... restore the "true church." In this paper we will briefly view the life of Joseph Smith, and then show what he believed and taught, making manifest the significance of this false prophet. The Life of Joseph Smith Joseph Smith was born December 23, 1805. As a youth, he moved from Vermont to western ... the Aaronic, so that he would be able to lay hands on individuals, giving them the Holy Ghost. According to his testimony excerpted from Joseph Smith History 1:3-75, "The Prophet declared that the Melchizedek Priesthood was thereafter received under the hands of Peter, James, and John, at a ...

• Word Count: 3150
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: High School

... of the first African American priest; Elijah Abel was ordained an elder in the Melchizedek priesthood on March 3, 18366. It is believed that Abel was a close friend of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He was able to perform several church ordinances, including performing marriages, because he was recognized by the state of Ohio as a licensed minister of the Church. While participating in missionary ... of Mormons took the helm of the Church black priesthood denial perpetuated. Church leaders justified their reasoning through several different ideas. Church elders that were associated with the ...

• Word Count: 3075
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: Undergraduate