James Sherman Kimball : $b A sketchKimball, James William
Religion
James Sherman Kimball : $b A sketch
Kimball, James William
Kimball, James Sherman, -1864; United States Christian Commission
His classmates say: “We deeply regret his loss, as an open, decided,
exemplary, high-toned, Christian young man.” And the dear friend who
transmitted this expression of brotherly feeling, added, “I loved
James. And I think he made, during our intimate connection here, an
impression on my character that will be lasting. Not long ago he wrote
me at some length; and one part of that letter comes back to me with
renewed force. He said, ‘I sometimes say to myself, I shall have done
_something_ for Christ, if I never live to engage in any business or
profession.’ I little thought his _something_ was so nearly done.
“It were useless for me to tell you that he was highly esteemed here,
and that his walk among us was thoroughly Christian. You know him too
well. Yet it may be pleasing to you to know that his influence was
more than a common influence. I give you the testimony of one of the
sober-minded, thoughtful men of the class, who said to me the other day
that he thought James had exerted more good influence in the class than
any other person that ever belonged to it.
“Consolation you have--better than any I can offer.”
Yes, indeed we have--God’s consolation. And though with a bleeding
heart, we can render up our trust with joy in the Lord, despite the
consciousness of ten thousand short-comings in duty, and of measureless
inaptitude for the noble work of training a soul for God, so there be
but the consciousness: this one thing have I sought for my child, and
only this,--_holiness in order to usefulness_.
Glorious, glorious is the translation of my precious, darling boy.
To thee, dear Lord, I surrender this precious one, with ten thousand
thanks for the loan. From Thee I received him, with the charge and
pledge, “Take this child and nourish him for me, and I will give
thee wages.” I have nourished him for Thee, and for Thee alone; and
here acknowledge receipt of abundant and blessed wages. My soul is
ravished and leaps for joy, as I think of my wealth of wages. I have
made return to Thee of my stewardship, and Thou hast accepted it. Oh
the unutterable joy of having been permitted--certainly in unswerving
aim--to train this precious child for Thee!
Glory to God in the highest!--Amen!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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