THE FIRST PRESIDENCY.
It is revealed unto us in Doc. & Cov., 20. 2, 3, that Joseph Smith, Jun., was called of God and ordained an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ to be the first Elder of this church; and that Oliver Cowdery was also called of God, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second Elder of this church. In sec. 18. we are informed that Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were called with that same calling with which the apostle Paul was called; but of Joseph Smith. Jun., the Lord said, 8th verse, "Marvel not that I have called him unto mine own purpose, which purpose is known in me." In sec. 27. 12, the Savior says: "And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be Apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry, and of the same things which I revealed unto them."
Joseph, the first Apostle, continued as directed of the Lord from time to time to organize and develop the offices and ordinances of the church, for the saints were informed, in sec. 43. 3, "Ye shall know assuredly that there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me."
In sec. 107, on Priesthood, instructions are given how to organize various councils and presidencies, in which is, verse 22, "Of the Melchisedek Priesthood, three presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith and prayer of the church." Verse 9, "The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchisedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church;" and, as in verses 18, 19, to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church"—to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven—to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant.
In verses 91-2, "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. 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." In this light and sense does the church uphold, by their vote, their faith and their prayers, the First Presidency of the church, or the Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the church.