We shall quote freely from his diary, as his experience at this time is best expressed by his own words.
April 13, 1877. Had much talk with Brother Dunbar on sanctification. I have always believed in a full salvation, and agree that it is usually obtained after the justified state. This was my experience as well as that of all advocates of holiness; but I was inclined to attribute the deficiency of the justified state to infantile weakness, which through outward sinful influence, was not able to carry out the pure nature fully in practise. But he and all sanctificationists attribute it to the remaining depravity of nature.
16. Since I arose this morning my constant prayer to God has been that he will lead me in all things. I pray God to take me like an old sack and shake me until entirely empty, and then fill me with the fulness of himself. O God! turn out every nook and corner of my heart and purge me, soul, body, spirit, and mind. I received a blessing about the time I entered the ministry that seemed to correspond with the experience of sanctified ones; but I have not always kept that state of perfect love, and my God knows that I need a fresh blessing of sanctification power.... Though I experienced sanctification ten years ago, when entering upon the work of the ministry, yet I want and need a renewal of God's power, that my testimony for God may be more effectual. Also, I know that I have not always lived in this glorious liberty. I have this day examined my heart carefully and feel assured that I accept the whole will of God and now stand by faith upon the promise of God. I leave myself and all my concerns in his hands. By faith I say, "I am the Lord's, and he is mine."
Here Brother Warner quotes the poem, "Farther On." How appropriate this was to his life at this point! How much of his activity and accomplishment were enveloped in the "farther on"!
"A soft, sweet voice from Eden stealing,
Such as but the angels sing;
Hope's cheering song is ever thrilling,
It is better farther on.
"I hear Hope singing, sweetly singing
Softly in an undertone,