The Priest is to preach, baptize, administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and visit and exhort the saints.
The Teacher is to watch over and strengthen the church, etc.
The Deacon is to assist the Teacher.
There is also a High Council, consisting of Twelve High-Priests, with a President. The office of the Council is to settle all important difficulties.
The Priesthood comes direct from Heaven, and was lost to man, until the keys of both orders of the Priesthood were given to Joseph Smith, by an angel from Heaven, in 1829. After the death of Smith, they came into the hands of Brigham Young.
From this resumé of the church organization, it will be seen that it is sufficient for the purpose. All these officers are but mediums for the transmission of the will of the President. Nor is it confined to spiritual affairs. Under the
form of a church organization, this system absorbs not only the religious, but all the civil and political liberty of the individual member. The High Council forms an apparent check on the power of the President; but when it is considered that this body is composed of persons nearest the President, and under his immediate influence and control, in other relations in the same organization,—as High-Priests, etc.,—it will be seen that the check is only nominal, and forms no real protection to the rights of the people.
The orders of the Priesthood, to which these officers are respectively attached, are thus distinguished:—
The Melchisedec Priesthood hold the right of Presidency, receive revelations from Heaven, for the guidance of the church, and hold the keys of all its spiritual blessings.
The Aaronic Priesthood hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and have the right to administer in outward ordinances. This Priesthood must be filled by lineal descendants of Aaron.