Hoffmann now published a book explanatory of his ideas, called _The Ordinance of God_, which had an enormous popularity.

It was followed up by other writings, amplifying and defending the main thesis it contained.
Outwardly the Melchiorite communities of the North-west had the same peaceful character as those of South Germany and Moravia, holding as they did in the main the same doctrines.

It was ominous, however, that Melchior Hoffmann was proclaimed as the prophet Elijah returned according to promise.

Up to 1533 Strassburg continued to be regarded as the chief seat of Anabaptism, especially by Melchior and his disciples.

It was, they declared, to be the New Jerusalem, from which the saints should march out to conquer the world.