Annie R. Smith Enters the Work by John Norton Loughborough

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 5, 1908

Annie R. Smith Enters the Work

By John Norton Loughborough

helper, at Charlestown, Mass., in the person of Annie R. Smith.

Sister Annie, who had the experience of the first and second messages, had nearly finished her course of study in a ladies' seminary at Charlestown. By invitation of her mother, she attended a meeting held by Brother Bates, at Somerville, Mass., near Charlestown. Here she heard the subjects of the sanctuary, the third angel’s message, and the Sabbath, and accepted the truth. She immediately left the school, and went home to West Wilton, N. H. There she saw a call in the REVIEW for help. God laid the burden on her to respond to the call. She accordingly wrote her convictions to Brother White, and was very soon at her post of duty—just the help they needed.

The spirit of consecration that actuated and sustained her is well expressed in her own words, printed in the REVIEW, Vol. II, No. 7:— “I trust I have forsaken all to follow the Lamb whithersoever he leads the way. Earth has entirely lost its attractions. My hopes, joys, affections, are now all centered in things above and divine. I want no other place than to sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn of him—no other occupation than to be in the service of my Heavenly Father—no other delight than the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.”

To give some idea of what she had forsaken, let it be remembered that she and her brother had a standing offer of one thousand dollars a year, with room and board, for three years, to take charge of an academy. This she left for the position of proof-reader and copyist on the REVIEW, for little more than her board and needful clothing. Such was one of the “early sacrifices” in this cause. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.