| 686 among the patriarchs is to the President an implication that I should vacate my present position, and be ordained to the office of patriarch, but the command to ordain is not found in any part of the document. I therefore think my acceptation [accepting] of such an ordination without a command were tantamount to a denial as to the validity of a former ordination to my present position; yet, in the event of the body indorsing [endorsing] the document I shall consider myself prohibited from further action with the Quorum of Twelve, but shall not consider myself shorn of the power and authority conferred upon me as above. For as I understand removal from office is only legitimate when done for a legitimate cause.
"Fourth. I have conceded that my labors have been meager the last two years in comparison to former years, but I am not aware that the work has suffered thereby; and should I in the near future have found myself incompetent, I should not have been slow to have reported it, as I cherish not a remote wish that individuals or societies should suffer through my incompetency.
"As to the motive prompting my release, I have nothing to say.
"Fifth. So far as I am acquainted with the duties of a patriarch, my acceptance thereof would in no way lessen the anxiety felt in present position save, perhaps, to lessen the traveling; moreover, I am not prepared to indorse [endorse] the Bishop's position touching consecration, etc.
"Sixth. Not wishing to be tedious, these are some of my reasons respectfully offered for failing to indorse [endorse] the changes so far as suggested or implied in the vision. And while I much regret being brought to the parting roads, I shall submit, and in the event of the body's indorsement [endorsement] of the document, I shall think my labors as a representative of the church ended.
"I might add, however, that I do not consider myself adapted for the work required of a patriarch.
"Very respectfully and in bonds,
"JAMES CAFFALL."
Notwithstanding his thus declining to act in harmony with the expressed opinion of the body, he is still held in high
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