employed every thinkable
means to stamp out the nefarious cult; and allow me to humbly say that
had it not been for Deacon Gramps and me and a few other faithful ones,
our cause at that time would have been completely lost.

"But I stand today, my brethren, as I have always stood--unalterably
opposed to the program of the holiness movement. First, I oppose
holiness itself--the doctrine that a man can live free from sin in this
life. How foolish, how utterly ridiculous, the idea. We all sin. Our
fathers sinned, we sin, and our posterity will sin. Do you see that
streak of sunshine that comes in at the window and falls upon the floor?
See in the sunlighted atmosphere a million dust particles. Let the air
represent our lives and let the dust particles represent our sins, and
you will have an idea as to how many sins we commit. Away with the
holiness doctrine.

"Secondly, I stand opposed to the doctrine of divine healing as taught
by Benton's outfit. The days of miracles are past. They ceased with the
apostles. Jesus Christ has no more power to heal me of sickness today
than has the horse which I rode to church this morning. In these days of
great learning, when men are able to cure diseases by medicine and
surgery, there is no need of divine healing, and every man who claims to
be healed by divine power makes himself an ignoramus and a liar. Away
with this doctrine.

"Thirdly, I stand opposed to the doctrine of oneness, or unity, as
taught by Benton and his disciples. They lay great stress on this
doctrine. They say there is but one church and that when a man is
converted he becomes a member of this one church. Brethren, I do not
believe this new doctrine. I still hold to the faith of our fathers. I
believe that according to the Scriptures we become members of the church
by water baptism and by no other method.

"Brethren, let us stand by the faith of those who have gone before. We
may be few in number, but let us be unmoveable. Let us refresh our faith
with thoughts of those whose lives have left sacred spots on the field
of memory. Let us think on such men as Preacher Crookshank and Deacon
Gramps, who were noted for their courage in defending the faith.

"As the noon hour is drawing near, I must bring my sermon to a close.
Tonight at seven-thirty I shall preach on a favorite subject of
mine--the Hellish Heresy of Holiness. But, in conclusion, let me say
that I still feel heavily the burden of fighting old man Bento