[119:A] April 6, 1863. _Journ. of Dis._, Vol. I. p. 135. [121:A] March 27, 1853. _Jour. of Dis._, Vol. I. p. 82. CHAPTER VIII. BRIGHAM AS TRUSTEE IN TRUST FOR THE CHURCH. Nature of the Trusteeship.--The Tithing System.--Brigham's Private Speculations.--The Emigration Fund.--The Hand-Cart Company. --"He was a man Who stole the livery of the Court of Heaven To serve the Devil in; in virtue's guise Devoured the widow's house and orphan's bread; In holy phrase, transacted villanies That common sinners durst not meddle with." As Trustee in Trust for the Church, Brigham Young is in his element. Here his genius shines preëminent, giving him the character, at home and abroad, of a good, as he certainly is a successful, financier. But here, upon the outset, let no one be misled by the words employed to designate the capacity in which he handles and manages the funds of the church. It is called a "_trust_," because he is supposed to use the money for the benefit of the church. But this _Trust_ is very general and indefinite in its character. It has no prescribed duties or conditions. It has no guards or limits. _It has no prescribed nor acknowledged mode of accountability._ Many years ago, attempts were made at the General Conferences, to exhibit a balance-sheet of receipts and disbursements. These were confused and unsatisfactory; and lest they should be too closely examined, they have of late years been entirely abandoned,--the increasing faith of the saints in their leader rendering it entirely unnecessary that any explanation should be made of the disposal of their funds.