Use of the Priesthood Authority

Today I read Moroni 2 and 3. I often wonder why Moroni chose to include certain things in his writings. For example chapter 2 is a repeat of what we have already read in 3 Nephi when the Savior actually gave them the power to give the gift of the Holy Ghost as we have already talked about.

Chapter 3 is new information and it is interesting enough to see how they ordained men to the Priesthood and it is a comfort to know that things have not changed in how things are done in the church of God. One thing I often wonder though is if a teacher and a priest had the same function in ancient times as they do in modern day. I would assume so, but did they ordain their men as young as we do now? It's fun to think about.

I have often wondered though what the purpose of a physical laying on of hands is. I sometimes think it is nothing more than a focus point for the person who is acting as voice for the ordinance to focus on. We have, that I can think of, only one recorded instance where someone was baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost without the laying on of hands or even baptized with physical hands, that of course is Adam, the first man. We read in the book of Moses that he was caught up in the Spirit and baptized. I can only assume that he was given the Priesthood in the same fashion since there was no one one else with a physical body to give him the Priesthood by the laying on of hands.

We know that God is a God of order and that His church is a church or order too. The majority of the revelations Joseph Smith received in the early days of the church were to organize the church and ensure that it was running appropriately. Some naysayers may incorrectly state that God was changing His mind and updating what He wanted, however, it was actually the people of the church who weren't ready for certain things. Also, God has always followed the pattern of line upon line when revealing doctrine and spiritual things. I cannot think of any recorded instance where he just gave it all in one solid lump.

So there is comfort in knowing that matters of the church have always been the same even in ancient days. At least there is comfort if like me you do not like change. I can't really at this moment think of another reason why Moroni would have included this information. Obviously the Lord thought it was important for us to have, but other than to give us the knowledge that here on the American continent in ancient days they too gave the gift of the Holy Ghost and had the office of Teachers and Priests, I am not sure.

For me personally it is enough that is is knowledge about the church in ancient times, which is a comfort and another testament that God does not change. And perhaps it really is just that simple. Until tomorrow.