36 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.
37 And when the priests left their labor, to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God.
38 And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God, they all returned again diligently unto their labors;
39 And the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers; for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner: and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength;
40 And they did impart of their substance every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted;
41 And they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely;
42 And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.
43 And now because of the steadiness of the church, they began to be exceeding rich; having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need;
44 An abundance of flocks, and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things; and abundance of silk and fine twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.
45 And thus in their prosperous circumstances they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished;
46 And they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need;
