G. S. L. City March 7. 1861
Cap W. M. Gibson
Dear Brother:-Feeling persuaded that a letter from me, will be welcomed by you and your daughter, I avail myself of your stay at San Francisco, to communicate a renewal of my predictions of the success that will attend your labors on the Islands of the Sea; I feel you are the man for that work; I am sanguine your early desire to visit the Malaysian Islands, was planted in your bosom by the Spirit of the Lord; and your capacity for acquiring Oriental languages is an argument why you should have been thus inspired. I am thankful for the success that has hitherto attended you. Every age brings to our notice men peculiarly adapted for certain works, some for scientific. some for medicine, and others for religion. Thus Euclid, taught figures Handel, Auber, and others raised their fellows in the art of music. And the leading warriors have preserved their Nations from being scattered to subserve some design of Providence. The time came when Joseph, Brigham, and others were raised up to combat the error and darkness of the world, and to lay before the world more particularly theological truths, notwithstanding their capacity in most branches of industrial art, or government is extensive.
Men may become great in government, and bring to pass much good order, and discipline. They may be renowned for their proficiency in many things, the discovery of an art when disseminated is a blessing to numbers. But the promulgator of the Gospel Message brings to men a knowledge, which is able to make them far happier, than the desemination of a discovery could do. Columbus opened the way to Europeans and others, the choice land of America, but the Gospel messenger imparts the peaceable gift of the Spirit of the Lord, and tells to his benighted brothers, that our Great Parent has sent his angels to Earth, to lift up, to exalt and bless all the good, and to acquaint them with the vast blessings man will enjoy when this fallen world is redeemed. I fail not to invoke heavens blessings upon you, that you may accomplish the work you have set out upon.
These are times when the Saints have particular reason to rejoice; It is now as it has been, when peace and plenty was the lot, of your Nation. The contrast between the happy condition of the Saint, and the distracted state of those who will not obey the truth broadens daily. Now more than ever is the time to worship and serve the Lord, as the hour of His judgement has come. The kingdom of God now takes a higher stand than ever; her enemies are already divided We rejoice not in their calamity, but do in tracing the work of the Lord among them. Every good man must wish for the establishment of right, of truth, and justice, "when our judges shall be righteous, and our exactors peace."
The association of the true saint whose mind is filled with intelligence and love is to me always delightful; and I have corresponding distaste for those who obstinately resist truth. THere are men whose covetousness hinder their progress, but I am persuaded you have not that drawback. Your past adventurous is an evidence that this corroding vice is no clog to your movements. You have a field before you ground yet untrodden by an Elder; not a rival to snare the present gratification. No one to conflict with you in doctrine. Every Elder that has broken new ground have experienced the gratitude of his new converts, and friendships have been formed that console us through time, and remain in eternity. The laborer in the Lords vineyard has his reward with him. It is then his reflections are sweet, his mind travels to distant scenes of bliss; and on his faithful brethren finds his best & dearest friends.
I am aware Capt these reflections pass through your mind but let my reflections penned on this sheet, be the evidence that I am under the influence of the same spirit, and this communication the proof of my good feelings. May angel hover round you to comfort you; May the winds be charged to waft you, and not to injure you. May friends flock round you, and in their goodness trace the wellings of your Lord.
Your sons, are both well, and doing well. I am not much acquainted perhaps with your most intimate associations here. But occasionally I meet men that attended your lectures, and the historical facts you have mentioned are fixed upon their minds, and they speak of the Maylasian Islands as the home of a great people; and numbers are looking forward to a good work being accomplished there.
The prisoner of Welterdreven is remembered by this Community. The remembrance of your outwitting the dutch soldier brings a smile of satisfaction to your hearers. The malasian tradition of the transmigration of souls; the rites & ceremonies of Malasian princes, are yet among the things talked about, and has served to bring that people into lively consideration. We remember the ducu's & the Mangesteions, and their medicinal properties. We are now acquainted with the customs of that people. As I write about these I feel more and more inspired with the belief that success will attend you. If your hours grow dreary, read your blessing, read the communications of yours <friends> and pray always to him who is not to great to watch the falling of the sparrows, and numbers the hairs of our heads.
Believe me to be your friend and brother in the Gospel
George Sims