[12]. Doctrine and Covenants, sec. 78.

[13]. Doctrine and Covenants, sec. 79.

[14]. Doctrine and Covenants, sec. 80.

[15]. Doctrine and Covenants, sec. 81.

[16]. It has been said that there was no First presidency in the Church of Jesus Christ in former days and that this body is peculiar to the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. Here the Lord declares that the keys of the kingdom "belong always unto the presidency of the High Priesthood." In other words they belong to the Presidency of the Church. In a discourse delivered July 2, 1839, the prophet Joseph Smith said that Adam held the keys of the First Presidency, then Noah also held this office. He said: "The Priesthood is everlasting. The Savior, Moses and Elias gave the keys to Peter, James and John, on the mount, when they were transfigured before him." This being true, then Peter, James and John were chosen by the Lord as a First Presidency and served in that capacity in the Church of Jesus Christ in their dispensation. It was by virtue of this calling that they were sent to confer upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the keys of the kingdom. (D&C 27:13.)

Chapter XIX.

Mob Violence at Hiram—The Second Journey of the Prophet to Zion, and Return to Kirtland.

Prospectus of The Evening and Morning Star.