The Bishop was to receive his support, and also his Counselors, or a remuneration for services. We read: "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; or they are to receive a just remuneration for all their services, either a stewartship or otherwise, as may be thought best or decided by the Counselors and Bishop, and the Bishop, also, shall receive his support, or a just remuneration for all his services in the Church."—Sec. 42, pars. 71-73, P. 175. (See also p. 257.)
"And unto the Bishop of the Church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the Church, and to be Elders unto the Church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts."—Sec. 46, par. 27, p. 193. Certain gifts were here referred to. Not only Bishops but Elders were to have this power. We further find that Edward Partridge was to appoint unto this people their portion—every man equal, giving him a writing—and every man was to deal honestly, and be and receive alike; one Church must not use the money of another Church without making arrangements to pay it. A storehouse was to be appointed. The Bishop was to receive unto himself and family what was needed for his wants, and for those of his family. This was to be an example unto Edward, Partridge, and to all Churches.
"And let my servant, Edward Partridge, when he shall appoint a man his portion, give unto him a writing that shall secure unto him his portion. * * And let that which belongeth to this people not be taken and given unto that of another Church; wherefore, if another Church would receive money of this Church let them pay unto this Church again according as they shall agree; and this shall be done through the Bishop or the agent, which shall be appointed by the voice of the Church. And again, let the Bishop appoint a storehouse unto this Church, and let all things, both in money and in meat, which is more than is needful for the want of this people, be kept in the hands of the Bishop. And let him also reserve unto himself for his own wants, and for the wants of his family, as he shall be employed in doing this business. And thus I grant unto this people a privilege of organizing themselves according to my laws; and I consecrate unto them this land for a little season, until I, the Lord, shall provide for them otherwise, and command them to go hence; and the hour and the day is not given unto them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for years, and this shall turn unto them for their good. Behold this shall be an example unto my servant Edward Partridge, in other places, in all Churches."—Sec. 51, pars. 4, 10-18, pp. 203, 204.
First.—From the above we find that bishops were first spoken of as early as April, 1830. (See sec. 20, p. 121.)
Second.—Certain men were to be appointed to look after the poor and administer to their relief and govern the affairs of the property of the Church. (See sec. 38, pars. 34-36, p. 163, January 2, 1831.)
Third.—Edward Partridge was called to be the first Bishop, (See sec. 41, par. 9, p. 168, February 1831,) "and to spend all his time in the labors of the Church."
Fourth.—That Newel K. Whitney was called and appointed to this office as the second Bishop of this Church.
Fifth.—After this, besides Bishops' agents, there were other Bishops appointed. George Miller was appointed to the Bishopric, and had it sealed upon his head.
"I therefore say unto you, I seal upon his head the office of a Bishopric, like unto my servant Edward Partridge, that he may receive the consecrations of mine house, that he may administer blessings upon the heads of the poor of my people, saith the Lord. Let no man despise my servant George, for he shall honor me."—Sec. 124, par. 21, p. 431.
Also, "He who is appointed to administer spiritual things, the same is worthy of his hire, even as those who are appointed to a stewardship to administer in temporal things."—Sec. 70, par. 12, p. 254.