| 202 earnest prayers not of "Saints" but of "sinners." The address will be adapted to the occasion. Some live questions will be raised and a startling history revealed. The ladies will find chairs on the porch, and in the hall. Let everybody come.
Very respectfully,
JOEL T. DAVES, Pastor Methodist Church.
The Herald for December 15, 1877, gives items of news from different points which indicate how the work was moving as the year closed:
it is evidently the plan best calculated to supply the wants and demands of the work, both general and local; and when carried out and the law of consecration and tithing is heeded, then there will be financial support for, and success in all departments of the cause of God. It is believed that this view concerning the control and use of tithing recognizes this fund in its proper place, and causes it to become a wise and necessary provision for supplying the missionary work of the church, and for other general purposes, such as are spoken of in the law. For, if all the means, both tithings and offerings, were subject to the order of the various districts where such tithings are paid, then there would be no certain provision for supplying such general demands as have been mentioned and as are commanded in the law of God-all might be swallowed up by the local legislation for local needs or demands, and the work at large be left to languish.
Fifth. In addition to their quarterly reports to the district conferences, agents are required to make regular annual reports to the Bishop of the church on the first of March each year, showing the receipts and expenditures, both of tithings and offerings, for the year, with the balances remaining on hand if any. They may also report the financial condition, prospects, and needs of their districts, from time to time, as may be thought necessary, together with such suggestions and recommendations from the district conferences as they may wish presented to the Bishop for his consideration.
Sixth. Upon the resignation of an agent, which should be presented in writing to the district conference, and, if accepted, be sent to the Bishop, his books should be audited and settled before the appointment of another. And, in case an agent is not sustained by a majority vote of the district conference, he should be notified of the fact before a new choice is made, so that he may present his resignation or a written assent to such change. Should he, upon such notification, refuse to resign, or to assent to the change, then the matter should be referred to the Bishop for his decision before another choice is made.
Seventh. For the benefit of the work it is thought that it would be well for each branch of the church to appoint a finance clerk (if they have not already done so), to receive offerings from the members to be paid out on the order of the branch for the expenses thereof, and, so far as may be possible, for the poor therein, thus preventing the necessity, in many cases, of applying to the Bishop or to his agent in the district. Said finance clerk may also receive money for the general treasury of the church, and forward it to the Bishop or his agent, to be credited by them. For the use of said finance clerks there are for sale, as advertised by the Board of Publication, Branch Finance Books, printed and ruled for entry of receipts and expenditures, with headings for those funds, which, if in common use, would result in good to the whole work, both local and general.
To the agents I would say, that my earnest prayer is that God will guide and direct you in all things, giving you the spirit of wisdom and understanding in your various duties, and that you may be efficient and competent servants of the Lord for the advancement of his work, so far as pertains to that committed to your trust. May you also strive to merit and receive the confidence of the Saints and the approbation of the Almighty. In the hope of the gospel, I remain,
Your fellow laborer In the Lord,
ISRAEL L. ROGERS, Bishop of the Church.
PLANO, Illinois, November 20, 1877.
-The Saints' Herald, vol. 24, p. 367.
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