Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 3/Number 4/Letter to Oliver Cowdery from Heber C. Kimball (Dec. 8, 1836)

Kirtland, Dec. 8th, 1836.

To the Editor of the Messenger and Advocate,

DEAR SIR:

I have thought fit to write a short summary of my labors in the vineyard for the season past.

I left this place on the 10th of May last; and at 11 o'clock A. M. the same day I left Fairport in a steam boat bound for Buffalo, where I arrived the next morning.

From that place I passed on to the east preaching where their doors were open; and baptizing for the remission of sins, such as believed with all the heart.

June 13th I arrived at Sacketts Harbor, where I found brethren Luke Johnson and Orson Pratt, laboring with their mights, for the cause of God.

Those Elders who have been traveling among strangers, in distant lands, well know the strength and joy it gives to meet with our brethren, who are fellow laborers with us. From that place I went on the steamer United States to Ogdensburgh, where leaving the river, I passed about three miles out of the town, and being stopped by a shower of rain, I made known my profession and calling; the people immediately desired a meeting, and I told them to call in their neighbors, and I would preach to them, which they did, and after preaching one hour, I dismissed the congregation; but many staid [stayed] until about 12 o'clock; and before I was up in the morning they called upon me, and requested that I should preach again that day in a school house, which I did; and this night I was again thronged with those who were eager to hear the sound of the gospel. The second morning they likewise called on me, and said they would not let me go until they knew the truth of my testimony; and on the fourth morning, they came and called me out of the bed to baptize three.

Here I remained seven days preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven; and baptized seven for the remission of their sins, and laid on the hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost, and truly the promise was fulfilled, for those who believed spake with tongues, the sick were healed, and devils were cast out. Mark, 16:16,17,18.

From thence I passed on to the city of Plattsburgh, where I staid [stayed] all night with a Mr. Mansfield, they were very friendly, and entertained me; may the Lord reward them for their kindness. From there I went in a steam boat into Vermont, and landing at St. Albions, I passed on to Bakersfield to visit my friends.

I was absent from Ogdensburgh about five weeks, travelling through various parts of Vermont; and in my tour I visited a settlement on the top of the mountain called Wright's settlement, and some were quite believing. On my return to Ogdensburgh, I stopped at Potsdam, where I found Elder S. Foster. I preached there once, and eight or nine bore testimony to the truth of the gospel which I declared: From there I went to Ogdensburgh and met the brethren whom I baptized when I went down, and they rejoiced at my return.

I tarried several days in those regions, preaching and baptizing. On the 25th of August, while we were assembled for a meeting, our hearts were filled with joy by the arrival of fathers Joseph and John Smith, who were on a mission to bless the churches.

On the 27th the church came together and received joyful and patriarchal blessings under the hands of President Joseph Smith, sen. On Sunday the 28th, father John Smith preached at 10 A. M. and four of us bore testimony to the Book of Mormon. In the afternoon we administered the sacrament, confirmed three who had been baptized, and blessed the children. Monday 29th, we having ordained Alvin Symons an Elder, and Levi Chapins a Teacher, to watch over the church; fathers Smith left us. I then went to Black Lake, preached once and baptized one; and thence I went to Potsdam, preached again and baptized another. I then returned to Ogdensburgh called the church together, which then numbered 16, and bid them farewell. I left the church rejoicing in the Lord; and many around them believing the testimony which had been borne. May the Lord bless the church there, and assist them to keep all his commandments.

From thence I bent my way homeward, and arrived in this place about the first of Oct. having been gone nearly five months, visited many of my friends, preached much and baptized twenty. The Lord was with me and blessed me, and confirmed the word with signs following. Amen.

Yours, as ever.

H. C. KIMBALL.