The Book of Melchisedec I

Zion Established

1And after the people of Salem had humbled themselves before the Lord and had repented of their pride and their injustice, they assembled themselves together before Melchisedec and the elders of the city that they might enter into a covenant with the Most High God.

2And the people stood together in the courts of the city and lifted their voices unto the Lord, acknowledging their former sins and their pride, and desiring that they might be governed henceforth by the covenant of righteousness which had been revealed unto their fathers from the beginning.

3And they covenanted before the Lord that they would remember continually the poor and the humble among them.

4And that the abundance of the land should not be hoarded by the proud but should be consecrated for the good of all the people.

5And every man acknowledged before God that whatsoever substance he possessed had been given unto him as a stewardship from the Lord.

6Therefore each man administered his property with wisdom and humility, remembering that he was accountable before God for the manner in which he used the blessings entrusted unto him.

7And no man sought to increase his riches above his neighbor, neither did any man exalt himself because of the abundance which had been placed in his stewardship.

8But the people labored diligently and administered their substance according to the needs of the people.

9And storehouses were established among them for the distribution of food and provision.

10And those who had abundance gave willingly.

11And those who had little were sustained.

12And there were none among them who lacked bread.

13Neither were there any who were cast aside because of poverty or weakness.

14And the hearts of the people were knit together in unity and in love one toward another.

15And the Spirit of the Lord rested mightily upon the city.

16And the people began to dwell in peace and righteousness.

17And Melchisedec beheld these things and rejoiced greatly before the Lord.

18For he perceived that the covenant of God had begun to flourish among the inhabitants of Salem.

19And he withdrew again into the hills and mountains which overlooked the valley, that he might pray unto the Lord and give thanks for the change which had come upon the people.

20And while he prayed the word of Jehovah came unto him saying:

21Behold, Melchisedec, my servant.

22Thou hast been faithful in calling this people unto repentance.

23Thou hast not feared the faces of men, but hast spoken the words which I commanded thee.

24Therefore I establish this city as a place of peace among the nations.

25For the covenant which thou hast taught this people is the covenant of Zion.

26And because the people have consecrated their substance unto me and have administered their stewardship in righteousness, there shall be none poor among them.

27And the abundance of the land shall be sufficient for all who dwell therein.

28And I will bless the fields and the vineyards and the flocks of this people.

29And the earth shall yield her increase unto them.

30And the city shall be called Salem, which being interpreted is peace.

31For peace shall dwell within its walls and righteousness within its borders.

32And the nations shall hear of this city and shall marvel.

33And they shall say: Surely the hand of the Most High hath established Zion among this people.

34And Melchisedec bowed himself before the Lord and said:

35O Jehovah, my God, thou who art the Holy One of Israel, how shall I govern this people that they may remain in righteousness and not return again unto pride?

36For the hearts of men are prone to forget the covenant when prosperity increaseth among them.

37And the Lord answered him saying:

38Teach them continually the covenant which I have revealed unto thee.

39Remind them that the earth is mine and the fullness thereof.

40And that all things which they possess are given unto them as stewards before me.

41And appoint faithful men among them who shall remember the Holy Order.

42For the priesthood which thou holdest is after the order of my Son.

43Which order was established before the foundations of the world.

44Even the priesthood which is after the order of the Only Begotten of the Father.

45And this order is given unto men that they might teach the children of men how to return unto the presence of God.

46Therefore let the priests whom thou shalt appoint remember continually the covenant of humility and service.

47And let them seek revelation from me for the welfare of this people.

48For the kings of the earth rule by power and dominion.

49But the priest-king ruleth by righteousness and by the authority of the Holy Order.

50And if this people remember my commandments Zion shall flourish among them.

51And their children shall inherit the covenant.

52And the peace of Salem shall become a light unto many nations.

53And Melchisedec arose from prayer strengthened in the Spirit of the Lord.

54And he returned unto the city and continued to teach the people concerning the covenant of Zion.

55And thus the foundations of Zion were firmly established among the inhabitants of Salem.