<

1855 February 6 Letter to Curtis Williams

Title

1855 February 6 Letter to Curtis Williams

Description

The qualifications for baptism are honesty and obedience. Williams is counseled to seek out one of the Elders back East for further guidance.

Type

Correspondence

Sender

Brigham Young

Recipient

Curtis Williams

Date

1855 February 6

Location

Great Salt Lake City
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Subject

Missionary Work

Item sets

Letterbook v. 1

Great Salt Lake City
February 6th 1855

Curtis Williams, Esqr.
Pittsburg, Penn.

Sir.
Your note of Dec. 11th reached me on the 5th inst. making enquiries in relation to the necessary qualifications for becoming a member of our Church. You also mention that you were personally acquainted with our beloved Prophet, Joseph Smith, and believe his mission divine.

It occurs to me rather singular that being so acquainted you should still remain ignorant of the "necessary qualifications" requisite to become a Saint. However to tell you in a word, and answer your question, it consists simply in honesty and obedience.

Having received the Gospel it is incumbent upon us to follow its precepts, and <not> by our negligence and inattention grieve away the Spirit of light and truth <the Holy Spirit> even of our God, the great Spirit, and be left in doubt and darkness.

Since the martyrdom of our Prophet, Joseph, but few Elders have been appointed to labor in the U. S., but now we have Elder Erastus Snow in St. Louis, Elder John Ta ylor in New York, City, each of whom are publishing a paper, also Elder Orson Spencer in Cincinnati
[To any of?] these brethren you may safely apply, and who will be able to direct you in the way of life and salvation

Praying that you may continue to walk in the light of truth

I am in haste
Your Friend & Brother In the Gospel

Brigham Young