The Brigham Young Center

Salt Lake City, U. T.
July 24. 1873.

Brigham Morris Young
Laie Oahu. Sandwich islands.

My dear Son,

Your very welcome letter to me of the 6th inst. also one to your mother which I read, both with great pleasure reached here on the 22nd inst.

Bro Geo. P. Nebeker got in the day following, he delivered a letter to your mother which you sent, and informed us that the parcels you wrote about were with Bro King and would not be in before the 25th Bro King was travelling with a freight train.

We were all exceedingly well pleased with the spirit of your letters.

Your mother is in good health and spirits and the folks feel first rate. Willard is making a good visit and is enjoying it hugely.

My health is good for which I feel very thankful. My business keeps me constantly and actively engaged, and I am pleased to be able to attend to it. On the 22nd I attended Railroad Mass Meeting at Lehi, for we are expecting iron soon to run to Provo and wish the Utah Co. folks to help build the road. Tomorrow morning I start for Tooele to attend 2 days meeting there. Those 2 days meetings are held quite frequently since Conference and I have attended a number of them, and they are calculated to do considerable good.

Samuel F. Richards called lately and reported himself on hand to go to the Islands when required. We told him to get ready, and it is probable he may join you before long and perhaps others of the young brethren who may feel disposed to go.

Your labors to acquire the native language will doubtless be a task at first but diligence and perseverance will give you the victory. You have everything to encourage you, for Heaven and good men are on your side, and you know the saying Heaven and one good man is a large majority. You have just started out and your future is in a great measure depending upon your course now. Be diligent and prayerful. It is your privilege to know for yourself God lives and that He is doing a work in these last days and we are His honored ministers. Live for this knowledge and you will receive it. Remeber your prayers and be fervent in spirit. Shun the very appearance of evil, and in all your intercourse with others preserve an upright decorum and in preaching to the people or conversing in private be cool, and keep command of yourself. Don't get flurried; trust in God and words will come to you, and you will know just what to say. Your calling is to be a teacher to the world. There is no honor or dignity in the power of man to bestow that can begin to compare with this in importance or greatness. It is a high and a holy calling and if you honor it, you will enjoy constant peace and win the respect of all good men wherever your lot is cast, and that is the path we hope and pray you will always walk in.

Give my best respects to Prest. Mitchell and family, Sis. Randall, Bro. Taylor and all the brethren. Write often when you have the time, and remember we will watch your course, and that you have our faith and prayers, that you may be enabled to do a good work and return with clean hands and a pure heart.

Your affecionate Father

Brigham Young