Manuscripts and Memories of Minneapolis

A. T. Robinson, DF No. 189, Jan. 30, 1931

DID THE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST DENOMINATION REJECT THE DOCTRINE RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH?

A. T. Robinson

I have heard, and seen in print, recent references to what is treated a historical fact, that at the time of the Minneapolis General Conference in 1888, the doctrine of righteousness by faith was rejected by Seventh-day Adventists, as a denomination. Statements from the writings of Mrs. E. G. White are cited as proof of this alleged fact. MMM 336.1

It is difficult for me to harmonize these statements with my own persona experience and observation in connection with the Minneapolis General Conference; also with my understanding of statements from the writings of Mrs. White, that are used in support of the view above referred to. MMM 336.2

I was present at the Minneapolis meeting from the opening to the close. I listened to, and received a great blessing from the studies presented on the subject of righteousness by, faith. MMM 336.3

I listened to many things that were said by our leading men concerning e attitude of the men who were leading out in the presentation of the theme of justification by faith. I heard no statements made that could rightly be construed as rejecting the doctrine of justification by faith. What was spoken of as an offensive attitude on the part of the men who were conducting the studies was criticised severely by some, and at times they were made the subject of ridicule. Perhaps I can best give one concrete illustration of what appeared to justify the attitude taken by some of our leading men toward the men who were prominent as teachers of righteousness by faith. MMM 336.4

Elders U. Smith and A. T. Jones were discussing some features in connection with the ten kingdoms into which western Rome was divided. One day, Elder Smith, in his characteristic modesty, stated that he did not cal originality in the view he held on the subject, that he had taken statement such men as Clark, Barnes, Scott, and others mentioned, and drawn his conclusion from such authorities. In opening his reply, Elder Jones, in his characteristic style, began by saying, “Elder Smith has told you he do not know anything about this matter. I do, and I don’t want you to blame me for what he does not know.” This harsh statement called forth an open rebuke from Sister White who was present in the meeting. MMM 336.5

I have read carefully the testimonies of reproof from the pen of Sister White, following that meeting, in which she charges our leading men with having stood in the way of light and blessing that God intended should have been cherished and accepted at that time. But that righteousness by faith, as a doctrine held by our leading men, and on which their belief has never changed, was rejected, at that time, is not a warranted conclusion. I believe that some of our leading brethren, whom we all loved, and most of whom are now sleeping in the grave, stood in the way of great light and blessing being shed upon this movement at that time, by their attitude toward the men who were presenting the message for the time. But it appeals to me that so important a Bible doctrine as justification by faith, has never been set aside or rejected by this denomination. MMM 337.1

—A. T. Robinson.
Angwin, Calif.
Jan. 30, 1931