All Bible texts are from the King James Version.
Uriah Smith lived from 1832 - 1903. He was an editor and author who gave 50 years of service to the Seventh-Day Adventist cause, which he joined late 1852. He, like all mankind, was subject to making mistakes and at times found himself in opposition to Ellen White and other pioneers. This came to a head in 1888 where he rejected the message presented by Jones and Waggoner. In 1891, however, he repented of this and embraced this message fully.
Some time later Ellen White wrote:-
"You seem to have special bitterness against Elder [Uriah] Smith, and some others of our brethren, and you have talked out these feelings in your family, thus leavening them. The Lord has seen fit to counsel Elder Smith, to give him words of reproof because he had erred; but is this an evidence that God has forsaken him?--No. 'As many as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent' (Rev. 3:19). The Lord reproves wrongs in His people, but is this an evidence that He has rejected them?--No. . . .(Letter 11, 1890.)" Selected Messages Book 2, page 81.
"We can easily count the first burden bearers now alive [1902]. Elder [Uriah] Smith was connected with us at the beginning of the publishing work. He labored in connection with my husband. We hope always to see his name in the Review and Herald at the head of the list of editors; for thus it should be. Those who began the work, who fought bravely when the battle went so hard, must not lose their hold now. They are to be honored by those who entered the work after the hardest privation had been borne.
"I feel very tender toward Elder Smith. My life interest in the publishing work is bound up with his. He came to us as a young man, possessing talents that qualified him to stand in his lot and place as an editor. How I rejoice as I read his articles in the Review--so excellent, so full of spiritual truth. I thank God for them. I feel a strong sympathy for Elder Smith, and I believe that his name should always appear in the Review as the name of the leading editor. Thus God would have it. When, some years ago, his name was placed second, I felt hurt. When it was again placed first, I wept and said, 'Thank God.' May it always be there, as God designs it shall be, while Elder Smith's right hand can hold a pen. And when the power of his hand fails, let his sons write at his dictation. (Written February 5, 1902, from "Elmshaven," Sanitarium, California, to Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell.)" Selected Messages Book 2, page 225.
He first printed this book as two separate volumes. Thoughts, Critical and Practical, on the Book of Revelation was published in 1867. While Thoughts, Critical and Practical, on the Book of Daniel was not printed until 1873. These were combined into one book and were edited several times during Smith's life, and were altered extensively thereafter. The oldest edition of this book that we have been able to find is 1912, which is why we use this edition.
The reason why so many people hold this book in such high regard can be found in the following quotes by Ellen White, God's last day messenger:-
"Especially should the book Daniel and the Revelation be brought before people as the very book for this time. This book contains the message which all need to read and understand. . . . By reading it many souls have come to a knowledge of the truth. . . . The Lord has shown me that this book will do a good work in enlightening those who become interested in the truth for this time. Those who embrace the truth now, who have not shared in the experiences of those who entered the work in the early history of the message, should study the instruction given in Daniel and the Revelation, becoming familiar with the truth it presents.
"Those who are preparing to enter the ministry, who desire to become successful students of the prophecies, will find Daniel and the Revelation an invaluable help. They need to understand this book. It speaks of past, present, and future, laying out the path so plainly that none need err therein. Those who will diligently study this book will have no relish for the cheap sentiments presented by those who have a burning desire to get out something new and strange to present to the flock of God. The rebuke of God is upon all such teachers. They need that one teach them what is meant by godliness and truth. The great, essential questions which God would have presented to the people are found in Daniel and the Revelation. There is found solid, eternal truth for this time. Everyone needs the light and information it contains." 1 Manuscript Release, pages 60, 61.
"The truth for this time has been brought out in many books. Let those who have been dealing in cheap sentiments and foolish tests, cease this work and study Daniel and the Revelation. They will then have something to talk about that will help the mind. As they receive the knowledge contained in this book, they will have in the treasure house of the mind a store from which they can continually draw as they communicate to others the great, essential truths of God's Word.
"The interest in Daniel and the Revelation is to continue as long as probationary time shall last. God used the author of this book as a channel through which to communicate light to direct minds to the truth. Shall we not appreciate this light, which points us to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, our King?" 1 Manuscript Release, pages 62, 63.
"The students in our schools should carefully study Daniel and the Revelation, so that they shall not be left in darkness, and the day of Christ overtake them as a thief in the night. I speak of this book because it is a means of educating those who need to understand the truth of the Word. This book should be highly appreciated. It covers much of the ground we have been over in our experience. If the youth will study this book and learn for themselves what is truth, they will be saved from many perils. . . . (Ms 174, 1899, pp. 1-8. {"Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation," March 3, 1901.})" 1 Manuscript Release, page 63.
"The light given was that Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation, Great Controversy, and Patriarchs and Prophets would make their way. They contained the very message the people must have, the special light God had given His people. The angels of God would prepare the way for these books in the hearts of the people.--Lt 43, 1899." The Publishing Ministry, page 206.
"The Lord calls for workers to enter the canvassing field, that the books containing the light of present truth may be circulated. The people in the world need to know that the signs of the times are fulfilling. Take to them the books that will enlighten them. "Daniel and the Revelation," Great Controversy," "Patriarchs and Prophets," and "Desire of Ages," should now go to the world. The grand instruction contained in "Daniel and the Revelation" has been eagerly read in many lands by those who were hungering for truth. This book has been the means of bringing many precious souls from darkness to light. It should everywhere be given a wide circulation." Pacific Union Record, November 6, 1902 par. 11.
"Instruction has been given me that the important books containing the light that God has given regarding Satan's apostasy in heaven should be given a wide circulation just now; for through them the truth will reach many minds. 'Patriarchs and Prophets,' 'Daniel and the Revelation,' and 'Great Controversy' are needed now as never before. They should be widely circulated because the truths they emphasize will open many blind eyes." Review and Herald, February 16, 1905 par. 10.
"Many will depart from the faith and give heed to seducing spirits. Patriarchs and Prophets and The Great Controversy are books that are especially adapted to those who have newly come to the faith, that they may be established in the truth. The dangers are pointed out that should be avoided by the churches. Those who become thoroughly acquainted with the lessons in these books will see the dangers before them and will be able to discern the plain, straight path marked out for them. They will be kept from strange paths. They will make straight paths for their feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. In Desire of Ages, Patriarchs and Prophets, The Great Controversy, and in Daniel and the Revelation, there is precious instruction. These books must be regarded as of special importance, and every effort should be made to get them before the people. (Letter 229, 1903.)" 21 Manuscript Release, page 440.
"The Lord calls for workers to enter the canvassing field that the books containing the light of present truth may be circulated. The people in the world need to know that the signs of the times are fulfilling. Take to them the books that will enlighten them. Daniel and Revelation, The Great Controversy, Patriarchs and Prophets, and The Desire of Ages should now go to the world. The grand instruction contained in Daniel and Revelation has been eagerly perused by many in Australia. This book has been the means of bringing many precious souls to a knowledge of the truth. Everything that can be done should be done to circulate Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation. I know of no other book that can take the place of this one. It is God's helping hand. (Ms 76, 1901.)" 21 Manuscript Release, page 444.
There are many people today that like to call what Uriah Smith wrote error. But God's messenger called the information in this book 'the special light of God,' 'the grand instruction.' 'light that God has given,' 'it speaks of past, present, and future, laying out the path so plainly that none need err therein,' 'the great, essential question which God would have presented,' and 'solid, eternal truth for this time.' She said that she knew 'of no other book that can take the place of this one. It is God's helping hand.' and 'God used the author of this book as a channel through which to communicate light.'
Friends, truth is always truth, and error is always error. Truth comes from God, and error from Satan. Something that was once truth will not one day be error, this is totally impossible. Those people who still condemn the book Daniel and The Revelation as being in error after reading the above quotes of Ellen White are not just condemning Uriah Smith who wrote it, they are also condemning God who used this author and gave this special light. They are saying, even without knowing it, that they are smarter and know better than God.
May God bless you in your studies, and may you find Uriah Smith's book Daniel and the Revelation both interesting and informative. May you see and accept the light that God has given to this world darkened by sin and so called human knowledge.
© S. D. Goeldner, February, 2011. Last updated August, 2020.
www.vineyardlabourer.info
Mobile, tablet, laptop, desktop, etc. friendly webpage design. Powered by w3.css