- Home
- Speakers
- Samuel Alexander Danford
- What We Do Not Teach
Samuel Alexander Danford
Samuel Alexander Danford (January 22, 1850–N/A) was an American religious figure and author from Brunswick County, North Carolina, likely involved in preaching or teaching within a holiness or evangelical Christian context. Born to Abraham Danford and Mary Jane Cliff Danford, he lived in a region with strong Baptist and Methodist influences, though his specific denominational affiliation isn’t documented. His most notable contribution is Holiness Bible Readings, a concise book published posthumously in 1912 (available as a Kindle edition), which compiles scripture quotations on sanctification with minimal commentary, serving as a resource for Bible study on holiness. This work implies a deep engagement with Christian doctrine, suggesting he may have preached or taught these principles, possibly as a lay preacher or minister. Little is known about Danford’s personal life, education, or ministry career beyond his authorship. He died on October 15, 1911, in Brunswick County, and is buried there, with his legacy tied to his book rather than a documented preaching record. His work’s focus on sanctification aligns with the Holiness Movement, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hinting at a possible role in that tradition. Without further evidence, his status as a preacher remains inferred from his religious writing, marking him as a minor but earnest voice in American evangelicalism.
Download
Topic
Sermon Summary
Samuel Alexander Danford clarifies common misunderstandings about the doctrine of holiness. He emphasizes that believers will always face temptation, just as Jesus did, but that being tempted does not equate to sinning. Danford also highlights that while Christians may make mistakes due to imperfect judgment, it does not mean they are free from sin. Additionally, he points out that living a righteous life does not guarantee universal approval, as even Jesus faced condemnation from religious authorities.
What We Do Not Teach
As there is some misunderstanding as to what we teach, we wish to call the attention of candid, sober-minded people to the true doctrine of holiness as we understand it. We do not teach: 1. That we can ever get to the place where we cannot be tempted. If we were never tempted, we should get beyond the experience of Jesus Christ, who "was tempted in all points like as we," and Who "suffered being tempted." 2. We do not teach that we cannot sin. We shall always be liable to sin, therefore John says, "If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father." But because we are liable to sin, we are not compelled to commit it. A man may be saved from the sin of taking strong drink, so that he can let it alone, but he could drink if he wished. So with any other sin. There is a difference between being able not to sin and not being able to sin." 3. We do not teach that we are free from making mistakes. Freedom from mistakes only exists where there is a perfect judgment. There is but one Being who has a perfect judgment, that is God. Freedom from mistakes would make us equal to Him. 4. We do not teach that we can live so that everybody will think that we are living right. Even Jesus could not do that, but was put to death as a criminal in the sight of the church and the world. These are the most common points where we are misunderstood.
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
Samuel Alexander Danford (January 22, 1850–N/A) was an American religious figure and author from Brunswick County, North Carolina, likely involved in preaching or teaching within a holiness or evangelical Christian context. Born to Abraham Danford and Mary Jane Cliff Danford, he lived in a region with strong Baptist and Methodist influences, though his specific denominational affiliation isn’t documented. His most notable contribution is Holiness Bible Readings, a concise book published posthumously in 1912 (available as a Kindle edition), which compiles scripture quotations on sanctification with minimal commentary, serving as a resource for Bible study on holiness. This work implies a deep engagement with Christian doctrine, suggesting he may have preached or taught these principles, possibly as a lay preacher or minister. Little is known about Danford’s personal life, education, or ministry career beyond his authorship. He died on October 15, 1911, in Brunswick County, and is buried there, with his legacy tied to his book rather than a documented preaching record. His work’s focus on sanctification aligns with the Holiness Movement, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, hinting at a possible role in that tradition. Without further evidence, his status as a preacher remains inferred from his religious writing, marking him as a minor but earnest voice in American evangelicalism.