DEFINITION OF PRIESTHOOD, Chapter 1 of Holy Priesthood Vol. 1

Many different descriptions have been given of the Priesthood, but still we have only a limited understanding of it. Brigham Young defined it as an “invisible, almighty, God-like power,” (JD 3:259) and later “a perfect order and system of government”. (JD 13:242). These are only a couple of many  descriptions of this most important feature of the Gospel.

The Priesthood is often referred to in the Doctrine and Covenants  as “the authority” to officiate in ordinances and in the duties of the Church. (See D & C  20:58, 73; 68:8, 19; 84:21; 107:8, 24; 113:8; 121:37; 124:128.) That authority is limited only to the laws, ordinances and principles of those Priesthoods, yet the Melchizedek is the greater authority and is “the highest and holiest Priesthood.” The Prophet Joseph explained:

All other Priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same, and are held, controlled, and directed by it