CHAPTER II.
Divine Authority, Continued.
A Twofold Power.—In an article on Priesthood, prepared by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and read at a conference of the Church in Nauvoo, Illinois, October, 1840, the following sentences occur:
"There are two Priesthoods spoken of in the scripture, viz., the Melchizedek and the Aaronic or Levitical. Although there are two Priesthoods, yet the Melchizedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the highest authority which pertains to the Priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom of God, in all ages of the world to the latest posterity on the earth, and is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is revealed from heaven."—("History of the Church," Vol. IV, p. 207.)
Spiritual and Temporal.—Why there are two priesthoods, or, more properly speaking, two grand divisions of the Priesthood, is because the Church of Christ has to do with temporal as well as with spiritual things. All things, however, are spiritual unto God. The laws and commandments that emanate from him are of that character. He gives no temporal commandment. All his laws are spiritual. As eternity includes time, so the spiritual includes the temporal.
A Divided Jurisdiction.—The Melchizedek Priesthood has general authority and jurisdiction over all things, spiritual and temporal: while the Aaronic or lesser Priesthood, which is an appendage to the higher power, has a limited jurisdiction, its special calling being to administer in temporal things.
"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.
"The second priesthood is called the priesthood of Aaron, because it was conferred upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations.
"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.
"The power and authority of the Higher or Melchizedek Priest hood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church. * * *