The First Press, the Smith’s & The Great Controversy | Lineage | Broadcast 4 | Season 2

Summary

This video script highlights the early struggles and sacrifices of the Seventh-day Adventist pioneers, including Ellen and James White, and notable figures like Uriah Smith and Annie Smith. It recounts pivotal moments such as the revival meetings in New Hampshire, the humble beginnings of Adventist publishing in Rochester, and the enduring influence of the prophetic gift. The script also emphasizes the sacrifices of young believers and the spiritual and physical challenges they faced. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of dedication to the Adventist cause and the legacy of faith, sacrifice, and service.

Takeaways

• 😀 The early Adventist pioneers, including figures like William Farnsworth and Uriah Smith, made significant sacrifices for the growth of the movement, often working for little to no financial compensation.
• 😀 The power of Ellen White's prophetic gift was instrumental in guiding individuals back to faith, as seen in the reconversion of Wooster Ball and William Farnsworth.
• 😀 Personal transformation through the prophetic gift was emphasized, with Ellen White's direct intervention helping people overcome secret sins, such as William Farnsworth’s tobacco use.
• 😀 Uriah Smith played a crucial role in Adventism by serving as the editor of the *Review and Herald* and later contributing significantly to Adventist literature, including *Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation*.
• 😀 The sacrifices of early Adventist workers, like the young people living in Rochester, showed immense dedication, working long hours under difficult conditions to spread the Adventist message.
• 😀 Annie Smith, though less well-known than her brother Uriah, made substantial contributions to Adventism as a poet, writer, and editor, even editing the *Review and Herald* when James White was absent.
• 😀 The development of the Adventist publishing ministry, such as the purchase of their first printing press in Rochester, was pivotal in spreading the message of the church.
• 😀 The first Adventist printing press was crucial for uniting scattered believers across the country, with the *Review and Herald* serving as a vital communication tool.
• 😀 Ellen White’s life was directly threatened by Satan when she received a vision in 1858 during a funeral service, a pivotal moment that contributed to the creation of *The Great Controversy*.
• 😀 *The Great Controversy*, a book that nearly cost Ellen White her life to write, became one of the most influential works of the Adventist church, outlining the cosmic conflict between good and evil.
• 😀 The early church's emphasis on sacrifice and commitment is a reminder for modern Adventists to remain dedicated to spreading the gospel, regardless of the challenges and sacrifices that may come.

Q & A

What event led to the spiritual decline in Washington, New Hampshire in the 1860s?

By the 1860s, there was a spirit of judgmentalism, bitterness, and general backsliding among the members in Washington, New Hampshire. This decline was also marked by the closure of the church in 1867.

How did Ellen and James White impact the community of Washington, New Hampshire in 1867?

In 1867, Ellen and James White conducted a revival series in Washington, New Hampshire, staying in Cyrus Farnsworth's home. Although the meetings had limited success, they led to significant spiritual renewals, including the reconversion of Wooster Ball and the repentance of William Farnsworth.

What secret did Eugene Farnsworth know about his father, William Farnsworth, and how did it play a role in the revival meetings?

Eugene Farnsworth knew that his father, William Farnsworth, had recently resumed chewing tobacco, a habit he kept secret from others. Eugene tested Ellen White's prophetic gift by seeing if she would reveal this hidden sin. During the revival meetings, Ellen White addressed this issue, leading to William's public repentance and spiritual renewal.

What was the significance of the revival meetings in Washington, New Hampshire during Christmas 1867?

The revival meetings held in Washington, New Hampshire, during Christmas 1867 were pivotal for the region, with 18 young people giving their lives to Jesus, nine of whom became full-time workers for the church, including Eugene Farnsworth.

How did early Adventists in Rochester, New York contribute to the development of the church's media and publications?

In the 1850s, early Adventists in Rochester, New York, established a printing press that became the foundation for the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, which was printed on the church's own press. This move allowed for better organization and distribution of Adventist literature, marking an important step in the church's media outreach.

What challenges did the early Adventist workers in Rochester face while producing church publications?

Early Adventist workers in Rochester faced financial and logistical challenges, living frugally with limited resources. They often worked long hours, sometimes through the night, using rudimentary tools to produce publications by hand. Despite these hardships, they were dedicated to spreading the Adventist message.

How did Annie Smith contribute to the early Adventist church, and what sacrifices did she make?

Annie Smith made significant contributions as a writer, poet, and editor. She worked at the Adventist Review and Herald in Rochester, where she managed the publication and even served as acting editor at times. Despite a lucrative job offer, she chose to work for little financial gain, demonstrating her commitment to the church's mission.

What was the significance of Uriah Smith's role in the early Adventist church, and what were some of his achievements?

Uriah Smith played a crucial role as the resident editor of the Adventist Review and Herald, helping keep the church connected through its publications. He was a prolific writer and editor, authoring 18 books, including the widely-read 'Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation.' He also patented several inventions, including an improved prosthetic leg.

What happened to the Review and Herald building in 1903, and how did Uriah Smith respond to the loss?

In 1903, the Review and Herald building was destroyed by fire, and insurance covered only a fraction of the damage. Despite the tragedy, Uriah Smith remained optimistic, writing that the church was of good courage. The church decided to relocate to Washington D.C. instead of rebuilding in Battle Creek.

What is the significance of Ellen White's book 'The Great Controversy' and the challenges she faced in writing it?

The book 'The Great Controversy' is significant for its portrayal of the ongoing battle between Christ and Satan and its exploration of past, present, and future events in the church's history. Ellen White faced a life-threatening attack while working on the book, but she believed angels saved her life to ensure the message was delivered.