Daniel And Revelation
George Burnside
“Daniel And Revelation” by Uriah Smith.
Is this book relevant for Christians today?
The following facts reveal that Sister White had the highest regard and esteem for the book "Daniel and the Revelation," by Uriah Smith, and on no occasion did she ever down-grade it in any way.
"Pastor Smith, at the age of 21 years, joined Elder James White in Rochester, New York. His first work was operating the hand press. In due time he became Editor of the Review and Herald. Through the years he held many responsible positions. He served as the first secretary of the General Conference, and he was the first Bible teacher in our first College.
He was a tower of strength. That he made mistakes is beyond all question and he received rebukes and instruction from Sister White which I am pleased to say he heeded and adjusted his life and work accordingly. Letter 43, 1899. (Published in Colporteur Evangelist, page 21). "I consider that that book (Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation) should go everywhere. It has its place and will do a grand, good work." Ellen G. White, Letter 25a, 1889.
"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 the Great Controversy, re now needed as never before. They should be widely circulated because the truths they emphasize will open many blind eyes." Review and Herald, February 16, 1905. Published in Colporteur Evangelist, page 21.
These statements you will notice, were written from the years 1889 to 1905. Shortly after completing her book The Desire of Ages, in 1898, Sister White wrote at length concerning Uriah Smith's book Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation. This was written from Sunnyside, Cooranbong, New South Wales in 1899. I quote some interesting portions of this statement:
"Especially should the book of Daniel and the Revelation be brought before the people as the very book for this time. This book contains the message which all need to read and understand. Translated into many different languages, it will be a power to enlighten the world. This book has a large sale in Australia and New Zealand. By reading it many souls have come to a knowledge of the truth. I have received many letters expressing appreciation of this book. "Let our canvassers urge this book upon the attention of all.
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 experience 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.
It is an interesting fact that in 1890 Sister White showed her confidence in Pastor Smith when she asked him to prepare a statement which should serve as the introduction to her important book "Patriarchs and Prophets." This statement i s to be found on pages 8 to 22 of that volume.
"In 1902, just a year before Pastor Smith died, Sister White wrote the following:- "Elder Smith was connected with us at the beginning of the publishing work. He labored in connection with my husband. We hope 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 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 towards 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." Ellen G. White, letter 47, 1902.
"Regarding his book "Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation," it is very apparent that Sister White held this book in the highest esteem. This will be seen from the following quotations:
"The light given was that Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation, The Great Controversy, and Patriarchs and Prophets would make their way. They contain 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." Ellen G. White,
"God desires light found in the books of Daniel and the Revelation to be presented in clear lines, It is painful to think of the many cheap theories picked up and presented to the people by ignorant, unprepared teachers. Those who present their human tests and nonsensical ideas they have concocted in their own minds, show the character of the goods in their treasure-house. They have laid in store shoddy material. Their desire is to make a sensation.
"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?" Ellen G. White, Manuscript 174, 1899.
In view of these clear statements from the Spirit of God speaking through Sister White regarding the book "Daniel and the Revelation," by Uriah Smith, should we not be on our guard against any who would attempt to down-grade this God-exalted book? Should we not honor what God has honored? Elder H. M. S. Richards told me that he always read Uriah Smith's book "Daniel and the Revelation" from beginning to end every time he was about to commence an evangelistic campaign. Brother H. M. S. Richards has probably been the best-loved and certainly the most read and most heard preacher, in our history. May we follow his wise example and heed the clear truth from the Spirit of Prophecy.