[Joseph F. Smith & Anthon H. Lund]
The custom has developed in some of the temples of selling consecrated oil, books and records, and of renting temple clothing, the object being to accommodate persons who come to do work in the House of the Lord. Trafficking in these commodities is hardly in keeping with the sacredness of the temple, and we would, therefore, like you to discontinue this practice after December 31, 1911. In the meantime, arrange with the Bishops to sell consecrated oil and records and to rent temple clothing, all profits (if any) over and above expenses to be turned in as temple donations once a month. In view of the sacredness of temple work the Latter-day Saints should be encouraged to prepare temple garments, the workmanship of their own hands, and every effort should be made to discourage the practice of renting such clothing.
[Source: Joseph F. Smith and Anthon H. Lund to Temple Presidents, Oct. 30, 1911, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
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