11. High Priests.--The quorums of high priests are designed to qualify those who shall be appointed standing presidents over different stakes in Zion, and abroad.[121] They may travel and preach the gospel if they choose, for high priests have power to preach and administer all the ordinances of the gospel; but their calling is more especially to preside. To them belongs the sphere of presidency of government in the church. From these quorums, so far as the most suitable men can be found in them, are chosen men to act as bishops--where no literal descendant of Aaron can be found,--the bishops' counselors; presidents of stakes and their counselors; and also high counselors. When men more suitable for these positions are found in other quorums of the priesthood, then they are ordained high priests, and appointed to the presiding positions enumerated. In every stake there is a high priests' quorum, presided over by a president and two counselors. There is no specific number necessary to form a quorum of high priests, the quorum includes all high priests within a stake or branch where it exists, be they {347} many or few. The quorum organization is for convenience, for discipline, and for training its members in the art of government. Since to the high priests belongs the sphere of government, we know of no position in the church which calls for higher qualities of heart and mind than that of high priests. It is an office that requires the combination of wisdom and executive ability, a combination the rarest among men. The world has had untold thousands of learned men and orators, and multitudes of men with special great gifts; but it has had comparatively few blessed with that combination of gifts which makes men successful rulers; and yet those qualities which make men rulers are the qualities to be looked for and developed in high priests. 12. Elders.--Elder is the lowest office in the Melchisedek Priesthood. It is an office that is an appendage to the Melchisedek Priesthood.[122] Yet the Elder has the power to preach the gospel, baptize, lay on hands for the Holy Ghost, administer the sacrament, and preside when there is no high priest present.[123] Ninety-six Elders constitute a quorum.[124] The quorum is presided over by a president and two counselors, whose duty it is to instruct them in the duties of their office. There may be any number of quorums of Elders in a branch or stake of Zion, as there is no limit whatsoever in the revelations. The elders constitute a standing ministry in Zion and her stakes.[125] They are not under obligations to travel abroad as the seventies are; but may be called upon to preside from time to time as circumstances may require.[126]