Two years after the Great Disappointment in 1844, out of the total group of 50,000 Adventists, about 50 proved to be faithful to God when their faith was tested and tried.
“At first only a few were identified with this group who were moving forward in advancing light. By the year 1846 they reckoned their numbers as about fifty.”
Early Writings, p XVII.

Also in the same year, Sis. White and others began to observe the Bible Sabbath.
“In the autumn of 1846 we began to observe the Bible Sabbath, and to teach and defend it. My attention was first called to the Sabbath while I was on a visit to New Bedford, Massachusetts, earlier in the same year.
Testimonies for the Church, vol 1, p 75-76.

1850

What was going on durinf this year?

“The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth and to sacrifice for God and His cause.”
Early Writings, p 50.

What was the meaning of the shaking and what was causing it?

“I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God's people.
“I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified.”
Early Writings, p 270.

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