The Book of Melchisedec I

Chapter 5

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And 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.

And 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.

And 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.

And 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.

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

For 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.

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

And 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.

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

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

And these records were read openly before the multitude.

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

And of Abel whose righteousness was pleasing unto the Lord.

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

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

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

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

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

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

And their hearts were softened.

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

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

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

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

And thus repentance began to spread throughout the city.

And neighbor began to reconcile with neighbor.

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

And the hearts of the people began to change.

And when Melchisedec beheld these things he rejoiced greatly.

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

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

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

And the voice of Jehovah came unto him saying:

Blessed art thou, Melchisedec, my servant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

And this people shall learn again the law of consecration.

And they shall administer their substance as stewards before me.

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

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

And many shall look upon Salem and marvel, saying:

Surely the hand of the Lord is with this people.

And Melchisedec bowed himself before the Lord in gratitude.

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

And 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