The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

Truth Has a Baptism of Unpopularity

It seems to be the Lord’s plan to place important truths in an unpopular channel where it will be a cross ²⁶ to accept and obey them. This is especially true in these last days. Peter, speaking of that time when the end of all things will be “at hand,” and when the “judgment” shall “begin at the house of God,” says, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” ²⁷ GSAM 196.3

When the truth has received its baptism of unpopularity, to accept it requires more grace than simply to follow the faith of the masses. Hypocritical pretenders see no great inducement to accept a truth which requires action, like rowing up stream ” ‘gainst wind and tide.” Thus the truth becomes a test to the loyal, honest-hearted, sincere, and conscientious. GSAM 197.1

We have before shown that the prophecy of the advent movement calls for a disappointment. It came; and thus, in the providence of God, the acceptance of that message had its cross. GSAM 197.2