In addition to Joseph Bates and James and Ellen White, several early Adventist pioneers made significant contributions to Adventism despite their youth.
Among these young leaders, Uriah Smith holds the longest service record, surpassed only by Ellen White. In 1855, 23-year-old Uriah Smith became the editor of The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald (Review), the forerunner of our current Adventist Review. For almost 40 years, Uriah held this most influential journalistic position in the church.
As Review editor, Uriah addressed most of the major theological, social, and political issues that faced Adventism during his lifetime. His style was candid and sometimes controversial. In one of his Review articles, he compared Abraham Lincoln to the Pharaoh of the Exodus because he believed Lincoln was moving too slowly in his efforts to abolish slavery.
One of the most prolific Adventist pioneer writers, Uriah published a number of books that profoundly influenced Adventist thinking. He is best remembered for Thoughts on the Book of Daniel and the Revelation, which received Ellen White’s endorsement and greatly influenced Adventist prophetic teaching. This book was first sold by George King, the pioneer canvasser who developed the idea of subscription sale of Adventist books. The book sold well, and the Adventist colporteur (literature evangelism) ministry was born.
Uriah had a sister, Annie Smith, who shared his literary talents. After being converted to Adventism through Joseph Bates’ meetings, Annie sent a poem, "Fear Not Little Flock," to the Review for publication. As a result, she was invited to join the Review staff as proofreader and copy editor. Annie, a published poet, is best known in Adventism for her hymns. Ten of her hymns were included in the 1941 edition of The Church Hymnal, but only three remain in our present Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal published in 1985. They are in the "Early Advent" section—numbers 439, 441, and 447. Uriah also wrote a hymn that is published in our present hymnal (#602), "O Brother, Be Faithful."
Uriah was also gifted with mechanical abilities. When he was about 13 years old, an infection caused his left leg to be amputated just above the knee. The artificial leg he was fitted with didn’t give him the freedom of motion he wanted, so in 1863 he patented an improved model with fully flexible knee and ankle joints. In 1874 he patented a folding-seat school desk. His school desk is on display in the "school house" at Historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek, Michigan.
A man of unyielding convictions, Uriah found himself involved in some sharp theological controversies. He strongly opposed the righteousness by faith message of A. T. Jones and E. J. Waggoner, presented at the 1888 General Conference session and supported by Ellen White. His relationship to Ellen White became estranged to the point where he even questioned her visions. Then in 1891, Uriah admitted his wrong attitude and harmony was restored. It is worth noting that during those years Uriah never considered giving up his church, nor did Ellen White consider him unfit to serve his church.
Uriah Smith was the first General Conference secretary, a position he held on five different occasions. He also served briefly as General Conference treasurer and taught Bible at Battle Creek College. Highly respected for his honesty and willingness to take a stand for the principles he believed in, the life of this young Adventist pioneer should be a source of inspiration and encouragement for our young leaders today.
Portions of this article were adapted by Ann Fisher from Welcome to the Family, an out-of-print book published jointly by Home Study International and the North American Division, and used with permission. Ann writes from Walla Walla, Washington.
