The Book of Melchisedec I

The Council of High Priests in Salem

1Affer Abram had received instruction from Melchisedec concerning the Holy Order of God, his heart desired to understand more perfectly how the people of Salem governed themselves in righteousness, for he perceived that the peace of that city did not arise merely from the authority of its king, but from a deeper order which sustained the covenant among the people.

2Therefore Abram said unto Melchisedec: My lord, I perceive that Zion among this people is preserved by wisdom greater than that of kings, for the unity of this nation exceedeth that which I have seen among the kingdoms of the earth.

3And Melchisedec answered him saying: Come with me, Abram, and I will show thee the council by which Zion is preserved among this people.

4And Melchisedec brought Abram into the inner court of the sanctuary of the Most High, which stood at the center of the city of Salem, and which had been established as the place where the covenant of the Lord was taught continually among the people.

5And within that sanctuary the high priests of the Holy Order assembled together at appointed seasons.

6And these high priests were men who had been called and ordained because of their exceeding faith and their humility before the Lord.

7For they had humbled themselves in repentance and had proven themselves faithful in the covenant of consecration which governed the city.

8And they had been ordained after the Holy Order of God.

9Not by the authority of kings nor by the will of men.

10But according to the foreknowledge of Jehovah, who knoweth the hearts of His children from the beginning.

11And Melchisedec said unto Abram:

12These are they who labor with me in preserving the covenant of Zion among the people.

13For the Lord hath established that Zion cannot endure unless the hearts of the people are governed in righteousness.

14And the governance of Zion must be done according to the Holy Order which was prepared from the foundation of the world.

15And when the council assembled together they sat in humility before the Lord.

16And none sought to exalt himself above another.

17For each man remembered that he had been called not to rule by dominion but to serve in righteousness.

18And they sought revelation continually from Jehovah concerning the welfare of the people.

19And the Spirit of the Lord rested upon them as they deliberated together.

20And Melchisedec stood among them and spoke saying:

21My brethren, remember the covenant which we have received.

22For we are not rulers over the people as the kings of the nations rule.

23Neither are we lifted above our brethren because of the priesthood which we hold.

24But we are stewards in the service of the Most High.

25Therefore let every judgment among this people be given in mercy and truth.

26And let the law of consecration be remembered continually among the inhabitants of Zion.

27That no man may lift himself above another.

28For the covenant of God requireth that the strong remember the weak.

29And that the abundance of the land be administered in righteousness.

30And Melchisedec continued saying:

31The Holy Order which we hold is after the order of the Son of God.

32Even the Only Begotten whom the Father prepared from the foundation of the world.

33And this priesthood is given unto men that they might teach the children of God how to return unto His presence.

34Therefore let the priests of this order labor continually in humility.

35Teaching the covenant and preserving the unity of Zion.

36And Abram marveled greatly when he heard these words.

37For he perceived that the council of Salem governed not by the authority of kings alone but by the covenant of heaven.

38And he said within his heart: Surely this people are governed by revelation from the Most High.

39And the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the council.

40And it came to pass that the word of Jehovah came unto Melchisedec during that assembly saying:

41My servants, ye have remembered the covenant which I established from the beginning.

42And ye have governed this people according to the law of righteousness.

43Therefore I will bless the city of Salem.

44And the peace of Zion shall remain among this people so long as they walk in humility before me.

45And the abundance of the land shall not fail them.

46And their children shall inherit the covenant of their fathers.

47And the nations shall hear of this city and marvel.

48Saying: Surely the wisdom of heaven governeth this people.

49And when the word of the Lord had ceased the high priests bowed themselves before Jehovah.

50And they gave thanks for the covenant which had been established among them.

51And they continued to labor together in unity and righteousness for the preservation of Zion.