Whereas, Much unpleasantness has occurred through members leaving one branch and joining another without a certificate of membership; therefore, be it

Resolved, That members leaving one branch, shall not be permitted to join another without a certificate of membership.

Resolved, That this conference look with favor upon the effort to build a chapel, as a house of worship, in Salt Lake City, when found practicable, and that we will encourage its erection.

Whereas, Some years ago it was proposed to build a house of worship in Salt Lake City, and some means having been raised for that object, which was subsequently placed in the general church fund, by vote of conference, therefore be it

Resolved, That this conference authorize the Bishop to transfer said money to the Utah Chapel Fund again to be used in the erection of a building in that place when the erection of said chapel shall be found practicable.

Whereas, The conferences in the past have affirmed that, there is at present no place of gathering; therefore be it

Resolved, That any elder teaching contrary to the resolutions of General Conference is censurable.

Bro. Milton B. Oliver, who has been for the past two years associated with us as assistant editor, and who has been so faithful in his care of the Hope, left the sanctum of the Herald Office, on the 5th of April, to engage in other duties at Burlington, Iowa.

Bro. Oliver's connection with the Herald Office and the branch at Plano, has confirmed and strengthened the trust reposed in him; and his going away to engage elsewhere is but the result of circumstances which demand it at his hands. His release from the duties of the office is an honorable one to him; and we beg to assure the Saints that wherever he may go he carries with him the assurance of the esteem and fellowship of his office comrades and the Saints at Plano. For our sake receive him as a brother in Christ, and for his own you will trust him, when you know him.

To all the Saints: In the discharge of our duties, and in obedience to the promptings of judgment and conscience, as well as that of the Holy Spirit, we address unto you this greeting:

Peace be with you and remain for ever, is our prayer in this behalf. And that it may remain, and that you may abound in every good work, it is needful that your "pure minds be stirred up" in respect to some things-duties undischarged, hopes deferred, which maketh the heart sick, and the whole body to languish.

The increase in our numbers in all the fields of missionary labor has been steady, but slow; too slow, for want of laborers; for the field is ready for the harvest, but the laborers are few.

To remedy this the following instructions were given:

"In order to place the church in a position to carry on the propagation 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 purpose 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."-Herald, vol. 10, no. 11. [Vol. 2, no. 7.]

Fifteen years have elapsed since this charge was given; and the first object contemplated, viz.: "to carry on the propagation of the gospel," has not been attained to any

degree of satisfaction to us or to the church at large, or to the localities whence the cry is heard, "Come over and help." And this implies: 1. That the proper "measures" have not been taken to execute that law; or; 2. That there is a lack in understanding those measures and the law itself, or both; 3. Or there is an unwillingness to comply on the part of the church.

We think the defect is in the two former, and not in the latter.

Now the first step in the execution of a law is to define it, and the second to then carry it out. In our communication to the Saints, dated November, 1861, a compliance with that law in defined to be "a systematic free-will offering."

This definition is based upon the fact, that all means set apart to the proper uses of the church, is recognized as a tithing. And in that same communication, the presidents of branches are charged with the duty of teaching this principle, and receiving means under it; and in the communication of the quorum of "the Twelve and the Bishop," is the following: "It is the duty of presidents of branches to present this duty, with others, in its time and place, equal with any other requirement of the gospel." And in the absence of a resident bishop, or special agent, it is their duty to act as agents of the Bishop in this matter. The question has been asked, How shall the needy in the several branches be relieved? We would say, let such be relieved first, when needed, out of the tithing, and send the residue to the Bishop, or to the treasury of the whole church. Tithing and (or) offerings, it is evidently contemplated, shall supply every want of the poor and needy; and therefore it is improper for any to solicit means of the members of branches, Individually, in the name of the church, or as an elder." (See Herald, no. 10, vol. 11.)

These were the measures adopted to carry out, or execute the law as thus defined; which places the responsibilities and duties relating to this matter upon many, acting in unison, and not therefore liable to become "a weapon of power in the hands of one man." If but a small part of the contributions made for the work is credited upon the book of the treasurer of the church, it is owing to the neglect of the contributors, and branch officers or agents to report in proper form for such credits; and for lack of credits, the contributions have been withheld, to the serious detriment of the work. Missions are not appointed, because it is understood that there is no means to prosecute them; others are appointed and then postponed, or but feebly sustained for the same reason. The bad effect of this are wide-spread, and the responsibility for such a state of things is equally wide-spread.

Let every branch, district, and mission manage its own finances; but withal, remember that "the propagation of the gospel" is the first object in the law of offerings; and the general mission fund should be in the general treasury, kept by the Bishop. We earnestly appeal to the judgments and consciences of the Saints, to strengthen our hands, by means necessary to prosecute the missionary fields in force, and to prosecute them effectually. It should be remembered that at the first conference held in June, 1852, and at the April conference of 1863, it was declared that "In the opinion of this conference there is no stake to which the Saints on this continent are commanded to gather, at the present time;" therefore this is the rule that should govern us in our teaching upon that subject, inasmuch as no later commandment has been given or recognized by the church. Evidently the quorums will assemble before "the pure in heart shall gather," and the latter take place as counseled by the former.

In view of the baneful influence of the great apostasy from the faith, and the concentration of that power in Utah, whence the wicked perversions of the gospel are propagated, and morals corrupted; and that the General Conferences have authorized the building a house of worship in Salt Lake City, for the maintenance of the true faith of the Latter Day Saints; we trust the Saints will help the same liberally, and speedily "as God shall bless you with the things of this world."

To the elders in their several missions, we suggest that they seek to better systematize their labors; and to do this, we advise that each labor in their own fields, in union with the

district authorities, and with their advice; and seek to open new fields, and not to follow continually in the tracks of others.

The contracting debts, borrowing money and failing to repay, or doing so without reasonable grounds for promising to repay, creates suspicion, does violence to a rule of conference touching the indebtedness of elders taking missions, and gives just grounds of grievance to creditors. Such must not be tolerated.

In the discharge of the various duties enjoined upon us let us seek to do so without ostentation or arrogance; but in humility, as becometh the servants of Him who, though invested with "all power in heaven and in earth," condescended to the lowly; that our ministrations may be ratified in the heavens and the gospel vindicated upon earth, as the power of God unto salvation.

And may the peace of God be with you and all Saints through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Your brethren and fellow laborers,

JASON W. BRIGGS. JAMES CAFFALL.

JOSIAH ELLS. JOHN H. LAKE.

EDMUND C. BRIGGS. ALEX. H. SMITH.

WM. H. KELLEY. ZENAS H. GURLEY.

THOS. W. SMITH. JOS. R. LAMBERT.

PLANO, Illinois April 15,1876.

We now, therefore, feel to give our views on those matters which so fully concern our official relations to the church, knowing as we do that the whole church is interested in this subject; also, that it is exceedingly anxious to see a solution of the differences that exist, not only in this matter, but also in the line of conduct and course of teaching to be adopted by the authorities of the church, both in things temporal and in things spiritual; in faith, in doctrine, and in all that appertains to it and its well-being, as the organization of God's kingdom on earth.

And we state our views in all kindliness of feeling and spirit, and we feel also that it is with just motives and pure intentions, and that we are earnestly seeking for the best and highest interests of the cause we love, when we herein write our understanding of what the word and law of God proclaims to be the rights, privileges, and line of duty contemplated therein for the Bishopric, as pertaining to the matters immediately under consideration.

First, we will quote some of the words directly bearing upon this matter, and those so often quoted and upon which so much stress is laid by some. They are found in the Concordance of the Book of Covenants, and were written by the President of the church, October 7, 1861, and are as follows:

"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 means so obtained are truly used for the purposes of the church."

In the "statement" before referred to, it is claimed that "the Twelve and the Bishopric are conjointly charged with executing the law of tithing; and that executing the law of tithing means collecting and disbursing the means so obtained. That each individual of this conjoint body should act by a rule, affirmed by the body."

Now we do not have this view, namely, that "executing" the law of tithing means both "collecting and disbursing" the funds of the church; neither that the Twelve with the Bishopric (twelve men to three) are conjointly charged with and have an equal right,

"each individual" of the fifteen, in so collecting and disbursing, as we understand is the tenor of the above, and would be the result of adopting a conjoint rule giving equal privileges to all.

Neither do we see that it would be according to either law, precedent, or necessity, or by permission of the word of God, that "a rule affirmed" by this body of fifteen men, could rightfully or properly govern and control the funds of the church, by such conjoint rule, or consistently and in keeping with said law and revelation of God.

Nor do we think that governing in this matter is consonant with the duties of the Twelve, whose mission is so clearly defined in the following passages of the law: B. of C., 16:5; 17:8; 83:9-16, 20, 21; 104:11, 12, 16, 30; 105:2-8, 11; 107:40; Matt. 6:25-33; Luke 12:22-40; Acts 6:2-5. See also instructions of Joseph Smith, in Mil. Star, vol. 15, pages 213, 261, 262.

On page 218 President Smith in answer to a question as to the special duties of the Twelve, other than those pertaining to other quorums, replied that they are to preside over all the churches and to travel and preach and "to hold the keys of this ministry . . . unto all nations. This is the power, authority, and virtue of their apostleships." On page 261 he stated as follows, that "it is their duty to go abroad and regulate all matters relative to the different branches of the church. When the Twelve are together or a quorum of them, in any church, they have the authority to make decisions and those decisions will be valid; but where there is not a quorum they will have to do business by the voice of the church. . . . No elder has authority to go into any branch and appoint meetings or attempt to regulate the affairs of the church without the consent of the presiding elder of the branch. The Twelve and the Seventy have particularly to depend upon their ministry for their support, and that of their families, and they have a right to call upon the churches to assist them." Their privileges of support are apparent, and their right to call upon the branches for aid, but no jurisdiction is given herein, any more than the foregoing quotations from the law, to demand it from the Bishop or his agents, or to collect and disburse funds in common with the Bishop and his agents, or in like manner.

Their office, calling, and jurisdiction in their field of labor is entirely dissimilar, by the law, from those of the Bishopric, whose jurisdiction and duties are none the less clearly defined; and we do not feel, before God, that we can properly or consistently thus join ourselves by such proposed compact, or to be governed by rules, in whose adoption, as well as in all legislation and plans of procedure, we would stand but as one to four; and all this to be submitted to and conceded by us to deprive the temporal authorities of the church of the very rights especially committed to their care, and upon which the law is so plain, leaving no need for the proposed compact.

Those rights and duties may be seen by consulting the following passages in the B. of C., see. 42;8-10; 51:1-5; 57:6; 58:12; 70.3; 83:18-23; 87:6; 104:32; 106:1, 2; 38:8.

In sec. 42: 10, the reference to the High Council we understand to mean that body which is so designated and known as the High Council of the church, even the body of twelve high priests. In support of this we find the instructions of Joseph Smith to Bishop Partridge, in 1833, as found in "Millennial Star," vol. 14, page 450, where he writes concerning issues that may take place on the subject of tithing and consecration, and of how they are to be laid before a council "of twelve high priests" for a decision. From the law (sec. 99 and 107:4), their jurisdiction is clearly more of a temporal nature than that of the Twelve, and they are the ones commonly understood when speaking of the High Council, and are directly named by Joseph the Martyr, in connection with the Bishop, as being high priests, as we have seen. The purpose of the association of the apostles, or "traveling high council," with the matter, as by the revelation of 1861, we will again refer to, as we view lt.

Again, the revelation in section 83:18, clearly shows that every man who goes forth to proclaim the gospel should be in his financial matters in subjection to the order given, even to the Bishop of the church; and not that the Bishop, neither his agents, nor the

Bro. J. H. Lee writes from Myrtle Creek, Oregon, March 29, that Bro. J. C. Clapp had preached there and baptized three. There were many calls to preach in that region.

Bro. J. H. Hansen writes from Milton, Florida, April 15, that the cause in that country is in a good condition; that he is as busy as he can be, preaching constantly. His health is excellent, considering the amount of work he does.

Bro. J. Goodale writes from Barry, Pike County, Illinois, April 23, 1876, that he has since conference baptized four at Pittsfield, two of them sons of Bro. C. Mills, all heads of families and esteemed as the best of citizens.

funds in their hands, be subject to the ministry as their right, be they whomsoever they may be; and we believe that this rule should be observed more than it has been.

We believe that it is intended that each quorum, in its place, should see that the powers of the church, both spiritual and temporal, are properly administered, and not wrested on the one hand into empty theories, false doctrines, or for personal power, nor on the other for selfish aggrandizement or individual ends, yet that all this is to be done in a proper manner, and without infringing upon the lawful privileges or jurisdiction of any quorum or body.

It is evident to us that the words "so obtained," as found in the word of 1861, clearly marks that "executing the law of tithing," only means obtaining funds for the church; that is teaching its propriety, necessity, and legality, and not that "executing" means also controlling or disbursing the funds, neither having the power to do so at their will, or on their demand.

The words that follow show that "seeing" to its use is an after consideration, and this the Twelve properly have a right to counsel about, because of their supervising connection with the prospects and prosperity of the spiritual affairs of the church, according as they are able to legislate in the conferences (58:12), or beforehand to counsel and advise with other authorities; for we do not believe that "seeing" to it necessarily includes either handling the money, or the right, as their right, to call it out of the hands of either the Bishop or his agents, as we have heard it expressed.

We believe that the first paramount duty in relation to this matter is the systematic teaching of the will of God, known as the law of tithing, whenever the quorums of the church, each in their place, shall become sufficiently enlightened and agreed upon it, and so obedient to the letter and spirit of it, as to present it in a unity of doctrine and precept, of order and practice, of humility and righteousness, and not as a matter of coercion, of force nor of fear, but as one of conscience, even of conscience regulated by the word of God; as a necessary doctrine, and one which the people of God who receive and obey it will obtain the blessings promised for so doing.

And we believe that the Twelve are charged, in the revelation of 1861, with teaching this law to the church, as their part of the work of executing and accomplishing it; and the teaching it in connection with the Bishop is properly a part of their mission as ministers of the gospel, and of the law and order of the church throughout the world; also, that they exercise special watchcare over the temporal affairs of the church only as their

This will notify all the Saints that an adjourned meeting of the officers composing the board of removal of the business center of the church, was held at the Herald Office, Plano, Illinois, June 7, 1876, pursuant to a resolution adopted at the conference session of April, 1876; and that at said meeting the undersigned was authorized to give this notice, and to request those willing and desirous, and who are intending to assist and cooperate in the removal and re-location of the business center, to perfect their arrangements and determine the amount and kind of aid they can render.

The sums donated, or loaned to this board of officers, are to be used for the benefit of the church; the land bought and buildings erected, will be the property of the church, just the same as other properties now owned by the church, the board of officers being only charged with the duty of securing and disbursing an amount of means sufficient to accomplish the object designed by their appointment.

From five to fifteen thousand dollars will be required, and of this amount about seventeen hundred dollars are in the hands of the Bishop, subject to the call of the board. To raise the remaining amount, the board request all those designing to assist, to send the sums they devote to this measure to Bishop I. L. Rogers, Sandwich, DeKalb County,

office, calling, and authority in the Church is superior to others, for their duties in looking out for the missions, and in seeing to the spiritual prosperity of the work, necessarily associates them in the united success of the work.

And so, by thus teaching, the general good as well as their own, will be served, by the means that will come into the storehouse of the Lord, and into the keeping of those whom the Lord has set for this purpose, as said in section 38:8, "And this shall be their work, to govern the affairs of the property of this church."

For teaching this law wisely and well is the important and indispensable step in executing it; this teaching including a due recognition of the rights, privileges and jurisdiction of all the authorities in their proper places in this matter.

Therefore, we believe that teaching it and having a general watchcare in the way of advice and counsel in respect to collecting and disbursing is the part the Twelve have in it. The words of Joseph Smith to and of Brigham Young in Nauvoo, in respect to the use and control of church funds, as not being the business of that quorum, are sufficient caution, in our opinion, against any stepping aside of one quorum to assume the duties or privileges of another.

We believe that there is need that the Twelve in their spiritual superintendence "under the direction of the Presidency of the church" (section 104:12), should have an understanding with said Presidency and the Bishopric, as to the wants and needs of the church, and as to what means are available, and as to what are the most important needs to be served, if but a portion can be provided for.

The lack of this understanding often brings into conference long lists of resolutions and appointments that fail of fruition for lack of funds. Besides, some appointed are ashamed that they can not go, having trusted that the church know its business in accepting them.

Illinois, stating to him, distinctly, the object for which it is sent, and whether the sum sent is to be a donation, or a loan; if the latter, state the time for which it is loaned. All loans should be for two years, or longer, as it will not be practicable to pay sooner.

Those who advanced means last year to the committee on location, will do well to notify Bishop Rogers, whether, or not, they design the means advanced to be placed at the disposal of the present board; or whether, or not, they desire it returned to them, as he was directed to do by the April conference. Also, those who offered aid to the late committee on location, are requested to notify Bishop Rogers, whether, or not, they will aid the present board; and if so, to what extent, with statement of amounts, time, and terms.

It is the intention of the board of officers to do all that they can to carry the resolution of the late conference into effect; whether they shall succeed, or fail, will depend to a great degree upon the character of the coöperation that they shall have.

JOSEPH SMITH, Chairman of Board.

Done by order of Board of Removal, at Plano, Illinois, June 8, 1876.

There is a vigorous effort on the part of the Latter Day Saints to change the location of the headquarters of the church from Plano to some

Again, by this lack of method, some interests may be served that are less important than some that are not served.

Seeing to it to then an important part of the duty of the Twelve. The spiritual authorities upon one hand know the men and the mission fields, and the temporal authorities know the funds present or available. In this way appointments that would be a certainty could be made. But this would be altogether different from adopting a rule, or set of rules, on equality of individuals, collecting and disbursing funds.

We believe that mutual brotherly love, faithfulness and prayerfulness, in spirit and in action, with true intent of heart for the best interests, or "purposes of the church," would cause wiser legislation, more acceptability to the church and to God, and success in a unity of doctrine, a oneness of principle, and a bettering of finances greater than we have had in the past.

As a quorum we hope to discharge our duties in humility and in righteousness, as the servants of God, and as coworkers with Christ and with our brethren and the Saints everywhere, and to see, ere long, a satisfactory unity of precept and practice, of doctrine and principle, in all departments of the church and kingdom of God, that it may indeed be the bulwark of salvation to all who love and wish to serve God in the fullness of truth.

May the peace of God and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be yours for ever.

Your brethren and fellow laborers,

ISRAEL L. ROGERS.

DAVID DANCER

HENRY A. STEBBINS.

-The Saints' Herald, vol. 23, pp. 596-598.