Rights of the Priesthood

T&C 139:5-6

5 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen, and why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson — that the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the Powers of Heaven, and that the Powers of Heaven cannot be controlled nor handled, only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true, but when we undertake to cover our sins or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the Heavens withdraw themselves, the Spirit of the Lord is grieved, and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the Priesthood or the authority of that man. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself to kick against the pricks, to persecute the Saints, and to fight against God. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose,

6 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the Priesthood; only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned, by kindness and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul, without hypocrisy and without guile, reproving betimes with sharpness when moved upon by the Holy Ghost and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom you have reproved, lest he esteem you to be his enemy, that he may know that your faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death; your bowels also being full of charity towards all men, and to the Household of faith, and virtue garnish your thoughts unceasingly. Then shall your confidence wax strong in the presence of God, and the doctrines of the Priesthood shall distill upon your soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be your constant companion, and your scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth, and your dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto you for ever and ever.

The Holy Order, Denver Snuffer, 29 October 2017

Priesthood Talk, Denver Snuffer, 2 November 2013

http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/05/power-in-priesthood.html

http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/05/power-in-priesthood-part-2.html

http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/05/power-in-priesthood-part-3.html

http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/05/power-in-priesthood-conclusion.html