Dating the Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood By Larry C. Porter Accessed from LDS.org on 11.13.16 Authors’ original spelling has been retained, following standard historical practice. See reasons for spelling variations in “Nineteenth-Century Spelling,” Ensign, Aug. 1975—including uncertain spelling conventions and spelling as an expression of personality. When Oliver CowderyContinue Reading

Zerah Pulsipher (June 24, 1788 [or 1789]-January 1, 1872) Witnesses the transfiguration of Brigham Young. But at that time most of the Twelve were absent on missions. Sidney Rigdon, who aspired for the presidency, came and called the church together and presented his claim for the presidency. But the TwelveContinue Reading

Joseph Fielding Smith It is true that the patriarchal priesthood was handed down from father to son, and that the keys of it belonged to the oldest son by right of primogeniture; but notwithstanding this, all of the faithful men who obtained the priesthood had this patriarchal office from theContinue Reading

Joseph was elated when others were chosen by the Lord to be witnesses of the Book of Mormon. The following account tells of his relief: The following account from Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph Smith’s mother, describes how Joseph felt after the Three Witnesses had seen the plates: “When they returnedContinue Reading

I find it fascinating how the Bible begins and ends with tree imagery.  From Genesis to Revelation, the Lord shows us a tree as a central concept relating to redemption, the atonement, and coming back into His presence.  The Old Testament begins with a story of Adam and Eve inContinue Reading

1 Samuel 3 teaches so many important principles.  One idea that is particularly applicable to youth is that we need to be ready when called upon.  Samuel heeded the voice of the Lord when called upon, but the two men who should have been ready to hear the voice ofContinue Reading

Circumstances surrounding the Restoration of Melchizedek Priesthood In addition, the reminiscences of a Church member named Addison Everett may be helpful regarding the site and circumstances of the restoration of the higher priesthood. In 1881 he wrote a letter to a Church member named Oliver B. Huntington and then, inContinue Reading