Chapter 4—The Sabbath Conferences Of 1848

It is important to keep in mind the fact that during the formative period of our work, 1844-1855, the pioneers did not have the benefit of church or denominational organization, that there was as yet no system of financial support to maintain the work, and that there were no publications to steady and unify the teachings and manner of labor. They were bound together by two strong ties—the experience through which they had passed in the great advent movement, and their continuing confidence in the soon coming of Christ. They were motivated by a firm determination to hold fast their confidence in God’s leadership, and, as far as possible, to reinstill that confidence in the hearts of their former Adventist brethren.EGWMR 38.1

Great lines of truth were gradually unfolding before them, and they, in turn, were proclaiming these truths to others. The venerable Elder Joseph Bates in New England was leading out in teaching the Sabbath truth. Hiram Edson and his associates in western New York had discovered and were proclaiming the sanctuary truth. To Ellen Harmon-White, in Maine, divine revelations were imparted, which established confidence in God’s leadership in the advent movement. There were also visions that met errors and fanaticisms, and others that confirmed and enriched the foundational doctrinal points. Now the time had come for the convergence of these truths into one body of doctrine.EGWMR 38.2

This was brought about in 1848, through a series of Sabbath conferences. Five in all were held. At the earlier of these, the doctrines were clarified and bound together as a unit of truth; the later conferences served largely as teaching and unifying agencies.EGWMR 38.3