Chapter I
And it came to pass in the days when the nations were troubled, that there arose a young man from the western land, and his name was known among the people.
And he went up from the place of his dwelling, and the people of his district looked upon him; and they chose him to sit among the rulers who gathered in the great city.
Now he was not mighty among the princes, neither was his house great among the tribes; yet he was diligent in speech and steadfast in his purpose.
And he spoke against the doctrine that had arisen from the far north, which sought to take away the inheritance of the mighty and to make all possessions common among the multitude.
And many heard his words, and some were angered against him; but others said, Behold, this man speaketh boldly, and he feareth not the thoughts of the multitude.
And there were men who labored secretly, desiring that the teaching of the northern kingdom should spread among the nations, and that the old order should be brought low.
But the young man lifted up his voice against them, saying, Shall a people surrender the vineyards of their fathers and the labor of their hands to rulers whom they know not?
Therefore his fame went forth beyond the borders of his own district, and men in distant places began to speak of him.
And the elders of his people perceived that he was useful in the struggle against the northern doctrine, and they gave heed unto him.
And he was numbered among the servants of the people, and his voice was heard in the councils of the nation.
Yet the path before him was not a level road, for adversaries would rise against him, and his name would become a cause of contention among the tribes.
Nevertheless, the young man increased in strength, and his words became sharp as an arrow in the hand of a mighty warrior.
And it was said concerning him, He hath entered the gate in his youth, yet his shadow shall reach unto distant places.
For he sought not merely the honor of sitting among the rulers, but desired that his people should stand firm against the rising power from afar.
Thus the first stone of his greatness was laid in the western land, and the thing which seemed small in the eyes of men became the beginning of greater things.
And the seer beheld the young man standing before the multitude, and he said, Behold, the path hath begun; but thou hast not yet seen the height thereof, neither hast thou seen the depth of the valley into which it shall descend.
