405 - 406
President's Office
G. S. Lake City Dec. 28/64
Elder Finley C. Free,
Dear Brother:
Your favor written from London, Oct. 7th. has been perused with great interest. I am pleased to see the feelings which you manifest in your letter, and that you have a desire to magnify your priesthood and calling and honorably fill the mission which has been assigned unto you. By cherishing these desires, and carrying them into practical effect, your Mission will be a great blessing to you and to the people in whose midst you labor; and in years to come you will be able to reflect with pleasure upon your present operations and associations. A young man, during his first Mission, has the opportunity afforded him of establishing a character among the brethren and the people of God for diligence, integrity and virtue which will be of great service to him throughout his future life, if that life should be in accordance with those principles. A bad impression left upon his brethren by a young Elder on his first Mission is afterwards difficult to eradicate. Hence, young men should be exceedingly careful in all their movements; they are not the only ones, however, who should be careful; all, both young and old, must exercise great care in resisting temptation and sin. If you live strictly in accordance with the requirements of our religion, and take up your cross and deny yourself all worldly pleasures while you are absent on your mission, you will feel happy to stay and continue your labors, or you will feel happy, should you be released, to return; and, when you do return under such circumstances, having been faithful in all things, you will experience a peace and joy that will amply recompense you for your faithfulness and any privations that you may have to endure, and that you never could know anything about, were you to be unfaithful
Your family and friends are all well, I believe, and feel much interested in your welfare.
Everything is quiet here in the valleys, and the Saints are peaceable pursuing their ordinary avocations. The winter has been a mild one thus far; considerable rain has fallen, which has been of immense benefit to the ground in soaking it thoroughly. On the night of the 26th the snow fell to the depth of 12 inches on the level; but it is a soft snow, and the weather being mild, it is fast melting away. The Legislature is in Session; but the members adjourned for Christmas holidays. We are having the usual run of parties for this season, and they are passing off pleasantly. The Saints are generally enjoying their religion and our meetings are interesting. Our enemies are hoping to see us suffer and [?] up through their machinations; but they wil disappointed this time, as they always have been. The army on the Bench have been so contemptibly insignificant that nobody notices them-- and they are sinking lower and lower every day.
Accept my love to yourself and remember me to the Elders who may be near you.
That the Lord may bless you in all your labors, and preserve you in health and safety to return home to Zion to enjoy the society of your relations and friends is the prayer of
Your Brother in the Lord
Brigham Young