| 801 of respector to, put respector of. Forty-fourth chapter, twelfth verse, last line, instead of hands, put heads.
Brother Edward Partridge, sir, I proceed to answer your questions, concerning the consecration of property: First, it is not right to condescend to very great particulars in taking inventories. The fact is this, a man is bound by the law of the church, to consecrate to the bishop, before he can be considered a legal heir to the kingdom of Zion; and this, too, without constraint; and unless he does this, he cannot be acknowledged before the Lord, on the church book: therefore, to condescend to particulars, I will tell you that every man must be his own judge, how much he should receive, and how much he should suffer to remain in the hands of the bishop. I speak of those who consecrate more than they need for the support of themselves and their families.
The matter of consecration must be done by the mutual consent of both parties; for, to give the bishop power to say how much every man shall have, and he be obliged to comply with the bishop's judgment, is giving to the bishop more power than a king has; and, upon the other hand, to let every man say how much he needs, and the bishop be obliged to comply with his judgment, is to throw Zion into confusion, and make a slave of the bishops. The fact is, there must be a balance or equilibrium of power, between the bishop and the people; and thus harmony and good will, be preserved among you.
Therefore, those persons consecrating property to the bishop in Zion, and then receiving an inheritance back, must shew [show] reasonlly [reasonably] to the bishop that he wants as much as he claims. But in case the two parties cannot come to a mutual agreement, the bishop is to have nothing to do about receiving their consecrations; and the case must be laid before a council of twelve high priests; the bishop not being one of the council, but he is to lay the case before them.
Say to Brother Gilbert, that we have no means in our power, to assist him in a pecuniary point, as we know not the hour when we shall be sued for debts, which we have contracted ourselves in New York. Say to him that he must exert himself to the utmost to obtain means himself, to replenish his store, for it must be replenished, and it is his duty to attend to it.
We are not a little surprised to hear that some of our letters of a public nature, which we sent for the good of Zion, have been kept back from the bishop. This is conduct which we highly disapprobate.
Answers to queries in Brother Phelps' letter of June 4th: First, in relation to the poor.-When the bishops are appointed according to our recommendation, it will devolve upon them to see to the poor, according to the laws of the church. In regard to the printing of the New Translation; it cannot be done until we can attend to it ourselves, and this we will do as soon as the Lord permits.
As to Shederlaomach, all members of the united firm, are considered one. The order of the literary firm is a matter of stewardship, which is of the greatest importance; and the mercantile establishment God commanded to be devoted to the support thereof, and God will bring every transgression into judgment.
Say to the brothers, Hulets, and to all others that the Lord never authorised [authorized] them, to say, that the devil, nor his angels, nor the sons of perdition should ever be restored, for their state of destiny was not revealed to man, is not revealed, nor ever shall be revealed, save to those who are made partakers thereof: consequently those who teach this doctrine have not received it of the spirit of the Lord. Truly Brother Oliver declared it to be the doctrine of devils. We, therefore, command that this doctrine be taught no more in Zion. We sanction the decision of the bishop and his council, in relation to this doctrine's being a bar of communion.
The number of disciples in Kirtland is about one hundred and fifty. We have commenced building the house of the Lord, in this place, and it goes on rapidly. Good news from the east and south, of the success of the laborers is often saluting our ears. A general time of health among us; families all well; and day and night we pray for the salvation of Zion.
We deliver Brother Ziba Peterson, over the buffetings of Satan, in the name of the Lord that he may learn not to transgress the commandments of God. We conclude our letter by the usual salutation, in token of the new and everlasting covenant. We hasten to close because the mail is just going.
JOSEPH SMITH jr.
SIDNEY RIGDON,
F. G. WILLIAMS.
P. S. We feel gratified with the way which Brother William W. Phelps is conducting the Star at present, we hope he will render it more and more interesting. In relation to the size of the bishorpick [bishopric]: when Zion is once properly regulated there will be a bishop to each square of the size of the one we send you with this; but at present it must be done according to wisdom. It is needful, brethren, that you should be all of one heart and of one mind, in doing the will of the Lord. There should exist the greatest
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