May 1826
1st May/26. Now another week with it labours and studies presents itself; I must have three new sermons for one of the places, they will keep me very busy in connection with other matters. May I be directed by the wisdom & strengthened by the power of God. Saviour! Evermore help & bless me.
7th May. Lord's day. Preached twice in P. Town, received a candidate, attended to the school and had a good day throughout. On Friday last I went from Chateau-belair, having preached there on the preceding evening, to Morne Rhonde among the Charaibs, which took much of my time, yet in my duty to day I felt much enjoyment though not so well prepared for the pulpit as I wished.
14th Lord's-day. Went to Layou & had about the usual number present; they were attentive and the Divine presence was indeed manifest to our souls. Being Whit-Sunday the sermon was founded on part of 2nd Acts, and a particular motion from the Throne seemed to accompany the word preached. Recd one candidate, administered the sacrament, superintended the S. school & departed, without preaching in the evening, having felt the ill effects of the night air when just out of a hot chapel & sitting in an open boat, for an hour or longer and even sometimes in the rain.
20th May/26 - Went to Town to be ready for the Sabbath, according to a custom which is justified by necessity as before intimated in this journal.
21st Sabbath: Always to me a day of blessing more or less; some variation is perhaps unavailable in the nature of things and necessary for the souls of the people. Favored much with the Divine presence, I am enabled to live on that word which I preach to others. For this happiness let the name of the Lord be praised forever.
22nd May/26. Just returned from town, after a long passage under a scorching sun, the effects of which I felt considerably. Exposure in the middle of the day, ought to be avoided as much as possible. A missionary life, between the tropic, is replete with difficulties, arising chiefly from climate, and the "yawney drawley" habits of the people, who are not compelled to labor. In the West Indies we have painfully to witness a great moral evil in the Slavery of the Negroes; Above 23,000 of them in this island (St. Vincent) and their civil condition exerts a baneful influence on themselves & their master's too, as in general they are co-erced into obedience and diligence!!
28th Lord's-day: - appointed to Layou, where I have now to preach very frequently owning to a change in the Circuit Plan. This place used to have a variety of preachers, as well as others in the island, and I suppose the people will not be satisfied much longer, such at least, I fear. However I had another good time, & plenty of people present. Expelled on [sic] person for immorality & received another on trial. There are it is said more coming forward here. May great good be done to many souls.