President's Office
Gt. Salt Lake City
Feby 5th, 1867
Elder John W. Young
42 Islington Liverpool, England.
Dear Son:
Your brother Brigham started at 8.45 yesterday morning, accompanied by Bro. Geo. D. Watt, on his return to his field of labor in England. We heard from them this morning. They were at Weber last evening and well, though it had been stormy all day. The roads through the mountains are likely to be bad; but, further East, they are said to be tolerably good. Travelling to the States now is not what it was before the Rail Road had been pushed so far this way. The time spent in staging is much shortened, lessening the fatigue and the duration of the journey. It is interesting to us out here to see the eagerness with which they are pushing this great work ahead. It will be sure to help us, and be advantageous to the Zion of our God, though the wicked are contemplating terrible things respecting us as soon as they can finish the Rail Road. The waves of civilization <(to use their own figure)> will then surge right up against the walls of barbarism in which we are untouched and wash them down. We and our religion can then be wiped out and no longer offend the fastidious tastes and senses of the priests and politicians of this enlightened (?) age. We shall see. Had we nothing to depend upon but our own strength and wisdom, then our condition would be pitiable indeed. But can man arrest the diurnal or annual revolution of the earth? Can he say to the sun that it shall not shine, and that its rays shall not illumine and gladden and impart heat unto our planet? or can he pluck the stars from the firmament? His power is very limited. Disease and death prostrate their victims, They snatch the loved ones from man's arms, and he is powerless to resist or prevent. In a thousand ways is his weakness apparent, and yet he presumes to measure arms with Jehovah, and declares that Zion shall not built up, the rule and dominion of the Kingdom shall not prevail, when God has declared that these things shall all be done.
With Him to sustain us what have we to fear? Men feel strong and capable to accomplish mighty conquests when they have powerful naviess and armies at their command; but we have the Lord of Hosts to uphold us, before whom man, with all his boasted pomp and power, is as a grasshopper of the field. Improvements will progress, Rail Roads and Tellegraph Lines and Cables will be built and stretched; but instead of these things acting as a check to the growth of the Kingdom of God, and as an aid to our enemies, they will increase our facilities and accelerate the progress of the work of the Lord.
The news which we hear from you from time to time respecting your labors and movements, is very pleasing. It is a great joy to me to see my sons bearing the holy priesthood and seeking to magnify the same among the nations of the earth. My prayers are constantly offered up in your and your brothers' behalf. That the blessings of the Lord may rest upon you, and you be enabled to do a good work.
We have had a very quiet times in the City and Territory this winter. The winter has been open, but we have very bad roads, so much rain and snow having fallen it has made our main roads almost impassable. General good health prevails. Your Mother's health and that of Lucy and Clara and the rest of the folks is usually good. Brigham has enjoyed his visit very much, and has been well repaid for the fatigues and trouble of the trip. He will be able to give you any particulars which I can not write. He will, if he can spare the time, and not miss a good and safe steamer by so doing, make Captain Hooper a visit in Washington.
The election for Delegate to Congress and for the State Representative, &c. came off yesterday. Captain Hooper was our nominee, and a Mr. McGorty was the nominee of the clique, twenty of whom at their Mass Meeting voted for him, the brethren present for curiosity giving no vote.
I expect you and Brigham and family will start for home in July or August, as may be convenient. Bro. F. D. Richards will be left in charge of the Mission; Brigham will give him such instructions as may be needed respecting matters.
Your mother and all the folks join me in love to you. Give my love to Katie, Oscar and all the brethren. Praying the Lord to bless you, give you great success, and bring you home safely, I am your Father.
Brigham Young