The Formative Power of a Great Book

The volume by Uriah Smith called Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation occupies a unique and prominent place in Adventist history. More than any other publication it has given us an honored place among prophetic expositors of our day. It is a verse-by-verse explanation of the two books concerned, and the prestige it has brought to the Adventist Church is of real value. With this book our members all felt that our prophetic message had taken concrete form and was well documented. From the day this large work became known, the literature of the remnant church began a new chapter. This is evident when we notice how it was spoken of in the Review, our church organ. In an issue of that paper dated August 4, 1885, we find the following:FSG 357.5

Thoughts On Daniel and the RevelationFSG 358.1

“By Elder U. SmithFSG 358.2

“A Book which Scientists, Historians, Scripture Students, and all Lovers of Good Literature, can read with Pleasure and Profit.FSG 358.3

“All know that the books of Daniel and the Revelation are two of the most wonderful books in the Bible. The author of this work gives us the result of nearly thirty years’ study, and throws such a flood of light on these two books as no other work in any language has ever done. No fanciful theories are presented, but arguments are drawn from ancient and modern history and the most reliable authorities, in great abundance, to make clear the meaning of these important books of the Bible, verse by verse, and convey an amount of information which cannot elsewhere be found in so concise a form.FSG 358.4

“In reading this book, our minds are carried through the history of the rise and fall of four great nations of the past, which are represented by the great image of gold, silver, brass, and iron, from the old Assyrian empire down to the division of the Roman Kingdom, and on through the Dark Ages in which Roman power and Mohammedan superstition were felt and seen all over the earth. The great Revolution in France in 1793-1798, which is fresh in the minds of all readers, and the Eastern Question, which is now attracting the attention of all the leading statesmen of the world, are carefully considered as way marks on the great stream of time.FSG 358.5

“Our own government, the youngest power in history, and the greatest marvel of national development—a nation which began its independent existence just one hundred years ago, with 815,615 square miles of territory and a population of about 3,000,000, but has now increased its territory to 3,678,392 square miles, and its population to over 52,000,000—is treated from a standpoint which will make it a subject of great interest to all. The author believes this nation to be a subject of prophecy—a prophecy which not only describes its present exalted position, but points out its future course and destiny.FSG 358.6

“It is a volume of 800 pages, printed on fine paper, handsomely bound, and illustrated with colored plates. Sold by subscription only.”FSG 359.1

TestimonialsFSG 359.2

“From Prof. C. O. Nepper, Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio:—FSG 359.3

“‘I am glad you wrote to me for I wanted to tell you how much I am pleased with “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” Since you were here, I have been reading it, and the more I read, the more I am interested and delighted with it. Prophecy is a matter that is claiming much attention at present among theologians. The interpretation given by Prof. U. Smith is very satisfactory. His style is beautiful; his statements perfectly fair; his arguments honest and logical; and at the same time, the thoughts are given in so clear a manner that the commonest mind can understand them. It is a book that everybody ought to read, especially in these times when the faith of men is so wavering. I hope you may have good success in selling the work, for I am sure no one will regret his subscription when he comes to read his book. A few days before I received your letter, I told my wife that I would not take double the price I paid for my copy, if it could not be replaced.’FSG 359.4

“From Prof. D. Moury, Principal Normal Department, Central Tennessee College:—FSG 359.5

“‘Having read “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” by Prof. U. Smith, I am highly pleased with it. The literature is such that all can readily understand it. It shows the real value of all historical knowledge. It demonstrates beyond any reasonable doubt that the Bible is a book of truth, and shows infidelity to be a great mistake. While it is interesting, it is instructive, and as a work of solid worth, it is valuable to us beyond the preciousness of gold. I cannot see how any young man or woman, who has any cultured tastes for history, can afford to be without the knowledge it contains, or how any father or mother in this age of knowledge can feel free to allow their children to be ignorant of the living themes with which it is filled. I am glad that it is being circulated among the people, and wish these noble spirits who are circulating it unbounded success.’FSG 359.6

“Agents Wanted.FSG 360.1

“Address, Review and Herald, Battle Creek, Mich.FSG 360.2

“Or, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, California”FSG 360.3

—The Review and Herald, August 4, 1885, page 495.FSG 360.4

This outstanding work on prophecy has brought the light of the advent message to millions in many lands. In America alone we have sold more than 340,000 copies.FSG 360.5