By What Authority?

Anytime men try to control others, invariably the endeavor for control involves stifling dissent and criticism. Those who claim the right to rule over others try to reduce all disputes to a question of authority. The discussion about who has “the” authority makes the question of whether an idea is right or wrong inconsequential. If authority determines everything, then all you need to “win” is to control authority.

By What Authority?

Jesus was confronted with the question of where did His authority come from? This question answers the question where anyone of us are required to get authority.

28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Here is what Joseph said, "All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by God himself" (TPJS, pp. 180-81).

So where did Joseph Smith get his authority?