p. 14 | A Week in Simla by W. O. James

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Sep 15, 1904

A Week in Simla

By W. O. James

W. O. JAMES

Simla is the largest hill station in India, where are gathered all the highest government officials during the hot summer season. Situated seven thousand feet above sea-level, it will be seen at once that a cool atmosphere awaits the dusty and heat-wearied traveler. Although the summer home of the viceroy, Simla also contains many common people, who are here in government employ.

The Lord went before us, and, as a result, we have a good location. Sunday, July 10, was spent in writing letters and studying. In the evening we walked around the hillside to view the great snow-clad Himalayas looming up in the distance. Worship hour arrived, and we read Ezekiel 20, at the close of which Mrs. James said: “Never before was my faith so established in the truth as it has been since we began reading the account of God's dealings with Israel.” In worship we have been studying from Genesis to Ezekiel, and find much to strengthen us.

Monday morning my first call was upon a physician. He was not at home, so the lady asked me to call again, as she was interested in the subjects. I then met a native man, who took the Oriental Watchman for six months.

The building occupied by the viceroy's band next occupied my attention. Here three subscriptions were taken for the paper and for Good Health, thus placing the truth before twenty-eight men. Just before noon I entered an office and inquired for the head clerk. He took no interest in what was said, but a side door being open, the canvass was wafted to the ears of an unseen listener. An intelligent Parsee gentleman came out, and said: “I would like to see the paper.” He ordered the Oriental Watchman, and the Good Health also.

Calling at the physician's home again, a cool reception awaited me, but the message must be given.

“Is the Lord Jesus coming soon?” asked a native man who overheard what was said concerning the paper. I referred him to the promises, and he said: “I shall be glad to study the paper.” It brings joy to know that souls are interested and have with gladness heard the truth.

Tuesday morning the first lady I met gave up another paper that she might learn more concerning the Lord's coming by reading the Oriental Watchman. I asked if any one lived in the rooms below. She said: “No use going there, they are Catholics.” I went, however, and an order was the result. The Lord will cause a witness to be left.

Just beyond this place I came to an entrance rightly named “The Hermitage.” Drunken and alone, a poor man had been given up by the people as beyond redemption. It was said, “He is never sober.” I entered and found a man with shaky hand and steps none too steady, but no liquor was present. After telling something of what the Lord had done for me, he gave testimony of his knowledge concerning the Lord's power. He said: “I had been going down and down until disease and delirium tremens fastened upon me. I saw my condition, but could not resist. Mornings I had to take a drink before being able to rise, and it only lasted a short time. I began to pray for deliverance, and one night felt especially drawn to make this request: ‘Lord, help me to rise in the morning without the aid of this filthy cup.’ The next morning I stood up to see what the Lord had done, and found the great weakness had disappeared. My hands are yet shaky, but the Lord is holding me up.” I have visited him since, and found him growing stronger. He also took an interest in the paper.

The following morning I met a Christian Science lady. After speaking of health being the result of right living, she replied: “I don't believe in disease, but will take the Oriental Watchman, as it is nicely composed and looks interesting.”

The next call was at the home of a rajah, who took both papers. Heavy rains cut my work short, and as a result of getting wet I was in bed all the afternoon with chills and fever.

The next morning almost the first question I had to meet expressed the condition of our times. “Why is the world getting so brutal?” asked a lady. She was requested to read the third chapter of second Timothy for an answer.

Leaving this place, I called upon a man who has been unable to walk for six months as a result of rheumatism. He took both papers, and seemed anxious to learn the better way, as strong drink had robbed him of health. In the afternoon these forcible words were spoken to me: “The church has lost its anchor in losing sight of our Lord's return.” The speaker gave the paper a warm welcome.

Friday morning the viceroy's place was visited, but this class of people take but little interest in the fulfilment of prophecy which we see all about us.

A small Sabbath-school has been in progress here for some time, and we spent an hour studying the sealing message. Let us work and pray that many in these dark lands may accept the message which seals “the servants of our God.”