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1:1 Chapter 1 Now it came to pass that in the first year
of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, from this
time forward, king Mosiah having gone the way of all the earth,
having warred a good warfare, walking uprightly before God, leaving
none to reign in his stead; nevertheless he established laws,
and they were acknowledged by the people; therefore they were
obliged to abide by the laws which he had made.
1:2 And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of
Alma in the judgment seat, there was a man brought before him
to be judged; a man which was large, and was noted for his much
strength;
1:3 and he had gone about among the people, preaching to them
that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against
the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher
had ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with
their own hands, but they had ought to be supported by the people;
1:4 and he also testified unto the people that all mankind should
be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear or tremble,
but they might lift up their heads and rejoice: for the Lord had
created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and in the end,
all men should have eternal life.
1:5 And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much,
that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began
to support him and give him money;
1:6 and he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and
to wear very costly apparel; yea, and even began to establish
a church, after the manner of his preaching.
1:7 And it came to pass as he was going to preach to those who
believed on his word, he met a man which belonged to the church
of God, yea, even one of their teachers; and he began to contend
with him sharply, that he might lead away the people of the church;
but the man withstood him, admonishing him with the words of God.
1:8 Now the name of the man was Gideon; and it was him that was
an instrument in the hands of God, in delivering the people of
Limhi out of bondage.
1:9 --Now because Gideon withstood him with the words of God,
he was wroth with Gideon, and drew his sword and began to smite
him. Now Gideon being stricken with many years, therefore he was
able to withstand his blows, therefore he was slain by the sword;
1:10 and the man who slew him was taken by the people of the church,
and was brought before Alma, to be judged according to the crime
which he had committed.
1:11 And it came to pass that he stood before Alma, and plead
for himself with much boldness.
1:12 But Alma said unto him, Behold, this is the first time that
priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold,
thou art not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to
enforce among this people, it would prove their entire destruction.
1:13 And thou hast shed the blood of a righteous man, yea, a man
which has done much good among this people; and were we to spare
thee, his blood would come upon us for vengeance;
1:14 therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law
which has been given us by Mosiah, our last king; and they have
been acknowledged by this people; therefore this people must abide
by the law.
1:15 And it came to pass that they took him; and his name was
Nehor; and they carried him upon the top of the hill Manti, and
there he was caused, or rather did acknowledge, between the heavens
and the earth, that what we had taught to the people was contrary
to the word of God; and there he suffered an ignominious death.
1:16 Nevertheless this did not put an end to the spreading of
priestcraft through the land: for there was many which loved the
vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false
doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor.
1:17 Nevertheless they durst not lie, if it were known, for fear
of the law, for liars were punished; therefore they pretended
to preach according to their belief: and now the law could have
no power on any man for their belief.
1:18 And they durst not steal, for fear of the law; for such were
punished; neither durst they rob, nor murder: for he that murdered
was punished unto death.
1:19 But it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the
Church of God, began to persecute those that did belong to the
Church of God, and had taken upon them the name of Christ;
1:20 yea, they did persecute them, and afflict them with all manner
of words, and this because of their humility; because they were
not proud in their own eyes, and because they did impart the word
of God, one with another, without money and without price.
1:21 Now there was a strict law among the people of the Church,
that there should not any man, belonging to the Church, arise
and persecute those that did not belong to the Church, and that
there should be no persecution among themselves.
1:22 Nevertheless, there were many among them who began to be
proud, and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even
unto blows; yea, they would smite one another with their fists.
1:23 Now this was in the second year of the reign of Alma, and
it was a cause of much affliction to the Church; yea, it was the
cause of much trial with the Church;
1:24 for the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were
blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people
of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them.
1:25 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in
faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immoveable in keeping
the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution
which was heaped upon them.
1:26 And now when the priests left their labor, to impart the
word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors
to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto
them the word of God, they all returned again diligently unto
their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his
hearers; for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither
was the teacher any better than the learner: and thus they were
all equal and they did all labor, every man according to his strength;
1:27 and they did impart of their substance every man according
to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick,
and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they
were neat and comely:
1:28 and thus they did establish the affairs of the Church: and
thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding
all their persecutions.
1:29 And now because of the steadiness of the Church, they began
to be exceeding rich; having abundance of all things whatsoever
they stood in need; an abundance of flocks, and herds, and fatlings
of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of
silver, and of precious things; and abundance of silk and fine
twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.
1:30 And thus in their prosperous circumstances they did not send
away any which was naked, or that was hungry, or that was athirst,
or that was sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did
not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal
to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and
female, whether out of the Church or in the Church, having no
respects to persons as to those who stood in need;
1:31 and thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy, than
those who did not belong to their Church.
1:32 For those who did not belong to their Church, did indulge
themselves in sorceries, and in idolatry or idleness, and in bablings,
and in envyings and strife; wearing costly apparel; being lifted
up in the pride of their own eyes; lying, thieving, robbing, commiting
whoredoms, and murdering, and all manner of wickedness; nevertheless,
the law was put in force upon all those who did transgress it,
inasmuch as it were possible.
1:33 And it came to pass that by thus exercising the law upon
them, every man suffering according to that which he had done,
they became more still, and durst not commit any wickedness, if
it were known; therefore, there was much peace among the people
of Nephi, until the fifth year of the reign of the judges.
2:1 And it came to pass in the commandment of the fifth year of
their reign, there began to be a contention among the people,
for a certain man, being called Amlici; he being a very cunning
man, yea, a wise man, as to the wisdom of the world; he being
after the order of the man that slew Gideon by the sword, who
was executed according to the law.
2:2 Now this Amlici had, by his cunning, drawn away much of the
people after him; even so much that they began to be very powerful;
and they began to endeavor to establish Amlici to be a king over
the people.
2:3 Now this was alarming to the people of the Church, and also
to all those that had not been drawn away after the persuasions
of Amlici: for they knew that according to their law that such
things must be established by the voice of the people;
2:4 therefore, if it were possible that Amlici should gain the
voice of the people, he being a wicked man, would deprive them
of their rights and privileges of the Church, &c: for it was
his intent to destroy the Church of God.
2:5 And it came to pass that the people assembled themselves together
throughout all the land, every man according to his mind, whether
it were for or against Amlici, in separate bodies, having much
dispute and wonderful contentions one with another:
2:6 and thus they did assemble themselves together, to cast their
voices concerning the matter: and they were laid before the judges.
2:7 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came against
Amlici, that he was not made king over the people.
2:8 Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those which were
against him; but Amlici did stir up those which were in his favor,
to anger against those which were not in his favor.
2:9 And it came to pass that they gathered themselves together,
and did consecrate Amlici to be their king.
2:10 Now when Amlici was made king over them, he commanded them
that they should take up arms against their brethren; and this
he done, that he might subject them to him.
2:11 Now the people of Amlici were distinguished by the name of
Amlici, being called Amlicites; and the remainder were called
Nephites, or the people of God;
2:12 therefore the people of the Nephites was aware of the intent
of the Amlicites, and therefore they did prepare for to meet them;
yea, they did arm themselves with swords, and with cimeters, and
with bows, and with arrows, and with stones, and with slings,
and with all manner of weapons of war, of every kind;
2:13 and thus they were prepared to meet the Amlicites at the
time of their coming. And there was appointed captains, and higher
captains, and chief captains, according to their numbers.
2:14 And it came to pass that Amlici did arm his men with all
manner of weapons of war, of every kind; and he also appointed
rulers and leaders over his people, to lead them to war against
their brethren.
2:15 And it came to pass that the Amlicites came up upon the hill
Amnihu, which was east of the river Sidon, which ran by the land
of Zarahemla, and there they began to make war with the Nephites.
2:16 Now Alma, he being the chief judge, and the governor of the
people of Nephi therefore he went up with his people, yea, with
his captains, and chief captains, yea, at the head of his armies,
against the Amlicites to battle;
2:17 and they began to slay the Amlicites upon the hill east of
Sidom. And the Amlicites did contend with the Nephites with great
strength, insomuch that many of the Nephites did fall before the
Amlicites;
2:18 nevertheless the Lord did strengthen the hand of the Nephites,
that they slew the Amlicites with a great slaughter, that they
began to flee before them.
2:19 And it came to pass that the Nephites did pursue the Amlicites
all that day, and did slay them with much slaughter, insomuch
that there was slain of the Amlicites twelve thousand five hundred
thirty two souls; and there was slain of the Nephites, six thousand
five hundred sixty and two souls.
2:20 And it came to pass that when Alma could pursue the Amlicites
no longer, he caused that his people should pitch their tents
in the valley of Gideon, the valley being called after that Gideon,
which was slain by the hand of Nehor with the sword; and in this
valley the Nephites did pitch their tents for the night.
2:21 And Alma sent spies to follow the remnant of the Amlicites,
that he might know of their plans and their plots, whereby he
might guard himself against them, that he might prepare his people
from being destroyed.
2:22 Now those which he had sent out to watch the camp of the
Amlicites, were called Zeram, and Amnor, and Manti, and Limher;
these were they which went out with their men to watch the camp
of the Amlicites.
2:23 And it came to pass that on the morrow they returned into
the camp of the Nephites, in great haste, being greatly astonished,
and struck with much fear, saying,
2:24 Behold, we followed the camp of the Amlicites, and to our
great astonishment, in the land of Minon, above the land of Zarahemla,
in the course of the land of Nephi, we saw numerous hosts of the
Lamanites; and behold the Amlicites have joined them,
2:25 and they are upon our brethren in that land; and they are
fleeing before them with their flocks, and their wives, and their
children, towards our city; and except we make haste, they obtain
possession of our city; and our fathers, and our wives, and our
children be slain.
2:26 And it came to pass that the people of Nephi took their tents,
and departed out of the valley of Gideon towards their city, which
was the city of Zarahemla.
2:27 And behold, as they were crossing the river Sidon, the Lamanites
and the Amlicites being as numerous almost, as it were, as the
sands of the sea, came upon them to destroy them;
2:28 nevertheless the Nephites being strengthened by the hand
of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver
them out of the hands of their enemies; therefore the Lord did
hear their cries, and did strengthen them, and the Lamanites and
the Amlicites did fall before them.
2:29 And it came to pass that Alma fought with Amlici with the
sword, face to face; and they did contend mightily, one with another.
2:30 And it came to pass that Alma, he being a man of God, being
exercised with much faith, and he cried, saying, O Lord, have
mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands,
to save and preserve this people.
2:31 Now when Alma had said these words, he contended with Amlici;
and he was strengthened, insomuch that he slew Amlici with the
sword.
2:32 And he also contended with the king of the Lamanites; but
the king of the Lamanites fled back from before Alma, and sent
his guards to contend with Alma.
2:33 But Alma, with his guards, contended with the guards of the
king of the Lamanites, until he slew and drove them back;
2:34 and thus he cleared the ground, or rather the bank, which
was on the west side of the river Sidon, throwing bodies of the
Lamanites which had been slain, into the waters of Sidon, that
thereby his people might have room to cross and contend with the
Lamanites and the Amlicites, on the west side of the river Sidon.
2:35 And it came to pass that when they had all crossed the river
Sidon, that the Lamanites and the Amlicites began to flee before
them, notwithstanding they were so numerous that they could not
be numbered;
2:36 and they fled before the Nephites, towards the wilderness
which was west and north, away beyond the borders of the land;
and the Nephites did pursue them with their might, and did slay
them;
2:37 yea, they were met on every hand, and slain, and driven,
until they were scattered on the west, and on the north, until
they had reached the wilderness, which was called Hermounts, and
it was that part of the wilderness which was infested by wild
and ravenous beasts.
2:38 And it came to pass that many died in the wilderness of their
wounds, and were devoured by those beasts, and also the vultures
of the air; and their bones have been found, and have been heaped
up on the earth.
3:1 And it came to pass that the Nephites, which were not slain
by the weapons of war, after having buried those which had been
slain: now the number of the slain were not numbered because of
the greatness of their number; and after they had finished burying
their dead, they all returned to their lands, and to their houses,
and their wives, and their children.
3:2 Now many women and children had been slain with the sword,
and also many of their flocks and their herds; and also many of
their fields of grain were destroyed, for they were trodden down
by the hosts of men.
3:3 And now as many of the Lamanites and the Amlicites which had
been slain upon the bank of the river Sidon, were cast into the
waters of Sidon; and behold, their bones are in the depths of
the sea, and they are many.
3:4 And the Amlicites were distinguished from the Nephites, for
they had marked themselves with red in their foreheads, after
the manner of the Lamanites; nevertheless they had not shorn their
heads like unto the Lamanites.
3:5 Now the heads of the Lamanites were shorn; and they were naked,
save it were skin, which was girded about their loins, and also
their armour, which was girded about them, and their bows, and
their arrows, and their stones, and their slings, &c.
3:6 And the skins of the Lamanites were dark, according to the
mark which was set upon their fathers, which was a curse upon
them because of their transgression and their rebellion against
their brethren, which consisted of Nephi, Jacob, and Joseph, and
Sam, which were just and holy men.
3:7 And their brethren sought to destroy them; therefore they
were cursed; and the Lord God set a mark upon them, yea, upon
Laman and Lemuel, and also the sons of Ishmael, and the Ismaelitish
women:
3:8 and this was done, that their seed might be distinguished
from the seed of their brethren, that thereby the Lord God might
preserve his people, that they might not mix and believe in incorrect
traditions, which would prove their destruction.
3:9 And it came to pass that whosoever did mingle his seed with
that of the Lamanites, did bring the same curse upon his seed;
3:10 therefore whomsoever suffered himself to be led away by the
Lamanites, were called under the head, and there was a mark set
upon him.
3:11 And it came to pass that whosoever would not believe in the
tradition of the Lamanites, but believed those records which were
brought out of the land of Jerusalem, and also the tradition of
their fathers, which were correct, which believed in the commandments
of God, and kept them, were called the Nephites, or the people
of Nephi, from that time forth;
3:12 and it is they which have kept the records which are true
of their people, and also the people of Lamanites.
3:13 Now we will return again to the Amlicites, for they also
had a mark set upon them; yea, they set the mark upon themselves,
yea, even a mark of red upon their foreheads.
3:14 Thus the word of God is fulfilled, for these are the words
which he saith to Nephi: Behold, the Lamanites have I cursed;
and I will set a mark upon them, that they and their seed may
be separated from thee and thy seed, from this time henceforth
and forever, except thy repent of their wickedness and turn to
me, that I may have mercy upon them.
3:15 And again: I will set a mark upon him that mingleth his seed
with thy brethren, that they may be cursed also.
3:16 And again: I will set a mark upon them that fighteth against
thee and thy seed.
3:17 And again I say, He that departeth from thee, shall no more
be called thy seed, henceforth and forever: and these were the
promises of the Lord unto Nephi, and to his seed.
3:18 Now the Amlicites knew not that they were fulfilling the
words of God, when they began to mark themselves in their foreheads;
nevertheless they had come out in open rebellion against God;
therefore it was expedient that the curse should fall upon them.
3:19 --Now I would that ye should see that they brought upon themselves
the curse; and even so doth every man that is cursed, bring upon
himself his own condemnation.
3:20 Now it came to pass that not many days after the battle which
was fought in the land of Zarahemla, by the Lamanites and the
Amlicites, that there was another army of the Lamanites came in
upon the people of Nephi, in the same place where the first army
met the Amlicites.
3:21 And it came to pass that there was an army sent to drive
them out of their lands.
3:22 --Now Alma himself being afflicted with a wound, did not
go up to battle at this time against the Lamanites;
3:23 but he sent up a numerous army against them; and they went
up and slew many of the Lamanites, and drove the remainder of
them out of the borders of their land;
3:24 and then they returned again, and began to establish peace
in the land, being troubled no more for a time with their enemies.
3:25 Now all these things were done, yea, all these wars and contentions
was commenced and ended, in the fifth year of the reign of the
Judges;
3:26 and in one year was thousands of souls sent to the eternal
world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works,
whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal
happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which he
listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one,
3:27 for every man receiveth wages of him who listeth to obey,
and according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore
let it be according to the truth. And thus ended the fifth year
of the reign of the Judges.
4:1 Chapter 2 Now it came to pass in the sixth year of
the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, there was no
contentions nor wars in the land of Zarahemla;
4:2 and the people being afflicted, yea greatly afflicted for
the loss of their brethren, and also for the loss of their flocks
and herds, and also for the loss of their fields of grain, which
was trodden under foot and destroyed by the Lasmanites,
4:3 and so great was their afflictions, that every soul had cause
to mourn; and they believed that it was the judgment of God sent
upon them, because of their wickedness and their abominations;
therefore they were awakened to a remembrance of their duty.
4:4 And they began to establish the church more fully; yea, and
many were baptized in the water of Sidon, and were joined to the
church of God; yea, they were baptized by the hand of Alma, who
had been consecrated the high priest over the people of the church
by the hand of his father Alma.
4:5 And it came to pass in the seventh year of the reign of the
Judges, there was about three thousand five hundred souls that
united themselves to the church of God, and were baptized. And
thus ended the seventh year of the reign of the Judges over the
people of Nephi; and there was continual peace in all that time.
4:6 And it came to pass in the eighth year of the reign of the
Judges, that the people of the church began to wax proud, because
of their exceeding riches, and their fine silks, and their fine
twined linen, and because of many flocks and herds, and their
gold, and their silver, and all manner of precious things, which
they had obtained by their industry; and in all these things were
they lifted up in pride of their eyes, for they began to wear
costly apparel.
4:7 Now this was the cause of much affliction to Alma, yea, and
to many of the people which Alma had consecrated to be teachers,
and priests, and elders, over the church; yea, many of them were
sorely grieved for the wickedness which they saw had begun to
be among their people.
4:8 For they saw and beheld with great sorrow, that the people
of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes,
and to set their hearts upon riches and upon vain things of the
world; that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and
they began to persecute those that did not believe according to
their own will and pleasure.
4:9 And thus in this eighth year of the reign of the Judges, there
began to be great contentions among the people of the church;
yea, there were envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions,
and pride, even to exceed the pride of those who did not belong
to the church of God.
4:10 And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of Judges; and
the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling block to those
who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to
fail in its progress.
4:11 And it came to pass in the commencement of the ninth year,
Alma seeking the wickedness of the church, and seeing also that
the example of the church began to lead those who were unbelievers,
on from one piece of iniquity to another, thus bringing on the
destruction of the people; yea, seeing great inequality among
the people,
4:12 some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others,
turning their backs upon the needy, and the naked, and those which
were hungry, and those which are athirst, and those which were
sick and afflicted.
4:13 Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people,
while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood
in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to
the poor and the needy; feeding the hungry; and suffering all
manner of afflictions, for Christ's sake, which should come according
to the spirit of prophecy,
4:14 looking forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of
their sins; being filled with great joy, because of the resurrection
of the dead, according to the will, and power, and deliverance
of Jesus Christ from the bands of death.
4:15 And now it came to pass that Alma, having seen the afflictions
of the humble followers of God, and the persecutions which was
heaped upon them by the remainder of his people, and seeing all
their inequality, he began to be very sorrowful; nevertheless
the spirit of the Lord did not fail him.
4:16 And he selected a wise man which was among the elders of
the church, and gave him power according to the voice of the people,
that he might have power to enact laws according to the laws which
had been given, and to put them in force, according to the wickedness
and the crimes of the people.
4:17 Now this man's name was Nephihah, and he was appointed Chief
Judge; and he sat in the judgment seat, to judge and to govern
the people.
4:18 Now Alma did not grant unto him the office of being High
Priests over the church, but he retained the office of High Priest
unto himself; but he delivered the judgment seat unto Nephihah:
4:19 and this he did, that he himself might go forth among his
people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the
word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their
duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the
pride and craftiness, and all the contentions which was among
his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them, save it
were in bearing down in pure testimony against them.
4:20 And thus in the commencement of the ninth year of the reign
of the Judges over the people of Nephi, Alma delivered up the
judgment seat to Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the
high priesthood of the holy order of God, to the testimony of
the word, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy.
5:1 Chapter 3 Now it came to pass that Alma began to deliver
the word of God unto the people, first in the land of Zarahemla,
and from thence throughout all the land.
5:2 And these are the words which he spake to the people in the
Church which was established in the city of Zarahemla, according
to his own record, saying:
5:3 I, Alma, having been consecrated by my father Alma, to be
a High Priest over the Church of God, he having power and authority
from God to do these things, behold, I say unto you, that he began
to establish a Church in the land which was in the borders of
Nephi; yea, the land which was called the land of Mormon; yea,
and he did baptize his brethren in the waters of Mormon.
5:4 And behold, I say unto you, they were delivered out of the
hands of the people of king Noah, by the mercy and power of God.
5:5 And behold, after that, they were brought into bondage by
the hands of the Lamanites, in the wilderness; yea, I say unto
you, they were in captivity, and again the Lord did deliver them
out of bondage by the power of his word; and we were brought into
this land and here we began to establish the Church of God throughout
this land, also.
5:6 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, you that belong
to this Church, have you sufficiently retained in remembrance
the captivity of your fathers? Yea, and have you sufficiently
retained in remembrance of his mercy and long-suffering towards
them? And moreover, have ye sufficiently retained in remembrance
that he hath delivered their souls from hell?
5:7 Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awaked them out of
a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the
midst of darkness, their souls were illuminated by the light of
the everlasting word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands
of death, and the chains of hell, and an everlasting destruction
did await them.
5:8 And now I ask you my brethren, were they destroyed? Behold,
I say unto you, nay, they were not.
5:9 And again I ask, was the bands of death broken, and the chains
of hell which encircled them about, were they loosed? I say unto
you, yea, they were loosed, and their souls did expand, and they
did sing redeeming love. And I say unto you, that they are saved.
5:10 And now I ask of you on what conditions are they saved? Yea,
what grounds had they to hope for salvation? Yea, and also, the
chains of hell?
5:11 Behold, I can tell you: did not my father Alma believe in
the words which was delivered by the mouth of Abinadi? And was
he not a holy prophet? Did he not speak the word of God, and my
father Alma believe them?
5:12 And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought
in his heart. Behold I say unto you, that this is all true.
5:13 --And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and
a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts; and they humbled
themselves, and put their trust in the true and living God. And
behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were
saved.
5:14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the Church,
have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image
in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in
your hearts?
5:15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created
you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal
body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption,
to stand before God, to be judged according to the deeds which
hath been done in the mortal body?
5:16 I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear
the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day. Come unto
me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness
upon the face of the earth?
5:17 Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord
in that day, and say, Lord, Our works have been righteous works
upon the face of the earth, and that he will save you?
5:18 Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the
tribunal of God, with your souls filled with guilt and remorse;
having a remembrance of all your guilt; yea, a perfect remembrance
of all your wickedness; yea, a remembrance that ye have set at
defiance the commandments of God?
5:19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a
pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having
the image of God engraven upon your countenances?
5:20 I say unto you, can ye think of being saved when you have
yielded yourselves to become subjects to the Devil?
5:21 I say unto you, ye will know at that day, that ye cannot
be saved: for there can no man be saved except his garments are
washed white; yea, his garments must be purified until they are
cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it hath
been spoken by our fathers which should come to redeem his people
from sins.
5:22 And now I ask of you, my brethren, how will any of you feel,
if ye shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments
stained with blood, and all manner of filthiness? Behold, what
will these things testify against you?
5:23 Behold, will they not testify that ye are murderers, yea,
and also that ye are guilty of all manner of wickedness?
5:24 Behold, my brethren, do ye suppose that such an one can have
a place to sit down in the Kingdom of God, with Abraham, with
Isaac, and with Jacob, and also all the holy prophets, whose garments
are cleansed, and are spotless, pure and white?
5:25 I say unto you, nay, except ye make our creator a liar from
the beginning, or suppose that he is a liar from the beginning;
or also, ye cannot suppose that such an one can have a place in
the kingdom of heaven, but they shall be cast out, for they are
the children of the kingdom of the Devil.
5:26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced
a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming
love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?
5:27 Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God?
Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves,
that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have
been cleansed and made white, through the blood of Christ, which
will come to redeem his people from their sins?
5:28 Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are
not, ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold, ye must prepare
quickly, for the Kingdom of Heaven is soon at hand, and such an
one hath not eternal life.
5:29 Behold, I say, is there one among you who is not stripped
of envy? I say unto you, that such an one is not prepared, and
I would that he should prepare quickly, for the hour is close
at hand, and he knoweth not when the time shall come: for such
an one is not found guiltless.
5:30 And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth
make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?
5:31 Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time
is at hand that he must repent, or he cannot be saved;
5:32 yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent, repent,
for the Lord hath spoken it.
5:33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men; for the arms
of mercy is extended toward them, and he saith, Repent, and I
will receive you;
5:34 yea, he saith, Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit
of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink, of the bread
and the waters of life freely;
5:35 come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and
ye shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire:
5:36 for behold, the time is at hand that whosoever bringeth forth
not good fruit, or whosoever doeth not the works of righteousness,
the same hath cause to wail and mourn.
5:37 O ye workers of iniquity, ye that are puffed up in the vain
things of the world; ye that have professed to have known the
ways of righteousness; nevertheless ye have gone astray, as sheep
having no shepherd, notwithstanding a shepherd hath called after
you, and art still calling after you, but ye will not hearken
unto his voice.
5:38 Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call
you; yea, and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name
of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good
shepherd, to the name by which you are called, behold, ye are
not the sheep of the good shepherd.
5:39 And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of
what fold are you? Behold, I say unto you, that the Devil is your
shepherd, and ye are of his fold; and now who can deny this? Behold,
I say unto you, whoever denieth this, is a liar and a child of
the Devil;
5:40 for I say unto you, that whosoever is good, cometh from God,
and whatsoever is evil, cometh from the Devil;
5:41 therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works, he hearkeneth
unto the voice of the good shepherd, and he doth follow him; but
whosoever bringeth forth evil works, the same becometh a child
of the Devil: for he hearkeneth unto his voice, and doth follow
him.
5:42 And whosoever doeth this must receive the wages of him; therefore,
for his wages he receiveth death, as to the things pertaining
unto righteousness, being dead unto all good works.
5:43 --And now my brethren, I would that ye should hear me, for
I speak in the energy of my soul; for behold, I have spoken unto
you plain, that ye cannot err, or have spoken according to the
commandments of God.
5:44 For I am called to speak after this manner, according to
the holy order of God, which is in Christ Jesus; yea, I am commanded
to stand and testify unto this people the things which have been
spoken by our fathers, concerning the things which is to come.
5:45 And this is not all. Do ye suppose that I know not of these
things myself? Behold, I testify unto you, that I do know that
these things whereof I have spoken, are true. And how do ye suppose
that I know of their surety?
5:46 Behold, I say unto you, they are made known unto me by the
holy spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days,
that I might know these things myself. And now I do know of myself
that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto
me by his holy spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which
is in me.
5:47 And moreover, I say unto you, that as it has thus been revealed
unto me, that the words which have been spoken by our fathers,
are true, even so according to the spirit of prophecy, which is
in me, which is also by the manifestation of the spirit of God,
5:48 I say unto you, that I know of myself that whatsoever I shall
say unto you concerning that which is to come, is true; and I
say unto you, that I know that Jesus Christ shall come; yea, the
Son of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace, and mercy,
and truth. And behold, it is he that cometh to take away the sins
of the world; yea, the sins of every man which steadfastly believeth
on his name.
5:49 And now I say unto you, that this is the order after which
I am called; yea, to preach unto my beloved brethren; yea, and
every one that dwelleth in the land; yea, to preach unto all,
both old and young, both bond and free; yea, I say unto you, the
aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation; yea,
to cry unto them they must repent and be born again;
5:50 yea, thus saith the spirit, Repent all ye ends of the earth,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is soon at hand; yea, the Son of God
cometh in his glory, in his might, majesty, power and dominion.
Yea, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, that the spirit saith,
Behold, the glory of the King of all the earth; and also the King
of Heaven shall very soon shine forth among all the children of
men;
5:51 and also the spirit saith unto me, yea, crieth unto me with
a mighty voice, saying, Go forth and say unto this people, repent,
for except ye repent ye can in no wise inherit the Kingdom of
Heaven.
5:52 And again I say unto you, the spirit saith, Behold, the axe
is laid at the root of the tree; therefore every tree that bringeth
not forth good fruit, shall be hewn down and cast into the fire;
yea, a fire which cannot be consumed; even an unquenchable fire.
Behold, and remember, the holy one hath spoken it.
5:53 And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye withstand
these sayings; yea, can ye lay aside these things, and trample
the holy one under your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the
pride of your hearts; yea, will ye still persist in the wearing
of costly apparel, and setting your hearts upon the vain things
of the world, upon your riches;
5:54 yea, will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one
than another; yea, will ye persist in the persecutions of your
brethren, who humble themselves, and do walk after the holy order
of God, wherewith they have been brought into this Church, having
been sanctified by the holy spirit; and they do bring forth works
which is meet for repentance;
5:55 yea, and will you persist in turning your backs upon the
poor, and the needy, and in withholding your substance from them?
5:56 And finally, all ye that will persist in your wickedness,
I say unto you, that these are they which shall be hewn down and
cast into the fire, except they speedily repent.
5:57 And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow
the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and
be ye separate, and touch not their unclean things; and behold,
their names shall be blotted out, that the names of the wicked
shall not be numbered among the names of the righteous, that the
sword of God may be fulfilled, which saith, The name of the wicked
shall not be mingled with the names of my people.
5:58 For the names of the righteous shall be written in the Book
of Life; and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right
hand. And now my brethren, what have ye to say against this? I
say unto you, if ye speak against it, it matters not, for the
word of God must be fulfilled.
5:59 For what shepherd is there among you having many sheep, doth
not watch over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his
flock? And behold, if a wolf enter his flock, doth he not drive
him out? Yea, and at the last, if he can he will destroy him.
5:60 And now I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call
after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice, he will bring
you into his fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you
that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among you, that ye may
not be destroyed.
5:61 And now I, Alma, do command you in the language of him who
hath commanded me, that ye observe to do the words which I have
spoken unto you.
5:62 I speak by way of command unto you that belong to the church;
and unto those which do not belong to the church, I speak by way
of invitation, saying, Come and be baptized unto repentance, that
ye also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life.
6:1 Chapter 4 And now it came to pass that after Alma had
made an end of speaking unto the people of the church, which was
established in the city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and
elder, by laying on his hands according to the order of God, to
preside and watch over the church.
6:2 And it came to pass that whomsoever did not belong to the
church who repented of their sins, was baptized unto repentance,
and was received into the church.
6:3 And it also came to pass that whomsoever did belong to the
church, that did not repent of their wickedness, and humble themselves
before God; I mean those which were lifted up in the pride of
their hearts; the same were rejected, and their names were blotted
out, that their names were not numbered among those of the righteous;
6:4 and thus began to establish the order of the church in the
city of Zarahemla.
6:5 Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God
was liberal unto all; that no one was deprived of the privilege
of assembling themselves together to hear the word of God;
6:6 nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they
should gather themselves together oft and join in fasting and
mighty prayer, in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those
who knew not God.
6:7 And now it came to pass that when Alma had made those regulations,
he departed from them, yea, from the church which was in the city
of Zarahemla, and went over upon the east of the river Sidon,
into the valley of Gideon, there having been a city built which
was called the city of Gideon, which was in the valley that was
called Gideon, being called after the man which was slain by the
hand of Nehor with the sword.
6:8 And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the
church which was established in the valley of Gideon, according
to the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken
by his fathers, and according to the spirit of prophecy which
was in him, according to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son
of God, which should come for to redeem his people from their
sins, and by the holy order by which he was called. And thus it
is written. Amen.
7:1 Chapter 5 Behold my beloved brethren, seeing that I
have been permitted to come unto you, therefore I attempt to address
you in my language; yea, by my own mouth, seeing that it is the
first time that I have spoken unto you by the words of my mouth,
I having been wholly confined to the judgment seat, having had
much business that I could not have come unto you;
7:2 and even I could not have come now at this time, were it not
that the judgment seat hath been given to another, to reign in
my stead; and the Lord in much mercy hath granted that I should
come unto you.
7:3 And behold, I have come, having great hopes and much desire
that I should find that ye had humbled yourselves before God,
and that ye have continued in the supplicating of his grace, that
I should find that ye were blameless before him; that I should
find that ye were not in the awful dilemma that our brethren were
in at Zarahemla;
7:4 but blessed be the name of God that he hath given me to know,
yea, hath given unto me the exceeding great joy of knowing that
they are established again in the way of his righteousness.
7:5 And I trust according to the spirit of God which is in me,
that I shall also have joy over you; nevertheless I do not desire
that my joy over you, should come by the cause of so much afflictions
and sorrow which I have had for the brethren at Zarahemla: for
behold, my joy cometh over them after wading through much afflictions
and sorrow.
7:6 But behold, I trust that ye are not in a state of so much
unbelief as were your brethren; I trust that ye are not lifted
up in the pride of your hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not
set your hearts upon riches, and the vain things of the world;
yea, I trust that you do not worship idols, but that ye do worship
the true and the living God, and that ye look forward for the
remission of your sins with an everlasting faith which is to come.
7:7 For behold, I say unto you, there be many things to come;
and behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than
they all: for behold, the time is not far distant, that the Redeemer
liveth and cometh among his people.
7:8 Behold, I do not say that he will come among us at the time
of his dwelling in his mortal tabernacle; for behold, the spirit
hath not said unto me that this should be the case. Now as to
this thing I do not know, but this much I do know, that the Lord
God hath the power to do all things which is according to his
word.
7:9 But behold, the spirit hath said this much unto me, saying:
Cry unto this people, saying, Repent ye, and prepare the way of
the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight: for behold,
the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon
the face of the earth.
7:10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem, which
is the land of our forefathers, she being a Virgin, a precious
and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed, and conceive by
the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even
the Son of God;
7:11 and he shall go forth, suffering pains, and afflictions,
and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be
fulfilled which saith, He will take upon him the pains and the
sickness of his people;
7:12 and he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands
of death which binds his people; and he will take upon him their
infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according
to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to suffer
his people according to their infirmities.
7:13 Now the spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of
God suffereth according to the flesh, that he might take upon
him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions,
according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this
is the testimony which is in me.
7:14 Now I say unto you, that ye must repent, and be born again:
for the spirit saith, If ye are not born again, ye cannot inherit
the Kingdom of Heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance,
that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on
the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world, which
is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness;
7:15 yea, I say unto you, Come and fear not, and lay aside every
sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to
destruction; yea, come and go forth, and shew unto your God that
ye are willing to repent of your sins, and enter into a covenant
with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this
day, by going into the waters of baptism;
7:16 and whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of
God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him,
yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, he shall have
eternal life, according to the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which
testifieth in me.
7:17 And now my beloved brethren, do you believe these things?
Behold, I say unto you, yea, I know that you believe them; and
the way that I know that ye believe them, is by the manifestation
of the spirit which is in me. And now because your faith is strong
concerning that, yea, concerning the things which I have spoken,
great is my joy.
7:18 For as I said unto you from the beginning, that I had much
desire that ye was not in the state of dilemma like your brethren,
even so I have found that my desires have been gratified.
7:19 For I perceive that ye are in the paths of righteousness;
I perceive that ye are in the path which leads to the kingdom
of God; yea, I perceive that ye are making his paths straight;
7:20 I perceive that it hath been made known unto you by the testimony
of his word, that he cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth
he vary from that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow
of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right
to that which is wrong; therefore, his course is one eternal round.
7:21 And he doth not dwell in unholy temples; neither can filthiness,
or any thing which is unclean be received into the kingdom of
God; therefore I say unto you, the time shall come, yea, and it
shall be at the last day, that he which is filthy, shall remain
in his filthiness.
7:22 And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto
you, that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that
ye may walk blameless before him; that ye may walk after the holy
order of God, after which ye have been received.
7:23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive,
and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long suffering;
being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments
of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in
need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto
God for whatsoever things ye do receive,
7:24 and see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye
will always abound in good works;
7:25 and may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless,
that ye may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham, Isaac
and Jacob, and the Holy Prophets, which have been ever since the
world began, having your garments spotless, even as their garments
are spotless in the kingdom of Heaven, to go no more out.
7:26 And now my beloved brethren, I have spoken these words unto
you, according to the spirit which testifieth in me; and my soul
doth exceedingly rejoice, because of the exceeding diligence and
heed which ye have given unto your word.
7:27 And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your
houses and land, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that
you possess; your women and your children, according to your faith
and good works, for this time forth and forever. And thus I have
spoken. Amen.
8:1 Chapter 6 And now it came to pass that Alma returned
from the land of Gideon, after having taught the people of Gideon
many things which cannot be written, having established the order
of the church, according as he had before done in the land of
Zarahemla; yea, he returned to his own house at Zarahemla, to
rest himself from the labors which he had performed.
8:2 And thus ended the ninth year of the reign of the Judges over
the people of Nephi.
8:3 And it came to pass in the commencement of the tenth year
of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, that Alma
departed from thence, and took his journey over into the land
of Melek, on the west of the river Sidon, on the west, by the
borders of the wilderness;
8:4 And he began to teach the people in the land of Melek, according
to the holy order of God by which he had been called; and he began
to teach the people throughout all the land of Melek.
8:5 And it came to pass that the people came to him throughout
all the borders of the land which was by the wilderness side.
And it came to pass that they were baptized throughout all the
land,
8:6 so that when he had finished his work at Melek, he departed
thence, and travelled three days' journey on the north of the
land of Melek; and he came to a city which was called Ammonihah.
8:7 Now it was the custom of the people of Nephi, to call their
lands, and their cities, and their villages, yea, even all their
small villages, after the name of him, who first possessed them;
and thus it was with the land of Ammonihah.
8:8 And it came to pass that when Alma came to the city of Ammonihah,
he began to preach the word of God unto them.
8:9 Now Satan had gotten great hold upon the hearts of the people
of the city of Ammonihah; therefore they would not hearken unto
the words of Alma.
8:10 Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with
God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his spirit upon the
people which was in the city; that he would also grant that he
might baptize them unto repentance;
8:11 nevertheless, they hardened their hearts, saying unto him,
Behold, we know that thou art Alma; and we know that thou art
High Priest over the church which thou hast established in many
parts of the land, according to your tradition; and we are not
of the church, and we do not believe in such foolish traditions.
8:12 And now we know that because we are not of thy church, we
know that thou hast no power over us; and thou hast delivered
up the judgment seat unto Nephihah; therefore thou art not the
Chief Judge over us.
8:13 Now when the people had said this, and had withstood all
his words, and reviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that
he should be cast out of their city, he departed thence and took
his journey towards the city which was called Aaron.
8:14 And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither,
being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation
and anguish of souls, because of the wickedness of the people
which was in the city of Ammonihah. And it came to pass that while
Alma was weighed down with sorrow, behold, and angel of the Lord
appeared unto him saying,
8:15 Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore lift up thy head and rejoice,
for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful
in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou received
thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it
into you;
8:16 and behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to
the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the
city; yea, preach unto them. --Yea, say unto them, except they
repent, the Lord God will destroy them.
8:17 For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy
the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord,) which is
contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and commandments which
he hath given unto his people.
8:18 Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message
from the angel of the Lord, he returned speedily to the land of
Ammonihah. And it came to pass that he entered the city by another
way, yea, by the way which was on the south of the city of Ammonihah.
8:19 And it came to pass that as he entered the city, he was an
hungered, and he saith to a man, Will ye give to an humble servant
of God something to eat?
8:20 And the man saith unto him, I am a Nephite, and I know that
thou art a Holy Prophet of God, for thou art the man which an
angel saith in a vision, Thou shalt receive; therefore go with
me into my house, and I will impart unto thee of my food; and
I know that thou will be a blessing unto me and my house.
8:21 And it came to pass that the man received him into his house;
and the man was called Amulek; and he brought forth bread and
meat, and sat before Alma.
8:22 And it came to pass that Alma ate bread and was filled; and
he blessed Amulek and his house, and he gave thanks unto God.
8:23 And after he had eat and was filled, he said unto Amulek,
I am Alma, and am the High Priest over the church of God throughout
the land.
8:24 And behold, I have been called to preach the word of God
among all this people, according to the spirit of revelation and
prophecy; and I was in this land, and they would not receive me,
but they cast me out, and I was about to set my back towards this
land forever.
8:25 But behold, I have been commanded that I should turn again
and prophesy unto this people, yea, and to testify against them
concerning their iniquities.
8:26 And now Amulek, because thou hast fed me and took me in,
thou art blessed: for I was an hungered, for I had fasted many
days.
8:27 And it came to pass that Alma tarried many days with Amulek,
before he began to preach unto the people.
8:28 And it came to pass that the people did wax more gross in
their iniquities.
8:29 And the word came to Alma, saying, Go; and also say unto
my servant Amulek, Go forth and prophesy unto this people, saying:
Repent ye, for thus saith the Lord: Except ye repent, I will visit
this people in mine anger; yea, and I will not turn my fierce
anger away.
8:30 And it came to pass that Alma went forth, and also Amulek,
among the people, to declare the words of God unto them; and they
were filled with the Holy Ghost;
8:31 and they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could
not be confined in dungeons; neither were it possible that any
man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their
power until they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now
this was done that the Lord might show forth his power in them.
8:32 And it came to pass that they went forth and began to preach
and to prophesy unto the people, according to the spirit and power
which the Lord had given them.
9:1 Chapter 7 And again: I Alma, having been commanded
of God that I should take Amulek and go forth and preach again
unto this people, or the people which was in the city of Ammonihah.
--And it came to pass as I began to preach unto them, they began
to contend with me, saying:
9:2 Who art thou? Suppose ye that we shall believe the testimony
of one man, although he should preach unto us that the earth should
pass away?
9:3 Now they understood not the words which they spake, for they
knew not that the earth should pass away.
9:4 And they sayeth also, We will not believe thy words, if thou
shouldst prophesy that this great city should be destroyed in
one day.
9:5 Now they knew not that God could do such marvellous works,
for they were a hard hearted and a stiffnecked people.
9:6 And they sayeth, Who is God, that sendeth no more authority
than one man among this people, to declare unto them the truth
of such great and marvellous things?
9:7 And they stood forth to lay their hands on me; behold, they
did not. And I stood with boldness to declare unto them, yea,
I did boldly testify unto them, saying:
9:8 Behold, O ye wicked and perverse generation, how have ye forgotten
the tradition of your fathers; yea, how soon ye have forgotten
the commandments of God.
9:9 Do ye not remember that our father Lehi was brought out of
Jerusalem by the hand of God? Do ye not remember that they were
all led by him through the wilderness?
9:10 And have ye forgotten so soon how many times he delivered
our fathers out of the hands of their enemies, and preserved them
from being destroyed, even by the hands of their own brethren?
9:11 Yea, and if it had not been for his matchless power, and
his mercy, and his long suffering towards us, we should unavoidably
have been cut off from the face of the earth, long before this
period of time, and perhaps been consigned to a state of endless
misery and wo.
9:12 Behold, now I say unto you, that he commandeth you to repent;
and except ye repent, ye can in no wise inherit the kingdom of
God. But behold, this is not all: he hath commanded you to repent,
or he will utterly destroy you from off the face of the earth;
yea, he will visit you in his anger, and in his fierce anger he
will not turn away.
9:13 Behold, do ye not remember the words which he spake unto
Lehi, saying, That inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments,
ye shall prosper in the land? And again it is said, That inasmuch
as ye will not keep my commandments, ye shall be cut off from
the presence of the Lord.
9:14 Now I would that ye should remember, that inasmuch as the
Lamanites have not kept the commandments of God, they have been
cut off from the presence of the Lord. Now we see that the word
of the Lord hath been verified in this thing, and the Lamanites
have been cut off from his presence, from the beginning of their
transgressions in the land.
9:15 Nevertheless I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable
for them in the day of judgment, than for you, if ye remain in
your sins; yea, and even more tolerable for them in this life,
than for you, except ye repent,
9:16 for there are many promises which is extended to the Lamanites:
for it is because of the traditions of their fathers that causeth
them to remain in their state of ignorance; therefore the Lord
will be merciful unto them, and prolong their existence in the
land.
9:17 And at some period of time they will be brought to believe
in his word, and to know of the incorrectness of the traditions
of their fathers; and many of them will be saved, for the Lord
will be merciful unto all who call on his name.
9:18 But behold, I say unto you, that if ye persist in your wickedness,
that your days shall not be prolonged in the land, for the Lamanites
shall be sent upon you; and if ye repent not, they shall come
in a time when you know not, and ye shall be visited with utter
destruction; and it shall be according to the fierce anger of
the Lord;
9:19 for he will not suffer you that ye shall live in you iniquities,
to destroy his people. I say unto you, Nay; he would rather suffer
that the Lamanites might destroy all this people which is called
the people of Nephi, if it were possible that they could fall
into sins and transgressions, after having so much light and so
much knowledge given unto them of the Lord their God;
9:20 yea, after having been such a highly favored people of the
Lord; yea, after having been favored above every other nation,
kindred, tongue, or people; after having had all things made known
unto them, according to their desires, and their faith, and prayers,
of that which has been, and which is, and which is to come;
9:21 having been visited by the spirit of God; having conversed
with angels, and having been spoken unto by the voice of the Lord;
and having the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation,
and also many gifts: the gift of speaking with tongues, and the
gift of preaching, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gift
of translation;
9:22 yea, and after having been delivered of God out of the land
of Jerusalem, by the hand of the Lord; having been saved from
famine, and from sickness, and all manner of diseases of every
kind; and they having been waxed strong in battle, that they might
not be destroyed; having been brought out of bondage time after
time, and having been kept and preserved until now; and they have
been prospered until they are rich in all manner of things.
9:23 And now behold I say unto you, that if this people, who have
received so many blessings from the hand of the Lord, should transgress,
contrary to the light and knowledge which they do have; I say
unto you, that if this be the case; that if they should fall into
transgression, that it would be far more tolerable for the Lamanites
than for them.
9:24 For behold, the promises of the Lord, are extended to the
Lamanites, but they are not unto you, if ye transgress: for hath
not the Lord expressly promised and firmly decreed, that if ye
will rebel against him, that ye shall utterly be destroyed from
off the face of the earth?
9:25 And now for this cause, that ye may not be destroyed, the
Lord hath sent his angel to visit many of his people, declaring
unto them that they must go forth and cry mightily unto this people,
saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of Heaven is nigh at hand;
9:26 and not many days hence, the Son of God shall come in his
glory; and his glory shall be the glory of the only begotten of
the Father, full of grace, equity and truth, full of patience,
mercy, and long suffering, quick to hear the cries of his people,
and to answer their prayers.
9:27 And behold, he cometh to redeem those who will be baptized
unto repentance, through faith on his name;
9:28 therefore prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the time is
at hand that every man shall reap a reward of their works, according
to that which they have been: if they have been righteous, they
shall reap the salvation of their souls, according to the power
and deliverance of Jesus Christ; and if they have been evil, they
shall reap the damnation of their souls, according to the power
and captivation of the Devil.
9:29 --Now behold, this is the voice of the angel, crying unto
the people.
9:30 And now my beloved brethren, for ye are my brethren, and
ye had ought to be loved, and ye had ought to bring forth works
which is mete for repentance, seeing that your hearts have been
grossly hardened against the word of God, and seeing that ye are
a lost and fallen people.
9:31 Now it came to pass that when I, Alma, had spoken these words,
behold, the people were wroth with me, because I said unto them
that they were a hardhearted and a stiffnecked people;
9:32 and also because I had said unto them that they were a lost
and a fallen people, they were angry with me, and sought to lay
their hands upon me, that they might cast me into prison;
9:33 but it came to pass that the Lord did not suffer them that
they should take me at a time and cast me into prison.
9:34 And it came to pass that Amulek went and stood forth, and
began to preach unto them also. And now the words of Amulek are
not all written; nevertheless a part of his words are written
in this book.
10:1 Chapter 8 Now these are the words that Amulek preached
unto the people which was in the land of Ammonihah, saying:
10:2 I am Amulek; I am the son of Giddonah, who was the son of
Ishmael, who was a descendant of Aminadi: and it was that same
Aminadi which interpreted the writing which was upon the wall
of the temple, which was written by the finger of God.
10:3 --And Aminadi was a descendant of Nephi, who was the son
of Lehi, who came out of the land of Jerusalem, who was a descendant
of Manasseh, who was the son of Joseph, which was sold into Egypt
by the hands of his brethren.
10:4 And behold, I am also a man of no small reputation among
all those who know me; yea, and behold, I have many kindred and
friends, and I have also acquired much riches by the hand of my
industry;
10:5 nevertheless, after all this, I never have known much of
the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvellous power.
I said I never had known much of these things; but behold, I mistake,
for I have seen much of his mysteries and his marvellous power;
yea, even in the preservation of the lives of this people;
10:6 nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many
times, and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these
things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on unbelieving
against God, in the wickedness of my heart, even until the fourth
day of this seventh month, which is in the tenth year of the reign
of our Judges.
10:7 As I was a journeying to see a very near kindred, behold
an angel of the Lord appeared unto me, and said, Amulek, return
to thine own house, for thou shalt feed a prophet of the Lord;
yea, a holy man , which art a chosen man of God; for he hath fasteth
many days because of the sins of this people, and he is an hungered,
and thou shalt receive him into thy house and feed him, and he
shall bless thee and thy house; and the blessing of the Lord shall
rest upon thee and thy house.
10:8 And it came to pass that I obeyed the voice of the angel,
and returned towards my house. And as I was a going thither, I
found the man which the angel said unto me, Thou shalt receive
into thy house; and behold it was this same man which hath been
speaking unto you concerning the things of God.
10:9 --And the angel said unto me, He is a holy man; wherefore
I know he is a holy man, because it was said by an angel of God.
10:10 And again: I know that the things whereof he hath testified
are true; for behold, I say unto you, that as the Lord liveth,
even so he hath sent his angel to make these things manifest unto
me; and this he hath done while this Alma hath dwelt at my house;
10:11 for behold, he hath blessed mine home, he hath blessed me,
and my woman, and my children, and my father, and my kinsfolks;
yea, even all my kindred hath he blessed, and the blessings of
the Lord hath rested upon us according to the words which he spake.
10:12 And now when Amulek had spoken these words, the people began
to be astonished, seeing there was more than one witness which
testifieth of the things whereof they were accused, and also of
the things which was to come, according to the spirit of prophecy
which was in them;
10:13 nevertheless, there were some among them which thought to
question them, that by their cunning devices they might catch
them in their words, that they might find witness against them,
that they might deliver them to the Judges, that they might be
judged according to the law, and that they might be slain or cast
into prison, according to the crime which they could make appear,
or witness against them.
10:14 Now it was those men which sought to destroy them, which
were Lawyers, which were hired or appointed by the people to administer
the law at their times of trials, or at trials of the crimes of
the people, before the Judges.
10:15 Now these Lawyers were learned in all the arts and cunning
of the people; and this was to enable them that they might be
skilful in their profession.
10:16 And it came to pass that they began to question Amulek,
that thereby they might make him cross his words, or contradict
the words which he should speak.
10:17 Now they knew not that Amulek could know of their designs.
But it came to pass as they began to question him, he perceived
their thoughts, and he saith unto them, O ye wicked and perverse
generation; ye Lawyers and hypocrites; for ye are laying the foundation
of the Devil; for ye are laying traps and snares to catch the
holy ones of God;
10:18 ye are laying plans to pervert the ways of the righteous,
and to bring down the wrath of God upon your heads, even to the
utter destruction of this people;
10:19 yea, well did Mosiah say, who was our last king, when he
was about to deliver up the kingdom, having no one to confer it
upon, causing that this people should be governed by their own
voices; yea, well did he say, that if the time should come that
the voice of this people should choose iniquity; that is, if the
time should come that this people should fall into transgression,
they would be ripe for destruction.
10:20 And now I say unto you, that well doth the Lord judge your
iniquities; well doth he cry unto this people, by the voice of
his angels, Repent ye, repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at
hand.
10:21 Yea, well doth he cry, by the voice of his angels, that
I will come down among my people with equity and justice in my
hands.
10:22 Yea, and I say unto you, that if it were not for the prayers
of the righteous, which are now in the land, that ye would even
now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by
flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be
by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
10:23 Now it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared;
now therefore if ye will cast out the righteous from among you,
then will not the Lord stay his hand, but in his fierce anger
he will come down against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine,
and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand,
except ye repent.
10:24 And now it came to pass that the people were more angry
with Amulek, and they cried out saying: This man doth revile against
our laws, which are just, and our wise Lawyers, which we have
selected.
10:25 But Amulek stretched forth his hand, and cried the mightier
unto them, saying: O ye wicked and perverse generation; why hath
Satan got such great hold upon your hearts? Why will ye yield
yourselves unto him, that he may have power over you, to blind
your eyes, that ye will not understand the words which are spoken,
according to their truth?
10:26 For behold, have I testified against your law? Ye do not
understand; ye say that I have spoken against your law; but have
I not; but I have spoken in favor of your law, to your condemnation.
10:27 And now behold, I say unto you, that the foundation of the
destruction of this people is a beginning to be laid by the unrighteousness
of your lawyers and your Judges.
10:28 And now it came to pass that when Amulek had spoken these
words, the people cried out against him, saying, Now we know that
this man is a child of the Devil, for he hath lied unto us; for
he hath spoken against our law. And now he saith that he hath
not spoken against it.
10:29 And again: he hath reviled against our Lawyers, and our
Judges,
10:30 &c. And it came to pass that the Lawyers put it into
their hearts that they should remember these things against him.
10:31 And it came to pass that there was one among them whose
name was Zeezrom. Now he being the foremost to accuse Amulek and
Alma, he being one of the most expert among them, having much
business to do among the people.
10:32 Now the object of these Lawyers were to get gain; and they
got gain according to their employ.
11:1 Now it was in the law of Mosiah that every man which was
a Judge of the law, or which was appointed to be Judges, should
receive wages according to the time which they labored to judge
those which were brought before them to be judged.
11:2 Now if a man oweth another, and he would not pay that which
he owe, he was complained of to the Judge; and the Judge executed
authority, and sent forth officers that the man should be brought
before him; and he judgeth the man according to the law and the
evidence which are brought against him; and thus the man was compelled
to pay that which he oweth, or be striped, or be cast out from
among the people, as a thief and a robber.
11:3 And the Judge receiveth for his wages according to his time:
a senine of gold for a day, or a senum of silver, which is equal
to a senine of gold; and this is according to the law which was
given.
11:4 Now these are the names of the different pieces of their
gold, and of their silver, according to their value. And the names
are given by the Nephites; for they did not reckon after the manner
of the Jews which were at Jerusalem; neither did they measure
after the manner of the Jews, but they altered their reckoning
and their measure, according to the minds of the circumstances
of the people, in every generation, until the reign of the Judges;
they having been established by king Mosiah.
11:5 Now the reckoning is thus: A senine of gold, a seon of gold,
a shum of gold, and a limnah of gold.
11:6 A senum of silver, an amnor of silver, an ezrom of silver,
and an onti of silver.
11:7 A senum of silver was equal to a senine of gold; and either
for a measure of barley, and also for a measure of every kind
of grain.
11:8 Now the amount of a seon of gold, was twice the value of
a senine;
11:9 and a shum of gold was twice the value of a seon;
11:10 and a limnah of gold was the value of them all;
11:11 and an amner of silver was as great as two senums;
11:12 and an ezrom of silver was as great as four senums;
11:13 and an onti was as great as them all.
11:14 Now this is the value of the lesser numbers of their reckoning:
11:15 A shiblon is half of a senum: therefore a shiblon for half
a measure of barley;
11:16 and a shiblum is a half of shiblon;
11:17 and a leah is the half of a shiblum.
11:18 Now this is their number, according to their reckoning.
11:19 Now an antion of gold is equal to three shublons.
11:20 Now it was for the sole purpose for to get gain, because
they received wages according to their employ; therefore they
did stir up the people to riotings, and all manner of disturbances
and wickedness , that they might have more employ; that they might
get money according to the suits which was brought before them;
therefore they did stir up the people against Alma and Amulek.
11:21 And this Zeezrom began to question Amulek, saying: Will
ye answer me a few questions which I shall ask you? Now Zeezrom
was a man which was expert in the devises of the Devil, that he
might destroy that which was good; therefore he saith unto Amulek,
Will ye aaswer the questions which I shall put unto you?
11:22 And Amulek saith unto him, Yea, if it be according to the
spirit of the Lord, which is in me; for I shall say nothing contrary
to the spirit of the Lord. And Zeezrom saith unto him, Behold,
here is six onties of silver, and all these will I give to thee
if thou wilt deny the existence of a Supreme Being.
11:23 Now Amulek saith, O thou child of Hell, why tempt ye me?
Knowest thou that the righteous yieldeth to no such temptations?
11:24 Believest thou that there is no God? I say unto you, nay:
thou knowest that there is a God, but thou lovest that lucre more
than him.
11:25 And now thou hast lied unto God before me. Thou saidst unto
me, Behold these six onties, which are of great worth, I will
give unto thee, when thou had it in thy heart to retain them from
me; and it was only thy desire that I should deny the true and
living God, that thou mightest have cause to destroy me. And now
behold, for this great evil thou shalt have thy reward.
11:26 And Zeezrom saith unto him, Thou sayest there is a true
and living God?
11:27 And Amulek saith, Yea, there is a true and living God.
11:28 Now Zeezrom saith, Is there more than one God?
11:29 And he answered No.
11:30 Now Zeezrom saith unto him again: How knowest thou these
things?
11:31 And he saith An angel hath made them known unto me.
11:32 And Zeezrom saith again: Who is he that shall come? Is it
the Son of God?
11:33 And he said unto him, Yea.
11:34 And Zeezrom saith again: Shall he save his people in their
sins? And Amulek answered and said unto him, I say unto you he
shall not, for it is impossible for him to deny his word.
11:35 Now Zeezrom saith unto the people, See that ye remember
these things; for he saith there is but one God; yet he saith
that the Son of God shall come, but he shall not save his people,
as though he had authority to command God.
11:36 Now Amulek saith again unto him, Behold thou hast lied,
for thou sayest that I spake as though I had authority to command
God, because I said he shall not save his people in their sins.
11:37 And I say unto you again, that he cannot save them in their
sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean
thing can inherit the Kingdom of Heaven? --Therefore ye cannot
be saved in your sins.
11:38 Now Zeezrom saith again unto him: Is the Son of God the
very Eternal Father?
11:39 And Amulek saith unto him, Yea, he is the very Eternal Father
of Heaven and of Earth, and all things which in them is; he is
the beginning and the end, the first and the last;
11:40 and he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and
he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe
on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life,
and salvation cometh to none else;
11:41 therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no
redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death;
for behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and
stand before God, and be judged according to their works.
11:42 Now there is a death which is called a temporal death; and
the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death,
that all shall be raised from this temporal death;
11:43 the spirit and the body shall be re- united again, in its
perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper
frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought
to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright
recollection of all our guilt.
11:44 Now this restoration shall come to all, both old and young,
both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked, and
the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their
heads be lost; but all things shall be restored to its perfect
frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and
be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son of God, the Father,
and the Holy Spirit, which is the Son, and God the Father, and
the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according
to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
11:45 Now behold I have spoken unto you, concerning the death
of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the
mortal body. I say unto you, that this mortal body is raised to
an immortal body; that is from death; even from the first death,
unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with
their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual
and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.
11:46 Now when Amulek had finished these words, the people began
to be astonished, and also Zeezrom began to tremble. And thus
ended the words of Amulek, or this is all that I have written.
12:1 Chapter 9 Now Alma, seeing that the words of Amulek
had silenced Zeezrom, for he beheld that Amulek had caught him
in his lying and deceiving, to destroy him, and seeing that he
began to tremble under the consciousness of his guilt, he opened
his mouth and began to speak unto him, and to establish the words
of Amulek, and to explain things beyond, or to unfold the Scriptures
beyond that which Amulek had done.
12:2 Now the words that Alma spake unto Zeezrom, was heard by
the people round about: for the multitude was great, and he spake
on this wise:
12:3 Now Zeezrom, seeing that thou hast been taken in thy lying
and craftiness, for thou hast not lied unto men only, but thou
hast lied unto God. For behold, he knows all thy thoughts; and
thou seest that thy thoughts are made known unto us by his spirit;
12:4 and thou seest that we know that thy plan was a very subtle
plan, as to the subtlety of the Devil, for to lie and to deceive
this people, that thou mightest set them against us, to revile
us and to cast us out.
12:5 Now this was a plan of thine adversary, and he hath exercised
his power in thee. Now I would that ye should remember that what
I say unto thee, I say unto all.
12:6 And behold, I say unto you all, that this was a snare of
the adversary, which he hath laid to catch this people, that he
might bring you into subjection unto him, that he might encircle
you about with his chains, that he might chain you down to everlasting
destruction, according to the power of his captivity.
12:7 Now when Alma had spoken these words, Zeezrom began to tremble
more exceedingly, for he was convinced more and more of the power
of God; and he was also convinced that Alma and Amulek had a knowledge
of him, for he was convinced that they knew the thoughts and intents
of his heart: for power was given unto them that they might know
of these things, according to the spirit of prophecy.
12:8 And Zeezrom began to inquire of them diligently, that he
might know more concerning the kingdom of God. And he saith unto
Alma, What does this mean which Amulek hath spoken concerning
the resurrection of the dead, that all shall rise from the dead,
both the just and the unjust, and are brought to stand before
God, to be judged according to their works?
12:9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying,
It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless
they are laid under a strict command, that they shall not impart
only according to the portion of his word, which he doth grant
unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence
which they give unto him;
12:10 and therefore he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth
the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his
heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until
it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God, until they
know them in full;
12:11 and he that will harden his heart, to him is given the lesser
portion of the word, until they know nothing concerning his mysteries;
and then they are taken captive by the Devil, and led by his will
down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of
Hell;
12:12 and Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and being
raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being
brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works.
12:13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened
our hearts against the word, insomuch that it hath not been found
in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned:
12:14 for our words will condemn us, yea, all our work will condemn
us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also
condemn us; and in this awful state, we shall not durst look up
to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the
rocks and the mountains to fall upon us, to hide us from his presence.
12:15 But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before
him in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty,
and dominion, and acknowledge to the everlasting shame, that all
his judgments are just; that he is just in all his works, and
that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he hath
all power to save every man that believeth on his name, and bringeth
forth mete for repentance.
12:16 And now behold I say unto you, then cometh a death, even
a second death, which is a spiritual death; then is a time whosoever
dieth in his sins, as to the temporal death, shall also die a
spiritual death; yea, he shall die as to things pertaining unto
righteousness;
12:17 then is the time when their torments shall be as a lake
of fire and brimstone, whose flames ascendeth up forever and ever;
and then is the time that they shall be chained down to an everlasting
destruction, according to the power and captivity of Satan; he
having subjected them according to his will.
12:18 Then I say unto you, they shall be as though there had been
no redemption made; for they cannot be redeemed according to God's
justice; and they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption.
12:19 Now it came to pass that when Alma had made an end of speaking
these words, the people began to be more astonished;
12:20 but there was one Antionah, who was a chief ruler among
them, come forth and said unto him, What is this that thou hast
said, that man should rise from the dead and be changed from this
mortal to an immortal state, that the soul can never die?
12:21 What does this Scripture mean, which saith that God placed
Cherubims and a flaming sword on the east of the garden of Eden,
lest our first parents should enter and partake of the fruit of
the tree of life, and live forever? And thus we see that there
was no possible chance that they should live forever.
12:22 Now Alma saith unto him, This is the thing which I was about
to explain. Now we see that Adam did fall by partaking of the
forbidden fruit, according to the word of God; and thus we see
that by his fall, that all mankind became a lost and a fallen
people.
12:23 And now behold, I say unto you, that if it had been possible
for Adam for to have partaken of the fruit of the tree of life
at that time, that there would have been no death, and the word
would have been void, making God a liar: for he said, If thou
eat, thou shalt surely die.
12:24 --And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death
which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death;
nevertheless there was a space granted unto man, in which he might
repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time
to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state,
which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection
of the dead.
12:25 Now if it had not been for the plan of redemption, which
was laid from the foundation of the world, there could have been
no resurrection of the dead; but there was a plan of redemption
laid, which shall bring to pass the resurrection of the dead,
of which has been spoken.
12:26 And now behold, if it were possible that our first parents
could have went forth and partaken of the tree of life, they would
have been forever miserable, having no preparatory state; and
thus the plan of redemption would have been frustrated, and the
word of God would have been void, taking none effect.
12:27 But behold, it was not so; but it was appointed unto man
that they must die; and after death, they must come to judgment;
even that same judgment of which we have spoken, which is the
end.
12:28 And after God had appointed that these things should come
unto man, behold, then he saw that it was expedient that man should
know concerning the things whereof he had appointed unto them;
12:29 therefore he sent angels to converse with them, which caused
men to behold of his glory.
12:30 And they began from the time forth to call on his name;
therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them the
plan of redemption, which had been prepared from the foundation
of the world; and this he made known unto them, according to their
faith and repentance, and their holy works;
12:31 wherefore he gave commandments unto men, they having first
transgressed the first commandments as to things which were temporal,
and becoming as Gods, knowing good from evil, placing themselves
in a state to act, or being placed in a state to act, according
to their wills and pleasures, whether to do evil or to do good;
12:32 therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having
made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should
not do evil, the penalty thereof being a second death, which was
an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness;
for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the
works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the Supreme
goodness of God.
12:33 But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being
the plan of redemption which was laid,) saying: if ye will repent,
and harden not your hearts, then I will have mercy upon you, through
mine only begotten Son;
12:34 therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart,
he shall have claim on mercy through mine only begotten Son, unto
a remission of their sins; and these shall enter into my rest.
12:35 And whosoever will harden his heart, and will do iniquity,
behold, I swear in my wrath that they shall not enter into my
rest.
12:36 And now my brethren, behold I say unto you, That if ye will
harden your hearts, ye shall not enter into the rest of the Lord;
therefore your iniquity provoketh him, that he sendeth down his
wrath upon you as in the first provocation, yea, according to
this word in the last provocation, as well as in the first, to
the everlasting destruction of your souls; therefore, according
to his word, unto the last death, as well as the first.
12:37 And now my brethren, seeing we know these things, and they
are true, let us repent, and harden not our hearts, that we provoke
not the Lord our God to pull down his wrath upon us in these his
second commandments which he hath given unto us; but let us enter
into the rest of God, which is prepared according to his word.
13:1 And again: My brethren, I would cite your minds forward to
the time which the Lord God gave these commandments unto his children;
and I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained
Priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of his
Son, to teach these things unto the people;
13:2 and those Priests were ordained after the order of his Son,
in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner
to look forward to his Son for redemption.
13:3 And this is the manner after which they were ordained, being
called and prepared from the foundation of the world, according
to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith
and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or
evil; therefore they being chosen good, and exercising exceeding
great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy
calling which was prepared with and according to, a preparatory
redemption for such;
13:4 and thus they having been called to this holy calling on
account of their faith, while others would reject the spirit of
God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of
their minds, while, if it had not been for this, they might had
as great privilege as their brethren. Or in fine: In the first
place they were on the same standing with their brethren;
13:5 thus this holy calling being prepared from the foundation
of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being
in and through the atonement of the only begotten Son, which was
prepared;
13:6 and thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained
unto the High Priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach us
his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might
enter into his rest,
13:7 this High Priesthood being after the order of his Son, which
order was from the foundation of the world; or in other words,
being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared
from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge
of all things.
13:8 Now they were ordained after this manner: Being called with
a holy calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, and taking
upon them the High Priesthood of the holy order, which calling,
and ordinance, and High Priesthood, is without beginning or end;
13:9 thus they become High Priests forever, after the order of
the Son of the only begotten of the Father, which is without beginning
of days or end of years, which is full of grace, equity and truth.
And thus it is. Amen.
13:10 Chapter 10 Now as I said concerning the holy order
of this High Priesthood: There were many which were ordained and
became High Priests of God; and it was on account of the exceeding
faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they
choosing to repent and work righteousness, rather than to perish;
13:11 therefore they were called after this holy order, and were
sanctified, and their garments were washed white, through the
blood of the Lamb.
13:12 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having
their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God,
could not look upon sin, saving it were with abhorrence; and there
were many, exceeding great many, which were made pure, and entered
into the rest of the Lord their God.
13:13 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves
before God, and bring forth fruit mete for repentance, that ye
may also enter into that rest;
13:14 yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of
Melchizedek, who was also a High Priest after this same order
which I have spoken, who also took upon him the High Priesthood
forever.
13:15 And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes;
yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one tenth part of
all he possessed.
13:16 Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that
thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being
a type of his order, or it being his order; and this, that they
might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that
they might enter into the rest of the Lord.
13:17 Now this Melchizedek was a king over the land of Salem;
and his people had waxed strong in iniquity and abominations;
yea, they had all gone astray: they were full of all manner of
wickedness;
13:18 but Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received
the office of the High Priesthood, according to the holy order
of God, did preach repentance unto his people. --And behold, they
did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in
his days; therefore he was called the Prince of Peace, for he
was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father.
13:19 Now there were many before him, and also there were many
afterwards, but none were greater; therefore of him they have
more particularly made mention.
13:20 Now I need not rehearse the matter; what I have said, may
suffice. Behold, the Scriptures are before you; if ye will arrest
them, it shall be to your own destruction.
13:21 And now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words
unto them, he stretched forth his hand unto them and cried with
a mighty voice, saying, Now is the time to repent, for the day
of salvation draweth nigh;
13:22 yea, and the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels,
doth declare it unto all nations; yea, doth declare it, that they
may have glad tidings of great joy; yea, and he doth sound these
glad tidings among all his people, yea, even to them that are
scattered abroad upon the face of the earth; wherefore they have
come unto us.
13:23 --And they are made known unto us in plain terms, that we
may understand, that we cannot err; and this because of our being
wanderers in a strange land; therefore we are thus highly favored,
for we have these glad tidings declared unto us in all parts of
our vineyard.
13:24 For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time
in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts
of the children of men for to receive his word, at the time of
his coming in his glory.
13:25 And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto
us by the mouth of angels, of his coming: for the time cometh,
we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day;
but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice.
13:26 And it shall be knowon unto just and holy men, by the mouth
of angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our fathers
might be fulfilled, according to that which they have spoken concerning
him, which was according to the spirit of prophecy which was in
them.
13:27 And now my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart,
yea, with great anxiety, even unto pain, that ye would hearken
unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the
day of your repentance;
13:28 that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call
on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may
not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by
the holy spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full
of love and all long suffering;
13:29 having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive
eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that
ye may be lifted up at the last day, and enter into his rest;
13:30 and may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye may
not bring down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be bound down
by the chains of hell, that ye may not suffer the second death.
13:31 And it came to pass that Alma spake many more words unto
the people, which are not written in this book.
14:1 And it came to pass that after he had made an end of speaking
unto the people, many of them did believe on his words, and began
to repent, and to search the Scriptures;
14:2 but the more part of them were desirous that they might destroy
Alma and Amulek: for they were angry with Alma, because of the
plainness of his words unto Zeezrom; and they also said that Amulek
had lied unto them, and had reviled against their law, and also
against their Lawyers and Judges.
14:3 And they were also angry with Alma and Amulek; and because
they had testified so plainly against their wickedness, they sought
to put them away privily.
14:4 But it came to pass that they did not; but they took them
and bound them with strong cords, and took them before the Chief
Judge of the land.
14:5 And the people went forth and witnessed against them, testifying
that they had reviled against the law, and their Lawyers and Judges
of the land, and also all the people that were in the land; and
also testified that there was but one God, and that he should
send his Son among the people, but he should not save them; and
many such things did the people testify against Alma and Amulek.
And it came to pass that it was done before the Chief Judge of
the land.
14:6 And it also came to pass that Zeezrom was astonished at the
words which had been spoken; and he also knew concerning the blindness
of the minds which he had caused among the people, by his lying
words; and his soul began to be harrowed up, under a consciousness
of his own guilt; yea, he began to be encircled about by the pains
of hell.
14:7 And it came to pass that he began to cry unto the people,
saying: Behold, I am guilty, and these men are spotless before
God. And it came to pass that he began to plead for them, from
that time forth; but they reviled him, saying: Art thou also possessed
with the Devil? And it came to pass that they spit upon him, and
cast him out from among them, and also all those that believed
in the words which had been spoken by Alma and Amulek; and they
cast them out, and sent men to cast stones at them.
14:8 And they brought their wives and children together, and whosoever
believed or had been taught to believe in the word of God, they
caused that they should be cast into the fire; and they also brought
forth their records which contained the Holy Scriptures, and cast
them into the fire also, that they might be burned and destroyed
by fire.
14:9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried
them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness
the destruction of those which were consumed by fire.
14:10 And it came to pass that when Amulek saw the pains of the
women and children which were consuming in the fire, he was also
pained; and he saith unto Alma, How can we witness this awful
scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise
the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.
14:11 But Alma saith unto him, The spirit constraineth me that
I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold, the Lord receiveth
them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth not suffer that they
may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them,
according to the hardness if their hearts, that the judgments
which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath, may be just; and
the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them,
yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.
14:12 Now Amulek saith unto Alma, Behold, perhaps they will burn
us also.
14:13 And Alma saith, Be it according to the will of the Lord.
But behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not.
14:14 Now it came to pass that when the bodies of those which
had been cast into the fire, were consumed, and also the records
which were cast in with them, the Chief Judge of the land came
and stood before Alma and Amulek, as they were bound; and he smote
them with his hand upon their cheeks, and saith unto them, After
what ye have seen, will ye preach again unto this people, that
they shall be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone?
14:15 Behold, ye see that ye had not power to save these which
had been cast into the fire; neither hath God saved them because
they were of thy faith. And the Judge smote them again upon their
cheeks, and asked, What say ye for yourselves?
14:16 Now this Judge was after the order and faith of Nehor, which
slew Gideon.
14:17 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek answered him nothing;
and he smote them again, and delivered them to the officers to
be cast into prison.
14:18 And it came to pass that when they had been cast into prison
three days, there came many Lawyers, and Judges, and Priests,
and teachers, which were of the profession of Nehor; and they
came in unto the prison to see them, and they questioned them
about many words; but they answered them nothing.
14:19 And it came to pass that the Judge stood before them, and
saith, Why do ye not answer the words of this people? Know ye
not that I have the power to deliver ye up unto the flames? And
he commanded them to speak; but they answered nothing.
14:20 And it came to pass that they departed and went their ways,
but came again on the morrow; and the Judge also smote them again
on their cheeks. And many came forth also, and smote them, saying:
Will ye stand again and Judge this people, and condemn our law?
If ye have such great power, why do ye not deliver yourselves?
14:21 And many such things did they say unto them, gnashing their
teeth upon them, and spitting upon them, and saying, How shall
ye look when we are damned?
14:22 And many such things, yea, all manner of such things did
they say unto them; and thus they did mock them, for many days.
And they did withhold food from them. that they might hunger,
and water, that they might thirst; and they also did take from
them their clothes, that they were naked; and thus they were bound
with strong cords, and confined in prison.
14:23 And it came to pass after they had thus suffered for many
days, (and it was on the twelfth day, in the tenth month, in the
tenth year of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi,)
that the Chief Judge over the land of Ammonihah, and many of their
teachers and their Lawyers, went in unto the prison where Alma
and Amulek was bound with cords.
14:24 And the Chief Judge stood before them, and smote them again,
and saith unto them, If ye have the power of God, deliver yourselves
from these bands, and then we will believe that the Lord will
destroy this people according to your words.
14:25 And it came to pass that they all went forth and smote them,
saying the same words, even until the last; and when the last
had spoken unto them, the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek,
and they arose and stood upon their feet;
14:26 and Alma cried, saying, How long shall we suffer these great
afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our
faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance; and they break
the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw
this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come
upon them.
14:27 And it came to pass that so great was their fear, that they
fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison;
and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were
wrent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the Chief
Judge, and the Lawyers, and Priests, and teachers which smote
upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof.
14:28 And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they
were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according
to their faith which was in Christ. And they straightway came
forth out of the prison; and they were loosed from their bands;
and the prison had fallen to the earth, and every soul which was
within the walls thereof, save it were Alma and Amulek, were slain;
and they straightway came forth into the city.
14:29 Now the people having heard a great noise, came running
together by multitudes, to know the cause of it; and when they
saw Alma and Amulek coming forth out of the prison, and the walls
thereof had fallen to the earth, they were struck with great fear,
and fled from the presence of Alma and Amulek, even as a goat
fleeth with her young from two lions; and thus they did flee from
the presence of Alma and Amulek.
15:1 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek were commanded to
depart out of the city; and they departed, and came out even into
the land of Sidom; and behold, there they found all the people
which had departed out of the land of Ammonihah, who had been
cast out and stoned, because they believed in the words of Alma.
15:2 And they related unto them all that had happened unto their
wives and children, and also concerning themselves, and of their
power of deliverance.
15:3 And also Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever,
which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind, on account
of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek was no
more; and he supposed that they had been slain, by the cause of
his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other sins, did
harrow up his mind until it did become exceeding sore, having
no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning
heat.
15:4 Now when he heard that Alma and Amulek was in the land of
Sidom, his heart began to take courage; and he sent a message
immediately unto them, desiring them to come unto him.
15:5 And it came to pass that they went immediately, obeying the
message which he had sent unto them; and they went in unto the
house unto Zeezrom; and they found him upon his bed sick, being
very low with a burning fever; and his mind also was exceeding
sore, because of his iniquities; and when he saw them, he stretched
forth his hand, and besought them that they would heal him.
15:6 And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him by
the hand, Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?
15:7 And he answered and said, Yea, I belive all the words that
thou hast taught.
15:8 And Alma saith, If thou believest in the redemption of Christ,
thou canst be healed.
15:9 And he saith, Yea, I believe according to thy words.
15:10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord, saying, O Lord our God,
have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which
is in Christ.
15:11 And it came to pass that when Alma said these words, that
Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, and began to walk; and this was
done to the great astonishment of all the people; and the knowledge
of this went forth throughout all the land of Sidom.
15:12 And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from
that time forth to preach unto the people.
15:13 And Alma established a Church in the land of Sodom, and
consecrated Priests and teachers in the land to baptize unto the
Lord whosoever were desirous to be baptized.
15:14 And it came to pass that they were many; for they did flock
in from all the region round about Sidom, and were baptized;
15:15 but as to the people that were in the land of Ammonihah,
they yet remained a hardhearted and a stiffnecked people; and
they repented not of their sins, ascribing all the power of Alma
and Amulek to the Devil: for they were of the profession of Nehor,
and did not believe in the repentance of their sins.
15:16 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek, Amulek having
forsaken all his gold, and his silver, and his precious things,
which was in the land of Ammonihah, for the word of God, he being
rejected by those which were once his friends, and also by his
father and his kindred;
15:17 therefore, after Alma having established the Church at Sidom,
seeing a great check, yea, seeing that the people were checked
as to the pride of their hearts, and began to humble themselves
before God, and began to assemble together at their sanctuaries
to worship God before the alter, watching and praying continually,
that they might be delivered from Satan, and from death, and from
destruction:
15:18 Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things, therefore
he took Amulek and came over to the land of Zarahemla, and took
him to his own house, and did administer unto him in his tribulations,
and strengthened him in the Lord.
15:19 And thus ended the tenth year of the reign of the Judges
over the people of Nephi.
16:1 Chapter 11 And it came to pass in the eleventh year
of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, on the fifth
day of the second month, there having been much peace in the land
of Zarahemla; there having been no wars nor contentions for a
certain number of years; even until the fifth day of the second
month, in the eleventh year, there was a cry of war heard throughout
the land;
16:2 for behold, the armies of the Lamanites had come in on the
wilderness side, into the borders of the land, even into the city
of Ammonihah, and began to slay the people, and to destroy the
city.
16:3 And now it came to pass before the Nephites could raise a
sufficient army to drive them out of the land, they had destroyed
the people which were in the city of Ammonihah, and also some
around the borders of Noah, and taking others captive into the
wilderness.
16:4 Now it came to pass that the Nephites were desirous to obtain
those which had been carried away captive into the wilderness;
16:5 therefore he that had been appointed Chief Captain over the
armies of the Nephites, (and his name was Zoram, and he had two
sons, Lehi and Aha:) Now Zoram and his two sons, knowing that
Alma was High Priest over the Church, and having heard that he
had the spirit of Prophecy, therefore they went unto him and desired
of him to know whether the Lord would that they should go into
the wilderness in search of their brethren, who had been captive
by the Lamanites.
16:6 And it came to pass that Alma inquired of the Lord concerning
the matter. And Alma returned and said unto them, Behold the Lamanites
will cross the river Sidon in the south wilderness, away up beyond
the borders of the land of Manti. --And behold there shall ye
meet them, on the east of the river Sidon, and there the Lord
will deliver unto thee thy brethren which have been taken captive
by the Lamanites.
16:7 And it came to pass that Zoram and his sons crossed over
the river Sidon, with their armies, and marched away beyond the
borders of Manti, into the south wilderness, which was on the
east side of the river Sidon.
16:8 And they came upon the armies of the Lamanites, and the Lamanites
were scattered and driven into the wilderness; and they took their
brethren which had been taken captive by the Lamanites, and there
was not one soul of them which had been lost, that were taken
captive. And they were brought by their brethren to possess their
own lands.
16:9 And thus ended the eleventh year of the Judges, the Lamanites
having been driven out of the land, and the people of Ammonihah
were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites were
destroyed , and also their great city, which they said God could
not destroy, because of its greatness.
16:10 --But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and their
carcases were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness;
16:11 nevertheless, after many days, their dead bodies were heaped
up upon the face of the earth, and they were covered with a shallow
covering. And now so great was the scent thereof, that the people
did not go in to possess the land of Ammonihah for many years.
And it was called desolation of Nehors; for they were of the profession
of Nehor, which were slain; and their lands remained desolate.
16:12 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did not come again
to war against the Nephites until the fourteenth year of the reign
of the Judges over the people of Nephi. And thus for three years
did the people of Nephi have continual peace in all the land.
16:13 And Alma and Amulek went forth preaching repentance unto
the people in their tempels, and in their sanctuaries, and also
in their synagogues, which was built after the manner of the Jews.
16:14 And as many as would hear their words, unto them they did
impart the word of God, without any respects of persons continually.
16:15 And thus did Alma and Amulek go forth, and also many more
which had been chosen for the work, to preach the word throughout
the land. And the establishment of the Church became general throughout
all the land, in all the region round about, among all the people
of the Nephites.
16:16 And there was no inequality among them, for the Lord did
pour out his spirit on all the face of the land, for to prepare
the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to
receive the word which should be taught among them at the time
of his coming,
16:17 that they might not be hardened against the word,, that
they might not be unbelieving, and go on to destruction, but that
they might receive the word with joy, and as a branch be grafted
into the true vine, that they might enter into the rest of the
Lord their God.
16:18 Now those priests which did go forth among the people, did
preach against all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes,
and malice, and revilings, and stealing, robbing, plundering,
murdering, committing adultry, and all manner of lasciviousness,
crying that these things ought not so to be;
16:19 holding forth things which must shortly come; yea, holding
forth the coming of the Son of God, his sufferings and death,
and also the resurrection of the dead.
16:20 And many of the people did inquire concerning the place
where the Son of God should come; and they were taught that he
would appear unto them after his resurrection; and this the people
did hear with great joy and gladness.
16:21 And now after the Church having been established throughout
the land, having got the victory over the Devil, and the word
of God being preached in its purity in all the land; and the Lord
pouring out his blessings upon the people; and thus ended the
fourteenth year of the reign of the Judges, over the people of
Nephi.
17:1 Chapter 12 And now it came to pass that as Alma was
journeying from the land of Gideon, southward, away to the land
of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he met with the sons of
Mosiah, a journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.
17:2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel
first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly,
to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were
still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong
in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding,
and they had searched the Scriptures diligently, that they might
know the word of God.
17:3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer,
and fasting, therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the
spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power
and authority, even as with the power and authority of God.
17:4 And they had been teaching the word of God for the space
of fourteen years, among the Lamanites, having had much success
in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power
of their words, many were brought before the alter of God, to
call on his name, and confess their sins before him.
17:5 Now these are the circumstances which attended them in their
journeyings, for they had many afflictions; they did suffer much,
both in body and in mind; such as hunger, thirst and fatigue,
and also much labor in the spirit.
17:6 Now these were their journeyings, having taken leave of their
father Mosiah, in the first year of the reign of the Judges; having
refused the kingdom which their father was desirous to confer
upon them; and also this was the minds of the people;
17:7 nevertheless they departed out of the land of Zarahemla,
and took their swords, and their spears, and their bows, and their
arrows, and their slings; and this they done that they might provide
food for themselves while in the wilderness:
17:8 and thus they departed into the wilderness, with their numbers
which they had selected, to go up to the land of Nephi, to preach
the word of God unto the Lamanites.
17:9 And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the
wilderness, and they fasted much, and prayed much, that the Lord
would grant unto them a portion of his spirit to go with them,
and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands
of God, to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites,
to the knowledge of the truth; to the knowledge of the baseness
of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct.
17:10 And it came to pass that the Lord visit them with his spirit,
and said unto them, Be comforted; and they were comforted.
17:11 And the Lord said unto them also, Go forth among the Lamanites,
thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in
long suffering and afflictions, that ye may shew forth good examples
unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands,
unto the salvation of many souls.
17:12 And it came to pass that the hearts of the sons of Mosiah,
and also those which were with them, took courage to go forth
unto the Lamanites, to declare unto them the word of God.
17:13 And it came to pass when they had arriven in the borders
of the land of the Lamanites, that they separated themselves,
and departed one from another, trusting in the Lord, that they
should meet again at the close of their harvest: for they supposed
that great was the work which they had undertaken.
17:14 --And assuredly it was great, for they had undertaken to
preach the word of God to a wild, and a hardened, and a ferocious
people; a people which delighted in the murdering the Nephites,
and robbing, and plundering them; and their hearts were set upon
riches, or upon gold, and silver, and precious stones; yet they
sought to obtain these things by murdering and plundering, that
they might not labor for them with their own hands:
17:15 thus they were a very indolent people, many of whom did
worship idols, and the curse of God had fell upon them because
of the traditions of their fathers; notwithstanding, the promises
of the Lord were extended unto them, on the conditions of repentance;
17:16 therefore this was the cause for which the sons of Mosiah
had undertaken the work, that perhaps they might bring them unto
repentance; that perhaps they might bring them to know of the
plan of redemption;
17:17 therefore they separated themselves one from another; and
went forth among them every man alone, according to the word and
power of God, which was given unto him.
17:18 Now Ammon being the chief among them, or rather he did administer
unto them; and he departed from them, after having blessed them
according to their several stations, having imparted the word
of God unto them, or administered unto them before his departure;
and thus they took their several journeys throughout the land.
17:19 And Ammon went to the land of Ishmael, the land being called
after the sons of Ishmael, which also became Lamanites.
17:20 And as Ammon entered the land of Ishmael, the Lamanites
took him and bound him, as was their custom, to bind all the Nephites
which fell into their hands, and carry them before the king; and
thus it was left to the pleasure of the king to slay them, or
to retain them in captivity, or to cast them into prison, or to
cast them out of his land, according to his will and pleasure;
17:21 and thus Ammon was carried before the king which was over
the land of Ishmael; and his name was Lamoni; and he was a descendant
of Ishmael.
17:22 And the king inquired of Ammon if it were desirous to dwell
in the land among the Lamanites, or among his people?
17:23 And Ammon said unto him, Yea, I desire to dwell among this
people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die.
17:24 And it came to pass that king Lamoni was much pleased with
Ammon, and caused that his bands should be loosed; and he would
that Ammon should take one of his daughters to wife.
17:25 But Ammon saith unto him, Nay, but I will be thy servant;
therefore Ammon became a servant to king Lamoni. And it came to
pass that he was set, among other servants, to watch the flocks
of Lamoni, according to the custom of the Lamanites.
17:26 And it came to pass that after he had been in the service
of the king three days, that as he was, with the Lamanitish servants,
a going forth with their flocks, to the place of water, which
was called the water of Sebus; (and all the Lamanites drive their
flocks hither, that they might have water;)
17:27 therefore as Ammon and the servants of the king were driving
forth their flocks to this place of water, behold, a certain number
of the Lamanites who had been with their flocks to water, stood
and scattered the flocks of Ammon, and the servants of the king,
and they scattered them insomuch that they fled many ways.
17:28 Now the servants of the king began to murmur, saying: Now
the king will slay us, as he has our brethren, because their flocks
were scattered by the wickedness of these men. And they began
to weep exceedingly, saying, Behold our flocks are scattered already.
17:29 Now they wept because of the fear of being slain. Now when
Ammon saw this, his heart was swollen within him, with joy, for,
said he, I will shew forth my power unto these my fellow servants,
or the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the
king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow servants, that
I may lead them to believe in my words.
17:30 Now these were the thoughts of Ammon, when he saw the afflictions
of those which he termed to be his brethren.
17:31 And it came to pass that he flattered them by his words,
saying: My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search
of the flocks, and we will gather them together, and bring them
back unto the place of water; and thus we will reserve the flocks
unto the king, and he will not slay us.
17:32 And it came to pass that they went in search of the flocks,
and they did follow Ammon, and they rushed forth with much swiftness,
and did head the flocks of the king, and did gather them together
again, to the place of water.
17:33 And those men again stood to scatter their flocks; but Ammon
saith unto his brethren, Encircle the flocks round about, that
they flee not; and I go and contend with these men which do scatter
our flocks.
17:34 Therefore they did as Ammon commanded them, and he went
forth and stood to contend with those which stood by the waters
of Sebus; and they were not in number a very few;
17:35 therefore they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed that
one of their men could slay him, according to their pleasure,
for they knew not that the Lord had promised Mosiah that he would
deliver his sons out of their hands; neither did they know any
thing concerning the Lord; therefore they delighted in the destruction
of their brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the
flocks of the king.
17:36 But Ammon stood forth and began to cast stones at them with
his sling; yea, with mighty power he did sling stones amongst
them; and thus he slew a certain number of them, insomuch that
they began to be astonished at his power; nevertheless they were
angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined
that he should fall; therefore, seeing that they could not hit
him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him.
17:37 But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon,
he smote off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand their
blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch
that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him;
yea, and they were not few in number; and he caused them to flee
by the strength of his arm.
17:38 Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew none
save it were their leader; and he smote off as many of their arms
as was lifted against him, and they were not a few.
17:39 And when he had driven them afar off, he returned, and they
watered their flocks and returned them to the pasture of the king,
and then went in unto the king, bearing the arms which had been
smote off by the sword of Ammon, of those who sought to slay him;
and they were carried in unto the king, for a testimony of the
things which they had done.
18:1 And it came to pass that king Lamoni caused that his servants
should stand forth and testify to all the things which they had
seen concerning the matter.
18:2 And when they had all testified to the things which they
had seen, and he had learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving
his flocks, and also of his great power in contending against
those who sought to slay him, he was astonished exceedingly, and
saith, Surely, this is more than a man. Behold, is not this the
Great Spirit which doth send such great punishments upon his people,
because of their murders?
18:3 And they answered the king, and said, Whether he be the Great
Sprit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he
cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter
the king's flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness
and great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to
the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man hath such
great power, for we know that he cannot be slain.
18:4 And now when the king heard these words, he said unto them,
Now I know that it is the Great Spirit; and he hath come down
at this time to preserve your lives, that I might not slay you
as I did your brethren. Now this is the Great Spirit of which
our fathers have spoken.
18:5 Now this was the tradition of Lamoni, which he had received
from his father, that there was a Great Spirit. Notwithstanding
they believed in a Great Spirit, they supposed that whatsoever
they did, was right; nevertheless, Lamoni began to fear exceedingly,
with fear lest he had done wrong in slaying his servants:
18:6 for he had slew many of them, because their brethren had
scattered their flocks at the place of water; and thus because
they had their flocks scattered, they were slain.
18:7 Now it was the practice of the Lamanites, to stand by the
waters of Sebus, to scatter the flocks of the people, that thereby
they might drive away many that were scattered, unto their own
land, it being a practice of plunder among them.
18:8 And it came to pass that king Lamoni inquired of his servants,
saying: Where is this man that hath such great power?
18:9 And they said unto him, Behold, he is feeding thy horses.
--Now the king had commanded his servants previous to the time
of the watering of their flocks, that they should prepare his
horses and chariots, and conduct him forth to the land of Nephi:
for their had been a great feast appointed at the land of Nephi,
by the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.
18:10 Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his
horses and his chariots, he was more astonished, because of the
faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely, there has not been any
servant among all my servants, that has been so faithful as this
man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute
them.
18:11 Now I surely know that this is the Great Spirit; and I would
desire him that he come in unto me, but I durst not.
18:12 And it came to pass that when Ammon had made ready the horses
and the chariots for the king and his servants, he went in unto
the king, and he saw that the countenance of the king was changed;
therefore he was about to return out of his presence;
18:13 and one of the king's servants said unto him, Rabbanah,
which is, being interpreted, powerful, or great king, considering
their kings to be powerful; and thus he said unto him, Rabbanah,
the king desireth thee to stay;
18:14 therefore, Ammon turned himself unto the king, and saith
unto him, What will thou that I should do for thee, O king? And
the king answered him not for the space of an hour, according
to their time, for he knew not what he should say unto him.
18:15 And it came to pass that Ammon said unto him again, What
desireth thou of me? But the king answered him not.
18:16 And it came to pass that Ammon, being filled with the spirit
of God, therefore he perceived the thoughts of the king. And he
saith unto him, It is because that thou hast heard that I defended
thy servants and thy flocks, and slew seven of their brethren
with the sling, and with the sword, and smote off the arms of
others, in order to defend thy flocks and thy servants; behold,
is it this that causeth thy marvellings?
18:17 I say unto you, what is it, that thy marvellings are so
great? Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever
thou desirest which is right, that will I do.
18:18 Now when the king had heard these words, he marvelled again,
for he beheld that Ammon could discern his thoughts; notwithstanding
this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, and said unto him, Who art
thou ? Art thou that Great Spirit, which knows all things?
18:19 Ammon answered and said unto him, I am not.
18:20 And the king saith, How knowest thou the thoughts of my
heart? Thou mayest speak boldly, and tell me concerning these
things; and also tell me by what power ye slew and smote off the
arms of my brethren, that scattered my flocks.
18:21 And now if thou wilt tell me concerning these things, whatsoever
thou desirest, I will give unto thee; and if it were needed, I
would guard thee with my armies; but I know that thou art more
powerful than all they; nevertheless, whatsoever thou desirest
of me, I will grant it unto thee.
18:22 Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he saith unto Lamoni,
Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power
I do these things? and this is the thing that I desire of thee.
18:23 And the king answered him, and said, Yea, I will believe
all thy words; and thus he was caught with guile.
18:24 And Ammon began to speak unto him with boldness, and said
unto him, Believest thou that there is a God?
18:25 And he answered, and said unto him, I do not know what that
meaneth.
18:26 And the Ammon saith, Believest thou that there is a Great
Spirit?
18:27 And he saith, Yea.
18:28 And Ammon saith, This is God. And Ammon saith unto him again,
Believest thou that this Great Spirit, which is God, created all
things, which is in Heaven and the Earth?
18:29 And he saith, Yea, I believe that he created all things
which is in the earth; but I do not know the Heavens.
18:30 And Ammon saith unto him, The Heavens is a place where God
dwells, and all his holy angels.
18:31 And king Lamoni saith, Is it above the earth?
18:32 And Ammon saith, Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children
of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart:
for by his hand were they all created, from the beginning.
18:33 And king Lamoni saith, I believe all these things which
thou hast spoken. Art thou sent from God?
18:34 Ammon saith unto him, I am a man; and man in the beginning,
was created after the image of God; and I am called by his Holy
Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be
brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true;
18:35 and a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth
me knowledge, and also power, according to my faith and desires
which is in God.
18:36 Now when Ammon had said these words, he began to the creation
of the world, and also to the creation of Adam, and told him all
the things concerning the fall of man, and rehearsed and laid
before him the records and the Holy Scriptures of the people,
and which had been spoken by the prophets, even down to the time
that their father Lehi left Jerusalem;
18:37 and he also rehearsed unto them (for it was unto the king
and to his servants,) all the journeyings of their fathers in
the wilderness, and all their sufferings with hunger and thirst,
and their travel, &c;
18:38 and he also rehearsed unto them concerning the rebellions
of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, yea, all their rebellions
did he relate unto them, and he expounded unto them all the records
and Scriptures, from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem, down to
the present time;
18:39 but this is not all, for he expounded unto them the plan
of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world;
and he also made known unto them concerning the coming of Christ;
and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them.
18:40 And it came to pass that after he said all these things,
and expounded them to the king, that the king believed all his
words.
18:41 And he began to cry unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, have
mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon
the people of Nephi, have upon me and my people.
18:42 And now when he had said this, he fell unto the earth, as
if he were dead.
18:43 And it came to pass that his servants took him and carried
him in unto his wife, and laid him upon a bed; and he lay as if
he were dead, for the space of two days and two nights; and his
wife, and his sons, and his daughters mourned over him, after
the manner of the Lamanites, greatly lamenting his loss.
19:1 And it came to pass that after two days and two nights, they
were about to take his body and lay it in a sepulchre which they
had made for the purpose of burying their dead.
19:2 Now the queen having heard of the fame of Ammon, therefore
she sent and desired that he should come unto her.
19:3 And it came to pass that Ammon did as he was commanded, and
went in unto the queen, and desired to know what she would that
he should do.
19:4 And she saith unto him, The servants or my husband have made
it known unto me, that thou art a prophet of a Holy God., and
that thou hast the power to do many mighty works in his name;
19:5 therefore, if this is the case, I would that ye should go
in and see my husband, for he has been laid upon his bed for the
space of two days and two nights; and some say that he is not
dead, but others say that he is dead, and that he stinketh, and
that he ought to be placed in the sepulchre; but as for myself,
to me he doth not stink.
19:6 Now this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that king Lamoni
was under the power of God; he knew that the dark veil of unbelief
being cast away from his mind, and the light which did light up
his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a
marvellous light of his goodness; yea, this light had infused
such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled,
and the light of everlasting light was lit up in his soul; yea,
he knew that this had overcame his natural frame, and he was carried
away in God;
19:7 therefore, what the queen desired of him, was his only desire.
Therefore he went in to see the king, according as the queen desired
him; and he saw the king, and he knew that he was not dead. And
he saith unto the queen, He is not dead,
19:8 but he sleepeth in God, and on the morrow he shall rise again;
therefore bury him not.
19:9 And Ammon saith unto her, Believest thou this? And she asid
unto him, I have had no witness, save thy word, and the word of
our servants; nevertheless, I believe that it shall be according
as thou hast said.
19:10 And Ammon said unto her, Blessed art thou, because of thy
exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such
great faith among all the people of the Nephites.
19:11 And it came to pass that she watched over the bed of her
husband, from that time, even until that time on the morrow which
Ammon had appointed that he should rise.
19:12 And it came to pass that he arose, according to the words
of Ammon; and as he arose, he stretched forth his hand unto the
woman, and said, Blessed be the name of God, and blessed art thou:
19:13 for as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer;
and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall
redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now when he had said
these words , his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again
with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the
spirit.
19:14 Now Ammon seeing the spirit of the Lord poured out according
to his prayers upon the Lamanites, his brethren, which had been
the cause of so much mourning among the Nephites, or among all
the people of God, because of their iniquities and their traditions;
and Ammon fell upon his knees, and began to pour out his soul
in prayer and thanksgiving to God, for what he had done for his
brethren; and he was also overpowered with joy; and thus they
all three had sunk to the earth.
19:15 Now when the servants of the king had seen that they had
fallen, they also began to cry unto God, for the fear of the Lord
had come upon them also: for it was they which had stood before
the king, and testified unto him concerning the great power of
Ammon.
19:16 And it came to pass that they did call on the name of the
Lord in their might, even until they had fallen to the earth,
save it were one of the Lamanitish women, whose name was Abish,
she having been converted unto the Lord for many years, on account
of a remarkable vision of her father;
19:17 thus having been converted to the Lord, never had made it
known; therefore when she saw that all the servants of Lamoni
had fallen to the earth, and also her mistress, the queen, and
the king, and Ammon lay prostrate upon the earth, she knew that
it was the power of God; and supposing that this opportunity,
by making known unto the people what had happened among them,
that by beholding this scene, it would cause them to believe in
the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house,
making it known unto the people;
19:18 and they began to assemble themselves together unto the
house of the king. And there came a multitude, and to their astonishment,
they beheld the king, and the queen, and their servants, prostrate
upon the earth, and they all lay there as though they were dead;
and they also saw Ammon, and behold, he was a Nephite.
19:19 And now the people began to murmur among themselves; some
saying, That it was a great evil that had come upon them, or upon
the king and his house, because he had suffered that the Nephite
should remain in the land.
19:20 But others rebuked them, saying, The king hath brought this
evil upon his house, because he slew his servants who had their
flocks scattered by those men which had stood at the waters of
Sebus,
19:21 and scattered the flocks which belonged to the king, for
they were angry with Ammon because of the number which he had
slain of their brethren at the waters of Sebus, while defending
the flocks of the king.
19:22 Now one of them, whose brother had been slain with the sword
of Ammon, being exceeding angry with Ammon, drew his sword and
went forth that he might let it fall upon Ammon, to slay him;
and as he lifted the sword to smite him, behold, he fell dead.
19:23 Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord had
said unto Mosiah, his father, I will spare him, and it shall be
unto him according to thy faith; therefore Mosiah trusted him
unto the Lord.
19:24 And it came to pass that when the multitude beheld the man
had fell dead, who lifted the sword to slay Ammon, fear came upon
them all, and they durst not put forth their hands to touch him,
or any of those which had fallen; and they began to marvel again
among themselves, what could be the cause of this great power,
or what all these things could mean.
19:25 And it came to pass that there was many among them, who
said that Ammon was the Great Spirit, and others said he was sent
by the Great Spirit;
19:26 but others rebuked them all, saying, That he was a monster,
which hath been sent from the Nephites to torment us;
19:27 and there were some which said that Ammon was sent by the
Great Spirit to afflict them, because of their iniquities, and
that it was the Great Spirit that had always attended the Nephites,
which had ever delivered them out of their hands; and they said
that it was this Great Spirit which had destroyed so many of their
brethren, the Lamanites;
19:28 and thus the contention began to be exceeding sharp among
them. And while they were thus contending, the woman servant which
had caused the multitude to be gathered together came; and when
she saw the contention which was among the multitude, she was
exceeding sorrowful, even unto tears.
19:29 And it came to pass that she went and took the queen by
the hand, that perhaps she might raise her from the ground; and
as soon as she touched her hand, she arose and stood upon her
feet, and cried with a loud voice, saying: O blessed Jesus, who
has saved me from the awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy on
this people.
19:30 And when she had said this, she clasped her hands, being
filled with joy, speaking many words which were not understood;
and when she had done this, she took the king, Lamoni, by the
hand, and behold, he arose and stood upon his feet;
19:31 and he immediately, seeing the contention among his people,
went forth and began to rebuke them, and to teach them the words
which he had heard from the mouth of Ammon; and as many as heard
his words, believed, and were converted unto the Lord.
19:32 But there were many among them which would not hear his
words; therefore they went their way.
19:33 And it came to pass that when Ammon arose, he also administered
unto them, and also did all the servants of Lamoni; and they did
all declare unto the people the self-same thing: and their hearts
had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil.
19:34 And behold, many did declare unto the people that they had
seen angels, and had conversed with them; and thus they had told
them things of God, and of his righteousness,
19:35 And it came to pass that there was many that did believe
in their words; and as many as did believe, were baptized; and
they became a righteous people, and they did establish a church
among them:
19:36 and thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites;
thus the Lord did begin to pour out his spirit upon them; and
we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent
and believe on his name.
20:1 And it came to pass that when they established a church in
that land, that king Lamoni desired that Ammon should go with
him to the land of Nephi, that he might show unto his father.
20:2 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to Ammon,
saying: Thou shalt not go up to the land of Nephi, for behold,
the king will seek thy life; but thou shalt go to the land of
Middoni; for behold, thy brother Aaron, and also Muloki and Ammah
are in prison.
20:3 Now it came to pass that when Ammon had heard this, he saith
unto Lamoni, Behold, my brother and brethren are in prison at
Middoni, and I go that I may deliver them.
20:4 Now Lamoni saith unto Ammon, I know, in the strength of the
Lord, thou canst do all things. But behold, I will go with thee
to the land of Middoni; for the king of the land of Middoni, whose
name is Antiomno, is a friend unto me; therefore I go to the land
of Middoni, that I may flatter the king of the land; and he will
cast thy brethren out of prison. Now Lamoni saith unto him, Who
told thee that my brethren were in prison?
20:5 And Ammon saith unto him, No one hath told me, save it be
God: and he said unto me, Go and deliver thy brethren, for they
are in prison in the land of Middoni.
20:6 Now when Lamoni had heard this, he caused that his servants
should make ready his horses, and his chariots.
20:7 And he saith unto Ammon, Come, I will go with thee down to
the land of Middoni, and there I will plead with the king, that
he will cast thy brethren out of prison.
20:8 And it came to pass that as Ammon and Lamoni was a journeying
thither, that they met the father of Lamoni, who was king over
all the land.
20:9 And behold, the father of Lamoni saith unto him, Why did
ye not come to the feast, on that great day when I made feast
unto my sons, and unto my people?
20:10 And he also saith, Whither art thou going with this Nephite,
which is one of the children of a liar?
20:11 And it came to pass that Lamoni rehearst unto him whither
he was going, for he feared to offend him.
20:12 And he also told him all the cause of his tarrying in his
own kingdom, that he did not go unto his father, to the feast
which he had prepared.
20:13 And now when Lamoni had rehearsed unto him all these things,
behold, to his astonishment, his father was angry with him, and
saith, Lamoni, thou art going to deliver these Nephites, which
are the sons of a liar. Behold, he robbed our fathers; and now
his children are also come amongst us, that they may, by their
cunning and lyings, deceive us, that they again may rob us of
our property.
20:14 Now the father of Lamoni commanded him that he should slay
Ammon, with the sword. And he also commanded him that he should
not go to the land of Middoni, but that he should return with
him, to the land of Ishmael.
20:15 But Lamoni saith unto him, I will not slay Ammon, neither
will I return to the land of Ishmael, but I go to the land of
Middoni, that I may release the brethren of Ammon, for I know
that they are just men, and holy prophets of the true God.
20:16 Now when his father heard these words, he was angry with
him, and he drew his sword that he might smite him to the earth.
20:17 But Ammon stood forth and saith unto him, Behold, thou shalt
not slay thy son; nevertheless, it were better that he should
fall than thee: for behold, he hath repented of his sins; but
if thou shouldst fall at this time, in thine anger, thy soul could
not be saved.
20:18 And again: It is expedient that thou shouldst forbear; for
if thou shouldst slay thy son, (he being and innocent man,) his
blood would cry from the ground, to the Lord his God, for vengeance
to come upon thee; and perhaps thou wouldst lose thy soul.
20:19 Now when Ammon had said these words unto him, he answered
him, saying: I know that if I should slay my son, that I should
shed innocent blood; for it is thou that hast sought to destroy
him:
20:20 and he stretched forth his hand to slay Ammon. But Ammon
withstood his blows, and also smote his arm that he could not
use it.
20:21 Now when the king saw that Ammon could slay him, he began
to plead with Ammon, that he would spare his life.
20:22 But Ammon raised his sword, and said unto him, Behold, I
will smite thee, except thou wilt grant unto me that my brethren
may be cast out of prison.
20:23 Now the king, fearing that he should lose his life, said,
if thou wilt spare me, I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou
wilt ask, even to the half of the kingdom.
20:24 Now when Ammon saw that he had wrought upon the old king
according to his desire. he saith unto him, If thou wilt grant
that my brethren may be cast out of prison, and also that Lamoni
may retain his kingdom, and that ye be not displeased with him,
but grant that he may according to his own desires, in whatsoever
thing he thinketh, and then will I spare thee; otherwise I will
smite thee to the earth.
20:25 Now when Ammon had said these words, the king began to rejoice
because of his life.
20:26 And when he saw that Ammon had no desires to destroy him,
and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni,
he was astonished exceedingly, and saith, Because this is all
that thou hast desired, that I would release thy brethren, and
suffer that my son Lamoni should retain his kingdom, behold, I
will grant unto you that my son retain his kingdom from this time
and forever; and I will govern him no more.
20:27 And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren may be
cast out of prison, and thou and thy brethren may come unto me,
in my kingdom; for I shall greatly desire to see thee; for the
king was greatly astonished at the words which had been spoken,
and also at the words which had been spoken by his son Lamoni;
therefore he was desirous to learn them.
20:28 And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni proceeded on their
journey towards the land of Middoni. And it came to pass that
Lamoni found favor in the eyes of the king of the land; therefore
the brethren of Ammon was brought forth out of prison.
20:29 And when Ammon did meet them, he was exceeding sorrowful,
for behold, they were naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly,
because of being bound with strong cords. And they also had suffered
hunger, thirst, and all kind of afflictions; nevertheless they
were patient in all their sufferings.
20:30 And as it happened, it was their lot to have fallen into
the hands of a more hardened and a more stiffnecked people; therefore
they would not hearken unto their words, and they had cast them
out, and had smote them, and had driven them from house to house,
and from place to place, even until they had arriven to the land
of Middoni; and there they were taken and cast into prison, and
bound with strong cords, and kept in prison for many days; and
were delivered by Lamoni and Ammon.
21:1 Chapter 13 Now when Ammon and his brethren separated
themselves in the borders of the land of the Lamanites, behold,
Aaron took his journey towards the land which was called by the
Lamanites, Jerusalem; calling it after the land of their fathers'
nativity; and it was away joining the borders of Mormon.
21:2 --Now the Lamanites, and the Amalekites, and the people of
Amulon, had built a great city, which was called Jerusalem.
21:3 Now the Lamanites, of themselves, were sufficiently hardened,
but the Amalekites, and the Amulonites, were still harder; therefore
they did cause the Lamanites that they should harden their hearts,
that they should wax stronger in wickedness, and their abominations.
21:4 And it came to pass that Aaron came to the city of Jerusalem,
and firstly began to preach to the Amalekites. And he began to
preach to them in their synagogues, for they had built synagogues,
after the order of the Nehors; for many of the Amalekites and
the Amulonites were after the order of the Nehors.
21:5 Therefore, as Aaron entered into one of their synagogues
to preach unto the people, and as he was speaking unto them, behold
there arose an Amalekite, and began to contend with him, saying:
What is that that thou hast testified? Hast thou seen an angel?
Why do not angels appear unto us? Behold, art not this people
as good as thy people?
21:6 --Thou also sayest, Except ye repent, we shall perish. How
knowest thou the thought and intent of our hearts? How knowest
thou that we have cause to repent? How knowest thou that we are
not a righteous people? Behold, we have built sanctuaries, and
we do assemble ourselves together to worship God. We do believe
that God will save all men.
21:7 Now Aaron said unto him, Believest thou that the Son of God
shall come to redeem mankind from their sins?
21:8 And the man saith unto him, We do not believe that thou knowest
any such thing. We do not believe in these foolish traditions.
We do not believe that thou knowest of things to come, neither
do we believe that thy fathers, and also that our fathers did
know concerning the things which they spake, of that which is
to come.
21:9 Now Aaron began to open the Scriptures unto them, concerning
the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of
the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind, save
it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement
of his blood.
21:10 And it came to pass that as he began to expound these things
unto them, they were angry with him, and began to mock him; and
they would not hear the words which he spake;
21:11 therefore, when he saw that they would not hear his words,
he departed out of the synagogue, and came over to a village which
was called Ani-anti, and there he found Muloki a preaching the
word unto them; and also Ammah, and his brethren. And they contended
with many about the word.
21:12 And it came to pass that they saw that the people would
harden their hearts; therefore they departed, and came over into
the land of Middoni. And they did preach the word unto many, and
few believed on the words which they taught.
21:13 Nevertheless, Aaron, and a certain number of his brethren,
were taken and cast into prison, and the remainder of them fled
out of the land of Middoni, unto the regions round about.
21:14 And those which were cast into prison suffered many things,
and they were delivered by the hand of Lamoni and Ammon; and they
were fed and clothed.
21:15 And they went forth again to declare the word; and thus
they were delivered for the first time out of prison; and thus
they had suffered.
21:16 And they went forth whithersoever they were led by the spirit
of the Lord, preaching the word of God in every synagogue of the
Amalekites, or in every assembly of the Lamanites, where they
could be admitted.
21:17 And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them, insomuch
that they brought many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, they
did convince many of their sins, and of the tradition of their
fathers, which were not correct.
21:18 And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni returned from
the land of Middoni, to the land of Ishmael, which was the land
of their inheritance.
21:19 And king Lamoni would not suffer that Ammon should serve
him, or be his servant;
21:20 but he caused that there be synagogues built in the land
of Ishmael; and he caused that his people, or the people which
was under his reign, should assemble themselves together.
21:21 And he did rejoice over them, and he did teach them many
things. And he did also declare unto them that they were a people
which was under him, and that they were a free people; that they
were free from the oppressions of the king, his father; for that
his father had granted unto him that he might reign over the people
which were in the land of Ishmael, and in all the land round about.
21:22 And he also declared unto them that they might have the
liberty of worshiping the Lord their God, according to their desires,
in whatsoever place they were in, if it were in the land which
was under the reign of king Lamoni.
21:23 And Ammon did preach unto the people of king Lamoni.-- And
it came to pass that he did teach them all things concerning things
pertaining to righteousness. And he did exhort them daily, with
all diligence; and they gave heed unto his word, and they were
zealous for keeping the commandments of God.
22:1 Now as Ammon was thus teaching the people of Lamoni continually,
we will return to the account of Aaron and his brethren; for after
he departed from the land of Middoni, he was led by the spirit
to the land of Nephi; even to the house of the king which was
over all the land, save it were the land of Ishmael; and he was
the father of Lamoni.
22:2 And it came to pass that he went in unto him into the king's
palace, with his brethren, and bowed himself before the king,
and said unto him, Behold, O king, we are the brethren of Ammon,
whom thou hast delivered out of prison.
22:3 And now, O king, if thou wilt spare our lives, we will be
thy servants. And the king saith unto them, Arise, for I will
grant unto you your lives, and I will not suffer that ye shall
be my servants; but I will insist that ye shall administer unto
me; for I have been somewhat troubled in mind, because of the
generosity, and the greatness of the words of thy brother Ammon;
and I desire to know the cause why he has not come up out of Middoni,
with thee.
22:4 And Aaron saith unto the king, Behold, the spirit of the
Lord hath called him another way: he hath gone to the land of
Ishmael, to teach the people of Lamoni.
22:5 Now the king saith unto them, What is this that ye have said
concerning the spirit of the Lord? Behold, this is the thing which
doth trouble me.
22:6 And also, what is this that Ammon said --if ye will repent
ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast
off at the last day?
22:7 And Aaron answered him and said unto him, Believest thou
that there is a God? And the king saith, I know that the Amalekites
say that there is a God, and I have granted unto them that they
should build sanctuaries, that they might assemble themselves
together, to worship him. And if now thou sayest there is a God,
behold, I will believe.
22:8 And now when Aaron heard this, his heart began to rejoice,
and he saith, Behold, assuredly, as thou livest, O king, there
is a God.
22:9 And the king saith, Is God that Great Spirit that brought
our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem?
22:10 And Aaron said unto him, Yea, he is that Great Spirit, and
he created all things, both in Heaven and in earth: believest
thou this?
22:11 --And he saith Yea, I believe that the Great Spirit created
all things, and I desire that ye should tell me concerning all
these things, and I will believe thy words.
22:12 And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would
believe his words, he began from the creation of Adam, reading
the Scriptures unto the king; how God created man after his own
image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of
transgression, man had fallen.
22:13 And Aaron did expound unto him the Scriptures, from the
creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their
carnal state, and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared
from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever
would believe on his name.
22:14 And since man had fallen, he could not merit any thing of
himself; but the sufferings and the death of Christ atoneth for
their sins, through faith and repentance, &c; and that he
breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory,
and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes
of glory: and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king.
22:15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these
things unto him, the king saith, What shall I do, that I may be
born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast,
and receive his spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I
may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, saith he, I will
give up all that I possess; yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that
I may receive this great joy.
22:16 But Aaron saith unto him, if thou desirest this thing, if
thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou repent of all thy
sins, and will bow down before God, and call. on his name in faith,
believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope
which thou desirest.
22:17 And it came to pass that when Aaron had said these words,
the king did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even
he did prostrate himself upon the earth, and cried mightily, saying,
22:18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there
is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto
me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I
may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And
now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he
were dead.
22:19 And it came to pass that his servants ran and told the queen
all that had happened unto the king. And she came in unto the
king; and when she saw him lay as if he were dead, and also Aaron
and his brethren standing as though they had been the cause of
his fall, she was angry with them, and commanded that her servants,
or the servants of the king, should take them and slay them.
22:20 Now the servants had seen the cause of the king's fall,
therefore they durst not lay their hands on Aaron and his brethren;
and they plead with the queen, saying, Why commandest thou that
we should slay these men, when behold, one of them is mightier
than us all? Therefore we shall fall before them.
22:21 Now when the queen saw the fear of the servants, she also
began to fear exceedingly, lest there should some evil come upon
her. And she commanded her servants that they should go and call
the people, that they might slay Aaron and his brethren.
22:22 Now when Aaron saw the determination of the queen, and he
also knowing the hardness of the hearts of the people, feared
lest that a multitude should assemble themselves together, and
there should be a great contention, and a disturbance among them;
therefore he put forth his hand and raised the king from the earth,
and said unto him, Stand: and he stood upon his feet, receiving
his strength.
22:23 Now this was done in the presence of the queen, and many
of the servants. And when they saw it, they greatly marvelled,
and began to fear. And the king stood forth and began to minister
unto them. And he did minister unto them insomuch that his whole
household were converted unto the Lord.
22:24 Now there was a multitude gathered together because of the
commandment of the queen, and there began to be great murmurings
among them, because of Aaron and his brethren.
22:25 But the king stood forth among them, and administered unto
them. And it came to pass that they were pacified towards Aaron,
and those which were with him.
22:26 And it came to pass that when the king saw that the people
were pacified, he caused that Aaron and his brethren should stand
forth in the midst of the multitude, and that they should preach
the word unto them.
22:27 And it came to pass that the king sent a proclamation throughout
all the land, amongst all his people which was in all his land,
which was in all the regions round about, which was bordering
even to the sea, on the east, and on the west, and which was divided
from the land of Zarahemla by a narrow strip of wilderness, which
ran from the sea, east, even to the sea west, and round about
on the borders of the sea shore, and the borders of the wilderness
which was on the north, by the land of Zarahemla, through the
borders of Manti, by the head of the river Sidon, running from
the east towards the west; and thus were the Lamanites and the
Nephites divided.
22:28 Now the more idle part of the Lamanites lived in the wilderness,
and dwelt in tents; and they were spread through the wilderness,
on the west, in the land of Nephi; yea, and also on the west of
the land of Zarahemla, in the borders, by the seashore, and on
the west, in the land of Nephi, in the place of their fathers'
first inheritance; and thus bordering along the seashore. And
also there was many Lamanites on the east by the seashore,
22:29 whither the Nephites had driven them. And thus the Nephites
were nearly surrounded by the Lamanites; nevertheless the Nephites
had taken possession of all the northern parts of the land, bordering
on the wilderness, at the head of the river Sidon, from the east
to the west, round about on the wilderness side; on the north,
even until they came to the land which they called Bountiful.
22:30 And it bordered upon the land which they called Desolation;
it being so far northward that it came into the land which had
been peopled, and had been destroyed of whose bones we have spoken,
which was discovered by the people of Zarahemla; it being the
place of their first landing.
22:31 And they came from there up into the south wilderness. Thus
the land on the northward was called Desolation, and the land
on the southward was called Bountiful; it being the wilderness
which was filled with all manner of wild animals of every kind;
a part of which had come from the land northward, for food.
22:32 And now it was only the distance of a day and a half's journey
for a Nephite, on the line Bountiful, and the land Desolation,
from the East to the West sea; and thus the land of Nephi, and
the land of Zarahemla, was surrounded by water; there being a
small, neck of land between the land northward, and the land southward.
22:33 And it came to pass that the Nephites had inhabited the
land Bountiful, even from the East unto the West sea, and thus
the Nephites in their wisdom, with their guards and their armies,
had hemmed in the Lamanites on the south, that thereby they should
have no more possession on the north, that they might overrun
the land northward;
22:34 therefore the Lamanites could have no more possessions only
in the land of Nephi, and the wilderness round about. Now this
was wisdom in the Nephites, as the Lamanites were an enemy to
them, they would not suffer their afflictions on every hand, and
also that they might have a country whither they might flee, according
to their desires.
22:35 And now I, after having said this, return again to the account
of Ammon, and Aaron, Omner and Himni, and their brethren.
23:1 Chapter 14 Behold, now it came to pass that the king
of the Lamanites sent a proclamation among all his people, that
they should not lay their hands on Ammon or Aaron, or Omner, or
Himni, nor neither of their brethren which should go forth preaching
the word of God, in whatsoever place they should be, in any part
of the land;
23:2 yea, he sent a decree among them, that they should not lay
their hands on them to bind them, or to cast them into prison;
neither should they spit upon them, nor smite them, nor cast them
out of their synagogues, nor scourge them; neither should they
cast stones at them, but that they should have free access to
their houses, and also their temples, and their sanctuaries;
23:3 and thus they might go forth and preach the word according
to their desires, for the king had been converted unto the Lord,
and all his household; therefore he seat this proclamation throughout
the land unto his people, that the word of God might have no obstruction,
but that it might go forth throughout all the land, that his people
might be convinced concerning the wicked traditions of their fathers,
and that they might be convinced that they were all brethren,
and that they had not ought to murder, nor to plunder, nor to
steal, nor to commit adultery, not to commit any manner of wickedness.
23:4 And now it came to pass that when the king had sent forth
this proclamation, that Aaron and his brethren went forth from
city to city, and from one house of worship to another, establishing
churches, and consecrating priests and teachers throughout the
land among the Lamanites, to preach and to teach the word of God
among them; and thus they began to have great success.
23:5 And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord,
yea, thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the
Nephites; and they were taught the records and the prophecies
which were handed down, even to the present time;
23:6 and as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed,
or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through
the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit
of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God, working miracles
in them; yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the
Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto
the Lord, never did fall away,
23:7 for they became a righteous people; they did lay down the
weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God
no more, neither against any of their brethren.
23:8 --Now these are they which were converted unto the Lord:
23:9 The people of the Lamanites which were in the land of Ishmael,
23:10 and also the people of the Lamanites which were in the land
of Middoni,
23:11 and also of the people of the Lamanites which were in the
city of Nephi,
23:12 and also of the people of the Lamanites which were in the
land of Shilom, and which were in the land of Shemlon, and in
the city of Lemuel, and the city of Shimnilom;
23:13 and these are the names of the cities of the Lamanites which
were converted unto the Lord; and these are they that laid down
the weapons of their rebellion, yea, all their weapons of war;
and they were all Lamanites.
23:14 And the Amalekites were not converted, save only one; neither
was any of the Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts, and
also the hearts of the Lamanites in that part of the land whithersoever
they dwelt; yea, and all their villages and all their cities;
23:15 therefore we have named all the cities of the Lamanites
in which they did repent and come to the knowledge of the truth,
and were converted.
23:16 And now it came to pass that the king and those people which
were converted, were desirous that they might have a name, that
thereby they might be distinguished from their brethren; therefore
the king consulted with Aaron and many of their priests, concerning
the name that they should take upon them, that they might be distinguished.
23:17 And it came to pass that they called their name Anti-Nephi-Lehies;
and they were called by this name, and were no more called Lamanites.
23:18 And they began to be a very industrious people; yea, and
they were friendly with the Nephites; therefore they did open
a correspondence with them, and the curse of God did no more follow
them.
24:1 And it came to pass that the Amalekites, and the Amulonites,
and the Lamanites which were in the land of Amulon, and also in
the land of Helam, and which was in the land of Jerusalem, and
in fine, in all the land round about, which had not been converted,
and had not taken upon them the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, were
stirred up by the Amalekites, and by the Amulonites, to anger
against their brethren;
24:2 and their hatred became exceeding sore against them, even
insomuch that they began to rebel against their king, insomuch
that they would not that he should be their king; therefore they
took up arms against the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
24:3 Now the king conferred the kingdom upon his son; and he called
his name Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
24:4 And the king died in that self-same year that the Lamanites
began to make preparation for war against the people of God.
24:5 Now when Ammon and his brethren, and all those which had
come up with him, saw the preparations of the Lamanites to destroy
their brethren, they came forth to the land of Midian, and there
Ammon met all his brethren; and from thence they came to the land
of Ishmael, that they might hold a council with Lamoni, and also
with his brother Anti-Nephi-Lehi, what they should do to defend
themselves against the Lamanites.
24:6 Now there was not one soul among all the people which had
been converted unto the Lord, that would take up arms against
their brethren; nay, they would not even make any preparations
for war; yea, and also their king commanded them that they should
not.
24:7 Now these are the words which he said unto the people concerning
the matter: I thank my God, my beloved people, that our great
God has in goodness sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto
us to preach unto us, and to convince us of the traditions of
our wicked fathers.
24:8 And behold, I thank my great God that he has given us a portion
of his spirit to soften our hearts, that we have opened a correspondence
with these brethren, the Nephites;
24:9 and behold, I also thank my God that by opening this correspondence,
we have been convinced of our sins, and of the many murders which
we have committed;
24:10 and I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he hath
granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also
that he hath forgiven us those many sins and murders which we
have committed, and took away the guilt from our hearts, through
the merits of his Son.
24:11 And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all that
we could so, (as we were the most lost of all mankind,) to repent
of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed,
and to get God to take them away from our hearts, for it was all
we could do to repent sufficiently before God, that he would take
away our stain.
24:12 Now my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken away
our stains, and our swords have become bright, and let us stain
our swords no more with the blood of our brethren.
24:13 Behold, I say unto you, Nay, let us retain our swords, that
they be not stained with the blood of our brethren: for perhaps,
if we should stain our swords again, they can no more be washed
bright through the blood of the Son of our great God, which shall
be shed for the atonement of our sins.
24:14 And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things
known unto us, that we might not perish; yea, and he hath made
these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our souls
as well as he loveth our children; therefore in his mercy he doth
visit us by his angels, that the plan of salvation might be made
known unto us as well as unto future generations.
24:15 O how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has
been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from
us, and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away that
they may be kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last
day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand before him
to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood
of our brethren since he imparted his word unto us, and has made
us clean thereby.
24:16 And now my brethren, if our brethren seek to destroy us,
behold, we will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them
deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony
that we have never used them, at the last day; and if our brethren
destroy us, behold, we shall go to our God, and shall be saved.
24:17 And now it came to pass that when the king had made an end
of these sayings, and all the people were assembled together,
they took their swords, and all the weapons which were used for
the shedding of man's blood, and they did bury them up deep in
the earth;
24:18 and this they did, it being in their view a testimony to
God, and also to men, that they never use weapons again for the
shedding of man's blood; and this they did, vouching and covenanting
with God, that rather than to shed the blood of their brethren,
they would give up their own lives; and rather than to take away
from a brother, they would give unto him; and rather than to spend
their days in idleness, they would labor abundantly with theit
hands;
24:19 and thus we see that when these Lamanites were brought to
believe and to know the truth, that they were firm, and would
suffer even unto death, rather than to commit sin; and thus we
see, that they buried the weapons of peace, or they buried the
weapons of war, for peace.
24:20 And it came to pass that their brethren, the Lamanites made
preparations for war, and came up to the land of Nephi, for the
purpose of destroying the king, and to place another in his stead,
and also of destroying the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi out of the
land.
24:21 And it came to pass that when the people saw that they were
coming against them, they went out to meet them, and prostrated
themselves before them to the earth, and began to call on the
name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude, when the
Lamanites began to fall upon them, and began to slay them with
the sword;
24:22 and thus without meeting any resistance, they did slay a
thousand and five of them; and we know that they were blessed,
for they have gone to dwell with their God.
24:23 Now when the Lamanites saw that their brethren would not
flee from the sword neither would they turn aside to the right
hand or to the left, but that they would lay down and perish,
and praised God even in the very act of perishing under the sword;
24:24 now when the Lamanites saw this, they did forbear from slaying
them; and there were many whose hearts had swollen in them for
those of their brethren who had fallen under the sword, for they
repented of the things which they had done.
24:25 And it came to pass that they threw down their weapons of
war, and they would not take them again, for they were stung for
the murders which they had committed; and they came down even
as their brethren, relying upon the mercies of those whose arms
were lifted to slay them.
24:26 And it came to pass that the people of God were joined that
day by more than the number which had been slain; and those which
had been slain, were righteous people; therefore we have no reason
to doubt but what they were saved.
24:27 And there was not a wicked man slain among them; but there
were more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth;
thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation
of his people.
24:28 Now the greatest number of those of the Lamanites which
slew so many of their brethren, were Amalekites and Amulonites,
the greatest number of whom were after the order of the Nehors.
24:29 Now among those which joined the people of the Lord, there
were none which were Amalekites or Amulonites, or which were of
the order of Nehor, but they were actual descendants of Laman
and Lemuel;
24:30 and thus we can plainly discern, that after a people has
been once enlightened by the spirit of God, and hath had great
knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have
fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened,
and thus their estate becometh worse than as though they had never
known these things.
25:1 And behold, now it came to pass that those Lamanites were
more angry, because they had slain their brethren; therefore they
swore vengeance upon the Nephites; and they did no more attempt
to slay the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi at that time;
25:2 but they took their armies and went over into the borders
of the land of Zarahemla, and fell upon the people which were
in the land of Ammonihah, and destroyed them.
25:3 And after that, they had many battles with the Nephites,
in the which they were driven and slain,
25:4 and among the Lamanites which were slain, were almost all
the seed of Amulon and his brethren, which were the priests of
Noah, and they were slain by the hands of the Nephites;
25:5 and the remainder having fled into the east wilderness, and
having usurped the power and authority over the Lamanites, caused
that many of the Lamanites should perish by fire, because of their
belief:
25:6 for many of them, after having suffered much loss and so
many afflictions, they began to be stirred up in remembrance of
the words which Aaron and his brethren had preached to them in
their land; therefore they began to disbelieve the traditions
of their fathers, and to believe in the Lord, and that he gave
great power unto the Nephites; and thus there were many of them
converted in the wilderness.
25:7 And it came to pass that those rulers which were the remnant
of the children of Amulon, caused that they should be put to death,
yea, all those that believed in these things.
25:8 Now this martyrdom caused that many of their brethren should
be stirred up to anger; and there began to be contention in the
wilderness; and the Lamanites began to hunt the seed of Amulon
and his brethren, and began to slay them, and they fled into the
east wilderness.
25:9 And behold, they are hunted at this day, by the Lamanites:
thus the words of Abinadi was brought to pass, which he said concerning
the seed of the priests which caused that he should suffer by
fire.
25:10 For he said unto them, What ye shall do unto me, shall be
a type of things to come.
25:11 And now Abinadi was the first that suffered death by fire,
because of his belief in God: now this is what he meant, that
many should suffer death by fire, according as he had suffered.
25:12 And he said unto the priests of Noah, That their seed should
cause many to be put to death, in the like manner as he was, and
that they should be scattered abroad and slain, even as a sheep
having no shepherd is driven and slain by wild beasts: and now
behold, these words were verified, for they were driven by the
Lamanites, and they were hunted, and were smitten.
25:13 And it came to pass when the Lamanites saw that they could
not overpower the Nephites, they returned again to their own land;
and many of them came over to dwell in the land of Ishmael and
the land of Nephi, and did join themselves to the people of God,
which was the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi;
25:14 and they did also bury their weapons of war, according as
their brethren had, and they began to be a righteous people; and
they did walk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe to keep
his commandments, and his statutes,
25:15 yea, and they did keep the law of Moses: for it was expedient
that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not
all fulfilled. But notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did
look forward to the coming of Christ, considering that the law
of Moses was a type of his coming, and believing that they must
keep those outward performances, until the time that he should
be revealed unto them.
25:16 Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law
of Moses; but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith
in Christ; and thus they did retain a hope through faith, unto
eternal salvation, relying upon the spirit of prophecy, which
spake of those things to come.
25:17 And now behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni,
and their brethren, did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which
they had had among the Lamanites, seeing that the Lord granted
unto them according to their prayers, and that he had also verified
his word unto them in every particular.
26:1 And now, these are the words of Ammon to his brethren, which
sayeth thus: My brothers and my brethren, behold I say unto you,
how great reason have we to rejoice; for could we have supposed,
when we started from the land of Zarahemla, that God would have
granted unto us such great blessings?
26:2 And now I ask, What great blessings hath he bestowed upon
us? Can ye tell?
26:3 Behold, I answer for you, for our brethren, the Lamanites,
were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss; but behold,
how many of them are brought to behold the marvellous light of
God! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us,
that we have been made instruments in the hands of God, to bring
about this great work.
26:4 Behold, thousands of them do rejoice, and have been brought
into the fold of God.
26:5 Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did
thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your mights, yea, all
the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves,
and they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not
wasted;
26:6 yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm, at the last
day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds;
but when the storm cometh, they shall be gathered together in
their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither
shall they be driven with fierce winds, whithersoever the enemy
listeth to carry them.
26:7 But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest,
and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day.
26:8 Blessed be the name of our God; let us sing to his praise,
yea, let us give thanks to his holy name, for he doth work righteousness
forever.
26:9 For if we had not come up out of the land of Zarahemla, these
our dearly beloved brethren, which have so dearly loved us, would
still have been racked with hatred against us, yea, and they would
also have been strangers to God.
26:10 And it came to pass that when Ammon had said these words,
his brother Aaron rebuked him saying: Ammon, I fear thy joy doth
carry thee away unto boasting.
26:11 But Ammon saith unto him, I do not boast in my own strength,
or in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart
is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God;
26:12 yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength, I am weak;
therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God;
for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty
miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise
his name forever.
26:13 Behold, how many thousands of our brethren hath he loosed
from the pains of hell; and they are brought to sing redeeming
love; and this because of the power of his word which is in us;
therefore have we not great reason to rejoice?
26:14 Yea, we have reason to praise him forever, for he is the
Most High God, and has loosed our brethren from the chains of
hell.
26:15 Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness
and destruction; but behold, he hath brought them into his everlasting
light, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled
about with the matchless bounty of his love; yea, and we have
been instruments in his hands, of doing this great and marvellous
work;
26:16 therefore let us rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will
praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the
Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his
mercy, and of his long suffering towards the children of men?
Behold I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I
feel.
26:17 Who could have supposed that our God would have been so
merciful as to have snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted
state?
26:18 Behold, we went forth even in wrath, with mighty threatnings
to destroy this church.
26:19 O then, why did he not consign us to an awful destruction;
yea, why did he not let the sword of his justice fall upon us,
and doom us to eternal despair?
26:20 O my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold,
he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy
hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery,
even to the salvation of our souls.
26:21 And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there,
that knoweth these things? I say unto you, There is none that
knoweth these things, save it be the penitent;
26:22 yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth
forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing: unto
such it is given the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall
be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea,
and it shall be given unto such, to bring thousands of souls to
repentance, even as it hath been given unto us to bring these
our brethren to repentance.
26:23 Now do ye remember, my brethren, that we said unto our brethren
in the land of Zarahemla, We go up to the land of Nephi, to preach
unto our brethren, the Lamanites, and they laughed us to scorn?
26:24 For they said unto us, Do ye suppose that ye can bring the
Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth? Do ye suppose that ye
can convince the Lamanites of the incorrectness of the traditions
of their fathers, as stiffnecked a people as they are; whose hearts
delighteth in the shedding of blood; whose days have been spent
in the grossest iniquity; whose ways have been the ways of a transgressor,
from the beginning? Now my brethren, ye remember that this was
their language-
26:25 And moreover, they did say, Let us take up arms against
them, that we destroy them and their iniquity out of the land,
lest they overrun us and destroy us.
26:26 But behold, my beloved brethren, we came into the wilderness
not with the intent to destroy our brethren but with the intent
that perhaps we might save some few of their souls.
26:27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to
turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said, Go amongst
thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions,
and I will give unto the success.
26:28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them;
and we have been patient in our sufferings and we have suffered
every privation; yea, we have travelled from house to house, relying
upon the mercies of the world; not upon the mercies of the world
alone, but upon the mercies of God;
26:29 and we have entered into their houses and taught them in
their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills;
and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues
and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit
upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and
taken and bound with cords, and cast into prison; and through
the power and wisdom of God, we have been delivered again;
26:30 and we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all
this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul;
and we supposed that our joy would be full, if perhaps we could
be the means of saving some.
26:31 Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our
labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many;
yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love
towards their brethren, and also towards us.
26:32 For behold, they had rather sacrifice their lives than even
to take the life of their enemy; and they have buried their weapons
of war deep in the earth, because of their love towards their
brethren.
26:33 And now behold I say unto you, Has there been so great love
in all the land? Behold, I say unto you, Nay, there has not even
among the Nephites.
26:34 For behold, they would take up arms against their brethren;
they would not suffer themselves to be slain. But behold, how
many of these have laid down their lives; and we know that they
have gone to their God, because of their love, and of their hatred
to sin.
26:35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you,
There never was men that had so great reason to rejoice as we,
since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto
boasting in my God; for he has all the power, all wisdom, and
all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful
Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe
on his name.
26:36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this
is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption
from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who hath
been mindful of this people, which are a branch of the tree of
Israel, and hath been lost from its body, in a strange land; yea,
I say, blessed be the name of my God, who hath been mindful of
us wanderers in a strange land.
26:37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people,
in whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people,
and his bowels of mercy is over all the earth. Now this is my
joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto
my God forever. Amen.
27:1 Chapter 15 Now it came to pass that when those Lamanites
which had gone to war against the Nephites, had found after their
many struggles for to destroy them, that it was in vain to seek
their destruction, they returned again to the land of Nephi.
27:2 And it came to pass that the Amalekites, because of their
loss, were exceeding angry. And when they saw that they could
not seek revenge from the Nephites, they began to stir up the
people in anger against their brethren, the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi;
therefore they began again to destroy them.
27:3 Now this people again rufused to take their arms, and they
suffered themselves to be slain according to the desires of their
enemies.
27:4 Now when Ammon and his brethren saw this work of destruction
among those who they so dearly loved, and among those who had
so dearly loved them; for they were treated as though they were
angels sent from God to save them from everlasting destruction;
therefore, when Ammon and his brethren saw this great work of
destruction, they were moved with compassion, and they said unto
the king,
27:5 Let us gather together this people of the Lord, and let us
go down to the land of Zarahemla, to our brethren, the Nephites,
and flee out of the hands of our enemies, that we be not destroyed.
27:6 But the king saith unto them, Behold, the Nephites will destroy
us, because of the many murders and sins we have committed against
them.
27:7 And Ammon saith, I will go and inquire of the Lord, and if
he saith unto us, Go down unto our brethren, will ye go?
27:8 And the king saith unto him Yea; if the Lord saith unto us
Go, we will go down unto our brethren, and we will be their slaves
until we repair unto them the many murders and sins which we have
committed against them.
27:9 But Ammon saith unto him, It is against the law of our brethren,
which was established by my father, that there should be any slaves
among them; therefore let us go down and rely upon the mercies
of our brethren.
27:10 But the king saith unto him, Inquire of the Lord, and if
he saith unto us Go, we will go; otherwise we will perish in the
land.
27:11 And it came to pass that Ammon went and inquired of the
Lord, and the Lord said unto him,
27:12 Get this people out of this land, that they perish not,
for Satan hath great hold on the hearts of the Amalekites, which
do stir up the Lamanites to anger against their brethren, to slay
them; therefore get thee out of this land; and blessed art this
people in this generation; for I will preserve them.
27:13 And now it came to pass that Ammon went and told the king
all the words which the Lord had said unto him.
27:14 And it came to pass that they gathered together all their
people; yea, all the people of the Lord, and did gather together
all their flocks and herds, and departed out of the land, and
came into the wilderness which divided the land of Nephi from
the land of Zarahemla, and came over near the borders of the land.
27:15 And it came to pass that Ammon saith unto them, Behold,
I and my brethren will go forth into the land of Zarahemla, and
ye shall remain here until we return; and we will try the hearts
of our brethren, whether they will that ye shall come into their
land.
27:16 And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the
land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of
which has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting.
27:17 Now the joy of Ammon was great, even that he was full; yea,
he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting
of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.
27:18 Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which
none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker
of happiness.
27:19 Now the joy of Alma in meeting his brethren was truly great,
and also the joy of Aaron, of Omner, and Himni; but behold, their
joy was not that to exceed their strength.
27:20 Now it came to pass that Alma conducted his brethren back
to the land of Zarahemla, even to his own house. And it came to
pass that they went and told the Chief Judge all the things that
had happened unto them in the land of Nephi among their brethren,
the Lamanites.
27:21 And it came to pass that the Chief Judge sent a proclamation
throughout all the land, desiring the voice of the people concerning
the admitting their brethren, which were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
27:22 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came saying,
Behold, we will give up the land of Jershon, which is on the east
by the sea, which joins the land Bountiful, which is on the south
of the land of Bountiful; and this land Jershon is the land which
we will give unto our brethren, for an inheritance.
27:23 And behold, we will set our armies between the land of Jershon
and the land of Nephi, that we may protect our brethren in the
land of Jershon; and this we do for our brethren, on account of
their fear to take up arms against their brethren, lest they should
commit sin; and this their great fear came, because of their sore
repentance which they had, on account of their many murders, and
their awful wickedness.
27:24 And now behold, this will we do unto out brethren, that
they may inherit the land of Jershon; and we will guard them from
their enemies with our armies, on conditions that they will give
us a portion of their substance to assist us, that we may maintain
our armies.
27:25 Now it came to pass that when Ammon heard this, he returned
to the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, and also Alma with him, into
the wilderness, where they had pitched their tents, and made known
unto them all these things. And Alma also related unto them his
conversion with Ammon, and Aaron, and his brethren.
27:26 And it came to pass that it did cause great joy among them.
And it came to pass that they went down into the land of Jershon,
and took possession of the land of Jershon, and they were called
by the Nephites the people of Ammon; therefore they were distinguished
by that name ever after;
27:27 and they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered
among the people which were of the Church of God. And they were
also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards
men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things;
and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.
27:28 And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren
with the great abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon
to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look
upon death with any degree of terror for their hope and views
of Christ and the resurrection; therefore death was swallowed
up to them by the victory of Christ over it;
27:29 therefore they would suffer death in the most aggravating
and distressing manner which could be inflicted by their brethren,
before they would take the sword or the cimeter to smite them.
27:30 And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly
favored people of the Lord.
28:1 And now it came to pass that after the people of Ammon were
established in the land of Jershon, and a church also established
in the land of Jershon; and the armies of the Nephites were set
round about the land of Jershon; yea, in all the borders round
about the land of Zarahemla; behold the armies of the Lamanites
had followed their brethren into the wilderness.
28:2 And thus a tremendous battle; yea, even such an one as never
had been known among all the people, in the land from the time
Lehi left Jerusalem; yea, and tens of thousands of the Lamanites
were slain and scattered abroad.
28:3 Yea, and also there was a tremendous slaughter among the
people of Nephi, nevertheless, the Lamanites were driven and scattered,
and the people of Nephi returned again to their land.
28:4 --And now this was a time that there was a great mourning
and lamentation heard throughout all the land, among all the people
of Nephi;
28:5 yea, the cry of widows mourning for their husbands, and also
fathers mourning for their sons, and the daughter for the brother;
yea, the brother for the father: and thus the cry of mourning
was heard among every one of them; mourning for their kindred
which had been slain.
28:6 And now surely this was a sorrowful day; yea, a time of solemnity,
and a time of much fasting and prayer:
28:7 and thus ended the fifteenth year of the reign of the Judges
over the people of Nephi;
28:8 and this is the account of Ammon and his brethren, their
journeyings in the land of Nephi, their sufferings in the land,
their sorrows, and their afflictions, and their incomprehensible
joy, and the reception and safety of the brethren in the land
of Jershon. And now may the Lord, the Redeemer of all men, bless
their souls forever.
28:9 And this is the account of the wars and contentions among
the Nephites, and also the wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites;
and the fifteenth year of the reign of the Judges is ended;
28:10 and from the first year to the fifteenth, has brought to
pass the destruction of many thousand lives; yea, it has brought
to pass an awful scene of bloodshed;
28:11 and the bodies of many thousands are laid low in the earth,
while the bodies of many thousands are mouldering in heaps upon
the face of the earth; yea, and many thousands are mourning for
the loss of their kindred, because they have reason to fear, according
to the promises of the Lord, that they are consigned to a state
of endless wo;
28:12 while many thousands of others truly mourn for the loss
of their kindred, yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and
even know, according to the promises of the Lord, that ye are
raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never
ending happiness:
28:13 and thus we see how great the iniquity of man is because
of sin and transgression, and the power of the Devil, which comes
by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts
of men;
28:14 and thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor
in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason
of sorrow, and also of rejoicing: sorrow because of death and
destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ
unto life.
29:1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart,
that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a
voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people;
29:2 yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of
thunder, Repentance, and the plan of redemption, that they should
repent and come unto God, that there might not be no more sorrow
upon all the face of the earth.
29:3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I had
ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted
unto me.
29:4 I had not ought to harrow up in my desires, the firm decree
of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according
to their desires, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea,
I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees
which are unalterable, according to their wills; whether it be
unto salvation or unto destruction;
29:5 yea, and I know that good and evil hath come before all men;
or he that knoweth not good from evil, is blameless; but he that
knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires;
whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse
of conscience.
29:6 Now seeing that I know these things, why should I desire
more than to perform the work to which I have been called?
29:7 Why should I desire that I was an angel, that I could speak
unto all the ends of the earth?
29:8 --For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their
own nation and tongue, to teach his word; yea, in wisdom, all
that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that
the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just
and true.
29:9 I know that which the Lord commanded me, and I glory in it;
I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath
commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be
an instrument in the hands of God, to bring some soul to repentance;
and this is my joy.
29:10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent,
and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with
joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me; yea, that
he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful
arm which he extended towards me;
29:11 yea, and I also remember the captivity of my fathers; for
I surely do know that the Lord did deliver them out of bondage,
and by this did establish his church; yea, the Lord God, the God
of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, did deliver
them out of bondage;
29:12 yea, I have always remembered the captivity of my fathers;
and that same God who delivered them out of the hands of the Egyptians,
did deliver them out of bondage;
29:13 yea, and that same God did establish his church among them;
yea, and that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach
the word unto his people, and hath given me much success, in the
which my joy is full;
29:14 but I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is
more full because of the success of my brethren, which have been
up to the land of Nephi.
29:15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought
forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward.
29:16 Now when I think of the success of these my brethren, my
soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body,
as it were, so great is my joy.
29:17 And now may God grant unto these my brethren, that they
may sit down in the kingdom of God; yea, and also all those which
are the fruit of their labors, that they may go no more out, but
that they may praise him forever. And may God grant that it may
be done according to my words, even as I have spoken. Amen.
30:1 Chapter 16 Behold, now it came to pass that after
the people of Ammon were established in the land of Jershon, yea,
and also after the Lamanites were driven out of the land, and
their dead were buried by the people of the land.
30:2 Now their dead were not numbered, because of the greatness
of their numbers; neither were the dead of the Nephites numbered.
But it came to pass that after they had buried their dead, and
also after the days of fasting, and mourning, and prayer, (and
it was in the sixteenth year of the reign of the Judges over the
people of Nephi,) there began to be continual peace throughout
all the land;
30:3 yea, and the people did observe to keep the commandments
of the Lord; and they were strict in observing the ordinances
of God, according to the law of Moses; for they were taught to
keep the law of Moses, until it should be fulfilled;
30:4 and thus the people did have no disturbance in all the sixteenth
year of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi.
30:5 And it came to pass in the seventeenth year of the reign
of the Judges, there was continual peace.
30:6 But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth
year, there came a man into the land of Zarahemla; and he was
Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the
prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets concerning the
coming of Christ.
30:7 Now there was no law against a man's belief; for it was strictly
contrary to the commands of God, that there should be a law which
should bring men on to unequal grounds.
30:8 For thus saith the Scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye
will serve.
30:9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege to
serve him; but if he did not believe in him, there was no law
to punish him.
30:10 But if he murdered, he was punished unto death; and if he
robbed, he was also punished; and if he stole, he was also punished;
and if he committed adultery, he was also punished; yea, for all
this wickedness, they were punished:
30:11 for there was a law, that men should be judged according
to their crimes. Nevertheless, there was no law against a man's
belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which
he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds.
30:12 And this Anti- Christ, whose name was Korihor, and the law
could have no hold upon him. And he began to preach unto the people,
that there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach,
saying:
30:13 O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope,
why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye
look for a Christ? For no man can know of any thing which is to
come.
30:14 Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye
say are handed down by the holy prophets, behold, they are foolish
traditions of your fathers.
30:15 How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of
things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there
shall be a Christ.
30:16 Ye look forward and say, that ye see a remission of your
sins. But behold, it is the effects of a phrensied mind; and this
derangement of your minds comes because of the tradition of your
fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are
not so.
30:17 And many more such things did he say unto them, telling
them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men,
but every man fared in this life, according to the management
of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his
genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength;
and whatsoever a man did, was no crime.
30:18 And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts
of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness;
yea, leading away many women, and also men, to commit whoredoms;
telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof.
30:19 Now this man went over to the land of Jershon, also, to
preach these things among the people of Ammon, which were once
the people of the Lamanites.
30:20 But behold, they were more wise than many of the Nephites;
for they took him, and bound him, and carried him before Ammon,
which was a High Priest over that people.
30:21 And it came to pass that he caused that he should be carried
out of the land. And it came to pass that he came over into the
land of Gideon, and began to preach unto them also; and here he
did not have much success, for he was taken and bound, and carried
before the High Priest, and also the Chief Judge over the land.
30:22 And it came to pass that the High Priest saith unto him,
Why do ye go about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye
teach this people that there shall be no Christ, to interrupt
their rejoicings? Why do ye speak against all the prophecies of
the holy prophets?
30:23 Now the High Priest's name was Giddonah. And Korihor saith
unto him, Because I do not teach the foolish traditions of your
fathers, and because I do not teach this people to bind themselves
down under the foolish ordinances and performances which are laid
down by ancient priests, to usurp power and authority over them,
to keep them in ignorance, that they may not lift up their heads,
but be brought down according to thy words.
30:24 Yea, say that this people is a free people. Behold, I say
they are in bondage. Ye say that those ancient prophecies are
true. Behold, I say that ye do not know that they are true.
30:25 Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people,
because of the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a
child is not guilty because of its parents.
30:26 And ye also say that Christ shall come. But behold, I say
that ye do not know that there shall be a Christ. And ye say also,
that he shall be slain for the sins of the world;
30:27 and thus ye lead away this people after the foolish traditions
of your fathers, and according to your own desires; and ye keep
them down, even as it were, in bondage that ye may glut yourselves
with the labors of their hands, that they durst not look up with
boldness, and that they durst not enjoy their rights and privileges;
30:28 yea, they durst not make use of that which is there own,
lest they should offend their priests, which do yoke them according
to their desires, and hath brought them to believe by their traditions,
and their dreams, and their whims, and their visions, and their
pretended mysteries, that they should, if they did not do according
to their words, offend some unknown being, which they say is God;
a being which never hath been seen not known, which never was
nor ever will be.
30:29 Now when the High Priest and the Chief Judge saw the hardness
of his heart; yea, when they saw that he would revile even against
God, they would not make any reply to his words; but they caused
that he should be bound; and they delivered him up into the hands
of the officers, and sent him to the land of Zarahemla, that he
might be brought before Alma, and the Chief Judge, which was governor
over all the land.
30:30 And it came to pass that when he was brought before Alma
and the Chief Judge, that he did go on in the same manner as he
did in the land of Gideon; yea, he went on to blaspheme.
30:31 And he did rise up in great swelling words before Alma,
and did revile against the priests and teachers, accusing them
of leading away the people after the silly traditions of their
fathers, for the sake of glutting in the labors of the people.
30:32 --Now Alma saith unto him, Thou knowest that we do not glut
ourselves upon the labors of this people; for behold, I have labored
even from the commencement of the reign of Judges, until now,
with mine own hands, for my support, notwithstanding my many travels
round about the land, to declare the word of God unto my people.
30:33 And notwithstanding the many labors which I have performed
in the church, I have never received so much as even one senine
for my labor; neither hath any of my brethren, save it were in
the judgment seat; and then we have received only according to
the law, for our time.
30:34 And now if we do not receive any thing for our labors in
the church, what doth it profit us to labor in the church, save
it were to declare the truth, that we may have rejoicings in the
joy of our brethren?
30:35 Then why sayest thou that we preach unto this people to
get gain, when thou thyself knowest that we receive no gain? And
now, believest thou that we deceive this people, that causeth
such joy in their hearts?
30:36 --And Korihor answered him, Yea.
30:37 And then Alma saith unto him, Believest thou that there
is a God?
30:38 And he answered, Nay,
30:39 Now Alma saith unto him, If ye deny again that there is
a God, and also deny the Christ: for behold, I say unto you, I
know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come.
30:40 And now, what evidence have ye that there is no God, or
that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save
it be your word only.
30:41 But behold, I have all things as a testimony that these
things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto
you that they are true; and will ye deny them? Believest thou
that these things are true?
30:42 Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou are possessed
with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the spirit of God, that
it may have no place in you; but the Devil hath power over you,
and he doth carry you about, working devices, that he may destroy
the children of God.
30:43 And now Korihor saith unto Alma, If thou wilt shew me a
sign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, shew unto
me that he hath power, and then I will be convinced of the truth
of my words.
30:44 But Alma saith unto him, Thou hast had signs enough; will
ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Shew unto me a sign, when ye have
the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy
prophets? The Scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things
denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that
is upon the face of it, yea, and its motion; yea, and also all
the planets which move in their regular form, doth witness that
there is a Supreme Creator;
30:45 and yet do ye go about, leading away the hearts of this
people, testifying unto them there is no God. And yet will ye
deny against all these witnesses? And he said, Yea, I will deny,
except ye shall shew me a sign.
30:46 And now it came to pass that Alma said unto him, Behold,
I am grieved because of the hardness of your heart; yea, that
ye will resist the spirit of the truth, that thy soul may be destroyed.
30:47 But behold, it is better that thy soul should be lost, than
that thou shouldst be the means of bringing many souls down to
destructions, by thy lying and by thy flattering words; that thou
shalt become dumb, that thou shalt never open thy mouth any more,
that thou shalt not deceive this people any more.
30:48 Now Korihor saith unto him, I do not deny the existence
of a God, but I do not believe that there is a God; and I say
also, that ye do not know that there is a God; and except ye shew
me a sign, I will not believe.
30:49 Now Alma saith unto him, This will I give unto thee for
a sign, that thou shalt be struck dumb, according to my words;
and I say, that in the name of God, that ye shall be struck dumb,
that ye shall no more have utterance.
30:50 Now when Alma said these words, Korihor was struck dumb,
that he could not have utterance, according to the words of Alma.
30:51 And now when the Chief Judge saw this, he put forth his
hand and wrote unto Korihor, saying: Art thou convinced of the
power of a God? In whom did ye desire that Alma shew forth his
sign? Would ye that he should afflict others, to shew unto thee
a sign? Behold, he hath showed unto you a sign; and now, will
ye dispute more?
30:52 And Korihor put forth his hand, and wrote saying: I know
that I am dumb, for I cannot speak; and I know that nothing, save
it were the power of god could bring this upon me; yea, and I
also knew that there was a God.
30:53 But behold, the Devil hath deceived me; for he appeared
unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me, Go and reclaim
this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God.
And he saith unto me, There is no God; yea, and he taught me that
which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught
them, because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind; and I taught
them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed
that they were true; and for this cause, I withstood the truth,
even until I have brought this great curse upon me.
30:54 Now when he had said this, he besought that Alma should
pray unto god, that the curse might be taken from him.
30:55 But Alma said unto him, If this curse should be taken from
thee thou wouldst again lead away the hearts of this people; therefore,
it shall be unto thee, even as the Lord will.
30:56 And it came to pass that the curse was not taken off of
Korihor; but he was cast out, and went about from house to house,
a begging for his food.
30:57 Now the knowledge of what had happened unto Korihor, was
immediately published throughout all the land; yea, the proclamation
was sent forth by the Chief Judge, to all the people in the land,
declaring to those who had believed in the words of Korihor, that
they must speedily repent, lest the same judgments would come
unto them.
30:58 And it came to pass that they were all convinced of the
wickedness of Korihor; therefore they were all converted again
unto the Lord; and this put an end to the iniquity after the manner
of Korihor. And Korihor did go about from house to house, a begging
food for his support.
30:59 And it came to pass that as he went forth among the people,
yea, among a people which had separated themselves from the Nephites,
and called themselves Zoramites, being led by a man whose name
was Zoram; and as he went forth amongst them, behold, he was run
upon, and trodden down, even until he was dead;
30:60 and thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of
the Lord; and thus we see that the Devil will not Support his
children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to
hell.
31:1 Now it came to pass after the end of Korihor, Alma having
received tidings that the Zoramites were perverting the ways of
the Lord, and that Zoram, which was their leader, was leading
the hearts of the people to bow down to dumb idols, &c., his
heart again began to sicken, because of the iniquity of the people;
31:2 for it was the cause of great sorrow to Alma, to know of
iniquity among his people; therefore his heart was exceeding sorrowful,
because of the separation of the Zoramites from the Nephites.
31:3 Now the Zoramites had gathered themselves together in a land
which they called Antionum, which was east of the land of Zarahemla,
which lay nearly bordering upon the seashore, which was south
of the land of Jershon, which also bordered upon the wilderness
south, which wilderness was full of the Lamanites.
31:4 Now the Nephites greatly feared that the Zoramites would
enter into a correspondence with the Lamanites, and that it would
be the means of a great loss on the part of the Nephites.
31:5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency
to lead the people to do that which was just; yea, it had had
more power effect upon the minds of the people than the sword,
or any thing else, which had happened unto them; therefore Alma
thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the
word of God.
31:6 Therefore he took Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner; and Himni
he did leave in the church of Zarahemla; but the former three
he took with him, and also Amulek and Zeesrom, which were at Melek;
and he also took two of his sons.
31:7 Now the eldest of his sons he took not with him; and his
name was Helaman; but the names of those which he took with him,
were Shiblon and Corianton: and these are the names of those which
went with him among the Zoramites, to preach unto them the word.
31:8 Now the Zoramites were dissenters from the Nephites; therefore
they had the word of God preached unto them.
31:9 But they had fell into great errors, for they would not observe
to keep the commandments of God, and his statutes, according to
the law of Moses;
31:10 neither would they observe the performances of the church,
to continue in prayer and supplication to God daily, that they
might not enter into temptation;
31:11 yea, in fine, they did pervert the ways of the Lord in very
many instances; therefore, for this cause, Alma and his brethren
went into the land, to preach the word unto them.
31:12 Now when they had come into the land, behold, to their astonishment,
they found that the Zoramites had built synagogues, and that they
did gather themselves together on one day of the week, which they
did call the day of the Lord; and they did worship after a manner
which Alma and his brethren had never beheld;
31:13 for they had a place built up in the centre of their synagogue,
a place of standing, which was high above the head; and the top
thereof would only admit one person.
31:14 Therefore, whosoever desired to worship, must go forth and
stand upon the top thereof, and stretch forth his hands towards
heaven, and cry with a loud voice, saying:
31:15 Holy, holy God; we believe that thou art God., and we believe
that thou art holy, and that thou wast a spirit, and that thou
art a spirit, and that thou wilt be a spirit forever.
31:16 Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from our
brethren; and we do not believe in the tradition of our brethren,
which was handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers;
but we believe that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children;
and also thou hast made it known unto us that there shall be no
Christ;
31:17 but thou art the same, yesterday, to-day, and forever; and
thou hast elected us, that we shall be saved, whilst all around
us are elected to be cast by thy wrath down to hell; for the which
holiness, O God, we thank thee; and we also thank thee that thou
hast elected us, that we may not be led away after the foolish
traditions of our brethren, which doth bind them down to a belief
of Christ, which doth lead their hearts to wander far from thee,
our God.
31:18 And again: We thank thee, O God, that we are a chosen and
a holy people. Amen.
31:19 Now it came to pass that after Alma and his brethren, and
his sons, had heard these prayers, they were astonished beyond
all measure.
31:20 For behold, every man did go forth and offer up the same
prayers.
31:21 Now the place was called by them Rameumptom, which being
interpreted is the Holy Stand.
31:22 --Now from this stand, they did offer up, every man, the
self-same prayer unto God, thanking their God that they were chosen
of him, and that he did not lead them away after the tradition
of their brethren; and that their hearts were not stolen away
to believe in things to come, which they knew nothing about.
31:23 Now after the people had all offered up thanks after this
manner, they returned to their homes, never speaking of their
God again, until they had assembled themselves together again,
to the holy stand, to offer up thanks after their manner.
31:24 Now when Alma saw this, his heart was grieved: for he saw
that they were a wicked and a perverse people; yea, he saw that
their hearts were set upon gold, and upon silver, and upon all
manner of fine goods.
31:25 Yea, and he also saw that their hearts were lifted up into
great boasting, in their pride.
31:26 And he lifted up his voice to Heaven, and cried, saying:
O how long O Lord, wilt thou suffer that thy servants shall dwell
here below in the flesh, to behold such gross wickedness among
the children of men.
31:27 Behold, O God, they cry unto thee, and yet their hearts
are swallowed up in their pride. Behold, O God, they cry unto
thee with their mouths, while they are puffed up, even to greatness,
with the vain things of the world.
31:28 Behold, O my God, their costly apparel, and their ringlets,
and their bracelets, and their ornaments of gold, and all their
precious things which they are ornamented with; and behold, their
hearts are set upon them, and yet they cry unto thee and say,
We thank thee, O God, for we are a chosen people unto thee, while
others shall perish.
31:29 Yea, and they say that thou hast made it known unto them,
that there shall be no Christ.
31:30 O Lord God, how long wilt thou suffer that such wickedness
and iniquity shall be among this people? O Lord, wilt thou give
me strength, that I may bear with mine infirmities? for I am infirm,
and such wickedness among this people doth pain my soul.
31:31 O Lord, my heart is exceeding sorrowful; wilt thou comfort
my soul in Christ? O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may
have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions
which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people?
31:32 O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul, and give unto me success,
and also my fellow-laborers which are with me; yea, Ammon, and
Aaron, and Omner, and also Amulek, and Zeezrom, and also my two
sons; yea, even all these wilt thou comfort, O Lord? Yea, wilt
thou comfort their souls in Christ?
31:33 Wilt thou grant unto them that they may have strength, that
they may bear their afflictions which shall come upon them, because
of the iniquities of this people?
31:34 O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success
in bringing them again unto thee, in Christ?
31:35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them
are our near brethren, therefore, give unto us O Lord, power and
wisdom, that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.
31:36 Now it came to pass, that when Alma had said these words,
that he clapped his hands upon all they which were with him. And
behold, as he clapped his hands upon them, they were filled with
the holy Spirit.
31:37 And after that, they did separate themselves one from another,
taking no thoughts for themselves what they should eat, or what
they should drink, or what they should put on.
31:38 And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not,
neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength,
that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were
swallowed up in the joy of Christ. --Now this was according to
the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith.
32:1 And it came to pass that they did go forth, and began to
preach the word of God unto the people, entering into their synagogues,
and into their houses; yea, and even they did preach the word
in their streets.
32:2 And it came to pass that after much labor among them, they
began to have success among the poor class of people; for behold,
they were cast out of the synagogues, because of the coarseness
of their apparel;
32:3 therefore they were not permitted to enter into their synagogues
to worship God, being esteemed as filthiness; therefore they were
poor; yea, they were esteemed by their brethren as dross; therefore
they were poor as to things of the world; and also they were poor
in heart.
32:4 Now as Alma was teaching and speaking unto the people upon
the hill Onidah, there came a great multitude unto him, which
were those of which we have been speaking, of which were poor
in heart, because of their poverty as to the things of the world.
32:5 And they came unto Alma; and the one which was the most foremost
among them, saith unto him, Behold, what shall these my brethren
do, for they are despised of all men, because of their poverty;
yea, and more especially by our priests; for they have cast us
out of our synagogues, which we have labored abundantly to build,
with our own hands; and they have cast us out because of this
our exceeding poverty, that we have no place to worship God; and
behold, what shall we do?
32:6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face
immediately towards him, and he beheld, with great joy; for he
beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that
they were in a preparation to hear the word;
32:7 therefore he did say no more to the other multitude, but
he stretched forth his hand, and cried unto those which he beheld,
which were truly penitent, and saith unto them,
32:8 I beheld that ye are lowly in heart; and if so, blessed are
ye.
32:9 Behold, thy brother hath said, What shall we do? for we are
cast out of our synagogues, that we cannot worship God.
32:10 Behold I say unto you, Do ye suppose that ye cannot worship
God, save it be in your synagogues?
32:11 And moreover, I would ask, Do ye suppose that ye must not
worship God only once in a week?
32:12 I say unto you, It is well that ye are cast out of your
synagogues, that ye may be humbled, and that ye may learn wisdom;
for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because
ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren; because
of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness
of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble, blessed
are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble,
32:13 seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth,
shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the
end, the same shall be saved.
32:14 And now as I said unto you, That because ye are compelled
to be humble, ye were blessed, do ye suppose that they are more
blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?
32:15 Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his
sin, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed; yea,
much more blessed than they who art compelled to be humble, because
of their exceeding poverty;
32:16 therefore blessed are they who humbleth themselves without
being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed
is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without
stubborness of heart; yea, without being brought to know the word,
or even compelled to know, before they will believe.
32:17 Yea, there are many which do say, If thou wilt show unto
us a sign from Heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we
shall believe.
32:18 Now I ask, Is this faith? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for
if a man knoweth a thing, he hath no cause to believe, for he
knoweth it.
32:19 And now, how much more cursed is he that only believeth,
or only hath cause to believe, and falleth into transgression?
32:20 Now of this thing, ye must judge. Behold, I say unto you,
That it is on the one hand, even as it is on the other; and it
shall be unto every man according to his work.
32:21 And now as I said concerning faith: Faith, is not to have
a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith, ye
hope for things which is not seen, which are true.
32:22 And now, behold, I say unto you: and I would that ye should
remember that God is merciful unto all who believe on his name;
therefore he desireth, in the first place, that ye should believe,
yea, even on his word.
32:23 And now, he imparteth his word by angels, unto men; yea,
not only men, but women also. Now this is not all: little children
doth have words given unto them many times, which doth confound
the wise and learned.
32:24 And now. my beloved brethren, as ye have desired to know
of me what shall ye do because ye are afflicted and cast out:
now I do not desire that ye should suppose that I mean to judge
you only according to that which is true;
32:25 for I do not mean that ye all of you have been compelled
to humble yourselves;. for I verily believe there are some among
you which would humble themselves, let them be in whatsoever circumstances
they might.
32:26 Now as I said concerning faith --that it was not a perfect
knowledge, even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their
surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect
knowledge.
32:27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties,
even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of
faith; yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let
this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that
ye can give place for a portion of my words.
32:28 Now we will compare the word unto a seed. Now if ye give
place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it
be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye cast it out by your unbelief,
that ye will resist the spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin
to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling
motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves, It must needs
be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it
beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my
understanding; yea, and it beginneth to be delicious to me.
32:29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto
you, yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.
32:30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth
to grow, and then ye must needs say, That the seed is good; for
behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow.
32:31 And now behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I
say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own
likeness;
32:32 therefore. if a seed groweth, it is good, but if it groweth
not, behold, it is not good; therefore it is cast away.
32:33 And now behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and
planted the seed, and it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth
to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.
32:34 And now behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge
is perfect in that thing. and your faith is dormant; and this
because you know; for ye know that the word hath swelled your
souls; and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding
doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.
32:35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, yea, because it
is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible;
therefore ye must know that it is good. And now behold, after
ye have tasted this light, is your knowledge perfect?
32:36 Behold, I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your
faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed,
that ye might try the experiment, to know if the seed was good.
32:37 And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say,
Let us nourish it with great care, that ii may get root, that
it may grow up and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold,
if ye nourish it with much care, it will get root, and grow up,
and bring forth fruit.
32:38 But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its
nourishment, behold, it will not get any root; and when the heat
of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, and because it hath no root,
it whithereth away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
32:39 Now this is not because the seed was not good; neither is
it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable. But it is
because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree;
therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.
32:40 And thus if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward
with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck
of the fruit of the tree of life.
32:41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as
it beginneth to grow, by your faith, with great diligence, and
with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, and it shall
take root; and behold, it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting
life;
32:42 and because of your diligence, and your faith, and your
patience with the word, in nourishing it, that it may take root
in you, behold, by and by, ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which
is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and
which is white above all that is white; yea, and pure above all
that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit, even until ye
are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.
32:43 Then my brethren ye shall reap the rewards of your faith,
and your diligence, and patience, and long suffering, waiting
for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.
33:1 Now after Alma had spoken these words, they sent forth unto
him desiring to know whether they should believe in one God, that
they might obtain this fruit of which he had spoken, or how they
should plant the seed, or the word, of which he had spoken, which
he said must be planted in their hearts; or in what manner they
should begin to exercise their faith.
33:2 And Alma said unto them, Behold, ye have said that ye could
not worship your God, because ye are cast out of your synagogues.
But behold, I say unto you, If ye suppose that ye cannot worship
God, ye do greatly err, and ye had ought to search the Scriptures;
for if ye suppose that they have taught you this, ye do not understand
them.
33:3 Do ye remember to have read what Zenos, the prophet of old,
hath said concerning prayer or worship?
33:4 for he saith, Thou art merciful O God, for thou hast heard
my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful
when I prayed concerning those which were mine enemies, and thou
didst turn them to me;
33:5 yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry
unto thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer,
and thou didst hear me.
33:6 And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst
hear me in my prayer,
33:7 And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto
thee, thou didst hear me;
33:8 yea, thou art merciful unto thy children, when they cry unto
to thee to be heard of thee, and not of men; and thou wilt hear
them;
33:9 yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard my
cries in the midst of thy congregations;
33:10 yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out,
and have been despised by mine enemies; yea, thou didst hear my
cries, and wast angry with mine enemies, and thou didst visit
them in thine anger, with speedy destruction;
33:11 and thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my
sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that hast been thus merciful
unto me; therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions;
for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned they judgments away
from me, because of thy Son.
33:12 And now Alma saith unto them, Do ye believe those Scriptures
which have been written by them of old?
33:13 Behold, if ye do, ye must believe what Zenos saith; for
behold, he saith, Thou hast turned away thy judgments, because
of thy Son.
33:14 --Now behold, my brethren, I would ask, if ye have read
the Scriptures? If ye have, how can ye disbelieve on the Son of
God?
33:15 For it is not written that Zenos alone spake of these things;
33:16 for behold, he saith, Thou art angry, O Lord, with this
people, because they will not understand of thy mercies which
thou hast bestowed upon them, because of they Son.
33:17 And now my brethren, ye see that a second prophet of old
has testified of the Son of God; and because the people would
not understand his words, they stoned him to death.
33:18 But behold, this is not all; these are not the only ones
which have spoken concerning the Son of God.
33:19 Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold, a type
was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon
it might live. And many did look and live.
33:20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this
because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many which
were so hardened that they would not look; therefore they perished.
Now the reason that they would not look, is because they did not
believe that it would heal them.
33:21 O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about
your eyes, that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly,
or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful,
that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?
33:22 If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast
about your eyes, and begin to believe in the Son of God, that
he will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and
die to atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from
the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all
men shall stand before him, to be judged, at the last and judgment
day, according to their works.
33:23 And now my brethren, I desire that ye should plant this
word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell, even so nourish
it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing
up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you
that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And
even all this can ye do, if ye will. Amen.
34:1 And now it came to pass that after Alma had spoken these
words unto them, he sat down upon the ground, and Amulek arose
and began to teach them, saying:
34:2 My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should
be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the
coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea,
I know that these things were taught unto you, bountifully, before
your dissention from among us.
34:3 And as ye have desired of my beloved brother, that he should
make known unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions;
and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea,
and he hath exhorted you unto faith, and to patience;
34:4 yea, even that ye would have so much faith as even to plant
the word in your hearts, that ye may try the experiment of its
goodness;
34:5 and we have beheld that the great question which is in your
minds, is whether the word be in the Son of God, or whether there
shall be no Christ.
34:6 And ye also beheld that my brother hath proven unto you,
in many instances, that the word is in Christ, unto salvation.
34:7 My brother hath called upon the words of Zenos, that redemption
cometh through the Son of God, and also upon the words of Zenock;
and also he hath appealed unto Moses, to prove these things are
true. And now behold, I will testify unto you of myself, that
these things are true.
34:8 --Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall
come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions
of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world;
for the Lord God hath spoken it;
34:9 for it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for
according to the great plan of the Eternal God, there must be
an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish;
yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen, and are lost, and
must perish, except it be through the atonement which it is expedient
should be made;
34:10 for it is expedient that there should be a great and last
sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither beast, neither
of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice;
but it must be an Infinite and an Eternal sacrifice.
34:11 Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood,
which will atone for the sins of another. Now if a man murdereth,
behold, will our law, which is just, take the life of his brother?
I say unto you Nay.
34:12 But the law requireth the life of him who hath murdered;
therefore there can nothing, which is short of an Infinite atonement,
which will suffice for the sins of the world;
34:13 therefore it is expedient that there should be a great and
last sacrifice; and then shall there be, or it expedient there
should be a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law
of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall all be fulfilled; every jot
and tittle, and none shall have passed away.
34:14 And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law; every
whit a pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great
and last sacrifice will be the Son of God; yea, Infinite and Eternal;
34:15 and thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall
believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice,
to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice
and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto
repentance.
34:16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles
them in the arms of safety, while he that exerciseth no faith
unto repentance, is exposed to the whole law of the demands of
justice; therefore, only unto him that hath faith unto repentance,
is brought about the great and Eternal plan of redemption;
34:17 therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye might
begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to
call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;
34:18 yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save;
34:19 yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him;
34:20 cry unto him when ye are in your fields; yea, over all your
flocks;
34:21 cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household,
both morning, mid-day, and evening;
34:22 yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies;
34:23 yea, cry unto him against the Devil, which is an enemy to
all righteousness.
34:24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may
prosper in them;
34:25 cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
34:26 But this is not all: ye must pour out your souls in your
closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness;
34:27 yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts
be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare,
and also for the welfare of those which are around you.
34:28 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, Do
not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these
things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not
the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have,
to those who stand in need; I say unto you, if ye do not any of
these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing,
and ye are as hypocrites which do deny the faith;
34:29 therefore, if ye do not remember to be charitable, ye are
as dross, which the refiners do cast out, (it being of no worth,)
and is trodden under foot of men.
34:30 And now, my brethren, I would that after ye have received
so many witnesses, seeing that the Holy Scriptures testify of
these things, come forth and bring fruit unto repentance;
34:31 yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your
hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time, and the day of
your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not
your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be
brought about unto you.
34:32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to
meet God; yea, behold, the day of this life is the day for men
to perform their labors.
34:33 And now as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many
witnesses, therefore I beseech of you, that ye not procrastinate
the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of
life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we
do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night
of darkness, wherein there can be no labor performed.
34:34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis,
that I will repent, that I will return to God. Nay, ye cannot
say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies
at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will
have power to possess your body in that eternal world.
34:35 For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance,
even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit
of the Devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore the spirit of
the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and
the Devil hath all power over you: and this is the final state
of the wicked.
34:36 And this I know, because the Lord hath said, he dwelleth
not in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth
he dwell; yea, and he hath also said, that the righteous should
sit down in his kingdom, to go no more out; but their garments
should be made white, through the blood of the Lamb.
34:37 And now my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember
these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with
fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of
Christ;
34:38 that ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that
ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble
yourselves even to the dust, and worship God in whatsoever place
ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving
daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow
upon you;
34:39 yea, and I also exhort you my brethren, that ye be watchful
unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptation
of the Devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye not become
his subjects at the last day: for behold, he rewardeth you no
good thing.
34:40 And now my beloved brethren, I would exhort you to have
patience, and that ye bear with all manner of afflictions; that
ye do not revile against those who cast you out because of your
exceeding poverty, lest ye become sinners like unto them;
34:41 but that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions,
with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions.
35:1 Now it came to pass that after Amulek had made an end of
these words, they withdrew themselves from the multitude, and
came over into the land of Jershon;
35:2 yea, and the rest of the brethren, after they had preached
the word unto the Zoramites, also came over into the land of Jershon.
35:3 And it came to pass that after the more popular part of the
Zoramites had consulted together, concerning the words which had
been preached unto them, they were angry because of the word,
for it did destroy their craft; therefore they would not hearken
unto the words.
35:4 And they sent and gathered together throughout all the land,
all the people, and consulted with them concerning the words which
had been spoken.
35:5 Now their rulers, and their priests, and their teachers,
did not let the people know concerning their desires; therefore
therefore they found out privily the minds of all the people.
35:6 And it came to pass that after they found out the minds of
all the people, those which were in favor of the words which had
been spoken by Alma and his brethren, were cast out of the land;
and they were many; and they came over also into the land of Jershon.
35:7 And it came to pass that Alma and his brethren did minister
unto them.
35:8 Now the people of the Zoramites were angry with the people
of Ammon which were in Jershon, and the chief ruler of the Zoramites
being a very wicked man, sent over unto the people of Ammon desiring
them that they should cast out of their land all those which came
over from them into their land.
35:9 And he breathed out many threatnings against them. And now
the people of Ammon did not fear their words, therefore they did
cast them out, but they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites
that came over unto them; and they did nourish them, and did clothe
them, and did give unto them lands for their inheritance; and
they did administer unto them according to their wants.
35:10 Now this did stir up the Zoramites to anger against the
people of Ammon, and they began to mix with the Lamanites, and
to stir them up also to anger against them;
35:11 and thus the Zoramites and the Lamanites began to make preparations
for the war against the people of Ammon, and also against the
Nephites.
35:12 And thus ended the seventeenth year of the reign of Judges,
over the people of Nephi.
35:13 And the people of Ammon departed out of the land of Jershon,
and came over into the land of Melek, and gave place in the land
of Jershon for the armies of the Nephites, that they might contend
with the armies of the Lamanites, and the armies of the Zoramites;
and thus commenced a war betwixt the Lamanites and the Nephites,
in the eighteenth year of the reign of the Judges; and an account
shall be given of their wars hereafter.
35:14 And Alma, and Ammon, and their brethren and also the two
sons of Alma, returned to the land of Zarahemla, after having
been instruments in the hands of God of bringing many of the Zoramites
to repentance, were driven out of their land; but they have lands
for their inheritance in the land of Jershon, and they have taken
up arms to defend themselves, and their wives, and their children,
and their lands.
35:15 Now Alma, being grieved for the iniquity of his people,
yea, for the wars, and the bloodsheds, and the contentions which
were amog them; and having to declare the word, or sent to declare
the word, among all the people in every city; and seeing that
the hearts of the people began to wax hard, and that they began
to be offended because of the strictness of the word, his heart
was exceeding sorrowful;
35:16 therefore, he caused that his sons should be gathered together,
that he might give unto them every one his charge, separately,
concerning the things pertaining unto righteousness. And we have
an account of his commandments, which he gave unto them according
to his own record.
36:1 Chapter 17 My son, give ear to my words; for I swear
unto you, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God,
ye shall prosper in the land.
36:2 I would that ye should do as I have done, in remembering
the captivity of our fathers; for they were in bondage, and none
could deliver them, except it was the God of Abraham, and the
God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and he surely did deliver
them in their afflictions.
36:3 --And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth,
and therefore I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words.
and learn of me; for I do not know that whomsoever shall put his
trust in God, shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles,
and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day;
36:4 and I would not that ye think that I know of myself, not
of the temporal, but of the spiritual; not of the carnal mind,
but of God.
36:5 Now behold I say unto you, If I had not been born of God,
I should not have known these things; but God hath, by the mouth
of his holy angel, made these things known unto me, not of any
worthiness of myself,
36:6 for I went about with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to destroy
the church of God; but behold, God sent his holy angel to stop
us by the way.
36:7 --And behold, he spake unto us, as it were the voice of thunder,
and the whole earth did tremble beneath our feet, and we all fell
to the earth, for the fear of the Lord came upon us.
36:8 But behold, the voice said unto me, Arise. And I arose and
stood up, and beheld the angel.
36:9 And he said unto me, if thou wilt of thyself be destroyed,
seek no more to destroy the church of God.
36:10 And it came to pass that I fell to the earth; and it was
for the space of three days and three nights, that I could not
open my mouth; neither had I the use of my limbs.
36:11 And the angel spake more things unto me, which were heard
by my brethren, but I did not hear them; for when I heard the
words, If thou wilt be destroyed of thyself, seek no more to destroy
the church of God, I was struck with such great fear and amazement,
lest perhaps that I should be destroyed, that I fell to the earth,
and I did hear no more;
36:12 but I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed
up to the greatest degree, and racked with all my sins.
36:13 Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which
I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had
rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments;
36:14 yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather
led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine, so great had
been my iniquities, that the very thoughts of coming into the
presence of my God, did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.
36:15 O, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct
both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the
presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds.
36:16 And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked,
even with the pains of a damned soul.
36:17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment
while I harrowed up by the memory of my many sins behold, I remembered
also to have heard my father prophecy unto the people, concerning
the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the
sins of the world.
36:18 Now as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within
my heart, O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who art
in the gall of bitterness, and art encircled about by the everlasting
chains of death.
36:19 And now behold, when I thought this, I could remember my
pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins
no more.
36:20 And O, what joy, and what marvellous light I did behold;
yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain;
36:21 yea, I say unto you, my son. that there could be nothing
so exquisite and so bitter, as was my pains. Yea, and again I
say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing
so exquisite and sweet as was my joy;
36:22 yea, and methought I saw even as our father Lehi saw, God
sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses
of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God;
yea, and my soul did long to be there.
36:23 But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and
I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I
had been born of God;
36:24 yea, and from that time, even until now, I have labored
without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that
I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did
taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with
the Holy Ghost.
36:25 Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceeding
great joy in the fruit of my labors;
36:26 for because of the word which he hath imparted unto me,
behold, many hath been born of God, and hath tasted as I have
tasted, and hath seen eye to eye, as I have seen; therefore they
do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know;
and the knowledge which I have is of God.
36:27 And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every
kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God hath delivered
me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do
put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me;
36:28 and I know that he will raise me up at the last day, to
dwell with him in glory; yea, and I will praise him forever, for
he hath brought our fathers out of Egypt, and he hath swallowed
up the Egyptians in the red sea; and he led them by his power
into the promised land; yea, and he hath delivered them out of
bondage and captivity, from time to time;
36:29 yea, and he hath also brought our fathers out of Jerusalem;
and he hath also, by his everlasting power, delivered them out
of bondage and captivity, from time to time, even down to the
present day; and I have always retained in remembrance their captivity;
yea, and ye also had ought to retain in remembrance, as I have
done, their captivity.
36:30 --But behold, my son, this is not all: for ye had ought
to know, as I do know, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments
of God, ye shall prosper in the land; and ye had ought to know
also, that inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God,
ye shall be cut off from his presence. Now this is according to
his word.
37:1 And now my son Helaman, I command you that ye take the records
which have been entrusted with me;
37:2 and I also command you that ye shall keep a record of this
people, according as I have done, upon the plates of Nephi, and
keep all these things sacred which I have kept, even as I kept
them: for it is for a wise purpose that they are kept;
37:3 and these plates of brass which contain these engravings,
which have the records of the Holy Scriptures upon them, which
have the genealogy of our forefathers, even from the beginning.
37:4 And behold, it hath been prophesied by our fathers, that
they should be kept and handed down from one generation to another,
and be kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord, until they
should go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue and people,
that they shall know of the mysteries contained thereon.
37:5 And now behold, if they are kept, they must retain their
brightness; yea, and they will retain their brightness; yea, and
also shall all the plates which do contain that which is Holy
Writ.
37:6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold
I say unto you, That by small and simple things, are great things
brought to pass; and small means, in many instances, doth confound
the wise.
37:7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great
and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound
the wise, and bringeth about salvation of many souls.
37:8 And now, it hath hitherto been wisdom in God, that these
things should be preserved: for behold, they have enlarged the
memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of
their ways, and brought them to the knowledge of their God, unto
the salvation of their souls.
37:9 Yea, I say unto you, were it not for these things that these
records do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren
could not have convinced so many thousand of the Lamanites, of
the incorrect tradition of their fathers; yea, these records and
their words, brought them unto repentance; that is, they brought
them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice in
Jesus Christ, their Redeemer.
37:10 And who knoweth but what they will be the means of bringing
many thousands of them, yea, and also many thousands of our stiffnecked
brethren, the Nephites, which are now hardening their hearts in
sin and iniquities, to the knowledge of their Redeemer?
37:11 --Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto
me; therefore I shall forebear.
37:12 And it may suffice, if I only say, they are preserved for
a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God: for he doth counsel
in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and
his course is one eternal round.
37:13 O remember, remember, my son Helaman, how strict are the
commandments of God. And he saith, if ye will keep my commandments,
ye shall prosper in the land; but if ye keep not his commandments,
ye shall be cut off from his presence.
37:14 And now remember, my son, that God hath entrusted you with
these things, which are sacred, which he hath kept sacred, and
also which he will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him,
that he may shew forth his power unto future generations.
37:15 And now behold, I tell you by the spirit of prophecy, that
if ye transgress the commandments of God, behold, these things
which are sacred, shall be taken away from you by the power of
God, and ye shall be delivered up unto Satan, that he may sift
you as chaff before the wind;
37:16 but if ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these
things which are sacred, according to that which the Lord doth
command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all things
whatsoever ye must do with them,) behold, no power of earth or
hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling
of all his words:
37:17 for he will fulfill all his promises which he shall make
unto you, for he hath fulfilled his promise which he hath made
unto our fathers.
37:18 For he promised unto them that he would reserve these things
for a wise purpose in him, that he might shew forth his power
unto future generations.
37:19 And now behold, one purpose hath he fulfilled, even to the
restoration of many thousands of the Lamanites to the knowledge
of the truth; and he has shewn forth his power in them, and he
will also still shew forth his power in them, unto future generations;
therefore they shall be preserved;
37:20 therefore I command you, my son Helaman, that ye be diligent
in fulfilling all my words, and that ye be diligent in keeping
the commandments of God, as they are written.
37:21 And now, I will speak unto you concerning those twentyfour
plates, that ye keep them, that the mysteries and the works of
darkness, and their secret works, or the secret works of those
people, which have been destroyed, may be made manifest unto this
people; yea, all their murders, and robbings, and their plunderings,
and all their wickedness, and abominations, may be made manifest
unto this people; yea, and that ye preserve these directors.
37:22 For behold; the Lord saw that his people began to work in
darkness, yea, work secret murders and abominations; therefore
the Lord said, If they did not repent, they should be destroyed
from off the face of the earth.
37:23 And the Lord said, I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem,
a stone, which shall shine forth in darkness unto light, that
I may discover unto my people which serve me, that I may discover
unto them the works of their brethren; yea, their secret works,
their works of darkness, and their wickedness and abominations.
37:24 And now my son, these directors were prepared, that the
word of God might be fulfilled, which he spake saying:
37:25 I will bring forth out of darkness unto light, all their
secret works and their abominations; and except they repent, I
will destroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring
to light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation
that shall hereafter possess the land.
37:26 And now my son, we see that they did not repent; therefore
they have been destroyed, and thus far the word of God hath been
fulfilled; yea, their secret abominations have been brought out
of darkness, and made known unto us.
37:27 And now my son, I command you that ye retain all their oaths,
and their covenants, and their agreements in their secret abominations;
yea, and all their sign and their wonders ye shall retain from
this people, that they know them not, lest peradventure they should
fall into darkness also, and be destroyed.
37:28 For behold, there is a curse upon all this land, that destruction
shall come upon all those workers of darkness, according to the
power of God, when they are fully ripe; therefore I desire that
this people might not be destroyed,
37:29 --Therefore, ye shall keep these secret plans of their oaths
and their covenants from this people, and only their wickedness,
and their murders, and their abominations, shall ye make known
unto them; and ye shall teach them to abhor such wickedness, and
abominations, murders; and ye shall also teach them, that these
people were destroyed on account of their wickedness, and abominations,
and their murders.
37:30 For behold, they murdered all the prophets of the Lord which
came among them, to declare unto them concerning their iniquities;
and the blood of those which they murdered, did cry unto the Lord
their God, for vengeance upon those which were their murderers;
and thus the judgments of God did come upon these workers of darkness
and secret combinations;
37:31 yea, and cursed be the land forever and ever unto those
workers of darkness and secret combinations, even unto destruction,
except they repent before they are fully ripe.
37:32 And now my son, remember the words which I have spoken unto
you: trust not those secret plans unto this people, but teach
them an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity;
37:33 preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus
Christ; teach them to humble themselves, and to be meek and lowly
in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the Devil,
with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ;
37:34 teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek
and lowly in heart: for such shall find rest to their souls.
37:35 O remember my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn
in thy youth to keep the commandments of god;
37:36 yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all
thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest, let
it be in the Lord; yea, thy thought be directed unto the Lord;
yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever;
37:37 counsel the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee
good; yea, when thou liest down at night, lie down unto the Lord,
that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest
in the morning, let thy heart be full of thanks unto god; and
if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
37:38 And now my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing
which our fathers call a ball, or director; our fathers called
it liahona, which is interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared
it.
37:39 And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of
so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to shew
unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness;
37:40 and it did work for them according to their faith in God;
therefore if they had faith to believe that God could cause that
those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it
was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other
miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day;
37:41 nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small
means, nevertheless it did shew unto them marvellous works. They
were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence,
and those marvellous works ceased, and they did not progress in
their journey;
37:42 therefore they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel
a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because
of their transgressions.
37:43 And now my son, I would that ye should understand that these
things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful
to give heed to this compass, (now these things were temporal,)
they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual.
37:44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ,
which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as
it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would
point unto the a straight course to the promised land.
37:45 And now I say, Is there not a type in this thing? For just
as suredly as this director did bring our fathers, by following
its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if
we follow its course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow, into
a far better land of promise.
37:46 O my son, do not let us be slothful, because of the easiness
of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared
for them, that if they would look, they might live; even so it
is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look, we may live
forever.
37:47 And now my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things;
yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people, and
declare the word, and be sober, --My son, farewell.
38:1 Chapter 18 My son, give ear to my words: for I say
unto you, even as I said unto Helaman, That inasmuch as ye shall
keep the commandments of God, ye shall prosper in the land; and
inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God, ye shall
be cast off from his presence.
38:2 And now my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you,
because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for
as you have commenced in your youth, to look to the Lord your
God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments:
for blessed is he that endureth to the end.
38:3 I say unto you my son, that I have had great joy in thee
already, because of thy faithfulness, and thy diligence, and thy
patience, and thy long suffering among the people of the Zoramites.
38:4 For I knew that thou wast in bonds; yea, and I also knew
that thou wast stoned for the word's sake; and thou didst bear
all these things with patience, because the Lord was with thee:
and now thou knowest that the Lord did deliver thee.
38:5 And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember
that as much as ye shall put your trust in God, even so much ye
shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and
your afflictions ; and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
38:6 Now my son, I would not that ye should think that I know
these things of myself, but it is the spirit of God which is in
me, which maketh these things known unto me: for if I had not
been born of God, I should not have known these things.
38:7 But behold, the Lord in his great mercy sent his angel to
declare unto me, that I must stop the work of destruction among
his people; yea, and I have seen an angel face to face; and he
spake with me, and his voice was as thunder, and it shook the
whole earth.
38:8 And it came to pass that I was three days and three nights
in the most bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until
I did cry unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive
a remission of my sins. But behold, I did cry unto him, and I
did find peace to my soul.
38:9 And now my son, I have told you this, that ye may learn wisdom,
that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby
man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the
life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth
and righteousness.
38:10 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word, even so I would
that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be
diligent and temperate in all things.
38:11 See that ye are not lifted up to pride; yea, see that ye
do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength;
38:12 use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye
bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see
that ye refrain from idleness;
38:13 do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they
pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom.
38:14 Do not say, O God, I thank thee that we are better than
our brethren; but rather say, O Lord, forgive my unworthiness,
and remember my brethren in mercy; yea, acknowledge your unworthiness
before God at all times.
38:15 And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the
last day into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son,
and teach the word unto this people. Be sober. My son, farewell.
39:1 Chapter 19 And now my son, I have somewhat more to
say unto thee than what I said unto thy brother: for behold, have
ye not observed the steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness,
and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God? Behold,
has he not set a good example for thee?
39:2 For thou didst not give so much heed unto my words as did
thy brother, among the people of the Zoramites. Now this is what
I have against thee: Thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength,
and thy wisdom.
39:3 And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which was
grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did
go over into the land of Siron, among the borders of the Lamanites,
after the harlot Isabel;
39:4 yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was
no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry,
wherewith thou wast entrusted.
39:5 Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination
in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins,
save it be the shedding of innocent blood, or denying the Holy
Ghost?
39:6 for behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once hath had
place in you, and ye know that ye deny it; behold, this is a sin
which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the
light and knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness;
yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain
a forgiveness.
39:7 And now my son, I would to God that ye had not been guilty
of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow
up your soul, if it were not for your good.
39:8 But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except
ye repent, they will stand as a testimony against you at the last
day.
39:9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent, and forsake your
sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself
in all these things; for except ye do this, ye can in no wise
inherit the Kingdom of God. O remember, and take it upon you,
and cross yourself in these things.
39:10 And I command you to take it upon you to counsel your elder
brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou art in thy youth,
and ye stand in need to be nourished by your brothers. And give
heed to their counsel;
39:11 suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish
thing; suffer not that the Devil lead away your heart again, after
those wicked harlots. Behold, my son, how great iniquity ye brought
upon the Zoramites: for when they saw your conduct, they would
not believe in my words.
39:12 And now the spirit of the Lord doth say unto me, Command
thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many
people to destruction: therefore I command you, my son, in the
fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;
39:13 that ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might and strength;
that ye lead away the hearts of no more, to do wickedly; but rather
return unto them, and acknowledge your faults, and retain that
wrong which ye have done;
39:14 seek not after riches, nor the vain things of the world;
for behold, you cannot carry them with you.
39:15 And now my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning
the coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is him that
surely shall come, to take away the sins of the world; yea, he
cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.
39:16 And now my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were
called, to declare these glad tidings unto his people, to prepare
their minds; or rather that salvation might come unto them, that
they may prepare the minds of their children to hear the word
at the time of his coming.
39:17 And now I will ease your mind somewhat in this subject.
Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand.
Behold, I say unto you, Is not a soul at this time as precious
unto God, as a soul will be at the time of his coming?
39:18 Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should
be made known unto this people, as well as unto their children?
39:19 Is it not as easy at this time, for the Lord to send his
angel to declare these glad tidings unto us, as unto our children;
or as after the time of his coming?
40:1 Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee;
for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection
of the dead.
40:2 --Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection;
or I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put
on immortality; thus corruption does not put on incorruption,
until after the coming of Christ.
40:3 Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead.
But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now I unfold
unto you a mystery; nevertheless, there are many mysteries, which
are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But I shew
unto you one thing, which I have inquired diligently of God, that
I might know; that is, concerning the resurrection.
40:4 Behold, there is a time appointed that shall come forth from
the dead. --Now when this time cometh, no one knows; but God knoweth
the time which is appointed.
40:5 Now whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or
a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth
not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to
know that this is the case; that there is a time appointed that
all shall rise from the dead.
40:6 Now there must needs be a space betwixt the time of death,
and the time of the resurrection.
40:7 And now I would inquire what becometh of the souls of men,
from this time of death, to the time appointed for the resurrection?
40:8 --Now whether there is more than one time appointed for men
to rise, it mattereth not; for all do not die at once; and this
mattereth not; all is as one day, with God; and time only is measured
unto men;
40:9 therefore there is a time appointed unto men, that they shall
rise from the dead; and there is a space between the time of death
and the resurrection. And now concerning this space of time. What
becometh of the souls of men, is the thing which I have inquired
diligently of the Lord to know; and this is the thing of which
I do know.
40:10 --And when the time cometh when all shall rise, then shall
they know that God knoweth all the times which are appointed unto
man.
40:11 Now concerning the state of the soul between death and the
resurrection. Behold, it hath been made known unto me by an angel,
that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from
this mortal body; yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be
good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
40:12 And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those
which are righteous, are received into a state of happiness, which
is called paradise; a state of rest; a state of peace, where they
shall rest from all their troubles, and from all care, and sorrow,
40:13 &c. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits
of the wicked, yea, which are evil; for behold, they have no part
nor portion of the spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose
evil works, rather than good; therefore the spirit of the Devil
did enter into them, and take possession of their house; and these
shall be cast out into outer darkness; they shall be weeping,
and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and this because of their
own iniquity; being led captive by the will of the Devil.
40:14 Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked; yea, in
darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for of the fiery
indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in
this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time
of their resurrection.
40:15 Now there are some that have understood that this state
of happiness, and the state of misery of the soul, before the
resurrection, was a first resurrection. Yea, I admit it may be
termed a resurrection; the raising of the spirit or the soul,
and their consignation to happiness or misery, according to the
words which have been spoken.
40:16 And behold, again it hath been spoken, that there is a first
resurrection; a resurrection of all those which have been, or
which are, or which shall be, down to the resurrection of Christ
from the dead.
40:17 --Now we do not suppose that this first resurrection which
is spoken of in this manner, can be the resurrection of the souls,
and their consignation to happiness or misery. Ye cannot suppose
that this is what it meaneth.
40:18 Behold, I say unto you Nay; but it meaneth the re-uniting
of the soul with the body of those from the days of Adam, down
to the resurrection of Christ.
40:19 Now whether the souls and the bodies of those of which have
been spoken, shall all be re-united at once, the wicked as well
as the righteous, I do not say; let it suffice that I say that
they all come forth; or in other words, their resurrection cometh
to pass before the resurrection of those which die after the resurrection
of Christ.
40:20 Now my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh
at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion,
that the souls and the bodies are re-united, of the righteous,
at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into Heaven.
40:21 But whether it be at his resurrection, or after, I do not
say; but this much I say: That there is a space between death
and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness
or in misery, until the time which is appointed of God that the
dead shall come forth, and be re-united, both soul and body, and
be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their
works;
40:22 yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those things
of which have been spoken by the mouths of the prophets.
40:23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to
the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to the
soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body;
yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost, but all things
shall be restored to its proper and perfect frame.
40:24 And now my son, this is the restoration of which has been
spoken by the mouths of the prophets:
40:25 And then shall the righteous shine forth in the Kingdom
of God.
40:26 But behold, an awful death cometh upon the wicked; for they
die as to things pertaining to things of righteousness; for they
are unclean, and no unclean thing can inherit the Kingdom of God;
but they are cast out, and consigned to partake of the fruits
of their labors or their works, which have been evil; and they
drink the dregs of a bitter cup.
41:1 And now my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration
of which has been spoken; for behold, some have arrested the Scriptures,
and have gone far astray, because of this thing. And I perceive
that thy mind hath been worried also, concerning this thing. But
behold, I will explain it unto thee.
41:2 I say unto thee, my son, that the plan of restoration is
requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all
things be restored to their proper order. Behold, it is requisite
and just, according to the power and resurrection of Christ, that
the soul of man should be restored to its body, and that every
part of the body should be restored to itself.
41:3 --And it is requisite with the justice of God, that man should
be judged according to their works; and if their works were good
in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that
they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which
is good;
41:4 and if their works are evil, they shall be restored unto
him for evil; therefore, all things shall be restored to their
proper order; every thing to its natural frame; mortality raised
to immortality; corruption to incorruption; raised to endless
happiness, to inherit the Kingdom of God, or to endless misery,
to inherit the kingdom of the Devil; the one on one hand, the
other on the other;
41:5 the one raised to happiness, according to his desires of
happiness; or good, according to his desires of good; and the
other to evil, according to his desires of evil; for as he has
desired to do evil all the day long, even so shall he have his
reward of evil, when the night cometh.
41:6 And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his
sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even
so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
41:7 --These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these
are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless
night of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they
are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil.--
41:8 Now the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore the way
is prepared, that whosoever will, may walk therein and be saved.
41:9 And now behold my son, do not risk one more offence against
your God upon these points of doctrine, which ye hath hitherto
risked to commit sin.
41:10 Do not suppose, because it hath been spoken concerning restoration,
that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness, Behold I say
unto you, Wickedness never was happiness.
41:11 And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature,
or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness,
and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world;
and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore they
are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.
41:12 And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration,
to take a thing of a natural state, and place it in an unnatural
state, or to place it in a state opposite to its nature?
41:13 O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the
word restoration, is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal
for carnal, or devlish for devlish; good for that which is good;
righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is
just; merciful for that which is merciful;
41:14 therefore my son, see that ye are merciful unto your brethren;
deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if
ye do all these things, then shall ye receive your reward; yea,
ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice
restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored
unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again;
41:15 for that which ye doth send out, shall return unto you again,
and be restored; therefore the word restoration, more fully condemneth
the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.
42:1 And now, my son, I perceive there is somewhat more which
doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand, which is concerning
the justice of God, in the punishment of the sinner: for ye do
try to suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be
consigned to a state of misery.
42:2 Now behold, my son, I will explain this thing unto thee:
for behold, after the Lord God sent our first parents forth from
the garden of Eden to till the ground, from whence he was taken;
yea, he drew out the man, and he placed at the east end of the
garden of Eden, Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every
way, to keep the tree of life.
42:3 Now we see that the man had became as God, knowing good and
evil; and lest he should put forth his hand, and take also of
the tree of life, and eat, and live forever, that the Lord God
placed Cherubims and the flaming sword, that he should not partake
of the fruit;
42:4 and thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man,
to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve
God.
42:5 For behold, if Adam had put forth his hand immediately, and
partook of the tree of life, he would have lived forever, according
to the word of God, having no space for repentance; yea, and also
the word of God would have been void, and the great plan of salvation
would have been frustrated.
42:6 But behold, it was appointed unto man to die; therefore as
they were cut off from the tree of life, therefore they should
be cut off from the face of the earth; and man became lost forever;
yea, they became fallen man.
42:7 And now we see by this, that our first parents were cut off,
both temporally and spiritually, from the presence of the Lord;
and thus we see they became subjects to follow after their own
will.
42:8 Now behold, it was not expedient that man should be reclaimed
from this temporal death, for that would destroy the great plan
of happiness;
42:9 therefore, as the soul could never die, and the fall had
brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal;
that is, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord; therefore
it was expedient that mankind should be reclaimed from this spiritual
death;
42:10 therefore as they become carnal, sensual and devlish, by
nature, this probationary state became a state for them to prepare:
it became a preparatory state.
42:11 And now remember my son, if it were not for the plan of
redemption, (laying it aside,) as soon as they were dead, their
souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord.
42:12 And now there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen
state which man had brought upon himself, because of his own disobedience;
42:13 therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption
could not be brought about, only, on conditions of repentance
of men in this probationary state; yea, this preparatory state;
for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take
effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work
of justice could not be destroyed: if so, God would cease to be
God.
42:14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were
in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned
them forever to be cut off from his presence.
42:15 And now the plan of mercy could not be brought about, except
an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for
the sins of the world, to bring about a plan of mercy, to appease
the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God,
and a merciful God. Also,
42:16 now repentance could not come unto men, except there were
a punishment, which also was as eternal as the life of the soul
should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was
as eternal also as the life of the soul.
42:17 --Now, how could a man repent, except he should sin? How
could he sin, if there was no law? How could there be a law, saved
there was a punishment?
42:18 Now there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given,
which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
42:19 Now if there was no law given, if a man murdered he should
die, would he be afraid he should die if he should murder?
42:20 And also, if there was no law given against sin, men would
not be afraid to sin.
42:21 And if there was no law given if men sinned, what could
justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon
the creature?
42:22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and
repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise,
justice claimeth the creature, and executeth the law, and the
law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice
would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God. But God ceaseth
not to be God,
42:23 and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because
of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection
of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men
into the presence of god; and thus they are restored into his
presence, to be judged according to their works; according to
the law and justice;
42:24 for behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also
mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly
penitent are saved.
42:25 What do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto
you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.
42:26 And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes,
which was prepared from the foundation of the world. And thus
cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men, and also
their destruction and misery;
42:27 therefore, O my son, whosoever will come, and partake of
the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come, the same
is not compelled to come; but in the last day, it shall be restored
unto him, according to his deeds.
42:28 If he hath desired to do evil, and hath not repented in
his days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the
restoration of God.
42:29 And now my son, I desire that ye should let these things
trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with
that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.
42:30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God
no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point,
because of your sins, by denying the justice of God, but do you
let the justice of God, and his mercy, and long suffering, having
full sway in your heart; but let it bring you down to the dust,
in humility.
42:31 And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word
unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word
with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance,
that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. --And may
God grant unto you even according to my words. --Amen.
43:1 Chapter 20 And now it came to pass, that the sons
of Alma did go forth among the people, to declare the word unto
them. And Alma also, himself, could not rest, and he also went
forth.
43:2 --Now we shall say no more concerning their preaching, except
that they preached the word, and the truth, according to the spirit
of prophecy and revelation; and they preached after the holy order
of God, by which they were called.
43:3 And now I return to an account of the wars between the Nephites
and the Lamanites, in the eighteenth year of the reign of the
Judges.
43:4 For behold, it came to pass that the Zoramites became Lamanites;
therefore, in the commencement of the eighteenth year, the people
of the Nephites saw that the Lamanites were coming upon them;
therefore they made preparations for war; yea, they gathered together
their armies in the land of Jershon.
43:5 And it came to pass that the Lamanites came with their thousands;
and they came into the land of Antionam, which was the land of
the Zoramites; and a man by the name of Zerahemnah was their leader.
43:6 And now as the Amalekites were of a more wicked and murderous
disposition than the Lamanites were, in an end of themselves,
therefore Zerahemnah appointed Chief Captains over the Lamanites,
and they were all the Amalekites and the Zoramites.
43:7 Now this he done, that he might preserve their hatred towards
the Nephites; that he might bring them into subjection to the
accomplishment of his designs;
43:8 for behold, his designs were to stir up the Lamanites to
anger against the Nephites; this he done that he might usurp great
power over them; and also that he might gain power over the Nephites,
by bringing them into bondage, &c.
43:9 And now the design of the Nephites were to support
their lands, and their houses, and their wives, and their children,
that they might preserve them from the hands of their enemies,
and also, that they might preserve their rights and their privileges;
yea, and also their liberty, that they might worship God according
to their desires;
43:10 for they knew that if they should fall into the hands of
the Lamanites, that whosoever should worship God, in spirit and
in truth, the true and the living God, the Lamanites would destroy;
43:11 yea, they also knew the extreme hatred of the Lamanites
towards their brethren, which were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi;
which were called the people of Ammon; and they would not take
up arms; yea, they had entered into a covenant, and they would
not break it; therefore, they should fall into the hands of the
Lamanites, they would be destroyed.
43:12 And the Nephites would not suffer that they be destroyed;
therefore they gave them lands for their inheritance.
43:13 And the people of Ammon did give unto the Nephites a large
portion of their substance, to support their armies; and thus
the Nephites were compelled, alone, to withstand against the Lamanites,
which were a compound of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael,
and all those which had dissented from the Nephites, which were
Amalekites, and Zoramites, and the descendants of the priests
of Noah.
43:14 Now those descendants were as numerous, nearly, as were
the Nephites; and thus the Nephites were obliged to contend with
their brethren, even unto bloodshed.
43:15 And it came to pass, as the armies of the Lamanites had
gathered together in the land of Antionum, behold the armies of
the Nephites were prepared to meet them in the land of Jershon.
43:16 Now the leader of the Nephites, or the man which had been
appointed to be the Chief Captain over the Nephites: Now the Chief
Captain took the command of all the armies of the Nephites; and
his name was Moroni;
43:17 and Moroni took all the command, and the governments of
their wars. --And he was only twenty and five years old when he
was appointed Chief Commander over the armies of the Nephites.
43:18 And it came to pass that he met the Lamanites in the borders
of Jershon, and his people were armed with swords, and with cimeters,
and all manner of weapons of war.
43:19 And it came to pass, that when the armies of the Lamanites
saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni had prepared his
people with breast-plates, and with arm-shields; yea, and also
shields to defend their heads; and also they were dressed with
thick clothing.
43:20 Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with any such
thing. They had only their swords, and their cimeters, their bows
and their arrows, their stones and their slings; but they were
naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins;
yea, all were naked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites.
43:21 But they were not armed with breast-plates, nor shields;
therefore they were exceeding afraid of the armies of the Nephites,
because of their armour, notwithstanding their number being so
much greater than the Nephites.
43:22 Behold, now it came to pass, that they durst not come against
the Nephites in the border of Jershon; therefore they departed
out of the land of Antionum, into the wilderness, and took their
journey round about in the wilderness, away by the heads of the
river Sidon, that they might come into the land of Manti, and
take possession of the land; for they did suppose that the armies
of Moroni would know whither they had gone.
43:23 But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the
wilderness, Moroni sent spies into the wilderness, to watch their
camp; and Moroni, also knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent
certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the
Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go, to defend themselves
against the Lamanites.
43:24 And it came to pass that the word of the Lord came unto
Alma; and Alma informed the messengers of Moroni that the armies
of the Lamanites were marching round about in the wilderness,
that they might come over into the land of Manti, that they might
commence an attack upon the more weak part of the people. And
those messengers went and delivered the message unto Moroni.
43:25 Now Moroni, leaving a part of his army in the land of Jershon,
lest by any means, a part of the Lamanites should come into the
land and take possession of the city; and Moroni took the remainder
part of his army and marched over into the land of Manti.
43:26 And he caused that all the people in that quarter of the
land, should gather themselves together to battle, against the
Lamanites, to defend their lands and their country, their rights
and their liberties; therefore they were prepared against the
time of the coming of the Lamanites.
43:27 And it came to pass, that Moroni caused that his army should
be secreted in the valley which was near the bank of the river
Sidon, which was on the west of the river Sidon, in the wilderness.
43:28 And Moroni placed spies round about that he might know when
the camp of the Lamanites should come.
43:29 And now as Moroni knew the intentions of the Lamanites,
that it was there intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject
them and bring them into bondage, that they might establish a
kingdom unto themselves, over all the land;
43:30 and he also knowing that it was the only desire of the Nephites
to preserve their lands and their liberty, and their church, therefore
he thought it no sin that he should defend them by stratagem;
therefore he found, by his spies, which course the lamanites were
to take.
43:31 Therefore he divided his army, and brought a part over into
the valley, and concealed them on the east, and on the south of
the hill Riplah;
43:32 and the remainder he concealed in the west valley, on the
west of the river Sidon, and so down into the borders of the land
of Manti.
43:33 And thus having placed his army according to his desire,
he was prepared to meet them.
43:34 And it came to pass that the Lamanites came up on the north
of the hill where a part of the army of Moroni was concealed.
43:35 And it came to pass that as the Lamanites had passed the
hill Riplah, and came into the valley, and began to cross the
river Sidon, the army which was concealed on the south of the
hill, who was led by a man whose name was Lehi; and he led his
army forth and encircled the Lamanites about, on the east, in
their rear.
43:36 And it came to pass that the Lamanites, when they saw the
Nephites coming upon them in the rear, turned them about, and
began to contend with the army of Lehi;
43:37 and the work of death commenced on both sides; but it was
more dreadful on the part of the Lamanites; for their nakedness
was exposed to heavy blows of the Nephites, with their swords
and their cimeters, which brought death almost at every stroke;
43:38 while on the other hand, there was now and then a man fell
among the Nephites, by their swords, and the loss of blood; they
being shielded from the more vital parts of the body, or the more
vital parts of the body being shielded from the strokes of the
Lamanites, by their breast-plates, and their arm-shields, and
their head-plates; and thus the Nephites did carry on the work
of death among the Lamanites.
43:39 And it came to pass that the Lamanites became frightened,
because of the great destruction among them, even until they began
to flee towards the river Sidon.
43:40 And they were persued by Lehi and his men, and they were
driven by Lehi into the waters of Sidon; and they crossed the
waters of Sidon. And Lehi retained his armies upon the bank of
the river Sidon, that they should not cross.
43:41 And it came to pass that Moroni and his army met the Lamanites
in the valley, on the other side of the river Sidon. --And it
came to pass that Moroni and his army began to fall upon them,
and to slay them.
43:42 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did flee again before
them, towards the land of Manti; and they were met again by the
armies of Moroni.
43:43 --Now in this case, the Lamanites did fight exceedingly;
yea, never had the Lamanites been known to have fought with such
exceeding great strength and courage; no, not even from the beginning;
43:44 and they were inspired by the Zoramites, and the Amalekites,
which were their Chief Captains and leaders, and by Zerahemnah,
who was their Chief Captain, or their chief leader and commander;
yea, they did fight like dragons; and many of the Nephites were
slain by their hands; yea, for they did smite in two many of their
head-plates; and they did pierce many of their breast-plates;
and they did smite off many of their arms; and thus the Lamanites
did smite in their fierce anger.
43:45 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause;
for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power; but they were
fighting for their homes, and their liberties, their wives, and
their children, and their all; yea, for their rites of worship,
and their church;
43:46 and they were doing that which they felt it was the duty
which they owed to their God; for the Lord said unto them, and
also unto their fathers. That inasmuch as ye are not guilty of
the first offence, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves
to be slain by the hands of your enemies.
43:47 And again: The Lord hath said That ye shall defend your
families, even unto bloodshed; therefore, for this cause were
the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves,
and their families, and their lands, their country, and their
rights, and their religion.
43:48 And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the
fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to
shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent,
sent forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts; yea,
the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom
from bondage.
43:49 And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites,
and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their
liberty, and their freedom from bondage.
43:50 And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power;
and in that self-same hour that they cried unto the Lord for their
freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them; and they fled
into the waters of Sidon.
43:51 Now the Lamanites were more numerous; yea, by more than
double the number of the Nephites; nevertheless, they were driven
insomuch that they were gathered together in one body, in the
valley, upon the bank, by the river Sidon;
43:52 therefore the armies of Moroni encircled them about; yea,
even on both sides of the river; for behold, on the east, were
the men of Lehi;
43:53 therefore when Zerahemnah saw the men of Lehi on the east
of the river Sidon, and the armies of Moroni on the west of the
river Sidon, that they were encircled about by the Nephites, they
were struck with terror,
43:54 he commanded his men that they should stop shedding their
blood.
44:1 And it came to pass that they did stop, and withdrew a pace
from them. And Moroni said unto Zerahemnah, Behold, Zerahemnah,
that we do not desire to be men of blood. Ye know that ye are
in our hands, yet we do not desire to slay you.
44:2 Behold, we have not come out to battle against you, that
we might shed your blood, for power; neither do we desire to bring
any one to the yoke of bondage. But this is the very cause for
which ye have come against us; yea, and ye are angry with us because
of our religion.
44:3 But now ye behold that the Lord is with us; and ye behold
that he hath delivered you into our hands. And now I would that
ye should understand that this is done unto us because of our
religion and our faith in Christ. And now ye see that ye cannot
destroy this our faith.
44:4 Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see
that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we
are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and
never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed, except
we should fall into transgression, and deny our faith.
44:5 And now, Zerahemnah, I command you, in the name of that all-powerful
God, who hath strengthened our arms, that we have gained power
over you by our faith, by our religion, and by our rites of worship,
and by our church, and by the sacred support which we owe to our
wives, and our children, by that liberty which binds us to our
lands and our country; yea, and also by the maintenance of the
sacred word of God, to which we owe all our happiness; and by
all that is most dear unto us;
44:6 yea, and this is not all; I command you by all the desires
which ye have for life, that ye deliver up your weapons of war
unto us, and we will seek not your blood, but we will spare your
lives, if ye will go your way, and come not again to war against
us.
44:7 --And now if ye do not this, behold, ye are in our hands,
and I will command my men that they shall fall upon you, and inflict
the wounds of death in your bodies, that ye may become extinct;
and then we will see who shall have power over this people; yea,
we will see who shall be brought into bondage.
44:8 And now it came to pass that when Zerahemnah had heard these
sayings, he came forth and delivered up his sword and his cimeter,
and his bow, into the hands of Moroni, and saith unto him, Behold,
here is our weapons of war; we will deliver them up unto you,
and we will not suffer ourselves to take an oath unto you, which
we know that we shall break, and also our children; but take our
weapons of war, and suffer that we may depart into the wilderness;
otherwise we will retain our swords, and we will perish or conquer.
44:9 Behold, we are not of your faith; we do not believe that
it is God that hath delivered us into your hands; but we believe
that it is your cunning that hath preserved you from our swords.
Behold, it is your breast-plates, and your shields that hath preserved
you.
44:10 And now when Zerahemnah had made an ending of speaking these
words, Moroni returned the sword, and the weapons of war which
he had received, unto Zerahemnah, saying, Behold, we will end
the conflict.
44:11 Now I cannot retain the words which I have spoken; therefore,
as the Lord liveth, ye shall not depart, except ye depart with
an oath, that ye will not return again against us to war. Now
as ye are in our hands, we will spill your blood upon the ground,
or ye shall submit to the conditions to which I have proposed.
44:12 And now when Moroni had said these words, Zerahemnah retained
his sword, and he was angry with Moroni, and he rushed forward
that he might slay Moroni; but as he raised his sword, behold,
one of Moroni's soldier smote it even to the earth; and it broke
by the hilt; and he also smote Zerahemnah, that he took off his
scalp, and it fell to the earth. And Zerahemnah withdrew from
before them, into the midst of his soldiers.
44:13 And it came to pass that the soldier that stood by, which
smote off the scalp of Zerahemnah, took up the scalp from off
the ground, by the hair, and laid it upon the point of his sword,
and stretched it forth unto them, saying unto them with a loud
voice,
44:14 saying: Even as this scalp hath fallen to the earth, which
is the scalp of your Chief, so shall ye fall to earth, except
ye will deliver up your weapons of war, and depart, with a covenant
of peace.
44:15 Now there were many, when they heard these words, and saw
the scalp which was upon the sword, they were struck with fear,
and many came forth and threw down their weapons of war, at the
feet of Moroni , and entered into a covenant of peace. And as
many as entered into a covenant, they suffered to depart into
the wilderness.
44:16 Now it came to pass that Zerahemnah was exceeding wroth,
and he did stir up the remainder of his soldiers to anger, to
contend more powerfully against the Nephites.
44:17 And now Moroni was angry, because of the stubbornness of
the Lamanites; therefore he commanded his people that they should
fall upon them and slay them. And it came to pass that they began
to slay them; yea, and the Lamanites did contend with their swords
and their mights.
44:18 But behold, their naked skins, and their bare heads, were
exposed to the sharp swords of the Nephites; yea, behold, they
were pierced and smitten; yea, and did fall exceeding fast before
the swords of the Nephites; and they began to be swept down, even
as the soldier of Moroni had prophesied.
44:19 Now Zerahemnah, when he saw that they were all about to
be destroyed, he cried mightily unto Moroni, promising that he
would covenant, and also his people, with them, if they would
spare the remainder of their lives, that they never would come
to war again against them.
44:20 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that the work of
death should cease again among the people. And it came to pass,
that he took the weapons of war from the Lamanites; and after
they had entered into a covenant with him of peace, they were
suffered to depart into the wilderness.
44:21 Now the number of their dead were not numbered, because
of the greatness of the number; yea, the number of their dead
were exceeding great, both on the Nephites, and on the Lamanites.
44:22 --And it came to pass that they did cast their dead into
the waters of Sidon; and they have gone forth, and are buried
in the depths of the sea.
44:23 And the armies of the Nephites, or of Moroni, returned,
and came to their houses, and their lands.
44:24 And thus ended the eighteenth year of the reign of the Judges
over the people of Nephi. And thus ended the record of Alma, which
was wrote upon the plates of Nephi.
45:1 Chapter 21 Behold, now it came to pass that the people
of Nephi were exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord God again
delivered them out of the hands of their enemies; therefore they
gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much
and pray much, and they did worship God exceeding great joy.
45:2 And it came to pass in the nineteeneth year of the reign
of the Judges over the people of Nephi, that Alma came unto his
son Helaman, and saith unto him, Believest thou the words which
I spake unto thee concerning those records which have been kept?
45:3 And Helaman saith unto him, Yea, I believe.
45:4 --And Alma saith again, Believest thou in Jesus Christ, which
shall come?
45:5 And he saith, Yea, I believe all the words which thou hast
spoken.
45:6 And Alma saith unto him again, Will ye keep my commandments?
45:7 And he said, Yea, I will keep thy commandments with all my
heart.
45:8 Then Alma saith unto him, Blessed art thou; and the Lord
shall prosper thee in this land.
45:9 But behold, I have somewhat to prophesy unto thee; but what
I prophesy unto thee, ye shall not make known; yea, what I prophesy
unto thee shall not be made known, even until the prophecy is
fulfilled; therefore write the words which I shall say.
45:10 And these are the words: Behold, I perceive that this very
people, the Nephites, according to the spirit of revelation which
is in me, in four hundred years from the time that Jesus Christ
shall manifest himself unto them, shall dwindle in unbelief;
45:11 yea, and then shall they see wars and pestilences, yea,
famines and bloodshed, even until the people of Nephi shall become
extinct;
45:12 yea, and this because they shall dwindle in unbelief, and
fall into the works of darkness and lasciviousness, and all manner
of iniquities; yea, I say unto you, that because they shall sin
against so great light and knowledge; yea, I say unto you, that
from this day, even the fourth generation shall not all pass away,
before this great iniquity shall come;
45:13 and when that great day cometh, behold, the time very soon
cometh that those which are now, or the seed of those which are
now numbered among the people of Nephi, shall no more be numbered
among the people of Nephi;
45:14 but whosoever remaineth, and is not destroyed in that great
and dreadful day, shall be numbered among the Lamanites, and shall
become like unto them all, save it be a few, which shall be called
the disciples of the Lord; and them shall the Lamanites pursue,
even until they shall become extinct. And now, because of iniquity,
this prophecy shall be fulfilled.
45:15 And now it came to pass that after Alma has said these things
to Helama, he blessed him, and also his other sons; and he also
blessed the earth, for the righteous sake.
45:16 And he said, Thus saith the Lord God: Cursed shall be the
land, yea, this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and
people, unto destruction, which do wickedly, when they are fully
ripe; and as I have said, so shall it be: for this is the cursing
and the blessing of God upon the land, for the Lord cannot look
upon sin with the least degree of allowance.
45:17 And now, when Alma had said these words, he blessed the
church, yea, all those which should stand fast in the faith, from
that time henceforth;
45:18 and when Alma had done this, he departed out of the land
of Zarahemla, as if to go into the land of Melek. --And it came
to pass that he was never heard of more; as to his death or his
burial, we know not of.
45:19 Behold, this we know, that he was a righteous man; and the
saying went abroad in the church, that he was taken up by the
spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses. But
behold, the Scripture saith the Lord took Moses unto himself;
and we suppose that he hath also received Alma in the spirit,
unto himself; therefore, for this cause, we know nothing concerning
his death or burial.
45:20 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the nineteenth
year of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, that
Helaman went forth among the people to declare the word unto them:
45:21 for behold, because of their wars with the Lamanites, and
the many little dissentions and disturbances which had been among
the people, it became expedient that the word of God should be
declared among them; yea, and that a regulation should be made
throughout the church;
45:22 therefore Helaman and his brethren went forth to establish
the church again in all the land, yea, in every city throughout
all the land which was possessed by the people of Nephi. And it
came to pass that they did appoint priests and teachers throughout
all the land, over all the churches.
45:23 And now it came to pass that after Helaman and his brethren
had appointed priests and teachers over the churches, that there
arose a dissention among them, and they would not give heed to
the words of Helaman and his brethren;
45:24 but they grew proud, being lifted up in their hearts, because
of their exceeding great riches; therefore they grew rich in their
own eyes, and would not give heed to their words, to walk uprightly
before God.
46:1 And it came to pass that as many as would not hearken to
the words of Helaman and his brethren, were gathered together
against their brethren.
46:2 And now behold, they were exceeding wroth, insomuch that
they were determined to slay them.
46:3 Now the leader of those which were wroth against their brethren,
was a large and a strong man; and his name was Amalickiah.
46:4 And Amalickiah was desirous to be a king; and those people
which were wroth, were also desirous that he should be their king;
and they were the greater part of them the lower Judges of the
land; and they were seeking power.
46:5 And they had been led by the flatteries of Amalickiah, that
if they would support him, and establish him to be their king,
that he would make them rulers over the people.
46:6 Thus they were led away by Amalickiah, to dissentions, notwithstanding
the preaching of Helaman and his brethren; yea, notwithstanding
their exceeding great care over the church, for they were High
Priests over the church.
46:7 And there were many in the church which believed in the flattering
words of Amalickiah; therefore they dissented even from the church;
and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceeding precarious
and dangerous, notwithstanding their great victory which they
had had over the Lamanites, and their great rejoicings which they
had had, because of their deliverance by the hands of the Lord.
46:8 Thus we see how quick the children of men doth forget the
Lord their God; yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away
by the evil one;
46:9 yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very wicked
man can cause to take place among the children of men;
46:10 yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning
devices, and a man of many flattering words, that he led away
the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to
destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty
which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent
upon the face of the land, for the righteous sake.
46:11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, which was the
chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these
dissentions, he was angry with Amalickiah.
46:12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a
piece thereof, and wrote upon it, In memory of our God, our religion,
and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children; and he
fastened it upon the end of a pole thereof.
46:13 And he fastened his head-plate, and his breast- plate, and
his shields, and girded on his armour about his loins; and he
took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat. (and
he called it the title of liberty,) and he bowed himself to the
earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of
liberty to rest upon his brethren so long as there should a band
of Christians remain to possess the land:
46:14 for thus were all the true believers of Christ, which belonged
to the church of God, called by those which did not belong to
the church;
46:15 and those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea,
all those who were true believers in Christ, took upon them, gladly,
the name of Christ, or Christians, as they were called, because
of their belief in Christ, which should come;
46:16 and therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause
of the Christians, and the freedom of the land, might be favored.--
46:17 And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul,
he gave all the land which was south of the land Desolation; yea,
and in fine, all the land, both on the north and on the south,
a chosen land , and the land of liberty.
46:18 --And he saith, Surely God shall not suffer that we, who
are despised because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall
be trodden down and destroyed, until we bring it upon us, by our
own transgressions.
46:19 And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among
the people, waving the rent of his garment in the air, that all
might see the writing which he had wrote upon the rent, and crying
with a loud voice, saying:
46:20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land,
let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into
a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion,
that the Lord God may bless them.
46:21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these
words, behold, the people came running together, with their armours
girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or
as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God;
or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandment
of God, or fall into transgressions, and be ashamed to take upon
them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they
rent their garments.
46:22 Now this was the covenant which they made; and they cast
their garments at the feet of Moroni, saying: We covenant with
our God that we shall be destroyed, even as our brethren in the
land northward, if we shall fall into transgression; yea, he may
cast us at the feet of our enemies, even as we have cast our garments
at thy feet, to trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression.
46:23 Moroni saith unto them, Behold, we are a remnant of the
seed of Jacob; yea, we are a remnant of the seed of Joseph, whose
coat was rent by his brethren, into many pieces; yea, and now
behold, let us remember to keep the commandments of God, or our
garments shall be rent by our brethren, and we be cast into prison,
or be sold, or be slain;
46:24 yea, let us preserve our liberty, as a remnant of Joseph;
yea, let us remember the words of Jacob, before his death; for
behold, he saw that a part of the remnant of the coat of Joseph
was preserved, and had not decayed. And he saith, Even as this
remnant of garment of my sons hath been preserved, so shall a
remnant of the seed of my son be preserved by the hand of God,
and be taken unto himself, while the remainder of the seed of
Joseph shall perish, even as the remnant of his garment.
46:25 Now behold, this giveth my soul sorrow; nevertheless, my
soul hath joy in my son, because that part of his seed which shall
be taken unto God.
46:26 Now behold, this was the language of Jacob.
46:27 And now who knoweth but what the remnant of the seed of
Joseph, which shall perish as his garment, are those which have
dissented from us; yea, and even it shall be us, if we do not
stand fast in the faith of Christ.
46:28 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had said these
words, he went forth, and also sent forth in all the parts of
the land where there were dissentions, and gathered together all
the people which were desirous to maintain their liberty, to stand
against Amalickiah, and those which had dissented, which were
called Amalickiahites.
46:29 And it came to pass that when Amalickiah saw that the people
of Moroni were more numerous than the Amalickiahites; and he also
saw that his people were doubtful concerning the justice of the
cause in which they had undertaken; therefore, fearing that he
should not gain the point, he took those of his people which would,
and departed into the land of Nephi.
46:30 Now Moroni thought it was not expedient that the Lamanites
should have any more strength; therefore he thought to cut off
the people of Amalickiah, or to take them and bring them back,
and put Amalickiah to death; yea, for he knew that they would
stir up the Lamanites to anger against them, and cause them to
come to battle against them; and this he knew that Amalickiah
would do, that he might obtain his purposes;
46:31 therefore Moroni thought it was expedient that he should
take his armies, which had gathered themselves together and armed
themselves. and entered into a covenant to keep the peace: --And
it came to pass that he took his army, and marched out into the
wilderness, to cut off the course of Amalickiah in the wilderness.
And it came to pass that he did according to his desires, and
marched forth into the wilderness,
46:32 and headed the armies of Amalickiah.
46:33 And it came to pass that Amalickiah fled with a small number
of his men, and the remainder were delivered up into the hands
of Moroni, and were taken back into the land of Zarahemla.
46:34 Now Moroni being a man which was appointed by the Chief
Judges and the voice of the people, therefore he had power according
to his will, with the armies of the Nephites, to establish and
to exercise authority over them.
46:35 And it came to pass that whomsoever of the Amalickiahites
that would not enter into a covenant to support the cause of freedom,
that they might maintain a free government, he caused to be put
to death; and there was but few which denied the covenant of freedom.
46:36 And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of liberty
to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, which
was possessed by the Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the standard
of liberty among the Nephites.
46:37 And they began to have peace again in the land; and thus
they did maintain peace in the land, until nearly the end of the
nineteenth year of the reign of the Judges.
46:38 And Helaman and the High Priests did also maintain order
in the church; yea, even for the space of four years, did they
have much peace and rejoicing in the church.
46:39 And it came to pass that there were many who died, firmly
believing that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ;
thus they went out of the world rejoicing.
46:40 And there were some who died with fevers, which at some
seasons of the year, was very frequent in the land; but not so
much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the
many plants and roots which God had prepared, to remove the cause
of diseases which was subsequent to man, by the nature of the
climate.
46:41 But there were many who died with old age; and those who
died in the faith of Christ, are happy in him, as we must needs
suppose.
47:1 Now we will return in our record, to Amalickiah, and those
which had fled with him into the wilderness: for behold, he had
taken those which went with him, and went up into the land of
Nephi, among the Lamanites, and did stir up the Lamanites to anger,
against the people of Nephi, inasmuch that the king of the Lamanites
sent a proclamation throughout all his land, among all his people,
that they should gather themselves together again, to go to battle
against the Nephites.
47:2 And it came to pass that when the proclamation had gone forth
among them, they were exceeding fraid; yea, they feared to displease
the king, and they also feared to go to battle against the Nephites,
lest they should lose their lives. And it came to pass that they
would not, or the more part of them would not obey the commandments
of the king.
47:3 And now it came to pass that the king was wroth, because
of their disobedience; therefore he gave Amalickiah the command
of that part of his army which was obedient unto his commands,
and commanded him that he should go forth and compel them to arms.
47:4 Now behold, this was the desire of Amalickiah: for he being
a very subtle man to do evil, therefore he laid the plan in his
heart to dethrone the king of the Lamanites.
47:5 And now he had got the command of those parts of the Lamanites
which were in the favor of the king; and he sought to gain favor
of those which were not obedient; therefore he went forward to
the place which was called Onidah, for thither had all the Lamanites
fled; for they discovered the army coming, and supposing that
they were coming to destroy them, therefore they fled to Odinah,
to the place of arms.
47:6 --And they had appointed a man to be a king and a leader
over them, being fixed in their minds with a determined resolution
that they would not be subjected to go against the Nephites.
47:7 And it came to pass that they had gathered themselves together
upon the top of the mount which was called Antipas, in preparation
to battle.
47:8 Now it was not Amalickiah.s intention to give them battle,
according to the commandments of the king; but behold, it was
his intention to gain favor with the armies of the Lamanites,
that he might place himself at their head, and dethrone the king,
and take possession of the kingdom.
47:9 And behold, it came to pass that he caused his army to pitch
their tents in the valley which was near the mount Antipas.
47:10 And it came to pass that when it was night, he sent a secret
embassy into the mount Antipas, desiring that the leader of those
which were on the mount, whose name was Lehonti, that he should
come down to the foot of the mount, for he desired to speak with
him.
47:11 And it came to pass that when Lehonti received the message,
he durst not go down to the foot of the mount. And it came to
pass that Amalickiah sent again a second time, desiring him to
come down. And it came to pass that Lehonti would not; and he
sent again the third time.
47:12 And it came to pass that when Alamickiah found that he could
not get Lehonti to come down off from the mount, he went up into
the mount, nearly to Lehonti's camp; and he sent again the fourth
time, his message unto Lehonti, desiring that he would come down,
and that he would bring his guards with him.
47:13 And it came to pass that when Lehonti had come down with
his guards to Amalickiah, that Amalickiah desired him to come
down with his army in the night time, and surround those men in
their camps, over whom the king gave him command, and he would
deliver them up into Lehonti's hands, if he would make him, (Amalickiah,)
a second leader over the whole army.
47:14 And it came to pass that Lehonti came down with his men,
and surrounded the men of Amalickiah, so that before they awoke
at the dawn of the day, they were surrounded by the armies of
Lehonti.
47:15 And it came to pass that when they saw that they were surrounded,
they plead with Amalickiah that he would suffer them to fall in
with their brethren, that they might not be destroyed. Now this
was the very thing which Amalickiah desired.
47:16 And it came to pass that he delivered his men, contrary
to the commands of the king. Now this was the thing that Amalickiah
desired, that he might accomplish his designs in dethroning the
king.
47:17 Now it was the custom among the Lamanites, if their chief
leader was killed, to appoint the second leader to be their chief
leader.
47:18 And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of his
servants administer poison, by degrees, to Lehonti, that he died.
47:19 Now when Lehonti was dead, the Lamanites appointed Amalickiah
to be their leader and their chief commander.
47:20 And it came to pass that Amalickiah marched with his armies
(for he had gained his desires) to the land of Nephi, to the city
of Nephi, which was the chief city.
47:21 And the king came out to meet him, with his guards: for
he supposed that Amalickiah had fulfilled his commands, and that
Amalickiah had gathered together so great an army for to go against
the Nephites to battle.
47:22 But behold, as the king came out to meet him, Amalickiah
caused that his servants should go forth to meet the king. And
they went and bowed themselves before the king, as if to reverence
him, because of his greatness.
47:23 And it came to pass that the king put forth his hand to
raise them, as was the custom of the Lamanites, and a token of
peace, which custom they had taken from the Nephites.
47:24 And it came to pass that when he had raised the first from
the ground, behold, he stabbed the king to the heart; and he fell
to the earth.
47:25 Now the servants of the king fled; and the servants of Amalickiah
raised a cry, saying:
47:26 Behold, the servants of the king have stabbed him to the
heart, and he has fell, and they have fled; behold, come and see.
47:27 And it came to pass that Amalickiah commanded that his armies
should march forth, and see what bad happened to the king; and
when they had come to the spot, and found the king lying in his
gore, Amalickiah pretended to be wroth, and said, Whosoever loved
the king, let him go forth and pursue his servants, that they
may be slain.
47:28 And it came to pass that when all they who had loved the
king, when they had heard these words, came forth and pursued
after the servants of the king.
47:29 Now when the servants of the king saw an army pursuing after
them, they were frightened again, and fled into the wilderness,
and came over into the land of Zarahemla, and joined the people
of Ammon;
47:30 and the army which pursued after them, returned, having
pursued after them in vain: and thus Amalickiah, by his fraud,
gained the hearts of the people.
47:31 And it came to pass on the morrow, he entered the city of
Nephi, with his armies, and took possession of the city.
47:32 And now it came to pass that the queen, when she had heard
that the king was slain: for Amalickiah had sent an embassy to
the queen, informing her that the king had been slain by his servants;
that he had pursued them with his army, but it was in vain, and
they had made their escape:
47:33 Therefore when the queen had received this message, she
sent unto Amalickiah, desiring him that he would spare the people
of the city; and she also desired him that he should come in unto
her; and she also desired him that he would bring witnesses with
him, to testify concerning the death of the king.
47:34 And it came to pass that Amalickiah took the same servant
that slew the king, and also they which were with him, and went
in unto the queen, unto the place where she sat; and they all
testified unto her that the king was slain by his own servants;
and they said, also, They have fled: Does not this testify against
them? And thus they satisfied the queen concerning the death of
the king.
47:35 And it came to pass that Amalickiah sought the favor of
the queen, and took her unto him to wife; and thus by his fraud,
and by the assistance of his cunning servants, he obtained the
kingdom; yea, he was acknowledged king throughout all the land,
among all the people of the Lamanites, which was composed of the
Lamanites, and the Lamanites, and the Ishmaelites, and all the
dissenters of the Nephites, from the reign of Nephi down to the
present time.
47:36 Now these dissenters, having the same instruction and the
same information of the Nephites; yea, having been instructed
in the same knowledge of the Lord; nevertheless, it is strange
to relate, not long after their dissentions, they became more
hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious,
then the Lamanites; drinking in the traditions of the Lamanites;
giving away to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea,
entirely forgetting the Lord their God.
48:1 And now it came to pass that as soon as Amalickiah had obtained
the kingdom, he began to inspire the hearts of the Lamanites against
the people of Nephi; yea, he did appoint men to speak unto the
Lamanites from their towers, against the Nephites;
48:2 and thus he did inspire their hearts against the Nephites,
insomuch, that in the latter end of the nineteenth year of the
reign of the Judges, he having accomplished his designs thus far;
yea, having been made king over the Lamanites, he sought also
to reign over all the land; yea, and all the people which were
in the land; the Nephites as well as the Lamanites;
48:3 therefore he had accomplished his design: for he had hardened
the hearts of the Lamanites, and blinded their minds, and stirred
them up to anger, insomuch that he had gathered together a numerous
host, to go to battle against the Nephites.
48:4 For he was determined, because of the greatness of the number
of his people, to overpower the Nephites, and to bring them into
bondage:
48:5 and thus he did appoint Chief Captains of the Zoramites,
they being the most acquainted with the strength of the Nephites,
and their places of resort, and the weakest parts of their cities;
therefore he appointed them to be Chief Captains over his armies.
48:6 And it came to pass that they took their camp, and moved
forth towards the land of Zarahemla, in the wilderness.
48:7 Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining
power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been
preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord
their God;
48:8 yea, he had been strengthening the armies of the Nephites,
and erecting small forts, or places of resort; throwing up banks
of earth round about, to enclose his armies, and also building
walls of stone to encircle them about, round about their cities,
and the borders of their lands; yea, all round about the land;
48:9 and in their weakest fortifications, he did place the greater
number of men; and thus he did fortify and strengthen the land
which was possessed by the Nephites.
48:10 And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their
lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that
they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain
that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians.
48:11 And Moroni was a strong and mighty man; he was a man of
a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed;
a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his
country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
48:12 yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his
God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon
his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and
safety of his people;
48:13 yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ,
and he had sworn with an oath, to defend his people, his rights,
and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.
48:14 Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against
their enemies, even to the shedding of blood, if it were necessary;
yea, and they were also taught never to give an offence; yea,
and never to raise the sword, except it were against an enemy,
except it were to preserve their lives:
48:15 and this was their faith, that by so doing. God would prosper
them in the land; or in other words, if they were faithful in
keeping the commandments of God, that he would prosper them in
the land; yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war, according
to their danger;
48:16 and also, that God would make it known unto them, whither
they should go to defend themselves against their enemies; and
by so doing, the Lord would deliver them: and this was the faith
of Moroni; and his heart did glory in it; not in the shedding
of blood, but in doing good, in preserving his people; yea, in
keeping the commandments of God; yea, and resisting iniquity.
48:17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been,
and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very
powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the Devil
would never have no power over the hearts of the children of men.
48:18 Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah,
yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah; yea, and also Alma and
his sons: for they were all men of God.
48:19 Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable
unto the people, then was Moroni; for they did preach the word
of God, and they did baptize unto repentance, all, men whosoever
would hearken unto their words.
48:20 And thus they went forth, and the people did humble themselves
because of their words, insomuch that they were highly favored
of the Lord; and thus they were free from wars and contentions
among themselves; yea, even for the space of four years.
48:21 But as I have said in the latter end of the nineteenth;
yea, notwithstanding their peace amongst themselves, they were
compelled reluctantly to contend with their brethren, the Lamanites;
yea, and in fine, their wars never did cease for the space of
many years with the Lamanites,
48:22 notwithstanding their much reluctance.
48:23 Now they were sorry to take up arms against the Lamanites,
because they did not delight in the shedding of blood; yea, and
this was not all; they were sorry to be the means of sending so
many of their brethren out of this world into an eternal world,
unprepared to meet their God;
48:24 nevertheless, they could not suffer to lay down their lives,
that their wives and their children should me massacred by the
barbarous cruelty of those who was once their brethren, yea, and
had dissented from their church, and had left them, and had gone
to destroy them, by joining the Lamanites;
48:25 yea, they could not bear that their brethren should rejoice
over the blood of the Nephites, so long as there were any who
should keep the commandments of God: for the promise of the Lord
were, If they should keep his commandments, they should prosper
in the land.
49:1 And now it came to pass in the eleventh month of the nineteenth
year, on the tenth day of the month, the armies of the Lamanites
were seen approaching towards the land of Ammonihah.
49:2 And behold, the city had been rebuilt, and Moroni had stationed
an army by the borders of the city, and they had cast up dirt
round about to shield them from the arrows and the stones of the
Lamanites; for behold, they fought with stones, and with arrows.
49:3 Behold, I said that the city of Ammonihah had been rebuilt.
I say unto you, yea, that it was in part re-built, and because
the Lamanites had destroyed it once because of the iniquity of
the people, they supposed that it would again become an easy prey
for them.
49:4 But behold, how great was their disappointment; for behold
the Nephites had dug a ridge of earth round about them, which
was so high that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and
their arrows at them, that they might take effect; neither could
they come upon them, save it was by their place of entrance.
49:5 Now at this time, the Chief Captains of the Lamanites were
astonished exceedingly, because of the wisdom of the Nephites
in preparing their place of security.
49:6 Now the leaders of the Lamanites had supposed, because of
the greatness of their numbers; yea, they supposed that they should
be privileged to come upon them as they had hitherto done; yea,
and they had also prepared themselves with shields, and with breast-plates;
and they had also prepared themselves with garments of skins;
yea, very thick garments, to cover their nakedness.
49:7 And being thus prepared, they supposed that they should easily
overpower and subject their brethren to the yoke of bondage, or
slay and massacre them according to their pleasure.
49:8 But behold, to their uttermost astonishment, they were prepared
for them, in a manner which never had been known among all the
children of Lehi. Now they were prepared for the Lamanites, to
battle after the manner of the instructions of Moroni.
49:9 And it came to pass that the Lamanites, or the Amalickiahites,
were exceedingly astonished at their manner of preparation for
war.
49:10 Now if king Amalickiah had come down out of the land of
Nephi, at the head of his army, perhaps he would have caused the
Lamanites to have attacked the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah;
for behold, he did care not for the blood of his people.
49:11 But behold, Amalickiah did not come down himself to battle.
And behold, his Chief Captains durst not attack the Nephites at
the city of Ammonihah, for Moroni had altered the management of
affairs among the Nephites, insomuch that the Lamanites were disappointed
in their places of retreat, and they could not come upon them;
49:12 therefore they retreated into the wilderness, and took their
camp, and marched towards the land of Noah, supposing that to
be the next best place for them to come against the Nephites;
49:13 for they knew not that Moroni had fortified or had built
forts of security for every city in all the land round about;
therefore they marched forward to the land of Noah with a firm
determination; yea, their Chief Captains came forward, and took
an oath that they would destroy the people of that city.
49:14 But behold, to their astonishment, the city of Noah, which
had hitherto been a weak place, had now, by the means of Moroni,
became strong; yea, even to exceed the strength of the city Ammonihah.
49:15 And now behold, this was the wisdom in Moroni; for he had
supposed that they would be frightened at the city of Ammonihah;
and as the city of Noah had hitherto been the weakest part of
the land, therefore they would march thither to battle; and thus
it was, according to his desires.
49:16 And behold, Moroni had appointed Lehi to be Chief Captain
over the men of their city; and it was that same Lehi which fought
with the Lamanites in the valley, on the east of the river Sidon.
49:17 And now it came to pass, that when the Lamanites had found
that Lehi commanded the city, they were again disappointed, for
they feared Lehi exceedingly; nevertheless, their Chief Captains
had sworn with an oath, to attack the city; therefore they brought
up their armies.
49:18 Now behold, the Lamanites could not get into their forts
of security, by any other way save by the entrance, because of
the highness of the bank which had been thrown up, and the depth
of the ditch which had been dug round about, save it were by the
entrance.
49:19 And thus were the Nephites prepared to destroy all such
as should attempt to climb up to enter the fort, by any other
way, by casting over stones and arrows at them.
49:20 Thus they were prepared; yea, a body of their most strong
men, with their swords and their slings, to smite down all who
should attempt to come into their place of security, by the place
of entrance; and thus were they prepared to defend themselves
against the Lamanites.
49:21 And it came to pass that the Captains of the Lamanites brought
up their armies before the place of entrance, and began to contend
with the Nephites, to get into their place of security; but behold,
they were driven back from time to time, insomuch that they were
slain, with an immense slaughter.
49:22 Now when they found that they could not obtain power over
the Nephites by the pass, they began to dig down their banks of
earth, that they might obtain a pass to their armies, that they
might have an equal chance to fight; but behold, in these attempts,
they were swept off by the stones and the arrows which were thrown
at them; and instead of filling up their ditches by pulling down
the banks of earth, they were filled up in a measure, with their
dead and wounded bodies.
49:23 Thus the Nephites had all power over their enemies; and
thus the Lamanites did attempt to destroy the Nephites, until
their Chief Captains were all slain; yea, and more than a thousand
of the Lamanites were slain; while on the other hand, there was
not a single soul of the Nephites which were slain.
49:24 There were about fifty which were wounded, which had been
exposed to the arrows of the Lamanites through the pass; but they
were shielded by their shields, and their breast-plates, and their
head-plates, insomuch that their wounds were upon their legs;
many of which were very severe.
49:25 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that their
Chief Captains were all slain, they fled into the wilderness.
And it came to pass that they returned to the land of Nephi, to
inform their King, Amalickiah, who was a Nephite by birth, concerning
their great loss.
49:26 And it came to pass that he was exceeding angry with his
people, because he had not obtained his desire over the Nephites;
he had not subjected them to the yoke of bondage;
49:27 yea, he was exceeding wroth, and he did curse God, and also
Moroni, and swearing with an oath that he would drink his blood;
and this because Moroni had kept the commandments of God in preparing
for the safety of his people.
49:28 And it came to pass that on the other hand, the people of
Nephi did thank the Lord their God, because of his matchless power
in delivering them from the hands of their enemies.
49:29 And thus ended the nineteenth year of the reign of the Judges
over the people of Nephi;
49:30 yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceeding
great prosperity in the church, because of their heed and diligence
which they gave unto the word of God, which was declared unto
them by Helaman, and Shiblon, and Corianton, And Ammon, and his
brethren, &c.; yea, and by all those which had been ordained
by the holy order of God, being baptised unto repentance, and
sent forth to preach among the people, &c.
50:1 Chapter 22 And now it came to pass that Moroni
did not stop making preparations for war, or to defend themselves
against the Lamanites; for he caused that his armies should commence
in the commencement of the twentieth year of the reign of the
Judges, that they should commence in digging up heaps of earth
round about all the cities, throughout all the land which was
possessed by the Nephites;
50:2 and upon the top of these ridges of earth, he caused that
there should be timbers; yea, works of timbers built up to the
height of a man, round about the cities.
50:3 And he caused that upon those works of timbers, that there
should be a frame of pickets built upon the timbers, round about;
and they were strong and high;
50:4 and he caused towers to be erected that overlooked those
works of pickets; and he caused places of security to be built
upon those towers, that the stones and the arrows of the Lamanites
could not hurt them.
50:5 And they were prepared, that they could cast stones from
the top thereof, according to their pleasure and their strength,
and slay him which should attempt to approach near the walls of
the city.
50:6 Thus Moroni did prepare strong holds against the coming of
their enemies, round about every city in all the land.
50:7 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his armies should
go forth into the east wilderness; yea, and they went forth, and
drove all the Lamanites which were in the east wilderness into
their own lands, which were south of the land of Zarahemla;
50:8 and the land of Nephi did run in a straight course from the
East Sea to the West.
50:9 And it came to pass that when Moroni had driven all the Lamanites
out of the east wilderness, which was north of the lands of their
own possessions, he caused that the inhabitants which were in
the land of Zarahemla, and in the land round about, should go
forth into the east wilderness, even to the borders, by the seashore,
and possess that land.
50:10 And he also placed armies on the south, in the borders of
their possessions, and caused them to erect fortifications, that
they might secure their armies and their people from the hands
of their enemies.
50:11 And thus he cut off all the strong holds of the lamanites,
in the east wilderness; yea, and also on the west, fortifying
the line between the Nephites and the Lamanites, between the land
of Zarahemla and the land of Nephi; from the West Sea, running
by the head of the river Sidon; the Nephites possessing all the
land northward; yea, even all the land which was northward of
the land Bountiful, according to their pleasure.
50:12 Thus Moroni, with his armies, which did increase daily,
because of the assurance of protection which his works did bring
forth unto them; therefore they did seek to cut off the strength
and the power of the Lamanites, from off the lands of their possessions,
that they should have no power upon the lands of their possession.
50:13 And it came to pass that the Nephites began the foundation
of a city; and they called the name of the city Moroni; and it
was by the East Sea; and it was on the south by the line of the
possessions of the Lamanites.
50:14 And they also began a foundation for a city, between the
city of Moroni and the city of Aaron, joining the borders of Aaron
and Moroni; and they called the name of the city, or the land,
Nephihah.
50:15 And they also began, in that same year, to build many cities
on the north; one in a particular manner, which they called Lehi,
which was in the north, by the borders of the seashore.
50:16 And thus ended the twentieth year.
50:17 And in these prosperous circumstances were the people of
Nephi, in the commencement of the twenty and first year of the
reign of the Judges, over the people of Nephi.
50:18 And they did prosper exceedingly, and they became exceeding
rich; yea, and they did multiply, and were strong in the land.
50:19 And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings
of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children
of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at
this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:
50:20 Blessed art thou, and thy children; and they shall be blessed,
inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments; they shall prosper
in the land. But remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my commandments,
they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.
50:21 And we see that these promises have been verified to the
people of Nephi; for it has been their quarrelings, and their
contentions; yea, their murderings, and their plunderings, their
idolatry, their whoredoms, and their abominations, which were
among themselves, which brought upon them their wars and destructions.
50:22 And those who were faithful in keeping the commandments
of the Lord, were delivered at all times, whilst thousands of
their wicked brethren have been consigned to bondage, or to perish
by the sword, or to dwindle in unbelief, and mingle with the Lamanites.
50:23 But behold, there never was a happier time among the people
of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni;
yea, even at this time, in the twenty and first year of the reign
of Judges.
50:24 And it came to pass that the twenty and seeond year of the
reign of the Judges, also ended in peace; yea, and also the twenty
and third year.
50:25 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the twenty
and fourth year of the reign of the Judges, there would also have
been peace among the people of Nephi, had it not been for a contention
which took place among them concerning the land of Lehi, and the
land of Morianton, which joined upon the borders of Lehi; both
of which were on the borders, by the seashore.
50:26 For behold, the people which possessed the land of Morianton,
did claim a part of the land of Lehi; therefore there began to
be a warm contention between them, insomuch that the people of
Morianton took up arms against their brethren, and they were determined
by the sword to slay them.
50:27 But behold, the people which possessed the land of Lehi,
fled to the camp of Moroni, and appealed unto him for assistance;
for behold, they were not in the wrong.
50:28 And it came to pass that when the people of Morianton, which
were led by a man whose name was Morianton, found that the people
of Lehi had fled to the camp of Moroni, they were exceeding fearful,
lest the army of Moroni should come upon them, and destroy them;
50:29 therefore, Morianton put it to their hearts that they should
flee to the land which was northward, which was covered with large
bodies of water, and take possession of the land which was northward.
50:30 And behold, they would have carried this plan into an effect,
(which would have been a cause to have been lamented,)but behold,
Morianton, being a man of much passion, therefore he was angry
with one of his maidservants, and he fell her, and beat her much.
50:31 And it came to pass that she fled, and came over to the
camp of Moroni, and told Moroni all things concerning the matter;
and also concerning their intentions to flee into the land northward.
50:32 Now behold, the people which were in the land Bountiful,
or rather Moroni, feared that they would hearken to the words
of Morianton, and unite with his people, and thus he would obtain
possession of those parts of the land, which would lay a foundation
for serious consequences among the people of Nephi; yea, which
consequences would lead to the overthrow of their liberty;
50:33 therefore Moroni sent an army, with their camp, to head
the people of Morianton, to stop their flight into the land northward.
50:34 And it came to pass that they did not head them, until they
had come to the borders of the land Desolation; and there they
did head them, by the narrow pass which led by the sea into the
land northward; yea, by the sea, on the west, and on the east.
50:35 And it came to pass that the army which was sent by Moroni,
which was led by a man whose name was Teancum, did meet the people
of Morianton; and so stubborn were the people of Morianton, (being
inspired by his wickedness and his flattering words,) that a battle
commenced between them, in which Teancum did slay Morianton, and
defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and returned to the
camp of Moroni. And thus ended the twenty and four year of the
reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi.
50:36 And thus was the people of Morianton brought back. And upon
their covenanting to keep the peace, they were restored to the
land of Morianton, and a union took place between them and the
people of Lehi; and they were also restored to their lands.
50:37 And it came to pass that in the same year that the people
of Nephi had peace restored unto them, that Nephihah, the second
Chief Judge, died, having filled the judgment seat with perfect
uprightness before God;
50:38 nevertheless, he had refused Alma to take possession of
those records and those things which were esteemed by Alma and
his fathers to be most sacred; therefore Alma had conferred them
upon his son Helaman.
50:39 Behold, it came to pass that the son of Nephihah was appointed
to fill the judgment seat, in the stead of his father; yea, he
was appointed Chief Judge, and governor over the people, with
an oath, and sacred ordinance to judge righteously, and to keep
the peace, and freedom of the people, and to grant unto them their
sacred privileges to worship the Lord their God; yea, to support
and maintain the cause of God all his days, and to bring the wicked
to justice, according to their crime.
50:40 Now behold, his name was Pahoran. And Pahoran did fill the
seat of his father, and did commence his reign in the end of the
twenty and fourth year, over the people of Nephi.
51:1 Chapter 23 And now it came to pass, in the commencement
of the twenty and fifth year of the reign of the Judges over the
people of Nephi, they having established peace between the people
of Lehi and the people of Morianton concerning their lands, and
having commenced the twenty and fifth year in peace;
51:2 nevertheless, they did not long maintain an entire peace
in the land for there began to be a contention among the people
concerning the Chief Judge, Pahoran; for behold, there were a
part of the people which desired that a few particular points
of the law should be altered;
51:3 therefore he did not hearken to those who had sent in their
voices with their petitions, concerning the altering of the law;
51:4 therefore those which were desirous that the law should be
altered, were angry with him, and desired that he should no longer
be Chief Judge over the land; therefore there arose a warm dispute
concerning the matter; but not unto bloodshed.
51:5 And it came to pass that those who were desirous that Pahoran
should be dethroned from the judgment seat, were called king-men,
for they were desirous that the law should be altered in a manner
to overthrow the free government, and to establish a king over
the land.
51:6 And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain Chief
Judge over the land, took upon them the name of freemen; and thus
was the division among them: for the freemen had sworn or covenanted
to maintain their rights, and privileges of their religion, by
a free government.
51:7 And it came to pass that this matter of their contention
was settled, by the voice of the people. And it came to pass that
the voice of the people came in the favor of the freemen, and
Pahoran retained the judgment seat, which caused much rejoicing
among the brethren of Pahoran, and also many of the people of
liberty; which also put the king-men to silence, that they durst
not oppose, but were obliged to maintain the cause of freedom.
51:8 Now those which were in favor of kings, were those of high
birth; and they sought to be kings; and they were supported by
those which sought power and authority over the people.
51:9 But behold, this was a critical time for such contentions
to be among the people of Nephi; for behold, Amalickiah had again
stirred up the hearts of the people of the Lamanites, against
the people of the Nephites, and he was gathering together soldiers,
from all parts of his land, and arming them, and preparing for
war, with all diligence; for he had sworn to drink the blood of
Moroni.
51:10 But behold, we shall see that his promise which he made
was rash; nevertheless, he did prepare himself and his armies,
to come to battle against the Nephites.
51:11 Now his armies were not so great as they had hitherto been,
because of the many thousands which had been slain by the hand
of the Nephites; but notwithstanding their great loss, Amalickiah
had gathered together a wonderful army, insomuch that he feared
not to come down to the land of Zarahemla.
51:12 Yea, even Amalickiah did himself come down, at the head
of the Lamanites. And it was in the twenty and fifth year of the
reign of the Judges; and it was at the same time that they began
to settle the affairs of their contentions concerning the Chief
Judge, Pahoran.
51:13 And it came to pass that when the men which were called
king-men, had heard that the Lamanites were coming down to battle
against them, they were glad in their hearts, and they refused
to take up arms; for they were so wroth with the Chief Judge,
and also with the people of liberty, that they would not take
up arms to defend their country.
51:14 And it came to pass that when Moroni saw this, and also
saw that the Lamanites were coming into the borders of the land,
he was exceeding wroth, because of the stubborness of those people,
of whom he had labored with so much diligence to preserve; yea,
he was exceeding wroth; his soul was filled with anger against
them.
51:15 And it came to pass that he sent a petition, with the voice
of the people, unto the Governor of the land, desiring that he
should read it, and give him, (Moroni,) power to compel those
dissenters to defend their country, or to put them to death;
51:16 for it was his first care to put an end to such contentions,
and dissentions among the people; for behold, this had been hitherto
a cause of all their destruction. --And it came to pass that it
was granted, according to the voice of the people.
51:17 And it came to pass that Moroni commanded that his army
should go against those king-men, to pull down their pride and
their nobility, and level them with the earth, or they should
take up arms and support the cause of liberty.
51:18 And it came to pass that the armies did march forth against
them; and they did pull down their pride and their nobility, insomuch,
that as they did lift their weapons of war to fight against the
men of Moroni, they were hewn down, and levelled to the earth.
51:19 And it came to pass that there were four thousand of those
dissenters, which were hewn down by the sword; and those of their
leaders which were not slain in battle, were taken and cast into
prison, for there was no time for their trials at this period;
51:20 and the remainder of those dissenters, rather than to be
smote down to the earth by the sword, yielded to the standard
of liberty, and were compelled to hoist the title of liberty upon
their towers, and in their cities, and to take up arms in defence
of their country.
51:21 And thus Moroni put an end to those king-men, that there
were not any known by the appellation of king-men; and thus he
put an end to the stubborness, and the pride of those people which
professed the blood of nobility; but they were brought down to
humble themselves like unto their brethren, and to fight valiantly
for their freedom from bondage.
51:22 Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus breaking
down the wars and contentions among his own people, and subjecting
them to peace and civilization, and making regulations to prepare
for war against the Lamanites, behold, the Lamanites had come
into the land of Moroni, which was in the borders by the seashore.
51:23 And it came to pass that the Nephites were not sufficiently
strong in the city of Moroni; therefore Amalickiah did drive them
slaying many. And it came to pass that Amalickiah took possession
of the city; yea, possession of all their fortifications.
51:24 And those which fled out of the city of Moroni, came to
the city of Nephihah; and also the people of Lehi gathered themselves
together, and made preparations, and were ready to receive the
Lamanites to battle. But it came to pass that Amalickiah would
not suffer the Lamanites to go against the city of Nephihah to
battle,
51:25 but kept them down by the seashore, leaving men in every
city to maintain and defend it;
51:26 and thus he went on, taking possession of many cities: the
city of Nephihah, and the city of Lehi, and the city of Morianton,
and the city of Omner, and the city of Gid, and the city of Mulek,
all of which were on the east borders, by the seashore.
51:27 And thus had the Lamanites obtained, by the cunning of Amalickiah,
so many cities, by their numberless hosts, all of which were strongly
fortified, after the manner of the fortifications of Moroni; all
of which afforded strong holds for the Lamanites.
51:28 And it came to pass that they marched to the borders of
the land Bountiful, driving the Nephites before them, and slaying
many.
51:29 But it came to pass that they were met by Teancum, who had
slain Morianton, and had headed his people in his flight.
51:30 And it came to pass that he headed Amalickiah also, as he
was marching forth with his numerous army, that he might take
possession of the land Bountiful, and also the land northward.
51:31 But behold, he met with a disappointment, by being repulsed
by Teancum and his men, for they were great warriors: for every
man of Teancum did exceed the Lamanites in their strength, and
in their skills of war, insomuch they did gain advantage over
the Lamanites.
51:32 And it came to pass that they did harrass them, insomuch
that they did slay them even until it was dark. And it came to
pass that Teancum and his men did pitch their tents in the borders
of the land of Bountiful; and Amalickiah did pitch his tents in
the borders on the beach by the seashore: and after this manner
they were driven.
51:33 And it came to pass that when the night had come, Teancum
and his servant stole forth and went out by night, and went into
the camp of Amalickiah; and behold, sleep had overpowered them,
because of their much fatigue, which was caused by the labors
and the heat of the day.
51:34 And it came to pass that Teancum stole privily into the
tent of the king, and put a javelin to his heart; and he did cause
the death of the king immediately, that he did not awake his servants.
51:35 And he returned again privily to his own camp, and behold,
his men were asleep; and he awoke them, and told them all the
things that he had done.
51:36 And he caused that his armies should stand in readiness,
lest the Lamanites had awoke, and should come upon them.
51:37 And thus ended the twenty and fifth year of the reign of
the Judges over the people of Nephi; and thus ended the days of
Amalickiah.
52:1 Chapter 24 And now it came to pass in the twenty and
sixth year of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi,
behold, when the Lamanites awoke on the first morning of the first
month, behold, they found Amalickiah was dead, in his own tent;
and they also saw that Teancum was ready to give them battle on
that day.
52:2 And now when the Lamanites saw this, they were affrighted;
and they abandoned their design in marching into the land northward,
and retreated with all their army into the city of Mulek, and
sought protection in their fortifications,
52:3 --And it came to pass that the brother of Amalickiah was
appointed king over the people; and his name was Ammoron: thus
king Ammoron, the brother of king Amalickiah, was appointed to
reign in his stead.
52:4 And it came to pass that he did command that his people should
maintain those cities which they had taken by the shedding of
blood; for they had not taken any cities, save they had lost much
blood.
52:5 And now Teancum saw that the Lamanites were determined to
maintain those cities which they had taken, and those parts of
the land which they had obtained possession of; and also seeing
the enormity of their number, Teancum thought it was not expedient
that he should attempt to attack them in their forts;
52:6 but he kept his men round about, as if making preparations
for war; yea, and truly he was preparing to defend himself against
them, by casting up walls round about, and preparing places of
resort.
52:7 And it came to pass that he kept thus preparing for war,
until Moroni had sent a large number of men to strengthen his
army;
52:8 and Moroni also sent orders unto him, that he should retain
all the prisoners which fell into his hands; for as the Lamanites
had taken many prisoners, that he should retain all the prisoners
of the Lamanites, as a ransom for those which the Lamanites had
taken.
52:9 And he also sent orders unto him, that he should fortify
the land Bountiful, and secure the narrow pass which led into
the land northward, lest the Lamanites should obtain that point,
and should have power to harrass them on every side.
52:10 And Moroni also sent unto him, desiring that he would be
faithful in maintaining that quarter of the land, and that he
would seek every opportunity to scourge the Lamanites in that
quarter, as much as was his power, that perhaps he might take
again, by stratagem or some other way, those cities which had
been taken out of their hands; and that he also would fortify
and strengthen the cities round about, which had not fallen into
the hands of the Lamanites.
52:11 And he also said unto him, I would come unto you, but behold,
the Lamanites are upon us in the borders of the land by the West
Sea; and behold, I go against them, therefore I cannot come unto
you.
52:12 Now the king (Ammoron,) had departed out of the land of
Zarahemla, and had made known unto the queen concerning the death
of his brother, and had gathered together a large number of men,
and had marched forth against the Nephites, on the borders of
the West Sea;
52:13 and thus he was endeavoring to harrass the Nephites, and
to draw away a part of their forces to that part of the land,
while he had commanded those which he had left to possess the
cities which he had taken, that they should also harrass the Nephites
on the borders by the East Sea; and should take possession of
their lands as much as it were in their power, according to the
power of their armies.
52:14 And thus were the Nephites in those dangerous circumstances,
in the ending of the twenty and sixth year of the reign of the
Judges over the people of Nephi.
52:15 But behold, it came to pass in the twenty and seventh year
of the reign of the Judges, that Teancum, by the command of Moroni,
who had established armies to protect the south and the west borders
of the land, had began his march towards the land Bountiful, that
he might assist Teancum with his men, in retaking the cities which
they had lost.
52:16 And it came to pass that Teancum had received orders to
make an attack upon the city of Mulek, and retake it if it were
possible.
52:17 And it came to pass that Teancum made preparations to make
an attack upon the city of Mulek, and march forth with his army
against the Lamanites; but he saw that it was impossible that
he could overpower them while they were in their fortifications;
therefore he abandoned his designs, and returned again to the
city Bountiful, to wait for the coming of Moroni, that he might
receive strength to his army.
52:18 And it came to pass that Moroni did arrive with his army
to the land of Bountiful, in the latter end of the twenty and
seventh year of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi.
52:19 And in the commencement of the twenty and eighth year, Moroni
and Teancum, and many of the Chief Captains, held a council of
war, what they should do to cause the Lamanites to come out against
them to battle; or that they might by some means, flatter them
out of their strong holds, that they might gain advantage over
them, and take again the city of Mulek.
52:20 And it came to pass that they sent embassies to the army
of the Lamanites, which protected the city of Mulek, to their
leader, whose name was Jacob, desiring him that he would come
out with his armies to meet them upon the plains, between the
two cities. But behold, Jacob, which was a Zoramite, would not
come out with his army to meet them upon the plains.
52:21 And it came to pass that Moroni, having no hopes of meeting
them upon fair grounds, therefore he resolved upon a plan that
he might decoy the Lamanites out of their strong holds.
52:22 Therefore he caused that Teancum should take a small number
of men, and march down near the seashore; and Moroni and his army,
by night, marched into the wilderness, on the west of the city
of Mulek; and thus, on the morrow, when the guards of the Lamanites
had discovered Teancum, they ran and told it unto Jacob, their
leader.
52:23 And it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites did
march forth against Teancum, supposing by their numbers to overpower
Teancum, because of the smallness of his numbers. And as Teancum
saw the armies of the Lamanites coming out against him, he began
to retreat down by the seashore, northward.
52:24 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that he
began to flee, they took courage and pursued them with vigor.
And while Teancum was thus leading away the Lamanites which were
pursuing them in vain, behold, Moroni commanded that a part of
his army which were with him, should march forth into the city,
and take possession of it.
52:25 And thus they did, and slew all those who had been left
to protect the city; yea, all those who would not yield up their
weapons of war.
52:26 And thus Moroni had obtained a possession of the city of
Mulek, with a part of his army, while he marched with the remainder
to meet the Lamanites, when they should return from the pursuit
of Teancum.
52:27 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did pursue Teancum
until they came near the city Bountiful, and then they were met
by Lehi, and a small army, which had been left to protect the
city Bountiful.
52:28 And now Behold, when the Chief Captains of the Lamanites
had beheld Lehi, with his army, coming against them, they fled
in much confusion, lest perhaps they should not obtain the city
Mulek, before Lehi should overtake them; for they were wearied
because of their march; and the men of Lehi were fresh.
52:29 Now the Lamanites did not know that Moroni had been in their
rear with his army; and all they feared, was Lehi and his men.
52:30 Now Lehi was not desirous to overtake them, till they should
meet Moroni and his army.
52:31 And it came to pass that before the Lamanites had retreated
far, they were surrounded by the Nephites; by the men of Moroni
on one hand, and the men of Lehi on the other, all of whom were
fresh and full of strength; but the Lamanites were wearied, because
of their long march.
52:32 And Moroni commanded his men that they should fall upon
them, until they had given up their weapons of war.
52:33 And it came to pass that Jacob, being their leader, being
also a Zoramite, and having an unconquerable spirit, he led the
Lamanites forth to battle, with exceeding fury against Moroni.
52:34 Moroni being in their course of march, therefore Jacob was
determined to slay them, and cut his way through to the city of
Mulek. But behold, Moroni and his men were more powerful; therefore
they did not give away before the Lamanites.
52:35 And it came to pass that they fought on both hands with
exceeding fury; and there were many slain on both sides; yea,
and Moroni was wounded, and Jacob was killed.
52:36 And Lehi pressed upon their rear with such fury, with his
strong man, that the Lamanites in the rear delivered up their
weapons of war; and the remainder of them, being much confused,
knew not whether to go or to strike.
52:37 Now Moroni seeing their confusion, he said unto them, if
ye will bring forth your weapons of war, and deliver them up,
behold we will forbear shedding your blood.
52:38 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had heard these
words, their Chief Captains, all those which were not slain, came
forth and threw down their weapons of war at the feet of Moroni,
and also commanded their men that they should do the same;
52:39 but behold, there were many that would not; and those who
would not deliver up their swords, were taken and bound, and their
weapons of war were taken from them, and they were compelled to
march with their brethren forth into the land Bountiful.
52:40 And now the number of prisoners which were taken, exceeded
more than the number of those which had been slain; yea, more
than those which had been slain on both sides.
53:1 And it came to pass that they did set guards over the prisoners
of the Lamanites, and did compel them to go forth and bury their
dead; yea, and also the dead of the Nephites which were slain;
and Moroni placed men over them to guard them while they should
perform their labors.
53:2 And Moroni went to the city of Mulek with Lehi, and took
command of the city, and gave it unto Lehi. Now behold this Lehi
was a man who had been with Moroni in the more part of all his
battles; and he was a man like unto Moroni; and they rejoiced
in each other's safety; yea, they were beloved by each other,
and also beloved by all the people of Nephi.
53:3 And it came to pass that after the Lamanites had finished
burying their dead, and also the dead of the Nephites, they were
marched back into the land Bountiful; and Teancum, by the orders
of Moroni, caused that they should commence in laboring in digging
a ditch round about the land, or the city Bountiful;
53:4 and he caused that they should build a breastwork of timbers
upon the inner bank of the ditch; and they cast up dirt out of
the ditch against the breastwork of timbers; and thus they did
cause the Lamanites to labor, until they had encircled the city
of Bountiful round about with a strong wall of timbers and earth,
to an exceeding height.
53:5 And this city became an exceeding strong hold ever after;
and in this city they did guard the prisoners of the Lamanites;
yea, even within a wall, which they had caused them to build with
their own hands. Now Moroni was compelled to cause the Lamanites
to labor, because it were easy to guard them while at their labor;
and he desired all his forces, when he should make an attack upon
the Lamanites.
53:6 And it came to pass that Moroni had thus gained a victory
over one of the greatest of the armies of the Lamanites, and had
obtained possession of the city of Mulek, which was one of the
strongest hold of the Lamanites in the land of Nephi; and thus
he had built a strong hold to retain his prisoners.
53:7 And it came to pass that he did no more attempt a battle
with the Lamanites in that year, but he did employ his men in
preparing for war; yea, and in making fortifications to guard
against the Lamanites; yea, and also delivering their women and
their children from famine and affliction, and providing food
for their armies.
53:8 And now it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites,
on the West Sea, south, while in the absence of Moroni, on account
of some intrigue amongst the Nephites, which caused dissensions
amongst them, had gained some ground over the Nephites, yea, insomuch
that they obtained possession of a number of their cities in that
part of the land;
53:9 and thus because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea, because
of dissensions and intrigue among themselves, they were placed
in the most dangerous circumstances.
53:10 And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people
of Ammon, which, in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon
and his brethren, or rather by the power and word of god, they
had been converted unto the Lord; and they had been brought down
into the land of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected
by the Nephites;
53:11 and because of their oath, they had been kept from taking
up arms against their brethren; for they had an oath, that they
never would shed blood more; and according to their oath, they
would have perished; yea, they would have suffered themselves
to have fallen into the hands of their brethren, had it not been
for the pity and the exceeding love which Ammon and his brethren
had had for them;
53:12 and for this cause, they were brought down into the land
of Zarahemla; and they ever had been protected by the Nephites.
53:13 But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the
many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for
them, they were moved with compassion, and were desirous to take
up arms in the defence of their country.
53:14 But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of
war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his
brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had
made;
53:15 and Helaman feared lest by so doing, they should lose their
souls; therefore all those which had entered into this covenant,
were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions,
in their dangerous circumstances, at this time.
53:16 But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, which had
not entered into a covenant that they would not take their weapons
of war to defend themselves against their enemies; therefore they
did assemble themselves together at this time, as many as were
able to take up arms; and they called themselves Nephites;
53:17 and they entered into a covenant, to fight for there liberty
of the Nephites; yea, to protect the land unto the laying down
of their lives; yea, even they covenanted that they never would
give up their liberty, but they would fight in all cases to protect
the Nephites and themselves from bondage.
53:18 Now behold, there were two thousand of those young men which
entered into this covenant, and took their weapons of war to defend
their country.
53:19 And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage
of the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a
great support; for they took their weapons of war, and they would
that Helaman should be their leader.
53:20 And they were all young men, and they were exceeding valiant
for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this
was not all: they were men which were true at all times in whatsoever
thing they were entrusted;
53:21 yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had
been taught to keep the commandments of God, and walk uprightly
before him.
53:22 And now it came to pass that Helaman did march at the head
of his two thousand stripling soldiers, to the support of the
people in the borders of the land on the south, by the West Sea.
53:23 And thus ended the twenty and eigth year of the reign of
the Judges over the people of Nephi, &c.
54:1 Chapter 25 And now it came to pass in the twenty and
ninth year of the reign of the Judges, that Ammoron sent unto
Moroni, desiring that he would exchange prisoners.
54:2 And it came to pass that Moroni felt to rejoice exceedingly
at this request, for he desired the provisions which was imparted
for the support of the Lamanite prisoners, for the support of
his own people; and he also desired his own people for the strengthening
of his army.
54:3 --Now the Lamanites had taken many women and children; and
there was not a woman nor a child among all the prisoners of Moroni,
or the prisoners which Moroni had taken; therefore Moroni resolved
upon a stratagem, to obtain as many prisoners of the Nephites
from the Lamanites, as it were possible;
54:4 therefore he wrote and epistle, and sent it by the servant
of Ammoron, the same who had brought an epistle to Moroni. Now
these are the words which he wrote unto Ammoron, saying:
54:5 Behold, Ammoron, I have wrote unto you somewhat concerning
this war which we have waged against my people, or rather which
thy brother hath waged against them, and which ye are still determined
to carry on after his death.
54:6 Behold, I would tell you something concerning the justice
of God, and the sword of his Almighty wrath, which doth hang over
you: Except ye repent and withdraw your armies into your own lands,
or the lands of your possessions, which is the land of Nephi;
54:7 yea, I would tell you these things, if ye were capable of
hearkening unto them; yea, I would tell you concerning that awful
hell that awaits to receive such murderers as thou and thy brother
hath been, except ye repent and withdraw your murderous purposes,
and return with your armies to your own lands;
54:8 but as ye have rejected these things, and have fought against
the people of the Lord. even so I may expect you will do it again.
54:9 And now behold, we are prepared to receive you; yea, and
except you withdraw your purposes, behold, ye will pull down the
wrath of that God whom you have rejected, upon you, even to your
utter destruction;
54:10 but as the Lord liveth, our armies shall come upon you,
except ye withdraw, and ye shall soon be visited with death, for
we will retain our cities and our lands; yea, and we will maintain
our religion and the cause of our God.
54:11 But behold, it supposeth me that I talk to you concerning
these things in vain; or it supposeth me that that thou art a
child of hell; therefore I will close my epistle, by telling you
that I will not exchange prisoners, save it be on conditions that
ye will deliver up a man, and his wife, and his children, for
one prisoner; if this be the case that ye will do it, I will exchange.
54:12 And behold, if ye do not do this, I will come against you
with my armies; yea, even I will arm my women and my children,
and I will come against you, and I will follow you even into your
own land, which is the land of our first inheritance; yea, and
it shall be blood for blood; yea, life for life; and I will give
you battle, even until you are destroyed from off the face of
the earth.
54:13 Behold, I am in my anger, and also my people; ye have sought
to murder us, and we have only sought to defend ourselves. But
behold, if ye seek to destroy us more, we will seek to destroy
you; yea, and we will seek our land, the lands of our first inheritance.
54:14 Now I close my epistle. I am Moroni; I am a leader of the
people of the Nephites.
54:15 Now it came to pass that Ammoron, when he had received this
epistle, he was angry, and he wrote another epistle unto Moroni;
and these are the words which he wrote, saying:
54:16 I am Ammoron, the king of the Lamanites; I am the brother
of Amalickiah, whom ye have murdered. Behold, I will avenge his
blood upon you; yea, And I will come upon you with my armies,
for I fear not your threatnings.
54:17 For behold, your fathers did wrong their brethren, insomuch
that they did rob them of their right to the government, when
it rightly belonged unto them.
54:18 And now behold, if ye will lay down pour arms, and subject
yourselves to be governed by those whom the government doth rightly
belong, then will I cause that my people shall lay down their
weapons, and shall be at war no more.
54:19 Behold, ye have breathed out many threatnings against me
and my people; but behold, we fear not your threatnings;
54:20 nevertheless, I will grant to exchange prisoners according
to your request, gladly, that I may preserve my food for my men
of war; and we will wage a war which shall be eternal, either
to subjecting the Nephites to our authority, or to their eternal
extinction.
54:21 And concerning that God whom ye say we have rejected, behold,
we know not such a being; neither do ye; but if it so be that
there is such a being, we know not but that he hath made us as
well as you;
54:22 and if it so be that there is a Devil and a hell, behold,
will he not send you there, to dwell with my brother, which ye
have murdered, which ye have hinted that he hath gone to such
a place?. But behold, these things mattereth not.
54:23 I am Ammoron, and a descendant of Zoram, whom your fathers
pressed and brought out of Jerusalem.
54:24 And behold, now, I am a bold Lamanite. Behold, this war
has been waged, to avenge their wrongs, and to maintain, and to
obtain their rights to the government; and I close my epistle
to Moroni.
55:1 Now it came to pass that when Moroni received this epistle,
he was more angry, because he knew that Ammoron had a perfect
knowledge of his fraud; yea, he knew that Ammoron knew that it
was not a just cause that had caused him to wage war against the
people of Nephi.
55:2 And he said, Behold, I will not exchange prisoners with Ammoron,
save he will withdraw his purpose, as I have stated in my epistle;
for I will not grant unto him that he shall have any more power
than what he hath got.
55:3 Behold, I know the place where the Lamanites doth guard my
people, which they have taken prisoners; and as Ammoron would
not grant unto me mine epistle, behold, I will give unto him according
to my words; yea, I will seek death among them, until they shall
sue for peace.
55:4 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had said these words,
he caused that a search should be made among his men, that perhaps
he might find a man which was a descendant of Laman among them.
55:5 And it came to pass that they found one, whose name was Laman;
and he was one of the servants of the king which was murdered
by Amalickiah.
55:6 Now Moroni caused that Laman and a small number of his men,
should go forth unto the guard which were over the Nephites.
55:7 Now the Nephites were guarded in the city of Gid; therefore
Moroni caused that Laman and a small number of men which was appointed
to go with him.
55:8 And it came to pass that when it was evening, Laman went
to the guards which were over the Nephites, and behold, they saw
him coming, and they hailed him. But he saith unto them, Fear
not. Behold, I am a Lamanite. Behold, we have escaped from the
Nephites, and they sleepeth; and behold, we have took of their
wine, and brought with us.
55:9 Now when the Lamanites heard these words, they received him
with joy. --And they said unto him, Give us of your wine, that
we may drink; we are glad that ye have thus taken wine with you,
for we are weary.
55:10 But Laman saith unto them, Let us keep of our wine till
we go against the Nephites to battle. But this saying only made
them more desirous to drink of the wine.
55:11 --For, said they, We are weary; therefore let us take of
the wine, and by and by we shall receive wine for our rations,
which will strengthen us to go against the Nephites.
55:12 And Laman saith unto them, You may do according to your
desires.
55:13 And it came to pass that they did take of the wine freely,
and it was pleasant to their taste; therefore they took of it
more freely; and it was strong, having been prepared in its strength.
55:14 And it came to pass they did drink and were merry, and by
and by they were all drunken.
55:15 Now when Laman and his men saw that they were all drunken,
and were in a deep sleep, they returned to Moroni, and told him
all the things that had happened.
55:16 And now this was according to the design of Moroni. And
Moroni had prepared his men with weapons of war; and he went to
the city of Gid, while the Lamanites were in a deep sleep, and
drunken, and cast in the weapons of war in unto the prisoners,
insomuch that they were all armed;
55:17 yea, even to their women, and all those of their children,
as many as were able to use a weapon of war; when Moroni had armed
all those prisoners. And all those things were done in a profound
silence .
55:18 But had they awoke the Lamanites, behold they were drunken,
and the Nephites could have slain them.
55:19 But behold this was not the desire of Moroni. He did not
delight in murder or bloodshed; but he delighted in the saving
of his people from destruction; and for this cause he might not
bring upon him injustice, he would not fall upon the Lamanites
and destroy them in their drunkennes.
55:20 But he had obtained his desires; for he had armed those
prisoners of the Nephites which were within the wall of the city,
and had gave them power to gain possession of those parts which
were within the walls;
55:21 and then he caused the men which were with him, to withdraw
a pace from them, and surround the armies of the Lamanites.
55:22 Now behold, this was done in the night time, so that when
the Lamanites awoke in the morning, they beheld that they were
surrounded by the Nephites without, and that their prisoners were
armed within.
55:23 And thus they saw that the Nephites had power over them;
and in these circumstances they found it was not expedient that
they should fight with the Nephites; therefore their Chief Captains
demanded their weapons of war, and they brought them forth, and
cast them at the feet of the Nephites, pleading for mercy.
55:24 Now behold, this was the desire of Moroni. He took them
prisoners of war, and took possession of the city, and caused
that all prisoners should be liberated, which were Nephites; and
they did join the army of Moroni, and were a great strength to
his army.
55:25 And it came to pass that he did cause the Lamanites which
he had taken prisoners, that they should commence a labor in strengthening
the fortifications round about the city of Gid.
55:26 And it came to pass that when he had fortified the city
of Gid, according to his desires, he caused that his prisoners
be taken to the city Bountiful. And he also guarded that city
with an exceeding strong force.
55:27 And it came to pass that they did, notwithstanding all the
intrigues of the Lamanites, keep and protect all the prisoners
which they had taken, and also maintain all the ground and the
advantage which they had retaken.
55:28 And it came to pass that the Nephites began again to be
victorious, and to reclaim their rights and privileges.
55:29 Many time did the Lamanites attempt to encircle them about
by night, but these attempts they did lose many prisoners.
55:30 --And many times did they atempt to administer of their
wine to the Nephites, that they might destroy them with poison
or with drunkenness.
55:31 But behold, the Nephites were not slow to remember the Lord
their God, in this their times of affliction. They could not be
taken in their snares; yea, they would not partake of their wine;
yea, they would not take of wine, save they had firstly given
to some of the Lamanite prisoners.
55:32 And they were thus cautious, that no poison should be administered
among them; for if their wine would poison a Lamanite, it would
also poison a Nephite; and thus they did try all their liquors.
55:33 And now it came to pass that it was expedient for Moroni
to make preparations to attack the city of Morianton. --For behold,
the Lamanites had, by their labors, fortified the city of Morionton
until it had become an exceeding strong hold;
55:34 and they were continually bringing new forces into that
city, and also new supplies of provisions.
55:35 And thus ended the twenty and ninth year of the reign of
the Judges over the people of Nephi.
56:1 Chapter 26 And now it came to pass in the commencement
of the thirtieth year of the reign of the Judges, in the second
day, on the first month, Moroni received an epistle from Helaman,
stating the affairs of the people in that quarter of the land.
56:2 And these are the words which he wrote, saying: My dearly
beloved brother, Moroni, as well in the Lord as in the tribulations
of our warfare; behold, my beloved brother, I have somewhat to
tell you concerning our warfare in this part of the land.
56:3 Behold, two thousand of the sons of those men which Ammon
brought down out of the land of Nephi: Now ye have known that
these were a descendant of Laman, which was the eldest son of
our father Lehi.
56:4 Now I need not rehearse unto you concerning their traditions
or their unbelief, for thou knowest concerning all these things;
56:5 therefore it supposeth me that I tell you that two thousand
of these young men hath taken their weapons of war, and would
that I should be their leader; and we have come forth to defend
our country.
56:6 And now ye also know concerning the covenant which their
fathers made, that they would not take up their weapons of war
against their brethren, to shed blood.
56:7 But in the twenty and sixth year, when they saw our afflictions
and our tribulations for them, they were about to break the covenant
which they had made, and take up their weapons of war in our defence.
56:8 But I would not suffer them that they should break this covenant
which they had made, supposing that God would strengthen us, insomuch
that we would not suffer more because of the fulfilling the oath
which they had taken.
56:9 But behold, here is one thing in which we may have great
joy. For behold, in the twenty and sixth year, I Helaman, did
march at the head of these two thousand young men, to the city
of Judea, to assist Antipus, whom ye had appointed a leader over
the people of that part of the land.
56:10 And I did join my two thousand sons, (for they are worthy
to be called sons,) to the army of Antipus; in the which strength
Antipus did rejoice exceedingly; for behold, his army had been
reduced by the Lamanites because of the numerority of their forces
having slain a vast number of our men; for which cause we have
to mourn.
56:11 Nevertheless, we may console ourselves in this point: that
they have died in the cause of their country and of their God;
yea, and they are happy.
56:12 And the Lamanites had also retained many prisoners, all
of whom are Chief Captains; for none other have they spared alive.
And we suppose that they are now at this time in the land of Nephi;
it is so if they are not slain.
56:13 And now these are the cities which the Lamanites have obtained
possession, by the shedding of the blood of so many of our valiant
men:
56:14 The land of Manti, or the city of Manti, and the city of
Zeezrom, and the city of Cumeni, and the city of Antiparah.
56:15 And these are the cities which they possessed when I arrived
at the city of Judea; and I found Antipus and his men toiling
with their mights to fortify the city;
56:16 yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit;
for they had fought valiantly by day, and toiled by night, to
maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions
of every kind.
56:17 And now they were determined to conquer in this place, or
die; therefore you may well suppose that this little force which
I brought with me; yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes
and much joy.
56:18 And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that
Antipus had received a greater strength to his army, they were
compelled by the orders of Ammoron, to not come against the city
of Judea, or against us, to battle.
56:19 And thus were we favored of the Lord: for had they come
upon us in this our weakness, they might have perhaps destroyed
our little army; but thus were we preserved.
56:20 They were commanded by Ammoron to maintain those cities
which they had taken. And thus ended the twenty and sixth year.
And in the commencement of the twenty and seventh year, we had
prepared our city and ourselves for defence.
56:21 Now we were desirous that the Lamanites should come upon
us; for we were not desirous to make an attack upon them in their
strong holds.
56:22 And it came to pass that we kept spies round about, to watch
the movements of the Lamanites, that they might not pass us by
night, nor by day, to make an attack upon our other cities, which
were on the northward;
56:23 for we knew in those cities they were not sufficiently strong
to meet them; therefore we were desirous, if they should pass
by us, to fall upon them in their rear, and thus bring them up
in the rear, at the same time they were met in the front. We supposed
that we could overpower them; but behold, we were disappointed
in this our desire.
56:24 They durst not pass by us with their whole army; neither
durst they with a part, lest they should not be sufficiently strong,
and they should fall.
56:25 Neither durst they march down against the city of Zarahemla;
neither durst they cross the head of Sidon, over the city of Nephihah.
56:26 And thus, with their forces, they were determined to maintain
those cities which they had taken.
56:27 And now it came to pass in the second month of this year,
there was brought unto us many provisions, from the fathers of
those two thousand sons,
56:28 And also there was sent two thousand men unto us, from the
land of Zarahemla. And thus we were prepared with ten thousand
men, and provisions for them, and also for their wives, and their
children.
56:29 And the Lamanites, thus seeing our forces increase daily,
and provisions arrive for our support, they began to be fearful,
and began to sally forth, if it were possible, to put an end to
our receiving provisions and strength.
56:30 Now when we saw that the Lamanites began to grow uneasy
on this wise, we were desirous to bring a stratagem into an effect
upon them; therefore Antipus ordered that I should march forth
with my little sons, to a neighboring city, as if they were carrying
provisions to a neighboring city.
56:31 And we were to march near the city Antiparah, as if we were
going to the city beyond, in the borders, by the seashore.
56:32 And it came to pass that we did march forth, as if with
our provisions, to go to the city.
56:33 And it came to pass that Antipus did march forth, with a
part of his army, leaving the remainder to maintain the city.
But he did not march forth, until I had gone forth with my little
army, and came near the city Antiparah.
56:34 And now in the city of Antiparah, were stationed the strongest
army of the Lamanites; yea, the most numerous.
56:35 And it came to pass that when they had been informed by
their spies, they came forth with their army, and marched against
us.
56:36 And it came to pass that we did flee before them, northward.
And thus we did lead away the most powerful army of the Lamanites;
56:37 yea, even to a considerable distance, insomuch that when
they saw the army of Antipus pursuing them, with their mights,
they did not turn to the right nor to the left, but pursued their
march in a straight course after us; and, as we supposed, it was
their intent to slay us before Antipus should overtake them, and
this that they might not be surrounded by our people.
56:38 And now Antipus, beholding our danger, did speed the march
of his army. But behold, it was night; therefore they did not
overtake us, neither did Antipus overtake them; therefore we did
camp for the night.
56:39 And it came to pass that before the dawn of the morning
behold, the Lamanites were pursuing us. Now we were not sufficiently
strong to contend with them, yea, I would not suffer that my little
sons should fall into their hands; therefore we did continue our
march; and we took our march into the wilderness.
56:40 Now they durst not turn to the right nor to the left, lest
they should be surrounded; neither would I turn to the right or
to the left, lest they should overtake me, and we could not stand
against them, but be slain, and they would make their escape;
and thus we did flee all that day into the wilderness, even until
it was dark.
56:41 And it came to pass that again when the light of the morning
came, we saw the Lamanites upon us, and we did flee before them.
56:42 But it came to pass that they did not pursue us far, before
they halted; and it was in the morning of the third day, on the
seventh month.
56:43 And now whether they were overtaken by Antipus, we knew
not; but I said unto my men, Behold, we know not but they have
halted for the purpose that we should come against them, that
they might catch us in their snare;
56:44 therefore, what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them
to battle?.
56:45 And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, That
never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites.
56:46 For as I had ever called them my sons,(for they were all
of them very young,) even so they said unto me, Father, behold,
our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we shall fall;
then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren, if they
would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower
the army of Antipus.
56:47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death;
and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers, than
they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their
mothers, that if they did not doubt, that God would deliver them.
56:48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying:
We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
56:49 And it came to pass that I did return with my two thousand,
against these Lamanites which had pursued us. And now behold,
the armies of Antipus had overtaken them, and a terrible battle
had commenced.
56:50 The army of Antipus being weary, because of their long march
in so short a space of time, were about to fall into the hands
of the Lamanites; and had I not returned with my two thousand,
they would have obtained their purpose:
56:51 for Antipus had fallen by the sword, and many of his leaders,
because of their weariness, which was occasioned by the speed
of their march; therefore the men of Antipus being confused, because
of the fall of their leaders began to give way before the Lamanites.
56:52 And it came to pass that the Lamanites took courage, and
began to pursue them; and thus were the Lamanites pursuing them
with great vigor, when Helaman came upon their rear with his two
thousand, and began to slay them, exceedingly, insomuch that the
whole army of the Lamanites halted, and turned on Helaman.
56:53 Now when the people of Antipus saw that the Lamanites had
turned them about, they gathered together their men, and came
again upon the rear of the Lamanites.
56:54 And now it came to pass that we, the people of Nephi, the
people of Antipus, and I with my two thousand, did surround the
Lamanites, and did slay them; yea, insomuch that they were compelled
to deliver up their weapons of war, and also themselves as prisoners
of war.
56:55 And now it came to pass that when they surrendered themselves
up unto us, behold, I numbered those young men which had fought
with me, fearing lest there were many of them slain.
56:56 But behold, to my great joy, there had not one soul of them
fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the strength
of God; yea, never was men known to have fought with such miraculous
strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the Lamanites,
that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the Lamanites
deliver themselves up as prisoners of war.
56:57 And as we had no place for our prisoners, that we could
guard them to keep them from the armies of the Lamanites, therefore
we sent them to the land of Zarahemla, and a part of those men
which were not slain of Antipus, with them; and the remainder
I took and joined them to my stripling Ammonites, and took our
march back to the city of Judea.
57:1 And now it came to pass that I received an epistle from Ammoron,
the king, stating that if I would deliver up those prisoners of
war which we had taken, that he would deliver up the city of Antiparah
unto us.
57:2 But I sent an epistle unto the king, That we were sure our
forces were sufficient to take the city of Antiparah by our force;
and by delivering up the prisoners for that city, we should suppose
ourselves unwise, and that we would only deliver up our prisoners
on exchange.
57:3 And Ammoron refused mine epistle, for he would not exchange
prisoners; therefore we began to make preparations to go against
the city of Antiparah.
57:4 But the people of Antiparah did leave the city, and fled
to their other cities which they had possession of, to fortify
them; and thus the city of Antiparah fell into our hands.
57:5 And thus ended the twenty and eighth year of the reign of
the Judges.
57:6 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the twenty
and ninth year, we received a supply of provisions, and also an
addition to our army, from the land of Zarahemla, and from the
land round about, to the number of six thousand men, besides sixty
of the sons of the Ammonites, which had come to join their brethren,
my little band of two thousand. And now behold, we were strong;
yea, and we had also a plenty of provisions brought unto us.
57:7 And it came to pass that it was our desire to wage a battle
with the army which was placed to protect the city Cumeni.
57:8 And now behold, I will shew unto you that we soon accomplished
our desire; yea, with our strong force, or with a part of our
strong force, we did surround, by night, the city Cumeni, a little
before they were to receive a supply of provisions.
57:9 And it came to pass that we did camp round about the city
for many nights; but we did sleep upon our swords, and keep guards
that the Lamanites could not come upon us by night, and slay us,
which they attempted many times; but as many times as they attempted
this, their blood was spilt.
57:10 At length their provisions did arrive, and they were about
to enter the city by night. And we, instead of being Lamanites,
were Nephites; therefore, we did take them and their provisions.
57:11 --And not withstanding the Lamanites being cut off from
their support after this manner, they were still determined to
maintain the city; therefore it became expedient that we should
take those provisions and send them to Judea and our prisoners
to the land of Zarahemla.
57:12 And it came to pass that not many days had passed away,
before the Lamanites began to lose all hopes of succor; therefore
they yielded up the city into our hands; and thus we had accomplished
our designs, in obtaining the city Cumeni.
57:13 But it came to pass that our prisoners were so numerous,
that notwithstanding the enormity of our numbers, we were obliged
to employ all our force to keep them, or to put them to death.
57:14 For behold, they would break out in great numbers, and would
fight with stones, and with clubs, or whatsoever things they could
get into their hands, insomuch that we did slay upwards of two
thousand of them, after they had surrendered themselves prisoners
of war;
57:15 therefore it became expedient for us, that we should put
an end to their lives, or guard them, sword in hand, down to the
land of Zarahemla; and also our provisions were not any more sufficient
for our own people, notwithstanding that which we had taken from
the Lamanites.
57:16 And now, in those critical circumstances, it became a very
serious matter to determine concerning these prisoners of war;
nevertheless, we did resolve to send them down to the land of
Zarahemla; therefore we selected a part of our men, and gave them
charge over our prisoners, to go down to the land of Zarahemla.
57:17 But it came to pass that on the morrow, they did return.
--And now behold, we did not inquire of them concerning the prisoners;
for behold, the Lamanites were upon us, and they returned in season
to save us from falling into their lands. --For behold, Ammon
had sent to their support a new supply of provisions, and also
a numerous army of men.
57:18 And it came to pass that those men which we sent with the
prisoners, did arrive in season to check them, as they were about
to overpower us.
57:19 But behold, my little band of two thousand and sixty, fought
most desperately; yea, they were firm before the Lamanites, and
did administer death unto all those who opposed them;
57:20 and as the remainder of our army were about to give way
before the Lamanites, behold, those two thousand and sixty were
firm and undaunted;
57:21 yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word
of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith,
it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they
said unto me that their mothers had taught them.
57:22 And now behold, it was these, my sons, and those men which
had been selected to convey the prisoners, to whom we owe this
great victory; for it was they who did beat the Lamanites; therefore
they were driven back to the city of Manti.
57:23 And we retained our city Cumeni, and were not all destroyed
by the sword; nevertheless, we had suffered great loss.
57:24 And it came to pass that after the Lamanites had fled, I
immediately gave orders that my men which had been wounded, should
be taken from among the dead, and caused that their wounds should
be dressed.
57:25 And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of
my two thousand and sixty, which had fainted because of the loss
of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and
to our great astonishment, and also the foes of our whole army,
there was not one soul of them which did perish; yea, and neither
was there one soul among them which had not received many wounds.
57:26 And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole
army; yea, that they should be spared, while there was a thousand
of our brethren which were slain. And we do justly ascribe it
to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith
in that which they had been taught to believe, that there was
a just God; and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved
by his marvellous power.
57:27 Now this was the faith of these of which I have spoken;
they are young, and their minds are firm; and they do put their
trust in God continually.
57:28 And now it came to pass that after we had thus taken care
of our wounded men, and had buried our dead, and also the dead
of the Lamanites, which were many, behold, we did inquire of Gid
concerning the prisoners which they had started to go down to
the land of Zarahemla with.
57:29 Now Gid was the Chief Captain over the band which was appointed
to guard them down to the land.
57:30 And now, these are the words which Gid said unto me: Behold,
we did start to go down to the land of Zarahemla, with our prisoners.
And it came to pass that we did meet the spies of our armies,
which had been sent out to watch the camp of the Lamanites.
57:31 And they cried unto us, saying: Behold the armies of the
Lamanites are a marching towards the city of Cumeni; and behold,
they will fall upon them, yea, and will destroy our people.
57:32 And it came to pass that our prisoners did hear their cries,
which caused them to take courage; and they did rise up in rebellion
against us.
57:33 And it came to pass because of their rebellion, we did cause
that our sword should come upon them. And it came to pass that
they did, in a body, run upon our swords, in the which, the greater
number of them were slain; and the remainder of them broke through
and fled from us.
57:34 And behold, when they had fled, and we could not overtake
them, we took our march with speed towards the city Cumeni; and
behold, we did arrive in time that we might assist our brethren
in preserving the city.
57:35 And behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of our
enemies. And blessed is the name of our God: for behold, it is
he that hath delivered us; yea, that hath done this great thing
for us.
57:36 Now it came to pass that when I, Helaman, had heard these
words of Gid, I was filled with exceeding joy, because of the
goodness of God preserving us, that we might not all perish; yea,
and I trust that the souls of them which has been slain, have
entered into the rest of their God.
58:1 And behold, now it came to pass that our next object was
to obtain the city of Manti; but behold, there was no way that
we could lead them out of the city, by our small bands. For behold,
they remembered that which we had hitherto done; therefore we
could not decoy them away from their strong holds;
58:2 and they were so exceeding numerous than was our army, that
we durst not go forth and attack them in their strong holds.
58:3 Yea, and it became expedient that we should employ our men,
to the maintaining those parts of the land, of which we had retained
of our possessions; therefore it became expedient that we should
wait, that we might receive more strength from the land of Zarahemla,
and also a new supply of provisions.
58:4 And it came to pass that I thus did send an embassy to the
governor of our land, to acquaint him concerning the affairs of
our people. And it came to pass that we did wait to receive provisions
and strength, from the land of Zarahemla.
58:5 But behold, this did not profit us but little: for the Lamanites
were also receiving great strength, from day to day, and also
many provisions; and thus were our circumstances at this period
of time.
58:6 And the Lamanitas were sallying forth against us, from time
to time, resolving by stratagem, to destroy us; nevertheless,
we could not come to battle with them, because of their retreats
and their strong holds.
58:7 And it came to pass that we did wait in these difficult circumstances,
for the space of many months, even until we were about to perish
for the want of food.
58:8 But it came to pass that we did receive food, which was guarded
to us by an army of two thousand men, to our assistance; and this
is all the assistance which we did receive, to defend ourselves
and our country from falling into the hands of our enemies; yea,
to contend with an enemy which was innumerable.
58:9 And now the cause of these embarrassments, or the cause why
they did not send more strength unto us, we knew not; therefore
we were grieved, and also filled with fear, lest by any means
the judgments of God should come upon our land, to our overthrow
and utter destruction;
58:10 therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that
he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our
enemies; yea, and also give us strength, that we might retain
our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support
of our people.
58:11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit
us with assurances, that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that
he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us as great
faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance
in him;
58:12 and we did take courage with our small force which we had
received, and were fixed with a determination to conquer our enemies,
and to maintain our lands, and our possessions, and our wives,
and our children, and the cause of our liberty.
58:13 And thus we did go forth with all our might against the
Lamanites, which were in the city of Manti; and we did pitch our
tents by the wilderness side, which was near to the city.
58:14 And it came to pass that on the morrow, that when the Lamanites
saw that we were in the borders by the wilderness which was near
the city, that they sent out their spies round about us, that
they might discover the number and the strength of our army.
58:15 And it came to pass that when they saw that we were not
strong, according to our numhers, and fearing that we should cut
them off from their support, except they should come out to battle
against us, and kill us, and also supposing that they could easily
destroy us with their numerous hosts, therefore they began to
make preparations to come out against us to battle.
58:16 And when we saw that they were making preparations to come
out against us, behold, I caused that Gid, with a small number
of men, should secrete himself in the wilderness, and also that
Teomner should, with a small number of men, secrete themselves
also in the wilderness.
58:17 Now Gid and his men was on the right, and others on the
left; and when they had thus secreted themselves, behold, I remained
with the remainder of my army, in that same place where we had
first pitched our tents, against the time that the Lamanites should
come out to battle.
58:18 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come out with
their numerous army against us. And when they had come, and were
about to fall upon us with the sword, I caused that my men, those
which were with me, should retreat into the wilderness.
58:19 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did follow after
us with great speed, for they were exceedingly desirous to overtake
us, that they might slay us; therefore they did follow us into
the wilderness; and we did pass by in the midst of Gid and Teomner,
insomuch that they were not discovered by the Lamanites.
58:20 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had passed by,
or when the army had passed by, Gid and Teomner did rise up from
their secret places, and did cut off the spies of the Lamanites,
that they should not return to the city.
58:21 And it came to pass that when they had cut them off, they
ran to the city, and fell upon the guards which were left to guard
the city, insomuch that they did destroy them, and did take possession
of the city.
58:22 Now this was done, because the Lamanites did suffer their
whole army, save a few guards only, to be led away into the wilderness.
58:23 And it came to pass that Gid and Teomner, by this means,
had obtained possession of their strong holds. And it came to
pass that we took our course, after having travelled much in the
wilderness, towards the land of Zarahemla.
58:24 And when the Lamanites saw that they were marching towards
the land of Zarahemla, they were exceeding fraid, lest there was
a plan laid to lead them on to destruction; therefore they began
to retreat into the wilderness again, yea, even back by the same
way which they had came.
58:25 And behold, it was night, and they did pitch their tents;
for the Chief Captains of the Lamanites had supposed that the
Nephites were weary, because of their march; and supposing that
they had driven their whole army, therefore they took no thought
concerning the city of Manti.
58:26 Now it came to pass that when it was night, that I caused
that my men should not sleep, but that they should march forward,
by another way, towards the land of Manti.
58:27 And because of this our march in the night time, behold,
on the morrow, we were beyond the Lamanites, insomuch that we
did arrive before them to the city of Manti.
58:28 And thus it came to pass, that by this stratagem, we did
take possession of the city of Manti, without the shedding of
blood.
58:29 And it came to pass that when the armies of the Lamanites
did arrive near the city, and saw that we were prepared to meet
them, they were astonished exceedingly, and struck with great
fear, insomuch that they did flee into the wilderness.
58:30 --Yea, and it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites
did flee out of all this quarter of the land. But behold, they
have carried with them many women and children out of the land.
58:31 And those cities which had been taken by the Lamanites,
all of them are at this period of time, in our possession; and
our fathers, and our women, and our children, are returning to
their homes, all save it be those which have been taken prisoners
and carried off by the Lamanites.
58:32 But behold, our armies are small, to maintain so great a
number of cities, and so great possessions.
58:33 But behold, we trust that our God, who hath given us victory
over those lands, insomuch that we have obtained those cities
and those lands, which were our own.
58:34 Now we do not know the cause that the government does not
grant us more strength; neither do those men which came up unto
us, know why we have not received greater strength.
58:35 Behold, we do, not know but what ye are unsuccessful, and
ye have drawn away the forces into that quarter of the land; if
so, we do not desire to murmur.
58:36 And if it is not so, behold, we fear that there is some
faction in the government, that they do not send more men to our
assistance; for we know that they are more numerous than that
which they have sent.
58:37 But behold, it mattereth not; we trust God will deliver
us, notwithstanding the weakness of our armies, yea, and deliver
us out of the hands of our enemies.
58:38 --Behold, this is the twenty and ninth year, in the latter
end, and we are in the possession of our lands; and the lamanites
have fled to the land of Nephi.
58:39 And those sons of the people of Ammon, of which I have so
highly spoken, are with me in the city of Manti; and the Lord
hath supported them, yea, and kept them from falling by the sword,
insomuch that even one soul hath not been slain.
58:40 But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless
they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free;
and they are strict to remember the Lord their God, from day to
day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments,
and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in
the prophecies concerning that which is to come.
58:41 And now my beloved brother Moroni, that the Lord our god
who hath redeemed us and made us free, may keep you continually
in his presence; yea, and that he may favor this people, even
that ye may have success in obtaining the possessions of all that
which the Lamanites hath taken from us, which was for our support.
And now behold, I close mine epistle. I am Helaman, the son of
Alma.
59:1 Chapter 27 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year
of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, after Moroni
had received and had read Helaman's epistle, he was exceedingly
rejoiced because of the welfare, yea, the exceeding success which
Helaman had had in obtaining those lands which were lost;
59:2 yea, and he did make it known unto all his people in all
the land round about in that part where he was, that they might
rejoice also.
59:3 And it came to pass that he immediately sent an epistle to
Pahoran, desiring that he should cause men to be gathered together,
to strengthen Helaman, or the armies of Helaman, insomuch that
he might with ease maintain that part of the land which he had
been so miraculously prospered in retaining.
59:4 --And it came to pass when Moroni had sent this epistle to
the land of Zarahemla, he began again to lay a plan, that he might
obtain the remainder of those possessions and cities which the
Lamanites had taken from them.
59:5 And it came to pass that while Moroni was thus making preparations
to go against the Lamanites to battle, behold, the people of Nephihah
which were gathered together from the city of Moroni, and the
city of Lehi, and the city of Morianton, were attacked by the
Lamanites;
59:6 yea, even those which had been compelled to flee from the
land of Manti, and from the land round about, had come over and
joined the Lamanites in this part of the land;
59:7 and thus being exceeding numerous, yea, and receiving strength
from day to day, by the command of Ammoron, they came forth against
the people of Nephihah, and they did begin to slay them with an
exceeding great slaughter.
59:8 And their armies were so numerous, that the remainder of
the people of Nephihah were obliged to flee before them; and they
came even and joined the army of Moroni.
59:9 --And now as Moroni had supposed that there should be men
sent to the city of Nephihah, to the assistance of the people
to maintain that city, and knowing that it was easier to keep
the city from falling into the hands of the Lamanites, than to
retake it from them, he supposed that they would easily maintain
that city;
59:10 therefore he retained all his force to maintain those places
whieh he had recovered.
59:11 And now when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was lost,
he was exceeding sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the
wickedness of the people, whether they should not fall into the
hands of their brethren.
59:12 Now this was the case with all his Chief Captains. They
doubted and marvelled also, because of the wickedness of the people;
and this because of the success of the Lamanites over them.
59:13 And it came to pass that Moroni was angry with the government,
because of their indifference concerning the freedom of their
country.
60:1 And it came to pass that he wrote again to the governor of
the land, which was Pahoran, and these are the words which he
wrote, saying, Behold, I direct mine epistle to Pahoran, in the
city of Zarahemla, which is the Chief Judge and the governor over
the land, and also to all those who hath been chosen by this people
to govern and manage the affairs of this war;
60:2 for behold, I have somewhat to say unto them by the way of
condemnation; for behold, ye yourselves know that ye appointed
to gather together men, and arm them with swords, and with cimeters,
and all manner of weapons of war, of every kind, and sent forth
against the Lamanites, in whatsoever parts they should come into
our land.
60:3 And now behold, I say unto you, That myself, and also my
men, and also Helaman and his men, have suffered exceeding great
sufferings; yea, even hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and all manner
of afflictions of every kind.
60:4 But behold, were this all we had suffered, we would not murmur
or complain;
60:5 but behold, great has been the slaughter among our people;
yea, thousands have fallen by the sword, while it might have otherwise
been, if ye had rendered unto our armies sufficient strength and
succor for them. Yea, great has been your neglect towards us.
60:6 And now behold, we desire to know the cause of this exceeding
great neglect; yea, we desire to know the cause of your thoughtless
state.
60:7 Can you think to sit upon your thrones, in a state of thoughtless
stupor, while your enemies are spreading the work of death around
you?. Yea, while they are murdering thousands of your brethren;
60:8 yea, even they which have looked up to you for protection,
yea, have placed you in a situation that ye might have succored
them, and have saved thousands of them from falling by the sword?.
60:9 But behold, this is not all: Ye have withheld your provisions
from them, insomuch that many have fought and bled out their lives
because of their great desires which they had for the welfare
of this people; yea, and this they have done, when they were about
to perish with hunger, because of your exceeding great neglect
towards them.
60:10 And now, my beloved brethren; for ye had ought to be beloved;
yea, and ye had ought to have stirred yourselves more diligently
for the welfare and the freedom of this people: but behold, ye
have neglected them, insomuch that the blood of thousands shall
come upon your heads, for vengeance; yea, for known unto God were
all the cries, and all their sufferings.
60:11 Behold, could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones,
and because of the exceeding goodness of God, ye could not do
nothing, and he would deliver you?. Behold, if ye have supposed
this, ye have supposed in vain.
60:12 Do ye suppose that, because so many of your brethren have
been killed, because of their wickedness?. I say unto you, if
ye supposed this, ye have supposed in vain: for I say unto you,
there are many which have fallen by the sword; and behold, it
is to your condemnation;
60:13 for the Lord suffereth the righteous, to be slain, that
his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; therefore ye
need not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are
slain; but behold, they do enter into a rest of the Lord their
God.
60:14 And now behold, I say unto you, I fear exceedingly that
the judgments of God will come upon this people, because of their
exceeding slothfulness; yea, even the slothfulness of our government,
and their exceeding great neglect towards their brethren, yea,
towards those which have been slain:
60:15 For were it not for the wickedness which first commenced
at our head, we could not have withstood our enemies, that they
could have gained power over us;
60:16 yea, had it not been for the war which broke out among ourselves;
yea, were it not for these king-men, which caused so much bloodshed
among ourselves, if we had united our strength, as we hitherto
have done; yea, had it not been for the desires of the power and
authority which those king-men had over us; had they been true
to the cause of our freedom, and united with us, and gone forth
against our enemies, instead of taking up their swords against
us, which was the cause of so much bloodshed among ourselves;
yea if we had gone forth against them, in the strength of the
Lord, we should have dispersed our enemies; for it would have
been done according to the fulfilling of his word.
60:17 But behold, now the Lamanites are coming upon us, and they
are murdering our people with the sword; yea, our women and children;
taking possession of, our lands, and also carrying them away captive;
causing them that they should suffer all manner of afflictions;
and this because of the great wickedness of those who are seeking
for power and authority; yea, even those king-men.
60:18 But why should I say much concerning this matter, for we
know not but what ye yourselves are seeking for authority?. We
know not but what ye are also traitors to your country?.
60:19 Or is it that ye have neglected us because ye are in the
heart of our country, and ye are surrounded by security, that
ye do not cause food to be sent unto us, and also men to strengthen
our armies?.
60:20 Have ye forgot the commandments of the Lord your God?. Yea,
have ye forgot the captivity of our fathers?. Have ye forgot the
many times we have been delivered out of the hands of our enemies?
60:21 Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while
we sit upon our thrones, and do not make use of the means which
the Lord hath provided for us?.
60:22 Yea, will ye sit in idleness, while ye are surrounded with
thousands of those, yea, and tens of thousands, which do also
sit in idleness, while there are thousands round about in the
borders of the land, which are falling by the sword, yea, wounded
and bleeding?.
60:23 Do ye suppose that God will look upon us as guiltless, while
we sit still and behold these things?. Behold, I say unto you,
Nay. Now I would that ye should remember that God hath said that
The inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the
outer vessel be cleansed also.
60:24 And now except ye do repent of that which ye have done,
and begin to be up and doing, and send forth food and men unto
us, and also unto Helaman, that he may support those parts of
our country which he hath retained, and that ye may also recover
the remainder of our possessions in these parts, behold it will
be expedient that we contend no more with the Lamanites until
we have first cleansed our inward vessel; yea, even the great
head of our government;
60:25 and except ye grant mine epistle, and come out and shew
unto me a true spirit of freedom, and strive to strengthen and
fortify our armies, and grant unto them food for their support,
behold I will leave a part of my freemen to maintain this part
of our land, and I will leave the strength and the blessings of
God upon them, that none other power can operate against them;
60:26 and this because of their exceeding faith and patience in
their tribulations;
60:27 and I will come unto you, and if there be any among you
that hath a desire for freedom, yea, if there be even a spark
of freedom remaining, behold, I will stir up insurrections among
you, even until those who hath desires to usurp power and authority,
shall become extinct;
60:28 yea, behold I do not fear your power nor your authority,
but it is my God whom I fear, and it is according to his commandments
that I do take my sword to defend the cause of my country, and
it is because of your iniquity that we have suffered so much loss.
60:29 Behold it is time, yea, the time is now at hand, that except
ye do bestir yourselves in the defence of your country and your
little ones, the sword of justice doth hang over you; yea, and
it shall fall upon you and visit you even to your utter destruction.
60:30 Behold, I wait for assistance from you, and except ye do
administer unto our relief, behold I come unto you even into the
land of Zarahemla, and smite you with the sword, insomuch that
ye can have no more power to impede the progress of this people
in the cause of freedom;
60:31 for behold the Lord will not suffer that ye shall live and
wax strong in your iniquities, to destroy his righteous people.
60:32 Behold, can you suppose that the Lord will spare you and
come out in judgment against the Lamanites, when it is the tradition
of their fathers that hath caused their hatred; yea, and it hath
been redoubled by those which have dissented from us, while your
iniquity is for the cause of your love and glory, and the vain
things of the world?.
60:33 Ye know that ye do transgress the laws of god, and ye do
know that ye do trample them under your feet. Behold, the Lord
saith unto me, if those whom ye have appointed your governors,
do not repent of their sins and iniquities, ye shall go up to
battle against them.
60:34 And now behold, I Moroni am constrained, according to the
covenant which I have made to keep the commandments of my God;
therefore I would that ye should adhear to the word of God, and
send speedily unto me of your provisions and of your men, and
also Helaman.
60:35 And behold if ye will not do this, I come unto you speedily;
for behold, God will not suffer that we should perish with hunger;
therefore he will give unto us of your food, even if it must be
by the sword. Now see that ye fulfill the word of God.
60:36 Behold, I am Moroni, your Chief Captain. I seek not for
power but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world,
but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my
country. And thus I close mine epistle.
61:1 Chapter 28 Behold, now it came to pass that soon after
Moroni had sent his epistle unto the Chief Governor, he received
and epistle from Pahoran, the Chief Governor. And these are the
words which he received:
61:2 I, Pahoran, which art the Chief Governor of this land, do
send these words unto Moroni, the Chief Captain over the army:
Behold, I say unto you, Moroni, That I do not joy in your great
afflictions; yea, it grieves my soul.
61:3 Behold, there are those are those who do joy in your afflictions;
yea, insomuch that they have risen up in rebellion against me,
and also those of my people which are freemen; yea, and those
which have risen up, are exceeding numerous.
61:4 And it is those who have sought to take away the judgment
seat from me, that have been the cause of this great iniquity;
for they have used great flattery; and they have led away the
hearts of many people, which will be the cause of sore affliction
among us; they have withheld our provisions, and have daunted
our freemen, that they have not come unto you.
61:5 And behold, they have driven me out before them, and I have
fled to the land of Gideon, with as many men as it were possible
that I could get.
61:6 And behold, I have sent a proclamation throughout this part
of the land; and behold, they are flocking to us daily, to their
arms, in the defence of their country, and their freedom, and
to avenge our wrong doings.
61:7 And they have come unto us, insomuch that those which have
rose up in rebellion against us, are set at defiance; yea, insomuch
that they do fear us, and durst not come out against us to battle.
61:8 They have got possession of the land, or the city of Zarahemla;
they have appointed a king over them, and he hath written unto
the king of the Lamanites, in the which he hath joined an alliance
with him; in the which alliance, he hath agreed to maintain the
city of Zarahemla, in the which maintenance, he supposeth will
enable the Lamanites to conquer the remainder of the land, and
he shall be placed king over this people, when they shall be conquered
under the Lamanites.
61:9 And now, in your epistle, ye have censured me; but it mattereth
not, I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart.
I, Pahoran, do not seek power, save only to retain my judgment
seat, that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people.
My soul standeth fast in that liberty, in the which God hath made
us free.
61:10 And now behold we will resist wickedness even unto bloodshed.
We would not shed the blood of the Lamanites, if they would stay
in their own land.
61:11 We would not shed the blood of our brethren, if they would
not rise up in rebellion and take the sword against us.
61:12 We would not subject ourselves to the yoke of bondage, if
it were requisite with the justice of God, or if he should command
us so to do.
61:13 But behold he doth not command us that we shall subject
ourselves to our enemies, but that we should put our trust in
him, and he will deliver us.
61:14 Therefore my beloved brother Moroni, let us resist evil;
and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such
as rebellions and dissentions, let us resist them with our swords,
that we may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great
privilege of our church and in the cause of our Redeemer and our
God.
61:15 Therefore come unto me speedily, with a few of your men,
and leave the remainder in the charge of Lehi and Teancum; give
unto them power to conduct the war in that part of the land, according
to the spirit of God, which is also the spirit of freedom, which
is in them.
61:16 Behold I have sent a few provisions unto them, that they
may not perish until ye can come unto me.
61:17 Gather together whatsoever force ye can upon your march
hither, and we will go speedily against those dissenters, in the
strength of our God, according to the faith which is in us.
61:18 And we will take possession of the city of Zarahemla, that
we may obtain more food to send forth unto Lehi and Teancum; yea,
we will go forth against them in the strength of the Lord, and
we will put and end to this great iniquity.
61:19 And now Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle; for
I was somewhat worried concerning what we should do, whether it
should be just in us to go against our brethren.
61:20 But ye have said, Except they repent, the Lord hath commanded
you that ye should go against them.
61:21 See that ye strengthen Lehi and Teancum in the Lord; tell
them to fear not, for God will deliver them: yea, and also all
those who stand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them
free. And now I close mine epistle to my beloved brother Moroni.
62:1 Chapter 29 And now it came to pass that when Moroni
had received this epistle, his heart did take courage, and was
filled with exceeding great joy, because of the faithfulness of
Pahoran, that he was not also a traitor to the freedom and cause
of his country.
62:2 But he did also mourn exceedingly, because of the iniquity
of those who had driven Pahoran from the judgment seat; yea, in
fine, because of those who had rebelled against their country
and also their God.
62:3 And it came to pass that Moroni took a small number of men,
according to the desire of Pahoran, and gave Lehi and Teancum
command over the remainder of his army, and took his march towards
the land of Gideon.
62:4 And he did raise the standard of liberty in whatsoever place
he did enter, and gained whatsoever force he could in all his
march towards the land of Gideon.
62:5 And it came to pass that thousands did flock unto his standard,
and did take up their swords in the defence of their freedom,
that they might not come into bondage.
62:6 And thus when Moroni had gathered together whatsoever men
he could in all his march, he came to the land of Gideon; and
uniting his forces with that of Pahoran, they became exceeding
strong, even stronger than the men of Pachus, which was the king
of those dissenters which had driven out the freemen out of the
land of Zarahemla, and had taken possession of the land.
62:7 And it came to pass that Moroni and Pahoran went down with
their armies into the land of Zarahemla, and went forth against
the city, and did meet the men of Pachus, insomuch that they did
come to battle.
62:8 And behold, Pachus was slain, and his men were taken prisoners;
and Pahoran was restored to his judgment seat.
62:9 And the men of Pachus received their trial, according to
the law, and also those king-men which had been taken and cast
into prison; and they were executed according to the law; yea,
those men of Pachus, and those king-men, whosoever would not take
up arms in the defence of their country, but would fight against
it, were put to, death.
62:10 --And thus it became expedient that this law should be strictly
observed, for the safety of their country; yea, and whosoever
was found denying their freedom, was speedily executed according
to the law.
62:11 And thus ended the thirtieth year of the reign of the Judges
over the people of Nephi: Moroni and Pahoran having restored peace
to the land of Zarahemla, among their own people, having inflicted
death upon all those who were not true to the cause of freedom.
62:12 And it came to pass in the commencement of the thirty and
first year of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi,
Moroni immediately caused that provisions should be sent, and
also an army of six thousand men, should be sent unto Helaman,
to assist him in preserving that part of the land;
62:13 and he also caused that an army of six thousand men, with
a sufficient quantity of food, should be sent to the armies of
Lehi and Teancum, And it came to pass that this was done, to fortify
the land against the Lamanites.
62:14 And it came to pass that Moroni and Pahoran, leaving a large
body of men in the land of Zarahemla, took their march with a
large body of men towards the land of Nephihah, being determined
to overthrow the Lamanites in that city.
62:15 And it came to pass that as they were marching towards the
land, they took a large body of the Lamanites, and slew many of
them, and took their provisions, and their weapons of war.
62:16 And it came to pass after they had took them, they caused
them to enter into a covenant, that they would no more take up
their weapons of war against the Nephites.
62:17 And when they had entered into this covenant, they sent
them to dwell with the people of Ammon; and they were in number
about four thousand, which had not been slain.
62:18 And it came to pass that when they had sent them away, they
pursued their march towards the land of Nephihah. And it came
to pass that when they had come to the city Nephihah, they did
pitch their tents in the plains of Nephihah,
62:19 which was near the city Nephihah. Now Moroni was desirous
that the Lamanites should come out to battle against them, upon
the plains; but the Lamanites knowing of their exceeding great
courage, and beholding the greatness of their numbers, therefore
they durst not come out against them; therefore they did not come
to battle in that day.
62:20 And when the night came, Moroni went forth in the darkness
of the night, and came upon the top of the wall to spy out in
what part of the city the Lamanites did camp with their army.
62:21 And it came to pass that they were on the east, by the entrance;
and they were all asleep. And now Moroni returned to his army,
and caused that they should prepare in haste strong cords and
ladders, to be let down from the top of the wall into the inner
part of the wall.
62:22 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his men should
march forth and come upon the top of the wall, and let themselves
down into that part of the city, yea, even on the west, where
the Lamanites did not camp with their armies.
62:23 And it came to pass that they were all let down into the
city by night, by the means of their strong cords and their ladders;
thus when the morning came, they were all within the walls of
the city.
62:24 And now when the Lamanites awoke, and saw that the armies
of Moroni were within the walls, they were affrighted exceedingly,
insomuch that they did flee out by the pass.
62:25 And now when Moroni saw that they were fleeing before him,
he did cause that his men should march forth against them, and
slew many, and surrounded many others and took them prisoners;
and the remainder of them fled into the land of Moroni, which
was in the borders by the seashore.
62:26 Thus had Moroni and Pahoran obtained the possession of the
city of Nephihah, without the loss of one soul; and there were
many of the Lamanites which were slain.
62:27 Now it came to pass that many of the Lamanites that were
prisoners, were desirous to join the people of Ammon, and become
a free people.
62:28 And it came to pass that as many as were desirous, unto
them it was granted, according to their desires;
62:29 therefore all the prisoners of the Lamanites did join the
people of Ammon, and did begin to labor exceedingly, tilling the
ground, raising all manner of grain, and flocks, and herds of
every kind; and thus were the Nephites relieved from a great burthen;
yea, insomuch that they were relieved from all the prisoners of
the Lamanites.
62:30 Now it came to pass that Moroni, after he had obtained possession
of the city of Nephihah, having taken many prisoners, which did
reduce the armies of the Lamanites exceedingly, and having retained
many of the Nephites which had been taken prisones, which did
strengthen the army of Moroni exceedingly; therefore Moroni went
forth from the land of Nephihah to the land of Lehi.
62:31 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw Moroni was
a coming against them, they were frightened, and fled before the
army of Moroni.
62:32 And it came to pass that Moroni and his army did pursue
them from city to city, until they were met by Lehi and Teancum;
and the Lamanites fled from Lehi and Teancum, even down upon the
borders by the seashore, until they came to the land of Moroni.
62:33 And the armies of the Lamanites were all gathered together,
insomuch that they were all in one body, in the land of Moroni.
Now Ammoron, the king of the Lamanites, was also with them.
62:34 And it came to pass that Moroni, and Lehi, and Teancum,
did encamp with their armies round about in the borders of the
land of Moroni, insomuch that the Lamanites were encircled about
in the borders by the wilderness, on the south, and in the borders
by the wilderness on the east;
62:35 and thus they did camp for the night. For behold, the Nephites
and the Lamanites also, were weary because of the greatness of
the march; therefore they did not resolve upon any stratagem in
the night time, save it were Teancum: for he was exceeding angry
with Ammoron, insomuch that he considered that Ammoron, and Amalickiah
his brother, had been the cause of this great and lasting war
between them and the Lamanites. which had been the cause of so
much war and bloodshed, yea, and so much famine.
62:36 And it came to pass that Teancum, in his anger, did go forth
into the camp of the Lamanites, and did let himself down over
the walls of the city. And he went forth with a cord, from place
to place, insomuch that he did find the king; and he did cast
a javelin at him, which did pierce him near the heart. --But behold,
the king did awake his servant before he died, insomuch that they
did pursue Teancum, and slew him.
62:37 Now it came to pass that when Lehi and Moroni knew that
Teancum was dead, they were exceeding sorrowful: for behold, he
had been a man which fought valiantly for his country, yea, a
true friend to liberty; and he had suffered very many exceeding
sore afflictions. But behold, he was dead, and had gone the way
of all the earth.
62:38 Now it came to pass that Moroni marched forth on the morrow,
and came upon the Lamanites, insomuch that they did slay them
with a great slaughter; and they did drive them out of the land;
and they did flee, even that they did not return at that time
against the Nephites.
62:39 And thus ended the thirty and first year of the reign of
the Judges over the people of Nephi; and thus they had had wars,
and bloodsheds, and famine, and affliction, for the space of many
years.
62:40 And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions,
and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi; nevertheless,
for the righteous' sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous
, they were spared.
62:41 But behold, because of the exceeding great length of the
war between the Nephites and the Lamanites, many had become hardened,
because of the exceeding great length of the war; and many were
softened, because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did
humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.
62:42 And it came to pass that after Moroni had fortified those
parts of the land which were most exposed to the Lamanites, until
they were sufficiently strong, he returned to the city of Zarahemla,
and also Helaman returned to the place of his inheritance; and
there was once more peace established among the people of Nephi.
62:43 And Moroni yielded up the command of his armies into the
hands of his son, whose name was Moronihah; and he retired to
his own house, that he might spend the remainder of his days in
peace.
62:44 And Pahoran did return to his judgment seat; and Helaman
did take upon him again to preach unto the people the word of
God: for because of so many wars and contentions, it had become
expedient that a regulation should be made again in the church;
62:45 therefore Helaman and his brethren went forth, and did declare
the word of Gid with much power, unto the convincing of many people
of their wickedness, which did cause them to repent of their sins,
and to be baptized unto the Lord their God.
62:46 And it came to pass that they did establish again the church
of God, throughout all the land;
62:47 yea, and regulations were made concerning the law. And their
Judges, and their Chief Judges were chosen.
62:48 And the people of Nephi began to prosper again in the land,
and began to multiply and to wax exceeding strong again in the
land. And they began to grow exceeding rich;
62:49 but notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or
their prosperity, they were not lifted up in pride of their eyes;
neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they
did humble themselves exceedingly before him;
62:50 yea, they did remember how great things the Lord hath done
for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds,
and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions; and he had
delivered them out of the hands of their enemies.
62:51 And they did pray unto the Lord their god continually, insomuch
that the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that they
did wax strong, and prosper in the land.
62:52 And it came to pass that all these things were done. And
Helaman died, in the thirty and fifth year of the reign of the
Judges over the people of Nephi.
63:1 Chapter 30 And it came to pass in the commencement
of the thirty and sixth year of the reign of the Judges over the
people of Nephi, that Shiblon took possession of those sacred
things which had been delivered unto Helaman by Alma;
63:2 and he was a just man, and he did walk uprightly before God;
and he did observe to do good continually, to keep the commandments
of the Lord his God; and also did his brother.
63:3 And it came to pass that Moroni died also. And thus ended
the thirty and sixth year of the reign of the Judges.
63:4 And it came to pass that in the thirty and seventh year of
the reign of the Judges, there was a large company of men, even
to the amount of five thousand and four hundred men, with their
wives and their children, departed out of the land of Zarahemla,
into the land which was northward.
63:5 And it came to pass that Hagoth, he being an exceeding curious
man, therefore he went forth and built him an exceeding large
ship, on the borders of the land Bountiful, by the land Desolation,
and launched it forth into the West Sea, by the narrow neck which
led into the land northward.
63:6 And behold, there were many Nephites which did enter therein,
and did sail forth with much provisions, and also many women and
children; and they took their course northward. And thus ended
the thirty and seventh year.
63:7 And in the thirty and eighth year, this man built other ships.
And the first ship did also return, and many more people did enter
into it; and they also took much provisions, and set out again
to the land northward.
63:8 And it came to pass that they were never heard of more. --And
we suppose that they were drowned up in the depths of the sea.
And it came to pass that one other ship also did sail forth; and
whither she did go, we know not.
63:9 And it came to pass that in this year, there were many people
which went forth into the land northward. And thus ended the thirty
and eighth year.
63:10 And it came to pass in the thirty and ninth year of the
reign of the Judges, Shiblon died also, and Corianton had gone
forth to the land northward, in a ship, to carry forth provisions
unto the people which had gone forth into the land;
63:11 therefore it became expedient for Shiblon to confer those
sacred things, before his death, upon the son of Helaman, who
was called Helaman, being called after the name of his father.
63:12 Now behold, all those engravings which were in the possession
of Helaman, were written and sent forth among the children of
men throughout all the land, save it were those parts which had
been commanded by Alma should not go forth.
63:13 Nevertheless these things were to be kept sacred, and handed
down from one generation to another; therefore, in this year,
they had been conferred upon Helaman, before the death of Shiblon.
63:14 And it came to pass also in this year, that there were dissenters
which had gone forth unto the Lamanites; and they were stirred
up again to anger against the Nephites.
63:15 And also in this same year, they came down with a numerous
army to war against the people of Moronihah, or against the army
of Moronihah, in the which they were beaten, and driven back again
to their own lands, suffering great loss.
63:16 And thus ended the thirty ninth year of the reign of the
Judges over the people of Nephi.
63:17 And thus ended the account of Alma, and Helaman his son,
and also Shiblon, which was his son.
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