Forty Years Ago

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 24, 1914

It is interesting to consider that it was just forty years ago that the first worker was sent by this denomination to labor in another land. This was Elder J. N. Andrews, who sailed from Boston, Sept. 15, 1874. In the True Missionary, a paper published in the interest of our missionary cause, there was printed in October, 1874, the following article relating to Brother Andrews’s departure:—

September 15, 1874

This is a day significant in the historic annals of the Seventh-day Adventists. It was signalized by no flourish of trumpets or martial parade, ushered in with no loud acclamations, and passed away without any public demonstrations. It witnessed what is to a casual observer only a spectacle of daily occurrence, only a ship freighted with its wealth of merchandise and human life, to set out on its voyage across the ocean.

There were parting salutations and good-by blessings. But to some there was more. How much more, who can tell? Among the throng, towering above the rest, stood a noble harvester going forth into the white fields of the Master, from home and friends, from familiar scenes, to labor in the cause he had served long and faithfully in this Western world, away to far-off Switzerland. This was our dear Brother J. N. Andrews, accompanied by his son and daughter, and gathered about him to bid a last fond adieu were his friends. Well did Sister White express it when she said, “He is going as a missionary for God, a pilgrim and a stranger in a strange land.”

Heavy indeed must have been the burden of his soul for the cause of Christ, alike in the land he was leaving and that other land to which he is journeying. Yet he was calm and full of noble courage in God, confident of his inspiring support, and completely submissive to his will. He felt that wheresoever his feet might stray, into whatever clime he might journey, beneath whatever skies he might linger on sea or by land, he could not drift beyond God’s love and care, who is a Father to all his children.

Our dear brother felt revived and strengthened spiritually and physically, as the hour of his departure drew near when he was to take the outstretched hands and look into familiar faces so dear to him perhaps for the last time on the shores of time.

His farewell words were as confident and hopeful as ever. But why linger? The hour had come, the noble vessel plumed itself for its ocean flight, the signal was given, and hurrying feet bespoke the parting moments. Calm and collected, with tenderest words of comfort and condolence, he blessed the friends he left behind. Who can paint that parting scene?

To the Boston church, the day will be a calendar day not to be forgotten. Many were the heartfelt prayers for Brother Andrews’s safe passage across the Atlantic, to him who hears the thoughts even when no word is spoken. And so he and his dear children went. We repeat, God bless him and his dear ones wherever he may direct their footsteps.

M. WOOD.

Boston, Mass.

How many faithful, earnest workers have been sent out to the fields beyond since that time, and some, like Brother Andrews, have sealed their testimony with their blood. Many others will yet be called upon to go forth. The harvest of the world is ripe, and the reapers must hasten to their work in every land and in every clime. May God speed the day to which we have long looked forward with joyful expectation, the day of the coming of the Reaper and the gathering of the harvest home.