47. Letter To Uriah Smith

An example of the burden of a prophetPPP 235.1

Let me share with you a story that might help you understand what I am trying to describe in terms of the burden that Ellen White carried for a soul. All of you have heard of Elder Uriah Smith, member of the Review and Herald staff for nearly 50 years, and editor of the paper for nearly 35 years. He also authored the book Daniel and Revelation as well as was an inventor, poet, and illustrator—having created many of the woodcuts that appeared in our earliest publication, and served as secretary of the General Conference altogether for nearly 21 years.PPP 235.2

Like all of us, Uriah Smith had some problems in his life: He was wrong in 1882 (and had to close Battle Creek College 1882-1883). He was also wrong at Minneapolis in December 31,1890.PPP 235.3

Dear Brother Smith,PPP 236.1

I have been remarkably exercised in regard to your case several times during my last round of labors. I have been greatly blessed of the Lord; but at times your case has been presented before me in a very clear light,—just where you are standing. I have carried the burden with but little hope that I could do you any good.—p. 1.PPP 236.2

My brother, Uriah Smith, whom I have loved and respected in the Lord, you have been working at cross purposes with God, practicing upon yourself deceptions which, if you continue as you have done, will be succeeded with deceptions and delusions which will end in irrevocable separation from God.—p. 4.PPP 236.3

“Without me” said Christ, “ye can do nothing.” . . . Do you refuse to fall on the Rock? If so, there is not the slightest assurance in your case that you will ever recover yourself out of the snare of the devil.—p. 6.PPP 236.4

Why your particular case agonizes my soul so continuously I cannot define. Again and again I have seen that blindness was upon you to an alarming degree. I give you up to the hands of Jesus, and then think I have not more to say, not another word, then I find my soul torn with anguish and I am weeping and praying with strong cryings and tears, “Take not thy Holy Spirit from him; O, let something from Thy spirit break this spell.” —p. 10; Portions from Ellen G. White’s letter to Uriah SmithPPP 236.5

The results of Ellen White’s agonizing and communication to Uriah Smith resulted in 3 public apologies by him, one to Church leaders, another to workers at a worker’s meeting, and a third in the Battle Creek Dime Tabernacle the following Sabbath.PPP 236.6