July 1826
2nd July/26. Lord's-day. Preached in Princes Town - larger congregation than usual, and I myself, enjoyed the gracious presence & blessing of my Lord, & no doubt many more besides. Held a very good lovefeast & it was a time to be remembered, and a good day altogether. Received six persons on trial; may they all stand fast! And be saved to the uttermost. I believe the Lord will show us yet "greater things than these".
9th July/26. Went to perform the public duties of the Sabbath at Layou. After preaching several candidates came forward desiring to be received on trial, some of whom had wandered from the fold & shepherd they now returned to; may it prove to depart no more!
10th Was in town at the Quarterly meeting, where at the close of our business, a joint letter was drawn up, addressed to the Committee, giving information relative to the present circumstances, prospects etc. etc. of the Mission.
16th Lord's-day. Officiated at Chateau-belair. Had good attendance & was favoured with the Divine presence, in preaching his word. Three candidates were admitted. A difficult affair between two individuals of the Society was settled apparently to their satisfaction. May the Great Head of the Church prosper the work of our hands and give an increase of true piety!
19th July/26. Rode over to Gordon Castle, and in the evening preached in the Hall in the presence of the family to the Negroes, belonging to their estate. It was both pleasant & profitable to be thus employed.
20th Returned home, after catechising the children, and am thankful that this place can be visited without a great sacrifice of time. May the Lord direct the hearts of the people into the enjoyment of his love.
22nd Went to Town as directed by the plan. Endured the scorching of a hot sun, and I have often felt the effects of the bright glare reflected by the waters so as to render it unpleasant to look around. This, with a pain in the head, and the "prickly heat", either separately or altogether, to one in a small canoe will prove a severe exercise to patience. To me, the Lord is very gracious & he helps me through the peculiar troubles that rise, most of which a "new comer" must feel to be sufficiently painful & trying. At night I held the band meeting.
23rd July/26. Sabbath. - Gave tickets before breakfast - preached in the forenoon & evening to attentive congregations; and during the intervening hours attended to the classes & Sunday school.
24th This morning at 5, addressed a numerous company in the Chapel. Both yesterday & today the presence of the Lord was graciously manifested, and I hope in town, as well as at the Leeward to have fruit of my labor to the glory of my God.
30th Lord's-day - Had a pleasant trip in the canoe to Chateau-belair, before the day grew hot. Preached to a large & attentive congregation. Commenced the meeting of the classes, and left the leaders to their duty, till I had catechised a large company of young people and children under a large shady tree in front of the Chapel. After concluding the class meeting, I received four candidates and administered the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. This evening we had our dear little Anna baptised by Mr. Payne. Often have her dear Mother & herself been devoted to God in prayer & in the spirit of sacrifice; but the ceremony of baptism was too long deferred, she being now six months old.
31st July/26. At this period, our thoughts often recur to the subject of Conference, and our prayers are offered up for the general peace & increase of the connexion, that we may hear glad tidings from a far country. Our own appointments for another year occasion us some concern, but our trust is in the Lord Jehovah in whom is everlasting strength to protect & infinite wisdom to guide us to where we may be most useful in his blessed work.