| 223 that it was understood by them that the Bishopric would reply directly to them, which we now see that we should have done, instead of putting in print our views as a reply to that quorum; and, with this understanding now had, we are sorry that we unwittingly misrepresented their intentions. And wherein they have felt aggrieved, or have been injured in any wise by our so doing, we ask their forgiveness and acknowledge that so publishing was wrong.
ISRAEL L. ROGERS,
HENRY A. STEBBINS,
DAVID DANCER,
Bishopric of the Church.
-The Saints' Herald, vol. 25, p. 142.
EPISTLE OF THE TWELVE AND THE BISHOPRIC.
To the Church of Christ, Called to be Saints, in all the World; Greeting: It has been apparent to the Saints, everywhere, that there has been a misunderstanding for some time between the Bishopric and the Twelve on financial matters, and that considerable injury to the cause has arisen thereby. Therefore, it was deemed wise and expedient that these two quorums should meet and confer together, and, if possible, agree upon the proper construction to be put upon the commandment of the Lord, given in 1861, whereby it appears that they should unitedly "take measures" to execute the "law of tithing;" and to adopt such rules as would place the financial affairs of the church on clearer and more effectual bases than have hitherto obtained. The commandment is as follows:
"In order to place the church in a position to carry on the promulgation of the gospel, and as a means of fulfilling the law, the Twelve will take measures in connection with the Bishop, to execute the law of tithing; and let them before God see to it, that the temporal means so obtained is truly used for the purposes of the church, and not as a weapon of power in the hands of one man for the oppression of others; or for the purposes of self-aggrandizement by any one, be he whomsoever he may be.
"As I live, saith the Lord, in the manner ye execute this matter, so shall ye be judged in the day of judgment.
"JOSEPH SMITH, President of the Church.
"SANDWICH, Illinois, October 7, 1861."
To this end, on Wednesday, April 17, 1878, these two bodies met in Plano, Kendall County, Illinois, at the house of Bro. Joseph Smith; the First Presidency being present by invitation.
The following paper, designed mainly as an explanation of the scope and meaning of the commandment referred to, was submitted by the First Presidency to the council:
"BASIS OF ADJUSTMENT.
"1. The word 'execute,' as used in the revelation of 1861, is, in our view, to be construed to mean to 'carry into effect,' to set in motion legitimate forces, to put existing laws into active operation. To 'execute' any
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