Passion, Purpose & Power

IV. Personal Commitments
1863-1915

19. John N. Andrews

Man of the Word PPP 104.1

His study of the Bible was so thorough, and his knowledge of its contents so complete, that, he told me in confidence, were the New Testament to be destroyed, he thought he could reproduce it word for word. He also informed me that he read the Bible in seven languages with a clear understanding.—John O. Corliss, “The Message and Its Friends-No. 5, Andrews, Its Pioneer Missionary,” Review and Herald, September 6, 1923, p. 6. PPP 104.2

Not satisfied with reading the Bible in English only, he read it with clear understanding in French, German, Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. —Robinson, Flame for the Lord, p. 101. PPP 104.3

Man of prayer PPP 104.4

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 this 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 104.5

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 105.1

This made a profound impression on my young mind. O that his example might be followed more closely by us all!—M. S. Boyd, “The First Italian Tract,” Review and Herald, September 18, 1924, p. 61. PPP 105.2

Committed servant of the church PPP 105.3

A camp-meeting was appointed to convene a short distance west of Battle Creek, in the summer of 1874, just prior to the departure of our first missionary to a foreign field, and Elder Andrews was present. When the expansion of the message was dwelt upon, and notice was given that he would soon leave for Europe, a change came over the meeting, and Elder Andrews, who had never before appeared so solemn, at once seemed altered in appearance. His face shone with such pronounced brightness that, as I saw him and heard his apparently inspired words of quiet contentment to be anywhere with the Lord, I thought of the story of Stephen and his wonderful experience when before the Jewish Sanhedrin. God was evidently preparing him for an ordeal that none of us had ever known or suspected. PPP 105.4

I had never before witnessed a sight so heavenly, nor have I seen anything equaling it since that time. I have, however, thought that before the Master returns to earth for His own, some will behold glory in a larger and brighter form even than that which enshrouded Brother Andrews on that memorable occasion. May that time hasten!—J. O. Corliss, “The Message and Its Friends-No. 5,” Review and Herald, September 6, 1923, p. 7. PPP 105.5

Although only eleven years old when Elder J. N. Andrews went to Europe, I remember it well. At this time it is difficult for people to understand how the believers were stirred by this event. It was talked over and over for a long time. The next summer, at the Wisconsin campmeeting, Elder James White told the familiar story of carrying the first copy of the Present Truth to the post office in a carpetbag, and then, with a voice tense with emotion, he exclaimed, “Now we have a missionary over in Europe.” It was a soul-inspiring story.—Mrs. L. B. Priddy, “A Bit of Church History,” Review and Herald, September 18, 1924, p. 59. PPP 106.1

The paper [Les Signes] was costing more than Andrews had expected. If there was one thing he hated more than another, it was to have to ask for money. He would rather go without necessary food and clothing than to write to the General Conference asking for funds. When he went to Europe the brethren didn’t set any specific salary for him. They wanted to find out how living costs there would compare with those in the United States. PPP 106.2

So, instead of setting a salary, they agreed to send him money from time to time. Unfortunately, during the first two or three years those times were few and far between. To publish tracts and pamphlets, and later on Les Signes, Andrews had to go into debt for three or four months at a time. Little by little he withdrew his own money from the bank and used it to meet living expenses. Sometimes he was several months behind with his rent. PPP 106.3

Faced with the expenses of a trip to Italy to see Dr. Ribton, Andrews wrote a letter to Elder James White, “If you think proper to do so— send me $500 or $1,000.” Ellen White read this letter, and beneath the signature she wrote and underlined, “Please send immediately.” PPP 106.4

James White knew that Elder Andrews would need more and more money, so he made another appeal in the Review for the expanding work in Europe. This brought in $2,000. And the General Conference committee voted to raise $10,000, but it was many months before this money arrived in Europe. PPP 106.5

On January 13, 1877, John Andrews was struck down with pneumonia. He would shake with cold chills, then he would perspire with burning fever. After this had continued for a week, a doctor was called. He gave the minister a thorough examination. PPP 107.1

After he had finished, the physician pointed to the minister’s gaunt face and exclaimed, “This man is almost starved to death!” It was all too true. In order to have money to use for the work, Andrews had often gone without necessary food. His temperature continued to rise, and he lost consciousness. For many days he was very sick. Then gradually he began to recover.—Robinson, Flame for the Lord, pp. 101-103. PPP 107.2

In 1877 Brother and Sister William Ings and I arrived in Switzerland to assist Elder Andrews in establishing our printing work in Europe. One small room — a bedroom—in the mission home was dedicated to the setting of the type and making up of the forms. When they were in readiness, they were taken in a handcart to the city by Brother Charles M. Andrews, where the printing was done. PPP 107.3

Our facilities were meager indeed, as far as mechanical apparatus was concerned. They consisted of a few fonts of type, sufficient to set Les Signes des Temps and a few tracts in French and German.—M. S. Boyd, Review and Herald, September 18, 1924, p. 61. PPP 107.4

Faithful unto death PPP 107.5

On July 22 [1883] he wrote in his diary, “Today I enter my fifty- fifth year. My life seems wholly filled with faults. I pray that I may be thoroughly cleansed in the blood of Christ.” PPP 107.6

Realizing that the time would soon come when Elder Andrews could no longer direct the work in Europe, the General Conference appointed Elder B. L. Whitney to go to Basel and prepare to take over. Someone suggested that John’s aged mother, Sarah Andrews, go with Elder Whitney to be with her son. Before deciding, George I. Butler, president of the General Conference, wrote to Elder Andrews and asked his permission. At first John said he didn’t wish his mother to come. PPP 107.7

“I would rather not have her see me in my present feeble condition,” he wrote. “It would only bring sorrow to her heart. If I must die, let it be alone.” PPP 108.1

Elder Butler wrote and explained to Elder Andrews that his mother would like nothing more than to be able to minister to her son. When Ellen White was asked about the move, she wrote to Elder Butler, “Sister Andrews should be with her son.” Reluctantly John gave his consent. PPP 108.2

When Elder Whitney sailed for Europe, Mother Andrews, Mrs. Martha Andrews, the widow of John’s brother, William, and Martha’s daughter, Sarah, were with him.—Robinson, Flame for the Lord, p. 120. PPP 108.3

In May, 1881, J. N. Loughborough, our senior Seventh-day Adventist minister, then in charge of our mission in Great Britain, came to Basel to see his old colleague and friend. The particular object of this visit was to have a period of consultation and special prayer that the Lord would graciously restore the health of Brother Andrews. This visit (which reminds me of Farel’s visit to Calvin in his sick room at Geneva) must have been a great source of comfort to the lonely publisher. PPP 108.4

The following year, missionaries laboring in Switzerland, Great Britain, and Scandinavia felt the necessity of coming together for mutual instruction and encouragement. They therefore met at Basel in September, 1882, under the chairmanship of Brother Andrews, A. A. John acting as secretary. S. N. Haskell, having just terminated a visit to these different European missions, was present. He was another former colaborer [sic.] of Elder Andrews, and his visit was greatly appreciated. PPP 108.5

Seeing the need of larger quarters for the work and the increasing family of workers, Elder Haskell rented a new building twice the size of the former place, and as the sick missionary in his condition would have shrunk from the idea of moving, he had the tactfulness to have the moving done while the two friends were taking a pleasant little trip together. PPP 108.6

Before his departure, Elder Haskell attended the annual meeting at Tramelan. Though hardly able to sit up, Elder Andrews presided. I shall never forget the prayer that Brother Haskell offered in his behalf on that occasion in the public schoolroom. It was a mighty supplication, a humble and at times a despairing cry to God for help and relief, a clinging to the throne of the Infinite. The congregation, though unacquainted with English, were sobbing. Heaven seemed near to bless. PPP 108.7

Another profitable visit in the spring of 1883 was that of Dr. J. H. Kellogg, back from a trip to Vienna for special study, and whose affable and generous manners were long remembered by all the mission household. He was so struck by the intensity of Elder Andrews’ interest in his work and of the largeness of his plans and hopes, that he wrote to America that everything possible must be done in order to save the missionary’s life. PPP 109.1

This pathetic appeal had its effect. On July 26 of the same year, a venerable-looking American woman, eighty-three years of age, slowly made her way to Elder Andrews’ sick room. The writer was in the building, but did not witness the meeting of Brother Andrews and his aged mother. She was accompanied by Elder Andrews’ sister-in-law, Martha Butler Andrews, and her little daughter, and also with a special friend of his, B. L. Whitney, his wife, and two daughters. Nothing more could be desired by the solitary and exhausted pioneer, as far as human friendship and tender affection were concerned. He seemed to revive, and probably spent his reserve strength in instilling into the hearts of his newly arrived friends his own enthusiasm and hopes. Many prayers ascended to God for his recovery. Every earthly means was used to that effect. But the reaction soon appeared. His strength gradually gave way, and his faithful pen itself refused to obey. PPP 109.2

From one week to another the publication of the paper was delayed, in the hope that he might be able to write his articles for the August number, the second issue of the eighth year. This was no mean task, as shown by the list of his articles in the preceding number. They were as follows: PPP 109.3

1. The Return of Israel.
2. Communion With God. PPP 109.4

3. The Book of Zechariah (Ch. 10).
4. Will the Second Advent Be Silent and Invisible? (First article.)
5. Conditionalism in the Holy Scriptures.
6. The Six Days of Creation. (First article.)
7. The First Day of the Week in the Early Centuries. (A historical series.) PPP 110.1

These articles make a total of twenty-two to twenty-three solid columns. PPP 110.2

Thus, physically exhausted, but with a mind “as clear as a bell” (to use his own expression), he was able to write five Biblical studies, one historical study, and an article on practical Christianity. But he had to submit to God’s will. In a short notice he welcomed the “arrival of Pastor Whitney,” his successor, and added another short notice, saying: PPP 110.3

“This number of Les Signes had been delayed by reason of the grave illness of the editor, who has been suffering seriously with lung disease for the last four years. It seems now certain that he will soon be obliged to leave the entire management of Les Signes des Temps to other hands.” PPP 110.4

Facing the stern reality, the sick man now entered into a period of mental struggle of which some faint idea was gathered by his friends. Then came a period of excruciating physical pain, in which he was heroically supported by proclaiming aloud the sublimity and perfect sufficiency of the Christian religion. PPP 110.5

But relief came, and with it perfect submission, perfect peace. All anxiety about his work, all sorrow over his unfinished task, disappeared. He told his friends that he felt as if carried down a deep and surging stream, while his feet rested on the rock beneath. “The storms have abated,” he said, “I am nearing land. God is good, God is infinitely good, infinitely good, infinitely good.” —Jean Vuilleumier, “Early Days of the Message in Europe-No. 4,” Review and Herald, April 18, 1929, p. 10. PPP 110.6

Into this editorial work went all there was of Elder Andrews’ declining strength. For each issue, he usually wrote four or five strong Biblical articles, dealing with various phases of present truth and Christian living. The last number he wrote was the one for July, 1883. In this issue are found no less than seven important articles from his pen, besides eight short notes. PPP 110.7

Until the middle of March, 1883, Elder Andrews was able to be about. On Sunday night, February 25, he attended a large meeting held in a popular hall, in which Elder Erzenberger reviewed a sermon preached against the Sabbath of the fourth commandment by a leading minister of Basel. A great victory was scored for the truth. Elder Andrews sat on the platform with the speaker, to give him his moral support at a critical time; but his weary, careworn, emaciated features indicated that he was a wounded soldier and that it meant heroism for him to be on the battlefield. PPP 111.1

And now I will quote from my diary: PPP 111.2

“APRIL 15, 1883.—The paper was mailed three days ago. Elder Andrews is very weak since he wrote his articles. They were written in a short time, and with relentless perseverance. He seems exhausted from the effort, having lost his appetite in consequence. PPP 111.3

“APRIL 25.—Elder Andrews is very weak. The manner in which he has been able to do his work the past few months is simply miraculous. He was saying to us the other day, ‘You see me now in my natural condition. I have no strength left. If God did not raise me up from month to month as you would raise a man lying on his back, I could not do anything. When I have written my articles, I am left prostrated as you see me. PPP 111.4

“Then I cry to God, who sends His angel to strengthen me until my articles are written. But I do not know whether He will do this any longer. Dr. Kellogg (who was then traveling in Europe) tells me that, from the human standpoint, I have nothing but death to expect. As far as I am personally concerned, the future never seemed darker.’ PPP 111.5

“MAY 6.—During the past week, Elder Andrews has written only a page, and that with great difficulty. Each day, though extremely weak, he has asked for his paper and ink, and has tried to write. At night he had written only a few lines. But he does not want to give up. Every morning he dresses, and comes into the dining-room, his German Bible under his arm. His tall, slender form drops on a chair. But he scarcely eats anything. ‘If I could only eat,’ he says, ‘I think I could write, but it won’t go down.’ Then he will lean his forehead on the table, and sometimes tears will flow down his hollow cheeks. PPP 111.6

“Last night I went in to see him. He was lying down. His eyes were moist. He began to speak about his work, and added, ‘If God does not give me strength to write for this number, I shall take it as a sign that I must die. The reason why I would be sorry to die now is that I have in those boxes a large quantity of important manuscripts which I would like to finish. . . . If I die, all this will be lost, for those who shall come after me will not know of their existence. But it may be better for me to lie down, and I must pray God continually to help me to be resigned to His holy will.’ PPP 112.1

“MAY 11.—Last Tuesday, at dinner time, Elder Andrews seemed to have reached the limit of physical weakness. He could eat nothing. Several times he stretched out his hands, closed his eyes, and repeated the words, ‘My God, have mercy upon us.’ Then he said, ‘It may be that it is God’s will that I should die. His will be done! God is infinitely good.’ PPP 112.2

“In the afternoon he tried to write, but in vain. Finally he undressed and went to bed. At four o’clock the sun shone brightly into his room. He got up and dressed again, and then he remained a long while breathless in his armchair. As his son (Charles M. Andrews) then entered his room, he asked him for the board on which he writes on his lap, and for paper and ink. An hour later, as I heard him coughing and praying, I went in. ‘Well,’ he said, ‘I have written two pages. What do you think of that?’ and then he told me the above. PPP 112.3

“MAY 23.—Elder Andrews has finished writing all his editorials, seven long articles, and a short one on socialism. As the paper was almost all set up without his contributions, and we were short of type, Edward (Borle) had to distribute some Italian tracts and work early and late to make time. The number printed was 5,500, one extra thousand being paid for by Dr. Kellogg. PPP 112.4

“JUNE 20.—Our June number is nearly finished. In great weakness, Elder Andrews has written several articles. He has even begun a new series in answer to an attack on immortality through Christ by Mr. Luigi in the Eglise libre. PPP 112.5

“JUNE 28.—Our June number is printed and mailed. It should have been sent out on the first. PPP 113.1

“JULY 13.—Elder Andrews told me yesterday that unless a miracle takes place in his behalf, he must soon die. He has insisted on vacating his room in view of the soon arrival of his aged mother from America. Today he has written his article on the ‘Return of the Jews.’ Pastor Byse, of Brussels, writes that he is pleased with Elder Andrews’ reply to the Eglise libre. Pastor Edward White, of London, has also written, saying that he wished that our paper were published in English. He knows of no paper that equals it. PPP 113.2

“JULY 16.—We have sent out the third and last free copy to our 5,000 list, and we are now preparing a new list including forty-seven villages. PPP 113.3

“JULY 18.—Elder Andrews has written his editorial on sanctification and his series on Zechariah. He intends now to write on refuting the invisible coming of the Saviour. The paper should have been ready one month ago. It is only half made up. Sabbath, Elder Andrews told me that if he could not write on Sunday, he would give up the effort, and have the paper completed with extracts. He has received word that a party consisting of Elder Whitney, president of the New York Conference, and his family, his own mother, his sister-in-law, Martha Andrews (nee Butler), and her daughter Sarah, are in England on their way here. He is very anxious to see them arrive. PPP 113.4

“JULY 25.—Elder Andrews has written a little, but he has been most of the day on his back, having eaten nothing. At 4 P.M. he sent me to buy him a certain kind of buns, saying, ‘Perhaps, after I have eaten them, I can finish my article on the so-called “Invisible Translation of the Church.”‘ At night the article was all written. And now he has an intense desire to write a second reply to M. Luigi’s attack. He feels a great responsibility to complete the promised refutation, which is being watched for by some prominent men, such as Pastors White and Byse. PPP 113.5

“Today the answer was all ready in his mind, but ‘nature gave up.’ ‘When this is done,’ he said, ‘I want to write an article on the history of Sunday in the Christian church, one on the doctrine of the Sabbath, and some other things. But through how much suffering, even if I succeed!’. . . PPP 113.6

“’I have written to the brethren in America that I have upon me a heavy burden which I can neither carry nor lay down.’ He smiled sadly, and he added, As I think of it, sometimes I shed tears.’ He began to weep; but soon recovering himself, he said in French: ‘Malgre cela, je ne suis pas triste ni melancolique; non, je remets toutes choses entre les mains de Dieu.’ (For all this. I am not sad nor melancholy. No, I rest everything in God’s hands.) PPP 114.1

“SABBATH, JULY 28.—The long-expected missionary party from America arrived Thursday in the evening. I have had the great pleasure of meeting them all: Elder B. L. Whitney, Mrs. Whitney, their two daughters, Jean and Lenna, grandmother Andrews (aged 83), Mrs. Martha Andrews, and her little daughter Sarah. Brother Andrews got up the next morning and spent the whole day in conversation with Elder Whitney. PPP 114.2

“AUGUST 9.—Brother Andrews finds himself unable to write (for the August number). PPP 114.3

“AUGUST 12.—Elder Whitney is absent, visiting the churches. Elder Andrews, unable to write, has had a long conversation with Sister Whitney. PPP 114.4

“AUGUST 14.—Today I told Elder Andrews that a subscriber had written that he liked the article on Israel very much, and that he was praying God for the recovery of our dear editor. He exclaimed: ‘Good! That’s good!’ PPP 114.5

“AUGUST 22.—Our dear brother has been lying helpless on his bed for the last sixteen days. He has not been able to write anything for this month’s issue. It being very late, it had to be set up in a hurry after it was evident that Elder Andrews could not contribute anything. It is made up of good extracts and quotations, but the living issues, which are the life of the paper, are absent. Will those important series remain unfinished? PPP 114.6

“(NOTE.—Brother Andrews last effort to write is probably a blank sheet of paper in my possession on which he wrote the title of his third article on ‘Conditionalism in the Scriptures.’) PPP 114.7

“SEPTEMBER 5.—Elder Andrews keeps failing. He speaks about his funeral. He has a great desire to labor on, but if God has otherwise decided, he wished to die at an early date, ‘if I can be ready.’ PPP 114.8

“SEPTEMBER 7.—A marked change is noticeable in Elder Andrews. His present state of mind shows the power of the grace of God. He feels the blessing of God in a special manner. He has laid all his burdens on the Lord. All the cares and anxieties of the mission, which were resting on him, he has intrusted to Elder Whitney’s hands. He is calm and quiet. He feels the burden no more. Today, when Sister Andrews and myself were in his room, he touchingly said: ‘I have reached a point which I compare with a vessel nearing port. It is no longer in mid-ocean, open to the fury of the storms. The cliffs of the shore keep off the winds, the sea has become quiet, the waves vanish, the calm appears.’ His voice, scarcely audible, made his words all the more impressive. Then, addressing his sister-in-law, he added: ‘Martha, my life has been a total failure. There is not one among those who have endeavored to spread the truth who has failed as I have. Nearly all my efforts for the advancement of the truth have come short, and what I have done has not borne the fruit that I expected. May God forgive me!’ To which Sister Andrews replied: ‘But you have the consolation of knowing that what you have written is being circulated to the world, and that the people are being enlightened by it.’ ‘Oh,’ he said, ‘what I have written will soon be forgotten.’ PPP 115.1

“OCTOBER 7.—The last few days a severe diarrhea has threatened to terminate the life of Elder Andrews. But prayer was offered in his behalf, and God intervened graciously. He was telling us tonight that he is feeling the Lord very near. ‘God is holding my hand,’ he said. ‘Although going down the stream, my feet have not lost the bottom. They are still resting firmly upon the Rock of Ages.’ The other day he said to us, ‘It seems to me that I cannot stop repeating, The Lord is good, the Lord is good; oh, what goodness, what goodness, what goodness!’ PPP 115.2

“OCTOBER 25.—On Wednesday, October 10, in the evening, we learned that Elder Andrews was growing worse. He suffered severe pain. His prostration was complete. Elder Whitney spent the night with him. The next day at noon I saw his mother and his son both weeping in the hall. Drawing near the door of his room, I heard groans. His mother invited Edward [Borle] and me to step in. Elder Andrews was lying on his bed uttering deep groans. He held his hand out to us, and said in French: ‘Be ever faithful to God, my young brethren; that is the essential thing.’ The groans increased; the sick man wrung his hands and rolled on his bed. We all dropped on our knees and prayed, he following us with a few words of prayer, expressing the fullest submission and resignation to God. PPP 115.3

“Elder Whitney, having entered the room, was standing by the bedside with his hand on Elder Andrews’ forehead. ‘The pain intensifies, intensifies,’ moaned the sick man, and he added, his hands outstretched: ‘O God! Have mercy upon me in this my extremity!’ Presently, he broke out, his voice rising gradually until it became a long, loud, triumphant shout: ‘I am satisfied, satisfied, SATISFIED with the Christian religion!’ PPP 116.1

“Then he recited the scripture: ‘ “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death; I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” ‘ PPP 116.2

“My work called me away from the scene. During the afternoon, the pains subsided gradually. In the evening, Elder Andrews had some sleep. During the following nights, we took turns watching with him. Each time I had to assist him in any way, he said, ‘I am sorry to give you so much trouble.’ PPP 116.3

“On the 18 th of October, the brethren began to come in from a distance for the Swiss and general missionary conference which was to convene. Friday evening, the 19th, at the opening session, . . . the meeting hall was crowded. The Sabbath (the 20th) was a solemn day. In the morning, Elders D. T. Bourdeau and B. L. Whitney spoke, and a social meeting followed, which closed with a season of prayer for Brother Andrews. PPP 116.4

“Sunday morning (Oct. 21), Elder Whitney summoned the leading brethren together at half past seven. After consulting, they went up to Elder Andrews’ room (he had been transferred to a larger room a few days before the conference), where a season of prayer took place. Brethren Albert Vuilleumier, L. Aufranc, and James Erzenberger offered humble confession and earnest prayer in behalf of the dying brother. Brother D. T. Bourdeau followed, breaking down as he prayed. Brother Biglia (from Naples) prayed in French, and Brother Aslan, from Rumania, in Rumanian. Edward Borle and Elder Whitney closed the season of intercession. During this time the congregation downstairs were praying for the same object. At two o’clock there was a session of the conference.” PPP 116.5

Here, my diary ends, as far as Elder Andrews is concerned. He died at sunset of this same day, the 21st of October, 1883. About 4 P.M., a few brethren had again gathered around his bed, engaging in earnest prayer that, if it were God’s will, our beloved brother might be restored to health and active service in His cause. His venerable mother and his son were present. During all this time, Elder Andrews remained almost motionless, seemingly lost to his surroundings, sometimes whispering a few words in his mother’s ear. PPP 117.1

When we got up from prayer, the sun was setting in the cloudless west, its golden rays filling the room, while the aged lady was quietly fanning the face of her dying son. It was a scene of solemn stillness. Heaven seemed near. Presently Albert Vuilleumier, who was standing at the foot of the bed, took out his eyeglass, and looking intently at the tranquil face, exclaimed, ‘Why, he is dead!’ So he was. He had passed away so peacefully that not one among the bystanders had noticed it. It was the 21st of October, the very day on which he said, that morning, that he wished to die. [Elder Andrews probably thought it was the 22nd, as that was the day of the disappointment in 1844.—ED.] PPP 117.2

As Elder Whitney wrote in his obituary notice: “He yielded his life, without a doubt or shadow, into the hands of the eternal Wisdom, and went to sleep as quietly as a child in the arms of his mother, the eyes fixed with perfect assurance on the glorious morning of the resurrection.” PPP 117.3

He was fifty-four years of age. PPP 117.4

The golden evening brightens in the west, PPP 117.5

Soon, soon, to faithful warriors comes their rest!—Jean Vuilleumier, “The Last Days of Elder J. N. Andrews,” Review and Herald, September 18, 1924, pp. 56-59. PPP 117.6

When we arrived here, the 26th of last July, we found Bro. Andrews very feeble, wasted almost to a skeleton, able to take a few steps with great effort, and to sit up a little while during the day; yet at work whenever he had a little strength. He was finishing his articles for the July number of Les Signes, which was already much behind. The prospect of death seemed very near to him, yet he clung to the work, and to life for the work’s sake. We persuaded him to omit his articles for the August issue, hoping he might gain a little strength, but he continued to fail, and if, at times, there seemed to be a brief truce with the dread disease, it was soon broken by the re-appearance of the severe symptoms, which left him each time weaker. PPP 118.1

His pen, once laid down, was not taken up again, but he continued to read the proof of the paper, as had been his custom, lying in bed, in spite of the entreaties of all, that he would spare his strength. . . . PPP 118.2

For some weeks he had been unusually cheerful and calm, willing to live or die, as God saw fit, and this feeling of cheerful trust seemed to deepen. Even in the midst of severe suffering he praised God and dwelt upon his mercy and love. The cares and burdens of the past were all laid aside, and though his interest in the work did not abate till he lost all consciousness of this world, he seemed to feel no anxious care. No murmur of impatience or complaint escaped him, even in the midst of severest suffering, but he expressed much affectionate gratitude to those who administered to his wants. PPP 118.3

The Swiss Conference, which was appointed to meet here, assembled according to appointment, and I was necessarily much occupied, but found time to go to his room occasionally and assist in caring for him. He begged me not to leave the meetings to do for him, as his interest, he said was wholly in the meeting. Lying on his bed, away from the sounds of the meeting, he seemed to feel a constant sympathy with the work going on, and realized more than ever the blessing of the Spirit of God. Friday evening he said to his mother that he felt sure the brethren had been praying for him, for he felt such a blessing, and relief from suffering; and this was true. At the close of the Sabbath a special season of prayer was held for him in the meeting hall by the brethren and sisters assembled. In speaking that evening of his desires, he said that he would not, if he could, take the responsibility of deciding whether he should live or die. He would gladly live to work in the cause if that were God’s will, but he was willing to die if God saw best. He felt that his case was wholly in the hands of the Lord. PPP 118.4

Sunday morning, at his request, a few met in his room for prayer, after which he seemed much relieved, although he continued to fail steadily through the day. Half an hour before his death he seemed to lose consciousness, and at five o’clock P. M. ⁷⁸, he fell asleep without a struggle or a groan, surrounded by those nearest of kin, and those who loved him tenderly. PPP 119.1

During the last two weeks of his life he had completed what business arrangement he had to make, and as his last act, about three hours before his death, with his own trembling hand, and with great apparent satisfaction, he assigned to the mission $500 of his estate not already disposed of. PPP 119.2

His mind seemed clear as long as consciousness remained. It was a privilege highly appreciated by his aged mother to be able to minister to her only remaining son, in his last hours,—a service which was rewarded by his grateful affectionate appreciation.—B. L. Whitney, “Death of Eld. J. N. Andrews,” The Review and Herald, November 20, 1883, p. 730. PPP 119.3

In accordance with his written desire, no eulogy appeared in the Review and Herald that announced his death.— Robinson, Flame for the Lord, p. 122. PPP 119.4