Elder Bruce R. McConkie observed: “‘Priestcrafts and iniquities!’ These were at the root of their problem. Their rulers had developed an oral law that surpassed in importance the word of Jehovah given on Sinai; traditions became more important than truth; and personal righteousness faded away. It was an hour when men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Priestcrafts and iniquities! It was an hour of persecution and rebellion, of darkness and dire days ahead” (Mortal Messiah, 2:393). See 2 Nephi 26:29 for a definition of priestcraft.