The Book of Melchisedec I

The Corruption of Salem

1In the generations after the flood that the children of men multiplied upon the face of the earth, and they built cities and kingdoms according to their wisdom.

2And among the valleys of the east there was a land of great beauty, watered by springs and surrounded by hills, mountains, and great valleys, and the merchants of many nations passed through it continually.

3And in that valley there stood a city which was called Salem yea even the mountain of the Lord.

4And the city had been founded in ancient days by men who remembered the covenant of the Most High God, even Jehovah, who created the heavens and the earth.

5And those men taught their children the laws of righteousness, and they kept records of the fathers which reached back unto Adam, Seth, Enoch, and even unto Noah who was preserved through the waters of the flood and who preserved the Fathers record.

6Nevertheless many generations passed away, and the remembrance of the covenant began to fade among the people.

7For the city prospered greatly in trade and in riches, and the merchants became mighty among the inhabitants of the land.

8And the rulers of the city loved power, and the judges loved silver and gold more than justice and righteousness.

9And there arose certain priests among the people who taught the traditions of men rather than the commandments of the Most High.

10And these priests sought honor, power, and authority, and they contended one with another concerning the governance of the people.

11And the poor of the city were often neglected, and the stranger and the widow found little mercy among those who sat in the seats of judgment and power.

12And many of the elders mourned, for they remembered the ancient writings which declared that the covenant of God required justice, humility, and compassion.

13And it came to pass that certain secret teachers began to spread among the rulers doctrines which were not known among the fathers.

14And these teachers spoke of power and dominion, and they declared that strength belonged unto those who seized it.

15And among them the name of Belial was spoken in whispers, for they taught that rebellion against the covenant brought freedom and greatness.

16And these teachings pleased the hearts of ambitious men.

17And alliances began to form among rulers and priests who desired greater power over the people.

18And the council of Salem became divided, some remembering the covenant of the fathers, and others seeking to make the city mighty among the kingdoms of the earth.

19And because of these divisions there arose contention throughout the land.

20Yet the city outwardly prospered, and strangers who passed through the valley marveled at its markets and its towers.

21Nevertheless the hearts of the people were troubled.

22For there were families who labored greatly and yet remained poor, while others increased in riches beyond measure.

23And the judges often favored those who possessed gold and influence.

24And thus the foundations of justice began to weaken within the city.

25And in those days there remained among the people a few families who still preserved the ancient records of the fathers.

26And these records spoke of a holy order which had existed from the beginning of the world, even a priesthood established after the order of the Son of God.

27And the keepers of these records believed that the covenant of righteousness would one day be restored among the children of men.

28And it came to pass that in those days a child was born into one of these families.

29And his name was called Melchisedec, which being interpreted is My King is Righteousness.

30And the elders who understood the genealogies said that his lineage reached back through the patriarchs who walked with God.

31And some among them wondered if the Most High would raise up this child to restore the remembrance of the covenant.

32But the city knew it not, for the rulers and priests continued in their contentions, and the people walked in many different paths.

33And thus the stage was set for the days in which the Most High would again call a people unto repentance. The Book of Melchisedec The Salem Record

The Youth of Melchisedec

1And in that day the child Melchisedec grew in the city of Salem in the house of his father, who was king over the people of that land.

2And his father was a just man in many things, yet he ruled over a people whose hearts were divided.

3For some among the people desired righteousness and remembered the covenant of the fathers.

4And others loved power and wealth, and they listened unto the priests who taught the traditions of men.

5And the palace of the king stood upon a hill overlooking the city, and from its towers one could see the markets and the gates and the fields beyond the walls.

6And Melchisedec often walked among the people of the city.

7And he observed the merchants who traded in the markets, and the judges who sat in the courts, and the laborers who worked in the streets.

8And he saw that some prospered exceedingly while others labored continually and had little.

9And these things troubled his heart.

10And he went often unto the keepers of the ancient records who dwelt near the sanctuary of the Most High.

11And these elders taught him the histories of the fathers.

12And they spoke unto him of Adam who walked with God.

13And of Abel whose righteousness pleased the Lord.

14And of Enoch who established a city of holiness.

15And of Noah who preserved the covenant through the flood.

16And of the patriarchs whose priesthood authority remained upon the earth.

17And Melchisedec listened diligently unto these teachings.

18And his heart burned within him as he heard the words of the covenant.

19And he began to understand that the city of Salem had once been founded upon those same principles.

20But that the people had departed from them.

21And as he grew in wisdom the people began to take notice of him.

22For he spoke with clarity and wisdom beyond his years.

23And he judged matters among the youth with fairness.

24And the poor who came unto the palace seeking justice often found that the young prince would hear their pe::ons.

25And his father marveled at the compassion of his son.

26Nevertheless the divisions within the city continued to increase.

27And certain priests who desired power feared the influence of the young prince.

28For they perceived that his teachings might weaken their authority among the people.

29Yet Melchisedec sought not power but understanding.

30And he often withdrew from the noise of the city and went into the hills and mountains that surrounded the valley.

31And there he pondered the covenant of the Most High.

32And he prayed continually that the Lord would show him how the people might return unto righteousness.

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.

The First Sermon of Repentance

1And in time and through exceeding faith Melchisedec received a vision of the Lord in the hills east of Salem, and had heard the voice of Jehovah concerning the covenant of righteousness, he returned unto the city with a heart filled with both sorrow and determination, for he had seen the corruption of the people and knew that the Lord required him to call them unto repentance.

2And as he entered the city he beheld again the markets and the streets thereof, and the people moving to and fro in their business and trade, and he perceived that many were diligent in their labors, yet their hearts were not set upon the covenant of God but upon the increase of their riches.

3And Melchisedec went unto the gates of the city, which was the place where the elders judged matters and where merchants and travelers gathered continually, and there he stood among the people that his voice might be heard by many.

4And when the multitude had assembled, Melchisedec lifted up his voice and began to speak with boldness, not as one who sought the favor of men but as one who had received a commandment from the Lord.

5And he cried aloud saying:

6Hearken unto me, ye inhabitants of Salem, and give ear unto the words which Jehovah, the God of our fathers, hath placed within my heart.

7For behold, this city prospereth in trade and in abundance, and the markets thereof are filled with goods from many lands.

8Nevertheless the covenant of righteousness which was given unto our fathers hath grown weak among you.

9For I have seen judges who love silver more than justice, and who incline their ears unto those who bring gifts rather than unto the cries of the poor.

10And I have seen merchants who rejoice in the increase of their wealth while the humble laborers of the city struggle to obtain bread for their families.

11And I have seen priests who teach the traditions of men and the philosophies of the nations, yet they neglect the commandments of the Most High and forget the covenant which was delivered unto our fathers from the beginning.

12Therefore thus saith Jehovah, the God of heaven and earth, who created the world and who established the covenant with Adam and with Noah and with the patriarchs after them:

13Repent, O inhabitants of Salem, and return unto the covenant of righteousness which your fathers once honored.

14For the Lord requireth not the pride of the wealthy nor the authority of the mighty, but he requireth broken hearts and humble spirits among his people.

15Defend the poor and the needy among you, and judge with righteousness in your courts.

16Let not the stranger be oppressed within your gates, neither let the widow cry unto the Lord because of your neglect.

17For if ye will remember the covenant and walk in mercy and truth before the Lord, then Jehovah shall establish peace within your walls.

18And the abundance of the land shall be sufficient for all the people.

19And there shall be none among you who hunger, neither shall any man be cast aside because of poverty.

20And your children shall grow up in safety, and the generations to come shall rejoice in the righteousness of this city.

21But if ye harden your hearts and refuse the word of the Lord, then the pride of this city shall become its downfall.

22And the kingdoms round about you shall rise up in jealousy and contention.

23And the riches which ye trust in shall not deliver you in the day of trouble.

24For pride goeth before destruction, and the fall of nations followeth the rejection of the covenant of God.

25And when Melchisedec had spoken these words the people were astonished.

26For never before had a prince of the royal house spoken unto them with such boldness concerning their sins.

27And many marveled that the son of the king would rebuke the pride of the rulers and the corruption of the priests.

28And some among the people mocked him, saying that he was young and knew not the affairs of kings nor the burdens of ruling a city.

29And others said that his words were dangerous, for they feared the anger of those who held power within the courts of Salem.

30Nevertheless there were many whose hearts were pricked when they heard his words.

31And they began to remember the teachings of the ancient records concerning the covenant of God.

32And they pondered in their hearts whether the Lord had indeed raised up Melchisedec to call the city unto repentance.

33And thus the word of the Lord began to spread among the people of Salem.

The People Begin to Turn

1And it came to pass that after Melchisedec had lifted up his voice at the gates of Salem and had declared the words of Jehovah unto the people, the report of his sermon spread throughout the city, and the inhabitants thereof began to speak one with another concerning the things which he had said.

2And many who had heard him returned unto their homes pondering the words which had been spoken, for his message was unlike the teachings of the priests who sought honor among men, but it called the people to humility and to remembrance of the covenant of their fathers.

3And it came to pass that many came again unto the gates of the city to hear Melchisedec speak, and the multitude increased continually, for his words carried the power of truth which caused the hearts of the people to tremble.

4And among those who gathered were merchants who traded in the markets, and judges who sat in the courts, and laborers who worked with their hands in the streets of the city.

5And the poor especially rejoiced in his teachings, for they perceived that the God of heaven had not forgotten them.

6For Melchisedec spoke often concerning the mercy of the Most High, declaring that the Lord had commanded from the beginning that the weak should not be cast aside and that the humble should not be oppressed by the powerful.

7And he reminded the people that the covenant of God was given that men might dwell in righteousness and equity before Him.

8And he said unto them: The Lord hath not given the earth unto a few that they should exalt themselves above their brethren, but He hath given the earth unto all His children that they might dwell together in peace and administer their substance with wisdom and mercy.

9And certain elders of the city, who remembered the ancient teachings, began to support the message of Melchisedec.

10And they brought forth the ancient records of the fathers which had been preserved among the people from generation to generation.

11And these records were read openly before the multitude.

12And they spoke of Adam who walked with God in the beginning.

13And of Abel whose righteousness was pleasing unto the Lord.

14And of Enoch who established a city of holiness where the people were of one heart and one mind.

15And of Noah who preserved the covenant through the waters of the flood.

16And these records testified of the Holy Order of God which had been established from the foundation of the world.

17Even the priesthood which was after the order of the Son of God.

18And when the people heard these things many remembered the covenant which had been forgotten.

19And the Spirit of the Lord began to work mightily among them.

20And their hearts were softened.

21And they began to examine their own lives and the manner in which they had treated their fellow men.

22And some merchants who had increased their riches unjustly came forth and forgave the debts of those who had been bound unto them.

23And some landowners released those who had labored under heavy burdens and restored unto them their liberty.

24And certain judges who had once favored the wealthy began to judge the people with greater fairness and humility.

25And thus repentance began to spread throughout the city.

26And neighbor began to reconcile with neighbor.

27And those who had been divided in pride sought forgiveness one from another.

28And the hearts of the people began to change.

29And when Melchisedec beheld these things he rejoiced greatly.

30For he perceived that the word of the Lord had begun to take root among the inhabitants of Salem.

31And he withdrew again into the hills to pray and to give thanks unto Jehovah.

32And while he prayed the Spirit of the Lord rested upon him.

33And the voice of Jehovah came unto him saying:

34Blessed art thou, Melchisedec, my servant.

35For thou hast not feared the faces of men, but hast spoken the truth which I commanded thee.

36And because thou hast called this people unto repentance many have begun to hear my voice.

37Continue therefore in righteousness and fear not the opposition of wicked men.

38For the adversary shall stir up contention among the proud, but my covenant shall be established among the humble.

39And I will establish thee as both priest and king among this people.

40And through thee I will restore the remembrance of the Holy Order which was prepared from the foundation of the world.

41And this people shall learn again the law of consecration.

42And they shall administer their substance as stewards before me.

43And there shall come a day when there shall be none poor among them.

44And their city shall become known among the nations as a place of peace.

45And many shall look upon Salem and marvel, saying:

46Surely the hand of the Lord is with this people.

47And Melchisedec bowed himself before the Lord in gratitude.

48And he prepared his heart to continue the work which Jehovah had commanded him to perform.

49And thus the word of the Lord continued to spread among the inhabitants of Salem, and the foundations of Zion began to be laid among the people. The Book of Melchisedec The Salem Record

Salem Repents

1Now the words of Melchisedec continued to spread throughout the city of Salem, and the inhabitants thereof spoke continually one with another concerning the things which he had declared unto them by the commandment of the Lord.

2And the people gathered often at the gates and in the courts of the city, which were the places appointed for judgment and counsel, that they might hear the teachings concerning the covenant of the Most High God.

3And the elders of the city, who still remembered the records of the fathers, brought forth the ancient records which had been preserved from generation to generation.

4And they read before the people the commandments which had been given unto the righteous in former times.

5And these records testified of the covenant of God, which from the beginning had commanded men to walk humbly before Him, to deal justly with their fellow men, and to remember the poor and the needy among them.

6And when the people heard these things many were pricked in their hearts.

7For they perceived that their pride and their love of riches had caused them to forget the commandments of God and the covenant which their fathers had honored.

8And they began to see that the prosperity of the city had become a snare unto them.

9For the abundance of the land had lifted up their hearts in pride and had caused them to trust in their riches rather than in the Lord.

10And certain merchants stood before the people and confessed openly that they had dealt unjustly in their trade.

11And they acknowledged that they had increased their wealth by taking advantage of the weakness of others.

12And certain judges likewise confessed that they had favored the wealthy in their judgments and had neglected the cries of the poor and the humble.

13And when the people heard these confessions there was great humility among them.

14And Melchisedec lifted up his voice again before the multitude and said:

15Repent, O inhabitants of Salem, and return unto the covenant of the Most High.

16For the Lord requireth not the riches of the proud nor the glory of kings, but He delighteth in the humble who remember His commandments.

17And the covenant which the Lord gave unto the fathers was given that the children of men might dwell together in righteousness.

18That the strong should not oppress the weak.

19And that the rich should remember the poor.

20For the earth is the Lord’s, and the abundance thereof is given unto men that they might administer it with wisdom and mercy.

21Therefore if ye will humble yourselves before the Lord and remember the covenant which He established from the beginning, He will establish peace within your borders.

22And your city shall become a place of righteousness and refuge among the nations.

23And the abundance of the land shall be sufficient for all the people.

24And there shall be none among you who hunger or suffer want.

25And when Melchisedec had spoken these words many among the people fell upon their knees and cried unto the Lord for forgiveness.

26And they confessed their sins before God and before one another.

27And they covenanted together that they would restore whatsoever they had taken unjustly.

28And they forgave debts which had bound their brethren in poverty.

29And they released those who had been held in servitude because of their poverty.

30And they determined among themselves that from that day forward they would administer their substance as stewards before the Lord.

31And storehouses were established within the city.

32And the abundance of the land was gathered together according to the stewardship of every man.

33And that which was gathered was distributed among the people according to their needs.

34And those who had much gave willingly.

35And those who had little were sustained.

36And it came to pass that the poor were no longer neglected among them.

37And the widows were comforted.

38And the fatherless were cared for.

39And the strangers who came among them were received with kindness.

40And the people began to dwell together in unity and in peace.

41And the pride of the city was broken.

42And the hearts of the people were knit together in righteousness.

43And they remembered continually the covenant of the Most High God.

44And they walked according to the principles of the Holy Order which Melchisedec had begun to restore among them.

45And thus the people of Salem returned unto the covenant of righteousness.

46And the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the city.

47And peace dwelt within its walls.

48And from that time forward many nations heard of Salem.

49And they marveled greatly at the change which had come among its inhabitants.

50And they said one unto another:

51Surely the hand of the Most High hath wrought this thing among this people.

52And thus the foundations of Zion were established in the city of Salem.

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.

The Holy Order Restored

1And thus, Zion had been established among the people of Salem and the hearts of the inhabitants had been knit together in righteousness, Melchisedec gathered together the elders of the city who were faithful before the Lord.

2And these elders were men who had humbled themselves in repentance and who desired to walk continually in the covenant of God.

3And Melchisedec assembled them within the sanctuary of the Most High, where the records of the fathers were preserved and where the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the people.

4And he began to teach them concerning the ancient priesthood which had been preserved in the sacred writings of the fathers.

5And he said unto them:

6This order of which I speak is not the invention of men, neither did it arise from the authority of kings nor from the wisdom of rulers.

7But it is the Holy Order of God, which was established from the beginning and prepared before the foundation of the world.

8For before this earth was formed and before the children of men entered into mortality, the Lord ordained certain souls to bear this priesthood among the nations.

9And these were called and prepared from the foundation of the world because of their exceeding faith and their good works.

10For the Lord, knowing the hearts of His children, foreordained those who would choose righteousness when they should come into the world.

11And these were called to be high priests of the Holy Order, that they might teach the commandments of God unto the children of men.

12That the people might know how to return again into the presence of the Most High.

13And this priesthood was first given unto Adam in the beginning.

14And it was passed down through the righteous patriarchs who followed after him.

15And it was held by Abel, whose sacrifice was pleasing unto God.

16And afterward by Enoch, who established a city of righteousness among his people.

17And by Noah, who preserved the covenant through the destruction of the flood.

18And by all the Patriarchs, who held the priesthood authority upon the earth in the generations that followed.

19And Melchisedec said unto the elders:

20This Holy Order remaineth upon the earth that the children of men might be taught the path of repentance and righteousness.

21For the purpose of this priesthood is not to exalt men above their brethren.

22Neither is it given that men might exercise dominion one over another.

23But it is given that the servants of God might lead His children back into His presence.

24For this priesthood is after the order of the Only Begotten Son of the Father.

25Even the same Son who was chosen before the foundation of the world to redeem mankind.

26And the authority of this order is derived from Him.

27Therefore it is called the priesthood after the order of the Son of God.

28And those who receive this priesthood enter into a covenant with the Lord.

29That they will remember the commandments of God.

30That they will teach righteousness among the children of men.

31And that they will labor continually to bring souls unto repentance.

32And Melchisedec looked upon the elders and said:

33Ye have been chosen because your hearts were softened when the word of the Lord was spoken among this people.

34And because ye have humbled yourselves and repented of your sins.

35Therefore if ye remain faithful the Lord will ordain you unto this Holy Order.

36That ye may stand as witnesses of God among this people.

37And defend the innocent and administer justice and equity in righteousness.

38And teach the covenant continually unto the inhabitants of Zion.

39And it came to pass that Melchisedec laid his hands upon those whom the Lord had chosen.

40And he ordained them according to the authority of the Holy Order which he held.

41And they were set apart as high priests of God.

42That they might minister unto the people and preserve the covenant of Zion.

43And these high priests went forth among the inhabitants of Salem teaching the commandments of the Lord.

44And they reminded the people continually of the covenant of consecration which they had made.

45And they encouraged the humble and strengthened the weak.

46And they sought revelation continually from the Most High concerning the welfare of the city.

47And the Spirit of the Lord rested upon them.

48And the people prospered in righteousness.

49And the fame of Salem spread among many nations.

50And travelers came from distant lands to behold the peace which existed among that people.

51And they marveled greatly and said one unto another:

52Surely this nation is governed by the wisdom of heaven.

53For the priesthood and power of God is among them.

54And the covenant of Zion is established in their midst.

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.

Abram and the Covenant of Tithes

1And now during the reign of Melchisedek and in those days there arose wars among the kings of the surrounding lands, for the rulers of the nations contended continually for power and dominion over the valleys and the trade routes of the earth.

2And certain eastern kings came with great armies and made war upon the cities of the plain.

3And they subdued the cities thereof and carried away captives and riches.

4And among those cities which were overcome was Sodom, where a man named Lot dwelt.

5And Lot was the kinsman of Abram, who lived in the land of Canaan and had become a man of great faith before the Lord.

6And when Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive by the invading kings, his heart was stirred within him.

7For Abram was a man who trusted in the Lord and believed that the Most High would defend those who walked in righteousness.

8Therefore he gathered together the servants of his household and armed them, and he pursued the armies of the kings who had carried away the captives.

9And Abram sought the Lord before going into battle, and the Spirit of the Lord strengthened him.

10And the Lord gave Abram victory over the kings of the east.

11And Abram rescued Lot and the captives who had been taken.

12And he recovered the goods and the possessions which had been carried away.

13And as Abram returned from the battle with those who were with him, he passed through the valley which lay near unto the city of Salem.

14And Melchisedec, who was both king and high priest of the Most High God, went forth from the city to meet him.

15For Melchisedec perceived by the Spirit of the Lord that Abram was a man of faith and that the hand of God had been with him in the battle.

16And Melchisedec brought forth bread and wine and gave them unto Abram and unto those who were with him, that they might be refreshed after their labors.

17And this bread and wine were given as symbols of the covenant of God and of the peace which dwelt in the city of Salem.

18And Melchisedec lifted up his voice and blessed Abram before the Lord.

19Saying:

20Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth.

21And blessed be the Most High God who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand.

22And Abram heard these words and was filled with reverence.

23For he perceived that Melchisedec spoke with the authority of the Holy Order of God.

24And Abram knew that the priesthood which Melchisedec held was greater than the authority of kings.

25For the kings of the earth ruled by armies and by dominion.

26But Melchisedec ruled by righteousness and by the authority of heaven.

27And Abram had not yet received the name by which he would later be known among the nations.

28For the Lord had not yet changed his name from Abram unto Abraham.

29Neither had he yet received the fullness of the covenant which would be given unto him in later days.

30Nevertheless Abram recognized the authority of the priesthood which Melchisedec held.

31For the Spirit of the Lord bore witness unto him that Melchisedec was a high priest of the Most High God.

32And Abram desired to show honor unto the Holy Order which Melchisedec represented.

33Therefore he brought forth a tenth part of all the goods which he had obtained in the battle.

34And he presented this tithe unto Melchisedec.

35Not as tribute unto a king of the earth.

36But as an offering unto God through His high priest.

37For Abram understood that the earth and the fullness thereof belong unto the Lord.

38And that all blessings come from the hand of the Most High.

39Therefore the tithe was given as a sign of gratitude and covenant before God.

40And Melchisedec received the tithe and blessed Abram again according to the authority of the Holy Order.

41And he said unto him:

42Abram, thou art blessed of the Most High.

43For thy faith hath been great among the children of men.

44Continue to walk uprightly before Jehovah.

45And the Lord shall establish His covenant with thee and with thy seed after thee.

46And thy posterity shall become a blessing unto many nations.

47And Abram spoke long with Melchisedec concerning the purposes of God and the covenant which the Lord had prepared for the righteous.

48And Melchisedec taught him further concerning the Holy Order which had been established from the foundation of the world.

49And Abram received these teachings with humility and faith.

50And when Abram departed from Salem he was strengthened in the Spirit of the Lord.

51And he continued his journey in faith, awaiting the promises which God would yet reveal unto him.

52And the fame of Melchisedec, the priest-king of Salem, spread even further among the nations.

53For many heard how Abram, a man blessed of God, had honored the priesthood of the Most High by giving tithes unto the king of Salem. The Book of Melchisedec The Salem Record

Abram Learns the Mysteries of the Holy Order

2And Melchisedec, perceiving by the Spirit which rested upon him that Abram was a man of exceeding faith and righteousness, invited him to dwell among the people of Salem for a time, that he might behold their ways and understand the covenant by which they governed themselves before the Lord.

3And Abram entered into the city and marveled exceedingly, for he saw that the people dealt justly one with another, and that no man sought to exalt himself above his neighbor, and that the rich did not despise the poor, neither did the poor envy the rich, for every man administered that which had been entrusted unto him as a stewardship from God.

4And Abram said unto Melchisedec: Behold, my lord, I have traveled through many lands and kingdoms, and I have seen the pride of kings and the cruelty of armies; yet never have I seen a people who dwell together in such peace as this nation.

5And Melchisedec answered him saying: This peace which thou beholdest is not the peace of men, neither is it the peace which is obtained by the sword or by the power of rulers.

6But it is the peace which cometh from the Holy Order of God, even the priesthood which was established from the beginning, after the order of His Son.

7And Abram said unto him: I have heard of this order from the records of the fathers, but the fullness of it hath not been revealed unto me.

8Therefore I pray thee, teach me concerning this order, that I may know the ways of God more perfectly.

9And Melchisedec led Abram into the sanctuary of Salem, where the high priests assembled together, and where the records of the fathers were preserved.

10And when they had entered the sanctuary Melchisedec spoke unto Abram saying:

11The Holy Order of God is not an order which men establish among themselves.

12Neither doth it come by inheritance of kings nor by the authority of princes.

13But it is conferred upon those whom the Lord foreordained before the foundations of the world.

14For the Lord, who knoweth the hearts of all men, chose certain souls in the beginning because of their exceeding faith and their good works.

15And these were called and prepared from the foundation of the world that they might be ministers of righteousness among the children of men.

16And Melchisedec looked upon Abram and said:

17Thou also wast among those who were chosen in the beginning.

18For before thou didst come into the world thou wast known among the noble and great ones.

19And thou wast chosen because of thy faithfulness before the throne of God.

20Therefore the Lord hath preserved thee through many trials and hath brought thee unto this place.

21And Abram was filled with humility when he heard these words.

22And he bowed himself before the Lord and said:

23O Jehovah, God of heaven and earth, I am but a servant before thee; nevertheless I desire to know thy ways and to walk before thee in righteousness.

24And Melchisedec placed his hands upon Abram and blessed him according to the authority of the Holy Order.

25And he said:

26Abram, thou art a son of the covenant.

27Walk uprightly before Jehovah, and remember always the calling which thou receivedst before thou didst come into the world.

28For thou shalt become a father of many nations.

29And thy seed shall carry the covenant of God among the children of men.

30And Abram covenanted before the Lord that he would walk in righteousness and remember the teachings of the Holy Order all the days of his life.

31And thus Abram began to understand the mysteries of the priesthood which Melchisedec held.

The Council of High Priests in Salem

1Affer 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.

2Therefore 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.

3And Melchisedec answered him saying: Come with me, Abram, and I will show thee the council by which Zion is preserved among this people.

4And 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.

5And within that sanctuary the high priests of the Holy Order assembled together at appointed seasons.

6And these high priests were men who had been called and ordained because of their exceeding faith and their humility before the Lord.

7For they had humbled themselves in repentance and had proven themselves faithful in the covenant of consecration which governed the city.

8And they had been ordained after the Holy Order of God.

9Not by the authority of kings nor by the will of men.

10But according to the foreknowledge of Jehovah, who knoweth the hearts of His children from the beginning.

11And Melchisedec said unto Abram:

12These are they who labor with me in preserving the covenant of Zion among the people.

13For the Lord hath established that Zion cannot endure unless the hearts of the people are governed in righteousness.

14And the governance of Zion must be done according to the Holy Order which was prepared from the foundation of the world.

15And when the council assembled together they sat in humility before the Lord.

16And none sought to exalt himself above another.

17For each man remembered that he had been called not to rule by dominion but to serve in righteousness.

18And they sought revelation continually from Jehovah concerning the welfare of the people.

19And the Spirit of the Lord rested upon them as they deliberated together.

20And Melchisedec stood among them and spoke saying:

21My brethren, remember the covenant which we have received.

22For we are not rulers over the people as the kings of the nations rule.

23Neither are we lifted above our brethren because of the priesthood which we hold.

24But we are stewards in the service of the Most High.

25Therefore let every judgment among this people be given in mercy and truth.

26And let the law of consecration be remembered continually among the inhabitants of Zion.

27That no man may lift himself above another.

28For the covenant of God requireth that the strong remember the weak.

29And that the abundance of the land be administered in righteousness.

30And Melchisedec continued saying:

31The Holy Order which we hold is after the order of the Son of God.

32Even the Only Begotten whom the Father prepared from the foundation of the world.

33And this priesthood is given unto men that they might teach the children of God how to return unto His presence.

34Therefore let the priests of this order labor continually in humility.

35Teaching the covenant and preserving the unity of Zion.

36And Abram marveled greatly when he heard these words.

37For he perceived that the council of Salem governed not by the authority of kings alone but by the covenant of heaven.

38And he said within his heart: Surely this people are governed by revelation from the Most High.

39And the Spirit of the Lord rested upon the council.

40And it came to pass that the word of Jehovah came unto Melchisedec during that assembly saying:

41My servants, ye have remembered the covenant which I established from the beginning.

42And ye have governed this people according to the law of righteousness.

43Therefore I will bless the city of Salem.

44And the peace of Zion shall remain among this people so long as they walk in humility before me.

45And the abundance of the land shall not fail them.

46And their children shall inherit the covenant of their fathers.

47And the nations shall hear of this city and marvel.

48Saying: Surely the wisdom of heaven governeth this people.

49And when the word of the Lord had ceased the high priests bowed themselves before Jehovah.

50And they gave thanks for the covenant which had been established among them.

51And they continued to labor together in unity and righteousness for the preservation of Zion.

The Fame of Salem Among the Nations

1In time the righteousness of Salem became known among many nations, for merchants and travelers who passed through the valley carried with them the report of that city, and they declared among the people of many lands that there was a place where justice and mercy dwelt together, and where the inhabitants walked according to the covenant of the Most High.

2And they spoke of the peace that prevailed within the walls of Salem, and of the wisdom of its king, even Melchisedec, who ruled not by the sword nor by oppression, but by the power of the Holy Order of God which he had received.

3And they testified that among that people the rich did not despise the poor, neither did the poor envy the rich, for every man administered that which he possessed as a stewardship before the Lord.

4And they declared also that there were none among them who suffered hunger or want, because the people had consecrated their substance unto the Lord, and distributed their abundance according to the needs of the poor and the humble.

5And these sayings spread throughout many lands, and the people marveled.

6Nevertheless the rulers of many kingdoms were troubled when they heard these reports.

7For they feared that the example of Salem might weaken their dominion over their own people.

8And they said among themselves: If the people hear of this order of righteousness they will desire the same law among us, and our power shall diminish.

9And there were certain priests who had once dwelt in Salem but had rejected the covenant of the Holy Order, for their hearts were lifted up in pride and they loved authority more than righteousness.

10And these men departed from the city in bitterness, because they could not endure the humility required of those who walk in the covenant of God.

11And they went among the nations and sought the courts of kings and rulers.

12And they spoke evil concerning Melchisedec and the people of Zion.

13Saying: Behold this city seeketh to exalt itself above the nations, and its king desireth dominion over the valley.

14And they declared falsely that the righteousness of the people was but a disguise for power.

15And these priests had given themselves unto the teachings of Belial.

16For Belial is the spirit of rebellion against God.

17And he delighteth in stirring the hearts of men with pride, envy, and ambition.

18And he persuadeth them to reject the covenant of righteousness.

19And to seek power over their fellow men.

20And these priests gathered together in secret councils with certain kings and rulers of the surrounding lands.

21And they flattered them with words of deceit, saying:

22If Salem remaineth in peace the hearts of your people will turn unto their order.

23And they will no longer submit unto your rule.

24Therefore let us rise up against this city while its strength is yet small.

25And thus they conspired together to destroy Zion.

26And the Lord revealed these things unto Melchisedec.

27For Melchisedec sought the Lord continually in prayer for the welfare of the people.

28And the word of Jehovah came unto him in the night watches saying:

29My servant Melchisedec, thou hast been faithful in the covenant which I have given unto thee.

30And because thou hast taught this people to walk in humility and righteousness I have established my peace among them.

31Nevertheless the adversary stirreth up the hearts of wicked men against Zion.

32For Satan cannot endure the prosperity of the righteous.

33And Belial seeketh continually to overthrow the works of God.

34But fear not.

35For the covenant which I have established among this people shall not be broken by the designs of wicked men.

36Though they gather themselves together against this city their counsels shall be confounded.

37And their wisdom shall turn unto foolishness before them.

38For I the Lord shall defend Zion.

39And the gates of hell shall not prevail against the covenant which I have established.

40And when Melchisedec heard these words he bowed himself before the Lord.

41And he arose and strengthened the hearts of the people.

42Saying unto them: Fear not the threats of the nations, for the Lord defendeth those who walk in his covenant.

43Therefore continue in righteousness.

44Remember the poor and the humble.

45Walk in the Holy Order which the Lord hath revealed.

46And Zion shall remain among us.

47And the people were strengthened in their faith.

48And they continued to dwell in unity and righteousness.

49And thus the city of Salem remained steadfast in the covenant of God, even while the nations prepared themselves against it.