The Book of Melchisedec I

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.