India by W. O. James

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · May 4, 1905

India

By W. O. James

SIMLA.—Mrs. James is now seeking to finish that work which was so well begun here by Sister Knight. Since we came, two have stepped out upon the promises, and desire to obey the commandments. These souls knew the truth, but needed just a little help to step over the line. One is a young lady who clerks in an English shop. It means something to her to obey; but she wrote a note telling her employer of her decision to keep the Sabbath, and stating that she would continue with him on other days, if he so desired. She is already contemplating entering some department of the Master's work.

To-morrow Mrs. James will present the Sabbath question to another young lady, a school-teacher, who has been studying with Sister Knight for some time. This is the testing point, and we are praying that she may, with joy, receive the sealing message.

We are staying with Sister Wilcox, who is seeking to place the truth before the highest class in Simla. We know that this is a great work to undertake, and that it requires the greatest caution and wisdom to do it aright. Pray for her and for the work in this place.

The Oriental Watchman has many friends, and I have many interesting experiences while presenting the paper. I succeeded in taking one hundred paid subscriptions during the last three weeks. Sometimes we must find out our weakness by going some time without success. But this is victory, if we learn the lesson.

Bombay is still waiting for workers.

The lady who began keeping the Sabbath while we were there has since died of plague. We had not heard from her for some time, but are thankful she understood the message before being taken ill.

Since writing the above, Mrs. James held the study on the Sabbath question with the young lady already mentioned, and when she went back to see her the following Monday, was surprised to learn that the lady had kept the last Sabbath. The same day another reader wanted to know how the Sabbath should be kept; “for,” she said, “I believe that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and so does my husband.” This woman resisted the Sabbath for some time, and it was difficult to begin readings with her. But now she has a great desire to study the prophecies.

Two weeks ago I met a woman whose husband is now in the hospital as the result of a fall. She was selling her furniture to pay the doctor bills, but decided to take the Oriental Watchman for six months. I felt a burden for her, and last week we called upon her again, and my wife promised to study the Bible with her. She is an earnest Christian, and came to India as a missionary.

This morning I called to ask about her husband. I told her that Mrs. James expected to call the next day. She said, “Why can’t I stop to see her on my way home from the hospital?” I told her that she would be glad to have her call and have studies on her way home from the hospital. This saves time, when there are so many to be visited.

The woman came; she was much distressed, for her husband, although sent here as an ordained minister several years ago, seems to have lost his Christian experience. She said she could not study, but asked my wife to read her some promises. This was done. Mrs. James wished to present some study in a way that would be helpful; but nothing seemed to hold her attention, and they went from one thing to another until the Sabbath question came up. The woman had never thought of it before, but the Lord revealed it to her in a way that brought tears of joy to her eyes at seeing the truth.

She said, “Last Sunday I felt a deep conviction that I must give myself unreservedly into the Lord’s hands to do his will. He has sent me here for light. You have not persuaded me to take this stand.” She saw the Word in its true light, and rejoices in it. We have been praying for her especially, and it does not take the Lord long to convict honest hearts. May the Lord bless in the advancement of his truth, is our prayer.

W. O. JAMES.