The Book of Melchisedec I

Chapter 12

Premium narration

Affer 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.

Therefore 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.

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

And 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

And Melchisedec said unto Abram:

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

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

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

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

And none sought to exalt himself above another.

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

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

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

And Melchisedec stood among them and spoke saying:

My brethren, remember the covenant which we have received.

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

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

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

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

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

That no man may lift himself above another.

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

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

And Melchisedec continued saying:

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

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

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

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

Teaching the covenant and preserving the unity of Zion.

And Abram marveled greatly when he heard these words.

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

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

And the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the council.

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

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

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

Therefore I will bless the city of Salem.

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

And the abundance of the land shall not fail them.

And their children shall inherit the covenant of their fathers.

And the nations shall hear of this city and marvel.

Saying: Surely the wisdom of heaven governeth this people.

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

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

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