Found a basis for Stipends/Concecrated Property... including local church officers.

[Durzan]

So, I stumbled across D&C 42:70-73, which says:

70 The priests and teachers shall have their stewardships, even as the members.

71 And the elders or high priests who are appointed to assist the bishop as counselors in all things, are to have their families supported out of the property which is consecrated to the bishop, for the good of the poor, and for other purposes, as before mentioned;

72 Or they are to receive a just remuneration for all their services, either a stewardship or otherwise, as may be thought best or decided by the counselors and bishop.

73 And the bishop, also, shall receive his support, or a just remuneration for all his services in the church.

Very interesting indeed. I wasn't expecting to see that... but given that this seems to be talking about the Law of Consecration or the United Order, makes sense given the context.

[John Tavner]

So, I stumbled across D&C 42:70-73, which says:

70 The priests and teachers shall have their stewardships, even as the members.

71 And the elders or high priests who are appointed to assist the bishop as counselors in all things, are to have their families supported out of the property which is consecrated to the bishop, for the good of the poor, and for other purposes, as before mentioned;

72 Or they are to receive a just remuneration for all their services, either a stewardship or otherwise, as may be thought best or decided by the counselors and bishop.

73 And the bishop, also, shall receive his support, or a just remuneration for all his services in the church.

Very interesting indeed. I wasn't expecting to see that... but given that this seems to be talking about the Law of Consecration or the United Order, makes sense given the context.

Yeah, doesn't surprise me. Just liek Patriarchs used to receive money for their services.

[marc]

Yes. And all endowed members have covenanted to obey the law of consecration, but the church does not facilitate the law and so members, generally speaking, don't obey it. Wanna see just how faithful members are around the world? Implement and facilitate the law of consecration.

D&C 101:4 Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.

5 For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.

6 Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances.

7 They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble.

8 In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me...

Interesting how the Lord equates not enduring His chastening with denying Him.

[Durzan]

Umm... marc? Why did you split that one comment out over 4 different post?

[marc]

I was able to edit the first post. I cannot delete my other posts so I reported them so that a mod can delete them. Here's an interesting revelation given to Joseph Smith concerning the law of consecration, which was discontinued in 1840:

He said that the Law of consecration could not be kept here, & that it was the will of the Lord that we should desist from trying to keep it, & if persisted in it would produce a perfect abortion, & that he assumed the whole responsibility of not keeping it untill proposed by himself. (JS Papers, Documents Vol. 7, p. 215, emphasis added, all spelling as in original.)

Interesting use of words. Furthermore, Joseph assuming the whole responsibility for the saints' refusal/inability to to keep it bore grave results.

[Alaris]

Yes. And all endowed members have covenanted to obey the law of consecration...

Are we though? Names are involved with the laws of obedience, sacrifice, and the gospel. No names from then on.

Plus there's the little fact that if we were actually covenanting to obey the law of consecration, then we'd be condemned for not living it.

[marc]

Well, I do recall five laws, which members are explicitly directed to accept/obey. Perhaps I need to pay much closer attention. I also remember being given associated penalties for every oath, which have long since been removed. So today, people are endowed by a different ordinance who do not have to be concerned about breaking their oaths. This is significant. And it may be that we are suffering condemnation beside that of D&C 84. After all, we are still not yet Zion. We remain apart and unredeemed. Anyway, I digress. This topic is about stipends for leaders in context with consecration--well, just not anymore for lay leaders.