Great Salt Lake City February 1854
Brother Horne
Yours of Nov arrived [?] answer by the last Western Mail [?] forward a few of my views your partnership arrangements [?] business arrangement between [?] did not know at once that [?] our markets are open to every legitmate trade, and that such trade must look to the independent and voluntary action of the people for its support, which <of course,> will depend mostly upon the <method> upon which it is conducted, and the accommodation and benefit the people may derive from it. Hence you will perceive at once that I had nothing to do with your partnership, in the way [?] and in reply remarked to br Hooper that our markets were open [?]
Your partnership arrangement with Bro. W. S. Williams and Capt Hooper is no more by my counsel [?] of the Church of Latter Day Saints than that of Livingston & Kinkead Mr Don Adams or any similar trading firm in this Territory, and bids no fairer to benefit the Church and Kingdom of our God; with the exception of those who are disposed to pay Tithing in the firm, and as a matter of justice and necessity it is obvious that no credit for benefit can be given in that quarter until it is actually rendered. When bro. Williams left for California, he asked the privilege to collect Tithing that would be due from his train on their arrival in California, which I granted him, and also to gather tithing due in California, and forward the same to me, from some cause he has forwarded only $50 during his absence. To [?] in Tithing as now stated, is all the authority as agent he had in church business for the general duties of an Elder whereever he may be and to do all the good he can. Every person is at liberty to use his time and means, in accordance with his own discretion, at the same time our covenants require of tenth of [?]
our property at first and afterward a tenth of our income or labor, as the case may be, further [?] listen to the wise counsel of those who are over us. still it is entirely optional and voluntary with a person whether he observes his covenants, as the different results in his own benefit that it appears strange that the wealth of [?]
or, have accumulated much [?] after [?] have benefited the Church a little, but upon slight reflection it is easily accounted for, and such persons invariably decline seeking the counsel of the Presidency in their movements, or it when given, until their means have passed out of their hands and they are swamped in difficulties, when we are carefully sought for to help them out of their trouble and pay their debts. In the flush years of your business and the light time of our market, you were counseled to give of your surplus fruits to the Church in [?] to be placed to your credit, and to assist in rolling forth the Latter day work, and I will here remark that any such amounts could have been doubled or trebled annually, been of great benefit to the cause, while rapidly and legitimately adding to your credit, where, it is to be Presumed from letters, you consider credit of the most importance against the waters of an evil day. But let that pass. One thing I hope you will hereafter thoroughly understand, viz. that means that are not placed in the hands of the Trustee in Trust, nor disposed of by his order cannot be placed to a persons credit on the Church books. This remark is not in the least designed to tie up any one's hands in making donations for numberless worthy objects that are constantly arising, and for which our reward is sure. Lest I weary you, allow me to suggest that [?] operations on a large scale in any country are more or less uncertain, and thus it would be a safe Policy to keep your business arrangements at all times within arms length, that you may not lose your balance, nor be taken at a disadvantage [?] That you may more fully understand [?]
difference between the advantages of the [?]
case you had furnished funds to the Trustee. These could have been laid out in importing such articles as our workmen are obliged to have, which could be furnished them in retail at the market price, giving to us and the furnisher of the funds the advantage of the heavy per centage on all imported articles sold in this market, on the other hand when those funds are in a trading [?] distant from the Tithing Office, we lose the above named benefit, which [?] difference. After all I wish you to know that the Lord is about to do his own work, hence I do not wish you to borrow money to pay your tithing.
Now bro. Hornor, having written thus plain, I will close with a truly kind and earnest invitation to you to visit me this Spring, coming by the way of San Bernardino and get posted up face to face, in the things of Zion, and if you cannot come this Spring, please come as soon as you can and rest assured of a cordial Welcome from
Truly your friend
and brother in the Covenant
Brigham Young
President of Church of Jesus Christ
Capt John M. Horner of Latter Day Saints.
Union City
California