Patriarchal Order

     "The Lord's government is patriarchal in nature.  The family unit is the center.  In preexistence he was the Father of spirits, and all men are literally brothers and sisters in the spirit. With the placing of man on earth, the Lord began by patterning earthly government after that which is heavenly.  A perfect theocratic, patriarchal system was set up with Adam at the head.  This system prevailed in large measure among righteous men from Adam to the establishment of Israel in her promised land, when the people prevailed upon the Lord to let them be ruled by kings as were the apostate gentile nations."

-Bruce R. McConkie

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