| 225 except upon their consent or order, first obtained; it is necessary that there be a full understanding between that quorum and the Bishopric, as to the scope of the law demanding their attention to the temporal affairs of the church; also as to the rules which may govern both parties; which rules once agreed upon shall obtain until modified by mutual agreement and understanding; no power being given to either party to dictate those rules."
These principles were adopted singly, and afterward as a whole, by the council of the several quorums assembled.
On the day following, the Twelve and the Bishopric, being assembled in council, adopted the following principles and rules, after each quorum had separately considered and acted upon them.
"PRINCIPLES AND RULES OF ACTION.
"1. We believe the duty of the Twelve to be to teach the law of tithing, viz.: Explaining to the church the necessity, and the mode of complying therewith, in order that the financial interests of the church shall be properly supported, and that they may receive tithing and forward the same to the Bishop, who is the acknowledged treasurer of the church, or to his appointed agents.
"2. That it is devolvent upon the Bishopric and their authorized agents (such agents to be elders), to travel among the churches from time to time, to teach the law of, and collect tithing and free-will offerings, and see that the financial interests of the church are duly cared for, and the wants of the poor duly administered to, and use their best and earnest endeavors to keep the ministry in the field, as appointed by General Conference, especially the members of the Quorum of the Twelve and of the Seventy, and to see to it that the families of such receive proper support.
"3. That officers in charge of missions appointed by General Conference, receive necessary support in the prosecution thereof, from the agents of the Bishop in said missions, and that said agents in the disbursing of moneys be not subject to the direction of district conferences, or branches (yet said conferences may advise or recommend), but should make itemized reports to said conferences, who may audit and approve the same, and said reports as certified to, be forwarded to the Bishop.
"4. And that in all missions where there is no agent to represent the Bishop, the officer in charge of said mission may receive tithing and freewill offerings, and use such sums as shall be considered necessary for said mission, keeping an account thereof, together with the names of persons from whom received, and forward a quarterly account thereof, together with whatever moneys may remain in his hands as a residue, and not needed by him, to the Bishop; and upon receipt thereof, the Bishop should enter the same upon his books, crediting and debiting the church with said amounts, received and paid out, together with the names of those from whom received and to whom paid; and that all such itemized reports be published by the Bishop from time to time with his regular reports.
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