m, as his field of effort, as the land of Canaan was
before Joshua, when the Lord encouraged him to be "strong, very
courageous and possess it," for his people. He knew he had the "book of
the law," that his people needed and his whole nature seemed to be
enthused with the promise, "Every place that the sole of your foot
shall tread upon, that have I given unto you." His ambition, to carry
the message of gospel light and liberty into new settlements of his
people, was limited by the necessity laid upon him, to continue to serve
those he had already acquired.

He was an enthusiastic Presbyterian. He frequently delighted, as well as
instructed the people, by explaining to them the Bible, by repeating
familiar portions of the shorter Catechism and Confession of Faith.
These were his most familiar and best commentaries on the Bible. He
encouraged the elders, to become leaders of meetings, and teachers of
the people, by maintaining regular Sabbath services, for the study of
the Bible and Catechism, to promote their spiritual welfare.

He was a forceful and acceptable preacher. In his later years he was
sometimes slow in finding the hymn, Scripture lesson and text. But when
he found the hymn, it was always one the people could sing, and in
leading them with his own powerful voice, he needed neither tuning fork
or organ accompaniment. He read the Scripture with such a variety of
emphasis, as to awaken the desire to catch every word. In the delivery
of his message he manifested so much sincerity and earnestness, that
every one felt he was speaking to them "direct from the shoulder."

He grew in favor with the people. He held, to the end of his life-long
ministry, the love and affection of the people, whom he served. He saw
their need of teachers and preachers, and encouraged the young people in
every neighborhood, to prepare themselves to supply that need. As a
direct result of his personal influence and encouragement, Wiley Homer,
Richard D. Colbert, William Butler, Elisha Butler, Simon Folsom and
others came to be recognized, as efficient Bible teachers and religious
leaders, in their respective settlements. Acceptable and permanent
preachers could not be found, for the group of churches from which
Stewart retired in 1890, until Homer, Colbert and Butler were licensed,
and two churches assigned to each of them.

The worthy veteran lived long enough to see Wiley Homer licensed in 1893
and become his successor at Beaver Dam