Items on the Priesthood, presented to the Latter-day Saints

In Short

This book serves as a formal instructional guide regarding the ecclesiastical organization and priesthood authority of the Latter-day Saints. Compiled to resolve confusion among church leaders and members, it provides a systematic synthesis of biblical texts and the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. By tracing the historical distinction between the "lesser" Aaronic Priesthood and the "greater" Melchizedek Priesthood, the text establishes a clear framework for church governance, the role of the Bishopric, and the spiritual requirements of those holding office, ultimately acting as an authoritative reference for the church's divine order.

The Story

The narrative of the book is the unfolding of a divine administrative hierarchy, tracing the lineage of authority from the ancient world to the modern restoration. It begins with the premise that spiritual authority is not a matter of human invention but a structured, ordained power. The text recounts the early relationship between Moses and Aaron, establishing that while Aaron acted as a mouthpiece and priest, he operated under the broader, higher authority held by Moses. This sets the stage for a core distinction: the Aaronic Priesthood—the "lesser" order—is focused on temporal stewardship, ordinances of repentance, and the administration of the law, while the Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys to the mysteries of God and the fullness of the Gospel.

As the text moves through the Old Testament, it emphasizes the exclusive nature of these callings, citing the severe consequences for those who sought priestly functions without divine appointment. The argument progresses by documenting the transition of these powers across generations. It explains how, after the death of Moses, the Melchizedek authority was largely withdrawn from the children of Israel due to their hardness of heart, leaving the people under the "law of carnal commandments" overseen by the Aaronic order. This period of the lesser law persisted until the arrival of John the Baptist, who is presented as the final high priest of that era, fulfilling his role by baptizing Jesus and preparing the way for the restoration of the higher covenant.

The arc shifts from ancient history to the 19th-century restoration. The book details the pivotal moment in 1829 when John the Baptist returned to bestow the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, thereby re-establishing the "everlasting" authority on earth. From this foundation, the text pivots to the practical duties of the modern church. It defines the office of the Bishop, clarifying the nuances between general, regional, and ward-level responsibilities. It explains how property is to be consecrated, how the poor are to be cared for, and how the Bishopric functions as an "appendage" to the Melchizedek Priesthood. The progression concludes by reinforcing that all church governance—from the tithing of members to the appointment of stewards—must be conducted through this sanctioned order, ensuring the church remains clean and organized before God until the establishment of the New Jerusalem.

How It Unfolds

The call for clarity The text opens by acknowledging confusion among church bishops regarding their own authority and the status of the Aaronic Priesthood. It proposes a solution: a definitive collection of scriptures and revelations, arranged to allow the divine record to speak for itself.

The ancient distinction The narrative examines the relationship between Moses and Aaron, establishing the "lesser" nature of the Levitical order. It provides scriptural evidence that the Aaronic Priesthood served as an administrative support, while the higher keys of the Melchizedek order were held by the prophets.

The historical decline The book tracks the persistence of the Aaronic Priesthood through the eras of kings and judges, noting both its divine utility and the corruption that often plagued those who held it. It explains the eventual withdrawal of the higher Priesthood, which left the ancient Israelites under a preparatory law until the coming of the Savior.

The restoration of keys The focus shifts to the 19th century, documenting the return of the Aaronic authority to Joseph Smith. This section emphasizes that the priesthood is an eternal power, restored to prepare the world for the fullness of the Gospel.

Practical administration The final movement describes the specific duties of Bishops and their agents, including the management of storehouses and the collection of tithing. It concludes by outlining the precise requirements for those who wish to serve as stewards in the modern church.

The People

Moses stands as the central archetype of the Melchizedek Priesthood. He is the lawgiver who possesses the "keys of the mysteries," serving as a direct intermediary between God and the people. His authority is supreme, and he represents the standard of spiritual sanctification that the people were ultimately unable to maintain.

Aaron is defined by his role as the subordinate yet essential brother to Moses. He represents the Aaronic Priesthood, a vital, lesser office concerned with the "preparatory Gospel." His life and ministry demonstrate the necessity of a structured, ritualized service for the congregation, even when the higher presence of God is shielded from the people.

Joseph Smith acts as the modern vessel through whom the ancient Priesthoods are restored. He is presented not as an originator of the doctrine, but as a recipient of divine mandates, responsible for organizing the church according to the strict, revealed patterns of the past.

The Bishops—such as Edward Partridge and Newel K. Whitney—serve as the practical implementers of the faith. Their desires are to manage the temporal needs of the community, distribute resources to the poor, and act as "common judges." They are frequently reminded of the weight of their stewardship and the necessity of constant repentance to maintain their standing.

In Its Own Voice

"As there is more or less uncertainty existing in the minds of many of the Bishops and others in regard to the proper status and authority of the Bishopric and what is denominated the 'Aaronic or Levitical' Priesthood, I thought it best to lay before the brethren a general statement of the subject."

The author explains his motivation for compiling these documents to resolve ecclesiastical confusion.

"Upon you, my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer 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."

This is the recorded charge given by John the Baptist to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, marking the restoration of this authority.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an exploration of the relationship between divine order and institutional stability. It argues that a church cannot function effectively without a clearly defined, biblically grounded chain of command. The central question is how an imperfect, earthly organization can mirror the "holy order of God." The text suggests that by adhering to the specific duties assigned to the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, members can achieve a state of spiritual cleanliness and temporal order. The work moves beyond mere history to present a blueprint for unity, asserting that the proper exercise of authority is the only path to building the New Jerusalem and sanctifying a people to stand in the presence of the divine.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of religious administrative structures or the internal logic of the Latter-day Saint movement will find this an essential primary source. It offers a window into the mind of a 19th-century church leader who viewed the restoration of ancient priesthood patterns not as a creative act, but as a necessary return to a divinely mandated baseline.

The prose is serious, scholarly, and deeply tethered to its theological context. Readers should be prepared for a dense, repetitive structure, as the text relies heavily on lengthy, back-to-back scriptural citations. It does not attempt to "sell" the reader on the faith but rather speaks to an audience already committed to the structure it describes. The tone is authoritative and firm, reflecting the urgency the author felt regarding the sanctity of his office and the responsibilities of his fellow bishops. If you appreciate works that provide a thorough, uncompromising look at the "fine print" of religious governance—the rules of tithing, the selection of leaders, and the historical justification for church hierarchy—this book provides a clear, unvarnished look at the internal mechanics of a faith. It remains a fascinating document for those wanting to understand the foundational definitions of power that continue to define this tradition today.