PRIESTHOOD (Teachings of Joseph Smith)

Priesthood Given to Adam & Patriarchs — Willard Richards Account (Between circa June 26 and circa August 4, 1839)

The Priesthood was, first given to Adam: he obtained the first Presidency & held the Keys of it, from generation to Generation; he obtained it in the creation before the world was formed as in Gen. 1, 26:28,— he had dominion given him over every living Creature. He is Michael, the Archangel, spoken of in the Scriptures, — Then to Noah who is Gabriel, he stands next in authority to Adam in the Priesthood; he was called of God to this office & was the Father of all living in his day, & To him was given the Dominion. These men held keys, first on earth, & then in Heaven. — The Priesthood is an everlasting principle & Existed with God from Eternity & will to Eternity, without beginning of days or end of years. The Keys have to be brought from heaven whenever the Gospel is sent. — When they are revealed from Heaven it is by Adams Authority.

. . . The Father called all spirits before him at the creation of Man & organized them. He (Adam) is the head, was told to multiply. The Keys were given to him, & by him to others & he will have to give an account of his Stewardship, & they to him.

Discourse, circa between 26 June and circa 4 August 1839-A, as reported by Willard Richards, pp. 63-64, The Joseph Smith Papers.

See also, “History of Joseph Smith,” Deseret News, 27 April 1854; Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 4 August 1839–A, as Reported by Unidentified Scribe, pp. 2–4, The Joseph Smith Papers; Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 4 August 1839–A, as Reported by William Clayton, pp. 11-18.

Priesthood Given to Peter, James, & John on Mount of Transfiguration — Willard Richards Account (Between circa June 26 and circa August 4, 1839)

The Priesthood is everlasting. The Savior, Moses, & Elias — gave the Keys to Peter, James & John on the Mount when they were transfigured before him.

Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 4 August 1839-A, as Reported by Willard Richards, p. 65, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Priesthood Is Everlasting and Is Present When Ordinances Are Administered — Willard Richards Account (Between circa June 26 and circa August 4, 1839)

The Priesthood is everlasting, without beginning of days or end of years, without Father, Mother &c,— If there is no change of ordinances there is no change of Priesthood. Wherever the ordinances of the Gospel are administered there is the priesthood.

Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 4 August 1839-A, as Reported by Willard Richards, p. 65, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Priesthood in Last Days Came Through Succession — Willard Richards Account (Between circa June 26 and circa August 4, 1839)

How have we come at the priesthood in the last days? it came down, down in regular succession. Peter James & John had it given to them & they gave it up. Christ is the Great High priest; Adam next. — Paul speaks of the Church coming to an innumerable company of Angels, to God the Judge of all, the Spirits of Just men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of the New Covenant, &c. Heb XII, 23.

Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 4 August 1839-A, as Reported by Willard Richards, p. 65, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Patriarchs Tried to Use Priesthood to Bring People Into the Presence of God — Willard Richards Account (Between circa June 26 and circa August 4, 1839)

I saw Adam in the valley of Ah-dam-ondi-Ahman — he called together his children & blessed them with a Patriarchal blessing. The Lord appeared in their midst, & he (Adam) blessed them all, & foretold what should befall them to the latest generation — See D.C. Sec III 2.8.2.9 par. — This is why Abraham blessed his posterity: He wanted to bring them into the presence of God. They looked for a city, &c. Moses sought to bring the children of Israel into the presence of God, through the power of the Pristhood, but he could not. In the first ages of the world they tried to establish the same thing — & there were Elias’s raised up who tried to restore these very glories but did not obtain them. But (Enoch did for himself & those that were with Him, but not for the world. J.T.) they prophesied of a day when this Glory would be revealed.

Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 4 August 1839-A, as Reported by Willard Richards, pp. 65-66, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Men to Whom Keys Have Been Given Will Be Present at Adam-Ondi-Ahman — Willard Richards Account (Between circa June 26 and circa August 4, 1839)

Paul spoke of the Dispensation of the fulness of times, when God would gather together all things in one &c &.Those men [Adam, Peter, James, John, etc.] to whom these Keys have been given will have to be there. (I.E. when Adam shall again assemble his children of the Priesthood, & Christ be in their midst) the Ancient of Days come &c &c J.T.) And they without us cannot not be made perfect. These men are in heaven, but their children are on Earth. Their bowels yearn over us. God sends down men for this reason, Mat. 13. 41. & the Son of man shall send forth his Angels &c— All these authoritative characters will come down & join hand in hand in bringing about this work —

Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 4 August 1839-A, as Reported by Willard Richards, pp. 66-67, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Priesthood Descended from Father to Son — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

The priesthood has descended in a regular line from Father to Son through their succeeding generations

See Book of Doctrine & Covenants

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, p. 10, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Two Priesthoods: Melchizedek (Higher in Authority) & Aaronic (Lower in Authority) — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

In order to investigate the subject of the Priesthood so important to this as well as every succeeding generation, I shall proceed to trace the subject as far as I possibly can from the Old and new Testament. There are two Priesthoods spoken of in the Scriptures, viz the Melchisadeck and the Aaronic or Levitical Altho there are two Priesthoods, yet the Melchisadeck Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood and is the Grand head, and holds the highest Authority which pertains to the Priesthood the keys of the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity on the earth and is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation and every important matter is revealed from heaven.

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, p. 1, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Melchizedek Priesthood Is the Highest & Holiest, Was Present Before Earth’s Creation, & Reveals Who God Is — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

Its [Melchizedek Priesthood] institution was prior to “the foundation of this earth or the morning stars sang together or the Sons of God shouted for joy,” and is the highest and holiest Priesthood and is after the order of the Son [of] God, and all other Priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same and are held controlled and directed by it. It is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing his glory at the beginning of the creation of this earth and through which he has continued to reveal himself to the children of men to the present time and through which he will make known his purposes to the end of time —

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, p. 1, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Adam, Under the Direction of Christ, Reveals Ordinances in Each Dispensation — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

And again, God purposed in himself that there should not be an eternal fulness until every dispensation should be fulfilled and gathered together in one and that all things whatsoever that should be gathered together in one in those dispensations unto the same fulness and eternal glory should be in Christ Jesus, therefore he set the ordinances to be the same for Ever and ever and set Adam to watch over them to reveal them from heaven to man or to send Angels to reveal them 8 Heb 1 Chap. 16 verse. Are they not all ministring spirits sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of Salvation. These angels are under the direction of Michael or Adam who acts under the direction of Christ

From the above quotation we learn that Paul perfectly understood the purpose of God in relation to his connexion with man, and that glorious and perfect order which he established in himself whereby he sent forth power revelations and glory. God will not acknowledge that which he has not called, ordained, and chosen.

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, pp. 2-3, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Every Man Holding Priesthood Keys over His Dispensation (e.g., Abel), Reports to Adam, Who Receives Authority from Christ — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

We read in Gen 4th Chap. v. 4 That Abel brought of the firstlings of the flock and the fat thereof and the Lord had respect to Abel and to his offring. And again Heb 11 Chap 4 verse. By Faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent Sacrifice than Cain by which he obtained witness that he was righteous God testifying of his gifts and by it he being dead yet speaketh. how doth ye yet speak? Why he magnified the Priesthood which was confired upon him and died a righteous man, and therefore has become a righteous man an angel of God by receiving his body from the dead, therefore holding still the keys of his dispensation and was sent down from heaven unto Paul to minister consoling words & to commit unto him a knowledge of the mysteries of Godliness and if this was not the case I would ask how did Paul know so much about Abel and why should he talk about his speaking after he was dead. How that he spoke after he was dead must be, by being sent down out of heaven, to administer. This then is the nature of the priesthood, every man holding the presidency of his dispensation and one man holding the presidency of them all even Adam, and Adam receiving his presidency and authority from Christ, but cannot receive a fulness, untill Christ shall present, the kingdom to the Father which shall be at the end of the last dispensation.

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, pp. 4-5, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Priesthood Turns into a Curse Instead of a Blessing When Used Incorrectly — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

The power, glory, and blessings of the priesthood could not continue with those who received ordination only as their righteousness continued, for Cain also being authorized to offer sacrifice but not offering it in righteousness, therefore he was cursed. It signifies then, that the ordinances must be kept in the very way God has appointed, otherwise their priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a blessing. If Cain had fulfilled the law of righteousness as did Enoch he could have walked with God all the days of his life and never failed of a blessing.

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, p. 5, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Doctrine of Translation a Power that Belongs to the Priesthood — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

Now the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this priesthood, there are many things which belong to the powers of the priesthood and the keys thereof that have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world. they are hid from the wise and prudent to be revealed in the last times many may have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of God and into an Eternal fulness but this is a mistaken idea.

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, pp. 6-7, The Joseph Smith Papers.

All Priesthood Ordinances in Previous Dispensations Will Be Present in the Last Dispensation — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

The next great grand patriarch who held the Keys of the priesthood was Lamech See Gen 5 Chap 28 & 29 verses — And Lamech lived 182 years and begat a Son and he called his name Noah saying this same shall comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands because of the ground which the Lord has curst. “The priesthood continued from Lamech to Noah Gen 6 Chap 13 verse. And God said unto Noah the end of all flesh is before me, for the earth is filled with violence through them, and behold I will destroy them with the earth,” thus we behold the Keys of this priesthood consisted in obtaining the voice of Jehovah that he talked with him in a familiar and friendly manner, that he continued to him the Keys, the Covenants, the power and the glory with which he blessed Adam at the beginning and the offring of Sacrifice which also shall be continued at the last time, for all the ordinances and duties that ever have been required by the priesthood under the direction and commandments of the Almighty in the last dispensation at the end thereof in any of the dispensations, shall all be had in the last dispensation.

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, p. 8, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Sacrifice, a Priesthood Ordinance, Will Be Present in the Last Dispensation — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

Therefore all things had under the Authority of the Priesthood at any former period shall be had again — bringing to pass the restoration spoken of by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets. Malachi 3 then shall the sons of Levi offer an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord Se Malichi 3 Chap. 3&4 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of Silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord 

It will be necessary here to make a few observations on the doctrine, set forth in the above quotation, As it is generally supposed that Sacrifice was entirely done away when the great sacrife was offered up — and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of Sacrifice in future, but those who assert this, are certainly not aquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the priesthood, or with the prophets The offering of Sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part of the duties of the priesthood.  It began with the prieshood and will be continued untill after the coming of Christ from generation to generation— We freequently have mention made of the offering of Sacrifice by the servants of the most high in antient days prior to the law of moses, See which ordinances will be continued when the priesthood is restored with all its authority power and blessings. Elijah was the last Prophet that held the keys of this priesthood, and who will, before the last dispensation, restore the Authority and delive[r] the keys of this priesthood in order that all the ordinan[c]es may be attended to in righteousness. ​It is true that the Savior had authority and power to bestow this blessing but the sons of Levi were too predjudi[ced]​

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, pp. 8-9, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Elijah Sent with Keys of Authority to Administer Ordinances in Last Dispensation — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

And I will send Elijah the Prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord &c &c.

Why send Elijah because he holds the Keys of the Authority to administer in all the ordinances of the priesthood and without the authority is given the ordinances could not be administered in righteousness.

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, p. 9, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Sacrifice a Priesthood Ordinance That Will Be Restored in the Last Days — Robert B. Thompson (October 5, 1840)

It is a very prevalent opinion that the sacrifices which were offered were entirely consumed, this was not the case if you read Leviticus [2] Chap [2-3] Verses you will observe that the priests took a part as a memorial and offered it up before the Lord, while the remainder was kept for the maintenance of the priests— So that the offerings and sacrifices are not all consumed upon the Alter, but the blood is sprinkled and the fat and certain other portions are consumed These sacrifices as well as every ordinance belonging to the priesthood will when the temple of the Lord shall be built and the sons of Levi be purified be fully restored and attended to all their powers [ramifications], and blessings— this ever did and will exist when the powers of the Melchisadc Priesthood are sufficiently manifest. else how can the restitution of all things spoken of by all the Holy prophets be brought to pass, It is not to be understood that, the law of Moses will be established again with all its rights and variety of ceremonies this has never been spoken off by the prophets but those things which existed prior to Mose’s day viz sacrifice, will be continued— It may be asked by some what necesssity for Sacrifice since the great Sacrifice was offered? In answer to which if Repentance Baptism and faith existed prior to the days of christ what necessity for them since that time

Instruction on Priesthood, circa 5 October 1840, p. 10, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Higher Level of Melchizedek Priesthood Taken Away After Moses’ Death — William Clayton (January 5, 1841)

Answer to the question, was the Priesthood of Melchizedeck taken away when Moses died.

All priesthood is Melchizedeck; but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion 

which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the Prophets had the Melchizedeck Priesthood and was ordained by God himself.

Discourse, 5 January 1841, as Reported by William Clayton, p. 5, The Joseph Smith Papers.

John the Baptist a Lawful Heir to Aaronic Priesthood as a Levite — Martha Jane Knowlton Coray (March 21, 1841)

Took up Jhon shewed him to be a Levite 4 and proceed The voice of one crying in the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight Now it was written that the priests lips should keep knowledge and to them should the people seek for understanding and above all the law binds them and us to receive the word of the Lord at the hands of the Levites therefore Jhon being Lawful heir to the Levitical Priesthood the people were bound to receive his testimony. Hence the saying the Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force . . .

Discourse, circa 21 March 1841, as Reported by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, pp. 23-25, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Jesus Unable to Enter Kingdom Except Through Administration of John — Martha Jane Knowlton Coray (March 21, 1841)

. . . after Jhon had been testifying of Jesus for some time Jesus came unto him for baptism Jhon felt that the honor of baptizing his master was too great a thing grater than he could claim and said I have need to be baptized thee and comest thou to me Jesus repled thus it behooveth us to fulfill all righteousness thus signifying to Jhon the claim of the Aronic priesthood which holds the Keys of entrance into the Kingdom. . . .

Jesus as I said could not enter except by the administration of Jhon. Although Jhon was not a restorer but a forerunner . . .

Discourse, circa 21 March 1841, as reported by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, pp. 24-26, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Authority of Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist — Martha Jane Knowlton Coray (March 21, 1841)

All the Authority that we have is from Jhon The Law is not changed nor the ordinances

Discourse, circa 21 March 1841, as reported by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, p. 27, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Keys to Usher in the Kingdom Given to Peter, James & John — Martha Jane Knowlton Coray (March 21, 1841)

The keys of ushering into the Kingdom were given to Peter James & Jhon.

Discourse, circa 21 March 1841, as reported by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, p. 27, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Sons of Levi, Holding Keys of the First Principles of the Gospel, Are Heirs to Aaronic Priesthood by Lineage — Martha Jane Knowlton Coray (March 21, 1841)

Joseph Read the 2 & 3d Chapters of Malichi & stated that there was a preistHood Confered upon the sons of Levi throughout the Jenerations of the Jews, & he also said they was born heirs to that prestHood By Linage or Decent & held the Keys of the first principles of the Gospel — for this — he quoted concerning Jesus coming to John to be Baptized of Jhon that he (Jesus) Might Enter into the Kingdom as Jhon held the Keys, suffer it to be so now  &c he also Brought up Zacharias pleading with the Lord in the temple that he might have seed so that the preistHood might be preserved

Discourse, circa 21 March 1841, as Reported by William P. McIntire, p. 17, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Women Can Gain Posession of the Privileges, Blessing, & Gifts of the Priesthood — History of the Church (April 28, 1842)

Gave a lecture on the pries[t]hood shewing how the Sisters would come in possession of the priviliges & blesings & gifts of the priesthood— & that the signs should follow them. such as healing the sick casting out devils &c. & that they might attain unto. these blessings. by a virtuous life & conversation & diligence in keeping all the commandments

Journal, December 1841–December 1842, p. 94, The Joseph Smith Papers. For an alternate version, see History, 1838–1856, volume C-1, p. 1326, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Calling & Election is Temporal and Pertains to the Priesthood — William Clayton (May 16, 1841)

Romans 9— all election that can be found in the scripture is according to the flesh and pertaining to the priesthood.

Discourse, 16 May 1841, as Reported by William Clayton, p. 10, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Order of Melchizedek: Advancing from Prophet, to Priest, to King — Willard Richards (July 23, 1843)

Last monday morni[n]g cert[a]in men cam[e] to me— Bro Joseph Hyrm [Hyrum Smith] is no propht. he cant lead the chu[r]ch— you must lead the Chu[rc]h— if you resign I. felt curious— & said— here we lea[r]n in a priesthood after th[e] order of Melchisedek— Propht priest & king— & I will adva[n]ce f[ro]m prophet to pri[e]st & then to King not to the kingdoms of this earth but of the most high god

Discourse, 23 July 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards, p. 14-15, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Descendants of Aaron Inherit Right to Aaronic Priesthood by Lineage — James Burgess (July 23, 1843)

Luke 16 chap 16 verse. The Law and the Prophets were untill John since then the Kingdom of Heaven is preached and all men press into it. We will go back to Mount Scinia where Jesus gave the Law to Moses Exodus 30 chap 30 verse also the last chap 15 verse. The preisthood was given to Aron and his posterity throughout all generations We can trace the leanage down to Zachariah he being the only lawfull administrator in his day and the jews knew it well for they always acknowledge the priesthood, and Zachariah having no children, knew that the promise of God must fail, consequently he went into the Temple to wrestle with God according to the order of the preisthood  to obtain a promise of a son, and when the Angel told him that his promise was granted he because of unbelief was struck dumb.

Discourse, 23 July 1843, as Reported by James Burgess, pp. 12-13, The Joseph Smith Papers.

John the Baptist the Only Lawful Administrator of Aaronic Priesthood — James Burgess (July 23, 1843)

And when the set time was come John came forth and when he took up his preisthood, he came bounding out of the wilderness saying repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, he having received the holy anointing was the only lawful administrator and the jews all knew it— for the law and the prophets was untill John since then the kingdom of heaven is preached and all men press into it! Why! Why John because John was the only lawful administrator and they the Jews well knew it. consequently the only alternative was for them to yeild obedience to mandates of this wild man of the woods, namely John or be damned For all Jerusalam and all Judea came out to be babtised of John, sadusees, pharasees, Essenees &c For untill John was the law and the prophets, since then the kingdom of heaven is preached and all men press into it.

Discourse, 23 July 1843, as Reported by James Burgess, pp. 13-14, The Joseph Smith Papers.

John the Baptist Inherited a Lawful Right to Aaronic Priesthood as a Descendant of Aaron — Franklin D. Richards (July 23, 1843)

July 23 Joseph said after reading Matt 11-12 & Luke 16-16 Heaven & Earth might pass but not a jot or tittle of the Law should read Exodus 40-15 Anointing of Aaron & his sons and shewed that all the Power & Authority & Anointing descended upon the head of John the Baptist or “The Government shall be upon his shoulders” This was virtually acknowledged by all Judea & they of Jersualem coming out to be baptised of him & the rendering the Texts is “The Kingdom continueth in authority or Law & the Authority or legality (which belonged to John) took it by force or wrested it from the Jews to be delivered to a Nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Discourse, 23 July 1843, as Reported by Franklin D. Richards, p. 23, The Joseph Smith Papers.

3 Grand Orders of Priesthood Related to Calling & Election, Temple, Patriarchal Authority, and Levitical Priesthood — Willard Richards (August 27, 1843)

told an anecdote of the Episcopali[a]n pri[e]st— who said he had the pr[i]esthood of A[a]ron— but not of Melichsedch [Melchizedek]— and bore this testimony that I never have found the man who claimed the pri[e]sthood of Melchisideck.

The law was given under Aaron for the purpose of pouring out Jud[g]ments— and destructi[o]ns.

The sectarian world are going to hell.— by. 100? 1000? 1000 000?

3 grand orders of pri[e]sthood referred to there

1st. King of Shiloam.— power & authority over that of Abraham holding the key of the power of endless life.—— angels desire to loock into it. but they have set up to many stakes. god cursed the chldrn [children] of Israel because they would not receive the last law from Moses.

by the offering of Isaac.— if a man would attain— he must sacrific[e] all to attain. to the keys of the kingdom of an endless life

what was the power of Melchisedick twas not. P[riesthood] of Aaron— &c— a king and a pri[e]st to the most high Good [God]. a perfect law of Theocracy—holding keys of powe[r] & bless[in]gs​ stood as God to give laws to the people. administer[i]ng endless lives to the sons and daughte[r]s of Adam, kingly powe[r]s. of ano[i]nting.— Abram says Melchsidek.—away I have a pr[i]esthood.—

Salvation could not come to the world without the mediati[o]n of Jesus Christ.

how shall god come to the rescue of this generati[o]n. he shall send Elijah law reveald to moses in Horeb— never was reveald to th[e] C[hildren] of Israel

and he shall reveal the coven[an]ts to seal the hea[r]ts of the fath[er]s to the childrn and teh [the] childrn to the fathe[r]s.— ​anointing & sealing.—​ calld elected and made sure

without father &c. a priesthood which holds the pr[i]esthood by right from the Eternal Gods.— and not by des[c]ent from father and mother

2d Pri[e]sthood. patriarchal authority f[i]nish that temple. and god will fill it with power.

3d Priesthood. Levitical Prest

Pri[e]sts made without an oath but the Pr[i]esthood of Melchisedek is by oath and cov[e]nant.

Holy Ghost.

jesus christ—men have to suffer that th[e]y might come up on Mt. Zion.

Discourse, 27 August 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards, pp. 71-74, The Joseph Smith Papers.

3 Grand Orders of Priesthood: Levitical, Abraham’s Patriarchal Power, and Melchizedek — Franklin D. Richards (August 27, 1843)

There are 3 grand principles or orders of Priesthood portrayed in this chapter

1st Levitical which was neve[r] able to administer a Blessing but only to bind heavy burdens which neither they nor their fath wer[e] able to bear.

2 Abrahams Patriarchal power which is the greatest yet experienced in this church

3d That of melchisedec who had still greater power even power of endless Life of which was our Lord Jesus Christ which also Abraham obtained by the offering of his son Isaac which was not the power of a Prophet nor apostle nor Patriarc[h] only but of King or Priest to God to open the windows of Heaven and pour out the peace & Law of endless Life to man & No man can attain to the Joint heirship with Jesus Christ with out bein[g] administered to by one having the same power & Authority of Melchisede[c]

Discourse, 27 August 1843, as Reported by Franklin D. Richards, pp. 25-26, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Melchizedek Greatest Priesthood, Abraham’s Priesthood Next, and Levitical Last — James Burgess (August 27, 1843)

Hebrewes 7 chap. Paul is here treating of three different preisthoods, namely the preisthood of A[a]ron, Abraham, and Melchizedeck, Abraham’s preisthood was of greater power than Levi’s and Melchizedeck’s was of greater power than that of Abraham.

Discourse, 27 August 1843, as Reported by James Burgess, p. 14, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Hierarchy of Priesthood of Levi, Abraham, and Melchizedek — James Burgess (August 27, 1843)

The preisthood of Levi consisted of cursings and carnal commandments and not of blessings and if the preisthood of this generation has no more power than that of Levi or Aron or of a bishhoprick it administers no blessings but cursings for it was an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. I ask was there any sealing power attending this preisthood. that would admit a man into the presence of God. Oh no, but Abraham’s was a more exalted power or preisthood he could talk and walk with God and yet consider how great this man was when even this patriarch Abraham gave a tenth part of all his spoils and then received a blessing under the hands of Melchesideck even the last law or a fulness of the law or preisthood which constituted him a king and preist after the order of Melchesideck or an endless life Now if Abraham had been like the sectarian world and would not have received any more revelation, what would have been the consequence it would have damned him. Book of Covenants.

Discourse, 27 August 1843, as Reported by James Burgess, pp. 14-15, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Levitical Priesthood an Appendage to Melchizedek Priesthood — James Burgess (August 27, 1843)

The levitical preisthood was an appendage to the Melchesideck preisthood or the whole law of God when in full face or power in all its parts and bearings on the earth.

Discourse, 27 August 1843, as Reported by James Burgess, pp. 15-16, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Mystery, Power & Glory of Priesthood Not Understood Because of Tradition and “Not Coming up to the Mark” — James Burgess (August 27, 1843)

Men will set up stakes and say thus far will we go and no farther, did Abraham when called upon to offer his son, did the Saviour, no, view him fulfiling all rightousness again on the banks of jordon, also on the Mount transfigured before Peter and John there receiving the fulness of preisthood or the law of God, setting up no stake but coming right up to the mark in all things . . .

The mystery power and glory of the preisthood is so great and glorious that the angels desired to understand it and cannot: why, because of the tradition of them and their fathers in setting up stakes and not coming up to the mark in their probationary state.

Discourse, 27 August 1843, as Reported by James Burgess, pp. 16-18, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Melchizedek Priesthood the Power of an Endless Life — William Clayton (August 27, 1843)

He spoke concerning the priesthood of Melchisedek shewing that the sectarians never propossed to have it consequently never could save any one and would all be damned together. He showed that the power of the Melchisek P’d was to have the power of an “endless lives.”

Discourse, 27 August 1843, as Reported by William Clayton, pp. 102-103, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Office & Keys of Aaronic Priesthood to Preach Repentence, Baptism, Remission of Sins, and Baptize — Wilford Woodruff (March 10, 1844)

. . . I went into the woods to inquire of the Lord by prayer his will concerning me— & I saw an angel & he laid his hands upon my head & ordained me to be a priest after the order of Aaron & to hold the keys of this priesthood which office was to preach repentance & Baptism for the remission of sins & also to baptise but was informed that this office did not extend to the laying on of hands for the giving of the Holy Ghost—that that office was a greater work & was to be given afterwards but that my ordination was a preparetory work or a going before which was the spirit of Elias . . .

Discourse, 10 March 1844, as Reported by Wilford Woodruff, p. 205, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Priesthood Reserved by God to Direct Men in the Right Way — Thomas Bullock (May 12, 1844)

I advise all to go on to perfection and search deeper and deeper into the mysteries of Godliness  — a man can do nothing for himself unless God direct him in the right way, and the Priesthood is reserved for that purpose.

Discourse, 12 May 1844, as Reported by Thomas Bullock, p. 1, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Priesthood Keys & Power Given to Witness over All People in the Last Days — Thomas Bullock (May 12, 1844)

all the testimony is, that the Lord in the last days would commit the keys of the priesthood to a witness over all people— has the Gospel of the Kingdom commenced in the last days, and will God take it from the man, until he takes him, himself?, I have read it precisely as the words flowed from the lips of Jesus Christ— John the Revelator saw an angel flying thro’ the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, &c. the Scripture is ready to be fulfilled when great wars, famines, pestilence, great distress judgments &c are ready to be poured out on the Inhabitants of the Earth— John saw the angel having the holy priesthood who should preach—the everlasting gospel to all nations, God had an angel, a special messenger, ordained, & prepared for that purpose in the last days— Woe! Woe! be to that man, or set of men, who lift up their hands against God and his Witness in these last days

Discourse, 12 May 1844, as Reported by Thomas Bullock, p. 1, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Relief Society “Should Move According to the Priesthood” — Eliza R. Snow (March 31, 1842)

. . . all must act in concert or nothing can be done— that the Society should move according to the ancient Priesthood, hence there should be a select Society, separate from all the evils of the world, choice, virtuous and holy— Said he was going to make of this society a kingdom of priests as in Enoch’s day — as in Paul’s day — that it is the privilege of each member to live long and enjoy health—

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, pp. 22-23, The Joseph Smith Papers.