History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

ORDERS OF PRIESTHOOD. 341
grees of heinousness; some requiring only public confession
and promised reformation by way of atonement,
whilst others are characterized by an enormity
so vast that pardon on earth is impossible. Of the
first class are all minor offences against church discipline,
breach of which has been publicly acknowledged
by nearly every leader, from Joseph himself down to
the humblest official.
For the proper carrying out of the instructions revealed
in the sacred books, an organization has been
effected in these latter days, based upon books and
on former organizations. There are two principal
priesthoods, the Melchisedek and the Aaronic, the
latter including the Levitical. The Melchisedek is the
higher, comprising apostles, patriarchs, high-priests,
seventies, and elders. It holds the right of presidency,
with authority to administer in all the offices,
ordinances, and affairs of the church. It holds the
keys of all spiritual blessings, receives the mysteries
of the kingdom of heaven, whose doors are ever open,
and holds communion with God the father, Jesus
Christ the mediator, Joseph Smith the prophet, and
all departed saints. 6
The Aaronic is a subordinate priesthood, being an
appendage to the Melchisedek, and acting under its
rose's Blood Atonement, passim. See also Lee's Morm., 282-3; Morm. Proph.,
157-GO; Young's Wife No. 19, 182-99; Paddock's La Tour, 305-8; Bertrand's
Mem. Morm., 139-72, 250-8, 290-316.
6 In regard to the two priesthoods, the Melchisedek and the Aaronic, or
Levitical, all authority in the church is subordinate to the first, which holds
the right of presidency and has power over all the offices in the church. The
presidency of the high-priesthood of this order has the right to officiate in
all the offices of the church. High-priests are authorized to officiate in any
lower positions in the church, as well as in their own office. Elders are of
this priesthood, and are authorized to officiate instead of high-priests, in the
absence of the latter. The twelve apostles are charged with the duty of ordaining
all the subordinate officers of the church, and also with its missionary
work. Together they form a quorum whose authority equals that of the
first presidency, but action by either body must be unanimous. A majority
may form a quorum when circumstances render it impossible to assemble the
whole body. They also constitute a travelling, presiding high-council, under
the direction of the presidency of the church, and it is their duty to ordain
ministers in all large branches. The seventies are also missionaries—assistants
to the twelve, and united they are equal in authority with the twelve.