The Battle Creek Conference

James White was enthusiastic in his report of the conference in Battle Creek that lasted from Friday to Sunday, November 6 to 8. It was held in the newly finished house of worship—a building twenty-eight by forty-two feet and capable of seating three hundred.1BIO 363.3

Services on Sabbath commenced at nine o'clock and, with only a forty-minute intermission, ran until dark. Sunday was a full day, and Monday was given to the transaction of the business of the conference. But back to the thrust of the conference:1BIO 363.4

The subject of the unity and gifts of the church was presented, which seemed to have a place in the hearts of the people. Many expressed themselves happy to see this subject taking its proper place in the church. During this meeting Mrs. White read a recently received testimony for the church, which was received as the voice of the Lord to His people.—The Review and Herald, November 12, 1857.1BIO 363.5

This testimony was published in the Review and Herald in late November, introduced by a note from James White that indicates the delicate way in which the publication of such messages was being entered upon:1BIO 363.6

The following testimony was read before 250 persons at the conference recently held at Battle Creek. A call was made for its publication for the benefit of the saints scattered abroad, and when a vote was taken, at least two hundred persons rose up. When the call was made for those who objected to its publication to rise, none arose. There were many present not acquainted with such testimony, who were excused from acting before the vote was taken.1BIO 363.7

This testimony occupies nine pages only of the tract of thirty-six pages just issued, entitled Testimony for the Church No. 4.—Ibid., November 26, 18571BIO 364.1

The entire message read to the conference may be found today in Testimonies for the Church, 1:170-178, under the title “The Rich Young Man.”1BIO 364.2