The Book of Melchisedec I

Chapter 9

Premium narration

For 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.

For 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.

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

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

And they said unto him:

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

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

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

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

That the peace of Zion may remain within our walls.

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

For he desired not honor nor dominion over men.

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

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

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

And the word of Jehovah came unto him saying:

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

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

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

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

For the kingdoms of the earth divide these powers.

And their kings rule by the authority of men.

And their priests seek honor among the people.

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

For the priesthood is the power and authority of heaven.

And it is after the order of my Son.

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

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

And he must rule not by force nor by fear.

But by righteousness and by the power of the covenant.

And Melchisedec answered the Lord saying:

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

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

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

And the Lord said unto him:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And the peace of heaven shall dwell within their walls.

And the nations shall look upon this city and marvel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And the covenant of consecration was remembered among them.

And the poor were not forgotten.

And the humble were strengthened.

And the people continued to dwell in unity and righteousness.

And the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the city.

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

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

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

And because of this many nations called him Melchisedec.

Which being interpreted is King of Righteousness.

And they also called him the Prince of Peace.

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