The most comprehensive evidence that Joseph Smith. Jun., received the authority and power of the Holy Priesthood, is that the works of John the Baptist, of Jesus and his apostles, are being again done on the earth by his administration. To receive the powers of this Priesthood, it is necessary that men should obey the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
The Lord has personally appeared to some men, and covenanted with them as he did with Abraham; Gen. 12. 1-3. chap. 13. 14-17. The Lord also personally called and authorized his twelve Jewish apostles. So fully were they authorized to labor for him, and act in his name, that he said to them, "He that receiveth you receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me;" Matt. 10. 40.
More generally, it is from the prophets and apostles of Christ that men receive the Priesthood. Many received it under the hands of the apostles of the first Gospel dispensation. Those who have received it in this latter-day dispensation, have received it from Joseph Smith, Jun., and O. Cowdery, and, in doing so, have received it through a legitimate channel from God the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. Those who have received this Priesthood have covenanted with God the Father, and he with them. This is evidently the view taken of the subject in the above passage quoted from Matthew.
The doctrine is more fully illustrated in Doc. & Cov.: "All they who receive this Priesthood receiveth me, saith the Lord; for he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; and he that receiveth my Father, receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him; and this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the Priesthood;" 84. 35-39.
Bible.
Gen. 14. 18, 20 Melchisedek, king of Salem, blessed Abraham. Heb. 7. 1, 2.
Psalm 110. 4 thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedek. Heb. 5. 6, 10. Chap. 6. 20.
Acts 14. 23 and when they had ordained them elders in every church.
20. 17 sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church.
Titus 1. 5 and ordain elders in every city.