August 1826
6th Augt/26 - Went to Layou - had many present and some of the more respectable who seldom attend a place of worship even on the Sabbath. But the best of all, the Lord was with us. Addressed the Society & Leaders separately, and at different times, on some important topics, in hope of thereby contributing to their own personal edification and the general improvement of the work in this place.
13th Aug/26. Lord's-day. Employed at Princes Town - had two very attentive congregations and was blessed in my labours. A candidate was received into one of the classes. The school also was well attended.
14th I had been at some pains to add a little more to my weekly labor, and hoped to succeed in this project when I received the following note from Col. Jackson, a proprietor & attorney, in answer to one addressed to him. "Dear Sir, I received your favor requesting leave to teach the word of God & preach to the Negroes on the Reversion Estate, I beg leave to say that your so doing will give me great pleasure, not only on that estate but also on any others under my charge. I am about to leave this island on Saturday next, for England and I beg you to accept my best wishes for your health & happiness; & that God may bless you and yours is the prayer of you sincere well wisher - E. Jackson. P.S. I beg not to be forgotten in your prayers on Sunday next. E. J." His deputy however was of different mind, though not directly hostile; and in this attempt I was foiled entirely.
16th Aug/26. Went by water to Mount Wynne, to catechise, preach etc., and returned very weary with walking from the bay to the "prayers house" & back again.
17th Went to the usual Thursday's appointment, which to night was at Layou and after my return at about nine o'clock, I had to inter the corpse of a young Negro. I read the funeral service by moonlight, and afterwards addressed the company on the necessity of paying due attention to their spiritual concerns.
20th Aug/26. Sabbath - Yesterday I once more buffeted the waves, in the canoe, to Town - and in the evening held the band meeting; rather a better time than usual. Today, preached to two large & serious congregations with much comfort & I hope some success.
21st Was up early to hold the usual morning meeting, which was a profitable one. It was good to be there. Praise the Lord.
27th Lord's-day. Preached at Chateau-belair and though we had heavy rain, a considerable proportion of the Society were present, and four candidates were recommended, & received on trial. This was a very agreeable and profitable day. I felt much assisted in my blessed work, & hope to see more fruit of my labor, in many precious souls turned to righteousness, who shall be my crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus.