The Book of Melchisedec I

Melchisedec the Priest-King

1For behold, the Holy Order of God had been restored among the people of Salem, and after the covenant of consecration had been established among them, the inhabitants of the city desired that Melchisedec should rule over them both as king and as high priest before the Lord.

2For the people perceived that the peace which had come upon the city had not been established by the power of armies nor by the wisdom of earthly rulers.

3But it had come by the covenant of righteousness which Melchisedec had taught them according to the word of Jehovah.

4And the elders of the people assembled themselves together and came before Melchisedec.

5And they said unto him:

6Thou hast taught us the covenant of the Lord and hast led us to repentance.

7Through thy instruction we have remembered the commandments of God and have established Zion among us.

8Therefore reign over us according to the Holy Order, that righteousness may continue among this people.

9And let the throne of Salem be governed by the covenant which the Lord hath revealed.

10That the peace of Zion may remain within our walls.

11And when Melchisedec heard these words he was humble before the Lord.

12For he desired not honor nor dominion over men.

13But he sought only to serve God and to teach righteousness among the people.

14Therefore he withdrew from the multitude and went again unto the hills and mountains where he had often pe::oned the Lord.

15And there he sought the will of Jehovah concerning the request of the people.

16And the word of Jehovah came unto him saying:

17My servant Melchisedec, thou hast been faithful in the calling which I have given thee.

18Thou hast called this people unto repentance and hast restored the covenant of righteousness among them.

19Therefore I appoint thee to reign among this people as both priest and king.

20For the order of Zion requireth that the throne and the altar be governed according to one law.

21For the kingdoms of the earth divide these powers.

22And their kings rule by the authority of men.

23And their priests seek honor among the people.

24But in Zion the authority of the throne must be subject unto the authority of the priesthood.

25For the priesthood is the power and authority of heaven.

26And it is after the order of my Son.

27Even the Only Begotten whom I prepared from the foundation of the world.

28Therefore he who governeth Zion must govern according to that Holy Order.

29And he must rule not by force nor by fear.

30But by righteousness and by the power of the covenant.

31And Melchisedec answered the Lord saying:

32O Jehovah, thou who art the Holy One of Israel and the Savior of the world, I am but a servant before thee.

33How shall I bear the responsibility of both the throne and the altar?

34For the hearts of men are often lifted up in pride when power is given unto them.

35And the Lord said unto him:

36Remember that the authority of the throne must always bow before the authority of the priesthood.

37For the kings of the earth rule by power, by armies, and by the fear of men.

38But the priest-king ruleth by righteousness and by the law of God.

39And he seeketh not his own honor but the welfare of Zion.

40Therefore let the sanctuary of the Lord remain at the center of the city.

41And let the law of the covenant govern all judgments among the people.

42And let the high priests whom thou hast ordained counsel together continually for the welfare of the city.

43And if this people remember my commandments and administer their substance with humility, Zion shall flourish among them.

44And the peace of heaven shall dwell within their walls.

45And the nations shall look upon this city and marvel.

46Saying: Surely this people are governed by the wisdom of the Most High.

47And when Melchisedec heard these words he understood the order of the kingdom.

48And he returned unto the people and accepted their request according to the will of Jehovah.

49And he was established as both king and high priest among the inhabitants of Salem.

50And the throne of the king was set beside the sanctuary of the Most High.

51And the judgments of the city were given according to the law of God.

52And the high priests counseled together continually for the welfare of the people.

53And the covenant of consecration was remembered among them.

54And the poor were not forgotten.

55And the humble were strengthened.

56And the people continued to dwell in unity and righteousness.

57And the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the city.

58And the peace which prevailed among that people became known throughout many lands.

59And travelers who passed through the valley declared that Salem was unlike any kingdom upon the earth.

60For its king ruled in humility and its priests governed in righteousness.

61And because of this many nations called him Melchisedec.

62Which being interpreted is King of Righteousness.

63And they also called him the Prince of Peace.

64For through the Holy Order which he held he established peace among the people of Zion.