Melchizedek’s Priesthood Greater than Abraham’s Patriarchal Priesthood — James Burgess (August 27, 1843)
Abrahams’s priesthood was of greater power than Levi’s and Melchesedeck’s was of greater power than that of Abraham. . . .
Oh no, but Abraham’s was a more exalted power or priesthood he could talk and walk with God and yet consider how great this man was when even this patriarch Abraham gave a tenth part of all his spoils and then received a blessing under the hands of Melchesideck even the last law or a fulness of the law or priesthood which constituted him a king and priest after the order of Melchesideck or an endless life. . . .
Discourse, 27 August 1843, as Reported by James Burgess, pp. 14-15, The Joseph Smith Papers. See the topic “Priesthood” for more information on the 3 grand orders of priesthood (Aaronic/Levitical Priesthood, Abraham’s Patriarchal Priesthood, and Melchizedek Priesthood), the hierarchy between them, and alternate versions of this sermon by Franklin D. Richards, William Clayton, Willard Richards, etc.
Melchizedek King of Peace & Righteousness — James Burgess (August 27, 1843)
It is understood by many by reading this chapter that Melchesedeck was king of some country or nation on the earth, but it was not so, In the original it reads king of Shaloam which signifies king of peace or righteousness and not of any country or nation.
Discourse, 27 August 1843, as Reported by James Burgess, p. 16, The Joseph Smith Papers.
