The denomination known as the Church of God, founded by John
Winebrenner in Pennsylvania in 1830, soon spread over western
Pennsylvania and Ohio and gradually extended its missionary effort
into the States farther west. Brother Warner's field of labor in
Nebraska covered more or less the counties of Seward, York, Polk,
Hamilton, and Fillmore. We shall again let him speak for himself.
=June 25, 1873.= This is my birthday. Thirty-one years of my hasty
life have passed away. They have gone to eternity. Their record has
all been entered upon the book by the Scribe of heaven. O Lord,
whatever has not been set down to thy glory, for Jesus' sake blot
out in the blood of Christ! Only eight years have been devoted to
God and they crowded with many imperfections. Great God, I thank
thee that we have an advocate to plead our cause and secure our
pardon. Wash me, Lord, and make me clean. Oh, keep me pure in
heart, that the remainder of life may all be given to God!
Took train at Upper Sandusky for Chicago. Ate dinner in Fort
Wayne. Stopped off at Warsaw and went to New Paris to visit my
brother-in-law. Found him and family well, thank the Lord. Eve,
heard Dr. Everitt lecture on phrenology.
=26.= Was examined by Everitt and received a chart of character
and instruction. I heard him deliver a course of lectures in my
schoolroom in Corunna, Ind. the fall of 1865. He lectured in the
evening on temperaments. Took notes.
=28.= Put in the day viewing the great city of Chicago. Nearly all
the burnt district is built again with enormous buildings. It is
wonderful to think that for miles we can walk streets built up on
either side with magnificent buildings of brick, stone, and marble,
from three to nine stories high, iron fronts, etc., all built
since the fire. It inspires the heart with wonder and admiration
to behold externally and internally the enormous hotels Sherman,
Palmer, Tremont, and Pacific, of which the latter is the largest.
It covers one half block and is nine stories high. Passed through
under Chicago River. Chicago is one of the wonders of the world,
a great city. Visited one of the parks. I was much interested with
all we saw.
=29.= Sabbath. I preached in the evening from these words: "What
do ye more than others?" Matt. 5:47. The day was pleasantly spent.
Brother Shoemaker has spent nine years in trying to build up a
Church of God here. Though the membership is yet small, we have
a good church property and some good brethren here. I had the
pleasure of seeing the wife, two sons, and one daughter of Elder
John Winebrenner, who are members of the church here.
=30.= Took train at 10 A. M. on Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy
Railroad to Nebraska City. Crossed the Mississippi River.
=July 1, 1873.= In A. M. took train for Danville, distance thirteen
miles. Stopped at Bro. R. H. Bolton's. Found all well.
=2.= Enjoyed my visit very much with this lovely family. Received
many useful hints from Brother B. concerning the West and the great
missionary work.
=3.= Daylight found us at Creston. From there to Red Oak the
country is a beautiful rolling prairie. Very little is cultivated,
all grass. At Red Oak took branch road southwest to Nebraska City
through a beautiful prairie valley. Beautiful corn. At Hamburg,
eleven miles from Nebraska City, we came to a peculiarly formed
bluff, high and sharp, from which we can see the city. Crossed the
Missouri River at Nebraska City on the steamer Lizzie Campbell. The
river was high and ran swiftly.
=4.= This is a proud day for Americans, the anniversary of
American independence. There was quite an interesting celebration
in Nebraska City. Free dinner, band, thirty-seven young ladies
dressed in white with badges bearing the names of the thirty-seven
states, also the goddess of liberty. Judge Kinney delivered a good
speech on the occasion. A great crowd of people were in attendance.
The whole matter displayed skill and ingenuity in its design and
execution. Arrived at Seward at 9:30 P. M. Walked out through the
prairie two miles to Bro. William Anderson's.
=5.= Visited Brother James Anderson. Walked across the country. How
sublime and beautiful the rolling prairie! There is a strong breeze
here nearly all the time, which makes the summer pleasant and
agreeable. The wind is from the east; a good part of the time it is
from the southeast.
=6.= Sabbath. At 4 P. M. I preached my first sermon in Nebraska, in
the Anderson Schoolhouse. Text, Isa. 62:6.
Here we have to pass over a period of eight months. It is unfortunate
that we do not have all of the books, forming a continuous diary
account. His notes written during his first winter on the Western
plain would have been interesting. As it is, we have to pass over
the fall and winter of 1873 and begin again in March, 1874.[3] By
this time it seems that he had taken up a claim at Wayland, Polk
County. The Advocate he refers to was the church paper, published at
Harrisburg, of which he was a correspondent. This chapter includes
a temporary absence from the State, occasioned by his marriage and
visit in Ohio, after which he returns with his help-meet to his
Western field. His reference to Sarah, his bride-to-be, are, of
course, full of tenderness. We shall give but brevities from the
diary, omitting many of the details of sermons and texts, number
converted, etc. The meetings first mentioned were held near Seward.
=Mar. 14, 1874.= This is a rainy day, the first of any account
since the 22nd of November. Wrote two articles for the Advocate and
some letters.
=15.= Sabbath. Preached at eleven on the second advent of Christ,
two hours. Eve. Brother Robotham preached. 'Twas dry and dead
enough to take all the life out of a meeting. I tried to exhort the
people. Jesse Horton found peace to his soul. Thank God for the
salvation of the old gray-headed sinner. Sister Anderson left her
husband who sat by her side, and came to the altar in much earnest,
seeking the Lord. This is a noble example. God bless the woman. I
think her husband will follow.
=16.= The air was damp today. Read Nelson on Infidelity. Prayed and
meditated. Eve, had some headache, but thank God it did not grow
worse and prevent my preaching, as it sometimes does. The night
was dark and damp. The congregation was much smaller than usual.
Had good liberty. A number of young people were present, about all
of whom were serious.
=17.= Had prayer-meeting at schoolhouse. Came home and wrote a
letter to my darling Sarah, then went to Seward. Received a letter
from Brother Shuler, treasurer, with post-office order for fifty
dollars.
=19.= Day meeting at half past ten. P. M., mounted a horse and rode
in company with Brother Figard to Mr. Pense's, two miles. Talked to
them on the important subject of their souls' salvation. Returned
with some headache. Was disappointed in not having some one else
there to preach, as Brother Combs, of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, had promised to be there for the last two nights. Thank
God, my headache abated and I spake with liberty on the text, "My
Spirit shall not always strive with man."
=21.= Started for Fillmore County. Stopped a few minutes at a store
at Nickleville. Heard some poor sinners swearing horrible oaths.
Oh, how my heart was pained to hear them thus insult the Author
and Giver of all their blessings! Came to Brother Witter's. Found
all well and faithful to their Savior. They were much joyed at my
coming. The church has grown in grace and influence.
=22.= Sabbath. Beautiful morn. Met at 10:30 A. M., heard a number
of the brethren and sisters speak. Went to Indian Creek, where I
had the pleasure of immersing the following [names nine persons].
It was a glorious time. All were happy. We felt that we were near
heaven. At 3 P. M. started over to Brother Moffit's. Passed a pond
of some ten acres on which were all of a thousand brants, a species
of wild goose; they are white, except a black streak across their
wings. Reached destination. Here are good prospects for gathering a
church.
=23.= Quite cold this morn; 1 have to drive about thirty-five miles
against the wind. It was a hard day's ride. Came on to the meeting
and found that the work had not progressed in my absence. I could
not have remained, but now I have only two nights and we must if
possible see some poor sinners saved before I leave. O God! in
mercy hear us and bless our efforts.
=27.= Had to go forty miles today to an appointment. Called on some
of the brethren at Wayland. The day was cold.
=30.= Last night I had a precious dream of meeting my angel love,
Sarah. Oh, how happy I was to return to that kind family and my
precious companion, from whom I have been so long separated, and
with whom my soul longs to be! Now are only seven Sabbaths until
I start. Oh, how our hearts yearn to be together! Lord, speed the
time. Never did woman have purer and stronger love for man than
that of my dearest Sarah for me--yes, even me. O Lord, what a
blessing thou hast here bestowed on thy unworthy servant! What a
bliss to me, that I should thus be loved, and that, too, by the
very creature that I would rather have love me than any fair female
in all the world! O Lord! this is thy doing and it is wonderful
in our eyes. How happy I would be this morning were my beautiful,
virtuous, and loving companion by my side! How hard it is to stay
apart so long! God give grace and strength of mind to endure this
torture of separation.
=Apr. 3, 1874.= What a bright and beautiful morn! I am surrounded
by beautiful scenery. The family live right on the bank of a
stream, tributary to the Blue. The house sits on the edge of a bank
about twenty feet on the north; on the south the stream making
a loop comes around just far enough from the south side to make
a nice little yard. To the east is a beautiful large yard. To
the west is quite a picturesque scene; the stream, running very
crooked, doubles around with but narrow, high banks between, and
all covered with timber, some of the largest trees I have seen in
the State, some oaks four feet across, yet not one of them enough
to make a rail cut, branching out a few feet from the ground. The
whole presents a romantic scene. Brother Querry settled here five
years ago, when there were only a few families in the country.
The settling up of the country has far surpassed in rapidity the
wildest imagination. Bro. George Fellows and I went out on a hunt
for prairie-chickens and wild geese. We went in the buggy, by which
we can approach nearer to the chickens than otherwise. Had a few
shots at wild geese but killed nothing.
=5.= Sabbath. Easter. Bright, warm, and beautiful morning. Preached
at eleven on the Church of God, diagramed on black-board. The truth
was well received. There is a fine prospect for the Church of God.
Dr. Stone who is no professor of religion but a thorough student of
the Bible, and one whom I think will soon give himself to the Lord,
is one with us in sentiment. Another good old Methodist Episcopal
brother who preaches some sanctioned my sermon all through, even my
strongest denunciation of creeds, sects, etc. Brother Stoner, a
Disciple, was well pleased with the church but took exceptions to
feet-washing, reception of the Spirit by faith before baptism, and
the divine call to the ministry. He invited me home with him and
we talked over the matter and he conceded my position on all these
points. His companion before held with us on all these points.
=7.= Came to Brother Hoffer's. Selected a place for my house and
staked off a yard, etc.
=10.= Wrote some letters. This was a warm and beautiful day. Oh,
how lovely the spring after the long, cold winter; emblem of the
time of the Lord's coming, the time of singing of birds! The
turtle-dove is heard in the land, all to remind us of the Lord's
coming.
The approach of summer also gladdens my heart because it is
bringing us near the happy time when I shall be joined in holy
matrimony with the pure and warm-hearted Sarah, whose constant and
ardent love is worth more to me than all the treasures and honor
of earth. Could I hold converse with that bright luminary whose
beams and gentle rays fall so graciously upon the earth today, I
would ask if the revolving earth brought another creature under his
shining light so pure, fair, and lovely as my own blessed Sarah.
=13.= This morn is rainy. Drove to Wayland, fifteen miles, and then
worked all day at my house. Bros. H. and M. Hoffer and Brother
Berry had just got the lumber [hauled from Seward] on the ground
and begun the work. We worked through the damp weather and got it
finished, a stove up, and a bed by 10 P. M., when the brethren
left, and I retired to sleep, the first night in my life in my own
house and on my own land. Thank God for these blessings! May God
help me to use it as not abusing it.
=14.= Returned to my house and made a stand. P. M., went to
Barber's, where I preached at night on the signs of the coming
of Christ. Had a house full of very attentive hearers. Spoke two
hours. All seemed highly interested.
=15.= In the eve drove about seven miles over into York County and
preached to a crowded house in the Parker Schoolhouse.
=16.= Went to Mr. Mahaffey's and had a good visit. He is a lawyer,
a smart man, well informed in the Bible. Agrees with me on
doctrine. He promised that he would give his heart to Jesus. Wishes
to borrow some of my books to inform himself for the service of
God. I pray God that he may be soundly converted and become useful.
I had left no appointment, but several came together and begged me
to leave another appointment before going east. I never saw people
more eager for the gospel than here. Many have fallen in love with
the Church of God and desire me to form a church here. P. M., went
home and worked some at my house.
=28.= Drove to Bro. J. A. Mark's. The day passed off very
pleasantly. Spent the time in meditation and singing praise to God.
Drove about forty-five miles and reached destination about 6 P. M.
There seemed to be no fatigue to me nor to my steed, Mattie Blaze.
The roads were beautiful and the day delightful. How balmy the air!
There perhaps never was another such delightful country to travel
in. Found no one at home at Brother Mark's. Put up Mattie Blaze,
compromised with the big dog, Watch, and took possession of the
house. Ere long the family came home, having been at a neighbor's.
They were well and glad to see me.
=May 1, 1874.= Came to Grand Island, in Hall County, about fifteen
miles northwest of Brother Mark's. Found Bro. John Kramer and
family well. They are a very fine people, firm in the principles of
the Church of God. They have a beautiful place one and one fourth
miles from the city. All that is wanting is a Church of God here.
I feel sorry that they can not be supplied. But this is a hard
place to do anything unless we have a house of worship. Brother K.
could find no place in the city to have an appointment, so he has
an appointment in his own house for Lord's day. Sectarian bigotry
abounds here in the West; each sect, fearing the rottenness of its
own foundation, is not willing to have it tried by the gospel.
=2.= Wrote, read, meditated, and prayed in a pleasant room at
Brother K's. How pleasant it is to have a place of solitary
retirement, so seldom enjoyed in the small sod houses of this
frontier country! This afternoon there was a good deal of
excitement in Grand Island on the occasion of breaking ground
for a new railroad, the St. Joseph and Grand Island Railroad. It
is now in operation from St. Joseph to Hastings. Grand Island is
beautifully situated on the Union Pacific Railroad and on the north
side of Platte River. It has a bright prospect for a large city and
important railroad center.
=3.= Sabbath. Rainy in A. M., hence no preaching. Spent the day
pleasantly with the kind Kramer family singing and talking on
Scripture.
=5.= Started this beautiful morn to Fillmore County. Took my
dinner and fed Mattie Blaze on Sec. 12, Twp. 9, Range 6 W. Two
miles east is the nicest railroad section I ever saw. I crossed the
South Blue River in a beautiful grove, which was quite green. The
place was so beautiful that I could not resist the temptation to
stop in the shade by the cool stream. I wondered if I should ever
have the pleasure of crossing through this beautiful grove with my
lovely Sadie, who of course is always brought to my mind when I
meet anything that is lovely and beautiful, for she is the fairest
and most lovely piece of God's creation.
Two graceful ducks were swimming in the water. This as well as the
cooing dove near by brought forcibly to my mind my beloved, who is
far away. The dove's cooing was an index to my heart, that longed
to be with her, so dear to me. Even the beautiful stream suggested
to me our two beings that were soon to blend fully into one to
follow on in everlasting love, like two streams of water that
mingle together and flow on in the same channel.
These lines are being penned in this beautiful grove while many
feathered songsters are singing their sweet songs over my head.
Thank God for the beauties of nature and all that they have brought
to my mind.
=6.= Received a letter from Bro. J. A. Shuler, treasurer, with an
order in my favor for fifty dollars. Thank the kind Lord and all
who gave to this fund.
=8.= Came to Indian Creek. Found all well and anxious for my
coming. All seemed faithful.
=10.= Sabbath. Sabbath-school at ten. Preached on Gen. 28:12,13. A
strange brother arose and said he would like to speak a few words.
He remarked that for some time he had been searching for the truth
and the old paths and that he precisely agreed with me that there
is but one church, i. e., the church of God, so named by the mouth
of the Lord, governed alone by the Word of God, including all who
have the Spirit of Christ, by which they are baptized into the
body, the church. The brother talks some to the people and accepted
an invitation to preach in two weeks. Thank God for more laborers
to contend for the truth.
After this went to Indian Creek, where I had the great pleasure of
immersing [names seven persons]. At last baptizing Brother Winters
told me that he had been baptized by his parents when a child,
and now they were dead and gone, and out of respect for them he
would never be baptized again. I told him to read his Bible and
see whether that satisfied the demands of God upon him. I further
reminded him that religion was a personal matter. He acted upon
these suggestions and the result was he was anxious to obey God.
Oh how the commands of God are made void by the traditions of men!
The baptizing was one of great interest. All were happy. Eve, had
a good speaking-meeting. Some said it was the happiest day of
their lives. Preached on the ordinances and had a heavenly time in
observing them. Bade the brethren and sisters farewell.
=13.= Was to have a breaking bee, but it rained all forenoon. P.
M., worked on my claim. Eve, preached from Acts 20:32. We got lost
going home with Brother Hoffer. Got home by eleven. It was raining
and very dark.
=18.= Went to Seward in the morning. Spent the day preparing for my
journey. Eve, preached in Seward and returned home.
=19.= The happy time has come at last that I start back to my
beloved Sarah. May God's kind care be over me by the way. Took
train at half-past nine at Seward. This is the morning I have been
thinking about so long. The hard labor of another year is over.
Since last July 4 preached one hundred and fifty-five sermons.
=20.= Nebraska City. Visited a beautiful orchard of eighty acres.
Am enjoying my visit much with Bro. John F. Kimmel and family. Took
a pleasant ride.
=21.= Today the Board of Missions meets in Chicago. Wish I could be
there to report in person; but I sent out my report yesterday. At
7:20 P. M. started on my journey. Came via Hamburg, St. Joseph, and
Kansas City, where I arrived at early daylight.
=22.= Took the Missouri Pacific through the State of Missouri.
Train stopped for dinner at Jefferson City. Ran through tunnels,
under rocks. Many places the rocks stood a perpendicular wall
one hundred feet on one side of the cars and on the other the
Missouri River. Missouri in some parts seems to be a beautiful
State; but taking it altogether it falls far short of Nebraska as
an agricultural state. It is rather rough. Had three fourths of an
hour in St. Louis. Purchased a suit for thirty-five dollars, also
a small present for my beloved Sarah, a collar, $1.50, and cravat,
$1.50. Took train on Toledo, Wabash, and Western at 7 P. M. Crossed
the Mississippi on a transfer boat near the great iron bridge,
which is a wonderful structure. Took sleeping-car and lay down with
a heart full of gratitude to God for his protection through the
dangers of the day and humbly entreating his care through the night.
=23.= Reached Fort Wayne at 7 A. M. Staid over till 12:30 P. M.
Then came on with a light heart. Arrived at Upper Sandusky at 4:50
P. M. Rode out to Brother Keller's with Brother Hoffman. And now
the long contemplated time of meeting my beloved Sarah has come
at last. Thank the kind Lord for his care and protection over us
through these eleven long months that we have been so far, far
apart.
This eve went to see Father Shriner, who is nearing the other shore
to dwell with the spirits made perfect. Had a season of prayer.
Returned with Brother Keller.
=25.= Father Shriner died at 4 A. M. yesterday, and at 11 A. M.
today Brother Small preached the funeral, followed by Brother
Updike and me. It was a very large funeral. Father S. was an
upright and godly man, firmly devoted to truth and right. Well do
I remember words that fell from his lips some four years ago when,
during his report, he remarked: "Brethren, I have always tried to
maintain a ministerial character." These words, backed up by his
exemplary life, had a great meaning and made a deep impression on
my mind. They inspired me with new determination to live out the
same character by the grace of God.
=26.= Spent the day pleasantly at Brother Keller's. Oh, how happy I
am to have the blessed company of my dearly beloved Sadie! Surely I
should be a happy and grateful man, having such a rich treasure.
=28.= Took train for Crestline, where I am now writing these lines,
waiting for the train to Shelby. But here it comes! Twelve o'clock,
aboard the train. Oh, how convenient to the great cause of God is
the railroad! Reached Daniel Baker's, at Shelby, at 1 P. M. We were
happy to meet again.
Nearly one year has passed since my last visit here in company with
Bro. J. L. Jenner, who is now in eternity. Poor fellow, he became
insane last April and on the 25th cut his throat and abdomen,
from the effects of which he died some days later. From the best
information I could get his mind was overcome by an unwillingness
to preach the whole gospel of God, through a desire to gain the
applause of man. As ministers of God we should take warning and
fill our high calling in the fear of God.
=29.= Came to W. Auburn, where I met many of the dear brethren
beloved as children. Preached from Psa. 144:15. How happy and
grateful I am to meet with these beloved people!
=30.= This morn I went up into my old room at Bro. Peter Wright's
and looked over all my mementos of my dear departed companion and
sonny.
=31.= Sabbath. Had a good speaking-meeting. Preached on the signs
of the coming of Christ. The house was crowded. Eve, Brother
Awkerman preached on the ordinances, after which we had a happy
time in obeying them. Human language can not express my joy.
=June 3, 1874.= Yesterday and today the women were busily engaged
in preparations for our wedding.
=4.= This is the happy day to which my mind has so often soared
ahead of time to embrace in sweet anticipation. Thank God that the
onward flight of time has brought the day in which my angel Sarah
and I shall be joined in holy wedlock. I was out early to breathe
the balmy air. At the rising of the sun there was a heavy fog which
all disappeared in a very short time, leaving the morning bright
and lovely. All nature seemed cheerful. Never have I heard the
birds sing so sweet and melodious as this morn in the woods over
the way from Father Keller's brick farmer's home. It seemed that
the dear little feathered songsters were congratulating me for the
rich fortune the day brings to me. Went to Upper Sandusky in the
morning. Weather hot. [Here he mentions a list of the guests from
Auburn, Tiffin, and elsewhere.] At four the ceremony was performed,
Brother Burchard officiating. Brother and Sister Tomlinson
groomsman and groomsmaid. All passed off pleasantly. Received many
warm congratulations, after which we proceeded to partake of the
rich preparations in the dining room.
The evening was pleasantly spent sitting in the cool shade on the
east of the house. Now a new leaf is turned, a new era begun, in
the history of my life. O Lord, how can I thank thee enough for the
great gift of my own pure, amiable, fair, and lovely Sarah! May God
assist me to make her life happy as far as it is in the power of
man to do so. God bless our union and make us together happy and
useful.
=5.= This morning still bright and clear. We started for Brother
Wright's. Stopped at noon at Bucyrus. Reached my old home at
W----'s about four. Our arrival was greeted with ringing bells
and cheers from the boys. A rich infare supper was prepared. The
evening was pleasantly spent singing and with music from two
violins by Brothers Alvin Burch and Burchard.
[Illustration: Sarah (Keller) Warner]
=7.= Sabbath. Good speaking-meeting in the grove [near New
Washington]. Preached on baptism. After speaking one hour a
small storm arose, which threw the congregation into confusion. We
dismissed the people to meet at three by the side of the Maumee
River. There being a grove there I proceeded to finish my discourse
and spake about an hour, after which I baptized the following ten
[names omitted]. Eve, I spoke on the washing of the saints' feet,
after which observed the same. This was a good meeting. About a
thousand people were present.
=8.= Took train for Bryan, where we were met by my brother, who
conveyed us to my parents, in Bridgewater township, Williams Co.
Thank God for a safe return to my parents once more.
=11.= Visited Brother Joseph. Eve, we took a walk to a beautiful
cemetery on my brother's place. A new grave was there that awoke a
train of interesting thoughts to my mind. It was the resting-place
of Frances Stocking. She was the object of my affections and
attentions at the time I gave my heart to God (February, 1865).
She was handsome and accomplished, having a very strong mind and
good education. Her father was skeptical, and the dire disease
was transmitted to Frank and I think the whole family. Having
talked matrimony together and supposing she and I had the proper
affections, I supposed it my duty to marry her notwithstanding her
infidelity and her rapidly failing health. Out of sympathy for
her suffering, which she claimed would be removed by marriage, I
pledged her my heart and hand. But I asked to defer our marriage
until I pursued my studies a few years. Ere many months had passed
I began to doubt the existence of the proper elements of union in
our case. I took the matter to the Lord and was soon confirmed
in the belief that our marriage was not ordained of God. Our
attachments grew weaker and soon correspondence ceased and she
became married to a rough young man by the name of Baker. They
moved to the West, ere long parted, and she came back a year ago.
When at home I learned that she was a spiritualist and by spells
was crazy, in which condition she was hurried to the grave, a poor
wreck, morally, mentally, and physically.
=17.= 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
that it was ever my lot to become a Christian! A beautiful house of
worship stands near the place, belonging to the Church of God.
=25.= This is my birthday. Thirty-two years have passed over my
head. How the time has flown! Oh God! blot out of my past years
all that is wrong and help me give all that remain to thee and thy
cause.
=July 8, 1874.= This is my dear Sarah's birthday. She is nineteen
years of age.
=24.= Bro. Lewis Williams took us and our goods to New Washington.
Had a good talk at the depot with Brother A----. He seemed very
much dissatisfied with my having organized a church in Upper
Sandusky. Intimated that it would make me trouble. Oh that God
would save his preachers from envy and vindictive cruelty in biting
and devouring each other! Whatever the Eldership may do in my case,
I am certain that I did what I have done through pure motives to
the glory of God, for the good of his cause, and I believe with his
approbation.
=30.= This morn went to West Unity, thence to Father John Kerr's
in Fulton County. Eve, went to prayer-meeting. Heard a good number
of my scholars testify for Jesus, thank God. Meeting was led by
Bro. G. W. Dustin, who is a noble young man. Since he attended my
school, I have felt impressed that God desired to make a minister
out of him. I pray that God may lead him into all truth.
=August 11, 1874.= Father, Mother and Brother Joseph brought us
to Bryan. Bade farewell to the friends once again. Reached Goshen
about four. Found Mr. Guiss, my brother-in-law. Reached his home in
New Paris about dusk. My sister's health is poor.
=15.= Preached in New Paris from Matt. 24:3. Four young brethren
and two sisters were there from Syracuse.
=16.= Brother Keller came after us early this morning to convey
us out to Syracuse, where I preached at 10:30 A. M.; Psa. 144:15.
Went home with Charles Strombeck, whose companion is sick. Prayed
for her. She seemed strengthened. Four brethren each put a dollar
into my hand. Returned to town. Eve, preached on Ezek. 43:10,11.
Diagramed on the board. House full. A collection was taken up for
me. Never did I find such overabundant kind and benevolent people.
They seem as near to me as though I had preached for years in their
midst. God will surely bless them and greatly reward their kind
liberality.
=17.= Took train at 10:20 A. M., reached Elkhart at eleven, laid
over until 4:13 P. M. Reached Chicago 8 P. M.; Brother Shoemaker
met us at the train and conducted us to his house.
=18.= In company with Brother S., visited the scene of the late
fire. Visited the great water-works, also the exposition building,
the largest building I was ever in. Walked through the tunnel and
visited the Union, Michigan, and Jefferson Parks, where was much of
interest. Traveled by street-car and on foot about ten miles. Took
train on the Burlington at 10 P. M.
=19.= Reached Red Oak, Iowa, 7 P. M. Put up at the Tremont House.
A lady was shot in the place tonight by one whom she had opposed
as a suitor for her daughter. Four balls were fired, some of which
took effect in the neck. She may possibly recover. The assassin was
arrested and confined.
=20.= Took train for Nebraska City. Western Iowa is beautiful;
Sarah much admires it. Reached the Missouri River at ten, and
Brother Kimmel's in Nebraska City at eleven. Took train for
Seward. The country looks beautiful. One thing strikes the mind as
different from Iowa and Illinois, and that is the great abundance
of wheat on this side of the Missouri River. Corn is raised in
abundance in those States; but little proportionately is raised
here, and will be almost an entire failure this year owing to the
drought and grasshoppers. As soon as we crossed the Missouri we
landed among swarms of those insects. Landed safely at Seward at 10
P. M. Thank God for his kind care over us, permitting us safely to
return to my field of labor.
=21.= This morning Sarah and I walked over the prairie two miles to
Bro. William Anderson's.
=22.= P. M., we went out to visit a colony of prairie-dogs. Eve,
preached from 2 Pet. 1:3.
=24.= Went to Seward, Wife and I and Bro. J. W. K----. He leaves on
the train this morn for Ohio to take a wife, a dear sister, Eliza
T----, who was converted under my labors and is a special friend
of mine. About a year ago I introduced them to each other, since
which time they have corresponded and now have pledged themselves
to live in unison for life. I pray God that their union may result
in unbroken happiness and usefulness.
=26.= Wife and I came to Polk County. Wife is pleased with the
home, but fears we shall not be able to build. I pray God he may
send help from some source.
=29.= Drove about twenty-three miles, to Fillmore. Preached in the
old sod schoolhouse. The brethren and sisters were glad to see
me, as I also was to see them. Brother Grigg has been preaching
for them during my absence. He does well and is sound in the
Scriptures. I am glad that I found him out before I left.
=31.= At 3 P. M. started for Seward County, thirty-eight miles. At
sunset stopped and ate our supper by the way. Turned out Mattie
Blaze to pick grass. Then came on. The curtains of night were
soon thrown about us. It was cloudy, and not being able to see my
guiding stars we lost our way. When I discovered the north star we
traveled some distance by it with no road at all. We went several
miles out of our way and landed at Bro. J. Anderson's after twelve.
=Sept 4, 1874.= Drove twenty-six miles to Polk County.
=5.= Went over to our house and found our goods; Brother Fox had
brought them from Seward. Found everything all right. Read in the
Testament. Finished it today. Had finished and re-commenced it
last Thanksgiving Day. Oh, that I had more time, and would better
improve in the future what I have, to read the precious Bible!
=10.= Started to York Center. Rained. Turned in to Bro. Samuel
Marble's. No one at home. Soon he came. Left us in search of his
wife. Did not find her till between three and four. We spent the
time pleasantly in his old dugout. Instead of being lonesome it
was pleasant to be found alone--even in an old wet dugout and on a
dreary day. It appeared like a small taste of the bliss that a home
of our own would yield us. The greatest difficulty was something to
eat. Plums were plentiful, else we could find nothing. When they
returned they felt very bad that they happened to be away from
home. They spared no pains to make us welcome and comfortable.
Supper was served, after which the rain and darkening shades of
night prevented our return.
=12.= Sabbath. Started early for Polk County. Received some
letters, one from Father and Mother Keller. All are well but
seem to have no sympathy for us here on the frontier, not even a
disposition to do justice by us. Lord, forgive them. We will suffer
all things for thy sake. O God, my heart is bruised and crushed!
We seem to meet with no sympathy from friends or brethren. Many
have grown cold. Brothers H---- and O---- would not go to meeting.
Went on to the Bense Schoolhouse. Preaching time, but no one there.
Two neighbors came, no member of the Church of God. O Lord, the
waves are rolling over me! All things against us. Some are offended
because we will not recognize the devil's secret gods with which
they have been polluted. Others are backslidden. Lord, the troubles
of my heart are enlarged! It is more than I can bear. I can not
restrain my grief for the desolation of Zion. The people are now
gathering, but my tears prevent the reading of a hymn. Companion
and a few brothers and sisters shed their tears with me.
=14.= Wrote for Advocate.
=15.= Sister Berry, Sarah, and I went to Lincoln Creek. Got tub of
plums.
=18.= Tried to get lumber on time, but could not. Felt very much
cast down. No money yet from the Board. Friends in the East have
no sympathy for us. Brethren here have no means. Winter is coming
on soon and no home for my dear Sarah and me! With a heavy heart
we started out to Bro. J. H. Anderson's. Heard he was not at home.
Went on to Brother Green's. As soon as he found I could not build
they kindly invited us to move into their north room, which is a
pleasant room with bed-room above and cellar privileges. Thanks be
unto God! Behind a frowning providence, he hides a smiling face.
=19.= Sabbath. Eve, preached at the Osborne Schoolhouse, up Lincoln
Creek, a new point. Stayed at Mr. O----'s, who is a Campbellite.
Had some talk, but a few Scriptures silenced his doctrine.
=20.= Gathered some grapes for Sarah. Came home to Brother Green's.
=21.= Sarah and I went to Polk County.
=22.= Spent in our house preparing to take things back to Brother
Green's, Seward County. Sarah and I slept in our house all night.
=23.= Staid all day again at house. Bro. J. W. Figard came to take
our things.
=27.= Came to Seward County, Brother Green's. Stopped at noon in
the timber of the Blue River.
=Oct. 1, 1874.= Eldership meets in West Ohio. May God bless their
deliberations. Worked till noon. At 3:15 P. M. started for York
County, twenty-six miles. Could not reach it. Stopped at Brother
Everett's.
=3.= About this time the West Ohio Eldership has passed through
another session. I now begin another year's work.
=5.= Drove home. Found my dear companion well. How happy we are to
be alone this eve in our little home! How sweet the home where love
reigns! Oh the love that unites our hearts! How pure and strong,
and still increasing! How happy I am! How blessed and favored!
=6.= Worked at cupboard and helped my dear wash.
=7.= Provided and arranged things for wife. Dear creature wept this
morn that I had to be away again so soon and long.
=9.= Came to Brother Berry's [Polk County]. P. M., in my house.
Wrote some letters. Preached in the Bense Schoolhouse, 2 Pet.
2:11-14. Staid in my house tonight.
=10.= Visited and talked with nearly all the members of the church.
Many are cold and indifferent. Many have strife and bickerings. Oh
shame! Great God, save this church, of whose piety and devotion I
have so often boasted. Some are spiteful at me because I touched
the god of this world. Brother Mc---- raved and foamed over at me.
God pity and forgive the poor graceless man. Thank God for grace to
endure unruffled his abuse. Staid all night in my house.
=12.= Started for home, anxious to see my blessed wife. This is
the longest we have been apart since our marriage--five days. How
long the time seems to me, notwithstanding I have been very busy!
How lonely she must be! God bless her. Came by way of Seward. Dear
Sarah had been way out on the prairie waiting for me.
=20.= Started for the Oliver Schoolhouse, about twelve and one half
miles to the northwest. Dear wife felt so bad to see me leave. The
dear creature wept bitterly. Oh, how it pained my heart to leave
her feeling so sad! Green's folks were absent, which made it more
lonely. O God, must I tear myself away from the dear wife bathed in
tears? But 'tis the cause of Christ and I must go. O Lord, comfort
her loving heart.
=24.= Started for Fillmore County. Drove against a very heavy wind.
=25.= Sabbath. At 11 A. M. preached, Psa. 48:14. The old sod was
full of hearers.
=26.= Drove to Brothers ... and gathered quite a good load of
vegetables and feed that these good brethren gave us. Came to
Brother Weeter's, where the donation was increased and Brother W.
having business at Seward hauled it over for us. God bless these
kind people. I fed and ate my dinner on the Blue River. Reached
home 3 P. M., found dear wife well.
=31.= Spent the day at Brothers M---- and B----'s. Busy studying
sermon. Eve, preached on Isa. 9:6,7. Studied till twelve at night
on sermon for Sabbath eve.
=Nov. 1, 1874.= Sabbath. This morn arose early and prepared a
sermon on the subject of the Sabbath.
=2.= At three started home. Arrived at dark. Dear wife was very
lonesome and almost despaired of my coming home that day. Thank
God, we are blessed with a home and a thousand domestic comforts.
Oh what a blessing is home when illuminated with the pure love of
an affectionate companion!
=3.= Went to Seward, where were two barrels of apples sent to me by
a kind friend in Ohio. May the Lord bless his soul and reward him.
He not only donated the apples but paid one dollar for the barrels
and $1.25 freight to Chicago. The cost here was $4.20. Not having
the money to lift them we let Brother Anderson have one barrel to
lift them for us.
=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.
=27.= Sabbath. I preached about two hours on the immortality of
man. Read twenty-three Scriptures speaking of the Spirit and
twelve of the soul, all positively declaring the spirituality of
man's nature. Also several places proving that the soul came forth
from the body at death and is as much more important than the
body as the man is than the tent in which he lives. Proved also
the conscious existence of a soul in an intermediate state. When
through, Mr. K----, a poor silly Adventist, harangued some moments.
How confused the wretched Adventist doctrine!
=Jan. 1, 1875.= Another year has rolled into eternity. God is still
favoring us with his kind care and preservation. Oh, how many
souls are in eternity today who with light hearts enjoyed friendly
greetings and sumptuous festivities a year ago today! Some, alas,
we fear, have been "cut down out of time," who had no Christ in
the soul. Oh, what a mockery are all the pleasures of the wicked!
True and warm hearts wished them a happy New Year one year ago
today; but alas, their sins have made it the year of their doom to
eternal misery. O God! give us grace to enable us to spend our
years to thy glory. Companion and I spent the day very pleasantly
in Seward with.... The two ladies are sisters, and old friends and
acquaintances of Ohio. They had a sumptuous feast. We sang a few
hymns, read a chapter, and knelt in prayer to our Father in heaven.
Then came home.
=2.= Took Sarah to Brother Anderson's and started to visit the
church in Fillmore County, a distance of about thirty miles.
Stopped in Nickleville and fed Mattie Blaze. Warmed and ate my
dinner in a store. Reached Brother Weeter's a little after dark.
The brother was gone and I was so cold I could hardly put my pony
away. Sister W. soon got me some supper, and after eating hastily
I set out afoot one and one half miles to the schoolhouse. Found
three brethren there. No light. Gave them a short discourse from
Heb. 10:35.
=3.= Sabbath. Some brethren tried for two hours to get the old
sod schoolhouse warm, but the stove was so poor they failed. They
then came up to Brother Horton's, where I spoke to a little band
of brethren and sisters from Heb. 9:16,17. Started for Brother
Moffitt's. Quite cold and stormy. Stopped at Bro. P. H. Griggs.
Talked till a late hour on Scripture. The brother is troubled with
the no-organization doctrine advocated by Johnson, editor of the
Stumbling Stone. The brother confessed that elders and deacons are
authorized in the New Testament as the completion of the local
organizations, and in short the polity of the Church of God is
Bible.
=5.= Went to Seward. Got coal and a box sent by Father and Mother
Keller.
=7.= Helped Wife wash. Read Moral Philosophy.
=8.= Made apple butter of the frozen apples in the box sent by
father-in-law.
=9.= Very stormy and cold. Improved the time in mental and
religious improvement.
=10.= Sabbath. Strange to find myself at home with no appointment.
Meditated what to do. Having appointments here a week from today,
I concluded not to go this week to York County, but hoping we
would be favored with good weather I dispatched Brother Green
to circulate appointments for tonight and during the week at
Occidental. Eve, pretty good turnout.
=18.= Helped Wife wash. Read and wrote. Devotion was sweet and
precious this morn.
=19.= At 12:45 P. M. started for York County, about twenty-six
miles. Reached destination at 6 P. M. Small turnout.
=21.= This morn realized a precious nearness of Christ in family
worship. Spent two hours in private room reading Testament and in
prayer and meditation. It was a precious season.
=25.= Praise God for the great triumphs in his cause! I am spending
many hours on my knees praising God and imploring mercy for
sinners. What a glorious work!
=27.= Started for home. Dear Wife was much cast down owing to my
stay being longer than I had intended. Dear affectionate creature!
My absence seems to rob her of all the happiness of life. It would
be none the less the case with me were it not for the absorbing
cause of God during my absence.
=29.= Strong wind from the west, and not feeling well I did not go
to York County. Read and wrote.
=30.= Quite stormy. Can not go to the meeting today. Spent the day
in reading and writing, prayer and meditation.
=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.