John N. Andrews (1829-1883)

First SDA Missionary

J. N. Andrews was the first SDA missionary sent to countries outside North America. He was born in Poland, Maine, and died at Basel, Switzerland, at the age of 54 years. In 1856, he married Angeline S. Steven; their children were Charles, born in 1857, and Mary, born 1861, and two who died in infancy. He enjoyed “severe study” much more than physical activity; in later years he could read the Bible in seven languages and claimed the ability to reproduce the New Testament from memory. At the age of 17 he began to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. He began to work as a minister at 21, in 1850, and was ordained in 1853.

In 1867 he became the third president of the General Conference. He was an editor of the Review and Herald. On September 15, 1874, with his children Charles and Mary (his wife had died March 18, 1872), he sailed for Switzerland. There he organized the converts and began to publish material on world events, prophecy, Bible doctrines, health, and temperance.

As a theologian Andrews made significant contributions to the development of various doctrines of the SDA denomination. Andrews’ extensive writings on the subject of the seventh-day Sabbath in history were published in a book entitled History of the Sabbath and the First Day of the Week.

Andrews was also active helping in the development of church organization. He was chairman of a three-man committee to suggest a plan of organization for the denominational publishing house, also chairman of a committee to draft a constitution and bylaws for the central organization of the church. during the Civil War, Andrews represented the church in Washington, D.C., to explain why SDA’s believe that participation in combat is contrary to Christian principles, with the result that SDA draftees could apply for noncombatant service.

Downloadable Books by John Andrews:
History of the Sabbath
Testimony of the Father Concerning Sabbath and the First Day
The Command To Rebuild Jerusalem
The Judgment – It Events and its Order
The Rich Man and Lazarus
Three Angels of Revelation 14

Downloadable Tracts by John Andrews:
An Examination Of Seven Reason For Sunday-Keeping
A Refutation Of The Claims Of Sunday-Keeping
Departing and Being With Christ
Review Of The Objectios To The Seventh Day Sabbath
Sabbatic Institution
Samuel And The Witch Of Endor
The Commandment To Restore And To Build Jersalem
The Complete Testimony Of The Fathers-Concerning The Sabbath And First Day
The Definite Seventh Day
The First Day Of The Week Not The Sabbath Of The Lord
The Judgment Its Events And Their Order
The Perpetuity Of The Royal Law
The Rich Man And Lazarus
The Sanctuary And The 2300 Days
The Sanctuary Of The Bible
The Two Laws
The Wicked Dead Are They Now Being Punished?
Thoughts For The Candid

Order Books by John Andrews:
The Sanctuary and the 2300 Days
History of the Sabbath