6. At 11 A. M., started for Crete. Stopped in a deep draw at 1 P. M. to feed Mattie Blaze and eat our dinner. Sarah and I ate a whole chicken, some bread and butter, and finished off with an apple apiece. Went via Milford and Camden. Passed through a very large colony of prairie-dogs. Enjoyed a leisure visit among this brisk and numerous little folk.
7. Was glad to meet our dear and esteemed old Brother Moore, of whom I had heard so much. He is a very intelligent old pilgrim, greatly in love with the doctrines of the Church of God. It was through his earnest appeals that missionaries were sent to this part of Nebraska. At 4 P. M. we met in the Bethel to take the preliminary steps to the formation of an Eldership in Nebraska. Organized by the election of Bro. K. A. Moore speaker and Brother McElwee and myself clerks.
9. Met at 9 A. M. for business. The day was passed off very pleasantly. Love seasoned all our deliberations. According to committee on program, I delivered a discourse on church polity. Missionaries reported, and other business transacted. Closed by a touching speech from Brother Moore and prayer by me. The meeting was very edifying to us all and greatly strengthened the brotherly ties.
10. Met early this morning in the Bethel for a social meeting. Good time. Brother Moore left us for home. God bless the old pilgrim and spare his life yet many years to bless his cause. Brother McE. and I spent the day in transcribing the minutes of the Eldership.
I preached in the Bethel, 1 Chron. 29:5. God blessed my soul. This afternoon I had a special season of secret prayer and communion with my God. Oh how near he came to his poor servant! This eve I was unusually blessed in presenting the thoughts he had given me on the text, "And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day to the Lord?" A deep interest prevailed. A Mr. B—— living six miles from town went home with an arrow in his heart. I expect to hear of his early conversion.
13. Made out program for Ministerial Association to be held next spring in Seward.
14. Came home. Pretty cold. Captured a wild duck which had its wing broken that day by some hunter. Reached home at nearly dusk.
15. ... This was an earnest day's work. I pray God that it may bring forth fruit to his glory.
Dec. 25, 1874. This is Christmas. At eleven preached on the incarnation of Christ. Returned to Bro. M. Hoffer's, where the kindred, companion, and I partook of a good feast. Roasted fowls. All passed off pleasantly and in a Christian manner. I was solemn and meditative. We sang some. Eve, spoke on John 14:23. With solemn and feeling hearts and minds performed the ordinances of feet-washing and the Lord's Supper.