The Book of Melchisedec II

The War Against Salem

1And their were many king of other nations who had been stirred up by the conspirators, even those who had hearkened unto the whisperings of the priests who followed Belial, gathered their armies together in secret counsel.

2And they assembled themselves in the lands surrounding the valley of Salem, saying one unto another that the city must be overthrown lest its righteousness spread among the nations.

3For the rulers of those lands feared the covenant which governed the people of Salem.

4Because the example of Zion caused many among their own people to question the pride and oppression of their kings.

5Therefore they determined in their hearts that the city of Salem must be destroyed.

6And they gathered their armies from many lands.

7And they marched toward the valley of Salem with the intent to overthrow the city and scatter its inhabitants.

8And when the inhabitants of Salem heard that armies were approaching from many directions they were troubled in their hearts.

9For they were not a people who trusted in the strength of weapons nor in the power of armies.

10For their strength lay in righteousness and in the covenant which they had made before the Lord God even the Great Jehovah.

11And the elders of the city assembled themselves together and came unto Melchisedec seeking counsel.

12And they said unto him:

13Behold the nations gather themselves against us.

14What shall we do that Zion may be preserved?

15And Melchisedec answered them saying:

16Let us seek the Lord.

17For Zion is not established by the wisdom of men but by the covenant of God.

18And if we remain faithful the Lord shall defend this people.

19And Melchisedec entered into the sanctuary of the Most High.

20And he bowed himself before the altar of Jehovah.

21And he sought the Lord with mighty prayer and supplication.

22Saying:

23O Jehovah, thou who art the God of heaven and earth, and the keeper of the covenant of the fathers, behold the nations gather themselves together against thy people.

24Thou hast established Zion among this nation according to thy word.

25Wilt thou suffer the wicked to destroy the work which thou hast begun?

26Wilt thou permit the enemies of righteousness to triumph over the covenant which thou hast restored among this people?

27For we are but servants before thee.

28And we trust not in the strength of arms but in thy mercy and thy power.

29And it came to pass that while Melchisedec prayed the Spirit of the Lord was with him.

30And the word of Jehovah came unto him saying:

31My servant Melchisedec, thou hast been faithful in the covenant which I have given unto thee.

32Thou hast taught this people to walk in humility, equity, and righteousness.

33Therefore Zion shall not fall by the hand of the wicked.

34For the covenant of righteousness is stronger than the armies of men.

35And the power of heaven is greater than the weapons of kings and those who seek thine destruction.

36Therefore stand firm in the Holy Order which I have established among this people.

37And fear not the threats of the nations.

38For I will defend Zion.

39Therefore, I will cause confusion among the armies of the wicked.

40And their wisdom shall turn unto foolishness before them.

41Yea, their strength shall fail them.

42And behold the counsel of their kings shall be broken.

43Now when Melchisedec heard these words he rose from prayer strengthened with confidence and trust in the Lord His God.

44And he returned unto the people of Salem and spoke unto them saying:

45Fear not the armies of the nations.

46For the Lord hath spoken that Zion shall be preserved.

47Therefore remain faithful in the covenant.

48Let no pride arise among you.

49Let the needs of thy neighbor continue to be remembered among you.

50Let the law of consecration remain in your hearts.

51Thus the people were strengthened by the words of Melchisedec.

52And they continued in fasting and prayer before the Lord.

53Now the armies of the kings entered the valley which surrounded the city of Salem.

54And the kings who had formed the alliance began to accuse one another of treachery.

55For suspicion entered into their hearts.

56Their captains contended among themselves concerning leadership.

57And the unity of their armies was broken.

58Their soldiers began to quarrel one with another.

59And confusion spread among the camps of the invading armies.

60Now because of this great confusion the kings turned against one another.

61Yea, and their armies fought among themselves in the valley.

62And great fear came upon them.

63And their alliance was scattered.

64Therefore, they fled from the valley in disorder.

65And thus the Lord delivered the city of Salem without great battle.

66And the inhabitants of Salem gave thanks unto the Most High.

67For they perceived that it was the hand of Jehovah which had defended them.

68Thus, the nations round about heard of these things.

69And they were astonied.

70Saying one unto another:

71Surely the God of heaven defendeth this city.

72For Zion is established among that people.