My Work on the Sabbath History.
By John Nevins Andrews
After the death of my dear wife, in March last, I found myself in a condition of great prostration. As soon, however, as I was able to rally to some extent, I decided to take my children and go to some place near Boston in order to resume labor on my Sabbath History. Accordingly, I came to this place in May last. Because of the urgent demand for the new edition, and because of some remaining lack of strength for labor, I have, with the advice of those whose counsel I esteem, given myself mainly to this work, and have found it necessary to let other writing wait, for the time. I hope to bring into the new edition some things of much value. Much, however, that I have in preparation cannot be completed for the forthcoming edition. I hope to be able, however, after a little, to finish up these things for use hereafter. Probably the biblical portion of the Sabbath History will not be materially changed. It was my wish to re-write it, and to use in the revision some new matter. But, though I have bestowed much labor on this part of the work, the task is too great for me to finish, as soon as I must, in order to give the work to the press this fall. And, as there is very much more upon my hands than I can do in the part which pertains to the period this side of the apostles, I am constrained to give my attention to that. One important field of investigation will, I trust, be found to have been carefully and faithfully examined. It is that of the church fathers previous to the council of Nice, A. D. 325. This is the age in which the great apostasy was developing, and it is to this period, more than to any other, that an appeal is made in support of the so-called Christian Sabbath. But the work is too important to be accomplished without much painful labor. But, when the truth is fully ascertained, it will be found that there is no excuse for changing God’s commandment on the authority of the traditions of the elders. My heart is in sympathy with every part of the work of God. I feel deep interest in the school at Battle Creek, for I see the need of it, and I have confidence in those who are attempting to give it strength and support. I believe that God is in the present truth, and that he is leading his people by the light of his truth and by the voice of his Spirit. Those who mean to make a success of their share in this sacred work must consecrate themselves to it without reserve. There are many burdens to bear at Battle Creek, besides those which pertain directly to the various officers and helpers connected with the institutions there located. To meet this want we need experienced Christian men and women. The importance of the case has been fully stated by those whose judgment is worthy of respect. Now let us act. Let every one who shall be selected for this purpose by the general voice of their brethren promptly accept the responsibility and in the fear of God enter upon it. I have some further things of importance to offer respecting Eld. Preble’s book, but am obliged to defer them a little. I have to ask the pardon of numerous correspondents whose letters have had to remain unanswered. I hope to attend to some of these after a little. Finally, I ask the prayers of the people of God for help in the work before me. Lancaster, Mass., Sept. 13, 1872.