The peculiar regard for Adam manifested in Mormon theology , coupled with the terms in which he has been mentioned by some of their authorities, has given rise to the popular idea that Adam is really identified with God. Thus, as frequently urged by hostile critics, President Young once said that Adam is father and our God," also , " the only God with whom we have to do." Whether or not Young actually intended to convey the ideas that his words suggest, or merely did not realize the possible connotation of his words, it is altogether certain that the Mormon Church holds to no doctrine by which Adam is represented as anyone other than a being eternally inferior to God the Father. Undoubtedly this alleged doctrine of Mormonism , which mean minds have ruthlessly advertised , without any investigation whatever, is, like other “ obnoxious doctrines,” ascribed to this system, more properly a matter of words than of ideas. As we shall see later, this identical situation is involved in the use of the word " gods ” in this theology ; thus giving the wanton enemies of this Church the opportunity to accuse it of teaching polytheism , which is very far from the truth of the matter, as must be acknowledged in the simple cause of justice, truth -telling, and intelligence. It is an excellent thing to investigate sufficiently to discover what a man really says, or a system really teaches, before proceeding to condemn it for harmful errors." . . . It must be said , therefore, that the position of Adam , even as stated in Brigham Young's much -discussed remark, is merely a corollary, and a very logical one, of the exalted idea of the sacredness of organization held among the Mormons, rather than of any tendency to deify a man. It is their belief that the organization of their Church is merely a duplicate of the organization of the universe of spirits. Thus, in discussing the doctrine of the Godhead, it is not uncommon to hear mention of the “ Great Presidency in Heaven , " which, like the Presidency of the Church on earth , is composed of Three Personages. The “ federal headship” of Adam, therefore, involves that he is a factor in a great organization , which is composed of all the spirits of mankind, who exist on earth, or who have already existed . In this capacity , he discharges his functions as the first and foremost holder of the Priesthood on earth . Since, also , “ when the keys of Gospel ordinances are revealed from heaven , it is by Adam's authority,” there is an involved suggestion that the holders of priestly authority are, in a sense, personally under his direction.