It is natural that the question of religion should present itself
to a young man or woman when approaching maturity. It is then that
life is full of prospects, when one plans and builds for the future.
It is then that opinions are formed, and there is an inclination to
reach some kind of decision, for the time being at least, regarding
every issue. One reaches this parting of the ways and the question
comes, "Which road shall I take?" The answer, so far as religion is
concerned, depends to some extent on what one has observed in those
who make a profession, though it is true that the influence of the
Holy Spirit alone--that monitor who makes his appeal to the inner
consciousness--sometimes decides the question.
The community at New Washington, where the Warner family lived, was
strongly Catholic and Lutheran. There was too much whisky and tobacco
and too little of genuine Christianity for a convincing testimony
in favor of the latter. As for Dan Warner, he thought to decide the
question of religion by trying to be an infidel. But of course he had
not considered that God might speak to him and convince him against
his will. He naturally possessed a tender conscience, a capacity to
exalt righteousness and a susceptibility to right spiritual influence.
And so we find him on reaching the age of maturity trying to believe
there was nothing in Christianity; but at this his success was
poor. There were certain persons within his field of acquaintance
whose Christian piety made its impression. Then again, there was
the influence of song. He had a good voice and found enjoyment in
engaging in song with the young people. On a Sunday afternoon, at a
neighbor's, where a number were gathered and were singing gospel
hymns, he became greatly affected. God spoke to his conscience. His
conviction was so strong as to cause him for several months to lose
his love for the dance and to reflect seriously on his course of
life. It was his turning-point so far as infidelity was concerned.[1]
But after a few months, when the conviction had worn away somewhat,
he began to renew his attendance at dances and apparently to be
more reckless than ever regarding his spiritual well-being. His
heart, however, was yet tender from the wound made by the spirit
of conviction. One night during a severe illness of his sister he
attended a dance. After he had returned home at two o'clock in the
morning, his mother went to his room and expostulated with her boy
regarding his sinful career. Here again is where a mother's part
played effectively. As she reasoned with him on his wrong conduct,
his going to a dance while his sister--his only sister--lay at the
point of death, and his offence against a just God, before whom he
must one day stand in judgment, the depths of his heart were broken
up and he fell on his knees and called for mercy.
From that time he was deeply convicted though to his companions
he gave no evidence of a changed life, as he had not received the
new birth. With some young friends he began to attend a protracted
meeting in a schoolhouse not far from his home. The meeting was one
of power, and sinners were made to reflect on the question of their
souls' salvation. On their way home one night his companions were
expressing their opinions as to religion, what it was, etc. One of
them, addressing Dan, said, "What do _you_ think it is?" He replied,
"I am going to find out." Knowing him to be prankish the others
supposed he meant to play some trick, and as they separated wondered
to themselves what Dan could have up his sleeve. Not until he had
gone forward to the altar the next evening and they had seen him rise
a changed young man with the peace of God in his countenance did they
take his words and actions seriously.
The date of this, his conversion, was February, 1865. He refers to
the event some years later as follows: "Passed once more the old
schoolhouse where I gave my heart to God (February, 1865). Thank
God for that step! Oh, how glad I am it was ever my lot to become a
Christian!"
Another item of interest relating to this time was his engagement to
Frances Stocking, reference to which in his diary for June 11, 1874,
the reader will find on another page.
One quality that was manifest in Brother Warner's early religious
life as well as throughout his entire career was earnestness. He was
sincere and intense in his devotion and his Christian work. We shall
find as we read the notes from his diary that his words breathe a
spirit of love and devotion, evincing a deep spirituality. When he
yielded to God, he meant it as the decision of his very soul, and
his conversion was for him an actual change for time and eternity.
Old things were passed away. New propositions and prospects arose to
occupy his thoughts.
[Illustration: D. S. Warner a student at Oberlin College]