grees of heinousness; some requiring only puLlic con- fession and promised reformation by way of atone- ment, whilst others are characterized by an enormity so vast that pardon on earth is impossible. Of the first class are all minor offences against church disci- pline, breach of which has been publicly acknowledged by nearly every leader, from Joseph himself down to the humLlest official.
For the proper carrying out of the instructions re- vealed in the sacred books, an organization has been effected in these latter days, based upon books and on former organizations. There are two principal priesthoods, the Melchisedek and the Aaronic, the latter including the Levitical. The Melchisedek is the higher, comprising apostles, patriarchs, high-priests, seventies, and elders. It holds the right of presi- dency, with authority to administer in all the offices, ordinances, and affairs of the church. It holds the keys of all spiritual blessings, receives the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, whose doors are ever open, and holds conniiunion with God the father, Jesus Christ the mediator, Joseph Smith the prophet, and all departed saints.^
The Aaronic is a subordinate priesthood, being an appendage to the Melchisedek, and acting under its
rose's Blood Atonement, passim. See also Lee's Morm., 282-3; Morm. Proph., 157-GO; Young's Wife No. 19, 182-99; Paddock's La Tour, 305-8; Bertrand's Mem. Morm., 139-72, 250-8, 290-316.
^ lu regard to the two priesthoods, the Melchisedek and the Aaronic, or Levitical, all authority in the church is subordinate to the first, which holds the right of presidency and has power over all the offices in the church. The presidency of the high-priesthood of this order has the right to officiate in all the offices of the church. High-priests are authorized to officiate in any lower positions in the church, as well as in their own office. Elders are of this priesthood, and are authorized to officiate instead of high-priests, in the absence of the latter. The twelve apostles are charged witia the duty of or- daining all the subordinate officers of the church, and also with its missionary work. Togetlicr they form a quorum whose authority equals that of the first presidency, but action by eitlier body must be unanimous. A majoi'ity may form a quorum when circumstances render it impossible to assemble the whole body. They also constitute a travelling, presiding high-council, under the direction of the presidency of the church, and it is their duty to ordain ministers in all large branches. The seventies are also missionaries — assist- ants to the twelve, and united they are equal in authority with the twelve.
