Box 3 Folder Unknown
No. 1 of Cainan's Utah Territory March 1864
To a portion of the Twelve and scattered disciples of the Seventh Angel that were gathered at Weber that have held fast to the Holy principles there revealed.
Beloved Brethren and Sisters:
I, a servant of the Lord, desire to shew unto you a few things entrusted to me. With patience and watching, I have waited until now that your faith might be tried, and your hope preserved. And they that have maintained their integrity, are now counted worthy to be coworkers with me in unfolding and revealing to those spirits that kept their first estate, the Fulness of the Gospela nd the further designs of our Father in Heaven to transpire from time to time. You that were gathered at Weber have the privilege to stand in your places (Save one) and to be the first ministers in the glorious work. And here let me say,--it is required of every one in his ministry to act with integrity and resolution, walking according to the pattern given, that he may not be moved out of his place. No one can minister long except his heart is pure and his judgement sound, using these attributes in righteousness. Taking his stand, they claim lawfully the attention and guidance of the Heavenly Host. Strengthen your spirits by frequent prayer—this exercise is the life of your soul. Ask directly the thing needed, talking as to a friend, and your petitions are forwarded to him who holds all power over us. Be not tempted to stand forth in angry debate with any man. In so doing, you soil your dignity and place yourselves on a level with fallen beings. Be jealous of your honor, remembering from whence ye came. Do not placard the cities with the tidings you have to bear; but rather seek out for oppertunities of mildly getting the principles before the people. Have a diagram of the creations with you for reference [this is the 10 estates ]. The teachings of the Holy Joseph at Weber are the first to advance. His rise and birthright—his persecutions and death, are on all occasions to be a portion. Seek not to hold me up to your hearers at this time to create a curiosity to see me; but rather speak of Joseph who ministered to you. I give these directions for your present guidance. I have no apologies to make for the way in which I come before you; for I am not here to do my own will, and no man can receive me except the Father sends His Holy Spirit to break down the doubts and mistrusts enwoven with his mortality; neither am I entrusted with supernatural power to shew signs or wonders; therefore if there are any looking for such tings from me, they can take no part in my ministry. I would have sent you some further testimony, but knowing the brethren at Soda Springs have communicated some, let it suffice for the present an I will supply the rest as you are able to bear it. This is my counsel unless particularly desired by any.
There came one unto me from California-- Bro. Grow—who spoke of his visit among you and while I listened, my feelings warmed towards him, as also while telling me his efforts to know the way leading to live eternal, offering himself to do whatever was required of him with full purpose of heart. After some days it became apparent that his desires shold be granted—the brethren with me being willing. This Bro. Is a High Priest. He likewise desired to know his birthright; but this knowledge would not further the work of God at all, and (his work) this is my particular care. It not being permitted me at this time to baptize in Utah, I send him unto you, and if he still maintains the good spirit he manifested in my presence, lead him down into the waters of baptism according to the pattern given at Weber. And now I, Cainan, give unto the two first officers of the Church in Carson power and authority to ordain this brother to the office of a High Priest-- he being an heir to this High and Holy calling. See ye do it according to the pattern shown at Weber. After this take form him an oath of fidelity according to the same pattern. I presume I need not write the exact words. This is a case of emergency. I have seen and conversed with Bro. Grow, which makes a difference, otherwise my authority could not be obtained at present to ordain to the High calling.
It is the mind and will of the Lord Jesus Christ that the Fulness of His Gospel should begin to go forth to the inhabitants of the earth. Therefore, let his servant John Parson prepare himself, setting his house in order, that his consort and little ones may not suffer in his absence, but as a wise man make arrangements for their safety in every way. Should this hinder his departure, it can be excused. Let him not start till this accomplished, then his burden will be light, and his spirit free; for it is not meet in this day of abundance that the family of a faithful minister of Christ should suffer and pine, while he is laboring for the Lord. And if any faithful Bro. Of the Twelve can be spared from his family, let hem journey along with him, and if not one of the Twelve, let a High Priest whose resolves are firm to serve the lord take his departure with him. If none can be spared, then let Bro. Grow and Bro. John Parson journey together, Bro. John Presiding: for into his hands I entrust this first mission and I say unto the others, be careful to obey his counsels, and seek to uphold him with all your strength. And behold! The tidings you bear are form the Lord, and for the salvation of all who receive them and endure their trials.
And these are they who will be ordained Priests and Kings unto God, and the glory of our God shall shine in upon their understandings and they shall pierce through into the store houses of intelligence and knowledge that our Father has kept locked until this age, and shall bring from thence the truths of Heaven—truth relating to this earth—truth from the mansions spoken of by the Lord Jesus Christ. And this that the lawful heirs may stand in their places, and begin to prepare for the thousand years of rest, called a millenium, in which will be brought to pass the restoration of the dead, who are waiting with all anxiety for action from us. Work with the knowledge you have, that others may be brought on a level with you, and when this is exhausted then will begin the pouring out of the spirit, till all the covenant people of God shall know him from the least to the greatest; for this is the promise. These tings I write in all sincerity and love for your comfort and encouragement knowing well your pain and disappointment, your afflictions and sorrow, witnessing the barbarities perpetrated by your enemies, and the murder of the Holy and Exalted Joseph. I have mingled my mourning with yours, and have been sorely afflicted for the transgressions of many that all might be free. But now wipe away your sorrow with me, and raise your spirits high; for we are the acknowledged of God in the Courts of Eternity. Therefore, be clean every one that bears the vessels of the Lord and sin no more in word or deed. Put far away evil thoughts forgiving one another their trespasses and follies, and prefer one another above all others, and you shall be blessed and forgiven of our Father in Heaven.
Your mission is to th cities of California, beyond the Nevada Mountains, and you are sent as in days of old like sheep among wolves. Be harmless as that animal, but wise and wary foreseeing the evil and escaping therefrom; for some will seek to devour you. Of such be aware—remember I have warned you,--while others will lean upon you for salvation. The pace that receives your testimony, there tarry, teaching the things you have received, baptising according to the pattern at Weber and ordain all the Priesthood of Aaron, and if a High Priest is there, he can be placed aright in due time. When you leave those who will believe on your words, organize them, giving authority, that they may work in your absence. Visit them often, and if not convenient, then write to them; for, for want of water the plants die. And a city or place that will not receive you, but utterly casts you out, with uplifted hand bear testimony of the same to our Father in Heaven, and leave the residue with him. An invitation was sent inviting all to Soda Springs. The answer was satisfactory, and the end was answered. A neuclus should be formed in that Territory when wise men have sought a good location; but the spring will perhaps be too far advanced this season, and your arrangements not congenial; therefore, I give no counsel till I hear from you. Write immediately your state and prospects, if my counsels are desired, Write anyhow, without delay.
I desire my love and blessing to all the faithful of the left wing of the Great Eagle or portion of the Church at Carson, and in your next meeting take the little children in your arms and bless them for me.
The fifth epistle of Cainan to the Church of Jesus Christ of the Saints of the Most High.
Your faithfully, Cainan