The Book of Melchisedec I

The Vision in the Mountains

1During the years of his youth Melchisedec went often into the Mountains east of Salem.

2And those hills were quiet places where shepherds watched their flocks and where the winds moved gently through the grass and trees.

3And there the young prince fasted and prayed.

4For his soul was troubled because of the corruption that he saw among the people.

5And he cried unto the Lord saying:

6O Jehovah, God of my fathers, thou who didst speak unto Adam and unto Enoch, wilt thou not reveal thy will concerning this people?

7For behold they prosper in riches, yet their hearts are far from thee.

8And it came to pass that while he prayed the heavens seemed to open unto his understanding.

9And the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him.

10And he beheld in vision a council of heavenly beings standing before the throne of the Most High.

11And a voice spoke unto him.

12And the voice was the voice of Jehovah.

13And Jehovah said unto him:

14Behold, thou art Melchisedec, son of a king in the land of Salem.

15And I have seen the desires of thy heart.

16For thou hast sought not riches nor dominion, but righteousness for my people.

17Therefore I will reveal unto thee the covenant of the holy order which I established from the beginning of the world.

18And this priesthood I gave unto Adam.

19And it came down through the fathers unto Enoch and unto Noah.

20And it remaineth upon the earth through the lineage of thy Fathers.

21And it shall be given unto thee if thou wilt walk before me in righteousness.

22For I will make thee both priest and king unto this people.

23And thou shalt call them unto repentance.

24And if they hearken unto thy voice I will establish peace within their walls.

25And there shall be none poor among them.

26And their city shall become a light unto many nations.

27But if they harden their hearts destruction shall come upon them.

28And the kingdoms round about shall consume them.

29Therefore arise, Melchisedec, and teach my covenant unto the people.

30For I, Jehovah, have spoken it.

31And the vision closed.

32And Melchisedec remained upon the hillside trembling because of the power of the word of the Lord.

33And he knew that his life would henceforth be devoted to the calling which he had received.