FIRST CONFERENCE OF BELIEVERS.
In the spring of 1848, in company with Bro. Bates, Mrs. W. and self attended a conference of believers, at Rocky Hill, Conn. This was the first general meeting held by Seventh-day Adventists. In point of numbers and influence, it marked a new era in the cause; and yet we all numbered less than thirty. The brethren were much encouraged, and Bro. Bates began to labor more extensively as the way opened before him.
MRS. WHITE’S EXPERIENCE.
Here I must introduce the part which the Spirit of God has led Mrs. W. to act in connection with this cause. I do this,
1. Because her experience and labors have been closely connected with its rise and progress.
2. Because of the spirit of prejudice and enmity existing against her calling and labors. This is manifested by those who are ignorant of the facts in the case, or if not wholly ignorant, are led by a spirit of frenzied persecution. The bearing which this has upon the cause is a sufficient reason for laying the facts as they are before the public.
3. Because of the importance of her work, in connection with this cause, as will be seen in the following pages.
It was but a few weeks after the passing of the time, in 1844, that she had her first vision. The circumstances of this manifestation are briefly stated by Mrs. W. as follows: “I visited sister H., one of our Advent sisters, whose heart was knit with mine. In the morning we bowed at the family altar. It was not an exciting occasion. There were but five of us present, all females. While praying, the power of God came upon me, as I never had felt it before. I was surrounded with light, and was rising higher and higher from the earth,” &c. (Spir. Gifts, vol. ii, p. 30.) Her condition in vision may be described as follows:
1. She is utterly unconscious of everything transpiring around her, as has been proved by the most rigid tests, but views herself as removed from this world, and in the presence of heavenly beings.