to whom showed collections. Had a promise of some curiosities from Mr. Sanders.

17. Morning, writing to Mr. Gibson with catalogue of my manuscripts ; then read. All day writing and accounting, and poring upon some old Saxon coins lately found at Ripon.

20. Poring on the Saxon coins sent me by the Archbishop to unriddle.

21. Forenoon, writing to our learned and ingenious Dr. Sharp, about the coins he sent me.

27. Morning, rose pretty early ; rode with mother to the .Spas, and after a few hours' diversion, my dear and I returned well, without so much as fear of the coach overturning, though some hills steep enough.

July 3. Morning, read; then abroad upon business, and after with Major Fairfax, and to see the trained bands exercised.
25. Morning, read Annotations; then rode to Rodwell, where sister Deborah Sykes was married, (by my brother Idle) to Mr. John Hough, eldest son to the late Reverend and very pious Mr. Edmund Hough, late Vicar of Halifax. Had the company of new relations to my house ; enjoyed their company rest of day and evening, till midnight.

31. Morning, read Annotations ; then rode to York ; dined at Bishopthorp in the way ; was most obligingly entertained by the learned and excellent Archbishop in his library, and by his ingenious chaplain, Mr. Archdeacon Pearson ; as after at York by the industrious antiquary, Mr. Torre, with whom at an auction; was with the poor old Dean Wick-ham, who, being superannuated, I could learn nothing from him, but that he had parted with the manuscript I desired, though it happened well he had presented it to the Bishop, who very willingly lent me it, viz., Archbishop Tob. Matthew's Diary ; as also, Spanhernius De Raris Numismatibus, to transcribe, and bestowed upon me two rare coins.

August 1, Morning, rose pretty early, reading ditto Bishop's serious Diary ; then rode almost to Bulmer, but meeting cousin Jeremiah Idle, returned; found also Parson Pratt, an antiquary,* and had much of his company.

7. Morning, read Annotations ; preparing for a journey ; we made it full noon, through repeated disappointments about the coach, ere we set forward ; then rode through Wibsey, by Revva Beacon, down the easiest, (if any at all be so) of the steep banks, by Ovenden to Halifax, yet had like to have been twice overturned; even, enjoyed relations at good Aunt Hough's ; cousin Heald prayed well in family.

8. Forenoon, perusing the excellent Mr. Hough's library; after, enjoyed relations and others, good Mr. Priestley particularly, who prayed well in family.

9. Morning, took leave of good old aunt and relations ; returned by Ovenden to_ Little Horton, to visit good Mrs. Sharp and family, thence through Bradford home, and found all well.

13. Morning, read Annotations. Forenoon, drinking our Leeds Spa water, which has a good effect. Afternoon, with Mr. H. paying Lady Armine's gift.* Then sent for to Salters, which spent rest of day.

16. Forenoon, in course of the waters : read Annotations. Afterward, with good Mr. Priestley, of Ovenden, and then collecting for Dr. ; but much dejected in my spirits, in consideration that I have this day filled up the iniquities of thirty-six [seven] years, which sat heavy upon me.

17. Forenoon, writing to Mr. Stretton ; after, as all this week at spare hours, transcribing the diary or journal of the excellent Archbishop, and indefatigable preacher, Tob. Matthew. After, with the Dr. &c.

Sept. 5. Finished the transcript of Archbishop Matthew's Diary.

6. Morning, read; at mill; transcribing Span-hemius De Raris Numismatibus.

18. Rode with cousin Whitaker to Cawood, and thence by Wistow to Selby. Evening, returned to cousin S. Sykes's.

19. Morning, walked to view the ruins of the Bishop's palace and the Church. Wrote Bishop Mountain's monument. Then rode by Stillingfleet, Naburn, and Foulforth, to York : in the road, had a pleasant prospect of Nun Appleton, and Bell-hall. Dined with Mr. Suttall; visited Dr. Nicholson ; and after rode to Bishop Thorp, where obligingly entertained by the Archbishop, at whose condescending entreaty I stayed all night there, and spent the evening extremely to my satisfaction ; and cannot but admire the learning, piety, moderation, and ingenuity, of his Grace, and his chaplain, Mr. Pearson ; and evening and morning, cordially joined in the family devotions.

20. After, rode by Tadcaster to Tolston, where obligingly entertained by Major Fairfax, who showed me many Roman antiquities about Newton Kyme, &c. After, returned home safe, and found all well.

22. Die Dom. Morning, read Annotations. The Vicar, Mr. Killingbeck, preached incomparably and suitably to the occasion (a thanksgiving for national mercies) from Psalm ciii. 2. Afternoon, Dr. Man-love also preached excellently from Psalm ii. 11. Evening, catechised, &c.

30. Morning, read Annotations ; with workmen till noon. Then at the funeral of cousin Moxon (being invited, as at her late husband's, to bear the pall). The Vicar preached excellently from that of the Psalmist, " To him that ordereth his conversation aright, will I show the salvation of the Lord ;"
whence he showed very well what it is to have a well-ordered conversation ; not to circumvent our less knowing neighbour, but to deal uprightly and justly. He gave a deserved character of the virtuous gentlewoman.

[This Volume of the Diary closes at September 30, 1695. The next Volume, which contained from that date to September, 1701, is lost. For those six years, we have therefore recourse to the ReviewJ]

A. D. 1695.
My dear friend, Dr. Sampson, of London, sent me the manuscript memoirs of the learned and pious Mr. Rayner, of Lincoln,* who was born in this neighbourhood, to collate with the originals, that I might attest the truth of them. I was also much affected with Mr. Baxter, of the Insufficiency of Human Friendship, which is included in a small book of Converse with God in Solitude.

About this time, Mr. Ibbetson's son, James, came from beyond sea, and began to do somewhat for himself; and though his father had a considerable estate in land, yet was apparently straitened for stock, and now having to supply both their occasions, our joint stock in the oil trade was exhausted, and I forced to advance more, which, in the conclusion, was all lost, by the survivor's faithlessness.

Oct. 5. Rose early ; reading with delight manuscript memoirs of the pious Mr. Edward Reyner, of Lincoln, collected by the excellent Dr. Sampson of London, from whom I received them, with his diaries, and several original papers, particularly his call to Leeds, subscribed by my grandfather Thoresby and other magistrates, A. D. 1645.


Nov. 11. Writing to Sir Robert Hildyard, whose mother, the Lady Hildyard, was first cousin to my father-in-law.
12. With Dr. Manlove. Much afflicted with the severity of his resolution, that after the most affectionate and condescending entreaty, that he would allow me the practice of what my conscience obliges me to, he could not be won upon, but if I continued to go to church I might forbear the chapel; having, he said, done more harm than I could possibly do good, except assisted in an extraordinary measure from Heaven, declaring that I was, as well as Joseph Milner, the occasion of his putting off the sacrament, which wounded me to the heart, and so disturbed my spirit that sleep departed from my eyes.