ASA KIMBALL by Asa Kimball

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 17, 1859

ASA KIMBALL

By Asa Kimball

From Bro. Kimball.

BRO. SMITH: The Advent faith and truth are still precious to me, and to those with whom I am connected in this vicinity. I do rejoice that I ever heard the first message to "Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come." I am glad also that I ever obeyed the second message, "Come out of her my people." While waiting in this position for new light to move, (for I believe God will always give us light if we honestly seek for or desire to obtain it,) I had an opportunity of hearing the Third Angel's Message proclaimed by some of God's servants, just in season to set my face again Zionward. How thankful I am that God has in his vineyard wise and faithful stewards who are found giving meat to the household in due season. There seems to be a great degree of meaning and importance attached to these words of our Saviour. The light given, and truth presented, at such time as to save one from the power of the adversary. A blessing also is promised to such. Blessed is that servant, &c. Matt. xxiv, 46.

There are various ways appointed to give this light that is so much needed. It can be done by conversing freely with those who have an ear to hear, if done in the spirit of the meek and lowly Jesus. The most effectual preaching is to live out our faith. I well remember the effect of living out our faith in the first message in 1844, when we left our crops standing in the field. The conversation of our neighbors was, That man believes the Lord is coming. If our faith was so strong in 1844, what ought it to be now, when we have a thousand times more proof that the Saviour is soon to appear the second time. The spirits of devils working miracles had not then been so fully developed as now; we had not seen the fulfillment of the second message as we do now; neither did we dream of a company rising up who would keep all the commandments, and so fulfill the clause in Rev. xiv, 12. But thanks to God for the victory thus far.

Some of our brethren and sisters attended the conference at Clinton, Mass., and were much strengthened and comforted to hear Brn. White and Loughborough when on their Eastern tour; and some have been benefited by the strait testimony of sister White. Truly judgment has begun at the house of God. 1 Pet. iv, 17. If it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

I would say in conclusion, that while the modern revival of the nominal churches seems to be drying up in this region, the Third Angel's Message and the remnant church are rising in strength and power. I should like to give you a sketch of some of our meetings, the opposition we meet from our opponents, and also the right hand of fellowship that we receive from those who are deciding in favor of the truth; but my time is limited. To God belongs all the glory.

ASA KIMBALL

Hampton, Ct., Jan., 1859.