Preparation for Christ’s Coming
By Asa Kimball
BRO. SMITH: I cordially unite with the request from our brethren to take hold and write more for the Review. I think each member has a part to act in this great work of preparation for the coming and kingdom of our blessed Saviour; for I believe that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh; and if our hearts are filled with the glories of the coming kingdom we shall be willing to talk or write about it. Obedience to the requirements of Christ, admits of no physical resistance to unrighteous claims; therefore we are safe in resting alone upon the protection of Almighty God. How perfectly self-evident that a conscious innocence, a freedom from guilt, a state of daily justification before God, forms a bulwark of defence as invulnerable as the throne of Jehovah against the Man of Sin, with all his infernal craft of falsehood and corruption. "The wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion." Who can be more interested than the subjects of Christ's kingdom in confessing and purging away every thing that is wrong? If the work in which we are engaged be but the mere trapping of human invention, as some suppose, it will be but a small matter for the Almighty to serve it the same as he is serving every other system of human invention in this his day of judgment. Who can rejoice with heart-felt acclamation more than the true and faithful commandment keepers at the down-fall of everything that is opposed to God and his truth? The innocent victim of the cruel despotism of black-hearted persecution never cowers. If arraigned before earthly tribunals and falsely accused, how sweet and consoling the reflections, I have harmed no one, I have done all the good I could, I have followed the example set for me by our Saviour so far as has been in my power; and as I am commanded to fear not them that can kill the body, neither will I give myself trouble or uneasiness about what people can say concerning me, while in it. Who has failed to admire the dignified composure inspired by the conscious innocence of Paul when arraigned at Agrippa's judgment seat? The pomp and splendor of a Roman court sinks into perfect insignificance before him, while he fearlessly dashes at the feet of his highest dignitary the claims of prophecy and the terrors of the judgment day, and demands his decision. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? And the trembling monarch quails before him. O how mean and sordid, how unworthy of comparison, are all the treasures, blessings and glories of a fading world with the riches of Christ's kingdom which can never fade away! And who will be able to realize and enjoy the blessings of that kingdom so well as those who have complied with the conditions laid down by our Saviour, and made the sacrifices which he requires? How comforting the following language: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Hampton Ct., Sept. 25th, 1857.