Updated: October 13, 2019
The amount of people who have requested the list of changes that have taken place for Uriah Smith’s Daniel and Revelation book has been significant. After many years I have taken the first 119 pages of the 1897 version and have compared it with the 1944 version. The results are interesting.
There are many grammatical changes that have taken place. Most do not effect the book one way or the other. But interspersed throughout these “tiny” changes are alterations that do change the book and intention of the author. Starting this project has revealed to me that the owners of Uriah Smith’s book desired to create a derivative work. According to the U.S. Copyright office a derivative work is defined as:
A derivative work is a work based on or derived from one or more already existing works. Common derivative works include translations, musical arrangements, motion picture versions of literary material or plays, art reproductions, abridgments, and condensations of preexisting works. Another common type of derivative work is a “new edition” of a preexisting work in which the editorial revisions, annotations, elaborations, or other modifications represent, as a whole, an original work.
To be copyrightable, a derivative work must incorporate some or all of a preexisting “work” and add new original copyrightable authorship to that work. The derivative work right is often referred to as the adaptation right. The following are examples of the many different types of derivative works:
…
A revision of a previously published book
After looking at the 985 changes in the first 119 pages I believe the new edition of Uriah Smith’s Daniel and Revelation is about changing the original for copyright purposes as well as to change any part of the book that the historical revisionists desired to “improve”. Based on U.S. copyright law the copyright owner of a book has the right to modify any part of the book. For example if the editors desire to replace Uriah Smith’s preface with their own, they have that right. On page 25 when the original says that Jerusalem was “carried captive to Babylon, B.C. 588”, the editors have the freedom to change the date to 586.
Uriah Smith on page 28 mentioned that the name “Mishael” signified “he that is a strong God” but the editors thought it was an improvement to change it to “who is what God is”. The pages of 58-61 in the original are not to be found in the new edition. Uriah Smith referenced “Rollin, Ancient History” on page 117 but the revisionists thought it an improvement to reference “The Cambridge Ancient History, Vol. VI” instead.
To download and view the changes of the first 119 pages of the book (17.4mb): Daniel and the Revelation Book by Uriah Smith – Revision Changes
To view the comments I recommend downloading the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software
The reason why only 119 pages are shown here is due to the vast amount of small changes that have been made in the 1944 revision. It would require a lot more time to continue to the end. You will notice that having over 900 changes marked in the PDF is very resource intensive. I cannot imagine how many changes there would be if one marked up the whole PDF. One project that may now be helpful is to go through the book only marking the changes that reference trinitarian ideas.
August 2, 2015
On Sabbath morning I was searching the internet for the name LeRoy Froom who is a Seventh-day Adventist minister and historian who lived 41 years ago and I came across an article from Terry Hill (A research paper on the history of the trinity doctrine within the early Christian Church and within Seventh-day Adventism – Section 42)
Terry Hill mentioned that in LeRoy Froom’s book ‘Movement of Destiny’ there is a sub-heading entitled “Revision of Daniel and the Revelation inevitable”. After I read section 42 of Terry Hill’s study I was curious of the changes that took place after Ellen White died regarding Uriah Smith’s book “Daniel and the Revelation”. I was questioning if Uriah Smith’s book that Ellen White recommended so highly (read EGW quotes below) was altered significantly or perhaps there were only minor edits and it didn’t change significantly. In my research Uriah Smith died March 6. 1903. The print date of 1904 is the last original unrevised 1897 of “Daniel and the Revelation” by Uriah Smith.
Here are a few Ellen White quotes regarding Uriah Smith’s book “Daniel and The Revelation” (notice all these quotes came before 1904):
In the Desire of Ages, Patriarchs and Prophets, and in Daniel and the Revelation, There is precious instruction. These books must be regarded as of special importance, and every effort should be made to get them to the people.- Letter 229,1903 – Colporteur Ministry pg.123.2
The light given was that Thoughts on Daniel and The Revelation, The Great Controversy, and Patriarchs and Prophets, would make their way. They contain the very message the people must have, the special light God had given His people. The angels of God would prepare the way for these books in the hearts of the people.- Special Instruction Regarding Royalties, p.7 (1899) – Colporteur Ministry pg.123.3
Daniel and Revelation, Great Controversy, Patriarchs and Prophets, and Desire of Ages should now go to the world. The grand instruction contained in Daniel and Revelation has been eagerly perused by many in Australia. This book has been the means of bringing many precious souls to a knowledge of the truth. Everything that can be done should be done to circulate Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation. I know of no other book that can take the place of this one. It is God’s helping hand.–MS 76, 1901. – The Publishing Ministry pg.356.2
Let our canvassers urge this book upon the attention of all. The Lord has shown me that this book will do a good work in enlightening those who become interested in the truth for this time. Those who embrace the truth now, who have not shared in the experiences of those who entered the work in the early history of the message, should study the instruction given in Daniel and the Revelation, becoming familiar with the truth it presents. Manuscript Releases Volume One pg.61.1
Young men, take up the work of canvassing for Daniel and the Revelation. Do all you possibly can to sell this book. Enter upon the work with as much earnestness as if it were a new book. And remember that as you canvass for it, you are to become familiar with the truths it contains. As you ponder these truths, you will receive ideas that will enable you not only to receive light, but to let light shine forth to others in clear, bright rays. Manuscript Releases Volume One pg.63.3
A quick search to find the 1904 printed date version (which is the 1897 version) produced successful results at MaranathaMedia.com
My wife and I also happened to have the 1944 version soft cover so we were ready to compare. I would read the 1904 printed date version and my wife would listen and read the 1944 version. Whenever we would come to rewording, additions or deletions we would stop and talk about them. Stay tuned for a chapter by chapter insight comparing Uriah Smith’s original with the revised edition of Daniel and the Revelation.
Where is the follow up? Can you please tell us what the differences are? What is the magnetic? Is anything salvaic?
I just found your website. Please tell me how things went on your comparison of these two editions of Daniel and Revelation. Thank you. God bless.
Hi Melody, Thank you for your comment. The comparison went really well. We enjoyed it very much but at the same time were very surprised with the changes. The changes that took place in effect removed the spirit of Uriah Smith. In other words when you were reading the original book it was encouraging and connecting. You connected with Uriah Smith in many ways. The words brother Smith used help the reader to see who he was as a person. But in many sections when you read the revised version it was like reading a science text book with no life. This version was more dry. This version did not encourage. This version removed the author from the author’s book. It truly is amazing that this revision was accomplished without more protest.
I did some research and I believe that Uriah Smith’s book is a monumental book worthy of consideration. The old version is better but even it is not completely free from misinterpretations. He does focus on the essence of the Advent belief. It’s the fruit of one man’s personal intellect and a whole denomination cannot limit itself to it. That being said, it is a very interesting book. I will dig into it again. His interpretation of the stone kingdom of Daniel Chapter 2 as the second coming is not biblical. I believe though that he had only good intentions in writing this book. God be glorified. The problem is not with him but with us putting human intellect above the Word of God. He as all of us did understand but a few parts of the prophecies. Jesus alone can guide us. We ought to use the works of the pioneers but in the light of the Bible. No one is infallible beside Heaven. Do you about the statement in the book: Testimonies to Ministers & Gospel Workers, Page 475? Another messenger is clearly projected by EGW but the Estate has corrupted that to be about her and she uses the future tense. Check on the work of Victor Tassau Houteff. I truly believe that his message is for the SDA church as also predicted in the book 1888 sermons. Be humble and investigate without bias; it’s about your salvation and spiritual pride is abhorring to God. Do not be moved by hearsay and gossiping. I did investigate personally and think that the church is in trouble for rejecting him and I love the church but we need the present truth for this time. The Stone of Daniel 2 is the 144,000 and it is cut out of the mountain the SDA church by Ezekiel 9 judgment and then it consequently fills the whole earth after the loud cry is sounded. Call Brother Don Adair at 864 944 1254 in South Carolina; he was student of Victor Tassau Houteff; tell him that a brother from Montreal, Canada gave you his number. If you hear my full testimony, you will know that we have rejected light. Sister EGW did warn us in 1888 after Jones and Waggoner message was rejected. You have nothing to lose. Investigate. If you need to hear my testimony, email me. God bless you. I pray that the spirit of prejudice and Pharisaism will be far away from you.
Is it possible to get a copy of your comparison of the two versions? If so how can I go about this?
Certainly. I will send you a PDF copy.
Christian greetings, there is something very strange going on. I once saw evidences that Uriah Smith’s book entitled: Thoughts on Daniel & Revelation, was actually based on another book and I saw the photos of the authors of that book and info on them. I have searched the Internet and there is no trace of it; I find that very interesting. These quotations purporting to be from Ellen G. White can discredit her in the sense that the book Thoughts on Daniel & Revelation and Daniel & Revelation have many flawed interpretations that cannot be sustained by the Bible. It’s not enough to compare the two versions; there must be a thorough investigation of the contain of the books based on Scriptures. Ellen G. White herself warranted that fact. We cannot take the above counsels to mean that the book’s contain fully reliable. There are many interpretations that are not sustainable by the Bible. And also, are we sure that these statements were not about the biblical books of Daniel & Revelation? These question need answers seriously. There is a total confusion as to this book. Also, it sounds very strange that these statements are putting Daniel & Revelation above all other books; I suspect that it’s because she was simply talking about the biblical books and not his book or maybe some folks could have slipped these statements with the intent to mislead God’s people.
Hi Samson, I have never heard of Uriah Smith’s book being based on another book. If you come across this info please let us know.
You mentioned Daniel & Revelation has many flawed interpretations that cannot be sustained by the Bible. It would be well for you to provide a few examples of these “flawed” interpretations that cannot be sustained by the Bible. I agree with you that we should investigate the book based on the Bible.
Christian greetings Sir, Thank you for replying to my messages. I did find an original copy of Uriah Smith’s book and I believe that it was a monumental work and very excellent history book that I enjoyed reading. I will contact some of the fellows that had shared those papers with and if I do find them, I will surely send them your way. My only aim is to be in harmony with the Word of God and to walk accordingly in His will in Jesus. I am no critic of any of the pioneers; God forbid. Many of them going from love for God and mankind, attempted to interpret Scriptures and the fact that some of their renderings of Scriptures were not on point do not give anyone today the right to criticize them and belittle the influence of their works. That book was masterly written based or not on another book. I will soon send you some passages and biblical references also a few from the Spirit of Prophecy. I pray and hope and believe that the Lord Jesus Christ will enlighten our darkness. Proverbs 29:25. I suspect that the truth is timely and that there were some truths that the Lord held back in the times of the pioneers because they were not forcibly then present truths for that period. May the God of Israel of these last days bless you and sustain you by the Word of His power. Amen.
Thanks for the message. Will wait to hear more. Christian blessings!
Samson, you’re probably thinking about “Observations upon the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John” by Sir Isaac Newton, but Uriah Smith’s work has no similarity to the former book, just a similar title.
Good point! Thank you.
Hi, I just found this article. I hope u I can still get the comparison pdf, please. I would very appreciate it. Blessings to you and thank you so much for this hard work!
Your welcome. I will consider continuing on the Uriah Smith book comparison PDF.
hey jason can you shoot me a copy also
Hi Buddy, No problem. Email has been sent.
Hi Samson,
Great post.
I’d love to get a copy of your comparison of the two versions please
I would also like to get a comparison copy. I just bought an original 1897 copy of Daniel and Revelation.
No problem. Please check your email for a PDF copy.
Hi, I would like a copy of the differences between the original and the revised 1944 edition. There is a new 5 minute video on Islam in Prophecy You Tube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfTm0Eu8HP8&t=26s
Which may be of interest to you. It’s great to see the interest again in Uriah’s book.
God’s blessings to both of you, Alan
BRO. JASON,
CAN YOU SEND ME A DIGITAL COPY OF Uriah Smith’s Daniel and the Revelation 1865 EDITION ?
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.
Here is the 1884 version of Daniel and Revelation by Uriah Smith. I don’t have a pdf of the 1865 edition.
https://archive.org/details/thoughtscritica03smitgoog/page/n12
Tried link. Not working.
https://www.jetsoflight.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Daniel_And_The_Revelation_Uriah_Smith_1897-Revisions-First-119-Pages-Comments.pdf
Happy Sabbath bro. Jason.
I would like a copy of the differences between the original and the revised 1944 edition.
Many thx in advance…..
Hello – Pls send me a pdf copy of your comparison Daniel and the Revelation book study? Thanks!
I would also be interested in a pdf copy of your comparison! 🙂
Hmm… I really wonder what is happening to our church today! that Pacific press!! for sure I searched for that book but it was nowhere to be seen! now when it comes to leaders! my God!… but thank you so much Mr Jason in Jesus’ name….
Hello brother. I have just picked up and started reading mentioned book. Can you please send me a comparison copy. And or direct me to an original copy.
Thank you and God bless.
Jason king
I don’t even trust the estate we’re now using because they keep on editing and editing and editing until they can’t edit anymore and then they feel they can’t release anything-for they’re ashamed! am not biased but…..
Hello! Is it possible for me to get a copy of the PDF with the comparisons? Thank you for all your work!
Blessings
Hello, Here is the PDF link with the comparisons. Only the first 119 pages are completed. It is a large download (17.2mb). It would be best for you to download the PDF to your computer.
https://www.jetsoflight.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Daniel_And_The_Revelation_Uriah_Smith_1897-Revisions-First-119-Pages-Comments.pdf
Please mr jason how are you?I came across your presentation over Uriah Smith’book.Please iam a Lay preacher runing an independent ministry -The Sanctuary Voice Ministry in Zambia.Help me.Help me.I need the 1897 version printed in 1904 and the comparison you deed.
Seeing the need for this, I have produced a computer-analyzed side-by-side comparison of the two versions of Daniel and the Revelation. The overall weight of the changes is staggering. While some changes are very minor, some change the meaning to exactly the opposite of the original, and many of the prophecies get new interpretations. Entire paragraphs are added and removed in the 1944 revision. See the comparison, with differences highlighted, here: https://www.biblasia.com/resources/Daniel-and-the-Revelation-Uriah-Smith-1897-vs-1944.html
God bless your search for truth!
Hi,Erik.I am Verne and come from China. Recently I have been studying on Daniel and The Revelation by Uriah Smith. In China many people haven’t known about this book even SDA church members. I have been making a history time line for this book around two months.
Hello Verne,
Your history time line sounds interesting. Please keep us posted with you progress and let us know when it is complete.
Jason
Hello Jason,
First of all , thank you reply for me.
I chose chapter 2,7,8,9,11,12, these six chapters of Daniel，which are about main prophesy. I have been matched specific verse to specific history time and verse by verse . At the moment I have been working on chapter 11:21,already finished chapter 2 to chapter 9. Pray for me.
I found the older version from archive.org about Smith Uriah Thoughts, Critical and practical on the Book of Daniel (1873),source as follows:
https://archive.org/details/SmithU.ThoughtsCriticalAndPracticalOnTheBookOfDaniel/mode/
Verne
https://books.google.com.sg/books?id=H-s2AAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&hl=zh-CN&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
This is 1884 version ，it is called :
Thoughts, Critical and Practical, on the Books of Daniel and the Revelation by Uriah Smith.
Your link to Terry Hill’s SUPERB treatise could be updated: https://theprophetstillspeaks.co.uk/Articles_pdf/SDA_trinity_history.pdf
You mentioned ch. 44, but 47 would also be worth reading on this D&R topic. AAMOF, IMHO, that entire book (and his entire site, for that matter) is well worth study for the same reasons as this topic AND THEN SOME! I’m only half-way through it so far myself, but his research is impressive and his reasoning sound (especially as compared to some of the comments here).
THANK YOU for your effort in answer to this issue, and many thanks to Erik, too, for his work!!!
Hello Herbert, Thank you for the comment and updated link. Much appreciated. I do agree that the entire book by Terry Hill is well worth the study.
Jason
thank Jesus Christ .
Hello Jason,The illustration of Daniel prophesy has been done , which is according to Daniel and the Revelation by Uriah Smith.
I made Chinese version first , however , recently I translated the illustration in English .
This is view address:
https://github.com/VerneWei/VerneWei/blob/2a2a1362c14eb4aef1ef7062fa8daa4b092fa62d/2021%E5%B9%B49%E6%9C%8829%E6%97%A5%EF%BC%8C%E4%B8%AD%E6%96%87%E7%89%88%20%26%20English-Version%EF%BC%8C%E4%BD%86%E4%BB%A5%E7%90%86%E4%B9%A6%E9%A2%84%E8%A8%80%E5%9B%BE%E8%A7%A3-3.4%E7%89%88-01.pdf
This is download address:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/VerneWei/VerneWei/2a2a1362c14eb4aef1ef7062fa8daa4b092fa62d/2021%E5%B9%B49%E6%9C%8829%E6%97%A5%EF%BC%8C%E4%B8%AD%E6%96%87%E7%89%88%20%26%20English-Version%EF%BC%8C%E4%BD%86%E4%BB%A5%E7%90%86%E4%B9%A6%E9%A2%84%E8%A8%80%E5%9B%BE%E8%A7%A3-3.4%E7%89%88-01.pdf
If you have any question, you might contact me by Facebook.
Hello Verne,
Thank you very much for sharing the Daniel prophecy chart. It looks really nice and detailed. I have not gone through it yet but look forward to studying it more in depth.
Wonderful!
Jason
I have changed link of downloading Daniel’s illustration.
this is a new link:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/VerneWei/01-Daniel/main/01-%20%E7%AE%80%E4%BD%93%E7%89%88%20%26%20English-Version%EF%BC%8C%E4%BD%86%E4%BB%A5%E7%90%86%E4%B9%A6%E9%A2%84%E8%A8%80%E5%9B%BE%E8%A7%A3-3.4%E7%89%88-02%EF%BC%8C2021%E5%B9%B410%E6%9C%883%E6%97%A5.pdf