holiness people back in Kentucky where I came from. They said they could
not sin and that they were just as good as Jesus Christ himself. They
were given to all sorts of fanatical projects. They claimed to have
great faith and went so far as to say they were healed, as some of these
people have said tonight. One of them even said that by faith he had
caused an iron wedge to float on the water. Talk about living free from
sin. There never could be a more crooked doctrine preached. The Bible
plainly says, 'There is none good, no not one.' It also says that 'If a
man liveth and saith he sinneth not, he is a liar and the truth is not
in him.' I believe the Bible. When I was in college old Professor
Thorndike used to give us an occasional lecture on the Hellish Heresy of
Holiness. He knew all about the doctrine and the harm it is doing these
days. I am bold to say right here that God has called me and raised me
up to fight holiness, and I have dedicated my life to this cause. I aim
to use every means, fair and foul, to stamp this doctrine out of this
community (Deacon Gramps, "Amen."). I want to warn Preacher Blank and
every one of his dupes right here that if he continues to preach in this
community he does so at his own peril. You people have no right, legal
or moral, to come here and disturb the peace and tranquility of Mount
Olivet church, a church that has stood standpat for nearly half a
century in defence of the truth. I here and now call upon every loyal
member to come to the defence of the faith of your fathers. Those who
will pledge their united support to the cause of stamping out holiness
rise to your feet."

At this a score and a half of rustic mountaineers boldly stood up. "Let
those who have made this solemn pledge meet me at the back door of the
arbor," said Bonds as he sat down.