Epistle of Twelve to the Saints-- On August 8, 1844, a special meeting of the Church of Jesus Christ was held in Nauvoo, Illinois to determine who would lead the Church following the death of Joseph Smith. On August 9th, The Twelve Apostles were sustained in their Presidency of the Church. This was the first Epistle issued by the Twelve following their being sustained. ...
You are now without a prophet present with you in the flesh to guide you; but you are not without Apostles, who hold the keys of power to seal on earth that which shall be sealed in heaven, and to preside over all the affairs of the church in all the world...
On the subject of the gathering, let it be distinctly understood that the city of Nauvoo and the Temple of our Lord are to continue to be built up according to the pattern which has been commenced, and which has progressed with such rapidity thus far.
The city must be built up and supported by the gathering of those who have capital, and are willing to lay it out for the erection of every branch of industry and manufacture, which is necessary for the employment and support of the poor, or of those who depend wholly on this labor...
let every member proceed immediately to tithe himself or herself, a tenth of all their property and money ... for the building of the Temple for the support of the priesthood ... and then let them continue to pay in a tenth of their income from that time forth... And let this law or ordinance be henceforth taught to all who present themselves for admission into this church...
The United States and adjoining provinces will be immediately organized by the Twelve into proper districts...
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
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