The attainment of the experience of perfect holiness led Brother
Warner into a new and enlarged field of ministerial activity. Since
the time had come for a reformation along the line of holiness,
when it was the divine plan that the subject be made prominent, we
should expect Brother Warner, as one of God's ministers, to make
sanctification his principal theme and at once to begin preaching it.
He began writing articles on sanctification for the Church Advocate,
the denominational organ. Also he began writing with a view of
publishing a tract or booklet on the subject of sanctification. He
was thus placed in a new field, with a new issue to defend. New lines
were drawn in his ministerial relations, as there was opposition from
many along a line that had not existed before.[7]
As his diary covers the events of his life at this point we will let
him again speak for himself. The reader will remember, of course,
that these are but selections, as he wrote something for every day
and the accounts are too full to quote in their entirety. He was at
this time on the Ashland circuit, with his home in the Vermillion
College building, near Hayesville. He had been taking a special
course of study at the College, but as he beheld the need of the
evangelistic field in greater proportion than ever, he felt it his
duty thereafter to give less attention to study and more to his
ministerial calling.
=July 14, 1877.= Wrote, meditated, and prayed most all day with
only the Lord present. Commenced article for the Advocate on
sanctification.
=15.= Quite sick this morn. As the holiness meeting [near Upper
Sandusky] was interrupted by an appointment by a Dunker preacher
this A. M., we all went to Rock Run to hear Brother Smith, but
he absolutely required of me that I preach for him. I was very
weak; but thinking it was of the Lord I committed all to God and
expected his aid. Text: "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all
my holy mountain, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 65). The Lord helped me
to show the dear people some of the Scripture and reasons for the
second work of grace, and that as soon as we merged up into the
holy mountain, love, union, and peace prevailed without alloy. May
God bless the truth. There was great attention. Some questions were
asked at the close of discourse, all pleasantly, however. Oh, that
God would lead the dear people on to perfection!
=20.= The Ohio State Holiness Convention met last night in Marion
on the fair ground. Will continue several days. I should be happy
to attend, but the Spirit seems to direct us to return and lift
up the banner of holiness on our field of labor. Hence we started
this morn for home, the weather pleasant. Having brought feed and
dinner we stopped under a shade tree and ate our dinner and enjoyed
a pleasant rest and communion with God.
=25.= [At Hayesville.] School begins today. Busy at domestic duties.
=26.= Wrote, read, and communed with the Lord.
=27.= Still writing on sanctification. The Lord is giving me much
light. Praise his name! Met with the Excelsior Society. Read a
lecture on pneumatics.
=28.= Finished my second article on sanctification.
=29.= Sabbath. Arose as soon as daylight. Spent some time with the
Lord. Started about seven for Mansfield. Met a few hungry souls.
The Lord wonderfully baptized my soul from the time I entered his
house. Glory! glory! glory! Oceans of love flow through my soul.
Oh, how inexpressibly sweet and joyful! Read part of Acts 21. After
giving myself anew into the hands of God I proceeded to talk from
Acts 21:14. The Lord so greatly led me out on his work =in us= that
I did not get to the last two points, namely, his will done =with
us=, and his will done =by us=. Praise the Lord, he so abundantly
fills my mouth with holiness that I can not get to anything else to
say.
Had a long talk with a sister of the Church of God who was
mortified over my going to the altar to seek sanctification. She
thought I must have been backslidden or something. I told her that
something was wanting, but I knew very well what ailed me. I had
been in need of the sanctifying power of God and, glory to Jesus,
I have found it. She thought that she was fully sanctified when
she was converted. I replied that if that were so her experience
differed from that of the first converts to Christ, as well as that
of the Corinthians, the Ephesians, the Thessalonians, etc. To this
she could make no reply but that it was to be attained by growth,
but I reminded her that God was to do the work.
=Aug. 3, 1877.= This morn went into the Lord's camp. Dr. Steele,
from New York, was reading his interesting Bible lessons, giving
the benefit of the Greek and Dean Alford. Very instructive. Was
happy to meet several brethren of my acquaintance from Crawford
County and elsewhere. Thank God, they are on the holiness line.
=4.= Went out to camp at 5:30 A. M. Prayer-meeting in the
tabernacle. Stayed all day on the ground, or until afternoon
preaching by Brother Rice, who (probably unknown to the Methodist
Episcopal ministers) had his license taken from him two days before
by the Northwest Ohio Conference for preaching holiness. He gave
us a straight, close-hewing sermon on sanctification. He did not
preach holiness for the glory of Methodism, as some others seemed
somewhat inclined to do. Some were much displeased at his exposure
of the opposition to holiness in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Came home this eve. Found dear Wife and child well.
=8.= Sister Ella Snyder called on us. She was visiting at
Brother McKey's, who, by the way, is a strong opposer of entire
sanctification. Ella soon began talking on the subject and talking
somewhat differently from what she did on last Sabbath. We think
it probable that she had just been receiving the teaching of some
one outside of the second work. She treated the subject with much
lightness. Before she left we bowed in prayer, at the close of
which she fell powerless on the floor. I raised her head, asked
her if she was sick. She said not. Looked strange and confounded.
Prayed some and confessed that the hand of God was upon her. Wife
asked her if she was now sanctified. She replied that she knew not
where she was. She grasped my hand very firmly. I raised her up,
asked Sarah to support her; but she would not loosen her hold.
As I endeavored to give her over to Wife, she gripped my hand the
harder. We raised her up but she could not stand. We dropped her
into a rocking-chair and soon kneeled again in prayer. She prayed
constantly to God for a "clean heart," "sanctification," etc. Her
full consciousness had hardly recovered when she said she had to
go, as her party were waiting on her. Sarah accompanied her a piece
and left her looking very solemn. I pray God to lead her to the
cleansing fountain.
=12.= Sabbath. Beautiful morn. Was up early and in counsel with
the Lord. Soon received my text, 1 Thess. 5:24. Observed that this
text forever took away all excuse of inability; that it laid down
a principle which converted all the commands of God into promises;
that every thing unto which the Lord called us he would work in us.
Applying the subject, as the apostle did, to entire sanctification,
I defended the distinct work by experience, reason, and "thus saith
the Lord." The Lord powerfuly blessed the testimony of my dear wife
before preaching, and I believe that seed of truth has been sown in
the hearts of the people. Went home with Bro. Jacob Freed, Brother
and Sister Long, and others. We talked some on holiness. Brother
Long opposed it by denying inherited depravity, which he did after
my discourse today in the pulpit. Much of the afternoon was spent
in the closet and private walks with the Lord. Oh, how much I
prefer the company of the Lord to any other!
=16.= [At Eldership convention. Place not stated.] Met at half-past
eight. Half hour devotion. Topic: Proper Home Influence; Duty of
Parents to Their Children. The Spirit of the Lord deeply impressed
this subject upon the minds of all. Hearts were melted. Tears
flowed for unsaved children of ministers and members. Unconverted
souls and backsliders were deeply affected. The Lord converted the
convention wholly into an effort to save souls. Fervent prayers
were offered, exhortations and tears, invitation hymns were sung
(the organ was forgotten), and all the congregation was deeply
stirred. A few souls arose and asked prayers. The unconverted
children of Brothers ... were especially prayed for. Oh, how I
praised God that the dear brethren were willing to let the Spirit
lead the meeting! The whole forenoon was given to devotion.
=18.= Spent the day in writing, reading, and prayer. P. M., long
talk with Brother Mitchell and Sister Shriner on sanctification.
Brother M. talks reasonably; Sister S. is hostile to the blessed
truth, but of course it is through ignorance. She thought I should
leave the Church of God at once and not destroy it by my doctrine
of holiness, having actual fears of holiness. Oh, I hope and pray
to God to lead my dear brethren on to this heart-perfection. Would
to God they understood this blessed full salvation! Nothing but
wrong notions of perfect holiness or an evil spirit can oppose
entire sanctification, as it does not in the least disturb or
conflict with any doctrine of the church. It allows all that
the Bible or any man attributes to regeneration. Instead of
depreciating, it has greatly magnified justification.
=19.= Sabbath. At ten a funeral procession arrived from Rome,
bringing a sweet little angel form, Bertha Estella Curtis, the only
child of Z. H. Curtis, of Van Wert County. As their parents reside
at Rome, they brought the child back there for burial. Brother
Wilson preached an impressive discourse from Job: "Man that is born
of woman is of few days and full of trouble." We laid the little
form away and tried to comfort the young parents and friends.
Came to Shenandoah. Brother Burchard preached from: "Christ has
left us an example that we should follow his steps." With his usual
earnestness he urged all to live a whole-hearted Christian life. I
wish the dear brother would learn to bring dear souls to the blood
that cleanses from all sin, instead of infusing strength and zeal
to fight inbred corruption. Recently I talked with this brother on
the subject of sanctification. I had a conviction of mind that he
knew something about it. He confessed that after seeking for mercy
for three days the load of guilt and condemnation fell from his
heart and he testified to the pardon of his sins. (This I remember
myself.) But soon he found himself wanting before God. Then began
another struggle for deliverance from something (he knew not what,
as he felt no more guilt) that greatly disturbed his peace and
shut out the smiles of God's face. After one week's prayer, and
dedication of self and all he had to God, he "sank down in all
the depth of humility and nothingness that was possible for him
to conceive of." God wonderfully blessed him with perfect light,
peace, and love. What was this but entire sanctification? But for
want of being better taught he calls this his conversion. Strange
confused theology. The idea of pardon one week before conversion!
I pray God to show this brother his mistake and renew him in the
blessing of perfect holiness.
=21.= Sent out about twenty-five cards of invitation in the mail.
People began to come in to the reunion here at the College.
=22.= College yard filled. Some good speakers, but about all chaff
and vainglory, ministers and lawyers alike using their brains to
evolve some trashy nonsense to tickle the ears of the foolish. I
was quite unwell. Eve, much reduced, but went out to Vermillion,
where I met a few precious souls and preached that men should
"trust in the Lord," and in trying to do so myself I was blessed
with strength to preach about forty minutes.
=26.= Sabbath. The Lord helped me to set forth his great power
to save from all sin in this life. Went home with Bro. David
Donelson's. Conversed on holiness, spent much time in secret
prayer. Was impressed to preach on holiness, yet felt sure that the
church did not want to hear it; but I knew there was some hungry
soul there that did want it.... The church here is quite strong
numerically and there is much good material. Oh, that all these
vessels of the Lord would be purged, sanctified, made fit for the
Master's use, prepared unto every good work! Drove home, arriving
at nearly one o'clock.
=27.= Arose in good time, feeling greatly refreshed in the Lord.
Helped to get ready to go to Shenandoah.
=28.= Sister Shriner is boiling over with railing toward God's
pure little ones. Glory to God! he has "saved me from the strife
of tongues." Christ kept me, in imitation of his own example, from
answering a word. It were folly indeed to try to talk holiness
where there is no appetite but for carnal contention. Thank the
Lord for this wisdom.
=29.= Fasted and prayed today. Father N---- seems very cold and
unsociable toward us. Probably the enemy has put something in his
heart. I sank very deep down in the great ocean of God's love and
goodness this morning. Had inexpressible conceptions of the wonders
of salvation. Visited at Brother Kline's. I spent about all the
time on my knees in prayer, which I love most to do.
=30.= Sold my mare and colt to Mother Wolf for $130.
=Sept. 1, 1877.= Elmer Wolf took me part of the way to Mansfield.
I gave up the faithful Mattie and little Billy to him. Walked a
few miles and was overtaken by a kind man who took me in his buggy
to town. Called at a few places. Spent much of the time in prayer.
Eve, preached the gospel of perfect salvation.
=2.= Met in a holiness prayer-meeting at 5:30 A. M. Took some
breakfast. Stayed much on my knees before God. At 10:30 A. M.
met, and tried to talk to the people from Eph. 3:20. Then we went
to a small stream at the west side of the city and had the happy
privilege of immersing.... They all enjoy entire sanctification.
Never before did I feel the solemnity of the ordinance as now. How
unworthy I regarded myself to imitate my blessed Master, especially
in immersing those whom he had led far out into the ocean of his
perfect love! We sang a hymn, then knelt down upon the green sod
and called upon the Lord, who was so very sensibly near to us.
The day had been very dark and dreary, the sun not having shone
through the clouds since early morn. But now the gentle hand of God
brushed the clouds aside and sent down upon us the most glorious
and brilliant streams of light that I ever witnessed. Sister F----
was the last of the three. She has been walking with God upon the
strait highway of holiness for some years and her whole life is
swallowed up in God alone. Though the sun was shining brilliantly,
yet as she arose from the water I was impressed that a light shone
upon us "above the brightness of the sun." She stood calmly gazing
upward for a moment, with the light of God beaming from her face.
I gave way to the impression that the occasion and circumstances
had made on my mind and spoke of the heavenly light, which I still
supposed was natural; but she afterward informed me that it was
more than sunshine--rays of glory. The whole assembly was awed into
reverence, and a strange feeling of sacredness pervaded all our
minds. How applicable the words of the prophet: "Arise, shine, for
thy light has come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee"!
=3.= Took train for Perryville to begin a holiness meeting at the
Brubaker Bethel. A pretty good crowd assembled. I tried to teach
them their rights in the gospel, taking special pains to admonish
the brethren and sisters not to allow the enemy of their souls to
stir up bitterness and hatred in their hearts against the way of
perfect holiness, assuring them that this way was so hated by the
devil that if possible he would overthrow the best of Christians
and set them foaming and raging mad against the pure in heart and
true holiness. I was surprized to learn that since my last visit
here the enemy had already begun to work, fearing the destruction
of his kingdom.
=6.= Meeting nearly all day. Satan still angry. Small stones were
thrown into the house from the door and windows. Two brethren
ventured to speak. The first took occasion to unload his mind of
many grievous objections and charges against the holiness work, and
sat down much humiliated when he saw that his harsh speeches only
elicited pleasant smiles and kind words from the sanctified. The
second said he did not endorse what his brother had said, but still
could not see this second work. Both asked for "thus saith the
Lord."...
=7.= Fasted and worshiped God all day. Met at 10 A. M. and
continued until 4 P. M. Just before closing we engaged in prayer to
God for my perfect healing. I was wonderfully strengthened both in
body and faith. Walked about one mile over hills to find places for
God's little ones, then drove to Loudonville and Brother L---- and
I ate some refreshment, about 5 P. M., at the baker's, I not having
eaten anything since the day before at noon. Glory to God, I felt
no weakness.
=8.= Drove back to the Ridge. Found God's little ones there at
noon and no food, and no encouragement to go anywhere for dinner.
We sent to Perryville and got some provisions, but before it came
we had begun afternoon meeting, and cared but little for the bread
that perisheth.
=9.= Sabbath. In the saving strength of the Lord, Wife, child,
and I walked to Vermillion. Went the two and one half miles with
scarcely any fatigue. Now began the eruption of a volcano in the
form of a preacher, even my beloved colleague [W. H. Oliver]. The
red-hot lava of scorn, scoff, and persecution, yea, words of slang
fit only for the worldly rabble, poured forth about two hours, all
against those whom the blood had washed whiter than snow. Glory
to God, I only added that I thanked my holy Savior I was counted
worthy to suffer persecution and reproach for his name's sake.
Praise God, he keeps me in a storm as well as in the calm. We came
to Brother Ford's. Sister Ella Snyder came along, and after she
and Sarah had a good talk, we had prayer together, and, praise the
Lord, he sanctified her soul and body.
I came to Hayesville, where an appointment had been announced
for me at 3 P. M. By the help of the Lord I talked from 1 Thess.
5:24. Glory to God, the truth went home to the heart. Rode most
of the way back with Father McQ----. Poor old man tried to pick a
quarrel with me on baptism. I finally calmed his nerves by singing
The Precious Blood Has Reached Me. Shut myself up with God until
meeting. Found the church mostly displeased with the harangue of
the forenoon. Good speaking-meeting. Wife testified boldly to the
second work and admonished the church. Sister Snyder, whom the Lord
smote down in my room some time ago, and who entered into rest this
day, also testified to her entire sanctification. I talked to the
people about twenty minutes from Acts 5:28-39. Oh, how sweetly the
Spirit led me and talked through me! Some shouting.
=10.= My soul was very happy today. It appears that I only begin to
realize the glorious work that God has done for me. I do thank God
for the test of yesterday. O Lord, try me in every way and see if
there is any evil way in me! I do praise the Lord that I can not
feel the slightest ill will in my heart against the persecutor.
May the Lord enlighten, humble, and save him. I suppose he really
thinks like Paul, the persecutor, did, that he is doing God service.
=13.= I walked over to Sister Smith's and called to invite her to
the meeting. Had a season of prayer with her and family. As I was
about to start she asked if I did not wish to sell my buggy. I
told her I did. So she gave me a beast to ride to Shenandoah and
bring the buggy back on my return. Thank the Lord, this is his kind
dealing with me. Eve, abstained from supper, as I commonly do when
I have services. Good full house. Delivered my farewell discourse
to the people of Shenandoah. Acts 20. Brother Oliver was present,
and was so much annoyed when I addressed the few little ones whom
the Lord has perfected in love that he could not compose himself
and sit in one position three seconds. God pity any one thus mad
against the work of God.
=14.= Met a Brother and Sister Daily, from Morrow County. I
enquired of that country as a missionary field and heard of some
destitute localities, where the Lord may send me to win souls for
Jesus. Came to Shenandoah, thence to Brother M. Bell's, south of
town. Visited until 5 P. M. Poor man thinks it impossible to get
rid of the Adamic nature while we live. So "because of unbelief
they entered not in." Had a season of prayer with the family and
twice interviewed the Lord in the pleasant woods near by. Glory to
Jesus, he is near, yea, reigning in me most preciously today. Came
over to Paul's. Found that they had been in expectation of me all
day. Prayed with and encouraged them to stedfastness.
=15.= Ate some breakfast this morn with the design of fasting
the rest of the day. Desired much to visit some, but felt the
importance of shutting myself up with the Lord, so I did, and
was greatly blessed. At 2 P. M. we met in the grove and had a
profitable little meeting. Brother Oliver, by my request, again
preached.
=16.= Sabbath. Early this morn I went to the beautiful grove
prepared for services. Spent a long time upon my knees there in
prayer and reading His Word. At ten people convened. Had a good
speaking-meeting. Then Brother Oliver preached on Eph. 3:14,15.
Preached over an hour on Christian union. I am sick of hearing
union thrown at the people with the sling of depravity. Might as
well go into a drove of sheep and expect to get them all into a
solid mass by pounding them around with a club. It can but scatter
more.
I took dinner with Brother and Sister Ferguson on the ground, then
went off into the woods nearly a half mile and stayed with the Lord
alone until 2:30 P. M., the time for preaching. The Spirit directed
me to read and talk upon 1 Corinthians 13. Though I said scarcely
anything but what every true Christian can endorse, yet Brother
Oliver took occasion to put in about a half hour opposing holiness
as a distinct work of God. Poor soul, he is greatly disturbed with
the subject of perfect love. Went home with Brother and Sister
Tomlinson and Brother and Sister Crum. They were anxious to learn
of the way of holiness. Had prayer together and some supper. I
walked to the Bethel, found it full and Brother Oliver preaching.
Brother O. took me in hand on holiness; asked me many questions,
made grievous charges, and wanted me to leave what he termed "my
theory." Asked me if I was going to continue preaching as I have
for the past months. I told him that I would continue to teach all
the light I had received and as much more as the Lord would give. I
patiently heard his long heckling and thanked him. As he finished
he drew from his pocket a paper and handed it to me. My first
impression was that it was a note that someone had sent to me, but
as soon as I took it I felt the Spirit of God go through my whole
being and I knew that it was something from which God would bring
great good to my soul and his cause. I thanked him and put it in
my pocket. Came to Brother Stoner's and got my beast and buggy and
drove to Brother Wolfe's. Stopping for some things there I took
a moment to read the portentous paper I had received. I read as
follows:
September 15, 1877.
The following charges are preferred against Elder D. S. Warner:
First. For inviting a sect of fanatics calling themselves the Holy
Alliance Band to hold meetings in the local Churches of God without
consulting the elders or trustees or myself.
Second. For joining in with these said band and bidding them God
speed and thereby bringing schism and division among those churches.
Third. For the accommodation of this professed holy band that he
invited to hold a meeting of ten days in the Church of God chapel
in Mansfield. Elder D. S. Warner did on the evening of the 8th
of July in less than one hour hold the ordinances of washing the
saints' feet and the Lord's Supper attended to.
Fourth. For stating publicly in Shenandoah, about the 26th of
August, that he had been preaching his own doctrine prior to
seeking his so called holiness.
W. H. Oliver.
I thanked God and put the paper away without saying a word. Bid
all farewell, including Della Oliver, whom I invited to come and
visit us. I drove to Sister Smith's, twelve miles. The night was
beautiful and light, and my soul was happy. I praised God all the
way and was too happy to sleep when I retired about 12 o'clock. Of
these charges I feel as Joseph told his brethren: "Ye thought evil
in your hearts, but God meant it all for good, for you see how much
people he hath saved from death by the famine."
To the first charge I say: Thank God that calling people hard
names does not make them such, but only shows the depravity of the
accuser. No band was invited, but simply persons from different
localities who enjoyed holiness.
Second. The charge of schism is without the least shadow of
foundation. Through the mercy of God a few souls have been
sanctified from their pride, etc., and qualified to be useful in
the church.
[The answer to the third charge is omitted from the journal.
Perhaps an oversight.]
Fourth. This is a mistake. I simply said that on sanctification I
used to preach what I believed, but now I am able to testify that I
know.
=21.= [At Canton camp-meeting.] A. M., Brother Oliver tried to
preach, being very hoarse. After preaching a brother presented a
call for money for Brother Oliver's horse. I joyfully took a paper
and solicited for him with his paper of charges in my pocket.
Thank God for entire sanctification. P. M., I addressed the people
from 1 Thess. 4:1. By the help of God a portion of the discourse
was given to testifying and teaching entire sanctification. Brother
Petra followed in German with a cross-fire. Brother James followed
him with his mixed talk, part of the time seeming to endorse me
and the other Brother P. Oh, how much waste of time for the want
of seeking a definite experience and then being able to "give the
trumpet a certain sound!" Brother James announced that in the
evening he would preach from, "This is the will of God, even your
sanctification." I prayed God to keep him from opposing the truth
and, thank His name, he talked only to sinners and said little on
the text.
=24.= [Canton camp-meeting.] I thank God that I came to
this meeting. I have never in all my life met so much good,
old-fashioned, plain, humble, Holy Ghost religion. What a
kind-hearted people! God bless them. After long time was spent in
sobs and farewell greetings around a large assembly of people who
were solemnly touched by the deepness of the feeling, we marched
around in single file again singing, "We are traveling to the New
Jerusalem." Then we gathered in front of the stand, and as we stood
singing, the Holy Spirit came upon us and there was wonderful
shouting in the camp by sisters, about all young, single ones, who
were carried entirely off in the Spirit. We did not get away from
the sacred altar until about 2 o'clock at night, so greatly did the
Spirit rest on the camp of the dear saints.
=25.= Arose greatly refreshed. Went to the camp for breakfast once
more, after we all bowed in the tent to worship God. Had a precious
stroll and season of prayer out on the camp-ground. Returning,
met Bro. Milton S----, a very faithful young man. I read in his
face some very unfortunate misgivings, and told him the same, to
his surprize. I gave him nearly an hour's lecture on the evils of
violating and perverting physical laws, also on self-culture and
mental improvement. The dear brother was lost for language to thank
me for the favor. He was wonderfully teachable, and urged me never
to miss an opportunity to instruct and admonish persons in his
condition.
Brother James and I started for Middle Branch, where I had an
appointment. We stopped with Sister Lucy, ate a dish of peaches
and cream, and had a season of prayer. Rather small congregation,
and they rather sleepy from having been up so late last night at
camp-meeting.
On the 27th Brother Warner went to attend the Eldership meeting at
Smithville. He says that on account of insufficient pure air in the
house he did not remain in much of the time. He also says, on the
28th, that "Brother James was taken into the ecclesiastical mill
today." On the third day of the session Brother Warner was called
upon for his report of the year's work. He reported 203 sermons,
68 converts, 66 accessions, 40 immersed. There were 164 members in
good standing, whereas there were 75 when he took charge two years
previous. Proceeding in his journal, for the 29th he says:
Reported that God had fully saved and sanctified me, and that I
was under the necessity to preach that precious truth to the glory
of Jesus; that I desired to cooperate with the Church of God;
could not exchange truth for truth but must walk in all the light
of God. The Holy Spirit rested on me in power, and tears flowed
freely all over the congregation. Praise God for his power and
presence! Brother Oliver then arose and made known to the body that
he had charges against me. The speaker appointed ... a committee
to investigate my case. Brother O. subpenæd a large number of
witnesses, many of whom knew absolutely nothing about the case. I
told the body that I had never informed but three persons about the
charges against me, had asked no witnesses but had committed my
whole case to God; however, if anyone felt directed by the Spirit
to appear in defense of the cause of God and holiness they should
meet with us. We went at once to Brother Z----'s office and began
the investigation.
I felt greatly impressed with the need of prayer and hoped these
dear old saints would not begin such a solemn work without invoking
the Holy Spirit's guidance. But I was disappointed, as they opened
the business at once. Even after investigation began I felt that I
must go to God on my knees; but I did not, as I had no control of
business. Yet I did wrong in not demanding the right of prayer. I
also lost power to conduct myself with that calmness and sweetness
that I had been so ardently wishing from the Lord, though I felt
no such thing as a roiled temper for one second for all the hard
aspersions and carnal accusations thrown at me. Yet I did sometimes
speak when I should have kept silent, as my blessed Master did.
What was my astonishment when Elder O. read letters from Vermillion
and Brubaker's signed by about all the church, charging me with
insanity whenever I touched on sanctification, also with causing
division and schism in the churches and every evil work imaginable!
As I heard the names of the dear brethren read over that were
appended to those letters I had strange feelings. I truly felt
myself in a queer world. Never in my life did my reasoning powers
receive such a dreadful shock. I felt myself sinking, then looked
to Jesus and all was calm and peaceful again. I asked Brother O.
who had got up those letters. "They are headed respectively from
the Vermillion and Brubaker churches to the Eldership, Please tell
the Committee whether the elders have written them or who." Brother
O. looked very much confused and refused to answer. I demanded an
answer. The Committee sustained me. Then with shame and confusion
he confessed that they were both written by him. I told him that it
was all right and thanked him for his trouble.
Brother Roller, elder from Vermillion, who confessed to me that at
the ordinance-meeting he was ashamed of Elder O's two-hour harangue
of abuse against the work of "perfecting the saints," being
present, was then called to the witness-stand. After he stated in
direct examination that I was insane on sanctification, I asked
him to inform the Committee what the manifestations of my insanity
were. He gave the following three points, which I record to his
shame:
First. "You hesitated to proceed to preach once at Vermillion,
stating that you wished to be led by the Spirit in the selection
of a subject and that if the Spirit wished you not to preach you
would read the Word, talk experience, or be silent, as the Spirit
directed."
Second. "You do not act as you used to. At our ordinance-meeting
you sat back, and I believe Brother Oliver had to invite you
forward." Brother O. concurred in this remark. But I then appealed
to them if it was not a fact that I came down from the pulpit
immediately after closing my remarks and led In the preparation and
observance of feet-washing. Then he remarked that it was at the
Brick, on Brother Lynn's charge, and Brother O. was not there at
all, and that it was after feet-washing Brother Lynn stepped to me
and asked me to assist in the Lord's Supper (which was perfectly
proper for me--to wait for an invitation).
Third. "You do not preach as loud on sanctification as you used to
preach, but you are more low and calm."
These were his only reasons for the assertion of my insanity.
Brother Mitchell only stated that some young people asked him "what
ails Brother Warner, he does not preach as heretofore," hence
concluded that I was partly insane. Brother O. said all he could to
taint the character of the holiness workers. Many of his aspersions
were never answered. It is of no use to give particulars, only
this, that I was grateful to God for these fiery ordeals, and
though the Lord kept me from an evil thought, yet I was conscious
of great weakness and must say to my shame that I did not keep
that perfect calmness and sweetness in the midst of the storm of
unexpected accusation. However, I came out with another perfect
evidence that 'the very God of peace had sanctified me wholly.' I
was entirely free from the least hard feelings against any of my
brethren. Glory to God, I felt good toward them all. Looked upon
their efforts to condemn me and the holiness cause as springing
entirely from ignorance, sin within, and a blind zeal to protect
the church. I went to my room a happy soul. Related a few points
of the many wonderful things developed before the committee and
then we concluded that it did not minister grace to talk about
them, hence we had a sweet season of worship and lay down and slept
sweetly until morn.
=30.= Sabbath. Arose early and sought the Lord. Spent about all
my time with God and my Bible until 10 A. M., then went up to the
Bethel to speaking-meeting, and heard Elder T. Hickernel make a
long speech of caution to brethren who seemed to have been flinging
at sanctified ones. He made this sensible remark: "You who claim
to have been fully sanctified at conversion, be careful that you
do not prove your claims false by picking and persecuting those
who have the second experience." At half-past ten went to the
Methodist Episcopal house of worship, where a large congregation
had assembled to hear me speak on perfect holiness. I felt more
like keeping quiet in some small corner. A number of the brethren
were present, some to sit back and try to criticize. Yea, these
were preachers, and about all of them left before the sermon
closed. But there were several others who came to learn and who
gave close attention and were compelled to sanction the truth. The
Lord wonderfully baptized my soul and all the lovers of truth
and holiness. I believe I never before spoke with such power and
liberty. Glory to God, he so freely poured his Spirit upon us
that it filled the whole house. After services. Brother Oliver's
daughter came forward and told us that she enjoyed the blessing of
entire sanctification. She said she was wonderfully strengthened
and wished that her father were fully saved.
We went to Brother Baker's for dinner. Brother Torbet, the
Methodist minister, was also with us. We enjoyed a good season
in reading some good holiness works, such as Dr. Steele's Love
Enthroned, and prayer, then came to meet at the Bethel at 2:30 P.
M. Went to the home of Brother Oliver's daughter. Her father was to
come also, but seeing us go there, or for some other cause, went
elsewhere. The poor woman is very unfortunately married, but Christ
is her only true companion. Eve, Brother Updike preached with all
his might (his usual style) on Christ a teacher. We then observed
the ordinances.
=Oct. 1, 1877.= Committee on my case reported "charges sustained,"
but recommended me favorably to the body for license with this
restriction only, that I do not bring holiness workers or any
outside elements to hold a meeting anywhere in the Churches of
God without their consent. This I readily consented to, as a
meeting thus appointed could do no good, or but little. I also,
unsolicited, apologized for the appointment of some meetings in the
past which to my surprize proved offensive to the churches.
The report was adopted and my license renewed. Thank the Lord!
However, I had perfect peace on the whole matter, and had my
license been withheld I would equally have given God thanks. Glory
to Jesus!
Was out much of the day talking with brethren on perfect love,
etc. The brethren from Stark circuit again called me out and
consulted me about taking their circuit. I told them if they could
stand perfect holiness and all the counsel of God preached, they
might apply for me, and I would leave it all with the Lord and
the Eldership. This eve I gave a concise account of my experience
of justification and sanctification. At a late hour the Eldership
closed with a report of the Stationing Committee. I was assigned
to the Stark circuit, consisting of Canton, New Berlin, Middle
Creek, and Stump's Bethel. Thank the Lord! His ways are not our
ways. I had built much on free missionary work, but he knows best.
I committed it all to him, besought him to prevent my appointment
to a circuit if he did not wish me to take one, even by cutting
off my license if no other way; and now I receive this appointment
of the Lord, and by his blessing and power I hope he will make his
Word to run and be glorified in the salvation of hundreds of souls.
Following this decision of the Stationing Committee, Brother and
Sister Warner had the task of changing their place of abode, which
in their work they had so many times to do. Their belongings were
certainly not many, nevertheless the work of packing and the
obtaining of some means of conveying their goods to the station was
left generally for them to attend to. His literary society about this
time gave an entertainment at the College, but he with Sister Warner
preferred to attend a holiness meeting about four miles distant. Of
this meeting he thus speaks:
=3.= Met Brother Ackers, from Bucyrus, whom I had not met before.
He is a wonderful specimen of God's great salvation, raised from
the delirium tremens to perfect holiness and mighty faith.
=7.= Brother Ackers testified for God that the happiest moment he
ever saw was when he found he had lost all his property and had not
a dollar left, though he had been a wealthy merchant in Bucyrus. I
was led to testify how the Lord had taken me through some storms in
great calmness. Eve, the church and the large schoolhouse on the
same corners were both filled. I delivered a short sermon in the
former on perfection, then went over to the other house and gave an
exhortation to sinners.
Before leaving for Canton, Brother and Sister Warner decided to visit
the latter's former home near Upper Sandusky. From that place he went
to visit his father, at Bridgewater, Williams County.
=11.= This morning arose before daylight, started quite early to
Loudonville. Brother Eyer came to the station and brought a quilt
for us and a small one for Levilla, which the sisters of the
Brubaker Church had got up for us. I spent some hours in packing
things more securely to ship. Took train at 2:16 P. M. for Upper
Sandusky. Reached there after seven. Walked out to Father Keller's.
They had about given me up and were engaged in family worship.
With reverence and admiration I stood at the window and looked in
at that dear, affectionate family, all "made perfect through the
blood of the everlasting covenant," while bowed together in evening
devotion. Father was praying with a beaming face toward me. It
appeared that the whole house was illuminated with the presence
of God. My heart was made to burn with love and the Holy Ghost.
When through with prayer, I entered, and then we had a moment of
joyful greeting in the name of the Lord Jesus. My full heart then
suggested that we bow again in praise and thanksgiving to God,
which we all did. Oh how my poor heart tried to find utterance for
its weight of gratitude to our God of wondrous love and salvation!
Until quite late we talked of the kind dealings of God to our
souls. I praise thee, O my God and Father, that thou hast ever
connected me with this family. Through thy blessings, we have been
wonderful helps to each other.
=13.= I took train at about half-past five for my father's in
Williams County. Lay over about an hour at Toledo. Reached Bryan
about half-past one. Went up in the town and soon found a man by
the name of Faith, who could take me within one and three fourths
miles from Father's. Talked with the poor man about his soul; but
he had taken an oath to stick to the Lutheran Church as long as he
lived, and that oath must be kept if he violates every obligation
to Christ and loses his soul. Called at Brother Dean's. Found the
poor man much cast down over the death of his dear wife. He wept as
I alluded to her. Came on home. Found Father pretty well and happy
to see me.
As I came from Brother Dean's, I passed the old schoolhouse where
I surrendered to Jesus. It is no more used. I revered the sacred
spot. Approached the door and found that it was not locked. I
entered and kneeled as near as I could where I bowed at the altar
a penitent sinner twelve years ago last February. I poured out my
full heart of gratitude to the Father of mercies that he ever sent
his spirit to convict me of my sins and show me my awful doom if I
continued in sin. I truly thanked God that he had there prevailed
upon me to repent of all my sin. I praised the great Shepherd of my
soul that his grace had kept me those years from the power of an
enraged foe. My thanks ascended to God for all the good he had done
through this lump of unworthy clay. There I reconsecrated to God,
after a careful examination of myself before him.
After some talk with Father, we bowed down together and I
earnestly prayed God to save my poor father from the dreadful end
of the wicked. For some time I have been unusually burdened in
heart for my poor old father. I trust God in his infinite mercy
will yet save him ere he goes to his long home. Before retiring, in
my bedchamber I continued long in prayer with my blessed Savior.
=14.= Sabbath. Bro. Joseph Neil and I went to Madison Bethel,
where Brother Coblen (recently from the German Baptists) had an
appointment to preach. Brother C. spoke about thirty minutes on
Heb. 2:2. Did well. I then talked over thirty minutes, mostly on
the perfect escape from sin.
The church here are living in a high state of justification and
spirituality. They all sanctioned entire sanctification. We then
had a good speaking-meeting, when some of them acknowledged their
need of full salvation. Oh, what a pity this church could not
be led into the blessed land of perfect rest! But perhaps the
next preacher that comes along will try to turn them against the
truth. What a dreadful thing is an unsanctified minister! O Lord!
make haste to "purge the sons of Levi." Took dinner with Brother
Troxel. As soon as we arrived, Brother Neil began to entertain
some young people on the porch with stories, while the disgraceful
pipe protruded from his unsanctified lips. I withdrew at once to
the room, read a few chapters, then to the bedroom and communed
with my God until dinner was about ready. After eating, the pipe
presented itself again. The Lord led me to rebuke such filthiness
of the flesh. I told them that the use of tobacco was positively
a sin: First, because it was the gratification of an unnatural
and unholy appetite; second, it was offensive to all who were
not therewith corrupted; third, it was a sinful appropriation of
the Lord's means; fourth, it disqualified for refined and pure
society by its extreme filthiness. Brother Neil then hitched up
his beast, drove to the front, and called for me. I told him
to come in. I read a portion of God's Word and then engaged in
prayer. The Spirit led me into some very solemn requests for my
brethren, and I trust they will hereafter have a more sacred
conception of what it is to be holy in life, heart, and "all manner
of conversation." Came to Father's. Had a long season of prayer
in the chamber where I dwelt so much with God at the beginning of
my ministration of the Word. Then for exercise and meditation I
chose to walk to the meeting-house, about one and one half miles.
The house was densely crowded. I was astonished that the word had
spread so rapidly to such a great distance in every direction.
The Lord gave me glorious liberty and power. 1 Thess. 4:1. Touched
on sanctification, and I saw in a moment that I had some hearers
who were in the land and others seeking the crossing, all members
of the Church of God. The Lord gave me a very solemn appeal to the
sinner. Many wept. My father was greatly melted down.
=15.= Father and I drove to Brother Joseph's. I walked to the
cemetery and communed with God beside the grave of my beloved and
revered mother. I knelt down there and thanked God for having been
brought into the world by such a pure and beloved mother; for her
tender and never-failing care for me when in sickly childhood and
youth; for the hallowed influence of her constant life of love
and patience and humble trust in God in the midst of constant
wickedness in this world; for her triumphant death and the hope of
meeting her in heaven. Though I began in secret I soon forgot my
surroundings and called loudly upon my blessed Jesus, not only in
thanksgiving, but for the salvation of Father, Brother and friends.
=16.= Arose early. Communed with the Lord. Bathed, as my custom is
each alternate morning. Read a little tract on Joshua's stopping
the sun and moon, written by D. M. Bennett. While reading the
little bit of corruption the Lord gave me wonderful light to expose
it to my father. These facts flashed across my mind: 1. The world
was lost in ignorance of God and debased in sin. 2. The first thing
necessary in human salvation was for God to make man sensible of
His existence and power. 3. He had to take mankind in the condition
sin had placed him. 4. Man, possessing very little mental and less
moral elevation and energy, would not have been impressed with
awe and reverence before God had he manifested his perfections of
wisdom and holiness, any more than a base society would entertain
peculiar respect for a man who appeared among them with superior
intellect and morals. 5. As man's chief ideal of greatness
consisted in valor, heroism, and physical achievements, it is a
fact that on this low plane only could man be led to recognize the
true greatness and actual existence of God, by the manifestations
of his power in the manner he used in destroying those idolatrous
nations.
P. M., Father and I drove to Montpelier on a little business.
Father gave me five dollars, and one dollar in silver for Levilla.
He also gave me a small package of some of my revered mother's
clothes. How blessed her memory! Eve, Mr. Frisby (married to
my niece), my brother, and a large wagon-load accompanied me to
Madison, where I spoke to a full house. About the whole church
received the light of holiness.
On the 19th he took train on his journey toward Canton. He stopped at
Loudonville and visited the church. Arrived at Canton on the 20th and
proceeded immediately to visit congregations on the circuit. Sister
Warner and child arrived on the 23d. The search for a house in which
to live extended over a period of several days. There were good,
faithful brethren who assisted them with provisions, but yet to a
considerable extent they were left to provide the necessaries of life
themselves. Of his effort to procure wood and hay we observe, for
November 6:
Cold. Snowed some last night for the first. Went to hunt wood and
hay. Found no wood or hay to spare. It seems hard that a poor
messenger of God must expose himself to drive about sixteen miles
through mud and very raw air to hunt those necessaries. It seems a
light thing nowadays to sow to the people spiritual things, but a
heavy thing to reap a few temporal things, even when we try to live
more simple and cheap than our poor. Oh, how good it would have
been for me to have had this day in the warm with the Lord in my
library! But glory to Jesus, we still joy in sustaining sacrifice
for his sake and feel content with our lot. Only, dear Lord, give
us a good supply of the spirit of love, zeal, wisdom, and power.
Meetings in town were held from house to house until a permanent
place of worship could be opened. It was not long, however, until
they both felt the Lord leading them to resign the circuit. Brother
Warner had accepted with submission and good grace the charge given
him (which, after all, was of man's appointment), but as a preacher
of holiness with an ever increasing interest in a wider field, he
doubtless felt that God wanted him to be free to go and do as the
Spirit directed. The following is his entry for November 23:
This morn before daylight, when having morning devotion, the Spirit
of God spoke to both Sarah and me to fast today. Thank God for such
a precious Leader. Who would not obey such a wise Counselor? Spent
most of the day in reading the Word, singing, and prayer. At ten
A. M. we were both before the Lord in silent prayer when we were
both directed by the Spirit to resign this circuit. Still on our
knees, we made known the orders received. We could but say amen,
and the refreshings from the presence of the Lord came upon our
hungry souls. We engaged in prayer and praise, when I was directed
to proceed at once to write my resignation.
This tried me, as I had never before been thrown among such very
kind brethren and sisters. It seemed hard that I must throw up
the circuit without as much as consulting them. But we dared not
disobey God, as some hesitancy to obey in the past had cost me
much power and sweet rest in God. Praise God, our hearts were much
lightened and we felt that we had now got back at the beginning of
the highway of holiness, which we had to some extent missed. We
could now sing, "He leadeth us." Eve, went up to the office and
received a card earnestly calling for our services at Columbiana.
Of this call I had an impression before I went to the office, and
believe it of the Lord. Glory to God! My way has been hedged up
ever since we came on the circuit.
At Columbiana he found a number whose hearts were open to
sanctification. His work there resulted in ten persons receiving the
experience and one sinner being converted. Returning to his house in
Canton on December 6, he became impressed with the idea of writing
out in somewhat itemized form the solemn covenant that constituted
his consecration to God.
=8.= I fasted today. Remained up with the Lord until after
11 o'clock at night. I was led by the Spirit to a deep
self-examination. I found myself utterly nothing in the sight of
God. I read with great interest the experience of Bro. R. Yeakel,
in the Living Epistles of 1873. As I read over the solemn written
covenant that this holy man entered into with God, I was much
impressed to do likewise, but feared that my impressions came from
a wish to imitate one of God's holy men rather than to follow the
Spirit.
Went to the office this eve and received a letter from Brother
Chambers, chairman of the Ohio Holiness Alliance. As soon as I saw
his name on the envelope the conviction of last Sabbath that I
should give myself up to be a holiness evangelist came strongly to
my mind, and as I walked home I promised God that I would not lie
down until I had reported myself to Brother Chambers for this work.
The Lord helped me to do so, and as I wrote down my convictions and
surrendered to the Lord, the Holy Ghost graciously fell upon my
soul.
=13.= The day was mild and fair. Took a walk in the woods to
commune with God. Thought much of the words of God, "I will make a
new covenant with the house of Israel" (Jer. 31:31). In Hebrews 8
and 10 I read that this covenant related to the new dispensation,
and the apostle, in Hebrews 10, actually connects it with
sanctification. I felt like entering more personally and formally
into this covenant with the Almighty. But I thought, Can such a
worm enter into an everlasting covenant with the Holy God of the
universe? God makes the proposition, and with solemn reverence I
venture to step out upon it. And this I do in the name of the Lord
Jesus, my only righteousness.
A covenant is an agreement of two parties in which both voluntarily
bind themselves to fill certain conditions and receive certain
benefits. God is the party of the first part of the contract, and
has bound himself.
1. "I will put my laws into their minds and write them in their
hearts."