A Faithful Standard Bearer
By Stephen N. Haskell
“Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?” 2 Sam. 3: 38. With the deepest regret we are called to mourn the death of Elder Uriah Smith, who fell on his way to his post of duty, March 6. Brother Smith was connected with the work from the very beginning. He was one of God's own choosing and anointing to bear a prominent part in the editorial work of our leading denominational paper. His early experience and the Spirit of God fitted him for this position. His mother, a godly woman, had consecrated him to God's service in his childhood, and after she accepted present truth, her great burden was that her children also might be partakers of the same hope. Through a series of circumstances, that are too numerous to mention, Brother Smith was brought where the light of truth fell upon his pathway. He became interested, and accepted it. Soon he was connected with the paper at Rochester, N. Y. When the publishing work first began, and the facilities were very limited, the tracts were trimmed with a penknife, and Brother Smith assisted in this work. He has ever been more or less connected with the printing office and the editorial work on the REVIEW AND HERALD. His experience has been varied, like that of every one who has long been connected with this work; but his love for the truth has been such that no circumstances have led him to depart from its principles. He is the author of many of our leading publications. In the early days of this message, Elder White, who was associated with him, suggested that he write some thoughts on the books of Daniel and the Revelation for the REVIEW, and after they had appeared in the REVIEW, he could revise them, and have them published in a book. This was the origin of the book “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” and many in all parts of the world are rejoicing in present truth to-day, who received their first rays of light on the message by reading “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” Years ago, in the early camp-meeting experience, Elder Smith attended many7of our camp-meetings, and took an active part not only in bringing out the truth, but in presenting it to the thousands who attended these meetings. His general life has been the same from the beginning. He had one point to make, and that was to get the truth before the people. In this God has wonderfully blessed him, and while from time to time there have been changes in the editorial staff, and in the work on the paper, yet he has occupied his position in the editorial chair. When Biblical institutes were started among our people, Elder Smith was one of the first to teach in them. His principal method of teaching was to go over the principles underlying present truth, and bring out those truths that would direct the mind to the times in which we live. In times of controversy upon points of present truth, Elder Smith's pen always stood in defense of the truth. From this he never swerved. Others have come and have gone, but in the time of a crisis, there has been one man among a few others, whose position has ever been the same in the work of God. But Elder Smith rests from his labors. His work is over. His record is made up, and we deeply mourn his loss. The cause will be made to realize, in the crisis that is before us, the need of able defenders for present truth. He, who has ever stood foremost, and whose pen has ever been true, will no more act his part. Of him it can be truly said, His works follow him. A few other standard bearers are left, of whom it can be said, Which were from the beginning, which have heard, which have seen with their own eyes of the Word of life, and can bear a living testimony to the rise and progress of present truth. We mourn, but not without hope; we are sad, but not without rejoicing. His conflict is over, and to him there will be no measurement of time between his falling under the stroke and his rising immortal in the resurrection of the just. We heartily sympathize with his family, and can only pray that God may hasten the time when he, with other pioneers in the present truth, and all who are looking for Christ's coming, will meet around the great white throne in the kingdom of glory.