Just something I thought you may find interesting. These are some excerpts of letters from Brigham Young I thought you may enjoy. I am not giving any segway to tell what comes before or after, but I think they stand on their own.
Letter to Joseph A Young in Manchester, England
3 Feb 1855
“I look upon this mission as a sort of probation—a kind of middle period between boyhood and manhood—a time which as you improve or neglect, will make or mar your future career. Therefore, my son, give heed to the instructions of those who are placed over you to counsel and direct you in the thorny and dangerous paths you now tread, and in no instance let me hear of your having neglected or disobeyed their injunctions.
“While you are absent from the Valley, I wish you to lose no opportunity of making yourself familiar with all that is useful and likely to benefit you, for to be able to combat with the world we must make ourselves acquainted with the ways of the world. This can only be one by keeping your mind constantly on the alert and when in society never allow anything to escape your notice. Listen attentively, and observe minutely the manners, customs, and remarks of all, for form the most humble of our fellow creatures an observing man can learn something that will be useful to him in after life. Such has been my course and, from daily and hourly experience of its benefits, I recommend you to pursue the same.
“There are many things you can inform you mind upon, the laws of England, her form of government; lose no opportunity in your travels of visiting her manufactories, her works of art, her grand and spacious buildings, and all that
is worthy of note, not from a mere idle curiosity, but to store your mind with that which will benefit yourself and your brethren in after years.
is worthy of note, not from a mere idle curiosity, but to store your mind with that which will benefit yourself and your brethren in after years.
“When in society (for you will be called to mingle in it a great deal) use every endeavor to improve your address, and always exert yourself to be agreeable, and no matter whether poor or rich, treat them with equal courtesy. Do not be pompous to the needy, nor condescending to the wealthy, but show by your manner that you do not respect a man because of his money. By this you will gain the love and admiration of those worthy of your esteem, and at comparatively little expense, for it costs but litter labor and attention to be polite and civil to those around you.”
Letter to Brigham Young Jr at 42 Islington, Liverpool, England
30 Aug 1862
“So far as you may have opportunity I wish you to improve yourself to the utmost in studying good books and in associating with, and listening to, and profiting by, the conversation and experience of good persons, that when you speak to the people, they may be persuaded that they are not only listening to one having authority, but also to one appreciating and preaching the good, sound, saving doctrines and precepts he teaches. Cease not to lift up your voice in all faithfulness, teaching the people the way of life and salvation, which you know.
“As I advised you on the 6th inst., I wish you to carefully observe how poor folks get along, which you will have excellent opportunities for doing, and to be prudent and economical in all your expenditures as much so as consistent
and reasonable with your calling and duties, realizing that means unwisely or luxuriously expended had far better be husbanded for gathering the poor. Whenever necessity and your judgment dictate, you are at liberty to apply to Br.
George Q. Cannon for such funds or other assistance as you may need, who is authorized to supply your prudent wants.
and reasonable with your calling and duties, realizing that means unwisely or luxuriously expended had far better be husbanded for gathering the poor. Whenever necessity and your judgment dictate, you are at liberty to apply to Br.
George Q. Cannon for such funds or other assistance as you may need, who is authorized to supply your prudent wants.
“Ever strive to be humble, faithful and obedient, calling upon the Lord in faith and sincerity, and he will fill you with wisdom and understanding, give you power to influence the honest in heart, guide, bless and protect you, and
crown your faithful labors with a success that it has not entered into your heart to conceive possible in your youth and inexperience. Though going forth at an early age to proclaim salvation to mankind, yet you start under many
very favorable circumstances, and I doubt not you will seek to and rely upon our God, striving with your might to aid in building up his kingdom and strengthening the same upon the earth, with an eye single to His glory, that he will enable you to overcome, and win many souls to His cause.”
crown your faithful labors with a success that it has not entered into your heart to conceive possible in your youth and inexperience. Though going forth at an early age to proclaim salvation to mankind, yet you start under many
very favorable circumstances, and I doubt not you will seek to and rely upon our God, striving with your might to aid in building up his kingdom and strengthening the same upon the earth, with an eye single to His glory, that he will enable you to overcome, and win many souls to His cause.”
Sagacity 