The Book of Melchisedec I

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