Book of The Law of The Lord - Monarchy and Priesthood

Monarchy and Priesthood

The most distinctive element of the Book of the Law is its overtly monarchial tone. Also of interest are the singular subdivisions Strang makes within the Melchizedek Priesthood, which his book refers to as "The Priesthood of an endless life," and the Aaronic Priesthood, referred to as "the Priesthood of life."

In the Melchizedek Priesthood, Strang enumerates two "orders," that of "Apostles," and that of "Priests."

• "Apostles" are subdivided into four "degrees:"
  • The Prophet/President of the Strangite church is openly referred to throughout the book as a "King," rather than as a "President" (as under Joseph Smith).
  • His Counselors are designated as "Viceroys." Viceroys are referred to as "kings," too, though this does not indicate a share in the unique royal dignity accorded to the President/King.
  • Strang's Twelve Apostles are named as "Princes in his Kingdom forever." The leader of Strang's Apostles is designated as "Prince and Grand Master of the Seventies."
  • A quorum of "Evangelists" (not to be confused with the LDS and Community of Christ office of Patriarch) is established, to be Apostles to a single "nation, kindred, tongue or people"--unlike the Twelve, who were sent to all nations. Seven Evangelists formed a quorum, and Strang noted that such a body had never been organized "in this dispensation." This priesthood office was unique to the Strangite organization, and does not correspond in any way to the office of Evangelist found in some other Latter Day Saint churches.

• "Priests" are subdivided into two "degrees:"
  • High Priests were to include "all inferiour Kings, Patriarchs, or heads of tribes, and Nobles, or heads of clans." Furthermore, Strang continued, "They who hold it are called Sons of God." From this group, said the Book of the Law, the king was to select "counsellors, judges and rulers."
  • The "degree" of Elders included both the offices of Seventy and Elder as generally constituted in Joseph Smith's church.

In the Aaronic Priesthood, Strang enumerates three "orders:"

• Priests were to teach, preach and baptize, but not (as in the Doctrine and Covenants) to bless the Sacrament; that was reserved to the High Priests of the Melchizedek Priesthood. They were subdivided into two "courses," one of which (the Singers) was opened to women:
  • "Sacrificators," who were to kill sacrifices in accordance with appropriate provisions of the Book of the Law, and
  • "Singers," who were to sing during the various services to be held in Strangite temples (no such temple was ever constructed by the Strangites, nor were its services ever apparently composed).
• Teachers were not merely to instruct in spiritual matters, but secular ones as well; they were to staff schools throughout Strang's kingdom. This office, like the office of Priest (Singer) was opened to women, and was subdivided into five degrees:
  • Rabboni,
  • Rabbi,
  • Doctor,
  • Ruler, and
  • Teacher.
• Deacons were to serve as "Stewards and keepers of the King’s prisons, and Stewards of the King’s Courts." They were subdivided into three "degrees:"
  • Marshals,
  • Stewards, and
  • Ministers.

In addition, a "King's Council" and a "King's Court" were established. While no direct link is made between the King's Court and the "High Council" established in the Doctrine and Covenants, certain parallels exist, such as requiring all members to hold the High Priesthood, and limiting their number to twelve.

Although Strang briefly enjoyed the services of Apostle William Smith as "Chief Patriarch" of his church, he makes no mention of this office anywhere in his book.