| 201 sent them. Bro. Knud Johnson is willing to go, if the church is prepared to send him and sustain the Mission. Bro. Ole Madison writes that his circumstances are such that he can not go, for which he is sorry, as otherwise he would like it.
The 20th of November, the Bishop wrote giving instruction to the church pertaining to the financial department of the work which was subsequently published. 3
The two following notices from the Sunday Herald, of Shreveport, Louisiana, for November 11, 1877, indicate that Elder J. W. Bryan was making an effort there, and show what tactics were resorted to to destroy the effect of his work:
Elder J. W. Bryan requests us to state that he will preach at the courthouse this evening at half past three o'clock. Subject: "Divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon."
Mr. Editor: There will be "open air" service this afternoon from the court-house door, beginning at four o'clock. This is at the
3 In accordance with the commandment given in the revelation of April, 1873, I have appointed agents in all districts of the church, where it has been thought necessary, and according to the recommendations of the district conferences, where the Saints have chosen and sustained such brethren as they have thought best qualified, those competent in financial affairs and capable of attending to the duties of that calling; and, in the main, I trust that they have given satisfaction therein.
In 1873 there were published some instructions to agents, so far as their duties were then understood by me, which rules, as necessary for their guidance and information, and that of the Saints, the Bishopric now revise, republish, and present to the church.
First. Each agent should have a suitable book, wherein to enter all transactions of receipt and expenditure, with dates, names, amounts, etc., debiting himself with all receipts, and crediting himself with all sums paid out for the benefit of the work, as hereinafter provided. To audit this book, committees may be appointed by the district conferences, from time to time, or the Bishop of the church may audit them, or he may authorize it to be done.
Second. Agents should keep account of all donations and free-will offerings which are paid to them as such, and also of all money received by them as tithing from those who pay it as such, and who request it to be so credited.
Third. All money received in the form of donations and free-will offerings by the Bishop's agents, may be used by the agents, or by order of the district conferences, for the aid of the ministry, the poor, and other church purposes, as wisdom may direct, in the several districts where such funds are paid to the appointed agent: provided, that whenever the Bishop of the church, or the General Conference of the church through him, shall require it for the missionary and other general work of the church, that then the balance in the hands of the agents may be called in for such need or emergency; or it may be called for whenever an agent reports that such balance on hand is not likely to be needed in the district.
Fourth. All money received and credited as tithing, in contradistinction to that paid as free-will offerings and donations, should either be sent to the Bishop of the church direct, or it should be held subject to his order, or that of the General Conference through him, and only be paid out as they may direct. This is so ordered because the Bishopric believe that this course is in harmony with the law of God; and, therefore (as would be supposed),
(page 201) |
