p. 17 | India by W. O. James

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 24, 1903

India

By W. O. James

We left Poona after taking one hundred and seventy-five yearly subscriptions for The Oriental Watchman and Good Health. We were there one month and three days. We found several interested in the truth. Mrs. James held readings with these families. The time being so short, she was not able to give them a full insight into the truth. But as they were hungry for the message, the Lord caused two families to want “Early Writings.” One lady to whom Mrs. James had loaned the book, was unwilling to part with her new-found treasure, so we left it with her, knowing the Lord had a place for it there.

From Poona we went to a small place called Khandwa. Several there had taken The Oriental Watchman, among whom was a minister. He was much opposed to the truth, but several of his congregation were much interested, and we received a special invitation from two families to explain these things more clearly. The Lord worked. Praise his name! We left them fully convinced that in order to live up to the light shining on their pathway, they must be found among those who “keep the commandments of God.” It is wonderful to see the Spirit of God bring these people face to face with these things. Some receive them with joy, while others turn every way for an escape.

We have not learned much of the native tongue, as we so often get into places where new dialects are spoken. We have been canvassing all the towns between Bombay and Jhansi. We are now working from Bilaspur toward Calcutta. How we shall enjoy meeting with those who find their whole lives wrapped up in the truth for this time! It means everything to us to be found with our lamps trimmed and burning.

Last Thursday night we came into a place containing twelve or fourteen European families. A minister with whom we had become acquainted elsewhere wrote to a gentleman at this little station, who met us at the train. Friday morning I told this man that we were Adventists, and did not travel on the Sabbath. As no trains went from the place until 8 P. M., we did not feel free to go then, although we had expected to stop there but one night. He asked me why I kept Saturday as the Sabbath. I told him in just a few words, and nothing more was said until Sabbath evening. Then he said, “Some time ago the truth of the Sabbath came to me as I studied my Bible, and I believe it is the right day.” Our coming seemed to cause him to see that he was letting darkness come in by neglecting to heed the voice which spoke to him long ago. He is a man who will not read tracts on such controverted subjects, but takes the Bible and finds out for himself. He feels safer in leaving out all man-made opinions. If he follows his convictions, he will find himself in the truth. We were not allowed to pay anything for our two days’ stay; for, said he, “We lay aside one tenth of our income for the Lord’s service, and spend it in keeping all the missionaries who come this way.” He is finding a place for it, too, as there is not even a waiting room at the station.

Leaving this place on the 8 P. M. train, we rode all night, making our beds on the narrow board seats. Sunday morning found us in Bilaspur, a railway town containing about fifty families. The Lord had a place provided for us, and we met many interested in the truth. This field will soon make a strong call for ministers to reap that which is now being sown.

India is a large field, and needs are seen on every hand. It is a place which becomes more interesting day by day. And every day brings fresh evidence to us that a great work can soon be accomplished, if God’s people are only prepared to let him work. We meet many who take great interest in studying The Signs of the Times. May the Lord help us to do a faithful work. I feel my great need each morning of seeking and receiving a new supply of grace, from which I may draw all day long.

W. O. JAMES.