Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-01-14
SANDFORDlSM,
Rev. {. P. Woodward, Portland,
Makes Scathing Attack
On the Methods Practiced BY Rev.
Frank Sanford at Shiloh. .
Declares That They Are Great Menace 10 the
Christian Wcrld.

Portland, Me, Jan. 13.-EeV. L. z.
Woodward. pastor of the Second Ad-
vent church, preached, Sunday evening,
on "Sandfordism-an exposure of the
claims, purposes. methods ami probable
future of Rev. r. W. Sandford, Shiloh,
Me" Mr.. Woodward proposes later ID
publish phamphlet dealing with
Sandfordism.
The church was crowded and many
stood through the hour and a half MI
Woodward was speaking. Just befora
he entered the pulpit he was warned by
a friend of Mr.. Sanford not to speak
against him, and was told that mis-
church might fall if he did
Mr. Woodward said that Mr.. Sand
ford does not teach immortality, but a
high order of life. Many of his teach
ings are in accord with Bible doctrine
He teaches the second coming of the
Lord. but his highest announcement of
the truth is obscured by his false doc
trines. He is a menace to the Christian
church and a detriment to religious life.
He made the distinct charge that Mr.
sanford exercises a hypnotic influence
over many of his followers in some de-
gree or all. He makes his will the rule
of their life and conduct and even
when they pass from his direct intiu-
ence they are still under his control
and while they say to others. Don't go
there they will seldom tell of their
experience while at Shiloh.
He described a scene he saw there
l. said thai fharp i'm 70 Of
every one the same dreamy, far-away
look, and when the leader of the move
ment crossed the platform, it changed
to one of fear. 1t was evident that
every one was thinking The master is
here" In his presence they did not
venture to speak or to think freely.
He said that a disciple of Mr.. Sand
ford. said to a man who spoke of going
to the temple. Don't do it. If Mr.
Sandford hears you sing, you will never
be able to leave. Had / not gone there
/ should have had a home today: now
l am homeless.
Mr.. Woodward took up the special
claims made by Mr.. Sanford. First,
that in erecting the buildings he has
obeyed the command, owe no man
anything" He asserted that at vari-
Gus times the movement has been deep
~ in debt, admitting that Mr.. Sanford
has asserted that in every case this
was due to the failure of some one di-
vinely commanded to assist in the
work.
1t is declared by Mr.. Sanford and
his followers that the movement has
behind it the direct command of God.
and that it is the only work on the
globe having that authority and that
il is the last manifestation of the work
of God through his church.
1t is termed The Church of the Liv-
ing God" 1t is claimed that the Holy
Spirit is the director of the entire
movement and that meetings are held
as he directs.
Mr.. Woodward said: The only SEM
blance of organization there has ever
been left the individual member abso-
lutely helpless in the hands of q spirit
inspired leader. The constitution is
never to be altered. and MI. Sanford
is the absolute master of the situation
as long as he lives
He said that Mr.. Sanford claims 20
have direct revelation from God in ,he
form of spoken words.
He makes the astonishing assertion
Continued on page 81