Correspondence
Salt Lake City
Oct. 11, 1877
Editors Deseret News:
I have just received a very interesting letter from one of the missionaries; would you be so kind as publish it in your widely circulating paper, that all who have interest in the labors of Bro. Young may have the pleasure of reading it. –E. Davis
Newcastle-on-Tyne
Sept. 19, 1877
My dear Brother:
Your kind and welcome letter was duly received. I was very much pleased to hear from you. Was quite surprised to learn that you had been in this part of the world. I fully realize now how blessed I and hundreds of my associates have been in having our lot cast in the peaceful Valleys of the Mountains, and thank my God for the same. Before leaving home I thought I had a general idea of the wickedness of the old world, but must say I am greatly surprised at the poverty, debauchery, and total depravity of thousands of the human family. The national sin is “drink,” which is the parent to licentiousness and bloodshed. I was in Sunderland the other day, and, in talking with an officer, he stated that to his certain knowledge there were over two hundred and fifty houses of prostitution in that city. I thought if this was a sample of morals in this country they were somewhat defective. I have seen and heard enough to prove to my satisfaction that there are but few men, comparatively speaking, that are strictly virtuous. I have often thought how are the beautiful fallen and they cause even the mighty to fall.
I am determined with the Lord’s help to induce a few, at least, to flee from the wrath of God, for it will be poured out without measure upon this wicked and ungodly generation.
I am pleased to inform you that my labors, though humble, have been greatly blessed. We baptized eleven last month in Newcastle. There are a few more nearly ready, but missionary labor is like all other labor, to be successful one must go to the work with all their heart and strength. I fully agree with you, that, it is not the fine flowery discourses that wins the hearts of the honest people, but the simple testimony, and demonstration of the spirit, which is bound to prick the honest in heart. With the world a successful minister must be learned, but with us it is enough to know that he fears God and keeps His commandments; then let him learn all he can, and become a polished shaft, and of such are our greatest men today. I am proud of the privilege of preaching the gospel of Christ. Many preach Christ whom he never knew, but we preach by the demonstration of the Spirit of God.
We have had a number of outdoor meetings this summer. I have just returned from a six weeks tour through the Conference. I have been traveling alone on this trip, prior to which Bro. E.D. Wooley, Jr., and I were traveling together. I have been appointed to preside over this Conference, hence will not have as much liberty in the future. We have ten branches in fair condition; the largest now numbers over eighty members. They are mostly poor in purse but rich in spirit. My labors are in the counties of Durham, Cumberland, and Northumberland, and we have a large branch in Middlesboro, Yorkshire. You can see there is plenty of room to labor.
I had a very pleasant trip to Scotland ending on the 1st August. Visited Glasgow, spent several days visiting many places of interest, also visited Edinburgh, think it the cleanest and prettiest city I have seen in this country. I hope to see London before coming home. I ma in good health and trust you are the same—suppose you are very busy but don’t neglect the spiritual for the temporal. Temporalities perish; spiritualities never.
With much love to you all,
Your Brother in the Gospel of Peace,
R.B. Young
[Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oct. 11, 1877, 2]
[Deseret News, 26:576]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, May 2006]
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