Great Salt Lake July 4th 1865
My dear Saint James [Dove] and John [Eardley],
Your letter expressing a unanimous feeling to conduct and act according to the requirements of the Lord from his Holy Priesthood was a source of much satisfaction. Remember well, much is expected from a pillar in all buildings, and as you are about to be placed in this position, see to it that the Master Architect has no need to have ready a prop or unsightly scaffold to vex the nice tracing of the level and the line as the building ascends in beauty and grandeur. Your own mind or spirit, I observe, is well arranged. Naturally keep its harmony well adjusted that every circumstance in advance of you may be met, rising from your conflicts a conquerer again to conquer, fortified with the knowledge that this great finishing work embraces all the good of every science revealed and to be revealed from the lowly blade up to the first God of all. In every department, the faithful minister of Christ has to feel himself at home; yet stil it is line upon line as the enemy's mantle is lifted from off mortality, unshadowing his plans of keeping from the sons and daughters and the legal heirs, the boundless love, mercy and equity of the gods in eternity to us down here; and will you comprehend we have an enemy indeed that has dodged our forefathers from their neuclus to their expiring breath, and what he has done unto them he intends for us, bringing out from his reserves hidden things kept secret till the chosen ones appear. At times, behind my plough, scythe or on the mountains with my axe, providing for those around me (for those are favorable moments), the body active and the spirit free, the mighty God of Israel will hold to my spirit's discernment his eternal purposes to be developed at given distances, running on till the morning of this earth's exaltation into Celestial order, and overwhelmed with the magnificence and greatness, the wisdom required at every turn to attain the end of purposes devised in the councils of the Gods—the trust and fidelity reposed in and expected from the High and Holy Priesthood,--causes me to tremble, getting no relief until the whole mass of mortalities' petted idolatries depart from the inward man; then an entrance is opened to taste celestial life, doctrines and principles delegated that govern all who have arrived to immortality dispensing a fullness of joy. This has often been uttered by classes of idolaters; but its realities have never been felt or experienced until this time upon the earth. It was dimly seen by one who said: “Ear hat not heard, eye seen or mind conceived the things God hath laid by for those who love him.” I bear witness to the truth of this—have proved it—existed in it; its title can be no other than a fullness of joy. It belongs to the High and Holy Priesthood—the sons—the daughters of the same can walk up and up, improving as they go, breaking through mortality's bounds, they enter in the holy borders seeing eye to eye the acknowledge friends of Christ, while peals of rejoicing thro the Heavenly Courts announce another mighty spirit has broken through, welcome to our associations. Dear Saints, push away your sorrows—what I experience you shall tast, following along as I unbar the strongholds, handing down the keys. If those of the Weber House knew their loss when they let slip their sights and titles to immortality's honors, making bankrupt their missions here, thereby manufacturing their own wailing and gnashing of teeth! My own nature would continually weep over them if it were lawful: but it is not, and by this it is hidden from their understanding and I am clear. I did my duty, calling aloud in love, showing the path as with a brilliant flame: but they cry “fool! Imposter!!”-- a proof beyond dispute, they confederate with the railers of Christ the Lord, Joseph the first and Second, Militant against the Captain of all and the 1st Presidency of the last Quorum of Heavens. Witness the enemy's triumphs! Beware!--for he has not done yet, for from his reserves is to come his largest cannon to conquer you. I tell you before, that when your hear the roar, stand in Holy places, harnessed in mail. The cock has scarcely crowed and some were impatient at his delay, wishing for renown, and some willing to sleep for their eyes were heavy. Others looking round discovered a shady path leading off to pastures of promised delight, the end whereof is death to every honor. These, all in this life, will be pushed out from the Father's house—the door shut and they scattered among a fierce people regardless of their humanity, without a happiness to call their own—subject to the commands of the wicked—their trials and sufferings remembered no more.
My love and blessing to all the faithful.
15 Gen. Epistle to the Saints of the Most High at Nevada
Cainan
Read often this Epistle that you may glean all the meaning—reflect that the Holy Spirit may show things not finished written and your minds shall be led out to explore
Especial private to James Dove, John Rowley Eardley, George Dove, Joseph Taylor—Thomas Ford
Dear brethren: It is now your privilege to close your affairs in Nevada, quietly, without the least noise, without confusion or haste, that all your business may get your best attention and let no one know your movements in this thing and leave. J. Dove, G. Dove, J. Taylor are set apart for Trenton, New Jersey. W. S. John Rowley Eardley, Thomas Ford are set apart for England, Europe. All to commence their hunting campaign as huntsmen of the Lord of Hosts. It is still without purse or scrip except their own finding. He that is faithful going with firm resolves to serve the Lord shall want neither money or friends if he will use the endowment the Lord has endowed him with, namely,--sound common sense. I wait your reply. If all again are unanimous in consent, I will send the opening hunting keys and necessary instructions to proceed. It would be desirable I saw you all first for your birthrights and legal temple blessing to be given, passing you thro this Holy Order: if I cannot see you, it has to stand over until we meet. To name a birthright is a poor shift. You should see and hear all your destiny. When a Temple is reared, it is an ordinance accompanied by festival and requires many ministers! Until this time we have to proceed by way of pattern. The Scandinavian campaign is on its way, having the privilege of personal attention. There are some converts by Bro. Grow at San Juan, California. If you go that way, it would be important to call, setting in order, and to elaborate their faith and views—I ask the Great God and his holy Angels to shield you from every evil—Cainan Tear this from the Epistle and the beginning of this letter is enclosed in envelope to James Dove through P.O. Get it quick.