Chapter XIV: Introduction (4)

=Feb. 12, 1875.= Wife, I and [names several others] went to visit
about two hundred Omahas, camped on the Blue two miles from Seward.
They were on their return from their winter's hunt. Were well-laden
with robes and furs. It was an interesting visit. The squaws were
busily engaged in dressing and tanning buffalo robes; the men stood
and looked on. Poor creatures! They seemed to be but servants for
the men. How wrong and cruel such a custom! We went into their
wigwams; but few could, or at least would, speak English. The
little papooses were amusing themselves by loading each other down
with bundles of weeds, etc., in imitation of their pack-ponies.
They also had a tent constructed out of blankets. One girl about
twelve had a little papoose but a few weeks old tied on a board and
hung on her back. Sometimes she would lay it down face up in the
sun, other times she had it on her back engaged in play with other
children. I could see a marked improvement in the rising generation
in the moral and intellectual organs. Their more frequent contact
with white people and a general tendency to improvement in the
tribe renders the children far superior to their parents. Some I
noticed were as well constituted as many white children. One boy of
about thirteen could spell quite well. May the kind providence of
God yet elevate this poor distressed people to a higher plane of
intellectual, moral, and religious enjoyment. The Omahas are among
our most honorable and refined tribes. Bought a fine robe for ten
dollars. Cost in Ohio about nineteen.

=16.= Brother Mc. and I came to the Oliver Schoolhouse. It was
nearly enough to break my blessed wife's heart to have me leave
her. Oh Lord, comfort her heart! Were it not that "necessity is
laid upon me," I could not leave her. House nearly full. Psa.
85:6-8. Came home with friend Mitchel. Turned cold.

=17.= The house being a small shell, I suffered much last night
with cold. Arose and got overcoat. Fared some better but ached much
and slept little. Spent the day till 4 P. M. at Mr. M's. Talked
much on religion. He acknowledged that he always read the Bible
to condemn religion till I preached here last fall. He is not
convicted. Hope he will soon yield to God.

=18.= I find that I have taken a severe cold from my cold night's
lodging. After dinner examined Brother Hibbard's head. A meeting
two and one half miles south has been in progress some over two
weeks and for a few nights there has been some interest, hence I
must go there.

=21.= Sabbath. Had good speaking-meeting. Preached on Jer. 6:16.
Was sent for to visit a sin-sick soul one and one half miles south.
Brother Oliver and I went, found him, Bro. John Cowan, scarcely
able to be up, in great distress of mind. We read the Word, talked,
sang, and prayed until God blessed his soul, and we all rejoiced.
His mother shouted and anon praised God for "Winebrennerian
religion," declaring it was the old kind and as good as Methodist
Episcopal or any other. It was amusing to see them all come down
from deep-rooted prejudices. The brother's feet and ankle-bones
having received strength, and he having eaten some, came with us to
meeting.

=22.= Had family prayer-meeting at 11 A. M. Examined Brother
Mitchell and gave him a phrenological chart.

=23.= Stormy. A few of us met for prayer. Staid all day at Brother
Hibbard's. No meeting. Oh how I longed to be with blessed companion
this dreary day and night! Through the night I spent hours
listening to the muttering storm. Recalled all the draws between
there and home, wondered if any were filled so as to be impassable.
Determined to go home the next day if the driving snow would allow
me to see three rods.

=24.= Morning came and the storm nearly subsided. Started for home.
Mattie Blaze got into a snow drift in which she could not reach the
ground. Could not go through. Had to get out and get her loose from
the buggy. Took her to Brother Hafer's, nearby. Warmed myself,
then drew the buggy back, hitched up, and drove out another way.
Got home all right. Saw Sarah's smiling face. Thank God, the dear
creature is well.

=March. 2, 1875.= We had a glorious day meeting. How my heart
leaped with joy to see my beloved Brother Anderson reclaimed again!
He has been a special object of my prayers. He is a brother I
dearly love.

=5.= Good day meeting. Brother Briggs related how his little
step-daughter was blessed here yesterday. "She told her mother that
she felt the Spirit of God knocking at her heart. Then Brother
Warner came and took her by the hand and said, 'Give your heart to
Jesus,' and she said to Jesus, 'Take my heart.' Then she felt so
happy. She got up and spoke like a little soldier." Sister Anderson
also told of her little girl's singing Good News Gone to Canaan
last eve and she got happy and clapped her hands for joy.

=9.= Went home with Bro. James A----. Tried to show the domestic
duties of religion. It is a delicate task, but the shepherd often
finds families that need plain talk on duties to each other and to
God in the family. Religion should find its most sacred altar in
the family circle. There should its holy affections glow with the
greatest warmth. If religion in all its tender affections and holy
fruits does not burn on the family altar, the world will fail to
see its light. God bless this family.

=10.= Last night and today a terrible cloud rested on us all. We
felt as though the devil had triumphed somewhere.

=11.= Staid at home. Read and prayed. Felt much depressed.
Something is wrong. Satan has a victory somewhere.

=12.= The dark cloud, thank God, is passing. Find what the
difficulty has been. Some of the young men who have been at the
altar have been loafing and visiting saloons. Last night after
meeting Sister Rebecca Anderson told them of their inconsistency,
which I think has broken the devil's chain, hence we had a good
meeting today.

=14.= Sabbath. Preaching at 11:30 A. M. Eph. 3:14,15. Proved the
oneness of Christians; the fact that this oneness is not manifest
to the world; that it should be; and how. After preaching Brother
S---- got up and harangued in favor of sects. He said I had doubt
of my sincerity. He believed I was a true Christian if there was
one in the world, but what I had preached got him down in the
heels. He made no attempt to prove nor even assert that I had
preached anything false. In fact, he never called up the question
whether I had preached truth or not, only that my preaching made
him and others feel bad. I told him that I had no doubt of it, for
Paul had told us long ago that the time would come when men would
not endure sound doctrine. Told him that I sympathized very much
with him, that I had been in the same dread dilemma when I was not
willing to accept the whole truth; it always hurt me to hear it.
In answer to questions I made him acknowledge to the truth of all
that I had preached before the congregation. After meeting, Brother
B----, another poor sectarianized soul, pitched into me. The people
crowded around. I made him confess that Paul forbade Christians at
Corinth to divide into sects. Brother Riley, a fine man recently
converted, seemed highly elated to hear the glorious doctrine of
the Word defended. He will soon come into fellowship with the
church.

Bro. Lewis Anderson, who has enjoyed the meeting very much, staid
away today and tonight. How fearful is a disturbed conscience!
Brother Hafer, who is a good man filled with the Spirit, remarked
a few days ago to Brother Houck that we were having a good meeting
but he feared Brother Warner would spoil the good feeling by
preaching on the church. Brother H. told him that he need have
no fears. If Brother W. preached the truth, it should not hurt a
Christian; if error, it is too weak to hurt anything. He advised
him to come and hear for himself. He did so, sat with his head
down, doubtless felt the force of truth but was too honest to
trifle with it; confessed that I had preached nothing but Bible.
Oh that the world were freed from the curse of human creeds, that
men could be at liberty to obey God! We had a good and pleasant
meeting. My heart flowed with peace.

=18.= Dear Sarah very sick most of the afternoon. [Confinement]. I
too felt nearly overcome at her suffering. Had a season of prayer
and was much comforted. Had the assurance that she would get along
well from this time. She was no more so sick. At 6 P. M. the Lord
delivered her of a large daughter, 8 pounds. Thank God for his
goodness!

And now, O Lord! another sacred charge is committed to our trust.
This day we acknowledge new responsibilities laid upon us. Thou
hast committed to our care a pure and spotless soul. Give us grace
and wisdom that we may bring up this dear child sound in body and
mind, pure and innocent in heart and life, that thou, O God, its
Maker, may be honored and glorified by its life and career on
earth. O God! thou author of its being, this night I bow before
thy throne and consecrate this precious household gem to thee. Thou
hast given it to us, and we wait not for one sun to pass over its
head until we lay it upon the altar of consecration to God, that
all its days may be thine. O God! we solemnly vow to rear this
child for thee. Shouldst thou see fit to leave it to grow up under
our care, we shall bless thee for its angelic society; and shouldst
thou rather choose to take it to thyself in the dewy time of youth,
O Lord! we can not murmur; for thine it is and only entrusted to
our care till it seemeth good for thee to commit it to wiser and
more worthy care in a more congenial abode than this dreary, sinful
earth. God bless the dear little creature!

=19.= Took care of dear Wife.

=20.= After taking care of Wife and child, went to Seward. When
starting home Mattie Blaze stumbled, fell, and broke one of the
shafts. Took buggy back to shop, left it, and rode home. Eve,
preached at Occidental, returned at eleven greatly exhausted. Great
weakness of back from stooping continually over the bed taking care
of dear Wife and babe.

=23.= Sarah feeling rather worse. P. M., went to Seward. Have taken
a bad cold, being up so much of nights.

=25.= Am constantly taking care of dear Wife and child. They are
getting along fine, thank God. Quite warm. Birds are singing.
Summer appears; nature is awakening from her long winter slumbers.

=27.= For some days I have had a severe conflict in my mind
concerning my leaving to fill appointments in Fillmore County.
'Twas hard to think of leaving dear Wife yet confined to her bed,
as our girl has made no attempts to take care of her or child
because I preferred to do it and she had no experience. Hard as it
seemed for dear Wife, duty seemed all along to say I should go. I
determined to do so. Preparations were made to go, but when the
moment was at hand Wife wept, and fearing a want of care and too
much anxiety might bring on a relapse I felt it my solemn duty to
stay and take care of her. P. M., went to Seward and tried to get
a place to preach Sabbath eve, feeling that I dare not spend the
Lord's day without doing something for Christ; but I failed to get
a place to preach.

=28.= This is Easter Day. Spent the day in solitude with dear Wife
and daughter. Wife feeling pretty well; sat up much of the day for
the first except a short time yesterday. Think this is the second
Sabbath in eight years that I have not preached the Word of God.
The day was mostly spent in reading and meditation. Felt ill at
ease that I could not be preaching somewhere.

=31.= Terrible storm all day. About five inches of snow fell.
Drifted much.

=Apr. 2, 1875.= Sister Sarah Anderson, our girl, became home-sick
and would stay no longer. Could not leave to fill appointments in
York and Polk Counties. Deeply regretted that I could not be with
the dear brethren, but could get no one to take care of Wife and
child; besides, the roads were almost impassable.

=3.= Pitched into housework as usual. Did the cooking and washed
dishes. Sarah quite sick this A. M.

=4.= Sabbath. Did up the work this morn, and though late I started
for prayer-meeting, thinking I could get there in time to have at
least one prayer with the dear brethren. Found they had just closed
their prayer-meeting. I read a chapter, talked some, and sang and
prayed with them. My heart was full. Having been kept at home from
public worship for some weeks, I felt as a bird set at liberty.
Bless God for the privilege of appearing in his courts to offer
our sacrifice of praise! Returned home. Found dear Wife and child
asleep, both feeling very well. The little creature slept right
on till night. Sarah and I spent the time pleasantly reading and
talking of our blessed hope of glory. My heart was light and happy.
Bro. David Figard today kindly invited me to move into his house.
Thank God for this kindness. The brethren know that we have not a
very pleasant place to live, yet I have no room for complaints, but
much occasion for thanks.

=7.= P. M., heavy rains. About a mile to the southeast of Seward
there was a great waterspout extending from a black cloud to the
earth. It was a grand and sublime sight. As it followed a high
ridge on the opposite side of the Blue River valley from us we had
a beautiful view of it. We could see the water strike the ground
and a dense spray arise around it resembling smoke. I have learned
that it tore one house and a wagon to pieces.

=9.= Drove to Brother Figard's via Seward. Our ride of about seven
miles was the first for our dear little Levilla Modest.

=12.= About one last night I took quite sick with, I suppose,
cholera morbus. Sick all day. Sorry I could not go to Polk County,
but it is necessary that blessings disguised in affliction come at
times as well as the almost constant blessing of health. Tonight, I
think, is the third appointment in eight years that I have missed
through my physical disability.

=13.= Drove to York County. Called at Father Fenton's, a United
Brethren preacher, who is poorly. Found also another aged pilgrim
in the family, who desired me to bring him some good books to read.
Being anxious to bestow some kindness on this good old Methodist
father, I left a book with him that I was taking home, having
had it lent for some time. Had a season of prayer and then some
conversation on the hope of the saints.

=14.= Found that my appointment which I had failed to reach had
proved a blessing after all, for they had a good prayer-meeting.
Appointed another for the following Sabbath eve, which was a
success also and resulted in the organization of a Sabbath-school,
which is under the officership of those who hold with the church of
God. Prospects are good here. A railroad-station is expected close
by. P. M., drove to Fillmore County. How beautiful and pleasing,
yea, charming, even to making happy, the day and the landscape!

=17.= Brothers Figard and J. H. Anderson moved us today to Brother
F's.

=20.= Drove to Polk County. Distance, twenty-eight miles. Found the
brotherhood well and hungry for the gospel.

=23.= Wife and I drove to Indian Creek, Fillmore County, distance,
thirty-four miles.

=26.= Wife and I went to Seward. Asked for the Presbyterian
meeting-house for Ministerial Association in case we are refused
the Methodist Episcopal house. Found the latter wished to reserve
some of the time hence accepted the Presbyterian house. Had
programs printed.

=27.= Drove to Polk County and planted fruit trees.

=28.= Planted trees, potatoes, and garden seeds until after 4 P.
M. At five minutes past five started for Wilson schoolhouse, about
fifteen and one half miles. Reached in time. 1 Pet. 1:13. This is
a new point, with good prospects. 'Tis only a half mile from where
it is said there will be a station on the Midland Pacific, which is
now being extended to York Center.

=May 2, 1875.= Sabbath. Stormy. Went home with Brother Price, it
being handy and the weather bad. Several came there to spend the
afternoon. The time passed off very pleasantly singing, and I
lectured some on moral and mental culture. Examined some heads.

=4.= A. M., wrote letters. P. M., went to Seward. Completed
arrangements for Ministerial Association.

=5.= Sarah and I drove over to the Blue. Had a pleasant time
fishing. Caught a mess.

=8.= Visited Brother Mitchell's. Left Wife there and drove over to
visit Brother Lichty. He was one of our seekers when I closed the
meeting last winter. I was anxious to see him; but he being from
home, I was disappointed. Found them quite poor. Large family of
children. Live in dugout. Mrs. Lichty quite unwell, which added
to the distressful appearance of things. Talked to the woman and
children about Jesus and heaven. Read, prayed, and sang with them.
Distributed fifty cents among the children.

=13.= Studied for Ministerial Association.

=14.= Ministerial Association began. Went early to town. Glad to
meet ..., but was very much disappointed to learn that ... could
not be with us.

=15.= I discoursed on the polity of the Church of God in lieu of
Brother Howard.

=16.= Sabbath. This is Pentecost day. Thank God for the beautiful
weather. All nature seems to be waking from its long winter slumber
to praise God. The beautiful prairie is green with grain and
pastures. The valleys are dotted with herds of cattle, which, as
well as they on a thousand hills, are the Lord's. The beautiful
streams are lined with plum-bushes all in bloom. The groves are
preparing to cheer the heart of the prairie inhabitants with their
pleasant shady foliage.

At eleven Brother Aller preached in the Methodist Episcopal house
and I preached the Pentecostal sermon in the Presbyterian house.
Acts 2:1-4. At 3 P. M. Brother Aller preached a glorious and
lovely sermon on the brotherhood of the saints. Deep and lasting
impressions were made. How powerfully this dear brother preached
for the unity of the saints of God, with the eloquence of tears and
overflowing love!

We parted with brotherly greetings at a quite late hour to meet at
Crete second Tuesday in September.

=17.= Went to Brother Green's. While there Brother S---- came
in. We were just ready to engage in prayer. The Lord wonderfully
blessed me in prayer. I prayed fervently for him, though he has
been acting the part of an open enemy to me and the cause I
represent. Went to Seward. Received fifty dollars from the Board.
Called on Bro. J. W. Figard, who is applying himself vigorously to
the pursuit of an education. Hope the Lord will raise him up for an
effectual minister of the gospel.

=21.= Made out report to the General Eldership.

=23.= Sabbath. This was a glorious and happy day's work in the
vineyard of the Lord. The Master was very near me all day. Oh what
liberty in speaking! what peace in my soul!

=26.= Up at daylight. Brothers Figard and Anderson moved our things
to homestead. We arrived about 1 P. M., they in the eve. Unloaded,
took supper, and staid all night in our house.

Here the record of Brother Warner's labors in the Western field must end abruptly, as the succeeding portion was in a separate book that has not been found. We leave him with his little family just moved into their own house in Polk County, having spent the winter near Seward. Our next of the diary accounts begins in the following December and finds him back in Ohio fields, whither, probably by decision of the Board of Missions or Eldership he was called to labor again. The daily accounts which have been omitted for want of space show him always active--traveling, preaching, visiting, praying, etc. The selections that are given from his diary are chosen in order to display the various sides and aspects of his life and character. We have noticed his great zeal for the work of preaching the gospel and caring for those under his charge. The widely separated flocks meant much traveling and exposure in that new country.[4] We note his attitude and teaching on the church question. In a large measure he had light on the true Bible church, and he supposed he was not a member of any sect when, as a matter of fact, he was. The benefits of his knowledge and teachings of the one church were directed in the interest of the so-called church of God, which he was ignorantly laboring to build up. It was not until he received the experience of perfect holiness and began to teach the truth on the subject that he was made to feel his limitations to human ecclesiasticism and thus discover the pen he was in.[5] His teachings and applications of the Scriptural church (there is but one) was possible only among the followers of John Winebrenner or in some similar body supposing themselves to be that one true church. It is an interesting fact that upon the fulness of time for God's people to throw off all human ecclesiastical bondage and sever themselves from spiritual Babylon, the lead was taken principally by those who had belonged to the Winebrennerian following. Thus this denominational body may be regarded as a sort of preparatory medium, or half-way step, for the reformation which is now an established thing. At any rate God had in Brother Warner raised up a man particularly disposed to emphasize the church question, and the denomination mentioned seemed to be the only one he could affiliate with till more advanced light and truth forbade his remaining longer with them.

FOOTNOTES:

[3] Dr. Forney, in his History of the Churches of God, says of D. S. Warner's mission work in Nebraska, that in February, 1874, he organized a church at Fairmount, Fillmore County, of twenty-four members. Also one at Cropsey, one at Evergreen, one in the Anderson community, Seward County, of sixteen members, and one other. He had fourteen preaching places.

[4] Dr. Forney says that in June, 1875, Brother Warner organized a church in York County of thirty-one members, and further says of his work in Nebraska that "to such an extent were the ministers and churches encouraged that, they conferred together on the advisability of organizing an Eldership in Nebraska." Brother Warner notes in his diary account for Nov. 7, 1874, that a Preliminary Eldership was organized at Crete, in Saline County. Application was made to the General Eldership, which assembled in Ohio in May, 1875, and an Eldership of the Church of God in Nebraska was chartered. The first meeting of the Nebraska Eldership was held at Cropsey, Oct. 1, 1875. Among the fifteen names enrolled Brother Warner's does not appear, hence we conclude that by that time he had left Nebraska.

[5] That his disposition to be freely led of God made him poor material for a human ecclesiastical machine is evinced in the account by Dr. Forney of the Eighteenth West Ohio Eldership, for the year ending Sept. 30, 1874. He says: "The beginning of trouble between D. S. Warner and the Eldership is foreshadowed in an action on the adoption of his report, which stated that he had 'organized a church in Upper Sandusky contrary to the Rules of Cooperation,' and regarding this as a 'schismatic movement,' highly disapproved of his course in organizing said church."

VII

BACK IN OHIO FIELDS

In his resumption of the work in Ohio we find Brother Warner in charge, it seems, of the Ashland circuit, with his home at Hayesville, Ashland County. Here, as was characteristic of him everywhere, he was wholly absorbed in spiritual labor, the salvation of sinners and the general spiritual welfare of people everywhere within his reach. In his diary for Dec. 21, 1875, he says:

Went out visiting and talking to the people. My soul was so happy
all day that I could hardly refrain from shouting. Oh, how sweet it
was to talk to sinners about Jesus and his love! Found in shops and
houses a number of precious souls that were serious. I admonished
them to repent. Some gave much hope of a start.

The closing moments of the year 1875 were devoted to a renewal of consecration of himself and others.

A few minutes before twelve we all bowed down and to the service
of God consecrated ourselves and vowed fidelity. God accepted the
offering and sealed our vows to him by the gift of his Spirit.
After affectionate New Year greetings and congratulations, we went
to our homes to rest.

Into his congregation at Shenandoah an Elder L---- had come and was poisoning the minds of the converts by teaching the Campbellite doctrine of baptism as an essential condition to the pardon of sin. He afterward held a public discussion with this preacher.[6]

=Feb. 19, 1876.= Drove to Shenandoah. Found Elder L---- having a
good time deluding and baptizing sinners. Found the converts greatly
strengthened by the wind of doctrine that had been assailing them.
However, a few had been corrupted by the false doctrine and were
inclined to go from the Church of God, being carried by the wind of
doctrine. With a mean, sneaking look they applied for letters. I told
them that I had not taken them into the Church of God and could not
dismiss them from it, and there was only one way to get out and that
was through sin. This they could not deny, nor could they give a
reason for their course.

About this time he gradually came into the knowledge of the truth respecting divine healing, and we find in his accounts an occasional reference to his praying for the sick and of their recovery.

He was sent for by his father-in-law to come to Upper Sandusky, where sectarians were making inroads among the converts.

=April 2, 1876.= The sectarians are making a stampede this morning.
They have been after about every convert to go to their church
and now this morning they have their conclave outside and every
convert is stopped and asked to join the Methodists. An excitement
is raised and the people's minds are bewildered, and some who had
said they would stick to the Church of God are now standing back.
Before closing, an old bigot, belonging to the Methodists, took
the liberty to get up and call for all to raise their hands who
wanted to go to Methodism. Some responded. O Sectarianism! thou
abomination of the earth, thou bane of the cause of God, when will
thy corrupt and wicked walls fall to earth and cease to curse men
to hell?

=June 4, 1876.= This is the second anniversary of our marriage.
Thank God for connubial and domestic happiness. May God continue to
bless us with love, peace, and sacred union.

=July 18, 1876.= Received the sad and startling news of the death
of my dear mother. She died July 13. The days of her pilgrimage
were seventy-one years, five months, and seven days. Hers was a
life of trouble and care. But, thank God, she has gone to her
sweet rest in heaven. Oh, how sacred the memory of thy pure and
virtuous life! "patient in tribulation," constant and untiring in
thy kindness and care for all under thy roof. Oh, what love like
a mother's! What mother like my own dear, sainted mother? In all
the ordeal of life thy calm and peaceful spirit has never known a
ruffle. Thy love has never once failed. Thy sorely tried patience
never was exhausted.

Dearest mother, in childhood and youth thou wast my all. And when
maturer years had launched my bark in the midst of awful breakers,
dark clouds, and tempestuous seas of corrupt society, thy pure
life was my only star of hope. Thank God, thou shalt be honored
in heaven with the salvation of one poor, wayward son by thy holy
influence. Praise the Lord for a good and holy mother!

She was always strongly inclined to piety, the fear and reverence
of God. In October, 1870, she was fellowshiped by the Church of God
at South Bridgewater and the same day immersed by me in the St.
Joseph River. Though she was feeble and the weather cold and the
distance over three miles from home, she chose to go home before
changing clothes. She was a happy soul, and the next day seemed
quite improved in health. Now she is gone. One of the dearest
ties that bound me to earth now attracts me to heaven. I can not
lament her departure. I only grieve that I was not informed of
her affliction that I could have been there to cheer her while
approaching the river. Or, had I only been apprized of her death
that I could have seen once more the face of my own dear mother
before she was laid in the tomb! But I shall see her not again
until the heavens are no more and the Son of God shall come to call
the saints from the dust of the earth. Farewell, dear mother. We
soon shall meet again.

=July 29.= We visited the penitentiary [in Columbus]. Over 1,300
prisoners. All at work manufacturing nearly everything in use. The
extensive work was interesting, but the study of the heads and
faces of the workmen was much more so. One striking characteristic
was, almost invariably, great firmness. This being perverted
enabled them to execute their dark crimes. Conscientiousness was
low in every head. This left them without moral restraint. Some I
observed were very deficient in the social group, especially was
inhabitiveness almost entirely deficient. This gave a rambling
disposition, hence irresponsible and exposed to bad society. A
large majority exhibited a very good intellect, many even above
mediocrity. These intellectual powers, which had they been
sanctified to God would have been very useful, being perverted were
used only to devise crime.

=Oct. 1, 1876.= Eldership meeting at Findlay. I was much overcome
with emotion as I tried to speak of my meeting with the Eldership
for the first time in that house nine years ago. Never shall I
forget the solemn feelings I experienced at that time. I had not
expected a license; but how I trembled with fear and dread when
I learned that a license and a field of labor were given me! I
thought it all a mistake of the Eldership. I repaired to the stable
of Brother F----, where I poured out my heart to God in prayer.
Bless God, he heard me and comforted my agonizing heart. I then
received the assurance that he was directing my way. My soul was
unburdened and my peace flowed like a river. And now my laboring
soul and inmost heart would give thanks to God who has upheld me in
the arduous labors of the past nine years. Having begun an invalid,
supposed by many to be a consumptive, my strength has gradually
increased through God's blessings and mercies.

=30.= Gathered some chestnuts this morning. Had a season of prayer
in the woods.

=Nov. 30, 1876.= This is Thanksgiving Day. Oh, that the whole
nation would indeed thank God for his goodness and mercy! Brother
Oliver and I each made a short discourse on the occasion. P. M.,
read O. S. Fowler's Physiology, Animal and Mental. O God, forgive
me of the sin this book has convicted me of. By the grace of God,
from this day forth I will reform in quantity, etc., of food as
much as my irregular mode of life will allow. How much I can
improve the vigor of the mind and the fervor of devotion! Thank God
for this volume! Oh, that every one had it who is suffering for
want of its instruction!

=Dec. 31, 1876.= Sabbath. Arose early to go to my appointments.
Levilla ill. Mother Keller very sick with headache, unable to be
up. Was compelled to stay at home. Oh, what distress of mind I was
in this day through the fearful conflict of duty to family and duty
to the cause! How wretched I felt all day! The day was pleasant and
I know there were crowded houses to hear the gospel. How I longed
to preach to them!

=January 7, 1877.= Went to visit Mr. S----, who is suffering awful
distress. Was met by a young man who was coming after us. We went
with the hope that the poor, dying man was eager to hear of Christ
and his salvation; but oh, horror of horrors! When we approached
the house we heard the poor soul hollowing out in wild strains: "I
can't die; I can't die." I asked him if we should pray for him. He
hollowed out "No!" But I thought he was delirious and concluded to
sing and pray with him, which I did with all my heart. After prayer
I talked with the family and learned that he had said he was a lost
sinner, that he could not be saved. I asked him if we should pray.
He shook his head. I talked to him of how Christ died for sinners
and how he loved and desired to save him; but there was a hideous
look in his eyes. He looked frightful, yet he was conscious,
answered every question we could ask him. I called for oil and said
I would do as the New Testament directed. So I bowed down, anointed
his forehead, and was about to anoint his breast when he seized his
shirt and drew it together. I laid one hand on his head, the other
on his body, and began to pray. He drew his head forward and tried
to get it under the cover. He shoved my hand from under his head.
I could pray but little. He told every one present that he did not
want us to come back. He said he would die; was not prepared to
die; did not believe that Christ died for him; did not love Christ
and did not want to. He showed every appearance of being possessed
by the devil. When we kept our distance he would turn and look
at us with fiendish vengeance. When we approached he would turn
his face to the wall. Poor soul! soon he will be in eternity, I
presume, and yet raging mad against Christ and his people. I shall
never forget the horrors of this day. When we entered the first
room we met several women weeping. The old mother fainted away. He
was crying loudly in the other room.

In 1877, while on the Ashland circuit Brother Warner arranged, in connection with ministerial duties, to take some selective studies at Vermillion College, located at Hayesville. This was a Presbyterian school of some note at the time, enrolling three hundred to four hundred students. It was founded in 1845. Dr. Sanders Diefendorf became its head in 1849. Brother Warner and his wife were invited to occupy rooms in the building, and they did so, as they found they could live much cheaper there than in Mansfield and would enjoy better privileges of study. They engaged five rooms for the summer of 1877, which cost them six dollars a month. Among Brother Warner's studies at this place were English Analysis, Greek, German, and studies in the New Testament. He took an active part in the literary society.

The year 1877 was a notable one in Brother Warner's life. Already accomplished as he was in deep spirituality and devotion, it would seem that these graces were multiplied or intensified tenfold by an attainment that from this year became his permanent possession. That attainment was the experience of entire sanctification as received definitely by faith and subsequent to regeneration. _He embraced the cause of holiness._

He had been for some years honestly prejudiced against the doctrine; but he heard some truth by the holiness advocates that set him to thinking. It was doubtless largely through the influence of his father-in-law's family that he began to be won to the doctrine. They had become friends of the holiness cause and had received the experience. His wife also was sanctified, and the change in her was a test that he had no words to gainsay. A holiness band had been formed at Upper Sandusky, where his wife's people lived.

The one minister who perhaps more than any other led him into the experience of holiness, was C. R. Dunbar, a Baptist who was laboring in connection with the Holiness Alliance. Brother Warner says of him, "He is a very able man intellectually, but still more potent in faith and gospel, Holy Ghost power." He was the musical author of the song, now so common:

"I'll live for him who died for me,
How happy then my life shall be!
I'll live for him who died for me,
My Savior and my God."

The great holiness movement was sweeping over the country at this time. Brother Warner was too loyal to God and to the teaching of the Bible ever to be classed among those who should reject holiness when brought face to face with the issue. He and his wife gave their names to the holiness band at Upper Sandusky, and he quoted the words of the Psalmist: "I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts." At this time his impulsiveness led him to claim the blessing at once, but he soon found that it could not be picked up so readily; that for him, as well as for others, there was a consecration to make and self to be crucified.

A little anecdote in this connection is told by a brother who heard Brother Warner relate it of himself. He (Brother Warner) had been attending some meetings of the holiness people and had received some light. On returning to his charge he preached a sermon on holiness without having obtained the experience. Two sisters who had received the experience knew that he did not yet have it and urged that he get it before attempting to preach it. At the altar service that followed he got down as if to pray for others, but first prayed privately for his own sanctification. Then audibly he began, "Lord, sanctify us," whereupon one of the sisters said, "Brother Warner, do not pray, 'Lord, sanctify _us_'; but say, 'Lord, sanctify _me_.'" At this he wilted and came right out with "Lord, sanctify _me_."

We shall quote freely from his diary, as his experience at this time is best expressed by his own words.

=April 13, 1877.= Had much talk with Brother Dunbar on
sanctification. I have always believed in a full salvation, and
agree that it is usually obtained after the justified state. This
was my experience as well as that of all advocates of holiness; but
I was inclined to attribute the deficiency of the justified state
to infantile weakness, which through outward sinful influence, was
not able to carry out the pure nature fully in practise. But he
and all sanctificationists attribute it to the remaining depravity
of nature.

=16.= Since I arose this morning my constant prayer to God has
been that he will lead me in all things. I pray God to take me
like an old sack and shake me until entirely empty, and then fill
me with the fulness of himself. O God! turn out every nook and
corner of my heart and purge me, soul, body, spirit, and mind. I
received a blessing about the time I entered the ministry that
seemed to correspond with the experience of sanctified ones; but I
have not always kept that state of perfect love, and my God knows
that I need a fresh blessing of sanctification power.... Though I
experienced sanctification ten years ago, when entering upon the
work of the ministry, yet I want and need a renewal of God's power,
that my testimony for God may be more effectual. Also, I know that
I have not always lived in this glorious liberty. I have this day
examined my heart carefully and feel assured that I accept the
whole will of God and now stand by faith upon the promise of God. I
leave myself and all my concerns in his hands. By faith I say, "I
am the Lord's, and he is mine."

Here Brother Warner quotes the poem, "Farther On." How appropriate this was to his life at this point! How much of his activity and accomplishment were enveloped in the "farther on"!

"A soft, sweet voice from Eden stealing,
Such as but the angels sing;
Hope's cheering song is ever thrilling,
It is better farther on.

"I hear Hope singing, sweetly singing
Softly in an undertone,
And singing as if God had taught her,
It is better farther on.

"By night and day she sings the same song,
Sings it while I sit alone;
And sings it so the heart may hear it,
It is better farther on.

"She sits upon the grave and sings it,
Sings it when the heart would groan;
And sings it when the shadows darken,
It is better farther on.

"Still farther on, oh, how much farther?
Count the milestones one by one;
No, no! no counting, only trusting--
It is better farther on."

=April 25, 1877.= I was dull today. Study was a drag. I prayed to
God that if I am pursuing these studies for his glory he should
quicken my mind. I was, as oft before, convinced that I ate too
much, which stupefied my mind; hence resolved, as oft before, to
quit gormandizing to gratify appetite. I resolved in God's name
and in his strength to do this thing. I ate but a few spoonfuls of
graham mush for supper. Felt cheered by God's presence in evening
worship.

=26.= My mind was active today. Lessons were easily learned,
spirits cheerful, recitations more successful. O Lord, keep me
in the possession of a clear, active, and retentive mind, a pure
heart, and a consecrated life, devoted to God's service.

=May 19, 1877.= Had a very interesting meeting in the Excelsior
Society. M. J. Boyd and I conducted the main discussion on the
following question: Do We Suffer More from Real Than Imaginary
Evils? I affirmed.

=27.= Sabbath. Beautiful day. Arose early and, taking a testament
with me, I took a long walk, enjoying the precious pure air, the
beauties of nature, and communion with God through his Word and
Spirit. Read and meditated upon several chapters. Precious season
in family worship. Just when we were through with breakfast the boy
raised the cry that the house was on fire. We ran to the bedroom
and found the curtains and clothing around the wall in a blaze.
Great excitement prevailed. But soon by means of a few pails of
water and by throwing some of the burning fabrics out, the fire
was extinguished with the loss only of some clothing. The fire was
started by a small child, who finding a match on the candlestick,
struck it and then dropped it on the end of the curtain that
reached to the floor.

=June 1, 1877.= Prepared and delivered a lecture before the
Excelsior Society on the Interrelation between Mind and Body, and
their Mutual Dependence.

=7.= Built steps over the fence to avoid having the gate left
open, as much of my cabbage has already been destroyed. As a
consideration, Professor agreed to give me more ground to garden.

=8.= Worked on an essay for the Society tonight, also on a
composition for the Board, to be criticized. Eve, met with the
Excelsior Society and entered upon the duties of secretary. There
being few present, all other exercises were dispensed with but
a general discussion on the subject, Is Force More Effectual in
Government than Persuasion. I took the negative. Mr. W. Diefendorf
also spoke on the negative. The vote was almost unanimous for the
negative.

=15.= A. M., recitations as usual. P. M., prepared for Society.
Rained all afternoon and evening. No Excelsior meeting. Visited the
Philo Society. Participated in general discussion on the following
question: Is the Fear of Punishment a Greater Incentive to Exertion
than the Hope of Reward? Spoke on the negative. Large majority in
our favor on the final vote.

=July 5, 1877.= Met at half-past nine in the Bethel. After a
profitable season of prayer, reading the Word, testifying, etc.,
I presented myself at the altar to seek entire sanctification.
I enjoyed that blessing ten years ago, but I had all this time
repudiated the second work and accounted for the wonderful change
that God had wrought in me at that time to my yielding to the call
to preach the blessed gospel of Jesus, after being disobedient. I
had often been disgusted, too, with the fanaticism I saw mixed with
the professors of the second work; it had steeped me with prejudice
through and through.

Though I could not deny that the experience of these people was in
perfect harmony with my own, yet I strongly opposed their views,
claiming that God does not do his work by piecemeal, but that he
makes a full and complete finish of it at once. I attributed the
second experience to the fact that after conversion we are weak
infants and not able to carry into action the pure nature that God
has given us until we grow to that degree of strength that we can
successfully cope with outer temptation, and that holy nature given
to us in regeneration reaches a degree of development in strength
that it will no more be under subjection to sin in the world around
us.

Thus, while I did not doubt the truthfulness of their testimony. I
thought I comprehended the whole matter and saw the slight mistake,
as I supposed, in the basis of their experience.

But God having let Father and Mother Keller and the whole family
into this glorious experience, with my dear companion, I began
to search the Scriptures anew to see if I might not be mistaken
myself. I carefully reviewed my conversion and recollected that I
sought and asked of God only pardon of my past sins and relief from
my past guilt. That in ten years labor, in which some seven hundred
souls came to Christ, I never knew one to seek for anything else
but pardon for actual transgression; and it is a fact that we do
not ask of God that which we have not apprehended the need of, and
God does not give until we ask for a thing.

Moreover, it is claimed that justification is not a partial but
complete work of itself, and sanctification, i. e., purification,
another. Since seeing every day the change in my dear wife I
thought I was beyond doubt of this second work. But, ah, the devil
is rallying his forces against me. Am I making a fool of myself
coming out here where I have invited and labored with sinners?
My old arguments would come up and I had powerful temptations to
settle back upon them and forever repudiate the second work. I
obtained no light.

P. M. We met at half-past two and held meeting till nearly five.
I labored at the altar. At night after Brother Burlison read a
Scripture lesson and talked for some time on holiness, we all bowed
around the altar; but I could do nothing, all was dark. I came
here fully believing in a second work of God in the soul; but now,
as I attempt to seek it, how thick the temptations of Satan come
up before me! how all my old arguments and objections gather like
rubbish, obstructing the light! Sometimes I was about to conclude
that this was all foolishness. I was ashamed to bow at the altar
and seek sanctification of "soul, body, and spirit" after I had
invited sinners to and labored with them at the same altar.

=6.= Arose early this morning and searched the Scriptures and asked
God for light. I noticed whenever I felt resigned to God and was
willing to make any sacrifice to know the truth I was strongly
impressed to seek sanctification.

This morn I was directed to 1 Pet. 5:10 and Eph. 3:14-20. Light is
becoming brighter in the Word. Thank God. Met at half-past nine.
The foundation of faith was now becoming strong in me. I arose and
read some portions of the Word and boldly declared my faith in
the second work, and that I was resting in the promises of God to
my entire sanctification. Met again, at 2:30 P. M., having spent
most of the interval in searching my heart, and truly I found that
it has not been as good as I before supposed. Oh how much self
there has been in all my past labors! God of power, kill and
cast out all of self. I reviewed my observations of the past ten
years' labor. About seven hundred souls I have observed seeking
salvation, and I can not recall any who did not definitely seek for
justification from past sins. It appears that the condemned sinner
can think of nothing else and does not possess a capacity to grasp
the idea that God is able to destroy all evil in depraved humanity.
"God, forgive my past sins and help me in the future to keep from
sin," is about as great a blessing as the mind beclouded by guilt
can conceive and ask for. With a still more deep and fervent
consecration I again sought the blessing of perfect holiness.
Glory to God, I was able to claim the blessing by faith, though
yet without the anointing of power. After meeting I spent most of
the time talking holiness to several brethren, which I felt was
pleasing to God.

Eve, Brother Burlison read 1 Corinthians 3, and talked a little;
then, an invitation being given, a good many surrounded the
altar, several of whom were seeking the blessing. Thank God, some
professed to receive the blessing. I am still standing, yea,
resting sweetly in the promise of God for entire and constant
salvation through the blood of Jesus.

=7.= Today we fasted all day. Met in the Bethel at 9 A. M. and held
meeting until after 4 P. M. without intermission. This day I was
the least conscious of a physical nature and my relations with a
corporeal world of any day in all my life. I seemed to be entirely
unconscious of passing time. Only the spirit seemed to live, stir,
feel, and take cognizance. Glory to the God of wonders! Is this
really but the foot-stool of God?

Mother Keller, Sarah, and I went to Brother L----'s for supper. She
(Mrs. L.) very soon began to pour out her bitter railing against
holiness and holy ones; but praise God, he kept our souls in
perfect peace. After my communing with God in secret for some time,
the Lord told me to go immediately to see a poor sick girl near
by. Mother accompanied me. Found her barely able to sit up, having
been suffering for nearly one year. She had exhausted in vain all
available medical aid. We spoke of the Great Physician. She said
she believed that he was able to heal her. We called for oil,
anointed her in the name of the Lord and laid hands on, and prayed
for her present restoration to health. We entreated God with all
the faith and earnestness of our inmost soul and then left her in
the hands of God, with a comfortable degree of faith that God would
raise her up again.

Eve, met at a quarter to eight. Mighty power filled the house. The
altar was filled from one side to the other. Several were seeking
sanctification. Glory to God, this night he began to give me some
of the evidences (besides my hitherto naked faith) that I had got
out of the wilderness into Canaan. Jesus, my blessed Savior, just
cut me off one bunch of the sweet grapes of this "land." Oh, glory
to God, once more I was a little child! I felt the blood of Jesus
flowing through my entire "soul, body, and spirit." Heaven on
earth! Halleluiah, it is done!