49. J. N. Andrews

As a teenagerPPP 240.1

Eventually he would become our first official overseas missionary, but as a teenager he started the practice of getting up at 4:00 AM for prayer and Bible study. That allowed him to get in a couple of hours of study before breakfast—Virgil Robinson, Flame for the Lord, p. 10.PPP 240.2

As a writerPPP 240.3

Years later when Elder J. N. Andrews was writing on his “History of the Sabbath” in Battle Creek, for economy’s sake he occupied a bed in the recess of the editorial room of the Review office. During the working hours his room was so public that there was no privacy for prayer. Elder Andrews said he must find a place where he could pray for divine help when his mind was not clear as to just the best way to express his thoughts.PPP 240.4

He searched through the building, but could find no place for retirement except in an attic, where back numbers of the periodicals were stored. This he converted into his sanctum, and frequently we would see him winding his way through the composing room to an almost perpendicular ladder which led to that dimly lighted, ill- ventilated place, where he would spend hours pleading for wisdom to present correctly the truths that have since enlightened the world regarding the history of the Sabbath.PPP 240.5

This made a profound impression on my young mind.—M. S. Boyd, “The First Italian Tract,” Review and Herald, September 18, 1924, p. 61; Sacrifice and Commitment, pp. 106, 107.PPP 241.1

Encounter with the devilPPP 241.2

As mentioned, John Andrews wrote the book The History of the Sabbath. While he was writing [the second edition of] the book in South Lancaster, MA, he had an impression one time that the devil was going to make an attempt on his life.PPP 241.3

At the time of the incident Charles Andrews, then a young boy, was in the room with his father John Nevins [Andrews]. He [Charles] heard the steps and saw the door open and then close. Then he heard steps coming into the room. His father said: “Oh God, take the site of him away from me!” He [Elder Andrews] no longer saw him but felt the grip of his hands around his throat and he called out: “Oh Charles, pray for me.” And Charles did, and the devil left, but Elder Andrews was sick for several days and had the marks of the devil’s fingers on his throat.PPP 241.4

Charles did not see the devil but heard the steps and saw the door open and close, and it made an impression on him. After it was over his father told him how the devil came in to the room dressed in gray. He had to stoop to get into the door. He had piercing eyes and a hateful and angry expression on his face as he came toward Elder Andrews. His countenance was fierce and determined as he advanced. Charles said: “That was the first time I had even been called upon to pray for anyone in my life.”PPP 241.5

Story as edited by Elder Nevins Harlan on November 11, 1990. He had earlier told me the story in a March 25, 1990, tape recording made at his home in College Place, Washington. We sometimes forget that the Great Controversy is a real battle!PPP 241.6

Facing death honestlyPPP 242.1

Sometime after being diagnosed with incurable consumption, now called tuberculosis, J. N. Andrews wrote to his brother-in-law, Uriah Smith, who at the time was editor of the Review and Herald. Facing death honestly and candidly, Elder Andrews requested that no eulogy be included with any announcement of his passing that might be printed in church papers. Some might find surprising the reason for his request. In fact, Elder Andrews’ request was honored by both Elder Smith as well as Elder J. H. Waggoner, editor of The Signs of the Times.PPP 242.2

Strictly private and confidentialPPP 242.3

Bale, April 24, 1883

Dear Uriah:

At the present time by reason of my great prostration I am brought to look death in the face. There is one thing that troubles me which I lay before you in the form of a petition. It will fall your lot to mention my death in the Review. I beg you to make the simplest and briefest statement possible and I solemnly charge you to exclude every word of eulogy. One third of a column in the Review will suffice for all that should be said.PPP 242.4

I make this request because I fear that your kind regard for me will constrain you to say what I do not merit and what ought not to be said. My best acts have had some trace of selfishness in them or have been lacking in love toward God and man. I beseech you therefore by all the affection which you bear me that you will regard this my earnest petition. And will you also transmit this as a private note to Bro. J. H. Waggoner as Editor of the Signes that he may know my wishes and act accordingly?PPP 242.5

Perhaps God will yet spare my life, but to human sight it seems much more likely that I shall soon be called hence.PPP 243.1

I am Yours in ChristPPP 243.2

J. N Andrews

Elder Andrews died October 21,1883. He was 54 years old.PPP 243.3