HILLSDALE CONFERENCE by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 30, 1856

HILLSDALE CONFERENCE.

By James White

ACCORDING to appointment this Conference was held Oct. 17-20, in Waldron's Hall, a large and commodious room, the use of which was freely given.

Brn. Bates, Waggoner, Cornell, White and wife, were present, and spoke to the assembly with freedom.

Those who composed this meeting were mostly young converts to the present truth, who have been brought out by hearing the truth presented in the Michigan tent the past Summer. There were nearly half a score from Indiana present, who have been observers of the Lord's Sabbath for several years. They seemed very much cheered, refreshed and strengthened by the meeting.

Our social meetings were excellent. On First-day there were probably from 150 to 200 Sabbath-keepers present; and during one hour and a half there were, we judge, more than 100 testimonies given. The interest of the meeting gradually rose till the close. Often two, three, or four would rise up to speak at once. It was as good a meeting of the kind as we have witnessed for five years. Eight more were baptized at this Conference.

Truly, God has wrought in the vicinity of Hillsdale in bringing many into his vineyard, some of talent and means to set the truth before others. Will they work for God? or will they fall back into the spirit of the world? are questions which the future will answer. One or the other they will do.

But we trust those who have so recently embraced the present truth, have died a Bible death, and have had a Bible burial with Christ in baptism, have laid themselves and what they are stewards of, all on God's altar, to be used for the glory of his cause. If they hold their consecration and work for the Lord, they will hold on their way and grow stronger and stronger, and it will be their delight to help send the truth to bless others, which has proved such an unspeakable blessing to them. J. W.