REPORT FROM BRO. STEWARD.
By T. M. Steward
AFTER sending my wife to Battle Creek to the Health Institute, and commending my little girl to the care of kind friends and a gracious Providence, the way seemed to be opened for me to engage once more in the Lord’s vineyard. Jan. 1, I came to Elkhorn Grove. Preached in the evening, and visited and did some business through the week. Remained over Sabbath and first-day. Preached four times. Good interest. Brethren and sisters seemed to be encouraged. A general interest to hear more. Jan. 7, went to Freeport. Visited the brethren at Crane’s Grove. The 8th, came home to my deserted house. But the Lord will order aright. Was glad to find Bro. Sanborn in the neighborhood to hold meetings. Lord bless him and his labors. The 9th and 10th I spent with Bro. Sanborn, holding meetings with the Rockton church. The 11th, started on my winter’s northern tour. Stopped over Sabbath and first-day at Mauston. Preached twice. The 14th, took the cars for Sparta, and arrived at 12 o’clock at night. Went to the tavern, and secured about four hours’ sleep. The 15th, took the stage at 9 o’clock for a ninety miles’ ride. The thermometer stood 10, 15, and 20, below zero. Here I realized the comfort of a good buffalo robe I had taken from home. I arrived at Eau Claire at 2 o’clock, A. M., of the 16th, chilled and tired; but only had a few hours to rest. The 16th, took the stage for a seventy miles’ ride, having lain down on my buffalo robe two and a half or three hours in the barroom. Rode all day, while the thermometer stood from 16 to 20, and then until midnight, when it stood 28 below zero. The 17th, stopped over at Hudson, waiting for the stage to take me to Prescott. The 18th, afternoon, went to Prescott, where I found Bro. John McMillan. I was not expected, but was made welcome. Spent the Sabbath with this kind family, talking over the truth. They love it. Here I found the Review, my old friend. How often its stirring appeals have cheered my lonely pathway. I love it. The 20th, Bro. McM. and myself went round to circulate an appointment for the evening. I commenced my lectures eight miles from Prescott, with a fair congregation. Here I labored five weeks. The people gave good attention, and manifested some interest, by purchasing some twenty-five dollars’ worth of books. Preached forty-nine times, besides social meetings. Over twenty expressed themselves convinced of the Sabbath. Ten or twelve have commenced to keep it, and others, I trust, will soon take up the cross. I debated one evening with a Presbyterian preacher. He made about the weakest defense of Sunday-keeping I ever heard. Before I left, we got together and partially organized a church of seven members. Others will join soon. Also adopted Systematic Benevolence amounting to $99.00, with a prospect of an increase soon. I am now just commencing a course of lectures here with as good a prospect as I ever had. I intend to visit the place I have just left before I go home, and to labor with them more. The Lord has been with me, and while I have tried to water others, my own soul has been refreshed. I feel full of confidence in the work of the third angel’s message; and I believe the Lord’s hand is in the work of the Health Reform among our people.