Leaders and the 1888 Message: Rejection and Repentance

Several prominent leaders and groups rejected the 1888 message, including Elder George I. Butler and Elder Uriah Smith, along with many ministers who chose to resist the light of the gospel presented at that time16MR 212.2+2. This opposition was characterized by a spirit of prejudice, suspicion, and a stubborn reliance on human wisdom rather than the guidance of the Holy Spirit16MR 212.2+2.

Key Leaders and Groups Involved in the Rejection

• Elder George I. Butler: In his weakened state of health, he accepted incorrect reports regarding the proceedings in Minneapolis and did not seek to verify the truth with those involved16MR 212.2. He was influenced by others who put a wrong interpretation on the events, leading him to take a stand against the work16MR 212.2+1.

• Elder Uriah Smith: He decided it was not best to allow the message to be presented to the church in Battle Creek because he felt the messengers took positions that were too strong16MR 216.2. His decision was a part of a wider resistance to the reformation that was intended to go through the churches16MR 216.2.

• Michigan Ministers and Church Elders: Many in positions of trust separate themselves from God by giving homage to human beings and looking to men instead of the Lord16MR 216.2+1. Some leaders in Battle Creek hindered the work by attempting to give detailed direction to mission fields they knew little aboutTM xxi.2.

• Delegates and Workers: A number of delegates returned from the Minneapolis meeting and spread unfavorable and incorrect versions of what had occurred, negatively influencing the minds of those who were not present1888 352.1.

The Nature and Consequences of Rejection

• A "Legal" Religion: Those who rejected the message often clung to a "legal" religion, focusing on the law without placing the righteousness of Christ beside it16MR 235.2+1. This pride and self-righteousness made their religious efforts worthless in the sight of God Romans 7:121888 368.2.

• Resistance to Light: The rejection was not merely of a theory, but of the Spirit of God which was appealing to hearts16MR 212.2+1. By closing their eyes to the evidence provided, these leaders chose darkness and made it harder for themselves to later recognize the light God gave to heal their spiritual diseases John 8:2416MR 225.2+1.

• Hardening of Hearts: When evidence is resisted, the heart becomes like steel, and the mind is shrouded in an atmosphere of unbelief16MR 222.3+1. This leads to a state where the soul is confirmed in evil and begins to believe a lie as if it were the truth 2 Thessalonians 2:3-86BC 1112.5.

• Impact on the Church: This spirit of resistance led to the withdrawal of confidence, the misrepresentation of motives, and the thwarting of those who honestly differed in their views16MR 240.2. It created a breach that requires faithful laborers to restore the path of faith and righteousness16MR 222.3.

It is vital to remember that the Lord gives sufficient evidence for faith, but He will never force the heart to receive the truth16MR 228.1+2. We are encouraged to humble ourselves, confess our self-sufficiency, and rely entirely on the righteousness of Christ Psalms 18:3516MR 222.3+1.

Would you like to explore the specific themes of the message that these leaders found difficult to accept16MR 235.2+1?

Yes, Uriah Smith did eventually repent of the spirit he manifested during and after the 1888 Minneapolis meeting14MR 109.1+1. While he was a leading figure in the resistance for several years, he ultimately made a full and heartfelt confession of his wrongs2MR 6.2+1.

The Journey to Repentance

• Initial Resistance: For a significant period following the Minneapolis Conference, Uriah Smith was among those who closed their eyes to the light, harboring feelings of jealousy and suspicion14MR 109.1+1. He even decided it was not best to allow the message of righteousness by faith to be presented to the large church in Battle Creek16MR 216.2.

• The Breaking Point: In late December 1890 and early January 1891, a series of meetings were held in Battle Creek where the power of God moved deeply14MR 67.1+1. During this time, Smith was led to see the state of his own heart and the burden he had placed on others2MR 6.2+1.

• A Heartfelt Confession: On January 7, 1891, during a meeting in an office room, Uriah Smith read a letter of reproof and accepted it as coming from God2MR 6.2. He went back to the Minneapolis meeting in his mind and confessed the wrong spirit he had occupied2MR 6.2. With a choked voice and tears—which was rare for him—he asked for forgiveness for the trouble and distress he had caused2MR 6.2+1.

• Falling on the Rock: It is noted that he "fell on the Rock and was broken," a biblical metaphor for a total surrender of pride and self-will Matthew 21:4414MR 109.1+1. He pledged that he would no longer repeat the history of the past three years and promised to stay up the hands of those bearing the message2MR 6.2+1.

Restoration and Continued Service

• Healing of Wounds: Following his confession, the Lord began to work with him again, and he sought to make things right with those he had misjudged, such as Professor Bell2MR 6.2.

• A Valuable Pioneer: Despite his period of darkness, his lifelong service as a "tried and faithful standard bearer" remained highly regarded1888 788.3+1. He had stood "shoulder to shoulder" with other leaders while the foundation principles of the work were being laid1888 788.3.

• Encouragement for the Humble: His experience serves as a powerful reminder that God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires that all turn from their ways and live Eze 33:11. For those who humble themselves, God is faithful to forgive and restore them to a state where they can once again reflect His lightPK 105.1+1.

Ultimately, the act of genuine repentance prepared his heart for a deeper acceptance of Christ as his only hope, proving that even those who have long held the truth must continually guard against the pride that bars the Spirit of God from the soul Revelation 3:17-19RH November 4, 1890, par. 2.