22
The Publishing Ministry
sacrifice of strength and means.—
Life Sketches of Ellen G. White,
242-244
.
Unselfish Labors of Uriah Smith—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 con-
nection 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,
[30]
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.—
Selected Messages 2:225
.
Pioneer History to Be Kept Before the People—The record of
the experience through which the people of God passed in the early
history of our work must be republished. Many of those who have
since come into the truth are ignorant of the way in which the Lord
wrought. The experience of William Miller and his associates, of Cap-
tain Joseph Bates, and of other pioneers in the Advent message should
be kept before our people. Elder Loughborough’s book should receive
attention. Our leading men should see what can be done for the circu-
lation of this book. [
Reference is here made to The Rise and Progress
of Seventh-day Adventists, published in 1892 by J.N. Loughborough
(revised in 1905 as The Great Second Advent Movement).
]
We must study to find out the best way in which to take up the
review of our experiences from the beginning of our work, when we
separated from the churches, and went forward step by step in the light
that God gave us. We then took the position that the Bible, and the
Bible only, was to be our guide; and we are never to depart from this