S. O. JAMES by S. O. James

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 27, 1869

S. O. JAMES

By S. O. James

From Bro. James.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Allow me to give my testimony in favor of Jesus, and the present truth. It has been two months since I commenced trying to keep the commandments. I have many temptations and a very wicked heart to contend with. But I still feel like trying to be an overcomer. When I think how our dear Saviour was tempted and sorely tried, I feel like taking fresh courage.

I write from Sigourney, because I am attending meeting at this place. My home is near Indianola, in this State. I have attended nine meetings since I came; they were very interesting indeed. There has been no meeting the last two evenings on account of heavy rains.

I am trying to obtain true wisdom which alone will fit us for usefulness here and happiness hereafter. The only method of obtaining this wisdom is by becoming unreservedly submissive to the will of God who is the author of our being and the source from which all our blessings are derived. He should be the Man of our counsel at all times and in all places. He is always willing to impart divine aid, to enlighten the understanding of those who are his true servants, and who are devoting their lives to his service by improving their talents, and by availing themselves of all lawful means in their power for the furtherance of the gospel. For our rule of faith and practice we are commanded to take his holy word, which is all-sufficient and lacks not anything wherewith we may become true followers of Christ. The all-important end is to be willing to abide by what it teaches; to bring ourselves into subjection to its precepts and requirements. This can be done only by sincerely invoking the aid of his Holy Spirit, and then by making every possible effort on our part to carry out the same. If we fall back, or depend upon any theory or system of our own understanding, that moment we become an easy prey to the enemy of souls.