Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]

MR No. 338—Elder J. N. Andrews and His Work

Now, I thought, these friends, out of the kindness of their hearts, have made me this present; now it is my privilege to use that gift in such a way that they may lay up treasure in heaven. I went to one of our merchants, a Sabbathkeeper, and said, “Sell that dress for all you can get for it.” He sold it for fifty dollars. Then I sent that money on here to the mission. The very act of my doing that brought in at that very time means from other individuals, and Brother Andrews wrote back to us that the very sum he wanted came at that time.—Manuscript 14, 1885. (“Talk Before the European Council,” September 20, 1885.) 5MR 435.1

Elder Andrews, when he was driving his oxen, had his Bible with him and he would take it out and read a few words and then think of these while he went on with his work. Thus he obtained a knowledge of the Scriptures and of the love of God to man. We can all have our Bibles with us and when we have a spare moment we can read a verse and thus keep our minds fixed upon God.—Manuscript 33, 1885. (Sermon, November 10, 1885.) 5MR 435.2

[J. N. Andrews] would go out into the field with his oxen, and as he drove them, he would refer to his book, and read a few words or sentences, and then repeat these in full, loud tones in order to exercise his lungs, as well as to impress the words and sentences upon his memory.—Manuscript 91, 1903. (“Self-Improvement,” Address at Teachers’ Institute, August 20, 1903.) 5MR 435.3

I saw in my last vision that Waukon was not the place for John.... I saw that he had been in perfect bondage to his uncles and had tried in every way to please them. A continual fear of his uncles has been upon him.... I saw again that it was not safe for John to be in Waukon for other reasons.... I saw that John should not go to Waukon to remain there.—Letter 2, 1863. (To Brother Cornell, June 20, 1863.) 5MR 436.1

Brother Andrews left his aged mother, an only brother ... and many friends in America, to obey the call of God and enter this new missionary field. He came to you at quite a sacrifice. 5MR 436.2

Elder Andrews is a conscientious servant of Jesus Christ.... We sent you the ablest man in all our ranks.... We needed Elder Andrews here. But we thought his great caution, his experience, his God-fearing dignity in the desk, would be just what you needed. We hoped you would accept his counsel, and aid him in every way possible while he was a stranger in a strange country.—Letter 2a, 1878. (To “Dear Brethren in Switzerland,” August 29, 1878.) 5MR 436.3

Sorrow upon sorrow will come upon us if he [Elder Andrews] is removed from us.—Letter 1, 1854. (To Sister Harriet [Stevens], March 10, 1854.) 5MR 436.4

He [Elder Andrews] leaves for Europe next week. Our prayers are that God may go with him.—Letter 50b, 1874. (To Edson and Emma White, September, 1874.) 5MR 436.5

I had no opportunity to bid him [Elder Andrews] goodbye and I did not care to say goodbye. We may never, never meet again.—Letter 51, 1874. (To “Dear Husband,” September 10, 1874.) 5MR 437.1

The news which reached us last night was sad indeed to us all.... I knew that God would sustain you under your great loss.... God knew what was best for her [J. N. Andrews's daughter, Mary] and for you.... You are not a stranger to Jesus and His love.... 5MR 437.2

The Lord loves you, my dear brother. He loves you.... A better day is coming, precious to the faithful ones.... I was shown you with head bowed down and mourning as you followed Mary to her last home in this world. 5MR 437.3

Then I saw the Lord look lovingly upon you. I saw the Life-giver come and your wife and children come forth from their graves clothed with immortal splendor. Look at the things which are unseen.... May God bless and encourage your heart, is my prayer. Your sympathizing sister, (signed) Ellen G. White.—Letter 71, 1878. (To J. N. Andrews, December 5, 1878.) 5MR 437.4

Brother Andrews was His [God's] ambassador.—Manuscript 8, 1867. (“Testimony Concerning Brethren McPherson and Cramer,” circa 1867.) 5MR 437.5

From what God has shown me from time to time, Brother Andrews was His chosen servant, to do a work others could not do.—Letter 13, 1871. (To “My Dear Husband,” September 2, 1871.) 5MR 437.6

Released August 8, 1973.