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Introduction |
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| James Gray book 1810 |
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In 1810, James Gray,
D. D. (1770–1824), published a small book with a very long title positing
the existence of three priesthoods—the priesthoods of Aaron, Melchizedec,
and Jesus Christ. Fawn Brodie refers to the book as follows: |
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A dissertation |
| Brodie: Joseph's priesthood source |
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It seems likely that
Joseph's concept of dual priesthood came directly from James Gray's A
Dissertation, on the Coincidence Between the Priesthoods of Jesus Christ
& Melchisedec (Philadelphia, 1810). Joseph was familiar with Gray's
works. His own signed copy of Gray's Mediatorial Reign of the Son of
God (Baltimore, 1821) may be seen in the library of the Reorganized
Church. |
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No man knows, 111†.
According to H. Michael Marquardt, "Brodie may have mistaken this book
for the one that was owned by Samuel Harrison Smith "which is now in
Special Collections at BYU. This copy has "Samuel Smith's Book February
20th 1830" on the title page. Off-site
link |
| Joseph uses Gray as
a springboard |
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Indeed, the similarities
of the two men's views are striking. But there are stark differences as
well, which, to my thinking strengthens the hypothesis that Joseph used
Gray's issues to frame his own concept of priesthood. |
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| Jesus
and Melchizedek |
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Jesus held the priesthood of the
order of Melchizedek. Melchizedec preceded Aaron. His is a more "noble"
order. Hebrews is addressed to the Jews, who would not accept the atonement
because Jesus was not of Aaronic desent. Psalms says King David is a priest
of the Melchizedek order, and Jesus' genealogy is Davidic. |
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Gray's Priesthoods
(1) |
| Sacrifices
authorized without office |
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Before and after Melchisedec, until
Aaron, anyone could offer sacrifices. Prophets receive revelation, not fill
[priestly] offices. Those who tried to act as priests without authorization
were punished. But God can and has called men without priesthood to perform
sacrifices. |
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Gray's Priesthoods
(2) |
| Jesus
chose Melchizedec pattern |
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Christ chose pattern of Melchizedec's
order §. His sacrifice is unique
and perfect. Therefore his priesthood is beyond Melchisedec or Aaronic §.
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Gray's Priesthoods
(3) |
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Priesthood
Restoration
Priesthood
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