and Hebron, The other two were
licensed in 1897, the year after he "entered into the joy of his Lord."
It was not until this year, when, John H. Sleeper continuing to serve
Mt. Gilead, William Butler became his successor at St. Paul and Forest,
and R. D. Colbert was assigned New Hope and Sandy Branch, that all of
the churches in the circuit of Stewart had regular supplies.

He was a real pioneer "circuit rider," who has left the good impression
of his personal work, upon the colored people of a large section of
country and of him it may well be said:

"This man never preached for money,
If he did he never got it;
He had some faults, but more virtues:
He was conscientious and devoted,
Persevering and determined;
Long his name will be remembered."

"He was a faithful circuit rider--though a slave in his youth; His
artless earnest sermons were the simple tale of truth, How the Son of
God who loved us, left a scepter, crown and throne, All the joys of
highest heaven, to go, seek and save his own."

"Soldier of Christ, well done!
Praise be your new employ,
And while eternal ages run
Rest in the Saviour's joy."

The opportunity to prepare the foregoing tribute to the memory of
Charles W. Stewart, and give it an historic setting in this volume, has
been greatly appreciated by the author. Rising above the limitations of
his condition as a slave, during the first half of his natural life, he
consecrated himself to the betterment of his race and thus, under the
most unfavorable circumstances, prepared himself for the wider field and
greater opportunities, that came to him with the dawn of freedom.

This story of noble achievement by one of their own number, is well
worthy of long and careful preservation; that it may thrill to noble
endeavor, the present and future generations of the Choctaw Freedmen.

"Let us labor for the Master,
From the dawn till setting sun;
Let us talk of all his wondrous love and care,
Then, when all of life is over,
And our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, we'll be there."

XLIV

REV. WILEY HOMER

"Patience and Perseverance will perform great wonders."

It has been said, "some men are born great, some have greatness thrust
upon them, while others achieve greatness." Many, however, who have
inherited a great name, wealth or power have failed to meet the
expectation of thei