Chapter XVIII. The Priesthood

Its Historical Pertinency. Sending forth the Latter-Day Minister: .

A revelation " on Priesthood," given on the 226. and 23d of September, 1832, will just here be pertinent, as it is an historical link in the growth Qf the church, its institutions and its priesthood, and an. exposition of several important subjects already before the reader. It opens with the subject of the temple, and then branches off into a general history of the Priesthood and its origin, giving a view of Moses and Aaron with the children of Israel in the wilderness, finally connecting their orders of the Priesthood with the present times:

A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, jun., and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high; yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem, which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which i j appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri,

and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.

Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this o-eneration ; for verily, this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house. And the sons of Moses, according to the holy priesthood which he received under the hand of his father-in-law, J ethro ; and Jethro received it under the hand of Caleb; and Caleb received it under the hand of Elihu ; and Elihu under the hand of Jeremy; and Jeremy under the hand of Gad ; and Gad under the hand of Esaias ; and Esaias received it under the hand of God. Esaias also lived in the days of Abraham, and was blessed of him — which Abraham received the priesthood from Melchisedek, who received it through the lineage of his fathers, even till Noah; and from Noah till Enoch, through the lineage of their fathers; and from Enoch to Abel, who was slain by the conspiracy of his brother, who received the priesthood by the commandments of God, by the hand of his father Adam, who was the first man- — which priesthood continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years.

And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations — which priesthood also continueth and abideth for ever with the priesthood, which is after the holiest order of God: and this greater priesthood administereth the 'gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom even the key of the knowledge of God; therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest ; and without the

ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh ; for without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence, therefore the Lord in his wratli (for his angerwas kindled against them) swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fullness of his glory. Therefore he took Moses out of their midst, and the holy priesthood also ; and the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel, which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb; for he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power, to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power.

And again, the office of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging unto the high priesthood. And again, the offices of teachers and deacons are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons.

Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses — for the sons of Moses, and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the

house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed: and the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, upon Mount Zion in the Lord's house, whose sons are ye; and also many whom I have called and sent forth to build up my church ; for whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the spirit unto the renewing of their bodies; they become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God ; and also all they who receive this priesthood receiveth me, saith the Lord ; for he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; and he that receiveth my Father, receiveth my Father's kingdom ; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him, and this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood. Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved ; but whoso breaketh this covenant, after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come. And all those who come not unto this priesthood which ye have received, which I now confirm upon you who are present this day, by mine own voice out of the heavens, and even I have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels charge concerning you. * * *

It will be seen that the orders of the Priesthood of Moses and of Aaron have been restored in the Latter-day Church, and that those upon whom the priesthood has been conferred are accounted the sons of Moses and Aaron. But the order of Moses

is that which came down through the Patriarchs from the beginning, being- the same known under the grander name of the Melchisedek Priesthood, which is after the order of the Son of God.

A still greater revelation on priesthood was given at a later date. Soon after the ordination of the Twelve, they met in council, and, as we have seen, were appointed to take their first mission to the Eastern States. At their second council they addressed to the Prophet the following very remarkable communication, asking for a "great revelation:"

Kirtland, March 28th, '35.

This afternoon the Twelve met in council, and had a time of general confession. On reviewing our past course we are satisfied, and feel to confess also, that we have not realized the importance of our calling, to that degree that we ought ; we have been light-minded and vain, and in many things done wrong. For all these things we have asked the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father; and wherein we have grieved or wounded the feelings of the Presidency, we ask their forgiveness. The time when we are about to separate is near, and when we shall meet again God only knows. We therefore feel to ask of him whom we have acknowledged to be our Prophet and Seer, that he inquire of God for us, and obtain a revelation (if consistent), that we may look upon it when we are separated, that our hearts may be comforted. Our worthiness has not inspired us to make this request, but our unworthiness. We have unitedly asked God, our Heavenly Father, to grant unto us through his Seer a revelation of his mind and will concerning our duty the

coming season, even a great revelation, that will enlarge our hearts, comfort us in adversity, and brighten our hopes amidst the power of darkness.

Orson Hyde, ) , ,

Wm. E. McLellin, J" Clerks- To President Joseph Smith, Jr.

As on all such grand occasions, the Prophet was found equal to the work, for a mighty power was behind him. "In compliance with the above request," says he, " I inquired of the Lord, and received for answer the following revelation on Priesthood:

There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchisedek, and Aaronic, including the Levitical priesthood. Why the first is called the Melchisedek priesthood, is because Melchisedek was such a great high priest. Before his day it was called the holy priesthood, after the order of the Son of God ; but out ol respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called t«hat priesthood after Melchisedek, or the Melchisedek priesthood.

All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood ; but there are two divisions or grand heads — one is the Melchisedek priesthood, and the other is the Aaronic, or Levitical priesthood.

The office of an elder comes under the priesthood of Melchisedek. The Melchisedek priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things.

The presidency of the high priesthood, after the

order of Melchisedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church.

High priests after the order of the Melchisedek priesthood, have a right to officiate in their own standing, under the direction of the presidency, in administering spiritual things; and also in the office of an elder priest (of the Levitical order), teacher, deacon, and member.

An elder has a right to officiate in his stead when the high priest is not present.

The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeably to the covenants and commandments of the church ; and they have a right to officiate in all these offices of the church when there are no higher authorities present.

The second priesthood is called the priesthood of Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations. Why it is called the lesser priesthood, is because it is an appendage to the greater or the Melchisedek priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances. The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the keys or authority of the same. No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal descendant of Aaron. But as a high priest of the Melchisedek priesthood has authority to officiate in all the lesser offices, he may officiate in the office of bishop when no literal descendant of Aaron can be found, provided he is called and set apart and ordained unto this power by the hands of the presidency of the Melchisedek priesthood.

The power and authority of the higher or Melchisedek priesthood is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church— to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven — to have the heavens opened unto them — to commune with the general assembly and church of the

first born, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant.

The power and authority of the lesser, or Aaronic priesthood, is to hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and to administer in outward ordinances, the letter of the gospel — the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, agreeably to the covenants and commandments.

Of necessity there are presidents, or presiding offices growing out of, or appointed of or from among those who are ordained to the several offices in these two priesthoods. Of the Melchisedek priesthood, three presiding high priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the presidency of the church. The twelve traveling counsellors are called to be the twelve apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world ; thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling. And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned. The seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world. Thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling; and they form a quorum equal in authority to that of the twelve special witnesses or apostles just named. And every decision made by either of these quorums, must be by the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or validity one with the other. (A majority may form a quorum, when circumstances render it impossible to be otherwise). Unless this is the case, their decisions are not entitled to the same blessings which the

decisions of a quorum of three presidents were anciently, who were ordained after the order of Melchisedek, and were righteous and holy men. The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity ; because the promise is, if these things abound in them, they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord. And in case that any decision of these quorums is made in unrighteousness, it may be brought before a general assembly of the several quorums, which constitute the spiritual authorities of the church, otherwise there can be no appeal from their decision.

The twelve are a traveling presiding high council, to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the presidency of the church, agreeable to the institution of heaven ; to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations; first unto the Gentiles, and secondly unto the Jews.

The seventy are to act in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the twelve or the travelinghigh council, in building up the church and regulating all the affairs of the same in all nations — first unto the Gentiles and then to the Jews; the twelve being sent out, holding the keys, to open the door by the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ — and first unto the Gentiles and then unto the Jews.

The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the presidency, or to the traveling high council.

The high council in Zion forms a quorum equal in authority, in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the councils of the twelve at the stakes of Zion.

It is the duty of the traveling high council to call upon the seventy, when they need assistance, to fill the several calls for preaching and administering the gospel, instead of any others.

It is the duty of the twelve, in all large branches of the church, to ordain evangelical ministers, as they shall be designated unto them by revelation.

The order of this priesthood was confirmed to be handed down from father to son, and rightly belongs to the literal descendants of the chosen seed, to whom the promises were made. This order was instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by lineage in the following manner:

From Adam to Seth, who was ordained by Adam at the age of 69 years, and was blessed by him three years previous to his (Adam's) death, and received the promise of God by his father, that his posterity should be the chosen of the Lord, and that they should be preserved unto the end of the earth, because he (Seth) was a perfect man, and his likeness was the express likeness of his father's, insomuch that he seemed to be like unto his father in all things, and could be distinguished from him only by his age,

Enos was ordained at the age of 134 years and four months, by the hand of Adam.

God called upon Cainan in the wilderness, in the fortieth year of his age, and he met Adam in journeying to the place Shedolamak. He was 87 years old when he received his ordination.

Mahalaleel was 496 years and seven days old when he was ordained by the hand of Adam, who also blessed him.

Jared was 200 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam, who also blessed him.

Enoch was 25 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam, and he was 65 and Adam blessed him. And he saw the Lord, and he walked

with him, and was before his face continually; and he walked with God 365 years, making him 430 years old when he was translated.

Methuselah was 100 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam.

Lamech was 32 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Seth.

Noah was 10 years old when he was ordained under the hand of Methuselah.

Three years previous to the death of Adam, he called Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the valley of Adam-ondi-ahman, and there bestowed upon them his last blessing. And the Lord appeared unto them, and they rose up and blessed Adam, and called him Michael, the Prince, the Archangel. And the Lord administered comfort unto Adam, and said unto him, I have set thee to be at the head — a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou art a prince over them for ever.

And Adam stood up in the midst of the congregation, and notwithstanding he was bowed down with age, being full of the Holy Ghost, predicted whatsoever should befall his posterity unto the latest generation. These things were all written in the book of Enoch, and are to be testified of in due time.

It is the duty of the twelve, also, to ordain and set in order all the other officers of the church, agreeably to the revelation which says :

To the church of Christ in the land of Zion, in addition to the church laws respecting church business— Verily, I say unto you, says the Lord of hosts, there must needs be presiding elders to preside over those who are of the office of an elder ; and also priests to preside over those who are of the office of a priest, and also teachers to preside over those who

are of the office of a teacher in like manner, and also the deacons ; wherefore, from deacon to teacher, and from teacher to priest, and from priest to elder, severally as they are appointed, according to the covenants and commandments of the church. Then comes the high priesthood, which is the greatest of all ; wherefore it must needs be that one be appointed of the high priesthood to preside over the priesthood, and he shall be called president of the high priesthood of the church ; or, in other words, the presiding high priest over the high priesthood of the church. From the same comes the administering of ordinances and blessings upon the church, by the laying on of the hands.

Wherefore the office of a bishop is not equal unto it ; for the office of a bishop is in administering all temporal things; nevertheless a bishop must be chosen from the high priesthood, unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron; for unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron he cannot hold the keys of that priesthood. Nevertheless, a high priest that is after the order of Melchisedek, may be set apart unto the administering of temporal things, having a knowledge of them by the spirit of truth, and also to be a judge in Israel, to do the business of the church, to sit in judgment upon transgressors, upon testimony as it shall be laid before him according to the laws, by the assistance of his counsellors whom he has chosen, or will choose among the elders of the church. This is the duty of a bishop who is not a literal descendant of Aaron, but has been ordained to the high priesthood after the order of Melchisedek.

Thus shall he be a judge, even a common judge among the inhabitants of Zion, or in a stake of Zion, or in any branch of the church where he shall be set apart unto this ministry, until the borders of Zion are enlarged, and it becomes necessary to have other

bishops or judges in Zion, or elsewhere; and inasmuch as there are other bishops appointed they shall act in the same office.

But a literal descendant of Aaron has a legal right to the presidency of this priesthood, to the keys of this ministry, to act in the office of bishop independently, without counsellors, except in a case where a president of the high priesthood, after the order of Melchisedek, is tried, to sit as a judge in Israel. And the decision of either of these councils, agreeably to the commandment which says,

Again, verily, I say unto you, the most important business of the church, and the most difficult cases of the church, inasmuch as there is not satisfaction upon the decision of the bishop or judges, it shall be handed over and carried up unto the council of the church, before the presidency of the high priesthood;, and the presidency of the council of the high priesthood shall have power to call other high priests, even twelve, to assist as counsellors; and thus the presidency of the high priesthood and its counsellors shall have power to decide upon testimony according to the laws of the church. And after this decision it shall be had in remembrance no more before the Lord ; for this is the highest council of the church of God, and a final decision upon controversies in spiritual matters.

There is not any person belonging to the church who is exempt from this council of the church.

And inasmuch as a president of the high priesthood shall transgress, he shall be had in remembrance before the common council of the church, who shall be assisted by twelve counsellors of the high priesthood; and their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy concerning him. Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God, that all things may be done in

order and in solemnity before him, according to truth and righteousness.

And again, verily I say unto you, the duty of a president over the office of a deacon is to preside over twelve deacons, to sit in council with them, and to teach them their duty — edifying one another, as it is given according to the covenants.

And also the duty of the president over the office of the teachers is to preside over twenty-four of the teachers, and to sit in council with them, teaching them the duties of their office, as given in the covenants.

Also the duty of the president over the priesthood of Aaron is to preside over forty-eight priests, and sit in council with them, to teach them the duties of their office, as is given in the covenants. This president is to be a bishop ; for this is one of the duties of this priesthood.

Again, the duty of the president over the office of elders is to preside over ninety-six elders, and to sit in council with them, and to teach them according to the covenants. This presidency is a distinct one from that of the seventy, and is designed for those who do not travel into all the world.

And again, the duty of the president of the office of the high priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses. Behold, here is wisdom ; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church.

And it is according to the vision, showing the order of the seventy, that they should have seven presidents to preside over them, chosen out of the number of the seventy; and the seventh president of these presidents is to preside over the six; and these seven presidents are to choose other seventy besides the first seventy, to whom they belong, and are to preside over them; and also other seventy;

until seven times seventy, if the labor in the vineyard of necessity requires it. And these seventy are to be traveling ministers unto the Gentiles first, and also unto the Jews; whereas other officers of the church, who belong not unto the twelve, neither to the seventy, are not under the responsibility to travel among all nations, but are to travel as their circumstances shall allow, notwithstanding they may hold as high and responsible offices in the church.

Wherefore now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved, shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so. Amen.

Much of the importance and pertinency of this revelation resides in its historical connections and the circumstances which called it forth. As seen, it is in answer to the united prayer of the Twelve to the Father, "to grant unto us through his Seer, a revelation of his mind and will concerning our duty the coming season, even a great revelation, that will enlarge our hearts, comfort us in adversity, and brighten our hopes amidst the power of darkness."

In the historical exposition, then, this revelation appears not as a fragment of doctrine, but as a great organic instrument, revealed to the Church, in the establishment of its orders of Priesthood ; and it shows that the Master Workman was there, ready for the occasion.

Perhaps no two revelations could be offered, better than these, to illustrate how familiar the Prophet was with the whole economy of the " everlasting gospel," and with the history, genius and orders of the

Priesthood. Surely the Lord was his teacher. His apostles and elders were but as disciples and children at his feet.

In the first revelation there is also a very fine view presented of Jesus, through Joseph, sending forth his Latter-day ministers, with the commission and gospel instructions given to them. Jesus, speaking, says:

* * * Therefore go ye into all the world, and whatsoever place ye cannot go into ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you into all the world unto every creature. And as I said unto mine apostles, even so I say unto you, for you are mine apostles, even God's high priests; ye are they whom my Father hath given me — ye are my friends; therefore, as I said unto mine apostles I say unto you again, that every soul who believeth on your words, and is baptized by water for the remission of sins, shall receive the Holy Ghost — and these signs shall follow them that believe.

In my name they shall do many wonderful works; in my name they shall cast out devils; in my name they shall heal the sick ; in my name they shall open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf; and the tongue of the dumb shall speak; and if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them; and the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them. But a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world, for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, they who believe not on your words, and are not baptized in water, in my name, for the remission of their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, shall be damned, and

shall not come into my Father's kingdom, where my Father and I am. And this revelation unto you, and commandment, is in force from this very hour upon all the world, and the gospel is unto all who have not received it. But, verily, I say unto all those to whom the kingdom has been given, from you it must be preached unto them, that they shall repent of their former evil works, for they are to be upbraided for their evil hearts of unbelief ; and your brethren in Zion for their rebellion against you at the time I sent you.

And again I say unto you, my friends (for from hencefortn I shall call you friends), it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them traveling to preach this gospel in my power, for I suffered them not to have purse or scrip, neither two coats ; behold I send you out to prove the world, and the laborer is worthy of his hire. And any man that shall go and preach this gospel of the kingdom, and fail not to continue faithful in all things, shall not be weary in mind, neither darkened ; neither in body, limb, or joint; and an hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. And they shall not go hungry, neither athirst.

Therefore, take no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed ; for consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin ; and the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these; for your Father who art in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things. Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself. Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say, but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.

Therefore let no man among you (for this commandment is unto all the faithful who are called of God in the church unto the ministry) from this hour take purse or scrip, that goeth forth to proclaim this gospel of the kingdom. Behold, I send you out to reprove the world of all their unrighteous deeds, and to teach them of a judgement which is to come. And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face : I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

Whoso receiveth you receiveth me, and the same will feed you, and clothe you, and give you money. And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money, shall in nowise lose his reward: and he that doeth not these things is not my disciple ; by this you know my disciples. He that receiveth you not, go away from him alone by yourselves, and cleanse your feet even with water, pure water, whether in heat or in cold, and bear testimony of it unto your Father which is in heaven, and return not again unto that man. And in whatsoever village or city ye enter, do likewise. Nevertheless, search dilligently and spare not ; and woe unto that house, or that village or city that rejecteth you, or your words, or your testimony concerning me. Woe, I say again, unto that house, or that village or city that rejecteth you, or your words, or your testimony of me; for I the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations, to scourge them for their wickedness: and plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work which shall be cut short jn righteousness, until all shall know me, who remain, even from the least unto the greatest, and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and shall see eye to eye, and shall lift up their

voice, and with the voice together sing this newsong, saying :

The Lord hath brought again Zion:

The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel,

According to the election of grace,

Which was brought to pass by the faith

And covenants of their fathers.

The Lord hath redeemed his people,

And Satan is bound and time is no longer:

The Lord hath gathered all things in one:

The Lord hath brought down Zion from above :

The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath:

The earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength: And truth is established in her bowels: And the heavens have smiled upon her: And she is clothed with the glory of her God: For he stands in the midst of his people: Glory, and honor, and power, and might, Be ascribed to our God, for he is full of mercy, Justice, grace and truth, and peace, For ever and ever, Amen.

And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, it is expedient that every man who goes forth to proclaim mine everlasting gospel, that inasmuch as they have families, and receive moneys by gift, that they should send it unto them or make use of it for their benefit, as the Lord shall direct them, for thus it seemeth me good. And let all those who have not families, who receive moneys, send it up unto the Bishop in Zion, or unto the Bishop in Ohio, that it may be consecrated for the bringing forth of the revelations and the printing thereof, and for establishing Zion.

And if any man shall give unto any of you a coat, or a suit, take the old and cast it unto the poor, and go your way rejoicing. And if any man among you

be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him he that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also.

Therefore, take with you those who are ordained unto the lesser priesthood, and send them before you to make appointments, and to prepare the way, and to fill appointments that you yourselves are not able to fill. Behold, this is the way that mine apostles, in ancient days, built up my church unto me.

Therefore, let every man stand in his own orifice, and labor in his own calling; and let not the head say unto the feet, it hath no need of the feet, for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand? also the body hath need of every member, that all may be edified together, that the system may be kept perfect. * * *