A relatively brief time of adversity and persecution immediately prior to the close of human probation. The phrase “little time of trouble” is based on an explanatory statement in the 1854 supplement to Ellen White’s first book, A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen White, first published in 1851. She had written: “At the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully” ( p . 17). Incorrectly identifying this “time of trouble” with that mentioned in connection with the standing up of Michael in Dan. 12:1 (taken to be Christ’s standing up at the close of probation), some pointed out the futility of going forth to proclaim the Sabbath at all after probation had closed.
In the supplement Ellen White explained that “the time of trouble” to which she referred would be immediately prior to the close of probation. She wrote: “‘The commencement of that time of trouble,’ here mentioned, does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is still in the sanctuary” ( EW 85).
This “short period,” accordingly, came to be known as “the little time of trouble,” in contrast with the “great time of trouble” spoken of by Daniel. Mrs. White wrote further: “At that time, while the work of salvation is closing . . . the nations will be . . . held in check. . . . The ‘latter rain’ . . . will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out” ( ibid .).
For those who remain loyal to the expressed purposes of Heaven, the little time of trouble will thus be a time of intensive evangelistic endeavor. See also Latter Rain ; Loud Cry; Probation ; Three Angels’ Messages ; Time of Trouble .