That this higher priesthood was competent to act in administering the ordinances under what is known as the law of Moses, is evident from the fact that it so administered before the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood proper was given; and the fact that there was given to the household of Aaron and the tribe of Levi a special priesthood, by no means detracts from the right and power of the higher or Melchizedek priesthood to officiate in the ordinances of the law of Moses; for certainly the higher order of priesthood may officiate in the functions of the lower, when necessity requires it. All the sacrifices and ordinances under the law of Moses, administered by the Nephite priesthood, I say again, were observed with due appreciation of the fact that they were of virtue only as they shadowed forth the things to be done by Messiah when he should come to earth, in the flesh, on his great mission of atonement. And in order that the reader may see how full Nephite knowledge was of the Messiah and of his life on earth, through the prophecies uttered concerning him--and prophecies, of course, are but history reversed--I present herewith a statement of the items known to them, collected by the patient labors of Elder George Reynolds, to whom I am indebted for the following passage: One of the most remarkable things connected with the history of the Nephites is the great plainness and detail with which the coming of the Redeemer and the events of his life in Judea were revealed to their prophets, who lived before the time of his advent. Among other things connected with his mortal existence it was declared of him that: God himself should come down from heaven among the children of men and should redeem his people. He should take upon him flesh and blood. He should be born in the land of Jerusalem, the name given by the Nephites to the land of their forefathers, whence they came. His mother's name should be Mary. She should be a virgin of the city of Nazareth; very fair and beautiful, a precious and chosen vessel. She should be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost. He should be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God. At his birth a new star should appear in the heavens. He should be baptized by John at Bethabara, beyond Jordan. John should testify that he had baptized the Lamb of God, who should take away the sins of the world. After his baptism, the Holy Ghost should come down upon him out of heaven, * * * * and abide upon him. He should call twelve men as his special witnesses, to minister in his name. He should go forth among the people, ministering in power and great glory, casting out devils, healing the sick, raising the dead, and performing many mighty miracles. He should take upon him the infirmities of his people.