Turning the pages of the publications and perusing the extant letters as 1850 gave way to 1851 reveals a marked change in the tide as it related to the emerging church. While James or Ellen White would in 1849 or early 1850 write in gratitude for the receipt of $1 to aid the cause, in January, 1851, James could publish a list of significant contributions toward the publication of “the chart“: 1BIO 186.1
Brethren in Connecticut have paid $40; David Arnold, $5; A. R. Morse, $10; Harvey Childs, $5; Reuben Loveland, $5.—Ibid. 1BIO 186.2
Two weeks later he reported that Otis Nichols had contributed $75. 1BIO 186.3
New names were beginning to appear in correspondence, and published reports indicated larger numbers were attending the conferences called here and there. Preaching forces were materially increased with S. W. Rhodes, John N. Andrews, and George W. Holt traveling from place to place, and Elders Hollis and Lathrop also in the field (JW to “Dear Brother,” July 21, 1850), encouraging the believers and through their ministry adding to their numbers. A different tone developed in the later months of 1850 in James White's editorial statements and notes, in the Ellen White communications, and in the letters from the field written by both “messengers” and laymen. A firm foundation had been constructed through the late 1840s and the time for marked advance was approaching. The Advent Review was doing an effective work, fulfilling its God-appointed mission. 1BIO 186.4
Reports of the conferences held among the believers took on a brighter turn, as evidenced in the report of the gathering at Sutton, Vermont, from Thursday to Sunday, in late September. Hear James White on this: 1BIO 186.5
Conferences—The blessing of the Lord attends such meetings in a wonderful manner. The Vermont conference, held at Sutton, September 26, 27, 28, and 29, was well attended, and we are sure resulted in much good. The number of believers present was about seventy. Eight of our dear brethren from Canada East were among the number, strong in the “commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” 1BIO 186.6
We anticipated a great trial at that meeting, but were very happily disappointed. True, some trial arose in consequence of the introduction of certain views, relative to the judgment, et cetera, upon which we could not at first agree, but God helped us to discuss the subjects upon which we differed, with profit, and to commit them and ourselves to Him in fervent prayer. Before we left the place of meeting, our trials were all removed. Errors were confessed, and perfect union, as sweet as heaven, was felt among us all. The readiness of all to receive truth in exchange for error has proved sincerity of heart, and has created union, and a confidence in each other, never to be lost. 1BIO 187.1
The fact that God is thus uniting those who keep the commandments is cheering to every soul that loves God and His holy law, and is one strong evidence that He has stretched out His hand the second time to recover the remnant of His people.—AR, November, 1850. 1BIO 187.2
On the Monday before this conference opened, a very significant vision was given to Ellen White in which she was shown that “the scattering time” was just coming to a close and “the gathering time” was dawning. She wrote: 1BIO 187.3
The Lord showed me that He had stretched out His hand the second time to recover the remnant of His people, and that efforts must be redoubled in this gathering time. In the scattering time Israel was smitten and torn; but now in the gathering time God will heal and bind up His people. 1BIO 187.4
In the scattering, efforts made to spread the truth had but little effect, accomplished but little or nothing; but in the gathering when God has set His hand to gather His people, efforts to spread the truth will have their designed effect. All should be united and zealous in the work.—The Present Truth, November, 1850 (see also Early Writings, 74). 1BIO 187.5