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Source: Church History Vol. 4 Chapter 16 Page: 275 (~1880)

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275 Saints, a man with so little financial ability as we are noted to be, will get together much of this world's lucre in the time yet remaining; this ought to satisfy any who may be waiting for us to parcel out an inheritance to them, that it is poor, very poor policy to wait longer. Again, and we beg pardon for the personal character of what follows, it is understood to be the province of the one who properly succeeds Joseph Smith, to "teach the revelations" given through him; hence, his work and mission are obviously more to teach than to give revelations. To teach the revelations is, if we comprehend the meaning of the word, to make them practicable, to so render them that the work designated in them, or provided for by them, may be done. This we have tried to do, in regard to the law under consideration, and have been met with so decided rebuke by many older Latter Day Saints than we are, whose wisdom it was meet that we should regard, that we have been timid in insisting that we were right. But as no advancement has been made by hitherto favorite methods, we ask that we be listened to and the methods we propose be taken into consideration and a trial be made of them. More especially do we ask this of men to whom has been given wisdom and success in temporal things; and though the suggestions may be those of a dreamer, if they have seeming practicability in their favor, let them be put to the test. We have not gold or silver, but we have moral strength to stand by men of energy and wisdom, and that is worth something in any cause.

Men of the church, whether holding office or not, may legitimately combine their moneys and goods in organized associations, composed of two or more members, for the purpose of carrying on any industrial enterprise that may offer opportunity for utilizing labor, giving employment to those who may need it, and returning a sufficient profit to pay a reasonable percentage upon the capital invested. We name in this connection the manufacture of woodenware; plows and other articles of husbandry; tiling and brick; jars and earthenware; brooms, which involve the employment of many, raising broom-corn; cheese, which makes sale for milk and stimulates the keeping of dairies; wagons, buggies; boots and shoes, etc. These, together with the purchase and sale of everything raised, produced or manufactured, opens fields of enterprise that should satisfy the most exacting.

Besides these it is within the liberties for any man of means and public spirit, to establish by himself, under his own inspection and management, any or all of these; or, if he prefers to begin and carry out any plan for the aiding of the ministry, the support of the families of the elders in the field, the helping of the deservingly industrious but unfortunate, who may only need help for a time, to be returned to the general fund when success ensues; the establishing of farms and purchase of lands, to be resold to brethren who may be able to pay part down with time for the remainder, and a reinvestment of the proceeds in similar ventures, or any other of the multifarious number of works in which men may engage.

(page 275)

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