The Melchisedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the highest authority which pertains to the Priesthood, and the keys of the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity on the earth, and is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of
salvation, and every important matter is revealed from heaven.


Joseph Smith, October 5, 1840 - Nauvoo, Illinois ( History of the Church, 4:207)