The Republican journal., 1903-09-10
SHOOK SHILOH.
Rev. Nathan Har1iman's Crusade Against
Sanford.

Correspondence Bangor Commercial.
BUCKsPoRT Sept. l. Bucksport and
vicinity is particularly interested In the
attacks being made upon Sanford and
Shiloh by Rev. Nathan Hartman. These
are not delivered at random by an out
slider but come from an Intimate, first
hand knowledge of the man and his
peculiar tenetS. 1t has always been a
matter of surprise to those who knew
the reverend gentleman why he should
ever throw in his lot with Names con-
tribution to an abnormal form OF re-
ligion. Doing so showed his purity OF
purpose, his obedience to what he con-
sidered heavenly call. For he had
nothing to gain but everything to lose,
in worldly sense, by taking the step
he did.
Nathan Hartman was born in Pros
pect Ferry 50 years ago. AS child ne
was studious and fond of learning. This
passion for knowledge kept pace with
his growth in stature. After mastering
all that could be given him in the way
of education in the schoolhouse of his
native place he entered Bucksport semi
nary. Here he was known as an un-
usually bright student. Somewhere
near the head of his classes he was al
ways found The foot had no attrac-
ton for him whatever. In due course
of time young Hartman delivered his
essay and received his diploma from
this Methodist institution.
This would have contented many a
youth. 1t would have been honor
enough. Not so, however, with the
subject of this sketch. His thirst for in
tellectual attachments was not quench-
ed What he had already drunk made
him long for more. After a careful
scrutiny of the various colleges of the
country he selected Harvard as the one
best fitted to give him the studies he
wished to pursue. 1t would be I'M
profitable to follow him during the
struggles of the next years. Sufficient
to know that when he left Cambridge
his degrees had been won.
In the meantime he had decided to
give his life to the preaching of the
gospel and feeling his need of a special
preparation for his chosen work he be-
came a student at the Bangor Theo-
logical school. Here his devoted appll-
cation to the various parts OF the curl
culum was strikingly prominent.
1t is not surprising that with such an
equipment MI Hartman should be
called to some OF the most important
pulpits in the Congregational and Bap-
fist churches Among the cities where
i'll he has held pastorates can be named
Bangor, Providence, Maiden and Ia
coma.
Some four years ago, while in the last
mentioned place, he became interested
in the Shiloh movement. Its doctrines
and organization seemed at that time
to be nearer the New Testament idea
than any other that he knew about
Accordingly he came east with a band
of enthusiasts who had given up all
their worldly possessions to aid in
spreading the teachings of the "Holy
Ghost and Us Society,"" Sanford real,
lied that Mr.. Hartman was no ordi-
nary recruit and rapidly advanced him
from one responsibility to another.
He was selected to represent this, ac-
cording to its founder, purest of all re-
ligions in the worlds hottest city, Jeru
salem; the place where the coming king
is soon to establish his kingdom. 1t
was here that the final rupture with
Mr.. Sanford took place. Many reasons
have been advanced for the taking of
this step, but it can be stated authOri-
tatively that Mr.. Hartman has not yet
made the true inwardness of the matter
public. From the Holy Land he sailed
to America joined by his wife who had
been spreading the message of his new
dispensation in Liverpool, England.
One son remained behind in Jerusalem
and daughter in Liverpool. Two chill
dren, who were left in the care of Mr..
Sanford in this country, have left the
home at Shiloh and are now with their
parents.
That Mr. Hartman is just as bitter.
ly opposed to the methods of Mr.. San
ford now as in former times he was de-
voted to them is proved by his recent
communication to the governor of this
urging him to close Shiloh and diSperSe
ment dealing with the conditions as he
feels they actually exist. According to
an official, who is in position to know
whereof he speaks, it was one of the
hottest letters ever received by Gov.
Hill. OF course he cannot interfere
unless it can be proved that some of
the people are detained against their
will, or that the rites performed within
the strictly guarded walls are against
public morals.
This refusal Of the governor to act is
not the end of the matter by any means.
Mr.. Hartman evidently has good deal
to tell shortly, as he says he can not do
1T IN one article or two or even three.
He says when he gets ready to give the
whole expose to the world the story
will contain inside facts of paramount
interest. These letters or addresses are
being awaited with peculiar interest in
this vicinity for the reasons herewith
given.