According to prophecy, angels were to act an important part in the dispensation of the fulness of times. The dispensation was to be opened by one, for John the Revelator says, "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth;" Rev. 14. 6.
There is abundant evidence that an angel, calling himself Moroni, came to Joseph Smith, Jun., and taught him the principle and power of revelation from God, made known to him the real condition of the world, and when he had properly instructed him, delivered to him the record from which the Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God, containing the fulness of the everlasting Gospel; P. of G. P., pages 49-54.
The angel, John the Baptist, ordained Joseph Smith and O. Cowdery to the Priesthood of Aaron, "Which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the Gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins;" Doc. & Cov., 13. From this second angel they received authority to preach the Gospel, revealed by the first angel, and to minister in its ordinances among all nations, thus fulfilling the prophetic vision of St. John.
Angels are to accompany Jesus Christ when he shall come in the glory of his Father; Matt. 16. 27. They are to gather the elect from the four quarters of the earth; 24. 31. The inspired writings, and especially the Revelation of St. John, assures us that they will act an important part in the great work of the latter days. There can be no truly Gospel church in which their ministrations are not recognized.
ANGEL OF THE LORD.
Bible.
Gen. 16. 7 an angel of the Lord found Hagar by a fountain.
28. 12 angels of God ascended and descended.
Exo. 14. 19 the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them.