The Brigham Young Center

Great Salt Lake City
February 13th 1855

Mr Amos Whitcomb,
Provo City,

Dear Brother,
Your letter containing your Patriarchal blessing and requesting counsel in regard to your bodily affliction, came to hand some few weeks since, but owing to a multiplicity of business, have not been able to answer before now.

I do not now remember you as an acquaintance, still I presume that your aim is to be a true servant of God and to abide his will concerning you.

We are in a world of misery and woe, and sorrow being in the world, every man; woman and child must expect to meet more or less of it as their portion. As Saints of the most High we have a source through the ordinances which our God has seen fit in His wisdom and mercy to commit into the hands of the children of men, through the channel of the holy priesthood of Almighty God, we can come, with confidence into Him in the name of Jesus Christ, with a reasonable expectation of securing a blessing so long as we walk humbly and faithfully before Him.

It is not always by ceremonies and outward administrations that relief can be experienced, although they are necessary; but there is sometimes a thorough cleansing of the inside necessary as well, that our tabernacles may be pure and become meet receptacles for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. All are necessary to qualify us for the blessings of God, as well as faith through the power of which we expect to see God.

In the spring we expect to be able to give endowments, as the building for that purpose is nearly completed. If you cannot receive, through the administrations of the servants of God, relief from your bodily infirmities, and are able, and have not yet received your endowments heretofore, you can come up and receive them. And pray God that this may be blessed unto you for your recovery, as well as every other endowment and administration which may be performed upon you in faith, believing. Therefor take courage brother, and put your trust in Israels God; and if you receive the blessing of health through the mercy of God, be mindful thereof, and remember to sanctify yourself before God, and fill up your time in usefulness to your brethren and your God during your pilgrimage upon the earth, and when the time shall come to go home, whether long or short, all will be right.

I am truly your Brother in the Gospel of salvation
Brigham Young