1820 Saturday Jany 1

At the beginning of a new period of time it becomes one to pause and consider what improvements I have made during the year that is past, and what my purposes are for time to come should the Lord spare me. With respect to the former I have much to be ashamed of. My capacity to learn the things of God is so slow; my soul so dull in the ways of religion, my efforts to conquer sin so feeble; my wicked heart so hard to subdue. I perceive no difference in my temper and dispositions since last New Year's day. I seem to have done nothing, nor to have gained any thing to my own Soul. How far my feeble labors may have been useful to the souls of others God only knows.

O, Lord, if thou wilt accept me I will be thine. O let me serve thee with greater delight. Assist me by the Holy Spirit to do they will.

Lord's Day Jany 2

Sunday work

I bless God for the services of this day. Though our congregations were very small, yet we experienced the fulfilment of those promises. Exod.20.24. Matt.18.20. At 12 I preached from Rom.12.1. To day we had a glaring proof of what I asserted concerning the planters making their slaves work on Sundays. Dr McTurk's negroes were digging trench nearly opposite the back of our house. To satisfy myself of the truth of it I went to look at them. I suppose there were between 20 and 30 negroes digging. They were at work at 2 separate trenches. In the first I reckoned 12 men besides the driver. I did not go near enough to the second to reckon the negroes at work in that. Here we see the reason of Dr McTurk's hatred to the cause of negro instruction!

Friday 7

Death of Countess

Bristol told me that Countess, one of our members, died last week. Her death was so sudden that not one of the Deacons had an opportunity of going to see her. She was ill but three days; and that only with the fever, until a little before her death. I can say nothing concerning her character. Her Master being much averse to religion, made it difficult for her to come to the chapel, consequently she was frequently absent. I preached from Prov.4.18. After service Mr Kelly fell into conversation, and sliding into the popish doctrine of Transubstantiation he defended it like a true son of the pope. Although I proposed several queries to him concerning it which he could not answer, he always found a convenient subterfuge in the "church". "The church understood it so." "The councils had decreed it so." Ergo, it must be so.

Sat. Jan.8

While I was catechising the children, Goodluck came, saying he wishes to speak with me. When the children were dismissed I asked what he had to say, he replied the thought of his former sins almost destracted him. About 4 months ago he came to the chapel in company with Bristol, by whom he was introduced to me as a man addicted to every thing bad, & a common disturber of the christians. I advised him to consider his ways, and invited him to come to the chapel. From that time he has been very regular in his attendance; nor do I remember to have missed once, except during the time the negroes had the small pox, and on Xmas day. He has several times told me what a great sinner he has been. What brought him here this evening was to tell me that he had expressed to Bristol & Quaminia (two of our members who belong to the same master) & a desire to be admitted as a member of the church, and they told him to wait about three months longer, to prove his sincerity. This he thought very hard. He said he knew that he was a sinful wretch, unworthy to live; that he had been guilty of every thing that was wicked, but what affected him most, was that to gratify his master, who used to give him money for it, he made it a practice to tell the most infamous lies concerning any of the negroes against whom his master had a spite, and only wanted a pretence to punish them. That when a case of this nature occurred he was the man to execute the undeserved vengeance of the master. This he did in such a brutal manner that he seldom failed to stain the ground on which he stood with the blood drawn from the innocent sufferer by his merciless lashes. All this said he and much more I admit. But if Jesus will pardon such a sinner, why should I not give up myself to him? No one can accuse me of being guilty of those things now. I told him I would speak to Bristol concerning him. His master has seen the change, and has begun to hate him for it. May the Lord perfect the work which I trust he has begun in this man.

[These next few lines were written sideways in the margin.]

Goodluck is a strange character. He has lost his good resolutions & is following all his former sinful practices. He seldom comes to the chapel & does all he can to injure those who do. Jany.8.1821.

Lord's Day Jany 9

This has been a very wet and gloomy day. At the prayer meeting we had not above 20 persons present, and I suppose not more than 200 at sermon. I preached from Rom. 5.1. and afterwards administered the Lord's Supper to about thirty of the members. Many of the people were kept away from the chapel by the Manager giving them their yearly allowance of clothes. Dr McTurk was here this morning examining the skin of all the negroes in order to ascertain whether any of them have the small pox. I have not yet heard the result of his investigation. He said he supposed some of the negroes had got the small pox but concealed it!!

Tues.11

This eveng I preached from Mark 10.45

Wed. 12

Went to Town on business. Found Mrs Davies quite unwell.

Thur. 13

Went to Mr Van Cooten with a view of getting a Certificate to carry to the Governor in order to satisfy his Excellency that the small pox no longer exists on the estate. But Mr V.C. had recd a letter from the Fiscal, stating that his Excellency was desirous to remove the restriction which had been laid on the chapel, and in order to that Mr V.C. must request the medical attendant for the estate to examine all the negroes twice, allowing a week to intervene between the two examinations; and that Mr V.C. must communicate the results of the examinations to the Fiscal. So that I find Dr McTurk's examination of the negroes on Sunday last, was in consequence of Mr Van Cooten's order. However Dr McT. found no small pox among the negroes.

Fridy 14

In town again. Spent a pretty comfortable day.

Lord's Day Jany 16

Dr McTk evasion

The Doctor coming the second time to examine the negroes prevented them coming to the prayer meeting. However we had a few. At noon, I preached from Heb.2.11 with considerable freedom. The congregation was larger than last Sunday. After service Mr Van Cooten came into the house to shew me the certificates which Dr McT. had sent him of his examinations of the negroes. He confessed he could not discover any small pox among them, but said he had not seen more than three forths of the gang last Sunday, and only about 5 of them this morning. It was as evident to Mr V.C. as to me, that Dr McTurk avoided as much as possible, seeing the negroes at all. Mr V.C. sent for the Manager to enquire why the Dr had not seen the people? Who replied "They would not turn out"!!! Mr V.C. said he should desire the Dr to come tomorrow morning and instructed Mr H the Manager, to have the whole gangs examined before they went to work.

Mon. Jan.17

Mr Van Cooten came about 6 o'clock this morning to see the negroes examined, but the Dr did not come. In the evening Mrs Davies & Mrs Mercer came up. Mrs D. has been unwell, and intends to stay all the week to try the change of air. Mrs M. brought me two letters, one from P. Jackson, the other from Mr Burder.

Tues. 18

Mr Van Cooten came this morning and saw the Dr examine all the negroes. No small pox was found amongst them. In the eveng I preached from Rom.5.3.

Wed. 19

Mr Davies & Mr Mercer came up in the afternoon.

Thur. 20

Mr D. & Mr & Mrs M returned to Town. Mr D. Came up in the eveng.

Frid. 21

Mr Davies preached in the eveng from Lam.3.22.23. Mrs Davies was seized with a violent fever this afternoon, which had not abated when we retired to rest.

Sat. Jan. 22

Great was my surprise this morning to find Mrs Davies quite recovered, and walking about. I cannot but regard it as an answer to my prayer which I offered up last night by her bed side. The Lord was pleased to give me much enlargedness of heart & desire, and he has certainly heard the prayer which he himself inspired. That such an answer should surprise me is a strong evidence of the unbelief of my heart.

Mr & Mrs D. returned to Town. Mr Davies has been in the colony 11 years this day.

Lord's Day Jany 23

The morning was wet and gloomy and but few at the prayer meeting. However at noon we had a pretty large congregation. Text was 1 Tim.4.8. In the afternoon I went to Pln Bel Air where Mr Davies was to preach to the negroes. I think there were about 300 slaves present, to whom Mr D. spoke from Luke 19.9. The proprietor, Cochrane Johnson Esq. had consented to open his boiling house every Sunday at 5 o'clock for Divine service. We have reason to be thankful for this opening. May the Lord dispose the hearts of many more to follow Mr Johnson's example.

Saturday Jany 29

Nothing particularly worthy of notice has occurred all this week. Our services have been regularly continued, though in consequence of the restriction laid on the chapel, but few negroes have attended. About 1 o'clock today, I received from Dr McTurk a letter enclosing a letter from the Fiscal, which annulled his former order.

Lord's Day Jany 30

To day our congregation was of course much larger than it has been since the negroes were forbidden to come. Many of the negroes expressed great thankfulness that they were allowed once more to join in the public worship of God. I preached from Rom.8 part of the 6th and the whole of the 7th verse. I was not a little grieved to see the slaves belonging to Pln Le Resouvenir sent into the field to weed grass today. It is an innovation reserved for Mr H. to make; a manager who has not been here three months. Whatever may be said to excuse this prevailing practice on other estate, cannot be applied to this. Here the gang of negroes is fully adequate to the cultivation. It is bidding defiance to the laws of God & of Man.

Saturday Feby 5

The almost unvaried sameness of my labors among the negroes &c present nothing extraordinary. Tuesday eveng I preached from Psalm 4 ver.3 (having preached from ver.1 the Tuesday before i.e. Jany 25 & from ver 2 on Friday 28th) and on Friday eveng from ver.4 of the same. There has been a good deal of rain this week; chiefly showers.

Lord's Day Feby 6th

Very gloomy morning. We enjoyed the presence of God in his house. The prayer meeting was pretty well attended. At 12 I preached from 1 John 3.3. to a good congn. In the afternoon I preached at Pln. Belair to a large congregation from Acts 3.26. This is a promising opening. The people were very attentive. May God give his blessing to our endeavours to bring the negroes to know & serve him. I went on to town, Mrs S being with me.

Thursday Feby 10

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday we spent at Mr Davies, in a very comfortable manner. We heard of the entire loss of the Ship Demerary on her passage home. All on board perished. The Ocean, another London vessel was lost on her way home, about 3 months ago, but some of the sailors were saved.

Yesterday, Feby 9th was Mrs Mercer's birth day. This morning we came away from Town pretty early. Never did I see the roads worse than today.

Friday 11

Preached from Psalm 4.5. Church meeting this evening.

Lord's Day Feby 13

The services of this day have been profitable to my own soul, the Lord grant they may have been so to the People. Our congregation increases again. I hope it will soon arrive at its usual number. At 12 I preached from Isa. 53.6 and afterwards dispensed the Lord's Supper. Mr Kelly &c rather disconcerted us by staying so long after service.

This afternoon I recd a Box of Books from London.

Tues. 15

Preached from Psa. 4.6.7. On Thursday I went to town; when Mr Davies told me all his causes had been decided against him, in the Court of Justice.

Friday 18

Preached from Psa.4.8.

Lord's Day Feby 20

After the services at home, I preached from Acts 3.26 at Belair. Nothing particularly worthy of notice happened, unless it be what I heard of P-d's cruelty to some of his slaves whom he found catechising each other, Praying, &c; but these things are become too numerous to note them down in a journal.

1820
Feby 21

In town again. I had been requested to write a Letter to the Directors in the name of the brethren, expressive of our views concerning a communication to the Hon. Ct. of P.; the letter was approved, but being disfigured in adding the signatures, Br M. was to copy it off and send it up for me to sign.

Tues. 22

Service as usual. Text Matt.1.18-24.

Frid. 25

This evening our congregation was very numerous. Text Matt.2.1-12. On Wednesday morning Br M. sent the Letter mentioned above, for my signature.

Lord's Day Feby 27

I bless thee O my God for this day, & for the assistance afforded me. The services were well attended. Text at noon Micah 7.18.

Saturday March 4

This week nothing particular has occurred. The services on Tuesday & Friday were numerously attended. On the former eveng I discoursed from Matt.2.13-15 and on Friday from Matt.2.19-23. The singing meeting was better attended last Thursday than it has been for several weeks. On Monday, Wednesday, and this evening the catechising has been conducted, as usual. The children make some progress, tho' their inconceivable ignorance and dulness are very discouraging, and make it very difficult to teach them at all.

Lord's Day Mar.5

Rules of Marriage touching church Members.

I am so weary in body after the services of the day, that I am but little inclined to write, even if I had much to note. Our chapel was well filled with very attentive hearers. I felt considerable liberty in preaching from Gen.41.9. At the church meeting we admitted three members, i.e. Susy, Fanney, Abraba. And made a rule respecting the admission & exclusion of members, namely that none, who are living with women or men in an unmarried state, shall be admitted unless they will consent to be married. Secondly. That if any man puts away his wife, or any woman leaves her husband without first having the consent of the church, the member, man or woman so offending shall be excluded. Thirdly. That any member (living in single life) take a wife, or husband, without first being married, the said member shall be excluded. This last rule applies also to those who may become widowers or widows after they are admitted.

Lord's Day Mar.12

The prayer of one of our members this morng seemed to be the means of quickening my devotion for this whole day. I bless God for these seasons of gracious refreshment. I scarcely ever preached with more liberty than to day from Mark 3.5. "Being grieved for the hardness of their hearts." More than three fourths of our members partook of the Lord's Supper. In the afternoon we had a most unpleasant affair to settle relative to one of our members, which issued in his suspension from the church. He had been charged with violating the chastity of another man's wife, which being proved he was severely reprimanded. O my God, hold up thy servants, that they fall not into sin. Nothing particular occurred last week. Things went on as usual. The rain fell all this afternoon & evening.

1820
April 5 Wednesday

Such a sameness in all my labors makes me neglect my journal more than I otherwise should. The decisions of the court against Mr Davies, in the case of the prosecutions, has called me several times to town lately. We have endeavoured to serve him to the utmost of our power without involving ourselves in difficulties, but if he rejects our services, we cannot help it. I have done what I could for Mr D. & have raised him near 50 pounds towards defraying his expenses. Our services amongst the negroes have been regular. Sunday last Br Mercer preached to our people from "The Lord is risen". On Monday I preached to the children from Prov. 4.7. We had a large congregation of young people. The Lord help them to understand.

Mrs S is gone to town to Mr D's for-----

Lord's Day April 9

Suspecting that our church meetings do not answer the end designed by being held so long before the Lord's Supper is dispensed, I appointed an extra Prayer Meeting for the members, which was held in the vestry at 9 o'clock this morning. This plan we mean to continue. The prayer meeting at 7 was well attended, as was the sermon at noon. Text Luke 23.33.34. The Lord's Supper was administered to nearly all the members.

Here it may be noted that Mr Mercer went to town yesterday. While he was here last week the negroes from up the coast brought f391, towards the purchase of land in their neighbourhood for the building of a chapel.

Monday April 17

Heavy Rains

During last week nothing particular occurred. On Tuesday evening our congregation was pretty large, but on Friday, owing to the excessive rains, it was very small. I continue expounding the gospel by Matthew of a week evening. It appears to me a profitable exercise. Yesterday morning was fine, and the prayer meeting was well attended, but about 1/2 past 8 the rain came on and continued to fall in torrents until near 1, when it abated a little, but continued falling till 4 o'clock. This made our congregation small, perhaps not more than 250 people. I finished the subject begun last Sunday. After the service I married Joseph, of Mon Repos, to Diana of the same place. Joseph is the son of Polly. Diana is the daughter of Mindas.

I find nothing else to remark upon, unless it be my own coldness and deadness in the service of God. O my blessed Lord, hasten the time when I shall have done my work, & then take me to thyself. Then I shall serve thee without weariness.

Monday April 24

Heavy Rains

But few people have attended the chapel the whole of the past week. Never, since I have been in Demerary, has so much rain fallen in one week. It has completely spoiled our little garden.

Yesterday morning being fine the congregations were pretty numerous. At noon I preached from Zechariah 12.10 with much comfort to myself. O Lord, pour thy spirit upon the people of Demerary. In the afternoon I examined several candidates for Baptism; all of whom were approved, except two women who both have the same husband. Their case requires further consideration.

Tues. 25

I preached to a pretty large congregation from Matt.5.10-12.

Wednesday April 26

This evening I received a parcel from the Directors. It contained a few books, but nothing particular. With it I received a note from Br Davies requesting me to meet the Brn on Friday in order to write an address to the King.

Fridy 29

Went to town. We wrote an address of condolence and congratulation to the King! Brn D & E were to wait upon the Governor to enquire how it should be sent.

Lord's Day April 30

Negroes flogged for refusing to work on Sunday

The public services were well attended to day. At the prayer meeting this morning I observed one of the Deacons of the church pray with unusual affection for such as are persecuted for religion, that the hardships they suffer might not cause them to turn their backs upon the Saviour, &c. When the service was concluded I enquired of him if all was well where he came from? He said according to human appearance all was not well: that last Friday his master (Mr Cmng) had nearly the whole of his men severely flogged, because, as his manager told him, they would not work on the preceeding Sunday. He remarked that the manner in which he inflicted this punishment added much to its severity. Three stakes were driven into the ground one for each hand, & one for both the feet, to which the poor creatures were tied, stretched out at full length, with their backs upward: a driver was placed on each side of the poor wretches so fastened, to lash them alternately, that the job might not take up too much time. In this way they were punished one after another each receiving about 50 lashes on his naked skin. In the course of the day several others confirmed the fact. No wonder so many of the slaves speak ill of religion & say it brings them into trouble.

After preaching from Matt.6.10 "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" I examined several negroes who wish to be baptised. They gave me very satisfactory answers.

May 31

Yesterday evening, I returned home from attending the meetings. For more than 3 weeks they have so occupied my time and thoughts that I have not been able to pay much attention to any thing else. Upon the whole our annual meetings have been pleasant, and I hope profitable. From the circumstance of the people not being able to attend on a week-day they have taken more time than could have been wished; but the arrangements for the future will remedy this evil. To enter into a detailed account of the several services &c would require more time than I can spare. Our chapel was shut up last Sabbath. The Sunday before Mrs S remained at home & read a Sermon to the people.

1820
Monday June 25

Yesterday was, upon the whole, a pleasant Day to me. The early prayer meeting was well attended. I examined many candidates for Baptism; most of whom gave very satisfactory answers to the questions I asked. I propose baptising them July 16.

At noon I preached from Rom. 8.28. and in the afternoon baptized 2 adults and several children whose parents are members of our church. At 6 o'clock I preached at Belair from Matt.7.13.14.

Lately Mrs Smith has been endeavouring to get the female members of the church to attend a kind of conversation meeting on a Wednesday evening. But this plan I fear will fail. The people are worked so late they cannot attend. We have scarcely time to teach them any thing they are worked so much.

Monday July 10

Yesterday Mr Mercer preached to our people from Eph.5.25. and I administered the Lord's Supper. We had I trust a pleasant and profitable day.

I find scarcely any thing worth noting down here, for which reason & want of time, cause me to neglect my journal.

Thursday Augt 31

Yesterday, I went to town, and waited on the Governor, in company with Br Davies. The occasion of my waiting on His Excellency was as follows. Three or four weeks ago Augt. 4 Mr Davies & Mr Mercer applied to the Governor to solicit permission to occupy part of a company's path in the neighbourhood of Plantn Clonbrook, for the erection of a Chapel. To this request the Governor replied, that the planters had very serious complaints against the missionary already on the coast, at Le Resouvenir, and that it would not do for him to send a person there, forcing him upon the Planters, while they were complaining of the one already there. His final answer was that he would make enquiry into the circumstances alluded to, and if there was no just cause of complaint, he would not only give the ground but would do something for the establishment in general.

After waiting so long and hearing nothing more of the affair it was thought advisable by all the brethren that I should wait upon His Excellency. I therefore complied not because I anticipated any beneficial result, but to prevent it being said that I was the cause of the ground not being had. I therefore resolved to wait on the Governor, Mr D consenting to go with me. I observed to His Excellency that my name was Smith and that I was the missionary residing at Le Resouvenir; that I was concerned at hearing that His Excellency should have any cause of complaint against me from any representations which might have been made to him; and that I had waited upon His Excellency to express my readiness to answer any inquiry he might think proper to make concerning me or any questions he might wish to put to me. His reply was that he had heard nothing further relating to the affair. The complaint against me was that I kept meetings of the negroes after eight o'clock in the evening. But he had nothing to say to me upon the subject. Mr Davies then said that we wished to obtain His Excellency's permission to the ground before mentioned. The Governor's reply was. Bring me the sentiments of the neighbours upon the subject: if they approved of it, he would make no objection. Mr D answered that we were fearful we should not be able to obtain their approbation, most of the planters being averse to the religious instruction of the negroes. To this, the Governor, Major Gen. Murray replied by saying that he did not see then why he should "cram a chapel upon them, and most abruptly added, "Good morning, Gentlemen".

It ought to be oberved that the Governor is himself a planter holding of course, a great many slaves.

Sept 11 Monday

This evening Mr Davies and Mr Mercer came up to Le Resouvenir. The object of this visit was to endeavour to obtain the planters consent to Mr Mercer occupying a small piece of the company's path mentioned above.

Tuesday Sept 12

Mr Davies and I went to Mr Van Cooten to request him to give us a recommendation to the planters in the neighbourhood of the ground we wished to obtain. This he readily gave. We then waited on some other of our neighbours, hoping they would sign Mr Van Cooten's note. But we called upon two only; for the reception we met with was such as made us determine to decline calling on any others, tho' probably we should have got several signatures. It was therefore agreed that Mr D & Mr M should go to those planters whose approbation we value most.

Mr Mercer preached in the evening.

Sept 13 Wednesday

This morning Messrs D. & M. taking Mr Van Cooten's recommendation signed by Mr Hamilton, the Manager of Le Resouvenir, commenced their journey of about 15 miles. They returned in the evening without having accomplished any thing. The planters would not consent to Mr M. building a chapel on the government land which lies waste, nor would they sell or give a piece from their own estates, though these hundreds of acres lying waste not even occupied for feeding cattle.

I should have noted down the objections of the planters to this measure but I have no desire to record such flagrant instances of human folly & enmity against God, and antipathy to the negros, by whose hard labor they live. See 1 Thess 2.16 which strictly applies to them.

Thursday Sept 14

Messrs D. & M. returned to town.

Monday Sept 18

For these two sabbaths past our chapel has been attended by vast numbers of negroes, multitudes of whom could not gain admittance. The reason of this religious commotion is owing to a report that Demarary is to be destroyed with a flood at the full of the moon. The negroes, frightened at the idea of such a calamity resolved to attend the worship of God as much as possible before they are buried in a watry grave. I suppose this report is founded on the probability that at the approaching equinox the tides will be higher than usual, and if there be a strong northerly wind at the time, it is likely enough to overflow the dams and do much damage in this low country.

I think I never found preaching more fatiguing.

Oct. 25

Letters sent

Being informed the mail bag would soon be made up, I went to Town, and put four letters into the post; i.e. one to T. Davies,inclosing a bill for 20 pounds - one to Mr Hankey, this was a letter of advice respecting the bill; one to my Mother. These 3 were dated Oct.25. and one to Miss Chapman.

Many little things I should like to note down, but cannot spare the time.

Monday Oct. 30

To day I sent Mattis to town to bring up a parcel of books sent by the Directors for me. But he did not return with it till this morning, Tuesday.

Nov. 5 Lord's Day

It has pleased God to be with us to day. Both our services were well attended particularly that at noon, when I preached from Col.1.28. At the church meeting, we admitted Klora a member of the church. She gave a very satisfactory account of herself in her simple way.

I have long thought of the practicability of forming a Sunday School for the children connected with our congregation. To day I first mentioned it to one of our members.

As he highly approved it, I desired him to look out for some steady teachers. May God direct & bless us in this good work!

Nov.10

Mrs Wray came (with Elizabeth & Rebekah) to Le Resouvenir to spend a day or two with us. The negroes were particularly glad to see her. In the evening I preached from Matt.12.46-50.

Nov 12 Lord's Day

This day I have found comfort to my soul, though my body has become weary in the service of my God. The prayer meeting in the morng and the church prayer meeting at 10, were evidently favored with the presence of God. At 12 I preached with considerable freedom from Psa.8.4. What is man &c. The Lord's Supper was afterwards administered to 83 or 84 of the members: thus concluded the public services of this day at 1/2 past 4.

It is but seldom we are favored with the company & converse of a christian friend: but to day I experienced the sweetness of christian communion. Nothing but a full conviction of the importance of the work in which I am engaged, & a sense of my duty, should keep me in this land to the privation of a privilege so dear to me as that of christian fellowship. I need something to quicken me; and yet I have such means and encouragements as could scarcely fail of animating a heart less dull and cold than mine generally is. Mrs W. has had a hard days work; and I praise God for her visit and pray that it may be made useful to many of the people with whom she conversed.

Several circumstances occurred highly interesting and creditable to the sense and feelings of the negroes.

Monday Nov. 13

Mrs Wray & the children returned to town. Hearing that Mrs Elliot arrived last night I called to see her in company with Mr Holm.

Tuesday Nov.14

Mr W. Gowan, who came in the Belmont with Mrs Elliot walked up to Le Resouvenir. He is a young man with whom I had but a very slight acquaintance in London. He was a teacher in the Sunday School with which I was connected. His object in coming to Demarary is to follow his business, cabinet making. I believe he is a pious man. In the evening I preached from Matt.13.18-23.

Wednesday Nov. 15

Went to town with Mr Gowan to try to get him a lodging. I saw Mr Wray. He did not look well.

Lord's Day Nov. 19

In consequence of the heavy rains which began on Thursday our congregations were very small. Still we had more than might have been expected.

Wednesday Nov. 22

Spent the greater part of this day at Mr Davies'. We dined with Mr & Mrs Wray, at Mr Davies'.

Lord's Day Nov. 26

Yesterday Mr Wray came up to see us and the people. He preached at noon from 3 John 4.

Wednesday Nov. 29

To day I and Mrs S. went to town in order to spend a day with Mr & Mrs Elliot. I preached for Mr E. In the eveng from Luke 9.9.

Thursday Nov. 30

We went to see Mr & Mrs Wray at Mr Davies'. They were both unwell. In the evening we returned home, in time to meet the children, who come on Monday & Thursday evening to be catechised. About 45 attended.

Saturday Dec. 2

In consequence of what Mr Davies said to me on Thursday concerning Belair, I determined to write him a note stating that I would have no more to do with him in that affair.

This week all our meetings have been well attended.

Lord's Day Dec. 3

A very wet day and many of the negroes being kept at work, occasioned the congregations to be but small. I preached at 12 from Rom.1.16. At the church meeting, Bill & Ann were proposed for admission. This was pleasant. But Azor was found to have employed Appia to work for him to-day. This was unpleasant. In conversing with Azor on the subject, it appeared that his wife was just ready to ly-in, and that the new house in which she lives was not boarded in; that his master would not do it (his wife being free) and he could not get any person to do it but on a Sunday. I scarcely know what to say to it.

Monday Dec. 11

The weather was very wet all last week which occasioned but a small attendance at the chapel. On Monday eveng at our Missy Prayer meeting Mr Gowan & Bristol engaged in prayer. I read the 60th chap of Isa. And part of the Missy Chronicle for Augt Ps 34 & -. Tuesday Mr Gowan went to town. Thursday we had a numerous attendance of children, & several grown persons, to be catechised. Yesterday was a fine day. But our congregation was thin, though I trust it was a profitable opportunity to many.

Tues. 12

Yesterday evening. We had a full attendance of children, &c. For some time past their dulness has much discouraged me but last night 2 or 3 of the boys gave me very pleasing answers to questions suggested by the catechism, which revives one's hope concerning them. To day I wrote a note to Mr Davies in consequence of a strange letter received from him on Sunday last. The congregation was small this eveng being wet. Text Matt.14.23.

1820
Friday Dec. 15

This evening I was not a little surprised to hear that Bill was taken to prison for conspiring as it is said, against the white people, as I always took him to be a quiet, well disposed man. It appears his house was searched, and a gun was found in it: and that three other guns were found somewhere else in the neighbourhood. It seems this affair originated in a negro, or 2 negroes belonging to the Rogers' Polidore & Boston. These, with some others, have occasionally attended our chapel, and expressed a desire to be baptised. I told them they must take the word of God for the guide of their conduct, to pray that God would keep them from evil and help them to serve him in love; that I would enquire into their behaviour, and if I found them what they professed to be I would baptise them. But thinking it proper to wait a while I have not baptised any of them. Thus they remained candidates for baptism, but some quibble concerning a woman occasioned some of the others to reprove Polidore; and thinking he did not act as became a candidate for baptism, they refused to associate with him. From that time Polidore & his brother, Boston, began to vent their spite against those who had refused to company with them. Polidore had ran away: and perhaps thinking to escape a flogging and curry favor with his master, went back it seems with some great secret to disclose. He said he had been concealed at Success; and that the slaves of Success were plotting an insurrection, and were joined in it Rogers own slaves: that the people of Success had a gun, & were saving money to purchase fire arms: that Bill had a gun in his house; and that some other negro had fire arms. This information was sent to the Fiscal. A search was made. At Success nothing was found. i.e. no fire arms, nor money to buy any. A gun was found in Bill's house; and 2 or 3 other guns were found else where. Bill was immediately imprisoned. Thus the case stands at present. I hope the accusation will be proved false. Our evening service was but thinly attended. Text Matt.14.24-27.

Lord's Day Dec 17

Rather unpleasant, tho' not much rain. At the close of the second service, (i.e. the afternoon) I called Jack into the vestry, and asked him how he came to harbour a run-away negro at Success, a thing so contrary to whatever he had by me! He protested that he had never harboured Polidore, and that he never heard of his having ran away, until after he returned. As I wished to be satisfied in my own mind, I sifted Jack a good deal, but he protested that the charge was utterly false. From the knowledge I have of the Success negroes, I believe it to be merely a story fabricated by those negroes on purpose to please their master or masters for they must know what will please, as well as I know what greatly enraged one of them, who told me he had rather all his slaves should go to hell, than he would allow them to be baptized, (see Mar.8.1818). Such things as these are not new. Compare Nehemiah 6.6. Acts 24.5. Thus was Ignatius falsely accused of murder by the wicked Bardos, and imprisoned merely because the holy patriarch would not connive at his divorcing his wife without assigning a reason, Roman Hist.

Saturday Dec. 23

Nothing has occurred this week particularly deserving of notice. On Monday & Thursday we had a numerous attendance of children &c and on Tuesday eveng our congregation was pretty numerous. (Text Matt.14.28-33) but on Friday very few attended text Matt.14. 34-36.

This evening Mr Gowan came up from town to spend the christmas with us.

Lord's Day Dec 24

The holidays being near, I thought it most advisable to preach to the people on holiday-keeping. Accordingly at the second service (i.e. at one o'clock) I preached from Lev.23.1.2. Speak unto the children of Israel, concerning the feasts of the Lord: from which I pointed out the Institution and Design of religious feasts or holidays, the manner in which they should be kept, & several motives to keep them in the way recommended.

Monday Dec. 25

Preached from Titus 2.14. former clause, to a good congregation. I had to settle an unpleasant affair before service; & an interesting and pleasing one after. Mr Hamilton dined with us this afternoon, and Mr & Mrs Mercer, who arrived here while we were in chapel.

Tuesday Dec. 26

Mr Mercer preached to a large congregation from Luke 2.8-10. After service I baptized 20 adults & 5 children and married several. The service concluded at 10 minutes before 5. We all dined at Mr Hamilton's.

Thursday Dec. 28

Yesterday evening and nearly all this day, Mr Mercer had the fever. On Monday he had a tiresome journey up here. The road was bad & one of the traces broke, when they were in the Killy road, from whence he walked the greater part of the way. He was exceedingly fagged when he arrived. He thinks this occasioned his present illness.

This evening a good number of children and adults were catechised &c.

Friday 29

In the evening I preached from Matt.15.1-9. The congregation was pretty numerous considering it was a dark evening, & had been a rainy day; about 180 persons. Mr Mercer had fever to-day but less than yesterday. He did not attend chapel.

Lord's Day Dec 31

About 80 persons at the morning prayer meeting . I read and expounded the 15th chap. of Gen. After service I examined two candidates for baptism i.e. Prince of Bachs Adventr and Biddy of Friendship. The former, who is a creole of about 25 pleased me much. The latter, an African of about 35 is rather dull but seems to be sincere. Being the last day of the year I preached at one o'clock on the shortness and importance of eternity & human life from Psa.90.12. The congregation was large and attentive.