G. S. L. City Oct 24, 1861
Elder Walter Murray Gibson,
Dear Brother
Learning that letters directed to br. Eveleth for you will be by him forwarded to you I embrace this opportunity of writing to you not so much to inform you of transpiring events, as to evidence to you that you are kindly remembered by me. I have regarded your Mission as one of great importance, and feel deeply interested in the Malay people and when their language is once acquired it appears to me to be a pleasing task to instruct them, not having with them to contend with as much learning and general intelligence as found with the Gentiles, which gives a Missionary additional, and aggravated labor.
Your capacity for learning languages seem to markedly indicate that you are the man for that particular work for we frequently remark in men that seem raised up for certain purposes the requisite qualifications for their work and indeed it manifests the wisdom of Heaven in such an arrangement.
The desire in your boyish days to visit that remarkable people is as singular as was the desire of Columbus to search for America and in both instances these desires seem to be planted by Heaven. Some portion of the Asiatic Nations are evidently of Abrahamic descent, and heirs to certain promises which were made by men inspired by a Spirit which could accomplish the predictions made by it through those Prophets, and the prophecies made to the seed of Abraham are greater than ever have been made by the Lord to any other people. this remarkable race have suffered many afflictions, and some portion have lived in obscurity; the Indians or descendents of Joseph have sunk in degradation; the Jews have been scattered widely since the siege of Jerusalem; Ephraim has mingled among the Gentile Nations, and the Malays though not so well known to me are another portion of this distinguished family; I trace with very little difficulty a similarity of feature between the Indians and the Jews, and among our own people I see traces of the same physiognomy. Possibly a considerable portion of the Turks & Arabians and possibly the Malays might be descendents [sentence cut off] interposition of the Angel in saving the life of Ishmael by the Miracle of the spring of water argues that his posterity were to be precious in the sight of the Lord. I frequently contrast the difference of the results of the labors of a travelling Elder, and one who is stationary at home, to some extent I am acquainted with both conditions, When I did most preaching and especially after I had got through a discourse I remember I felt an increase of joy in my feelings, and an increased realizing of the blessings which would be the reward of continued faithfulness. However at home I have considerable satisfaction in providing for and instructing my children, but the power of my priesthood is felt most in the promulgation of Gospel truths. I frequently have the injunction before me "seek first the kingdom and all other things shall be added to you. I have observed in many instances than when a faithful and long tried Elder, strikes out to accumulate some means for his family he has success in his effort, and contrarywise I have noticed men who have not been valiant in the testimony of Jesus, when they do put forth their efforts even when guided by wisdom but little success follows them. I am satisfied the surroundings of men are controlled by Providence. "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to our statue" observes the Savior, and the remark may be equally applicable, to those who would take thought to accumulate riches. Br. Matthew Wilkie, who died lately, mentioned the liberality of br Eveleth, and observes that the prosperity that attends him in his belief was a blessing upon his sacrifices. The rich miser may be distracted with cares about his future subsistence; but the man that has confidence in God has an assurance that his wants will be supplied. To feel the bright hosts of heaven are watching our course with an approving smile; consoles us in the path of our duty, and it is reasonable to suppose that we shall enjoy the everlasting gratitude of those we have brought into the Church by our unwearied labors, and <now> commence the formation of attachments and friendships which we shall for ever enjoy.
Br Parley Pratt once observed do you suppose that the faithful Elder whose opportunities of marry g wives and accumulating have been lessened by faithfully preaching the word No said Parley that would be saying that Heaven is wanting in the attribute of justice, and its powers are limited to meet every circumstance in mans history.
Dear Captain I feel that you estimate property at its true worth, and that pecuniary consideration do not impede your course for promoting the happiness of the Malay races.
There is an aristocracy of mind that is better than an aristocracy of wealth and position, and the ample memory you possess, may be the legitimate result of that belief, for I believe the gifts of providence are dealt out to man according to their merits and according to that which they ought to obtain thus we give to our mechanical children more tools to enable them prosecute the labor they appear to love and choose for themselves.
Your lectures have left an impress upon the minds of many in Utah, and many are sanguine that much success will attend your labors, and that the prisoner of Welterdriven escaped to carry out his divine mission.
Pres. Young is enjoying good health, Pres Kimballs health for some time has been poor, and is still rather slim. Yet able to be about. Pres Wells since his severe sickness enjoys very good health.
Wishing yourself and daughter journeying blessings to Japan, and prosperity on
your arrival
I remain your Brother in the Gospel
George Sims