BRO. FORNEY:--I wish to give the brethren at large some information concerning the work of the Lord with us. In my last article, containing a report of the meeting held at Union Bethel, I forgot to acknowledge the kind assistance of Brother M. C. Mowen and A. Resh.

      My second meeting was held with the Church at Hopewell. Here I also had the assistance of Brother A. Resh. At this place there is a well-tried and faithful band of brethren. May then ever stand firm upon "the pillar and ground of the truth," amidst the assaults of sectarianism. The meeting continued two weeks. There were a few conversions, and the brethren were revived.

      The third meeting on the work was held with the Church near West Liberty. Here I found a few faithful brothers and sisters composing the Church of God in the midst of elements quite unfavorable for Church upbuilding. With the able assistance of Bro. L. Ensminger, and a few sermons from Brother J. L. Yenner, Fathers Landis and Shriner, we continued the meeting for three weeks. Four professed conversion, and four were added to the Church. A certain professor, in that place, I am informed, while listening to the word of God concerning "the faith once delivered to the saints," expressed a wish to have been two miles away. I awfully fear that all such lovers of error and haters of truth will wish themselves more than two miles away from the bar of God when they come to be judged by the word of God.

      After closing this meeting I felt a great longing to visit my friends and brethren in Williams county, Ohio. I felt myself in great need of rest. The meeting, too, where my friends reside, I received word had closed. Yet the Spirit said, Go without delay. Go I must. And visiting certain points, requiring nearly two days' riding over rough roads, and spending nearly a whole night on the cars, then walking nine miles in the morning, I reached my father-in-law's, nearly overcome with fatigue. Here I met my companion, who had been with her parents during most of the winter. Hearing that the meeting was still progressing at my father's, I soon forgot all my infirmities. I must be there to-night. For some weeks I had had more than ordinary anxiety for the salvation of my friends, and now I had good hopes for their conversion. With father-in-law in a buggy the ten miles were soon passed over, and I was permitted to greet my aged father and mother once more on earth; also an only sister, who had recently embraced religion. The hour for meeting soon arrived. O, how I longed for the courts of the Lord's house. In that old school house six years ago I gave myself to Jesus. It is near my heart, and nearer yet are those kind brethren who offered up their prayers for me when laden with sin I bowed at a throne of grace. Here now we are permitted to meet again. Here too I met my young brother in the ministry, J. V. Updike, who is only known to be loved. What a gratification to see the zeal and proficiency of this young brother, who I had often tried to encourage in the dark hours of temptation, when Satan tried hard to close his lips and tie his hands from the work of the Lord. I fear that the Church suffers the loss of many gospel workers for the want of proper encouragements during the fiery trials that usually accompany a call to the ministry. Be careful, dear brethren, that this sin lie not at your door. I was glad to see my spiritual fathers, H. Prisler and James Niel. Lewis Niel, a son of Elder James Niel, is greatly moved upon to preach the gospel. I pray God that he may be obedient to the heavenly call. During my short stay with these kind brethren I had the consolation of seeing some of my old associates, and my brother and his wife converted to God. It was a glorious time for me. I felt something like good old David when he said, "O, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together." With a good degree of satisfaction I could then return to my field of labor, willing to pray six years more, or while I live, for the remainder of my friends, and for poor sinners everywhere. I will soon give further account of the work with us.

[The Church Advocate 35 (April 12, 1871): 2.]

      Daniel S. Warner's "Revival News" was first published in The Church Advocate, Vol. 35, No. 50 (April 12, 1871), p. 2. The electronic version has been transcribed from a copy of the article provided by Jean Leathers, Archivist of the Churches of God Historical Society.

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 6 April 1999.
Updated 15 July 2003.