Authority

When John Wesley ordained a Dr. Coke to preach in America his brother Charles wrote in reply.

How easily are bishops made
By man or woman’s whim!
Wesley his hands on Coke hath laid,
But who laid hands on him?

From where did John get authority? Is authority needed? If not, then anybody could baptize any other or speak in the name of God. Disorder would then follow (and it has). God is a god of order and this is not His way. He has given his authority to man and it is passed by the laying on of hands from one to the next. It can not be picked up by any other means.

This is the line of my authority (omitting myself and my father)

Wallace Reed Johnson ordained by Earl Wayne Hanks ordained by George Franklin Richards Sr. ordained by Joseph Fielding Smith ordained by Brigham Young ordained by Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris ordained by Joseph Smith ordained by resurrected Peter, James and John whoe were ordained by Jesus Christ during His earthyl ministry.