Based on the writings of Ellen G. White, the distinction between the "little flock" (early Sabbathkeeping Adventists) and "nominal Adventists" was primarily based on the acceptance of the third angel's message, which includes the Sabbath truth. Here is a breakdown of the terms: * **The "Little Flock":** This was a term the early believers used for themselves. They were also known as the "Scattered Flock" or the "Little Remnant." This group accepted the validity of their 1844 experience and continued to study, eventually embracing the Sabbath and the third angel's message. > "Up to the year 1860 there had been no legal or church organization among the Sabbathkeeping Adventists. They had not even adopted a name. They spoke of themselves as the “Scattered Flock,” The “Little Remnant,” or some variation of such expressions." (1T 715.1) * **Nominal Adventists:** This term referred to those who had been part of the Millerite movement and believed the first and second angels' messages but rejected the third angel's message, particularly the Sabbath. They continued to hold onto the general Advent hope but did not join the Sabbathkeeping believers. > "Those who united in sounding the first and second angels’ messages but who rejected the third angel's message with its Sabbath truth, but nonetheless continued to espouse the Advent hope, are referred to by Mrs. White as the “nominal Adventists,” or those who “reject the present truth”..." (EW 299.1) Ellen White saw a clear separation between these groups but also expressed hope that honest individuals from the nominal Adventist and other churches would eventually accept the full truth and join the remnant. > "I saw that God had honest children among the nominal Adventists, and the fallen churches, and ministers and people will yet be called out from these churches, before the plagues shall be poured out, and they will gladly embrace the truth... But the light will shine, and every one of the honest ones will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant." (1SG 172.1)