(11/28/04)
"... the kingdom of God is governed by the authority of the priesthood. It is not conferred for honor, but for a ministry of service. Priesthood titles are not created by man; neither are they for adornment, nor do they express mastership. They denote appointment to service in the work of the Lord. We are called, sustained, and ordained-not by ourselves, but "by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof." (A of F 1:5; see also Heb. 5:4.)" - Russell M. Nelson, "Honoring the Priesthood," Ensign, May 1993, p. 38

(11/29/04)
"We are Christians because we believe in the Christian lay ministry, established in the original Church. 'We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.' (A of F 1:5.) We believe that a call to the ministry is something that 'no man taketh... unto himself,' but that he must be 'called of God, as was Aaron.' (Heb. 5:4.) In other words, we do not believe that a man may call himself to the Lord's ministry." - Robert E. Wells, "We Are Christians Because... ," Ensign, January 1984, p. 19

(11/30/04)
"Paul wrote concerning the priesthood: 'No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.' (Heb. 5:4.) We have not acquired it through purchase or bargain. The Lord has given it to men who are considered worthy to receive it, regardless of station in life, the color of their skin, or the nation in which they live. It is the power and the authority to govern in the affairs of the kingdom of God. It is given only by ordination by the laying on of hands by those in authority to do so. The qualification for eligibility is obedience to the commandments of God." - Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Cornerstones of Our Faith," Ensign, November 1984, p. 52

(12/1/04)
"Yes, with all of the soberness of my soul, I declare that God's house is a house of order. His holy purposes are not carried out by man's whim or fancy but, rather, in this church which bears his name, sacred ordinances can only be performed by proper authority. We agree with Paul that 'no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.' (Heb. 5:4.) Priesthood authority of the Lord Jesus Christ was restored by John the Baptist, by Peter, James, and John in the spring of 1829." - Robert L. Simpson, "The Most Vital Information," Ensign, November 1974, p. 46