1
We journeyed slowly for the sake of the women and children and we journeyed not upon the Sabbath day nor upon any of the holy days for we thought it better to worship the Lord our God according to the pattern of heaven than to proceed rapidly upon our way, and we did know that the Lord prospered us in our journey and protected us from the power of all our enemies because we did faithfully serve him and worship before his throne according to the divine pattern.
2
But at length we did arrive in the land of Shinar at the city of Ur.
3
Now the size of this city was immense.
4
Its buildings were grand and beautiful with gardens upon the rooftops and rivers of water running down from level to level.
5
The streets were wide and smooth and the inhabitants wealthy, dwelling in luxury.
6
Merchant caravans continually entered and left her gates and the great of all nations came here to pay homage to the mighty King Nimrod.
7
Nevertheless, the wealth of this great city was built upon sin for the people served many idol gods and offered upon their altars men, women and children after the same manner as the Egyptians.
8
And they had numerous slaves who were kept down in bondage and poverty and were driven like dumb beasts to provide the luxury in which their masters dwelled.
9
Behold, the inhabitants of the city did delight in whoredom and adultery and murder and all manner of evil whereby they might get gain.
10
And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them.
11
Nevertheless, he did let them go on that they might be fully ripened in iniquity before the fullness of his wrath should fall upon them.
12
All of these things did the Lord God show unto me in a dream on the night before we entered into the city of Ur and he said unto me, Abram, this city is vile and corrupt, but in it are some few souls who have not bowed the knee to their idol gods and it is because of their prayers that I have brought you here that they might be taught to worship the true God after the order of heaven and be led out from wickedness and bondage.
13
Wherefore, go unto thy father's house, for thy mother hath sorrowed for thee these many years, and I have softened the heart of thy father toward thee that he shall make thee welcome and will protect thee against the anger of the king such that thou shalt be able to accomplish thy mission.
14
Behold, Abram, I am the Lord God of thy Fathers Shem and Noah and of all the righteous Fathers back to Adam.
15
Wherefore, I will remain with thee and confirm upon thee all the blessings of the Fathers and thou shalt stand at the head of a multitude. Amen.