Changes

==93:1. THE MACHIVENTA INCARNATION==

==93:1. THE MACHIVENTA INCARNATION==

93:1.1 [[Revealed]] [[truth]] was threatened with [[extinction]] during the millenniums which followed the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_75 miscarriage of the Adamic mission] on [[Urantia]]. Though making [[progress]] [[intellectually]], the [[human]] races were slowly losing ground [[spiritually]]. About [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3000_BC 3000 B.C.] the [[concept]] of [[God]] had grown very hazy in the [[minds]] of men.

93:1.1 [[Revealed]] [[truth]] was threatened with [[extinction]] during the millenniums which followed the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_75 miscarriage of the Adamic mission] on [[Urantia]]. Though making [[progress]] [[intellectually]], the [[human]] races were slowly losing ground [[spiritually]]. About [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3000_BC 3000 B.C.] the [[concept]] of [[God]] had grown very hazy in the [[minds]] of men.

93:1.2 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_%28number%29 twelve] [[Melchizedek receivers]] knew of [[Michael]]'s impending [[bestowal]] on their [[planet]], but they did not know how soon it would occur; therefore they [[convened]] in [[solemn]] [[council]] and [[petitioned]] the [[Most Highs]] of [[Edentia]] that some provision be made for [[maintaining]] the [[light]] of [[truth]] on [[Urantia]]. This [[plea]] was dismissed with the ''mandate'' that "the conduct of affairs on 606 of [[Satania]] is fully in the hands of the [[Melchizedek]] custodians." The [[Melchizedek receivers|receivers]] then appealed to the [[Father Melchizedek]] for help but only received [[word]] that they should continue to uphold [[truth]] in the [[manner]] of their own [[election]] "until the arrival of a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:6._THE_MORTAL-BESTOWAL_CAREERS bestowal Son]," who "would rescue the [[planetary]] titles from forfeiture and [[uncertainty]]."

93:1.2 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_%28number%29 twelve] [[Melchizedek receivers]] knew of [[Michael]]'s impending [[bestowal]] on their [[planet]], but they did not know how soon it would occur; therefore they [[convened]] in [[solemn]] [[council]] and [[petitioned]] the [[Most Highs]] of [[Edentia]] that some provision be made for [[maintaining]] the [[light]] of [[truth]] on [[Urantia]]. This [[plea]] was dismissed with the ''mandate'' that "the conduct of affairs on 606 of [[Satania]] is fully in the hands of the [[Melchizedek]] custodians." The [[Melchizedek receivers|receivers]] then appealed to the [[Father Melchizedek]] for help but only received [[word]] that they should continue to uphold [[truth]] in the [[manner]] of their own [[election]] "until the arrival of a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:6._THE_MORTAL-BESTOWAL_CAREERS bestowal Son]," who "would rescue the [[planetary]] titles from forfeiture and [[uncertainty]]."

93:1.3 And it was in [[consequence]] of having been thrown so completely on their own [[resources]] that [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]], one of the twelve [[planetary receivers]], [[volunteered]] to do that which had been done only six times in all the [[history]] of [[Nebadon]]: to [[personalize]] on [[earth]] as a temporary man of the realm, to [[bestow]] himself as an [[emergency]] Son of world [[ministry]]. Permission was granted for this [[adventure]] by the [[Salvington]] [[authorities]], and the [[actual]] [[incarnation]] of [[Machiventa]] Melchizedek was [[consummated]] near what was to become the [[city]] of [[Salem]], in [[Palestine]]. The entire [[transaction]] of the [[materialization]] of this [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_35#35:2._THE_MELCHIZEDEK_SONS Melchizedek Son] was completed by the [[planetary receivers]] with the [[co-operation]] of the [[Life Carriers]], certain of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_29#29:4._THE_MASTER_PHYSICAL_CONTROLLERS Master Physical Controllers], and other [[celestial]] [[personalities]] resident on [[Urantia]].

93:1.3 And it was in [[consequence]] of having been thrown so completely on their own [[resources]] that [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]], one of the twelve [[planetary receivers]], [[volunteered]] to do that which had been done only six times in all the [[history]] of [[Nebadon]]: to [[personalize]] on [[earth]] as a temporary man of the realm, to [[bestow]] himself as an [[emergency]] Son of world [[ministry]]. Permission was granted for this [[adventure]] by the [[Salvington]] [[authorities]], and the [[actual]] [[incarnation]] of [[Machiventa]] Melchizedek was [[consummated]] near what was to become the [[city]] of [[Salem]], in [[Palestine]]. The entire [[transaction]] of the [[materialization]] of this [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_35#35:2._THE_MELCHIZEDEK_SONS Melchizedek Son] was completed by the [[planetary receivers]] with the [[co-operation]] of the [[Life Carriers]], certain of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_29#29:4._THE_MASTER_PHYSICAL_CONTROLLERS Master Physical Controllers], and other [[celestial]] [[personalities]] resident on [[Urantia]].

==93:2. THE SAGE OF SALEM==

==93:2. THE SAGE OF SALEM==

93:2.1 It was [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_BC 1,973] years before the [[birth]] of [[Jesus]] that [[Machiventa]] was [[bestowed]] upon the [[human]] races of [[Urantia]]. His coming was unspectacular; his [[materialization]] was not [[witnessed]] by human eyes. He was first [[observed]] by [[mortal]] man on that eventful day when he entered the tent of ''Amdon'', a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldea Chaldean] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherd herder] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer Sumerian] extraction. And the proclamation of his mission was embodied in the [[simple]] [[statement]] which he made to this shepherd, "I am [[Melchizedek]], priest of [[El Elyon]], the [[Most High]], the one and only [[God]]."

93:2.1 It was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_BC 1,973] years before the [[birth]] of [[Jesus]] that [[Machiventa]] was [[bestowed]] upon the [[human]] races of [[Urantia]]. His coming was unspectacular; his [[materialization]] was not [[witnessed]] by human eyes. He was first [[observed]] by [[mortal]] man on that eventful day when he entered the tent of ''Amdon'', a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldea Chaldean] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherd herder] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer Sumerian] extraction. And the proclamation of his mission was embodied in the [[simple]] [[statement]] which he made to this shepherd, "I am [[Melchizedek]], priest of [[El Elyon]], the [[Most High]], the one and only [[God]]."

93:2.2 When the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherd herder] had recovered from his astonishment, and after he had plied this stranger with many questions, he asked [[Melchizedek]] to sup with him, and this was the first time in his long [[universe]] [[career]] that [[Machiventa]] had partaken of [[material]] [[food]], the nourishment which was to [[sustain]] him throughout his ninety-four years of life as a [[material]] [[being]].

93:2.2 When the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherd herder] had recovered from his astonishment, and after he had plied this stranger with many questions, he asked [[Melchizedek]] to sup with him, and this was the first time in his long [[universe]] [[career]] that [[Machiventa]] had partaken of [[material]] [[food]], the nourishment which was to [[sustain]] him throughout his ninety-four years of life as a [[material]] [[being]].

93:2.3 And that night, as they talked out under the [[stars]], [[Melchizedek]] began his mission of the [[revelation]] of the [[truth]] of the [[reality]] of [[God]] when, with a sweep of his arm, he turned to ''Amdon'', saying, "[[El Elyon]], the [[Most High]], is the [[divine]] [[creator]] of the [[stars]] of the firmament and even of this very [[earth]] on which we live, and he is also the [[supreme]] [[God]] of [[heaven]]."

93:2.3 And that night, as they talked out under the [[stars]], [[Melchizedek]] began his mission of the [[revelation]] of the [[truth]] of the [[reality]] of [[God]] when, with a sweep of his arm, he turned to ''Amdon'', saying, "[[El Elyon]], the [[Most High]], is the [[divine]] [[creator]] of the [[stars]] of the firmament and even of this very [[earth]] on which we live, and he is also the [[supreme]] [[God]] of [[heaven]]."

93:2.4 Within a few years [[Melchizedek]] had gathered around himself a group of [[pupils]], [[disciples]], and believers who formed the [[nucleus]] of the later [[community]] of [[Salem]]. He was soon known throughout [[Palestine]] as the [[priest]] of [[El Elyon]], the [[Most High]], and as the [[sage]] of [[Salem]]. Among some of the [[surrounding]] [[tribes]] he was often referred to as the sheik, or [[king]], of [[Salem]]. Salem was the site which after the disappearance of [[Melchizedek]] became the [[city]] of Jebus, subsequently being called [[Jerusalem]].

93:2.4 Within a few years [[Melchizedek]] had gathered around himself a group of [[pupils]], [[disciples]], and believers who formed the [[nucleus]] of the later [[community]] of [[Salem]]. He was soon known throughout [[Palestine]] as the [[priest]] of [[El Elyon]], the [[Most High]], and as the [[sage]] of [[Salem]]. Among some of the [[surrounding]] [[tribes]] he was often referred to as the sheik, or [[king]], of [[Salem]]. Salem was the site which after the disappearance of [[Melchizedek]] became the [[city]] of Jebus, subsequently being called [[Jerusalem]].

93:2.5 In [[personal]] [[appearance]], Melchizedek resembled the then blended [[Nodite]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer Sumerian] peoples, being almost six feet in height and possessing a commanding [[presence]]. He spoke [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldea Chaldean] and a half dozen other [[languages]]. He dressed much as did the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan Canaanite] [[priests]] except that on his breast he wore an emblem of [[three]] [[concentric]] [[circles]], the [[Satania]] [[symbol]] of the [[Paradise Trinity]]. In the [[course]] of his [[ministry]] this insignia of three concentric circles became regarded as so [[sacred]] by his followers that they never dared to use it, and it was soon forgotten with the passing of a few [[generations]].

93:2.5 In [[personal]] [[appearance]], Melchizedek resembled the then blended [[Nodite]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer Sumerian] peoples, being almost six feet in height and possessing a commanding [[presence]]. He spoke [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldea Chaldean] and a half dozen other [[languages]]. He dressed much as did the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan Canaanite] [[priests]] except that on his breast he wore an emblem of [[three]] [[concentric]] [[circles]], the [[Satania]] [[symbol]] of the [[Paradise Trinity]]. In the [[course]] of his [[ministry]] this insignia of three concentric circles became regarded as so [[sacred]] by his followers that they never dared to use it, and it was soon forgotten with the passing of a few [[generations]].

93:2.6 Though [[Machiventa]] lived after the [[manner]] of the men of the realm, he never [[married]], nor could he have left [[offspring]] on [[earth]]. His [[physical]] [[body]], while resembling that of the [[human]] [[male]], was in [[reality]] on the order of those especially constructed [[bodies]] used by the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:2._THE_PRINCE.27S_STAFF one hundred materialized members of Prince Caligastia' s staff] except that it did not carry the life [[plasm]] of any [[human]] race. Nor was there available on [[Urantia]] the [[tree of life]]. Had [[Machiventa]] remained for any long period on [[earth]], his [[physical]] [[mechanism]] would have gradually deteriorated; as it was, he terminated his [[bestowal]] mission in ninety-four years long before his material body had begun to disintegrate.

93:2.6 Though [[Machiventa]] lived after the [[manner]] of the men of the realm, he never [[married]], nor could he have left [[offspring]] on [[earth]]. His [[physical]] [[body]], while resembling that of the [[human]] [[male]], was in [[reality]] on the order of those especially constructed [[bodies]] used by the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:2._THE_PRINCE.27S_STAFF one hundred materialized members of Prince Caligastia' s staff] except that it did not carry the life [[plasm]] of any [[human]] race. Nor was there available on [[Urantia]] the [[tree of life]]. Had [[Machiventa]] remained for any long period on [[earth]], his [[physical]] [[mechanism]] would have gradually deteriorated; as it was, he terminated his [[bestowal]] mission in ninety-four years long before his material body had begun to disintegrate.

==93:3. MELCHIZEDEK'S TEACHINGS==

==93:3. MELCHIZEDEK'S TEACHINGS==

93:3.1 With the passing of a decade, [[Melchizedek]] organized his schools at [[Salem]], patterning them on the olden [[system]] which had been [[developed]] by the early [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethite priests] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#PAPER_76:_THE_SECOND_GARDEN second Eden]. Even the [[idea]] of a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithe tithing system], which was introduced by his later convert [[Abraham]], was also derived from the lingering [[traditions]] of the [[methods]] of the ancient [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethites].

93:3.1 With the passing of a decade, [[Melchizedek]] organized his schools at [[Salem]], patterning them on the olden [[system]] which had been [[developed]] by the early [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethite priests] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#PAPER_76:_THE_SECOND_GARDEN second Eden]. Even the [[idea]] of a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithe tithing system], which was introduced by his later convert [[Abraham]], was also derived from the lingering [[traditions]] of the [[methods]] of the ancient [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:3._LIFE_IN_MESOPOTAMIA Sethites].

93:3.2 [[Melchizedek]] taught the [[concept]] of one [[God]], a [[universal]] [[Deity]], but he allowed the people to [[associate]] this teaching with the [[Constellation Father]] of [[Norlatiadek]], whom he termed [[El Elyon]]—the [[Most High]]. [[Melchizedek]] remained all but [[silent]] as to the [[status]] of [[Lucifer]] and the state of affairs on [[Jerusem]]. [[Lanaforge]], the [[System Sovereign]], had little to do with [[Urantia]] until after the completion of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 Michael's bestowal]. To a [[majority]] of the [[Salem]] [[students]] [[Edentia]] was [[heaven]] and the [[Most High]] was [[God]].

93:3.2 [[Melchizedek]] taught the [[concept]] of one [[God]], a [[universal]] [[Deity]], but he allowed the people to [[associate]] this teaching with the [[Constellation Father]] of [[Norlatiadek]], whom he termed [[El Elyon]]—the [[Most High]]. [[Melchizedek]] remained all but [[silent]] as to the [[status]] of [[Lucifer]] and the state of affairs on [[Jerusem]]. [[Lanaforge]], the [[System Sovereign]], had little to do with [[Urantia]] until after the completion of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 Michael's bestowal]. To a [[majority]] of the [[Salem]] [[students]] [[Edentia]] was [[heaven]] and the [[Most High]] was [[God]].

93:3.4 To the rank and file of his followers he made no [[effort]] to present teaching beyond the [[fact]] of the rulership of the [[Most Highs]] of [[Edentia]]—Gods of [[Urantia]]. But to some, [[Melchizedek]] taught advanced [[truth]], embracing the conduct and [[organization]] of the [[local universe]], while to his [[brilliant]] [[disciple]] [[Nordan]] the [[Kenite]] and his band of earnest [[students]] he taught the [[truths]] of the [[superuniverse]] and even of [[Havona]].

93:3.4 To the rank and file of his followers he made no [[effort]] to present teaching beyond the [[fact]] of the rulership of the [[Most Highs]] of [[Edentia]]—Gods of [[Urantia]]. But to some, [[Melchizedek]] taught advanced [[truth]], embracing the conduct and [[organization]] of the [[local universe]], while to his [[brilliant]] [[disciple]] [[Nordan]] the [[Kenite]] and his band of earnest [[students]] he taught the [[truths]] of the [[superuniverse]] and even of [[Havona]].

93:3.5 The members of the [[family]] of ''Katro'', with whom [[Melchizedek]] lived for more than thirty years, knew many of these higher [[truths]] and long perpetuated them in their family, even to the days of their illustrious descendant [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], who thus had a compelling [[tradition]] of the days of [[Melchizedek]] handed down to him on this, his [[father]]'s side, as well as through other sources on his [[mother]]'s side.

93:3.5 The members of the [[family]] of ''Katro'', with whom [[Melchizedek]] lived for more than thirty years, knew many of these higher [[truths]] and long perpetuated them in their family, even to the days of their illustrious descendant [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], who thus had a compelling [[tradition]] of the days of [[Melchizedek]] handed down to him on this, his [[father]]'s side, as well as through other sources on his [[mother]]'s side.

93:3.6 [[Melchizedek]] taught his followers all they had [[capacity]] to receive and assimilate. Even many [[modern]] religious [[ideas]] about [[heaven]] and [[earth]], of [[man]], [[God]], and [[angels]], are not far removed from these teachings of [[Melchizedek]]. But this great teacher subordinated [[everything]] to the [[doctrine]] of [[Monotheism|one God]], a universe [[Deity]], a heavenly [[Creator]], a [[divine]] [[Father]]. Emphasis was placed upon this teaching for the [[purpose]] of appealing to man's [[adoration]] and of [[preparing]] the way for the subsequent [[appearance]] of [[Michael]] as the Son of this same [[Universal Father]].

93:3.6 [[Melchizedek]] taught his followers all they had [[capacity]] to receive and assimilate. Even many [[modern]] religious [[ideas]] about [[heaven]] and [[earth]], of [[man]], [[God]], and [[angels]], are not far removed from these teachings of [[Melchizedek]]. But this great teacher subordinated [[everything]] to the [[doctrine]] of [[Monotheism|one God]], a universe [[Deity]], a heavenly [[Creator]], a [[divine]] [[Father]]. Emphasis was placed upon this teaching for the [[purpose]] of appealing to man's [[adoration]] and of [[preparing]] the way for the subsequent [[appearance]] of [[Michael]] as the Son of this same [[Universal Father]].

*3. 93:4.4 I [[promise]] to obey the seven commandments of [[Melchizedek]] and to tell the good news of this [[covenant]] with the [[Most High]] to all men.

*3. 93:4.4 I [[promise]] to obey the seven commandments of [[Melchizedek]] and to tell the good news of this [[covenant]] with the [[Most High]] to all men.

93:4.5 And that was the whole of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed creed] of the [[Salem]] colony. But even such a short and simple [[declaration]] of [[faith]] was altogether too much and too advanced for the men of those days. They simply could not grasp the [[idea]] of getting [[divine]] [[favor]] for nothing—by [[faith]]. They were too deeply [[confirmed]] in the [[belief]] that man was born under forfeit to the gods. Too long and too [[earnestly]] had they [[sacrificed]] and made gifts to the [[priests]] to be able to [[comprehend]] the good news that [[salvation]], [[divine]] [[favor]], was a [[free]] gift to all who would believe in the [[Melchizedek]] [[covenant]]. But [[Abraham]] did believe halfheartedly, and even that was "counted for righteousness."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.15]

93:4.5 And that was the whole of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed creed] of the [[Salem]] colony. But even such a short and simple [[declaration]] of [[faith]] was altogether too much and too advanced for the men of those days. They simply could not grasp the [[idea]] of getting [[divine]] [[favor]] for nothing—by [[faith]]. They were too deeply [[confirmed]] in the [[belief]] that man was born under forfeit to the gods. Too long and too [[earnestly]] had they [[sacrificed]] and made gifts to the [[priests]] to be able to [[comprehend]] the good news that [[salvation]], [[divine]] [[favor]], was a [[free]] gift to all who would believe in the [[Melchizedek]] [[covenant]]. But [[Abraham]] did believe halfheartedly, and even that was "counted for righteousness."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.15]

93:4.6 The seven commandments promulgated by Melchizedek were [[patterned]] along the lines of the [[ancient]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:7._LIFE_IN_DALAMATIA Dalamatian supreme law] and very much resembled the [[seven]] commands taught in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_73 first] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76 second Edens]. These commands of the [[Salem]] [[religion]] were:

93:4.6 The seven commandments promulgated by Melchizedek were [[patterned]] along the lines of the [[ancient]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:7._LIFE_IN_DALAMATIA Dalamatian supreme law] and very much resembled the [[seven]] commands taught in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_73 first] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76 second Edens]. These commands of the [[Salem]] [[religion]] were:

*7. 93:4.13 You shall not show disrespect for your [[parents]] and [[elders]].

*7. 93:4.13 You shall not show disrespect for your [[parents]] and [[elders]].

93:4.14 While no [[sacrifices]] were permitted within the colony, [[Melchizedek]] well knew how [[difficult]] it is to suddenly uproot long-[[established]] [[customs]] and accordingly had wisely offered these people the substitute of a [[sacrament]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist bread and wine] for the older [[sacrifice]] of flesh and blood. It is of [[record]], "Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.14] But even this cautious [[innovation]] was not altogether successful; the various [[tribes]] all [[maintained]] auxiliary centers on the outskirts of [[Salem]] where they offered [[sacrifices]] and burnt offerings. Even [[Abraham]] resorted to this [[barbarous]] [[practice]] after his victory over [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_VII Chedorlaomer]; he simply did not feel quite at ease until he had offered a [[conventional]] [[sacrifice]]. And [[Melchizedek]] never did succeed in fully eradicating this proclivity to [[sacrifice]] from the religious [[practices]] of his followers, even of [[Abraham]].

93:4.14 While no [[sacrifices]] were permitted within the colony, [[Melchizedek]] well knew how [[difficult]] it is to suddenly uproot long-[[established]] [[customs]] and accordingly had wisely offered these people the substitute of a [[sacrament]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist bread and wine] for the older [[sacrifice]] of flesh and blood. It is of [[record]], "Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.14] But even this cautious [[innovation]] was not altogether successful; the various [[tribes]] all [[maintained]] auxiliary centers on the outskirts of [[Salem]] where they offered [[sacrifices]] and burnt offerings. Even [[Abraham]] resorted to this [[barbarous]] [[practice]] after his victory over [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_VII Chedorlaomer]; he simply did not feel quite at ease until he had offered a [[conventional]] [[sacrifice]]. And [[Melchizedek]] never did succeed in fully eradicating this proclivity to [[sacrifice]] from the religious [[practices]] of his followers, even of [[Abraham]].

93:4.15 Like [[Jesus]], [[Melchizedek]] attended strictly to the fulfillment of the mission of his [[bestowal]]. He did not attempt to reform the [[mores]], to change the [[habits]] of the world, nor to promulgate even advanced sanitary practices or [[scientific]] [[truths]]. He came to achieve two tasks: to keep alive on [[earth]] the [[truth]] of the one [[God]] and to [[prepare]] the way for the subsequent [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:6._THE_MORTAL-BESTOWAL_CAREERS mortal bestowal of a Paradise Son] of that Universal Father.

93:4.15 Like [[Jesus]], [[Melchizedek]] attended strictly to the fulfillment of the mission of his [[bestowal]]. He did not attempt to reform the [[mores]], to change the [[habits]] of the world, nor to promulgate even advanced sanitary practices or [[scientific]] [[truths]]. He came to achieve two tasks: to keep alive on [[earth]] the [[truth]] of the one [[God]] and to [[prepare]] the way for the subsequent [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:6._THE_MORTAL-BESTOWAL_CAREERS mortal bestowal of a Paradise Son] of that Universal Father.

93:5.2 The [[choice]] of [[Palestine]] as the site for [[Machiventa]]'s [[activities]] was in part predicated upon the [[desire]] to [[establish]] contact with some [[human]] family embodying the [[potentials]] of [[leadership]]. At the time of the [[incarnation]] of [[Melchizedek]] there were many [[families]] on [[earth]] just as well [[prepared]] to receive the [[doctrine]] of [[Salem]] as was that of [[Abraham]]. There were equally [[endowed]] families among the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64#64:6._THE_SIX_SANGIK_RACES_OF_URANTIA red men, the yellow men], and the descendants of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites] to the west and north. But, again, none of these localities were so favorably situated for [[Michael]]'s subsequent [[appearance]] on [[earth]] as was the eastern shore of the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. The [[Melchizedek]] mission in [[Palestine]] and the subsequent [[appearance]] of [[Michael]] among the [[Hebrew]] people were in no small [[measure]] determined by [[geography]], by the [[fact]] that [[Palestine]] was centrally located with [[reference]] to the then existent trade, travel, and [[civilization]] of the world.

93:5.2 The [[choice]] of [[Palestine]] as the site for [[Machiventa]]'s [[activities]] was in part predicated upon the [[desire]] to [[establish]] contact with some [[human]] family embodying the [[potentials]] of [[leadership]]. At the time of the [[incarnation]] of [[Melchizedek]] there were many [[families]] on [[earth]] just as well [[prepared]] to receive the [[doctrine]] of [[Salem]] as was that of [[Abraham]]. There were equally [[endowed]] families among the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64#64:6._THE_SIX_SANGIK_RACES_OF_URANTIA red men, the yellow men], and the descendants of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites] to the west and north. But, again, none of these localities were so favorably situated for [[Michael]]'s subsequent [[appearance]] on [[earth]] as was the eastern shore of the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. The [[Melchizedek]] mission in [[Palestine]] and the subsequent [[appearance]] of [[Michael]] among the [[Hebrew]] people were in no small [[measure]] determined by [[geography]], by the [[fact]] that [[Palestine]] was centrally located with [[reference]] to the then existent trade, travel, and [[civilization]] of the world.

93:5.3 For some time the [[Melchizedek receivers]] had been observing the [[ancestors]] of [[Abraham]], and they confidently expected [[offspring]] in a certain [[generation]] who would be characterized by [[intelligence]], [[initiative]], [[sagacity]], and [[sincerity]]. The children of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terah Terah], the [[father]] of [[Abraham]], in every way met these [[expectations]]. It was this [[possibility]] of contact with these [[versatile]] children of Terah that had considerable to do with the [[appearance]] of [[Machiventa]] at [[Salem]], rather than in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_China China], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_India India], or among the northern tribes.

93:5.3 For some time the [[Melchizedek receivers]] had been observing the [[ancestors]] of [[Abraham]], and they confidently expected [[offspring]] in a certain [[generation]] who would be characterized by [[intelligence]], [[initiative]], [[sagacity]], and [[sincerity]]. The children of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terah Terah], the [[father]] of [[Abraham]], in every way met these [[expectations]]. It was this [[possibility]] of contact with these [[versatile]] children of Terah that had considerable to do with the [[appearance]] of [[Machiventa]] at [[Salem]], rather than in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_China China], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_India India], or among the northern tribes.

93:5.4 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terah Terah] and his whole [[family]] were halfhearted converts to the [[Salem]] [[religion]], which had been preached in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldea Chaldea]; they learned of [[Melchizedek]] through the preaching of Ovid, a Phoenician teacher who proclaimed the [[Salem]] doctrines in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur]. They left Ur intending to go directly through to Salem, but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahor Nahor], Abraham's brother, not having seen [[Melchizedek]], was lukewarm and persuaded them to tarry at Haran. And it was a long time after they arrived in [[Palestine]] before they were willing to destroy all of the household gods they had brought with them; they were slow to give up the many gods of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] for the one God of Salem.

93:5.4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terah Terah] and his whole [[family]] were halfhearted converts to the [[Salem]] [[religion]], which had been preached in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldea Chaldea]; they learned of [[Melchizedek]] through the preaching of Ovid, a Phoenician teacher who proclaimed the [[Salem]] doctrines in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ur Ur]. They left Ur intending to go directly through to Salem, but [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahor Nahor], Abraham's brother, not having seen [[Melchizedek]], was lukewarm and persuaded them to tarry at Haran. And it was a long time after they arrived in [[Palestine]] before they were willing to destroy all of the household gods they had brought with them; they were slow to give up the many gods of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia] for the one God of Salem.

93:5.5 A few weeks after the [[death]] of [[Abraham]]'s [[father]], Terah, [[Melchizedek]] sent one of his students, Jaram the Hittite, to extend this invitation to both [[Abraham]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahor Nahor]: "Come to Salem, where you shall hear our teachings of the truth of the eternal Creator, and in the enlightened offspring of you two brothers shall all the world be blessed."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.12] Now Nahor had not wholly [[accepted]] the [[Melchizedek]] gospel; he remained behind and built up a strong [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_state city-state] which bore his name; but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lot_%28Bible%29 Lot], Abraham's nephew, decided to go with his uncle to [[Salem]].

93:5.5 A few weeks after the [[death]] of [[Abraham]]'s [[father]], Terah, [[Melchizedek]] sent one of his students, Jaram the Hittite, to extend this invitation to both [[Abraham]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahor Nahor]: "Come to Salem, where you shall hear our teachings of the truth of the eternal Creator, and in the enlightened offspring of you two brothers shall all the world be blessed."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.12] Now Nahor had not wholly [[accepted]] the [[Melchizedek]] gospel; he remained behind and built up a strong [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_state city-state] which bore his name; but [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lot_%28Bible%29 Lot], Abraham's nephew, decided to go with his uncle to [[Salem]].

93:5.6 Upon arriving at [[Salem]], [[Abraham]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lot_%28Bible%29 Lot] chose a hilly fastness near the [[city]] where they could defend themselves against the many surprise [[attacks]] of northern raiders. At this time the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hittites Hittites], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assyrians Assyrians], [[Philistines]], and other groups were constantly raiding the [[tribes]] of central and southern [[Palestine]]. From their stronghold in the hills Abraham and Lot made frequent [[pilgrimages]] to Salem.

93:5.6 Upon arriving at [[Salem]], [[Abraham]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lot_%28Bible%29 Lot] chose a hilly fastness near the [[city]] where they could defend themselves against the many surprise [[attacks]] of northern raiders. At this time the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hittites Hittites], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assyrians Assyrians], [[Philistines]], and other groups were constantly raiding the [[tribes]] of central and southern [[Palestine]]. From their stronghold in the hills Abraham and Lot made frequent [[pilgrimages]] to Salem.

93:5.7 Not long after they had [[established]] themselves near [[Salem]], Abraham and Lot [[journeyed]] to the valley of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile Nile] to obtain [[food]] supplies as there was then a drought in [[Palestine]]. During his brief [[sojourn]] in Egypt Abraham found a distant relative on the Egyptian throne, and he served as the commander of two very successful [[military]] expeditions for this king. During the latter part of his [[sojourn]] on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile Nile] he and his wife, Sarah, lived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_%28royal%29 court], and when leaving [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt], he was given a [[share]] of the spoils of his [[military]] [[campaigns]].

93:5.7 Not long after they had [[established]] themselves near [[Salem]], Abraham and Lot [[journeyed]] to the valley of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile Nile] to obtain [[food]] supplies as there was then a drought in [[Palestine]]. During his brief [[sojourn]] in Egypt Abraham found a distant relative on the Egyptian throne, and he served as the commander of two very successful [[military]] expeditions for this king. During the latter part of his [[sojourn]] on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile Nile] he and his wife, Sarah, lived at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_%28royal%29 court], and when leaving [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt], he was given a [[share]] of the spoils of his [[military]] [[campaigns]].

93:5.8 It required great [[determination]] for [[Abraham]] to forego the honors of the Egyptian [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_%28royal%29 court] and return to the more [[spiritual]] [[work]] sponsored by [[Machiventa]]. But [[Melchizedek]] was [[revered]] even in Egypt, and when the full [[story]] was laid before Pharaoh, he strongly urged Abraham to return to the [[execution]] of his [[vows]] to the cause of [[Salem]].

93:5.8 It required great [[determination]] for [[Abraham]] to forego the honors of the Egyptian [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_%28royal%29 court] and return to the more [[spiritual]] [[work]] sponsored by [[Machiventa]]. But [[Melchizedek]] was [[revered]] even in Egypt, and when the full [[story]] was laid before Pharaoh, he strongly urged Abraham to return to the [[execution]] of his [[vows]] to the cause of [[Salem]].

93:5.9 Abraham had kingly [[ambitions]], and on the way back from Egypt he laid before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lot_(Bible) Lot] his plan to subdue all [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan Canaan] and bring its people under the rule of [[Salem]]. Lot was more bent on [[business]]; so, after a later disagreement, he went to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom Sodom] to engage in trade and animal husbandry. Lot liked neither a [[military]] nor a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherd herder]'s life.

93:5.9 Abraham had kingly [[ambitions]], and on the way back from Egypt he laid before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lot_(Bible) Lot] his plan to subdue all [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan Canaan] and bring its people under the rule of [[Salem]]. Lot was more bent on [[business]]; so, after a later disagreement, he went to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom Sodom] to engage in trade and animal husbandry. Lot liked neither a [[military]] nor a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherd herder]'s life.

93:5.10 Upon returning with his [[family]] to [[Salem]], [[Abraham]] began to [[mature]] his [[military]] projects. He was soon [[recognized]] as the civil ruler of the [[Salem]] territory and had [[confederated]] under his [[leadership]] seven near-by [[tribes]]. Indeed, it was with great [[difficulty]] that [[Melchizedek]] restrained [[Abraham]], who was fired with a zeal to go forth and round up the neighboring [[tribes]] with the sword that they might thus more quickly be brought to a [[knowledge]] of the [[Salem]] [[truths]].

93:5.10 Upon returning with his [[family]] to [[Salem]], [[Abraham]] began to [[mature]] his [[military]] projects. He was soon [[recognized]] as the civil ruler of the [[Salem]] territory and had [[confederated]] under his [[leadership]] seven near-by [[tribes]]. Indeed, it was with great [[difficulty]] that [[Melchizedek]] restrained [[Abraham]], who was fired with a zeal to go forth and round up the neighboring [[tribes]] with the sword that they might thus more quickly be brought to a [[knowledge]] of the [[Salem]] [[truths]].

93:5.11 [[Melchizedek]] maintained peaceful relations with all the [[surrounding]] [[tribes]]; he was not militaristic and was never attacked by any of the armies as they moved back and forth. He was entirely willing that [[Abraham]] should formulate a defensive [[policy]] for [[Salem]] such as was subsequently put into [[effect]], but he would not approve of his [[pupil]]'s ambitious [[schemes]] for [[conquest]]; so there occurred a friendly severance of [[relationship]], Abraham going over to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron] to establish his [[military]] [[capital]].

93:5.11 [[Melchizedek]] maintained peaceful relations with all the [[surrounding]] [[tribes]]; he was not militaristic and was never attacked by any of the armies as they moved back and forth. He was entirely willing that [[Abraham]] should formulate a defensive [[policy]] for [[Salem]] such as was subsequently put into [[effect]], but he would not approve of his [[pupil]]'s ambitious [[schemes]] for [[conquest]]; so there occurred a friendly severance of [[relationship]], Abraham going over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron] to establish his [[military]] [[capital]].

93:5.12 [[Abraham]], because of his close [[connection]] with the illustrious [[Melchizedek]], possessed great advantage over the [[surrounding]] petty [[kings]]; they all [[revered]] [[Melchizedek]] and unduly feared Abraham. [[Abraham]] knew of this [[fear]] and only awaited an opportune occasion to [[attack]] his [[neighbors]], and this excuse came when some of these rulers presumed to raid the [[property]] of his nephew [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lot_(Bible) Lot], who dwelt in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom Sodom]. Upon hearing of this, Abraham, at the head of his seven [[confederated]] [[tribes]], moved on the enemy. His own bodyguard of 318 officered the army, numbering more than 4,000, which struck at this time.

93:5.12 [[Abraham]], because of his close [[connection]] with the illustrious [[Melchizedek]], possessed great advantage over the [[surrounding]] petty [[kings]]; they all [[revered]] [[Melchizedek]] and unduly feared Abraham. [[Abraham]] knew of this [[fear]] and only awaited an opportune occasion to [[attack]] his [[neighbors]], and this excuse came when some of these rulers presumed to raid the [[property]] of his nephew [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lot_(Bible) Lot], who dwelt in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom Sodom]. Upon hearing of this, Abraham, at the head of his seven [[confederated]] [[tribes]], moved on the enemy. His own bodyguard of 318 officered the army, numbering more than 4,000, which struck at this time.

93:5.13 When [[Melchizedek]] heard of [[Abraham]]'s declaration of [[war]], he went forth to dissuade him but only caught up with his former [[disciple]] as he returned victorious from the battle (of [[Mamre]]). Abraham insisted that the [[God]] of [[Salem]] had given him victory over his enemies and [[persisted]] in giving a tenth of his spoils to the Salem treasury. The other ninety per cent he removed to his [[capital]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron].

93:5.13 When [[Melchizedek]] heard of [[Abraham]]'s declaration of [[war]], he went forth to dissuade him but only caught up with his former [[disciple]] as he returned victorious from the battle (of [[Mamre]]). Abraham insisted that the [[God]] of [[Salem]] had given him victory over his enemies and [[persisted]] in giving a tenth of his spoils to the Salem treasury. The other ninety per cent he removed to his [[capital]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron].

93:5.14 After this battle of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddim Siddim], Abraham became [[leader]] of a second [[confederation]] of eleven [[tribes]] and not only paid tithes to [[Melchizedek]] but saw to it that all others in that vicinity did the same. His [[diplomatic]] dealings with the [[king]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom Sodom], together with the [[fear]] in which he was so generally held, resulted in the king of Sodom and others joining the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron] [[military]] [[confederation]]; [[Abraham]] was really well on the way to establishing a powerful [[state]] in [[Palestine]].

93:5.14 After this battle of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddim Siddim], Abraham became [[leader]] of a second [[confederation]] of eleven [[tribes]] and not only paid tithes to [[Melchizedek]] but saw to it that all others in that vicinity did the same. His [[diplomatic]] dealings with the [[king]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom Sodom], together with the [[fear]] in which he was so generally held, resulted in the king of Sodom and others joining the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron] [[military]] [[confederation]]; [[Abraham]] was really well on the way to establishing a powerful [[state]] in [[Palestine]].

==93:6. MELCHIZEDEK'S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM==

==93:6. MELCHIZEDEK'S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM==

93:6.1 [[Abraham]] envisaged the [[conquest]] of all [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan Canaan]. His [[determination]] was only weakened by the [[fact]] that [[Melchizedek]] would not [[sanction]] the undertaking. But [[Abraham]] had about decided to embark upon the [[enterprise]] when the [[thought]] that he had no son to succeed him as ruler of this proposed kingdom began to worry him. He arranged another [[conference]] with [[Melchizedek]]; and it was in the [[course]] of this interview that the [[priest]] of [[Salem]], the visible [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:1._THE_DESCENDING_SONS_OF_GOD Son of God], persuaded [[Abraham]] to abandon his scheme of [[material]] [[conquest]] and temporal rule in [[favor]] of the [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of the kingdom of heaven.

93:6.1 [[Abraham]] envisaged the [[conquest]] of all [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan Canaan]. His [[determination]] was only weakened by the [[fact]] that [[Melchizedek]] would not [[sanction]] the undertaking. But [[Abraham]] had about decided to embark upon the [[enterprise]] when the [[thought]] that he had no son to succeed him as ruler of this proposed kingdom began to worry him. He arranged another [[conference]] with [[Melchizedek]]; and it was in the [[course]] of this interview that the [[priest]] of [[Salem]], the visible [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:1._THE_DESCENDING_SONS_OF_GOD Son of God], persuaded [[Abraham]] to abandon his scheme of [[material]] [[conquest]] and temporal rule in [[favor]] of the [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of the kingdom of heaven.

93:6.2 [[Melchizedek]] explained to [[Abraham]] the futility of contending with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amorite Amorite] [[confederation]] but made it equally [[clear]] that these backward [[clans]] were certainly committing [[suicide]] by their foolish [[practices]] so that in a few [[generations]] they would be so weakened that the descendants of [[Abraham]], meanwhile greatly increased, could easily overcome them.

93:6.2 [[Melchizedek]] explained to [[Abraham]] the futility of contending with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amorite Amorite] [[confederation]] but made it equally [[clear]] that these backward [[clans]] were certainly committing [[suicide]] by their foolish [[practices]] so that in a few [[generations]] they would be so weakened that the descendants of [[Abraham]], meanwhile greatly increased, could easily overcome them.

93:6.3 And [[Melchizedek]] made a [[formal]] [[covenant]] with [[Abraham]] at [[Salem]]. Said he to Abraham: "Look now up to the heavens and number the stars if you are able; so numerous shall your seed be."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.15] And Abraham believed Melchizedek," and it was counted to him for righteousness."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.15] And then [[Melchizedek]] told [[Abraham]] the [[story]] of the [[future]] occupation of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan Canaan] by his [[offspring]] after their [[sojourn]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt].

93:6.3 And [[Melchizedek]] made a [[formal]] [[covenant]] with [[Abraham]] at [[Salem]]. Said he to Abraham: "Look now up to the heavens and number the stars if you are able; so numerous shall your seed be."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.15] And Abraham believed Melchizedek," and it was counted to him for righteousness."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.15] And then [[Melchizedek]] told [[Abraham]] the [[story]] of the [[future]] occupation of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan Canaan] by his [[offspring]] after their [[sojourn]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt].

93:6.4 This [[covenant]] of [[Melchizedek]] with [[Abraham]] [[represents]] the great Urantian [[agreement]] between [[divinity]] and [[humanity]] whereby [[God]] agrees to do everything; man only agrees to [[believe]] God's [[promises]] and follow his instructions. Heretofore it had been believed that [[salvation]] could be secured only by [[work]]s—[[sacrifices]] and offerings; now, [[Melchizedek]] again brought to [[Urantia]] the good news that [[salvation]], [[favor]] with [[God]], is to be had by [[faith]]. But this [[gospel]] of [[simple]] [[faith]] in God was too advanced; the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semitic Semitic] tribesmen subsequently preferred to go back to the older [[sacrifices]] and [[atonement]] for [[sin]] by the shedding of blood.

93:6.4 This [[covenant]] of [[Melchizedek]] with [[Abraham]] [[represents]] the great Urantian [[agreement]] between [[divinity]] and [[humanity]] whereby [[God]] agrees to do everything; man only agrees to [[believe]] God's [[promises]] and follow his instructions. Heretofore it had been believed that [[salvation]] could be secured only by [[work]]s—[[sacrifices]] and offerings; now, [[Melchizedek]] again brought to [[Urantia]] the good news that [[salvation]], [[favor]] with [[God]], is to be had by [[faith]]. But this [[gospel]] of [[simple]] [[faith]] in God was too advanced; the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semitic Semitic] tribesmen subsequently preferred to go back to the older [[sacrifices]] and [[atonement]] for [[sin]] by the shedding of blood.

93:6.5 It was not long after the [[establishment]] of this [[covenant]] that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac], the son of [[Abraham]], was born in [[accordance]] with the [[promise]] of [[Melchizedek]]. After the [[birth]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac], Abraham took a very [[solemn]] [[attitude]] toward his [[covenant]] with [[Melchizedek]], going over to [[Salem]] to have it stated in [[writing]]. It was at this [[public]] and [[formal]] [[acceptance]] of the [[covenant]] that he changed his name from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abram#Name Abram] to [[Abraham]].

93:6.5 It was not long after the [[establishment]] of this [[covenant]] that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac], the son of [[Abraham]], was born in [[accordance]] with the [[promise]] of [[Melchizedek]]. After the [[birth]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac], Abraham took a very [[solemn]] [[attitude]] toward his [[covenant]] with [[Melchizedek]], going over to [[Salem]] to have it stated in [[writing]]. It was at this [[public]] and [[formal]] [[acceptance]] of the [[covenant]] that he changed his name from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abram#Name Abram] to [[Abraham]].

93:6.6 Most of the [[Salem]] believers had [[practiced]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision circumcision], though it had never been made obligatory by [[Melchizedek]]. Now [[Abraham]] had always so opposed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision circumcision] that on this occasion he decided to solemnize the [[event]] by formally [[accepting]] this rite in token of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratification ratification] of the [[Salem]] [[covenant]].

93:6.6 Most of the [[Salem]] believers had [[practiced]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision circumcision], though it had never been made obligatory by [[Melchizedek]]. Now [[Abraham]] had always so opposed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision circumcision] that on this occasion he decided to solemnize the [[event]] by formally [[accepting]] this rite in token of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratification ratification] of the [[Salem]] [[covenant]].

93:6.7 It was following this real and [[public]] [[surrender]] of his [[personal]] [[ambitions]] in behalf of the larger [[plans]] of [[Melchizedek]] that the [[three]] [[celestial]] [[beings]] appeared to him on the plains of [[Mamre]]. This was an [[appearance]] of [[fact]], notwithstanding its [[association]] with the subsequently fabricated [[narratives]] relating to the natural destruction of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom_and_Gomorrah Sodom and Gomorrah]. And these [[legends]] of the [[happenings]] of those days indicate how retarded were the [[morals]] and [[ethics]] of even so recent a [[time]].

93:6.7 It was following this real and [[public]] [[surrender]] of his [[personal]] [[ambitions]] in behalf of the larger [[plans]] of [[Melchizedek]] that the [[three]] [[celestial]] [[beings]] appeared to him on the plains of [[Mamre]]. This was an [[appearance]] of [[fact]], notwithstanding its [[association]] with the subsequently fabricated [[narratives]] relating to the natural destruction of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom_and_Gomorrah Sodom and Gomorrah]. And these [[legends]] of the [[happenings]] of those days indicate how retarded were the [[morals]] and [[ethics]] of even so recent a [[time]].

93:6.8 Upon the [[consummation]] of the [[solemn]] [[covenant]], the [[reconciliation]] between ''Abraham'' and [[Melchizedek]] was complete. [[Abraham]] again [[assumed]] the [[civil]] and [[military]] [[leadership]] of the [[Salem]] colony, which at its height carried over one hundred thousand regular tithe payers on the rolls of the [[Melchizedek schools|Melchizedek brotherhood]]. Abraham greatly improved the [[Salem]] [[temple]] and provided new tents for the entire school. He not only extended the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithe tithing system] but also instituted many improved [[methods]] of conducting the [[business]] of the school, besides contributing greatly to the better handling of the department of missionary [[propaganda]]. He also did much to [[effect]] improvement of the herds and the reorganization of the [[Salem]] dairying projects. [[Abraham]] was a shrewd and [[efficient]] [[business]] man, a [[wealthy]] man for his day; he was not overly [[pious]], but he was thoroughly [[sincere]], and he did believe in [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]].

93:6.8 Upon the [[consummation]] of the [[solemn]] [[covenant]], the [[reconciliation]] between ''Abraham'' and [[Melchizedek]] was complete. [[Abraham]] again [[assumed]] the [[civil]] and [[military]] [[leadership]] of the [[Salem]] colony, which at its height carried over one hundred thousand regular tithe payers on the rolls of the [[Melchizedek schools|Melchizedek brotherhood]]. Abraham greatly improved the [[Salem]] [[temple]] and provided new tents for the entire school. He not only extended the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithe tithing system] but also instituted many improved [[methods]] of conducting the [[business]] of the school, besides contributing greatly to the better handling of the department of missionary [[propaganda]]. He also did much to [[effect]] improvement of the herds and the reorganization of the [[Salem]] dairying projects. [[Abraham]] was a shrewd and [[efficient]] [[business]] man, a [[wealthy]] man for his day; he was not overly [[pious]], but he was thoroughly [[sincere]], and he did believe in [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]].

==93:7. THE MELCHIZEDEK MISSIONARIES==

==93:7. THE MELCHIZEDEK MISSIONARIES==

93:7.1 [[Melchizedek]] continued for some years to instruct his [[students]] and to train the [[Salem]] missionaries, who penetrated to all the [[surrounding]] [[tribes]], especially to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Minor Asia Minor]. And as the decades passed, these [[teachers]] [[journeyed]] farther and farther from [[Salem]], carrying with them [[Machiventa]]'s [[gospel]] of [[belief]] and [[faith]] in [[God]].

93:7.1 [[Melchizedek]] continued for some years to instruct his [[students]] and to train the [[Salem]] missionaries, who penetrated to all the [[surrounding]] [[tribes]], especially to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia_Minor Asia Minor]. And as the decades passed, these [[teachers]] [[journeyed]] farther and farther from [[Salem]], carrying with them [[Machiventa]]'s [[gospel]] of [[belief]] and [[faith]] in [[God]].

93:7.2 The descendants of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:5._ADAMSON_AND_RATTA Adamson], clustered about the shores of the lake of [[Van]], were willing listeners to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hittite Hittite] [[teachers]] of the [[Salem]] [[cult]]. From this onetime [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] center, [[teachers]] were dispatched to the remote regions of both [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia Asia]. [[Salem]] missionaries penetrated all [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe], even to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Britain British Isles]. One [[group]] went by way of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faroes Faroes] to the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_63#63:5._DISPERSION_OF_THE_ANDONITES Andonites] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland Iceland], while another traversed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_China China] and reached the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan Japanese] of the eastern islands. The lives and [[experiences]] of the men and women who ventured forth from [[Salem]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Van Lake Van] to [[enlighten]] the [[tribes]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Hemisphere Eastern Hemisphere] present a [[heroic]] chapter in the annals of the [[human]] race.

93:7.2 The descendants of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:5._ADAMSON_AND_RATTA Adamson], clustered about the shores of the lake of [[Van]], were willing listeners to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hittite Hittite] [[teachers]] of the [[Salem]] [[cult]]. From this onetime [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andite] center, [[teachers]] were dispatched to the remote regions of both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia Asia]. [[Salem]] missionaries penetrated all [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europe Europe], even to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Britain British Isles]. One [[group]] went by way of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faroes Faroes] to the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_63#63:5._DISPERSION_OF_THE_ANDONITES Andonites] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland Iceland], while another traversed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_China China] and reached the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan Japanese] of the eastern islands. The lives and [[experiences]] of the men and women who ventured forth from [[Salem]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Van Lake Van] to [[enlighten]] the [[tribes]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Hemisphere Eastern Hemisphere] present a [[heroic]] chapter in the annals of the [[human]] race.

93:7.3 But the task was so great and the [[tribes]] were so backward that the results were vague and indefinite. From one [[generation]] to another the [[Salem]] gospel found lodgment here and there, but except in [[Palestine]], never was the [[idea]] of [[Monotheism|one God]] able to claim the continued [[allegiance]] of a whole [[tribe]] or [[race]]. Long before the coming of [[Jesus]] the teachings of the early [[Salem]] missionaries had become generally submerged in the older and more [[universal]] [[superstitions]] and [[beliefs]]. The [[original]] [[Melchizedek]] gospel had been almost wholly absorbed in the [[beliefs]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_goddess Great Mother], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_god Sun], and other [[ancient]] [[cults]].

93:7.3 But the task was so great and the [[tribes]] were so backward that the results were vague and indefinite. From one [[generation]] to another the [[Salem]] gospel found lodgment here and there, but except in [[Palestine]], never was the [[idea]] of [[Monotheism|one God]] able to claim the continued [[allegiance]] of a whole [[tribe]] or [[race]]. Long before the coming of [[Jesus]] the teachings of the early [[Salem]] missionaries had become generally submerged in the older and more [[universal]] [[superstitions]] and [[beliefs]]. The [[original]] [[Melchizedek]] gospel had been almost wholly absorbed in the [[beliefs]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_goddess Great Mother], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_god Sun], and other [[ancient]] [[cults]].

93:7.4 You who today enjoy the advantages of the [[art]] of [[printing]] little [[understand]] how [[difficult]] it was to [[Dissemination|perpetuate]] [[truth]] during these earlier times; how easy it was to lose [[sight]] of a new [[doctrine]] from one [[generation]] to another. There was always a [[tendency]] for the new [[doctrine]] to become [[absorbed]] into the older body of [[religious]] teaching and [[magical]] [[practice]]. A new [[revelation]] is always contaminated by the [[Past|older]] evolutionary [[beliefs]].

93:7.4 You who today enjoy the advantages of the [[art]] of [[printing]] little [[understand]] how [[difficult]] it was to [[Dissemination|perpetuate]] [[truth]] during these earlier times; how easy it was to lose [[sight]] of a new [[doctrine]] from one [[generation]] to another. There was always a [[tendency]] for the new [[doctrine]] to become [[absorbed]] into the older body of [[religious]] teaching and [[magical]] [[practice]]. A new [[revelation]] is always contaminated by the [[Past|older]] evolutionary [[beliefs]].

==93:8. DEPARTURE OF MELCHIZEDEK==

==93:8. DEPARTURE OF MELCHIZEDEK==

93:8.1 It was shortly after the destruction of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom_and_Gomorrah Sodom and Gomorrah] that [[Machiventa]] decided to end his [[emergency]] [[bestowal]] on [[Urantia]]. [[Melchizedek]]'s [[decision]] to terminate his [[sojourn]] in the [[flesh]] was [[influenced]] by numerous conditions, chief of which was the growing [[tendency]] of the [[surrounding]] [[tribes]], and even of his [[immediate]] associates, to regard him as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demigod demigod], to look upon him as a [[supernatural]] [[being]], which indeed he was; but they were beginning to [[reverence]] him unduly and with a highly [[superstitious]] [[fear]]. In addition to these reasons, [[Melchizedek]] wanted to leave the scene of his [[earthly]] [[activities]] a sufficient length of time before [[Abraham]]'s [[death]] to insure that the [[truth]] of the [[Monotheism|one and only God]] would become strongly [[established]] in the [[minds]] of his followers. Accordingly [[Machiventa]] retired one night to his tent at [[Salem]], having said good night to his [[human]] companions, and when they went to call him in the morning, he was not there, for his fellows had taken him.

93:8.1 It was shortly after the destruction of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom_and_Gomorrah Sodom and Gomorrah] that [[Machiventa]] decided to end his [[emergency]] [[bestowal]] on [[Urantia]]. [[Melchizedek]]'s [[decision]] to terminate his [[sojourn]] in the [[flesh]] was [[influenced]] by numerous conditions, chief of which was the growing [[tendency]] of the [[surrounding]] [[tribes]], and even of his [[immediate]] associates, to regard him as a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demigod demigod], to look upon him as a [[supernatural]] [[being]], which indeed he was; but they were beginning to [[reverence]] him unduly and with a highly [[superstitious]] [[fear]]. In addition to these reasons, [[Melchizedek]] wanted to leave the scene of his [[earthly]] [[activities]] a sufficient length of time before [[Abraham]]'s [[death]] to insure that the [[truth]] of the [[Monotheism|one and only God]] would become strongly [[established]] in the [[minds]] of his followers. Accordingly [[Machiventa]] retired one night to his tent at [[Salem]], having said good night to his [[human]] companions, and when they went to call him in the morning, he was not there, for his fellows had taken him.

==93:9. AFTER MELCHIZEDEK'S DEPARTURE==

==93:9. AFTER MELCHIZEDEK'S DEPARTURE==

93:9.1 It was a great [[trial]] for [[Abraham]] when [[Melchizedek]] so suddenly disappeared. Although he had fully warned his followers that he must sometime go as he had come, they were not [[reconciled]] to the loss of their [[wonderful]] [[leader]]. The great [[organization]] built up at [[Salem]] nearly disappeared, though the [[traditions]] of these days were what [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] built upon when he led the [[Hebrew]] [[slaves]] out of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt].

93:9.1 It was a great [[trial]] for [[Abraham]] when [[Melchizedek]] so suddenly disappeared. Although he had fully warned his followers that he must sometime go as he had come, they were not [[reconciled]] to the loss of their [[wonderful]] [[leader]]. The great [[organization]] built up at [[Salem]] nearly disappeared, though the [[traditions]] of these days were what [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] built upon when he led the [[Hebrew]] [[slaves]] out of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt].

93:9.2 The loss of [[Melchizedek]] produced a sadness in the [[heart]] of [[Abraham]] that he never fully overcame. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron] he had abandoned when he gave up the [[ambition]] of building a [[material]] kingdom; and now, upon the loss of his [[associate]] in the building of the [[spiritual]] kingdom, he departed from [[Salem]], going south to live near his interests at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerar Gerar].

93:9.2 The loss of [[Melchizedek]] produced a sadness in the [[heart]] of [[Abraham]] that he never fully overcame. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron] he had abandoned when he gave up the [[ambition]] of building a [[material]] kingdom; and now, upon the loss of his [[associate]] in the building of the [[spiritual]] kingdom, he departed from [[Salem]], going south to live near his interests at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerar Gerar].

93:9.3 [[Abraham]] became [[fearful]] and timid [[immediately]] after the disappearance of [[Melchizedek]]. He withheld his [[identity]] upon arrival at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerar Gerar], so that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abimelech Abimelech] appropriated his [[wife]]. (Shortly after his [[marriage]] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah Sarah], [[Abraham]] one night had overheard a plot to murder him in order to get his [[brilliant]] [[wife]]. This dread became a [[terror]] to the otherwise [[brave]] and daring [[leader]]; all his life he feared that someone would kill him [[secretly]] in order to get [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah Sarah]. And this [[explains]] why, on three separate occasions, this brave man exhibited real cowardice.)

93:9.3 [[Abraham]] became [[fearful]] and timid [[immediately]] after the disappearance of [[Melchizedek]]. He withheld his [[identity]] upon arrival at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerar Gerar], so that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abimelech Abimelech] appropriated his [[wife]]. (Shortly after his [[marriage]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah Sarah], [[Abraham]] one night had overheard a plot to murder him in order to get his [[brilliant]] [[wife]]. This dread became a [[terror]] to the otherwise [[brave]] and daring [[leader]]; all his life he feared that someone would kill him [[secretly]] in order to get [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah Sarah]. And this [[explains]] why, on three separate occasions, this brave man exhibited real cowardice.)

93:9.4 But [[Abraham]] was not long to be deterred in his mission as the successor of [[Melchizedek]]. Soon he made [[converts]] among the [[Philistines]] and of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abimelech Abimelech]'s people, made a [[treaty]] with them, and, in turn, became contaminated with many of their [[superstitions]], particularly with their [[practice]] of sacrificing first-born sons. Thus did [[Abraham]] again become a great [[leader]] in [[Palestine]]. He was held in [[reverence]] by all [[groups]] and honored by all [[kings]]. He was the [[spiritual]] [[leader]] of all the [[surrounding]] [[tribes]], and his [[influence]] continued for some time after his [[death]]. During the closing years of his life he once more returned to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron], the scene of his earlier [[activities]] and the place where he had worked in [[association]] with [[Melchizedek]]. [[Abraham]]'s last [[act]] was to send trusty servants to the [[city]] of his [[brother]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahor Nahor], on the border of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], to secure a [[woman]] of his own people as a [[wife]] for his son [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac]. It had long been the [[custom]] of [[Abraham]]'s people to marry their cousins. And [[Abraham]] died [[confident]] in that [[faith]] in [[God]] which he had learned from [[Melchizedek]] in the vanished schools of [[Salem]].

93:9.4 But [[Abraham]] was not long to be deterred in his mission as the successor of [[Melchizedek]]. Soon he made [[converts]] among the [[Philistines]] and of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abimelech Abimelech]'s people, made a [[treaty]] with them, and, in turn, became contaminated with many of their [[superstitions]], particularly with their [[practice]] of sacrificing first-born sons. Thus did [[Abraham]] again become a great [[leader]] in [[Palestine]]. He was held in [[reverence]] by all [[groups]] and honored by all [[kings]]. He was the [[spiritual]] [[leader]] of all the [[surrounding]] [[tribes]], and his [[influence]] continued for some time after his [[death]]. During the closing years of his life he once more returned to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebron Hebron], the scene of his earlier [[activities]] and the place where he had worked in [[association]] with [[Melchizedek]]. [[Abraham]]'s last [[act]] was to send trusty servants to the [[city]] of his [[brother]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahor Nahor], on the border of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], to secure a [[woman]] of his own people as a [[wife]] for his son [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac]. It had long been the [[custom]] of [[Abraham]]'s people to marry their cousins. And [[Abraham]] died [[confident]] in that [[faith]] in [[God]] which he had learned from [[Melchizedek]] in the vanished schools of [[Salem]].

93:9.5 It was hard for the next [[generation]] to [[comprehend]] the [[story]] of [[Melchizedek]]; within five hundred years many regarded the whole [[narrative]] as a [[myth]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac] held fairly well to the teachings of his [[father]] and nourished the [[gospel]] of the [[Salem]] colony, but it was harder for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob Jacob] to grasp the significance of these [[traditions]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_%28Hebrew_Bible%29 Joseph] was a firm believer in [[Melchizedek]] and was, largely because of this, regarded by his brothers as a [[dreamer]]. Joseph's [[honor]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] was chiefly due to the [[memory]] of his great-grandfather [[Abraham]]. Joseph was offered [[military]] command of the Egyptian armies, but being such a firm believer in the [[traditions]] of [[Melchizedek]] and the later teachings of [[Abraham]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac], he elected to serve as a [[civil]] [[administrator]], believing that he could thus better labor for the advancement of the kingdom of heaven.

93:9.5 It was hard for the next [[generation]] to [[comprehend]] the [[story]] of [[Melchizedek]]; within five hundred years many regarded the whole [[narrative]] as a [[myth]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac] held fairly well to the teachings of his [[father]] and nourished the [[gospel]] of the [[Salem]] colony, but it was harder for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob Jacob] to grasp the significance of these [[traditions]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_%28Hebrew_Bible%29 Joseph] was a firm believer in [[Melchizedek]] and was, largely because of this, regarded by his brothers as a [[dreamer]]. Joseph's [[honor]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] was chiefly due to the [[memory]] of his great-grandfather [[Abraham]]. Joseph was offered [[military]] command of the Egyptian armies, but being such a firm believer in the [[traditions]] of [[Melchizedek]] and the later teachings of [[Abraham]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac], he elected to serve as a [[civil]] [[administrator]], believing that he could thus better labor for the advancement of the kingdom of heaven.

93:9.6 The teaching of [[Melchizedek]] was full and replete, but the [[records]] of these days seemed impossible and [[fantastic]] to the later [[Hebrew]] [[priests]], although many had some [[understanding]] of these [[transactions]], at least up to the times of the en masse editing of the [[Old Testament]] records in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon].

93:9.6 The teaching of [[Melchizedek]] was full and replete, but the [[records]] of these days seemed impossible and [[fantastic]] to the later [[Hebrew]] [[priests]], although many had some [[understanding]] of these [[transactions]], at least up to the times of the en masse editing of the [[Old Testament]] records in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon].

93:9.7 What the [[Old Testament]] records describe as [[conversations]] between [[Abraham]] and [[God]] were in [[reality]] [[conferences]] between Abraham and [[Melchizedek]]. Later scribes regarded the term [[Melchizedek]] as synonymous with [[God]]. The [[record]] of so many [[contacts]] of Abraham and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah Sarah] with "the angel of the Lord"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.12] refers to their numerous visits with [[Melchizedek]].

93:9.7 What the [[Old Testament]] records describe as [[conversations]] between [[Abraham]] and [[God]] were in [[reality]] [[conferences]] between Abraham and [[Melchizedek]]. Later scribes regarded the term [[Melchizedek]] as synonymous with [[God]]. The [[record]] of so many [[contacts]] of Abraham and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah Sarah] with "the angel of the Lord"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Genesis#Chapter_.12] refers to their numerous visits with [[Melchizedek]].

93:9.8 The [[Hebrew]] [[narratives]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob Jacob], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_%28Hebrew_Bible%29 Joseph] are far more reliable than those about [[Abraham]], although they also contain many diversions from the [[facts]], alterations made [[intentionally]] and unintentionally at the time of the compilation of these [[records]] by the [[Hebrew]] [[priests]] during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity Babylonian captivity]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keturah Keturah] was not a [[wife]] of Abraham; like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagar Hagar], she was merely a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concubine concubine]. All of Abraham's [[property]] went to Isaac, the son of Sarah, the [[status]] [[wife]]. [[Abraham]] was not so old as the records indicate, and his wife was much younger. These ages were deliberately altered in order to provide for the subsequent alleged [[miraculous]] [[birth]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac].

93:9.8 The [[Hebrew]] [[narratives]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob Jacob], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_%28Hebrew_Bible%29 Joseph] are far more reliable than those about [[Abraham]], although they also contain many diversions from the [[facts]], alterations made [[intentionally]] and unintentionally at the time of the compilation of these [[records]] by the [[Hebrew]] [[priests]] during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity Babylonian captivity]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keturah Keturah] was not a [[wife]] of Abraham; like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagar Hagar], she was merely a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concubine concubine]. All of Abraham's [[property]] went to Isaac, the son of Sarah, the [[status]] [[wife]]. [[Abraham]] was not so old as the records indicate, and his wife was much younger. These ages were deliberately altered in order to provide for the subsequent alleged [[miraculous]] [[birth]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac].

93:9.9 The national [[ego]] of the [[Jews]] was tremendously [[depressed]] by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity Babylonian captivity]. In their [[reaction]] against national inferiority they swung to the other extreme of [[national]] and racial [[egotism]], in which they distorted and [[perverted]] their [[traditions]] with the view of exalting themselves above all races as the [[chosen people]] of [[God]]; and hence they carefully [[edited]] all their [[records]] for the [[purpose]] of raising [[Abraham]] and their other national [[leaders]] high up above all other [[persons]], not excepting [[Melchizedek]] himself. The [[Hebrew]] scribes therefore destroyed every [[record]] of these momentous times which they could find, preserving only the [[narrative]] of the meeting of [[Abraham]] and [[Melchizedek]] after the battle of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddim Siddim], which they deemed [[reflected]] great [[honor]] upon [[Abraham]].

93:9.9 The national [[ego]] of the [[Jews]] was tremendously [[depressed]] by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity Babylonian captivity]. In their [[reaction]] against national inferiority they swung to the other extreme of [[national]] and racial [[egotism]], in which they distorted and [[perverted]] their [[traditions]] with the view of exalting themselves above all races as the [[chosen people]] of [[God]]; and hence they carefully [[edited]] all their [[records]] for the [[purpose]] of raising [[Abraham]] and their other national [[leaders]] high up above all other [[persons]], not excepting [[Melchizedek]] himself. The [[Hebrew]] scribes therefore destroyed every [[record]] of these momentous times which they could find, preserving only the [[narrative]] of the meeting of [[Abraham]] and [[Melchizedek]] after the battle of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siddim Siddim], which they deemed [[reflected]] great [[honor]] upon [[Abraham]].

93:9.10 And thus, in losing sight of [[Melchizedek]], they also lost sight of the teaching of this [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION emergency Son] regarding the spiritual mission of the promised [[bestowal Son]]; lost sight of the [[nature]] of this mission so fully and completely that very few of their [[progeny]] were able or willing to [[recognize]] and receive [[Michael]] when he appeared on [[earth]] and in the flesh as [[Machiventa]] had foretold.

93:9.10 And thus, in losing sight of [[Melchizedek]], they also lost sight of the teaching of this [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION emergency Son] regarding the spiritual mission of the promised [[bestowal Son]]; lost sight of the [[nature]] of this mission so fully and completely that very few of their [[progeny]] were able or willing to [[recognize]] and receive [[Michael]] when he appeared on [[earth]] and in the flesh as [[Machiventa]] had foretold.

93:10.2 [[Machiventa]] terminated his [[bestowal]] as a [[creature]] of flesh and blood just as suddenly and unceremoniously as he had begun it. Neither his [[appearance]] nor departure were accompanied by any unusual announcement or [[demonstration]]; neither [[resurrection]] roll call nor ending of planetary [[dispensation]] marked his [[appearance]] on [[Urantia]]; his was an [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION emergency bestowal]. But [[Machiventa]] did not end his [[sojourn]] in the flesh of human beings until he had been duly released by the [[Father Melchizedek]] and had been informed that his emergency bestowal had received the approval of the [[chief executive]] of [[Nebadon]], [[Gabriel]] of [[Salvington]].

93:10.2 [[Machiventa]] terminated his [[bestowal]] as a [[creature]] of flesh and blood just as suddenly and unceremoniously as he had begun it. Neither his [[appearance]] nor departure were accompanied by any unusual announcement or [[demonstration]]; neither [[resurrection]] roll call nor ending of planetary [[dispensation]] marked his [[appearance]] on [[Urantia]]; his was an [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION emergency bestowal]. But [[Machiventa]] did not end his [[sojourn]] in the flesh of human beings until he had been duly released by the [[Father Melchizedek]] and had been informed that his emergency bestowal had received the approval of the [[chief executive]] of [[Nebadon]], [[Gabriel]] of [[Salvington]].

93:10.3 [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]] continued to take a great interest in the affairs of the [[descendants]] of those men who had believed in his teachings when he was in the [[flesh]]. But the [[progeny]] of [[Abraham]] through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac] as intermarried with the [[Kenites]] were the only line which long continued to nourish any clear [[concept]] of the [[Salem]] teachings.

93:10.3 [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]] continued to take a great interest in the affairs of the [[descendants]] of those men who had believed in his teachings when he was in the [[flesh]]. But the [[progeny]] of [[Abraham]] through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac] as intermarried with the [[Kenites]] were the only line which long continued to nourish any clear [[concept]] of the [[Salem]] teachings.

93:10.4 This same [[Melchizedek]] continued to [[collaborate]] throughout the nineteen succeeding centuries with the many [[prophets]] and [[seers]], thus endeavoring to keep alive the [[truths]] of [[Salem]] until the fullness of the time for [[Michael]]'s [[appearance]] on [[earth]].

93:10.4 This same [[Melchizedek]] continued to [[collaborate]] throughout the nineteen succeeding centuries with the many [[prophets]] and [[seers]], thus endeavoring to keep alive the [[truths]] of [[Salem]] until the fullness of the time for [[Michael]]'s [[appearance]] on [[earth]].

93:10.6 As his was an [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_35#35:4._SPECIAL_WORK_OF_THE_MELCHIZEDEKS emergency bestowal] on [[Urantia]], it does not appear from the [[records]] what Machiventa's [[future]] may be. It may [[develop]] that the [[Melchizedek]] corps of [[Nebadon]] have sustained the permanent loss of one of their number. Recent rulings handed down from the [[Most Highs]] of [[Edentia]], and later confirmed by the [[Ancients of Days]] of [[Uversa]], strongly suggest that this bestowal Melchizedek is destined to take the place of the fallen [[Planetary Prince]], [[Caligastia]]. If our conjectures in this respect are correct, it is altogether possible that [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]] may again appear in person on [[Urantia]] and in some [[modified]] [[manner]] resume the role of the dethroned [[Planetary Prince]], or else appear on [[earth]] to function as vicegerent Planetary Prince representing [[Christ]] [[Michael]], who now actually holds the title of Planetary Prince of [[Urantia]]. While it is far from [[clear]] to us as to what [[Machiventa]]'s [[destiny]] may be, nevertheless, [[events]] which have so recently taken place strongly suggest that the foregoing conjectures are probably not far from the [[truth]].

93:10.6 As his was an [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_35#35:4._SPECIAL_WORK_OF_THE_MELCHIZEDEKS emergency bestowal] on [[Urantia]], it does not appear from the [[records]] what Machiventa's [[future]] may be. It may [[develop]] that the [[Melchizedek]] corps of [[Nebadon]] have sustained the permanent loss of one of their number. Recent rulings handed down from the [[Most Highs]] of [[Edentia]], and later confirmed by the [[Ancients of Days]] of [[Uversa]], strongly suggest that this bestowal Melchizedek is destined to take the place of the fallen [[Planetary Prince]], [[Caligastia]]. If our conjectures in this respect are correct, it is altogether possible that [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]] may again appear in person on [[Urantia]] and in some [[modified]] [[manner]] resume the role of the dethroned [[Planetary Prince]], or else appear on [[earth]] to function as vicegerent Planetary Prince representing [[Christ]] [[Michael]], who now actually holds the title of Planetary Prince of [[Urantia]]. While it is far from [[clear]] to us as to what [[Machiventa]]'s [[destiny]] may be, nevertheless, [[events]] which have so recently taken place strongly suggest that the foregoing conjectures are probably not far from the [[truth]].

93:10.7 We well [[understand]] how, by his triumph on [[Urantia]], [[Michael]] became the successor of both [[Caligastia]] and [[Adam]]; how he became the planetary ''[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.9 Prince of Peace]'' and the ''[http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/adam-the-second.html second Adam]''. And now we behold the conferring upon this [[Melchizedek]] of the title Vicegerent Planetary Prince of Urantia. Will he also be constituted Vicegerent [[Material Son]] of Urantia? Or is there a possibility that an unexpected and unprecedented [[event]] is to take place, the sometime return to the [[planet]] of [[Adam and Eve]] or certain of their progeny as [[representatives]] of [[Michael]] with the titles vicegerents of the [http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/adam-the-second.html second Adam] of [[Urantia]]?

93:10.7 We well [[understand]] how, by his triumph on [[Urantia]], [[Michael]] became the successor of both [[Caligastia]] and [[Adam]]; how he became the planetary ''[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.9 Prince of Peace]'' and the ''[https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/adam-the-second.html second Adam]''. And now we behold the conferring upon this [[Melchizedek]] of the title Vicegerent Planetary Prince of Urantia. Will he also be constituted Vicegerent [[Material Son]] of Urantia? Or is there a possibility that an unexpected and unprecedented [[event]] is to take place, the sometime return to the [[planet]] of [[Adam and Eve]] or certain of their progeny as [[representatives]] of [[Michael]] with the titles vicegerents of the [https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/adam-the-second.html second Adam] of [[Urantia]]?

93:10.8 And all these [[speculations]] associated with the certainty of [[future]] appearances of both [[Magisterial Son|Magisterial]] and [[Trinity Teacher Sons]], in conjunction with the explicit [[promise]] of the [[Creator Son]] to return sometime, make [[Urantia]] a planet of [[future]] uncertainty and render it one of the most interesting and [[intriguing]] [[spheres]] in all the [[universe]] of [[Nebadon]]. It is altogether possible that, in some [[future]] age when [[Urantia]] is approaching the era of [[light and life]], after the affairs of the [[Lucifer rebellion]] and the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_67#67:1._THE_CALIGASTIA_BETRAYAL Caligastia secession] have been finally [[adjudicated]], we may [[witness]] the [[presence]] on [[Urantia]], simultaneously, of [[Machiventa]], [[Adam and Eve|Adam, Eve]], and [[Christ]] [[Michael]], as well as either a [[Magisterial Son]] or even [[Trinity Teacher Sons]].

93:10.8 And all these [[speculations]] associated with the certainty of [[future]] appearances of both [[Magisterial Son|Magisterial]] and [[Trinity Teacher Sons]], in conjunction with the explicit [[promise]] of the [[Creator Son]] to return sometime, make [[Urantia]] a planet of [[future]] uncertainty and render it one of the most interesting and [[intriguing]] [[spheres]] in all the [[universe]] of [[Nebadon]]. It is altogether possible that, in some [[future]] age when [[Urantia]] is approaching the era of [[light and life]], after the affairs of the [[Lucifer rebellion]] and the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_67#67:1._THE_CALIGASTIA_BETRAYAL Caligastia secession] have been finally [[adjudicated]], we may [[witness]] the [[presence]] on [[Urantia]], simultaneously, of [[Machiventa]], [[Adam and Eve|Adam, Eve]], and [[Christ]] [[Michael]], as well as either a [[Magisterial Son]] or even [[Trinity Teacher Sons]].