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

President John Taylor’s study opens with a clear purpose: to settle lingering doubts among bishops about the nature and authority of the Aaronic, or Levitical, Priesthood. By drawing directly from Scripture and the Doctrine and Covenants, he lays out a series of concise quotations that let the holy words speak for themselves, offering only brief explanatory notes where the text demands it. The result feels like a well‑organized sermon‑handbook, ready for anyone who wishes to understand the priesthood’s biblical roots.

The work does not treat the Aaronic Priesthood in isolation; it continually references its inseparable connection to the higher Melchizedek authority. Taylor provides a succinct Old‑Testament overview of the Levitical order, illustrating how the two offices function together in divine service. This comparative lens helps readers see the broader picture of priestly responsibility within the church.

Presented to the Council of the Twelve and approved at the 1880 Semi‑Annual Conference, the document reflects the earnest desire of early church leaders to clarify doctrine for a growing membership. Its straightforward style and reliance on primary revelations make it a valuable reference for anyone curious about the theological foundations of priesthood authority.