Thomas W. Brookbank's Financial Provision for Missionary Service

“Late in the very day before I was to leave Salt Lake City to resume my journey towards England, I was loitering on Main Street corner where that thoroughfare crosses South Temple Street. My head was not being held very high, nor were my thoughts very roseate, when someone gave me a smart slap on the back, and as I turned to see who had done it I faced Elder John W. Young. After an exchange of friendly greetings, he asked me where I was going and why I was in Salt Lake City. I replied that I was on my way to England on a Church mission. "Going to England on a mission! " he exclaimed, and then added, "Brother Brookbank, come with me to my office. I want to help you on your mission." Under the circumstances I needed no urging to comply with his proposition. Knowing that my kind friend was a free-hearted man, I felt sure while on the way to the designated place that he would not give me less than five dollars and might perhaps make it ten. Arriving there he led me straight to his cashier and instructed him to pay me fifty dollars, which were immediately handed to me. This generous gift to me as a missionary, when added to the thirty dollars that I already had in my pocket, enabled me to pay all necessary expenses of the journey clear through to Liverpool, and I had some small change still on hand when I was safely landed by an English cabman at 42 Islington. For the wonderful favor of the Lord on that occasion, I trust I shall never feel less grateful than I now do, both to Him as the Disposer of events, and to my friend who was the human instrument in carrying out the Divine will on my behalf. — Millennial Star 84:43”