Without Disclosing My True Identity
ended with another priesthood authority designation that the men desired for the Church—
“the Priesthood which is after the order of Melchizedek.”^80 Aside from D&C 132 (which is
greatly misunderstood, but explained in detail in Appendix 2), this revelation was the last
major revelation (and the lengthiest) that Joseph constructed for the Church. There were
only a few other (comparably shorter) “revelations” that expounded further on baptism for
the dead and other sundry matters that the people desired.^81
Bursting in Pride and Arrogance
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints became the religion for the people,
by the people, and because of the people. It became a legal organization that now had its
own city charter. The pride and arrogance of the Church exploded during 1841. For
example, some of the leaders wanted to take the Church’s message directly to the Jews.
Knowing it was a useless endeavor, but hoping the people would learn this for themselves,
Joseph received a “revelation” that sent Orson Hyde, one of the Twelve, to Israel instead of
to Europe with the other apostles. Joseph had something else in mind than to play on Orson
Hyde’s expressed desire to bring the Jews unto Zion that initiated “the Lord” to give him a
revelation to go. Instead, he was sent on a mission to get him away from Brigham Young,
with whom Hyde’s ego often clashed. In spite of the prophecies and the dedicatory prayers
that Hyde gave in Israel, his mission to the Jews was a complete failure; but at least Hyde
was able to fulfill the desires of his heart.^82
Tithing is Introduced to Enrich the Church and Its Leaders
As the poor, hardworking immigrants migrated to Nauvoo, the labor base, along
with the tithing base, improved. The impoverished and, in many cases, indentured
immigrants, had improved their lot by becoming serfs on the lands controlled by the
lord-like priesthood leaders. This allowed the “lords,” who desired to do so, the
opportunity to go on missions and otherwise be ordained to priesthood offices that were
supported by the Church’s coffers. The High Councils of the Church had their source of
income guaranteed by the command of “the Lord”—and “lords” they were. In Far West,
the leaders had invented the means by which the Church would receive funds, stay out
of debt, and efficiently prosper. This means was achieved by commanding all members
of the Church to pay TITHING. The poor, hardworking Latter-day Saints had no idea
where all their funds were going. All they knew about their money was what “the Lord”
had commanded them:
Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into
the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion; For the building of mine house,
and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood, and for
the debts of the Presidency of my Church. And this shall be the beginning of
the tithing of my people. And after that, those who have thus been tithed
shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing
law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord. Verily I say
unto you, it shall come to pass that all those who gather unto the land of Zion
shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law, or they
shall not be found worthy to abide among you. And I say unto you, if my