In 1797, William writes, “while I diligently follow my ordinary employment during the day, books are always a source of both amusement and instruction to me.” The most important book to William, of course, is the bible. A reverend by trade, William is deeply committed to his faith and his family. He settles in Canada in hopes of satisfying his desire to preach; however, the cold winters prove to be taxing on his body and mind. Nonetheless, William continues his work, forming and leading the first Sabbath School in Lanark County. William’s diaries represent, to use his own words, “a duty to record the goodness of God towards [me], both in Providence and grace,” although the first thirty-four years of his life are written entirely from memory.

The condensed diaries of Reverend William Bell can be found on Electric Scotland's website:

Volume I: Bell's Diary, 1780-1819

Volume II: Bell's Diary, 1820-1849