The following is a revelation received by the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints organized in 1844, James Strang. We ask members of the Fellowship to read this revelation prayerfully to determine if it should be added to the Fellowship Doctrine and Covenants. Additions to the text, added for clarity and by Holy inspiration, are in italics. Chapter 19, was originally Chapter 18. This has been changed by inspiration to make for a more logical order of topics.
Ordination
1 Thou shalt not take upon thyself the honor of the Priesthood; neither shalt thou confer this honor on any but him whom the Lord thy God shall call.
2 For no man shall administer in the name of God, but he that is called by the revelation of God’s will, and set apart by the hands of those upon whom the authority of His name is sealed.
3 ¶ Whosoever is called by the voice of God to the royal authority, shall be anointed and ordained by the hands of those who stand in royal authority above him;
4 But he that is first, by the angels of God; that he may have all the gifts; even wisdom, knowledge, faith, revelation, prophecy;
5 And whatsoever gift is good for the Chief Shepherd of the flock of God: that they may be able to rule in righteousness; and they for their several callings, among God’s flock.
6 ¶ And whosoever is called to administer at the altar, and in sacraments and ceremonies, shall be consecrated and set apart by the hands of those in like authority, according to the calling of God, for their ministry.
7 ¶ And whosoever consecrates another to the Priesthood of God, and the authority of his name, shall, with his hands upon his head, by his voice declare and seal upon them the name and authority of God; even that Priesthood unto which he consecrateth them.
Interpretation
The Fellowship interprets this revelation to denote the will of the Lord in matters of ordination.
If accepted, this chapter of the Book of the Law of the Lord will be added either after what is commonly known as the Lectures on Faith, or at the end of the collection of the Sections of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Thoughts, comments, and other interpretations are welcome below.