After this, the prophet received several revelations on the subject of the United Order, or the Order of Enoch, explaining the principle more fully. He was instructed to organize the Saints "by a bond or everlasting covenant that cannot be broken," "for the benefit of the Church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord's storehouse, to become the common property of the whole Church."[G] He was given by revelation the rules governing the assigning of stewardships.[H] Twice he received specific commandments and directions for organizing the principal communities of the Church into suitable orders for the care of the poor; for establishing equality among the rich and the poor; and for securing the independence of the Church upon the earth.[I] He was told what provision should be made for widows and orphans.[J] He was directed to appoint clerks and treasurers, and have their duties specifically defined.[K] He received special revelations on the subject for the enlightenment of certain persons.[L] He was told what should be the punishment of those not enrolled in the book of remembrance.[M] And in frequent inspired communications he received instructions that the commandments which had been given concerning Zion and her law should be executed and fulfilled.[N]
[Footnote G: Doc. and Cov. secs. 78, 82.]
[Footnote H: Doc. and Cov. 51:1-20.]
[Footnote I: Doc. and Cov. secs. 78, 82.]
[Footnote J: Doc. and Cov. 83:1-6.]
[Footnote K: Doc. and Cov. 85:1-5; 104:1-86.]
[Footnote L: Doc. and Cov. 92:1-2; 96:9.]
[Footnote M: Doc. and Cov. 85:9-12.]
[Footnote N: Doc. and Cov. 105:34.]
In a measure, some of the Saints of the early days of the Church endeavored to carry out the commandments concerning the United Order of community life. As soon as the principles of the order were thoroughly understood, some of the members of the Church were organized according to them, and each person belonging to the organization consecrated his property to the Order. The law of consecration and stewardship requires that the person who wishes to comply with it shall transfer his possessions to the bishop of the Church. The transfer shall be by deed and covenant that cannot be broken. In order that the person so consecrating his properties shall have claim upon the bishop for a stewardship, the consecration must be full and complete. There must be no part of the property withheld.