The Second Order

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The Second Order

The Priesthood after the Order of Levi:

 This second order of priesthood I have called the priesthood after the order of Levi or the Levitical priesthood for lack of a better term.  This priesthood is economic in nature. For more about this economic system read Slavery and the money system. Parts of this order have been called the Aaronic priesthood because the office of Aaron is the 3rd step within this order. The other two offices of teachers and deacons are appendages to this and have been called the Levitical priesthood. The offices of Elder and High priest are above this Aaronic priesthood of the 3rd step and rank of priest. These higher offices are clearly not a part of the Aaronic priesthood.  If anything, the Aaronic priesthood would be appendages to them instead.

Doctrine and Covenants
Section 84

18 And the Lord confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations, which priesthood also continueth and abideth forever with the priesthood which is after the holiest order of God.
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25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;
26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;
27 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.
28 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.

29 And again, the offices of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging unto the high priesthood.
30 And again, the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons.


The tribe of Levi was to have access to this and is mentioned  in the Testament of Naphtali.
The Testament Of Naphtali:
CHAPTER 5
1 For in the fortieth year of my life, I saw a vision on the Mount of Olives, on the east of Jerusalem, that the sun and the moon were standing still. 2 And behold Isaac, the father of my father, said to us: Run and lay hold of them, each one according to his strength; and to him that seizeth them will the sun and moon belong. 3 And we all of us ran together, and Levi laid hold of the sun, and Judah outstripped the others and seized the moon, and they were both of them lifted up with them. 4 And when Levi became as a sun, lo, a certain young man gave to him twelve branches of palm; and Judah was bright as the moon, and under their feet were twelve rays.

Egypt is referred in prophesy in some cases representing the economic order. This makes sense if compared to the biblical story of Joseph in Egypt where a granary was implemented. The history of banks trace their origins to the granaries of old, and was the basis upon which the economic system and the banks were founded on.

Isaiah 11:15 And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dryshod.

The above prophesy helps us understand the economic order of Aaron and the role of seven steps, offices and orders and quarms of the priesthood as it applies the the economic order of which the Levites and the descendants of Aaron were to play a leading role.

Aaron and his four sons

Exodus 28:1
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.


and he shall purify the sons of Levi

Mal. 3:1-6.  �Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me:  and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in:  behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.  But who may abide the day of his coming?  And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner�s fire, and like fuller�s sope; 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 an offering in righteousness.�

The Mentinah Archives
Volume One thru Nine
(As of Jan. 12, 2011)
page 655
79. For the Lord does have all things before Him. Yea, He does see the beginning from the end and there is nothing that escapes His view. Wherefore He did promise they who were left of the seed of Lehi, who were left in the land, even the remnant of them at that time, that He would take up again that which He had given into the hands of the Gentiles as a stewardship and return it unto the Children of Lehi who would be left in the land, a Remnant unto the House of Israel.
80. Behold, these are they who among your descendents shall take up the standard of the Lord and raise up a Zion once again in the land. These are they who, reading your writings and also being touched by the spirit of this land, shall esteem the earth once again and teach the stewardship. They shall not lift up their faces unto the heavens and declare themselves to be the elect of God, but God shall elect them. Yea, they shall take up the things they shall read in these records and apply them unto their own lives. They shall judge the widow and visit the fatherless, and they shall do it without extortion and without motive.
81. And they shall not look upon their fellowman and judge him because of his color, or his manner of speaking, his beliefs, nor his lack of riches. No, there shall be no division among them, except that they shall not allow that men should cast themselves higher than their neighbor and they shall not suffer them to do any kind of hurt one to another.
82. And they shall be the Sons and Daughters of Levi and shall offer again a sacrifice in righteousness. And their priesthood shall be the commission of God, given personally. Wherefore, the orders of priesthood which they shall possessshall be esteemed of them as schoolmasters only, and a means whereby they may do great good unto the children of men. But they shall not esteem themselves wiser, greater, or any more elect than their neighbor because of the priesthood. And the Lord shall bring them upon the Way and instruct them.
83. And the people shall come unto Christ with all the intent of their hearts and they shall rejoice with Him upon the Way. And they shall live from revelation to revelation because they have not shunned prophecy and the Gifts of the Spirit.
84. And behold, the ordinances of salvation shall once again become the ensigns that they ought to be, and they who perform them shall have truly received the commission of the Lord. Wherefore, it shall be unto them as the Lord designed, for that which qualifies one to receive the priesthood is the desire to do the will of the Lord. And behold, the priesthood shall not become a dividing line between they who have and they who have not, and the people shall  not puff themselves up because they have received authority, or so they suppose. But God shall justify them in their works because of the intents of their hearts, because they are good.
85. And thus shall the Lord commence again a great restoration in this holy land and it shall go forward even unto the culmination thereof. And the Lord shall fulfill His promise that He made unto the Children of Lehi in times past, that they shall have this land as an inheritance again and the stewardship of His kingdom.
86. And all this shall be restored unto the House of Israel because they take up His laws again and teach them unto their little ones. Yea, and their concentration shall turn away from the world and they shall delight in the Lord. For they shall walk with Him and talk with Him, and what worldly wealth can compare to this? What goods may they stuff into their storehouses and what gold and silver may they lay up in store that may buy the love of God?
87. Yea, they shall build and establish Zion again because they shall not set aside that which the Lord has commanded them and they shall not misinterpret that which He commanded their fathers. For they shall have the Second Comforter and the First, and is this to be despised? I say unto you, Nay. It is the best of the blessings and gifts of God.


An Explaination of the priesthood
after the order of Levi offered in the Mentinah Archives:
The Mentinah Archives
Volume One thru Nine
(As of Jan. 12, 2011)
page 527
3. And there is an order of the priesthood which is preparatory, the beginning of faith, and another which it fulfills and finishes, the culmination of faith. And the preparatory priesthood is called after Levi, that son of Israel of old. And it is by and through this priesthood that Aaron did minister unto Moses and unto the people.
4. And behold, the ordinances and covenants of this priesthood have for their purpose to bring the heart and the intention of the man to that point where he may set aside the things of the world and take up spiritual things. Yea, because of the preparation whereby the Lord does prepare the man, through this order of the priesthood, the man is able to lay down the natural man and step out of the telestial world. Indeed, by the ordinances and the covenants of this priesthood, the man may rend the veil that separates him from the Way.
5. This order of priesthood has for its purpose to prepare and to teach the man to live the Law of the Gospel and of Sacrifice. Yea, it is by this order that men take up that more precious part which has been given to all women. Yea, by this order of priesthood does he learn to sacrifice for others and to serve others, placing their needs above his own. Yea, by this priesthood, when he has received the commission of the Creator and Peacemaker, he may move the mountain of his own soul and make a straight path for his spirit.
6. And the ordinances of the Order of Levi are the teaching and preaching of the peaceable things of the kingdom, baptism, the administration of the emblems of the Lord‟s Sacrifice, the purification of the Ammonihah, prayer, fasting, and so forth.
7. And all men who have good intention and who have received through revelation and through the Holy Ghost the commission of God are entitled to seek this right of priesthood. Yea, and they enter into it with a covenant. And this is the nature of the covenant:
8. Every man who takes up this covenant, having been commissioned and called of God, even as Aaron was called of God, shall come unto one who has also received the Lord‟s commission and relate the revelation unto that person. And that person shall take them and lay hands upon them and, saying the
person‟s name plainly, they shall pronounce a blessing and confer this order of priesthood, saying:
9. By the commission I have received of the Lord, I confer upon you the Priesthood after the Order of Levi. You shall hereafter be known as a priest and teacher of this order and I do this in the name of the Peacemaker.
10. Now I would that all should take note of how this ordinance is performed. For, the commission of the Lord is always clearly uttered when the order of the priesthood is conferred. And the purpose of the calling is also clearly stated. And when the Spirit has made an end of all that shall be said in the blessing, it is finished in the name of the Lord.
11. This is the pattern and, though our language may all be different, and even all that must be said in the prayer and the blessing may all be different, yet shall a simple pattern always be followed. This is done so that all creation might know
by whose word and by whose commission you speak and by whose word and will you do expect the creation to respond.
12. Now, when women are called unto this work, the order of this priesthood is not conferred upon them, for they work in the covenant under that which the Mother has already conferred. Wherefore, how may we confer ought else? And behold, does the Lord work against His own mother? Or does He place Himself
above Her in anything? I say unto you, He does not. For, He is the same who commanded all people to honor their father and their mother, that their days may long upon the land the Lord their God has given them. Wherefore, how then shall we? Behold, let us emulate the Lord.
13. But when a woman shall request this priesthood, she shall also go unto one who has already received it and she shall relate how that she has received the commission of the Lord by revelation. Then she shall be taken and she shall be introduced into this order by an ordinance also, except that the Order of Levi shall not be conferred upon her, but she is ordained to that Order. Rather, she is ordained with an ordinance. And that person shall take her and lay hands upon her and, saying her name plainly, shall pronounce a blessing and ordain her unto
this priesthood, saying:
14. By the commission I have received of the Lord, I ordain you according to the Order of Levi. You shall hereafter be known as a priest and teacher of this order and I do this in the name of the Peacemaker.
15. And they who become priests and teachers after this order of priesthood assist the High Priest in all things. Yea, they do keep the synagogue and they do teach the people. And they do keep peace in the community, for they work under the commission of the Peacemaker. And it is their work to prepare the hearts of
all men and women to make a sacred sacrifice for the sake of all living and for the Lord.


The fourth step in the Levitical Order

This fourth step in the Levitical Order is the office of Elder. As the ranking has been said go Elder, Priest, Teacher and Deacon. Each of the seven orders of priesthood has it's own fourth step some call the office rank of Elder. All offices and orders are appendages to the rankings and orders above them. So there is a difference between the office after a particular order and an office actually in or within a particular order. Note the wording "after". For example, all lower offices beneath the Melchizedek Priesthood are after the Melchizedek Priesthood regardless of their ranking. Meaning that they come after, or in other words, under this particular order.


DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS

 SECTIONS 20
 1 The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April�

 2 Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;

 3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand;
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 38 The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ�An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize;

 39 And to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons;

 40 And to administer bread and wine�the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ�

 41 And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;

 42 And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church;

 43 And to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost;

 44 And to take the lead of all meetings.

 45 The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God.

 46 The priest�s duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament,

 47 And visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties.

 48 And he may also ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons.

 49 And he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no elder present;

 50 But when there is an elder present, he is only to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize,

 51 And visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties.

 52 In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder if occasion requires.
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SECTIONS 107
 7 The office of an elder comes under the priesthood of Melchizedek.

 8 The Melchizedek 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.

 9 The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church.

 10 High priests after the order of the Melchizedek 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.

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

 12 The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable 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.

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 60 Verily, I say unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts, there must needs be presiding elders to preside over those who are of the office of an elder;

 61 And also priests to preside over those who are of the office of a priest;

 62 And also teachers to preside over those who are of the office of a teacher, in like manner, and also the deacons�

 63 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.
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 89 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.

 90 This presidency is a distinct one from that of the seventy, and is designed for those who do not travel into all the world.
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SECTIONS 124


125 I give unto you my servant Joseph to be a presiding elder over all my church, to be a translator, a revelator, a seer, and prophet.

 126 I give unto him for counselors my servant Sidney Rigdon and my servant William Law, that these may constitute a quorum and First Presidency, to receive the oracles for the whole church.
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  137 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you John A. Hicks, Samuel Williams, and Jesse Baker, which priesthood is to preside over the quorum of elders, which quorum is instituted for standing ministers; nevertheless they may travel, yet they are ordained to be standing ministers to my church, saith the Lord.

138 And again, I give unto you Joseph Young, Josiah Butterfield, Daniel Miles, Henry Herriman, Zera Pulsipher, Levi Hancock, James Foster, to preside over the quorum of seventies;

 139 Which quorum is instituted for traveling elders to bear record of my name in all the world, wherever the traveling high council, mine apostles, shall send them to prepare a way before my face.

 140 The difference between this quorum and the quorum of elders is that one is to travel continually, and the other is to preside over the churches from time to time; the one has the responsibility of presiding from time to time, and the other has no responsibility of presiding, saith the Lord your God.


The fifth step in the Levitical Order

This fifth step in the Levitical Order is the office of High Priest. This office has authority over the Davitical office of King David in the box going downward. It also has authority over the office above King David. This office above King David is the office of leader of the terrestial political kingdom in the box going downward diagonally to the left. The terrestial church  is based on terrestial law.  This terrestial law is built on the law love your neighbor as yourself.
This office of High Priest also has authority over the four offices under it in this order of Levi. These four offices are elders, priests, teachers and deacons.  Church leaders are often chosen and appointed from groups of people holding this office of High Priest.

History of the Reorganized Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Volume 1: 1805 - 1835
CHAPTER 9.
1830-1831.

Joseph in his account of the conference held in June, says:-

"On the sixth of June the elders from the various parts of the country where they were laboring came in, and the conference before appointed convened, in Kirtland, and the Lord displayed his power in a manner that could not be mistaken. The man of sin was revealed, and the authority of the Melchisedec priesthood was manifested, and conferred for the first time upon several of the elders. It was clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done, and strength according to the race set before us; and grace and help as our needs required. Great harmony prevailed; several were ordained; faith was strengthened; and humility, so necessary for the blessing of God to follow prayer, characterized the saints."-Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 416.

(page 192)

There is one thing in the above which seems peculiar in connection with the account previously given, where Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were commanded to and did ordain each other to the Melchisedec priesthood. He here says:-

"The man of sin was revealed, and the authority of the Melchisedec priesthood was manifested, and conferred for the first time upon several of the elders."

The reader will doubtless inquire, "How could this be the first time, if they were ordained to the office of elder over a year previous?" The thought here expressed by Joseph is also found in Lyman Wight's account, as recorded in his journal, as follows:-

"On the fourth of June, 1831, a conference was held at Kirtland, Ohio, represented by all the above-named branches. Joseph Smith, our modern prophet, presided. Here for the first time I saw the visible manifestation of the power of God, as plain as could have been on the day of Pentecost; and here for the first time I saw the Melchisedec priesthood introduced into the church of Jesus Christ, as anciently, whereunto I was ordained under the hands of Joseph Smith, and I then ordained sixteen others, such as he chose, unto the same priesthood."

Lyman Wight had been ordained an elder on November 20, 1830. If he was then ordained he received a further ordination. To what office could he have been ordained?

David Whitmer states in his "Address," page 64, as follows:-

"In Kirtland, Ohio, in June, 1831, at a conference of the church, the first high priests were ordained into the church."

Taking these testimonies together it is evident that both Joseph Smith and Lyman Wight had reference to the fullness of the Melchisedec priesthood being bestowed for the first time in June, 1831, recognizing the fact as afterwards explained by revelation (D. C. 83: 5) that, "the office of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging unto the high priesthood."

To this testimony and our conclusion P. P. Pratt agrees:-

(page 193)

"On the sixth of June, 1831, a General Conference was convened at Kirtland, consisting of all the elders, far and near, who could be got together. In this conference much instruction was given by President Smith, who spake in great power, as he was moved by the Holy Ghost; and the spirit of power and of testimony rested down upon the elders in a marvelous manner. Here also were some strange manifestations of false spirits, which were immediately rebuked.

"Several were then selected by revelation, through President Smith, and ordained to the High Priesthood after the order of the Son of God; which is after the order of Melchisedec. This was the first occasion in which this priesthood had been revealed and conferred upon the elders in this dispensation, although the office of an elder is the same in a certain degree, but not in the fullness. On this occasion I was ordained to this holy ordinance and calling by President Smith."-Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, p. 72.

History of the Reorganized Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Volume 1: 1805 - 1835
CHAPTER 10.
1831-1832.

"On the 26th I called a general council of the church, and was acknowledged as the president of the high priesthood, according to a previous ordination at a conference of high priests, elders, and members, held at Amherst, Ohio, on the twenty-fifth of January, 1832. The right hand of fellowship was given to me by the bishop, Edward Partridge, in behalf of the church. The scene was solemn, impressive, and delightful. During the intermission, a difficulty or hardness which had existed between Bishop Partridge and Elder Rigdon was amicably settled, and when we came together in the afternoon, all hearts seemed to rejoice."-Times and Seasons, vol. 5, pp. 611, 612, 624.

(page 244)

An incidental mention is made in the above historical statement of the ordination of Joseph as "president of the high priesthood," at Amherst, Ohio, on January 25,1832. This seems to be a very meager mention of so important an event, but we see that provision had been made for such an office, even before the church was organized; which the reader may see by referring to Doctrine and Covenants 17:17, where the person to hold such office is

(page 245)

called "president of the high priesthood (or presiding elder)" This parenthetical clause explains and makes clear the clause in paragraph 1 of the same section, where it is said Joseph was called "to be the first elder of this church," etc. Thus the two are connected and the person to hold such position pointed out. Hence the ordination referred to is in harmony with provision made, and done also in harmony with the provision; viz., by direction of a General Conference, or it was as nearly a General Conference as circumstances would

(page 246)

allow. A part of the church was far away in Missouri with no adequate means of transportation, but to make good this deficiency (if deficiency it was) he was, on Thursday, April 26, 1832, presented to the church in Missouri at a "general council of the church," and the action of the church at Amherst ratified.

In the last revelation referred to; viz., section 80, provision is also made for further perfecting the quorum of three presidents, which was afterwards consummated by the calling of F. G. Williams to be "a counselor unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jr., unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belongeth always unto the presidency of the high priesthood" etc.

There is one point in the ordination at Amherst that may trouble some; viz., that this council of high priests ordained Joseph to a higher office than was held by themselves. But this is in harmony with the event mentioned before, where the office of elder in the Melchisedec priesthood was bestowed upon Oliver Cowdery under the hands of Joseph Smith, prior to Joseph's ordination; and also in harmony with the action of elders ordaining high priests at the June conference of 1831. These examples make it clear that those in whom the rights of priesthood exist may officiate in any ordination, where emergency demands and a command of God directs; though where the church is perfectly organized the general rule is for the greater to ordain the lesser.

History of the Reorganized Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Volume 3: 1844 - 1872
CHAPTER 12.
On motion of Isaac Sheen it was "resolved, that Brother Joseph Smith be chosen Prophet, Seer, and Revelator of the Church of Jesus Christ, and the successor of his father." His mother, Mrs. Emma Bidamon, widow of Joseph Smith the Martyr, was also received into fellowship by unanimous vote. Joseph Smith

(page 250)

was then ordained President of the High Priesthood of the Church, under the hands of Elders Z. H. Gurley, Sen., of the Quorum of Twelve, and William Marks, of the High Priests, according to the minutes of the conference. 3 This ordination was previously ordered by the unanimous vote of the conference.

The ordination of Joseph Smith has been considered irregular upon the assumption that it was a case where the lesser ordained the greater, but the defenders of this ordination reply by citing that in 1831 elders ordained high priests. (See this work, vol. 1, pp. 193, 194.) Again, the first President of the Church was ordained, as President of the High Priesthood, in a very similar manner to the ordination now under consideration. It was in a conference where no higher authority was present than that of high priest. (This work, vol. 1, p. 244.) In the case now in question, though the apostolic authority be denied, it cannot be denied that William Marks was a high priest in the days of the Martyr, and hence held the same authority by which Joseph the Martyr was ordained. The objector has replied that William Marks was expelled from the church, but the evidence of this expulsion has been and is challenged by the Reorganized Church. The vision of Joseph Smith is also cited as evidence that William Marks was to triumph and receive the approval of God. (See this work, vol. 2, p. 147.)

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
SECTIONS 20
 65 No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that church;

 66 But the presiding elders, traveling bishops, high councilors, high priests, and elders, may have the privilege of ordaining, where there is no branch of the church that a vote may be called.

 67 Every president of the high priesthood (or presiding elder), bishop, high councilor, and high priest, is to be ordained by the direction of a high council or general conference.
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DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
SECTIONS 81
1 Verily, verily, I say unto you my servant Frederick G. Williams: Listen to the voice of him who speaketh, to the word of the Lord your God, and hearken to the calling wherewith you are called, even to be a high priest in my church, and a counselor unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun.;

 2 Unto whom I have given the keys of the kingdom, which belong always unto the Presidency of the High Priesthood:

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SECTIONS 84
111 And behold, the high priests should travel, and also the elders, and also the lesser priests; but the deacons and teachers should be appointed to watch over the church, to be standing ministers unto the church.
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SECTIONS 88
 127 And again, the order of the house prepared for the presidency of the school of the prophets, established for their instruction in all things that are expedient for them, even for all the officers of the church, or in other words, those who are called to the ministry in the church, beginning at the high priests, even down to the deacons
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SECTIONS 106
 1 It is my will that my servant Warren A. Cowdery should be appointed and ordained a presiding high priest over my church, in the land of Freedom and the regions round about;

 2 And should preach my everlasting gospel, and lift up his voice and warn the people, not only in his own place, but in the adjoining counties;

 3 And devote his whole time to this high and holy calling, which I now give unto him, seeking diligently the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, and all things necessary shall be added thereunto; for the laborer is worthy of his hire.

 4 And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night�

 5 Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief.

 6 And again, verily I say unto you, there was joy in heaven when my servant Warren bowed to my scepter, and separated himself from the crafts of men;

 7 Therefore, blessed is my servant Warren, for I will have mercy on him; and, notwithstanding the vanity of his heart, I will lift him up inasmuch as he will humble himself before me.

 8 And I will give him grace and assurance wherewith he may stand; and if he continue to be a faithful witness and a light unto the church I have prepared a crown for him in the mansions of my Father. Even so. Amen.
SECTIONS 102
 1 This day a general council of twenty-four high priests assembled at the house of Joseph Smith, Jun., by revelation, and proceeded to organize the high council of the church of Christ, which was to consist of twelve high priests, and one or three presidents as the case might require.

 2 The high council was appointed by revelation for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church or the bishop�s council to the satisfaction of the parties.

 3 Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams were acknowledged presidents by the voice of the council; and Joseph Smith, Sen., John Smith, Joseph Coe, John Johnson, Martin Harris, John S. Carter, Jared Carter, Oliver Cowdery, Samuel H. Smith, Orson Hyde, Sylvester Smith, and Luke Johnson, high priests, were chosen to be a standing council for the church, by the unanimous voice of the council.

 4 The above-named councilors were then asked whether they accepted their appointments, and whether they would act in that office according to the law of heaven, to which they all answered that they accepted their appointments, and would fill their offices according to the grace of God bestowed upon them.

 5 The number composing the council, who voted in the name and for the church in appointing the above-named councilors were forty-three, as follows: nine high priests, seventeen elders, four priests, and thirteen members.

 6 Voted: that the high council cannot have power to act without seven of the above-named councilors, or their regularly appointed successors are present.

 7 These seven shall have power to appoint other high priests, whom they may consider worthy and capable to act in the place of absent councilors.

 8 Voted: that whenever any vacancy shall occur by the death, removal from office for transgression, or removal from the bounds of this church government, of any one of the above-named councilors, it shall be filled by the nomination of the president or presidents, and sanctioned by the voice of a general council of high priests, convened for that purpose, to act in the name of the church.

 9 The president of the church, who is also the president of the council, is appointed by revelation, and acknowledged in his administration by the voice of the church.

 10 And it is according to the dignity of his office that he should preside over the council of the church; and it is his privilege to be assisted by two other presidents, appointed after the same manner that he himself was appointed.

 11 And in case of the absence of one or both of those who are appointed to assist him, he has power to preside over the council without an assistant; and in case he himself is absent, the other presidents have power to preside in his stead, both or either of them.

 12 Whenever a high council of the church of Christ is regularly organized, according to the foregoing pattern, it shall be the duty of the twelve councilors to cast lots by numbers, and thereby ascertain who of the twelve shall speak first, commencing with number one and so in succession to number twelve.

 13 Whenever this council convenes to act upon any case, the twelve councilors shall consider whether it is a difficult one or not; if it is not, two only of the councilors shall speak upon it, according to the form above written.

 14 But if it is thought to be difficult, four shall be appointed; and if more difficult, six; but in no case shall more than six be appointed to speak.

 15 The accused, in all cases, has a right to one-half of the council, to prevent insult or injustice.

 16 And the councilors appointed to speak before the council are to present the case, after the evidence is examined, in its true light before the council; and every man is to speak according to equity and justice.

 17 Those councilors who draw even numbers, that is, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, are the individuals who are to stand up in behalf of the accused, and prevent insult and injustice.

 18 In all cases the accuser and the accused shall have a privilege of speaking for themselves before the council, after the evidences are heard and the councilors who are appointed to speak on the case have finished their remarks.

 19 After the evidences are heard, the councilors, accuser and accused have spoken, the president shall give a decision according to the understanding which he shall have of the case, and call upon the twelve councilors to sanction the same by their vote.

 20 But should the remaining councilors, who have not spoken, or any one of them, after hearing the evidences and pleadings impartially, discover an error in the decision of the president, they can manifest it, and the case shall have a re-hearing.

 21 And if, after a careful re-hearing, any additional light is shown upon the case, the decision shall be altered accordingly.

 22 But in case no additional light is given, the first decision shall stand, the majority of the council having power to determine the same.

 23 In case of difficulty respecting doctrine or principle, if there is not a sufficiency written to make the case clear to the minds of the council, the president may inquire and obtain the mind of the Lord by revelation.

 24 The high priests, when abroad, have power to call and organize a council after the manner of the foregoing, to settle difficulties, when the parties or either of them shall request it.

 25 And the said council of high priests shall have power to appoint one of their own number to preside over such council for the time being.

 26 It shall be the duty of said council to transmit, immediately, a copy of their proceedings, with a full statement of the testimony accompanying their decision, to the high council of the seat of the First Presidency of the Church.

 27 Should the parties or either of them be dissatisfied with the decision of said council, they may appeal to the high council of the seat of the First Presidency of the Church, and have a re-hearing, which case shall there be conducted, according to the former pattern written, as though no such decision had been made.

 28 This council of high priests abroad is only to be called on the most difficult cases of church matters; and no common or ordinary case is to be sufficient to call such council.

 29 The traveling or located high priests abroad have power to say whether it is necessary to call such a council or not.

 30 There is a distinction between the high council or traveling high priests abroad, and the traveling high council composed of the twelve apostles, in their decisions.

 31 From the decision of the former there can be an appeal; but from the decision of the latter there cannot.

 32 The latter can only be called in question by the general authorities of the church in case of transgression.

 33 Resolved: that the president or presidents of the seat of the First Presidency of the Church shall have power to determine whether any such case, as may be appealed, is justly entitled to a re-hearing, after examining the appeal and the evidences and statements accompanying it.

 34 The twelve councilors then proceeded to cast lots or ballot, to ascertain who should speak first, and the following was the result, namely: 1, Oliver Cowdery; 2, Joseph Coe; 3, Samuel H. Smith; 4, Luke Johnson; 5, John S. Carter; 6, Sylvester Smith; 7, John Johnson; 8, Orson Hyde; 9, Jared Carter; 10, Joseph Smith, Sen.; 11, John Smith; 12, Martin Harris.After prayer the conference adjourned.
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SECTIONS 107
 10 High priests after the order of the Melchizedek 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.

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

 12 The high priest and elder are to administer in spiritual things, agreeable 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.
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 63 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.

 64 Then comes the High Priesthood, which is the greatest of all.

 65 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;

 66 Or, in other words, the Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the Church.

 67 From the same comes the administering of ordinances and blessings upon the church, by the laying on of the hands.
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 78 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.

 79 And the Presidency of the council of the High Priesthood shall have power to call other high priests, even twelve, to assist as counselors; and thus the Presidency of the High Priesthood and its counselors shall have power to decide upon testimony according to the laws of the church.

 80 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.

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

 82 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 counselors of the High Priesthood;

 83 And their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy concerning him.

 84 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.
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 89 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.

 90 This presidency is a distinct one from that of the seventy, and is designed for those who do not travel into all the world.

 91 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�

 92 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.


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 133 And again, I give unto you Don C. Smith to be a president over a quorum of high priests;

 134 Which ordinance is instituted for the purpose of qualifying those who shall be appointed standing presidents or servants over different stakes scattered abroad;

 135 And they may travel also if they choose, but rather be ordained for standing presidents; this is the office of their calling, saith the Lord your God.

 136 I give unto him Amasa Lyman and Noah Packard for counselors, that they may preside over the quorum of high priests of my church, saith the Lord.

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History of the Church
Volume 1 Chapter 24
[Page 338]
The duty of a High Priest is to administer in spiritual and holy things, and to hold communion with God; but not to exercise monarchial government, or to appoint meetings for the Elders without their consent. And again, it is the High Priests' duty to be better qualified to teach principles and doctrines, than the Elders; for the office of Elder is an appendage to the High Priesthood, and it concentrates and centers in one. And again, the process of laboring with members: We are to deal with them precisely as the Scriptures direct. If thy brother trespass against thee, take him between him and thee alone; and, if he make thee satisfaction, thou hast saved thy brother; and if not, proceed to take another with thee, etc., and when there is no Bishop, they are to be tried by the voice of the Church; and if an Elder, or a High Priest be present, he is to take the lead in managing the business; but if not, such as have the highest authority should preside.
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History of the Church
Volume 1 Chapter 26

[Page 359]

Names of the Temples.

The names of the temples to be built on the painted squares as represented on the plot of the city of Zion, which is now about to be forwarded thither:--numbers 10, 11, and 12, are to be called, House of the Lord, for the Presidency of the High and most Holy Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of the Son of God, upon Mount Zion, City of the New Jerusalem. Numbers 7, 8, and 9, the Sacred Apostolic Repository, for the use of the Bishop. Numbers 4, 5, and 6, the Holy Evangelical House, for the High Priesthood of the Holy Order of God. Numbers 1, 2, and 3, the House of the Lord, for the Elders of Zion, an Ensign to the Nations. Numbers 22, 23, and 24, House of the Lord for the Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the Order of Aaron, a Standard for the People. Numbers 19, 20, and 21, House of the Lord, the Law of the Kingdom of Heaven, and Messenger to the People; for the Highest Priesthood after the Order of Aaron. Numbers 16, 17, and 18, House of the Lord for the Teachers in Zion, Messenger to the Church. Numbers 13, 14, and 15, House of the Lord for the Deacons in Zion, Helps in Government. Underneath must be written on each house--
Holiness to the Lord.

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Meninah Archives
The Mentinah Archives
Volume One thru Nine
(As of Jan. 12, 2011)
Page 50
79. Ougou, my servant, choose thou out of my High Priests a council of twelve
and I shall give them authority over all the councils of my Church among the
Nemenhah of Mentinah. I go now unto thy brethren upon the plains, but on the
morrow I shall return. And thou shalt cause that all the people shall gather in this
place tomorrow, for I have received a commandment of my Father that I should
teach them. Wherefore, organize yourselves that all who will come unto me
might receive the word.
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7.
Now this is the manner of our government � each village is ruled by a
council of men and women chosen by the mothers of our people. Therefore, every
woman who had a child had a vote, and because not all women bear, every
woman who had reached the age of agency, that being sixteen years of age, also
had a vote. This council meets to resolve the concerns that have to do with the
village. And each village council appoints one member to go up to the city to
which it is assigned to take part in the city council to resolve the concerns of the
39region round about that city. And each city council appoints one member to go to
Mentinah to participate in the common council of the Nemenhah, and decisions
concerning all the people are made by them. Therefore, without the voice of the
mothers in the villages no one may gain power among the Nemenhah.
8.
If a man has a complaint against his neighbor, with regard to his person or
his property stewardship, he brings it before his own village council and presents
the case himself. He does not represent the matter through any other person but
must face him whom he has accused himself. Then the accused is given equal
opportunity to present his own defense. Yea, he represents himself. Then the
council decides the case. If, after the council has heard and seen all the evidence
and has made its decision, but there still remains much doubt as to the guilt, then
the council shall publish the action to the mothers and seek the common consent
of the people. The common consent is always final.
9.
The affairs of the Church are governed after the pattern given by Nephi.
When Hagmeni was ordained a High Priest, he was placed over the priests and
the teachers of our people to preside over them. And this is fitting, for the High
Priest of God is a seer and a prophet. Wherefore, Hagmeni called for each village
of 100 persons a High Priest and gave him authority to see to all the spiritual
needs of that village and to ordain ministers as he saw fit. This council regulated
the spiritual affairs of the village.
10. Now, the villages Hagmeni ordered in groups of thirteen and the High Priest
of each village was appointed to participate in the council of High Priests for that
region. And the High Priest of all the land, even the seer, nominated one from
among the regional council to preside over it. This council regulated the spiritual
affairs of the region.
11. And the presiding High Priests from the regional councils comprised the
great council of High Priests which regulated the affairs of the Church among all
the Nemenhah. And the High Priest of all the Nemenhah was the presiding High
Priest of the great council of High Priests.
12. Wherefore, for all things temporal, the people chose their own councils and
for all things spiritual, the Lord chose their councils through the prophet and
through the Spirit of Prophecy. All this was done after the pattern given by Nephi
when he lived among the Nemenhah.

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56. I have called my servant Nephi, the son of Nephi who did sojourn with thee,
to be one of the Twelve unto whom I have given authority, Yea, even the first
among them. Yea, and eleven others have I chosen among the people of the Land
Southward. I did the same among my own and so shall I do among you.
Therefore, my servant Ougou, I give unto thee authority to baptize in my name
and to teach all to receive the Holy Ghost. Yea, I set thee apart as High Priest
unto your people, a presiding High Priest. Wherefore, I give unto thee authority
46to choose twelve other righteous men from among thy councils. And I shall give
them authority to work under thy direction to govern the Church. And they shall
teach all this people and those who believe on their words shall they baptize with
water. Wherefore, if they believe and are baptized in my name, them shall I
baptize with Fire and with the Holy Ghost.
57. Blessed art thou if thou believest and art baptized in my name after thou
hast seen me and know that I am, but more blessed are they who shall hear thy
words and believe in me because of thy testifying. Yea, blessed are they who
shall hear thy words and humble themselves in baptism for they shall be visited
with Fire and with the Holy Ghost and shall enter onto the Way. Howbeit,
because they shall find me and see my face because of faith, they shall have
received a remission of their sins.
58. Wherefore, Ougou, I give unto thee power and authority over the Church in
this region, to organize and to govern it. And it shall not be as difficult for thee to
do this as for other peoples upon the face of this land to whom I must go so that
they also might see my face and believe in me. Yea, the fulfilling of the Law of
Moses will be no great change for thee, for the Nemenhah have always listened to
my prophets and have followed me even without seeing me.
59. But that there not arise disputations among you, after that thou hast
organized my Church here in Mentinah and in the land round about and when
thou shalt have taught all the people my words � and they desire to be baptized,
this is the manner in which thou shalt do it:
60. Behold, thou whom my servant has anointed, shalt take hold of them and
lead them into the water and stand in the water with them, and when thou art
down in the water thou shalt call them by name and say:
61. Having been commanded and set apart by Jesus Christ I baptize you in the
Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
62. Yea, for behold I say unto thee, Because of the covenant wherewith I have
received the fullness of the Father, I am in the Father and the Father is in me. And
it is by the power of the Holy Ghost that the covenant was made. Therefore are
We one, I in the Father and the Father in me.
63. And this thou shalt have for doctrine. For all that I teach thee shall testify of
the Father and lead thee to the Father. Wherefore, whoso believeth in me
believeth in the Father also. Wherefore, the Holy Ghost, by whom We are one,
shall enter into the heart of the believer and shall baptize even with Fire.
64. Verily I say unto you, Ye must be baptized by water and this by immersion.
For even so did I to fulfill righteousness and to become an ensample unto you.
This is the covenant of the body, the beginning of the testament, even the door
47that opens onto the strait and narrow path which leads unto life eternal.
Wherefore, whoso believeth and is baptized by water shall begin upon the road
that gives onto the Way.
65. Now, after that thou hast baptized them, thou shalt lay thine hands upon
them and bless them and sharply exhort them to receive the Holy Ghost. And if
they offer unto me a sacrifice mete for repentance, even a contrite and humble
spirit, my Father will bestow upon them the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Wherefore,
the baptism of water is their declaration of the covenant and the baptism of Fire is
my Father's declaration that they shall endure to the finishing of the work and
become even as He is.
66. Behold, this is my doctrine, and I shall show other doctrine to those who
come unto me. Yea, whoso cometh unto me shall speak with the tongues of
Angels for they shall see and converse with Angels and shall speak to them as
one man speaks to another. Yea, this is my doctrine and there shall be no other
doctrine of baptism given except to those with whom, in my own time, I do make
my abode.
67. Thou shalt not alter the manner in which thou prayest, for the Nemenhah
have listened to the prophets I have raised up unto you. Therefore, continue to let
thy prayers ascend unto the Father, pleading for the poor and the lonely and
unfortunate in my name, and I will hear thy prayers by the power of the Holy
Ghost. Yea, even by that power I shall answer thee and bless thee. Yea, pray
always to the Father and give thanks unto Him and make thy entreaties directly
unto Him in my name. Wherefore if thou dost this, thou shalt receive according to
the promise He made with thy fathers.
68. For who may abide the day of my visitation? Yea, ask and thou shalt
receive. Come unto me and I will come near unto thee and I will rebuke the
devourer for thy sake. Yea, I have promised thee that if thou dost become mine,
even as I am the Father's, we shall make Our abode with thee. But who can abide
Our presence? And who can withstand Our glory? For I am the refiner's Fire and
the fuller's soap. Let there be soil in the ore, even a little, and I shall burn it up.
Therefore, who may stand?
69. Let all the Nemenhah purify themselves, for I will sit as a refiner and
purifier of silver. Yea, purify yourself that there be less dross in the ore. And so
that there be no disputation amongst you, this is the manner in which you shall
purge wickedness from you:
70. You shall succor the widow and judge the fatherless. You shall have always
all things in common even as you have done up to this time. In this I am well
pleased. Do not as the Nephites have done, for their pride causes them to puff
themselves up whenever I do prosper them. Yea, they do think they own the land
48and they set great store in the accumulation of things. This inclination has ever
been the stumbling block of my children the Nephites. Wherefore, you do rightly
and begin in a greater state of purity than they.
71. Now, prayer and fasting doth purify and magnify the soul. But pray not and
fast not in vain, with repetitions, but in the secret places ought you to purify your
bodies in fasting and your spirits in prayer.
72. Verily I say unto you, The children of Ammon began to do a thing that is
pleasing unto me. They purified themselves with much fasting and with prayer,
and with their loving succor which they so abundantly give away one to another.
Yea, in this I am very well pleased, for they do not ask of me but that they have
not first purged their bodies and prepared their spirits, subduing self in good acts.
73. Yea, when they fast they do not only purge their bodies by the lack of food
or drink, but they fully purge themselves, even every pore. And this is a
similitude of My suffering. For when I did atone for the sins and hurts of all the
world, yea, when I drank of the bitter cup, blood did flow out from every pore.
74. Wherefore, it is pleasing unto me that the Ammonites, of their own, have
undertaken to cleanse the body in this fashion. For even as I was immersed in the
bitter gall of earthly impurity and corruption, I was cleansed of it while in the
body. And if you choose also to purify yourselves after the manner of the
Ammonites, you are justified and you shall the more fully obtain the unspeakable
Gift of the Holy Ghost. Yea, and even I shall be with you and strengthen you, and
even I shall send Angels to minister unto you.
75. Verily, verily I say unto you, When I took upon me all things, I did suffer.
Yea, so great was my grief that I shall not describe it to you. For I know your
hearts and I would not that you should know the full extent of my suffering lest
you despair. For I know the tenderness of your hearts.
76. It is enough to say that I suffered and bled as it were great drops of sweat
from every pore and my flesh was exceedingly weak. But when my suffering was
full and I feared that my body could not withstand it, my Father did send unto me
an Angel to minister unto me. Even so shall He do unto you if you should
undertake to purify yourselves after the similitude of my suffering, yea, after the
fashion of the Ammonites. I shall send you Angels to minister unto you that you
may also overcome the flesh.
77. Now, this ordinance is given unto you and blessed are you who do observe
it. Nevertheless, it is not an ordinance unto salvation, except for those unto whom
I shall command specifically. Therefore, it is not expedient that all should
participate. Wherefore, compel no one in the fashion in which they purify
themselves before me. Exhort always that whoso cometh unto me shall offer the
49mete sacrifice, even a contrite spirit, and a teachable spirit, and a humble spirit,
and a meek spirit, and I shall accept their offering. This you must do, for of it
cometh salvation and if my people build upon this foundation, they shall reach for
and attain to that eternal life which I enjoy with my Father which is in Heaven.
Wherefore, purify yourselves by study and by much prayer and fasting. And if
you wish to purify yourselves after the similitude of my suffering, it is well and I
will sanctify it. But remember, compel not, for it is more difficult than is needful
for all.
78. Now when Jesus had said these things He called me unto Him, saying:
79. Ougou, my servant, choose thou out of my High Priests a council of twelve
and I shall give them authority over all the councils of my Church among the
Nemenhah of Mentinah. I go now unto thy brethren upon the plains, but on the
morrow I shall return. And thou shalt cause that all the people shall gather in this
place tomorrow, for I have received a commandment of my Father that I should
teach them. Wherefore, organize yourselves that all who will come unto me
might receive the word.

page 51
87. And I came forward. Then directing His piercing gaze unto me, He spoke to
me many words which cannot be written, and placing His hand upon my head, He
said:
88. Ougou, my servant, behold, I have called thee from among the Nemenhah
and I have given thee authority to call others to the work. Therefore art thou a
prophet unto this people. When I am returned unto my Father, thou shalt govern
my Church in the land of Mentinah. But see that thou dost govern with that
judgment which comes of the Holy Ghost. For in the day thou turnest to the left
or to the right, in that day I shall turn my face from thee.
89. Now, Ougou, thou art downcast because I have spoken what seems hard
words unto thee. Be not so, Ougou. For thou art blessed among the people. Yea,
because of thy extreme faith, the Nemenhah are faithful and exceedingly blessed.
Behold, my servant, thy name have I written in the Lamb's Book of Life and
today I declare unto thee, thou shalt have place in the mansions of my Father.
Yea, thou and thy brethren shall sit down even on my right hand.
90. Yea, still I counsel thee because thou art a type and similitude of me. Yea,
my servants, ye and all those who come after you shall do all those things that I
would do were I among you. Wherefore, take heed to follow the voice of the
Spirit in all your councils. Turn not away because of the pride that cometh
because of authority. Ye are faithful. Ye do well. Be ye an ensample unto all who
come after you.
 127 And again, the order of the house prepared for the presidency of the school of the prophets, established for their instruction in all things that are expedient for them, even for all the officers of the church, or in other words, those who are called to the ministry in the church, beginning at the high priests, even down to the deacons
page 58
139. Behold, the priesthood is mine own authority to govern all things pertaining
to my creation. And when you give unto any this priesthood, you shall take them
and you shall lay hands on them and confer the privileges and blessing of the
priesthood of God upon them in my name. Then you shall ordain them unto the
office whereunto they shall labor.
140. And this gift shall be governed upon principles of righteousness and if there
be no High Priest in the land, you shall not confer mine authority. For none shall
obtain this honor except by prophecy and that under the direction of the seer. Let
none gainsay my holy Church, for this is the root of great wickedness.
141. Behold, blessed are ye Nemenhah. For verily, ye have followed the
prophets whom I have sent among you. Wherefore, ye have organized yourselves,
your councils and your bodies, and your assemblies after the order of my
commandments. Now, receive ye my priesthood and I shall give you power in it
to administer my gospel. And there are two orders of the priesthood given unto
men, one wherein ye are prepared and trained to rely upon the Holy Ghost to
guide you and to govern you in your stewardships.
142. Therefore, there shall be priests in the Churches for baptism and for the
sacraments. For purification doth prepare the man to give of himself liberally and,
without compulsion, and it is given unto the Sons of Levi. For, whenever I must
needs prepare my people, I have raised up sons unto Levi and unto Aaron.
143. Even so did I when my people Israel traveled in the wilderness forty years. I
could not give a promised land unto them until a generation that would follow my
commands without murmuring had been born and prepared by my servants.
Howbeit also, I gave the Law of Moses unto my children in this promised land to
prepare them and to try them. Thus, there is one order of priesthood to prepare
and another to finish.
144. Behold, unto some in this land I have conferred another order of priesthood,
but they have been few. For whereas the lesser priesthood I gave as a preparation,
for through it the man learns to serve by the Spirit, the greater priesthood
prepares the man of God to enter into my presence. This is the priesthood of
Adam and of Enoch, and of Melchizedek, and of the Son of God. The lesser
being of the priest and his auxiliaries, and the greater being of the High Priest and
his auxiliaries. The one being the preparation and the other being the culmination.
145. Ye shall confer both orders upon men and I shall try him to see if he will be
obedient. Yea, let all men prepare themselves first through service to the body of
Christ and let them do their duty relying on the Spirit. Yea, in love and in charity
58let him be prepared. For none may see my face lest he be filled with the Holy
Ghost.
146. But if he fill his seat by compulsion, by extortion or by feigned love,
behold, I shall see it and the Holy Ghost shall abandon him. Verily, ye shall give
his bishopric unto another. But as often as men shall repent, ye shall forgive him
and he shall begin again. For behold, I shall forgive him, then why not you.
147. But ye shall govern my kingdom through the greater priesthood, for through
it ye shall enter upon the Way. Wherefore, ye shall have counsel of those who
have lived before you, worlds without end. I shall reveal to my servants those
upon whom ye shall confer the order of Melchizedek, for I shall be their
schoolmaster. Wherefore, ye shall wait upon me in this thing. For this is the Holy
Order of the Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God, and God shall not be
mocked.
148. Therefore, it is conferred upon all men whom I shall call to govern in your
councils, in your ministries, in your congregations and in your temples. For I am
the Lord, and it is my place to govern my people. Wherefore, I shall call men to
administer in my place as seems me good. And if one so called be found in sin,
ye shall remove from him his bishopric and I shall give it unto another. But if he
shall repent, he shall also begin again and shall proceed again to prepare himself
to see my face. But if he repent not after he has obtained this order of priesthood
and is found in sin, ye shall cast him out and have no concourse with him. Yea,
ye shall leave him to me and I shall chasten him. For he shall be delivered up
unto the buffetings of the evil one, even the adversary. And if he repent not after
he be delivered up unto Satan for a season, behold, he has hardened his heart.
Wherefore, he shall return unto his own and shall have no place in the mansions
of my Father, worlds without end.
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42. Behold, it is true that women may become puffed up in pride, but are not
mothers with children, as a separate class, more generally concerned with the
good of the children than are other classes? Or what mother, when asked to give
up her young son to war, is not more inclined than any other women to ascertain
that the cause of the war be a good cause?
43. Yea, I tell you, if you would avoid conflict as a whole people, choose you
out to make you laws the wise and the charitable. But let them be chosen by the
mothers. Let those who have the most to lose choose your rulers. This is the
remedy. Then, if the people go down into corruption, it will be because the whole
people have fallen even to the last of them, and not because one strong man has
usurped the voice of the people.
44. And all the people were amazed at the man of war among them. For he did
hear the voice of the Lord and teach peace to them. Yea, all went away very
thoughtful after hearing the words of Shi-Tugohah, and many were amazed.
45. But Pa-Hementem published his words to all the people and condoned
them. Wherefore, the people did believe in his words and did entreat the mothers
to meet together on an appointed day to choose Councils to rule the people of
Hagoth.
46. Now, on the appointed day, even Hagoth and Hementah, Cumenihah and
Hagmeni, yea, and many other of the principle men, did stand before the mothers
and did appeal to them to choose out those that would preserve the peace of the
land. For they all believed in the words of Shi-Tugohah, and the Spirit witnessed
to them that his words were true.
47. And the mothers did meet and chose out of the people of Hagoth the first of
their Councils. And when the Council met for the first time, they chose Hagoth to
preside. And behold, all the people were pleased with the choice and they all
cried amen together.
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Page 131
1.
And it came to pass that my father was the High Priest of the People of
Corianton. Now, the people whom Corianton discovered in the wilderness were
not united in any way, and they did often go up to battle against their neighbors.
But Corianton taught them to be unified and to love one another. And they
became a great people, a people who loved peace. And behold, they did make
him to be a king unto them.
2.
But when the people of Corianton joined with the Nemenhah, and became
Nemenhah, they no longer raised up kings unto themselves, but adopted the ways
and customs of the Nemenhah. And from that day, Corianton became the High
Priest of the Nemenhah of Corianton, and so also his children after him.
Wherefore, my father, Alma, the son of Corianton, had the people also chosen to
be High Priest unto them.
3.
Now, at the time in which I had returned unto my own people, my father
had grown old and he was exceedingly frail of body. Wherefore, he did ask the
people to seek the guidance of the Spirit in the choosing of one to sit in the seat of
the High Priest in his stead. For he was tired and knew that he would soon go the
way of the world. Wherefore, he asked the Council of Corianton to meet and to
choose a new High Priest for the city.
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Page 139
7. Behold, we did greet Him as our King and our High Priest. And I did take
Him by the hand and I did lead Him to the seat of the High Priest. And I did
place upon Him the robes of the High Priest and He did sit upon the seat. And
behold, I did declare to all the people that this was the Christ, the Son of the
Living God, He who was killed by His own, He who had paid the uttermost price
for our redemption and who had sealed it with the sacrifice most dear. And the
people did gather to the Temple to see Him and to hear His words.
1398. And behold, my son Corianton did approach the seat and, bowing himself
down before his Lord, he did wash His feet, hands, and head, and he did anoint
Him with oil most precious. And when he had done this, the Lord did place His
hands upon the head of Corianton and blessed him, and bid him arise.
9. And behold, Pa-Sabel approached also the seat and bowed herself down
before the Lord. And she did break bread and blessed it, as she had been taught
to do upon the Way. And she offered it to the Lord, and He did eat. And she did
pour out pure wine into a grail and blessed it, as she had been taught to do upon
the Way. And she offered it to the Lord, and He did drink. And when this was
done He took her by the hand and arose from the seat. And He said in the
hearing of all the people gathered there:
10. Behold, this is well, what these two have done unto me. For they did
approach me upon the Way. Yea, they did seek my face and I did acknowledge
them. And behold, I did teach them these things upon the Way when I did show
myself unto them who sought me. Let them be an ensample unto all those who
would come unto me and diligently seek me. Unto such shall I give my kingdom.
Yea, of such shall I make up my jewels.
11. And behold, when He had said these words, He did join the hands of
Corianton, my son, and Pa-Sabel and presented them together to the host, saying:
12. These two have become First Man and First Woman. Surely, they shall
always administer my sacraments together. For, the one is not without the other
in me. Wherefore, I shall bless and sanctify all that they do.
13. And unto the two, He said:
14. Go now and do like as you did unto me also unto all this people, teaching
them to do likewise unto every person. And they went straightway and
ministered unto the people, teaching them the ordinance of these two sacraments.
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Page142
6. Samuel, you who have been my mouthpiece in times past, be so now even
unto this people. And take twelve of your people, of both men and women, and
behold, I shall touch them and place upon them the priesthood. And they shall
listen to my words and take them to the people. For the multitude gathered is
great and my voice shall reach them all through my anointed ones. And all those
who are of the Nemenhah of Corianton who are not present must also hear my
words. Wherefore, these whom you appoint and upon whom I lay this great
charge, shall take other twelve from each city and region, to begin the spreading
of my gospel to all the people.
7. Then, when all the people have received of my word, let them all strive to
obtain for themselves the anointing. And if they do this with singleness of heart,
seeking my face, behold, I shall manifest myself unto them upon the Way. For I
am the Way, the Truth and the Light. If anyone seeks me in this spirit, they shall
find me.
8. And I did all that the Lord commanded me, choosing out six men and six
women who were known to me to be upright people with good intentions. And
He took them one by one and touched them and called them to be His servants.
And these are the words He used:
9. Upon you, my servant, I lay a certain charge and commission. And I give
you authority to act in all things that the Spirit does manifest that I would do
were I present to do them. Wherefore, be diligent in study, and also in fasting
and in prayer. In this shall you know my doctrine. Yea, in this shall you know of
me, through the whisperings of the Spirit, that which is my will and that which is
not. And I give unto you power to command the elements as often as the Spirit
dictates. Wherefore, pray always that you be not deceived and carried away in
pride.
10. Then, casting His eyes about, He taught us concerning this priesthood,
saying:
11. Behold, I do perceive your thoughts. Marvel not that I have given mine
authority to women and men alike. Yea, this thing has been of concern to some
since the day that Pa-Sabel received word from me of the ordinance she should
perform when I came. Behold, I do confer the priesthood upon those men who
would follow me and do the things they see me do. And unto such is made an
ordination, that they may speak and act in my name, and be justified in so doing.
But I do not confer such upon the women, for they have of my Mother in Heaven
that which I cannot give. Wherefore, I do ordain them. But the priesthood they
142have already cannot be given, nor taken away, but by that person who gave it.
Wherefore, if there be any woman who desires to follow me and do the things
they see me do, they are authorized from the foundation of the world, and I do
justify them.
12. For, the daughters of Eve do sacrifice of themselves freely for the sake of
all living. For this cause did Adam call her name Eve. For she is the Mother of
all Living. She does give of herself, even to the laying down of her life, in order
that man might be, and in order that the purposes of heaven may go forward. She
is a Priestess and Queen unto the Most High God forever.
13. Wherefore, if by the Spirit she is moved upon to take up emblems of my life
and death, and bless them, and administer them to the people, what is that to
you? She does it unto me. Wherefore, restrain her not at all.
14. But behold, men received not such power by their creation and come into
the world without the natural inclination to do good. Wherefore have I said, the
natural man is an enemy to God. By the sweat of his face shall Adam earn his
bread all the days of his life. And through constancy in service and in sacrifice
shall he learn, order by order, line upon line, even precept on precept, to become
like me and do the things they see me do. Wherefore, I confer priesthood upon
men who would be my servants, and I give them authority to minister. But
woman are ministers from the foundation of the world.
15. And when a man wishes to engage in the work of my Father which is in
Heaven, you unto whom I have given this authority may confer it unto him and
ordain him to that stewardship that I shall provide for him. That he may also take
up his cross and learn by the application of the Law of the Gospel to give freely
of himself, breaking his heart and humbling his spirit. For, this is the sacrifice
which I will accept of him. Yea, he shall bend his own will and tame it, and do
whatsoever I shall command him. And this he shall learn to do without coercion
or compulsion, but freely of his own accord. This is the sacrifice of the heart and
the spirit which I require of all those who would call themselves my servants.
16. And that man shall attend to do his duty unto the people, administering the
sacraments unto them, keeping my Holy House, and teaching the people. This is
the work that I shall require of him. And behold, he shall do all this freely and
shall not be compelled to do it in any way. For, though the priesthood appear to
be that by which service is rendered unto others, it is a service unto me and unto
my Father. Wherefore, let him do it with an eye single to the glory of God and
not to his own. And if he do this, he shall attain to that state of happiness of
which the prophets have spoken, both in this life as also in the life to come.
17. And when a woman wishes to engage in the work of my Father which is in
Heaven, in addition to that great work which the Mother has given unto her by
143virtue of her very creation, you, unto whom I have given my authority, may
ordain her unto that stewardship that I shall provide for her. And she shall apply
that great gift, which my Mother which is in Heaven has given her, to the
ministering unto the people as the man does. She shall also bend her own will
and do whatsoever I shall command her. But remember, whereas the stewardship
that I shall provide for every man is a necessary thing for most men, in order that
they might overcome the natural man, that which has been provided women by
the Mother does already accomplish this end for them. Wherefore, priesthood,
though a woman may officiate in the sacraments and in every holy ordinance, is
not requisite for her salvation. Whereas, men must have this device in order to
truly come unto me. And where the priesthood is not available for them, surely I
shall provide another means whereby men may overcome that which prevents
them from the Way.
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Page 333
1.
And behold, this is the state of affairs in the land of the Nemenhah of
Mentinah in the days of my stewardship. And the days of my stewardship have
been long among my people and I am become old.
2.
And I have delivered up the seat of the High Priest unto the Great Council
of Mentinah and they have chosen my own son, Shimlei, to sit in the seat in my
stead. And he is a righteous man and has assisted me in my work for forty years.
Indeed, since he became a man and took to wife the granddaughter of Alma and
Pa Sabel of Corianton, he has always been at my side and has been a support and
help to me in all the things the Lord has called upon us to do. Yea, he has been a
counselor unto me and a great help in my labors.
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Page 336
1.
I am Shimlei, the son of Manti and these are my generations. Behold,
Hagmeni was the companion of Moroni, who was the Captain of the Nephites
even when he was a young man, and he did follow him all the days of his life.
He lived forty and two years and begot Hagoth. Hagoth lived thirty and eight
years and he begot Hag Tlouah, whom many called Hagothah, and Hagmeni.
Hag Tlouah sailed into the West Sea and was lost. Hagmeni followed his father
into the Land Northward when he forsook the Land Southward and the Nephites,
his brethren. Hagmeni lived fifty and eight years and he begot Sanhempet.
Sanhempet lived twenty and three years and begot Ougou. Ougou lived twenty
and eight years and begot Manti. Manti was my father and I was born to him
forty years after he did see the face of his Savior. Behold, I have stood beside my
father for forty years as he filled the seat of High Priest to the Nemenhah of Mentinah.
2.
And I did learn of my father and my mother all the learning of our people,
but especially did I delight in the knowledge of our history and our writing. And
when my father became old and desired to give up the seat of High Priest unto the
people, he did entreat the council to elect someone in his stead. And when they
met together, they did elect me to fill his seat.
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Page 469
5.
Now behold, Nephat has died and the Council has laid this charge upon me
and I do take it up. And behold, these are the duties of the High Priest of the city
of Mentinah according to the customs that have been established by the use of the
people and of the councils for many generations:
6.
Behold, the High Priest shall officiate in the place of the Peli for and in
behalf of all the inhabitants of the city. Wherefore, when a ceremony is sought
for all the people, the High Priest does officiate and preside over such ceremony.
7.
And also when the Council meets to study old policy or to make new
policies or laws, the High Priest presides and maintains order, for the High Priest
is the Peli of the Council. Yea, the High Priest sees to it that all the members of
the Council shall have opportunity to speak and be heard. And behold, if the
Council becomes unruly or unkindly, the High Priest adjourns the meeting so that
they do no injustice or injury to each other.
8.
And when new records are added to the libraries, the High Priest takes them
up and blesses them.
9.
And when new people are admitted into the city of Mentinah to sojourn
there, the High Priest adopts them by a ceremony.
10. And when there are public buildings erected, the High Priest blesses them.
11. And the High Priest has the care and management of the public storehouse.
12. And when land is taken into cultivation for the sake of the storehouse and
not for any private stewardship, the High Priest blesses the land and gives thanks
on behalf of all the people.
13. And, when the ordinances of the High Place are performed by the Council,
the High Priest does take the part of Elohim Heavenly Father in the narration.
469But behold, when the High Priest participates in the ordinances in general the part
is taken according to the lots as they fall.
14. And the High Priest takes particular care in providing for the Councils, in
the region over which Mentinah holds sway, the names of all those who shall
have the right to sit in the place of the Peli to provide for order in the Councils.
These same shall be trained by the High Priest in all their responsibilities.
15. And when a Great Council is called, the High Priest of Mentinah serves
with the High Priest of Corianton and the thirteen principle cities of the
Nemenhah. Behold, they form a Council of Peli and they elect who shall preside
over the Great Council.
16. These are the duties of the High Priest of Mentinah.
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Page 540
39. Now, all the commissions given of Christ for to fulfill His purposes are
called by us the Priesthood of God. Yea, it is by His commission that priests and
teachers are called to assist us and to attend to the synagogues. And it is by His
commission that the High Priest sees to the management of the High Place and of
the surplus of the city and its keeping. And it is by His commission that mothers
and fathers do teach their children and also the stranger in their house. And it is
by His commission that families do sometimes assign Peli with a special calling
to assist them with the ordinances and the sacrifices. Behold, the commission of
the Lord is the priesthood and it is the responsibility of every person to obtain it.
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Page 531
11. And this was also the case with the settlements that sprang up in the north
part of the valley. Wherefore, rather than that they should come always unto me
in Elat Kowat for all their needs, I did establish High Priests for them in their
Lodges.
12. And I did cause that they should call teachers and priests to instruct in the
synagogues and to administer the ordinances of baptism and also the sacrament of
the Lord‟s supper unto the people. Now, these are they whom we call Peli. And
they are men or women whom the community sees are of good heart and pure
534intention. And their names are given unto the High Priest of the city for
consideration for callings in the administration of such things. Wherefore, when
a teacher or priest is needed for any of the synagogues, the High Priest takes up
the list of names which the Council has provided and inquires of the Lord as to
who should be called. And, if the list contains not the name of that person whom
the Lord sees fit to install, by the word of His commission unto the High Priest,
then the name of the candidate is given to the High Priest through revelation.
13. But behold, any person of good intention may officiate in the administration
of the ordinances of baptism and of the sacrament of the Lord‟s supper. And any
person of good intention is equal to the task of leading the instruction of the
people. For, they all do instruct their own children in their homes constantly and
this does prepare all the Nemenhah to become teachers and priests.
14. And those ordinances which are done only in the home, such as the blessing
and naming of children, blessing of the sick and the afflicted, the bestowal of the
blessing whereby the people are reminded to receive the Holy Ghost, the
ordinances of the High Place and all those things that must be taught at home to
prepare for them, behold, all these things are administered by the parents of
children or by the Peli, as each family shall choose and call for their edification.
15. And behold, the Nemenhah of Nespelhem did begin to administer the bread
and wine of the Lord‟s supper every time they met together to be instructed of the
teachers and priests. And this became a custom with us, to celebrate the covenant
that the Lord made with the Father and with the Holy Ghost, every time we meet
for any reason.
16. Yea, when we gather to plant, we celebrate this sacrament, as also when we
harvest. And when we build a house or a barn, we celebrate this sacrament. And
when we meet a stranger on our way, we pause with them and welcome them,
and we celebrate with them this sacrament. And behold, when any member of
our family comes or goes away, we take time to celebrate this sacrament with
them when they arrive from a journey or before they depart from us.
17. And this we do in order that we may keep in our remembrance always that
thing which the Lord has done for us. And we do it also that we may always
have His spirit with us, or, in other words, that because we remember Him in all
that we do, we might become in all ways like unto Him and take upon ourselves,
and cultivate in ourselves that spirit wherewith He did teach us to govern our
lives.
18. But this is not all. When we do this, keeping the covenant which He made
with the Father and with the Holy Ghost, we are made partakers of that covenant
also. Therefore, if we have His spirit to be with us, and if we do govern ourselves
by that spirit which we have received of Him, we shall also be assured of the
535covenant relationship with the Father and with the Holy Ghost that He also
enjoys.
19. For behold, it is by the power of the Father that we have our being. Yea,
and because of the covenant which He made with the Mother, we have our lives
and we are also partakers of that covenant. And it is by the power of the Holy
Ghost that all things may be brought to our remembrance and be confirmed in us.
Yea, by the power of the Holy Ghost we may become like our Father and Mother
in Heaven. And it is because of the atonement which was accomplished by the
Lord, even the Peacemaker, that we may come into communion with Heavenly
Beings. Wherefore, we do participate as often as we can make excuse to do so in
that covenant which they made together.
20. And when we meet in formal assembly, which is our custom in the
synagogues, we do not sit ourselves according to rank or calling, for there is no
caste within the Nemenhah but we are all servants. Yea, the synagogues are built
in a circle or hoop fashion, as has been described in another place, and the priests
and teachers sit in the center. And when they teach, they do stand in order that all
may hear their words. But behold, they do not stand because they are above any
other person in rank or caste.
21. And when we meet, the priest leads the people in prayer, or asks that
someone lead in prayer. For, when we come together in assembly, either for
worship and oblation, or for councils, we do wish the Lord to be there with us.
For it is expedient that we have the assistance and counsel of the Lord in all
things, to help us with what we are about to do. Wherefore, we do pray first in
earnest entreaty to have the Lord with us, and also the Holy Ghost.
22. And also when we meet together in assembly we do sing songs of praise
unto the Lord. Yea, we do lift up our voices in song and thanksgiving unto the
Lord whenever we do assemble ourselves together. And whenever a new song is
written, we ask our teachers to instruct us in it. For, the song of thanksgiving is a
prayer unto the Lord and we know that the Lord does rejoice in our thanksgiving,
for He has informed us that it is so.
23. And when we have prayed for the presence of Heavenly Beings, and when
we have all taken of the bread and wine of the Lord‟s supper, the teacher stands
and reads from the scriptures. And when this is done, the teacher sometimes
expounds upon what has been read as the Spirit gives utterance. And also, if any
person is moved upon by the Holy Ghost, they also stand in their place and speak
the words which come to their hearts. But more often, the people take thought in
that which has been read without much talking, for the Holy Ghost is a mighty
instructor.
53624. And when this is all done, the teacher leads us in more song and the priest
leads us once again in prayer. And the people embrace each other and the
assembly is concluded.
25. And this is the custom among all the Nemenhah when they meet in
assembly together. And behold, the priests and teachers assist us always in our
understandings and in our oblations.
26. Now, it is the priest who is given the charge and the stewardship of the care
and keeping of the synagogue, and this does often take away from the time
necessary for the priest to labor for the support of the family and for the creating
of surplus. And the Nemenhah do not begrudge the priest anything that is
required in order to maintain the synagogue in good order. Wherefore, the people
all do give of their surplus to the priest because of the labor which is required on
the part of the people. And no priest is ever left in a state of want, for this would
be the shame and the dishonor of the people.
27. But the teachers are not asked to do more than the people themselves do in
order to fulfill the stewardship that has been placed upon them. Wherefore, they
are not made beggars by their stewardship and make no entreaty because of it.
28. And there is always a font of water kept at the synagogue in readiness for
any who might wish to be baptized. And this font is kept clean and the water is
kept fresh each day. And when any person desires to renew the covenant which
they have made with the Lord, and the people do this often, they come to the
priest and ask for the ordinance. Or they bring with them that member of their
family who does act as Peli for them in this ordinance and the priest leads them in
it in a sacred manner.
29. And when a sojourner or a stranger first arrives in the city, they go unto the
priest and make themselves known. And their needs are made known to the
priest first, and also their intention. And the priest takes their petition to the High
Priest immediately, and their want is fulfilled out of the storehouse of the city.
Then, once care is taken to assure that they do not want for their physical needs,
they may make their introduction to the Council and, if it is their intention to stay
and become part of the community, they receive their stewardship from the
Council.
30. Wherefore, the Nemenhah are careful to maintain that the priest of the
synagogue always has somewhat of a surplus to care for the wayfarer and the
stranger. And they also bring as much of their surplus as they cannot keep
adequately themselves to the storehouses of the city, that there be no waste of the
surplus of the people. And this is kept in good order by the High Priest of the
city and those the Council calls to assist in this labor as part of their stewardship.
537But behold, all that can be adequately kept in the homes of the Nemenhah, they
do keep themselves and they do administer it to the needy.
31. But neither the priest of the synagogue nor the High Priest are left without
that which is needed to immediately assist the stranger, the visitor, or the
wayfarer. For, it is oft the case that such is their state that the wayfarer arrives in
the city in desperate need and the priest is called upon to assist with haste.
Wherefore, we always maintain that the priest, whom we call to be a shepherd to
the people and a servant, has a store of that which is needed to be of speedy
assistance.
32. Behold, I am reminded of the day that I did arrive in Mentinah from the
Nephite wars. I and my companions whom I had gathered along the way were in
desperate need of assistance. And behold, because of the custom of the
Nemenhah, we had no need of making our petition to the Council, but rather, our
needs were immediately met by the priest of the synagogue. For, the first person
to see us approaching the city ran out to greet us and, seeing that we were
desperate from our long journey and hungry, took us directly to the priest.
33. And the priest of the synagogue nearest to the southern approach to the city,
for this is the direction in which we did arrive in Mentinah, having crossed a great
desert and traversed the mountains, was a woman of great spirit and presence of
mind. And the Nemenhah had made sure that she had a store of those things
most required by the wayfarer. And she did take us in without question or
interview, and she did succor us and give us that which we most required, being a
place to wash ourselves, sound food and medicine with wine to revive us, and a
place to lay ourselves down to rest. And when we were revived, for we were in
sore want, she administered the sacrament of the Lord‟s supper with us and
revived our spirits as well. Then did we go up unto the Council and give our
report of the war and its outcome.
34. Now, this is a good custom. For we were desperate for assistance, having
come from afar off. And behold, we were strangers in a strange city. And our
appearance was exceedingly rough. Yea, we did appear as vagabonds straight
from who might know what mischief. But, because of the custom of the people,
no one was called upon to judge our intention. The Nemenhah took care of our
immediate needs first. For, it is also the custom that newcomers come unto the
Council to introduce themselves and it is the stewardship of the Council to
ascertain one‟s intentions.
35. But behold, it is the stewardship of every individual to feed the hungry and
clothe the naked. And it is the calling of each man and woman to give rest to the
weary and to lift up the hands that hang down. This is the commission of every
man or woman which is given unto them of Jesus Christ, who is the Peacemaker.
538Above all other stewardships that might be given of men, this one stewardship is
given of the Lord and the Nemenhah need no commandment or reminder in it.
They do assure that all who come wanting into their cities are cared for speedily.
36. For, are we not all wayfarers? Do we not all travel together the road upon
which our Lord has placed us? And can we say that this road is always pleasant
and never rough? Or is it true that we always go upon our way knowing exactly
what will become of us or how our journey will fare? Can any of us predict one
day to the next with certainty?
37. I say unto you, Nay. For we have not all things before us and cannot see the
end from the beginning. And if we are all wayfarers, it is good to remember that
we may at time fare ill in our journey and require speedy assistance to save our
very lives. If this be the case with us, how can we begrudge our substance to any
other? Yea, and how can we, who have plenty and to spare, fail to make
preparations before the time of need to provide for them who have not? Because
we are blind to all that might befall us, is it not wisdom to make preparations?
38. But behold, it is a peculiar thing among the Nemenhah that we do make
preparations not for ourselves, but it is for others that we make preparation, yea,
we do it to be of service to our neighbor. For, what good would our surplus be to
him that immediately needs if he must first find us who have made preparation to
make his entreaty? For immediate aid, such a thing would profit no one.
Wherefore, we put up in store in order that no petition may go up unheard and
unheeded, nay, not even for a moment.
39. Now, all the commissions given of Christ for to fulfill His purposes are
called by us the Priesthood of God. Yea, it is by His commission that priests and
teachers are called to assist us and to attend to the synagogues. And it is by His
commission that the High Priest sees to the management of the High Place and of
the surplus of the city and its keeping. And it is by His commission that mothers
and fathers do teach their children and also the stranger in their house. And it is
by His commission that families do sometimes assign Peli with a special calling
to assist them with the ordinances and the sacrifices. Behold, the commission of
the Lord is the priesthood and it is the responsibility of every person to obtain it.
40. The priest is not the priesthood. Nay, and the High Priest is not the
priesthood. It is that specific word of God that comes to the individual by and
through the Holy Ghost that conveys the commission to the heart and soul of a
man or a woman.
41. And behold, when this commission is come into the soul of a person, they
come to the priest or the High Priest, or to the Peli of a family, and they request a
blessing of them to confirm by token and by the laying on of hands of that which
has been received of the Lord. And the priest, the High Priest or the Peli shall
539give whatever words of prophecy or counsel to which the Holy Ghost may give
utterance, and this becomes a witness and an assistance to the individual in
fulfilling that commission whereby the Lord has called them.
42. And if the High Priest does call upon a person from out of the names
provided by the people to be a priest or teacher unto them, they may not take up
the calling until they have sought the confirmation of the Holy Ghost that they
have received the commission of the Lord in it. And if they receive not this
confirmation, they do not accept the call, but they do ask the High Priest to go
again unto the Lord in prayer to affirm the matter.
43. Behold, the priesthood of God is a serious matter to the Nemenhah and we
do not trifle with it. It is not given to any person without the clear and certain
commission of the Lord. And this commission comes to a person by and through
the power of the Holy Ghost.
---------------------
Page 541
52. Now, Aaron was called up to the office of High Priest unto his people by
the mouth of a prophet of God. But do you suppose that this was done without
Aaron‟s having received any intelligence of it? Nay, believe it not, for I say unto
you that Aaron did inquire of the Lord in the matter. And, after that he had spent
much time and effort in repenting of his faults and his errors, the Lord did convey
unto him through the power of the Holy Ghost the commission to do all that the
prophet called him to do.
----------------------------
Page 547
14. By the commission I have received of the Lord, I ordain you according to
the Order of Levi. You shall hereafter be known as a priest and teacher of this
order and I do this in the name of the Peacemaker.
15. And they who become priests and teachers after this order of priesthood
assist the High Priest in all things. Yea, they do keep the synagogue and they do
teach the people. And they do keep peace in the community, for they work under
the commission of the Peacemaker. And it is their work to prepare the hearts of
all men
---------------------
Page 592
4.
And because of this transfer of the sentiment of the people, the High Priest of Elak Kowat was made to preside over the Great Council. Wherefore, in accepting the calling of High Priest of my own city, I did also accept a call to be the father of my nation. Or, in other words, the people did raise a voice of Common Consent that I should take charge of the High Place, the archives and of the surplus of the nation.
------------------------------
Page 600
68. Behold, the settlements are formed because some small group of Nemenhah do chose to leave the city of their habitation and strike out into the wilderness to form other communities. And the new community does meet together and a Community Council is formed following the pattern given by our ancestors.
69. Yea, we do ask our mothers to nominate the names of those they wish to sit in the council. And the people do vote on the names and they become the Community Council by the Common Consent of the people. And this council
does elect a High Priest from among the Peli of the families of the group to act as the keeper of the records and to have the care and keeping also of the surplus of the city. And now that the High Places are built in all the cities, it has also
become part of the stewardship of the High Priests and the Peli to have the keeping and the care of it and of the synagogues.
70. Now, this has been the manner in which the Lord has called up men and women to serve the people ever since my city has been. And behold, we know that this custom has been passed down to us from generation to generation and it has also been confirmed by the records of our people which we do open and read often.
71. Wherefore, we do believe that the Lord does call the Peli personally. It is from among the Peli that the Community Council does call the High Priest. This High Priest does call and train priests and teachers to serve in the churches, but they are also sustained by the people.


The 3rd step in the Levitical order:

This third (3rd) step in the second order is called the office of Levitical Priest.

This is also called the office of Aaron. It is also
called the office of bishop.  The office of bishop
is a name often used instead of the office of Aaron.
This is also an office held by John The Baptist.
These priests are not to be confused with priests or
high priests after other orders such as the Melchizedek
order. In the priesthood orders there are rankings or steps.
These rankings have been explained as deacons, teachers,
priests, elders and high priests. High priests being the 5th
step and one step or rank above elders. In this case, the 3rd step within this order of Levi is the office of Levitical priest. This office has been given to Aaron and his sons and has been called the Aaronic priesthood. This office presides over the Levitical offices of Teacher and Deacon. So then these two Levitical offices are considered appendages to the Aaronic priesthood.



The authority and keys to this office is currently held by John The Baptist.

The Nag Hammadi Library

The Apocryphon of James
(The Secret Book of James)

Then I questioned him: "Lord how may we prophesy to those who ask us to prophesy to them? For there are many who ask us and who look to us to hear an oracle from us."
The Lord answered and said: "Do you not know that the head of prophecy was cut off with John?"
And I said: "Lord, it is not possible to remove the head of prophecy, is it?"
The Lord said to me: "When you come to know what 'head' is, and that prophecy issues from the head, then understand what is the meaning of 'Its head was removed'. I first spoke with you in parables, and you did not understand. Now, in turn, I speak with you openly, and you do not perceive. But it is you who were to me a parable in parables and what is apparent in what are open.
-------------------------------------------
The Doctrine and Covenants

Section 107
 1 There are, in the church, two priesthoods,
namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the
Levitical Priesthood.
----------------------------------------
 13 The second priesthood is called the Priesthood
of Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and
his seed, throughout all their generations.

 14 Why it is called the lesser priesthood is because
it is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek
Priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances.

 15 The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood,
 and holds the keys or authority of the same.

 16 No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the
 keys of this priesthood, except he be a literal descendant of Aaron.

 17 But as a high priest of the Melchizedek 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 Melchizedek
Priesthood.
----------------------
60 Verily, I say unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts, there must needs be presiding elders to preside over those who are of the office of an elder;

 61 And also priests to preside over those who are of the office of a priest;

 62 And also teachers to preside over those who are of the office of a teacher, in like manner, and also the deacons�

 63 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.

 64 Then comes the High Priesthood, which is the greatest of all.

 65 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;

 66 Or, in other words, the Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the Church.

 67 From the same comes the administering of ordinances and blessings upon the church, by the laying on of the hands.

 68 Wherefore, the office of a bishop is not equal unto it; for the office of a bishop is in administering all temporal things;

 69 Nevertheless a bishop must be chosen from the High Priesthood, unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron;

 70 For unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron he cannot hold the keys of that priesthood.

 71 Nevertheless, a high priest, that is, after the order of Melchizedek, may be set apart unto the ministering of temporal things, having a knowledge of them by the Spirit of truth;

 72 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 counselors, whom he has chosen or will choose among the elders of the church.

 73 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 Melchizedek.

 74 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.

 75 And inasmuch as there are other bishops appointed they shall act in the same office.

 76 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 counselors, except in a case where a President of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, is tried, to sit as a judge in Israel.

 77 And the decision of either of these councils, agreeable to the commandment which says:

 78 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.

 79 And the Presidency of the council of the High Priesthood shall have power to call other high priests, even twelve, to assist as counselors; and thus the Presidency of the High Priesthood and its counselors shall have power to decide upon testimony according to the laws of the church.

 80 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.

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

 82 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 counselors of the High Priesthood;

 83 And their decision upon his head shall be an end of controversy concerning him.

 84 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.

 85 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.

 86 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.

 87 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�

 88 This president is to be a bishop; for this is one of the duties of this priesthood.

 89 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.

 90 This presidency is a distinct one from that of the seventy, and is designed for those who do not travel into all the world.

 91 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�

 92 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.


Section 13
An extract from Joseph Smith�s history recounting the
ordination of the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery to the
Aaronic Priesthood near Harmony, Pennsylvania,
May 15, 1829. The ordination was done by the hands
of an angel who announced himself as John, the same
 that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament.
The angel explained that he was acting under the
 direction of Peter, James, and John, the ancient Apostles,
 who held the keys of the higher priesthood, which was
called the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The promise was
given to Joseph and Oliver that in due time this higher
priesthood would be conferred upon them. (See section 27:7�8, 12.)
The keys and powers of the Aaronic Priesthood are set forth.

 1 Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I
confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the
 ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance,
and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins;
and this shall never be taken again from the earth,
until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the
 Lord in righteousness.
---------------------------------------------------------
Section 68
14 There remain hereafter, in the due time of the Lord, other
bishops to be set apart unto the church, to minister even
according to the first;

 15 Wherefore they shall be high priests who are worthy,
 and they shall be appointed by the First Presidency of the
Melchizedek Priesthood, except they be literal descendants
 of Aaron.

 16 And if they be literal descendants of Aaron they have a
 legal right to the bishopric, if they are the firstborn among
the sons of Aaron;

 17 For the firstborn holds the right of the presidency over this
 priesthood, and the keys or authority of the same.

 18 No man has a legal right to this office, to hold the keys of this
priesthood, except he be a literal descendant and the firstborn of Aaron.

 19 But, as a high priest of the Melchizedek 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, under the
hands of the First Presidency of the Melchizedek Priesthood.

 20 And a literal descendant of Aaron, also, must be designated by
 this Presidency, and found worthy, and anointed, and ordained
under the hands of this Presidency, otherwise they are not legally
 authorized to officiate in their priesthood.

 21 But, by virtue of the decree concerning their right of the
 priesthood descending from father to son, they may claim
 their anointing if at any time they can prove their lineage,
or do ascertain it by revelation from the Lord under the
hands of the above named Presidency.
-------------------------------------------------------
Section 72
 1 Hearken, and listen to the voice of the Lord, O ye who
have assembled yourselves together, who are the high
priests of my church, to whom the kingdom and power
have been given.

 2 For verily thus saith the Lord, it is expedient in me for a
bishop to be appointed unto you, or of you, unto the church
in this part of the Lord�s vineyard.

 3 And verily in this thing ye have done wisely, for it is required
 of the Lord, at the hand of every steward, to render an
 account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity.

 4 For he who is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy
to inherit the mansions prepared for him of my Father.

 5 Verily I say unto you, the elders of the church in this part of
my vineyard shall render an account of their stewardship unto
the bishop, who shall be appointed of me in this part of my vineyard.

 6 These things shall be had on record, to be handed over unto
 the bishop in Zion.

 7 And the duty of the bishop shall be made known by the
commandments which have been given, and the voice of the
conference.

 8 And now, verily I say unto you, my servant Newel K. Whitney
is the man who shall be appointed and ordained unto this power.
This is the will of the Lord your God, your Redeemer. Even so. Amen.

 9 The word of the Lord, in addition to the law which has been given,
 making known the duty of the bishop who has been ordained unto
the church in this part of the vineyard, which is verily this�

 10 To keep the Lord�s storehouse; to receive the funds of the church
in this part of the vineyard;

 11 To take an account of the elders as before has been commanded;
and to administer to their wants, who shall pay for that which they
receive, inasmuch as they have wherewith to pay;

 12 That this also may be consecrated to the good of the church, to
the poor and needy.

 13 And he who hath not wherewith to pay, an account shall be taken
and handed over to the bishop of Zion, who shall pay the debt out of
that which the Lord shall put into his hands.

 14 And the labors of the faithful who labor in spiritual things, in
administering the gospel and the things of the kingdom unto
the church, and unto the world, shall answer the debt unto
the bishop in Zion;

 15 Thus it cometh out of the church, for according to the law
every man that cometh up to Zion must lay all things before
the bishop in Zion.

 16 And now, verily I say unto you, that as every elder in this
 part of the vineyard must give an account of his stewardship
unto the bishop in this part of the vineyard�

 17 A certificate from the judge or bishop in this part of the
vineyard, unto the bishop in Zion, rendereth every man
acceptable, and answereth all things, for an inheritance,
and to be received as a wise steward and as a faithful laborer;

 18 Otherwise he shall not be accepted of the bishop of Zion.

 19 And now, verily I say unto you, let every elder who shall
give an account unto the bishop of the church in this part of
the vineyard be recommended by the church or churches,
in which he labors, that he may render himself and his
accounts approved in all things.

 20 And again, let my servants who are appointed as stewards
 over the literary concerns of my church have claim for
assistance upon the bishop or bishops in all things�

 21 That the revelations may be published, and go forth
unto the ends of the earth; that they also may obtain funds
 which shall benefit the church in all things;

 22 That they also may render themselves approved in all
things, and be accounted as wise stewards.

 23 And now, behold, this shall be an ensample for all the
extensive branches of my church, in whatsoever land they
shall be established. And now I make an end of my
sayings. Amen.

 24 A few words in addition to the laws of the kingdom,
respecting the members of the church�they that are
appointed by the Holy Spirit to go up unto Zion, and they
 who are privileged to go up unto Zion�

 25 Let them carry up unto the bishop a certificate from
three elders of the church, or a certificate from the bishop;

 26 Otherwise he who shall go up unto the land of Zion
 shall not be accounted as a wise steward. This is also
an ensample. Amen.
------------------------
Section 84
 29 And again, the offices of elder and bishop are necessary
appendages belonging unto the high priesthood.

 30 And again, the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary
 appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood
 was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons.

112 And the bishop, Newel K. Whitney, also
should travel round about and among all the churches,
searching after the poor to administer to their wants by
humbling the rich and the proud.
----------------------



Exodus
Chapter 28

1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons
 with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may
minister unto me in the priest�s office, even Aaron, Nadab
and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron�s sons.

 2 And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother
for glory and for beauty.

 3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom
I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make
Aaron�s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest�s office.

 4 And these are the garments which they shall make; a
breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat,
 a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for
 Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto
 me in the priest�s office.

 5 And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet,
 and fine linen.

 6 �And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of
 purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work.

 7 It shall have the two shoulderpieces thereof joined at
the two edges thereof; and so it shall be joined together.

 8 And the curious girdle of the ephod, which is upon it,
shall be of the same, according to the work thereof; even
of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

 9 And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them
the names of the children of Israel:

 10 Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names
of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth.

 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings
of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names
 of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in
ouches of gold.

 12 And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of
 the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel:
and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his
two shoulders for a memorial.

 13 �And thou shalt make ouches of gold;

 14 And two chains of pure gold at the ends; of wreathen
work shalt thou make them, and fasten the wreathen chains
to the ouches.

 15 �And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with
cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make
it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine
twined linen, shalt thou make it.

 16 Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the
 length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof.

 17 And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows
of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a
carbuncle: this shall be the first row.

 18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire,
 and a diamond.

 19 And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst.

 20 And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper:
they shall be set in gold in their inclosings.

 21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children
 of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings
 of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to
the twelve tribes.

 22 �And thou shalt make upon the breastplate chains at the
ends of wreathen work of pure gold.

 23 And thou shalt make upon the breastplate two rings of gold,
 and shalt put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.

 24 And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains of gold in the
two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate.

 25 And the other two ends of the two wreathen chains thou
shalt fasten in the two ouches, and put them on the shoulderpieces
of the ephod before it.

 26 �And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put
them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof,
which is in the side of the ephod inward.

 27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, and shalt put
them on the two sides of the ephod underneath, toward the
 forepart thereof, over against the other coupling thereof, above
 the curious girdle of the ephod.

 28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto
the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be above
the curious girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be not
loosed from the ephod.

 29 And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in
the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in
unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.

 30 �And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim
and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron�s heart, when
he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment
of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually.

 31 �And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all of blue.

 32 And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the midst
 thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about
the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it
be not rent.

 33 �And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make
pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round
about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them
round about:

 34 A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a
pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.

 35 And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound
shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place
before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not.

 36 �And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave
 upon it, like the engravings of a signet,
HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

 37 And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon
the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be.

 38 And it shall be upon Aaron�s forehead, that Aaron may
bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of
Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be
always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted
before the Lord.

 39 �And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and
thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, and thou shalt
make the girdle of needlework.

 40 �And for Aaron�s sons thou shalt make coats, and
thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt
 thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.

 41 And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and
his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate
them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me
in the priest�s office.

 42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their
nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:

 43 And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when
they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or
when they come near unto the altar to minister in the
holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall
be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

---------------------
Leviticus 8

 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

2 Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments,
and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering,
and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread;

3 And gather thou all the congregation together unto the
door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

4 And Moses did as the Lord commanded him; and the assembly
was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of
the congregation.

5 And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing
which the Lord commanded to be done.

6 And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed
them with water.

7 And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the
girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod
upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the
ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.

8 And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the
 breastplate the Urim and the Thummim.

9 And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre,
 even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the
holy crown; as the Lord commanded Moses.

10 And Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the
tabernacle and all that was therein, and sanctified them.

11 And he sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times,
and anointed the altar and all his vessels, both the laver
and his foot, to sanctify them.

12 And he poured of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head,
and anointed him, to sanctify him.

13 And Moses brought Aaron's sons, and put coats upon
them, and girded them with girdles, and put bonnets upon
 them; as the Lord commanded Moses.

14 And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and
 Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the
bullock for the sin offering.

15 And he slew it; and Moses took the blood, and put it
upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger,
and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom
of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

16 And he took all the fat that was upon the inwards, and
the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat,
 and Moses burned it upon the altar.

17 But the bullock, and his hide, his flesh, and his dung, he
 burnt with fire without the camp; as the Lord
commanded Moses.

18 And he brought the ram for the burnt offering: and
Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of
the ram.

19 And he killed it; and Moses sprinkled the blood upon
the altar round about.

20 And he cut the ram into pieces; and Moses burnt the
head, and the pieces, and the fat.

21 And he washed the inwards and the legs in water; and
Moses burnt the whole ram upon the altar: it was a burnt
sacrifice for a sweet savour, and an offering made by fire
unto the Lord; as the Lord commanded Moses.

22 And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration:
and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of
the ram.

23 And he slew it; and Moses took of the blood of it, and
 put it upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb
 of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot.

24 And he brought Aaron's sons, and Moses put of the blood
upon the tip of their right ear, and upon the thumbs of their
right hands, and upon the great toes of their right feet: and
Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

25 And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was
upon the inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the two
kidneys, and their fat, and the right shoulder:

26 And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that was before
the Lord, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled
bread, and one wafer, and put them on the fat, and upon the
right shoulder:

27 And he put all upon Aaron's hands, and upon his sons' hands,
and waved them for a wave offering before the Lord.

28 And Moses took them from off their hands, and burnt them
on the altar upon the burnt offering: they were consecrations
for a sweet savour: it is an offering made by fire unto the Lord.

29 And Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave offering
before the Lord: for of the ram of consecration it was Moses'
part; as the Lord commanded Moses.

30 And Moses took of the anointing oil, and of the blood which
was upon the altar, and sprinkled it upon Aaron, and upon his
garments, and upon his sons, and upon his sons' garments
with him; and sanctified Aaron, and his garments, and his sons,
and his sons' garments with him.

31 And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh at
the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it
with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I
 commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.

32 And that which remaineth of the flesh and of the bread
shall ye burn with fire.

33 And ye shall not go out of the door of the tabernacle of the
 congregation in seven days, until the days of your consecration
be at an end: for seven days shall he consecrate you.

34 As he hath done this day, so the Lord hath commanded to do,
to make an atonement for you.

35 Therefore shall ye abide at the door of the tabernacle of the
congregation day and night seven days, and keep the charge of
 the Lord, that ye die not: for so I am commanded.

36 So Aaron and his sons did all things which the Lord commanded
by the hand of Moses.

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Numbers 18

And the Lord said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's
house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou
and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.

2 And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father,
bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister
unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the
tabernacle of witness.

3 And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle:
only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar,
that neither they, nor ye also, die.

4 And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the
tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle:
and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

5 And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the
altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.

6 And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among
 the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the Lord, to
do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

7 Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office
for everything of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have
 given your priest's office unto you as a service of gift: and the stranger
that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

8 And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the
charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children
 of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to
 thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

9 This shall be thine of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every
oblation of their's, every meat offering of their's, and every sin offering of
their's, and every trespass offering of their's which they shall render unto
me, shall be most holy for thee and for thy sons.

10 In the most holy place shalt thou eat it; every male shall eat it: it shall
be holy unto thee.

11 And this is thine; the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave
offerings of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and to
thy sons and to thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: every one
that is clean in thy house shall eat of it.

12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat,
the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the Lord, them have
I given thee.

13 And whatsoever is first ripe in the land, which they shall bring unto
the Lord, shall be thine; every one that is clean in thine house shall
eat of it.

14 Every thing devoted in Israel shall be thine.

15 Every thing that openeth the matrix in all flesh, which they
 bring unto the Lord, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be thine:
 nevertheless the firstborn of man shalt thou surely redeem, and the
firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem.

16 And those that are to be redeemed from a month old shalt thou
redeem, according to thine estimation, for the money of five shekels,
after the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs.

17 But the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of a sheep, or the
firstling of a goat, thou shalt not redeem; they are holy: thou shalt
sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for an
 offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto the Lord.

18 And the flesh of them shall be thine, as the wave breast and
as the right shoulder are thine.

19 All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children
of Israel offer unto the Lord, have I given thee, and thy sons
and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it is a covenant
of salt for ever before the Lord unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

20 And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance
in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy
 part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.

21 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in
 Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even
the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

22 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the
tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.

23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the
congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute
for ever throughout your generations, that among the children of
Israel they have no inheritance.

24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an
 heave offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit:
 therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they
shall have no inheritance.

25 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, When ye take of
the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them
for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it
 for the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithe.

27 And this your heave offering shall be reckoned unto you, as
 though it were the corn of the threshingfloor, and as the fulness
of the winepress.

28 Thus ye also shall offer an heave offering unto the Lord of all
your tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel; and ye
shall give thereof the Lord'S heave offering to Aaron the priest.

29 Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of
the Lord, of all the best thereof, even the hallowed part
 thereof out of it.

30 Therefore thou shalt say unto them, When ye have heaved
 the best thereof from it, then it shall be counted unto the
Levites as the increase of the threshingfloor, and as the
increase of the winepress.

31 And ye shall eat it in every place, ye and your households:
for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of
 the congregation.

32 And ye shall bear no sin by reason of it, when ye have
 heaved from it the best of it: neither shall ye pollute the
holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die.


The Office Of Peli

The office of Peli is a generic term for a priest and sometimes an overseer or bishop of the Levitical Order.  This is a name used in the Mentinah Archives for various  bishoprics within the Levitical order used by these people. The function of this office is that of the priesthood office of Aaron. The office of priest and patriarch have in common that they are both the 3rd step in priesthood rankings. Priest goes deacon. teacher and priest.  Patriarch goes Davidical, Levitical and Patriarchal.  This may explain why sometimes the duties of Peli  portrayed  are patriarchal in nature. In other words, a peli might be a term used sometimes  to describe an office of patriarch.

The Mentinah Archives
Volume One thru Nine
(As of Jan. 12, 2011)

Page 564

2.
And Minoet called a Council of the Peli of the city of Mentinah for the
purpose of making a regulation of the church. And she counseled them to find
563out the will of the Lord by revelation, and also the will of the people, as to how
the church ought to be managed.
3.
And she did also search the archives and made a record of all the ordinances
and ceremonies then in use by the Nemenhah to make plain who was to
administer them and how they were to be administered. And she did request of
the people that they inquire of the Lord in all things, that the people might once
again be brought into unity.
4.
And these are the ordinances that are being administered to the Nemenhah
at this time. And I do include them in my record.
5.
Behold, the Ordinance of the Blessing of the Newborn Children, or Unchi-
im, is made by the parents of the child, or one from among the family or friends
of the child who has been designated to act in the office of Peli for them. And
this ordinance is not a saving grace, but is a tradition and a custom among the
Nemenhah.
6.
And the Ordinance of the Blessing of Children, or Unchi-Aht, is made as
often as the parents deem necessary and it is done by the parents or the Peli. And
this ordinance is not a saving grace, but is a good tradition and a custom of the
Nemenhah.
7.
And when a young person has received a remission of their sins, they are
baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. And
this ordinance is made by the parent or the Peli. And this baptism is called Unchi
Ahm Aht Ahm, and it is a saving grace. By it we do betoken that we have
become in all ways the Lord‟s and that He has washed us clean of all iniquity.
Wherefore, let all people repent and be baptized. And the young person is
straightly charged to receive the Holy Ghost.
8.
And when a person wishes to renew any good thing and continue clean in
the eyes of the Lord, they participate in the Unipi and the Itsipi, after the manner
of the Ammonites. And the Peli shall perform the ordinances as dictated by the
Holy Ghost. And this is a saving grace, but it is not required for all people.
9.
And at any time that a new thing is confirmed, they do repeat the Unshi
Ahm Aht Ahm. And this is done by the family and in the company of friends to
demonstrate with an ordinance and a token every new emergence out of the
natural state of man.
10. And when a person has received the commission of the Lord by revelation,
and reports the same unto their parent, they are made Peli. And this is done by
the laying on of hands. If the person is a young man, this priesthood is conferred
upon him and he receives a blessing and an ordination. If the person is a young
woman, she receives a blessing and an ordination. And this priesthood is the
564Order of Levi and it is received by all who shall perform public ordinances, but
behold, it is not a saving grace. Nevertheless, the Lord has given it and He
desires that it be done in this manner.
11. And when any person is called up to do a public service unto the people,
behold the Peli does take that person and, laying hands upon them, gives a
blessing and an ordination to the calling. And this is done in public or in private,
and all the people sustain the calling.
12. And the people meet often to participate in the Sacrament of the Lord‟s
Supper, which they do call Manna. And it is an ordinance that is made by the
Peli, as the scriptures do instruct and according to the guidance and the direction
of the Holy Ghost. And behold, it is a saving grace, wherefore, the people do
meet together often to receive of it.
13. And the people also make this ordinance in their homes. And when the
Sacrament of the Lord‟s Supper is made in the home, they seek the commission
of the Lord in it each time.
14. And when a new house or public building is constructed, the Peli does
pronounce a blessing upon the place to make it holy ground. And this is done by
the direction of the Holy Ghost, but it is not a saving grace.
15. And when a field is broken, the same is done as for a new house. And also
when a field is harvested, the same is done.
16. And the priests and the Peli do offer up a sacred smoke of incense, and the
people do this also as families. Yea, and even as individuals, we do offer up a
sweet smoke and a sweet smell unto the Lord. And this we do with all our
prayers and in all our oblations and ordinances. And this semblance of the
ancient temple of our fathers we do preserve in honor of all those whose prayers
have risen up unto heaven in our behalf. But it is not a saving grace and is not
required for salvation‟s sake. Notwithstanding, we make this offering out of the
honor that we feel for the sacrifices of those who have gone before us and for the
gifts that they passed on to us.
17. Now, the ordinances of the High Place are administered to the people
through the office of the High Priest and all the ordinances are made by the Peli.
And the High Priest shall manage the affairs of the temple so that all might go
there freely and receive of the ordinances. And these ordinances are saving
grace, wherefore, all the people do go up to the High Place and receive of them.
18. And the High Priest may call men and women to be priests and teachers.
And when this is done, they are taken aside and hands are laid upon them, and
they are ordained unto these callings.
56519. And behold, the Peli do choose a Council of thirteen from among them and
they do confer upon them the priesthood of Melchizedek, even after the pattern
given by the Lord. And they do this upon receiving the commission of the Lord
by revelation. And in this way, the council that He appointed is preserved. And
behold, it is out of this council that the people do choose and call up their High
Priests. And behold, every city does this same thing.
20. And when a man is called up to this council, he is taken aside by the whole
council and this priesthood is conferred upon the man and he is ordained an High
Priest by the laying on of hands. And when a woman is called up to this council,
she is also taken aside by the council and she is ordained an High Priest by the
laying on of hands. But behold, this order of priesthood is not conferred upon
her, for she has it already of the Mother. Wherefore, how may we confer it?
21. And behold, the people choose from among this council who shall be High
Priest of the city. And, upon the election, the council does take the one elected,
be they man or woman, and they do lay hands upon the elected and ordain them
High Priest of the city.
22. Now, these are the ordinances of the priesthood, and they are for the
edification of the people.

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Page 659

4.Behold, when I was thirteen years old, I did dream a
dream that troubled my heart. And I did counsel with
Mor Honayah, my grandfather, concerning it. For
in the dream, I came to be seated in the presence
of the Lord and He did say unto me: Piahomet Akekt,
 thou art highly favored in mine eyes. Take thou up now
my commission and be thou now my servant. And if thou
 doest this with all good intention, yea, see that thy intention
 is good in this thing, then shalt thou have power in me to
do my work and my will.
5.And I replied unto my Lord thus: Behold, my Lord, you
know the desire of my heart and that my intention is good.
 Be it, therefore, unto me even as You desire.
6. And the Lord said unto me: Go thou unto the Peli of
thine house and receive the priesthood. Be satisfied to
learn at the feet of my servant and I shall raise thee up
even as I have raised him up. Behold, Mor Honayah is
not puffed up in his own heart, but beareth my yoke with
all honor and dignity. Do thou likewise.
7. And I did go unto my grandfather and related the
vision unto him and he did interpret the vision. And he
laid his hands upon me and conferred on me the
priesthood after that order unto which I was born,
even the Order of the Sons of Levi, and he did ordain
me to the office of Peli in that priesthood.
8.Wherefore behold, I did receive of the Lord His 
commission and I did subject myself unto His will.
And the Peli of my house did also that which the
Lord commanded and I was accepted into the Council
of Peli and took up my stewardship.

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Page 588
Chapter Two
1. And Mor Honayah did travel from city to city, and from settlement to
settlement, in all the regions of the Nemenhah of the Mountains, and even he did travel out to the West Sea, and he did preach this message unto all the people.
2. And the people did esteem his message of great worth. For, it did cause them to remember the purpose of the gospel in their lives � that it should not become a means whereby men and women are enslaved, but that they might receive of it that through which the Lord does liberate His children.
3. Now, when he undertook to travel away from his own city, he did so in the warm months, for the roads were not always safe to travel at other times. And he did take with him trusty men, men whom he had known for many years. And some of these men were among those who had fought beside him in the Nephite war. Yea, they went in a body of twelve and they called themselves the Traveling Council of Peli. And they did all things in unity and they had all things in common.
4. And now and then, they divided themselves so that they might go and visit many cities and settlements at once. And when they did this, they did divide into threes, and they went three by three. But when they entered into any city, they did greet the people in the name of the Lord and in the name of the Traveling Council of Peli. And thus they became known unto all the people in the region.
5.And when they were accepted by the council of a certain community, they did offer ceremony and oblation in the presence of all the people. They did offer up sacred smoke after the manner and pattern of Mor Honayah, and they did lead out in the Purification of the Ammonihah. Yea, they did make a sacred suffering with all the people who would celebrate this sacrifice with them.
6. In many of the places whereunto they did visit during their travels, they found no reason to make any regulation, or in other words, when they met in council with the men and women of that city, they saw nothing about which they might make any suggestion, and they celebrated with the people in the Spirit. Nevertheless, they did always preach the message that Mor Honayah had taught them and this did unite them with all the people.

7. Now, they did not go unto the people in order that they might convince them of one viewpoint over another. They went because they were driven by the Spirit. And it was not in order that they might combat Tucantor and his rebellion, for his teachings did not travel much outside of Mentinah at that time. But they did travel unto all the places in the mountains all the way unto the West Sea, and even they did teach some who came over from among the Nemenhah of the Islands, in order that the cities might be more united and that greater contact might be established between them. Yea, they desired that the people might be more unified in their understanding of the gospel and unto this end did they travel from city to city.
8. And they were not disappointed in their desire. For there had not been much done along this line for many generations. Now, do not think that the people had not enjoyed communion with other cities, but their lives were so much tied to their own city and their own stewardship that they had little opportunity to travel about and visit other cities and other settlements except to transport goods.
9. Wherefore the traveling council gave the people of the scattered cities of the Nemenhah an opportunity to hear and to honor teachers from other places. And this did cause them to esteem the Nemenhah as one nation and one people.
10. And the traveling council did prove to the people that they could live in diverse places upon the land and yet have security and unity because of their unity in the covenants and commitments they had all made to live the way the Lord had taught them. Indeed, because of the traveling Peli, they did not feel isolated one from another.
11. And also when the people saw that the traveling Peli taught the oblations, sacraments and ordinances that were taught by the Lord and by Timothy and his brethren, they were the more unified in their teachings, even so much so that they did also take up their concentration upon the four great covenants of the High
Place. Yea, and in every place where the traveling Peli sojourned, they did assist the people in building the High Place and in setting up the performance of the ordinances there.

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Page 591
4. And following the ensample set by Mor Honayah, many cities did also begin to send out their own Traveling Councils of Peli to visit other cities. Now, this is the thing that did begin to most unify the cities one to another. For, the people began to know each other by this mobilizing of their young men and women and it became a great blessing unto the people.
5. Now, also it must be written and recorded here that, because of the
teachings of Mor Honayah and because of the message that he sent by his own voice and also by the voice of the traveling Peli, the cities did undertake to construct their own temples. And the ordinances of the High Place were spread to all the cities and many of the settlements of the Nemenhah of the Mountains.
6. One of the purposes of the Traveling Council of Peli was to instruct the people in the building of the Lodges and also to assist them in setting up and performing the ordinances. Yea, the young people did go forth and teach the Nemenhah not only principles of the High Place but also in the actual performing of the ceremonies.
7. And being so united in purpose, and also having their attention brought back unto the principles of salvation, the people and the councils of the cities and the settlements did also begin to step out once again in the performance of their civic duties. Yea, they did become more effective in their own councils and also they did become more active in the councils of the nation as a whole.

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Page 600
68. Behold, the settlements are formed because some small group of Nemenhah do chose to leave the city of their habitation and strike out into the wilderness to form other communities. And the new community does meet together and a Community Council is formed following the pattern given by our ancestors.
69. Yea, we do ask our mothers to nominate the names of those they wish to sit in the council. And the people do vote on the names and they become the Community Council by the Common Consent of the people. And this council does elect a High Priest from among the Peli of the families of the group to act as the keeper of the records and to have the care and keeping also of the surplus of the city. And now that the High Places are built in all the cities, it has also
become part of the stewardship of the High Priests and the Peli to have the keeping and the care of it and of the synagogues.
70. Now, this has been the manner in which the Lord has called up men and women to serve the people ever since my city has been. And behold, we know that this custom has been passed down to us from generation to generation and it has also been confirmed by the records of our people which we do open and read often.
71. Wherefore, we do believe that the Lord does call the Peli personally. It is from among the Peli that the Community Council does call the High Priest. This High Priest does call and train priests and teachers to serve in the churches, but they are also sustained by the people.

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Page 627
9. Now, in Elak Kowat and also in Nespelhem, the people have asked for a council to govern the church, one such as the Lord did command Shi Muel to form when He did visit the city of Corianton. Wherefore, I did place before the Mothers‟ Council the names of all those who had given thoughtful and diligent service in their callings as Peli unto their families and also unto the church. And they did take of the list and pray to discern which of them the Lord would call to the stewardship.
10. And behold, they did choose out twelve from among the list which I did give unto them and they were nominated. Wherefore, I did take the nominations and I did publish them unto the people, and behold, the people did elect them according as the Mothers‟ Council did nominate. And these are the names of the Peli Council of Nespelhem and of Elak Kowat:
11. For the city of Elak Kowat, the Common Consent did elect Moronayim, Pa Sanith, Hemaket, Pawna Tan, Heth, Samith, Eapowits, Tselthiem, Tsilet, Morin, Kayalith and Por Wanith. And they did elect me to be Feather or Head of the Council.
12. For the city of Nespelhem, the Common Consent did elect Hemniet Anith, Panith Het, Amnikt Ahlekt, Pac Sineth, Tor Moniet, Tornit Akekt, Hamit, Ayanit, Kayanikiit, Hatgowit, Nemietnah, and Heniet That Pah. And they did elect Heniet That Pah to be Feather or Head of the Council.
13. These are they which were called by the will of God, and also by the voice of the people to serve in their stewardships in the name of the Peacemaker. And they did counsel with the Community Councils and with the High Priests and the priests, as also with the Peli of the families, in order that unity in the church might be firmly established and maintained. And behold, they did make a regulation of the Church and of its celebrations, ceremonies and ordinances.
14. And they did also regulate that which the communities deemed important to teach all little children with regard to the gospel. And also they did publish and regulate the training of the youths in trades and in stewardships.
15. Now, the Councils of the Nemenhah of Nespelhem were thus: The family held its own Council and elected its own Peli. The villages and settlements called up Mothers‟ Councils and they chose out Community Councils to help in the government of the community and the administration of the surplus offerings.
16. The High Priest was also called upon to appoint Peli to be priests and High Priests to serve the people in the synagogues and in the High Places and they also formed a Council. And out of these did the people impose upon one to be High Priest of the city. And out of these the General Council of Peli for Nespelhem was called up in the manner already described.
17. And these Councils did assist the people in governing themselves and in establishing peace and equity in the land. And behold, they did adopt the laws as set forth and recorded by Pa Natan, deeming them to be pertinent and sufficient for their purposes.
18. And it was the charge of these Councils to administer their callings in such manner as not to become a burden upon the people and upon their freedoms. For, the governing of the people must always remain service to the people. Yea, the governor is nothing but the servant of the people. And when the governor begins to declare that the people are the servants of the government, then do the people have the right and the responsibility to tear down the government and place a new one in the stead thereof. This is in accordance with the Laws of God, which do always and must supersede the laws of men.


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Page 84
4. The father of the person to be baptized calls upon the Peli, for the
Peli are Levites either by birth and thereby legal right, or by adoption,
and have received the authority to baptize by the Spirit under the hands
of the Lord‟s anointed. Yea, the father or patron of the person to be baptized
arranges matters with the Peli, for it is his office.
5. Then the person who wishes to be baptized goes down into the water
with the Peli and both of them raise their hands above their heads and clap
hem together three times, and speak the person‟s name clearly.
6. Then the Peli clearly declares his right and authority to speak
and act for and in behalf of the Christ who will come. He then declares
 to all creation that he baptizes the person in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
7. When he has said these things, he submerges the person in the water
 so that every bit of him is under the water and no part of him is exposed
to the air. Then he quickly raises the person up again and all present clap
their hands.
8. Thus, the person begins a new life and a new covenant, and the covenant
 is sealed upon him by that Holy Spirit of Promise because of that covenant
made by the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost before the world was.
Chapter Seven
Purification
1. Now, the Peli stand among the Ammonites who are healers and they
 are also they who administer the ordinances of salvation unto the people
of Ammon, having received their commission from the Lord and that
ordination through His anointed. Wherefore, they are called of God as
was Aaron, even by the gift of prophecy.
2. And they become the sons of Aaron and of Levi by the ancient ordinance
of adoption. But behold, many are there among us who can trace their
generations even back to father Aaron himself. Wherefore, the people
of Ammon take their position in the house and kingdom of God very seriously.
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Page 783
35. And when your children receive the commission from the Lord, for none other may give it, let them come unto the Peli and seek their appointment to the work which the Lord shall have established to be done among the people. Then shall the Peli lay hands on them and bless them, for they shall already have received their admonishment and their intention shall be good. Yea, then you may declare their generations, for they are become sons and daughters of Levi because of the commission of the Lord
.
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page 787
60. And each village ought to have its own governing Council.
And that Council is from the men and the women of the village,
and they are nominated by the Mothers. Then let the whole village
make election of the members. This is the manner in which your
fathers have organized the governing council of the village.
61. And each village ought to call upon one to be High Priest
and to havecharge of the care and keeping of the Lodges and
of the High Place, for these are your synagogues and your
temple. Yea, let the High Priest and Peli of Minisourit call up
and ordain priests in all the villages and let the villages call
out from namong the Peli one to preside. And if this precedent
remains in the way of the Nemenhah and goes not from it, let
that one remain High Priest. But let your High Priest understand
that the calling comes not of any worthiness of their own, but
rather by and through the revelation which comes to a
people who have established purity in the hearts.
62. And let the Peli who is the High Priest, organize the other
Peli into their stewardships, that all things pertaining unto
the synagogue or the High Placenmight be done in order.
And these Peli shall administer all things pertaining to their
stewardships. But behold, that which pertains to the home
 or the family, or indeed the stewardships of individuals,
are not the stewardship of the priests or the High Priest.
Those things must be administered by the Peli in the home
and let no public official interfere with that administration
 except in the case of injuryor to assist in resolving
 disputations among you.


Page 790
8.And when we go to the lodge of the synagogue for
instruction, we do enter it with hand placed upon our
breast and with head bowed. And when we are entered
into the lodge, we do greet each other with an embrace
and with much civility. And our lodges are built in such a
manner that every person may see clearly from the
furthest point even down to the center. And behold,
the elderly or the infirm are seated upon the bench
that is built around the outer circle and all others seat
themselves upon pallets in circles with their families.
And there is much singing and some little conversing
while all are being seated. And the Peli assist all in
finding space in which to cast down their pallets.
9. And when the Peli see that everyone is seated
and able to see to the center of the lodge, they raise
their hands and clap them together three times. And
this is the signal that the Peli have opened the meeting
and that the attention of all the people is desired. And
when the attention of all the people is obtained, all give
ear to the Peli. And one of the Peli rises and sings a
thanksgiving song and a prayer.
10. And when the song and the prayer of the Peli is
completed, the Peli of the families do come forward
to assist in the administering of the Bundle Opening
Ceremony. And behold, all the people do celebrate
this sacrament together and the Peli do administer it
and pass the Prayer Pipes to all the people assembled.
Yea, even do they pass one Pipe for each of the circles
 represented. And when this ordinance has been
accomplished, the Peli who is priest of the synagogue
does rise and teach the people, as also the priest may
request that others might speak and teach.
11. Now, when all the instruction is finished and the
priests and the teachers have made an end of speaking,
behold, the people do celebrate the teaching with songs
of thanksgiving. Then the Peli do administer to the people
the Sacrament of the Lord‟s Supper and the emblems are
passed to all the people. Then the Sabbath celebration is ended.
12. Now, on days other than those set aside for ceremony,
the synagogue and the High Place remain places of instruction.
Yea, they are utilized by the Peli for more personal or even private
instruction of individuals or small groups of people. Yea, and the
Councils also utilize the High Place on other days than those set
aside for ceremony.
13. And it is at the end of the Sabbath celebration that we do
make our surplus offerings unto the Peli of the High Place.
And it is a custom of our people to make a fetish out of clay
which does symbolize our own families and this we do
attach to our offering. And when the Peli receives our
offering, and it is singled out by the fetishes, he or she
does remove the fetish and place it in a bundle together
with all the others. And behold, when all the offerings have
been gathered in, the Bundle of Fetishes is opened and the
Peli of all the families do come forward and they do unitedly
break the fetishes before the people. And this custom does
remind us that we do freely offer up all that we think is our
own that there might not be any hunger or want in our villages.
Yea, we place a mark upon our offerings that says, �Here is the
offering of my family,� and then we do break apart the distinction,
that it might become the thank offering of all the people.


Page 867
4.nAnd the Nemenhah of Winemoisips called upon my sister,
Pa Winayatis, to sit in the seat of my father and act as High Priest
and Peli to the community. Now, the Peli of the community has the
care and the keeping of the High Place and the administration of
its ordinances. And also, it is the duty of the Peli of the
community, who is known to us as the Shirt, to appoint
men and women to teach in the Lodges of the community
and these meet often as a Council of Peli to discuss the needs
of the people and to provide places for them to meet in
their assemblies.
5. Behold, Peli means, he or she who has received the
commission of the Peacemaker. In every family there
may be found one or more Peli. Indeed, all the members
of a given family may be Peli, but the Lord does usually
 call one to sit in this seat in each family and it is unto
this one to whom the members of the family come when
there is a need for ceremony. In our way and our custom,
it is the Peli that assure that the principles and teachings,
yea, and the celebrations and ceremonies of the High Place
are taught in our families.
6. But there is also a need for teachers and ministers
in each city or settlement, and they are called by the Peli,
who is High Priest of the community. And it is the High Priest
who sees to their training, that they may be of greatest benefit
unto all who dwell together in the communities of the Nemenhah.
7. But the Peli, or High Priest, is never a voting member of the
Council, but leads and guides the Council as Talking Feather.
All members of the Council have a vote in every matter that
comes before it. But the Peli is Talking Feather and does
not vote. And when a Council has reached a decision, it is
the Peli that does teach it to all the people, yea, and the
Peli does see to it that the priests teach it also.
8.This is the way in which we have interpreted the system
which Mor-Honayah did set up and it serves us very well.


Page 891
9.Now, my father does also walk upon the Way, but is also
gifted to look in upon a Seer Stone and, if his heart is right
within him, and his intention, then are the words of the ancients
arranged upon the fissures of the clear stone and organized that
they can be the more readily understood, or rather, the lines and
fissures of the stone assist him in so organizing his thoughts.
And this is a curious gift which my father has, one that has aided
him in translating many things found in the mounds.
10. And the Seer Stone which my father uses, and through
which the Holy Ghost does make manifest many things unto
him, is fashioned of a clear crystal. And it is in the form of a
square plate. And set within the plate are four hands
with the palms up. And each hand is set so that the fingers
point in one of the Sacred Directions. Yea, and the whole is
bordered in a raised work which forms a box and also a cross
which does intersect the plate in the middle. Yea, all this is
carved into clear crystal.
11. But this is not all. Behold, the crystal is not perfect, but is
interlaced within with many fissures both deep and shallow.
Nevertheless, the work is strong and crumbles not. And the
light does make upon the fissures in a manner most curious.
And when the Seer places his hands upon the sides of the stone,
it does begin to sing with the song of the Seer‟s own body. Yea,
it does move with the movement of the Seer. And the words of
his thoughts are unencumbered, and his tongue is loosed. Yea,
and all confusion is done away. It is a miracle most precious to
the Seer.
12. And behold, there are many such stones in use by the Seers
of the Nemenhah, and some are as small as the palm of the hand,
while others yet are as large as a grist. But they all perform the
same function and are used by the Seer in the same manner.
These were called Urim and Thumim anciently, and they are
spoken of in the Brass Plates which our fathers brought with
them from the Land of Jerusalem.
13. The Seer Stones are for many, that portion of assistance
which was provided by the Spirit unto Mor Honayah when he
made ceremony. Yea, the noise and commotion of the world
does sometimes cloud the mind and the gifts of the Seer, just
as the remembrance of his deeds disturbed Shi Honayah‟s ability
to find peace and walk upon the Way. His ceremony allowed him
to set aside all the things of the world for a moment and to be
still in his heart.
14. So too, does the Seer Stone allow the Seer to set aside all
except that which must be passed on to others. Yea, all conscience
of the world is done away and is replaced with an awareness of the
first day of creation. Yea, when one looks into the Seer Stone with
fullness of intention, the world and its concerns do fall away and
clarity is regained.
15. The Lee-ah Honat was such a stone, cunningly set with
pointers. Yea, when the faith of the Seer was full, the pointers
showed the way of his footsteps, and words did appear upon
the orb to inform his actions.
16. This is the way with the Seer Stones, and so important are
they to the Seers of the Nemenhah that none of the Peli are
called Seer who are not known to possess and faithfully use
of such.


Page 922
16. Now, the Peli Councils of the Lodges and the Communities
are comprisedof all the men and women in a given place who
have received the commission of the Peacemaker, and who have
declared the same to the Peli of their place. Behold, all men and
women may receive the Commission of the Peacemaker, and
they become Peli in their own homes. When they make their
election knownunto the Peli in the community in which they
live, these same become members of the Peli Council in that
place. Yea, and when they have received the commission, and
they have informed the Peli of the occurrence, then do the Peli
lay hands upon them and ordain them to that purpose. Yea,
authority is conferred and they are ordained according to
that manner laid down by our ancestors. But, no man or woman
receives Orders under the hands of anyone until after they have
received the commission of the Peacemaker by revelation.
17. And the Peli, so set apart, do form a Council, in order
 that they might defineand administrate their duties. This
Council governs the administration of the High Place � its
construction and orderly maintenance, the training of its
Ministers, and the performance of the ordinances thereof.
18. And the Peli Council does choose an High Priest from
among them and this same has the keeping, care and
administration of the synagogue. And the High Priest of
the Community officiates in the synagogue and also
 chooses such elders and teachers as seems needful.
These act under the direction and authority of the
High Priest. These same form a Council of the House
of God and the High Priest is the Talking Feather of
the Council.
19. And the people do bring of their surplus offerings,
even that which is not taken up by the people, into the
 synagogue, and the High Priest has thestewardship of it.
This is because the office of High Priest of the synagogue, or
Peli of the Community, does often require so much from the
individual called to that stewardship that they cannot labor
enough with their own hands to make a living. Wherefore,
the people, seeing this, do make offering to them, that the
servant of all is not made a beggar because of the stewardship.
We call the offerings of the people a Sacred Giveaway.
20. Now, the Peli are they who offer the Sacraments in the
House of the Lord and before all the people. These are they
 who read from the books in the Synagogue. And these are
they who announce the beginning and the end of the
Sabbaths. These are they who bless and administer the
Sacrament of the Lord‟s Supper. These are they who
prepare the people to take up the Ordinances of the
High Place. These also teach the Itsipi Sha in the
 administration of their calling, and they also officiate
in their appropriate place in the Kneeling Dance.
21. And the Talking Feathers of all the Community
Councils are always chosen from among the Peli Council,
as also the Principle Stone Carriers of the Lodges
are often chosen from among the Peli. In this way, the
people assure that those bupon whom they lay the burden
of governance have the commandments of God as their
foundation.
22. And this is in accordance with that great teaching
given to the people by King Moshah-iyah, who ruled the
people in justice in the Land Southward before our Father
Hagotl left that land and made his journey into this land.
Yea, that same Moshah-iyah taught that it would be good
for the people to have kings to reign and rule over them
if they could always have just and righteous men to be
their kings. But, because men do so often corrupt the
commandments, and bend them to their own purposes,
he proposed that judges be elected by the voice of the
people. And these, being founded in their law, and being
chosen by the voice of the people, it was his opinion that
they would govern more justly than the unjust king.
23. But behold, the people did give unto the judges the
power of kings, and these same did corrupt the laws
and pervert the commandments. Wherefore, when Hagotl
and our fathers sought to set up their government,
they did not repeat the mistakes and failures of the past,
but they chose a system of councils which are chosen by
the voice of the people. And these Councils are checked in
their governance of the people, that they become not like
 kings and rulers. And behold, this same system do we use
with good report in all our governance, yea,in our Lodges
and Communities, as also in the governance of the Nation.
Chapter Three
1. Now, it is the stewardship of the Peli of the Community
to order and administer the Ordinances of the High Place.
Behold, these ordinances are usually performed by the Peli
in the High Place. Notwithstanding, if circumstances arise
which make it impossible to perform them in the High Place
Lodge, then they are performed in any other place in which
the Spirit dictates.
2. For, it is the magnifying of the principle, not the performing
of the ordinance, that entices the Spirit to work upon the
individual such that a mighty change takes place within him.
Yea, the Holy Ghost does bestow an endowment of power upon
all they who exercise upon the principles represented in the High
Place Ordinances.
3. The teachings which prepare all people to go up to the
High Place to participate in the ordinances, thereof, they
are taught in the Synagogue and the Peli have the governing
of that teaching. Yea, no person goes up to the High
Place to make ceremony or to receive ordinances in that
holy place who is not first in full understanding of all that
 goes on there.


Page 1013
52. And I did organize them that each Lodge might have its own
Peli. And I did also make some teachers and some administrators
according to their talents.
And in this way did I organize the Peli into a body of elders
and teachers for the benefit of the people. Yea, and it was
done in a manner most pleasing unto our Maker. And this we
were all sure of because of the manifestations and gifts of
the Spirit which did testify of the rightness of our pursuit.
53. Yea, there was no great or wise man to tell us that we
did rightly, only the Holy Ghost and the manifestations and
gifts of the Spirit. But we are confident in all that we
accomplished in the name of the Peacemaker in the day
that we did re-establish His ways among our own people.


Page 1062
2.And I sought the face of the Lord early in my childhood.
Yea, before I had reached the age of agency, behold, I had
walked and talked with the Lord upon the Way. Wherefore,
I did go even unto the Peli of my family, who was my
grandfather, and I informed him of the commission
wherewith the Lord had called me unto His service.
3. And my grandfather laid hands on me and conferred
upon me the Order of Levi, and he ordained me to the
office of priest of the synagogue. Therefore, from a very
young age I did learn to be of service to my Lord and to
my fellow man


page 1081
1. Behold, I am Ougou, and my father is Eapalekthiloom,
even the son of Eapalekthiloom who was High Priest of
Osarakshim. When I had received the Commission of the
Peacemaker, by Wyakin, upon the Way, my father did put
upon me that same calling which his father did put upon
him. Yea, and he did set me apart from all others with a
blessing and a ceremony, by which he made me a Priest
and Peli of the People. And he did put me before the people
and he did recommend me to them, and they did confirm his
recommendation with the uplifted hand. Wherefore, he laid
his hand on me and I am a Son of Levi like all my fathers
before me.

--------------------------
Page 89
Ordination
1. Now, those who have received the authority to speak and
act in the name of God from the Lord‟s anointed are known
among the Ammonites as the Peli. They surely receive their
calling from the mouth of the prophet. But priesthood is not a
thing that the Ammonite men received without their wives.
And they received the priesthood of God in a sacred manner.
And this is the manner in which they did it.
2. The Peli, who had received his authority by adoption or by
virtue of his lineage, even down from our first fathers who
dwelt in the land of Jerusalem, had this authority confirmed
in him by the laying on of the hands of the Lord‟s anointed.
Then, when the Council of Peli chooses to confer the priesthood
upon a man, he is brought with his wife before the council,
and they are seated in the center of the sacred place. And
behold, all the Council of Peli are seated in circles around them.
3. And when all are properly seated, the principle Peli stands
and states the purpose of the gathered council and pronounces
the name of the man and of the woman and declares that they
are Husband and Wife. But this is not all. He also courteously
praises the man and the woman and honors them, and all the
council clap their hands and express their agreement.
4. Then the Peli takes a bowl of sacred herbs and strikes
fire to it so that the incense rises up and covers all those
present. And he raises the bowl in all the sacred directions,
as has hitherto been described. Then he places his hands
upon the head of the man with his left hand and upon the
head of the woman with his right hand. And, stating his
own right and authority to do so, in a clear voice, he confers
upon them the Priesthood of God, the two to hold jointly
and both to officiate in it at the appropriate times and places.
Then he utters whatever words of prophecy the Spirit reveals
to him. When he has done with prophecy, he clearly states the
name of the man and of the woman again, and all the council
clap their hands three times together, and express their agreement.
5. This is the sacred manner in which the Priesthood of
God is conferred upon men and women among the Ammonites.



The sixth step in the Levitical Order

This sixth step of the second order is for those who lead or rule in the terrestial kingdom and implement the terrestial law. This terrestial law is the law governing the terrestial church.  The second order is of an economic nature. The first order is of a political nature and is presided over by the second order.  And  the first order is also an appendage to the second.
Below is an example of a leader of this church being identified as "the first elder of this church".

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DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
 SECTIONS 20
 1 The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April�

 2 Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;

 3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand;
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SECTIONS 21
 10 Wherefore it behooveth me that he should be ordained by you, Oliver Cowdery mine apostle;

 11 This being an ordinance unto you, that you are an elder under his hand, he being the first unto you, that you might be an elder unto this church of Christ, bearing my name�

 12 And the first preacher of this church unto the church, and before the world, yea, before the Gentiles; yea, and thus saith the Lord God, lo, lo! to the Jews also. Amen.

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The Revelations of James Strang
SECTION 14

5. And thou shalt take my servant Joseph Smith, the son of the prophet Joseph, who was slain by the hands of wicked men, for he hath been consecrated unto me in his infancy, and thou shalt anoint him with oil, and shalt lay thy hands upon him, and ordain him, and shalt set him in the Presidency as one of the First Presidents of my Church. For he is filled with the Holy Ghost and with wisdom, and my covenant with his father will I keep with him and with his posterity after him, if they serve me. And I will exalt him in strength and might and majesty, and he shall be President and Patriarch in the true Israel of faith in these last days, even as was my servant Hyrum, whose blood with the blood of my servant Joseph crieth unto me for vengeance continually.

6. And in his youth my servant William Marks shall assist him, and uphold him, and be in all things a Coadjutor unto him in the First Presidency of my Church. Let my servant William therefore take heed unto his ways, that he give unto him wise counsel, and build him up in righteousness, and hold up his hands, and admonish him of every evil; for if he do this, my arm shall sustain him forever, and my grace shall be sufficient for him in the day when all mine come unto me. Yea, I will do good unto him both in this world and in that which is to come, and will remember his posterity after him forever, because he showeth kindness unto the fatherless. And the voice of my servant Joseph shall be a witness unto me against the nations.


The seventh step in the Levitical Order

Those of this office of the seventh step of the second order preside over the celestial kingdom as it applies to this order. This order is economic in nature. So it would have to do with the economic order of the celestial kingdom. This has been referred to in other places as the Order Of Enoch.  This is the highest office of this order. James the Just holds this office and was given authority or the keys over this order of priesthood.  James held the office above the office of political leader of the celestial kingdom of the 1st order. That office was held by Jesus at the time. This is why he was king of kings and Lord of Lords. This is because he held all of the presiding offices of the 7th step up to the 6th order of lords. As he was also called the Lord of Sabaoth creator of the first day. But it was by virtue of the office of king of kings in the celestial political kingdom which is that 7th step of the 1st order that he had the keys and authority to pardon all sins and do his work of atonement. After he left this earth, the next office in line was that office of above this. To that office he appointed James The Just.

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS SECTIONS 95
 7 And for this cause I gave unto you a commandment that you should call your solemn assembly, that your fastings and your mourning might come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, which is by interpretation, the creator of the first day, the beginning and the end.
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The Nag Hammadi Library
The Gospel of Thomas
Translated by Stephen Patterson and Marvin Meyer

12. The disciples said to Jesus, "We know that you are going to leave us. Who will be our leader?"

Jesus said to them, "No matter where you are you are to go to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being."