The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City
February 1st, 1855

Elder Jesse Haven
Capetown, South Africa.

Dear Brother,
Feeling satisfied with your labors, as well as those who accompanied you thither, I write to inform you that you are <all> at liberty to return home whenever you see proper, and I shall be happy to welcome you again to our beloved home, in these peaceful vales. We are blessed with peace, health and general prosperity throughout our Territory. The weather is fine, not cold enough to hinder mason work on the Temple foundation, which is fast progressing.

The Endowment House upon the Temple block is nearly finished, and the Sugar Manufactory is now in operation, with every prospect of ultimate success.

It rejoices my heart to learn of the progress of the work of the Lord throughout the world, evincing the faithfulness of the Elders in carrying the message of Salvation-- the Gospel-- even the glad tidings which is unto all people, to the uttermost parts of the earth. Truly many thousands have been made to rejoice in becoming the happy recipients of those principles of life and salvation, which are the peculiar gift of kind heaven in this last dispensation unto the faithful Saints. While those nations who have had the Gospel in its purity preached to them by the Apostles and Prophets of both ancient and modern date, are crumbling away, and being wasted by War, pestilence, and famine. Those who enjoy the light of revelation rejoice as they percieve the work of the Lord progressing and view the approach of the day when the Son of Man shall appear in great glory to receive His own and from thence forward to govern and bear rule over his inheritance. It will be a happy day when the world shall learn to know Him who suffered upon the cross, when they shall learn to know him also who suffered and died in Carthage; and shall know that the Lord is God, and unto him pertains the legal government of the earth and all belonging thereto. That day is approaching, and although great sorrow and tribulation must transpire previous thereto, yet believing in the all-wise management, mercy and wisdom of that Almighty Being, who holds the destinies of all nations, we find an ample resource for our faith, confidence & complete salvation; according to our faithfulness, and obedience to his requirements.

My health is tolerable good, rather improving this fine weather. Your family are well.

Praying God my heavenly Father to bless and preserve you, I remain
Your Brother in the Gospel of Christ.

Brigham Young