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Manuscripts and Memories of Minneapolis

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    EXPERIENCES WHILE AT THE GENERAL CONFERENCE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. IN 1888 By Elder C. McReynolds

    In 1888 I was sent as a delegate from the Kansas Conference to the General Conference held that year in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that notable conference long to be remembered by many. Our Conference President, Elder C. A. Hall, end N. P. Dixon, our state canvassing agent, were also there as delegates. We were lodged in a large house with the delegation from Iowa, Elder J. H. Morrison, president. There were a few others in the same house, Elder L. R. Conradi, A. T. Robinson, and some others, near 25 in all.MMM 338.1

    I had read some articles in our papers from the pen of E. J. Waggoner on the Book of Galatians and a brief rebuttal by Elder G. I. Butler on “The Law in Galatians.” Anything said by Elder Butler, who was as a father to me in the Faith, was held as Gospel in my estimation.MMM 338.2

    We had heard that there would be an investigation of the teachings found in the Galatian letter at the Conference, and it was reported that there would be a debate. Certain articles in the Review during 1887 and all through 1888 had awakened some concern in my mind. Being decidedly prejudiced in favor of Elder Butler and against E. J. Waggoner I went to that meeting with a prejudiced mind. On arriving there we learned that Elder Butler was sick and could not be present, which added to my disappointment.MMM 338.3

    Fortunately it was arranged for Elder Waggoner to give his studies first. With pencil and note-book in hand I listened for heresy and was ready to see flaws and find fault with whatever was presented. As Elder Waggoner started in it seemed very different from what I was looking for. By the close of his second lesson I was ready to concede that that he was going to be fair and his manner did not show any spirit of controversy, nor did he even mention any opposition that he was anticipating. Very soon his manner and the pure Gospel that he was setting forth had materially changed my mind and attitude and I was an earnest listener for Truth.MMM 338.4

    In our lodging house we were hearing a good many remarks about Sister White favoring Elder Waggoner, that he was one of her pets. The spirit of controversy was up, and when the delegates came in from the last meeting of the day there was simply Babble, with much laughter and joking and some very disgusting comments were being made, no spirit of solemnity prevailing. A few did not engage in the hilarity. NO worship hour was kept, and anything but the solemnity that should have been felt and manifested on such an occasion was present.MMM 339.1

    Four or five of us who were feeling deeply over the condition that existed decided to have a season of worship before we retired, and as soon as we arrived at our lodging place, before the crowd came in we were engaged in worship and praying very earnestly that the Lord would help us and His people to see the true light and to rebuke the spirit of debate that was driving the Spirit of God from a good many hearts. A few came in while we were praying, but when the bulk of the delegates got in, the same spirit of confusion and criticism prevailed.MMM 339.2

    In the morning Elder Morrison, who was a very dear friend of mine, came and said, “Brother McReynolds, I am ashamed of myself. No voice of prayer has been heard in this house since we came here till you brethren started it last night.” (I suppose many of them had prayed by their bedsides). Quite a change came in; much less criticism was heard. All that day, as Elder Waggoner proceeded with his studies the Spirit of God was working on my heart and I was seeing where I had been all those years, living what some of us call, (and very properly too) the “up and down” life. Getting into the dark, repenting, confessing, getting relief, and then for a while all going well; then relapsing into the same sad state again, and all because I did not feel happy and free. My faith was not constant. I had not learned how to hold on in the dark. At the close of Elder Waggoner’s fourth or fifth lesson I was a subdued, repenting sinner. I felt that I must get away alone with the Lord. I went out of the city away into the woods; I did not want dinner; I spent the afternoon there on my knees and on my face before the Lord with my Bible. I had come to the point that I did believe the promises of God in His Word for forgiveness of my sins, and that it did mean me as well as any other sinner. His promise in 1 John 1:9; Isaiah 1:18; Galatians 1:4; and Titus 2:14 and many of the promises were reviewed. There I saw Him as my own personal Saviour and there I was converted anew. All doubts that my sins were really forgiven were taken away, and from then till now, I have never doubted my acceptance as a pardoned child of God. For years prior to that time, although I had been preaching the message and God had blessed my work and a good many souls had been brought to the Lord, and His Truth, I had hesitated to proclaim my freedom and that He had saved me and was saving me daily.MMM 339.3

    Next morning I was at the early meeting at five o’clock. After a brief but stirring message from Sister White and the opportunity was given I bore a testimony of my experience and my acceptance. I was encouraged by the remark by Sister White “That has the right ring.”MMM 340.1

    The much talked of debate was opened by Elder Morrison after Elder Waggoner had finished his eleven studies, the influence of which had in quite a measure taken out of a good many the debating spirit. However, the opposition proceeded. In the opening it was stated “We have always believed in Justification by Faith and preached it. That was true in theory and with some of the older ministers it was true that they knew by experience what it is, but in many cases the theory was about all they had, and I know that some of our dear old brethren contend to this day that there was no confusion and really no debate. Well, I, was there and was in the midst of it, both in the public meetings and in our private quarters, and I know the spirit of debate and controversy ran high and some very bitter feelings were developed, but the conference closed with a dark shadow over many minds. Some were much confused, and much unsettled. As for the discussion it simply flattened out.MMM 340.2

    We returned to our homes. Very soon some of our brethren came to us and began to inquire what about that debate. We heard that they had a debate and a lot of confusion and some bitter feelings were aroused, etc. We told them that that was all true but we got some things that were so much better to talk about that we had said nothing about that trouble. By direction of the Conference Committee I went out to our churches, to one and two per week, and gave studies on the Truth so precious to me then, the subject of Justification by Faith, and rich blessings were found by many. My own soul was richly blessed and real revival followed. About two months were spent in that way when a call was sent to our Conference President for two ministers to be sent to Battle Creek to attend a Minister’s Institute of ten weeks for Bible Study. Elder O. S. Ferren and I were sent. This proved a great blessing to us and the work in Kansas.MMM 341.1

    Early in the spring, 1889, word began to come of some of those who had stood with the opposition at the Conference beginning to see light and soon earnest confessions followed. Within two or three years, most of the leading men who had refused the light at the Conference had come out with clear confessions. I quote a paragraph from Elder Daniells’ booklet “Christ our Righteousness,” on page 63: “How sad, how deeply regrettable, it is that this message of Righteousness in Christ should, at the time of its coming, have met with opposition on the part of earnest, well-meaning men in the cause of God?MMM 341.2

    From the pen of the Servant of God as published in The Review and Herald, August 13, 1889 I quote: “God has raised up men to meet the necessity of this TIME who will ‘Cry aloud and spare not,’ who will lift up their voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. “Their work is not only to proclaim the law, but to preach THE TRUTH FOR THIS TIME—THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” ‘But there are those who see no necessity for a special work at this time. While God is working to arouse the people, they seek to turn aside the message of warning, reproof, and entreaty. Their influence tends to quiet the fears of the people and to prevent them from awaking to the solemnity of this time. Those who are doing this are giving the trumpet an certain sound. They have become ensnared by the enemy.”MMM 342.1

    For two, three, four, and more years following the conference there came such appeals, admonitions and warnings almost weekly, and thank the Lord, they were not sent in vain. Many both ministers and people were aroused and sought the Lord with sincerity of soul, and found light and peace.MMM 342.2

    Much more, very much more might be added but it is all made plain by many quotations from messages published in the booklet by Elder Daniells “Christ our Righteousness,” which I recommend all to read.MMM 342.3

    I am sorry for any one who was at the Conference in Minneapolis in 1888 who does not recognize that there was opposition and rejection of the Message that the Lord sent to His people at that time. It is not too late yet to repent and receive a great blessing.MMM 342.4

    To my brethren whom I love,
    C. McReynolds.

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