"The Priesthood was first given to Adam; he obtained the First Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the creation, before the world was formed. . . . He is Michael the Archangel, spoken of in the scriptures. Then to Noah, who is Gabriel; he stands next in authority to Adam in the Priesthood; he was called of God to this office, and was the father of all living in his day, and to him was given the dominion. These men held keys first on earth, and then in heaven. "The Priesthood is an everlasting principle, and existed with God from eternity, and will to eternity, without beginning of days or end of years. The keys have to be brought from heaven whenever the Gospel is sent. When they are revealed from heaven, it is by Adam's authority. "Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of Days; he means the oldest man, our father, Adam, Michael; he will call his children together and hold a council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man. He (Adam) is the father of the human family, and presides over the spirits of all men and all that have had the keys must stand before him in this grand council. This may take place before some of us leave this stage of action. The Son of Man stands before him, and there is given him glory and dominion. Adam delivers up his stewardship to Christ, that which was delivered to him as holding the keys of the universe, but retains his standing as head of the human family. . . . "The keys were first given to him and by him to others. He will have to give an account of his stewardship, and they to him. "The Priesthood is everlasting. The Savior, Moses, and Elias, gave the keys to Peter, James and John, on the mount, when they were transfigured before him. . . . "Christ is the Great High Priest, Adam next."[1] Epistle of the Twelve After receiving their charge from the First Presidency, before their departure for their fields of labor, the members of the council of the twelve, wrote an epistle to the elders of the Church, the churches scattered abroad, and all the Saints, giving them instruction: and encouragement in their afflictions. To the Saints they said: "We wish to stimulate all the brethren to faithfulness; you have been, tried, you are now being tried; and those trials, if you are not watchful, will corrode the minds, and produce unpleasant feelings; but recollect that now is the time of trial; soon the victory will be ours. Now may be a day of lamentation--then will be a day of rejoicing. Now may be a day of sorrow--but by and by we shall see the Lord; our sorrow will be turned into joy, and our joy no man taketh from us." To the elders they said: