



THE BOOK OF MORMON

An Account Written
 BY THE HAND OF MORMON

UPON PLATES TAKEN FROM THE PLATES OF NEPHI


Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi,
and also of the Lamanites—Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant
of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile—Written by way of
commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of
revelation—Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they
might not be destroyed—To come forth by the gift and power of God unto
the interpretation thereof—Sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up
unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile—The
interpretation thereof by the gift of God.

An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether also, which is a record of
the people of Jared, who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded
the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to
heaven—Which is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what
great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may
know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever—And
also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST,
the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all nations—And now, if there
are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the
things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of
Christ.


 TRANSLATED BY JOSEPH SMITH, JUN.
 THE TESTIMONY OF THREE WITNESSES

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom
this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and
our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record,
which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites,
their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the
tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been
translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it
unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we
also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the
plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not
of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God
came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we
beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that
it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that
we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is
marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us
that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the
commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know
that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the
blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of
Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the
honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is
one God. Amen.

OLIVER COWDERY
DAVID WHITMER
MARTIN HARRIS


 THE TESTIMONY OF EIGHT WITNESSES

Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom
this work shall come: That Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this
work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which
have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said
Smith has translated we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the
engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work,
and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words of
soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and
hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of
which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to witness
unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie not, God bearing
witness of it.

CHRISTIAN WHITMER
JACOB WHITMER
PETER WHITMER, JUN.
JOHN WHITMER
HIRAM PAGE
JOSEPH SMITH, SEN.
HYRUM SMITH
SAMUEL H. SMITH


Contents

 THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI HIS REIGN AND MINISTRY
 THE SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI
 THE BOOK OF JACOB
 THE BOOK OF ENOS
 THE BOOK OF JAROM
 THE BOOK OF OMNI
 THE WORDS OF MORMON
 THE BOOK OF MOSIAH
 THE BOOK OF ALMA
 THE BOOK OF HELAMAN
 THIRD BOOK OF NEPHI
 FOURTH NEPHI
 THE BOOK OF MORMON
 THE BOOK OF ETHER
 THE BOOK OF MORONI




THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI HIS REIGN AND MINISTRY (1 Nephi)


An account of Lehi and his wife Sariah and his four sons, being called,
(beginning at the eldest) Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. The Lord warns
Lehi to depart out of the land of Jerusalem, because he prophesieth
unto the people concerning their iniquity and they seek to destroy his
life. He taketh three days’ journey into the wilderness with his
family. Nephi taketh his brethren and returneth to the land of
Jerusalem after the record of the Jews. The account of their
sufferings. They take the daughters of Ishmael to wife. They take their
families and depart into the wilderness. Their sufferings and
afflictions in the wilderness. The course of their travels. They come
to the large waters. Nephi’s brethren rebel against him. He confoundeth
them, and buildeth a ship. They call the name of the place Bountiful.
They cross the large waters into the promised land, and so forth. This
is according to the account of Nephi; or in other words, I, Nephi,
wrote this record.

1 Nephi Chapter 1

1:1 I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was
taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many
afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly
favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge
of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of
my proceedings in my days.

1:2 Yea, I make a record in the language of my father, which consists
of the learning of the Jews and the language of the Egyptians.

1:3 And I know that the record which I make is true; and I make it with
mine own hand; and I make it according to my knowledge.

1:4 For it came to pass in the commencement of the first year of the
reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, (my father, Lehi, having dwelt at
Jerusalem in all his days); and in that same year there came many
prophets, prophesying unto the people that they must repent, or the
great city Jerusalem must be destroyed.

1:5 Wherefore it came to pass that my father, Lehi, as he went forth
prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his
people.

1:6 And it came to pass as he prayed unto the Lord, there came a pillar
of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him; and he saw and heard much;
and because of the things which he saw and heard he did quake and
tremble exceedingly.

1:7 And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem;
and he cast himself upon his bed, being overcome with the Spirit and
the things which he had seen.

1:8 And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a
vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God
sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of
angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God.

1:9 And it came to pass that he saw One descending out of the midst of
heaven, and he beheld that his luster was above that of the sun at
noon-day.

1:10 And he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness
did exceed that of the stars in the firmament.

1:11 And they came down and went forth upon the face of the earth; and
the first came and stood before my father, and gave unto him a book,
and bade him that he should read.

1:12 And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the Spirit
of the Lord.

1:13 And he read, saying: Wo, wo, unto Jerusalem, for I have seen thine
abominations! Yea, and many things did my father read concerning
Jerusalem—that it should be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof;
many should perish by the sword, and many should be carried away
captive into Babylon.

1:14 And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many
great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord;
such as: Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy
throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy
are over all the inhabitants of the earth, and, because thou art
merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall
perish!

1:15 And after this manner was the language of my father in the
praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was
filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which the Lord
had shown unto him.

1:16 And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the things which
my father hath written, for he hath written many things which he saw in
visions and in dreams; and he also hath written many things which he
prophesied and spake unto his children, of which I shall not make a
full account.

1:17 But I shall make an account of my proceedings in my days. Behold,
I make an abridgment of the record of my father, upon plates which I
have made with mine own hands; wherefore, after I have abridged the
record of my father then will I make an account of mine own life.

1:18 Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after the Lord had
shown so many marvelous things unto my father, Lehi, yea, concerning
the destruction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people,
and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things
which he had both seen and heard.

1:19 And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the
things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their
wickedness and their abominations; and he testified that the things
which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book,
manifested plainly of the coming of the Messiah, and also the
redemption of the world.

1:20 And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him;
yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and
stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take
it away. But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender
mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of
their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

1 Nephi Chapter 2

2:1 For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father,
yea, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because
of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful
and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee,
behold, they seek to take away thy life.

2:2 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a
dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness.

2:3 And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord,
wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.

2:4 And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he
left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his
silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it
were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the
wilderness.

2:5 And he came down by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea; and
he traveled in the wilderness in the borders which are nearer the Red
Sea; and he did travel in the wilderness with his family, which
consisted of my mother, Sariah, and my elder brothers, who were Laman,
Lemuel, and Sam.

2:6 And it came to pass that when he had traveled three days in the
wilderness, he pitched his tent in a valley by the side of a river of
water.

2:7 And it came to pass that he built an altar of stones, and made an
offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God.

2:8 And it came to pass that he called the name of the river, Laman,
and it emptied into the Red Sea; and the valley was in the borders near
the mouth thereof.

2:9 And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into
the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying: O that thou
mightest be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain
of all righteousness!

2:10 And he also spake unto Lemuel: O that thou mightest be like unto
this valley, firm and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the
commandments of the Lord!

2:11 Now this he spake because of the stiffneckedness of Laman and
Lemuel; for behold they did murmur in many things against their father,
because he was a visionary man, and had led them out of the land of
Jerusalem, to leave the land of their inheritance, and their gold, and
their silver, and their precious things, to perish in the wilderness.
And this they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of
his heart.

2:12 And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against
their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of
that God who had created them. 2:13 Neither did they believe that
Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words
of the prophets. And they were like unto the Jews who were at
Jerusalem, who sought to take away the life of my father.

2:14 And it came to pass that my father did speak unto them in the
valley of Lemuel, with power, being filled with the Spirit, until their
frames did shake before him. And he did confound them, that they durst
not utter against him; wherefore, they did as he commanded them.

2:15 And my father dwelt in a tent.

2:16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young,
nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to
know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and
behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all
the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not
rebel against him like unto my brothers.

2:17 And I spake unto Sam, making known unto him the things which the
Lord had manifested unto me by his Holy Spirit. And it came to pass
that he believed in my words.

2:18 But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and
being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the
Lord for them.

2:19 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Blessed
art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me
diligently, with lowliness of heart.

2:20 And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper,
and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have
prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.

2:21 And inasmuch as thy brethren shall rebel against thee, they shall
be cut off from the presence of the Lord.

2:22 And inasmuch as thou shalt keep my commandments, thou shalt be
made a ruler and a teacher over thy brethren.

2:23 For behold, in that day that they shall rebel against me, I will
curse them even with a sore curse, and they shall have no power over
thy seed except they shall rebel against me also.

2:24 And if it so be that they rebel against me, they shall be a
scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in the ways of remembrance.

1 Nephi Chapter 3

3:1 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, returned from speaking with the
Lord, to the tent of my father.

3:2 And it came to pass that he spake unto me, saying: Behold I have
dreamed a dream, in the which the Lord hath commanded me that thou and
thy brethren shall return to Jerusalem.

3:3 For behold, Laban hath the record of the Jews and also a genealogy
of my forefathers, and they are engraven upon plates of brass.

3:4 Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brothers
should go unto the house of Laban, and seek the records, and bring them
down hither into the wilderness.

3:5 And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing
which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of
them, but it is a commandment of the Lord.

3:6 Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord,
because thou hast not murmured.

3:7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go
and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the
Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall
prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he
commandeth them.

3:8 And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he
was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord.

3:9 And I, Nephi, and my brethren took our journey in the wilderness,
with our tents, to go up to the land of Jerusalem.

3:10 And it came to pass that when we had gone up to the land of
Jerusalem, I and my brethren did consult one with another.

3:11 And we cast lots—who of us should go in unto the house of Laban.
And it came to pass that the lot fell upon Laman; and Laman went in
unto the house of Laban, and he talked with him as he sat in his house.

3:12 And he desired of Laban the records which were engraven upon the
plates of brass, which contained the genealogy of my father.

3:13 And behold, it came to pass that Laban was angry, and thrust him
out from his presence; and he would not that he should have the
records. Wherefore, he said unto him: Behold thou art a robber, and I
will slay thee.

3:14 But Laman fled out of his presence, and told the things which
Laban had done, unto us. And we began to be exceedingly sorrowful, and
my brethren were about to return unto my father in the wilderness.

3:15 But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as we
live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we
have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.

3:16 Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the
Lord; therefore let us go down to the land of our father’s inheritance,
for behold he left gold and silver, and all manner of riches. And all
this he hath done because of the commandments of the Lord.

3:17 For he knew that Jerusalem must be destroyed, because of the
wickedness of the people.

3:18 For behold, they have rejected the words of the prophets.
Wherefore, if my father should dwell in the land after he hath been
commanded to flee out of the land, behold, he would also perish.
Wherefore, it must needs be that he flee out of the land.

3:19 And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should obtain these
records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of our
fathers;

3:20 And also that we may preserve unto them the words which have been
spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets, which have been delivered
unto them by the Spirit and power of God, since the world began, even
down unto this present time.

3:21 And it came to pass that after this manner of language did I
persuade my brethren, that they might be faithful in keeping the
commandments of God.

3:22 And it came to pass that we went down to the land of our
inheritance, and we did gather together our gold, and our silver, and
our precious things.

3:23 And after we had gathered these things together, we went up again
unto the house of Laban.

3:24 And it came to pass that we went in unto Laban, and desired him
that he would give unto us the records which were engraven upon the
plates of brass, for which we would give unto him our gold, and our
silver, and all our precious things.

3:25 And it came to pass that when Laban saw our property, and that it
was exceedingly great, he did lust after it, insomuch that he thrust us
out, and sent his servants to slay us, that he might obtain our
property.

3:26 And it came to pass that we did flee before the servants of Laban,
and we were obliged to leave behind our property, and it fell into the
hands of Laban.

3:27 And it came to pass that we fled into the wilderness, and the
servants of Laban did not overtake us, and we hid ourselves in the
cavity of a rock.

3:28 And it came to pass that Laman was angry with me, and also with my
father; and also was Lemuel, for he hearkened unto the words of Laman.
Wherefore Laman and Lemuel did speak many hard words unto us, their
younger brothers, and they did smite us even with a rod.

3:29 And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel
of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying:
Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the
Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your
iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will
deliver Laban into your hands.

3:30 And after the angel had spoken unto us, he departed.

3:31 And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to
murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban
into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty,
yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?

1 Nephi Chapter 4

4:1 And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us
go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the
commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth,
then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his
tens of thousands?

4:2 Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he
truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and
thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground,
and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of
the Red Sea.

4:3 Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an
angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the
Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban,
even as the Egyptians.

4:4 Now when I had spoken these words, they were yet wroth, and did
still continue to murmur; nevertheless they did follow me up until we
came without the walls of Jerusalem.

4:5 And it was by night; and I caused that they should hide themselves
without the walls. And after they had hid themselves, I, Nephi, crept
into the city and went forth towards the house of Laban.

4:6 And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things
which I should do.

4:7 Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of
Laban I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before me, for he
was drunken with wine.

4:8 And when I came to him I found that it was Laban.

4:9 And I beheld his sword, and I drew it forth from the sheath
thereof; and the hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the workmanship
thereof was exceedingly fine, and I saw that the blade thereof was of
the most precious steel.

4:10 And it came to pass that I was constrained by the Spirit that I
should kill Laban; but I said in my heart: Never at any time have I
shed the blood of man. And I shrunk and would that I might not slay
him.

4:11 And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the Lord hath delivered
him into thy hands. Yea, and I also knew that he had sought to take
away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments
of the Lord; and he also had taken away our property.

4:12 And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him,
for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands;

4:13 Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous
purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation
should dwindle and perish in unbelief.

4:14 And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the
words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying
that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall
prosper in the land of promise.

4:15 Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments
of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the
law.

4:16 And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of
brass.

4:17 And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands
for this cause—that I might obtain the records according to his
commandments.

4:18 Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by
the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword.

4:19 And after I had smitten off his head with his own sword, I took
the garments of Laban and put them upon mine own body; yea, even every
whit; and I did gird on his armor about my loins.

4:20 And after I had done this, I went forth unto the treasury of
Laban. And as I went forth towards the treasury of Laban, behold, I saw
the servant of Laban who had the keys of the treasury. And I commanded
him in the voice of Laban, that he should go with me into the treasury.

4:21 And he supposed me to be his master, Laban, for he beheld the
garments and also the sword girded about my loins.

4:22 And he spake unto me concerning the elders of the Jews, he knowing
that his master, Laban, had been out by night among them.

4:23 And I spake unto him as if it had been Laban.

4:24 And I also spake unto him that I should carry the engravings,
which were upon the plates of brass, to my elder brethren, who were
without the walls.

4:25 And I also bade him that he should follow me.

4:26 And he, supposing that I spake of the brethren of the church, and
that I was truly that Laban whom I had slain, wherefore he did follow
me.

4:27 And he spake unto me many times concerning the elders of the Jews,
as I went forth unto my brethren, who were without the walls.

4:28 And it came to pass that when Laman saw me he was exceedingly
frightened, and also Lemuel and Sam. And they fled from before my
presence; for they supposed it was Laban, and that he had slain me and
had sought to take away their lives also.

4:29 And it came to pass that I called after them, and they did hear
me; wherefore they did cease to flee from my presence.

4:30 And it came to pass that when the servant of Laban beheld my
brethren he began to tremble, and was about to flee from before me and
return to the city of Jerusalem.

4:31 And now I, Nephi, being a man large in stature, and also having
received much strength of the Lord, therefore I did seize upon the
servant of Laban, and held him, that he should not flee.

4:32 And it came to pass that I spake with him, that if he would
hearken unto my words, as the Lord liveth, and as I live, even so that
if he would hearken unto our words, we would spare his life.

4:33 And I spake unto him, even with an oath, that he need not fear;
that he should be a free man like unto us if he would go down in the
wilderness with us.

4:34 And I also spake unto him, saying: Surely the Lord hath commanded
us to do this thing; and shall we not be diligent in keeping the
commandments of the Lord? Therefore, if thou wilt go down into the
wilderness to my father thou shalt have place with us.

4:35 And it came to pass that Zoram did take courage at the words which
I spake. Now Zoram was the name of the servant; and he promised that he
would go down into the wilderness unto our father. Yea, and he also
made an oath unto us that he would tarry with us from that time forth.

4:36 Now we were desirous that he should tarry with us for this cause,
that the Jews might not know concerning our flight into the wilderness,
lest they should pursue us and destroy us.

4:37 And it came to pass that when Zoram had made an oath unto us, our
fears did cease concerning him.

4:38 And it came to pass that we took the plates of brass and the
servant of Laban, and departed into the wilderness, and journeyed unto
the tent of our father.

1 Nephi Chapter 5

5:1 And it came to pass that after we had come down into the wilderness
unto our father, behold, he was filled with joy, and also my mother,
Sariah, was exceedingly glad, for she truly had mourned because of us.

5:2 For she had supposed that we had perished in the wilderness; and
she also had complained against my father, telling him that he was a
visionary man; saying: Behold thou hast led us forth from the land of
our inheritance, and my sons are no more, and we perish in the
wilderness.

5:3 And after this manner of language had my mother complained against
my father.

5:4 And it had come to pass that my father spake unto her, saying: I
know that I am a visionary man; for if I had not seen the things of God
in a vision I should not have known the goodness of God, but had
tarried at Jerusalem, and had perished with my brethren.

5:5 But behold, I have obtained a land of promise, in the which things
I do rejoice; yea, and I know that the Lord will deliver my sons out of
the hands of Laban, and bring them down again unto us in the
wilderness.

5:6 And after this manner of language did my father, Lehi, comfort my
mother, Sariah, concerning us, while we journeyed in the wilderness up
to the land of Jerusalem, to obtain the record of the Jews.

5:7 And when we had returned to the tent of my father, behold their joy
was full, and my mother was comforted.

5:8 And she spake, saying: Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath
commanded my husband to flee into the wilderness; yea, and I also know
of a surety that the Lord hath protected my sons, and delivered them
out of the hands of Laban, and given them power whereby they could
accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them. And after this
manner of language did she speak.

5:9 And it came to pass that they did rejoice exceedingly, and did
offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord; and they gave thanks
unto the God of Israel.

5:10 And after they had given thanks unto the God of Israel, my father,
Lehi, took the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass,
and he did search them from the beginning.

5:11 And he beheld that they did contain the five books of Moses, which
gave an account of the creation of the world, and also of Adam and Eve,
who were our first parents;

5:12 And also a record of the Jews from the beginning, even down to the
commencement of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah;

5:13 And also the prophecies of the holy prophets, from the beginning,
even down to the commencement of the reign of Zedekiah; and also many
prophecies which have been spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah.

5:14 And it came to pass that my father, Lehi, also found upon the
plates of brass a genealogy of his fathers; wherefore he knew that he
was a descendant of Joseph; yea, even that Joseph who was the son of
Jacob, who was sold into Egypt, and who was preserved by the hand of
the Lord, that he might preserve his father, Jacob, and all his
household from perishing with famine.

5:15 And they were also led out of captivity and out of the land of
Egypt, by that same God who had preserved them.

5:16 And thus my father, Lehi, did discover the genealogy of his
fathers. And Laban also was a descendant of Joseph, wherefore he and
his fathers had kept the records.

5:17 And now when my father saw all these things, he was filled with
the Spirit, and began to prophesy concerning his seed—

5:18 That these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations,
kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed.

5:19 Wherefore, he said that these plates of brass should never perish;
neither should they be dimmed any more by time. And he prophesied many
things concerning his seed.

5:20 And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the
commandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us.

5:21 And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us,
and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of
great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments
of the Lord unto our children.

5:22 Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them
with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise.

1 Nephi Chapter 6

6:1 And now I, Nephi, do not give the genealogy of my fathers in this
part of my record; neither at any time shall I give it after upon these
plates which I am writing; for it is given in the record which has been
kept by my father; wherefore, I do not write it in this work.

6:2 For it sufficeth me to say that we are descendants of Joseph.

6:3 And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to give a full
account of all the things of my father, for they cannot be written upon
these plates, for I desire the room that I may write of the things of
God.

6:4 For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come
unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob,
and be saved.

6:5 Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not
write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who
are not of the world.

6:6 Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed, that they shall
not occupy these plates with things which are not of worth unto the
children of men.

1 Nephi Chapter 7

7:1 And now I would that ye might know, that after my father, Lehi, had
made an end of prophesying concerning his seed, it came to pass that
the Lord spake unto him again, saying that it was not meet for him,
Lehi, that he should take his family into the wilderness alone; but
that his sons should take daughters to wife, that they might raise up
seed unto the Lord in the land of promise.

7:2 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded him that I, Nephi, and
my brethren, should again return unto the land of Jerusalem, and bring
down Ishmael and his family into the wilderness.

7:3 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did again, with my brethren, go
forth into the wilderness to go up to Jerusalem.

7:4 And it came to pass that we went up unto the house of Ishmael, and
we did gain favor in the sight of Ishmael, insomuch that we did speak
unto him the words of the Lord.

7:5 And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the heart of Ishmael,
and also his household, insomuch that they took their journey with us
down into the wilderness to the tent of our father.

7:6 And it came to pass that as we journeyed in the wilderness, behold
Laman and Lemuel, and two of the daughters of Ishmael, and the two sons
of Ishmael and their families, did rebel against us; yea, against me,
Nephi, and Sam, and their father, Ishmael, and his wife, and his three
other daughters.

7:7 And it came to pass in the which rebellion, they were desirous to
return unto the land of Jerusalem.

7:8 And now I, Nephi, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts,
therefore I spake unto them, saying, yea, even unto Laman and unto
Lemuel: Behold ye are mine elder brethren, and how is it that ye are so
hard in your hearts, and so blind in your minds, that ye have need that
I, your younger brother, should speak unto you, yea, and set an example
for you?

7:9 How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word of the Lord?

7:10 How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have seen an angel of the
Lord?

7:11 Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great things the
Lord hath done for us, in delivering us out of the hands of Laban, and
also that we should obtain the record?

7:12 Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the Lord is able to
do all things according to his will, for the children of men, if it so
be that they exercise faith in him? Wherefore, let us be faithful to
him.

7:13 And if it so be that we are faithful to him, we shall obtain the
land of promise; and ye shall know at some future period that the word
of the Lord shall be fulfilled concerning the destruction of Jerusalem;
for all things which the Lord hath spoken concerning the destruction of
Jerusalem must be fulfilled.

7:14 For behold, the Spirit of the Lord ceaseth soon to strive with
them; for behold, they have rejected the prophets, and Jeremiah have
they cast into prison. And they have sought to take away the life of my
father, insomuch that they have driven him out of the land.

7:15 Now behold, I say unto you that if ye will return unto Jerusalem
ye shall also perish with them. And now, if ye have choice, go up to
the land, and remember the words which I speak unto you, that if ye go
ye will also perish; for thus the Spirit of the Lord constraineth me
that I should speak.

7:16 And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words
unto my brethren, they were angry with me. And it came to pass that
they did lay their hands upon me, for behold, they were exceedingly
wroth, and they did bind me with cords, for they sought to take away my
life, that they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild
beasts.

7:17 But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord,
according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the
hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these
bands with which I am bound.

7:18 And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the
bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my
brethren, and I spake unto them again.

7:19 And it came to pass that they were angry with me again, and sought
to lay hands upon me; but behold, one of the daughters of Ishmael, yea,
and also her mother, and one of the sons of Ishmael, did plead with my
brethren, insomuch that they did soften their hearts; and they did
cease striving to take away my life.

7:20 And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because of their
wickedness, insomuch that they did bow down before me, and did plead
with me that I would forgive them of the thing that they had done
against me.

7:21 And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they
had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord
their God for forgiveness. And it came to pass that they did so. And
after they had done praying unto the Lord we did again travel on our
journey towards the tent of our father.

7:22 And it came to pass that we did come down unto the tent of our
father. And after I and my brethren and all the house of Ishmael had
come down unto the tent of my father, they did give thanks unto the
Lord their God; and they did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto
him.

1 Nephi Chapter 8

8:1 And it came to pass that we had gathered together all manner of
seeds of every kind, both of grain of every kind, and also of the seeds
of fruit of every kind.

8:2 And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness
he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have dreamed a dream; or, in other
words, I have seen a vision.

8:3 And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason
to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam; for I have
reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed, will be
saved.

8:4 But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you;
for behold, methought I saw in my dream, a dark and dreary wilderness.

8:5 And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was dressed in a white
robe; and he came and stood before me.

8:6 And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him.

8:7 And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I
was in a dark and dreary waste.

8:8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I
began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according
to the multitude of his tender mercies.

8:9 And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a
large and spacious field.

8:10 And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was
desirable to make one happy.

8:11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit
thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever
before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to
exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.

8:12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with
exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family
should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all
other fruit.

8:13 And as I cast my eyes round about, that perhaps I might discover
my family also, I beheld a river of water; and it ran along, and it was
near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit.

8:14 And I looked to behold from whence it came; and I saw the head
thereof a little way off; and at the head thereof I beheld your mother
Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi; and they stood as if they knew not whither
they should go.

8:15 And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say
unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake
of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.

8:16 And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the
fruit also.

8:17 And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel
should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes
towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them.

8:18 And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto
me and partake of the fruit.

8:19 And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the
river, and led to the tree by which I stood.

8:20 And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by
the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by
the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had
been a world.

8:21 And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were
pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the
tree by which I stood.

8:22 And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the
path which led to the tree.

8:23 And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even
an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had
commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and
were lost.

8:24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and
they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they
did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of
iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the
tree.

8:25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast
their eyes about as if they were ashamed.

8:26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side
of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as
it were in the air, high above the earth.

8:27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and
female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were
in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who
had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

8:28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because
of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden
paths and were lost.

8:29 And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father.

8:30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes
pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod
of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast
to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of
the fruit of the tree.

8:31 And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards that
great and spacious building.

8:32 And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the
fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.

8:33 And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange
building. And after they did enter into that building they did point
the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit
also; but we heeded them not.

8:34 These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had
fallen away.

8:35 And Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said my father.

8:36 And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of
his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these
things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and
Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence
of the Lord.

8:37 And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender
parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord
would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did
preach unto them.

8:38 And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them
of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and
he did cease speaking unto them.

1 Nephi Chapter 9

9:1 And all these things did my father see, and hear, and speak, as he
dwelt in a tent, in the valley of Lemuel, and also a great many more
things, which cannot be written upon these plates.

9:2 And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are
not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my
people; for the plates upon which I make a full account of my people I
have given the name of Nephi; wherefore, they are called the plates of
Nephi, after mine own name; and these plates also are called the plates
of Nephi.

9:3 Nevertheless, I have received a commandment of the Lord that I
should make these plates, for the special purpose that there should be
an account engraven of the ministry of my people.

9:4 Upon the other plates should be engraven an account of the reign of
the kings, and the wars and contentions of my people; wherefore these
plates are for the more part of the ministry; and the other plates are
for the more part of the reign of the kings and the wars and
contentions of my people.

9:5 Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a
wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.

9:6 But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he
prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men;
for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And
thus it is. Amen.

1 Nephi Chapter 10

10:1 And now I, Nephi, proceed to give an account upon these plates of
my proceedings, and my reign and ministry; wherefore, to proceed with
mine account, I must speak somewhat of the things of my father, and
also of my brethren.

10:2 For behold, it came to pass after my father had made an end of
speaking the words of his dream, and also of exhorting them to all
diligence, he spake unto them concerning the Jews—

10:3 That after they should be destroyed, even that great city
Jerusalem, and many be carried away captive into Babylon, according to
the own due time of the Lord, they should return again, yea, even be
brought back out of captivity; and after they should be brought back
out of captivity they should possess again the land of their
inheritance.

10:4 Yea, even six hundred years from the time that my father left
Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a
Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.

10:5 And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had
testified of these things, concerning this Messiah, of whom he had
spoken, or this Redeemer of the world.

10:6 Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and
ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer.

10:7 And he spake also concerning a prophet who should come before the
Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord—

10:8 Yea, even he should go forth and cry in the wilderness: Prepare ye
the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for there standeth
one among you whom ye know not; and he is mightier than I, whose shoe’s
latchet I am not worthy to unloose. And much spake my father concerning
this thing.

10:9 And my father said he should baptize in Bethabara, beyond Jordan;
and he also said he should baptize with water; even that he should
baptize the Messiah with water.

10:10 And after he had baptized the Messiah with water, he should
behold and bear record that he had baptized the Lamb of God, who should
take away the sins of the world.

10:11 And it came to pass after my father had spoken these words he
spake unto my brethren concerning the gospel which should be preached
among the Jews, and also concerning the dwindling of the Jews in
unbelief. And after they had slain the Messiah, who should come, and
after he had been slain he should rise from the dead, and should make
himself manifest, by the Holy Ghost, unto the Gentiles.

10:12 Yea, even my father spake much concerning the Gentiles, and also
concerning the house of Israel, that they should be compared like unto
an olive-tree, whose branches should be broken off and should be
scattered upon all the face of the earth.

10:13 Wherefore, he said it must needs be that we should be led with
one accord into the land of promise, unto the fulfilling of the word of
the Lord, that we should be scattered upon all the face of the earth.

10:14 And after the house of Israel should be scattered they should be
gathered together again; or, in fine, after the Gentiles had received
the fulness of the Gospel, the natural branches of the olive-tree, or
the remnants of the house of Israel, should be grafted in, or come to
the knowledge of the true Messiah, their Lord and their Redeemer.

10:15 And after this manner of language did my father prophesy and
speak unto my brethren, and also many more things which I do not write
in this book; for I have written as many of them as were expedient for
me in mine other book.

10:16 And all these things, of which I have spoken, were done as my
father dwelt in a tent, in the valley of Lemuel.

10:17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of
my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the
things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he
received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah
who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear,
and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the
gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of
old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of
men.

10:18 For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is
prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that
they repent and come unto him.

10:19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of
God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as
well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as
in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal
round.

10:20 Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings thou shalt be
brought into judgment.

10:21 Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your
probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God;
and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off
forever.

10:22 And the Holy Ghost giveth authority that I should speak these
things, and deny them not.

1 Nephi Chapter 11

11:1 For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my
father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them
known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in
the Spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain, which I
never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot.

11:2 And the Spirit said unto me: Behold, what desirest thou?

11:3 And I said: I desire to behold the things which my father saw.

11:4 And the Spirit said unto me: Believest thou that thy father saw
the tree of which he hath spoken?

11:5 And I said: Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my
father.

11:6 And when I had spoken these words, the Spirit cried with a loud
voice, saying: Hosanna to the Lord, the most high God; for he is God
over all the earth, yea, even above all. And blessed art thou, Nephi,
because thou believest in the Son of the most high God; wherefore, thou
shalt behold the things which thou hast desired.

11:7 And behold this thing shall be given unto thee for a sign, that
after thou hast beheld the tree which bore the fruit which thy father
tasted, thou shalt also behold a man descending out of heaven, and him
shall ye witness; and after ye have witnessed him ye shall bear record
that it is the Son of God.

11:8 And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me: Look! And I
looked and beheld a tree; and it was like unto the tree which my father
had seen; and the beauty thereof was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all
beauty; and the whiteness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the
driven snow.

11:9 And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said unto the
Spirit: I behold thou hast shown unto me the tree which is precious
above all.

11:10 And he said unto me: What desirest thou?

11:11 And I said unto him: To know the interpretation thereof—for I
spake unto him as a man speaketh; for I beheld that he was in the form
of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the Spirit of the Lord;
and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another.

11:12 And it came to pass that he said unto me: Look! And I looked as
if to look upon him, and I saw him not; for he had gone from before my
presence.

11:13 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the great city of
Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld the city of Nazareth;
and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly
fair and white.

11:14 And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel
came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what
beholdest thou?

11:15 And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all
other virgins.

11:16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?

11:17 And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children;
nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.

11:18 And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the
mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

11:19 And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in
the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the
space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!

11:20 And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her
arms.

11:21 And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the
Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which
thy father saw?

11:22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which
sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore,
it is the most desirable above all things.

11:23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the
soul.

11:24 And after he had said these words, he said unto me: Look! And I
looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of
men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him.

11:25 And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my
father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of
living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a
representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of
life was a representation of the love of God.

11:26 And the angel said unto me again: Look and behold the
condescension of God!

11:27 And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of whom my
father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the
way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him;
and after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the Holy
Ghost come down out of heaven and abide upon him in the form of a dove.

11:28 And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the people, in
power and great glory; and the multitudes were gathered together to
hear him; and I beheld that they cast him out from among them.

11:29 And I also beheld twelve others following him. And it came to
pass that they were carried away in the Spirit from before my face, and
I saw them not.

11:30 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying:
Look! And I looked, and I beheld the heavens open again, and I saw
angels descending upon the children of men; and they did minister unto
them.

11:31 And he spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I
beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I
beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with
all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the
angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed
by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits
were cast out.

11:32 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying:
Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the
people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world;
and I saw and bear record.

11:33 And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain
for the sins of the world.

11:34 And after he was slain I saw the multitudes of the earth, that
they were gathered together to fight against the apostles of the Lamb;
for thus were the twelve called by the angel of the Lord.

11:35 And the multitude of the earth was gathered together; and I
beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the
building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me
again, saying: Behold the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold the
house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve
apostles of the Lamb.

11:36 And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that the great
and spacious building was the pride of the world; and it fell, and the
fall thereof was exceedingly great. And the angel of the Lord spake
unto me again, saying: Thus shall be the destruction of all nations,
kindreds, tongues, and people, that shall fight against the twelve
apostles of the Lamb.

1 Nephi Chapter 12

12:1 And it came to pass that the angel said unto me: Look, and behold
thy seed, and also the seed of thy brethren. And I looked and beheld
the land of promise; and I beheld multitudes of people, yea, even as it
were in number as many as the sand of the sea.

12:2 And it came to pass that I beheld multitudes gathered together to
battle, one against the other; and I beheld wars, and rumors of wars,
and great slaughters with the sword among my people.

12:3 And it came to pass that I beheld many generations pass away,
after the manner of wars and contentions in the land; and I beheld many
cities, yea, even that I did not number them.

12:4 And it came to pass that I saw a mist of darkness on the face of
the land of promise; and I saw lightnings, and I heard thunderings, and
earthquakes, and all manner of tumultuous noises; and I saw the earth
and the rocks, that they rent; and I saw mountains tumbling into
pieces; and I saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up;
and I saw many cities that they were sunk; and I saw many that they
were burned with fire; and I saw many that did tumble to the earth,
because of the quaking thereof.

12:5 And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the vapor of
darkness, that it passed from off the face of the earth; and behold, I
saw multitudes who had not fallen because of the great and terrible
judgments of the Lord.

12:6 And I saw the heavens open, and the Lamb of God descending out of
heaven; and he came down and showed himself unto them.

12:7 And I also saw and bear record that the Holy Ghost fell upon
twelve others; and they were ordained of God, and chosen.

12:8 And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the twelve disciples
of the Lamb, who are chosen to minister unto thy seed.

12:9 And he said unto me: Thou rememberest the twelve apostles of the
Lamb? Behold they are they who shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel;
wherefore, the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them;
for ye are of the house of Israel.

12:10 And these twelve ministers whom thou beholdest shall judge thy
seed. And, behold, they are righteous forever; for because of their
faith in the Lamb of God their garments are made white in his blood.

12:11 And the angel said unto me: Look! And I looked, and beheld three
generations pass away in righteousness; and their garments were white
even like unto the Lamb of God. And the angel said unto me: These are
made white in the blood of the Lamb, because of their faith in him.

12:12 And I, Nephi, also saw many of the fourth generation who passed
away in righteousness.

12:13 And it came to pass that I saw the multitudes of the earth
gathered together.

12:14 And the angel said unto me: Behold thy seed, and also the seed of
thy brethren.

12:15 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the people of my
seed gathered together in multitudes against the seed of my brethren;
and they were gathered together to battle.

12:16 And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the fountain of
filthy water which thy father saw; yea, even the river of which he
spake; and the depths thereof are the depths of hell.

12:17 And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which
blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and
leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost.

12:18 And the large and spacious building, which thy father saw, is
vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. And a great and
a terrible gulf divideth them; yea, even the word of the justice of the
Eternal God, and the Messiah who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy
Ghost beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this time,
and from this time henceforth and forever.

12:19 And while the angel spake these words, I beheld and saw that the
seed of my brethren did contend against my seed, according to the word
of the angel; and because of the pride of my seed, and the temptations
of the devil, I beheld that the seed of my brethren did overpower the
people of my seed.

12:20 And it came to pass that I beheld, and saw the people of the seed
of my brethren that they had overcome my seed; and they went forth in
multitudes upon the face of the land.

12:21 And I saw them gathered together in multitudes; and I saw wars
and rumors of wars among them; and in wars and rumors of wars I saw
many generations pass away.

12:22 And the angel said unto me: Behold these shall dwindle in
unbelief.

12:23 And it came to pass that I beheld, after they had dwindled in
unbelief they became a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full
of idleness and all manner of abominations.

1 Nephi Chapter 13

13:1 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!
And I looked and beheld many nations and kingdoms.

13:2 And the angel said unto me: What beholdest thou? And I said: I
behold many nations and kingdoms.

13:3 And he said unto me: These are the nations and kingdoms of the
Gentiles.

13:4 And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Gentiles
the formation of a great church.

13:5 And the angel said unto me: Behold the formation of a church which
is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the saints
of God, yea, and tortureth them and bindeth them down, and yoketh them
with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity.

13:6 And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable
church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it.

13:7 And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and
fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many
harlots.

13:8 And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the
silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and
the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great
and abominable church.

13:9 And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of
God, and bring them down into captivity.

13:10 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters; and
they divided the Gentiles from the seed of my brethren.

13:11 And it came to pass that the angel said unto me: Behold the wrath
of God is upon the seed of thy brethren.

13:12 And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was
separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld
the Spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man; and he
went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who
were in the promised land.

13:13 And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God, that it
wrought upon other Gentiles; and they went forth out of captivity, upon
the many waters.

13:14 And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Gentiles
upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was
upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the
Gentiles and were smitten.

13:15 And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the
Gentiles, and they did prosper and obtain the land for their
inheritance; and I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair
and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain.

13:16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles who
had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord;
and the power of the Lord was with them.

13:17 And I beheld that their mother Gentiles were gathered together
upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them.

13:18 And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that
the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against
them to battle.

13:19 And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of
captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all
other nations.

13:20 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that they did prosper
in the land; and I beheld a book, and it was carried forth among them.

13:21 And the angel said unto me: Knowest thou the meaning of the book?

13:22 And I said unto him: I know not.

13:23 And he said: Behold it proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew. And
I, Nephi, beheld it; and he said unto me: The book that thou beholdest
is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord,
which he hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth
many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; and it is a record like
unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save there are
not so many; nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord,
which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of
great worth unto the Gentiles.

13:24 And the angel of the Lord said unto me: Thou hast beheld that the
book proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew; and when it proceeded
forth from the mouth of a Jew it contained the fulness of the gospel of
the Lord, of whom the twelve apostles bear record; and they bear record
according to the truth which is in the Lamb of God.

13:25 Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the
Gentiles, according to the truth which is in God.

13:26 And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the
Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of a
great and abominable church, which is most abominable above all other
churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb
many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants
of the Lord have they taken away.

13:27 And all this have they done that they might pervert the right
ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts
of the children of men.

13:28 Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through
the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain
and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the
Lamb of God.

13:29 And after these plain and precious things were taken away it
goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles; and after it goeth
forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles, yea, even across the many
waters which thou hast seen with the Gentiles which have gone forth out
of captivity, thou seest—because of the many plain and precious things
which have been taken out of the book, which were plain unto the
understanding of the children of men, according to the plainness which
is in the Lamb of God—because of these things which are taken away out
of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea,
insomuch that Satan hath great power over them.

13:30 Nevertheless, thou beholdest that the Gentiles who have gone
forth out of captivity, and have been lifted up by the power of God
above all other nations, upon the face of the land which is choice
above all other lands, which is the land that the Lord God hath
covenanted with thy father that his seed should have for the land of
their inheritance; wherefore, thou seest that the Lord God will not
suffer that the Gentiles will utterly destroy the mixture of thy seed,
which are among thy brethren.

13:31 Neither will he suffer that the Gentiles shall destroy the seed
of thy brethren.

13:32 Neither will the Lord God suffer that the Gentiles shall forever
remain in that awful state of blindness, which thou beholdest they are
in, because of the plain and most precious parts of the gospel of the
Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, whose
formation thou hast seen.

13:33 Wherefore saith the Lamb of God: I will be merciful unto the
Gentiles, unto the visiting of the remnant of the house of Israel in
great judgment.

13:34 And it came to pass that the angel of the Lord spake unto me,
saying: Behold, saith the Lamb of God, after I have visited the remnant
of the house of Israel—and this remnant of whom I speak is the seed of
thy father—wherefore, after I have visited them in judgment, and
smitten them by the hand of the Gentiles, and after the Gentiles do
stumble exceedingly, because of the most plain and precious parts of
the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable
church, which is the mother of harlots, saith the Lamb—I will be
merciful unto the Gentiles in that day, insomuch that I will bring
forth unto them, in mine own power, much of my gospel, which shall be
plain and precious, saith the Lamb.

13:35 For, behold, saith the Lamb: I will manifest myself unto thy
seed, that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto
them, which shall be plain and precious; and after thy seed shall be
destroyed, and dwindle in unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren,
behold, these things shall be hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles,
by the gift and power of the Lamb.

13:36 And in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb, and my
rock and my salvation.

13:37 And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at
that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost;
and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last
day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and
whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful
upon the mountains shall they be.

13:38 And it came to pass that I beheld the remnant of the seed of my
brethren, and also the book of the Lamb of God, which had proceeded
forth from the mouth of the Jew, that it came forth from the Gentiles
unto the remnant of the seed of my brethren.

13:39 And after it had come forth unto them I beheld other books, which
came forth by the power of the Lamb, from the Gentiles unto them, unto
the convincing of the Gentiles and the remnant of the seed of my
brethren, and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the
earth, that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of
the Lamb are true.

13:40 And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which
thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the
first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make
known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from
them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that
the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the
world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.

13:41 And they must come according to the words which shall be
established by the mouth of the Lamb; and the words of the Lamb shall
be made known in the records of thy seed, as well as in the records of
the twelve apostles of the Lamb; wherefore they both shall be
established in one; for there is one God and one Shepherd over all the
earth.

13:42 And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto all
nations, both unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles; and after he
has manifested himself unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles, then
he shall manifest himself unto the Gentiles and also unto the Jews, and
the last shall be first, and the first shall be last.

1 Nephi Chapter 14

14:1 And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto
the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in
word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their
stumbling blocks—

14:2 And harden not their hearts against the Lamb of God, they shall be
numbered among the seed of thy father; yea, they shall be numbered
among the house of Israel; and they shall be a blessed people upon the
promised land forever; they shall be no more brought down into
captivity; and the house of Israel shall no more be confounded.

14:3 And that great pit, which hath been digged for them by that great
and abominable church, which was founded by the devil and his children,
that he might lead away the souls of men down to hell—yea, that great
pit which hath been digged for the destruction of men shall be filled
by those who digged it, unto their utter destruction, saith the Lamb of
God; not the destruction of the soul, save it be the casting of it into
that hell which hath no end.

14:4 For behold, this is according to the captivity of the devil, and
also according to the justice of God, upon all those who will work
wickedness and abomination before him.

14:5 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, Nephi, saying:
Thou hast beheld that if the Gentiles repent it shall be well with
them; and thou also knowest concerning the covenants of the Lord unto
the house of Israel; and thou also hast heard that whoso repenteth not
must perish.

14:6 Therefore, wo be unto the Gentiles if it so be that they harden
their hearts against the Lamb of God.

14:7 For the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, that I will work a
great and a marvelous work among the children of men; a work which
shall be everlasting, either on the one hand or on the other—either to
the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the
deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness
of their minds unto their being brought down into captivity, and also
into destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the
captivity of the devil, of which I have spoken.

14:8 And it came to pass that when the angel had spoken these words, he
said unto me: Rememberest thou the covenants of the Father unto the
house of Israel? I said unto him, Yea.

14:9 And it came to pass that he said unto me: Look, and behold that
great and abominable church, which is the mother of abominations, whose
founder is the devil.

14:10 And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the
one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of
the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of
God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of
abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth.

14:11 And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the whore of all the
earth, and she sat upon many waters; and she had dominion over all the
earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.

14:12 And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the Lamb of God,
and its numbers were few, because of the wickedness and abominations of
the whore who sat upon many waters; nevertheless, I beheld that the
church of the Lamb, who were the saints of God, were also upon all the
face of the earth; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were
small, because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw.

14:13 And it came to pass that I beheld that the great mother of
abominations did gather together multitudes upon the face of all the
earth, among all the nations of the Gentiles, to fight against the Lamb
of God.

14:14 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb
of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb,
and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all
the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with
the power of God in great glory.

14:15 And it came to pass that I beheld that the wrath of God was
poured out upon that great and abominable church, insomuch that there
were wars and rumors of wars among all the nations and kindreds of the
earth.

14:16 And as there began to be wars and rumors of wars among all the
nations which belonged to the mother of abominations, the angel spake
unto me, saying: Behold, the wrath of God is upon the mother of
harlots; and behold, thou seest all these things—

14:17 And when the day cometh that the wrath of God is poured out upon
the mother of harlots, which is the great and abominable church of all
the earth, whose founder is the devil, then, at that day, the work of
the Father shall commence, in preparing the way for the fulfilling of
his covenants, which he hath made to his people who are of the house of
Israel.

14:18 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!

14:19 And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white
robe.

14:20 And the angel said unto me: Behold one of the twelve apostles of
the Lamb.

14:21 Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things;
yea, and also many things which have been.

14:22 And he shall also write concerning the end of the world.

14:23 Wherefore, the things which he shall write are just and true; and
behold they are written in the book which thou beheld proceeding out of
the mouth of the Jew; and at the time they proceeded out of the mouth
of the Jew, or, at the time the book proceeded out of the mouth of the
Jew, the things which were written were plain and pure, and most
precious and easy to the understanding of all men.

14:24 And behold, the things which this apostle of the Lamb shall write
are many things which thou hast seen; and behold, the remainder shalt
thou see.

14:25 But the things which thou shalt see hereafter thou shalt not
write; for the Lord God hath ordained the apostle of the Lamb of God
that he should write them.

14:26 And also others who have been, to them hath he shown all things,
and they have written them; and they are sealed up to come forth in
their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own
due time of the Lord, unto the house of Israel.

14:27 And I, Nephi, heard and bear record, that the name of the apostle
of the Lamb was John, according to the word of the angel.

14:28 And behold, I, Nephi, am forbidden that I should write the
remainder of the things which I saw and heard; wherefore the things
which I have written sufficeth me; and I have written but a small part
of the things which I saw.

14:29 And I bear record that I saw the things which my father saw, and
the angel of the Lord did make them known unto me.

14:30 And now I make an end of speaking concerning the things which I
saw while I was carried away in the spirit; and if all the things which
I saw are not written, the things which I have written are true. And
thus it is. Amen.

1 Nephi Chapter 15

15:1 And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been carried away in
the spirit, and seen all these things, I returned to the tent of my
father.

15:2 And it came to pass that I beheld my brethren, and they were
disputing one with another concerning the things my father had spoken
unto them.

15:3 For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to
be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being
hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they
ought.

15:4 And now I, Nephi, was grieved because of the hardness of their
hearts, and also, because of the things which I had seen, and knew they
must unavoidably come to pass because of the great wickedness of the
children of men.

15:5 And it came to pass that I was overcome because of my afflictions,
for I considered that mine afflictions were great above all, because of
the destruction of my people, for I had beheld their fall.

15:6 And it came to pass that after I had received strength I spake
unto my brethren, desiring to know of them the cause of their
disputations.

15:7 And they said: Behold, we cannot understand the words which our
father hath spoken concerning the natural branches of the olive-tree,
and also concerning the Gentiles.

15:8 And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?

15:9 And they said unto me: We have not; for the Lord maketh no such
thing known unto us.

15:10 Behold, I said unto them: How is it that ye do not keep the
commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish, because of the
hardness of your hearts?

15:11 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye
will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye
shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these
things shall be made known unto you.

15:12 Behold, I say unto you, that the house of Israel was compared
unto an olive-tree, by the Spirit of the Lord which was in our father;
and behold are we not broken off from the house of Israel, and are we
not a branch of the house of Israel?

15:13 And now, the thing which our father meaneth concerning the
grafting in of the natural branches through the fulness of the
Gentiles, is, that in the latter days, when our seed shall have
dwindled in unbelief, yea, for the space of many years, and many
generations after the Messiah shall be manifested in body unto the
children of men, then shall the fulness of the gospel of the Messiah
come unto the Gentiles, and from the Gentiles unto the remnant of our
seed—

15:14 And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know that they are
of the house of Israel, and that they are the covenant people of the
Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their
forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer,
which was ministered unto their fathers by him; wherefore, they shall
come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his
doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved.

15:15 And then at that day will they not rejoice and give praise unto
their everlasting God, their rock and their salvation? Yea, at that
day, will they not receive the strength and nourishment from the true
vine? Yea, will they not come unto the true fold of God?

15:16 Behold, I say unto you, Yea; they shall be remembered again among
the house of Israel; they shall be grafted in, being a natural branch
of the olive-tree, into the true olive-tree.

15:17 And this is what our father meaneth; and he meaneth that it will
not come to pass until after they are scattered by the Gentiles; and he
meaneth that it shall come by way of the Gentiles, that the Lord may
show his power unto the Gentiles, for the very cause that he shall be
rejected of the Jews, or of the house of Israel.

15:18 Wherefore, our father hath not spoken of our seed alone, but also
of all the house of Israel, pointing to the covenant which should be
fulfilled in the latter days; which covenant the Lord made to our
father Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth
be blessed.

15:19 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, spake much unto them
concerning these things; yea, I spake unto them concerning the
restoration of the Jews in the latter days.

15:20 And I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah, who spake
concerning the restoration of the Jews, or of the house of Israel; and
after they were restored they should no more be confounded, neither
should they be scattered again. And it came to pass that I did speak
many words unto my brethren, that they were pacified and did humble
themselves before the Lord.

15:21 And it came to pass that they did speak unto me again, saying:
What meaneth this thing which our father saw in a dream? What meaneth
the tree which he saw?

15:22 And I said unto them: It was a representation of the tree of
life.

15:23 And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of iron which our
father saw, that led to the tree?

15:24 And I said unto them that it was the word of God, and whoso would
hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would
never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the
adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to
destruction.

15:25 Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word
of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul,
and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed
to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always in all
things.

15:26 And they said unto me: What meaneth the river of water which our
father saw?

15:27 And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was
filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that
he beheld not the filthiness of the water.

15:28 And I said unto them that it was an awful gulf, which separated
the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the saints of God.

15:29 And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful
hell, which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked.

15:30 And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of
God did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness
thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth
up unto God forever and ever, and hath no end.

15:31 And they said unto me: Doth this thing mean the torment of the
body in the days of probation, or doth it mean the final state of the
soul after the death of the temporal body, or doth it speak of the
things which are temporal?

15:32 And it came to pass that I said unto them that it was a
representation of things both temporal and spiritual; for the day
should come that they must be judged of their works, yea, even the
works which were done by the temporal body in their days of probation.

15:33 Wherefore, if they should die in their wickedness they must be
cast off also, as to the things which are spiritual, which are
pertaining to righteousness; wherefore, they must be brought to stand
before God, to be judged of their works; and if their works have been
filthiness they must needs be filthy; and if they be filthy it must
needs be that they cannot dwell in the kingdom of God; if so, the
kingdom of God must be filthy also.

15:34 But behold, I say unto you, the kingdom of God is not filthy, and
there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God; wherefore
there must needs be a place of filthiness prepared for that which is
filthy.

15:35 And there is a place prepared, yea, even that awful hell of which
I have spoken, and the devil is the preparator of it; wherefore the
final state of the souls of men is to dwell in the kingdom of God, or
to be cast out because of that justice of which I have spoken.

15:36 Wherefore, the wicked are rejected from the righteous, and also
from that tree of life, whose fruit is most precious and most desirable
above all other fruits; yea, and it is the greatest of all the gifts of
God. And thus I spake unto my brethren. Amen.

1 Nephi Chapter 16

16:1 And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of
speaking to my brethren, behold they said unto me: Thou hast declared
unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear.

16:2 And it came to pass that I said unto them that I knew that I had
spoken hard things against the wicked, according to the truth; and the
righteous have I justified, and testified that they should be lifted up
at the last day; wherefore, the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for
it cutteth them to the very center.

16:3 And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to
hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk
uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth,
and say: Thou speakest hard things against us.

16:4 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren, with
all diligence, to keep the commandments of the Lord.

16:5 And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the
Lord; insomuch that I had joy and great hopes of them, that they would
walk in the paths of righteousness.

16:6 Now, all these things were said and done as my father dwelt in a
tent in the valley which he called Lemuel.

16:7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, took one of the daughters of
Ishmael to wife; and also, my brethren took of the daughters of Ishmael
to wife; and also Zoram took the eldest daughter of Ishmael to wife.

16:8 And thus my father had fulfilled all the commandments of the Lord
which had been given unto him. And also, I, Nephi, had been blessed of
the Lord exceedingly.

16:9 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord spake unto my
father by night, and commanded him that on the morrow he should take
his journey into the wilderness.

16:10 And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and
went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon
the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine
brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the
way whither we should go into the wilderness.

16:11 And it came to pass that we did gather together whatsoever things
we should carry into the wilderness, and all the remainder of our
provisions which the Lord had given unto us; and we did take seed of
every kind that we might carry into the wilderness.

16:12 And it came to pass that we did take our tents and depart into
the wilderness, across the river Laman.

16:13 And it came to pass that we traveled for the space of four days,
nearly a south-southeast direction, and we did pitch our tents again;
and we did call the name of the place Shazer.

16:14 And it came to pass that we did take our bows and our arrows, and
go forth into the wilderness to slay food for our families; and after
we had slain food for our families we did return again to our families
in the wilderness, to the place of Shazer. And we did go forth again in
the wilderness, following the same direction, keeping in the most
fertile parts of the wilderness, which were in the borders near the Red
Sea.

16:15 And it came to pass that we did travel for the space of many
days, slaying food by the way, with our bows and our arrows and our
stones and our slings.

16:16 And we did follow the directions of the ball, which led us in the
more fertile parts of the wilderness.

16:17 And after we had traveled for the space of many days, we did
pitch our tents for the space of a time, that we might again rest
ourselves and obtain food for our families.

16:18 And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food,
behold, I did break my bow, which was made of fine steel; and after I
did break my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the
loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food.

16:19 And it came to pass that we did return without food to our
families, and being much fatigued, because of their journeying, they
did suffer much for the want of food.

16:20 And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael
did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and
afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur
against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceedingly sorrowful,
even that they did murmur against the Lord.

16:21 Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, having been afflicted with my
brethren because of the loss of my bow, and their bows having lost
their springs, it began to be exceedingly difficult, yea, insomuch that
we could obtain no food.

16:22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much unto my
brethren, because they had hardened their hearts again, even unto
complaining against the Lord their God.

16:23 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow,
and out of a straight stick, an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with
a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my
father: Whither shall I go to obtain food?

16:24 And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord, for they had
humbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto
them in the energy of my soul.

16:25 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my
father; and he was truly chastened because of his murmuring against the
Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow.

16:26 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him:
Look upon the ball, and behold the things which are written.

16:27 And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which
were written upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and
also my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and our wives.

16:28 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were
in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence
and heed which we did give unto them.

16:29 And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was
plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways
of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time,
according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we
see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.

16:30 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up into the top
of the mountain, according to the directions which were given upon the
ball.

16:31 And it came to pass that I did slay wild beasts, insomuch that I
did obtain food for our families.

16:32 And it came to pass that I did return to our tents, bearing the
beasts which I had slain; and now when they beheld that I had obtained
food, how great was their joy! And it came to pass that they did humble
themselves before the Lord, and did give thanks unto him.

16:33 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey, traveling
nearly the same course as in the beginning; and after we had traveled
for the space of many days we did pitch our tents again, that we might
tarry for the space of a time.

16:34 And it came to pass that Ishmael died, and was buried in the
place which was called Nahom.

16:35 And it came to pass that the daughters of Ishmael did mourn
exceedingly, because of the loss of their father, and because of their
afflictions in the wilderness; and they did murmur against my father,
because he had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, saying: Our
father is dead; yea, and we have wandered much in the wilderness, and
we have suffered much affliction, hunger, thirst, and fatigue; and
after all these sufferings we must perish in the wilderness with
hunger.

16:36 And thus they did murmur against my father, and also against me;
and they were desirous to return again to Jerusalem.

16:37 And Laman said unto Lemuel and also unto the sons of Ishmael:
Behold, let us slay our father, and also our brother Nephi, who has
taken it upon him to be our ruler and our teacher, who are his elder
brethren.

16:38 Now, he says that the Lord has talked with him, and also that
angels have ministered unto him. But behold, we know that he lies unto
us; and he tells us these things, and he worketh many things by his
cunning arts, that he may deceive our eyes, thinking, perhaps, that he
may lead us away into some strange wilderness; and after he has led us
away, he has thought to make himself a king and a ruler over us, that
he may do with us according to his will and pleasure. And after this
manner did my brother Laman stir up their hearts to anger.

16:39 And it came to pass that the Lord was with us, yea, even the
voice of the Lord came and did speak many words unto them, and did
chasten them exceedingly; and after they were chastened by the voice of
the Lord they did turn away their anger, and did repent of their sins,
insomuch that the Lord did bless us again with food, that we did not
perish.

1 Nephi Chapter 17

17:1 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the
wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And
we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and
our women did bear children in the wilderness.

17:2 And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we
did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of
suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men;
and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.

17:3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled.
And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God
he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby
they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore,
he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

17:4 And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea, even eight
years in the wilderness.

17:5 And we did come to the land which we called Bountiful, because of
its much fruit and also wild honey; and all these things were prepared
of the Lord that we might not perish. And we beheld the sea, which we
called Irreantum, which, being interpreted, is many waters.

17:6 And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the seashore;
and notwithstanding we had suffered many afflictions and much
difficulty, yea, even so much that we cannot write them all, we were
exceedingly rejoiced when we came to the seashore; and we called the
place Bountiful, because of its much fruit.

17:7 And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been in the land of
Bountiful for the space of many days, the voice of the Lord came unto
me, saying: Arise, and get thee into the mountain. And it came to pass
that I arose and went up into the mountain, and cried unto the Lord.

17:8 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: Thou
shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee, that
I may carry thy people across these waters.

17:9 And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to
molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner
which thou hast shown unto me?

17:10 And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I should go to
find ore, that I might make tools.

17:11 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make a bellows wherewith
to blow the fire, of the skins of beasts; and after I had made a
bellows, that I might have wherewith to blow the fire, I did smite two
stones together that I might make fire.

17:12 For the Lord had not hitherto suffered that we should make much
fire, as we journeyed in the wilderness; for he said: I will make thy
food become sweet, that ye cook it not;

17:13 And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will
prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my
commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye
shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by
me that ye are led.

17:14 Yea, and the Lord said also that: After ye have arrived in the
promised land, ye shall know that I, the Lord, am God; and that I, the
Lord, did deliver you from destruction; yea, that I did bring you out
of the land of Jerusalem.

17:15 Wherefore, I, Nephi, did strive to keep the commandments of the
Lord, and I did exhort my brethren to faithfulness and diligence.

17:16 And it came to pass that I did make tools of the ore which I did
molten out of the rock.

17:17 And when my brethren saw that I was about to build a ship, they
began to murmur against me, saying: Our brother is a fool, for he
thinketh that he can build a ship; yea, and he also thinketh that he
can cross these great waters.

17:18 And thus my brethren did complain against me, and were desirous
that they might not labor, for they did not believe that I could build
a ship; neither would they believe that I was instructed of the Lord.

17:19 And now it came to pass that I, Nephi, was exceedingly sorrowful
because of the hardness of their hearts; and now when they saw that I
began to be sorrowful they were glad in their hearts, insomuch that
they did rejoice over me, saying: We knew that ye could not construct a
ship, for we knew that ye were lacking in judgment; wherefore, thou
canst not accomplish so great a work.

17:20 And thou art like unto our father, led away by the foolish
imaginations of his heart; yea, he hath led us out of the land of
Jerusalem, and we have wandered in the wilderness for these many years;
and our women have toiled, being big with child; and they have borne
children in the wilderness and suffered all things, save it were death;
and it would have been better that they had died before they came out
of Jerusalem than to have suffered these afflictions.

17:21 Behold, these many years we have suffered in the wilderness,
which time we might have enjoyed our possessions and the land of our
inheritance; yea, and we might have been happy.

17:22 And we know that the people who were in the land of Jerusalem
were a righteous people; for they kept the statutes and judgments of
the Lord, and all his commandments, according to the law of Moses;
wherefore, we know that they are a righteous people; and our father
hath judged them, and hath led us away because we would hearken unto
his words; yea, and our brother is like unto him. And after this manner
of language did my brethren murmur and complain against us.

17:23 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, spake unto them, saying: Do ye
believe that our fathers, who were the children of Israel, would have
been led away out of the hands of the Egyptians if they had not
hearkened unto the words of the Lord?

17:24 Yea, do ye suppose that they would have been led out of bondage,
if the Lord had not commanded Moses that he should lead them out of
bondage?

17:25 Now ye know that the children of Israel were in bondage; and ye
know that they were laden with tasks, which were grievous to be borne;
wherefore, ye know that it must needs be a good thing for them, that
they should be brought out of bondage.

17:26 Now ye know that Moses was commanded of the Lord to do that great
work; and ye know that by his word the waters of the Red Sea were
divided hither and thither, and they passed through on dry ground.

17:27 But ye know that the Egyptians were drowned in the Red Sea, who
were the armies of Pharaoh.

17:28 And ye also know that they were fed with manna in the wilderness.

17:29 Yea, and ye also know that Moses, by his word according to the
power of God which was in him, smote the rock, and there came forth
water, that the children of Israel might quench their thirst.

17:30 And notwithstanding they being led, the Lord their God, their
Redeemer, going before them, leading them by day and giving light unto
them by night, and doing all things for them which were expedient for
man to receive, they hardened their hearts and blinded their minds, and
reviled against Moses and against the true and living God.

17:31 And it came to pass that according to his word he did destroy
them; and according to his word he did lead them; and according to his
word he did do all things for them; and there was not any thing done
save it were by his word.

17:32 And after they had crossed the river Jordan he did make them
mighty unto the driving out of the children of the land, yea, unto the
scattering them to destruction.

17:33 And now, do ye suppose that the children of this land, who were
in the land of promise, who were driven out by our fathers, do ye
suppose that they were righteous? Behold, I say unto you, Nay.

17:34 Do ye suppose that our fathers would have been more choice than
they if they had been righteous? I say unto you, Nay.

17:35 Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous
is favored of God. But behold, this people had rejected every word of
God, and they were ripe in iniquity; and the fulness of the wrath of
God was upon them; and the Lord did curse the land against them, and
bless it unto our fathers; yea, he did curse it against them unto their
destruction, and he did bless it unto our fathers unto their obtaining
power over it.

17:36 Behold, the Lord hath created the earth that it should be
inhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess
it.

17:37 And he raiseth up a righteous nation, and destroyeth the nations
of the wicked.

17:38 And he leadeth away the righteous into precious lands, and the
wicked he destroyeth, and curseth the land unto them for their sakes.

17:39 He ruleth high in the heavens, for it is his throne, and this
earth is his footstool.

17:40 And he loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he
loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob; and he remembered the covenants which he had made;
wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of Egypt.

17:41 And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they
hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them
because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying serpents among them;
and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed;
and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the
simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who
perished.

17:42 And they did harden their hearts from time to time, and they did
revile against Moses, and also against God; nevertheless, ye know that
they were led forth by his matchless power into the land of promise.

17:43 And now, after all these things, the time has come that they have
become wicked, yea, nearly unto ripeness; and I know not but they are
at this day about to be destroyed; for I know that the day must surely
come that they must be destroyed, save a few only, who shall be led
away into captivity.

17:44 Wherefore, the Lord commanded my father that he should depart
into the wilderness; and the Jews also sought to take away his life;
yea, and ye also have sought to take away his life; wherefore, ye are
murderers in your hearts and ye are like unto them.

17:45 Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your
God. Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard
his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still
small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his
words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of
thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide
asunder.

17:46 And ye also know that by the power of his almighty word he can
cause the earth that it shall pass away; yea, and ye know that by his
word he can cause the rough places to be made smooth, and smooth places
shall be broken up. O, then, why is it, that ye can be so hard in your
hearts?

17:47 Behold, my soul is rent with anguish because of you, and my heart
is pained; I fear lest ye shall be cast off forever. Behold, I am full
of the Spirit of God, insomuch that my frame has no strength.

17:48 And now it came to pass that when I had spoken these words, they
were angry with me, and were desirous to throw me into the depths of
the sea; and as they came forth to lay their hands upon me I spake unto
them, saying: In the name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye
touch me not, for I am filled with the power of God, even unto the
consuming of my flesh; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall
wither even as a dried reed; and he shall be as naught before the power
of God, for God shall smite him.

17:49 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto them that they
should murmur no more against their father; neither should they
withhold their labor from me, for God had commanded me that I should
build a ship.

17:50 And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I
could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this
water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it
would be done.

17:51 And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so
many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot
instruct me, that I should build a ship?

17:52 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said many things unto my
brethren, insomuch that they were confounded and could not contend
against me; neither durst they lay their hands upon me nor touch me
with their fingers, even for the space of many days. Now they durst not
do this lest they should wither before me, so powerful was the Spirit
of God; and thus it had wrought upon them.

17:53 And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth
thine hand again unto thy brethren, and they shall not wither before
thee, but I will shock them, saith the Lord, and this will I do, that
they may know that I am the Lord their God.

17:54 And it came to pass that I stretched forth my hand unto my
brethren, and they did not wither before me; but the Lord did shake
them, even according to the word which he had spoken.

17:55 And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with
thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us.
And they fell down before me, and were about to worship me, but I would
not suffer them, saying: I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger
brother; wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and
thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy
God shall give thee.

1 Nephi Chapter 18

18:1 And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go
forth with me; and we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the
Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the
timbers of the ship.

18:2 Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was
learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men;
but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me;
wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.

18:3 And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto
the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.

18:4 And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according
to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that
the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did
humble themselves again before the Lord.

18:5 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my
father, that we should arise and go down into the ship.

18:6 And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had prepared all
things, much fruits and meat from the wilderness, and honey in
abundance, and provisions according to that which the Lord had
commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and
our seeds, and whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one
according to his age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with
our wives and our children.

18:7 And now, my father had begat two sons in the wilderness; the elder
was called Jacob and the younger Joseph.

18:8 And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and
had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded
us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind
towards the promised land.

18:9 And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space
of many days, behold, my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also
their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to
dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that
they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they
were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness.

18:10 And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest the Lord should be
angry with us, and smite us because of our iniquity, that we should be
swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to
speak to them with much soberness; but behold they were angry with me,
saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us.

18:11 And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind me
with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless,
the Lord did suffer it that he might show forth his power, unto the
fulfilling of his word which he had spoken concerning the wicked.

18:12 And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I
could not move, the compass, which had been prepared of the Lord, did
cease to work.

18:13 Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship,
insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible
tempest, and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three
days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be
drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me.

18:14 And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest
began to be exceedingly sore.

18:15 And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the
depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters
for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments
of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should
repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed
the bands which were upon my wrist, and behold they had swollen
exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the
soreness thereof.

18:16 Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all
the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine
afflictions.

18:17 Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also
unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much
threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents
being stricken in years, and having suffered much grief because of
their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds.

18:18 Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my
brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to
meet their God; yea, their grey hairs were about to be brought down to
lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow
into a watery grave.

18:19 And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much
nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother;
and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did
not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me.

18:20 And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which
threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts; wherefore,
when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of
the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that
they loosed me.

18:21 And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the
compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that
I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and
the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.

18:22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we
sailed again towards the promised land.

18:23 And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of
many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon
the land, and did pitch our tents; and we did call it the promised
land.

18:24 And it came to pass that we did begin to till the earth, and we
began to plant seeds; yea, we did put all our seeds into the earth,
which we had brought from the land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass
that they did grow exceedingly; wherefore, we were blessed in
abundance.

18:25 And it came to pass that we did find upon the land of promise, as
we journeyed in the wilderness, that there were beasts in the forests
of every kind, both the cow and the ox, and the ass and the horse, and
the goat and the wild goat, and all manner of wild animals, which were
for the use of men. And we did find all manner of ore, both of gold,
and of silver, and of copper.

1 Nephi Chapter 19

19:1 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded me, wherefore I did
make plates of ore that I might engraven upon them the record of my
people. And upon the plates which I made I did engraven the record of
my father, and also our journeyings in the wilderness, and the
prophecies of my father; and also many of mine own prophecies have I
engraven upon them.

19:2 And I knew not at the time when I made them that I should be
commanded of the Lord to make these plates; wherefore, the record of my
father, and the genealogy of his fathers, and the more part of all our
proceedings in the wilderness are engraven upon those first plates of
which I have spoken; wherefore, the things which transpired before I
made these plates are, of a truth, more particularly made mention upon
the first plates.

19:3 And after I had made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi,
received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies, the more
plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates;
and that the things which were written should be kept for the
instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and also for
other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord.

19:4 Wherefore, I, Nephi, did make a record upon the other plates,
which gives an account, or which gives a greater account of the wars
and contentions and destructions of my people. And this have I done,
and commanded my people what they should do after I was gone; and that
these plates should be handed down from one generation to another, or
from one prophet to another, until further commandments of the Lord.

19:5 And an account of my making these plates shall be given hereafter;
and then, behold, I proceed according to that which I have spoken; and
this I do that the more sacred things may be kept for the knowledge of
my people.

19:6 Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates save it be that
I think it be sacred. And now, if I do err, even did they err of old;
not that I would excuse myself because of other men, but because of the
weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself.

19:7 For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to
the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet.
Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I
say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set
him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels.

19:8 And behold he cometh, according to the words of the angel, in six
hundred years from the time my father left Jerusalem.

19:9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a
thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and
they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he
suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering
towards the children of men.

19:10 And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of
bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God
of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself,
according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked
men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be
crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a
sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning
the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death
unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially
given unto those who are of the house of Israel.

19:11 For thus spake the prophet: The Lord God surely shall visit all
the house of Israel at that day, some with his voice, because of their
righteousness, unto their great joy and salvation, and others with the
thunderings and the lightnings of his power, by tempest, by fire, and
by smoke, and vapor of darkness, and by the opening of the earth, and
by mountains which shall be carried up.

19:12 And all these things must surely come, saith the prophet Zenos.
And the rocks of the earth must rend; and because of the groanings of
the earth, many of the kings of the isles of the sea shall be wrought
upon by the Spirit of God, to exclaim: The God of nature suffers.

19:13 And as for those who are at Jerusalem, saith the prophet, they
shall be scourged by all people, because they crucify the God of
Israel, and turn their hearts aside, rejecting signs and wonders, and
the power and glory of the God of Israel.

19:14 And because they turn their hearts aside, saith the prophet, and
have despised the Holy One of Israel, they shall wander in the flesh,
and perish, and become a hiss and a byword, and be hated among all
nations.

19:15 Nevertheless, when that day cometh, saith the prophet, that they
no more turn aside their hearts against the Holy One of Israel, then
will he remember the covenants which he made to their fathers.

19:16 Yea, then will he remember the isles of the sea; yea, and all the
people who are of the house of Israel, will I gather in, saith the
Lord, according to the words of the prophet Zenos, from the four
quarters of the earth.

19:17 Yea, and all the earth shall see the salvation of the Lord, saith
the prophet; every nation, kindred, tongue and people shall be blessed.

19:18 And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that
perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their
Redeemer.

19:19 Wherefore, I speak unto all the house of Israel, if it so be that
they should obtain these things.

19:20 For behold, I have workings in the spirit, which doth weary me
even that all my joints are weak, for those who are at Jerusalem; for
had not the Lord been merciful, to show unto me concerning them, even
as he had prophets of old, I should have perished also.

19:21 And he surely did show unto the prophets of old all things
concerning them; and also he did show unto many concerning us;
wherefore, it must needs be that we know concerning them for they are
written upon the plates of brass.

19:22 Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren these
things; and it came to pass that I did read many things to them, which
were engraven upon the plates of brass, that they might know concerning
the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old.

19:23 And I did read many things unto them which were written in the
books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in
the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by
the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it
might be for our profit and learning.

19:24 Wherefore I spake unto them, saying: Hear ye the words of the
prophet, ye who are a remnant of the house of Israel, a branch who have
been broken off; hear ye the words of the prophet, which were written
unto all the house of Israel, and liken them unto yourselves, that ye
may have hope as well as your brethren from whom ye have been broken
off; for after this manner has the prophet written.

1 Nephi Chapter 20

20:1 Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the
name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, or out
of the waters of baptism, who swear by the name of the Lord, and make
mention of the God of Israel, yet they swear not in truth nor in
righteousness.

20:2 Nevertheless, they call themselves of the holy city, but they do
not stay themselves upon the God of Israel, who is the Lord of Hosts;
yea, the Lord of Hosts is his name.

20:3 Behold, I have declared the former things from the beginning; and
they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them. I did show them
suddenly.

20:4 And I did it because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck
is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;

20:5 And I have even from the beginning declared to thee; before it
came to pass I showed them thee; and I showed them for fear lest thou
shouldst say—mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my
molten image hath commanded them.

20:6 Thou hast seen and heard all this; and will ye not declare them?
And that I have showed thee new things from this time, even hidden
things, and thou didst not know them.

20:7 They are created now, and not from the beginning, even before the
day when thou heardest them not they were declared unto thee, lest thou
shouldst say—Behold I knew them.

20:8 Yea, and thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that
time thine ear was not opened; for I knew that thou wouldst deal very
treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.

20:9 Nevertheless, for my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for
my praise will I refrain from thee, that I cut thee not off.

20:10 For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the
furnace of affliction.

20:11 For mine own sake, yea, for mine own sake will I do this, for I
will not suffer my name to be polluted, and I will not give my glory
unto another.

20:12 Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called, for I am he; I am
the first, and I am also the last.

20:13 Mine hand hath also laid the foundation of the earth, and my
right hand hath spanned the heavens. I call unto them and they stand up
together.

20:14 All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; who among them hath
declared these things unto them? The Lord hath loved him; yea, and he
will fulfill his word which he hath declared by them; and he will do
his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall come upon the Chaldeans.

20:15 Also, saith the Lord; I the Lord, yea, I have spoken; yea, I have
called him to declare, I have brought him, and he shall make his way
prosperous.

20:16 Come ye near unto me; I have not spoken in secret; from the
beginning, from the time that it was declared have I spoken; and the
Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me.

20:17 And thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I
have sent him, the Lord thy God who teacheth thee to profit, who
leadeth thee by the way thou shouldst go, hath done it.

20:18 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments—then had thy peace
been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.

20:19 Thy seed also had been as the sand; the offspring of thy bowels
like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor
destroyed from before me.

20:20 Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice
of singing declare ye, tell this, utter to the end of the earth; say
ye: The Lord hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

20:21 And they thirsted not; he led them through the deserts; he caused
the waters to flow out of the rock for them; he clave the rock also and
the waters gushed out.

20:22 And notwithstanding he hath done all this, and greater also,
there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.

1 Nephi Chapter 21

21:1 And again: Hearken, O ye house of Israel, all ye that are broken
off and are driven out because of the wickedness of the pastors of my
people; yea, all ye that are broken off, that are scattered abroad, who
are of my people, O house of Israel. Listen, O isles, unto me, and
hearken ye people from far; the Lord hath called me from the womb; from
the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.

21:2 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his
hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath
he hid me;

21:3 And said unto me: Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be
glorified.

21:4 Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for
naught and in vain; surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work
with my God.

21:5 And now, saith the Lord—that formed me from the womb that I should
be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him—though Israel be not
gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God
shall be my strength.

21:6 And he said: It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of
Israel. I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou
mayest be my salvation unto the ends of the earth.

21:7 Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, to him
whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to servant of
rulers: Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because
of the Lord that is faithful.

21:8 Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, O
isles of the sea, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I
will preserve thee, and give thee my servant for a covenant of the
people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate
heritages;

21:9 That thou mayest say to the prisoners: Go forth; to them that sit
in darkness: Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their
pastures shall be in all high places.

21:10 They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor the
sun smite them; for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by
the springs of water shall he guide them.

21:11 And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be
exalted.

21:12 And then, O house of Israel, behold, these shall come from far;
and lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land
of Sinim.

21:13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; for the feet of those
who are in the east shall be established; and break forth into singing,
O mountains; for they shall be smitten no more; for the Lord hath
comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

21:14 But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my
Lord hath forgotten me—but he will show that he hath not.

21:15 For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not
have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will
I not forget thee, O house of Israel.

21:16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls
are continually before me.

21:17 Thy children shall make haste against thy destroyers; and they
that made thee waste shall go forth of thee.

21:18 Lift up thine eyes round about and behold; all these gather
themselves together, and they shall come to thee. And as I live, saith
the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an
ornament, and bind them on even as a bride.

21:19 For thy waste and thy desolate places, and the land of thy
destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason of the inhabitants;
and they that swallowed thee up shall be far away.

21:20 The children whom thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the
first, shall again in thine ears say: The place is too strait for me;
give place to me that I may dwell.

21:21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart: Who hath begotten me these,
seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and
removing to and fro? And who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left
alone; these, where have they been?

21:22 Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the
Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring
thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their
shoulders.

21:23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy
nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their face towards
the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I
am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

21:24 For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful
captives delivered?

21:25 But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the mighty shall be
taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will
contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy
children.

21:26 And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; they
shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all flesh
shall know that I, the Lord, am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the Mighty
One of Jacob.

1 Nephi Chapter 22

22:1 And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had read these things
which were engraven upon the plates of brass, my brethren came unto me
and said unto me: What meaneth these things which ye have read? Behold,
are they to be understood according to things which are spiritual,
which shall come to pass according to the spirit and not the flesh?

22:2 And I, Nephi, said unto them: Behold they were manifest unto the
prophet by the voice of the Spirit; for by the Spirit are all things
made known unto the prophets, which shall come upon the children of men
according to the flesh.

22:3 Wherefore, the things of which I have read are things pertaining
to things both temporal and spiritual; for it appears that the house of
Israel, sooner or later, will be scattered upon all the face of the
earth, and also among all nations.

22:4 And behold, there are many who are already lost from the knowledge
of those who are at Jerusalem. Yea, the more part of all the tribes
have been led away; and they are scattered to and fro upon the isles of
the sea; and whither they are none of us knoweth, save that we know
that they have been led away.

22:5 And since they have been led away, these things have been
prophesied concerning them, and also concerning all those who shall
hereafter be scattered and be confounded, because of the Holy One of
Israel; for against him will they harden their hearts; wherefore, they
shall be scattered among all nations and shall be hated of all men.

22:6 Nevertheless, after they shall be nursed by the Gentiles, and the
Lord has lifted up his hand upon the Gentiles and set them up for a
standard, and their children have been carried in their arms, and their
daughters have been carried upon their shoulders, behold these things
of which are spoken are temporal; for thus are the covenants of the
Lord with our fathers; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also
all our brethren who are of the house of Israel.

22:7 And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all the house of
Israel have been scattered and confounded, that the Lord God will raise
up a mighty nation among the Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this
land; and by them shall our seed be scattered.

22:8 And after our seed is scattered the Lord God will proceed to do a
marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto
our seed; wherefore, it is likened unto their being nourished by the
Gentiles and being carried in their arms and upon their shoulders.

22:9 And it shall also be of worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto
the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of
the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed
shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

22:10 And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that all the
kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed unless he shall make bare his
arm in the eyes of the nations.

22:11 Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare his arm in the
eyes of all the nations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel
unto those who are of the house of Israel.

22:12 Wherefore, he will bring them again out of captivity, and they
shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they
shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall
know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One
of Israel.

22:13 And the blood of that great and abominable church, which is the
whore of all the earth, shall turn upon their own heads; for they shall
war among themselves, and the sword of their own hands shall fall upon
their own heads, and they shall be drunken with their own blood.

22:14 And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel,
shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit
which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord. And all that fight
against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath
perverted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable
church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it.

22:15 For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily that
Satan shall have no more power over the hearts of the children of men;
for the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly
shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned.

22:16 For the time soon cometh that the fulness of the wrath of God
shall be poured out upon all the children of men; for he will not
suffer that the wicked shall destroy the righteous.

22:17 Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power, even if
it so be that the fulness of his wrath must come, and the righteous be
preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire.
Wherefore, the righteous need not fear; for thus saith the prophet,
they shall be saved, even if it so be as by fire.

22:18 Behold, my brethren, I say unto you, that these things must
shortly come; yea, even blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke must come;
and it must needs be upon the face of this earth; and it cometh unto
men according to the flesh if it so be that they will harden their
hearts against the Holy One of Israel.

22:19 For behold, the righteous shall not perish; for the time surely
must come that all they who fight against Zion shall be cut off.

22:20 And the Lord will surely prepare a way for his people, unto the
fulfilling of the words of Moses, which he spake, saying: A prophet
shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, like unto me; him shall ye
hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come
to pass that all those who will not hear that prophet shall be cut off
from among the people.

22:21 And now I, Nephi, declare unto you, that this prophet of whom
Moses spake was the Holy One of Israel; wherefore, he shall execute
judgment in righteousness.

22:22 And the righteous need not fear, for they are those who shall not
be confounded. But it is the kingdom of the devil, which shall be built
up among the children of men, which kingdom is established among them
which are in the flesh—

22:23 For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are
built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to get power over
the flesh, and those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of
the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of
the world, and to do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, all those
who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and
tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust;
they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according
to the words of the prophet.

22:24 And the time cometh speedily that the righteous must be led up as
calves of the stall, and the Holy One of Israel must reign in dominion,
and might, and power, and great glory.

22:25 And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the
earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall
be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him
they shall find pasture.

22:26 And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no
power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for
he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in
righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth.

22:27 And now behold, I, Nephi, say unto you that all these things must
come according to the flesh.

22:28 But, behold, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people shall
dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel if it so be that they will
repent.

22:29 And now I, Nephi, make an end; for I durst not speak further as
yet concerning these things.

22:30 Wherefore, my brethren, I would that ye should consider that the
things which have been written upon the plates of brass are true; and
they testify that a man must be obedient to the commandments of God.

22:31 Wherefore, ye need not suppose that I and my father are the only
ones that have testified, and also taught them. Wherefore, if ye shall
be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be
saved at the last day. And thus it is. Amen.




 THE SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI


An account of the death of Lehi. Nephi’s brethren rebel against him.
The Lord warns Nephi to depart into the wilderness. His journeyings in
the wilderness, and so forth.

2 Nephi Chapter 1

1:1 And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an end of
teaching my brethren, our father, Lehi, also spake many things unto
them, and rehearsed unto them, how great things the Lord had done for
them in bringing them out of the land of Jerusalem.

1:2 And he spake unto them concerning their rebellions upon the waters,
and the mercies of God in sparing their lives, that they were not
swallowed up in the sea.

1:3 And he also spake unto them concerning the land of promise, which
they had obtained—how merciful the Lord had been in warning us that we
should flee out of the land of Jerusalem.

1:4 For, behold, said he, I have seen a vision, in which I know that
Jerusalem is destroyed; and had we remained in Jerusalem we should also
have perished.

1:5 But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a
land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land
which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the
inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto
me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led
out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.

1:6 Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the
Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save
they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.

1:7 Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring.
And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments
which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them;
wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it
shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall
be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed
forever.

1:8 And behold, it is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet from
the knowledge of other nations; for behold, many nations would overrun
the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance.

1:9 Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promise, that inasmuch as those
whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep
his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and
they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this
land unto themselves. And if it so be that they shall keep his
commandments they shall be blessed upon the face of this land, and
there shall be none to molest them, nor to take away the land of their
inheritance; and they shall dwell safely forever.

1:10 But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in
unbelief, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of
the Lord—having a knowledge of the creation of the earth, and all men,
knowing the great and marvelous works of the Lord from the creation of
the world; having power given them to do all things by faith; having
all the commandments from the beginning, and having been brought by his
infinite goodness into this precious land of promise—behold, I say, if
the day shall come that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the
true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of
him that is just shall rest upon them.

1:11 Yea, he will bring other nations unto them, and he will give unto
them power, and he will take away from them the lands of their
possessions, and he will cause them to be scattered and smitten.

1:12 Yea, as one generation passeth to another there shall be
bloodsheds, and great visitations among them; wherefore, my sons, I
would that ye would remember; yea, I would that ye would hearken unto
my words.

1:13 O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the
sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound,
which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are
carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe.

1:14 Awake! and arise from the dust, and hear the words of a trembling
parent, whose limbs ye must soon lay down in the cold and silent grave,
from whence no traveler can return; a few more days and I go the way of
all the earth.

1:15 But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have
beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his
love.

1:16 And I desire that ye should remember to observe the statutes and
the judgments of the Lord; behold, this hath been the anxiety of my
soul from the beginning.

1:17 My heart hath been weighed down with sorrow from time to time, for
I have feared, lest for the hardness of your hearts the Lord your God
should come out in the fulness of his wrath upon you, that ye be cut
off and destroyed forever;

1:18 Or, that a cursing should come upon you for the space of many
generations; and ye are visited by sword, and by famine, and are hated,
and are led according to the will and captivity of the devil.

1:19 O my sons, that these things might not come upon you, but that ye
might be a choice and a favored people of the Lord. But behold, his
will be done; for his ways are righteousness forever.

1:20 And he hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments
ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my
commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence.

1:21 And now that my soul might have joy in you, and that my heart
might leave this world with gladness because of you, that I might not
be brought down with grief and sorrow to the grave, arise from the
dust, my sons, and be men, and be determined in one mind and in one
heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity;

1:22 That ye may not be cursed with a sore cursing; and also, that ye
may not incur the displeasure of a just God upon you, unto the
destruction, yea, the eternal destruction of both soul and body.

1:23 Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the
chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and
arise from the dust.

1:24 Rebel no more against your brother, whose views have been
glorious, and who hath kept the commandments from the time that we left
Jerusalem; and who hath been an instrument in the hands of God, in
bringing us forth into the land of promise; for were it not for him, we
must have perished with hunger in the wilderness; nevertheless, ye
sought to take away his life; yea, and he hath suffered much sorrow
because of you.

1:25 And I exceedingly fear and tremble because of you, lest he shall
suffer again; for behold, ye have accused him that he sought power and
authority over you; but I know that he hath not sought for power nor
authority over you, but he hath sought the glory of God, and your own
eternal welfare.

1:26 And ye have murmured because he hath been plain unto you. Ye say
that he hath used sharpness; ye say that he hath been angry with you;
but behold, his sharpness was the sharpness of the power of the word of
God, which was in him; and that which ye call anger was the truth,
according to that which is in God, which he could not restrain,
manifesting boldly concerning your iniquities.

1:27 And it must needs be that the power of God must be with him, even
unto his commanding you that ye must obey. But behold, it was not he,
but it was the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, which opened his
mouth to utterance that he could not shut it.

1:28 And now my son, Laman, and also Lemuel and Sam, and also my sons
who are the sons of Ishmael, behold, if ye will hearken unto the voice
of Nephi ye shall not perish. And if ye will hearken unto him I leave
unto you a blessing, yea, even my first blessing.

1:29 But if ye will not hearken unto him I take away my first blessing,
yea, even my blessing, and it shall rest upon him.

1:30 And now Zoram, I speak unto you: Behold, thou art the servant of
Laban; nevertheless, thou hast been brought out of the land of
Jerusalem, and I know that thou art a true friend unto my son, Nephi,
forever.

1:31 Wherefore, because thou hast been faithful thy seed shall be
blessed with his seed, that they dwell in prosperity long upon the face
of this land; and nothing, save it shall be iniquity among them, shall
harm or disturb their prosperity upon the face of this land forever.

1:32 Wherefore, if ye shall keep the commandments of the Lord, the Lord
hath consecrated this land for the security of thy seed with the seed
of my son.

2 Nephi Chapter 2

2:1 And now, Jacob, I speak unto you: Thou art my first-born in the
days of my tribulation in the wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood
thou hast suffered afflictions and much sorrow, because of the rudeness
of thy brethren.

2:2 Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest
the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy
gain.

2:3 Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely
with thy brother, Nephi; and thy days shall be spent in the service of
thy God. Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the
righteousness of thy Redeemer; for thou hast beheld that in the fulness
of time he cometh to bring salvation unto men.

2:4 And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore, thou art
blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh; for the
Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And the way is
prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free.

2:5 And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil.
And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified;
or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut
off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is
good, and become miserable forever.

2:6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for
he is full of grace and truth.

2:7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends
of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite
spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

2:8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto
the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh
that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits,
and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life
according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit,
that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first
that should rise.

2:9 Wherefore, he is the first-fruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall
make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in
him shall be saved.

2:10 And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God;
wherefore, they stand in the presence of him to be judged of him
according to the truth and holiness which is in him. Wherefore, the
ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of
the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in
opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the
ends of the atonement—

2:11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things.
If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be
brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery,
neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in
one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead,
having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption,
happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.

2:12 Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught;
wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation.
Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his
eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of
God.

2:13 And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no
sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no
righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness.
And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment
nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there
is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no
creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all
things must have vanished away.

2:14 And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit
and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both
the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things
to act and things to be acted upon.

2:15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after
he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the
fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must
needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in
opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other
bitter.

2:16 Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for
himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be
that he was enticed by the one or the other.

2:17 And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs
suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had
fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that
which was evil before God.

2:18 And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable
forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. Wherefore, he said
unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the
father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit,
and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.

2:19 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they
were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.

2:20 And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all
the earth.

2:21 And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to
the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore,
their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened,
according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children
of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed
unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their
parents.

2:22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have
fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all
things which were created must have remained in the same state in which
they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever,
and had no end.

2:23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have
remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no
misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.

2:24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who
knoweth all things.

2:25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have
joy.

2:26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem
the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed
from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to
act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the
punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the
commandments which God hath given.

2:27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are
given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose
liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to
choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the
devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto
himself.

2:28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great
Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto
his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy
Spirit;

2:29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh
and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil
power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over
you in his own kingdom.

2:30 I have spoken these few words unto you all, my sons, in the last
days of my probation; and I have chosen the good part, according to the
words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the
everlasting welfare of your souls. Amen.

2 Nephi Chapter 3

3:1 And now I speak unto you, Joseph, my last-born. Thou wast born in
the wilderness of mine afflictions; yea, in the days of my greatest
sorrow did thy mother bear thee.

3:2 And may the Lord consecrate also unto thee this land, which is a
most precious land, for thine inheritance and the inheritance of thy
seed with thy brethren, for thy security forever, if it so be that ye
shall keep the commandments of the Holy One of Israel.

3:3 And now, Joseph, my last-born, whom I have brought out of the
wilderness of mine afflictions, may the Lord bless thee forever, for
thy seed shall not utterly be destroyed.

3:4 For behold, thou art the fruit of my loins; and I am a descendant
of Joseph who was carried captive into Egypt. And great were the
covenants of the Lord which he made unto Joseph.

3:5 Wherefore, Joseph truly saw our day. And he obtained a promise of
the Lord, that out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise
up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel; not the Messiah, but a
branch which was to be broken off, nevertheless, to be remembered in
the covenants of the Lord that the Messiah should be made manifest unto
them in the latter days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of
them out of darkness unto light—yea, out of hidden darkness and out of
captivity unto freedom.

3:6 For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God
raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins.

3:7 Yea, Joseph truly said: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer
will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed
highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give
commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his
brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing
of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy
fathers.

3:8 And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other
work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him
great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work.

3:9 And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would
raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel.

3:10 And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land
of Egypt.

3:11 But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto
him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy
loins—and not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the Lord, but
to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth
among them.

3:12 Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of
the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the
fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit
of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of
false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace
among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of
their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my
covenants, saith the Lord.

3:13 And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my
work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O
house of Israel, saith the Lord.

3:14 And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the
Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for
this promise, which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of my
loins, shall be fulfilled. Behold, I am sure of the fulfilling of this
promise;

3:15 And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the
name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which
the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall
bring my people unto salvation.

3:16 Yea, thus prophesied Joseph: I am sure of this thing, even as I am
sure of the promise of Moses; for the Lord hath said unto me, I will
preserve thy seed forever.

3:17 And the Lord hath said: I will raise up a Moses; and I will give
power unto him in a rod; and I will give judgment unto him in writing.
Yet I will not loose his tongue, that he shall speak much, for I will
not make him mighty in speaking. But I will write unto him my law, by
the finger of mine own hand; and I will make a spokesman for him.

3:18 And the Lord said unto me also: I will raise up unto the fruit of
thy loins; and I will make for him a spokesman. And I, behold, I will
give unto him that he shall write the writing of the fruit of thy
loins, unto the fruit of thy loins; and the spokesman of thy loins
shall declare it.

3:19 And the words which he shall write shall be the words which are
expedient in my wisdom should go forth unto the fruit of thy loins. And
it shall be as if the fruit of thy loins had cried unto them from the
dust; for I know their faith.

3:20 And they shall cry from the dust; yea, even repentance unto their
brethren, even after many generations have gone by them. And it shall
come to pass that their cry shall go, even according to the simpleness
of their words.

3:21 Because of their faith their words shall proceed forth out of my
mouth unto their brethren who are the fruit of thy loins; and the
weakness of their words will I make strong in their faith, unto the
remembering of my covenant which I made unto thy fathers.

3:22 And now, behold, my son Joseph, after this manner did my father of
old prophesy.

3:23 Wherefore, because of this covenant thou art blessed; for thy seed
shall not be destroyed, for they shall hearken unto the words of the
book.

3:24 And there shall rise up one mighty among them, who shall do much
good, both in word and in deed, being an instrument in the hands of
God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing
which is great in the sight of God, unto the bringing to pass much
restoration unto the house of Israel, and unto the seed of thy
brethren.

3:25 And now, blessed art thou, Joseph. Behold, thou art little;
wherefore hearken unto the words of thy brother, Nephi, and it shall be
done unto thee even according to the words which I have spoken.
Remember the words of thy dying father. Amen.

2 Nephi Chapter 4

4:1 And now, I, Nephi, speak concerning the prophecies of which my
father hath spoken, concerning Joseph, who was carried into Egypt.

4:2 For behold, he truly prophesied concerning all his seed. And the
prophecies which he wrote, there are not many greater. And he
prophesied concerning us, and our future generations; and they are
written upon the plates of brass.

4:3 Wherefore, after my father had made an end of speaking concerning
the prophecies of Joseph, he called the children of Laman, his sons,
and his daughters, and said unto them: Behold, my sons, and my
daughters, who are the sons and the daughters of my first-born, I would
that ye should give ear unto my words.

4:4 For the Lord God hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my
commandments ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not
keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence.

4:5 But behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go down to my grave
save I should leave a blessing upon you; for behold, I know that if ye
are brought up in the way ye should go ye will not depart from it.

4:6 Wherefore, if ye are cursed, behold, I leave my blessing upon you,
that the cursing may be taken from you and be answered upon the heads
of your parents.

4:7 Wherefore, because of my blessing the Lord God will not suffer that
ye shall perish; wherefore, he will be merciful unto you and unto your
seed forever.

4:8 And it came to pass that after my father had made an end of
speaking to the sons and daughters of Laman, he caused the sons and
daughters of Lemuel to be brought before him.

4:9 And he spake unto them, saying: Behold, my sons and my daughters,
who are the sons and the daughters of my second son; behold I leave
unto you the same blessing which I left unto the sons and daughters of
Laman; wherefore, thou shalt not utterly be destroyed; but in the end
thy seed shall be blessed.

4:10 And it came to pass that when my father had made an end of
speaking unto them, behold, he spake unto the sons of Ishmael, yea, and
even all his household.

4:11 And after he had made an end of speaking unto them, he spake unto
Sam, saying: Blessed art thou, and thy seed; for thou shall inherit the
land like unto thy brother Nephi. And thy seed shall be numbered with
his seed; and thou shalt be even like unto thy brother, and thy seed
like unto his seed; and thou shalt be blessed in all thy days.

4:12 And it came to pass after my father, Lehi, had spoken unto all his
household, according to the feelings of his heart and the Spirit of the
Lord which was in him, he waxed old. And it came to pass that he died,
and was buried.

4:13 And it came to pass that not many days after his death, Laman and
Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael were angry with me because of the
admonitions of the Lord.

4:14 For I, Nephi, was constrained to speak unto them, according to his
word; for I had spoken many things unto them, and also my father,
before his death; many of which sayings are written upon mine other
plates; for a more history part are written upon mine other plates.

4:15 And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the
scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul
delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth
them for the learning and the profit of my children.

4:16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart
pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.

4:17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in
showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O
wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my
soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.

4:18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins
which do so easily beset me.

4:19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my
sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.

4:20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine
afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters
of the great deep.

4:21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my
flesh.

4:22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake
before me.

4:23 Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me
knowledge by visions in the nighttime.

4:24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my
voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto
me.

4:25 And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been carried away
upon exceedingly high mountains. And mine eyes have beheld great
things, yea, even too great for man; therefore I was bidden that I
should not write them.

4:26 O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his
condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much
mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of
sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of
mine afflictions?

4:27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why
should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my
heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because
of mine enemy?

4:28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and
give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

4:29 Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my
strength because of mine afflictions.

4:30 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I
will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God,
and the rock of my salvation.

4:31 O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the
hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the
appearance of sin?

4:32 May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that
my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite! O Lord, wilt thou not
shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walk in the
path of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road!

4:33 O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy
righteousness! O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine escape before mine
enemies! Wilt thou make my path straight before me! Wilt thou not place
a stumbling block in my way—but that thou wouldst clear my way before
me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy.

4:34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever.
I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is
he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that
putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

4:35 Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea,
my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my
voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my
righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my
rock and mine everlasting God. Amen.

2 Nephi Chapter 5

5:1 Behold, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cry much unto the Lord
my God, because of the anger of my brethren.

5:2 But behold, their anger did increase against me, insomuch that they
did seek to take away my life.

5:3 Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our younger brother thinks
to rule over us; and we have had much trial because of him; wherefore,
now let us slay him, that we may not be afflicted more because of his
words. For behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs
unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this people.

5:4 Now I do not write upon these plates all the words which they
murmured against me. But it sufficeth me to say, that they did seek to
take away my life.

5:5 And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that I, Nephi,
should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who
would go with me.

5:6 Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and
also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother and his family,
and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all
those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were
those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God;
wherefore, they did hearken unto my words.

5:7 And we did take our tents and whatsoever things were possible for
us, and did journey in the wilderness for the space of many days. And
after we had journeyed for the space of many days we did pitch our
tents.

5:8 And my people would that we should call the name of the place
Nephi; wherefore, we did call it Nephi.

5:9 And all those who were with me did take upon them to call
themselves the people of Nephi.

5:10 And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and
the commandments of the Lord in all things according to the law of
Moses.

5:11 And the Lord was with us; and we did prosper exceedingly; for we
did sow seed, and we did reap again in abundance. And we began to raise
flocks, and herds, and animals of every kind.

5:12 And I, Nephi, had also brought the records which were engraven
upon the plates of brass; and also the ball, or compass, which was
prepared for my father by the hand of the Lord, according to that which
is written.

5:13 And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly, and to
multiply in the land.

5:14 And I, Nephi, did take the sword of Laban, and after the manner of
it did make many swords, lest by any means the people who were now
called Lamanites should come upon us and destroy us; for I knew their
hatred towards me and my children and those who were called my people.

5:15 And I did teach my people to build buildings, and to work in all
manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel,
and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great
abundance.

5:16 And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the
manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many
precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land,
wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the
manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the
workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine.

5:17 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people to be
industrious, and to labor with their hands.

5:18 And it came to pass that they would that I should be their king.
But I, Nephi, was desirous that they should have no king; nevertheless,
I did for them according to that which was in my power.

5:19 And behold, the words of the Lord had been fulfilled unto my
brethren, which he spake concerning them, that I should be their ruler
and their teacher. Wherefore, I had been their ruler and their teacher,
according to the commandments of the Lord, until the time they sought
to take away my life.

5:20 Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto
me, saying that: Inasmuch as they will not hearken unto thy words they
shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were
cut off from his presence.

5:21 And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore
cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their
hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore,
as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they
might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God did cause a skin of
blackness to come upon them.

5:22 And thus saith the Lord God: I will cause that they shall be
loathsome unto thy people, save they shall repent of their iniquities.

5:23 And cursed shall be the seed of him that mixeth with their seed;
for they shall be cursed even with the same cursing. And the Lord spake
it, and it was done.

5:24 And because of their cursing which was upon them they did become
an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the
wilderness for beasts of prey.

5:25 And the Lord God said unto me: They shall be a scourge unto thy
seed, to stir them up in remembrance of me; and inasmuch as they will
not remember me, and hearken unto my words, they shall scourge them
even unto destruction.

5:26 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob and
Joseph, that they should be priests and teachers over the land of my
people.

5:27 And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness.

5:28 And thirty years had passed away from the time we left Jerusalem.

5:29 And I, Nephi, had kept the records upon my plates, which I had
made, of my people thus far.

5:30 And it came to pass that the Lord God said unto me: Make other
plates; and thou shalt engraven many things upon them which are good in
my sight, for the profit of thy people.

5:31 Wherefore, I, Nephi, to be obedient to the commandments of the
Lord, went and made these plates upon which I have engraven these
things.

5:32 And I engraved that which is pleasing unto God. And if my people
are pleased with the things of God they will be pleased with mine
engravings which are upon these plates.

5:33 And if my people desire to know the more particular part of the
history of my people they must search mine other plates.

5:34 And it sufficeth me to say that forty years had passed away, and
we had already had wars and contentions with our brethren.

2 Nephi Chapter 6

6:1 The words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, which he spake unto the
people of Nephi:

6:2 Behold, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, having been called of God,
and ordained after the manner of his holy order, and having been
consecrated by my brother Nephi, unto whom ye look as a king or a
protector, and on whom ye depend for safety, behold ye know that I have
spoken unto you exceedingly many things.

6:3 Nevertheless, I speak unto you again; for I am desirous for the
welfare of your souls. Yea, mine anxiety is great for you; and ye
yourselves know that it ever has been. For I have exhorted you with all
diligence; and I have taught you the words of my father; and I have
spoken unto you concerning all things which are written, from the
creation of the world.

6:4 And now, behold, I would speak unto you concerning things which
are, and which are to come; wherefore, I will read you the words of
Isaiah. And they are the words which my brother has desired that I
should speak unto you. And I speak unto you for your sakes, that ye may
learn and glorify the name of your God.

6:5 And now, the words which I shall read are they which Isaiah spake
concerning all the house of Israel; wherefore, they may be likened unto
you, for ye are of the house of Israel. And there are many things which
have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye
are of the house of Israel.

6:6 And now these are the words: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I
will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the
people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters
shall be carried upon their shoulders.

6:7 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy
nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their faces towards
the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I
am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

6:8 And now I, Jacob, would speak somewhat concerning these words. For
behold, the Lord has shown me that those who were at Jerusalem, from
whence we came, have been slain and carried away captive.

6:9 Nevertheless, the Lord has shown unto me that they should return
again. And he also has shown unto me that the Lord God, the Holy One of
Israel, should manifest himself unto them in the flesh; and after he
should manifest himself they should scourge him and crucify him,
according to the words of the angel who spake it unto me.

6:10 And after they have hardened their hearts and stiffened their
necks against the Holy One of Israel, behold the judgments of the Holy
One of Israel shall come upon them. And the day cometh that they shall
be smitten and afflicted.

6:11 Wherefore, after they are driven to and fro, for thus saith the
angel, many shall be afflicted in the flesh, and shall not be suffered
to perish, because of the prayers of the faithful; they shall be
scattered, and smitten, and hated; nevertheless, the Lord will be
merciful unto them, that when they shall come to the knowledge of their
Redeemer, they shall be gathered together again to the lands of their
inheritance.

6:12 And blessed are the Gentiles, they of whom the prophet has
written; for behold, if it so be that they shall repent and fight not
against Zion, and do not unite themselves to that great and abominable
church, they shall be saved; for the Lord God will fulfil his covenants
which he has made unto his children; and for this cause the prophet has
written these things.

6:13 Wherefore, they that fight against Zion and the covenant people of
the Lord shall lick up the dust of their feet; and the people of the
Lord shall not be ashamed. For the people of the Lord are they who wait
for him; for they still wait for the coming of the Messiah.

6:14 And behold, according to the words of the prophet, the Messiah
will set himself again the second time to recover them; wherefore, he
will manifest himself unto them in power and great glory, unto the
destruction of their enemies, when that day cometh when they shall
believe in him; and none will he destroy that believe in him.

6:15 And they that believe not in him shall be destroyed, both by fire,
and by tempest, and by earthquakes, and by bloodsheds, and by
pestilence, and by famine. And they shall know that the Lord is God,
the Holy One of Israel.

6:16 For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive
delivered?

6:17 But thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the mighty shall be
taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for the
Mighty God shall deliver his covenant people. For thus saith the Lord:
I will contend with them that contendeth with thee—

6:18 And I will feed them that oppress thee, with their own flesh; and
they shall be drunken with their own blood as with sweet wine; and all
flesh shall know that I the Lord am thy Savior and thy Redeemer, the
Mighty One of Jacob.

2 Nephi Chapter 7

7:1 Yea, for thus saith the Lord: Have I put thee away, or have I cast
thee off forever? For thus saith the Lord: Where is the bill of your
mother’s divorcement? To whom have I put thee away, or to which of my
creditors have I sold you? Yea, to whom have I sold you? Behold, for
your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is
your mother put away.

7:2 Wherefore, when I came, there was no man; when I called, yea, there
was none to answer. O house of Israel, is my hand shortened at all that
it cannot redeem, or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I
dry up the sea, I make their rivers a wilderness and their fish to
stink because the waters are dried up, and they die because of thirst.

7:3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their
covering.

7:4 The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should
know how to speak a word in season unto thee, O house of Israel. When
ye are weary he waketh morning by morning. He waketh mine ear to hear
as the learned.

7:5 The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious,
neither turned away back.

7:6 I gave my back to the smiter, and my cheeks to them that plucked
off the hair. I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

7:7 For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded.
Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not
be ashamed.

7:8 And the Lord is near, and he justifieth me. Who will contend with
me? Let us stand together. Who is mine adversary? Let him come near me,
and I will smite him with the strength of my mouth.

7:9 For the Lord God will help me. And all they who shall condemn me,
behold, all they shall wax old as a garment, and the moth shall eat
them up.

7:10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of
his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light?

7:11 Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves about with
sparks, walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks which ye have
kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow.

2 Nephi Chapter 8

8:1 Hearken unto me, ye that follow after righteousness. Look unto the
rock from whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit from whence ye
are digged.

8:2 Look unto Abraham, your father, and unto Sarah, she that bare you;
for I called him alone, and blessed him.

8:3 For the Lord shall comfort Zion, he will comfort all her waste
places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like
the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein,
thanksgiving and the voice of melody.

8:4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation; for
a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a
light for the people.

8:5 My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arm
shall judge the people. The isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm
shall they trust.

8:6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath;
for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax
old like a garment; and they that dwell therein shall die in like
manner. But my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall
not be abolished.

8:7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose
heart I have written my law, fear ye not the reproach of men, neither
be ye afraid of their revilings.

8:8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall
eat them like wool. But my righteousness shall be forever, and my
salvation from generation to generation.

8:9 Awake, awake! Put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake as in the
ancient days. Art thou not he that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the
dragon?

8:10 Art thou not he who hath dried the sea, the waters of the great
deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to
pass over?

8:11 Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with
singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy and holiness shall be upon their
heads; and they shall obtain gladness and joy; sorrow and mourning
shall flee away.

8:12 I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold, who art thou,
that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the son of
man, who shall be made like unto grass?

8:13 And forgettest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched forth the
heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth, and hast feared
continually every day, because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he
were ready to destroy? And where is the fury of the oppressor?

8:14 The captive exile hasteneth, that he may be loosed, and that he
should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail.

8:15 But I am the Lord thy God, whose waves roared; the Lord of Hosts
is my name.

8:16 And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the
shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens and lay the
foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion: Behold, thou art my
people.

8:17 Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand
of the Lord the cup of his fury—thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup
of trembling wrung out—

8:18 And none to guide her among all the sons she hath brought forth;
neither that taketh her by the hand, of all the sons she hath brought
up.

8:19 These two sons are come unto thee, who shall be sorry for thee—thy
desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword—and by whom
shall I comfort thee?

8:20 Thy sons have fainted, save these two; they lie at the head of all
the streets; as a wild bull in a net, they are full of the fury of the
Lord, the rebuke of thy God.

8:21 Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, and not with
wine:

8:22 Thus saith thy Lord, the Lord and thy God pleadeth the cause of
his people; behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of
trembling, the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it
again.

8:23 But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; who
have said to thy soul: Bow down, that we may go over—and thou hast laid
thy body as the ground and as the street to them that went over.

8:24 Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful
garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for henceforth there shall no
more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

8:25 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem; loose
thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

2 Nephi Chapter 9

9:1 And now, my beloved brethren, I have read these things that ye
might know concerning the covenants of the Lord that he has covenanted
with all the house of Israel—

9:2 That he has spoken unto the Jews, by the mouth of his holy
prophets, even from the beginning down, from generation to generation,
until the time comes that they shall be restored to the true church and
fold of God; when they shall be gathered home to the lands of their
inheritance, and shall be established in all their lands of promise.

9:3 Behold, my beloved brethren, I speak unto you these things that ye
may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever, because of the blessings
which the Lord God shall bestow upon your children.

9:4 For I know that ye have searched much, many of you, to know of
things to come; wherefore I know that ye know that our flesh must waste
away and die; nevertheless, in our bodies we shall see God.

9:5 Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself
unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that
it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he
suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for
all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

9:6 For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan
of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, and
the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and
the fall came by reason of transgression; and because man became fallen
they were cut off from the presence of the Lord.

9:7 Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be
an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption.
Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have
remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid
down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.

9:8 O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh
should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who
fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil,
to rise no more.

9:9 And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become
devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God,
and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself;
yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth
himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of
men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works
of darkness.

9:10 O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our
escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death
and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the
spirit.

9:11 And because of the way of deliverance of our God, the Holy One of
Israel, this death, of which I have spoken, which is the temporal,
shall deliver up its dead; which death is the grave.

9:12 And this death of which I have spoken, which is the spiritual
death, shall deliver up its dead; which spiritual death is hell;
wherefore, death and hell must deliver up their dead, and hell must
deliver up its captive spirits, and the grave must deliver up its
captive bodies, and the bodies and the spirits of men will be restored
one to the other; and it is by the power of the resurrection of the
Holy One of Israel.

9:13 O how great the plan of our God! For on the other hand, the
paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the
grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body
is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and
immortal, and they are living souls, having a perfect knowledge like
unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect.

9:14 Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and
our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a
perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being
clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness.

9:15 And it shall come to pass that when all men shall have passed from
this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they
must appear before the judgment-seat of the Holy One of Israel; and
then cometh the judgment, and then must they be judged according to the
holy judgment of God.

9:16 And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken
it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who
are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall
be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his
angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire; prepared for
them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame
ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end.

9:17 O the greatness and the justice of our God! For he executeth all
his words, and they have gone forth out of his mouth, and his law must
be fulfilled.

9:18 But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel,
they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured
the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall
inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the
foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.

9:19 O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel!
For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil, and
death, and hell, and that lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless
torment.

9:20 O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things,
and there is not anything save he knows it.

9:21 And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will
hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men,
yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children,
who belong to the family of Adam.

9:22 And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all
men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day.

9:23 And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized
in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they
cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.

9:24 And if they will not repent and believe in his name, and be
baptized in his name, and endure to the end, they must be damned; for
the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has spoken it.

9:25 Wherefore, he has given a law; and where there is no law given
there is no punishment; and where there is no punishment there is no
condemnation; and where there is no condemnation the mercies of the
Holy One of Israel have claim upon them, because of the atonement; for
they are delivered by the power of him.

9:26 For the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all
those who have not the law given to them, that they are delivered from
that awful monster, death and hell, and the devil, and the lake of fire
and brimstone, which is endless torment; and they are restored to that
God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of Israel.

9:27 But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the
commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and
that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!

9:28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the
frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think
they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they
set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their
wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.

9:29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of
God.

9:30 But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world.
For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the
meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their
treasure is their God. And behold, their treasure shall perish with
them also.

9:31 And wo unto the deaf that will not hear; for they shall perish.

9:32 Wo unto the blind that will not see; for they shall perish also.

9:33 Wo unto the uncircumcised of heart, for a knowledge of their
iniquities shall smite them at the last day.

9:34 Wo unto the liar, for he shall be thrust down to hell.

9:35 Wo unto the murderer who deliberately killeth, for he shall die.

9:36 Wo unto them who commit whoredoms, for they shall be thrust down
to hell.

9:37 Yea, wo unto those that worship idols, for the devil of all devils
delighteth in them.

9:38 And, in fine, wo unto all those who die in their sins; for they
shall return to God, and behold his face, and remain in their sins.

9:39 O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing
against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the
enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is
death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.

9:40 O, my beloved brethren, give ear to my words. Remember the
greatness of the Holy One of Israel. Do not say that I have spoken hard
things against you; for if ye do, ye will revile against the truth; for
I have spoken the words of your Maker. I know that the words of truth
are hard against all uncleanness; but the righteous fear them not, for
they love the truth and are not shaken.

9:41 O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One.
Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is
narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of
the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there;
and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be
deceived, for the Lord God is his name.

9:42 And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the
learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their
learning, and their wisdom, and their riches—yea, they are they whom he
despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider
themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility,
he will not open unto them.

9:43 But the things of the wise and the prudent shall be hid from them
forever—yea, that happiness which is prepared for the saints.

9:44 O, my beloved brethren, remember my words. Behold, I take off my
garments, and I shake them before you; I pray the God of my salvation
that he view me with his all-searching eye; wherefore, ye shall know at
the last day, when all men shall be judged of their works, that the God
of Israel did witness that I shook your iniquities from my soul, and
that I stand with brightness before him, and am rid of your blood.

9:45 O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the
chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the
rock of your salvation.

9:46 Prepare your souls for that glorious day when justice shall be
administered unto the righteous, even the day of judgment, that ye may
not shrink with awful fear; that ye may not remember your awful guilt
in perfectness, and be constrained to exclaim: Holy, holy are thy
judgments, O Lord God Almighty—but I know my guilt; I transgressed thy
law, and my transgressions are mine; and the devil hath obtained me,
that I am a prey to his awful misery.

9:47 But behold, my brethren, is it expedient that I should awake you
to an awful reality of these things? Would I harrow up your souls if
your minds were pure? Would I be plain unto you according to the
plainness of the truth if ye were freed from sin?

9:48 Behold, if ye were holy I would speak unto you of holiness; but as
ye are not holy, and ye look upon me as a teacher, it must needs be
expedient that I teach you the consequences of sin.

9:49 Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in
righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my God.

9:50 Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the
waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine
and milk without money and without price.

9:51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor
your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me,
and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One
of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be
corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

9:52 Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray
unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by
night. Let your hearts rejoice.

9:53 And behold how great the covenants of the Lord, and how great his
condescensions unto the children of men; and because of his greatness,
and his grace and mercy, he has promised unto us that our seed shall
not utterly be destroyed, according to the flesh, but that he would
preserve them; and in future generations they shall become a righteous
branch unto the house of Israel.

9:54 And now, my brethren, I would speak unto you more; but on the
morrow I will declare unto you the remainder of my words. Amen.

2 Nephi Chapter 10

10:1 And now I, Jacob, speak unto you again, my beloved brethren,
concerning this righteous branch of which I have spoken.

10:2 For behold, the promises which we have obtained are promises unto
us according to the flesh; wherefore, as it has been shown unto me that
many of our children shall perish in the flesh because of unbelief,
nevertheless, God will be merciful unto many; and our children shall be
restored, that they may come to that which will give them the true
knowledge of their Redeemer.

10:3 Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that
Christ—for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should
be his name—should come among the Jews, among those who are the more
wicked part of the world; and they shall crucify him—for thus it
behooveth our God, and there is none other nation on earth that would
crucify their God.

10:4 For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations they
would repent, and know that he be their God.

10:5 But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will
stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified.

10:6 Wherefore, because of their iniquities, destructions, famines,
pestilences, and bloodshed shall come upon them; and they who shall not
be destroyed shall be scattered among all nations.

10:7 But behold, thus saith the Lord God: When the day cometh that they
shall believe in me, that I am Christ, then have I covenanted with
their fathers that they shall be restored in the flesh, upon the earth,
unto the lands of their inheritance.

10:8 And it shall come to pass that they shall be gathered in from
their long dispersion, from the isles of the sea, and from the four
parts of the earth; and the nations of the Gentiles shall be great in
the eyes of me, saith God, in carrying them forth to the lands of their
inheritance.

10:9 Yea, the kings of the Gentiles shall be nursing fathers unto them,
and their queens shall become nursing mothers; wherefore, the promises
of the Lord are great unto the Gentiles, for he hath spoken it, and who
can dispute?

10:10 But behold, this land, said God, shall be a land of thine
inheritance, and the Gentiles shall be blessed upon the land.

10:11 And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and
there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the
Gentiles.

10:12 And I will fortify this land against all other nations.

10:13 And he that fighteth against Zion shall perish, saith God.

10:14 For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the
Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light
unto them forever, that hear my words.

10:15 Wherefore, for this cause, that my covenants may be fulfilled
which I have made unto the children of men, that I will do unto them
while they are in the flesh, I must needs destroy the secret works of
darkness, and of murders, and of abominations.

10:16 Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion, both Jew and Gentile,
both bond and free, both male and female, shall perish; for they are
they who are the whore of all the earth; for they who are not for me
are against me, saith our God.

10:17 For I will fulfil my promises which I have made unto the children
of men, that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh—

10:18 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, thus saith our God: I will
afflict thy seed by the hand of the Gentiles; nevertheless, I will
soften the hearts of the Gentiles, that they shall be like unto a
father to them; wherefore, the Gentiles shall be blessed and numbered
among the house of Israel.

10:19 Wherefore, I will consecrate this land unto thy seed, and them
who shall be numbered among thy seed, forever, for the land of their
inheritance; for it is a choice land, saith God unto me, above all
other lands, wherefore I will have all men that dwell thereon that they
shall worship me, saith God.

10:20 And now, my beloved brethren, seeing that our merciful God has
given us so great knowledge concerning these things, let us remember
him, and lay aside our sins, and not hang down our heads, for we are
not cast off; nevertheless, we have been driven out of the land of our
inheritance; but we have been led to a better land, for the Lord has
made the sea our path, and we are upon an isle of the sea.

10:21 But great are the promises of the Lord unto them who are upon the
isles of the sea; wherefore as it says isles, there must needs be more
than this, and they are inhabited also by our brethren.

10:22 For behold, the Lord God has led away from time to time from the
house of Israel, according to his will and pleasure. And now behold,
the Lord remembereth all them who have been broken off, wherefore he
remembereth us also.

10:23 Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to
act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of
eternal life.

10:24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will
of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember,
after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the
grace of God that ye are saved.

10:25 Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the
resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the
atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God,
that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.

2 Nephi Chapter 11

11:1 And now, Jacob spake many more things to my people at that time;
nevertheless only these things have I caused to be written, for the
things which I have written sufficeth me.

11:2 And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul
delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and
I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my
Redeemer, even as I have seen him.

11:3 And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him;
wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto
them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath
said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more
witnesses, and he proveth all his words.

11:4 Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of
the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been
given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning
of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.

11:5 And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the Lord which he
hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul delighteth in his grace, and in
his justice, and power, and mercy in the great and eternal plan of
deliverance from death.

11:6 And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people that save Christ
should come all men must perish.

11:7 For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God
we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God,
and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time.

11:8 And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my
people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for
all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and
unto all men.

2 Nephi Chapter 12

12:1 The word that Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and
Jerusalem:

12:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of
the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and
shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it.

12:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the
mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will
teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion
shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

12:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many
people: and they shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their
spears into pruning-hooks—nation shall not lift up sword against
nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

12:5 O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the
Lord; yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, every one to his wicked
ways.

12:6 Therefore, O Lord, thou hast forsaken thy people, the house of
Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and hearken unto
soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the
children of strangers.

12:7 Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is there any
end of their treasures; their land is also full of horses, neither is
there any end of their chariots.

12:8 Their land is also full of idols; they worship the work of their
own hands, that which their own fingers have made.

12:9 And the mean man boweth not down, and the great man humbleth
himself not, therefore, forgive him not.

12:10 O ye wicked ones, enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust,
for the fear of the Lord and the glory of his majesty shall smite thee.

12:11 And it shall come to pass that the lofty looks of man shall be
humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord
alone shall be exalted in that day.

12:12 For the day of the Lord of Hosts soon cometh upon all nations,
yea, upon every one; yea, upon the proud and lofty, and upon every one
who is lifted up, and he shall be brought low.

12:13 Yea, and the day of the Lord shall come upon all the cedars of
Lebanon, for they are high and lifted up; and upon all the oaks of
Bashan;

12:14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills, and upon
all the nations which are lifted up, and upon every people;

12:15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall;

12:16 And upon all the ships of the sea, and upon all the ships of
Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.

12:17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness
of men shall be made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that
day.

12:18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish.

12:19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves
of the earth, for the fear of the Lord shall come upon them and the
glory of his majesty shall smite them, when he ariseth to shake
terribly the earth.

12:20 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols
of gold, which he hath made for himself to worship, to the moles and to
the bats;

12:21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the
ragged rocks, for the fear of the Lord shall come upon them and the
majesty of his glory shall smite them, when he ariseth to shake
terribly the earth.

12:22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for wherein
is he to be accounted of?

2 Nephi Chapter 13

13:1 For behold, the Lord, the Lord of Hosts, doth take away from
Jerusalem, and from Judah, the stay and the staff, the whole staff of
bread, and the whole stay of water—

13:2 The mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and the prophet,
and the prudent, and the ancient;

13:3 The captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counselor,
and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.

13:4 And I will give children unto them to be their princes, and babes
shall rule over them.

13:5 And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every
one by his neighbor; the child shall behave himself proudly against the
ancient, and the base against the honorable.

13:6 When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his
father, and shall say: Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and let
not this ruin come under thy hand—

13:7 In that day shall he swear, saying: I will not be a healer; for in
my house there is neither bread nor clothing; make me not a ruler of
the people.

13:8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen, because their
tongues and their doings have been against the Lord, to provoke the
eyes of his glory.

13:9 The show of their countenance doth witness against them, and doth
declare their sin to be even as Sodom, and they cannot hide it. Wo unto
their souls, for they have rewarded evil unto themselves!

13:10 Say unto the righteous that it is well with them; for they shall
eat the fruit of their doings.

13:11 Wo unto the wicked, for they shall perish; for the reward of
their hands shall be upon them!

13:12 And my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over
them. O my people, they who lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the
way of thy paths.

13:13 The Lord standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.

13:14 The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients of his people
and the princes thereof; for ye have eaten up the vineyard and the
spoil of the poor in your houses.

13:15 What mean ye? Ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of
the poor, saith the Lord God of Hosts.

13:16 Moreover, the Lord saith: Because the daughters of Zion are
haughty, and walk with stretched-forth necks and wanton eyes, walking
and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet—

13:17 Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head
of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will discover their secret
parts.

13:18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling
ornaments, and cauls, and round tires like the moon;

13:19 The chains and the bracelets, and the mufflers;

13:20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands,
and the tablets, and the ear-rings;

13:21 The rings, and nose jewels;

13:22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the
wimples, and the crisping-pins;

13:23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and hoods, and the veils.

13:24 And it shall come to pass, instead of sweet smell there shall be
stink; and instead of a girdle, a rent; and instead of well set hair,
baldness; and instead of a stomacher, a girding of sackcloth; burning
instead of beauty.

13:25 Thy men shall fall by the sword and thy mighty in the war.

13:26 And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she shall be desolate,
and shall sit upon the ground.

2 Nephi Chapter 14

14:1 And in that day, seven women shall take hold of one man, saying:
We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel; only let us be
called by thy name to take away our reproach.

14:2 In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and
glorious; the fruit of the earth excellent and comely to them that are
escaped of Israel.

14:3 And it shall come to pass, they that are left in Zion and remain
in Jerusalem shall be called holy, every one that is written among the
living in Jerusalem—

14:4 When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of
Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst
thereof by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning.

14:5 And the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place of mount Zion,
and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a
flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory of Zion shall be a
defence.

14:6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from
the heat, and for a place of refuge, and a covert from storm and from
rain.

2 Nephi Chapter 15

15:1 And then will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my beloved,
touching his vineyard. My well-beloved hath a vineyard in a very
fruitful hill.

15:2 And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted
it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and
also made a wine-press therein; and he looked that it should bring
forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.

15:3 And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I
pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.

15:4 What could have been done more to my vineyard that I have not done
in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes it
brought forth wild grapes.

15:5 And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard—I
will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and I will
break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down;

15:6 And I will lay it waste; it shall not be pruned nor digged; but
there shall come up briers and thorns; I will also command the clouds
that they rain no rain upon it.

15:7 For the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the house of Israel, and
the men of Judah his pleasant plant; and he looked for judgment, and
behold, oppression; for righteousness, but behold, a cry.

15:8 Wo unto them that join house to house, till there can be no place,
that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!

15:9 In mine ears, said the Lord of Hosts, of a truth many houses shall
be desolate, and great and fair cities without inhabitant.

15:10 Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of
a homer shall yield an ephah.

15:11 Wo unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may
follow strong drink, that continue until night, and wine inflame them!

15:12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine are in
their feasts; but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither
consider the operation of his hands.

15:13 Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have
no knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude
dried up with thirst.

15:14 Therefore, hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth
without measure; and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp,
and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.

15:15 And the mean man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall
be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled.

15:16 But the Lord of Hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that
is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

15:17 Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste
places of the fat ones shall strangers eat.

15:18 Wo unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as
it were with a cart rope;

15:19 That say: Let him make speed, hasten his work, that we may see
it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come,
that we may know it.

15:20 Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put
darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet,
and sweet for bitter!

15:21 Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own
sight!

15:22 Wo unto the mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle
strong drink;

15:23 Who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the
righteousness of the righteous from him!

15:24 Therefore, as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame
consumeth the chaff, their root shall be rottenness, and their blossoms
shall go up as dust; because they have cast away the law of the Lord of
Hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

15:25 Therefore, is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people,
and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten
them; and the hills did tremble, and their carcasses were torn in the
midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but
his hand is stretched out still.

15:26 And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will
hiss unto them from the end of the earth; and behold, they shall come
with speed swiftly; none shall be weary nor stumble among them.

15:27 None shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their
loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken;

15:28 Whose arrows shall be sharp, and all their bows bent, and their
horses’ hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a
whirlwind, their roaring like a lion.

15:29 They shall roar like young lions; yea, they shall roar, and lay
hold of the prey, and shall carry away safe, and none shall deliver.

15:30 And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of
the sea; and if they look unto the land, behold, darkness and sorrow,
and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.

2 Nephi Chapter 16

16:1 In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting
upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

16:2 Above it stood the seraphim; each one had six wings; with twain he
covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he
did fly.

16:3 And one cried unto another, and said: Holy, holy, holy, is the
Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.

16:4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried,
and the house was filled with smoke.

16:5 Then said I: Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of
unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for
mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.

16:6 Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his
hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar;

16:7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said: Lo, this has touched thy
lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

16:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, and
who will go for us? Then I said: Here am I; send me.

16:9 And he said: Go and tell this people—Hear ye indeed, but they
understood not; and see ye indeed, but they perceived not.

16:10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and
shut their eyes—lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their
ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and be healed.

16:11 Then said I: Lord, how long? And he said: Until the cities be
wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be
utterly desolate;

16:12 And the Lord have removed men far away, for there shall be a
great forsaking in the midst of the land.

16:13 But yet there shall be a tenth, and they shall return, and shall
be eaten, as a teil-tree, and as an oak whose substance is in them when
they cast their leaves; so the holy seed shall be the substance
thereof.

2 Nephi Chapter 17

17:1 And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son
of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah the son
of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against
it, but could not prevail against it.

17:2 And it was told the house of David, saying: Syria is confederate
with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as
the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.

17:3 Then said the Lord unto Isaiah: Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou
and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in
the highway of the fuller’s field;

17:4 And say unto him: Take heed, and be quiet; fear not, neither be
faint-hearted for the two tails of these smoking firebrands, for the
fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.

17:5 Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil
counsel against thee, saying:

17:6 Let us go up against Judah and vex it, and let us make a breach
therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, yea, the son of
Tabeal.

17:7 Thus saith the Lord God: It shall not stand, neither shall it come
to pass.

17:8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus,
Rezin; and within three score and five years shall Ephraim be broken
that it be not a people.

17:9 And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is
Remaliah’s son. If ye will not believe surely ye shall not be
established.

17:10 Moreover, the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying:

17:11 Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either in the depths,
or in the heights above.

17:12 But Ahaz said: I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.

17:13 And he said: Hear ye now, O house of David; is it a small thing
for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?

17:14 Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign—Behold, a
virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name
Immanuel.

17:15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the
evil and to choose the good.

17:16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the
good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.

17:17 The Lord shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy
father’s house, days that have not come from the day that Ephraim
departed from Judah, the king of Assyria.

17:18 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall hiss
for the fly that is in the uttermost part of Egypt, and for the bee
that is in the land of Assyria.

17:19 And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate
valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon
all bushes.

17:20 In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired,
by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the
hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard.

17:21 And it shall come to pass in that day, a man shall nourish a
young cow and two sheep;

17:22 And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk they shall
give he shall eat butter; for butter and honey shall every one eat that
is left in the land.

17:23 And it shall come to pass in that day, every place shall be,
where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings, which
shall be for briers and thorns.

17:24 With arrows and with bows shall men come thither, because all the
land shall become briers and thorns.

17:25 And all hills that shall be digged with the mattock, there shall
not come thither the fear of briers and thorns; but it shall be for the
sending forth of oxen, and the treading of lesser cattle.

2 Nephi Chapter 18

18:1 Moreover, the word of the Lord said unto me: Take thee a great
roll, and write in it with a man’s pen, concerning
Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

18:2 And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest,
and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.

18:3 And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived and bare a son.
Then said the Lord to me: Call his name, Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

18:4 For behold, the child shall not have knowledge to cry, My father,
and my mother, before the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria
shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.

18:5 The Lord spake also unto me again, saying:

18:6 Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go
softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son;

18:7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters
of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria and all his
glory; and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his
banks.

18:8 And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he
shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall
fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

18:9 Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in
pieces; and give ear all ye of far countries; gird yourselves, and ye
shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in
pieces.

18:10 Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught; speak the
word, and it shall not stand; for God is with us.

18:11 For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed
me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:

18:12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all to whom this people shall say,
A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

18:13 Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and
let him be your dread.

18:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling,
and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and a
snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

18:15 And many among them shall stumble and fall, and be broken, and be
snared, and be taken.

18:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.

18:17 And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the
house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

18:18 Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for
signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of Hosts, which dwelleth
in Mount Zion.

18:19 And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have
familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter—should not a
people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead?

18:20 To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according
to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

18:21 And they shall pass through it hardly bestead and hungry; and it
shall come to pass that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret
themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.

18:22 And they shall look unto the earth and behold trouble, and
darkness, dimness of anguish, and shall be driven to darkness.

2 Nephi Chapter 19

19:1 Nevertheless, the dimness shall not be such as was in her
vexation, when at first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun, and
the land of Naphtali, and afterwards did more grievously afflict by the
way of the Red Sea beyond Jordan in Galilee of the nations.

19:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they
that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light
shined.

19:3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and increased the joy—they joy
before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when
they divide the spoil.

19:4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his
shoulder, the rod of his oppressor.

19:5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and
garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of
fire.

19:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the
government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called,
Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The
Prince of Peace.

19:7 Of the increase of government and peace there is no end, upon the
throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it
with judgment and with justice from henceforth, even forever. The zeal
of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.

19:8 The Lord sent his word unto Jacob and it hath lighted upon Israel.

19:9 And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitants of
Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart:

19:10 The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones;
the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.

19:11 Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against
him, and join his enemies together;

19:12 The Syrians before and the Philistines behind; and they shall
devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned
away, but his hand is stretched out still.

19:13 For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do
they seek the Lord of Hosts.

19:14 Therefore will the Lord cut off from Israel head and tail, branch
and rush in one day.

19:15 The ancient, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies,
he is the tail.

19:16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that
are led of them are destroyed.

19:17 Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither
shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for every one of them
is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all
this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

19:18 For wickedness burneth as the fire; it shall devour the briers
and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forests, and they
shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.

19:19 Through the wrath of the Lord of Hosts is the land darkened, and
the people shall be as the fuel of the fire; no man shall spare his
brother.

19:20 And he shall snatch on the right hand and be hungry; and he shall
eat on the left hand and they shall not be satisfied; they shall eat
every man the flesh of his own arm—

19:21 Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh; they together shall be
against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand
is stretched out still.

2 Nephi Chapter 20

20:1 Wo unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write
grievousness which they have prescribed;

20:2 To turn away the needy from judgment, and to take away the right
from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that
they may rob the fatherless!

20:3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the
desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help?
and where will ye leave your glory?

20:4 Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall
fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but
his hand is stretched out still.

20:5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is
their indignation.

20:6 I will send him against a hypocritical nation, and against the
people of my wrath will I give him a charge to take the spoil, and to
take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

20:7 Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but in
his heart it is to destroy and cut off nations not a few.

20:8 For he saith: Are not my princes altogether kings?

20:9 Is not Calno as Carchemish? Is not Hamath as Arpad? Is not Samaria
as Damascus?

20:10 As my hand hath founded the kingdoms of the idols, and whose
graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Samaria;

20:11 Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to
Jerusalem and to her idols?

20:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass that when the Lord hath performed
his whole work upon Mount Zion and upon Jerusalem, I will punish the
fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his
high looks.

20:13 For he saith: By the strength of my hand and by my wisdom I have
done these things; for I am prudent; and I have moved the borders of
the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the
inhabitants like a valiant man;

20:14 And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people; and as
one gathereth eggs that are left have I gathered all the earth; and
there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.

20:15 Shall the ax boast itself against him that heweth therewith?
Shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? As if the rod
should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff
should lift up itself as if it were no wood!

20:16 Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of Hosts, send among his fat
ones, leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the
burning of a fire.

20:17 And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for
a flame, and shall burn and shall devour his thorns and his briers in
one day;

20:18 And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful
field, both soul and body; and they shall be as when a standard-bearer
fainteth.

20:19 And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a
child may write them.

20:20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of
Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more
again stay upon him that smote them, but shall stay upon the Lord, the
Holy One of Israel, in truth.

20:21 The remnant shall return, yea, even the remnant of Jacob, unto
the mighty God.

20:22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a
remnant of them shall return; the consumption decreed shall overflow
with righteousness.

20:23 For the Lord God of Hosts shall make a consumption, even
determined in all the land.

20:24 Therefore, thus saith the Lord God of Hosts: O my people that
dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian; he shall smite thee
with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner
of Egypt.

20:25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and
mine anger in their destruction.

20:26 And the Lord of Hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according
to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb; and as his rod was upon
the sea so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.

20:27 And it shall come to pass in that day that his burden shall be
taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and
the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.

20:28 He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath
laid up his carriages.

20:29 They are gone over the passage; they have taken up their lodging
at Geba; Ramath is afraid; Gibeah of Saul is fled.

20:30 Lift up the voice, O daughter of Gallim; cause it to be heard
unto Laish, O poor Anathoth.

20:31 Madmenah is removed; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves
to flee.

20:32 As yet shall he remain at Nob that day; he shall shake his hand
against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

20:33 Behold, the Lord, the Lord of Hosts shall lop the bough with
terror; and the high ones of stature shall be hewn down; and the
haughty shall be humbled.

20:34 And he shall cut down the thickets of the forests with iron, and
Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.

2 Nephi Chapter 21

21:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a
branch shall grow out of his roots.

21:2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of
wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit
of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

21:3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord;
and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove
after the hearing of his ears.

21:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with
equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the
rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the
wicked.

21:5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and
faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

21:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie
down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and fatling
together; and a little child shall lead them.

21:7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie
down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

21:8 And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the
weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’s den.

21:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the
earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover
the sea.

21:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand
for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek; and his
rest shall be glorious.

21:11 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set his
hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people which
shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from
Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the
islands of the sea.

21:12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble
the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from
the four corners of the earth.

21:13 The envy of Ephraim also shall depart, and the adversaries of
Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall
not vex Ephraim.

21:14 But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines towards
the west; they shall spoil them of the east together; they shall lay
their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey
them.

21:15 And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian
sea; and with his mighty wind he shall shake his hand over the river,
and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dry shod.

21:16 And there shall be a highway for the remnant of his people which
shall be left, from Assyria, like as it was to Israel in the day that
he came up out of the land of Egypt.

2 Nephi Chapter 22

22:1 And in that day thou shalt say: O Lord, I will praise thee; though
thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away, and thou
comfortedst me.

22:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for
the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also has become my
salvation.

22:3 Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of
salvation.

22:4 And in that day shall ye say: Praise the Lord, call upon his name,
declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is
exalted.

22:5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things; this is
known in all the earth.

22:6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy
One of Israel in the midst of thee.

2 Nephi Chapter 23

23:1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.

23:2 Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt the voice unto
them, shake the hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.

23:3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty
ones, for mine anger is not upon them that rejoice in my highness.

23:4 The noise of the multitude in the mountains like as of a great
people, a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered
together, the Lord of Hosts mustereth the hosts of the battle.

23:5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, yea, the
Lord, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.

23:6 Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a
destruction from the Almighty.

23:7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, every man’s heart shall melt;

23:8 And they shall be afraid; pangs and sorrows shall take hold of
them; they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as
flames.

23:9 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and
fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and he shall destroy the
sinners thereof out of it.

23:10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not
give their light; the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the
moon shall not cause her light to shine.

23:11 And I will punish the world for evil, and the wicked for their
iniquity; I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will
lay down the haughtiness of the terrible.

23:12 I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than
the golden wedge of Ophir.

23:13 Therefore, I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove
out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of Hosts, and in the day of
his fierce anger.

23:14 And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that no man
taketh up; and they shall every man turn to his own people, and flee
every one into his own land.

23:15 Every one that is proud shall be thrust through; yea, and every
one that is joined to the wicked shall fall by the sword.

23:16 Their children, also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes;
their houses shall be spoiled and their wives ravished.

23:17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not
regard silver and gold, nor shall they delight in it.

23:18 Their bows shall also dash the young men to pieces, and they
shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eyes shall not spare
children.

23:19 And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’
excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

23:20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from
generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there;
neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

23:21 But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses
shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and
satyrs shall dance there.

23:22 And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate
houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces; and her time is near to
come, and her day shall not be prolonged. For I will destroy her
speedily; yea, for I will be merciful unto my people, but the wicked
shall perish.

2 Nephi Chapter 24

24:1 For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel,
and set them in their own land; and the strangers shall be joined with
them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

24:2 And the people shall take them and bring them to their place; yea,
from far unto the ends of the earth; and they shall return to their
lands of promise. And the house of Israel shall possess them, and the
land of the Lord shall be for servants and handmaids; and they shall
take them captives unto whom they were captives; and they shall rule
over their oppressors.

24:3 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall give
thee rest, from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard
bondage wherein thou wast made to serve.

24:4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that thou shalt take up
this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say: How hath the
oppressor ceased, the golden city ceased!

24:5 The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, the scepters of the
rulers.

24:6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that
ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.

24:7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet; they break forth into
singing.

24:8 Yea, the fir-trees rejoice at thee, and also the cedars of
Lebanon, saying: Since thou art laid down no feller is come up against
us.

24:9 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming; it
stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it
hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.

24:10 All they shall speak and say unto thee: Art thou also become weak
as we? Art thou become like unto us?

24:11 Thy pomp is brought down to the grave; the noise of thy viols is
not heard; the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

24:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!
Art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!

24:13 For thou hast said in thy heart: I will ascend into heaven, I
will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the
mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north;

24:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the
Most High.

24:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

24:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and shall
consider thee, and shall say: Is this the man that made the earth to
tremble, that did shake kingdoms?

24:17 And made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities
thereof, and opened not the house of his prisoners?

24:18 All the kings of the nations, yea, all of them, lie in glory,
every one of them in his own house.

24:19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and
the remnant of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that
go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under feet.

24:20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast
destroyed thy land and slain thy people; the seed of evil-doers shall
never be renowned.

24:21 Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquities of their
fathers, that they do not rise, nor possess the land, nor fill the face
of the world with cities.

24:22 For I will rise up against them, saith the Lord of Hosts, and cut
off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew, saith the
Lord.

24:23 I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and pools of
water; and I will sweep it with the besom of destruction, saith the
Lord of Hosts.

24:24 The Lord of Hosts hath sworn, saying: Surely as I have thought,
so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand—

24:25 That I will bring the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains
tread him under foot; then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his
burden depart from off their shoulders.

24:26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth; and
this is the hand that is stretched out upon all nations.

24:27 For the Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul? And
his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

24:28 In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden.

24:29 Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that
smote thee is broken; for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth a
cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.

24:30 And the first-born of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall
lie down in safety; and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall
slay thy remnant.

24:31 Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art dissolved;
for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none shall be alone in
his appointed times.

24:32 What shall then answer the messengers of the nations? That the
Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

2 Nephi Chapter 25

25:1 Now I, Nephi, do speak somewhat concerning the words which I have
written, which have been spoken by the mouth of Isaiah. For behold,
Isaiah spake many things which were hard for many of my people to
understand; for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying
among the Jews.

25:2 For I, Nephi, have not taught them many things concerning the
manner of the Jews; for their works were works of darkness, and their
doings were doings of abominations.

25:3 Wherefore, I write unto my people, unto all those that shall
receive hereafter these things which I write, that they may know the
judgments of God, that they come upon all nations, according to the
word which he hath spoken.

25:4 Wherefore, hearken, O my people, which are of the house of Israel,
and give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not
plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are
filled with the spirit of prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy,
according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy
according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I
came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth
in plainness unto my people, that they may learn.

25:5 Yea, and my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah, for I came out
from Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld the things of the Jews, and I
know that the Jews do understand the things of the prophets, and there
is none other people that understand the things which were spoken unto
the Jews like unto them, save it be that they are taught after the
manner of the things of the Jews.

25:6 But behold, I, Nephi, have not taught my children after the manner
of the Jews; but behold, I, of myself, have dwelt at Jerusalem,
wherefore I know concerning the regions round about; and I have made
mention unto my children concerning the judgments of God, which hath
come to pass among the Jews, unto my children, according to all that
which Isaiah hath spoken, and I do not write them.

25:7 But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according to my
plainness; in the which I know that no man can err; nevertheless, in
the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be fulfilled men shall
know of a surety, at the times when they shall come to pass.

25:8 Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children of men, and he that
supposeth that they are not, unto them will I speak particularly, and
confine the words unto mine own people; for I know that they shall be
of great worth unto them in the last days; for in that day shall they
understand them; wherefore, for their good have I written them.

25:9 And as one generation hath been destroyed among the Jews because
of iniquity, even so have they been destroyed from generation to
generation according to their iniquities; and never hath any of them
been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord.

25:10 Wherefore, it hath been told them concerning the destruction
which should come upon them, immediately after my father left
Jerusalem; nevertheless, they hardened their hearts; and according to
my prophecy they have been destroyed, save it be those which are
carried away captive into Babylon.

25:11 And now this I speak because of the spirit which is in me. And
notwithstanding they have been carried away they shall return again,
and possess the land of Jerusalem; wherefore, they shall be restored
again to the land of their inheritance.

25:12 But, behold, they shall have wars, and rumors of wars; and when
the day cometh that the Only Begotten of the Father, yea, even the
Father of heaven and of earth, shall manifest himself unto them in the
flesh, behold, they will reject him, because of their iniquities, and
the hardness of their hearts, and the stiffness of their necks.

25:13 Behold, they will crucify him; and after he is laid in a
sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with
healing in his wings; and all those who shall believe on his name shall
be saved in the kingdom of God. Wherefore, my soul delighteth to
prophesy concerning him, for I have seen his day, and my heart doth
magnify his holy name.

25:14 And behold it shall come to pass that after the Messiah hath
risen from the dead, and hath manifested himself unto his people, unto
as many as will believe on his name, behold, Jerusalem shall be
destroyed again; for wo unto them that fight against God and the people
of his church.

25:15 Wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered among all nations; yea,
and also Babylon shall be destroyed; wherefore, the Jews shall be
scattered by other nations.

25:16 And after they have been scattered, and the Lord God hath
scourged them by other nations for the space of many generations, yea,
even down from generation to generation until they shall be persuaded
to believe in Christ, the Son of God, and the atonement, which is
infinite for all mankind—and when that day shall come that they shall
believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name, with pure hearts
and clean hands, and look not forward any more for another Messiah,
then, at that time, the day will come that it must needs be expedient
that they should believe these things.

25:17 And the Lord will set his hand again the second time to restore
his people from their lost and fallen state. Wherefore, he will proceed
to do a marvelous work and a wonder among the children of men.

25:18 Wherefore, he shall bring forth his words unto them, which words
shall judge them at the last day, for they shall be given them for the
purpose of convincing them of the true Messiah, who was rejected by
them; and unto the convincing of them that they need not look forward
any more for a Messiah to come, for there should not any come, save it
should be a false Messiah which should deceive the people; for there is
save one Messiah spoken of by the prophets, and that Messiah is he who
should be rejected of the Jews.

25:19 For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh in
six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and
according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the angel
of God, his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

25:20 And now, my brethren, I have spoken plainly that ye cannot err.
And as the Lord God liveth that brought Israel up out of the land of
Egypt, and gave unto Moses power that he should heal the nations after
they had been bitten by the poisonous serpents, if they would cast
their eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them, and also
gave him power that he should smite the rock and the water should come
forth; yea, behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and
as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven
save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can
be saved.

25:21 Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that
these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down
unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be
fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the
earth should stand.

25:22 Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation as
long as the earth shall stand; and they shall go according to the will
and pleasure of God; and the nations who shall possess them shall be
judged of them according to the words which are written.

25:23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and
also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God;
for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

25:24 And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of
Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law
shall be fulfilled.

25:25 For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath
become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our
faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.

25:26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ,
we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that
our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of
their sins.

25:27 Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know
the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law,
may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what
end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that
they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be
done away.

25:28 And now behold, my people, ye are a stiffnecked people;
wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot
misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a
testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the
right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not;
for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.

25:29 And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe
in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel;
wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your
might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye
shall in nowise be cast out.

25:30 And, inasmuch as it shall be expedient, ye must keep the
performances and ordinances of God until the law shall be fulfilled
which was given unto Moses.

2 Nephi Chapter 26

26:1 And after Christ shall have risen from the dead he shall show
himself unto you, my children, and my beloved brethren; and the words
which he shall speak unto you shall be the law which ye shall do.

26:2 For behold, I say unto you that I have beheld that many
generations shall pass away, and there shall be great wars and
contentions among my people.

26:3 And after the Messiah shall come there shall be signs given unto
my people of his birth, and also of his death and resurrection; and
great and terrible shall that day be unto the wicked, for they shall
perish; and they perish because they cast out the prophets, and the
saints, and stone them, and slay them; wherefore the cry of the blood
of the saints shall ascend up to God from the ground against them.

26:4 Wherefore, all those who are proud, and that do wickedly, the day
that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, for they shall
be as stubble.

26:5 And they that kill the prophets, and the saints, the depths of the
earth shall swallow them up, saith the Lord of Hosts; and mountains
shall cover them, and whirlwinds shall carry them away, and buildings
shall fall upon them and crush them to pieces and grind them to powder.

26:6 And they shall be visited with thunderings, and lightnings, and
earthquakes, and all manner of destructions, for the fire of the anger
of the Lord shall be kindled against them, and they shall be as
stubble, and the day that cometh shall consume them, saith the Lord of
Hosts.

26:7 O the pain, and the anguish of my soul for the loss of the slain
of my people! For I, Nephi, have seen it, and it well nigh consumeth me
before the presence of the Lord; but I must cry unto my God: Thy ways
are just.

26:8 But behold, the righteous that hearken unto the words of the
prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with
steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all
persecution—behold, they are they which shall not perish.

26:9 But the Son of righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall
heal them, and they shall have peace with him, until three generations
shall have passed away, and many of the fourth generation shall have
passed away in righteousness.

26:10 And when these things have passed away a speedy destruction
cometh unto my people; for, notwithstanding the pains of my soul, I
have seen it; wherefore, I know that it shall come to pass; and they
sell themselves for naught; for, for the reward of their pride and
their foolishness they shall reap destruction; for because they yield
unto the devil and choose works of darkness rather than light,
therefore they must go down to hell.

26:11 For the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man. And
when the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy
destruction, and this grieveth my soul.

26:12 And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus
is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced
also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God;

26:13 And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in
him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred,
tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among
the children of men according to their faith.

26:14 But behold, I prophesy unto you concerning the last days;
concerning the days when the Lord God shall bring these things forth
unto the children of men.

26:15 After my seed and the seed of my brethren shall have dwindled in
unbelief, and shall have been smitten by the Gentiles; yea, after the
Lord God shall have camped against them round about, and shall have
laid siege against them with a mount, and raised forts against them;
and after they shall have been brought down low in the dust, even that
they are not, yet the words of the righteous shall be written, and the
prayers of the faithful shall be heard, and all those who have dwindled
in unbelief shall not be forgotten.

26:16 For those who shall be destroyed shall speak unto them out of the
ground, and their speech shall be low out of the dust, and their voice
shall be as one that hath a familiar spirit; for the Lord God will give
unto him power, that he may whisper concerning them, even as it were
out of the ground; and their speech shall whisper out of the dust.

26:17 For thus saith the Lord God: They shall write the things which
shall be done among them, and they shall be written and sealed up in a
book, and those who have dwindled in unbelief shall not have them, for
they seek to destroy the things of God.

26:18 Wherefore, as those who have been destroyed have been destroyed
speedily; and the multitude of their terrible ones shall be as chaff
that passeth away—yea, thus saith the Lord God: It shall be at an
instant, suddenly—

26:19 And it shall come to pass, that those who have dwindled in
unbelief shall be smitten by the hand of the Gentiles.

26:20 And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and
have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that
they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power
and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and
their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of
the poor.

26:21 And there are many churches built up which cause envyings, and
strifes, and malice.

26:22 And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old,
according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of
all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness;
yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he
bindeth them with his strong cords forever.

26:23 For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God
worketh not in darkness.

26:24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world;
for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he
may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they
shall not partake of his salvation.

26:25 Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I
say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth,
buy milk and honey, without money and without price.

26:26 Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart out of the
synagogues, or out of the houses of worship? Behold, I say unto you,
Nay.

26:27 Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his
salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for
all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all
men to repentance.

26:28 Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake
of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged
the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.

26:29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold
priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto
the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they
seek not the welfare of Zion.

26:30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord
God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which
charity is love, and except they should have charity they were nothing.
Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the
laborer in Zion to perish.

26:31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor
for money they shall perish.

26:32 And again, the Lord God hath commanded that men should not
murder; that they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they
should not take the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they
should not envy; that they should not have malice; that they should not
contend one with another; that they should not commit whoredoms; and
that they should do none of these things; for whoso doeth them shall
perish.

26:33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that
which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it
be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come
unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come
unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he
remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and
Gentile.

2 Nephi Chapter 27

27:1 But, behold, in the last days, or in the days of the Gentiles—yea,
behold all the nations of the Gentiles and also the Jews, both those
who shall come upon this land and those who shall be upon other lands,
yea, even upon all the lands of the earth, behold, they will be drunken
with iniquity and all manner of abominations—

27:2 And when that day shall come they shall be visited of the Lord of
Hosts, with thunder and with earthquake, and with a great noise, and
with storm, and with tempest, and with the flame of devouring fire.

27:3 And all the nations that fight against Zion, and that distress
her, shall be as a dream of a night vision; yea, it shall be unto them,
even as unto a hungry man which dreameth, and behold he eateth but he
awaketh and his soul is empty; or like unto a thirsty man which
dreameth, and behold he drinketh but he awaketh and behold he is faint,
and his soul hath appetite; yea, even so shall the multitude of all the
nations be that fight against Mount Zion.

27:4 For behold, all ye that doeth iniquity, stay yourselves and
wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry; yea, ye shall be drunken but not
with wine, ye shall stagger but not with strong drink.

27:5 For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep
sleep. For behold, ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the
prophets; and your rulers, and the seers hath he covered because of
your iniquity.

27:6 And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall bring forth unto
you the words of a book, and they shall be the words of them which have
slumbered.

27:7 And behold the book shall be sealed; and in the book shall be a
revelation from God, from the beginning of the world to the ending
thereof.

27:8 Wherefore, because of the things which are sealed up, the things
which are sealed shall not be delivered in the day of the wickedness
and abominations of the people. Wherefore the book shall be kept from
them.

27:9 But the book shall be delivered unto a man, and he shall deliver
the words of the book, which are the words of those who have slumbered
in the dust, and he shall deliver these words unto another;

27:10 But the words which are sealed he shall not deliver, neither
shall he deliver the book. For the book shall be sealed by the power of
God, and the revelation which was sealed shall be kept in the book
until the own due time of the Lord, that they may come forth; for
behold, they reveal all things from the foundation of the world unto
the end thereof.

27:11 And the day cometh that the words of the book which were sealed
shall be read upon the house tops; and they shall be read by the power
of Christ; and all things shall be revealed unto the children of men
which ever have been among the children of men, and which ever will be
even unto the end of the earth.

27:12 Wherefore, at that day when the book shall be delivered unto the
man of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the
world, that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three
witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the
book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to the truth of the
book and the things therein.

27:13 And there is none other which shall view it, save it be a few
according to the will of God, to bear testimony of his word unto the
children of men; for the Lord God hath said that the words of the
faithful should speak as if it were from the dead.

27:14 Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of
the book; and in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good
will he establish his word; and wo be unto him that rejecteth the word
of God!

27:15 But behold, it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall say
unto him to whom he shall deliver the book: Take these words which are
not sealed and deliver them to another, that he may show them unto the
learned, saying: Read this, I pray thee. And the learned shall say:
Bring hither the book, and I will read them.

27:16 And now, because of the glory of the world and to get gain will
they say this, and not for the glory of God.

27:17 And the man shall say: I cannot bring the book, for it is sealed.

27:18 Then shall the learned say: I cannot read it.

27:19 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that the Lord God will deliver
again the book and the words thereof to him that is not learned; and
the man that is not learned shall say: I am not learned.

27:20 Then shall the Lord God say unto him: The learned shall not read
them, for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work;
wherefore thou shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee.

27:21 Touch not the things which are sealed, for I will bring them
forth in mine own due time; for I will show unto the children of men
that I am able to do mine own work.

27:22 Wherefore, when thou hast read the words which I have commanded
thee, and obtained the witnesses which I have promised unto thee, then
shalt thou seal up the book again, and hide it up unto me, that I may
preserve the words which thou hast not read, until I shall see fit in
mine own wisdom to reveal all things unto the children of men.

27:23 For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show
unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I
work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith.

27:24 And again it shall come to pass that the Lord shall say unto him
that shall read the words that shall be delivered him:

27:25 Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their mouth, and
with their lips do honor me, but have removed their hearts far from me,
and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men—

27:26 Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this
people, yea, a marvelous work and a wonder, for the wisdom of their
wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent
shall be hid.

27:27 And wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the
Lord! And their works are in the dark; and they say: Who seeth us, and
who knoweth us? And they also say: Surely, your turning of things
upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay. But behold, I will
show unto them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that I know all their works.
For shall the work say of him that made it, he made me not? Or shall
the thing framed say of him that framed it, he had no understanding?

27:28 But behold, saith the Lord of Hosts: I will show unto the
children of men that it is yet a very little while and Lebanon shall be
turned into a fruitful field; and the fruitful field shall be esteemed
as a forest.

27:29 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and
the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness.

27:30 And the meek also shall increase, and their joy shall be in the
Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

27:31 For assuredly as the Lord liveth they shall see that the terrible
one is brought to naught, and the scorner is consumed, and all that
watch for iniquity are cut off;

27:32 And they that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare
for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing
of naught.

27:33 Therefore, thus saith the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning
the house of Jacob: Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his
face now wax pale.

27:34 But when he seeth his children, the work of my hands, in the
midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of
Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.

27:35 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and
they that murmured shall learn doctrine.

2 Nephi Chapter 28

28:1 And now, behold, my brethren, I have spoken unto you, according as
the Spirit hath constrained me; wherefore, I know that they must surely
come to pass.

28:2 And the things which shall be written out of the book shall be of
great worth unto the children of men, and especially unto our seed,
which is a remnant of the house of Israel.

28:3 For it shall come to pass in that day that the churches which are
built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one shall say unto the other:
Behold, I, I am the Lord’s; and the others shall say: I, I am the
Lord’s; and thus shall every one say that hath built up churches, and
not unto the Lord—

28:4 And they shall contend one with another; and their priests shall
contend one with another, and they shall teach with their learning, and
deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance.

28:5 And they deny the power of God, the Holy One of Israel; and they
say unto the people: Hearken unto us, and hear ye our precept; for
behold there is no God today, for the Lord and the Redeemer hath done
his work, and he hath given his power unto men;

28:6 Behold, hearken ye unto my precept; if they shall say there is a
miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day
he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work.

28:7 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be
merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.

28:8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be
merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little
sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words,
dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these
things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God
will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the
kingdom of God.

28:9 Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner,
false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their
hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and
their works shall be in the dark.

28:10 And the blood of the saints shall cry from the ground against
them.

28:11 Yea, they have all gone out of the way; they have become
corrupted.

28:12 Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false
doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are
lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up.

28:13 They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the
poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and
the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up.

28:14 They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride,
and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone
astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ;
nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because
they are taught by the precepts of men.

28:15 O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in
the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines,
and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the
Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they
shall be thrust down to hell!

28:16 Wo unto them that turn aside the just for a thing of naught and
revile against that which is good, and say that is of no worth! For the
day shall come that the Lord God will speedily visit the inhabitants of
the earth; and in that day that they are fully ripe in iniquity they
shall perish.

28:17 But behold, if the inhabitants of the earth shall repent of their
wickedness and abominations they shall not be destroyed, saith the Lord
of Hosts.

28:18 But behold, that great and abominable church, the whore of all
the earth, must tumble to the earth, and great must be the fall
thereof.

28:19 For the kingdom of the devil must shake, and they which belong to
it must needs be stirred up unto repentance, or the devil will grasp
them with his everlasting chains, and they be stirred up to anger, and
perish;

28:20 For behold, at that day shall he rage in the hearts of the
children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.

28:21 And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal
security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion
prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and
leadeth them away carefully down to hell.

28:22 And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is
no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and
thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful
chains, from whence there is no deliverance.

28:23 Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell,
and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand
before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from
whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of
fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.

28:24 Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!

28:25 Wo be unto him that crieth: All is well!

28:26 Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and
denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!

28:27 Yea, wo be unto him that saith: We have received, and we need no
more!

28:28 And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because
of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock
receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy
foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.

28:29 Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God,
and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!

28:30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the
children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and
there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and
lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him
that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have
enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.

28:31 Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his
arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts
shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.

28:32 Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For
notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to
day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them,
saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm
is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts.

2 Nephi Chapter 29

29:1 But behold, there shall be many—at that day when I shall proceed
to do a marvelous work among them, that I may remember my covenants
which I have made unto the children of men, that I may set my hand
again the second time to recover my people, which are of the house of
Israel;

29:2 And also, that I may remember the promises which I have made unto
thee, Nephi, and also unto thy father, that I would remember your seed;
and that the words of your seed should proceed forth out of my mouth
unto your seed; and my words shall hiss forth unto the ends of the
earth, for a standard unto my people, which are of the house of Israel;

29:3 And because my words shall hiss forth—many of the Gentiles shall
say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any
more Bible.

29:4 But thus saith the Lord God: O fools, they shall have a Bible; and
it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people. And
what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them?
Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the
labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in
bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?

29:5 O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant
people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have hated them, and have not
sought to recover them. But behold, I will return all these things upon
your own heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten my people.

29:6 Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we
need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?

29:7 Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that
I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those
who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above
and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children
of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?

29:8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my
word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto
you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another?
Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another.
And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two
nations shall run together also.

29:9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same
yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words
according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word
ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet
finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that
time henceforth and forever.

29:10 Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that
it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not
caused more to be written.

29:11 For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in
the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they
shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books
which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to
their works, according to that which is written.

29:12 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it;
and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I
shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I
have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all
nations of the earth and they shall write it.

29:13 And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of
the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and
the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of
Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the
Nephites and the Jews.

29:14 And it shall come to pass that my people, which are of the house
of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions;
and my word also shall be gathered in one. And I will show unto them
that fight against my word and against my people, who are of the house
of Israel, that I am God, and that I covenanted with Abraham that I
would remember his seed forever.

2 Nephi Chapter 30

30:1 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you; for
I, Nephi, would not suffer that ye should suppose that ye are more
righteous than the Gentiles shall be. For behold, except ye shall keep
the commandments of God ye shall all likewise perish; and because of
the words which have been spoken ye need not suppose that the Gentiles
are utterly destroyed.

30:2 For behold, I say unto you that as many of the Gentiles as will
repent are the covenant people of the Lord; and as many of the Jews as
will not repent shall be cast off; for the Lord covenanteth with none
save it be with them that repent and believe in his Son, who is the
Holy One of Israel.

30:3 And now, I would prophesy somewhat more concerning the Jews and
the Gentiles. For after the book of which I have spoken shall come
forth, and be written unto the Gentiles, and sealed up again unto the
Lord, there shall be many which shall believe the words which are
written; and they shall carry them forth unto the remnant of our seed.

30:4 And then shall the remnant of our seed know concerning us, how
that we came out from Jerusalem, and that they are descendants of the
Jews.

30:5 And the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be declared among them;
wherefore, they shall be restored unto the knowledge of their fathers,
and also to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their
fathers.

30:6 And then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that it is a
blessing unto them from the hand of God; and their scales of darkness
shall begin to fall from their eyes; and many generations shall not
pass away among them, save they shall be a pure and delightsome people.

30:7 And it shall come to pass that the Jews which are scattered also
shall begin to believe in Christ; and they shall begin to gather in
upon the face of the land; and as many as shall believe in Christ shall
also become a delightsome people.

30:8 And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall commence his
work among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, to bring about
the restoration of his people upon the earth.

30:9 And with righteousness shall the Lord God judge the poor, and
reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. And he shall smite the
earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall
he slay the wicked.

30:10 For the time speedily cometh that the Lord God shall cause a
great division among the people, and the wicked will he destroy; and he
will spare his people, yea, even if it so be that he must destroy the
wicked by fire.

30:11 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and
faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

30:12 And then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb; and the leopard
shall lie down with the kid, and the calf, and the young lion, and the
fatling, together; and a little child shall lead them.

30:13 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie
down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

30:14 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the
weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’s den.

30:15 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the
earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover
the sea.

30:16 Wherefore, the things of all nations shall be made known; yea,
all things shall be made known unto the children of men.

30:17 There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there
is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and
there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be
loosed.

30:18 Wherefore, all things which have been revealed unto the children
of men shall at that day be revealed; and Satan shall have power over
the hearts of the children of men no more, for a long time. And now, my
beloved brethren, I make an end of my sayings.

2 Nephi Chapter 31

31:1 And now I, Nephi, make an end of my prophesying unto you, my
beloved brethren. And I cannot write but a few things, which I know
must surely come to pass; neither can I write but a few of the words of
my brother Jacob.

31:2 Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it
be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ;
wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness
of my prophesying.

31:3 For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth
the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth
light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to
their language, unto their understanding.

31:4 Wherefore, I would that ye should remember that I have spoken unto
you concerning that prophet which the Lord showed unto me, that should
baptize the Lamb of God, which should take away the sins of the world.

31:5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be
baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more
need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

31:6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb
of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

31:7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy,
he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he
humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that
he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

31:8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost
descended upon him in the form of a dove.

31:9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straightness of
the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter,
he having set the example before them.

31:10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore,
my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to
keep the commandments of the Father?

31:11 And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the
name of my Beloved Son.

31:12 And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is
baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like
unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me
do.

31:13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow
the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no
deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins,
witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the
name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior
down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye
receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the
Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout
praises unto the Holy One of Israel.

31:14 But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son
unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed
unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the
baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy
Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of
angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for
you that ye had not known me.

31:15 And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my
Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same
shall be saved.

31:16 And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man
shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the
living God, he cannot be saved.

31:17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that
your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they
been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should
enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism
by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the
Holy Ghost.

31:18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to
eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done
according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have
received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son,
unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye
entered in by the way ye should receive.

31:19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this
strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto
you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of
Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of
him who is mighty to save.

31:20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ,
having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.
Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ,
and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have
eternal life.

31:21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there
is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved
in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ,
and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

2 Nephi Chapter 32

32:1 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder
somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye
have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things
in your hearts?

32:2 Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received
the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how
could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy
Ghost?

32:3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak
the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words
of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things
what ye should do.

32:4 Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot
understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock;
wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the
dark.

32:5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the
way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what
ye should do.

32:6 Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more
doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the
flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the
things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do.

32:7 And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine
utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the
wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they
will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is
given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.

32:8 And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in
your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this
thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to
pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not
a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.

32:9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not
faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the
first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that
he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may
be for the welfare of thy soul.

2 Nephi Chapter 33

33:1 And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught
among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking;
for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the
Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.

33:2 But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the
Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many
things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught.

33:3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as
of great worth, and especially unto my people. For I pray continually
for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of
them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my
cry.

33:4 And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers for the
gain of my people. And the words which I have written in weakness will
be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh
known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and
persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is
life eternal.

33:5 And it speaketh harshly against sin, according to the plainness of
the truth; wherefore, no man will be angry at the words which I have
written save he shall be of the spirit of the devil.

33:6 I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for
he hath redeemed my soul from hell.

33:7 I have charity for my people, and great faith in Christ that I
shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment-seat.

33:8 I have charity for the Jew—I say Jew, because I mean them from
whence I came.

33:9 I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of
these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter
into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life,
and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation.

33:10 And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of
the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye
believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe
in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of
Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that
they should do good.

33:11 And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will
show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at
the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar;
and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these
things, notwithstanding my weakness.

33:12 And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if
not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day.

33:13 And now, my beloved brethren, all those who are of the house of
Israel, and all ye ends of the earth, I speak unto you as the voice of
one crying from the dust: Farewell until that great day shall come.

33:14 And you that will not partake of the goodness of God, and respect
the words of the Jews, and also my words, and the words which shall
proceed forth out of the mouth of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an
everlasting farewell, for these words shall condemn you at the last
day.

33:15 For what I seal on earth, shall be brought against you at the
judgment bar; for thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey.
Amen.




 THE BOOK OF JACOB

THE BROTHER OF NEPHI

The words of his preaching unto his brethren. He confoundeth a man who
seeketh to overthrow the doctrine of Christ. A few words concerning the
history of the people of Nephi.

Jacob Chapter 1

1:1 For behold, it came to pass that fifty and five years had passed
away from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem; wherefore, Nephi gave me,
Jacob, a commandment concerning the small plates, upon which these
things are engraven.

1:2 And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write upon these
plates a few of the things which I consider to be most precious; that I
should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history of this
people which are called the people of Nephi.

1:3 For he said that the history of his people should be engraven upon
his other plates, and that I should preserve these plates and hand them
down unto my seed, from generation to generation.

1:4 And if there were preaching which was sacred, or revelation which
was great, or prophesying, that I should engraven the heads of them
upon these plates, and touch upon them as much as it were possible, for
Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people.

1:5 For because of faith and great anxiety, it truly had been made
manifest unto us concerning our people, what things should happen unto
them.

1:6 And we also had many revelations, and the spirit of much prophecy;
wherefore, we knew of Christ and his kingdom, which should come.

1:7 Wherefore we labored diligently among our people, that we might
persuade them to come unto Christ, and partake of the goodness of God,
that they might enter into his rest, lest by any means he should swear
in his wrath they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the
days of temptation while the children of Israel were in the wilderness.

1:8 Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade all men not to
rebel against God, to provoke him to anger, but that all men would
believe in Christ, and view his death, and suffer his cross and bear
the shame of the world; wherefore, I, Jacob, take it upon me to fulfil
the commandment of my brother Nephi.

1:9 Now Nephi began to be old, and he saw that he must soon die;
wherefore, he anointed a man to be a king and a ruler over his people
now, according to the reigns of the kings.

1:10 The people having loved Nephi exceedingly, he having been a great
protector for them, having wielded the sword of Laban in their defence,
and having labored in all his days for their welfare—

1:11 Wherefore, the people were desirous to retain in remembrance his
name. And whoso should reign in his stead were called by the people,
second Nephi, third Nephi, and so forth, according to the reigns of the
kings; and thus they were called by the people, let them be of whatever
name they would.

1:12 And it came to pass that Nephi died.

1:13 Now the people which were not Lamanites were Nephites;
nevertheless, they were called Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites,
Zoramites, Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites.

1:14 But I, Jacob, shall not hereafter distinguish them by these names,
but I shall call them Lamanites that seek to destroy the people of
Nephi, and those who are friendly to Nephi I shall call Nephites, or
the people of Nephi, according to the reigns of the kings.

1:15 And now it came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the reign
of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge
themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old
desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son.

1:16 Yea, and they also began to search much gold and silver, and began
to be lifted up somewhat in pride.

1:17 Wherefore I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I taught them in
the temple, having first obtained mine errand from the Lord.

1:18 For I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph had been consecrated priests
and teachers of this people, by the hand of Nephi.

1:19 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the
responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if
we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by
laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments;
otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be
found spotless at the last day.

Jacob Chapter 2

2:1 The words which Jacob, the brother of Nephi, spake unto the people
of Nephi, after the death of Nephi:

2:2 Now, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, according to the responsibility
which I am under to God, to magnify mine office with soberness, and
that I might rid my garments of your sins, I come up into the temple
this day that I might declare unto you the word of God.

2:3 And ye yourselves know that I have hitherto been diligent in the
office of my calling; but I this day am weighed down with much more
desire and anxiety for the welfare of your souls than I have hitherto
been.

2:4 For behold, as yet, ye have been obedient unto the word of the
Lord, which I have given unto you.

2:5 But behold, hearken ye unto me, and know that by the help of the
all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth I can tell you concerning your
thoughts, how that ye are beginning to labor in sin, which sin
appeareth very abominable unto me, yea, and abominable unto God.

2:6 Yea, it grieveth my soul and causeth me to shrink with shame before
the presence of my Maker, that I must testify unto you concerning the
wickedness of your hearts.

2:7 And also it grieveth me that I must use so much boldness of speech
concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose
feelings are exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God,
which thing is pleasing unto God;

2:8 And it supposeth me that they have come up hither to hear the
pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul.

2:9 Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul that I should be constrained,
because of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to
admonish you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds of those
who are already wounded, instead of consoling and healing their wounds;
and those who have not been wounded, instead of feasting upon the
pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce their souls and
wound their delicate minds.

2:10 But, notwithstanding the greatness of the task, I must do
according to the strict commands of God, and tell you concerning your
wickedness and abominations, in the presence of the pure in heart, and
the broken heart, and under the glance of the piercing eye of the
Almighty God.

2:11 Wherefore, I must tell you the truth according to the plainness of
the word of God. For behold, as I inquired of the Lord, thus came the
word unto me, saying: Jacob, get thou up into the temple on the morrow,
and declare the word which I shall give thee unto this people.

2:12 And now behold, my brethren, this is the word which I declare unto
you, that many of you have begun to search for gold, and for silver,
and for all manner of precious ores, in the which this land, which is a
land of promise unto you and to your seed, doth abound most
plentifully.

2:13 And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly,
that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have
obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are lifted up in
the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because
of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because
ye suppose that ye are better than they.

2:14 And now, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth you in
this thing? Behold, I say unto you, Nay. But he condemneth you, and if
ye persist in these things his judgments must speedily come unto you.

2:15 O that he would show you that he can pierce you, and with one
glance of his eye he can smite you to the dust!

2:16 O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination. And, O
that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this
pride of your hearts destroy your souls!

2:17 Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with
all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you.

2:18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.

2:19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain
riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do
good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the
captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

2:20 And now, my brethren, I have spoken unto you concerning pride; and
those of you which have afflicted your neighbor, and persecuted him
because ye were proud in your hearts, of the things which God hath
given you, what say ye of it?

2:21 Do ye not suppose that such things are abominable unto him who
created all flesh? And the one being is as precious in his sight as the
other. And all flesh is of the dust; and for the selfsame end hath he
created them, that they should keep his commandments and glorify him
forever.

2:22 And now I make an end of speaking unto you concerning this pride.
And were it not that I must speak unto you concerning a grosser crime,
my heart would rejoice exceedingly because of you.

2:23 But the word of God burdens me because of your grosser crimes. For
behold, thus saith the Lord: This people begin to wax in iniquity; they
understand not the scriptures, for they seek to excuse themselves in
committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written
concerning David, and Solomon his son.

2:24 Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines,
which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord.

2:25 Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out
of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise
up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph.

2:26 Wherefore, I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall
do like unto them of old.

2:27 Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the
Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife;
and concubines he shall have none;

2:28 For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And
whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts.

2:29 Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord
of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes.

2:30 For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I
will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.

2:31 For behold, I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and heard the
mourning of the daughters of my people in the land of Jerusalem, yea,
and in all the lands of my people, because of the wickedness and
abominations of their husbands.

2:32 And I will not suffer, saith the Lord of Hosts, that the cries of
the fair daughters of this people, which I have led out of the land of
Jerusalem, shall come up unto me against the men of my people, saith
the Lord of Hosts.

2:33 For they shall not lead away captive the daughters of my people
because of their tenderness, save I shall visit them with a sore curse,
even unto destruction; for they shall not commit whoredoms, like unto
them of old, saith the Lord of Hosts.

2:34 And now behold, my brethren, ye know that these commandments were
given to our father, Lehi; wherefore, ye have known them before; and ye
have come unto great condemnation; for ye have done these things which
ye ought not to have done.

2:35 Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than the Lamanites, our
brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the
confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them;
and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you. And
because of the strictness of the word of God, which cometh down against
you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds.

Jacob Chapter 3

3:1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart.
Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding
faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead
your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.

3:2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the
pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your
minds are firm, forever.

3:3 But, wo, wo, unto you that are not pure in heart, that are filthy
this day before God; for except ye repent the land is cursed for your
sakes; and the Lamanites, which are not filthy like unto you,
nevertheless they are cursed with a sore cursing, shall scourge you
even unto destruction.

3:4 And the time speedily cometh, that except ye repent they shall
possess the land of your inheritance, and the Lord God will lead away
the righteous out from among you.

3:5 Behold, the Lamanites your brethren, whom ye hate because of their
filthiness and the cursing which hath come upon their skins, are more
righteous than you; for they have not forgotten the commandment of the
Lord, which was given unto our father—that they should have save it
were one wife, and concubines they should have none, and there should
not be whoredoms committed among them.

3:6 And now, this commandment they observe to keep; wherefore, because
of this observance, in keeping this commandment, the Lord God will not
destroy them, but will be merciful unto them; and one day they shall
become a blessed people.

3:7 Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their
husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children; and
their unbelief and their hatred towards you is because of the iniquity
of their fathers; wherefore, how much better are you than they, in the
sight of your great Creator?

3:8 O my brethren, I fear that unless ye shall repent of your sins that
their skins will be whiter than yours, when ye shall be brought with
them before the throne of God.

3:9 Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, which is the word of God,
that ye revile no more against them because of the darkness of their
skins; neither shall ye revile against them because of their
filthiness; but ye shall remember your own filthiness, and remember
that their filthiness came because of their fathers.

3:10 Wherefore, ye shall remember your children, how that ye have
grieved their hearts because of the example that ye have set before
them; and also, remember that ye may, because of your filthiness, bring
your children unto destruction, and their sins be heaped upon your
heads at the last day.

3:11 O my brethren, hearken unto my words; arouse the faculties of your
souls; shake yourselves that ye may awake from the slumber of death;
and loose yourselves from the pains of hell that ye may not become
angels to the devil, to be cast into that lake of fire and brimstone
which is the second death.

3:12 And now I, Jacob, spake many more things unto the people of Nephi,
warning them against fornication and lasciviousness, and every kind of
sin, telling them the awful consequences of them.

3:13 And a hundredth part of the proceedings of this people, which now
began to be numerous, cannot be written upon these plates; but many of
their proceedings are written upon the larger plates, and their wars,
and their contentions, and the reigns of their kings.

3:14 These plates are called the plates of Jacob, and they were made by
the hand of Nephi. And I make an end of speaking these words.

Jacob Chapter 4

4:1 Now behold, it came to pass that I, Jacob, having ministered much
unto my people in word, (and I cannot write but a little of my words,
because of the difficulty of engraving our words upon plates) and we
know that the things which we write upon plates must remain;

4:2 But whatsoever things we write upon anything save it be upon plates
must perish and vanish away; but we can write a few words upon plates,
which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small
degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers—

4:3 Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to
engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and
our children will receive them with thankful hearts, and look upon them
that they may learn with joy and not with sorrow, neither with
contempt, concerning their first parents.

4:4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may
know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many
hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope
of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.

4:5 Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his
name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent
we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this
cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was
accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the
commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of
God and his Only Begotten Son.

4:6 Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and
the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a
hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can
command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the
mountains, or the waves of the sea.

4:7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know
that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children
of men, that we have power to do these things.

4:8 Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How
unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is
impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of
his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not
the revelations of God.

4:9 For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the
earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. Wherefore, if
God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was
created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship
of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure?

4:10 Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take
counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he
counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his
works.

4:11 Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the
atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a
resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in
Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having
faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth
himself in the flesh.

4:12 And now, beloved, marvel not that I tell you these things; for why
not speak of the atonement of Christ, and attain to a perfect knowledge
of him, as to attain to the knowledge of a resurrection and the world
to come?

4:13 Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the
understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not.
Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as
they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us
plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not
witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets
of old.

4:14 But behold, the Jews were a stiffnecked people; and they despised
the words of plainness, and killed the prophets, and sought for things
that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness,
which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall;
for God hath taken away his plainness from them, and delivered unto
them many things which they cannot understand, because they desired it.
And because they desired it God hath done it, that they may stumble.

4:15 And now I, Jacob, am led on by the Spirit unto prophesying; for I
perceive by the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that by the
stumbling of the Jews they will reject the stone upon which they might
build and have safe foundation.

4:16 But behold, according to the scriptures, this stone shall become
the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the
Jews can build.

4:17 And now, my beloved, how is it possible that these, after having
rejected the sure foundation, can ever build upon it, that it may
become the head of their corner?

4:18 Behold, my beloved brethren, I will unfold this mystery unto you;
if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my firmness in the Spirit,
and stumble because of my over anxiety for you.

Jacob Chapter 5

5:1 Behold, my brethren, do ye not remember to have read the words of
the prophet Zenos, which he spake unto the house of Israel, saying:

5:2 Hearken, O ye house of Israel, and hear the words of me, a prophet
of the Lord.

5:3 For behold, thus saith the Lord, I will liken thee, O house of
Israel, like unto a tame olive-tree, which a man took and nourished in
his vineyard; and it grew, and waxed old, and began to decay.

5:4 And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard went forth, and
he saw that his olive-tree began to decay; and he said: I will prune
it, and dig about it, and nourish it, that perhaps it may shoot forth
young and tender branches, and it perish not.

5:5 And it came to pass that he pruned it, and digged about it, and
nourished it according to his word.

5:6 And it came to pass that after many days it began to put forth
somewhat a little, young and tender branches; but behold, the main top
thereof began to perish.

5:7 And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard saw it, and he
said unto his servant: It grieveth me that I should lose this tree;
wherefore, go and pluck the branches from a wild olive-tree, and bring
them hither unto me; and we will pluck off those main branches which
are beginning to wither away, and we will cast them into the fire that
they may be burned.

5:8 And behold, saith the Lord of the vineyard, I take away many of
these young and tender branches, and I will graft them whithersoever I
will; and it mattereth not that if it so be that the root of this tree
will perish, I may preserve the fruit thereof unto myself; wherefore, I
will take these young and tender branches, and I will graft them
whithersoever I will.

5:9 Take thou the branches of the wild olive-tree, and graft them in,
in the stead thereof; and these which I have plucked off I will cast
into the fire and burn them, that they may not cumber the ground of my
vineyard.

5:10 And it came to pass that the servant of the Lord of the vineyard
did according to the word of the Lord of the vineyard, and grafted in
the branches of the wild olive-tree.

5:11 And the Lord of the vineyard caused that it should be digged
about, and pruned, and nourished, saying unto his servant: It grieveth
me that I should lose this tree; wherefore, that perhaps I might
preserve the roots thereof that they perish not, that I might preserve
them unto myself, I have done this thing.

5:12 Wherefore, go thy way; watch the tree, and nourish it, according
to my words.

5:13 And these will I place in the nethermost part of my vineyard,
whithersoever I will, it mattereth not unto thee; and I do it that I
may preserve unto myself the natural branches of the tree; and also,
that I may lay up fruit thereof against the season, unto myself; for it
grieveth me that I should lose this tree and the fruit thereof.

5:14 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard went his way,
and hid the natural branches of the tame olive-tree in the nethermost
parts of the vineyard, some in one and some in another, according to
his will and pleasure.

5:15 And it came to pass that a long time passed away, and the Lord of
the vineyard said unto his servant: Come, let us go down into the
vineyard, that we may labor in the vineyard.

5:16 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard, and also the
servant, went down into the vineyard to labor. And it came to pass that
the servant said unto his master: Behold, look here; behold the tree.

5:17 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard looked and
beheld the tree in the which the wild olive branches had been grafted;
and it had sprung forth and begun to bear fruit. And he beheld that it
was good; and the fruit thereof was like unto the natural fruit.

5:18 And he said unto the servant: Behold, the branches of the wild
tree have taken hold of the moisture of the root thereof, that the root
thereof hath brought forth much strength; and because of the much
strength of the root thereof the wild branches have brought forth tame
fruit. Now, if we had not grafted in these branches, the tree thereof
would have perished. And now, behold, I shall lay up much fruit, which
the tree thereof hath brought forth; and the fruit thereof I shall lay
up against the season, unto mine own self.

5:19 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto the
servant: Come, let us go to the nethermost part of the vineyard, and
behold if the natural branches of the tree have not brought forth much
fruit also, that I may lay up of the fruit thereof against the season,
unto mine own self.

5:20 And it came to pass that they went forth whither the master had
hid the natural branches of the tree, and he said unto the servant:
Behold these; and he beheld the first that it had brought forth much
fruit; and he beheld also that it was good. And he said unto the
servant: Take of the fruit thereof, and lay it up against the season,
that I may preserve it unto mine own self; for behold, said he, this
long time have I nourished it, and it hath brought forth much fruit.

5:21 And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: How
comest thou hither to plant this tree, or this branch of the tree? For
behold, it was the poorest spot in all the land of thy vineyard.

5:22 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto him: Counsel me not; I knew
that it was a poor spot of ground; wherefore, I said unto thee, I have
nourished it this long time, and thou beholdest that it hath brought
forth much fruit.

5:23 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his
servant: Look hither; behold I have planted another branch of the tree
also; and thou knowest that this spot of ground was poorer than the
first. But, behold the tree. I have nourished it this long time, and it
hath brought forth much fruit; therefore, gather it, and lay it up
against the season, that I may preserve it unto mine own self.

5:24 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said again unto
his servant: Look hither, and behold another branch also, which I have
planted; behold that I have nourished it also, and it hath brought
forth fruit.

5:25 And he said unto the servant: Look hither and behold the last.
Behold, this have I planted in a good spot of ground; and I have
nourished it this long time, and only a part of the tree hath brought
forth tame fruit, and the other part of the tree hath brought forth
wild fruit; behold, I have nourished this tree like unto the others.

5:26 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto the
servant: Pluck off the branches that have not brought forth good fruit,
and cast them into the fire.

5:27 But behold, the servant said unto him: Let us prune it, and dig
about it, and nourish it a little longer, that perhaps it may bring
forth good fruit unto thee, that thou canst lay it up against the
season.

5:28 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard and the servant
of the Lord of the vineyard did nourish all the fruit of the vineyard.

5:29 And it came to pass that a long time had passed away, and the Lord
of the vineyard said unto his servant: Come, let us go down into the
vineyard, that we may labor again in the vineyard. For behold, the time
draweth near, and the end soon cometh; wherefore, I must lay up fruit
against the season, unto mine own self.

5:30 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard and the servant
went down into the vineyard; and they came to the tree whose natural
branches had been broken off, and the wild branches had been grafted
in; and behold all sorts of fruit did cumber the tree.

5:31 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard did taste of the
fruit, every sort according to its number. And the Lord of the vineyard
said: Behold, this long time have we nourished this tree, and I have
laid up unto myself against the season much fruit.

5:32 But behold, this time it hath brought forth much fruit, and there
is none of it which is good. And behold, there are all kinds of bad
fruit; and it profiteth me nothing, notwithstanding all our labor; and
now it grieveth me that I should lose this tree.

5:33 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: What shall we
do unto the tree, that I may preserve again good fruit thereof unto
mine own self?

5:34 And the servant said unto his master: Behold, because thou didst
graft in the branches of the wild olive-tree they have nourished the
roots, that they are alive and they have not perished; wherefore thou
beholdest that they are yet good.

5:35 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his
servant: The tree profiteth me nothing, and the roots thereof profit me
nothing so long as it shall bring forth evil fruit.

5:36 Nevertheless, I know that the roots are good, and for mine own
purpose I have preserved them; and because of their much strength they
have hitherto brought forth, from the wild branches, good fruit.

5:37 But behold, the wild branches have grown and have overrun the
roots thereof; and because that the wild branches have overcome the
roots thereof it hath brought forth much evil fruit; and because that
it hath brought forth so much evil fruit thou beholdest that it
beginneth to perish; and it will soon become ripened, that it may be
cast into the fire, except we should do something for it to preserve
it.

5:38 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his
servant: Let us go down into the nethermost parts of the vineyard, and
behold if the natural branches have also brought forth evil fruit.

5:39 And it came to pass that they went down into the nethermost parts
of the vineyard. And it came to pass that they beheld that the fruit of
the natural branches had become corrupt also; yea, the first and the
second and also the last; and they had all become corrupt.

5:40 And the wild fruit of the last had overcome that part of the tree
which brought forth good fruit, even that the branch had withered away
and died.

5:41 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept, and said
unto the servant: What could I have done more for my vineyard?

5:42 Behold, I knew that all the fruit of the vineyard, save it were
these, had become corrupted. And now these which have once brought
forth good fruit have also become corrupted; and now all the trees of
my vineyard are good for nothing save it be to be hewn down and cast
into the fire.

5:43 And behold this last, whose branch hath withered away, I did plant
in a good spot of ground; yea, even that which was choice unto me above
all other parts of the land of my vineyard.

5:44 And thou beheldest that I also cut down that which cumbered this
spot of ground, that I might plant this tree in the stead thereof.

5:45 And thou beheldest that a part thereof brought forth good fruit,
and a part thereof brought forth wild fruit; and because I plucked not
the branches thereof and cast them into the fire, behold, they have
overcome the good branch that it hath withered away.

5:46 And now, behold, notwithstanding all the care which we have taken
of my vineyard, the trees thereof have become corrupted, that they
bring forth no good fruit; and these I had hoped to preserve, to have
laid up fruit thereof against the season, unto mine own self. But,
behold, they have become like unto the wild olive-tree, and they are of
no worth but to be hewn down and cast into the fire; and it grieveth me
that I should lose them.

5:47 But what could I have done more in my vineyard? Have I slackened
mine hand, that I have not nourished it, Nay, I have nourished it, and
I have digged about it, and I have pruned it, and I have dunged it; and
I have stretched forth mine hand almost all the day long, and the end
draweth nigh. And it grieveth me that I should hew down all the trees
of my vineyard, and cast them into the fire that they should be burned.
Who is it that has corrupted my vineyard?

5:48 And it came to pass that the servant said unto his master: Is it
not the loftiness of thy vineyard—have not the branches thereof
overcome the roots which are good? And because the branches have
overcome the roots thereof, behold they grew faster than the strength
of the roots, taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not
this the cause that the trees of thy vineyard have become corrupted?

5:49 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto the
servant: Let us go to and hew down the trees of the vineyard and cast
them into the fire, that they shall not cumber the ground of my
vineyard, for I have done all. What could I have done more for my
vineyard?

5:50 But, behold, the servant said unto the Lord of the vineyard: Spare
it a little longer.

5:51 And the Lord said: Yea, I will spare it a little longer, for it
grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard.

5:52 Wherefore, let us take of the branches of these which I have
planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and let us graft them
into the tree from whence they came; and let us pluck from the tree
those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the natural
branches of the tree in the stead thereof.

5:53 And this will I do that the tree may not perish, that, perhaps, I
may preserve unto myself the roots thereof for mine own purpose.

5:54 And, behold, the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I
planted whithersoever I would are yet alive; wherefore, that I may
preserve them also for mine own purpose, I will take of the branches of
this tree, and I will graft them in unto them. Yea, I will graft in
unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve the
roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be sufficiently
strong perhaps they may bring forth good fruit unto me, and I may yet
have glory in the fruit of my vineyard.

5:55 And it came to pass that they took from the natural tree which had
become wild, and grafted in unto the natural trees, which also had
become wild.

5:56 And they also took of the natural trees which had become wild, and
grafted into their mother tree.

5:57 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant: Pluck not the
wild branches from the trees, save it be those which are most bitter;
and in them ye shall graft according to that which I have said.

5:58 And we will nourish again the trees of the vineyard, and we will
trim up the branches thereof; and we will pluck from the trees those
branches which are ripened, that must perish, and cast them into the
fire.

5:59 And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may take strength
because of their goodness; and because of the change of the branches,
that the good may overcome the evil.

5:60 And because that I have preserved the natural branches and the
roots thereof, and that I have grafted in the natural branches again
into their mother tree, and have preserved the roots of their mother
tree, that, perhaps, the trees of my vineyard may bring forth again
good fruit; and that I may have joy again in the fruit of my vineyard,
and, perhaps, that I may rejoice exceedingly that I have preserved the
roots and the branches of the first fruit—

5:61 Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently
with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may
bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and
the most precious above all other fruit.

5:62 Wherefore, let us go to and labor with our might this last time,
for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is for the last time that I
shall prune my vineyard.

5:63 Graft in the branches; begin at the last that they may be first,
and that the first may be last, and dig about the trees, both old and
young, the first and the last; and the last and the first, that all may
be nourished once again for the last time.

5:64 Wherefore, dig about them, and prune them, and dung them once
more, for the last time, for the end draweth nigh. And if it be so that
these last grafts shall grow, and bring forth the natural fruit, then
shall ye prepare the way for them, that they may grow.

5:65 And as they begin to grow ye shall clear away the branches which
bring forth bitter fruit, according to the strength of the good and the
size thereof; and ye shall not clear away the bad thereof all at once,
lest the roots thereof should be too strong for the graft, and the
graft thereof shall perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard.

5:66 For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vineyard;
wherefore ye shall clear away the bad according as the good shall grow,
that the root and the top may be equal in strength, until the good
shall overcome the bad, and the bad be hewn down and cast into the
fire, that they cumber not the ground of my vineyard; and thus will I
sweep away the bad out of my vineyard.

5:67 And the branches of the natural tree will I graft in again into
the natural tree;

5:68 And the branches of the natural tree will I graft into the natural
branches of the tree; and thus will I bring them together again, that
they shall bring forth the natural fruit, and they shall be one.

5:69 And the bad shall be cast away, yea, even out of all the land of
my vineyard; for behold, only this once will I prune my vineyard.

5:70 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his
servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him,
and brought other servants; and they were few.

5:71 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in
the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I
shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season
speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have
joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time
which will soon come.

5:72 And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their
mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they
did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.

5:73 And there began to be the natural fruit again in the vineyard; and
the natural branches began to grow and thrive exceedingly; and the wild
branches began to be plucked off and to be cast away; and they did keep
the root and the top thereof equal, according to the strength thereof.

5:74 And thus they labored, with all diligence, according to the
commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even until the bad had been
cast away out of the vineyard, and the Lord had preserved unto himself
that the trees had become again the natural fruit; and they became like
unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard
had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious
unto him from the beginning.

5:75 And it came to pass that when the Lord of the vineyard saw that
his fruit was good, and that his vineyard was no more corrupt, he
called up his servants, and said unto them: Behold, for this last time
have we nourished my vineyard; and thou beholdest that I have done
according to my will; and I have preserved the natural fruit, that it
is good, even like as it was in the beginning. And blessed art thou;
for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard,
and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the
natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is
cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my
vineyard.

5:76 For behold, for a long time will I lay up of the fruit of my
vineyard unto mine own self against the season, which speedily cometh;
and for the last time have I nourished my vineyard, and pruned it, and
dug about it, and dunged it; wherefore I will lay up unto mine own self
of the fruit, for a long time, according to that which I have spoken.

5:77 And when the time cometh that evil fruit shall again come into my
vineyard, then will I cause the good and the bad to be gathered; and
the good will I preserve unto myself, and the bad will I cast away into
its own place. And then cometh the season and the end; and my vineyard
will I cause to be burned with fire.

Jacob Chapter 6

6:1 And now, behold, my brethren, as I said unto you that I would
prophesy, behold, this is my prophecy—that the things which this
prophet Zenos spake, concerning the house of Israel, in the which he
likened them unto a tame olive-tree, must surely come to pass.

6:2 And the day that he shall set his hand again the second time to
recover his people, is the day, yea, even the last time, that the
servants of the Lord shall go forth in his power, to nourish and prune
his vineyard; and after that the end soon cometh.

6:3 And how blessed are they who have labored diligently in his
vineyard; and how cursed are they who shall be cast out into their own
place! And the world shall be burned with fire.

6:4 And how merciful is our God unto us, for he remembereth the house
of Israel, both roots and branches; and he stretches forth his hands
unto them all the day long; and they are a stiffnecked and a gainsaying
people; but as many as will not harden their hearts shall be saved in
the kingdom of God.

6:5 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of
soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart,
and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy
is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your
hearts.

6:6 Yea, today, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts; for
why will ye die?

6:7 For behold, after ye have been nourished by the good word of God
all the day long, will ye bring forth evil fruit, that ye must be hewn
down and cast into the fire?

6:8 Behold, will ye reject these words? Will ye reject the words of the
prophets; and will ye reject all the words which have been spoken
concerning Christ, after so many have spoken concerning him; and deny
the good word of Christ, and the power of God, and the gift of the Holy
Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit, and make a mock of the great plan of
redemption, which hath been laid for you?

6:9 Know ye not that if ye will do these things, that the power of the
redemption and the resurrection, which is in Christ, will bring you to
stand with shame and awful guilt before the bar of God?

6:10 And according to the power of justice, for justice cannot be
denied, ye must go away into that lake of fire and brimstone, whose
flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever,
which lake of fire and brimstone is endless torment.

6:11 O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait
gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain
eternal life.

6:12 O be wise; what can I say more?

6:13 Finally, I bid you farewell, until I shall meet you before the
pleasing bar of God, which bar striketh the wicked with awful dread and
fear. Amen.

Jacob Chapter 7

7:1 And now it came to pass after some years had passed away, there
came a man among the people of Nephi, whose name was Sherem.

7:2 And it came to pass that he began to preach among the people, and
to declare unto them that there should be no Christ. And he preached
many things which were flattering unto the people; and this he did that
he might overthrow the doctrine of Christ.

7:3 And he labored diligently that he might lead away the hearts of the
people, insomuch that he did lead away many hearts; and he knowing that
I, Jacob, had faith in Christ who should come, he sought much
opportunity that he might come unto me.

7:4 And he was learned, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language
of the people; wherefore, he could use much flattery, and much power of
speech, according to the power of the devil.

7:5 And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the
many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these
things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me.
And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very
word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken.

7:6 And it came to pass that he came unto me, and on this wise did he
speak unto me, saying: Brother Jacob, I have sought much opportunity
that I might speak unto you; for I have heard and also know that thou
goest about much, preaching that which ye call the gospel, or the
doctrine of Christ.

7:7 And ye have led away much of this people that they pervert the
right way of God, and keep not the law of Moses which is the right way;
and convert the law of Moses into the worship of a being which ye say
shall come many hundred years hence. And now behold, I, Sherem, declare
unto you that this is blasphemy; for no man knoweth of such things; for
he cannot tell of things to come. And after this manner did Sherem
contend against me.

7:8 But behold, the Lord God poured in his Spirit into my soul,
insomuch that I did confound him in all his words.

7:9 And I said unto him: Deniest thou the Christ who shall come? And he
said: If there should be a Christ, I would not deny him; but I know
that there is no Christ, neither has been, nor ever will be.

7:10 And I said unto him: Believest thou the scriptures? And he said,
Yea.

7:11 And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them; for they
truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the
prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning
this Christ.

7:12 And this is not all—it has been made manifest unto me, for I have
heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power
of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement
made all mankind must be lost.

7:13 And it came to pass that he said unto me: Show me a sign by this
power of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know so much.

7:14 And I said unto him: What am I that I should tempt God to show
unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true? Yet thou
wilt deny it, because thou art of the devil. Nevertheless, not my will
be done; but if God shall smite thee, let that be a sign unto thee that
he has power, both in heaven and in earth; and also, that Christ shall
come. And thy will, O Lord, be done, and not mine.

7:15 And it came to pass that when I, Jacob, had spoken these words,
the power of the Lord came upon him, insomuch that he fell to the
earth. And it came to pass that he was nourished for the space of many
days.

7:16 And it came to pass that he said unto the people: Gather together
on the morrow, for I shall die; wherefore, I desire to speak unto the
people before I shall die.

7:17 And it came to pass that on the morrow the multitude were gathered
together; and he spake plainly unto them and denied the things which he
had taught them, and confessed the Christ, and the power of the Holy
Ghost, and the ministering of angels.

7:18 And he spake plainly unto them, that he had been deceived by the
power of the devil. And he spake of hell, and of eternity, and of
eternal punishment.

7:19 And he said: I fear lest I have committed the unpardonable sin,
for I have lied unto God; for I denied the Christ, and said that I
believed the scriptures; and they truly testify of him. And because I
have thus lied unto God I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful; but
I confess unto God.

7:20 And it came to pass that when he had said these words he could say
no more, and he gave up the ghost.

7:21 And when the multitude had witnessed that he spake these things as
he was about to give up the ghost, they were astonished exceedingly;
insomuch that the power of God came down upon them, and they were
overcome that they fell to the earth.

7:22 Now, this thing was pleasing unto me, Jacob, for I had requested
it of my Father who was in heaven; for he had heard my cry and answered
my prayer.

7:23 And it came to pass that peace and the love of God was restored
again among the people; and they searched the scriptures, and hearkened
no more to the words of this wicked man.

7:24 And it came to pass that many means were devised to reclaim and
restore the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth; but it all was
vain, for they delighted in wars and bloodshed, and they had an eternal
hatred against us, their brethren. And they sought by the power of
their arms to destroy us continually.

7:25 Wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their
arms, and with all their might, trusting in the God and rock of their
salvation; wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies.

7:26 And it came to pass that I, Jacob, began to be old; and the record
of this people being kept on the other plates of Nephi, wherefore, I
conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the
best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and
also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a
lonesome and a solemn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem, born
in tribulation, in a wilderness, and hated of our brethren, which
caused wars and contentions; wherefore, we did mourn out our days.

7:27 And I, Jacob, saw that I must soon go down to my grave; wherefore,
I said unto my son Enos: Take these plates. And I told him the things
which my brother Nephi had commanded me, and he promised obedience unto
the commands. And I make an end of my writing upon these plates, which
writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that
many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, adieu.




 THE BOOK OF ENOS


1:1 Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father that he was
a just man—for he taught me in his language, and also in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it—

1:2 And I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I
received a remission of my sins.

1:3 Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I
had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of
the saints, sunk deep into my heart.

1:4 And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I
cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul; and
all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came I did
still raise my voice high that it reached the heavens.

1:5 And there came a voice unto me, saying: Enos, thy sins are forgiven
thee, and thou shalt be blessed.

1:6 And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was
swept away.

1:7 And I said: Lord, how is it done?

1:8 And he said unto me: Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast
never before heard nor seen. And many years pass away before he shall
manifest himself in the flesh; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made
thee whole.

1:9 Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to
feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore,
I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them.

1:10 And while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice
of the Lord came into my mind again, saying: I will visit thy brethren
according to their diligence in keeping my commandments. I have given
unto them this land, and it is a holy land; and I curse it not save it
be for the cause of iniquity; wherefore, I will visit thy brethren
according as I have said; and their transgressions will I bring down
with sorrow upon their own heads.

1:11 And after I, Enos, had heard these words, my faith began to be
unshaken in the Lord; and I prayed unto him with many long strugglings
for my brethren, the Lamanites.

1:12 And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all
diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to
thy desires, because of thy faith.

1:13 And now behold, this was the desire which I desired of him—that if
it should so be, that my people, the Nephites, should fall into
transgression, and by any means be destroyed, and the Lamanites should
not be destroyed, that the Lord God would preserve a record of my
people, the Nephites; even if it so be by the power of his holy arm,
that it might be brought forth at some future day unto the Lamanites,
that, perhaps, they might be brought unto salvation—

1:14 For at the present our strugglings were vain in restoring them to
the true faith. And they swore in their wrath that, if it were
possible, they would destroy our records and us, and also all the
traditions of our fathers.

1:15 Wherefore, I knowing that the Lord God was able to preserve our
records, I cried unto him continually, for he had said unto me:
Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive
in the name of Christ, ye shall receive it.

1:16 And I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he would preserve the
records; and he covenanted with me that he would bring them forth unto
the Lamanites in his own due time.

1:17 And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant which he
had made; wherefore my soul did rest.

1:18 And the Lord said unto me: Thy fathers have also required of me
this thing; and it shall be done unto them according to their faith;
for their faith was like unto thine.

1:19 And now it came to pass that I, Enos, went about among the people
of Nephi, prophesying of things to come, and testifying of the things
which I had heard and seen.

1:20 And I bear record that the people of Nephi did seek diligently to
restore the Lamanites unto the true faith in God. But our labors were
vain; their hatred was fixed, and they were led by their evil nature
that they became wild, and ferocious, and a bloodthirsty people, full
of idolatry and filthiness; feeding upon beasts of prey; dwelling in
tents, and wandering about in the wilderness with a short skin girdle
about their loins and their heads shaven; and their skill was in the
bow, and in the cimeter, and the ax. And many of them did eat nothing
save it was raw meat; and they were continually seeking to destroy us.

1:21 And it came to pass that the people of Nephi did till the land,
and raise all manner of grain, and of fruit, and flocks of herds, and
flocks of all manner of cattle of every kind, and goats, and wild
goats, and also many horses.

1:22 And there were exceedingly many prophets among us. And the people
were a stiffnecked people, hard to understand.

1:23 And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching
and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and
continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and
the judgments and the power of God, and all these things—stirring them
up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was
nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of
speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction. And
after this manner do I write concerning them.

1:24 And I saw wars between the Nephites and Lamanites in the course of
my days.

1:25 And it came to pass that I began to be old, and an hundred and
seventy and nine years had passed away from the time that our father
Lehi left Jerusalem.

1:26 And I saw that I must soon go down to my grave, having been
wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto
this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in
Christ. And I have declared it in all my days, and have rejoiced in it
above that of the world.

1:27 And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer;
for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my
mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall
I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye
blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my
Father. Amen.




 THE BOOK OF JAROM


1:1 Now behold, I, Jarom, write a few words according to the
commandment of my father, Enos, that our genealogy may be kept.

1:2 And as these plates are small, and as these things are written for
the intent of the benefit of our brethren the Lamanites, wherefore, it
must needs be that I write a little; but I shall not write the things
of my prophesying, nor of my revelations. For what could I write more
than my fathers have written? For have not they revealed the plan of
salvation? I say unto you, Yea; and this sufficeth me.

1:3 Behold, it is expedient that much should be done among this people,
because of the hardness of their hearts, and the deafness of their
ears, and the blindness of their minds, and the stiffness of their
necks; nevertheless, God is exceedingly merciful unto them, and has not
as yet swept them off from the face of the land.

1:4 And there are many among us who have many revelations, for they are
not all stiffnecked. And as many as are not stiffnecked and have faith,
have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the
children of men, according to their faith.

1:5 And now, behold, two hundred years had passed away, and the people
of Nephi had waxed strong in the land. They observed to keep the law of
Moses and the sabbath day holy unto the Lord. And they profaned not;
neither did they blaspheme. And the laws of the land were exceedingly
strict.

1:6 And they were scattered upon much of the face of the land, and the
Lamanites also. And they were exceedingly more numerous than were they
of the Nephites; and they loved murder and would drink the blood of
beasts.

1:7 And it came to pass that they came many times against us, the
Nephites, to battle. But our kings and our leaders were mighty men in
the faith of the Lord; and they taught the people the ways of the Lord;
wherefore, we withstood the Lamanites and swept them away out of our
lands, and began to fortify our cities, or whatsoever place of our
inheritance.

1:8 And we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the face of the
land, and became exceedingly rich in gold, and in silver, and in
precious things, and in fine workmanship of wood, in buildings, and in
machinery, and also in iron and copper, and brass and steel, making all
manner of tools of every kind to till the ground, and weapons of
war—yea, the sharp pointed arrow, and the quiver, and the dart, and the
javelin, and all preparations for war.

1:9 And thus being prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper
against us. But the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto
our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye
shall prosper in the land.

1:10 And it came to pass that the prophets of the Lord did threaten the
people of Nephi, according to the word of God, that if they did not
keep the commandments, but should fall into transgression, they should
be destroyed from off the face of the land.

1:11 Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did
labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to
diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was
given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in
him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they
teach them.

1:12 And it came to pass that by so doing they kept them from being
destroyed upon the face of the land; for they did prick their hearts
with the word, continually stirring them up unto repentance.

1:13 And it came to pass that two hundred and thirty and eight years
had passed away—after the manner of wars, and contentions, and
dissensions, for the space of much of the time.

1:14 And I, Jarom, do not write more, for the plates are small. But
behold, my brethren, ye can go to the other plates of Nephi; for
behold, upon them the records of our wars are engraven, according to
the writings of the kings, or those which they caused to be written.

1:15 And I deliver these plates into the hands of my son Omni, that
they may be kept according to the commandments of my fathers.




 THE BOOK OF OMNI


1:1 Behold, it came to pass that I, Omni, being commanded by my father,
Jarom, that I should write somewhat upon these plates, to preserve our
genealogy—

1:2 Wherefore, in my days, I would that ye should know that I fought
much with the sword to preserve my people, the Nephites, from falling
into the hands of their enemies, the Lamanites. But behold, I of myself
am a wicked man, and I have not kept the statutes and the commandments
of the Lord as I ought to have done.

1:3 And it came to pass that two hundred and seventy and six years had
passed away, and we had many seasons of peace; and we had many seasons
of serious war and bloodshed. Yea, and in fine, two hundred and eighty
and two years had passed away, and I had kept these plates according to
the commandments of my fathers; and I conferred them upon my son
Amaron. And I make an end.

1:4 And now I, Amaron, write the things whatsoever I write, which are
few, in the book of my father.

1:5 Behold, it came to pass that three hundred and twenty years had
passed away, and the more wicked part of the Nephites were destroyed.

1:6 For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them out of the
land of Jerusalem and kept and preserved them from falling into the
hands of their enemies, yea, he would not suffer that the words should
not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch
as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.

1:7 Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless,
he did spare the righteous that they should not perish, but did deliver
them out of the hands of their enemies.

1:8 And it came to pass that I did deliver the plates unto my brother
Chemish.

1:9 Now I, Chemish, write what few things I write, in the same book
with my brother; for behold, I saw the last which he wrote, that he
wrote it with his own hand; and he wrote it in the day that he
delivered them unto me. And after this manner we keep the records, for
it is according to the commandments of our fathers. And I make an end.

1:10 Behold, I, Abinadom, am the son of Chemish. Behold, it came to
pass that I saw much war and contention between my people, the
Nephites, and the Lamanites; and I, with my own sword, have taken the
lives of many of the Lamanites in the defence of my brethren.

1:11 And behold, the record of this people is engraven upon plates
which is had by the kings, according to the generations; and I know of
no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy;
wherefore, that which is sufficient is written. And I make an end.

1:12 Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom. Behold, I will speak
unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was made king over the land of
Zarahemla; for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee
out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice
of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the
wilderness—

1:13 And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had
commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness,
as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led
by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished
continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his
arm, through the wilderness, until they came down into the land which
is called the land of Zarahemla.

1:14 And they discovered a people, who were called the people of
Zarahemla. Now, there was great rejoicing among the people of
Zarahemla; and also Zarahemla did rejoice exceedingly, because the Lord
had sent the people of Mosiah with the plates of brass which contained
the record of the Jews.

1:15 Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of
Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of
Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon.

1:16 And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought by the hand
of the Lord across the great waters, into the land where Mosiah
discovered them; and they had dwelt there from that time forth.

1:17 And at the time that Mosiah discovered them, they had become
exceedingly numerous. Nevertheless, they had had many wars and serious
contentions, and had fallen by the sword from time to time; and their
language had become corrupted; and they had brought no records with
them; and they denied the being of their Creator; and Mosiah, nor the
people of Mosiah, could understand them.

1:18 But it came to pass that Mosiah caused that they should be taught
in his language. And it came to pass that after they were taught in the
language of Mosiah, Zarahemla gave a genealogy of his fathers,
according to his memory; and they are written, but not in these plates.

1:19 And it came to pass that the people of Zarahemla, and of Mosiah,
did unite together; and Mosiah was appointed to be their king.

1:20 And it came to pass in the days of Mosiah, there was a large stone
brought unto him with engravings on it; and he did interpret the
engravings by the gift and power of God.

1:21 And they gave an account of one Coriantumr, and the slain of his
people. And Coriantumr was discovered by the people of Zarahemla; and
he dwelt with them for the space of nine moons.

1:22 It also spake a few words concerning his fathers. And his first
parents came out from the tower, at the time the Lord confounded the
language of the people; and the severity of the Lord fell upon them
according to his judgments, which are just; and their bones lay
scattered in the land northward.

1:23 Behold, I, Amaleki, was born in the days of Mosiah; and I have
lived to see his death; and Benjamin, his son, reigneth in his stead.

1:24 And behold, I have seen, in the days of king Benjamin, a serious
war and much bloodshed between the Nephites and the Lamanites. But
behold, the Nephites did obtain much advantage over them; yea, insomuch
that king Benjamin did drive them out of the land of Zarahemla.

1:25 And it came to pass that I began to be old; and, having no seed,
and knowing king Benjamin to be a just man before the Lord, wherefore,
I shall deliver up these plates unto him, exhorting all men to come
unto God, the Holy One of Israel, and believe in prophesying, and in
revelations, and in the ministering of angels, and in the gift of
speaking with tongues, and in the gift of interpreting languages, and
in all things which are good; for there is nothing which is good save
it comes from the Lord; and that which is evil cometh from the devil.

1:26 And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto
Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation,
and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your
whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and
praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be
saved.

1:27 And now I would speak somewhat concerning a certain number who
went up into the wilderness to return to the land of Nephi; for there
was a large number who were desirous to possess the land of their
inheritance.

1:28 Wherefore, they went up into the wilderness. And their leader
being a strong and mighty man, and a stiffnecked man, wherefore he
caused a contention among them; and they were all slain, save fifty, in
the wilderness, and they returned again to the land of Zarahemla.

1:29 And it came to pass that they also took others to a considerable
number, and took their journey again into the wilderness.

1:30 And I, Amaleki, had a brother, who also went with them; and I have
not since known concerning them. And I am about to lie down in my
grave; and these plates are full. And I make an end of my speaking.




 THE WORDS OF MORMON


1:1 And now I, Mormon, being about to deliver up the record which I
have been making into the hands of my son Moroni, behold I have
witnessed almost all the destruction of my people, the Nephites.

1:2 And it is many hundred years after the coming of Christ that I
deliver these records into the hands of my son; and it supposeth me
that he will witness the entire destruction of my people. But may God
grant that he may survive them, that he may write somewhat concerning
them, and somewhat concerning Christ, that perhaps some day it may
profit them.

1:3 And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written; for
after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the
reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among
the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these
plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob
down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of
Nephi.

1:4 And the things which are upon these plates pleasing me, because of
the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that
many of them have been fulfilled; yea, and I also know that as many
things as have been prophesied concerning us down to this day have been
fulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day must surely come to pass—

1:5 Wherefore, I chose these things, to finish my record upon them,
which remainder of my record I shall take from the plates of Nephi; and
I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people.

1:6 But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these
prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my
record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice
unto my brethren.

1:7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me,
according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And
now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which
are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will.

1:8 And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once
again come to the knowledge of God, yea, the redemption of Christ; that
they may once again be a delightsome people.

1:9 And now I, Mormon, proceed to finish out my record, which I take
from the plates of Nephi; and I make it according to the knowledge and
the understanding which God has given me.

1:10 Wherefore, it came to pass that after Amaleki had delivered up
these plates into the hands of king Benjamin, he took them and put them
with the other plates, which contained records which had been handed
down by the kings, from generation to generation until the days of king
Benjamin.

1:11 And they were handed down from king Benjamin, from generation to
generation until they have fallen into my hands. And I, Mormon, pray to
God that they may be preserved from this time henceforth. And I know
that they will be preserved; for there are great things written upon
them, out of which my people and their brethren shall be judged at the
great and last day, according to the word of God which is written.

1:12 And now, concerning this king Benjamin—he had somewhat of
contentions among his own people.

1:13 And it came to pass also that the armies of the Lamanites came
down out of the land of Nephi, to battle against his people. But
behold, king Benjamin gathered together his armies, and he did stand
against them; and he did fight with the strength of his own arm, with
the sword of Laban.

1:14 And in the strength of the Lord they did contend against their
enemies, until they had slain many thousands of the Lamanites. And it
came to pass that they did contend against the Lamanites until they had
driven them out of all the lands of their inheritance.

1:15 And it came to pass that after there had been false Christs, and
their mouths had been shut, and they punished according to their
crimes;

1:16 And after there had been false prophets, and false preachers and
teachers among the people, and all these having been punished according
to their crimes; and after there having been much contention and many
dissensions away unto the Lamanites, behold, it came to pass that king
Benjamin, with the assistance of the holy prophets who were among his
people—

1:17 For behold, king Benjamin was a holy man, and he did reign over
his people in righteousness; and there were many holy men in the land,
and they did speak the word of God with power and with authority; and
they did use much sharpness because of the stiffneckedness of the
people—

1:18 Wherefore, with the help of these, king Benjamin, by laboring with
all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul, and also
the prophets, did once more establish peace in the land.




 THE BOOK OF MOSIAH

Mosiah Chapter 1

1:1 And now there was no more contention in all the land of Zarahemla,
among all the people who belonged to king Benjamin, so that king
Benjamin had continual peace all the remainder of his days.

1:2 And it came to pass that he had three sons; and he called their
names Mosiah, and Helorum, and Helaman. And he caused that they should
be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might
become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the
prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which
were delivered them by the hand of the Lord.

1:3 And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven
on the plates of brass, saying: My sons, I would that ye should
remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records
and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at
this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God.

1:4 For it were not possible that our father, Lehi, could have
remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children,
except it were for the help of these plates; for he having been taught
in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these
engravings, and teach them to his children, that thereby they could
teach them to their children, and so fulfilling the commandments of
God, even down to this present time.

1:5 I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have
been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and
understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before
our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we
should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know
nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they
are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are
not correct.

1:6 O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are
true, and also that these records are true. And behold, also the plates
of Nephi, which contain the records and the sayings of our fathers from
the time they left Jerusalem until now, and they are true; and we can
know of their surety because we have them before our eyes.

1:7 And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them
diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep
the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to
the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.

1:8 And many more things did king Benjamin teach his sons, which are
not written in this book.

1:9 And it came to pass that after king Benjamin had made an end of
teaching his sons, that he waxed old, and he saw that he must very soon
go the way of all the earth; therefore, he thought it expedient that he
should confer the kingdom upon one of his sons.

1:10 Therefore, he had Mosiah brought before him; and these are the
words which he spake unto him, saying: My son, I would that ye should
make a proclamation throughout all this land among all this people, or
the people of Zarahemla, and the people of Mosiah who dwell in the
land, that thereby they may be gathered together; for on the morrow I
shall proclaim unto this my people out of mine own mouth that thou art
a king and a ruler over this people, whom the Lord our God hath given
us.

1:11 And moreover, I shall give this people a name, that thereby they
may be distinguished above all the people which the Lord God hath
brought out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I do because they have
been a diligent people in keeping the commandments of the Lord.

1:12 And I give unto them a name that never shall be blotted out,
except it be through transgression.

1:13 Yea, and moreover I say unto you, that if this highly favored
people of the Lord should fall into transgression, and become a wicked
and an adulterous people, that the Lord will deliver them up, that
thereby they become weak like unto their brethren; and he will no more
preserve them by his matchless and marvelous power, as he has hitherto
preserved our fathers.

1:14 For I say unto you, that if he had not extended his arm in the
preservation of our fathers they must have fallen into the hands of the
Lamanites, and become victims to their hatred.

1:15 And it came to pass that after king Benjamin had made an end of
these sayings to his son, that he gave him charge concerning all the
affairs of the kingdom.

1:16 And moreover, he also gave him charge concerning the records which
were engraven on the plates of brass; and also the plates of Nephi; and
also, the sword of Laban, and the ball or director, which led our
fathers through the wilderness, which was prepared by the hand of the
Lord that thereby they might be led, every one according to the heed
and diligence which they gave unto him.

1:17 Therefore, as they were unfaithful they did not prosper nor
progress in their journey, but were driven back, and incurred the
displeasure of God upon them; and therefore they were smitten with
famine and sore afflictions, to stir them up in remembrance of their
duty.

1:18 And now, it came to pass that Mosiah went and did as his father
had commanded him, and proclaimed unto all the people who were in the
land of Zarahemla that thereby they might gather themselves together,
to go up to the temple to hear the words which his father should speak
unto them.

Mosiah Chapter 2

2:1 And it came to pass that after Mosiah had done as his father had
commanded him, and had made a proclamation throughout all the land,
that the people gathered themselves together throughout all the land,
that they might go up to the temple to hear the words which king
Benjamin should speak unto them.

2:2 And there were a great number, even so many that they did not
number them; for they had multiplied exceedingly and waxed great in the
land.

2:3 And they also took of the firstlings of their flocks, that they
might offer sacrifice and burnt offerings according to the law of
Moses;

2:4 And also that they might give thanks to the Lord their God, who had
brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, and who had delivered them
out of the hands of their enemies, and had appointed just men to be
their teachers, and also a just man to be their king, who had
established peace in the land of Zarahemla, and who had taught them to
keep the commandments of God, that they might rejoice and be filled
with love towards God and all men.

2:5 And it came to pass that when they came up to the temple, they
pitched their tents round about, every man according to his family,
consisting of his wife, and his sons, and his daughters, and their
sons, and their daughters, from the eldest down to the youngest, every
family being separate one from another.

2:6 And they pitched their tents round about the temple, every man
having his tent with the door thereof towards the temple, that thereby
they might remain in their tents and hear the words which king Benjamin
should speak unto them;

2:7 For the multitude being so great that king Benjamin could not teach
them all within the walls of the temple, therefore he caused a tower to
be erected, that thereby his people might hear the words which he
should speak unto them.

2:8 And it came to pass that he began to speak to his people from the
tower; and they could not all hear his words because of the greatness
of the multitude; therefore he caused that the words which he spake
should be written and sent forth among those that were not under the
sound of his voice, that they might also receive his words.

2:9 And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written,
saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together,
you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I
have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which
I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears
that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your
minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.

2:10 I have not commanded you to come up hither that ye should fear me,
or that ye should think that I of myself am more than a mortal man.

2:11 But I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities
in body and mind; yet I have been chosen by this people, and
consecrated by my father, and was suffered by the hand of the Lord that
I should be a ruler and a king over this people; and have been kept and
preserved by his matchless power, to serve you with all the might, mind
and strength which the Lord hath granted unto me.

2:12 I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my days in
your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver
nor any manner of riches of you;

2:13 Neither have I suffered that ye should be confined in dungeons,
nor that ye should make slaves one of another, nor that ye should
murder, or plunder, or steal, or commit adultery; nor even have I
suffered that ye should commit any manner of wickedness, and have
taught you that ye should keep the commandments of the Lord, in all
things which he hath commanded you—

2:14 And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might
serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there
should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne—and of all
these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day.

2:15 Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that I might boast,
neither do I tell these things that thereby I might accuse you; but I
tell you these things that ye may know that I can answer a clear
conscience before God this day.

2:16 Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had
spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have
only been in the service of God.

2:17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that
ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye
are only in the service of your God.

2:18 Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your
king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one
another?

2:19 And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his
days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit
any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!

2:20 I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the
thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that
God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused
that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace
one with another—

2:21 I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you
from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending
you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own
will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye
should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable
servants.

2:22 And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his
commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his
commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from
that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he
doth bless you and prosper you.

2:23 And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto
you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him.

2:24 And secondly, he doth require that ye should do as he hath
commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately bless you; and
therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and
are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to
boast?

2:25 And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay.
Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye
were created of the dust of the earth; but behold, it belongeth to him
who created you.

2:26 And I, even I, whom ye call your king, am no better than ye
yourselves are; for I am also of the dust. And ye behold that I am old,
and am about to yield up this mortal frame to its mother earth.

2:27 Therefore, as I said unto you that I had served you, walking with
a clear conscience before God, even so I at this time have caused that
ye should assemble yourselves together, that I might be found
blameless, and that your blood should not come upon me, when I shall
stand to be judged of God of the things whereof he hath commanded me
concerning you.

2:28 I say unto you that I have caused that ye should assemble
yourselves together that I might rid my garments of your blood, at this
period of time when I am about to go down to my grave, that I might go
down in peace, and my immortal spirit may join the choirs above in
singing the praises of a just God.

2:29 And moreover, I say unto you that I have caused that ye should
assemble yourselves together, that I might declare unto you that I can
no longer be your teacher, nor your king;

2:30 For even at this time, my whole frame doth tremble exceedingly
while attempting to speak unto you; but the Lord God doth support me,
and hath suffered me that I should speak unto you, and hath commanded
me that I should declare unto you this day, that my son Mosiah is a
king and a ruler over you.

2:31 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should do as ye have
hitherto done. As ye have kept my commandments, and also the
commandments of my father, and have prospered, and have been kept from
falling into the hands of your enemies, even so if ye shall keep the
commandments of my son, or the commandments of God which shall be
delivered unto you by him, ye shall prosper in the land, and your
enemies shall have no power over you.

2:32 But, O my people, beware lest there shall arise contentions among
you, and ye list to obey the evil spirit, which was spoken of by my
father Mosiah.

2:33 For behold, there is a wo pronounced upon him who listeth to obey
that spirit; for if he listeth to obey him, and remaineth and dieth in
his sins, the same drinketh damnation to his own soul; for he receiveth
for his wages an everlasting punishment, having transgressed the law of
God contrary to his own knowledge.

2:34 I say unto you, that there are not any among you, except it be
your little children that have not been taught concerning these things,
but what knoweth that ye are eternally indebted to your heavenly
Father, to render to him all that you have and are; and also have been
taught concerning the records which contain the prophecies which have
been spoken by the holy prophets, even down to the time our father,
Lehi, left Jerusalem;

2:35 And also, all that has been spoken by our fathers until now. And
behold, also, they spake that which was commanded them of the Lord;
therefore, they are just and true.

2:36 And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and
have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go
contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves
from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide
you in wisdom’s paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved—

2:37 I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out
in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil
spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord
has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples.

2:38 Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an
enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul
to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from
the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and
pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame
ascendeth up forever and ever.

2:39 And now I say unto you, that mercy hath no claim on that man;
therefore his final doom is to endure a never-ending torment.

2:40 O, all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you little children
who can understand my words, for I have spoken plainly unto you that ye
might understand, I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the
awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression.

2:41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the
blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For
behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual;
and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven,
that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending
happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the
Lord God hath spoken it.

Mosiah Chapter 3

3:1 And again my brethren, I would call your attention, for I have
somewhat more to speak unto you; for behold, I have things to tell you
concerning that which is to come.

3:2 And the things which I shall tell you are made known unto me by an
angel from God. And he said unto me: Awake; and I awoke, and behold he
stood before me.

3:3 And he said unto me: Awake, and hear the words which I shall tell
thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you the glad tidings of
great joy.

3:4 For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy
righteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest
rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may
also be filled with joy.

3:5 For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with
power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all
eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the
children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go
forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick,
raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their
sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.

3:6 And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in
the hearts of the children of men.

3:7 And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger,
thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto
death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his
anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

3:8 And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of
heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his
mother shall be called Mary.

3:9 And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the
children of men even through faith on his name; and even after all this
they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall
scourge him, and shall crucify him.

3:10 And he shall rise the third day from the dead; and behold, he
standeth to judge the world; and behold, all these things are done that
a righteous judgment might come upon the children of men.

3:11 For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who
have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the
will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.

3:12 But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For
salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith
on the Lord Jesus Christ.

3:13 And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the
children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and
tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come,
the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with
exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them.

3:14 Yet the Lord God saw that his people were a stiffnecked people,
and he appointed unto them a law, even the law of Moses.

3:15 And many signs, and wonders, and types, and shadows showed he unto
them, concerning his coming; and also holy prophets spake unto them
concerning his coming; and yet they hardened their hearts, and
understood not that the law of Moses availeth nothing except it were
through the atonement of his blood.

3:16 And even if it were possible that little children could sin they
could not be saved; but I say unto you they are blessed; for behold, as
in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth
for their sins.

3:17 And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name
given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the
children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord
Omnipotent.

3:18 For behold he judgeth, and his judgment is just; and the infant
perisheth not that dieth in his infancy; but men drink damnation to
their own souls except they humble themselves and become as little
children, and believe that salvation was, and is, and is to come, in
and through the atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.

3:19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall
of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the
enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and
becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh
as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to
submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even
as a child doth submit to his father.

3:20 And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come when the
knowledge of the Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred,
tongue, and people.

3:21 And behold, when that time cometh, none shall be found blameless
before God, except it be little children, only through repentance and
faith on the name of the Lord God Omnipotent.

3:22 And even at this time, when thou shalt have taught thy people the
things which the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, even then are they
found no more blameless in the sight of God, only according to the
words which I have spoken unto thee.

3:23 And now I have spoken the words which the Lord God hath commanded
me.

3:24 And thus saith the Lord: They shall stand as a bright testimony
against this people, at the judgment day; whereof they shall be judged,
every man according to his works, whether they be good, or whether they
be evil.

3:25 And if they be evil they are consigned to an awful view of their
own guilt and abominations, which doth cause them to shrink from the
presence of the Lord into a state of misery and endless torment, from
whence they can no more return; therefore they have drunk damnation to
their own souls.

3:26 Therefore, they have drunk out of the cup of the wrath of God,
which justice could no more deny unto them than it could deny that Adam
should fall because of his partaking of the forbidden fruit; therefore,
mercy could have claim on them no more forever.

3:27 And their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames
are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever. Thus
hath the Lord commanded me. Amen.

Mosiah Chapter 4

4:1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of
speaking the words which had been delivered unto him by the angel of
the Lord, that he cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and
behold they had fallen to the earth, for the fear of the Lord had come
upon them.

4:2 And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less
than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice,
saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may
receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we
believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth,
and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.

4:3 And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the
Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy,
having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of
conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus
Christ who should come, according to the words which king Benjamin had
spoken unto them.

4:4 And king Benjamin again opened his mouth and began to speak unto
them, saying: My friends and my brethren, my kindred and my people, I
would again call your attention, that ye may hear and understand the
remainder of my words which I shall speak unto you.

4:5 For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at this time
has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness, and your worthless and
fallen state—

4:6 I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of
God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his
long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement
which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby
salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and
should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the
faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal
body—

4:7 I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the
atonement which was prepared from the foundation of the world for all
mankind, which ever were since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who
ever shall be, even unto the end of the world.

4:8 And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none
other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there
any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I
have told you.

4:9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things,
both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all
power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not
comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

4:10 And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake
them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart
that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see
that ye do them.

4:11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have
come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his
goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of
your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even
so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance,
the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and
long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves
even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily,
and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which
was spoken by the mouth of the angel.

4:12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always
rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a
remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory
of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and
true.

4:13 And ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live
peaceably, and to render to every man according to that which is his
due.

4:14 And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or
naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and
fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the
master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by
our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness.

4:15 But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness;
ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.

4:16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of
your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that
standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his
petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

4:17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his
misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my
food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for
his punishments are just—

4:18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath
great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath
done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

4:19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the
same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both
food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches
which we have of every kind?

4:20 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name,
and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye
have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and
has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused
that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so
exceedingly great was your joy.

4:21 And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you are dependent
for your lives and for all that ye have and are, doth grant unto you
whatsoever ye ask that is right, in faith, believing that ye shall
receive, O then, how ye ought to impart of the substance that ye have
one to another.

4:22 And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for
your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just
will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth
not belong to you but to God, to whom also your life belongeth; and yet
ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done.

4:23 I say unto you, wo be unto that man, for his substance shall
perish with him; and now, I say these things unto those who are rich as
pertaining to the things of this world.

4:24 And again, I say unto the poor, ye who have not and yet have
sufficient, that ye remain from day to day; I mean all you who deny the
beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I
give not because I have not, but if I had I would give.

4:25 And now, if ye say this in your hearts ye remain guiltless,
otherwise ye are condemned; and your condemnation is just for ye covet
that which ye have not received.

4:26 And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto
you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from
day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye
should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to
that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked,
visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually
and temporally, according to their wants.

4:27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it
is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And
again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he
might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.

4:28 And I would that ye should remember, that whosoever among you
borroweth of his neighbor should return the thing that he borroweth,
according as he doth agree, or else thou shalt commit sin; and perhaps
thou shalt cause thy neighbor to commit sin also.

4:29 And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may
commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I
cannot number them.

4:30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves,
and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the
commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard
concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye
must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.

Mosiah Chapter 5

5:1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to
his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they
believed the words which he had spoken unto them.

5:2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the
words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety
and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has
wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more
disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.

5:3 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and
the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to
come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.

5:4 And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king
has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge, whereby
we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy.

5:5 And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his
will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he
shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring
upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel,
that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.

5:6 And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired of them;
and therefore he said unto them: Ye have spoken the words that I
desired; and the covenant which ye have made is a righteous covenant.

5:7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be
called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold,
this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts
are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him
and have become his sons and his daughters.

5:8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head
whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby
salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the
name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God
that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.

5:9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found
at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is
called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.

5:10 And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon
him the name of Christ must be called by some other name; therefore, he
findeth himself on the left hand of God.

5:11 And I would that ye should remember also, that this is the name
that I said I should give unto you that never should be blotted out,
except it be through transgression; therefore, take heed that ye do not
transgress, that the name be not blotted out of your hearts.

5:12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name
written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand
of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be
called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.

5:13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who
is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his
heart?

5:14 And again, doth a man take an ass which belongeth to his neighbor,
and keep him? I say unto you, Nay; he will not even suffer that he
shall feed among his flocks, but will drive him away, and cast him out.
I say unto you, that even so shall it be among you if ye know not the
name by which ye are called.

5:15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable,
always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent,
may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have
everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power,
and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in
earth, who is God above all. Amen.

Mosiah Chapter 6

6:1 And now, king Benjamin thought it was expedient, after having
finished speaking to the people, that he should take the names of all
those who had entered into a covenant with God to keep his
commandments.

6:2 And it came to pass that there was not one soul, except it were
little children, but who had entered into the covenant and had taken
upon them the name of Christ.

6:3 And again, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end
of all these things, and had consecrated his son Mosiah to be a ruler
and a king over his people, and had given him all the charges
concerning the kingdom, and also had appointed priests to teach the
people, that thereby they might hear and know the commandments of God,
and to stir them up in remembrance of the oath which they had made, he
dismissed the multitude, and they returned, every one, according to
their families, to their own houses.

6:4 And Mosiah began to reign in his father’s stead. And he began to
reign in the thirtieth year of his age, making in the whole, about four
hundred and seventy-six years from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem.

6:5 And king Benjamin lived three years and he died.

6:6 And it came to pass that king Mosiah did walk in the ways of the
Lord, and did observe his judgments and his statutes, and did keep his
commandments in all things whatsoever he commanded him.

6:7 And king Mosiah did cause his people that they should till the
earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth, that thereby he might
not become burdensome to his people, that he might do according to that
which his father had done in all things. And there was no contention
among all his people for the space of three years.

Mosiah Chapter 7

7:1 And now, it came to pass that after king Mosiah had had continual
peace for the space of three years, he was desirous to know concerning
the people who went up to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi, or in the
city of Lehi-Nephi; for his people had heard nothing from them from the
time they left the land of Zarahemla; therefore, they wearied him with
their teasings.

7:2 And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted that sixteen of their
strong men might go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi to inquire concerning
their brethren.

7:3 And it came to pass that on the morrow they started to go up,
having with them one Ammon, he being a strong and mighty man, and a
descendant of Zarahemla; and he was also their leader.

7:4 And now, they knew not the course they should travel in the
wilderness to go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi; therefore they wandered
many days in the wilderness, even forty days did they wander.

7:5 And when they had wandered forty days they came to a hill, which is
north of the land of Shilom, and there they pitched their tents.

7:6 And Ammon took three of his brethren, and their names were Amaleki,
Helem, and Hem, and they went down into the land of Nephi.

7:7 And behold, they met the king of the people who were in the land of
Nephi, and in the land of Shilom; and they were surrounded by the
king’s guard, and were taken, and were bound, and were committed to
prison.

7:8 And it came to pass when they had been in prison two days they were
again brought before the king, and their bands were loosed; and they
stood before the king, and were permitted, or rather commanded, that
they should answer the questions which he should ask them.

7:9 And he said unto them: Behold, I am Limhi, the son of Noah, who was
the son of Zeniff, who came up out of the land of Zarahemla to inherit
this land, which was the land of their fathers, who was made a king by
the voice of the people.

7:10 And now, I desire to know the cause whereby ye were so bold as to
come near the walls of the city, when I, myself, was with my guards
without the gate?

7:11 And now, for this cause have I suffered that ye should be
preserved, that I might inquire of you, or else I should have caused
that my guards should have put you to death. Ye are permitted to speak.

7:12 And now, when Ammon saw that he was permitted to speak, he went
forth and bowed himself before the king; and rising again he said: O
king, I am very thankful before God this day that I am yet alive, and
am permitted to speak; and I will endeavor to speak with boldness;

7:13 For I am assured that if ye had known me ye would not have
suffered that I should have worn these bands. For I am Ammon, and am a
descendant of Zarahemla, and have come up out of the land of Zarahemla
to inquire concerning our brethren, whom Zeniff brought up out of that
land.

7:14 And now, it came to pass that after Limhi had heard the words of
Ammon, he was exceedingly glad, and said: Now, I know of a surety that
my brethren who were in the land of Zarahemla are yet alive. And now, I
will rejoice; and on the morrow I will cause that my people shall
rejoice also.

7:15 For behold, we are in bondage to the Lamanites, and are taxed with
a tax which is grievous to be borne. And now, behold, our brethren will
deliver us out of our bondage, or out of the hands of the Lamanites,
and we will be their slaves; for it is better that we be slaves to the
Nephites than to pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites.

7:16 And now, king Limhi commanded his guards that they should no more
bind Ammon nor his brethren, but caused that they should go to the hill
which was north of Shilom, and bring their brethren into the city, that
thereby they might eat, and drink, and rest themselves from the labors
of their journey; for they had suffered many things; they had suffered
hunger, thirst, and fatigue.

7:17 And now, it came to pass on the morrow that king Limhi sent a
proclamation among all his people, that thereby they might gather
themselves together to the temple to hear the words which he should
speak unto them.

7:18 And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves
together that he spake unto them in this wise, saying: O ye, my people,
lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time is at hand,
or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in subjection to our
enemies, notwithstanding our many strugglings, which have been in vain;
yet I trust there remaineth an effectual struggle to be made.

7:19 Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in
God, in that God who was the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and
also, that God who brought the children of Israel out of the land of
Egypt, and caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry
ground, and fed them with manna that they might not perish in the
wilderness; and many more things did he do for them.

7:20 And again, that same God has brought our fathers out of the land
of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people even until now; and
behold, it is because of our iniquities and abominations that he has
brought us into bondage.

7:21 And ye all are witnesses this day, that Zeniff, who was made king
over this people, he being over-zealous to inherit the land of his
fathers, therefore being deceived by the cunning and craftiness of king
Laman, who having entered into a treaty with king Zeniff, and having
yielded up into his hands the possessions of a part of the land, or
even the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom; and the land round
about—

7:22 And all this he did, for the sole purpose of bringing this people
into subjection or into bondage. And behold, we at this time do pay
tribute to the king of the Lamanites, to the amount of one half of our
corn, and our barley, and even all our grain of every kind, and one
half of the increase of our flocks and our herds; and even one half of
all we have or possess the king of the Lamanites doth exact of us, or
our lives.

7:23 And now, is not this grievous to be borne? And is not this, our
affliction, great? Now behold, how great reason we have to mourn.

7:24 Yea, I say unto you, great are the reasons which we have to mourn;
for behold how many of our brethren have been slain, and their blood
has been spilt in vain, and all because of iniquity.

7:25 For if this people had not fallen into transgression the Lord
would not have suffered that this great evil should come upon them. But
behold, they would not hearken unto his words; but there arose
contentions among them, even so much that they did shed blood among
themselves.

7:26 And a prophet of the Lord have they slain; yea, a chosen man of
God, who told them of their wickedness and abominations, and prophesied
of many things which are to come, yea, even the coming of Christ.

7:27 And because he said unto them that Christ was the God, the Father
of all things, and said that he should take upon him the image of man,
and it should be the image after which man was created in the
beginning; or in other words, he said that man was created after the
image of God, and that God should come down among the children of men,
and take upon him flesh and blood, and go forth upon the face of the
earth—

7:28 And now, because he said this, they did put him to death; and many
more things did they do which brought down the wrath of God upon them.
Therefore, who wondereth that they are in bondage, and that they are
smitten with sore afflictions?

7:29 For behold, the Lord hath said: I will not succor my people in the
day of their transgression; but I will hedge up their ways that they
prosper not; and their doings shall be as a stumbling block before
them.

7:30 And again, he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall
reap the chaff thereof in the whirlwind; and the effect thereof is
poison.

7:31 And again he saith: If my people shall sow filthiness they shall
reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction.

7:32 And now, behold, the promise of the Lord is fulfilled, and ye are
smitten and afflicted.

7:33 But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and
put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye
do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you
out of bondage.

Mosiah Chapter 8

8:1 And it came to pass that after king Limhi had made an end of
speaking to his people, for he spake many things unto them and only a
few of them have I written in this book, he told his people all the
things concerning their brethren who were in the land of Zarahemla.

8:2 And he caused that Ammon should stand up before the multitude, and
rehearse unto them all that had happened unto their brethren from the
time that Zeniff went up out of the land even until the time that he
himself came up out of the land.

8:3 And he also rehearsed unto them the last words which king Benjamin
had taught them, and explained them to the people of king Limhi, so
that they might understand all the words which he spake.

8:4 And it came to pass that after he had done all this, that king
Limhi dismissed the multitude, and caused that they should return every
one unto his own house.

8:5 And it came to pass that he caused that the plates which contained
the record of his people from the time that they left the land of
Zarahemla, should be brought before Ammon, that he might read them.

8:6 Now, as soon as Ammon had read the record, the king inquired of him
to know if he could interpret languages, and Ammon told him that he
could not.

8:7 And the king said unto him: Being grieved for the afflictions of my
people, I caused that forty and three of my people should take a
journey into the wilderness, that thereby they might find the land of
Zarahemla, that we might appeal unto our brethren to deliver us out of
bondage.

8:8 And they were lost in the wilderness for the space of many days,
yet they were diligent, and found not the land of Zarahemla but
returned to this land, having traveled in a land among many waters,
having discovered a land which was covered with bones of men, and of
beasts, and was also covered with ruins of buildings of every kind,
having discovered a land which had been peopled with a people who were
as numerous as the hosts of Israel.

8:9 And for a testimony that the things that they had said are true
they have brought twenty-four plates which are filled with engravings,
and they are of pure gold.

8:10 And behold, also, they have brought breastplates, which are large,
and they are of brass and of copper, and are perfectly sound.

8:11 And again, they have brought swords, the hilts thereof have
perished, and the blades thereof were cankered with rust; and there is
no one in the land that is able to interpret the language or the
engravings that are on the plates. Therefore I said unto thee: Canst
thou translate?

8:12 And I say unto thee again: Knowest thou of any one that can
translate? For I am desirous that these records should be translated
into our language; for, perhaps, they will give us a knowledge of a
remnant of the people who have been destroyed, from whence these
records came; or, perhaps, they will give us a knowledge of this very
people who have been destroyed; and I am desirous to know the cause of
their destruction.

8:13 Now Ammon said unto him: I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a
man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can
look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a
gift from God. And the things are called interpreters, and no man can
look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he
ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in
them, the same is called seer.

8:14 And behold, the king of the people who are in the land of
Zarahemla is the man that is commanded to do these things, and who has
this high gift from God.

8:15 And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.

8:16 And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and
a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the
power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given
him from God.

8:17 But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things
which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or,
rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall
come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by
them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could
not be known.

8:18 Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work
mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow
beings.

8:19 And now, when Ammon had made an end of speaking these words the
king rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God, saying: Doubtless a
great mystery is contained within these plates, and these interpreters
were doubtless prepared for the purpose of unfolding all such mysteries
to the children of men.

8:20 O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he
suffer with his people; yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the
understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom,
neither do they desire that she should rule over them!

8:21 Yea, they are as a wild flock which fleeth from the shepherd, and
scattereth, and are driven, and are devoured by the beasts of the
forest.

Mosiah Chapter 9

9:1 I, Zeniff, having been taught in all the language of the Nephites,
and having had a knowledge of the land of Nephi, or of the land of our
fathers’ first inheritance, and having been sent as a spy among the
Lamanites that I might spy out their forces, that our army might come
upon them and destroy them—but when I saw that which was good among
them I was desirous that they should not be destroyed.

9:2 Therefore, I contended with my brethren in the wilderness for I
would that our ruler should make a treaty with them; but he being an
austere and a bloodthirsty man commanded that I should be slain; but I
was rescued by the shedding of much blood; for father fought against
father, and brother against brother, until the greater number of our
army was destroyed in the wilderness; and we returned, those of us that
were spared, to the land of Zarahemla, to relate that tale to their
wives and their children.

9:3 And yet, I being over-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers,
collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and
started again on our journey into the wilderness to go up to the land;
but we were smitten with famine and sore afflictions; for we were slow
to remember the Lord our God.

9:4 Nevertheless, after many days’ wandering in the wilderness we
pitched our tents in the place where our brethren were slain, which was
near to the land of our fathers.

9:5 And it came to pass that I went again with four of my men into the
city, in unto the king, that I might know of the disposition of the
king, and that I might know if I might go in with my people and possess
the land in peace.

9:6 And I went in unto the king, and he covenanted with me that I might
possess the land of Lehi-Nephi, and the land of Shilom.

9:7 And he also commanded that his people should depart out of the
land, and I and my people went into the land that we might possess it.

9:8 And we began to build buildings, and to repair the walls of the
city, yea, even the walls of the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of
Shilom.

9:9 And we began to till the ground, yea, even with all manner of
seeds, with seeds of corn, and of wheat, and of barley, and with neas,
and with sheum, and with seeds of all manner of fruits; and we did
begin to multiply and prosper in the land.

9:10 Now it was the cunning and the craftiness of king Laman, to bring
my people into bondage, that he yielded up the land that we might
possess it.

9:11 Therefore it came to pass, that after we had dwelt in the land for
the space of twelve years that king Laman began to grow uneasy, lest by
any means my people should wax strong in the land, and that they could
not overpower them and bring them into bondage.

9:12 Now they were a lazy and an idolatrous people; therefore they were
desirous to bring us into bondage, that they might glut themselves with
the labors of our hands; yea, that they might feast themselves upon the
flocks of our fields.

9:13 Therefore it came to pass that king Laman began to stir up his
people that they should contend with my people; therefore there began
to be wars and contentions in the land.

9:14 For, in the thirteenth year of my reign in the land of Nephi, away
on the south of the land of Shilom, when my people were watering and
feeding their flocks, and tilling their lands, a numerous host of
Lamanites came upon them and began to slay them, and to take off their
flocks, and the corn of their fields.

9:15 Yea, and it came to pass that they fled, all that were not
overtaken, even into the city of Nephi, and did call upon me for
protection.

9:16 And it came to pass that I did arm them with bows, and with
arrows, with swords, and with cimeters, and with clubs, and with
slings, and with all manner of weapons which we could invent, and I and
my people did go forth against the Lamanites to battle.

9:17 Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to battle against
the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry mightily to the Lord that he
would deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, for we were awakened
to a remembrance of the deliverance of our fathers.

9:18 And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers; and we did
go forth in his might; yea, we did go forth against the Lamanites, and
in one day and a night we did slay three thousand and forty-three; we
did slay them even until we had driven them out of our land.

9:19 And I, myself, with mine own hands, did help to bury their dead.
And behold, to our great sorrow and lamentation, two hundred and
seventy-nine of our brethren were slain.

Mosiah Chapter 10

10:1 And it came to pass that we again began to establish the kingdom
and we again began to possess the land in peace. And I caused that
there should be weapons of war made of every kind, that thereby I might
have weapons for my people against the time the Lamanites should come
up again to war against my people.

10:2 And I set guards round about the land, that the Lamanites might
not come upon us again unawares and destroy us; and thus I did guard my
people and my flocks, and keep them from falling into the hands of our
enemies.

10:3 And it came to pass that we did inherit the land of our fathers
for many years, yea, for the space of twenty and two years.

10:4 And I did cause that the men should till the ground, and raise all
manner of grain and all manner of fruit of every kind.

10:5 And I did cause that the women should spin, and toil, and work,
and work all manner of fine linen, yea, and cloth of every kind, that
we might clothe our nakedness; and thus we did prosper in the land—thus
we did have continual peace in the land for the space of twenty and two
years.

10:6 And it came to pass that king Laman died, and his son began to
reign in his stead. And he began to stir his people up in rebellion
against my people; therefore they began to prepare for war, and to come
up to battle against my people.

10:7 But I had sent my spies out round about the land of Shemlon, that
I might discover their preparations, that I might guard against them,
that they might not come upon my people and destroy them.

10:8 And it came to pass that they came up upon the north of the land
of Shilom, with their numerous hosts, men armed with bows, and with
arrows, and with swords, and with cimeters, and with stones, and with
slings; and they had their heads shaved that they were naked; and they
were girded with a leathern girdle about their loins.

10:9 And it came to pass that I caused that the women and children of
my people should be hid in the wilderness; and I also caused that all
my old men that could bear arms, and also all my young men that were
able to bear arms, should gather themselves together to go to battle
against the Lamanites; and I did place them in their ranks, every man
according to his age.

10:10 And it came to pass that we did go up to battle against the
Lamanites; and I, even I, in my old age, did go up to battle against
the Lamanites. And it came to pass that we did go up in the strength of
the Lord to battle.

10:11 Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the
strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength.
Yet they were a strong people, as to the strength of men.

10:12 They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people,
believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing
that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the
iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the
wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing
the sea;

10:13 And again, that they were wronged while in the land of their
first inheritance, after they had crossed the sea, and all this because
that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the
Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his
prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the
wilderness.

10:14 And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not
the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters
because they hardened their hearts against the Lord.

10:15 And again, they were wroth with him when they had arrived in the
promised land, because they said that he had taken the ruling of the
people out of their hands; and they sought to kill him.

10:16 And again, they were wroth with him because he departed into the
wilderness as the Lord had commanded him, and took the records which
were engraven on the plates of brass, for they said that he robbed
them.

10:17 And thus they have taught their children that they should hate
them, and that they should murder them, and that they should rob and
plunder them, and do all they could to destroy them; therefore they
have an eternal hatred towards the children of Nephi.

10:18 For this very cause has king Laman, by his cunning, and lying
craftiness, and his fair promises, deceived me, that I have brought
this my people up into this land, that they may destroy them; yea, and
we have suffered these many years in the land.

10:19 And now I, Zeniff, after having told all these things unto my
people concerning the Lamanites, I did stimulate them to go to battle
with their might, putting their trust in the Lord; therefore, we did
contend with them, face to face.

10:20 And it came to pass that we did drive them again out of our land;
and we slew them with a great slaughter, even so many that we did not
number them.

10:21 And it came to pass that we returned again to our own land, and
my people again began to tend their flocks, and to till their ground.

10:22 And now I, being old, did confer the kingdom upon one of my sons;
therefore, I say no more. And may the Lord bless my people. Amen.

Mosiah Chapter 11

11:1 And now it came to pass that Zeniff conferred the kingdom upon
Noah, one of his sons; therefore Noah began to reign in his stead; and
he did not walk in the ways of his father.

11:2 For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God, but he did
walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had many wives and
concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that
which was abominable in the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit
whoredoms and all manner of wickedness.

11:3 And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all they possessed, a fifth
part of their gold and of their silver, and a fifth part of their ziff,
and of their copper, and of their brass and their iron; and a fifth
part of their fatlings; and also a fifth part of all their grain.

11:4 And all this did he take to support himself, and his wives and his
concubines; and also his priests, and their wives and their concubines;
thus he had changed the affairs of the kingdom.

11:5 For he put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his
father, and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up
in the pride of their hearts.

11:6 Yea, and thus they were supported in their laziness, and in their
idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the taxes which king Noah had put
upon his people; thus did the people labor exceedingly to support
iniquity.

11:7 Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived
by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did
speak flattering things unto them.

11:8 And it came to pass that king Noah built many elegant and spacious
buildings; and he ornamented them with fine work of wood, and of all
manner of precious things, of gold, and of silver, and of iron, and of
brass, and of ziff, and of copper;

11:9 And he also built him a spacious palace, and a throne in the midst
thereof, all of which was of fine wood and was ornamented with gold and
silver and with precious things.

11:10 And he also caused that his workmen should work all manner of
fine work within the walls of the temple, of fine wood, and of copper,
and of brass.

11:11 And the seats which were set apart for the high priests, which
were above all the other seats, he did ornament with pure gold; and he
caused a breastwork to be built before them, that they might rest their
bodies and their arms upon while they should speak lying and vain words
to his people.

11:12 And it came to pass that he built a tower near the temple; yea, a
very high tower, even so high that he could stand upon the top thereof
and overlook the land of Shilom, and also the land of Shemlon, which
was possessed by the Lamanites; and he could even look over all the
land round about.

11:13 And it came to pass that he caused many buildings to be built in
the land Shilom; and he caused a great tower to be built on the hill
north of the land Shilom, which had been a resort for the children of
Nephi at the time they fled out of the land; and thus he did do with
the riches which he obtained by the taxation of his people.

11:14 And it came to pass that he placed his heart upon his riches, and
he spent his time in riotous living with his wives and his concubines;
and so did also his priests spend their time with harlots.

11:15 And it came to pass that he planted vineyards round about in the
land; and he built wine-presses, and made wine in abundance; and
therefore he became a wine-bibber, and also his people.

11:16 And it came to pass that the Lamanites began to come in upon his
people, upon small numbers, and to slay them in their fields, and while
they were tending their flocks.

11:17 And king Noah sent guards round about the land to keep them off;
but he did not send a sufficient number, and the Lamanites came upon
them and killed them, and drove many of their flocks out of the land;
thus the Lamanites began to destroy them, and to exercise their hatred
upon them.

11:18 And it came to pass that king Noah sent his armies against them,
and they were driven back, or they drove them back for a time;
therefore, they returned rejoicing in their spoil.

11:19 And now, because of this great victory they were lifted up in the
pride of their hearts; they did boast in their own strength, saying
that their fifty could stand against thousands of the Lamanites; and
thus they did boast, and did delight in blood, and the shedding of the
blood of their brethren, and this because of the wickedness of their
king and priests.

11:20 And it came to pass that there was a man among them whose name
was Abinadi; and he went forth among them, and began to prophesy,
saying: Behold, thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me,
saying, Go forth, and say unto this people, thus saith the Lord—Wo be
unto this people, for I have seen their abominations, and their
wickedness, and their whoredoms; and except they repent I will visit
them in mine anger.

11:21 And except they repent and turn to the Lord their God, behold, I
will deliver them into the hands of their enemies; yea, and they shall
be brought into bondage; and they shall be afflicted by the hand of
their enemies.

11:22 And it shall come to pass that they shall know that I am the Lord
their God, and am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of my people.

11:23 And it shall come to pass that except this people repent and turn
unto the Lord their God, they shall be brought into bondage; and none
shall deliver them, except it be the Lord the Almighty God.

11:24 Yea, and it shall come to pass that when they shall cry unto me I
will be slow to hear their cries; yea, and I will suffer them that they
be smitten by their enemies.

11:25 And except they repent in sackcloth and ashes, and cry mightily
to the Lord their God, I will not hear their prayers, neither will I
deliver them out of their afflictions; and thus saith the Lord, and
thus hath he commanded me.

11:26 Now it came to pass that when Abinadi had spoken these words unto
them they were wroth with him, and sought to take away his life; but
the Lord delivered him out of their hands.

11:27 Now when king Noah had heard of the words which Abinadi had
spoken unto the people, he was also wroth; and he said: Who is Abinadi,
that I and my people should be judged of him, or who is the Lord, that
shall bring upon my people such great affliction?

11:28 I command you to bring Abinadi hither, that I may slay him, for
he has said these things that he might stir up my people to anger one
with another, and to raise contentions among my people; therefore I
will slay him.

11:29 Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened
their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that
time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the
word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings.

Mosiah Chapter 12

12:1 And it came to pass that after the space of two years that Abinadi
came among them in disguise, that they knew him not, and began to
prophesy among them, saying: Thus has the Lord commanded me,
saying—Abinadi, go and prophesy unto this my people, for they have
hardened their hearts against my words; they have repented not of their
evil doings; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea, in my
fierce anger will I visit them in their iniquities and abominations.

12:2 Yea, wo be unto this generation! And the Lord said unto me:
Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy saying: Thus saith the Lord, it
shall come to pass that this generation, because of their iniquities,
shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea,
and shall be driven by men, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the
air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh.

12:3 And it shall come to pass that the life of king Noah shall be
valued even as a garment in a hot furnace; for he shall know that I am
the Lord.

12:4 And it shall come to pass that I will smite this my people with
sore afflictions, yea, with famine and with pestilence; and I will
cause that they shall howl all the day long.

12:5 Yea, and I will cause that they shall have burdens lashed upon
their backs; and they shall be driven before like a dumb ass.

12:6 And it shall come to pass that I will send forth hail among them,
and it shall smite them; and they shall also be smitten with the east
wind; and insects shall pester their land also, and devour their grain.

12:7 And they shall be smitten with a great pestilence—and all this
will I do because of their iniquities and abominations.

12:8 And it shall come to pass that except they repent I will utterly
destroy them from off the face of the earth; yet they shall leave a
record behind them, and I will preserve them for other nations which
shall possess the land; yea, even this will I do that I may discover
the abominations of this people to other nations. And many things did
Abinadi prophesy against this people.

12:9 And it came to pass that they were angry with him; and they took
him and carried him bound before the king, and said unto the king:
Behold, we have brought a man before thee who has prophesied evil
concerning thy people, and saith that God will destroy them.

12:10 And he also prophesieth evil concerning thy life, and saith that
thy life shall be as a garment in a furnace of fire.

12:11 And again, he saith that thou shalt be as a stalk, even as a dry
stalk of the field, which is run over by the beasts and trodden under
foot.

12:12 And again, he saith thou shalt be as the blossoms of a thistle,
which, when it is fully ripe, if the wind bloweth, it is driven forth
upon the face of the land. And he pretendeth the Lord hath spoken it.
And he saith all this shall come upon thee except thou repent, and this
because of thine iniquities.

12:13 And now, O king, what great evil hast thou done, or what great
sins have thy people committed, that we should be condemned of God or
judged of this man?

12:14 And now, O king, behold, we are guiltless, and thou, O king, hast
not sinned; therefore, this man has lied concerning you, and he has
prophesied in vain.

12:15 And behold, we are strong, we shall not come into bondage, or be
taken captive by our enemies; yea, and thou hast prospered in the land,
and thou shalt also prosper.

12:16 Behold, here is the man, we deliver him into thy hands; thou
mayest do with him as seemeth thee good.

12:17 And it came to pass that king Noah caused that Abinadi should be
cast into prison; and he commanded that the priests should gather
themselves together that he might hold a council with them what he
should do with him.

12:18 And it came to pass that they said unto the king: Bring him
hither that we may question him; and the king commanded that he should
be brought before them.

12:19 And they began to question him, that they might cross him, that
thereby they might have wherewith to accuse him; but he answered them
boldly, and withstood all their questions, yea, to their astonishment;
for he did withstand them in all their questions, and did confound them
in all their words.

12:20 And it came to pass that one of them said unto him: What meaneth
the words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers,
saying:

12:21 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that
bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good
tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy
God reigneth;

12:22 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together
shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall
bring again Zion;

12:23 Break forth into joy; sing together ye waste places of Jerusalem;
for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem;

12:24 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the
nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our
God?

12:25 And now Abinadi said unto them: Are you priests, and pretend to
teach this people, and to understand the spirit of prophesying, and yet
desire to know of me what these things mean?

12:26 I say unto you, wo be unto you for perverting the ways of the
Lord! For if ye understand these things ye have not taught them;
therefore, ye have perverted the ways of the Lord.

12:27 Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye
have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?

12:28 And they said: We teach the law of Moses.

12:29 And again he said unto them: If ye teach the law of Moses why do
ye not keep it? Why do ye set your hearts upon riches? Why do ye commit
whoredoms and spend your strength with harlots, yea, and cause this
people to commit sin, that the Lord has cause to send me to prophesy
against this people, yea, even a great evil against this people?

12:30 Know ye not that I speak the truth? Yea, ye know that I speak the
truth; and you ought to tremble before God.

12:31 And it shall come to pass that ye shall be smitten for your
iniquities, for ye have said that ye teach the law of Moses. And what
know ye concerning the law of Moses? Doth salvation come by the law of
Moses? What say ye?

12:32 And they answered and said that salvation did come by the law of
Moses.

12:33 But now Abinadi said unto them: I know if ye keep the
commandments of God ye shall be saved; yea, if ye keep the commandments
which the Lord delivered unto Moses in the mount of Sinai, saying:

12:34 I am the Lord thy God, who hath brought thee out of the land of
Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

12:35 Thou shalt have no other God before me.

12:36 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness
of any thing in heaven above, or things which are in the earth beneath.

12:37 Now Abinadi said unto them, Have ye done all this? I say unto
you, Nay, ye have not. And have ye taught this people that they should
do all these things? I say unto you, Nay, ye have not.

Mosiah Chapter 13

13:1 And now when the king had heard these words, he said unto his
priests: Away with this fellow, and slay him; for what have we to do
with him, for he is mad.

13:2 And they stood forth and attempted to lay their hands on him; but
he withstood them, and said unto them:

13:3 Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon
me, for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to
deliver; neither have I told you that which ye requested that I should
tell; therefore, God will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this
time.

13:4 But I must fulfil the commandments wherewith God has commanded me;
and because I have told you the truth ye are angry with me. And again,
because I have spoken the word of God ye have judged me that I am mad.

13:5 Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words that the
people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit of
the Lord was upon him; and his face shone with exceeding luster, even
as Moses’ did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with the
Lord.

13:6 And he spake with power and authority from God; and he continued
his words, saying:

13:7 Ye see that ye have not power to slay me, therefore I finish my
message. Yea, and I perceive that it cuts you to your hearts because I
tell you the truth concerning your iniquities.

13:8 Yea, and my words fill you with wonder and amazement, and with
anger.

13:9 But I finish my message; and then it matters not whither I go, if
it so be that I am saved.

13:10 But this much I tell you, what you do with me, after this, shall
be as a type and a shadow of things which are to come.

13:11 And now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of God,
for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts; I perceive
that ye have studied and taught iniquity the most part of your lives.

13:12 And now, ye remember that I said unto you: Thou shall not make
unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of things which are in
heaven above, or which are in the earth beneath, or which are in the
water under the earth.

13:13 And again: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve
them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities
of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generations
of them that hate me;

13:14 And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my
commandments.

13:15 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the
Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

13:16 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

13:17 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work;

13:18 But the seventh day, the sabbath of the Lord thy God, thou shalt
not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant,
nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within
thy gates;

13:19 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and the sea, and
all that in them is; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and
hallowed it.

13:20 Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon
the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

13:21 Thou shalt not kill.

13:22 Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal.

13:23 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

13:24 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet
thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his
ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.

13:25 And it came to pass that after Abinadi had made an end of these
sayings that he said unto them: Have ye taught this people that they
should observe to do all these things for to keep these commandments?

13:26 I say unto you, Nay; for if ye had, the Lord would not have
caused me to come forth and to prophesy evil concerning this people.

13:27 And now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of Moses. I
say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses
as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no
more be expedient to keep the law of Moses.

13:28 And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the
law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall
make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must
unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.

13:29 And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be
a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for
they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to
remember the Lord their God;

13:30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances
and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day
to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.

13:31 But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of
things to come.

13:32 And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they
did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of
their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be
saved except it were through the redemption of God.

13:33 For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the
coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and
even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world
began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?

13:34 Have they not said that God himself should come down among the
children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in
mighty power upon the face of the earth?

13:35 Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the
resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and
afflicted?

Mosiah Chapter 14

14:1 Yea, even doth not Isaiah say: Who hath believed our report, and
to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

14:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root
out of dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall
see him there is no beauty that we should desire him.

14:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and
acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was
despised, and we esteemed him not.

14:4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we
did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

14:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our
iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his
stripes we are healed.

14:6 All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to
his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.

14:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his
mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before
her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth.

14:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment; and who shall declare
his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for
the transgressions of my people was he stricken.

14:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his
death; because he had done no evil, neither was any deceit in his
mouth.

14:10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief;
when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his
seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall
prosper in his hand.

14:11 He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by
his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall
bear their iniquities.

14:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he
shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his
soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he
bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Mosiah Chapter 15

15:1 And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand
that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall
redeem his people.

15:2 And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of
God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being
the Father and the Son—

15:3 The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the
Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son—

15:4 And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and
of earth.

15:5 And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to
the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to
the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and
cast out, and disowned by his people.

15:6 And after all this, after working many mighty miracles among the
children of men, he shall be led, yea, even as Isaiah said, as a sheep
before the shearer is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.

15:7 Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh
becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed
up in the will of the Father.

15:8 And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the
victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the
children of men—

15:9 Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being
filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt
them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself
their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and
satisfied the demands of justice.

15:10 And now I say unto you, who shall declare his generation? Behold,
I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he
shall see his seed. And now what say ye? And who shall be his seed?

15:11 Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the
prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the
coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened
unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people,
and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I
say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are heirs of the kingdom
of God.

15:12 For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for
whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now,
are they not his seed?

15:13 Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his
mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression, I mean all
the holy prophets ever since the world began? I say unto you that they
are his seed.

15:14 And these are they who have published peace, who have brought
good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion:
Thy God reigneth!

15:15 And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!

15:16 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those
that are still publishing peace!

15:17 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those
who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and
forever!

15:18 And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful
upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that
is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his
people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people;

15:19 For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his
people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto
you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished.

15:20 But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son
reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, he bringeth to pass
the resurrection of the dead.

15:21 And there cometh a resurrection, even a first resurrection; yea,
even a resurrection of those that have been, and who are, and who shall
be, even until the resurrection of Christ—for so shall he be called.

15:22 And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and all those that
have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the
commandments of God, shall come forth in the first resurrection;
therefore, they are the first resurrection.

15:23 They are raised to dwell with God who has redeemed them; thus
they have eternal life through Christ, who has broken the bands of
death.

15:24 And these are those who have part in the first resurrection; and
these are they that have died before Christ came, in their ignorance,
not having salvation declared unto them. And thus the Lord bringeth
about the restoration of these; and they have a part in the first
resurrection, or have eternal life, being redeemed by the Lord.

15:25 And little children also have eternal life.

15:26 But behold, and fear, and tremble before God, for ye ought to
tremble; for the Lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and
die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins
ever since the world began, that have wilfully rebelled against God,
that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these
are they that have no part in the first resurrection.

15:27 Therefore ought ye not to tremble? For salvation cometh to none
such; for the Lord hath redeemed none such; yea, neither can the Lord
redeem such; for he cannot deny himself; for he cannot deny justice
when it has its claim.

15:28 And now I say unto you that the time shall come that the
salvation of the Lord shall be declared to every nation, kindred,
tongue, and people.

15:29 Yea, Lord, thy watchmen shall lift up their voice; with the voice
together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord
shall bring again Zion.

15:30 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of
Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed
Jerusalem.

15:31 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the
nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our
God.

Mosiah Chapter 16

16:1 And now, it came to pass that after Abinadi had spoken these words
he stretched forth his hand and said: The time shall come when all
shall see the salvation of the Lord; when every nation, kindred,
tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before God
that his judgments are just.

16:2 And then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall have cause
to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because
they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord; therefore the Lord
redeemeth them not.

16:3 For they are carnal and devilish, and the devil has power over
them; yea, even that old serpent that did beguile our first parents,
which was the cause of their fall; which was the cause of all mankind
becoming carnal, sensual, devilish, knowing evil from good, subjecting
themselves to the devil.

16:4 Thus all mankind were lost; and behold, they would have been
endlessly lost were it not that God redeemed his people from their lost
and fallen state.

16:5 But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and
goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his
fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore, he is as
though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is
the devil an enemy to God.

16:6 And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking of things
to come as though they had already come, there could have been no
redemption.

16:7 And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the
bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death
should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.

16:8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory,
and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.

16:9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is
endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is
endless, that there can be no more death.

16:10 Even this mortal shall put on immortality, and this corruption
shall put on incorruption, and shall be brought to stand before the bar
of God, to be judged of him according to their works whether they be
good or whether they be evil—

16:11 If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and
happiness; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless
damnation, being delivered up to the devil, who hath subjected them,
which is damnation—

16:12 Having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires;
having never called upon the Lord while the arms of mercy were extended
towards them; for the arms of mercy were extended towards them, and
they would not; they being warned of their iniquities and yet they
would not depart from them; and they were commanded to repent and yet
they would not repent.

16:13 And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and
remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved?

16:14 Therefore, if ye teach the law of Moses, also teach that it is a
shadow of those things which are to come—

16:15 Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is
the very Eternal Father. Amen.

Mosiah Chapter 17

17:1 And now it came to pass that when Abinadi had finished these
sayings, that the king commanded that the priests should take him and
cause that he should be put to death.

17:2 But there was one among them whose name was Alma, he also being a
descendant of Nephi. And he was a young man, and he believed the words
which Abinadi had spoken, for he knew concerning the iniquity which
Abinadi has testified against them; therefore he began to plead with
the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he
might depart in peace.

17:3 But the king was more wroth, and caused that Alma should be cast
out from among them, and sent his servants after him that they might
slay him.

17:4 But he fled from before them and hid himself that they found him
not. And he being concealed for many days did write all the words which
Abinadi had spoken.

17:5 And it came to pass that the king caused that his guards should
surround Abinadi and take him; and they bound him and cast him into
prison.

17:6 And after three days, having counseled with his priests, he caused
that he should again be brought before him.

17:7 And he said unto him: Abinadi, we have found an accusation against
thee, and thou art worthy of death.

17:8 For thou hast said that God himself should come down among the
children of men; and now, for this cause thou shalt be put to death
unless thou wilt recall all the words which thou hast spoken evil
concerning me and my people.

17:9 Now Abinadi said unto him: I say unto you, I will not recall the
words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are
true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that
I have fallen into your hands.

17:10 Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my
words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay
me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a
testimony against you at the last day.

17:11 And now king Noah was about to release him, for he feared his
word; for he feared that the judgments of God would come upon him.

17:12 But the priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to
accuse him, saying: He has reviled the king. Therefore the king was
stirred up in anger against him, and he delivered him up that he might
be slain.

17:13 And it came to pass that they took him and bound him, and
scourged his skin with faggots, yea, even unto death.

17:14 And now when the flames began to scorch him, he cried unto them,
saying:

17:15 Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass
that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer the pains that I do
suffer, even the pains of death by fire; and this because they believe
in the salvation of the Lord their God.

17:16 And it will come to pass that ye shall be afflicted with all
manner of diseases because of your iniquities.

17:17 Yea, and ye shall be smitten on every hand, and shall be driven
and scattered to and fro, even as a wild flock is driven by wild and
ferocious beasts.

17:18 And in that day ye shall be hunted, and ye shall be taken by the
hand of your enemies, and then ye shall suffer, as I suffer, the pains
of death by fire.

17:19 Thus God executeth vengeance upon those that destroy his people.
O God, receive my soul.

17:20 And now, when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having
suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would
not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words
by his death.

Mosiah Chapter 18

18:1 And now, it came to pass that Alma, who had fled from the servants
of king Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about
privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi—

18:2 Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the
resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was
to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of
Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

18:3 And as many as would hear his word he did teach. And he taught
them privately, that it might not come to the knowledge of the king.
And many did believe his words.

18:4 And it came to pass that as many as did believe him did go forth
to a place which was called Mormon, having received its name from the
king, being in the borders of the land having been infested, by times
or at seasons, by wild beasts.

18:5 Now, there was in Mormon a fountain of pure water, and Alma
resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket of small trees,
where he did hide himself in the daytime from the searches of the king.

18:6 And it came to pass that as many as believed him went thither to
hear his words.

18:7 And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number
gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma.
Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him.
And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and
redemption, and faith on the Lord.

18:8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the
waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are
desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and
are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

18:9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and
comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses
of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be
in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered
with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

18:10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what
have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness
before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will
serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit
more abundantly upon you?

18:11 And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their
hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts.

18:12 And now it came to pass that Alma took Helam, he being one of the
first, and went and stood forth in the water, and cried, saying: O
Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work
with holiness of heart.

18:13 And when he had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord was upon
him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the
Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to
serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit
of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal
life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the
foundation of the world.

18:14 And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were
buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water
rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit.

18:15 And again, Alma took another, and went forth a second time into
the water, and baptized him according to the first, only he did not
bury himself again in the water.

18:16 And after this manner he did baptize every one that went forth to
the place of Mormon; and they were in number about two hundred and four
souls; yea, and they were baptized in the waters of Mormon, and were
filled with the grace of God.

18:17 And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ,
from that time forward. And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized
by the power and authority of God was added to his church.

18:18 And it came to pass that Alma, having authority from God,
ordained priests; even one priest to every fifty of their number did he
ordain to preach unto them, and to teach them concerning the things
pertaining to the kingdom of God.

18:19 And he commanded them that they should teach nothing save it were
the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth
of the holy prophets.

18:20 Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save
it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people.

18:21 And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with
another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one
faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and
in love one towards another.

18:22 And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the
children of God.

18:23 And he commanded them that they should observe the sabbath day,
and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the
Lord their God.

18:24 And he also commanded them that the priests whom he had ordained
should labor with their own hands for their support.

18:25 And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they
should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship
the Lord their God, and also, as often as it was in their power, to
assemble themselves together.

18:26 And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their
support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God,
that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God,
that they might teach with power and authority from God.

18:27 And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should
impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had; if
he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him
that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had
not should be given.

18:28 And thus they should impart of their substance of their own free
will and good desires towards God, and to those priests that stood in
need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul.

18:29 And this he said unto them, having been commanded of God; and
they did walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another both
temporally and spiritually according to their needs and their wants.

18:30 And now it came to pass that all this was done in Mormon, yea, by
the waters of Mormon, in the forest that was near the waters of Mormon;
yea, the place of Mormon, the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon,
how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there came to the
knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, and how blessed are they, for they
shall sing to his praise forever.

18:31 And these things were done in the borders of the land, that they
might not come to the knowledge of the king.

18:32 But behold, it came to pass that the king, having discovered a
movement among the people, sent his servants to watch them. Therefore
on the day that they were assembling themselves together to hear the
word of the Lord they were discovered unto the king.

18:33 And now the king said that Alma was stirring up the people to
rebellion against him; therefore he sent his army to destroy them.

18:34 And it came to pass that Alma and the people of the Lord were
apprised of the coming of the king’s army; therefore they took their
tents and their families and departed into the wilderness.

18:35 And they were in number about four hundred and fifty souls.

Mosiah Chapter 19

19:1 And it came to pass that the army of the king returned, having
searched in vain for the people of the Lord.

19:2 And now behold, the forces of the king were small, having been
reduced, and there began to be a division among the remainder of the
people.

19:3 And the lesser part began to breathe out threatenings against the
king, and there began to be a great contention among them.

19:4 And now there was a man among them whose name was Gideon, and he
being a strong man and an enemy to the king, therefore he drew his
sword, and swore in his wrath that he would slay the king.

19:5 And it came to pass that he fought with the king; and when the
king saw that he was about to overpower him, he fled and ran and got
upon the tower which was near the temple.

19:6 And Gideon pursued after him and was about to get upon the tower
to slay the king, and the king cast his eyes round about towards the
land of Shemlon, and behold, the army of the Lamanites were within the
borders of the land.

19:7 And now the king cried out in the anguish of his soul, saying:
Gideon, spare me, for the Lamanites are upon us, and they will destroy
us; yea, they will destroy my people.

19:8 And now the king was not so much concerned about his people as he
was about his own life; nevertheless, Gideon did spare his life.

19:9 And the king commanded the people that they should flee before the
Lamanites, and he himself did go before them, and they did flee into
the wilderness, with their women and their children.

19:10 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did pursue them, and did
overtake them, and began to slay them.

19:11 Now it came to pass that the king commanded them that all the men
should leave their wives and their children, and flee before the
Lamanites.

19:12 Now there were many that would not leave them, but had rather
stay and perish with them. And the rest left their wives and their
children and fled.

19:13 And it came to pass that those who tarried with their wives and
their children caused that their fair daughters should stand forth and
plead with the Lamanites that they would not slay them.

19:14 And it came to pass that the Lamanites had compassion on them,
for they were charmed with the beauty of their women.

19:15 Therefore the Lamanites did spare their lives, and took them
captives and carried them back to the land of Nephi, and granted unto
them that they might possess the land, under the conditions that they
would deliver up king Noah into the hands of the Lamanites, and deliver
up their property, even one half of all they possessed, one half of
their gold, and their silver, and all their precious things, and thus
they should pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites from year to year.

19:16 And now there was one of the sons of the king among those that
were taken captive, whose name was Limhi.

19:17 And now Limhi was desirous that his father should not be
destroyed; nevertheless, Limhi was not ignorant of the iniquities of
his father, he himself being a just man.

19:18 And it came to pass that Gideon sent men into the wilderness
secretly, to search for the king and those that were with him. And it
came to pass that they met the people in the wilderness, all save the
king and his priests.

19:19 Now they had sworn in their hearts that they would return to the
land of Nephi, and if their wives and their children were slain, and
also those that had tarried with them, that they would seek revenge,
and also perish with them.

19:20 And the king commanded them that they should not return; and they
were angry with the king, and caused that he should suffer, even unto
death by fire.

19:21 And they were about to take the priests also and put them to
death, and they fled before them.

19:22 And it came to pass that they were about to return to the land of
Nephi, and they met the men of Gideon. And the men of Gideon told them
of all that had happened to their wives and their children; and that
the Lamanites had granted unto them that they might possess the land by
paying a tribute to the Lamanites of one half of all they possessed.

19:23 And the people told the men of Gideon that they had slain the
king, and his priests had fled from them farther into the wilderness.

19:24 And it came to pass that after they had ended the ceremony, that
they returned to the land of Nephi, rejoicing, because their wives and
their children were not slain; and they told Gideon what they had done
to the king.

19:25 And it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites made an oath
unto them, that his people should not slay them.

19:26 And also Limhi, being the son of the king, having the kingdom
conferred upon him by the people, made oath unto the king of the
Lamanites that his people should pay tribute unto him, even one half of
all they possessed.

19:27 And it came to pass that Limhi began to establish the kingdom and
to establish peace among his people.

19:28 And the king of the Lamanites set guards round about the land,
that he might keep the people of Limhi in the land, that they might not
depart into the wilderness; and he did support his guards out of the
tribute which he did receive from the Nephites.

19:29 And now king Limhi did have continual peace in his kingdom for
the space of two years, that the Lamanites did not molest them nor seek
to destroy them.

Mosiah Chapter 20

20:1 Now there was a place in Shemlon where the daughters of the
Lamanites did gather themselves together to sing, and to dance, and to
make themselves merry.

20:2 And it came to pass that there was one day a small number of them
gathered together to sing and to dance.

20:3 And now the priests of king Noah, being ashamed to return to the
city of Nephi, yea, and also fearing that the people would slay them,
therefore they durst not return to their wives and their children.

20:4 And having tarried in the wilderness, and having discovered the
daughters of the Lamanites, they laid and watched them;

20:5 And when there were but few of them gathered together to dance,
they came forth out of their secret places and took them and carried
them into the wilderness; yea, twenty and four of the daughters of the
Lamanites they carried into the wilderness.

20:6 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites found that their
daughters had been missing, they were angry with the people of Limhi,
for they thought it was the people of Limhi.

20:7 Therefore they sent their armies forth; yea, even the king himself
went before his people; and they went up to the land of Nephi to
destroy the people of Limhi.

20:8 And now Limhi had discovered them from the tower, even all their
preparations for war did he discover; therefore he gathered his people
together, and laid wait for them in the fields and in the forests.

20:9 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had come up, that the
people of Limhi began to fall upon them from their waiting places, and
began to slay them.

20:10 And it came to pass that the battle became exceedingly sore, for
they fought like lions for their prey.

20:11 And it came to pass that the people of Limhi began to drive the
Lamanites before them; yet they were not half so numerous as the
Lamanites. But they fought for their lives, and for their wives, and
for their children; therefore they exerted themselves and like dragons
did they fight.

20:12 And it came to pass that they found the king of the Lamanites
among the number of their dead; yet he was not dead, having been
wounded and left upon the ground, so speedy was the flight of his
people.

20:13 And they took him and bound up his wounds, and brought him before
Limhi, and said: Behold, here is the king of the Lamanites; he having
received a wound has fallen among their dead, and they have left him;
and behold, we have brought him before you; and now let us slay him.

20:14 But Limhi said unto them: Ye shall not slay him, but bring him
hither that I may see him. And they brought him. And Limhi said unto
him: What cause have ye to come up to war against my people? Behold, my
people have not broken the oath that I made unto you; therefore, why
should ye break the oath which ye made unto my people?

20:15 And now the king said: I have broken the oath because thy people
did carry away the daughters of my people; therefore, in my anger I did
cause my people to come up to war against thy people.

20:16 And now Limhi had heard nothing concerning this matter; therefore
he said: I will search among my people and whosoever has done this
thing shall perish. Therefore he caused a search to be made among his
people.

20:17 Now when Gideon had heard these things, he being the king’s
captain, he went forth and said unto the king: I pray thee forbear, and
do not search this people, and lay not this thing to their charge.

20:18 For do ye not remember the priests of thy father, whom this
people sought to destroy? And are they not in the wilderness? And are
not they the ones who have stolen the daughters of the Lamanites?

20:19 And now, behold, and tell the king of these things, that he may
tell his people that they may be pacified towards us; for behold they
are already preparing to come against us; and behold also there are but
few of us.

20:20 And behold, they come with their numerous hosts; and except the
king doth pacify them towards us we must perish.

20:21 For are not the words of Abinadi fulfilled, which he prophesied
against us—and all this because we would not hearken unto the words of
the Lord, and turn from our iniquities?

20:22 And now let us pacify the king, and we fulfil the oath which we
have made unto him; for it is better that we should be in bondage than
that we should lose our lives; therefore, let us put a stop to the
shedding of so much blood.

20:23 And now Limhi told the king all the things concerning his father,
and the priests that had fled into the wilderness, and attributed the
carrying away of their daughters to them.

20:24 And it came to pass that the king was pacified towards his
people; and he said unto them: Let us go forth to meet my people,
without arms; and I swear unto you with an oath that my people shall
not slay thy people.

20:25 And it came to pass that they followed the king, and went forth
without arms to meet the Lamanites. And it came to pass that they did
meet the Lamanites; and the king of the Lamanites did bow himself down
before them, and did plead in behalf of the people of Limhi.

20:26 And when the Lamanites saw the people of Limhi, that they were
without arms, they had compassion on them and were pacified towards
them, and returned with their king in peace to their own land.

Mosiah Chapter 21

21:1 And it came to pass that Limhi and his people returned to the city
of Nephi, and began to dwell in the land again in peace.

21:2 And it came to pass that after many days the Lamanites began again
to be stirred up in anger against the Nephites, and they began to come
into the borders of the land round about.

21:3 Now they durst not slay them, because of the oath which their king
had made unto Limhi; but they would smite them on their cheeks, and
exercise authority over them; and began to put heavy burdens upon their
backs, and drive them as they would a dumb ass—

21:4 Yea, all this was done that the word of the Lord might be
fulfilled.

21:5 And now the afflictions of the Nephites were great, and there was
no way that they could deliver themselves out of their hands, for the
Lamanites had surrounded them on every side.

21:6 And it came to pass that the people began to murmur with the king
because of their afflictions; and they began to be desirous to go
against them to battle. And they did afflict the king sorely with their
complaints; therefore he granted unto them that they should do
according to their desires.

21:7 And they gathered themselves together again, and put on their
armor, and went forth against the Lamanites to drive them out of their
land.

21:8 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did beat them, and drove
them back, and slew many of them.

21:9 And now there was a great mourning and lamentation among the
people of Limhi, the widow mourning for her husband, the son and the
daughter mourning for their father, and the brothers for their
brethren.

21:10 Now there were a great many widows in the land, and they did cry
mightily from day to day, for a great fear of the Lamanites had come
upon them.

21:11 And it came to pass that their continual cries did stir up the
remainder of the people of Limhi to anger against the Lamanites; and
they went again to battle, but they were driven back again, suffering
much loss.

21:12 Yea, they went again even the third time, and suffered in the
like manner; and those that were not slain returned again to the city
of Nephi.

21:13 And they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting
themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten,
and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of
their enemies.

21:14 And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility;
and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they
cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.

21:15 And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their
iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to
soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their
burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage.

21:16 And it came to pass that they began to prosper by degrees in the
land, and began to raise grain more abundantly, and flocks, and herds,
that they did not suffer with hunger.

21:17 Now there was a great number of women, more than there was of
men; therefore king Limhi commanded that every man should impart to the
support of the widows and their children, that they might not perish
with hunger; and this they did because of the greatness of their number
that had been slain.

21:18 Now the people of Limhi kept together in a body as much as it was
possible, and secured their grain and their flocks;

21:19 And the king himself did not trust his person without the walls
of the city, unless he took his guards with him, fearing that he might
by some means fall into the hands of the Lamanites.

21:20 And he caused that his people should watch the land round about,
that by some means they might take those priests that fled into the
wilderness, who had stolen the daughters of the Lamanites, and that had
caused such a great destruction to come upon them.

21:21 For they were desirous to take them that they might punish them;
for they had come into the land of Nephi by night, and carried off
their grain and many of their precious things; therefore they laid wait
for them.

21:22 And it came to pass that there was no more disturbance between
the Lamanites and the people of Limhi, even until the time that Ammon
and his brethren came into the land.

21:23 And the king having been without the gates of the city with his
guard, discovered Ammon and his brethren; and supposing them to be
priests of Noah therefore he caused that they should be taken, and
bound, and cast into prison. And had they been the priests of Noah he
would have caused that they should be put to death.

21:24 But when he found that they were not, but that they were his
brethren, and had come from the land of Zarahemla, he was filled with
exceedingly great joy.

21:25 Now king Limhi had sent, previous to the coming of Ammon, a small
number of men to search for the land of Zarahemla; but they could not
find it, and they were lost in the wilderness.

21:26 Nevertheless, they did find a land which had been peopled; yea, a
land which was covered with dry bones; yea, a land which had been
peopled and which had been destroyed; and they, having supposed it to
be the land of Zarahemla, returned to the land of Nephi, having arrived
in the borders of the land not many days before the coming of Ammon.

21:27 And they brought a record with them, even a record of the people
whose bones they had found; and it was engraven on plates of ore.

21:28 And now Limhi was again filled with joy in learning from the
mouth of Ammon that king Mosiah had a gift from God, whereby he could
interpret such engravings; yea, and Ammon also did rejoice.

21:29 Yet Ammon and his brethren were filled with sorrow because so
many of their brethren had been slain;

21:30 And also that king Noah and his priests had caused the people to
commit so many sins and iniquities against God; and they also did mourn
for the death of Abinadi; and also for the departure of Alma and the
people that went with him, who had formed a church of God through the
strength and power of God, and faith on the words which had been spoken
by Abinadi.

21:31 Yea, they did mourn for their departure, for they knew not
whither they had fled. Now they would have gladly joined with them, for
they themselves had entered into a covenant with God to serve him and
keep his commandments.

21:32 And now since the coming of Ammon, king Limhi had also entered
into a covenant with God, and also many of his people, to serve him and
keep his commandments.

21:33 And it came to pass that king Limhi and many of his people were
desirous to be baptized; but there was none in the land that had
authority from God. And Ammon declined doing this thing, considering
himself an unworthy servant.

21:34 Therefore they did not at that time form themselves into a
church, waiting upon the Spirit of the Lord. Now they were desirous to
become even as Alma and his brethren, who had fled into the wilderness.

21:35 They were desirous to be baptized as a witness and a testimony
that they were willing to serve God with all their hearts; nevertheless
they did prolong the time; and an account of their baptism shall be
given hereafter.

21:36 And now all the study of Ammon and his people, and king Limhi and
his people, was to deliver themselves out of the hands of the Lamanites
and from bondage.

Mosiah Chapter 22

22:1 And now it came to pass that Ammon and king Limhi began to consult
with the people how they should deliver themselves out of bondage; and
even they did cause that all the people should gather themselves
together; and this they did that they might have the voice of the
people concerning the matter.

22:2 And it came to pass that they could find no way to deliver
themselves out of bondage, except it were to take their women and
children, and their flocks, and their herds, and their tents, and
depart into the wilderness; for the Lamanites being so numerous, it was
impossible for the people of Limhi to contend with them, thinking to
deliver themselves out of bondage by the sword.

22:3 Now it came to pass that Gideon went forth and stood before the
king, and said unto him: Now O king, thou hast hitherto hearkened unto
my words many times when we have been contending with our brethren, the
Lamanites.

22:4 And now O king, if thou hast not found me to be an unprofitable
servant, or if thou hast hitherto listened to my words in any degree,
and they have been of service to thee, even so I desire that thou
wouldst listen to my words at this time, and I will be thy servant and
deliver this people out of bondage.

22:5 And the king granted unto him that he might speak. And Gideon said
unto him:

22:6 Behold the back pass, through the back wall, on the back side of
the city. The Lamanites, or the guards of the Lamanites, by night are
drunken; therefore let us send a proclamation among all this people
that they gather together their flocks and herds, that they may drive
them into the wilderness by night.

22:7 And I will go according to thy command and pay the last tribute of
wine to the Lamanites, and they will be drunken; and we will pass
through the secret pass on the left of their camp when they are drunken
and asleep.

22:8 Thus we will depart with our women and our children, our flocks,
and our herds into the wilderness; and we will travel around the land
of Shilom.

22:9 And it came to pass that the king hearkened unto the words of
Gideon.

22:10 And king Limhi caused that his people should gather their flocks
together; and he sent the tribute of wine to the Lamanites; and he also
sent more wine, as a present unto them; and they did drink freely of
the wine which king Limhi did send unto them.

22:11 And it came to pass that the people of king Limhi did depart by
night into the wilderness with their flocks and their herds, and they
went round about the land of Shilom in the wilderness, and bent their
course towards the land of Zarahemla, being led by Ammon and his
brethren.

22:12 And they had taken all their gold, and silver, and their precious
things, which they could carry, and also their provisions with them,
into the wilderness; and they pursued their journey.

22:13 And after being many days in the wilderness they arrived in the
land of Zarahemla, and joined Mosiah’s people, and became his subjects.

22:14 And it came to pass that Mosiah received them with joy; and he
also received their records, and also the records which had been found
by the people of Limhi.

22:15 And now it came to pass when the Lamanites had found that the
people of Limhi had departed out of the land by night, that they sent
an army into the wilderness to pursue them;

22:16 And after they had pursued them two days, they could no longer
follow their tracks; therefore they were lost in the wilderness.

Mosiah Chapter 23

23:1 Now Alma, having been warned of the Lord that the armies of king
Noah would come upon them, and having made it known to his people,
therefore they gathered together their flocks, and took of their grain,
and departed into the wilderness before the armies of king Noah.

23:2 And the Lord did strengthen them, that the people of king Noah
could not overtake them to destroy them.

23:3 And they fled eight days’ journey into the wilderness.

23:4 And they came to a land, yea, even a very beautiful and pleasant
land, a land of pure water.

23:5 And they pitched their tents, and began to till the ground, and
began to build buildings; yea, they were industrious, and did labor
exceedingly.

23:6 And the people were desirous that Alma should be their king, for
he was beloved by his people.

23:7 But he said unto them: Behold, it is not expedient that we should
have a king; for thus saith the Lord: Ye shall not esteem one flesh
above another, or one man shall not think himself above another;
therefore I say unto you it is not expedient that ye should have a
king.

23:8 Nevertheless, if it were possible that ye could always have just
men to be your kings it would be well for you to have a king.

23:9 But remember the iniquity of king Noah and his priests; and I
myself was caught in a snare, and did many things which were abominable
in the sight of the Lord, which caused me sore repentance;

23:10 Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries,
and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands
in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth.

23:11 Nevertheless, in this I do not glory, for I am unworthy to glory
of myself.

23:12 And now I say unto you, ye have been oppressed by king Noah, and
have been in bondage to him and his priests, and have been brought into
iniquity by them; therefore ye were bound with the bands of iniquity.

23:13 And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of
these bonds; yea, even out of the hands of king Noah and his people,
and also from the bonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should
stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that
ye trust no man to be a king over you.

23:14 And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister,
except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his
commandments.

23:15 Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should love his
neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them.

23:16 And now, Alma was their high priest, he being the founder of
their church.

23:17 And it came to pass that none received authority to preach or to
teach except it were by him from God. Therefore he consecrated all
their priests and all their teachers; and none were consecrated except
they were just men.

23:18 Therefore they did watch over their people, and did nourish them
with things pertaining to righteousness.

23:19 And it came to pass that they began to prosper exceedingly in the
land; and they called the land Helam.

23:20 And it came to pass that they did multiply and prosper
exceedingly in the land of Helam; and they built a city, which they
called the city of Helam.

23:21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he
trieth their patience and their faith.

23:22 Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be
lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people.

23:23 For behold, I will show unto you that they were brought into
bondage, and none could deliver them but the Lord their God, yea, even
the God of Abraham and Isaac and of Jacob.

23:24 And it came to pass that he did deliver them, and he did show
forth his mighty power unto them, and great were their rejoicings.

23:25 For behold, it came to pass that while they were in the land of
Helam, yea, in the city of Helam, while tilling the land round about,
behold an army of the Lamanites was in the borders of the land.

23:26 Now it came to pass that the brethren of Alma fled from their
fields, and gathered themselves together in the city of Helam; and they
were much frightened because of the appearance of the Lamanites.

23:27 But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that
they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord
their God and he would deliver them.

23:28 Therefore they hushed their fears, and began to cry unto the Lord
that he would soften the hearts of the Lamanites, that they would spare
them, and their wives, and their children.

23:29 And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the hearts of the
Lamanites. And Alma and his brethren went forth and delivered
themselves up into their hands; and the Lamanites took possession of
the land of Helam.

23:30 Now the armies of the Lamanites, which had followed after the
people of king Limhi, had been lost in the wilderness for many days.

23:31 And behold, they had found those priests of king Noah, in a place
which they called Amulon; and they had begun to possess the land of
Amulon and had begun to till the ground.

23:32 Now the name of the leader of those priests was Amulon.

23:33 And it came to pass that Amulon did plead with the Lamanites; and
he also sent forth their wives, who were the daughters of the
Lamanites, to plead with their brethren, that they should not destroy
their husbands.

23:34 And the Lamanites had compassion on Amulon and his brethren, and
did not destroy them, because of their wives.

23:35 And Amulon and his brethren did join the Lamanites, and they were
traveling in the wilderness in search of the land of Nephi when they
discovered the land of Helam, which was possessed by Alma and his
brethren.

23:36 And it came to pass that the Lamanites promised unto Alma and his
brethren, that if they would show them the way which led to the land of
Nephi that they would grant unto them their lives and their liberty.

23:37 But after Alma had shown them the way that led to the land of
Nephi the Lamanites would not keep their promise; but they set guards
round about the land of Helam, over Alma and his brethren.

23:38 And the remainder of them went to the land of Nephi; and a part
of them returned to the land of Helam, and also brought with them the
wives and the children of the guards who had been left in the land.

23:39 And the king of the Lamanites had granted unto Amulon that he
should be a king and a ruler over his people, who were in the land of
Helam; nevertheless he should have no power to do anything contrary to
the will of the king of the Lamanites.

Mosiah Chapter 24

24:1 And it came to pass that Amulon did gain favor in the eyes of the
king of the Lamanites; therefore, the king of the Lamanites granted
unto him and his brethren that they should be appointed teachers over
his people, yea, even over the people who were in the land of Shemlon,
and in the land of Shilom, and in the land of Amulon.

24:2 For the Lamanites had taken possession of all these lands;
therefore, the king of the Lamanites had appointed kings over all these
lands.

24:3 And now the name of the king of the Lamanites was Laman, being
called after the name of his father; and therefore he was called king
Laman. And he was king over a numerous people.

24:4 And he appointed teachers of the brethren of Amulon in every land
which was possessed by his people; and thus the language of Nephi began
to be taught among all the people of the Lamanites.

24:5 And they were a people friendly one with another; nevertheless
they knew not God; neither did the brethren of Amulon teach them
anything concerning the Lord their God, neither the law of Moses; nor
did they teach them the words of Abinadi;

24:6 But they taught them that they should keep their record, and that
they might write one to another.

24:7 And thus the Lamanites began to increase in riches, and began to
trade one with another and wax great, and began to be a cunning and a
wise people, as to the wisdom of the world, yea, a very cunning people,
delighting in all manner of wickedness and plunder, except it were
among their own brethren.

24:8 And now it came to pass that Amulon began to exercise authority
over Alma and his brethren, and began to persecute him, and cause that
his children should persecute their children.

24:9 For Amulon knew Alma, that he had been one of the king’s priests,
and that it was he that believed the words of Abinadi and was driven
out before the king, and therefore he was wroth with him; for he was
subject to king Laman, yet he exercised authority over them, and put
tasks upon them, and put task-masters over them.

24:10 And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that
they began to cry mightily to God.

24:11 And Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; and
he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found
calling upon God should be put to death.

24:12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord
their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the
thoughts of their hearts.

24:13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in
their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort,
for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will
covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

24:14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your
shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while
you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses
for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord
God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

24:15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon
Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen
them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did
submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

24:16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their
patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of
good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.

24:17 And he said unto Alma: Thou shalt go before this people, and I
will go with thee and deliver this people out of bondage.

24:18 Now it came to pass that Alma and his people in the night-time
gathered their flocks together, and also of their grain; yea, even all
the night-time were they gathering the flocks together.

24:19 And in the morning the Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon the
Lamanites, yea, and all their task-masters were in a profound sleep.

24:20 And Alma and his people departed into the wilderness; and when
they had traveled all day they pitched their tents in a valley, and
they called the valley Alma, because he led their way in the
wilderness.

24:21 Yea, and in the valley of Alma they poured out their thanks to
God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens,
and had delivered them out of bondage; for they were in bondage, and
none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God.

24:22 And they gave thanks to God, yea, all their men and all their
women and all their children that could speak lifted their voices in
the praises of their God.

24:23 And now the Lord said unto Alma: Haste thee and get thou and this
people out of this land, for the Lamanites have awakened and do pursue
thee; therefore get thee out of this land, and I will stop the
Lamanites in this valley that they come no further in pursuit of this
people.

24:24 And it came to pass that they departed out of the valley, and
took their journey into the wilderness.

24:25 And after they had been in the wilderness twelve days they
arrived in the land of Zarahemla; and king Mosiah did also receive them
with joy.

Mosiah Chapter 25

25:1 And now king Mosiah caused that all the people should be gathered
together.

25:2 Now there were not so many of the children of Nephi, or so many of
those who were descendants of Nephi, as there were of the people of
Zarahemla, who was a descendant of Mulek, and those who came with him
into the wilderness.

25:3 And there were not so many of the people of Nephi and of the
people of Zarahemla as there were of the Lamanites; yea, they were not
half so numerous.

25:4 And now all the people of Nephi were assembled together, and also
all the people of Zarahemla, and they were gathered together in two
bodies.

25:5 And it came to pass that Mosiah did read, and caused to be read,
the records of Zeniff to his people; yea, he read the records of the
people of Zeniff, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until
they returned again.

25:6 And he also read the account of Alma and his brethren, and all
their afflictions, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until
the time they returned again.

25:7 And now, when Mosiah had made an end of reading the records, his
people who tarried in the land were struck with wonder and amazement.

25:8 For they knew not what to think; for when they beheld those that
had been delivered out of bondage they were filled with exceedingly
great joy.

25:9 And again, when they thought of their brethren who had been slain
by the Lamanites they were filled with sorrow, and even shed many tears
of sorrow.

25:10 And again, when they thought of the immediate goodness of God,
and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of
the Lamanites and of bondage, they did raise their voices and give
thanks to God.

25:11 And again, when they thought upon the Lamanites, who were their
brethren, of their sinful and polluted state, they were filled with
pain and anguish for the welfare of their souls.

25:12 And it came to pass that those who were the children of Amulon
and his brethren, who had taken to wife the daughters of the Lamanites,
were displeased with the conduct of their fathers, and they would no
longer be called by the names of their fathers, therefore they took
upon themselves the name of Nephi, that they might be called the
children of Nephi and be numbered among those who were called Nephites.

25:13 And now all the people of Zarahemla were numbered with the
Nephites, and this because the kingdom had been conferred upon none but
those who were descendants of Nephi.

25:14 And now it came to pass that when Mosiah had made an end of
speaking and reading to the people, he desired that Alma should also
speak to the people.

25:15 And Alma did speak unto them, when they were assembled together
in large bodies, and he went from one body to another, preaching unto
the people repentance and faith on the Lord.

25:16 And he did exhort the people of Limhi and his brethren, all those
that had been delivered out of bondage, that they should remember that
it was the Lord that did deliver them.

25:17 And it came to pass that after Alma had taught the people many
things, and had made an end of speaking to them, that king Limhi was
desirous that he might be baptized; and all his people were desirous
that they might be baptized also.

25:18 Therefore, Alma did go forth into the water and did baptize them;
yea, he did baptize them after the manner he did his brethren in the
waters of Mormon; yea, and as many as he did baptize did belong to the
church of God; and this because of their belief on the words of Alma.

25:19 And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted unto Alma that he
might establish churches throughout all the land of Zarahemla; and gave
him power to ordain priests and teachers over every church.

25:20 Now this was done because there were so many people that they
could not all be governed by one teacher; neither could they all hear
the word of God in one assembly;

25:21 Therefore they did assemble themselves together in different
bodies, being called churches; every church having their priests and
their teachers, and every priest preaching the word according as it was
delivered to him by the mouth of Alma.

25:22 And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches they were all
one church, yea, even the church of God; for there was nothing preached
in all the churches except it were repentance and faith in God.

25:23 And now there were seven churches in the land of Zarahemla. And
it came to pass that whosoever were desirous to take upon them the name
of Christ, or of God, they did join the churches of God;

25:24 And they were called the people of God. And the Lord did pour out
his Spirit upon them, and they were blessed, and prospered in the land.

Mosiah Chapter 26

26:1 Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation
that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little
children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe
the tradition of their fathers.

26:2 They did not believe what had been said concerning the
resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the
coming of Christ.

26:3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the
word of God; and their hearts were hardened.

26:4 And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the
church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained
so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would
not call upon the Lord their God.

26:5 And now in the reign of Mosiah they were not half so numerous as
the people of God; but because of the dissensions among the brethren
they became more numerous.

26:6 For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their
flattering words, who were in the church, and did cause them to commit
many sins; therefore it became expedient that those who committed sin,
that were in the church, should be admonished by the church.

26:7 And it came to pass that they were brought before the priests, and
delivered up unto the priests by the teachers; and the priests brought
them before Alma, who was the high priest.

26:8 Now king Mosiah had given Alma the authority over the church.

26:9 And it came to pass that Alma did not know concerning them; but
there were many witnesses against them; yea, the people stood and
testified of their iniquity in abundance.

26:10 Now there had not any such thing happened before in the church;
therefore Alma was troubled in his spirit, and he caused that they
should be brought before the king.

26:11 And he said unto the king: Behold, here are many whom we have
brought before thee, who are accused of their brethren; yea, and they
have been taken in divers iniquities. And they do not repent of their
iniquities; therefore we have brought them before thee, that thou
mayest judge them according to their crimes.

26:12 But king Mosiah said unto Alma: Behold, I judge them not;
therefore I deliver them into thy hands to be judged.

26:13 And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and
inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he
feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God.

26:14 And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul
to God, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying:

26:15 Blessed art thou, Alma, and blessed are they who were baptized in
the waters of Mormon. Thou art blessed because of thy exceeding faith
in the words alone of my servant Abinadi.

26:16 And blessed are they because of their exceeding faith in the
words alone which thou hast spoken unto them.

26:17 And blessed art thou because thou hast established a church among
this people; and they shall be established, and they shall be my
people.

26:18 Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for
in my name shall they be called; and they are mine.

26:19 And because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor,
thou art blessed.

26:20 Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt
have eternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and
shalt gather together my sheep.

26:21 And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall
ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive.

26:22 For behold, this is my church; whosoever is baptized shall be
baptized unto repentance. And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my
name; and him will I freely forgive.

26:23 For it is I that taketh upon me the sins of the world; for it is
I that hath created them; and it is I that granteth unto him that
believeth unto the end a place at my right hand.

26:24 For behold, in my name are they called; and if they know me they
shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand.

26:25 And it shall come to pass that when the second trump shall sound
then shall they that never knew me come forth and shall stand before
me.

26:26 And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am
their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed.

26:27 And then I will confess unto them that I never knew them; and
they shall depart into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his
angels.

26:28 Therefore I say unto you, that he that will not hear my voice,
the same shall ye not receive into my church, for him I will not
receive at the last day.

26:29 Therefore I say unto you, Go; and whosoever transgresseth against
me, him shall ye judge according to the sins which he has committed;
and if he confess his sins before thee and me, and repenteth in the
sincerity of his heart, him shall ye forgive, and I will forgive him
also.

26:30 Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their
trespasses against me.

26:31 And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily
I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor’s trespasses when he
says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation.

26:32 Now I say unto you, Go; and whosoever will not repent of his sins
the same shall not be numbered among my people; and this shall be
observed from this time forward.

26:33 And it came to pass when Alma had heard these words he wrote them
down that he might have them, and that he might judge the people of
that church according to the commandments of God.

26:34 And it came to pass that Alma went and judged those that had been
taken in iniquity, according to the word of the Lord.

26:35 And whosoever repented of their sins and did confess them, them
he did number among the people of the church;

26:36 And those that would not confess their sins and repent of their
iniquity, the same were not numbered among the people of the church,
and their names were blotted out.

26:37 And it came to pass that Alma did regulate all the affairs of the
church; and they began again to have peace and to prosper exceedingly
in the affairs of the church, walking circumspectly before God,
receiving many, and baptizing many.

26:38 And now all these things did Alma and his fellow laborers do who
were over the church, walking in all diligence, teaching the word of
God in all things, suffering all manner of afflictions, being
persecuted by all those who did not belong to the church of God.

26:39 And they did admonish their brethren; and they were also
admonished, every one by the word of God, according to his sins, or to
the sins which he had committed, being commanded of God to pray without
ceasing, and to give thanks in all things.

Mosiah Chapter 27

27:1 And now it came to pass that the persecutions which were inflicted
on the church by the unbelievers became so great that the church began
to murmur, and complain to their leaders concerning the matter; and
they did complain to Alma. And Alma laid the case before their king,
Mosiah. And Mosiah consulted with his priests.

27:2 And it came to pass that king Mosiah sent a proclamation
throughout the land round about that there should not any unbeliever
persecute any of those who belonged to the church of God.

27:3 And there was a strict command throughout all the churches that
there should be no persecutions among them, that there should be an
equality among all men;

27:4 That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their peace;
that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, laboring with
their own hands for their support.

27:5 Yea, and all their priests and teachers should labor with their
own hands for their support, in all cases save it were in sickness, or
in much want; and doing these things, they did abound in the grace of
God.

27:6 And there began to be much peace again in the land; and the people
began to be very numerous, and began to scatter abroad upon the face of
the earth, yea, on the north and on the south, on the east and on the
west, building large cities and villages in all quarters of the land.

27:7 And the Lord did visit them and prosper them, and they became a
large and wealthy people.

27:8 Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and
also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called
Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an
idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much
flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after
the manner of his iniquities.

27:9 And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church
of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension
among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his
power over them.

27:10 And now it came to pass that while he was going about to destroy
the church of God, for he did go about secretly with the sons of Mosiah
seeking to destroy the church, and to lead astray the people of the
Lord, contrary to the commandments of God, or even the king—

27:11 And as I said unto you, as they were going about rebelling
against God, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he
descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were with a voice
of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood;

27:12 And so great was their astonishment, that they fell to the earth,
and understood not the words which he spake unto them.

27:13 Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth,
for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said:
This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow
it, save it is the transgression of my people.

27:14 And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the
prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who
is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that
thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for
this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of
God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to
their faith.

27:15 And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth
not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also behold me before you?
And I am sent from God.

27:16 Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy
fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember
how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he
has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek
to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and
this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.

27:17 And now it came to pass that these were the last words which the
angel spake unto Alma, and he departed.

27:18 And now Alma and those that were with him fell again to the
earth, for great was their astonishment; for with their own eyes they
had beheld an angel of the Lord; and his voice was as thunder, which
shook the earth; and they knew that there was nothing save the power of
God that could shake the earth and cause it to tremble as though it
would part asunder.

27:19 And now the astonishment of Alma was so great that he became
dumb, that he could not open his mouth; yea, and he became weak, even
that he could not move his hands; therefore he was taken by those that
were with him, and carried helpless, even until he was laid before his
father.

27:20 And they rehearsed unto his father all that had happened unto
them; and his father rejoiced, for he knew that it was the power of
God.

27:21 And he caused that a multitude should be gathered together that
they might witness what the Lord had done for his son, and also for
those that were with him.

27:22 And he caused that the priests should assemble themselves
together; and they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God
that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also
that his limbs might receive their strength—that the eyes of the people
might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.

27:23 And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the
space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their
strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to
be of good comfort:

27:24 For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed
of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.

27:25 And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men
and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born
again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to
a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and
daughters;

27:26 And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they
can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

27:27 I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off;
and this I know, because I was like to be cast off.

27:28 Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulations, repenting
nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an
everlasting burning, and I am born of God.

27:29 My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds
of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous
light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am
snatched, and my soul is pained no more.

27:30 I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of
by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and
that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make
himself manifest unto all.

27:31 Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him.
Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of
him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess,
who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting
punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and
shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.

27:32 And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to
teach the people, and those who were with Alma at the time the angel
appeared unto them, traveling round about through all the land,
publishing to all the people the things which they had heard and seen,
and preaching the word of God in much tribulation, being greatly
persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being smitten by many of
them.

27:33 But notwithstanding all this, they did impart much consolation to
the church, confirming their faith, and exhorting them with
long-suffering and much travail to keep the commandments of God.

27:34 And four of them were the sons of Mosiah; and their names were
Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni; these were the names of the
sons of Mosiah.

27:35 And they traveled throughout all the lands of Zarahemla, and
among all the people who were under the reign of king Mosiah, zealously
striving to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church,
confessing all their sins, and publishing all the things which they had
seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who
desired to hear them.

27:36 And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing
many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their
Redeemer.

27:37 And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did
publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that
the Lord reigneth.

Mosiah Chapter 28

28:1 Now it came to pass that after the sons of Mosiah had done all
these things, they took a small number with them and returned to their
father, the king, and desired of him that he would grant unto them that
they might, with these whom they had selected, go up to the land of
Nephi that they might preach the things which they had heard, and that
they might impart the word of God to their brethren, the Lamanites—

28:2 That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord
their God, and convince them of the iniquity of their fathers; and that
perhaps they might cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites, that
they might also be brought to rejoice in the Lord their God, that they
might become friendly to one another, and that there should be no more
contentions in all the land which the Lord their God had given them.

28:3 Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every
creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish;
yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment
did cause them to quake and tremble.

28:4 And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them, for they were
the very vilest of sinners. And the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy
to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because
of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be
cast off forever.

28:5 And it came to pass that they did plead with their father many
days that they might go up to the land of Nephi.

28:6 And king Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord if he should let his
sons go up among the Lamanites to preach the word.

28:7 And the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall
believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will
deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites.

28:8 And it came to pass that Mosiah granted that they might go and do
according to their request.

28:9 And they took their journey into the wilderness to go up to preach
the word among the Lamanites; and I shall give an account of their
proceedings hereafter.

28:10 Now king Mosiah had no one to confer the kingdom upon, for there
was not any of his sons who would accept of the kingdom.

28:11 Therefore he took the records which were engraven on the plates
of brass, and also the plates of Nephi, and all the things which he had
kept and preserved according to the commandments of God, after having
translated and caused to be written the records which were on the
plates of gold which had been found by the people of Limhi, which were
delivered to him by the hand of Limhi;

28:12 And this he did because of the great anxiety of his people; for
they were desirous beyond measure to know concerning those people who
had been destroyed.

28:13 And now he translated them by the means of those two stones which
were fastened into the two rims of a bow.

28:14 Now these things were prepared from the beginning, and were
handed down from generation to generation, for the purpose of
interpreting languages;

28:15 And they have been kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord,
that he should discover to every creature who should possess the land
the iniquities and abominations of his people;

28:16 And whosoever has these things is called seer, after the manner
of old times.

28:17 Now after Mosiah had finished translating these records, behold,
it gave an account of the people who were destroyed, from the time that
they were destroyed back to the building of the great tower, at the
time the Lord confounded the language of the people and they were
scattered abroad upon the face of all the earth, yea, and even from
that time back until the creation of Adam.

28:18 Now this account did cause the people of Mosiah to mourn
exceedingly, yea, they were filled with sorrow; nevertheless it gave
them much knowledge, in the which they did rejoice.

28:19 And this account shall be written hereafter; for behold, it is
expedient that all people should know the things which are written in
this account.

28:20 And now, as I said unto you, that after king Mosiah had done
these things, he took the plates of brass, and all the things which he
had kept, and conferred them upon Alma, who was the son of Alma; yea,
all the records, and also the interpreters, and conferred them upon
him, and commanded him that he should keep and preserve them, and also
keep a record of the people, handing them down from one generation to
another, even as they had been handed down from the time that Lehi left
Jerusalem.

Mosiah Chapter 29

29:1 Now when Mosiah had done this he sent out throughout all the land,
among all the people, desiring to know their will concerning who should
be their king.

29:2 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came, saying: We
are desirous that Aaron thy son should be our king and our ruler.

29:3 Now Aaron had gone up to the land of Nephi, therefore the king
could not confer the kingdom upon him; neither would Aaron take upon
him the kingdom; neither were any of the sons of Mosiah willing to take
upon them the kingdom.

29:4 Therefore king Mosiah sent again among the people; yea, even a
written word sent he among the people. And these were the words that
were written, saying:

29:5 Behold, O ye my people, or my brethren, for I esteem you as such,
I desire that ye should consider the cause which ye are called to
consider—for ye are desirous to have a king.

29:6 Now I declare unto you that he to whom the kingdom doth rightly
belong has declined, and will not take upon him the kingdom.

29:7 And now if there should be another appointed in his stead, behold
I fear there would rise contentions among you. And who knoweth but what
my son, to whom the kingdom doth belong, should turn to be angry and
draw away a part of this people after him, which would cause wars and
contentions among you, which would be the cause of shedding much blood
and perverting the way of the Lord, yea, and destroy the souls of many
people.

29:8 Now I say unto you let us be wise and consider these things, for
we have no right to destroy my son, neither should we have any right to
destroy another if he should be appointed in his stead.

29:9 And if my son should turn again to his pride and vain things he
would recall the things which he had said, and claim his right to the
kingdom, which would cause him and also this people to commit much sin.

29:10 And now let us be wise and look forward to these things, and do
that which will make for the peace of this people.

29:11 Therefore I will be your king the remainder of my days;
nevertheless, let us appoint judges, to judge this people according to
our law; and we will newly arrange the affairs of this people, for we
will appoint wise men to be judges, that will judge this people
according to the commandments of God.

29:12 Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man,
for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are
not always just.

29:13 Therefore, if it were possible that you could have just men to be
your kings, who would establish the laws of God, and judge this people
according to his commandments, yea, if ye could have men for your kings
who would do even as my father Benjamin did for this people—I say unto
you, if this could always be the case then it would be expedient that
ye should always have kings to rule over you.

29:14 And even I myself have labored with all the power and faculties
which I have possessed, to teach you the commandments of God, and to
establish peace throughout the land, that there should be no wars nor
contentions, no stealing, nor plundering, nor murdering, nor any manner
of iniquity;

29:15 And whosoever has committed iniquity, him have I punished
according to the crime which he has committed, according to the law
which has been given to us by our fathers.

29:16 Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not
expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you.

29:17 For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be
committed, yea, and what great destruction!

29:18 Yea, remember king Noah, his wickedness and his abominations, and
also the wickedness and abominations of his people. Behold what great
destruction did come upon them; and also because of their iniquities
they were brought into bondage.

29:19 And were it not for the interposition of their all-wise Creator,
and this because of their sincere repentance, they must unavoidably
remain in bondage until now.

29:20 But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble
themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did
deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power
in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy
towards them that put their trust in him.

29:21 And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous
king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much
blood.

29:22 For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he keepeth his
guards about him; and he teareth up the laws of those who have reigned
in righteousness before him; and he trampleth under his feet the
commandments of God;

29:23 And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people,
yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth
not obey his laws he causeth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel
against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can
he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert the
ways of all righteousness.

29:24 And now behold I say unto you, it is not expedient that such
abominations should come upon you.

29:25 Therefore, choose you by the voice of this people, judges, that
ye may be judged according to the laws which have been given you by our
fathers, which are correct, and which were given them by the hand of
the Lord.

29:26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth
anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the
lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore
this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the
voice of the people.

29:27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose
iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon
you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction
even as he has hitherto visited this land.

29:28 And now if ye have judges, and they do not judge you according to
the law which has been given, ye can cause that they may be judged of a
higher judge.

29:29 If your higher judges do not judge righteous judgments, ye shall
cause that a small number of your lower judges should be gathered
together, and they shall judge your higher judges, according to the
voice of the people.

29:30 And I command you to do these things in the fear of the Lord; and
I command you to do these things, and that ye have no king; that if
these people commit sins and iniquities they shall be answered upon
their own heads.

29:31 For behold I say unto you, the sins of many people have been
caused by the iniquities of their kings; therefore their iniquities are
answered upon the heads of their kings.

29:32 And now I desire that this inequality should be no more in this
land, especially among this my people; but I desire that this land be a
land of liberty, and every man may enjoy his rights and privileges
alike, so long as the Lord sees fit that we may live and inherit the
land, yea, even as long as any of our posterity remains upon the face
of the land.

29:33 And many more things did king Mosiah write unto them, unfolding
unto them all the trials and troubles of a righteous king, yea, all the
travails of soul for their people, and also all the murmurings of the
people to their king; and he explained it all unto them.

29:34 And he told them that these things ought not to be; but that the
burden should come upon all the people, that every man might bear his
part.

29:35 And he also unfolded unto them all the disadvantages they labored
under, by having an unrighteous king to rule over them;

29:36 Yea, all his iniquities and abominations, and all the wars, and
contentions, and bloodshed, and the stealing, and the plundering, and
the committing of whoredoms, and all manner of iniquities which cannot
be enumerated—telling them that these things ought not to be, that they
were expressly repugnant to the commandments of God.

29:37 And now it came to pass, after king Mosiah had sent these things
forth among the people they were convinced of the truth of his words.

29:38 Therefore they relinquished their desires for a king, and became
exceedingly anxious that every man should have an equal chance
throughout all the land; yea, and every man expressed a willingness to
answer for his own sins.

29:39 Therefore, it came to pass that they assembled themselves
together in bodies throughout the land, to cast in their voices
concerning who should be their judges, to judge them according to the
law which had been given them; and they were exceedingly rejoiced
because of the liberty which had been granted unto them.

29:40 And they did wax strong in love towards Mosiah; yea, they did
esteem him more than any other man; for they did not look upon him as a
tyrant who was seeking for gain, yea, for that lucre which doth corrupt
the soul; for he had not exacted riches of them, neither had he
delighted in the shedding of blood; but he had established peace in the
land, and he had granted unto his people that they should be delivered
from all manner of bondage; therefore they did esteem him, yea,
exceedingly, beyond measure.

29:41 And it came to pass that they did appoint judges to rule over
them, or to judge them according to the law; and this they did
throughout all the land.

29:42 And it came to pass that Alma was appointed to be the first chief
judge, he being also the high priest, his father having conferred the
office upon him, and having given him the charge concerning all the
affairs of the church.

29:43 And now it came to pass that Alma did walk in the ways of the
Lord, and he did keep his commandments, and he did judge righteous
judgments; and there was continual peace through the land.

29:44 And thus commenced the reign of the judges throughout all the
land of Zarahemla, among all the people who were called the Nephites;
and Alma was the first and chief judge.

29:45 And now it came to pass that his father died, being eighty and
two years old, having lived to fulfil the commandments of God.

29:46 And it came to pass that Mosiah died also, in the thirty and
third year of his reign, being sixty and three years old; making in the
whole, five hundred and nine years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem.

29:47 And thus ended the reign of the kings over the people of Nephi;
and thus ended the days of Alma, who was the founder of their church.




 THE BOOK OF ALMA

THE SON OF ALMA

The account of Alma, who was the son of Alma the first, and chief judge
over the people of Nephi, and also the high priest over the Church. An
account of the reign of the judges, and the wars and contentions among
the people. And also an account of a war between the Nephites and the
Lamanites, according to the record of Alma, the first and chief judge.

Alma Chapter 1

1:1 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 had 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 who 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 ought to become
popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they
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 nor tremble, but
that 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 who 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 he who 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 not 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 crimes which
he had committed.

1:11 And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded 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 it by
the sword; and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it
would prove their entire destruction.

1:13 And thou hast shed the blood of a righteous man, yea, a man who
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 it has 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 he 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 were many who 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 his 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 the
faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the
commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which
was heaped upon them.

1:26 And 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
exceedingly 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 who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or
that were 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 respect 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 babblings,
and in envyings and strife; wearing costly apparel; being lifted up in
the pride of their own eyes; persecuting, lying, thieving, robbing,
committing 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 was 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.

Alma Chapter 2

2:1 And it came to pass in the commencement 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 people after
him; even so much that they began to be very powerful; and they began
to endeavor to establish Amlici to be king over the people.

2:3 Now this was alarming to the people of the church, and also to all
those who 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; 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 in 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 who were against
him; but Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger
against those who 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 did 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 were aware of the intent of
the Amlicites, and therefore they did prepare 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 were 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 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, 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 Sidon.
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 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
were slain of the Amlicites twelve thousand five hundred thirty and two
souls; and there were 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 who 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 preserve his people from being
destroyed.

2:22 Now those whom he had sent out to watch the camp of the Amlicites
were called Zeram, and Amnor, and Manti, and Limher; these were they
who 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 a numerous host 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, being a man of God, being exercised
with much faith, 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 again 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 of the river Sidon, throwing the bodies of the Lamanites who
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.

Alma Chapter 3

3:1 And it came to pass that the Nephites who were not slain by the
weapons of war, after having buried those who had been slain—now the
number of the slain were not numbered, because of the greatness of
their number—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 who 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
armor, which was girded about them, and their bows, and their arrows,
and their stones, and their slings, and so forth.

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, who
consisted of Nephi, Jacob, and Joseph, and Sam, who 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 Ishmaelitish 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, whosoever suffered himself to be led away by the
Lamanites was called under that 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 in the tradition of
their fathers, which were correct, who 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 who have kept the records which are true of their
people, and also of the people of the 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 said to Nephi: Behold, the Lamanites have I cursed, and I will set a
mark on them that they and their seed may be separated from thee and
thy seed, from this time henceforth and forever, except they 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 him 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; and I will bless thee, and whomsoever shall 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 land.

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 were commenced and ended in the fifth year of the reign of
the judges.

3:26 And in one year were thousands and tens of 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 they
listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one.

3:27 For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and
this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it
be according to the truth. And thus endeth the fifth year of the reign
of the judges.

Alma Chapter 4

4:1 Now it came to pass in the sixth year of the reign of the judges
over the people of Nephi, there were no contentions nor wars in the
land of Zarahemla;

4:2 But the people were 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 were trodden under
foot and destroyed by the Lamanites.

4:3 And so great were their afflictions that every soul had cause to
mourn; and they believed that it was the judgments 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 waters 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 were about three thousand five hundred souls that united
themselves to the church of God and were baptized. And thus endeth 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 their 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 the
pride of their eyes, for they began to wear very costly apparel.

4:7 Now this was the cause of much affliction to Alma, yea, and to many
of the people whom 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 the 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 the 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
saw the wickedness of the church, and he saw 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.

4:12 Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting
themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs
upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who
were athirst, and those who 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, who 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 were heaped
upon them by the remainder of his people, and seeing all their
inequality, began to be very sorrowful; nevertheless the Spirit of the
Lord did not fail him.

4:16 And he selected a wise man who 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 priest
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 were 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.

Alma Chapter 5

5:1 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 his mercy and long-suffering towards them? And moreover,
have ye sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered
their souls from hell?

5:7 Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a
deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of
darkness; nevertheless, 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 of you, my brethren, were they destroyed? Behold, I
say unto you, Nay, they were not.

5:9 And again I ask, were 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? What is the cause of their
being loosed from the bands of death, yea, and also the chains of hell?

5:11 Behold, I can tell you—did not my father Alma believe in the words
which were delivered by the mouth of Abinadi? And was he not a holy
prophet? Did he not speak the words 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 have 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 has been spoken by our
fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their 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, ye cannot
suppose that such can have 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, who 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 God hath spoken it!

5:33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of
mercy are extended towards 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 Yea, 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
have 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 have gone astray, as sheep having no
shepherd, notwithstanding a shepherd hath called after you and is 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 ye 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 ye? 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,
whosoever denieth this is a liar and a child of the devil.

5:40 For I say unto you that whatsoever 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 his wages of him; therefore,
for his wages he receiveth death, as to 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 plainly
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 are to come.

5:45 And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know 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 of 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 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, 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 who 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 that 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 nowise inherit the kingdom of heaven.

5:52 And again I say unto you, the Spirit saith: Behold, the ax 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 persecution 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 are 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 who 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 word of God may be
fulfilled, which saith: The names 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 who 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.

Alma Chapter 6

6:1 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 elders, 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 whosoever did not belong to the church who
repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance, and were received
into the church.

6:3 And it also came to pass that whosoever did belong to the church
that did not repent of their wickedness and humble themselves before
God—I mean those who 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 they 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 none were 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 these 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 who 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, who should
come to redeem his people from their sins, and the holy order by which
he was called. And thus it is written. Amen.

Alma Chapter 7

7:1 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 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 had
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 exceedingly 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 affliction 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 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 power to do all
things which are 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 sicknesses of his
people.

7:12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of
death which bind 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 succor 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, who
taketh away the sins of the world, who 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 show 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 ye 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 were 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 has 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
anything 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 who 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 who 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 my word.

7:27 And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses
and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess,
your women and your children, according to your faith and good works,
from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.

Alma Chapter 8

8:1 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 they were
baptized throughout all the land;

8:6 So that when he had finished his work at Melek he departed thence,
and traveled 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 had come 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 who
were 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 thy 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 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 soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city
of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with
sorrow, behold an 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 receivedst thy
first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto 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 has 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 he entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the
south of the city of Ammonihah.

8:19 And as he entered the city he was an hungered, and he said to a
man: Will ye give to an humble servant of God something to eat?

8:20 And the man said unto him: I am a Nephite, and I know that thou
art a holy prophet of God, for thou art the man whom an angel said 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 wilt 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 set
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 eaten 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 taken me in, thou
art blessed; for I was an hungered, for I had fasted many days.

8:27 And 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 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 was 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.

Alma Chapter 9

9:1 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
who were in the city of Ammonihah, 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 said 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 marvelous works, for they
were a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people.

9:6 And they said: Who is God, that sendeth no more authority than one
man among this people, to declare unto them the truth of such great and
marvelous things?

9:7 And they stood forth to lay their hands on me; but 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 woe.

9:12 Behold, now I say unto you that he commandeth you to repent; and
except ye repent, ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. But
behold, this is not all—he has 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 has
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 are extended to the Lamanites;
for it is because of the traditions of their fathers that caused 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 your iniquities,
to destroy his people. I say unto you, Nay; he would rather suffer that
the Lamanites might destroy all his people who are called the people of
Nephi, if it were possible that they could fall into sins and
transgressions, after having had 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 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,
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 has 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 has
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 all men 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 ought
to be beloved, and ye ought to bring forth works which are meet for
repentance, seeing that your hearts have been grossly hardened against
the word of God, and seeing that ye are a lost and a 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 hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people.

9:32 And also because I 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 that 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.

Alma Chapter 10

10:1 Now these are the words which Amulek preached unto the people who
were 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 the same Aminadi who
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 who 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 kindreds 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 marvelous 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 marvelous 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 rebelling 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 the judges.

10:7 As I was 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, who is a
chosen man of God; for he has fasted 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 going thither I found the man
whom the angel said unto me: Thou shalt receive into thy house—and
behold it was this same man who has 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 has
he sent his angel to make these things manifest unto me; and this he
has done while this Alma hath dwelt at my house.

10:11 For behold, he hath blessed mine house, he hath blessed me, and
my women, and my children, and my father and my kinsfolk; yea, even all
my kindred hath he blessed, and the blessing 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 who testified of
the things whereof they were accused, and also of the things which were
to come, according to the spirit of prophecy which was in them.

10:13 Nevertheless, there were some among them who 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 their 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 who sought to destroy them, who were
lawyers, who were hired or appointed by the people to administer the
law at their times of trials, or at the 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 said 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 of 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, who 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 But 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 out
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 whom 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 I have 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 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 says that he has not spoken against it.

10:29 And again, he has reviled against our lawyers, and our judges.

10:30 And it came to pass that the lawyers put it into their hearts
that they should remember these things against him.

10:31 And there was one among them whose name was Zeezrom. Now he was
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 was to get gain; and they got
gain according to their employ.

Alma Chapter 11

11:1 Now it was in the law of Mosiah that every man who was a judge of
the law, or those who were appointed to be judges, should receive wages
according to the time which they labored to judge those who were
brought before them to be judged.

11:2 Now if a man owed another, and he would not pay that which he did
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 judged the man according to the law and the
evidences which were brought against him, and thus the man was
compelled to pay that which he owed, or be stripped, or be cast out
from among the people as a thief and a robber.

11:3 And the judge received 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 who
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 and 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 amnor 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 a 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 shiblons.

11:20 Now, it was for the sole purpose to get gain, because they
received their 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 were 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 who was
expert in the devices of the devil, that he might destroy that which
was good; therefore, he said unto Amulek: Will ye answer the questions
which I shall put unto you?

11:22 And Amulek said unto him: Yea, if it be according to the Spirit
of the Lord, which is in me; for I shall say nothing which is contrary
to the Spirit of the Lord. And Zeezrom said unto him: Behold, here are
six onties of silver, and all these will I give thee if thou wilt deny
the existence of a Supreme Being.

11:23 Now Amulek said: 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 before God unto me. Thou saidst unto
me—Behold these six onties, which are of great worth, I will give unto
thee—when thou hadst 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 said unto him: Thou sayest there is a true and living
God?

11:27 And Amulek said: Yea, there is a true and living God.

11:28 Now Zeezrom said: Is there more than one God?

11:29 And he answered, No.

11:30 Now Zeezrom said unto him again: How knowest thou these things?

11:31 And he said: An angel hath made them known unto me.

11:32 And Zeezrom said 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 said 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 said unto the people: See that ye remember these
things; for he said 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, how can ye be saved, except
ye 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 said unto him: Yea, he is the very Eternal Father of
heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are; 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 reunited 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
every thing 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, 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 again
to be astonished, and also Zeezrom began to tremble. And thus ended the
words of Amulek, or this is all that I have written.

Alma Chapter 12

12:1 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 a 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 were 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 has 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 said 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 he know them in full.

12:11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them 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 has 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 works will condemn
us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn
us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to 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 our 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 has all power to save every man that
believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet 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 that whosoever dieth
in his sins, as to a 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 flame 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,
came 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 the scripture mean, which saith that God placed
cherubim 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 said unto him: This is the thing which I was about to
explain, now we see that Adam did fall by the partaking of the
forbidden fruit, according to the word of God; and thus we see, that by
his fall, all mankind became a lost and fallen people.

12:23 And now behold, I say unto you that if it had been possible for
Adam to have partaken of the fruit of the tree of life at that time,
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 gone 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 men 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, who caused men to
behold of his glory.

12:30 And they began from that 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 will I 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 his 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 he 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 his word in the
last provocation as well as 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 has given unto us; but let us enter into the rest
of God, which is prepared according to his word.

Alma Chapter 13

13:1 And again, my brethren, I would cite your minds forward to the
time when 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 having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly 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 have 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 have had as great privilege as their
brethren.

13:5 Or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with
their brethren; 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, who 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 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,
the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or
end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is.
Amen.

13:10 Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high
priesthood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests
of God; and it was on account of their 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 save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly
great many, who 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 meet 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 abomination; 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 wrest 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 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 made known unto just and holy men, by the mouth
of angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our fathers may
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 But 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 Alma spake many more words unto the people, which are not
written in this book.

Alma Chapter 14

14:1 And it came to pass 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 of 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. Now this was done before
the chief judge of the land.

14:6 And it 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 he
began to plead for them from that time forth; but they reviled him,
saying: Art thou also possessed with the devil? And they spit upon him,
and cast him out from among them, and also all those who 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 who were consumed by fire.

14:10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were
consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said 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 said 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 suffer that they may do this thing, or
that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness
of 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 said unto Alma: Behold, perhaps they will burn us
also.

14:13 And Alma said: 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 who 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 said 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 those who had been
cast into the fire; neither has 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, who 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 when they had been cast into prison three days, there came
many lawyers, and judges, and priests, and teachers, who 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 said:
Why do ye not answer the words of this people? Know ye not that I have
power to deliver you 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 we 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 were bound with
cords.

14:24 And the chief judge stood before them, and smote them again, and
said 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
rose 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 broke 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 rent in twain,
so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers,
and priests, and teachers, who 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 within the walls thereof, save it
were Alma and Amulek, was 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.

Alma Chapter 15

15:1 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek were commanded to depart
out of that city; and they departed, and came out even into the land of
Sidom; and behold, there they found all the people who 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 were no more; and he
supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this
great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did
become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to
be scorched with a burning heat.

15:4 Now, when he heard that Alma and Amulek were 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 exceedingly 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 believe all the words that thou
hast taught.

15:8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou
canst be healed.

15:9 And he said: 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 when Alma had said these words, 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 Sidom, 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 hard-hearted 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 silver, and his precious things, which were in the
land of Ammonihah, for the word of God, he being rejected by those who
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 themselves together at their sanctuaries to
worship God before the altar, 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.

Alma Chapter 16

16:1 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 upon the
wilderness side, into the borders of the land, even into the city of
Ammonihah, and began to slay the people and 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 who were in the city of Ammonihah, and also some around the
borders of Noah, and taken others captive into the wilderness.

16:4 Now it came to pass that the Nephites were desirous to obtain
those who 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
whither the Lord would that they should go into the wilderness in
search of their brethren, who had been taken 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 who 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 who had been taken captive by the Lamanites, and there was not
one soul of them 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 was 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 the carcasses
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,
who were slain; and their lands remained desolate.

16:12 And 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 to the people
in their temples, and in their sanctuaries, and also in their
synagogues, which were 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 respect of persons, continually.

16:15 And thus did Alma and Amulek go forth, and also many more who had
been chosen for the work, to preach the word throughout all the land.
And the establishment of the church became general throughout the land,
in all the region round about, among all the people of the Nephites.

16:16 And there was no inequality among them; the Lord did pour out his
Spirit on all the face of the land 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 who 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 adultery, 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 had been established throughout all 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—thus ended the fourteenth year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi.

Alma Chapter 17

17:1 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 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
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 altar 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 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 did 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 did 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 show 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 who 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 arrived 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
who delighted in 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 fallen 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, who 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 who 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 who 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 his desire 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 said 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 after he had been in the service of the king three days, as
he was with the Lamanitish servants 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 may 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 show 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 And now, these were the thoughts of Ammon, when he saw the
afflictions of those whom 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 preserve 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 said
unto his brethren: Encircle the flocks round about that they flee not;
and I go and contend with these men who do scatter our flocks.

17:34 Therefore, they did as Ammon commanded them, and he went forth
and stood to contend with those who stood by the waters of Sebus; and
they were in number not a 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 anything 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 with his sword; and he smote off as many of their
arms as were 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 smitten 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.

Alma Chapter 18

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 said: Surely,
this is more than a man. Behold, is not this the Great Spirit who doth
send such great punishments upon this people, because of their murders?

18:3 And they answered the king, and said: Whether he be the Great
Spirit 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 has such great power, for we know
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 has 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 whom 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 slain many of them because their brethren had scattered
their flocks at the place of water; and thus, because they had had
their flocks scattered they were slain.

18:7 Now it was the practice of these 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 has 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 there 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 said unto him:
What wilt 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 desirest
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 said unto
him: Is it because 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 marvelings?

18:17 I say unto you, what is it, that thy marvelings 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 marveled again, for
he beheld that Ammon could discern his thoughts; but notwithstanding
this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, and said unto him: Who art thou?
Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things?

18:19 Ammon answered and said unto him: I am not.

18:20 And the king said: 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 said 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 then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit?

18:27 And he said, Yea.

18:28 And Ammon said: This is God. And Ammon said unto him again:
Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things
which are in heaven and in the earth?

18:29 And he said: Yea, I believe that he created all things which are
in the earth; but I do not know the heavens.

18:30 And Ammon said unto him: The heavens is a place where God dwells
and all his holy angels.

18:31 And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth?

18:32 And Ammon said: 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 said: I believe all these things which thou hast
spoken. Art thou sent from God?

18:34 Ammon said 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 are
in God.

18:36 Now when Ammon had said these words, he began at the creation of
the world, and also 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, 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 travail, and
so forth.

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 had 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.

Alma Chapter 19

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 in 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 said unto him: The servants of my husband have made it
known unto me that thou art a prophet of a holy God, and that thou hast
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 was
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 marvelous
light of his goodness—yea, this light had infused such joy into his
soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light
of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had
overcome 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 had
desired him; and he saw the king, and he knew that he was not dead.

19:8 And he said unto the queen: He is not dead, but he sleepeth in
God, and on the morrow he shall rise again; therefore bury him not.

19:9 And Ammon said unto her: Believest thou this? And she said 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, who 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, he 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 who 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 all 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, and never having 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 had their flocks
scattered at the waters of Sebus.

19:21 And they were also rebuked by those men who had stood at the
waters of Sebus 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 exceedingly 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 that the man
had fallen 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 who 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 were 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, who
had been sent from the Nephites to torment them.

19:27 And there were some who 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, who had ever
delivered them out of their hands; and they said that it was this Great
Spirit who had destroyed so many of their brethren, the Lamanites.

19:28 And thus the contention began to be exceedingly sharp among them.
And while they were thus contending, the woman servant who had caused
the multitude to be gathered together came, and when she saw the
contention which was among the multitude she was exceedingly 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 an 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 who 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 selfsame thing—that 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 were 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.

Alma Chapter 20

20:1 And it came to pass that when they had 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 him unto his father.

20:2 And 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 said unto
Lamoni: Behold, my brother and brethren are in prison at Middoni, and I
go that I may deliver them.

20:4 Now Lamoni said 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 said unto him: Who told thee that thy
brethren were in prison?

20:5 And Ammon said 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 said 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 were journeying
thither, they met the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.

20:9 And behold, the father of Lamoni said unto him: Why did ye not
come to the feast on that great day when I made a feast unto my sons,
and unto my people?

20:10 And he also said: Whither art thou going with this Nephite, who
is one of the children of a liar?

20:11 And it came to pass that Lamoni rehearsed 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 said:
Lamoni, thou art going to deliver these Nephites, who are 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 their 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 said 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 had 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 said unto him: Behold, thou shalt not
slay thy son; nevertheless, it were better that he should fall than
thee, for behold, he has 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 an 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 he should lose his life, said: If thou wilt
spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half
of the kingdom.

20:24 Now when Ammon saw that he had wrought upon the old king
according to his desire, he said 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
do according to his own desires in whatsoever thing he thinketh, 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 desire to destroy him, and when
he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished
exceedingly, and said: 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 may
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 he had 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 Lamoni found favor in the eyes
of the king of the land; therefore the brethren of Ammon were brought
forth out of prison.

20:29 And when Ammon did meet them he was exceedingly 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 kinds 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
smitten them, and had driven them from house to house, and from place
to place, even until they had arrived in 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.

Alma Chapter 21

21:1 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 strong in wickedness and their abominations.

21:4 And it came to pass that Aaron came to the city of Jerusalem, and
first 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 thou
hast testified? Hast thou seen an angel? Why do not angels appear unto
us? Behold are not this people as good as thy people?

21:6 Thou also sayest, except we 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 said 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 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 their synagogue, and came over to a village which was
called Ani-Anti, and there he found Muloki 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 who 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 traditions 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 should be synagogues built in the land
of Ishmael; and he caused that his people, or the people who were 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 who were
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 who 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.

Alma Chapter 22

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 said 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 said unto the king: Behold, the Spirit of the Lord has
called him another way; he has gone to the land of Ishmael, to teach
the people of Lamoni.

22:5 Now the king said 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 said: I know that the Amalekites say that
there is a God, and I have granted unto them that they should build
sanctuaries, that they may 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
said: Behold, assuredly as thou livest, O king, there is a God.

22:9 And the king said: 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 said: 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 anything of himself;
but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through
faith and repentance, and so forth; 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 said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal
life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, 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, said 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 said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou
wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt 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 pled
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, 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 marveled, 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 they were pacified towards Aaron and those who 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 who were in all his land, who were
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 seashore,
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 by the seashore.

22:29 And also there were many Lamanites on the east by the seashore,
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 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 is 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 were nearly 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 not 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.

Alma Chapter 23

23:1 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 either of their brethren
who should go forth preaching the word of God, in whatsoever place they
should be, in any part of their 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 sent his 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
ought not to murder, nor to plunder, nor to steal, nor to commit
adultery, nor 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 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 any more,
neither against any of their brethren.

23:8 Now, these are they who were converted unto the Lord:

23:9 The people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Ishmael;

23:10 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the land of
Middoni;

23:11 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the city of
Nephi;

23:12 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the land of
Shilom, and who were in the land of Shemlon, and in the city of Lemuel,
and in 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
were any of the Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts, and also
the hearts of the Lamanites in that part of the land wheresoever 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 who 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 names
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.

Alma Chapter 24

24:1 And it came to pass that the Amalekites and the Amulonites and the
Lamanites who were in the land of Amulon, and also in the land of
Helam, and who were in the land of Jerusalem, and in fine, in all the
land round about, who 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 exceedingly 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 selfsame year that the Lamanites began
to make preparations for war against the people of God.

24:5 Now when Ammon and his brethren and all those who 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 who 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 of those our many sins and murders which we have committed,
and taken 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
do, (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, then 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 has 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 Oh, 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. Alma 24:18
And this they did, it being in their view a testimony to God, and also
to men, that they never would use weapons again for the shedding of
man’s blood; and this they did, vouching and covenanting with God, that
rather than shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their
own lives; and rather than take away from a brother they would give
unto him; and rather than spend their days in idleness they would labor
abundantly with their hands.

24:19 And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to
believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even
unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried
their 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 Now 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 are 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 lie 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 who had been slain; and those who 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 who 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 who joined the people of the Lord, there were
none who were Amalekites or Amulonites, or who 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 have been
once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of
things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin
and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state
becomes worse than though they had never known these things.

Alma Chapter 25

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 who 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 who were slain were almost all the seed of
Amulon and his brethren, who 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, 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 who 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 were brought to pass, which he said concerning the
seed of the priests who caused that he should suffer death 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 they were smitten.

25:13 And it came to pass that 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, who were 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 had granted unto them
according to their prayers, and that he had also verified his word unto
them in every particular.

Alma Chapter 26

26:1 And now, these are the words of Ammon to his brethren, which say
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 has 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 marvelous 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 might, 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, who have so dearly beloved 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 that thy joy doth
carry thee away unto boasting.

26:11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor
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 has 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 has 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 marvelous work.

26:16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we
will 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 threatenings to
destroy his church.

26:19 Oh 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 Oh, 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 to know 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
has 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 delight 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 you 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 traveled 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, and we
have 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 strong 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 were 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 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 has been
mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has
been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the
name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange
land.

26:37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people,
whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his
bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my
great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever.
Amen.

Alma Chapter 27

27:1 Now it came to pass that when those Lamanites who had gone to war
against the Nephites had found, after their many struggles 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 exceedingly 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 refused 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 whom they so dearly beloved, and among those who had so dearly
beloved 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 said unto them: Behold, the Nephites will destroy us,
because of the many murders and sins we have committed against them.

27:7 And Ammon said: I will go and inquire of the Lord, and if he say
unto us, go down unto our brethren, will ye go?

27:8 And the king said 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 said 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 said 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
has great hold on the hearts of the Amalekites, who do stir up the
Lamanites to anger against their brethren to slay them; therefore get
thee out of this land; and blessed are 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 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 said 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 so 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 And now it came to pass that Alma conducted his brethren back to
the land of Zarahemla; even to his own house. And 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, who 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 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 Jershon and
the land Nephi, that we may protect our brethren in the land 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 our brethren, that they may
inherit the land Jershon; and we will guard them from their enemies
with our armies, on condition 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 had 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
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 who 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 greatest 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 cimeter to smite them.

27:30 And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored
people of the Lord.

Alma Chapter 28

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 there was 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 of
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 all of them, mourning for their kindred who 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 endeth 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 moldering 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 they 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 inequality 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.

Alma Chapter 29

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 our God, that there might not be 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 ought to be
content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.

29:4 I ought not to harrow up in my desires, the firm decree of a just
God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire,
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 they be unto salvation or unto
destruction.

29:5 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; 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 were 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 hath 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, even 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 this 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, who 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 who 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.

Alma Chapter 30

30:1 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 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 that in the commencement of 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; or
rather, if he believed in 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) 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 anything which is to come.

30:14 Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are
handed down by 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 effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of
your minds comes because of the traditions 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, who 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, who 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 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 said 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 said 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 Ye 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 their own lest they
should offend their priests, who do yoke them according to their
desires, and have 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, who they say is God—a being who never
has been seen or known, who 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 who was governor over all the
land.

30:30 And it came to pass that when he was brought before Alma and the
chief judge, 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 on the labors of the people.

30:32 Now Alma said 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 the 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 has any of my brethren, save it were in the judgment-seat; and
then we have received only according to law for our time.

30:34 And now, if we do not receive anything 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, of thyself, knowest that we receive no gain? And now,
believest thou that we deceive this people, that causes such joy in
their hearts?

30:36 And Korihor answered him, Yea.

30:37 And then Alma said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?

30:38 And he answered, Nay.

30:39 Now Alma said unto him: Will 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 art 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 has power over you, and he doth carry you
about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God.

30:43 And now Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a sign, that
I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me that he hath
power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy words.

30:44 But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt
your God? Will ye say, Show 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 are upon the face of it,
yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their
regular form do 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 show 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 still
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 destruction,
by thy lying and by thy flattering words; therefore if thou shalt deny
again, behold God shall smite thee, 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 said 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 show me a sign, I will not
believe.

30:49 Now Alma said 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, ye shall be struck dumb, that ye shall no more have
utterance.

30:50 Now when Alma had 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 God? In
whom did ye desire that Alma should show forth his sign? Would ye that
he should afflict others, to show unto thee a sign? Behold, he has
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 always 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 said 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 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 unto 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, begging food for his
support.

30:59 And it came to pass that as he went forth among the people, yea,
among a people who 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.

Alma Chapter 31

31:1 Now it came to pass that after the end of Korihor, Alma having
received tidings that the Zoramites were perverting the ways of the
Lord, and that Zoram, who was their leader, was leading the hearts of
the people to bow down to dumb idols, 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 exceedingly 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 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 powerful
effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything 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 in Zarahemla; but the former three he took with
him, and also Amulek and Zeezrom, who 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 whom he took with him were Shiblon and
Corianton; and these are the names of those who 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 had the word of God preached unto them.

31:9 But they had fallen 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
day 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 center of their synagogue, a
place for 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, today, 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 these 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 selfsame
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 unto 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
infidelity 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 exceedingly 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 who 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 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 them who 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 thought 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.

Alma Chapter 32

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, who were those of
whom we have been speaking, of whom 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 who was the foremost among
them said 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 our exceeding poverty; and we have no place
to worship our 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 whom he beheld, who were
truly penitent, and said unto them:

32:8 I behold 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 our God.

32:10 Behold I say unto you, do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God
save it be in your synagogues only?

32:11 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 humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it
is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that 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.

32:13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye;
for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, 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 were compelled to be
humble ye were blessed, do ye not 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 sins,
and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much more
blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of their
exceeding poverty.

32:16 Therefore, blessed are they who humble 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 stubbornness 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 who 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 knoweth the will of God
and doeth it not, than 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 are 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 do have words
given unto them many times which confound the wise and the learned.

32:24 And now, my beloved brethren, as ye have desired to know of me
what ye shall 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 that there are some among you
who 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 do not 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, 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, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it
swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now behold, will
not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for
ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it 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
ye 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 it 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, because it hath no root it withers 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, 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.

Alma Chapter 33

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 ought to search the scriptures; 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, has
said concerning prayer or worship?

33:4 For he said: 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 who 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 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 thou 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 thy judgments
away from me, because of thy Son.

33:12 And now Alma said 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 said; for, behold he
said: 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, but
Zenock also spake of these things—

33:16 For behold, he said: Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people,
because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed
upon them because of thy 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 who 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 who were so
hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the
reason 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 shall 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.

Alma Chapter 34

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 dissension
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 has proved unto you, in many
instances, that the word is in Christ unto salvation.

34:7 My brother has called upon the words of Zenos, that redemption
cometh through the Son of God, and also upon the words of Zenock; and
also he has appealed unto Moses, to prove that these things are true.

34:8 And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these
things are true. 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 of beast, neither of
any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must
be an infinite and 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 be 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 is expedient there should be,
a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of Moses be
fulfilled; yea, it shall be all 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
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 exercises no faith unto
repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice;
therefore only unto him that has 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 may 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, who 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 who 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 who
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, ye 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 do 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 my 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 has also said that the righteous shall 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 temptations of
the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may 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 do 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.

Alma Chapter 35

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 they found out
privily the minds of all the people.

35:6 And it came to pass that after they had found out the minds of all
the people, those who 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 who 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 who came over from
them into their land.

35:9 And he breathed out many threatenings against them. And now the
people of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did not 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 war against the people of Ammon, and also against the
Nephites.

35:12 And thus ended the seventeenth year of the reign of the 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;
and as many as were brought 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
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 among
them; and having been 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 exceedingly 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.

Alma Chapter 36

36:1 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 know that whosoever shall put their 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 has, 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 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 thought of coming into the presence of my God
did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.

36:15 Oh, 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 was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered
also to have heard my father prophesy 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 am in the gall
of bitterness, and am 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 oh, what joy, and what marvelous 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 were 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, 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 exceedingly
great joy in the fruit of my labors;

36:26 For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold,
many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have
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 has 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 has
brought our fathers out of Egypt, and he has swallowed up the Egyptians
in the Red Sea; and he led them by his power into the promised land;
yea, and he has delivered them out of bondage and captivity from time
to time.

36:29 Yea, and he has also brought our fathers out of the land of
Jerusalem; and he has 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 ought to retain in remembrance, as I have done, their
captivity.

36:30 But behold, my son, this is not all; for ye 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 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.

Alma Chapter 37

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 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 have 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 Behold, it has 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 the salvation of many souls.

37:8 And now, it has 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 thousands 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, who 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 forbear.

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 said: 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 has entrusted you with these
things, which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he
will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him, that he may show
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 fulfil all his promises which he shall make unto you,
for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto our fathers.

37:18 For he promised unto them that he would preserve these things for
a wise purpose in him, that he might show 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 hath shown forth his power in them, and he will also
still show 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 twenty-four
plates, that ye keep them, that the mysteries and the works of
darkness, and their secret works, or the secret works of those people
who 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 interpreters.

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 who 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 interpreters 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 has 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 signs and their wonders ye shall keep 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 and 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 who came
among them to declare unto them concerning their iniquities; and the
blood of those whom they murdered did cry unto the Lord their God for
vengeance upon those who 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, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the
affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

37:37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee
for 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—or our fathers called it
Liahona, which is, being 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 show 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
it did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot
to exercise their faith and diligence and then those marvelous 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
them a straight course to the promised land.

37:45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as
surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course,
to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their
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.

Alma Chapter 38

38:1 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 cut 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 know that thou wast in bonds; yea, and I also know 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 out
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 unto 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.

Alma Chapter 39

39:1 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 has 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 nowise inherit the
kingdom of God. Oh, 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 with 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 the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked
harlots. Behold, O 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 that wrong which ye
have done.

39:14 Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this 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 he 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 this 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 on 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?

Alma Chapter 40

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, this
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 show 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 all 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 has 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 who 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 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked,
yea, who 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; there 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 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 this 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 who have been, or who are, or
who 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 reuniting 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 whom has been
spoken shall all be reunited 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 who 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 reunited, 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 reunited, 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
has 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 its body; yea, even
a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored
to their 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.

Alma Chapter 41

41:1 And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration
of which has been spoken; for behold, some have wrested the scriptures,
and have gone far astray because of this thing. And I perceive that thy
mind has 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 should 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 men 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 them 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 offense against your
God upon those points of doctrine, which ye have hitherto risked to
commit sin.

41:10 Do not suppose, because it has 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 devilish for devilish—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 you 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 do 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.

Alma Chapter 42

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 they were taken—yea, he drew
out the man, and he placed at the east end of the garden of Eden,
cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the tree
of life—

42:3 Now, we see that the man had become 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, the Lord God placed cherubim 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
partaken 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 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, ye 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, it was expedient that
mankind should be reclaimed from this spiritual death.

42:10 Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and devilish, 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 the 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 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 save 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 would 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 a
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.

42:23 But God ceaseth not to be God, 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
were 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 may 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 has desired to do evil, and has 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 his long-suffering have full sway in your
heart; and 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.

Alma Chapter 43

43:1 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 Antionum, which is 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 and of themselves, therefore,
Zerahemnah appointed chief captains over the Lamanites, and they were
all Amalekites and Zoramites.

43:7 Now this he did 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 did that he might usurp great power over
them, and also that he might gain power over the Nephites by bringing
them into bondage.

43:9 And now the design of the Nephites was 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, and they also knew the extreme hatred of the Lamanites
towards their brethren, who were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, who
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,
if they should fall into the hands of the Lamanites they would be
destroyed.

43:12 And the Nephites would not suffer that they should 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, who
were a compound of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, and all
those who had dissented from the Nephites, who 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 who 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 government of their
wars. And he was only twenty and five years old when he was appointed
chief captain 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 when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of
Nephi, or that Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates 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; and 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 breastplates, nor shields—therefore,
they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of
their armor, 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 borders 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 head of the river Sidon, that they
might come into the land of Manti and take possession of the land; for
they did not 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 weaker 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 that land
and take possession of the city, took the remaining 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 intention of the Lamanites, that it
was their 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 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 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, which 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 their 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 the 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
breastplates, 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 pursued 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 began to fall
upon them and to slay them.

43:42 And 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 fight with such exceedingly great
strength and courage, no, not even from the beginning.

43:44 And they were inspired by the Zoramites and the Amalekites, who
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 breastplates, 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 was the duty which they
owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their
fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense,
neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the
hands of your enemies.

43:47 And again, the Lord has 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 selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the
Lamanites began to flee before them; and they fled even to 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 Now Moroni, when he saw their terror, commanded his men that they
should stop shedding their blood.

Alma Chapter 44

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
has 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 has 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 said unto him: Behold, here are
our weapons of war; we will deliver them up unto you, but 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 has delivered us into your hands; but we believe that it is your
cunning that has preserved you from our swords. Behold, it is your
breastplates and your shields that have preserved you.

44:10 And now when Zerahemnah had made an end 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 recall 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 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
soldiers 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 who stood by, who 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 Even as this scalp has fallen to the earth, which is the scalp of
your chief, so shall ye fall to the 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, that 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 exceedingly 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 might.

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 exceedingly 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, 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 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 was not numbered because of the
greatness of the number; yea, the number of their dead was exceedingly
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
written upon the plates of Nephi.

Alma Chapter 45

45:1 Behold, now it came to pass that the people of Nephi were
exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had 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 with exceedingly great joy.

45:2 And it came to pass in the nineteenth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi, that Alma came unto his son Helaman
and said unto him: Believest thou the words which I spake unto thee
concerning those records which have been kept?

45:3 And Helaman said unto him: Yea, I believe.

45:4 And Alma said again: Believest thou in Jesus Christ, who shall
come?

45:5 And he said: Yea, I believe all the words which thou hast spoken.

45:6 And Alma said 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 said 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 that 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 who are now, or the seed of those who 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 who 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 had said these things to
Helaman, 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 who 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 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 scriptures
saith the Lord took Moses unto himself; and we suppose that he has also
received Alma in the spirit, unto himself; therefore, for this cause we
know nothing concerning his death and 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 dissensions 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
dissension 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 exceedingly great riches; therefore they grew rich in their own
eyes, and would not give heed to their words, to walk uprightly before
God.

Alma Chapter 46

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 exceedingly wroth, insomuch that they
were determined to slay them.

46:3 Now the leader of those who 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 who
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 for 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 dissensions,
notwithstanding the preaching of Helaman and his brethren, yea,
notwithstanding their exceedingly great care over the church, for they
were high priests over the church.

46:7 And there were many in the church who believed in the flattering
words of Amalickiah, therefore they dissented even from the church; and
thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly 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 hand of the Lord.

46:8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do 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
device 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, who was the chief
commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these
dissensions, 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.

46:13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his
shields, and girded on his armor 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, who belonged to
the church of God, called by those who 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 who 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 to God,
he named 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 said: 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 part of his garment in the air, that all might
see the writing which he had written upon the rent part, 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 armor 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 commandments of God, or fall into transgression,
and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should
rend them even as they had 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 be
trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression.

46:23 Moroni said 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 said—Even as this remnant of garment of my son 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 of 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 who have dissented from
us? Yea, and even it shall be ourselves 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 dissensions, and gathered together all the people who were
desirous to maintain their liberty, to stand against Amalickiah and
those who had dissented, who 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 who 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 he 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, who 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 with his tents into the wilderness, to
cut off the course of Amalickiah in the wilderness.

46:32 And it came to pass that he did according to his desires, and
marched forth into the wilderness, 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 who 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 were but few who 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 were 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, to which men
were subject 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.

Alma Chapter 47

47:1 Now we will return in our record to Amalickiah and those who had
fled with him into the wilderness; for, behold, he had taken those who
went with him, and went up in the land of Nephi among the Lamanites,
and did stir up the Lamanites to anger against the people of Nephi,
insomuch 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 exceedingly afraid; 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 who
were in favor of the king; and he sought to gain favor of those who
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 Onidah, 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 who
were upon 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 the 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 Amalickiah 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 had given him command, and that 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 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 should 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 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 with the Lamanites, as 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 fallen 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 had 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 all they who loved the king, when they
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 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 should 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 all them who 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, who were composed of the Lamanites and the Lemuelites
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 dissensions they became more hardened and impenitent, and
more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites—drinking in with the
traditions of the Lamanites; giving way to indolence, and all manner of
lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God.

Alma Chapter 48

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 who 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
toward 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 a 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 offense, 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
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 than 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 year,
yea, notwithstanding their peace amongst themselves, they were
compelled reluctantly to contend with their brethren, the Lamanites.

48:22 Yea, and in fine, their wars never did cease for the space of
many years with the Lamanites, 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 be massacred by the barbarous
cruelty of those who were 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 was, if they
should keep his commandments they should prosper in the land.

Alma Chapter 49

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 around 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 rebuilt; 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 up 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 places 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 breastplates; 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 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, become
strong, yea, even to exceed the strength of the city Ammonihah.

49:15 And now, behold, this was wisdom in Moroni; for he had supposed
that they would be frightened at the city 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 that city; and it was that same Lehi who fought with the
Lamanites in the valley on the east of the river Sidon.

49:17 And now behold 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 strongest 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 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 was slain.

49:24 There were about fifty who were wounded, who had been exposed to
the arrows of the Lamanites through the pass, but they were shielded by
their shields, and their breastplates, 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 exceedingly 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 exceedingly wroth, and he did curse God, and also
Moroni, 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 exceedingly
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, yea,
and by all those who had been ordained by the holy order of God, being
baptized unto repentance, and sent forth to preach among the people.

Alma Chapter 50

50:1 And now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop making
preparations for war, or to defend his people 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 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
who should attempt to approach near the walls of the city.

50:6 Thus Moroni did prepare strongholds 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 who 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 who 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 the 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 strongholds 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,
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 exceedingly
rich; yea, and they did multiply and wax 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 their 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 the judges.

50:24 And it came to pass that the twenty and second 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 who 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 who 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, who were
led by a man whose name was Morianton, found that the people of Lehi
had fled to the camp of Moroni, they were exceedingly fearful lest the
army of Moroni should come upon them and destroy them.

50:29 Therefore, Morianton put it into 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 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
maid servants, and he fell upon 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 who 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 the 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 fourth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi.

50:36 And thus were 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 the
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.

Alma Chapter 51

51:1 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
who desired that a few particular points of the law should be altered.

51:3 But behold, Pahoran would not alter nor suffer the law to be
altered; 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 who 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 the 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 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, who 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 who were in favor of kings were those of high birth, and
they sought to be kings; and they were supported by those who 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 who had been slain by the hand of the
Nephites; but notwithstanding their great loss, Amalickiah had gathered
together a wonderfully great 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 had begun to settle the
affairs of their contentions concerning the chief judge, Pahoran.

51:13 And it came to pass that when the men who 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
exceedingly wroth because of the stubbornness of those people whom he
had labored with so much diligence to preserve; yea, he was exceedingly
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
dissensions 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 leveled to the earth.

51:19 And it came to pass that there were four thousand of those
dissenters who were hewn down by the sword; and those of their leaders
who 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 be smitten
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
stubbornness and the pride of those people who 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 who fled out of the city of Moroni came to the city of
Nephihah; and also the people of the city of Lehi gathered themselves
together, and made preparations and were ready to receive the Lamanites
to battle.

51:25 But it came to pass that Amalickiah would not suffer the
Lamanites to go against the city of Nephihah to battle, 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 strongholds 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 skill
of war, insomuch that they did gain advantage over the Lamanites.

51:32 And it came to pass that they did harass 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 Bountiful;
and Amalickiah did pitch his tents in the borders on the beach by the
seashore, and after this manner were they 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 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 awakened and should come upon them.

51:37 And thus endeth the twenty and fifth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi; and thus endeth the days of
Amalickiah.

Alma Chapter 52

52:1 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 who 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 whom 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 harass them on every side.

52:10 And Moroni also sent unto him, desiring him 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 in 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 by the west sea.

52:13 And thus he was endeavoring to harass the Nephites, and to draw
away a part of their forces to that part of the land, while he had
commanded those whom he had left to possess the cities which he had
taken, that they should also harass the Nephites on the borders by the
east sea, and should take possession of their lands as much as it was
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, and had begun 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 at 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 strongholds,
that they might gain advantage over them and take again the city of
Mulek.

52:20 And it came to pass 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,
who 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 strongholds.

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 in the wilderness, on the west of the city 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 who were pursuing them in vain,
behold, Moroni commanded that a part of his army who 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 possession of the city 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 way 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
men, that the Lamanites in the rear delivered up their weapons of war;
and the remainder of them, being much confused, knew not whither 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 who 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 who were taken exceeded more than
the number of those who had been slain, yea, more than those who had
been slain on both sides.

Alma Chapter 53

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 who 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 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 stronghold 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
was 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 holds
of the Lamanites in the land of Nephi; and thus he had also built a
stronghold 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 had
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, who 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 taken 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 who 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, who 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 the 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, who
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 to
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 exceedingly valiant
for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was
not all—they were men who 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 to 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 eighth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi.

Alma Chapter 54

54:1 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the twenty and
ninth year 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 were 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 whom 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 an 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 written unto you somewhat concerning this
war which ye 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 somewhat 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 land 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 have
been, except ye repent and withdraw your murderous purposes, and return
with your armies to your own lands.

54:8 But as ye have once 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 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 you do not 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 land 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, 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
threatenings.

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 your arms, and subject
yourselves to be governed by those to 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 threatenings against me and my
people; but behold, we fear not your threatenings.

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 the subjecting
the Nephites to our authority or to their eternal extinction.

54:21 And as 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 thing, 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 whom ye have murdered, whom
ye have hinted that he hath gone to such a place? But behold these
things matter 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 hath been
waged to avenge their wrongs, and to maintain and to obtain their
rights to the government; and I close my epistle to Moroni.

Alma Chapter 55

55:1 Now it came to pass that when Moroni had 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 a 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 do guard my people
whom 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 who 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 who was murdered by Amalickiah.

55:6 Now Moroni caused that Laman and a small number of his men should
go forth unto the guards who were over the Nephites.

55:7 Now the Nephites were guarded in the city of Gid; therefore Moroni
appointed Laman and caused that a small number of men should go with
him.

55:8 And when it was evening Laman went to the guards who 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 sleep; and behold we have taken 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 said 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 said 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 And 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 Gid,
while the Lamanites were in a deep sleep and drunken, and cast in
weapons of war 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 awakened 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 drunkenness.

55:20 But he had obtained his desires; for he had armed those prisoners
of the Nephites who were within the wall of the city, and had given
them power to gain possession of those parts which were within the
walls.

55:21 And then he caused the men who 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 that 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 the
prisoners should be liberated, who 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, whom he had
taken prisoners, that they should commence a labor in strengthening the
fortifications round about the city Gid.

55:26 And it came to pass that when he had fortified the city Gid,
according to his desires, he caused that his prisoners should be taken
to the city Bountiful; and he also guarded that city with an
exceedingly 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 whom
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 their privileges.

55:29 Many time did the Lamanites attempt to encircle them about by
night, but in these attempts they did lose many prisoners.

55:30 And many times did they attempt 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 time of affliction. They could not be taken in their
snares; yea, they would not partake of their wine, save they had first
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 Morianton; for behold, the Lamanites
had, by their labors, fortified the city Morianton until it had become
an exceeding stronghold.

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.

Alma Chapter 56

56:1 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the thirtieth year
of the reign of the judges, on the second day in 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 whom Ammon brought
down out of the land of Nephi—now ye have known that these were
descendants of Laman, who 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 sufficeth me that I tell you that two thousand of
these young men have 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 should 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 which strength Antipus did
rejoice exceedingly; for behold, his army had been reduced by the
Lamanites because their forces had 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 of 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
might 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 strongholds.

56:22 And it came to pass that we kept spies out 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 to 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 my two
thousand sons.

56:28 And also there were 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 effect upon them;
therefore Antipus ordered that I should march forth with my little sons
to a neighboring city, as if we were carrying provisions to a
neighboring city.

56:31 And we were to march near the city of 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 that 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 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 might, they did not turn
to the right nor to the left, but pursued their march in a straight
course after us; and, as we suppose, 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 nor 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 of 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 should 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, 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 who 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 upon 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 had surrendered themselves
up unto us, behold, I numbered those young men who 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 were 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 who 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.

Alma Chapter 57

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
whom 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 who had come to join their brethren, my little band of two
thousand. And now behold, we were strong, yea, and we had also 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 show 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 notwithstanding 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 unto 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 thing 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 than 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 hands. For behold, Ammoron 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 whom 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 who 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 who 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, who had fainted because of the loss of blood;
nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great
astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one
soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among
them who 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 who 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 marvelous power.

57:27 Now this was the faith of these of whom 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, who were many, behold, we did inquire of Gid concerning the
prisoners whom they had started to go down to the land of Zarahemla
with.

57:29 Now Gid was the chief captain over the band who 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, who 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 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 swords 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
has delivered us; yea, that has 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
in preserving us, that we might not all perish; yea, and I trust that
the souls of them who have been slain have entered into the rest of
their God.

Alma Chapter 58

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 strongholds.

58:2 And they were so much more numerous than was our army that we
durst not go forth and attack them in their strongholds.

58:3 Yea, and it became expedient that we should employ our men to the
maintaining those parts of the land which we had regained 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 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 Lamanites 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
strongholds.

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 our 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 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, who 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 numbers, 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 and a
small number of men should secrete themselves also in the wilderness.

58:17 Now Gid and his men were on the right and the 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 who 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 who were left to guard the city,
insomuch that they did destroy them and did take possession of the
city. Alma 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 strongholds. And it came to pass that we
took our course, after having traveled 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 exceedingly afraid, 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 come.

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, 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 at 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 who 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 in our God who has 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 who 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 whom I have so highly
spoken, are with me in the city of Manti; and the Lord had supported
them, yea, and kept them from falling by the sword, insomuch that even
one soul has not been slain.

58:40 But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless they
stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has 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, may the Lord our God, who
has redeemed us and made us free, keep you continually in his presence;
yea, and may he favor this people, even that ye may have success in
obtaining the possession of all that which the Lamanites have taken
from us, which was for our support. And now, behold, I close mine
epistle. I am Helaman, the son of Alma.

Alma Chapter 59

59:1 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 regaining.

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,
who 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 who 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 exceedingly 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 exceedingly
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 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
which he had recovered.

59:11 And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was lost he
was exceedingly 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 marveled 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.

Alma Chapter 60

60:1 And it came to pass that he wrote again to the governor of the
land, who was Pahoran, and these are the words which he wrote, saying:
Behold, I direct mine epistle to Pahoran, in the city of Zarahemla, who
is the chief judge and the governor over the land, and also to all
those who have 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 have been
appointed to gather together men, and arm them with swords, and with
cimeters, and all manner of weapons of war of every kind, and send
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 exceedingly 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 nor
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 exceedingly
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 who have looked up to you for protection, yea, have
placed you in a situation that ye might have succored them, yea, ye
might have sent armies unto them, to have strengthened 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 exceedingly great neglect towards them.

60:10 And now, my beloved brethren—for ye ought to be beloved; yea, and
ye 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 their 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 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 it is because of their wickedness? I say unto you, if ye have
supposed this ye have supposed in vain; for I say unto you, there are
many who 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 the 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
exceedingly great neglect towards their brethren, yea, towards those
who have been slain.

60:15 For were it not for the wickedness which first commenced at our
head, we could have withstood our enemies that they could have gained
no 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, who caused so much bloodshed among
ourselves; yea, at the time we were contending among ourselves, if we
had united our strength as we hitherto have done; yea, had it not been
for the desire of 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, taking
possession of our lands, and they are murdering our people with the
sword, yea, our women and our children, 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 forgotten the commandments of the Lord your God? Yea,
have ye forgotten the captivity of our fathers? Have ye forgotten 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
has provided for us?

60:22 Yea, will ye sit in idleness while ye are surrounded with
thousands of those, yea, and tens of thousands, who do also sit in
idleness, while there are thousands round about in the borders of the
land who are falling by the sword, yea, wounded and bleeding?

60:23 Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye
sit still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay. Now I
would that ye should remember that God has 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
has regained, and that we 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 show 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 their patience in
their tribulations—

60:27 And I will come unto you, and if there be any among you that has
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 have 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 in 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 our
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 has caused their hatred, yea, and it has been redoubled by
those who have dissented from us, while your iniquity is for the cause
of your love of 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 adhere to the word of God, and send
speedily unto me of your provisions and of your men, and also to
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 fulfil 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.

Alma Chapter 61

61:1 Behold, now it came to pass that soon after Moroni had sent his
epistle unto the chief governor, he received an epistle from Pahoran,
the chief governor. And these are the words which he received:

61:2 I, Pahoran, who am 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 But behold, there 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 who are freemen, yea, and those who have risen up
are exceedingly 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 wrongs.

61:7 And they have come unto us, insomuch that those who have risen 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,
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 you 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 for 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 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 dissensions, 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 an 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.

Alma Chapter 62

62:1 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had received this epistle
his heart did take courage, and was filled with exceedingly 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 those of Pahoran they became exceedingly strong, even
stronger than the men of Pachus, who was the king of those dissenters
who had driven 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 who 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 men 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 taken 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 who 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 of Nephihah, they did pitch their
tents in the plains of Nephihah, which is near the city of Nephihah.

62:19 Now Moroni was desirous that the Lamanites should come out to
battle against them, upon the plains; but the Lamanites, knowing of
their exceedingly 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 who 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 burden; 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 regained many of
the Nephites who had been taken prisoners, 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 that Moroni was
coming against them, they were again 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 encamp 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 exceedingly 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 awaken his servants
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 exceedingly sorrowful; for behold, he had been a man
who had fought valiantly for his country, yea, a true friend to
liberty; and he had suffered very many exceedingly 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 exceedingly great length of the war
between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened,
because of the exceedingly 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 God 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 exceedingly strong again in the land. And
they began to grow exceedingly rich.

62:49 But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their
prosperity, they were not lifted up in the 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 had 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.

Alma Chapter 63

63:1 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 exceedingly curious
man, therefore he went forth and built him an exceedingly 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 of the Nephites who 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 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 who
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 who had
gone forth into that 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 some
dissenters who 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 and 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, who was his son.




 THE BOOK OF HELAMAN


An account of the Nephites. Their wars and contentions, and their
dissensions. And also the prophecies of many holy prophets, before the
coming of Christ, according to the records of Helaman, who was the son
of Helaman, and also according to the records of his sons, even down to
the coming of Christ. And also many of the Lamanites are converted. An
account of their conversion. An account of the righteousness of the
Lamanites, and the wickedness and abominations of the Nephites,
according to the record of Helaman and his sons, even down to the
coming of Christ, which is called the book of Helaman.

Helaman Chapter 1

1:1 And now behold, it came to pass in the commencement of the fortieth
year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, there began
to be a serious difficulty among the people of the Nephites.

1:2 For behold, Pahoran had died, and gone the way of all the earth;
therefore there began to be a serious contention concerning who should
have the judgment-seat among the brethren, who were the sons of
Pahoran.

1:3 Now these are their names who did contend for the judgment-seat,
who did also cause the people to contend: Pahoran, Paanchi, and
Pacumeni.

1:4 Now these are not all the sons of Pahoran, (for he had many) but
these are they who did contend for the judgment-seat; therefore, they
did cause three divisions among the people.

1:5 Nevertheless, it came to pass that Pahoran was appointed by the
voice of the people to be chief judge and a governor over the people of
Nephi.

1:6 And it came to pass that Pacumeni, when he saw that he could not
obtain the judgment-seat, he did unite with the voice of the people.

1:7 But behold, Paanchi, and that part of the people that were desirous
that he should be their governor, was exceedingly wroth; therefore, he
was about to flatter away those people to rise up in rebellion against
their brethren.

1:8 And it came to pass as he was about to do this, behold, he was
taken, and was tried according to the voice of the people, and
condemned unto death; for he had raised up in rebellion and sought to
destroy the liberty of the people.

1:9 Now when those people who were desirous that he should be their
governor saw that he was condemned unto death, therefore they were
angry, and behold, they sent forth one Kishkumen, even to the
judgment-seat of Pahoran, and murdered Pahoran as he sat upon the
judgment-seat.

1:10 And he was pursued by the servants of Pahoran; but behold, so
speedy was the flight of Kishkumen that no man could overtake him.

1:11 And he went unto those that sent him, and they all entered into a
covenant, yea, swearing by their everlasting Maker, that they would
tell no man that Kishkumen had murdered Pahoran.

1:12 Therefore, Kishkumen was not known among the people of Nephi, for
he was in disguise at the time that he murdered Pahoran. And Kishkumen
and his band, who had covenanted with him, did mingle themselves among
the people, in a manner that they all could not be found; but as many
as were found were condemned unto death.

1:13 And now behold, Pacumeni was appointed, according to the voice of
the people, to be a chief judge and a governor over the people, to
reign in the stead of his brother Pahoran; and it was according to his
right. And all this was done in the fortieth year of the reign of the
judges; and it had an end.

1:14 And it came to pass in the forty and first year of the reign of
the judges, that the Lamanites had gathered together an innumerable
army of men, and armed them with swords, and with cimeters and with
bows, and with arrows, and with head-plates, and with breastplates, and
with all manner of shields of every kind.

1:15 And they came down again that they might pitch battle against the
Nephites. And they were led by a man whose name was Coriantumr; and he
was a descendant of Zarahemla; and he was a dissenter from among the
Nephites; and he was a large and a mighty man.

1:16 Therefore, the king of the Lamanites, whose name was Tubaloth, who
was the son of Ammoron, supposing that Coriantumr, being a mighty man,
could stand against the Nephites, with his strength and also with his
great wisdom, insomuch that by sending him forth he should gain power
over the Nephites—

1:17 Therefore he did stir them up to anger, and he did gather together
his armies, and he did appoint Coriantumr to be their leader, and did
cause that they should march down to the land of Zarahemla to battle
against the Nephites.

1:18 And it came to pass that because of so much contention and so much
difficulty in the government, that they had not kept sufficient guards
in the land of Zarahemla; for they had supposed that the Lamanites
durst not come into the heart of their lands to attack that great city
Zarahemla.

1:19 But it came to pass that Coriantumr did march forth at the head of
his numerous host, and came upon the inhabitants of the city, and their
march was with such exceedingly great speed that there was no time for
the Nephites to gather together their armies.

1:20 Therefore Coriantumr did cut down the watch by the entrance of the
city, and did march forth with his whole army into the city, and they
did slay every one who did oppose them, insomuch that they did take
possession of the whole city.

1:21 And it came to pass that Pacumeni, who was the chief judge, did
flee before Coriantumr, even to the walls of the city. And it came to
pass that Coriantumr did smite him against the wall, insomuch that he
died. And thus ended the days of Pacumeni.

1:22 And now when Coriantumr saw that he was in possession of the city
of Zarahemla, and saw that the Nephites had fled before them, and were
slain, and were taken, and were cast into prison, and that he had
obtained the possession of the strongest hold in all the land, his
heart took courage insomuch that he was about to go forth against all
the land.

1:23 And now he did not tarry in the land of Zarahemla, but he did
march forth with a large army, even towards the city of Bountiful; for
it was his determination to go forth and cut his way through with the
sword, that he might obtain the north parts of the land.

1:24 And, supposing that their greatest strength was in the center of
the land, therefore he did march forth, giving them no time to assemble
themselves together save it were in small bodies; and in this manner
they did fall upon them and cut them down to the earth.

1:25 But behold, this march of Coriantumr through the center of the
land gave Moronihah great advantage over them, notwithstanding the
greatness of the number of the Nephites who were slain.

1:26 For behold, Moronihah had supposed that the Lamanites durst not
come into the center of the land, but that they would attack the cities
round about in the borders as they had hitherto done; therefore
Moronihah had caused that their strong armies should maintain those
parts round about by the borders.

1:27 But behold, the Lamanites were not frightened according to his
desire, but they had come into the center of the land, and had taken
the capital city which was the city of Zarahemla, and were marching
through the most capital parts of the land, slaying the people with a
great slaughter, both men, women, and children, taking possession of
many cities and of many strongholds.

1:28 But when Moronihah had discovered this, he immediately sent forth
Lehi with an army round about to head them before they should come to
the land Bountiful.

1:29 And thus he did; and he did head them before they came to the land
Bountiful, and gave unto them battle, insomuch that they began to
retreat back towards the land of Zarahemla.

1:30 And it came to pass that Moronihah did head them in their retreat,
and did give unto them battle, insomuch that it became an exceedingly
bloody battle; yea, many were slain, and among the number who were
slain Coriantumr was also found.

1:31 And now, behold, the Lamanites could not retreat either way,
neither on the north, nor on the south, nor on the east, nor on the
west, for they were surrounded on every hand by the Nephites.

1:32 And thus had Coriantumr plunged the Lamanites into the midst of
the Nephites, insomuch that they were in the power of the Nephites, and
he himself was slain, and the Lamanites did yield themselves into the
hands of the Nephites.

1:33 And it came to pass that Moronihah took possession of the city of
Zarahemla again, and caused that the Lamanites who had been taken
prisoners should depart out of the land in peace.

1:34 And thus ended the forty and first year of the reign of the
judges.

Helaman Chapter 2

2:1 And it came to pass in the forty and second year of the reign of
the judges, after Moronihah had established again peace between the
Nephites and the Lamanites, behold there was no one to fill the
judgment-seat; therefore there began to be a contention again among the
people concerning who should fill the judgment-seat.

2:2 And it came to pass that Helaman, who was the son of Helaman, was
appointed to fill the judgment-seat, by the voice of the people.

2:3 But behold, Kishkumen, who had murdered Pahoran, did lay wait to
destroy Helaman also; and he was upheld by his band, who had entered
into a covenant that no one should know his wickedness.

2:4 For there was one Gadianton, who was exceedingly expert in many
words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and
of robbery; therefore he became the leader of the band of Kishkumen.

2:5 Therefore he did flatter them, and also Kishkumen, that if they
would place him in the judgment-seat he would grant unto those who
belonged to his band that they should be placed in power and authority
among the people; therefore Kishkumen sought to destroy Helaman.

2:6 And it came to pass as he went forth towards the judgment-seat to
destroy Helaman, behold one of the servants of Helaman, having been out
by night, and having obtained, through disguise, a knowledge of those
plans which had been laid by this band to destroy Helaman—

2:7 And it came to pass that he met Kishkumen, and he gave unto him a
sign; therefore Kishkumen made known unto him the object of his desire,
desiring that he would conduct him to the judgment-seat that he might
murder Helaman.

2:8 And when the servant of Helaman had known all the heart of
Kishkumen, and how that it was his object to murder, and also that it
was the object of all those who belonged to his band to murder, and to
rob, and to gain power, (and this was their secret plan, and their
combination) the servant of Helaman said unto Kishkumen: Let us go
forth unto the judgment-seat.

2:9 Now this did please Kishkumen exceedingly, for he did suppose that
he should accomplish his design; but behold, the servant of Helaman, as
they were going forth unto the judgment-seat, did stab Kishkumen even
to the heart, that he fell dead without a groan. And he ran and told
Helaman all the things which he had seen, and heard, and done.

2:10 And it came to pass that Helaman did send forth to take this band
of robbers and secret murderers, that they might be executed according
to the law.

2:11 But behold, when Gadianton had found that Kishkumen did not return
he feared lest that he should be destroyed; therefore he caused that
his band should follow him. And they took their flight out of the land,
by a secret way, into the wilderness; and thus when Helaman sent forth
to take them they could nowhere be found.

2:12 And more of this Gadianton shall be spoken hereafter. And thus
ended the forty and second year of the reign of the judges over the
people of Nephi.

2:13 And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see that this
Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction
of the people of Nephi.

2:14 Behold I do not mean the end of the book of Helaman, but I mean
the end of the book of Nephi, from which I have taken all the account
which I have written.

Helaman Chapter 3

3:1 And now it came to pass in the forty and third year of the reign of
the judges, there was no contention among the people of Nephi save it
were a little pride which was in the church, which did cause some
little dissensions among the people, which affairs were settled in the
ending of the forty and third year.

3:2 And there was no contention among the people in the forty and
fourth year; neither was there much contention in the forty and fifth
year.

3:3 And it came to pass in the forty and sixth, yea, there was much
contention and many dissensions; in the which there were an exceedingly
great many who departed out of the land of Zarahemla, and went forth
unto the land northward to inherit the land.

3:4 And they did travel to an exceedingly great distance, insomuch that
they came to large bodies of water and many rivers.

3:5 Yea, and even they did spread forth into all parts of the land,
into whatever parts it had not been rendered desolate and without
timber, because of the many inhabitants who had before inherited the
land.

3:6 And now no part of the land was desolate, save it were for timber;
but because of the greatness of the destruction of the people who had
before inhabited the land it was called desolate.

3:7 And there being but little timber upon the face of the land,
nevertheless the people who went forth became exceedingly expert in the
working of cement; therefore they did build houses of cement, in the
which they did dwell.

3:8 And it came to pass that they did multiply and spread, and did go
forth from the land southward to the land northward, and did spread
insomuch that they began to cover the face of the whole earth, from the
sea south to the sea north, from the sea west to the sea east.

3:9 And the people who were in the land northward did dwell in tents,
and in houses of cement, and they did suffer whatsoever tree should
spring up upon the face of the land that it should grow up, that in
time they might have timber to build their houses, yea, their cities,
and their temples, and their synagogues, and their sanctuaries, and all
manner of their buildings.

3:10 And it came to pass as timber was exceedingly scarce in the land
northward, they did send forth much by the way of shipping.

3:11 And thus they did enable the people in the land northward that
they might build many cities, both of wood and of cement.

3:12 And it came to pass that there were many of the people of Ammon,
who were Lamanites by birth, did also go forth into this land.

3:13 And now there are many records kept of the proceedings of this
people, by many of this people, which are particular and very large,
concerning them.

3:14 But behold, a hundredth part of the proceedings of this people,
yea, the account of the Lamanites and of the Nephites, and their wars,
and contentions, and dissensions, and their preaching, and their
prophecies, and their shipping and their building of ships, and their
building of temples, and of synagogues and their sanctuaries, and their
righteousness, and their wickedness, and their murders, and their
robbings, and their plundering, and all manner of abominations and
whoredoms, cannot be contained in this work.

3:15 But behold, there are many books and many records of every kind,
and they have been kept chiefly by the Nephites.

3:16 And they have been handed down from one generation to another by
the Nephites, even until they have fallen into transgression and have
been murdered, plundered, and hunted, and driven forth, and slain, and
scattered upon the face of the earth, and mixed with the Lamanites
until they are no more called the Nephites, becoming wicked, and wild,
and ferocious, yea, even becoming Lamanites.

3:17 And now I return again to mine account; therefore, what I have
spoken had passed after there had been great contentions, and
disturbances, and wars, and dissensions, among the people of Nephi.

3:18 The forty and sixth year of the reign of the judges ended;

3:19 And it came to pass that there was still great contention in the
land, yea, even in the forty and seventh year, and also in the forty
and eighth year.

3:20 Nevertheless Helaman did fill the judgment-seat with justice and
equity; yea, he did observe to keep the statutes, and the judgments,
and the commandments of God; and he did do that which was right in the
sight of God continually; and he did walk after the ways of his father,
insomuch that he did prosper in the land.

3:21 And it came to pass that he had two sons. He gave unto the eldest
the name of Nephi, and unto the youngest, the name of Lehi. And they
began to grow up unto the Lord.

3:22 And it came to pass that the wars and contentions began to cease,
in a small degree, among the people of the Nephites, in the latter end
of the forty and eighth year of the reign of the judges over the people
of Nephi.

3:23 And it came to pass in the forty and ninth year of the reign of
the judges, there was continual peace established in the land, all save
it were the secret combinations which Gadianton the robber had
established in the more settled parts of the land, which at that time
were not known unto those who were at the head of government; therefore
they were not destroyed out of the land.

3:24 And it came to pass that in this same year there was exceedingly
great prosperity in the church, insomuch that there were thousands who
did join themselves unto the church and were baptized unto repentance.

3:25 And so great was the prosperity of the church, and so many the
blessings which were poured out upon the people, that even the high
priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure.

3:26 And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did prosper unto the
baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many souls, yea, even tens
of thousands.

3:27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in
the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.

3:28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to
those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of
God.

3:29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God,
which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning
and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ
in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery
which is prepared to engulf the wicked—

3:30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand
of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac,
and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out.

3:31 And in this year there was continual rejoicing in the land of
Zarahemla, and in all the regions round about, even in all the land
which was possessed by the Nephites.

3:32 And it came to pass that there was peace and exceedingly great joy
in the remainder of the forty and ninth year; yea, and also there was
continual peace and great joy in the fiftieth year of the reign of the
judges.

3:33 And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the judges there
was peace also, save it were the pride which began to enter into the
church—not into the church of God, but into the hearts of the people
who professed to belong to the church of God—

3:34 And they were lifted up in pride, even to the persecution of many
of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which did cause the more
humble part of the people to suffer great persecutions, and to wade
through much affliction.

3:35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and
stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of
Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea,
even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which
sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

3:36 And it came to pass that the fifty and second year ended in peace
also, save it were the exceedingly great pride which had gotten into
the hearts of the people; and it was because of their exceedingly great
riches and their prosperity in the land; and it did grow upon them from
day to day.

3:37 And it came to pass in the fifty and third year of the reign of
the judges, Helaman died, and his eldest son Nephi began to reign in
his stead. And it came to pass that he did fill the judgment-seat with
justice and equity; yea, he did keep the commandments of God, and did
walk in the ways of his father.

Helaman Chapter 4

4:1 And it came to pass in the fifty and fourth year there were many
dissensions in the church, and there was also a contention among the
people, insomuch that there was much bloodshed.

4:2 And the rebellious part were slain and driven out of the land, and
they did go unto the king of the Lamanites.

4:3 And it came to pass that they did endeavor to stir up the Lamanites
to war against the Nephites; but behold, the Lamanites were exceedingly
afraid, insomuch that they would not hearken to the words of those
dissenters.

4:4 But it came to pass in the fifty and sixth year of the reign of the
judges, there were dissenters who went up from the Nephites unto the
Lamanites; and they succeeded with those others in stirring them up to
anger against the Nephites; and they were all that year preparing for
war.

4:5 And in the fifty and seventh year they did come down against the
Nephites to battle, and they did commence the work of death; yea,
insomuch that in the fifty and eighth year of the reign of the judges
they succeeded in obtaining possession of the land of Zarahemla; yea,
and also all the lands, even unto the land which was near the land
Bountiful.

4:6 And the Nephites and the armies of Moronihah were driven even into
the land of Bountiful;

4:7 And there they did fortify against the Lamanites, from the west
sea, even unto the east; it being a day’s journey for a Nephite, on the
line which they had fortified and stationed their armies to defend
their north country.

4:8 And thus those dissenters of the Nephites, with the help of a
numerous army of the Lamanites, had obtained all the possession of the
Nephites which was in the land southward. And all this was done in the
fifty and eighth and ninth years of the reign of the judges.

4:9 And it came to pass in the sixtieth year of the reign of the
judges, Moronihah did succeed with his armies in obtaining many parts
of the land; yea, they regained many cities which had fallen into the
hands of the Lamanites.

4:10 And it came to pass in the sixty and first year of the reign of
the judges they succeeded in regaining even the half of all their
possessions.

4:11 Now this great loss of the Nephites, and the great slaughter which
was among them, would not have happened had it not been for their
wickedness and their abomination which was among them; yea, and it was
among those also who professed to belong to the church of God.

4:12 And it was because of the pride of their hearts, because of their
exceeding riches, yea, it was because of their oppression to the poor,
withholding their food from the hungry, withholding their clothing from
the naked, and smiting their humble brethren upon the cheek, making a
mock of that which was sacred, denying the spirit of prophecy and of
revelation, murdering, plundering, lying, stealing, committing
adultery, rising up in great contentions, and deserting away into the
land of Nephi, among the Lamanites—

4:13 And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in
their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore
they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before
the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their
lands.

4:14 But behold, Moronihah did preach many things unto the people
because of their iniquity, and also Nephi and Lehi, who were the sons
of Helaman, did preach many things unto the people, yea, and did
prophesy many things unto them concerning their iniquities, and what
should come unto them if they did not repent of their sins.

4:15 And it came to pass that they did repent, and inasmuch as they did
repent they did begin to prosper.

4:16 For when Moronihah saw that they did repent he did venture to lead
them forth from place to place, and from city to city, even until they
had regained the one-half of their property and the one-half of all
their lands.

4:17 And thus ended the sixty and first year of the reign of the
judges.

4:18 And it came to pass in the sixty and second year of the reign of
the judges, that Moronihah could obtain no more possessions over the
Lamanites.

4:19 Therefore they did abandon their design to obtain the remainder of
their lands, for so numerous were the Lamanites that it became
impossible for the Nephites to obtain more power over them; therefore
Moronihah did employ all his armies in maintaining those parts which he
had taken.

4:20 And it came to pass, because of the greatness of the number of the
Lamanites the Nephites were in great fear, lest they should be
overpowered, and trodden down, and slain, and destroyed.

4:21 Yea, they began to remember the prophecies of Alma, and also the
words of Mosiah; and they saw that they had been a stiffnecked people,
and that they had set at naught the commandments of God.

4:22 And that they had altered and trampled under their feet the laws
of Mosiah, or that which the Lord commanded him to give unto the
people; and they saw that their laws had become corrupted, and that
they had become a wicked people, insomuch that they were wicked even
like unto the Lamanites.

4:23 And because of their iniquity the church had begun to dwindle; and
they began to disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of
revelation; and the judgments of God did stare them in the face.

4:24 And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their brethren,
the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve
them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord
doth not dwell in unholy temples—

4:25 Therefore the Lord did cease to preserve them by his miraculous
and matchless power, for they had fallen into a state of unbelief and
awful wickedness; and they saw that the Lamanites were exceedingly more
numerous than they, and except they should cleave unto the Lord their
God, they must unavoidably perish.

4:26 For behold, they saw that the strength of the Lamanites was as
great as their strength, even man for man. And thus had they fallen
into this great transgression; yea, thus had they become weak, because
of their transgression, in the space of not many years.

Helaman Chapter 5

5:1 And it came to pass that in this same year, behold, Nephi delivered
up the judgment-seat to a man whose name was Cezoram.

5:2 For as their laws and their governments were established by the
voice of the people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than
they who chose good, therefore they were ripening for destruction, for
the laws had become corrupted.

5:3 Yea, and this was not all; they were a stiffnecked people, insomuch
that they could not be governed by the law nor justice, save it were to
their destruction.

5:4 And it came to pass that Nephi had become weary because of their
iniquity; and he yielded up the judgment-seat, and took it upon him to
preach the word of God all the remainder of his days, and his brother
Lehi also, all the remainder of his days;

5:5 For they remembered the words which their father Helaman spake unto
them. And these are the words which he spake:

5:6 Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the
commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto the people
these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our first
parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done
that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye
remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their
works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were
good.

5:7 Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good,
that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said
and written of them.

5:8 And now my sons, behold I have somewhat more to desire of you,
which desire is, that ye may not do these things that ye may boast, but
that ye may do these things to lay up for yourselves a treasure in
heaven, yea, which is eternal, and which fadeth not away; yea, that ye
may have that precious gift of eternal life, which we have reason to
suppose hath been given to our fathers.

5:9 O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake
unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means
whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus
Christ, who shall come, yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the
world.

5:10 And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in
the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should
come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them
in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.

5:11 And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them
from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his
angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which
bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their
souls.

5:12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of
our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your
foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea,
his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty
storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you
down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon
which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if
men build they cannot fall.

5:13 And it came to pass that these were the words which Helaman taught
to his sons; yea, he did teach them many things which are not written,
and also many things which are written.

5:14 And they did remember his words; and therefore they went forth,
keeping the commandments of God, to teach the word of God among all the
people of Nephi, beginning at the city Bountiful;

5:15 And from thenceforth to the city of Gid; and from the city of Gid
to the city of Mulek;

5:16 And even from one city to another, until they had gone forth among
all the people of Nephi who were in the land southward; and from thence
into the land of Zarahemla, among the Lamanites.

5:17 And it came to pass that they did preach with great power,
insomuch that they did confound many of those dissenters who had gone
over from the Nephites, insomuch that they came forth and did confess
their sins and were baptized unto repentance, and immediately returned
to the Nephites to endeavor to repair unto them the wrongs which they
had done.

5:18 And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did preach unto the
Lamanites with such great power and authority, for they had power and
authority, given unto them that they might speak, and they also had
what they should speak given unto them—

5:19 Therefore they did speak unto the great astonishment of the
Lamanites, to the convincing them, insomuch that there were eight
thousand of the Lamanites who were in the land of Zarahemla and round
about baptized unto repentance, and were convinced of the wickedness of
the traditions of their fathers.

5:20 And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did proceed from thence to
go to the land of Nephi.

5:21 And it came to pass that they were taken by an army of the
Lamanites and cast into prison; yea, even in that same prison in which
Ammon and his brethren were cast by the servants of Limhi.

5:22 And after they had been cast into prison many days without food,
behold, they went forth into the prison to take them that they might
slay them.

5:23 And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if
by fire, even insomuch that they durst not lay their hands upon them
for fear lest they should be burned. Nevertheless, Nephi and Lehi were
not burned; and they were as standing in the midst of fire and were not
burned.

5:24 And when they saw that they were encircled about with a pillar of
fire, and that it burned them not, their hearts did take courage.

5:25 For they saw that the Lamanites durst not lay their hands upon
them; neither durst they come near unto them, but stood as if they were
struck dumb with amazement.

5:26 And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did stand forth and began
to speak unto them, saying: Fear not, for behold, it is God that has
shown unto you this marvelous thing, in the which is shown unto you
that ye cannot lay your hands on us to slay us.

5:27 And behold, when they had said these words, the earth shook
exceedingly, and the walls of the prison did shake as if they were
about to tumble to the earth; but behold, they did not fall. And
behold, they that were in the prison were Lamanites and Nephites who
were dissenters.

5:28 And it came to pass that they were overshadowed with a cloud of
darkness, and an awful solemn fear came upon them.

5:29 And it came to pass that there came a voice as if it were above
the cloud of darkness, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more
to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good
tidings.

5:30 And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it
was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great
tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness,
as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul—

5:31 And notwithstanding the mildness of the voice, behold the earth
shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison trembled again, as if it
were about to tumble to the earth; and behold the cloud of darkness,
which had overshadowed them, did not disperse—

5:32 And behold the voice came again, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand; and seek no more to destroy my
servants. And it came to pass that the earth shook again, and the walls
trembled.

5:33 And also again the third time the voice came, and did speak unto
them marvelous words which cannot be uttered by man; and the walls did
tremble again, and the earth shook as if it were about to divide
asunder.

5:34 And it came to pass that the Lamanites could not flee because of
the cloud of darkness which did overshadow them; yea, and also they
were immovable because of the fear which did come upon them.

5:35 Now there was one among them who was a Nephite by birth, who had
once belonged to the church of God but had dissented from them.

5:36 And it came to pass that he turned him about, and behold, he saw
through the cloud of darkness the faces of Nephi and Lehi; and behold,
they did shine exceedingly, even as the faces of angels. And he beheld
that they did lift their eyes to heaven; and they were in the attitude
as if talking or lifting their voices to some being whom they beheld.

5:37 And it came to pass that this man did cry unto the multitude, that
they might turn and look. And behold, there was power given unto them
that they did turn and look; and they did behold the faces of Nephi and
Lehi.

5:38 And they said unto the man: Behold, what do all these things mean,
and who is it with whom these men do converse?

5:39 Now the man’s name was Aminadab. And Aminadab said unto them: They
do converse with the angels of God.

5:40 And it came to pass that the Lamanites said unto him: What shall
we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from overshadowing
us?

5:41 And Aminadab said unto them: You must repent, and cry unto the
voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto
you by Alma, and Amulek, and Zeezrom; and when ye shall do this, the
cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you.

5:42 And it came to pass that they all did begin to cry unto the voice
of him who had shaken the earth; yea, they did cry even until the cloud
of darkness was dispersed.

5:43 And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw
that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them,
behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul, by a
pillar of fire.

5:44 And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them; yea, they were
encircled about; yea, they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire,
yet it did harm them not, neither did it take hold upon the walls of
the prison; and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and
full of glory.

5:45 And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and
did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and
they could speak forth marvelous words.

5:46 And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a
pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying:

5:47 Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well
Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.

5:48 And now, when they heard this they cast up their eyes as if to
behold from whence the voice came; and behold, they saw the heavens
open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them.

5:49 And there were about three hundred souls who saw and heard these
things; and they were bidden to go forth and marvel not, neither should
they doubt.

5:50 And it came to pass that they did go forth, and did minister unto
the people, declaring throughout all the regions round about all the
things which they had heard and seen, insomuch that the more part of
the Lamanites were convinced of them, because of the greatness of the
evidences which they had received.

5:51 And as many as were convinced did lay down their weapons of war,
and also their hatred and the tradition of their fathers.

5:52 And it came to pass that they did yield up unto the Nephites the
lands of their possession.

Helaman Chapter 6

6:1 And it came to pass that when the sixty and second year of the
reign of the judges had ended, all these things had happened and the
Lamanites had become, the more part of them, a righteous people,
insomuch that their righteousness did exceed that of the Nephites
because of their firmness and their steadiness in the faith.

6:2 For behold, there were many of the Nephites who had become hardened
and impenitent and grossly wicked, insomuch that they did reject the
word of God and all the preaching and prophesying which did come among
them.

6:3 Nevertheless, the people of the church did have great joy because
of the conversion of the Lamanites, yea, because of the church of God,
which had been established among them. And they did fellowship one with
another and did rejoice one with another, and did have great joy.

6:4 And it came to pass that many of the Lamanites did come down into
the land of Zarahemla, and did declare unto the people of the Nephites
the manner of their conversion, and did exhort them to faith and
repentance.

6:5 Yea, and many did preach with exceedingly great power and
authority, unto the bringing down many of them into the depths of
humility, to be the humble followers of God and the Lamb.

6:6 And it came to pass that many of the Lamanites did go into the land
northward; and also Nephi and Lehi went into the land northward, to
preach unto the people. And thus ended the sixty and third year.

6:7 And behold, there was peace in all the land, insomuch that the
Nephites did go into whatsoever part of the land they would, whether
among the Nephites or the Lamanites.

6:8 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did also go whithersoever
they would, whether it were among the Lamanites or among the Nephites;
and thus they did have free intercourse one with another, to buy and to
sell, and to get gain, according to their desire.

6:9 And it came to pass that they became exceedingly rich, both the
Lamanites and the Nephites; and they did have an exceeding plenty of
gold, and of silver, and of all manner of precious metals, both in the
land south and in the land north.

6:10 Now the land south was called Lehi and the land north was called
Mulek, which was after the son of Zedekiah; for the Lord did bring
Mulek into the land north, and Lehi into the land south.

6:11 And behold, there was all manner of gold in both these lands, and
of silver, and of precious ore of every kind; and there were also
curious workmen, who did work all kinds of ore and did refine it; and
thus they did become rich.

6:12 They did raise grain in abundance, both in the north and in the
south; and they did flourish exceedingly, both in the north and in the
south. And they did multiply and wax exceedingly strong in the land.
And they did raise many flocks and herds, yea, many fatlings.

6:13 Behold their women did toil and spin, and did make all manner of
cloth, of fine-twined linen and cloth of every kind, to clothe their
nakedness. And thus the sixty and fourth year did pass away in peace.

6:14 And in the sixty and fifth year they did also have great joy and
peace, yea, much preaching and many prophecies concerning that which
was to come. And thus passed away the sixty and fifth year.

6:15 And it came to pass that in the sixty and sixth year of the reign
of the judges, behold, Cezoram was murdered by an unknown hand as he
sat upon the judgment-seat. And it came to pass that in the same year,
that his son, who had been appointed by the people in his stead, was
also murdered. And thus ended the sixty and sixth year.

6:16 And in the commencement of the sixty and seventh year the people
began to grow exceedingly wicked again.

6:17 For behold, the Lord had blessed them so long with the riches of
the world that they had not been stirred up to anger, to wars, nor to
bloodshed; therefore they began to set their hearts upon their riches;
yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one
above another; therefore they began to commit secret murders, and to
rob and to plunder, that they might get gain.

6:18 And now behold, those murderers and plunderers were a band who had
been formed by Kishkumen and Gadianton. And now it had come to pass
that there were many, even among the Nephites, of Gadianton’s band. But
behold, they were more numerous among the more wicked part of the
Lamanites. And they were called Gadianton’s robbers and murderers.

6:19 And it was they who did murder the chief judge Cezoram, and his
son, while in the judgment-seat; and behold, they were not found.

6:20 And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites found that there
were robbers among them they were exceedingly sorrowful; and they did
use every means in their power to destroy them off the face of the
earth.

6:21 But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the
Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and
did enter into their covenants and their oaths, that they would protect
and preserve one another in whatsoever difficult circumstances they
should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and
their plunderings, and their stealings.

6:22 And it came to pass that they did have their signs, yea, their
secret signs, and their secret words; and this that they might
distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant, that
whatsoever wickedness his brother should do he should not be injured by
his brother, nor by those who did belong to his band, who had taken
this covenant.

6:23 And thus they might murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit
whoredoms and all manner of wickedness, contrary to the laws of their
country and also the laws of their God.

6:24 And whosoever of those who belonged to their band should reveal
unto the world of their wickedness and their abominations, should be
tried, not according to the laws of their country, but according to the
laws of their wickedness, which had been given by Gadianton and
Kishkumen.

6:25 Now behold, it is these secret oaths and covenants which Alma
commanded his son should not go forth unto the world, lest they should
be a means of bringing down the people unto destruction.

6:26 Now behold, those secret oaths and covenants did not come forth
unto Gadianton from the records which were delivered unto Helaman; but
behold, they were put into the heart of Gadianton by that same being
who did entice our first parents to partake of the forbidden fruit—

6:27 Yea, that same being who did plot with Cain, that if he would
murder his brother Abel it should not be known unto the world. And he
did plot with Cain and his followers from that time forth.

6:28 And also it is that same being who put it into the hearts of the
people to build a tower sufficiently high that they might get to
heaven. And it was that same being who led on the people who came from
that tower into this land; who spread the works of darkness and
abominations over all the face of the land, until he dragged the people
down to an entire destruction, and to an everlasting hell.

6:29 Yea, it is that same being who put it into the heart of Gadianton
to still carry on the work of darkness, and of secret murder; and he
has brought it forth from the beginning of man even down to this time.

6:30 And behold, it is he who is the author of all sin. And behold, he
doth carry on his works of darkness and secret murder, and doth hand
down their plots, and their oaths, and their covenants, and their plans
of awful wickedness, from generation to generation according as he can
get hold upon the hearts of the children of men.

6:31 And now behold, he had got great hold upon the hearts of the
Nephites; yea, insomuch that they had become exceedingly wicked; yea,
the more part of them had turned out of the way of righteousness, and
did trample under their feet the commandments of God, and did turn unto
their own ways, and did build up unto themselves idols of their gold
and their silver.

6:32 And it came to pass that all these iniquities did come unto them
in the space of not many years, insomuch that a more part of it had
come unto them in the sixty and seventh year of the reign of the judges
over the people of Nephi.

6:33 And they did grow in their iniquities in the sixty and eighth year
also.

6:34 And thus we see that the Nephites did begin to dwindle in
unbelief, and grow in wickedness and abominations, while the Lamanites
began to grow exceedingly in the knowledge of their God; yea, they did
begin to keep his statutes and commandments, and to walk in truth and
uprightness before him.

6:35 And thus we see that the Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw from
the Nephites, because of the wickedness and the hardness of their
hearts.

6:36 And thus we see that the Lord began to pour out his Spirit upon
the Lamanites, because of their easiness and willingness to believe in
his words.

6:37 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did hunt the band of
robbers of Gadianton; and they did preach the word of God among the
more wicked part of them, insomuch that this band of robbers was
utterly destroyed from among the Lamanites.

6:38 And it came to pass on the other hand, that the Nephites did build
them up and support them, beginning at the more wicked part of them,
until they had overspread all the land of the Nephites, and had seduced
the more part of the righteous until they had come down to believe in
their works and partake of their spoils, and to join with them in their
secret murders and combinations.

6:39 And thus they did obtain the sole management of the government,
insomuch that they did trample under their feet and smite and rend and
turn their backs upon the poor and the meek, and the humble followers
of God.

6:40 And thus we see that they were in an awful state, and ripening for
an everlasting destruction.

6:41 And it came to pass that thus ended the sixty and eighth year of
the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

Helaman Chapter 7

7:1 Behold, now it came to pass in the sixty and ninth year of the
reign of the judges over the people of the Nephites, that Nephi, the
son of Helaman, returned to the land of Zarahemla from the land
northward.

7:2 For he had been forth among the people who were in the land
northward, and did preach the word of God unto them, and did prophesy
many things unto them;

7:3 And they did reject all his words, insomuch that he could not stay
among them, but returned again unto the land of his nativity.

7:4 And seeing the people in a state of such awful wickedness, and
those Gadianton robbers filling the judgment-seats—having usurped the
power and authority of the land; laying aside the commandments of God,
and not in the least aright before him; doing no justice unto the
children of men;

7:5 Condemning the righteous because of their righteousness; letting
the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money; and
moreover to be held in office at the head of government, to rule and do
according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the
world, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit adultery,
and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills—

7:6 Now this great iniquity had come upon the Nephites, in the space of
not many years; and when Nephi saw it, his heart was swollen with
sorrow within his breast; and he did exclaim in the agony of his soul:

7:7 Oh, that I could have had my days in the days when my father Nephi
first came out of the land of Jerusalem, that I could have joyed with
him in the promised land; then were his people easy to be entreated,
firm to keep the commandments of God, and slow to be led to do
iniquity; and they were quick to hearken unto the words of the Lord—

7:8 Yea, if my days could have been in those days, then would my soul
have had joy in the righteousness of my brethren.

7:9 But behold, I am consigned that these are my days, and that my soul
shall be filled with sorrow because of this the wickedness of my
brethren.

7:10 And behold, now it came to pass that it was upon a tower, which
was in the garden of Nephi, which was by the highway which led to the
chief market, which was in the city of Zarahemla; therefore, Nephi had
bowed himself upon the tower which was in his garden, which tower was
also near unto the garden gate by which led the highway.

7:11 And it came to pass that there were certain men passing by and saw
Nephi as he was pouring out his soul unto God upon the tower; and they
ran and told the people what they had seen, and the people came
together in multitudes that they might know the cause of so great
mourning for the wickedness of the people.

7:12 And now, when Nephi arose he beheld the multitudes of people who
had gathered together.

7:13 And it came to pass that he opened his mouth and said unto them:
Behold, why have ye gathered yourselves together? That I may tell you
of your iniquities?

7:14 Yea, because I have got upon my tower that I might pour out my
soul unto my God, because of the exceeding sorrow of my heart, which is
because of your iniquities!

7:15 And because of my mourning and lamentation ye have gathered
yourselves together, and do marvel; yea, and ye have great need to
marvel; yea, ye ought to marvel because ye are given away that the
devil has got so great hold upon your hearts.

7:16 Yea, how could you have given way to the enticing of him who is
seeking to hurl away your souls down to everlasting misery and endless
wo?

7:17 O repent ye, repent ye! Why will ye die? Turn ye, turn ye unto the
Lord your God. Why has he forsaken you?

7:18 It is because you have hardened your hearts; yea, ye will not
hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd; yea, ye have provoked him
to anger against you.

7:19 And behold, instead of gathering you, except ye will repent,
behold, he shall scatter you forth that ye shall become meat for dogs
and wild beasts.

7:20 O, how could you have forgotten your God in the very day that he
has delivered you?

7:21 But behold, it is to get gain, to be praised of men, yea, and that
ye might get gold and silver. And ye have set your hearts upon the
riches and the vain things of this world, for the which ye do murder,
and plunder, and steal, and bear false witness against your neighbor,
and do all manner of iniquity.

7:22 And for this cause wo shall come unto you except ye shall repent.
For if ye will not repent, behold, this great city, and also all those
great cities which are round about, which are in the land of our
possession, shall be taken away that ye shall have no place in them;
for behold, the Lord will not grant unto you strength, as he has
hitherto done, to withstand against your enemies.

7:23 For behold, thus saith the Lord: I will not show unto the wicked
of my strength, to one more than the other, save it be unto those that
repent of their sins, and hearken unto my words. Now therefore, I would
that ye should behold, my brethren, that it shall be better for the
Lamanites than for you except ye shall repent.

7:24 For behold, they are more righteous than you, for they have not
sinned against that great knowledge which ye have received; therefore
the Lord will be merciful unto them; yea, he will lengthen out their
days and increase their seed, even when thou shalt be utterly destroyed
except thou shalt repent.

7:25 Yea, wo be unto you because of that great abomination which has
come among you; and ye have united yourselves unto it, yea, to that
secret band which was established by Gadianton!

7:26 Yea, wo shall come unto you because of that pride which ye have
suffered to enter your hearts, which has lifted you up beyond that
which is good because of your exceedingly great riches!

7:27 Yea, wo be unto you because of your wickedness and abominations!

7:28 And except ye repent ye shall perish; yea, even your lands shall
be taken from you, and ye shall be destroyed from off the face of the
earth.

7:29 Behold now, I do not say that these things shall be, of myself,
because it is not of myself that I know these things; but behold, I
know that these things are true because the Lord God has made them
known unto me, therefore I testify that they shall be.

Helaman Chapter 8

8:1 And now it came to pass that when Nephi had said these words,
behold, there were men who were judges, who also belonged to the secret
band of Gadianton, and they were angry, and they cried out against him,
saying unto the people: Why do ye not seize upon this man and bring him
forth, that he may be condemned according to the crime which he has
done?

8:2 Why seest thou this man, and hearest him revile against this people
and against our law?

8:3 For behold, Nephi had spoken unto them concerning the corruptness
of their law; yea, many things did Nephi speak which cannot be written;
and nothing did he speak which was contrary to the commandments of God.

8:4 And those judges were angry with him because he spake plainly unto
them concerning their secret works of darkness; nevertheless, they
durst not lay their own hands upon him, for they feared the people lest
they should cry out against them.

8:5 Therefore they did cry unto the people, saying: Why do you suffer
this man to revile against us? For behold he doth condemn all this
people, even unto destruction; yea, and also that these our great
cities shall be taken from us, that we shall have no place in them.

8:6 And now we know that this is impossible, for behold, we are
powerful, and our cities great, therefore our enemies can have no power
over us.

8:7 And it came to pass that thus they did stir up the people to anger
against Nephi, and raised contentions among them; for there were some
who did cry out: Let this man alone, for he is a good man, and those
things which he saith will surely come to pass except we repent;

8:8 Yea, behold, all the judgments will come upon us which he has
testified unto us; for we know that he has testified aright unto us
concerning our iniquities. And behold they are many, and he knoweth as
well all things which shall befall us as he knoweth of our iniquities;

8:9 Yea, and behold, if he had not been a prophet he could not have
testified concerning those things.

8:10 And it came to pass that those people who sought to destroy Nephi
were compelled because of their fear, that they did not lay their hands
on him; therefore he began again to speak unto them, seeing that he had
gained favor in the eyes of some, insomuch that the remainder of them
did fear.

8:11 Therefore he was constrained to speak more unto them saying:
Behold, my brethren, have ye not read that God gave power unto one man,
even Moses, to smite upon the waters of the Red Sea, and they parted
hither and thither, insomuch that the Israelites, who were our fathers,
came through upon dry ground, and the waters closed upon the armies of
the Egyptians and swallowed them up?

8:12 And now behold, if God gave unto this man such power, then why
should ye dispute among yourselves, and say that he hath given unto me
no power whereby I may know concerning the judgments that shall come
upon you except ye repent?

8:13 But, behold, ye not only deny my words, but ye also deny all the
words which have been spoken by our fathers, and also the words which
were spoken by this man, Moses, who had such great power given unto
him, yea, the words which he hath spoken concerning the coming of the
Messiah.

8:14 Yea, did he not bear record that the Son of God should come? And
as he lifted up the brazen serpent in the wilderness, even so shall he
be lifted up who should come.

8:15 And as many as should look upon that serpent should live, even so
as many as should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a
contrite spirit, might live, even unto that life which is eternal.

8:16 And now behold, Moses did not only testify of these things, but
also all the holy prophets, from his days even to the days of Abraham.

8:17 Yea, and behold, Abraham saw of his coming, and was filled with
gladness and did rejoice.

8:18 Yea, and behold I say unto you, that Abraham not only knew of
these things, but there were many before the days of Abraham who were
called by the order of God; yea, even after the order of his Son; and
this that it should be shown unto the people, a great many thousand
years before his coming, that even redemption should come unto them.

8:19 And now I would that ye should know, that even since the days of
Abraham there have been many prophets that have testified these things;
yea, behold, the prophet Zenos did testify boldly; for the which he was
slain.

8:20 And behold, also Zenock, and also Ezias, and also Isaiah, and
Jeremiah, (Jeremiah being that same prophet who testified of the
destruction of Jerusalem) and now we know that Jerusalem was destroyed
according to the words of Jeremiah. O then why not the Son of God come,
according to his prophecy?

8:21 And now will you dispute that Jerusalem was destroyed? Will ye say
that the sons of Zedekiah were not slain, all except it were Mulek?
Yea, and do ye not behold that the seed of Zedekiah are with us, and
they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem? But behold, this is not
all—

8:22 Our father Lehi was driven out of Jerusalem because he testified
of these things. Nephi also testified of these things, and also almost
all of our fathers, even down to this time; yea, they have testified of
the coming of Christ, and have looked forward, and have rejoiced in his
day which is to come.

8:23 And behold, he is God, and he is with them, and he did manifest
himself unto them, that they were redeemed by him; and they gave unto
him glory, because of that which is to come.

8:24 And now, seeing ye know these things and cannot deny them except
ye shall lie, therefore in this ye have sinned, for ye have rejected
all these things, notwithstanding so many evidences which ye have
received; yea, even ye have received all things, both things in heaven,
and all things which are in the earth, as a witness that they are true.

8:25 But behold, ye have rejected the truth, and rebelled against your
holy God; and even at this time, instead of laying up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where nothing doth corrupt, and where nothing can
come which is unclean, ye are heaping up for yourselves wrath against
the day of judgment.

8:26 Yea, even at this time ye are ripening, because of your murders
and your fornication and wickedness, for everlasting destruction; yea,
and except ye repent it will come unto you soon.

8:27 Yea, behold it is now even at your doors; yea, go ye in unto the
judgment-seat, and search; and behold, your judge is murdered, and he
lieth in his blood; and he hath been murdered by his brother, who
seeketh to sit in the judgment-seat.

8:28 And behold, they both belong to your secret band, whose author is
Gadianton and the evil one who seeketh to destroy the souls of men.

Helaman Chapter 9

9:1 Behold, now it came to pass that when Nephi had spoken these words,
certain men who were among them ran to the judgment-seat; yea, even
there were five who went, and they said among themselves, as they went:

9:2 Behold, now we will know of a surety whether this man be a prophet
and God hath commanded him to prophesy such marvelous things unto us.
Behold, we do not believe that he hath; yea, we do not believe that he
is a prophet; nevertheless, if this thing which he has said concerning
the chief judge be true, that he be dead, then will we believe that the
other words which he has spoken are true.

9:3 And it came to pass that they ran in their might, and came in unto
the judgment-seat; and behold, the chief judge had fallen to the earth,
and did lie in his blood.

9:4 And now behold, when they saw this they were astonished
exceedingly, insomuch that they fell to the earth; for they had not
believed the words which Nephi had spoken concerning the chief judge.

9:5 But now, when they saw they believed, and fear came upon them lest
all the judgments which Nephi had spoken should come upon the people;
therefore they did quake, and had fallen to the earth.

9:6 Now, immediately when the judge had been murdered—he being stabbed
by his brother by a garb of secrecy, and he fled, and the servants ran
and told the people, raising the cry of murder among them;

9:7 And behold the people did gather themselves together unto the place
of the judgment-seat—and behold, to their astonishment they saw those
five men who had fallen to the earth.

9:8 And now behold, the people knew nothing concerning the multitude
who had gathered together at the garden of Nephi; therefore they said
among themselves: These men are they who have murdered the judge, and
God has smitten them that they could not flee from us.

9:9 And it came to pass that they laid hold on them, and bound them and
cast them into prison. And there was a proclamation sent abroad that
the judge was slain, and that the murderers had been taken and were
cast into prison.

9:10 And it came to pass that on the morrow the people did assemble
themselves together to mourn and to fast, at the burial of the great
chief judge who had been slain.

9:11 And thus also those judges who were at the garden of Nephi, and
heard his words, were also gathered together at the burial.

9:12 And it came to pass that they inquired among the people, saying:
Where are the five who were sent to inquire concerning the chief judge
whether he was dead? And they answered and said: Concerning this five
whom ye say ye have sent, we know not; but there are five who are the
murderers, whom we have cast into prison.

9:13 And it came to pass that the judges desired that they should be
brought; and they were brought, and behold they were the five who were
sent; and behold the judges inquired of them to know, concerning the
matter, and they told them all that they had done, saying:

9:14 We ran and came to the place of the judgment-seat, and when we saw
all things even as Nephi had testified, we were astonished insomuch
that we fell to the earth; and when we were recovered from our
astonishment, behold they cast us into prison.

9:15 Now, as for the murder of this man, we know not who has done it;
and only this much we know, we ran and came according as ye desired,
and behold he was dead, according to the words of Nephi.

9:16 And now it came to pass that the judges did expound the matter
unto the people, and did cry out against Nephi, saying: Behold, we know
that this Nephi must have agreed with some one to slay the judge, and
then he might declare it unto us, that he might convert us unto his
faith, that he might raise himself to be a great man, chosen of God,
and a prophet.

9:17 And now behold, we will detect this man, and he shall confess his
fault and make known unto us the true murderer of this judge.

9:18 And it came to pass that the five were liberated on the day of the
burial. Nevertheless, they did rebuke the judges in the words which
they had spoken against Nephi, and did contend with them one by one,
insomuch that they did confound them.

9:19 Nevertheless, they caused that Nephi should be taken and bound and
brought before the multitude, and they began to question him in divers
ways that they might cross him, that they might accuse him to death—

9:20 Saying unto him: Thou art confederate; who is this man that hath
done this murder? Now tell us, and acknowledge thy fault; saying,
Behold here is money; and also we will grant unto thee thy life if thou
wilt tell us, and acknowledge the agreement which thou hast made with
him.

9:21 But Nephi said unto them: O ye fools, ye uncircumcised of heart,
ye blind, and ye stiffnecked people, do ye know how long the Lord your
God will suffer you that ye shall go on in this your way of sin?

9:22 O ye ought to begin to howl and mourn, because of the great
destruction which at this time doth await you, except ye shall repent.

9:23 Behold ye say that I have agreed with a man that he should murder
Seezoram, our chief judge. But behold, I say unto you, that this is
because I have testified unto you that ye might know concerning this
thing; yea, even for a witness unto you, that I did know of the
wickedness and abominations which are among you.

9:24 And because I have done this, ye say that I have agreed with a man
that he should do this thing; yea, because I showed unto you this sign
ye are angry with me, and seek to destroy my life.

9:25 And now behold, I will show unto you another sign, and see if ye
will in this thing seek to destroy me.

9:26 Behold I say unto you: Go to the house of Seantum, who is the
brother of Seezoram, and say unto him—

9:27 Has Nephi, the pretended prophet, who doth prophesy so much evil
concerning this people, agreed with thee, in the which ye have murdered
Seezoram, who is your brother?

9:28 And behold, he shall say unto you, Nay.

9:29 And ye shall say unto him: Have ye murdered your brother?

9:30 And he shall stand with fear, and wist not what to say. And
behold, he shall deny unto you; and he shall make as if he were
astonished; nevertheless, he shall declare unto you that he is
innocent.

9:31 But behold, ye shall examine him, and ye shall find blood upon the
skirts of his cloak.

9:32 And when ye have seen this, ye shall say: From whence cometh this
blood? Do we not know that it is the blood of your brother?

9:33 And then shall he tremble, and shall look pale, even as if death
had come upon him.

9:34 And then shall ye say: Because of this fear and this paleness
which has come upon your face, behold, we know that thou art guilty.

9:35 And then shall greater fear come upon him; and then shall he
confess unto you, and deny no more that he has done this murder.

9:36 And then shall he say unto you, that I, Nephi, know nothing
concerning the matter save it were given unto me by the power of God.
And then shall ye know that I am an honest man, and that I am sent unto
you from God.

9:37 And it came to pass that they went and did, even according as
Nephi had said unto them. And behold, the words which he had said were
true; for according to the words he did deny; and also according to the
words he did confess.

9:38 And he was brought to prove that he himself was the very murderer,
insomuch that the five were set at liberty, and also was Nephi.

9:39 And there were some of the Nephites who believed on the words of
Nephi; and there were some also, who believed because of the testimony
of the five, for they had been converted while they were in prison.

9:40 And now there were some among the people, who said that Nephi was
a prophet.

9:41 And there were others who said: Behold, he is a god, for except he
was a god he could not know of all things. For behold, he has told us
the thoughts of our hearts, and also has told us things; and even he
has brought unto our knowledge the true murderer of our chief judge.

Helaman Chapter 10

10:1 And it came to pass that there arose a division among the people,
insomuch that they divided hither and thither and went their ways,
leaving Nephi alone, as he was standing in the midst of them.

10:2 And it came to pass that Nephi went his way towards his own house,
pondering upon the things which the Lord had shown unto him.

10:3 And it came to pass as he was thus pondering—being much cast down
because of the wickedness of the people of the Nephites, their secret
works of darkness, and their murderings, and their plunderings, and all
manner of iniquities—and it came to pass as he was thus pondering in
his heart, behold, a voice came unto him saying:

10:4 Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done;
for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word,
which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not
feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my
will, and to keep my commandments. Helaman 10:5 And now, because thou
hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee
forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and
in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according
to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.

10:6 Behold, thou art Nephi, and I am God. Behold, I declare it unto
thee in the presence of mine angels, that ye shall have power over this
people, and shall smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and
destruction, according to the wickedness of this people.

10:7 Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on
earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth
shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this
people.

10:8 And thus, if ye shall say unto this temple it shall be rent in
twain, it shall be done.

10:9 And if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou cast down and
become smooth, it shall be done.

10:10 And behold, if ye shall say that God shall smite this people, it
shall come to pass.

10:11 And now behold, I command you, that ye shall go and declare unto
this people, that thus saith the Lord God, who is the Almighty: Except
ye repent ye shall be smitten, even unto destruction.

10:12 And behold, now it came to pass that when the Lord had spoken
these words unto Nephi, he did stop and did not go unto his own house,
but did return unto the multitudes who were scattered about upon the
face of the land, and began to declare unto them the word of the Lord
which had been spoken unto him, concerning their destruction if they
did not repent.

10:13 Now behold, notwithstanding that great miracle which Nephi had
done in telling them concerning the death of the chief judge, they did
harden their hearts and did not hearken unto the words of the Lord.

10:14 Therefore Nephi did declare unto them the word of the Lord,
saying: Except ye repent, thus saith the Lord, ye shall be smitten even
unto destruction.

10:15 And it came to pass that when Nephi had declared unto them the
word, behold, they did still harden their hearts and would not hearken
unto his words; therefore they did revile against him, and did seek to
lay their hands upon him that they might cast him into prison.

10:16 But behold, the power of God was with him, and they could not
take him to cast him into prison, for he was taken by the Spirit and
conveyed away out of the midst of them.

10:17 And it came to pass that thus he did go forth in the Spirit, from
multitude to multitude, declaring the word of God, even until he had
declared it unto them all, or sent it forth among all the people.

10:18 And it came to pass that they would not hearken unto his words;
and there began to be contentions, insomuch that they were divided
against themselves and began to slay one another with the sword.

10:19 And thus ended the seventy and first year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi.

Helaman Chapter 11

11:1 And now it came to pass in the seventy and second year of the
reign of the judges that the contentions did increase, insomuch that
there were wars throughout all the land among all the people of Nephi.

11:2 And it was this secret band of robbers who did carry on this work
of destruction and wickedness. And this war did last all that year; and
in the seventy and third year it did also last.

11:3 And it came to pass that in this year Nephi did cry unto the Lord,
saying:

11:4 O Lord, do not suffer that this people shall be destroyed by the
sword; but O Lord, rather let there be a famine in the land, to stir
them up in remembrance of the Lord their God, and perhaps they will
repent and turn unto thee.

11:5 And so it was done, according to the words of Nephi. And there was
a great famine upon the land, among all the people of Nephi. And thus
in the seventy and fourth year the famine did continue, and the work of
destruction did cease by the sword but became sore by famine.

11:6 And this work of destruction did also continue in the seventy and
fifth year. For the earth was smitten that it was dry, and did not
yield forth grain in the season of grain; and the whole earth was
smitten, even among the Lamanites as well as among the Nephites, so
that they were smitten that they did perish by thousands in the more
wicked parts of the land.

11:7 And it came to pass that the people saw that they were about to
perish by famine, and they began to remember the Lord their God; and
they began to remember the words of Nephi.

11:8 And the people began to plead with their chief judges and their
leaders, that they would say unto Nephi: Behold, we know that thou art
a man of God, and therefore cry unto the Lord our God that he turn away
from us this famine, lest all the words which thou hast spoken
concerning our destruction be fulfilled.

11:9 And it came to pass that the judges did say unto Nephi, according
to the words which had been desired. And it came to pass that when
Nephi saw that the people had repented and did humble themselves in
sackcloth, he cried again unto the Lord, saying:

11:10 O Lord, behold this people repenteth; and they have swept away
the band of Gadianton from amongst them insomuch that they have become
extinct, and they have concealed their secret plans in the earth.

11:11 Now, O Lord, because of this their humility wilt thou turn away
thine anger, and let thine anger be appeased in the destruction of
those wicked men whom thou hast already destroyed.

11:12 O Lord, wilt thou turn away thine anger, yea, thy fierce anger,
and cause that this famine may cease in this land.

11:13 O Lord, wilt thou hearken unto me, and cause that it may be done
according to my words, and send forth rain upon the face of the earth,
that she may bring forth her fruit, and her grain in the season of
grain.

11:14 O Lord, thou didst hearken unto my words when I said, Let there
be a famine, that the pestilence of the sword might cease; and I know
that thou wilt, even at this time, hearken unto my words, for thou
saidst that: If this people repent I will spare them.

11:15 Yea, O Lord, and thou seest that they have repented, because of
the famine and the pestilence and destruction which has come unto them.

11:16 And now, O Lord, wilt thou turn away thine anger, and try again
if they will serve thee? And if so, O Lord, thou canst bless them
according to thy words which thou hast said.

11:17 And it came to pass that in the seventy and sixth year the Lord
did turn away his anger from the people, and caused that rain should
fall upon the earth, insomuch that it did bring forth her fruit in the
season of her fruit. And it came to pass that it did bring forth her
grain in the season of her grain.

11:18 And behold, the people did rejoice and glorify God, and the whole
face of the land was filled with rejoicing; and they did no more seek
to destroy Nephi, but they did esteem him as a great prophet, and a man
of God, having great power and authority given unto him from God.

11:19 And behold, Lehi, his brother, was not a whit behind him as to
things pertaining to righteousness.

11:20 And thus it did come to pass that the people of Nephi began to
prosper again in the land, and began to build up their waste places,
and began to multiply and spread, even until they did cover the whole
face of the land, both on the northward and on the southward, from the
sea west to the sea east.

11:21 And it came to pass that the seventy and sixth year did end in
peace. And the seventy and seventh year began in peace; and the church
did spread throughout the face of all the land; and the more part of
the people, both the Nephites and the Lamanites, did belong to the
church; and they did have exceedingly great peace in the land; and thus
ended the seventy and seventh year.

11:22 And also they had peace in the seventy and eighth year, save it
were a few contentions concerning the points of doctrine which had been
laid down by the prophets.

11:23 And in the seventy and ninth year there began to be much strife.
But it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi, and many of their brethren who
knew concerning the true points of doctrine, having many revelations
daily, therefore they did preach unto the people, insomuch that they
did put an end to their strife in that same year.

11:24 And it came to pass that in the eightieth year of the reign of
the judges over the people of Nephi, there were a certain number of the
dissenters from the people of Nephi, who had some years before gone
over unto the Lamanites, and taken upon themselves the name of
Lamanites, and also a certain number who were real descendants of the
Lamanites, being stirred up to anger by them, or by those dissenters,
therefore they commenced a war with their brethren.

11:25 And they did commit murder and plunder; and then they would
retreat back into the mountains, and into the wilderness and secret
places, hiding themselves that they could not be discovered, receiving
daily an addition to their numbers, inasmuch as there were dissenters
that went forth unto them.

11:26 And thus in time, yea, even in the space of not many years, they
became an exceedingly great band of robbers; and they did search out
all the secret plans of Gadianton; and thus they became robbers of
Gadianton.

11:27 Now behold, these robbers did make great havoc, yea, even great
destruction among the people of Nephi, and also among the people of the
Lamanites.

11:28 And it came to pass that it was expedient that there should be a
stop put to this work of destruction; therefore they sent an army of
strong men into the wilderness and upon the mountains to search out
this band of robbers, and to destroy them.

11:29 But behold, it came to pass that in that same year they were
driven back even into their own lands. And thus ended the eightieth
year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

11:30 And it came to pass in the commencement of the eighty and first
year they did go forth again against this band of robbers, and did
destroy many; and they were also visited with much destruction.

11:31 And they were again obliged to return out of the wilderness and
out of the mountains unto their own lands, because of the exceeding
greatness of the numbers of those robbers who infested the mountains
and the wilderness.

11:32 And it came to pass that thus ended this year. And the robbers
did still increase and wax strong, insomuch that they did defy the
whole armies of the Nephites, and also of the Lamanites; and they did
cause great fear to come unto the people upon all the face of the land.

11:33 Yea, for they did visit many parts of the land, and did do great
destruction unto them; yea, did kill many, and did carry away others
captive into the wilderness, yea, and more especially their women and
their children.

11:34 Now this great evil, which came unto the people because of their
iniquity, did stir them up again in remembrance of the Lord their God.

11:35 And thus ended the eighty and first year of the reign of the
judges.

11:36 And in the eighty and second year they began again to forget the
Lord their God. And in the eighty and third year they began to wax
strong in iniquity. And in the eighty and fourth year they did not mend
their ways.

11:37 And it came to pass in the eighty and fifth year they did wax
stronger and stronger in their pride, and in their wickedness; and thus
they were ripening again for destruction.

11:38 And thus ended the eighty and fifth year.

Helaman Chapter 12

12:1 And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the
hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his
great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their
trust in him.

12:2 Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his
people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their
herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things
of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of
the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that
they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all
things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the
time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their
God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because
of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.

12:3 And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with
many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with
terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will
not remember him.

12:4 O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how
quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men;
yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set
their hearts upon the vain things of the world!

12:5 Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast,
and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to
remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea,
how slow to walk in wisdom’s paths!

12:6 Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath
created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his
great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his
counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide.

12:7 O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even
they are less than the dust of the earth.

12:8 For behold, the dust of the earth moveth hither and thither, to
the dividing asunder, at the command of our great and everlasting God.

12:9 Yea, behold at his voice do the hills and the mountains tremble
and quake.

12:10 And by the power of his voice they are broken up, and become
smooth, yea, even like unto a valley.

12:11 Yea, by the power of his voice doth the whole earth shake;

12:12 Yea, by the power of his voice, do the foundations rock, even to
the very center.

12:13 Yea, and if he say unto the earth—Move—it is moved.

12:14 Yea, if he say unto the earth—Thou shalt go back, that it
lengthen out the day for many hours—it is done;

12:15 And thus, according to his word the earth goeth back, and it
appeareth unto man that the sun standeth still; yea, and behold, this
is so; for surely it is the earth that moveth and not the sun.

12:16 And behold, also, if he say unto the waters of the great deep—Be
thou dried up—it is done.

12:17 Behold, if he say unto this mountain—Be thou raised up, and come
over and fall upon that city, that it be buried up—behold it is done.

12:18 And behold, if a man hide up a treasure in the earth, and the
Lord shall say—Let it be accursed, because of the iniquity of him who
hath hid it up—behold, it shall be accursed.

12:19 And if the Lord shall say—Be thou accursed, that no man shall
find thee from this time henceforth and forever—behold, no man getteth
it henceforth and forever.

12:20 And behold, if the Lord shall say unto a man—Because of thine
iniquities, thou shalt be accursed forever—it shall be done.

12:21 And if the Lord shall say—Because of thine iniquities thou shalt
be cut off from my presence—he will cause that it shall be so.

12:22 And wo unto him to whom he shall say this, for it shall be unto
him that will do iniquity, and he cannot be saved; therefore, for this
cause, that men might be saved, hath repentance been declared.

12:23 Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the
voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.

12:24 And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men might be
brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored
unto grace for grace, according to their works.

12:25 And I would that all men might be saved. But we read that in the
great and last day there are some who shall be cast out, yea, who shall
be cast off from the presence of the Lord;

12:26 Yea, who shall be consigned to a state of endless misery,
fulfilling the words which say: They that have done good shall have
everlasting life; and they that have done evil shall have everlasting
damnation. And thus it is. Amen.

Helaman Chapter 13

13:1 And now it came to pass in the eighty and sixth year, the Nephites
did still remain in wickedness, yea in great wickedness, while the
Lamanites did observe strictly to keep the commandments of God,
according to the law of Moses.

13:2 And it came to pass that in this year there was one Samuel, a
Lamanite, came into the land of Zarahemla, and began to preach unto the
people. And it came to pass that he did preach, many days, repentance
unto the people, and they did cast him out, and he was about to return
to his own land.

13:3 But behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, that he should
return again, and prophesy unto the people whatsoever things should
come into his heart.

13:4 And it came to pass that they would not suffer that he should
enter into the city; therefore he went and got upon the wall thereof,
and stretched forth his hand and cried with a loud voice, and
prophesied unto the people whatsoever things the Lord put into his
heart.

13:5 And he said unto them: Behold, I, Samuel, a Lamanite, do speak the
words of the Lord which he doth put into my heart; and behold he hath
put it into my heart to say unto this people that the sword of justice
hangeth over this people; and four hundred years pass not away save the
sword of justice falleth upon this people.

13:6 Yea, heavy destruction awaiteth this people, and it surely cometh
unto this people, and nothing can save this people save it be
repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, who surely shall come
into the world, and shall suffer many things and shall be slain for his
people.

13:7 And behold, an angel of the Lord hath declared it unto me, and he
did bring glad tidings to my soul. And behold, I was sent unto you to
declare it unto you also, that ye might have glad tidings; but behold
ye would not receive me.

13:8 Therefore, thus saith the Lord: Because of the hardness of the
hearts of the people of the Nephites, except they repent I will take
away my word from them, and I will withdraw my Spirit from them, and I
will suffer them no longer, and I will turn the hearts of their
brethren against them.

13:9 And four hundred years shall not pass away before I will cause
that they shall be smitten; yea, I will visit them with the sword and
with famine and with pestilence.

13:10 Yea, I will visit them in my fierce anger, and there shall be
those of the fourth generation who shall live, of your enemies, to
behold your utter destruction; and this shall surely come except ye
repent, saith the Lord; and those of the fourth generation shall visit
your destruction.

13:11 But if ye will repent and return unto the Lord your God I will
turn away mine anger, saith the Lord; yea, thus saith the Lord, blessed
are they who will repent and turn unto me, but wo unto him that
repenteth not.

13:12 Yea, wo unto this great city of Zarahemla; for behold, it is
because of those who are righteous that it is saved; yea, wo unto this
great city, for I perceive, saith the Lord, that there are many, yea,
even the more part of this great city, that will harden their hearts
against me, saith the Lord.

13:13 But blessed are they who will repent, for them will I spare. But
behold, if it were not for the righteous who are in this great city,
behold, I would cause that fire should come down out of heaven and
destroy it.

13:14 But behold, it is for the righteous’ sake that it is spared. But
behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that when ye shall cast out
the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction;
yea, wo be unto this great city, because of the wickedness and
abominations which are in her.

13:15 Yea, and wo be unto the city of Gideon, for the wickedness and
abominations which are in her.

13:16 Yea, and wo be unto all the cities which are in the land round
about, which are possessed by the Nephites, because of the wickedness
and abominations which are in them.

13:17 And behold, a curse shall come upon the land, saith the Lord of
Hosts, because of the people’s sake who are upon the land, yea, because
of their wickedness and their abominations.

13:18 And it shall come to pass, saith the Lord of Hosts, yea, our
great and true God, that whoso shall hide up treasures in the earth
shall find them again no more, because of the great curse of the land,
save he be a righteous man and shall hide it up unto the Lord.

13:19 For I will, saith the Lord, that they shall hide up their
treasures unto me; and cursed be they who hide not up their treasures
unto me; for none hideth up their treasures unto me save it be the
righteous; and he that hideth not up his treasures unto me, cursed is
he, and also the treasure, and none shall redeem it because of the
curse of the land.

13:20 And the day shall come that they shall hide up their treasures,
because they have set their hearts upon riches; and because they have
set their hearts upon their riches, and will hide up their treasures
when they shall flee before their enemies; because they will not hide
them up unto me, cursed be they and also their treasures; and in that
day shall they be smitten, saith the Lord.

13:21 Behold ye, the people of this great city, and hearken unto my
words; yea, hearken unto the words which the Lord saith; for behold, he
saith that ye are cursed because of your riches, and also are your
riches cursed because ye have set your hearts upon them, and have not
hearkened unto the words of him who gave them unto you.

13:22 Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things with which he
hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your riches, not to thank
the Lord your God for them; yea, your hearts are not drawn out unto the
Lord, but they do swell with great pride, unto boasting, and unto great
swelling, envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions and murders, and all
manner of iniquities.

13:23 For this cause hath the Lord God caused that a curse should come
upon the land, and also upon your riches, and this because of your
iniquities.

13:24 Yea, wo unto this people, because of this time which has arrived,
that ye do cast out the prophets, and do mock them, and cast stones at
them, and do slay them, and do all manner of iniquity unto them, even
as they did of old time.

13:25 And now when ye talk, ye say: If our days had been in the days of
our fathers of old, we would not have slain the prophets; we would not
have stoned them, and cast them out.

13:26 Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a
prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord,
which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him,
and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you
will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of
the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil.

13:27 But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this,
and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will
say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride
of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall
come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a
prophet.

13:28 Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your
substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and
ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh
flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will
not find fault with him.

13:29 O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye
stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer
you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and
blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light?

13:30 Yea, behold, the anger of the Lord is already kindled against
you; behold, he hath cursed the land because of your iniquity.

13:31 And behold, the time cometh that he curseth your riches, that
they become slippery, that ye cannot hold them; and in the days of your
poverty ye cannot retain them.

13:32 And in the days of your poverty ye shall cry unto the Lord; and
in vain shall ye cry, for your desolation is already come upon you, and
your destruction is made sure; and then shall ye weep and howl in that
day, saith the Lord of Hosts. And then shall ye lament, and say:

13:33 O that I had repented, and had not killed the prophets, and
stoned them, and cast them out. Yea, in that day ye shall say: O that
we had remembered the Lord our God in the day that he gave us our
riches, and then they would not have become slippery that we should
lose them; for behold, our riches are gone from us.

13:34 Behold, we lay a tool here and on the morrow it is gone; and
behold, our swords are taken from us in the day we have sought them for
battle.

13:35 Yea, we have hid up our treasures and they have slipped away from
us, because of the curse of the land.

13:36 O that we had repented in the day that the word of the Lord came
unto us; for behold the land is cursed, and all things are become
slippery, and we cannot hold them.

13:37 Behold, we are surrounded by demons, yea, we are encircled about
by the angels of him who hath sought to destroy our souls. Behold, our
iniquities are great. O Lord, canst thou not turn away thine anger from
us? And this shall be your language in those days.

13:38 But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have
procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too
late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all
the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have
sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the
nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head.

13:39 O ye people of the land, that ye would hear my words! And I pray
that the anger of the Lord be turned away from you, and that ye would
repent and be saved.

Helaman Chapter 14

14:1 And now it came to pass that Samuel, the Lamanite, did prophesy a
great many more things which cannot be written.

14:2 And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for
five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to
redeem all those who shall believe on his name.

14:3 And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of
his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch
that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch
that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

14:4 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it
were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a
sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its
setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two
days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it
shall be the night before he is born.

14:5 And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never
have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.

14:6 And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders
in heaven.

14:7 And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed, and wonder,
insomuch that ye shall fall to the earth.

14:8 And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son
of God, the same shall have everlasting life.

14:9 And behold, thus hath the Lord commanded me, by his angel, that I
should come and tell this thing unto you; yea, he hath commanded that I
should prophesy these things unto you; yea, he hath said unto me: Cry
unto this people, repent and prepare the way of the Lord.

14:10 And now, because I am a Lamanite, and have spoken unto you the
words which the Lord hath commanded me, and because it was hard against
you, ye are angry with me and do seek to destroy me, and have cast me
out from among you.

14:11 And ye shall hear my words, for, for this intent have I come up
upon the walls of this city, that ye might hear and know of the
judgments of God which do await you because of your iniquities, and
also that ye might know the conditions of repentance;

14:12 And also that ye might know of the coming of Jesus Christ, the
Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, the Creator of all
things from the beginning; and that ye might know of the signs of his
coming, to the intent that ye might believe on his name.

14:13 And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins,
that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits.

14:14 And behold, again, another sign I give unto you, yea, a sign of
his death.

14:15 For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it
behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass
the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the
presence of the Lord.

14:16 Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and
redeemeth all mankind from the first death—that spiritual death; for
all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the
Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things
spiritual.

14:17 But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea,
even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord.

14:18 Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that
whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire;
but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and
there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death,
for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness.

14:19 Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and
not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation,
and ye are brought down unto this second death.

14:20 But behold, as I said unto you concerning another sign, a sign of
his death, behold, in that day that he shall suffer death the sun shall
be darkened and refuse to give his light unto you; and also the moon
and the stars; and there shall be no light upon the face of this land,
even from the time that he shall suffer death, for the space of three
days, to the time that he shall rise again from the dead.

14:21 Yea, at the time that he shall yield up the ghost there shall be
thunderings and lightnings for the space of many hours, and the earth
shall shake and tremble; and the rocks which are upon the face of this
earth, which are both above the earth and beneath, which ye know at
this time are solid, or the more part of it is one solid mass, shall be
broken up;

14:22 Yea, they shall be rent in twain, and shall ever after be found
in seams and in cracks, and in broken fragments upon the face of the
whole earth, yea, both above the earth and beneath.

14:23 And behold, there shall be great tempests, and there shall be
many mountains laid low, like unto a valley, and there shall be many
places which are now called valleys which shall become mountains, whose
height is great.

14:24 And many highways shall be broken up, and many cities shall
become desolate.

14:25 And many graves shall be opened, and shall yield up many of their
dead; and many saints shall appear unto many.

14:26 And behold, thus hath the angel spoken unto me; for he said unto
me that there should be thunderings and lightnings for the space of
many hours.

14:27 And he said unto me that while the thunder and the lightning
lasted, and the tempest, that these things should be, and that darkness
should cover the face of the whole earth for the space of three days.

14:28 And the angel said unto me that many shall see greater things
than these, to the intent that they might believe that these signs and
these wonders should come to pass upon all the face of this land, to
the intent that there should be no cause for unbelief among the
children of men—

14:29 And this to the intent that whosoever will believe might be
saved, and that whosoever will not believe, a righteous judgment might
come upon them; and also if they are condemned they bring upon
themselves their own condemnation.

14:30 And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever
perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth
it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for
yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath
made you free.

14:31 He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he
hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do
good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is
good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil
restored unto you.

Helaman Chapter 15

15:1 And now, my beloved brethren, behold, I declare unto you that
except ye shall repent your houses shall be left unto you desolate.

15:2 Yea, except ye repent, your women shall have great cause to mourn
in the day that they shall give suck; for ye shall attempt to flee and
there shall be no place for refuge; yea, and wo unto them which are
with child, for they shall be heavy and cannot flee; therefore, they
shall be trodden down and shall be left to perish.

15:3 Yea, wo unto this people who are called the people of Nephi except
they shall repent, when they shall see all these signs and wonders
which shall be showed unto them; for behold, they have been a chosen
people of the Lord; yea, the people of Nephi hath he loved, and also
hath he chastened them; yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he
chastened them because he loveth them.

15:4 But behold my brethren, the Lamanites hath he hated because their
deeds have been evil continually, and this because of the iniquity of
the tradition of their fathers. But behold, salvation hath come unto
them through the preaching of the Nephites; and for this intent hath
the Lord prolonged their days.

15:5 And I would that ye should behold that the more part of them are
in the path of their duty, and they do walk circumspectly before God,
and they do observe to keep his commandments and his statutes and his
judgments according to the law of Moses.

15:6 Yea, I say unto you, that the more part of them are doing this,
and they are striving with unwearied diligence that they may bring the
remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth; therefore
there are many who do add to their numbers daily.

15:7 And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it,
that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and
to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and
are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy
prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord,
and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of
heart unto them—

15:8 Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are
firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have
been made free.

15:9 And ye know also that they have buried their weapons of war, and
they fear to take them up lest by any means they should sin; yea, ye
can see that they fear to sin—for behold they will suffer themselves
that they be trodden down and slain by their enemies, and will not lift
their swords against them, and this because of their faith in Christ.

15:10 And now, because of their steadfastness when they do believe in
that thing which they do believe, for because of their firmness when
they are once enlightened, behold, the Lord shall bless them and
prolong their days, notwithstanding their iniquity—

15:11 Yea, even if they should dwindle in unbelief the Lord shall
prolong their days, until the time shall come which hath been spoken of
by our fathers, and also by the prophet Zenos, and many other prophets,
concerning the restoration of our brethren, the Lamanites, again to the
knowledge of the truth—

15:12 Yea, I say unto you, that in the latter times the promises of the
Lord have been extended to our brethren, the Lamanites; and
notwithstanding the many afflictions which they shall have, and
notwithstanding they shall be driven to and fro upon the face of the
earth, and be hunted, and shall be smitten and scattered abroad, having
no place for refuge, the Lord shall be merciful unto them.

15:13 And this is according to the prophecy, that they shall again be
brought to the true knowledge, which is knowledge of their Redeemer,
and their great and true shepherd, and be numbered among his sheep.

15:14 Therefore I say unto you, it shall be better for them than for
you except ye repent.

15:15 For behold, had the mighty works been shown unto them which have
been shown unto you, yea, unto them who have dwindled in unbelief
because of the traditions of their fathers, ye can see of yourselves
that they never would again have dwindled in unbelief.

15:16 Therefore, saith the Lord: I will not utterly destroy them, but I
will cause that in the day of my wisdom they shall return again unto
me, saith the Lord.

15:17 And now behold, saith the Lord, concerning the people of the
Nephites: If they will not repent, and observe to do my will, I will
utterly destroy them, saith the Lord, because of their unbelief
notwithstanding the many mighty works which I have done among them; and
as surely as the Lord liveth shall these things be, saith the Lord.

Helaman Chapter 16

16:1 And now, it came to pass that there were many who heard the words
of Samuel, the Lamanite, which he spake upon the walls of the city. And
as many as believed on his word went forth and sought for Nephi; and
when they had come forth and found him they confessed unto him their
sins and denied not, desiring that they might be baptized unto the
Lord.

16:2 But as many as there were who did not believe in the words of
Samuel were angry with him; and they cast stones at him upon the wall,
and also many shot arrows at him as he stood upon the wall; but the
Spirit of the Lord was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him
with their stones neither with their arrows.

16:3 Now when they saw that they could not hit him, there were many
more who did believe on his words, insomuch that they went away unto
Nephi to be baptized.

16:4 For behold, Nephi was baptizing, and prophesying, and preaching,
crying repentance unto the people, showing signs and wonders, working
miracles among the people, that they might know that the Christ must
shortly come—

16:5 Telling them of things which must shortly come, that they might
know and remember at the time of their coming that they had been made
known unto them beforehand, to the intent that they might believe;
therefore as many as believed on the words of Samuel went forth unto
him to be baptized, for they came repenting and confessing their sins.

16:6 But the more part of them did not believe in the words of Samuel;
therefore when they saw that they could not hit him with their stones
and their arrows, they cried unto their captains, saying: Take this
fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil; and because of the
power of the devil which is in him we cannot hit him with our stones
and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, and away with him.

16:7 And as they went forth to lay their hands on him, behold, he did
cast himself down from the wall, and did flee out of their lands, yea,
even unto his own country, and began to preach and to prophesy among
his own people.

16:8 And behold, he was never heard of more among the Nephites; and
thus were the affairs of the people.

16:9 And thus ended the eighty and sixth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi.

16:10 And thus ended also the eighty and seventh year of the reign of
the judges, the more part of the people remaining in their pride and
wickedness, and the lesser part walking more circumspectly before God.

16:11 And these were the conditions also, in the eighty and eighth year
of the reign of the judges.

16:12 And there was but little alteration in the affairs of the people,
save it were the people began to be more hardened in iniquity, and do
more and more of that which was contrary to the commandments of God, in
the eighty and ninth year of the reign of the judges.

16:13 But it came to pass in the ninetieth year of the reign of the
judges, there were great signs given unto the people, and wonders; and
the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled.

16:14 And angels did appear unto men, wise men, and did declare unto
them glad tidings of great joy; thus in this year the scriptures began
to be fulfilled.

16:15 Nevertheless, the people began to harden their hearts, all save
it were the most believing part of them, both of the Nephites and also
of the Lamanites, and began to depend upon their own strength and upon
their own wisdom, saying:

16:16 Some things they may have guessed right, among so many; but
behold, we know that all these great and marvelous works cannot come to
pass, of which has been spoken.

16:17 And they began to reason and to contend among themselves, saying:

16:18 That it is not reasonable that such a being as a Christ shall
come; if so, and he be the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of
earth, as it has been spoken, why will he not show himself unto us as
well as unto them who shall be at Jerusalem?

16:19 Yea, why will he not show himself in this land as well as in the
land of Jerusalem?

16:20 But behold, we know that this is a wicked tradition, which has
been handed down unto us by our fathers, to cause us that we should
believe in some great and marvelous thing which should come to pass,
but not among us, but in a land which is far distant, a land which we
know not; therefore they can keep us in ignorance, for we cannot
witness with our own eyes that they are true.

16:21 And they will, by the cunning and the mysterious arts of the evil
one, work some great mystery which we cannot understand, which will
keep us down to be servants to their words, and also servants unto
them, for we depend upon them to teach us the word; and thus will they
keep us in ignorance if we will yield ourselves unto them, all the days
of our lives.

16:22 And many more things did the people imagine up in their hearts,
which were foolish and vain; and they were much disturbed, for Satan
did stir them up to do iniquity continually; yea, he did go about
spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, that he
might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good and
against that which should come.

16:23 And notwithstanding the signs and the wonders which were wrought
among the people of the Lord, and the many miracles which they did,
Satan did get great hold upon the hearts of the people upon all the
face of the land.

16:24 And thus ended the ninetieth year of the reign of the judges over
the people of Nephi.

16:25 And thus ended the book of Helaman, according to the record of
Helaman and his sons.




 THIRD BOOK OF NEPHI

THE SON OF NEPHI, WHO WAS THE SON OF HELAMAN

And Helaman was the son of Helaman, who was the son of Alma, who was
the son of Alma, being a descendant of Nephi who was the son of Lehi,
who came out of Jerusalem in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah,
the king of Judah.

3 Nephi Chapter 1

1:1 Now it came to pass that the ninety and first year had passed away
and it was six hundred years from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem;
and it was in the year that Lachoneus was the chief judge and the
governor over the land.

1:2 And Nephi, the son of Helaman, had departed out of the land of
Zarahemla, giving charge unto his son Nephi, who was his eldest son,
concerning the plates of brass, and all the records which had been
kept, and all those things which had been kept sacred from the
departure of Lehi out of Jerusalem.

1:3 Then he departed out of the land, and whither he went, no man
knoweth; and his son Nephi did keep the records in his stead, yea, the
record of this people.

1:4 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the ninety and
second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets began to be
fulfilled more fully; for there began to be greater signs and greater
miracles wrought among the people.

1:5 But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the
words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.

1:6 And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the
time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore,
your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.

1:7 And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout
the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest
by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.

1:8 But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night
and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that
they might know that their faith had not been vain.

1:9 Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the
unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be
put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given
by Samuel the prophet.

1:10 Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this
wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful.

1:11 And it came to pass that he went out and bowed himself down upon
the earth, and cried mightily to his God in behalf of his people, yea,
those who were about to be destroyed because of their faith in the
tradition of their fathers.

1:12 And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord, all that
day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:

1:13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at
hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come
I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that
which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

1:14 Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfill all things which I have
made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world,
and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father
because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time
is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given.

1:15 And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were
fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going
down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be
astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.

1:16 And there were many, who had not believed the words of the
prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for
they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for
those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated;
for the sign which had been given was already at hand.

1:17 And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear;
yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the
west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so
exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth.

1:18 For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for
many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand;
and they began to fear because of their iniquity and their unbelief.

1:19 And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night,
but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that
the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order;
and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because
of the sign which had been given.

1:20 And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to
the words of the prophets.

1:21 And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to
the word.

1:22 And it came to pass that from this time forth there began to be
lyings sent forth among the people, by Satan, to harden their hearts,
to the intent that they might not believe in those signs and wonders
which they had seen; but notwithstanding these lyings and deceivings
the more part of the people did believe, and were converted unto the
Lord.

1:23 And it came to pass that Nephi went forth among the people, and
also many others, baptizing unto repentance, in the which there was a
great remission of sins. And thus the people began again to have peace
in the land.

1:24 And there were no contentions, save it were a few that began to
preach, endeavoring to prove by the scriptures that it was no more
expedient to observe the law of Moses. Now in this thing they did err,
having not understood the scriptures.

1:25 But it came to pass that they soon became converted, and were
convinced of the error which they were in, for it was made known unto
them that the law was not yet fulfilled, and that it must be fulfilled
in every whit; yea, the word came unto them that it must be fulfilled;
yea, that one jot or tittle should not pass away till it should all be
fulfilled; therefore in this same year were they brought to a knowledge
of their error and did confess their faults.

1:26 And thus the ninety and second year did pass away, bringing glad
tidings unto the people because of the signs which did come to pass,
according to the words of the prophecy of all the holy prophets.

1:27 And it came to pass that the ninety and third year did also pass
away in peace, save it were for the Gadianton robbers, who dwelt upon
the mountains, who did infest the land; for so strong were their holds
and their secret places that the people could not overpower them;
therefore they did commit many murders, and did do much slaughter among
the people.

1:28 And it came to pass that in the ninety and fourth year they began
to increase in great degree, because there were many dissenters of the
Nephites who did flee unto them, which did cause much sorrow unto those
Nephites who did remain in the land.

1:29 And there was also a cause of much sorrow among the Lamanites; for
behold, they had many children who did grow up and began to wax strong
in years, that they became for themselves, and were led away by some
who were Zoramites, by their lyings and their flattering words, to join
those Gadianton robbers.

1:30 And thus were the Lamanites afflicted also, and began to decrease
as to their faith and righteousness, because of the wickedness of the
rising generation.

3 Nephi Chapter 2

2:1 And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year
also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they
had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a
wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their
hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which
they had heard and seen—

2:2 Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought
by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the
hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts
of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead
them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a
vain thing.

2:3 And it came to pass that the people began to wax strong in
wickedness and abominations; and they did not believe that there should
be any more signs or wonders given; and Satan did go about, leading
away the hearts of the people, tempting them and causing them that they
should do great wickedness in the land.

2:4 And thus did pass away the ninety and sixth year; and also the
ninety and seventh year; and also the ninety and eighth year; and also
the ninety and ninth year;

2:5 And also an hundred years had passed away since the days of Mosiah,
who was king over the people of the Nephites.

2:6 And six hundred and nine years had passed away since Lehi left
Jerusalem.

2:7 And nine years had passed away from the time when the sign was
given, which was spoken of by the prophets, that Christ should come
into the world.

2:8 Now the Nephites began to reckon their time from this period when
the sign was given, or from the coming of Christ; therefore, nine years
had passed away.

2:9 And Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, who had the charge of the
records, did not return to the land of Zarahemla, and could nowhere be
found in all the land.

2:10 And it came to pass that the people did still remain in
wickedness, notwithstanding the much preaching and prophesying which
was sent among them; and thus passed away the tenth year also; and the
eleventh year also passed away in iniquity.

2:11 And it came to pass in the thirteenth year there began to be wars
and contentions throughout all the land; for the Gadianton robbers had
become so numerous, and did slay so many of the people, and did lay
waste so many cities, and did spread so much death and carnage
throughout the land, that it became expedient that all the people, both
the Nephites and the Lamanites, should take up arms against them.

2:12 Therefore, all the Lamanites who had become converted unto the
Lord did unite with their brethren, the Nephites, and were compelled,
for the safety of their lives and their women and their children, to
take up arms against those Gadianton robbers, yea, and also to maintain
their rights, and the privileges of their church and of their worship,
and their freedom and their liberty.

2:13 And it came to pass that before this thirteenth year had passed
away the Nephites were threatened with utter destruction because of
this war, which had become exceedingly sore.

2:14 And it came to pass that those Lamanites who had united with the
Nephites were numbered among the Nephites;

2:15 And their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white
like unto the Nephites;

2:16 And their young men and their daughters became exceedingly fair,
and they were numbered among the Nephites, and were called Nephites.
And thus ended the thirteenth year.

2:17 And it came to pass in the commencement of the fourteenth year,
the war between the robbers and the people of Nephi did continue and
did become exceedingly sore; nevertheless, the people of Nephi did gain
some advantage of the robbers, insomuch that they did drive them back
out of their lands into the mountains and into their secret places.

2:18 And thus ended the fourteenth year. And in the fifteenth year they
did come forth against the people of Nephi; and because of the
wickedness of the people of Nephi, and their many contentions and
dissensions, the Gadianton robbers did gain many advantages over them.

2:19 And thus ended the fifteenth year, and thus were the people in a
state of many afflictions; and the sword of destruction did hang over
them, insomuch that they were about to be smitten down by it, and this
because of their iniquity.

3 Nephi Chapter 3

3:1 And now it came to pass that in the sixteenth year from the coming
of Christ, Lachoneus, the governor of the land, received an epistle
from the leader and the governor of this band of robbers; and these
were the words which were written, saying:

3:2 Lachoneus, most noble and chief governor of the land, behold, I
write this epistle unto you, and do give unto you exceedingly great
praise because of your firmness, and also the firmness of your people,
in maintaining that which ye suppose to be your right and liberty; yea,
ye do stand well, as if ye were supported by the hand of a god, in the
defence of your liberty, and your property, and your country, or that
which ye do call so.

3:3 And it seemeth a pity unto me, most noble Lachoneus, that ye should
be so foolish and vain as to suppose that ye can stand against so many
brave men who are at my command, who do now at this time stand in their
arms, and do await with great anxiety for the word—Go down upon the
Nephites and destroy them.

3:4 And I, knowing of their unconquerable spirit, having proved them in
the field of battle, and knowing of their everlasting hatred towards
you because of the many wrongs which ye have done unto them, therefore
if they should come down against you they would visit you with utter
destruction.

3:5 Therefore I have written this epistle, sealing it with mine own
hand, feeling for your welfare, because of your firmness in that which
ye believe to be right, and your noble spirit in the field of battle.

3:6 Therefore I write unto you, desiring that ye would yield up unto
this my people, your cities, your lands, and your possessions, rather
than that they should visit you with the sword and that destruction
should come upon you.

3:7 Or in other words, yield yourselves up unto us, and unite with us
and become acquainted with our secret works, and become our brethren
that ye may be like unto us—not our slaves, but our brethren and
partners of all our substance.

3:8 And behold, I swear unto you, if ye will do this, with an oath, ye
shall not be destroyed; but if ye will not do this, I swear unto you
with an oath, that on the morrow month I will command that my armies
shall come down against you, and they shall not stay their hand and
shall spare not, but shall slay you, and shall let fall the sword upon
you even until ye shall become extinct.

3:9 And behold, I am Giddianhi; and I am the governor of this the
secret society of Gadianton; which society and the works thereof I know
to be good; and they are of ancient date and they have been handed down
unto us.

3:10 And I write this epistle unto you, Lachoneus, and I hope that ye
will deliver up your lands and your possessions, without the shedding
of blood, that this my people may recover their rights and government,
who have dissented away from you because of your wickedness in
retaining from them their rights of government, and except ye do this,
I will avenge their wrongs. I am Giddianhi.

3:11 And now it came to pass when Lachoneus received this epistle he
was exceedingly astonished, because of the boldness of Giddianhi
demanding the possession of the land of the Nephites, and also of
threatening the people and avenging the wrongs of those that had
received no wrong, save it were they had wronged themselves by
dissenting away unto those wicked and abominable robbers.

3:12 Now behold, this Lachoneus, the governor, was a just man, and
could not be frightened by the demands and the threatenings of a
robber; therefore he did not hearken to the epistle of Giddianhi, the
governor of the robbers, but he did cause that his people should cry
unto the Lord for strength against the time that the robbers should
come down against them.

3:13 Yea, he sent a proclamation among all the people, that they should
gather together their women, and their children, their flocks and their
herds, and all their substance, save it were their land, unto one
place.

3:14 And he caused that fortifications should be built round about
them, and the strength thereof should be exceedingly great. And he
caused that armies, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites, or of
all them who were numbered among the Nephites, should be placed as
guards round about to watch them, and to guard them from the robbers
day and night.

3:15 Yea, he said unto them: As the Lord liveth, except ye repent of
all your iniquities, and cry unto the Lord, ye will in no wise be
delivered out of the hands of those Gadianton robbers.

3:16 And so great and marvelous were the words and prophecies of
Lachoneus that they did cause fear to come upon all the people; and
they did exert themselves in their might to do according to the words
of Lachoneus.

3:17 And it came to pass that Lachoneus did appoint chief captains over
all the armies of the Nephites, to command them at the time that the
robbers should come down out of the wilderness against them.

3:18 Now the chiefest among all the chief captains and the great
commander of the armies of the Nephites was appointed, and his name was
Gidgiddoni.

3:19 Now it was the custom among all the Nephites to appoint for their
chief captains, (save it were in their times of wickedness) some one
that had the spirit of revelation and also prophecy; therefore, this
Gidgiddoni was a great prophet among them, as also was the chief judge.

3:20 Now the people said unto Gidgiddoni: Pray unto the Lord, and let
us go up upon the mountains and into the wilderness, that we may fall
upon the robbers and destroy them in their own lands.

3:21 But Gidgiddoni saith unto them: The Lord forbid; for if we should
go up against them the Lord would deliver us into their hands;
therefore we will prepare ourselves in the center of our lands, and we
will gather all our armies together, and we will not go against them,
but we will wait till they shall come against us; therefore as the Lord
liveth, if we do this he will deliver them into our hands.

3:22 And it came to pass in the seventeenth year, in the latter end of
the year, the proclamation of Lachoneus had gone forth throughout all
the face of the land, and they had taken their horses, and their
chariots, and their cattle, and all their flocks, and their herds, and
their grain, and all their substance, and did march forth by thousands
and by tens of thousands, until they had all gone forth to the place
which had been appointed that they should gather themselves together,
to defend themselves against their enemies.

3:23 And the land which was appointed was the land of Zarahemla, and
the land which was between the land Zarahemla and the land Bountiful,
yea, to the line which was between the land Bountiful and the land
Desolation.

3:24 And there were a great many thousand people who were called
Nephites, who did gather themselves together in this land. Now
Lachoneus did cause that they should gather themselves together in the
land southward, because of the great curse which was upon the land
northward.

3:25 And they did fortify themselves against their enemies; and they
did dwell in one land, and in one body, and they did fear the words
which had been spoken by Lachoneus, insomuch that they did repent of
all their sins; and they did put up their prayers unto the Lord their
God, that he would deliver them in the time that their enemies should
come down against them to battle.

3:26 And they were exceedingly sorrowful because of their enemies. And
Gidgiddoni did cause that they should make weapons of war of every
kind, and they should be strong with armor, and with shields, and with
bucklers, after the manner of his instruction.

3 Nephi Chapter 4

4:1 And it came to pass that in the latter end of the eighteenth year
those armies of robbers had prepared for battle, and began to come down
and to sally forth from the hills, and out of the mountains, and the
wilderness, and their strongholds, and their secret places, and began
to take possession of the lands, both which were in the land south and
which were in the land north, and began to take possession of all the
lands which had been deserted by the Nephites, and the cities which had
been left desolate.

4:2 But behold, there were no wild beasts nor game in those lands which
had been deserted by the Nephites, and there was no game for the
robbers save it were in the wilderness.

4:3 And the robbers could not exist save it were in the wilderness, for
the want of food; for the Nephites had left their lands desolate, and
had gathered their flocks and their herds and all their substance, and
they were in one body.

4:4 Therefore, there was no chance for the robbers to plunder and to
obtain food, save it were to come up in open battle against the
Nephites; and the Nephites being in one body, and having so great a
number, and having reserved for themselves provisions, and horses and
cattle, and flocks of every kind, that they might subsist for the space
of seven years, in the which time they did hope to destroy the robbers
from off the face of the land; and thus the eighteenth year did pass
away.

4:5 And it came to pass that in the nineteenth year Giddianhi found
that it was expedient that he should go up to battle against the
Nephites, for there was no way that they could subsist save it were to
plunder and rob and murder.

4:6 And they durst not spread themselves upon the face of the land
insomuch that they could raise grain, lest the Nephites should come
upon them and slay them; therefore Giddianhi gave commandment unto his
armies that in this year they should go up to battle against the
Nephites.

4:7 And it came to pass that they did come up to battle; and it was in
the sixth month; and behold, great and terrible was the day that they
did come up to battle; and they were girded about after the manner of
robbers; and they had a lamb-skin about their loins, and they were dyed
in blood, and their heads were shorn, and they had head-plates upon
them; and great and terrible was the appearance of the armies of
Giddianhi, because of their armor, and because of their being dyed in
blood.

4:8 And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites, when they saw
the appearance of the army of Giddianhi, had all fallen to the earth,
and did lift their cries to the Lord their God, that he would spare
them and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies.

4:9 And it came to pass that when the armies of Giddianhi saw this they
began to shout with a loud voice, because of their joy, for they had
supposed that the Nephites had fallen with fear because of the terror
of their armies.

4:10 But in this thing they were disappointed, for the Nephites did not
fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for
protection; therefore, when the armies of Giddianhi did rush upon them
they were prepared to meet them; yea, in the strength of the Lord they
did receive them.

4:11 And the battle commenced in this the sixth month; and great and
terrible was the battle thereof, yea, great and terrible was the
slaughter thereof, insomuch that there never was known so great a
slaughter among all the people of Lehi since he left Jerusalem.

4:12 And notwithstanding the threatenings and the oaths which Giddianhi
had made, behold, the Nephites did beat them, insomuch that they did
fall back from before them.

4:13 And it came to pass that Gidgiddoni commanded that his armies
should pursue them as far as the borders of the wilderness, and that
they should not spare any that should fall into their hands by the way;
and thus they did pursue them and did slay them, to the borders of the
wilderness, even until they had fulfilled the commandment of
Gidgiddoni.

4:14 And it came to pass that Giddianhi, who had stood and fought with
boldness, was pursued as he fled; and being weary because of his much
fighting he was overtaken and slain. And thus was the end of Giddianhi
the robber.

4:15 And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites did return
again to their place of security. And it came to pass that this
nineteenth year did pass away, and the robbers did not come again to
battle; neither did they come again in the twentieth year.

4:16 And in the twenty and first year they did not come up to battle,
but they came up on all sides to lay siege round about the people of
Nephi; for they did suppose that if they should cut off the people of
Nephi from their lands, and should hem them in on every side, and if
they should cut them off from all their outward privileges, that they
could cause them to yield themselves up according to their wishes.

4:17 Now they had appointed unto themselves another leader, whose name
was Zemnarihah; therefore it was Zemnarihah that did cause that this
siege should take place.

4:18 But behold, this was an advantage to the Nephites; for it was
impossible for the robbers to lay siege sufficiently long to have any
effect upon the Nephites, because of their much provision which they
had laid up in store,

4:19 And because of the scantiness of provisions among the robbers—for
behold, they had nothing save it were meat for their subsistence, which
meat they did obtain in the wilderness;

4:20 And it came to pass that the wild game became scarce in the
wilderness—insomuch that the robbers were about to perish with hunger.

4:21 And the Nephites were continually marching out by day and by
night, and falling upon their armies, and cutting them off by thousands
and by tens of thousands.

4:22 And thus it became the desire of the people of Zemnarihah to
withdraw from their design, because of the great destruction which came
upon them by night and by day.

4:23 And it came to pass that Zemnarihah did give command unto his
people that they should withdraw themselves from the siege, and march
into the furthermost parts of the land northward.

4:24 And now, Gidgiddoni being aware of their design, and knowing of
their weakness because of the want of food, and the great slaughter
which had been made among them, therefore he did send out his armies in
the night-time, and did cut off the way of their retreat, and did place
his armies in the way of their retreat.

4:25 And this did they do in the night-time, and got on their march
beyond the robbers, so that on the morrow, when the robbers began their
march, they were met by the armies of the Nephites both in their front
and in their rear.

4:26 And the robbers who were on the south were also cut off in their
places of retreat. And all these things were done by command of
Gidgiddoni.

4:27 And there were many thousands who did yield themselves up
prisoners unto the Nephites, and the remainder of them were slain.

4:28 And their leader, Zemnarihah, was taken and hanged upon a tree,
yea, even upon the top thereof until he was dead. And when they had
hanged him until he was dead they did fell the tree to the earth, and
did cry with a loud voice, saying:

4:29 May the Lord preserve his people in righteousness and in holiness
of heart, that they may cause to be felled to the earth all who shall
seek to slay them because of power and secret combinations, even as
this man hath been felled to the earth.

4:30 And they did rejoice and cry again with one voice, saying: May the
God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, protect
this people in righteousness, so long as they shall call on the name of
their God for protection.

4:31 And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in
singing, and praising their God for the great thing which he had done
for them, in preserving them from falling into the hands of their
enemies.

4:32 Yea, they did cry: Hosanna to the Most High God. And they did cry:
Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God.

4:33 And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of
many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out
of the hands of their enemies; and they knew it was because of their
repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an
everlasting destruction.

3 Nephi Chapter 5

5:1 And now behold, there was not a living soul among all the people of
the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy
prophets who had spoken; for they knew that it must needs be that they
must be fulfilled.

5:2 And they knew that it must be expedient that Christ had come,
because of the many signs which had been given, according to the words
of the prophets; and because of the things which had come to pass
already they knew that it must needs be that all things should come to
pass according to that which had been spoken.

5:3 Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations,
and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and
night.

5:4 And now it came to pass that when they had taken all the robbers
prisoners, insomuch that none did escape who were not slain, they did
cast their prisoners into prison, and did cause the word of God to be
preached unto them; and as many as would repent of their sins and enter
into a covenant that they would murder no more were set at liberty.

5:5 But as many as there were who did not enter into a covenant, and
who did still continue to have those secret murders in their hearts,
yea, as many as were found breathing out threatenings against their
brethren were condemned and punished according to the law.

5:6 And thus they did put an end to all those wicked, and secret, and
abominable combinations, in the which there was so much wickedness, and
so many murders committed.

5:7 And thus had the twenty and second year passed away, and the twenty
and third year also, and the twenty and fourth, and the twenty and
fifth; and thus had twenty and five years passed away.

5:8 And there had many things transpired which, in the eyes of some,
would be great and marvelous; nevertheless, they cannot all be written
in this book; yea, this book cannot contain even a hundredth part of
what was done among so many people in the space of twenty and five
years;

5:9 But behold there are records which do contain all the proceedings
of this people; and a shorter but true account was given by Nephi.

5:10 Therefore I have made my record of these things according to the
record of Nephi, which was engraven on the plates which were called the
plates of Nephi.

5:11 And behold, I do make the record on plates which I have made with
mine own hands.

5:12 And behold, I am called Mormon, being called after the land of
Mormon, the land in which Alma did establish the church among the
people, yea, the first church which was established among them after
their transgression.

5:13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have
been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they
might have everlasting life.

5:14 And it hath become expedient that I, according to the will of God,
that the prayers of those who have gone hence, who were the holy ones,
should be fulfilled according to their faith, should make a record of
these things which have been done—

5:15 Yea, a small record of that which hath taken place from the time
that Lehi left Jerusalem, even down until the present time.

5:16 Therefore I do make my record from the accounts which have been
given by those who were before me, until the commencement of my day;

5:17 And then I do make a record of the things which I have seen with
mine own eyes.

5:18 And I know the record which I make to be a just and a true record;
nevertheless there are many things which, according to our language, we
are not able to write.

5:19 And now I make an end of my saying, which is of myself, and
proceed to give my account of the things which have been before me.

5:20 I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi. I have reason to bless
my God and my Savior Jesus Christ, that he brought our fathers out of
the land of Jerusalem, (and no one knew it save it were himself and
those whom he brought out of that land) and that he hath given me and
my people so much knowledge unto the salvation of our souls.

5:21 Surely he hath blessed the house of Jacob, and hath been merciful
unto the seed of Joseph.

5:22 And insomuch as the children of Lehi have kept his commandments he
hath blessed them and prospered them according to his word.

5:23 Yea, and surely shall he again bring a remnant of the seed of
Joseph to the knowledge of the Lord their God.

5:24 And as surely as the Lord liveth, will he gather in from the four
quarters of the earth all the remnant of the seed of Jacob, who are
scattered abroad upon all the face of the earth.

5:25 And as he hath covenanted with all the house of Jacob, even so
shall the covenant wherewith he hath covenanted with the house of Jacob
be fulfilled in his own due time, unto the restoring all the house of
Jacob unto the knowledge of the covenant that he hath covenanted with
them.

5:26 And then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the
Son of God; and then shall they be gathered in from the four quarters
of the earth unto their own lands, from whence they have been
dispersed; yea, as the Lord liveth so shall it be. Amen.

3 Nephi Chapter 6

6:1 And now it came to pass that the people of the Nephites did all
return to their own lands in the twenty and sixth year, every man, with
his family, his flocks and his herds, his horses and his cattle, and
all things whatsoever did belong unto them.

6:2 And it came to pass that they had not eaten up all their
provisions; therefore they did take with them all that they had not
devoured, of all their grain of every kind, and their gold, and their
silver, and all their precious things, and they did return to their own
lands and their possessions, both on the north and on the south, both
on the land northward and on the land southward.

6:3 And they granted unto those robbers who had entered into a covenant
to keep the peace of the land, who were desirous to remain Lamanites,
lands, according to their numbers, that they might have, with their
labors, wherewith to subsist upon; and thus they did establish peace in
all the land.

6:4 And they began again to prosper and to wax great; and the twenty
and sixth and seventh years passed away, and there was great order in
the land; and they had formed their laws according to equity and
justice.

6:5 And now there was nothing in all the land to hinder the people from
prospering continually, except they should fall into transgression.

6:6 And now it was Gidgiddoni, and the judge, Lachoneus, and those who
had been appointed leaders, who had established this great peace in the
land.

6:7 And it came to pass that there were many cities built anew, and
there were many old cities repaired.

6:8 And there were many highways cast up, and many roads made, which
led from city to city, and from land to land, and from place to place.

6:9 And thus passed away the twenty and eighth year, and the people had
continual peace.

6:10 But it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year there began to be
some disputings among the people; and some were lifted up unto pride
and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches, yea, even unto
great persecutions;

6:11 For there were many merchants in the land, and also many lawyers,
and many officers.

6:12 And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to
their riches and their chances for learning, yea, some were ignorant
because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because
of their riches.

6:13 Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble;
some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing
and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and
revile again, but were humble and penitent before God.

6:14 And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch
that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the
thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were
among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith;
and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast,
and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of
the Lord.

6:15 Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had
great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of
iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek
for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world.

6:16 And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all
manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years.

6:17 And thus, in the commencement of the thirtieth year—the people
having been delivered up for the space of a long time to be carried
about by the temptations of the devil whithersoever he desired to carry
them, and to do whatsoever iniquity he desired they should—and thus in
the commencement of this, the thirtieth year, they were in a state of
awful wickedness.

6:18 Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God
concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did
wilfully rebel against God.

6:19 And now it was in the days of Lachoneus, the son of Lachoneus, for
Lachoneus did fill the seat of his father and did govern the people
that year.

6:20 And there began to be men inspired from heaven and sent forth,
standing among the people in all the land, preaching and testifying
boldly of the sins and iniquities of the people, and testifying unto
them concerning the redemption which the Lord would make for his
people, or in other words, the resurrection of Christ; and they did
testify boldly of his death and sufferings.

6:21 Now there were many of the people who were exceedingly angry
because of those who testified of these things; and those who were
angry were chiefly the chief judges, and they who had been high priests
and lawyers; yea, all those who were lawyers were angry with those who
testified of these things.

6:22 Now there was no lawyer nor judge nor high priest that could have
power to condemn any one to death save their condemnation was signed by
the governor of the land.

6:23 Now there were many of those who testified of the things
pertaining to Christ who testified boldly, who were taken and put to
death secretly by the judges, that the knowledge of their death came
not unto the governor of the land until after their death.

6:24 Now behold, this was contrary to the laws of the land, that any
man should be put to death except they had power from the governor of
the land—

6:25 Therefore a complaint came up unto the land of Zarahemla, to the
governor of the land, against these judges who had condemned the
prophets of the Lord unto death, not according to the law.

6:26 Now it came to pass that they were taken and brought up before the
judge to be judged of the crime which they had done, according to the
law which had been given by the people.

6:27 Now it came to pass that those judges had many friends and
kindreds; and the remainder, yea, even almost all the lawyers and the
high priests, did gather themselves together, and unite with the
kindreds of those judges who were to be tried according to the law.

6:28 And they did enter into a covenant one with another, yea, even
into that covenant which was given by them of old, which covenant was
given and administered by the devil, to combine against all
righteousness.

6:29 Therefore they did combine against the people of the Lord, and
enter into a covenant to destroy them, and to deliver those who were
guilty of murder from the grasp of justice, which was about to be
administered according to the law.

6:30 And they did set at defiance the law and the rights of their
country; and they did covenant one with another to destroy the
governor, and to establish a king over the land, that the land should
no more be at liberty but should be subject unto kings.

3 Nephi Chapter 7

7:1 Now behold, I will show unto you that they did not establish a king
over the land; but in this same year, yea, the thirtieth year, they did
destroy upon the judgment seat, yea, did murder the chief judge of the
land.

7:2 And the people were divided one against another; and they did
separate one from another into tribes, every man according to his
family and his kindred and friends; and thus they did destroy the
government of the land.

7:3 And every tribe did appoint a chief or a leader over them; and thus
they became tribes and leaders of tribes.

7:4 Now behold, there was no man among them save he had much family and
many kindreds and friends; therefore their tribes became exceedingly
great.

7:5 Now all this was done, and there were no wars as yet among them;
and all this iniquity had come upon the people because they did yield
themselves unto the power of Satan.

7:6 And the regulations of the government were destroyed, because of
the secret combination of the friends and kindreds of those who
murdered the prophets.

7:7 And they did cause a great contention in the land, insomuch that
the more righteous part of the people had nearly all become wicked;
yea, there were but few righteous men among them.

7:8 And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the
people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit,
or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire.

7:9 Now this secret combination, which had brought so great iniquity
upon the people, did gather themselves together, and did place at their
head a man whom they did call Jacob;

7:10 And they did call him their king; therefore he became a king over
this wicked band; and he was one of the chiefest who had given his
voice against the prophets who testified of Jesus.

7:11 And it came to pass that they were not so strong in number as the
tribes of the people, who were united together save it were their
leaders did establish their laws, every one according to his tribe;
nevertheless they were enemies; notwithstanding they were not a
righteous people, yet they were united in the hatred of those who had
entered into a covenant to destroy the government.

7:12 Therefore, Jacob seeing that their enemies were more numerous than
they, he being the king of the band, therefore he commanded his people
that they should take their flight into the northernmost part of the
land, and there build up unto themselves a kingdom, until they were
joined by dissenters, (for he flattered them that there would be many
dissenters) and they become sufficiently strong to contend with the
tribes of the people; and they did so.

7:13 And so speedy was their march that it could not be impeded until
they had gone forth out of the reach of the people. And thus ended the
thirtieth year; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi.

7:14 And it came to pass in the thirty and first year that they were
divided into tribes, every man according to his family, kindred and
friends; nevertheless they had come to an agreement that they would not
go to war one with another; but they were not united as to their laws,
and their manner of government, for they were established according to
the minds of those who were their chiefs and their leaders. But they
did establish very strict laws that one tribe should not trespass
against another, insomuch that in some degree they had peace in the
land; nevertheless, their hearts were turned from the Lord their God,
and they did stone the prophets and did cast them out from among them.

7:15 And it came to pass that Nephi—having been visited by angels and
also the voice of the Lord, therefore having seen angels, and being
eye-witness, and having had power given unto him that he might know
concerning the ministry of Christ, and also being eye-witness to their
quick return from righteousness unto their wickedness and abominations;

7:16 Therefore, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts and the
blindness of their minds—went forth among them in that same year, and
began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through
faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

7:17 And he did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot
be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are
not written in this book. And Nephi did minister with power and with
great authority.

7:18 And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he
had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could
disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus
Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.

7:19 And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and unclean
spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had
been stoned and suffered death by the people.

7:20 And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with
him because of his power; and he did also do many more miracles, in the
sight of the people, in the name of Jesus.

7:21 And it came to pass that the thirty and first year did pass away,
and there were but few who were converted unto the Lord; but as many as
were converted did truly signify unto the people that they had been
visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in
whom they believed.

7:22 And as many as had devils cast out from them, and were healed of
their sicknesses and their infirmities, did truly manifest unto the
people that they had been wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and had
been healed; and they did show forth signs also and did do some
miracles among the people.

7:23 Thus passed away the thirty and second year also. And Nephi did
cry unto the people in the commencement of the thirty and third year;
and he did preach unto them repentance and remission of sins.

7:24 Now I would have you to remember also, that there were none who
were brought unto repentance who were not baptized with water.

7:25 Therefore, there were ordained of Nephi, men unto this ministry,
that all such as should come unto them should be baptized with water,
and this as a witness and a testimony before God, and unto the people,
that they had repented and received a remission of their sins.

7:26 And there were many in the commencement of this year that were
baptized unto repentance; and thus the more part of the year did pass
away.

3 Nephi Chapter 8

8:1 And now it came to pass that according to our record, and we know
our record to be true, for behold, it was a just man who did keep the
record—for he truly did many miracles in the name of Jesus; and there
was not any man who could do a miracle in the name of Jesus save he
were cleansed every whit from his iniquity—

8:2 And now it came to pass, if there was no mistake made by this man
in the reckoning of our time, the thirty and third year had passed
away;

8:3 And the people began to look with great earnestness for the sign
which had been given by the prophet Samuel, the Lamanite, yea, for the
time that there should be darkness for the space of three days over the
face of the land.

8:4 And there began to be great doubtings and disputations among the
people, notwithstanding so many signs had been given.

8:5 And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first
month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such
an one as never had been known in all the land.

8:6 And there was also a great and terrible tempest; and there was
terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the whole earth as if it
was about to divide asunder.

8:7 And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been
known in all the land.

8:8 And the city of Zarahemla did take fire.

8:9 And the city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the sea, and the
inhabitants thereof were drowned.

8:10 And the earth was carried up upon the city of Moronihah that in
the place of the city there became a great mountain.

8:11 And there was a great and terrible destruction in the land
southward.

8:12 But behold, there was a more great and terrible destruction in the
land northward; for behold, the whole face of the land was changed,
because of the tempest and the whirlwinds and the thunderings and the
lightnings, and the exceedingly great quaking of the whole earth;

8:13 And the highways were broken up, and the level roads were spoiled,
and many smooth places became rough.

8:14 And many great and notable cities were sunk, and many were burned,
and many were shaken till the buildings thereof had fallen to the
earth, and the inhabitants thereof were slain, and the places were left
desolate.

8:15 And there were some cities which remained; but the damage thereof
was exceedingly great, and there were many of them who were slain.

8:16 And there were some who were carried away in the whirlwind; and
whither they went no man knoweth, save they know that they were carried
away.

8:17 And thus the face of the whole earth became deformed, because of
the tempests, and the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the quaking
of the earth.

8:18 And behold, the rocks were rent in twain; they were broken up upon
the face of the whole earth, insomuch that they were found in broken
fragments, and in seams and in cracks, upon all the face of the land.

8:19 And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings,
and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did
cease—for behold, they did last for about the space of three hours; and
it was said by some that the time was greater; nevertheless, all these
great and terrible things were done in about the space of three
hours—and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the land.

8:20 And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the
face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not
fallen could feel the vapor of darkness;

8:21 And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither
candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with
their fine and exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any
light at all;

8:22 And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer,
neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the
mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land.

8:23 And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days
that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning and howling
and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the
groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great
destruction which had come upon them.

8:24 And in one place they were heard to cry, saying: O that we had
repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our
brethren have been spared, and they would not have been burned in that
great city Zarahemla.

8:25 And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn, saying: O
that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not
killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; then would our
mothers and our fair daughters, and our children have been spared, and
not have been buried up in that great city Moronihah. And thus were the
howlings of the people great and terrible.

3 Nephi Chapter 9

9:1 And it came to pass that there was a voice heard among all the
inhabitants of the earth, upon all the face of this land, crying:

9:2 Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole
earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels
rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my
people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they
are fallen!

9:3 Behold, that great city Zarahemla have I burned with fire, and the
inhabitants thereof.

9:4 And behold, that great city Moroni have I caused to be sunk in the
depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof to be drowned.

9:5 And behold, that great city Moronihah have I covered with earth,
and the inhabitants thereof, to hide their iniquities and their
abominations from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and
the saints shall not come any more unto me against them.

9:6 And behold, the city of Gilgal have I caused to be sunk, and the
inhabitants thereof to be buried up in the depths of the earth;

9:7 Yea, and the city of Onihah and the inhabitants thereof, and the
city of Mocum and the inhabitants thereof, and the city of Jerusalem
and the inhabitants thereof; and waters have I caused to come up in the
stead thereof, to hide their wickedness and abominations from before my
face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come up
any more unto me against them.

9:8 And behold, the city of Gadiandi, and the city of Gadiomnah, and
the city of Jacob, and the city of Gimgimno, all these have I caused to
be sunk, and made hills and valleys in the places thereof; and the
inhabitants thereof have I buried up in the depths of the earth, to
hide their wickedness and abominations from before my face, that the
blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up any more unto
me against them.

9:9 And behold, that great city Jacobugath, which was inhabited by the
people of king Jacob, have I caused to be burned with fire because of
their sins and their wickedness, which was above all the wickedness of
the whole earth, because of their secret murders and combinations; for
it was they that did destroy the peace of my people and the government
of the land; therefore I did cause them to be burned, to destroy them
from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints
should not come up unto me any more against them.

9:10 And behold, the city of Laman, and the city of Josh, and the city
of Gad, and the city of Kishkumen, have I caused to be burned with
fire, and the inhabitants thereof, because of their wickedness in
casting out the prophets, and stoning those whom I did send to declare
unto them concerning their wickedness and their abominations.

9:11 And because they did cast them all out, that there were none
righteous among them, I did send down fire and destroy them, that their
wickedness and abominations might be hid from before my face, that the
blood of the prophets and the saints whom I sent among them might not
cry unto me from the ground against them.

9:12 And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land,
and upon this people, because of their wickedness and their
abominations.

9:13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they,
will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be
converted, that I may heal you?

9:14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have
eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and
whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come
unto me.

9:15 Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens
and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father
from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me
hath the Father glorified his name.

9:16 I came unto my own, and my own received me not. And the scriptures
concerning my coming are fulfilled.

9:17 And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become
the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my
name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of
Moses fulfilled.

9:18 I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega,
the beginning and the end.

9:19 And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea,
your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will
accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings.

9:20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a
contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a
contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost,
even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of
their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and
they knew it not.

9:21 Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the
world, to save the world from sin.

9:22 Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child,
him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such
I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent,
and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.

3 Nephi Chapter 10

10:1 And now behold, it came to pass that all the people of the land
did hear these sayings, and did witness of it. And after these sayings
there was silence in the land for the space of many hours;

10:2 For so great was the astonishment of the people that they did
cease lamenting and howling for the loss of their kindred which had
been slain; therefore there was silence in all the land for the space
of many hours.

10:3 And it came to pass that there came a voice again unto the people,
and all the people did hear, and did witness of it, saying:

10:4 O ye people of these great cities which have fallen, who are
descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have
I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and
have nourished you.

10:5 And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth
her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel,
who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell
at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have
gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.

10:6 O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you
as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and
return unto me with full purpose of heart.

10:7 But if not, O house of Israel, the places of your dwellings shall
become desolate until the time of the fulfilling of the covenant to
your fathers.

10:8 And now it came to pass that after the people had heard these
words, behold, they began to weep and howl again because of the loss of
their kindred and friends.

10:9 And it came to pass that thus did the three days pass away. And it
was in the morning, and the darkness dispersed from off the face of the
land, and the earth did cease to tremble, and the rocks did cease to
rend, and the dreadful groanings did cease, and all the tumultuous
noises did pass away.

10:10 And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the
mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were
spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and
their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus
Christ, their Redeemer.

10:11 And thus far were the scriptures fulfilled which had been spoken
by the prophets.

10:12 And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved,
and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it
was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared—

10:13 And they were spared and were not sunk and buried up in the
earth; and they were not drowned in the depths of the sea; and they
were not burned by fire, neither were they fallen upon and crushed to
death; and they were not carried away in the whirlwind; neither were
they overpowered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness.

10:14 And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the
scriptures, let him search them, and see and behold if all these deaths
and destructions by fire, and by smoke, and by tempests, and by
whirlwinds, and by the opening of the earth to receive them, and all
these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of
the holy prophets.

10:15 Behold, I say unto you, Yea, many have testified of these things
at the coming of Christ, and were slain because they testified of these
things.

10:16 Yea, the prophet Zenos did testify of these things, and also
Zenock spake concerning these things, because they testified
particularly concerning us, who are the remnant of their seed.

10:17 Behold, our father Jacob also testified concerning a remnant of
the seed of Joseph. And behold, are not we a remnant of the seed of
Joseph? And these things which testify of us, are they not written upon
the plates of brass which our father Lehi brought out of Jerusalem?

10:18 And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth
year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were
spared, and also those who had been called Lamanites, who had been
spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great blessings
poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the ascension of
Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them—

10:19 Showing his body unto them, and ministering unto them; and an
account of his ministry shall be given hereafter. Therefore for this
time I make an end of my sayings.

3 Nephi Chapter 11

11:1 And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered
together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in
the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with
another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change
which had taken place. 3 Nephi 11:2 And they were also conversing about
this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his
death.

11:3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with
another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast
their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they
heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice;
nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce
them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of
their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to
the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.

11:4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they
understood it not.

11:5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open
their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof;
and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound
came.

11:6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which
they heard; and it said unto them:

11:7 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have
glorified my name—hear ye him.

11:8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up
again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of
heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood
in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned
upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another,
and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had
appeared unto them.

11:9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake
unto the people, saying:

11:10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come
into the world.

11:11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have
drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have
glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the
which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the
beginning.

11:12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the
whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been
prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after
his ascension into heaven.

11:13 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:

11:14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into
my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands
and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the
God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

11:15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust
their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his
hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one
until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel
with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it
was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

11:16 And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for
themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:

11:17 Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did
fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.

11:18 And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among
the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth.

11:19 And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord
and did kiss his feet.

11:20 And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and
stood before him.

11:21 And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall
baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven.

11:22 And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise;
and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this
wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you.

11:23 Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through
your words and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall
ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in
my name shall ye baptize them.

11:24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling
them by name, saying:

11:25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

11:26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again
out of the water.

11:27 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold,
verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost
are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father
and I are one.

11:28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And
there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been;
neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of
my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.

11:29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of
contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of
contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger,
one with another.

11:30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men
with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such
things should be done away.

11:31 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you
my doctrine.

11:32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father
hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father
beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father
and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men,
everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

11:33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be
saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

11:34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be
damned.

11:35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I
bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth
in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for
he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

11:36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost
will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I,
and the Holy Ghost are one.

11:37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little
child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these
things.

11:38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my
name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the
kingdom of God.

11:39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and
whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell
shall not prevail against them.

11:40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it
for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my
rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell
stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon
them.

11:41 Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which
I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth.

3 Nephi Chapter 12

12:1 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto
Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who
had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was
twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and
cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the
words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister
unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power
that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized
with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy
Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be
baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am.

12:2 And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words
because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know
that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and
come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall
be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a
remission of their sins.

12:3 Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven.

12:4 And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be
comforted.

12:5 And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

12:6 And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after
righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.

12:7 And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

12:8 And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

12:9 And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the
children of God.

12:10 And blessed are all they who are persecuted for my name’s sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

12:11 And blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute, and
shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake;

12:12 For ye shall have great joy and be exceedingly glad, for great
shall be your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets who
were before you.

12:13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of
the earth; but if the salt shall lose its savor wherewith shall the
earth be salted? The salt shall be thenceforth good for nothing, but to
be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men.

12:14 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light
of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

12:15 Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a bushel? Nay, but
on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house;

12:16 Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they
may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

12:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am
not come to destroy but to fulfil;

12:18 For verily I say unto you, one jot nor tittle hath not passed
away from the law, but in me it hath all been fulfilled.

12:19 And behold, I have given you the law and the commandments of my
Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your
sins, and come unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
Behold, ye have the commandments before you, and the law is fulfilled.

12:20 Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto
you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded
you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

12:21 Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, and it
is also written before you, that thou shalt not kill, and whosoever
shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment of God;

12:22 But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother
shall be in danger of his judgment. And whosoever shall say to his
brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall
say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

12:23 Therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto
me, and rememberest that thy brother hast aught against thee—

12:24 Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy
brother, and then come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I will
receive you.

12:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly while thou art in the way with
him, lest at any time he shall get thee, and thou shalt be cast into
prison.

12:26 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out
thence until thou hast paid the uttermost senine. And while ye are in
prison can ye pay even one senine? Verily, verily, I say unto you, Nay.

12:27 Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not
commit adultery;

12:28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust
after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart.

12:29 Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of
these things to enter into your heart;

12:30 For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things,
wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into
hell.

12:31 It hath been written, that whosoever shall put away his wife, let
him give her a writing of divorcement.

12:32 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away his
wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit
adultery; and whoso shall marry her who is divorced committeth
adultery.

12:33 And again it is written, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but
shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths;

12:34 But verily, verily, I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by
heaven, for it is God’s throne;

12:35 Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool;

12:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make
one hair black or white;

12:37 But let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever
cometh of more than these is evil.

12:38 And behold, it is written, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a
tooth;

12:39 But I say unto you, that ye shall not resist evil, but whosoever
shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also;

12:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law and take away thy coat,
let him have thy cloak also;

12:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

12:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of
thee turn not away.

12:43 And behold it is written also, that thou shalt love thy neighbor
and hate thine enemy;

12:44 But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use
you and persecute you;

12:45 That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for
he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good.

12:46 Therefore those things which were of old time, which were under
the law, in me are all fulfilled.

12:47 Old things are done away, and all things have become new.

12:48 Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your
Father who is in heaven is perfect.

3 Nephi Chapter 13

13:1 Verily, verily, I say that I would that ye should do alms unto the
poor; but take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of
them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father who is in heaven.

13:2 Therefore, when ye shall do your alms do not sound a trumpet
before you, as will hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets,
that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their
reward.

13:3 But when thou doest alms let not thy left hand know what thy right
hand doeth;

13:4 That thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father who seeth in
secret, himself shall reward thee openly.

13:5 And when thou prayest thou shalt not do as the hypocrites, for
they love to pray, standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the
streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have
their reward.

13:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou
hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy
Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

13:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen, for
they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

13:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them, for your Father knoweth what
things ye have need of before ye ask him.

13:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.

13:10 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

13:11 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13:12 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

13:13 For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
Amen.

13:14 For, if ye forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will
also forgive you;

13:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your
Father forgive your trespasses.

13:16 Moreover, when ye fast be not as the hypocrites, of a sad
countenance, for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto
men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.

13:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face;

13:18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father, who
is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee
openly.

13:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and
rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal;

13:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth
nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal.

13:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

13:22 The light of the body is the eye; if, therefore, thine eye be
single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

13:23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of
darkness. If, therefore, the light that is in thee be darkness, how
great is that darkness!

13:24 No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and
love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.

13:25 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he
looked upon the twelve whom he had chosen, and said unto them: Remember
the words which I have spoken. For behold, ye are they whom I have
chosen to minister unto this people. Therefore I say unto you, take no
thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor
yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than
meat, and the body than raiment?

13:26 Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they
reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are
ye not much better than they?

13:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his
stature?

13:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the
field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin;

13:29 And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory, was
not arrayed like one of these.

13:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today
is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, even so will he clothe you, if
ye are not of little faith.

13:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What
shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

13:32 For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these
things.

13:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and
all these things shall be added unto you.

13:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall
take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient is the day unto the
evil thereof.

3 Nephi Chapter 14

14:1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he
turned again to the multitude, and did open his mouth unto them again,
saying: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Judge not, that ye be not
judged.

14:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what
measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

14:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but
considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

14:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother: Let me pull the mote out of
thine eye—and behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

14:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then
shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

14:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your
pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn
again and rend you.

14:7 Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

14:8 For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh,
findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

14:9 Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give
him a stone?

14:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

14:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your
children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good
things to them that ask him?

14:12 Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to
you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law and the prophets.

14:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad
is the way, which leadeth to destruction, and many there be who go in
thereat;

14:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth
unto life, and few there be that find it.

14:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

14:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of
thorns, or figs of thistles?

14:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt
tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

14:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree
bring forth good fruit.

14:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and
cast into the fire.

14:20 Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.

14:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is
in heaven.

14:22 Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in
thy name done many wonderful works?

14:23 And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you; depart from
me, ye that work iniquity.

14:24 Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I
will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock—

14:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a
rock.

14:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them
not shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the
sand—

14:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew,
and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it.

3 Nephi Chapter 15

15:1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings he
cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and said unto them: Behold,
ye have heard the things which I taught before I ascended to my Father;
therefore, whoso remembereth these sayings of mine and doeth them, him
will I raise up at the last day.

15:2 And it came to pass that when Jesus had said these words he
perceived that there were some among them who marveled, and wondered
what he would concerning the law of Moses; for they understood not the
saying that old things had passed away, and that all things had become
new.

15:3 And he said unto them: Marvel not that I said unto you that old
things had passed away, and that all things had become new.

15:4 Behold, I say unto you that the law is fulfilled that was given
unto Moses.

15:5 Behold, I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with
my people Israel; therefore, the law in me is fulfilled, for I have
come to fulfil the law; therefore it hath an end.

15:6 Behold, I do not destroy the prophets, for as many as have not
been fulfilled in me, verily I say unto you, shall all be fulfilled.

15:7 And because I said unto you that old things have passed away, I do
not destroy that which hath been spoken concerning things which are to
come.

15:8 For behold, the covenant which I have made with my people is not
all fulfilled; but the law which was given unto Moses hath an end in
me.

15:9 Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to
the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will
I give eternal life.

15:10 Behold, I have given unto you the commandments; therefore keep my
commandments. And this is the law and the prophets, for they truly
testified of me.

15:11 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words,
he said unto those twelve whom he had chosen:

15:12 Ye are my disciples; and ye are a light unto this people, who are
a remnant of the house of Joseph.

15:13 And behold, this is the land of your inheritance; and the Father
hath given it unto you.

15:14 And not at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I
should tell it unto your brethren at Jerusalem.

15:15 Neither at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I
should tell unto them concerning the other tribes of the house of
Israel, whom the Father hath led away out of the land.

15:16 This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto
them:

15:17 That other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I
must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold,
and one shepherd.

15:18 And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood
not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father
concerning this thing unto them.

15:19 But, verily, I say unto you that the Father hath commanded me,
and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated from among them because
of their iniquity; therefore it is because of their iniquity that they
know not of you.

15:20 And verily, I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the
Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that
they know not of them.

15:21 And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other
sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and
they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one
shepherd.

15:22 And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the
Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted
through their preaching.

15:23 And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice;
and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time
hear my voice—that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were
by the Holy Ghost.

15:24 But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are
my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given
me.

3 Nephi Chapter 16

16:1 And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have other sheep which
are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any
parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.

16:2 For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my
voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them.

16:3 But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go
unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered
among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore
I go to show myself unto them.

16:4 And I command you that ye shall write these sayings after I am
gone, that if it so be that my people at Jerusalem, they who have seen
me and been with me in my ministry, do not ask the Father in my name,
that they may receive a knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost, and also of
the other tribes whom they know not of, that these sayings which ye
shall write shall be kept and shall be manifested unto the Gentiles,
that through the fulness of the Gentiles, the remnant of their seed,
who shall be scattered forth upon the face of the earth because of
their unbelief, may be brought in, or may be brought to a knowledge of
me, their Redeemer.

16:5 And then will I gather them in from the four quarters of the
earth; and then will I fulfill the covenant which the Father hath made
unto all the people of the house of Israel.

16:6 And blessed are the Gentiles, because of their belief in me, in
and of the Holy Ghost, which witnesses unto them of me and of the
Father.

16:7 Behold, because of their belief in me, saith the Father, and
because of the unbelief of you, O house of Israel, in the latter day
shall the truth come unto the Gentiles, that the fulness of these
things shall be made known unto them.

16:8 But wo, saith the Father, unto the unbelieving of the Gentiles—for
notwithstanding they have come forth upon the face of this land, and
have scattered my people who are of the house of Israel; and my people
who are of the house of Israel have been cast out from among them, and
have been trodden under feet by them;

16:9 And because of the mercies of the Father unto the Gentiles, and
also the judgments of the Father upon my people who are of the house of
Israel, verily, verily, I say unto you, that after all this, and I have
caused my people who are of the house of Israel to be smitten, and to
be afflicted, and to be slain, and to be cast out from among them, and
to become hated by them, and to become a hiss and a byword among them—

16:10 And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At
that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall
reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of
their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole
earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits,
and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and
priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they
shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel,
behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from
among them.

16:11 And then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my
people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them.

16:12 And I will show unto thee, O house of Israel, that the Gentiles
shall not have power over you; but I will remember my covenant unto
you, O house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowledge of the
fulness of my gospel.

16:13 But if the Gentiles will repent and return unto me, saith the
Father, behold they shall be numbered among my people, O house of
Israel.

16:14 And I will not suffer my people, who are of the house of Israel,
to go through among them, and tread them down, saith the Father.

16:15 But if they will not turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, I
will suffer them, yea, I will suffer my people, O house of Israel, that
they shall go through among them, and shall tread them down, and they
shall be as salt that hath lost its savor, which is thenceforth good
for nothing but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of my
people, O house of Israel.

16:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, thus hath the Father commanded
me—that I should give unto this people this land for their inheritance.

16:17 And then the words of the prophet Isaiah shall be fulfilled,
which say:

16:18 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together
shall they sing, for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall
bring again Zion.

16:19 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of
Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed
Jerusalem.

16:20 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eye of all the
nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God.

3 Nephi Chapter 17

17:1 Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words
he looked round about again on the multitude, and he said unto them:
Behold, my time is at hand.

17:2 I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my
words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this
time.

17:3 Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which
I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand,
and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.

17:4 But now I go unto the Father, and also to show myself unto the
lost tribes of Israel, for they are not lost unto the Father, for he
knoweth whither he hath taken them.

17:5 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his
eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears,
and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a
little longer with them.

17:6 And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with
compassion towards you.

17:7 Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye
any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that
are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner?
Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you;
my bowels are filled with mercy.

17:8 For I perceive that ye desire that I should show unto you what I
have done unto your brethren at Jerusalem, for I see that your faith is
sufficient that I should heal you.

17:9 And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the
multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their
afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb,
and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal
them every one as they were brought forth unto him.

17:10 And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were
whole, bow down at his feet, and did worship him; and as many as could
come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe
his feet with their tears.

17:11 And it came to pass that he commanded that their little children
should be brought.

17:12 So they brought their little children and set them down upon the
ground round about him, and Jesus stood in the midst; and the multitude
gave way till they had all been brought unto him.

17:13 And it came to pass that when they had all been brought, and
Jesus stood in the midst, he commanded the multitude that they should
kneel down upon the ground.

17:14 And it came to pass that when they had knelt upon the ground,
Jesus groaned within himself, and said: Father, I am troubled because
of the wickedness of the people of the house of Israel.

17:15 And when he had said these words, he himself also knelt upon the
earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things which he
prayed cannot be written, and the multitude did bear record who heard
him.

17:16 And after this manner do they bear record: The eye hath never
seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things
as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father;

17:17 And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man,
neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as
we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy
which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the
Father.

17:18 And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying
unto the Father, he arose; but so great was the joy of the multitude
that they were overcome.

17:19 And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and bade them
arise.

17:20 And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are
ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full.

17:21 And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare
record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and
blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

17:22 And when he had done this he wept again;

17:23 And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your
little ones.

17:24 And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven,
and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of
heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and
encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with
fire; and the angels did minister unto them.

17:25 And the multitude did see and hear and bear record; and they know
that their record is true for they all of them did see and hear, every
man for himself; and they were in number about two thousand and five
hundred souls; and they did consist of men, women, and children.

3 Nephi Chapter 18

18:1 And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they
should bring forth some bread and wine unto him.

18:2 And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the
multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth.

18:3 And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of
the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and
commanded that they should eat.

18:4 And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they
should give unto the multitude.

18:5 And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the
disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him
will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it
unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be
baptized in my name.

18:6 And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even
as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.

18:7 And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown
unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always
remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to
be with you.

18:8 And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded
his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of
it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might
drink of it.

18:9 And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were
filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they
were filled.

18:10 And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them:
Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is
fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that
ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you.

18:11 And this shall ye always do to those who repent and are baptized
in my name; and ye shall do it in remembrance of my blood, which I have
shed for you, that ye may witness unto the Father that ye do always
remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to
be with you.

18:12 And I give unto you a commandment that ye shall do these things.
And if ye shall always do these things blessed are ye, for ye are built
upon my rock.

18:13 But whoso among you shall do more or less than these are not
built upon my rock, but are built upon a sandy foundation; and when the
rain descends, and the floods come, and the winds blow, and beat upon
them, they shall fall, and the gates of hell are ready open to receive
them.

18:14 Therefore blessed are ye if ye shall keep my commandments, which
the Father hath commanded me that I should give unto you.

18:15 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always,
lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him.

18:16 And as I have prayed among you even so shall ye pray in my
church, among my people who do repent and are baptized in my name.
Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you.

18:17 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto
his disciples, he turned again unto the multitude and said unto them:

18:18 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray
always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you,
that he may sift you as wheat.

18:19 Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name;

18:20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is
right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto
you.

18:21 Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that
your wives and your children may be blessed.

18:22 And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid
any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer
them that they may come unto you and forbid them not;

18:23 But ye shall pray for them, and shall not cast them out; and if
it so be that they come unto you oft ye shall pray for them unto the
Father, in my name.

18:24 Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world.
Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me
do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have
witnessed.

18:25 And ye see that I have commanded that none of you should go away,
but rather have commanded that ye should come unto me, that ye might
feel and see; even so shall ye do unto the world; and whosoever
breaketh this commandment suffereth himself to be led into temptation.

18:26 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words,
he turned his eyes again upon the disciples whom he had chosen, and
said unto them:

18:27 Behold verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you another
commandment, and then I must go unto my Father that I may fulfil other
commandments which he hath given me.

18:28 And now behold, this is the commandment which I give unto you,
that ye shall not suffer any one knowingly to partake of my flesh and
blood unworthily, when ye shall minister it;

18:29 For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily
eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul; therefore if ye know that a
man is unworthy to eat and drink of my flesh and blood ye shall forbid
him.

18:30 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out from among you, but ye
shall minister unto him and shall pray for him unto the Father, in my
name; and if it so be that he repenteth and is baptized in my name,
then shall ye receive him, and shall minister unto him of my flesh and
blood.

18:31 But if he repent not he shall not be numbered among my people,
that he may not destroy my people, for behold I know my sheep, and they
are numbered.

18:32 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or
your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister;
for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me
with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the
means of bringing salvation unto them.

18:33 Therefore, keep these sayings which I have commanded you that ye
come not under condemnation; for wo unto him whom the Father
condemneth.

18:34 And I give you these commandments because of the disputations
which have been among you. And blessed are ye if ye have no
disputations among you.

18:35 And now I go unto the Father, because it is expedient that I
should go unto the Father for your sakes.

18:36 And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of these
sayings, he touched with his hand the disciples whom he had chosen, one
by one, even until he had touched them all, and spake unto them as he
touched them.

18:37 And the multitude heard not the words which he spake, therefore
they did not bear record; but the disciples bare record that he gave
them power to give the Holy Ghost. And I will show unto you hereafter
that this record is true.

18:38 And it came to pass that when Jesus had touched them all, there
came a cloud and overshadowed the multitude that they could not see
Jesus.

18:39 And while they were overshadowed he departed from them, and
ascended into heaven. And the disciples saw and did bear record that he
ascended again into heaven.

3 Nephi Chapter 19

19:1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had ascended into heaven,
the multitude did disperse, and every man did take his wife and his
children and did return to his own home.

19:2 And it was noised abroad among the people immediately, before it
was yet dark, that the multitude had seen Jesus, and that he had
ministered unto them, and that he would also show himself on the morrow
unto the multitude.

19:3 Yea, and even all the night it was noised abroad concerning Jesus;
and insomuch did they send forth unto the people that there were many,
yea, an exceedingly great number, did labor exceedingly all that night,
that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show
himself unto the multitude.

19:4 And it came to pass that on the morrow, when the multitude was
gathered together, behold, Nephi and his brother whom he had raised
from the dead, whose name was Timothy, and also his son, whose name was
Jonas, and also Mathoni, and Mathonihah, his brother, and Kumen, and
Kumenonhi, and Jeremiah, and Shemnon, and Jonas, and Zedekiah, and
Isaiah—now these were the names of the disciples whom Jesus had
chosen—and it came to pass that they went forth and stood in the midst
of the multitude.

19:5 And behold, the multitude was so great that they did cause that
they should be separated into twelve bodies.

19:6 And the twelve did teach the multitude; and behold, they did cause
that the multitude should kneel down upon the face of the earth, and
should pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus.

19:7 And the disciples did pray unto the Father also in the name of
Jesus. And it came to pass that they arose and ministered unto the
people.

19:8 And when they had ministered those same words which Jesus had
spoken—nothing varying from the words which Jesus had spoken—behold,
they knelt again and prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus.

19:9 And they did pray for that which they most desired; and they
desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them.

19:10 And when they had thus prayed they went down unto the water’s
edge, and the multitude followed them.

19:11 And it came to pass that Nephi went down into the water and was
baptized.

19:12 And he came up out of the water and began to baptize. And he
baptized all those whom Jesus had chosen.

19:13 And it came to pass when they were all baptized and had come up
out of the water, the Holy Ghost did fall upon them, and they were
filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

19:14 And behold, they were encircled about as if it were by fire; and
it came down from heaven, and the multitude did witness it, and did
bear record; and angels did come down out of heaven and did minister
unto them.

19:15 And it came to pass that while the angels were ministering unto
the disciples, behold, Jesus came and stood in the midst and ministered
unto them.

19:16 And it came to pass that he spake unto the multitude, and
commanded them that they should kneel down again upon the earth, and
also that his disciples should kneel down upon the earth.

19:17 And it came to pass that when they had all knelt down upon the
earth, he commanded his disciples that they should pray.

19:18 And behold, they began to pray; and they did pray unto Jesus,
calling him their Lord and their God.

19:19 And it came to pass that Jesus departed out of the midst of them,
and went a little way off from them and bowed himself to the earth, and
he said:

19:20 Father, I thank thee that thou hast given the Holy Ghost unto
these whom I have chosen; and it is because of their belief in me that
I have chosen them out of the world.

19:21 Father, I pray thee that thou wilt give the Holy Ghost unto all
them that shall believe in their words.

19:22 Father, thou hast given them the Holy Ghost because they believe
in me; and thou seest that they believe in me because thou hearest
them, and they pray unto me; and they pray unto me because I am with
them.

19:23 And now Father, I pray unto thee for them, and also for all those
who shall believe on their words, that they may believe in me, that I
may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one.

19:24 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the
Father, he came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still
continue, without ceasing, to pray unto him; and they did not multiply
many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they
were filled with desire.

19:25 And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them as they did pray unto
him; and his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his
countenance did shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the
countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the whiteness
thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing
upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof.

19:26 And Jesus said unto them: Pray on; nevertheless they did not
cease to pray.

19:27 And he turned from them again, and went a little way off and
bowed himself to the earth; and he prayed again unto the Father,
saying:

19:28 Father, I thank thee that thou hast purified those whom I have
chosen, because of their faith, and I pray for them, and also for them
who shall believe on their words, that they may be purified in me,
through faith on their words, even as they are purified in me.

19:29 Father, I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast
given me out of the world, because of their faith, that they may be
purified in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that
we may be one, that I may be glorified in them.

19:30 And when Jesus had spoken these words he came again unto his
disciples; and behold they did pray steadfastly, without ceasing, unto
him; and he did smile upon them again; and behold they were white, even
as Jesus.

19:31 And it came to pass that he went again a little way off and
prayed unto the Father;

19:32 And tongue cannot speak the words which he prayed, neither can be
written by man the words which he prayed.

19:33 And the multitude did hear and do bear record; and their hearts
were open and they did understand in their hearts the words which he
prayed.

19:34 Nevertheless, so great and marvelous were the words which he
prayed that they cannot be written, neither can they be uttered by man.

19:35 And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of praying he
came again to the disciples, and said unto them: So great faith have I
never seen among all the Jews; wherefore I could not show unto them so
great miracles, because of their unbelief.

19:36 Verily I say unto you, there are none of them that have seen so
great things as ye have seen; neither have they heard so great things
as ye have heard.

3 Nephi Chapter 20

20:1 And it came to pass that he commanded the multitude that they
should cease to pray, and also his disciples. And he commanded them
that they should not cease to pray in their hearts.

20:2 And he commanded them that they should arise and stand up upon
their feet. And they arose up and stood upon their feet.

20:3 And it came to pass that he brake bread again and blessed it, and
gave to the disciples to eat.

20:4 And when they had eaten he commanded them that they should break
bread, and give unto the multitude.

20:5 And when they had given unto the multitude he also gave them wine
to drink, and commanded them that they should give unto the multitude.

20:6 Now, there had been no bread, neither wine, brought by the
disciples, neither by the multitude;

20:7 But he truly gave unto them bread to eat, and also wine to drink.

20:8 And he said unto them: He that eateth this bread eateth of my body
to his soul; and he that drinketh of this wine drinketh of my blood to
his soul; and his soul shall never hunger nor thirst, but shall be
filled.

20:9 Now, when the multitude had all eaten and drunk, behold, they were
filled with the Spirit; and they did cry out with one voice, and gave
glory to Jesus, whom they both saw and heard.

20:10 And it came to pass that when they had all given glory unto
Jesus, he said unto them: Behold now I finish the commandment which the
Father hath commanded me concerning this people, who are a remnant of
the house of Israel.

20:11 Ye remember that I spake unto you, and said that when the words
of Isaiah should be fulfilled—behold they are written, ye have them
before you, therefore search them—

20:12 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that when they shall be
fulfilled then is the fulfilling of the covenant which the Father hath
made unto his people, O house of Israel.

20:13 And then shall the remnants, which shall be scattered abroad upon
the face of the earth, be gathered in from the east and from the west,
and from the south and from the north; and they shall be brought to the
knowledge of the Lord their God, who hath redeemed them.

20:14 And the Father hath commanded me that I should give unto you this
land, for your inheritance.

20:15 And I say unto you, that if the Gentiles do not repent after the
blessing which they shall receive, after they have scattered my people—

20:16 Then shall ye, who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth
among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who shall be many; and
ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as
a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both
treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

20:17 Thy hand shall be lifted up upon thine adversaries, and all thine
enemies shall be cut off.

20:18 And I will gather my people together as a man gathereth his
sheaves into the floor.

20:19 For I will make my people with whom the Father hath covenanted,
yea, I will make thy horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass. And
thou shalt beat in pieces many people; and I will consecrate their gain
unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
And behold, I am he who doeth it.

20:20 And it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that the sword of my
justice shall hang over them at that day; and except they repent it
shall fall upon them, saith the Father, yea, even upon all the nations
of the Gentiles.

20:21 And it shall come to pass that I will establish my people, O
house of Israel.

20:22 And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the
fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it
shall be a New Jerusalem. And the powers of heaven shall be in the
midst of this people; yea, even I will be in the midst of you.

20:23 Behold, I am he of whom Moses spake, saying: A prophet shall the
Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him
shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it
shall come to pass that every soul who will not hear that prophet shall
be cut off from among the people.

20:24 Verily I say unto you, yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and
those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have testified of me.

20:25 And behold, ye are the children of the prophets; and ye are of
the house of Israel; and ye are of the covenant which the Father made
with your fathers, saying unto Abraham: And in thy seed shall all the
kindreds of the earth be blessed.

20:26 The Father having raised me up unto you first, and sent me to
bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities; and
this because ye are the children of the covenant—

20:27 And after that ye were blessed then fulfilleth the Father the
covenant which he made with Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the
kindreds of the earth be blessed—unto the pouring out of the Holy Ghost
through me upon the Gentiles, which blessing upon the Gentiles shall
make them mighty above all, unto the scattering of my people, O house
of Israel.

20:28 And they shall be a scourge unto the people of this land.
Nevertheless, when they shall have received the fulness of my gospel,
then if they shall harden their hearts against me I will return their
iniquities upon their own heads, saith the Father.

20:29 And I will remember the covenant which I have made with my
people; and I have covenanted with them that I would gather them
together in mine own due time, that I would give unto them again the
land of their fathers for their inheritance, which is the land of
Jerusalem, which is the promised land unto them forever, saith the
Father.

20:30 And it shall come to pass that the time cometh, when the fulness
of my gospel shall be preached unto them;

20:31 And they shall believe in me, that I am Jesus Christ, the Son of
God, and shall pray unto the Father in my name.

20:32 Then shall their watchmen lift up their voice, and with the voice
together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye.

20:33 Then will the Father gather them together again, and give unto
them Jerusalem for the land of their inheritance.

20:34 Then shall they break forth into joy—Sing together, ye waste
places of Jerusalem; for the Father hath comforted his people, he hath
redeemed Jerusalem.

20:35 The Father hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the
nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of the
Father; and the Father and I are one.

20:36 And then shall be brought to pass that which is written: Awake,
awake again, and put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful
garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city, for henceforth there shall no
more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

20:37 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem; loose
thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

20:38 For thus saith the Lord: Ye have sold yourselves for naught, and
ye shall be redeemed without money.

20:39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that my people shall know my
name; yea, in that day they shall know that I am he that doth speak.

20:40 And then shall they say: How beautiful upon the mountains are the
feet of him that bringeth good tidings unto them, that publisheth
peace; that bringeth good tidings unto them of good, that publisheth
salvation; that saith unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!

20:41 And then shall a cry go forth: Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out
from thence, touch not that which is unclean; go ye out of the midst of
her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.

20:42 For ye shall not go out with haste nor go by flight; for the Lord
will go before you, and the God of Israel shall be your rearward.

20:43 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be exalted and
extolled and be very high.

20:44 As many were astonished at thee—his visage was so marred, more
than any man, and his form more than the sons of men—

20:45 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their
mouths at him, for that which had not been told them shall they see;
and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

20:46 Verily, verily, I say unto you, all these things shall surely
come, even as the Father hath commanded me. Then shall this covenant
which the Father hath covenanted with his people be fulfilled; and then
shall Jerusalem be inhabited again with my people, and it shall be the
land of their inheritance.

3 Nephi Chapter 21

21:1 And verily I say unto you, I give unto you a sign, that ye may
know the time when these things shall be about to take place—that I
shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of
Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;

21:2 And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a
sign—for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare
unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and
by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the
Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they may know
concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and
concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them;

21:3 Verily, verily, I say unto you, when these things shall be made
known unto them of the Father, and shall come forth of the Father, from
them unto you;

21:4 For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in
this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father,
that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your
seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath
covenanted with his people, O house of Israel;

21:5 Therefore, when these works and the works which shall be wrought
among you hereafter shall come forth from the Gentiles, unto your seed
which shall dwindle in unbelief because of iniquity;

21:6 For thus it behooveth the Father that it should come forth from
the Gentiles, that he may show forth his power unto the Gentiles, for
this cause that the Gentiles, if they will not harden their hearts,
that they may repent and come unto me and be baptized in my name and
know of the true points of my doctrine, that they may be numbered among
my people, O house of Israel;

21:7 And when these things come to pass that thy seed shall begin to
know these things—it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that
the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of
the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of
Israel.

21:8 And when that day shall come, it shall come to pass that kings
shall shut their mouths; for that which had not been told them shall
they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

21:9 For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which
shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be
among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare
it unto them.

21:10 But behold, the life of my servant shall be in my hand; therefore
they shall not hurt him, although he shall be marred because of them.
Yet I will heal him, for I will show unto them that my wisdom is
greater than the cunning of the devil.

21:11 Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe
in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to
bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he
shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as
Moses said) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the
covenant.

21:12 And my people who are a remnant of Jacob shall be among the
Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them as a lion among the beasts of the
forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go
through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

21:13 Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all
their enemies shall be cut off.

21:14 Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles except they repent; for it shall
come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy
horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots;

21:15 And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy
strongholds;

21:16 And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy land, and thou shalt
have no more soothsayers;

21:17 Thy graven images I will also cut off, and thy standing images
out of the midst of thee, and thou shalt no more worship the works of
thy hands;

21:18 And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; so will
I destroy thy cities.

21:19 And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and
envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, shall be done
away.

21:20 For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day
whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I cut
off from among my people, O house of Israel;

21:21 And I will execute vengeance and fury upon them, even as upon the
heathen, such as they have not heard.

21:22 But if they will repent and hearken unto my words, and harden not
their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall
come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of
Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance;

21:23 And they shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also
as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a
city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem.

21:24 And then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered
in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New
Jerusalem.

21:25 And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I
also will be in the midst.

21:26 And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even
when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people.
Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father
commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes
which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem.

21:27 Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my
people, with the Father to prepare the way whereby they may come unto
me, that they may call on the Father in my name.

21:28 Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the Father among all
nations in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to
the land of their inheritance.

21:29 And they shall go out from all nations; and they shall not go out
in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the
Father, and I will be their rearward.

3 Nephi Chapter 22

22:1 And then shall that which is written come to pass: Sing, O barren,
thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou
that didst not travail with child; for more are the children of the
desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord.

22:2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the
curtains of thy habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords and
strengthen thy stakes;

22:3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left, and
thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate cities to be
inhabited.

22:4 Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed; neither be thou
confounded, for thou shalt not be put to shame; for thou shalt forget
the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy
youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

22:5 For thy maker, thy husband, the Lord of Hosts is his name; and thy
Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel—the God of the whole earth shall he be
called.

22:6 For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in
spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

22:7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies
will I gather thee.

22:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with
everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy
Redeemer.

22:9 For this, the waters of Noah unto me, for as I have sworn that the
waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I
would not be wroth with thee.

22:10 For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my
kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my
peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

22:11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted! Behold,
I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with
sapphires.

22:12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of
carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

22:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall
be the peace of thy children.

22:14 In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far
from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall
not come near thee.

22:15 Behold, they shall surely gather together against thee, not by
me; whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy
sake.

22:16 Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the
fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have
created the waster to destroy.

22:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every
tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their
righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

3 Nephi Chapter 23

23:1 And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these
things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things
diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah.

23:2 For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people
which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he
must speak also to the Gentiles.

23:3 And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even
according to the words which he spake.

23:4 Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which I have
told you; and according to the time and the will of the Father they
shall go forth unto the Gentiles.

23:5 And whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth and is
baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there
be that testify of these things.

23:6 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had said these words he
said unto them again, after he had expounded all the scriptures unto
them which they had received, he said unto them: Behold, other
scriptures I would that ye should write, that ye have not.

23:7 And it came to pass that he said unto Nephi: Bring forth the
record which ye have kept.

23:8 And when Nephi had brought forth the records, and laid them before
him, he cast his eyes upon them and said:

23:9 Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant Samuel, the
Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people, that at the day that
the Father should glorify his name in me that there were many saints
who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should
minister unto them. And he said unto them: Was it not so?

23:10 And his disciples answered him and said: Yea, Lord, Samuel did
prophesy according to thy words, and they were all fulfilled.

23:11 And Jesus said unto them: How be it that ye have not written this
thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did minister
unto them?

23:12 And it came to pass that Nephi remembered that this thing had not
been written.

23:13 And it came to pass that Jesus commanded that it should be
written; therefore it was written according as he commanded.

23:14 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had expounded all the
scriptures in one, which they had written, he commanded them that they
should teach the things which he had expounded unto them.

3 Nephi Chapter 24

24:1 And it came to pass that he commanded them that they should write
the words which the Father had given unto Malachi, which he should tell
unto them. And it came to pass that after they were written he
expounded them. And these are the words which he did tell unto them,
saying: Thus said the Father unto Malachi—Behold, I will send my
messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom ye
seek shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the
covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of
Hosts.

24:2 But who may abide the day of his coming, and who shall stand when
he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap.

24:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall
purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they
may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

24:4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto
the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

24:5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift
witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against
false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his
wages, the widow and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger,
and fear not me, saith the Lord of Hosts.

24:6 For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are
not consumed.

24:7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine
ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me and I will return
unto you, saith the Lord of Hosts. But ye say: Wherein shall we return?

24:8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say: Wherein
have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

24:9 Ye are cursed with a curse, for ye have robbed me, even this whole
nation.

24:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be
meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts,
if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a
blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

24:11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not
destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her
fruit before the time in the fields, saith the Lord of Hosts.

24:12 And all nations shall call you blessed, for ye shall be a
delightsome land, saith the Lord of Hosts.

24:13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye
say: What have we spoken against thee?

24:14 Ye have said: It is vain to serve God, and what doth it profit
that we have kept his ordinances and that we have walked mournfully
before the Lord of Hosts?

24:15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness
are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.

24:16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and
the Lord hearkened and heard; and a book of remembrance was written
before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his
name.

24:17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when
I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son
that serveth him.

24:18 Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the
wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

3 Nephi Chapter 25

25:1 For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and all the
proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day
that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall
leave them neither root nor branch.

25:2 But unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of Righteousness
arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as
calves in the stall.

25:3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under
the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord
of Hosts.

25:4 Remember ye the law of Moses, my servant, which I commanded unto
him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.

25:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of
the great and dreadful day of the Lord;

25:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and
the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the
earth with a curse.

3 Nephi Chapter 26

26:1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had told these things he
expounded them unto the multitude; and he did expound all things unto
them, both great and small.

26:2 And he saith: These scriptures, which ye had not with you, the
Father commanded that I should give unto you; for it was wisdom in him
that they should be given unto future generations.

26:3 And he did expound all things, even from the beginning until the
time that he should come in his glory—yea, even all things which should
come upon the face of the earth, even until the elements should melt
with fervent heat, and the earth should be wrapt together as a scroll,
and the heavens and the earth should pass away;

26:4 And even unto the great and last day, when all people, and all
kindreds, and all nations and tongues shall stand before God, to be
judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—

26:5 If they be good, to the resurrection of everlasting life; and if
they be evil, to the resurrection of damnation; being on a parallel,
the one on the one hand and the other on the other hand, according to
the mercy, and the justice, and the holiness which is in Christ, who
was before the world began.

26:6 And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part
of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people;

26:7 But behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the
things which he taught the people.

26:8 And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the
things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the
intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the
Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken.

26:9 And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that
they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that
they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made
manifest unto them.

26:10 And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then
shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their
condemnation.

26:11 Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon
the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the
faith of my people.

26:12 Therefore I, Mormon, do write the things which have been
commanded me of the Lord. And now I, Mormon, make an end of my sayings,
and proceed to write the things which have been commanded me.

26:13 Therefore, I would that ye should behold that the Lord truly did
teach the people, for the space of three days; and after that he did
show himself unto them oft, and did break bread oft, and bless it, and
give it unto them.

26:14 And it came to pass that he did teach and minister unto the
children of the multitude of whom hath been spoken, and he did loose
their tongues, and they did speak unto their fathers great and
marvelous things, even greater than he had revealed unto the people;
and he loosed their tongues that they could utter.

26:15 And it came to pass that after he had ascended into heaven—the
second time that he showed himself unto them, and had gone unto the
Father, after having healed all their sick, and their lame, and opened
the eyes of their blind and unstopped the ears of the deaf, and even
had done all manner of cures among them, and raised a man from the
dead, and had shown forth his power unto them, and had ascended unto
the Father—

26:16 Behold, it came to pass on the morrow that the multitude gathered
themselves together, and they both saw and heard these children; yea,
even babes did open their mouths and utter marvelous things; and the
things which they did utter were forbidden that there should not any
man write them.

26:17 And it came to pass that the disciples whom Jesus had chosen
began from that time forth to baptize and to teach as many as did come
unto them; and as many as were baptized in the name of Jesus were
filled with the Holy Ghost.

26:18 And many of them saw and heard unspeakable things, which are not
lawful to be written.

26:19 And they taught, and did minister one to another; and they had
all things common among them, every man dealing justly, one with
another.

26:20 And it came to pass that they did do all things even as Jesus had
commanded them.

26:21 And they who were baptized in the name of Jesus were called the
church of Christ.

3 Nephi Chapter 27

27:1 And it came to pass that as the disciples of Jesus were journeying
and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen, and
were baptizing in the name of Jesus, it came to pass that the disciples
were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting.

27:2 And Jesus again showed himself unto them, for they were praying
unto the Father in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of
them, and said unto them: What will ye that I shall give unto you?

27:3 And they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us
the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations
among the people concerning this matter.

27:4 And the Lord said unto them: Verily, verily, I say unto you, why
is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing?

27:5 Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you
the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be
called at the last day;

27:6 And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the
same shall be saved at the last day.

27:7 Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name;
therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon
the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.

27:8 And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a
church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be
called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it
be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are
built upon my gospel.

27:9 Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore
ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye
call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father
will hear you;

27:10 And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will
the Father show forth his own works in it.

27:11 But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the
works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you
they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end
cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence
there is no return.

27:12 For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works
that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told
you.

27:13 Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel
which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will
of my Father, because my Father sent me.

27:14 And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross;
and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw
all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should
men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of
their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—

27:15 And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to
the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be
judged according to their works.

27:16 And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized
in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him
will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand
to judge the world.

27:17 And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is
also hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence they can no more
return, because of the justice of the Father.

27:18 And this is the word which he hath given unto the children of
men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given,
and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words.

27:19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore
nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their
garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all
their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.

27:20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth,
and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified
by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before
me at the last day.

27:21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know
the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have
seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do
even that shall ye do;

27:22 Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be
lifted up at the last day.

27:23 Write the things which ye have seen and heard, save it be those
which are forbidden.

27:24 Write the works of this people, which shall be, even as hath been
written, of that which hath been.

27:25 For behold, out of the books which have been written, and which
shall be written, shall this people be judged, for by them shall their
works be known unto men.

27:26 And behold, all things are written by the Father; therefore out
of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged.

27:27 And know ye that ye shall be judges of this people, according to
the judgment which I shall give unto you, which shall be just.
Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you,
even as I am.

27:28 And now I go unto the Father. And verily I say unto you,
whatsoever things ye shall ask the Father in my name shall be given
unto you.

27:29 Therefore, ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth; and unto him that
knocketh, it shall be opened.

27:30 And now, behold, my joy is great, even unto fulness, because of
you, and also this generation; yea, and even the Father rejoiceth, and
also all the holy angels, because of you and this generation; for none
of them are lost.

27:31 Behold, I would that ye should understand; for I mean them who
are now alive of this generation; and none of them are lost; and in
them I have fulness of joy.

27:32 But behold, it sorroweth me because of the fourth generation from
this generation, for they are led away captive by him even as was the
son of perdition; for they will sell me for silver and for gold, and
for that which moth doth corrupt and which thieves can break through
and steal. And in that day will I visit them, even in turning their
works upon their own heads.

27:33 And it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings he
said unto his disciples: Enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is
the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be
that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to
death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh,
wherein no man can work.

3 Nephi Chapter 28

28:1 And it came to pass when Jesus had said these words, he spake unto
his disciples, one by one, saying unto them: What is it that ye desire
of me, after that I am gone to the Father?

28:2 And they all spake, save it were three, saying: We desire that
after we have lived unto the age of man, that our ministry, wherein
thou hast called us, may have an end, that we may speedily come unto
thee in thy kingdom.

28:3 And he said unto them: Blessed are ye because ye desired this
thing of me; therefore, after that ye are seventy and two years old ye
shall come unto me in my kingdom; and with me ye shall find rest.

28:4 And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself unto the
three, and said unto them: What will ye that I should do unto you, when
I am gone unto the Father?

28:5 And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto
him the things which they desired.

28:6 And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have
desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my
ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me.

28:7 Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death;
but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the
children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to
the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers
of heaven.

28:8 And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall
come in my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from
mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom
of my Father.

28:9 And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the
flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all
this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye
have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the
world shall stand.

28:10 And for this cause ye shall have fulness of joy; and ye shall sit
down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as
the Father hath given me fulness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am,
and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are one;

28:11 And the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and the
Father giveth the Holy Ghost unto the children of men, because of me.

28:12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he
touched every one of them with his finger save it were the three who
were to tarry, and then he departed.

28:13 And behold, the heavens were opened, and they were caught up into
heaven, and saw and heard unspeakable things.

28:14 And it was forbidden them that they should utter; neither was it
given unto them power that they could utter the things which they saw
and heard;

28:15 And whether they were in the body or out of the body, they could
not tell; for it did seem unto them like a transfiguration of them,
that they were changed from this body of flesh into an immortal state,
that they could behold the things of God.

28:16 But it came to pass that they did again minister upon the face of
the earth; nevertheless they did not minister of the things which they
had heard and seen, because of the commandment which was given them in
heaven.

28:17 And now, whether they were mortal or immortal, from the day of
their transfiguration, I know not;

28:18 But this much I know, according to the record which hath been
given—they did go forth upon the face of the land, and did minister
unto all the people, uniting as many to the church as would believe in
their preaching; baptizing them, and as many as were baptized did
receive the Holy Ghost.

28:19 And they were cast into prison by them who did not belong to the
church. And the prisons could not hold them, for they were rent in
twain.

28:20 And they were cast down into the earth; but they did smite the
earth with the word of God, insomuch that by his power they were
delivered out of the depths of the earth; and therefore they could not
dig pits sufficient to hold them.

28:21 And thrice they were cast into a furnace and received no harm.

28:22 And twice were they cast into a den of wild beasts; and behold
they did play with the beasts as a child with a suckling lamb, and
received no harm.

28:23 And it came to pass that thus they did go forth among all the
people of Nephi, and did preach the gospel of Christ unto all people
upon the face of the land; and they were converted unto the Lord, and
were united unto the church of Christ, and thus the people of that
generation were blessed, according to the word of Jesus.

28:24 And now I, Mormon, make an end of speaking concerning these
things for a time.

28:25 Behold, I was about to write the names of those who were never to
taste of death, but the Lord forbade; therefore I write them not, for
they are hid from the world.

28:26 But behold, I have seen them, and they have ministered unto me.

28:27 And behold they will be among the Gentiles, and the Gentiles
shall know them not.

28:28 They will also be among the Jews, and the Jews shall know them
not.

28:29 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord seeth fit in his wisdom
that they shall minister unto all the scattered tribes of Israel, and
unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, and shall bring out of
them unto Jesus many souls, that their desire may be fulfilled, and
also because of the convincing power of God which is in them.

28:30 And they are as the angels of God, and if they shall pray unto
the Father in the name of Jesus they can show themselves unto
whatsoever man it seemeth them good.

28:31 Therefore, great and marvelous works shall be wrought by them,
before the great and coming day when all people must surely stand
before the judgment-seat of Christ;

28:32 Yea even among the Gentiles shall there be a great and marvelous
work wrought by them, before that judgment day.

28:33 And if ye had all the scriptures which give an account of all the
marvelous works of Christ, ye would, according to the words of Christ,
know that these things must surely come.

28:34 And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus,
and also to them whom he hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso
receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom he hath
sent receiveth not him; and therefore he will not receive them at the
last day;

28:35 And it would be better for them if they had not been born. For do
ye suppose that ye can get rid of the justice of an offended God, who
hath been trampled under feet of men, that thereby salvation might
come?

28:36 And now behold, as I spake concerning those whom the Lord hath
chosen, yea, even three who were caught up into the heavens, that I
knew not whether they were cleansed from mortality to immortality—

28:37 But behold, since I wrote, I have inquired of the Lord, and he
hath made it manifest unto me that there must needs be a change wrought
upon their bodies, or else it needs be that they must taste of death;

28:38 Therefore, that they might not taste of death there was a change
wrought upon their bodies, that they might not suffer pain nor sorrow
save it were for the sins of the world.

28:39 Now this change was not equal to that which shall take place at
the last day; but there was a change wrought upon them, insomuch that
Satan could have no power over them, that he could not tempt them; and
they were sanctified in the flesh, that they were holy, and that the
powers of the earth could not hold them. 3 Nephi 28:40 And in this
state they were to remain until the judgment day of Christ; and at that
day they were to receive a greater change, and to be received into the
kingdom of the Father to go no more out, but to dwell eternally in the
heavens.

3 Nephi Chapter 29

29:1 And now behold, I say unto you that when the Lord shall see fit,
in his wisdom, that these sayings shall come unto the Gentiles
according to his word, then ye may know that the covenant which the
Father hath made with the children of Israel, concerning their
restoration to the lands of their inheritance, is already beginning to
be fulfilled.

29:2 And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which have been spoken
by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled; and ye need not say that
the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel.

29:3 And ye need not imagine in your hearts that the words which have
been spoken are vain, for behold, the Lord will remember his covenant
which he hath made unto his people of the house of Israel.

29:4 And when ye shall see these sayings coming forth among you, then
ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lord, for the sword
of his justice is in his right hand; and behold, at that day, if ye
shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake
you.

29:5 Wo unto him that spurneth at the doings of the Lord; yea, wo unto
him that shall deny the Christ and his works!

29:6 Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and
that shall say the Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by
prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power
of the Holy Ghost!

29:7 Yea, and wo unto him that shall say at that day, to get gain, that
there can be no miracle wrought by Jesus Christ; for he that doeth this
shall become like unto the son of perdition, for whom there was no
mercy, according to the word of Christ!

29:8 Yea, and ye need not any longer hiss, nor spurn, nor make game of
the Jews, nor any of the remnant of the house of Israel; for behold,
the Lord remembereth his covenant unto them, and he will do unto them
according to that which he hath sworn.

29:9 Therefore ye need not suppose that ye can turn the right hand of
the Lord unto the left, that he may not execute judgment unto the
fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the house of Israel.

3 Nephi Chapter 30

30:1 Hearken, O ye Gentiles, and hear the words of Jesus Christ, the
Son of the living God, which he hath commanded me that I should speak
concerning you, for, behold he commandeth me that I should write,
saying:

30:2 Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your
evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and
of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders,
and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from
all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized
in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled
with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of
the house of Israel.




 FOURTH NEPHI

WHO IS THE SON OF NEPHI—ONE OF THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST

An account of the people of Nephi, according to his record.

4 Nephi 1:1 And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed
away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold the disciples of Jesus
had formed a church of Christ in all the lands round about. And as many
as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were
baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy
Ghost.

4 Nephi 1:2 And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the
people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land,
both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and
disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with
another.

4 Nephi 1:3 And they had all things common among them; therefore there
were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and
partakers of the heavenly gift.

4 Nephi 1:4 And it came to pass that the thirty and seventh year passed
away also, and there still continued to be peace in the land.

4 Nephi 1:5 And there were great and marvelous works wrought by the
disciples of Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the sick, and raise the
dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight,
and the deaf to hear; and all manner of miracles did they work among
the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were
in the name of Jesus.

4 Nephi 1:6 And thus did the thirty and eighth year pass away, and also
the thirty and ninth, and forty and first, and the forty and second,
yea, even until forty and nine years had passed away, and also the
fifty and first, and the fifty and second; yea, and even until fifty
and nine years had passed away.

4 Nephi 1:7 And the Lord did prosper them exceedingly in the land; yea,
insomuch that they did build cities again where there had been cities
burned.

4 Nephi 1:8 Yea, even that great city Zarahemla did they cause to be
built again.

4 Nephi 1:9 But there were many cities which had been sunk, and waters
came up in the stead thereof; therefore these cities could not be
renewed.

4 Nephi 1:10 And now, behold, it came to pass that the people of Nephi
did wax strong, and did multiply exceedingly fast, and became an
exceedingly fair and delightsome people.

4 Nephi 1:11 And they were married, and given in marriage, and were
blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had
made unto them.

4 Nephi 1:12 And they did not walk any more after the performances and
ordinances of the law of Moses; but they did walk after the
commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God,
continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to
pray and to hear the word of the Lord.

4 Nephi 1:13 And it came to pass that there was no contention among all
the people, in all the land; but there were mighty miracles wrought
among the disciples of Jesus.

4 Nephi 1:14 And it came to pass that the seventy and first year passed
away, and also the seventy and second year, yea, and in fine, till the
seventy and ninth year had passed away; yea, even an hundred years had
passed away, and the disciples of Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all
gone to the paradise of God, save it were the three who should tarry;
and there were other disciples ordained in their stead; and also many
of that generation had passed away.

4 Nephi 1:15 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the
land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the
people.

4 Nephi 1:16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor
whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness;
and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who
had been created by the hand of God.

4 Nephi 1:17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there
Lamanites, nor any manner of —ites; but they were in one, the children
of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God.

4 Nephi 1:18 And how blessed were they! For the Lord did bless them in
all their doings; yea, even they were blessed and prospered until an
hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first generation from
Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in all the land.

4 Nephi 1:19 And it came to pass that Nephi, he that kept this last
record, (and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi) died, and his son
Amos kept it in his stead; and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi
also.

4 Nephi 1:20 And he kept it eighty and four years, and there was still
peace in the land, save it were a small part of the people who had
revolted from the church and taken upon them the name of Lamanites;
therefore there began to be Lamanites again in the land.

4 Nephi 1:21 And it came to pass that Amos died also, (and it was an
hundred and ninety and four years from the coming of Christ) and his
son Amos kept the record in his stead; and he also kept it upon the
plates of Nephi; and it was also written in the book of Nephi, which is
this book.

4 Nephi 1:22 And it came to pass that two hundred years had passed
away; and the second generation had all passed away save it were a few.

4 Nephi 1:23 And now I, Mormon, would that ye should know that the
people had multiplied, insomuch that they were spread upon all the face
of the land, and that they had become exceedingly rich, because of
their prosperity in Christ.

4 Nephi 1:24 And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to
be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of
costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things
of the world.

4 Nephi 1:25 And from that time forth they did have their goods and
their substance no more common among them.

4 Nephi 1:26 And they began to be divided into classes; and they began
to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the
true church of Christ.

4 Nephi 1:27 And it came to pass that when two hundred and ten years
had passed away there were many churches in the land; yea, there were
many churches which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny
the more parts of his gospel, insomuch that they did receive all manner
of wickedness, and did administer that which was sacred unto him to
whom it had been forbidden because of unworthiness.

4 Nephi 1:28 And this church did multiply exceedingly because of
iniquity, and because of the power of Satan who did get hold upon their
hearts.

4 Nephi 1:29 And again, there was another church which denied the
Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, because of
their humility and their belief in Christ; and they did despise them
because of the many miracles which were wrought among them.

4 Nephi 1:30 Therefore they did exercise power and authority over the
disciples of Jesus who did tarry with them, and they did cast them into
prison; but by the power of the word of God, which was in them, the
prisons were rent in twain, and they went forth doing mighty miracles
among them.

4 Nephi 1:31 Nevertheless, and notwithstanding all these miracles, the
people did harden their hearts, and did seek to kill them, even as the
Jews at Jerusalem sought to kill Jesus, according to his word.

4 Nephi 1:32 And they did cast them into furnaces of fire, and they
came forth receiving no harm.

4 Nephi 1:33 And they also cast them into dens of wild beasts, and they
did play with the wild beasts even as a child with a lamb; and they did
come forth from among them, receiving no harm.

4 Nephi 1:34 Nevertheless, the people did harden their hearts, for they
were led by many priests and false prophets to build up many churches,
and to do all manner of iniquity. And they did smite upon the people of
Jesus; but the people of Jesus did not smite again. And thus they did
dwindle in unbelief and wickedness, from year to year, even until two
hundred and thirty years had passed away.

4 Nephi 1:35 And now it came to pass in this year, yea, in the two
hundred and thirty and first year, there was a great division among the
people.

4 Nephi 1:36 And it came to pass that in this year there arose a people
who were called the Nephites, and they were true believers in Christ;
and among them there were those who were called by the
Lamanites—Jacobites, and Josephites, and Zoramites;

4 Nephi 1:37 Therefore the true believers in Christ, and the true
worshipers of Christ, (among whom were the three disciples of Jesus who
should tarry) were called Nephites, and Jacobites, and Josephites, and
Zoramites.

4 Nephi 1:38 And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel were
called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not
dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of
Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe,
even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle.

4 Nephi 1:39 And it was because of the wickedness and abomination of
their fathers, even as it was in the beginning. And they were taught to
hate the children of God, even as the Lamanites were taught to hate the
children of Nephi from the beginning.

4 Nephi 1:40 And it came to pass that two hundred and forty and four
years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the
more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceedingly
more numerous than were the people of God.

4 Nephi 1:41 And they did still continue to build up churches unto
themselves, and adorn them with all manner of precious things. And thus
did two hundred and fifty years pass away, and also two hundred and
sixty years.

4 Nephi 1:42 And it came to pass that the wicked part of the people
began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadianton.

4 Nephi 1:43 And also the people who were called the people of Nephi
began to be proud in their hearts, because of their exceeding riches,
and become vain like unto their brethren, the Lamanites.

4 Nephi 1:44 And from this time the disciples began to sorrow for the
sins of the world.

4 Nephi 1:45 And it came to pass that when three hundred years had
passed away, both the people of Nephi and the Lamanites had become
exceedingly wicked one like unto another.

4 Nephi 1:46 And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did
spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were
righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did
they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of
traffic.

4 Nephi 1:47 And it came to pass that after three hundred and five
years had passed away, (and the people did still remain in wickedness)
Amos died; and his brother, Ammaron, did keep the record in his stead.

4 Nephi 1:48 And it came to pass that when three hundred and twenty
years had passed away, Ammaron, being constrained by the Holy Ghost,
did hide up the records which were sacred—yea, even all the sacred
records which had been handed down from generation to generation, which
were sacred—even until the three hundred and twentieth year from the
coming of Christ.

4 Nephi 1:49 And he did hide them up unto the Lord that they might come
again unto the remnant of the house of Jacob according to the
prophecies and the promises of the Lord. And thus is the end of the
record of Ammaron.




 THE BOOK OF MORMON

Mormon Chapter 1

1:1 And now I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both
seen and heard, and call it the Book of Mormon.

1:2 And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord,
he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be
learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and
Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art
quick to observe;

1:3 Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that
ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this
people; and when ye are of that age go to the land Antum, unto a hill
which shall be called Shim; and there have I deposited unto the Lord
all the sacred engravings concerning this people.

1:4 And behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi unto yourself, and
the remainder shall ye leave in the place where they are; and ye shall
engrave on the plates of Nephi all the things that ye have observed
concerning this people.

1:5 And I, Mormon, being a descendant of Nephi, (and my father’s name
was Mormon) I remembered the things which Ammaron commanded me.

1:6 And it came to pass that I, being eleven years old, was carried by
my father into the land southward, even to the land of Zarahemla.

1:7 The whole face of the land had become covered with buildings, and
the people were as numerous almost, as it were the sand of the sea.

1:8 And it came to pass in this year there began to be a war between
the Nephites, who consisted of the Nephites and the Jacobites and the
Josephites and the Zoramites; and this war was between the Nephites,
and the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites.

1:9 Now the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites were
called Lamanites, and the two parties were Nephites and Lamanites.

1:10 And it came to pass that the war began to be among them in the
borders of Zarahemla, by the waters of Sidon.

1:11 And it came to pass that the Nephites had gathered together a
great number of men, even to exceed the number of thirty thousand. And
it came to pass that they did have in this same year a number of
battles, in which the Nephites did beat the Lamanites and did slay many
of them.

1:12 And it came to pass that the Lamanites withdrew their design, and
there was peace settled in the land; and peace did remain for the space
of about four years, that there was no bloodshed.

1:13 But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land,
insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the
work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of
the people.

1:14 And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not
come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief.

1:15 And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober
mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the
goodness of Jesus.

1:16 And I did endeavor to preach unto this people, but my mouth was
shut, and I was forbidden that I should preach unto them; for behold
they had wilfully rebelled against their God; and the beloved disciples
were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity.

1:17 But I did remain among them, but I was forbidden to preach unto
them, because of the hardness of their hearts; and because of the
hardness of their hearts the land was cursed for their sake.

1:18 And these Gadianton robbers, who were among the Lamanites, did
infest the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof began to hide up
their treasures in the earth; and they became slippery, because the
Lord had cursed the land, that they could not hold them, nor retain
them again.

1:19 And it came to pass that there were sorceries, and witchcrafts,
and magics; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face
of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and
also Samuel the Lamanite.

Mormon Chapter 2

2:1 And it came to pass in that same year there began to be a war again
between the Nephites and the Lamanites. And notwithstanding I being
young, was large in stature; therefore the people of Nephi appointed me
that I should be their leader, or the leader of their armies.

2:2 Therefore it came to pass that in my sixteenth year I did go forth
at the head of an army of the Nephites, against the Lamanites;
therefore three hundred and twenty and six years had passed away.

2:3 And it came to pass that in the three hundred and twenty and
seventh year the Lamanites did come upon us with exceedingly great
power, insomuch that they did frighten my armies; therefore they would
not fight, and they began to retreat towards the north countries.

2:4 And it came to pass that we did come to the city of Angola, and we
did take possession of the city, and make preparations to defend
ourselves against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that we did
fortify the city with our might; but notwithstanding all our
fortifications the Lamanites did come upon us and did drive us out of
the city.

2:5 And they did also drive us forth out of the land of David.

2:6 And we marched forth and came to the land of Joshua, which was in
the borders west by the seashore.

2:7 And it came to pass that we did gather in our people as fast as it
were possible, that we might get them together in one body.

2:8 But behold, the land was filled with robbers and with Lamanites;
and notwithstanding the great destruction which hung over my people,
they did not repent of their evil doings; therefore there was blood and
carnage spread throughout all the face of the land, both on the part of
the Nephites and also on the part of the Lamanites; and it was one
complete revolution throughout all the face of the land.

2:9 And now, the Lamanites had a king, and his name was Aaron; and he
came against us with an army of forty and four thousand. And behold, I
withstood him with forty and two thousand. And it came to pass that I
beat him with my army that he fled before me. And behold, all this was
done, and three hundred and thirty years had passed away.

2:10 And it came to pass that the Nephites began to repent of their
iniquity, and began to cry even as had been prophesied by Samuel the
prophet; for behold no man could keep that which was his own, for the
thieves, and the robbers, and the murderers, and the magic art, and the
witchcraft which was in the land.

2:11 Thus there began to be a mourning and a lamentation in all the
land because of these things, and more especially among the people of
Nephi.

2:12 And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their lamentation and
their mourning and their sorrow before the Lord, my heart did begin to
rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the
Lord, therefore supposing that he would be merciful unto them that they
would again become a righteous people.

2:13 But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto
repentance, because of the goodness of God; but it was rather the
sorrowing of the damned, because the Lord would not always suffer them
to take happiness in sin.

2:14 And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite
spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die. Nevertheless they
would struggle with the sword for their lives.

2:15 And it came to pass that my sorrow did return unto me again, and I
saw that the day of grace was passed with them, both temporally and
spiritually; for I saw thousands of them hewn down in open rebellion
against their God, and heaped up as dung upon the face of the land. And
thus three hundred and forty and four years had passed away.

2:16 And it came to pass that in the three hundred and forty and fifth
year the Nephites did begin to flee before the Lamanites; and they were
pursued until they came even to the land of Jashon, before it was
possible to stop them in their retreat.

2:17 And now, the city of Jashon was near the land where Ammaron had
deposited the records unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed.
And behold I had gone according to the word of Ammaron, and taken the
plates of Nephi, and did make a record according to the words of
Ammaron.

2:18 And upon the plates of Nephi I did make a full account of all the
wickedness and abominations; but upon these plates I did forbear to
make a full account of their wickedness and abominations, for behold, a
continual scene of wickedness and abominations has been before mine
eyes ever since I have been sufficient to behold the ways of man.

2:19 And wo is me because of their wickedness; for my heart has been
filled with sorrow because of their wickedness, all my days;
nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up at the last day.

2:20 And it came to pass that in this year the people of Nephi again
were hunted and driven. And it came to pass that we were driven forth
until we had come northward to the land which was called Shem.

2:21 And it came to pass that we did fortify the city of Shem, and we
did gather in our people as much as it were possible, that perhaps we
might save them from destruction.

2:22 And it came to pass in the three hundred and forty and sixth year
they began to come upon us again.

2:23 And it came to pass that I did speak unto my people, and did urge
them with great energy, that they would stand boldly before the
Lamanites and fight for their wives, and their children, and their
houses, and their homes.

2:24 And my words did arouse them somewhat to vigor, insomuch that they
did not flee from before the Lamanites, but did stand with boldness
against them.

2:25 And it came to pass that we did contend with an army of thirty
thousand against an army of fifty thousand. And it came to pass that we
did stand before them with such firmness that they did flee from before
us.

2:26 And it came to pass that when they had fled we did pursue them
with our armies, and did meet them again, and did beat them;
nevertheless the strength of the Lord was not with us; yea, we were
left to ourselves, that the Spirit of the Lord did not abide in us;
therefore we had become weak like unto our brethren.

2:27 And my heart did sorrow because of this the great calamity of my
people, because of their wickedness and their abominations. But behold,
we did go forth against the Lamanites and the robbers of Gadianton,
until we had again taken possession of the lands of our inheritance.

2:28 And the three hundred and forty and ninth year had passed away.
And in the three hundred and fiftieth year we made a treaty with the
Lamanites and the robbers of Gadianton, in which we did get the lands
of our inheritance divided.

2:29 And the Lamanites did give unto us the land northward, yea, even
to the narrow passage which led into the land southward. And we did
give unto the Lamanites all the land southward.

Mormon Chapter 3

3:1 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did not come to battle again
until ten years more had passed away. And behold, I had employed my
people, the Nephites, in preparing their lands and their arms against
the time of battle.

3:2 And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me: Cry unto this
people—Repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptized, and build up
again my church, and ye shall be spared.

3:3 And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did
not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto
them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts
against the Lord their God.

3:4 And it came to pass that after this tenth year had passed away,
making, in the whole, three hundred and sixty years from the coming of
Christ, the king of the Lamanites sent an epistle unto me, which gave
unto me to know that they were preparing to come again to battle
against us.

3:5 And it came to pass that I did cause my people that they should
gather themselves together at the land Desolation, to a city which was
in the borders, by the narrow pass which led into the land southward.

3:6 And there we did place our armies, that we might stop the armies of
the Lamanites, that they might not get possession of any of our lands;
therefore we did fortify against them with all our force.

3:7 And it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and first
year the Lamanites did come down to the city of Desolation to battle
against us; and it came to pass that in that year we did beat them,
insomuch that they did return to their own lands again.

3:8 And in the three hundred and sixty and second year they did come
down again to battle. And we did beat them again, and did slay a great
number of them, and their dead were cast into the sea.

3:9 And now, because of this great thing which my people, the Nephites,
had done, they began to boast in their own strength, and began to swear
before the heavens that they would avenge themselves of the blood of
their brethren who had been slain by their enemies.

3:10 And they did swear by the heavens, and also by the throne of God,
that they would go up to battle against their enemies, and would cut
them off from the face of the land.

3:11 And it came to pass that I, Mormon, did utterly refuse from this
time forth to be a commander and a leader of this people, because of
their wickedness and abomination.

3:12 Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wickedness I had led
them many times to battle, and had loved them, according to the love of
God which was in me, with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out
in prayer unto my God all the day long for them; nevertheless, it was
without faith, because of the hardness of their hearts.

3:13 And thrice have I delivered them out of the hands of their
enemies, and they have repented not of their sins.

3:14 And when they had sworn by all that had been forbidden them by our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that they would go up unto their enemies
to battle, and avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren, behold
the voice of the Lord came unto me saying:

3:15 Vengeance is mine, and I will repay; and because this people
repented not after I had delivered them, behold, they shall be cut off
from the face of the earth.

3:16 And it came to pass that I utterly refused to go up against mine
enemies; and I did even as the Lord had commanded me; and I did stand
as an idle witness to manifest unto the world the things which I saw
and heard, according to the manifestations of the Spirit which had
testified of things to come.

3:17 Therefore I write unto you, Gentiles, and also unto you, house of
Israel, when the work shall commence, that ye shall be about to prepare
to return to the land of your inheritance;

3:18 Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea, unto
you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according to your
works by the twelve whom Jesus chose to be his disciples in the land of
Jerusalem.

3:19 And I write also unto the remnant of this people, who shall also
be judged by the twelve whom Jesus chose in this land; and they shall
be judged by the other twelve whom Jesus chose in the land of
Jerusalem.

3:20 And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I
write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may
know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea,
every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must
stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil;

3:21 And also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ye
shall have among you; and also that the Jews, the covenant people of
the Lord, shall have other witness besides him whom they saw and heard,
that Jesus, whom they slew, was the very Christ and the very God.

3:22 And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to
repent and prepare to stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.

Mormon Chapter 4

4:1 And now it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and
third year the Nephites did go up with their armies to battle against
the Lamanites, out of the land Desolation.

4:2 And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites were driven
back again to the land of Desolation. And while they were yet weary, a
fresh army of the Lamanites did come upon them; and they had a sore
battle, insomuch that the Lamanites did take possession of the city
Desolation, and did slay many of the Nephites, and did take many
prisoners.

4:3 And the remainder did flee and join the inhabitants of the city
Teancum. Now the city Teancum lay in the borders by the seashore; and
it was also near the city Desolation.

4:4 And it was because the armies of the Nephites went up unto the
Lamanites that they began to be smitten; for were it not for that, the
Lamanites could have had no power over them.

4:5 But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked; and it
is by the wicked that the wicked are punished; for it is the wicked
that stir up the hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed.

4:6 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did make preparations to
come against the city Teancum.

4:7 And it came to pass in the three hundred and sixty and fourth year
the Lamanites did come against the city Teancum, that they might take
possession of the city Teancum also.

4:8 And it came to pass that they were repulsed and driven back by the
Nephites. And when the Nephites saw that they had driven the Lamanites
they did again boast of their own strength; and they went forth in
their own might, and took possession again of the city Desolation.

4:9 And now all these things had been done, and there had been
thousands slain on both sides, both the Nephites and the Lamanites.

4:10 And it came to pass that the three hundred and sixty and sixth
year had passed away, and the Lamanites came again upon the Nephites to
battle; and yet the Nephites repented not of the evil they had done,
but persisted in their wickedness continually.

4:11 And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to
write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and
carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the
Lamanites; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in the
shedding of blood continually.

4:12 And there never had been so great wickedness among all the
children of Lehi, nor even among all the house of Israel, according to
the words of the Lord, as was among this people.

4:13 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did take possession of the
city Desolation, and this because their number did exceed the number of
the Nephites.

4:14 And they did also march forward against the city Teancum, and did
drive the inhabitants forth out of her, and did take many prisoners
both women and children, and did offer them up as sacrifices unto their
idol gods.

4:15 And it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and
seventh year, the Nephites being angry because the Lamanites had
sacrificed their women and their children, that they did go against the
Lamanites with exceedingly great anger, insomuch that they did beat
again the Lamanites, and drive them out of their lands.

4:16 And the Lamanites did not come again against the Nephites until
the three hundred and seventy and fifth year.

4:17 And in this year they did come down against the Nephites with all
their powers; and they were not numbered because of the greatness of
their number.

4:18 And from this time forth did the Nephites gain no power over the
Lamanites, but began to be swept off by them even as a dew before the
sun.

4:19 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come down against the
city Desolation; and there was an exceedingly sore battle fought in the
land Desolation, in the which they did beat the Nephites.

4:20 And they fled again from before them, and they came to the city
Boaz; and there they did stand against the Lamanites with exceeding
boldness, insomuch that the Lamanites did not beat them until they had
come again the second time.

4:21 And when they had come the second time, the Nephites were driven
and slaughtered with an exceedingly great slaughter; their women and
their children were again sacrificed unto idols.

4:22 And it came to pass that the Nephites did again flee from before
them, taking all the inhabitants with them, both in towns and villages.

4:23 And now I, Mormon, seeing that the Lamanites were about to
overthrow the land, therefore I did go to the hill Shim, and did take
up all the records which Ammaron had hid up unto the Lord.

Mormon Chapter 5

5:1 And it came to pass that I did go forth among the Nephites, and did
repent of the oath which I had made that I would no more assist them;
and they gave me command again of their armies, for they looked upon me
as though I could deliver them from their afflictions.

5:2 But behold, I was without hope, for I knew the judgments of the
Lord which should come upon them; for they repented not of their
iniquities, but did struggle for their lives without calling upon that
Being who created them.

5:3 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come against us as we
had fled to the city of Jordan; but behold, they were driven back that
they did not take the city at that time.

5:4 And it came to pass that they came against us again, and we did
maintain the city. And there were also other cities which were
maintained by Nephites, which strongholds did cut them off that they
could not get into the country which lay before us, to destroy the
inhabitants of our land.

5:5 And it came to pass that whatsoever lands we had passed by, and the
inhabitants thereof were not gathered in, were destroyed by the
Lamanites, and their towns, and villages, and cities were burned with
fire; and thus three hundred and seventy and nine years passed away.

5:6 And it came to pass that in the three hundred and eightieth year
the Lamanites did come again against us to battle, and we did stand
against them boldly; but it was all in vain, for so great were their
numbers that they did tread the people of the Nephites under their
feet.

5:7 And it came to pass that we did again take to flight, and those
whose flight was swifter than the Lamanites’ did escape, and those
whose flight did not exceed the Lamanites’ were swept down and
destroyed.

5:8 And now behold, I, Mormon, do not desire to harrow up the souls of
men in casting before them such an awful scene of blood and carnage as
was laid before mine eyes; but I, knowing that these things must surely
be made known, and that all things which are hid must be revealed upon
the house-tops—

5:9 And also that a knowledge of these things must come unto the
remnant of these people, and also unto the Gentiles, who the Lord hath
said should scatter this people, and this people should be counted as
naught among them—therefore I write a small abridgment, daring not to
give a full account of the things which I have seen, because of the
commandment which I have received, and also that ye might not have too
great sorrow because of the wickedness of this people.

5:10 And now behold, this I speak unto their seed, and also to the
Gentiles who have care for the house of Israel, that realize and know
from whence their blessings come.

5:11 For I know that such will sorrow for the calamity of the house of
Israel; yea, they will sorrow for the destruction of this people; they
will sorrow that this people had not repented that they might have been
clasped in the arms of Jesus.

5:12 Now these things are written unto the remnant of the house of
Jacob; and they are written after this manner, because it is known of
God that wickedness will not bring them forth unto them; and they are
to be hid up unto the Lord that they may come forth in his own due
time.

5:13 And this is the commandment which I have received; and behold,
they shall come forth according to the commandment of the Lord, when he
shall see fit, in his wisdom.

5:14 And behold, they shall go unto the unbelieving of the Jews; and
for this intent shall they go—that they may be persuaded that Jesus is
the Christ, the Son of the living God; that the Father may bring about,
through his most Beloved, his great and eternal purpose, in restoring
the Jews, or all the house of Israel, to the land of their inheritance,
which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfilling of his
covenant;

5:15 And also that the seed of this people may more fully believe his
gospel, which shall go forth unto them from the Gentiles; for this
people shall be scattered, and shall become a dark, a filthy, and a
loathsome people, beyond the description of that which ever hath been
amongst us, yea, even that which hath been among the Lamanites, and
this because of their unbelief and idolatry.

5:16 For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive
with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world;
and they are driven about as chaff before the wind.

5:17 They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their
shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father.

5:18 But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as chaff is
driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves,
without sail or anchor, or without anything wherewith to steer her; and
even as she is, so are they.

5:19 And behold, the Lord hath reserved their blessings, which they
might have received in the land, for the Gentiles who shall possess the
land.

5:20 But behold, it shall come to pass that they shall be driven and
scattered by the Gentiles; and after they have been driven and
scattered by the Gentiles, behold, then will the Lord remember the
covenant which he made unto Abraham and unto all the house of Israel.

5:21 And also the Lord will remember the prayers of the righteous,
which have been put up unto him for them.

5:22 And then, O ye Gentiles, how can ye stand before the power of God,
except ye shall repent and turn from your evil ways?

5:23 Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he
hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled
together as a scroll?

5:24 Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he
shall come out in justice against you—lest a remnant of the seed of
Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and
there is none to deliver.

Mormon Chapter 6

6:1 And now I finish my record concerning the destruction of my people,
the Nephites. And it came to pass that we did march forth before the
Lamanites.

6:2 And I, Mormon, wrote an epistle unto the king of the Lamanites, and
desired of him that he would grant unto us that we might gather
together our people unto the land of Cumorah, by a hill which was
called Cumorah, and there we could give them battle.

6:3 And it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites did grant unto
me the thing which I desired.

6:4 And it came to pass that we did march forth to the land of Cumorah,
and we did pitch our tents around about the hill Cumorah; and it was in
a land of many waters, rivers, and fountains; and here we had hope to
gain advantage over the Lamanites.

6:5 And when three hundred and eighty and four years had passed away,
we had gathered in all the remainder of our people unto the land of
Cumorah.

6:6 And it came to pass that when we had gathered in all our people in
one to the land of Cumorah, behold I, Mormon, began to be old; and
knowing it to be the last struggle of my people, and having been
commanded of the Lord that I should not suffer the records which had
been handed down by our fathers, which were sacred, to fall into the
hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would destroy them)
therefore I made this record out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in
the hill Cumorah all the records which had been entrusted to me by the
hand of the Lord, save it were these few plates which I gave unto my
son Moroni.

6:7 And it came to pass that my people, with their wives and their
children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites marching towards
them; and with that awful fear of death which fills the breasts of all
the wicked, did they await to receive them.

6:8 And it came to pass that they came to battle against us, and every
soul was filled with terror because of the greatness of their numbers.

6:9 And it came to pass that they did fall upon my people with the
sword, and with the bow, and with the arrow, and with the ax, and with
all manner of weapons of war.

6:10 And it came to pass that my men were hewn down, yea, even my ten
thousand who were with me, and I fell wounded in the midst; and they
passed by me that they did not put an end to my life.

6:11 And when they had gone through and hewn down all my people save it
were twenty and four of us, (among whom was my son Moroni) and we
having survived the dead of our people, did behold on the morrow, when
the Lamanites had returned unto their camps, from the top of the hill
Cumorah, the ten thousand of my people who were hewn down, being led in
the front by me.

6:12 And we also beheld the ten thousand of my people who were led by
my son Moroni.

6:13 And behold, the ten thousand of Gidgiddonah had fallen, and he
also in the midst.

6:14 And Lamah had fallen with his ten thousand; and Gilgal had fallen
with his ten thousand; and Limhah had fallen with his ten thousand; and
Jeneum had fallen with his ten thousand; and Cumenihah, and Moronihah,
and Antionum, and Shiblom, and Shem, and Josh, had fallen with their
ten thousand each.

6:15 And it came to pass that there were ten more who did fall by the
sword, with their ten thousand each; yea, even all my people, save it
were those twenty and four who were with me, and also a few who had
escaped into the south countries, and a few who had deserted over unto
the Lamanites, had fallen; and their flesh, and bones, and blood lay
upon the face of the earth, being left by the hands of those who slew
them to molder upon the land, and to crumble and to return to their
mother earth.

6:16 And my soul was rent with anguish, because of the slain of my
people, and I cried:

6:17 O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the
Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood
with open arms to receive you!

6:18 Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen. But
behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss.

6:19 O ye fair sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands
and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could have fallen!

6:20 But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return.

6:21 And the day soon cometh that your mortal must put on immortality,
and these bodies which are now moldering in corruption must soon become
incorruptible bodies; and then ye must stand before the judgment-seat
of Christ to be judged according to your works and if it so be that ye
are righteous, then are ye blessed with your fathers who have gone
before you.

6:22 O that ye had repented before this great destruction had come upon
you. But behold, ye are gone, and the Father, yea, the Eternal Father
of heaven, knoweth your state; and he doeth with you according to his
justice and mercy.

Mormon Chapter 7

7:1 And now, behold, I would speak somewhat unto the remnant of this
people who are spared, if it so be that God may give unto them my
words, that they may know of the things of their fathers; yea, I speak
unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel; and these are the words
which I speak:

7:2 Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel.

7:3 Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved.

7:4 Know ye that ye must lay down your weapons of war, and delight no
more in the shedding of blood, and take them not again, save it be that
God shall command you.

7:5 Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and
repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ,
that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by
the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the
victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed
up.

7:6 And he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead, whereby man
must be raised to stand before his judgment-seat.

7:7 And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he
that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given
unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing
ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the
Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of
happiness which hath no end.

7:8 Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus, and lay
hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, not only
in this record but also in the record which shall come unto the
Gentiles from the Jews, which record shall come from the Gentiles unto
you.

7:9 For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe
that; and if ye believe that ye will believe this also; and if ye
believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the
marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them.

7:10 And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the seed of Jacob;
therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and
if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with
water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of
our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be
well with you in the day of judgment. Amen.

Mormon Chapter 8

8:1 Behold I, Moroni, do finish the record of my father, Mormon.
Behold, I have but few things to write, which things I have been
commanded by my father.

8:2 And now it came to pass that after the great and tremendous battle
at Cumorah, behold, the Nephites who had escaped into the country
southward were hunted by the Lamanites, until they were all destroyed.

8:3 And my father also was killed by them, and I even remain alone to
write the sad tale of the destruction of my people. But behold, they
are gone, and I fulfil the commandment of my father. And whether they
will slay me, I know not.

8:4 Therefore I will write and hide up the records in the earth; and
whither I go it mattereth not.

8:5 Behold, my father hath made this record, and he hath written the
intent thereof. And behold, I would write it also if I had room upon
the plates, but I have not; and ore I have none, for I am alone. My
father hath been slain in battle, and all my kinsfolk, and I have not
friends nor whither to go; and how long the Lord will suffer that I may
live I know not.

8:6 Behold, four hundred years have passed away since the coming of our
Lord and Savior.

8:7 And behold, the Lamanites have hunted my people, the Nephites, down
from city to city and from place to place, even until they are no more;
and great has been their fall; yea, great and marvelous is the
destruction of my people, the Nephites.

8:8 And behold, it is the hand of the Lord which hath done it. And
behold also, the Lamanites are at war one with another; and the whole
face of this land is one continual round of murder and bloodshed; and
no one knoweth the end of the war.

8:9 And now, behold, I say no more concerning them, for there are none
save it be the Lamanites and robbers that do exist upon the face of the
land.

8:10 And there are none that do know the true God save it be the
disciples of Jesus, who did tarry in the land until the wickedness of
the people was so great that the Lord would not suffer them to remain
with the people; and whether they be upon the face of the land no man
knoweth.

8:11 But behold, my father and I have seen them, and they have
ministered unto us.

8:12 And whoso receiveth this record, and shall not condemn it because
of the imperfections which are in it, the same shall know of greater
things than these. Behold, I am Moroni; and were it possible, I would
make all things known unto you.

8:13 Behold, I make an end of speaking concerning this people. I am the
son of Mormon, and my father was a descendant of Nephi.

8:14 And I am the same who hideth up this record unto the Lord; the
plates thereof are of no worth, because of the commandment of the Lord.
For he truly saith that no one shall have them to get gain; but the
record thereof is of great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light,
him will the Lord bless.

8:15 For none can have power to bring it to light save it be given him
of God; for God wills that it shall be done with an eye single to his
glory, or the welfare of the ancient and long dispersed covenant people
of the Lord.

8:16 And blessed be he that shall bring this thing to light; for it
shall be brought out of darkness unto light, according to the word of
God; yea, it shall be brought out of the earth, and it shall shine
forth out of darkness, and come unto the knowledge of the people; and
it shall be done by the power of God.

8:17 And if there be faults they be the faults of a man. But behold, we
know no fault; nevertheless God knoweth all things; therefore, he that
condemneth, let him be aware lest he shall be in danger of hell fire.

8:18 And he that saith: Show unto me, or ye shall be smitten—let him
beware lest he commandeth that which is forbidden of the Lord.

8:19 For behold, the same that judgeth rashly shall be judged rashly
again; for according to his works shall his wages be; therefore, he
that smiteth shall be smitten again, of the Lord.

8:20 Behold what the scripture says—man shall not smite, neither shall
he judge; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine
also, and I will repay.

8:21 And he that shall breathe out wrath and strifes against the work
of the Lord, and against the covenant people of the Lord who are the
house of Israel, and shall say: We will destroy the work of the Lord,
and the Lord will not remember his covenant which he hath made unto the
house of Israel—the same is in danger to be hewn down and cast into the
fire;

8:22 For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his
promises shall be fulfilled.

8:23 Search the prophecies of Isaiah. Behold, I cannot write them. Yea,
behold I say unto you, that those saints who have gone before me, who
have possessed this land, shall cry, yea, even from the dust will they
cry unto the Lord; and as the Lord liveth he will remember the covenant
which he hath made with them.

8:24 And he knoweth their prayers, that they were in behalf of their
brethren. And he knoweth their faith, for in his name could they remove
mountains; and in his name could they cause the earth to shake; and by
the power of his word did they cause prisons to tumble to the earth;
yea, even the fiery furnace could not harm them, neither wild beasts
nor poisonous serpents, because of the power of his word.

8:25 And behold, their prayers were also in behalf of him that the Lord
should suffer to bring these things forth.

8:26 And no one need say they shall not come, for they surely shall,
for the Lord hath spoken it; for out of the earth shall they come, by
the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it; and it shall come in a day
when it shall be said that miracles are done away; and it shall come
even as if one should speak from the dead.

8:27 And it shall come in a day when the blood of saints shall cry unto
the Lord, because of secret combinations and the works of darkness.

8:28 Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied,
and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their
hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall
rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who
belong to their churches.

8:29 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be heard of fires,
and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands;

8:30 And there shall also be heard of wars, rumors of wars, and
earthquakes in divers places.

8:31 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions
upon the face of the earth; there shall be murders, and robbing, and
lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations;
when there shall be many who will say, Do this, or do that, and it
mattereth not, for the Lord will uphold such at the last day. But wo
unto such for they are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of
iniquity.

8:32 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up
that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven
of your sins.

8:33 O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built
up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the
holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls?
Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God; for behold, the time
cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled.

8:34 Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things
concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things
shall come forth among you.

8:35 Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are
not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your
doing.

8:36 And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there
are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of
their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and
strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities;
and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of
the pride of your hearts.

8:37 For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine
apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor
and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.

8:38 O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves
for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of
God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye
not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that
misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world?

8:39 Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet
suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the
afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?

8:40 Yea, why do ye build up your secret abominations to get gain, and
cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to
mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their
husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your
heads?

8:41 Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon
cometh that he avengeth the blood of the saints upon you, for he will
not suffer their cries any longer.

Mormon Chapter 9

9:1 And now, I speak also concerning those who do not believe in
Christ.

9:2 Behold, will ye believe in the day of your visitation—behold, when
the Lord shall come, yea, even that great day when the earth shall be
rolled together as a scroll, and the elements shall melt with fervent
heat, yea, in that great day when ye shall be brought to stand before
the Lamb of God—then will ye say that there is no God?

9:3 Then will ye longer deny the Christ, or can ye behold the Lamb of
God? Do ye suppose that ye shall dwell with him under a consciousness
of your guilt? Do ye suppose that ye could be happy to dwell with that
holy Being, when your souls are racked with a consciousness of guilt
that ye have ever abused his laws?

9:4 Behold, I say unto you that ye would be more miserable to dwell
with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of your filthiness
before him, than ye would to dwell with the damned souls in hell.

9:5 For behold, when ye shall be brought to see your nakedness before
God, and also the glory of God, and the holiness of Jesus Christ, it
will kindle a flame of unquenchable fire upon you.

9:6 O then ye unbelieving, turn ye unto the Lord; cry mightily unto the
Father in the name of Jesus, that perhaps ye may be found spotless,
pure, fair, and white, having been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb,
at that great and last day.

9:7 And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say
that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies,
nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the
interpretation of tongues;

9:8 Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the
gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does
not understand them.

9:9 For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and
forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of
changing?

9:10 And now if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth
vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up
unto yourselves a god who is not God of miracles.

9:11 But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God
of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that
same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in
them are.

9:12 Behold he created Adam, and by Adam came the fall of man. And
because of the fall of man came Jesus Christ, even the Father and the
Son; and because of Jesus Christ came the redemption of man.

9:13 And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ,
they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is
wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to
pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an
endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power
of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both
small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and
loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal
death.

9:14 And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then
cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he
that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be
happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still.

9:15 And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who
can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed,
of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you,
Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles.

9:16 Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our
eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God?

9:17 Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the
heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was
created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have
miracles been wrought?

9:18 And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not many mighty miracles?
And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the
apostles.

9:19 And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be
a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say
unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he
ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.

9:20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of
men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right
way, and know not the God in whom they should trust.

9:21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting
nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it
shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends
of the earth.

9:22 For behold, thus said Jesus Christ, the Son of God, unto his
disciples who should tarry, yea, and also to all his disciples, in the
hearing of the multitude: Go ye into all the world, and preach the
gospel to every creature;

9:23 And he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that
believeth not shall be damned;

9:24 And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall
they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall
take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt
them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover;

9:25 And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him
will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth.

9:26 And now, behold, who can stand against the works of the Lord? Who
can deny his sayings? Who will rise up against the almighty power of
the Lord? Who will despise the works of the Lord? Who will despise the
children of Christ? Behold, all ye who are despisers of the works of
the Lord, for ye shall wonder and perish.

9:27 O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of
the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things
soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin
as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.

9:28 Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all
uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask
with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that
ye will serve the true and living God.

9:29 See that ye are not baptized unworthily; see that ye partake not
of the sacrament of Christ unworthily; but see that ye do all things in
worthiness, and do it in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the
living God; and if ye do this, and endure to the end, ye will in nowise
be cast out.

9:30 Behold, I speak unto you as though I spake from the dead; for I
know that ye shall have my words.

9:31 Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father,
because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him;
but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our
imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.

9:32 And now, behold, we have written this record according to our
knowledge, in the characters which are called among us the reformed
Egyptian, being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner
of speech.

9:33 And if our plates had been sufficiently large we should have
written in Hebrew; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also; and if
we could have written in Hebrew, behold, ye would have had no
imperfection in our record.

9:34 But the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and also
that none other people knoweth our language; and because that none
other people knoweth our language, therefore he hath prepared means for
the interpretation thereof.

9:35 And these things are written that we may rid our garments of the
blood of our brethren, who have dwindled in unbelief.

9:36 And behold, these things which we have desired concerning our
brethren, yea, even their restoration to the knowledge of Christ, are
according to the prayers of all the saints who have dwelt in the land.

9:37 And may the Lord Jesus Christ grant that their prayers may be
answered according to their faith; and may God the Father remember the
covenant which he hath made with the house of Israel; and may he bless
them forever, through faith on the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.




 THE BOOK OF ETHER


The record of the Jaredites, taken from the twenty-four plates found by
the people of Limhi in the days of king Mosiah.

Ether Chapter 1

1:1 And now I, Moroni, proceed to give an account of those ancient
inhabitants who were destroyed by the hand of the Lord upon the face of
this north country.

1:2 And I take mine account from the twenty and four plates which were
found by the people of Limhi, which is called the Book of Ether.

1:3 And as I suppose that the first part of this record, which speaks
concerning the creation of the world, and also of Adam, and an account
from that time even to the great tower, and whatsoever things
transpired among the children of men until that time, is had among the
Jews—

1:4 Therefore I do not write those things which transpired from the
days of Adam until that time; but they are had upon the plates; and
whoso findeth them, the same will have power that he may get the full
account.

1:5 But behold, I give not the full account, but a part of the account
I give, from the tower down until they were destroyed.

1:6 And on this wise do I give the account. He that wrote this record
was Ether, and he was a descendant of Coriantor.

1:7 Coriantor was the son of Moron.

1:8 And Moron was the son of Ethem.

1:9 And Ethem was the son of Ahah.

1:10 And Ahah was the son of Seth.

1:11 And Seth was the son of Shiblon.

1:12 And Shiblon was the son of Com.

1:13 And Com was the son of Coriantum.

1:14 And Coriantum was the son of Amnigaddah.

1:15 And Amnigaddah was the son of Aaron.

1:16 And Aaron was a descendant of Heth, who was the son of Hearthom.

1:17 And Hearthom was the son of Lib.

1:18 And Lib was the son of Kish.

1:19 And Kish was the son of Corom.

1:20 And Corom was the son of Levi.

1:21 And Levi was the son of Kim.

1:22 And Kim was the son of Morianton.

1:23 And Morianton was a descendant of Riplakish.

1:24 And Riplakish was the son of Shez.

1:25 And Shez was the son of Heth.

1:26 And Heth was the son of Com.

1:27 And Com was the son of Coriantum.

1:28 And Coriantum was the son of Emer.

1:29 And Emer was the son of Omer.

1:30 And Omer was the son of Shule.

1:31 And Shule was the son of Kib.

1:32 And Kib was the son of Orihah, who was the son of Jared;

1:33 Which Jared came forth with his brother and their families, with
some others and their families, from the great tower, at the time the
Lord confounded the language of the people, and swore in his wrath that
they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth; and according
to the word of the Lord the people were scattered.

1:34 And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty man, and a man
highly favored of the Lord, Jared, his brother, said unto him: Cry unto
the Lord, that he will not confound us that we may not understand our
words.

1:35 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the
Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon Jared; therefore he did not
confound the language of Jared; and Jared and his brother were not
confounded.

1:36 Then Jared said unto his brother: Cry again unto the Lord, and it
may be that he will turn away his anger from them who are our friends,
that he confound not their language.

1:37 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the
Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon their friends and their families
also, that they were not confounded.

1:38 And it came to pass that Jared spake again unto his brother,
saying: Go and inquire of the Lord whether he will drive us out of the
land, and if he will drive us out of the land, cry unto him whither we
shall go. And who knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land
which is choice above all the earth? And if it so be, let us be
faithful unto the Lord, that we may receive it for our inheritance.

1:39 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the
Lord according to that which had been spoken by the mouth of Jared.

1:40 And it came to pass that the Lord did hear the brother of Jared,
and had compassion upon him, and said unto him:

1:41 Go to and gather together thy flocks, both male and female, of
every kind; and also of the seed of the earth of every kind; and thy
families; and also Jared thy brother and his family; and also thy
friends and their families, and the friends of Jared and their
families.

1:42 And when thou hast done this thou shalt go at the head of them
down into the valley which is northward. And there will I meet thee,
and I will go before thee into a land which is choice above all the
lands of the earth.

1:43 And there will I bless thee and thy seed, and raise up unto me of
thy seed, and of the seed of thy brother, and they who shall go with
thee, a great nation. And there shall be none greater than the nation
which I will raise up unto me of thy seed, upon all the face of the
earth. And thus I will do unto thee because this long time ye have
cried unto me.

Ether Chapter 2

2:1 And it came to pass that Jared and his brother, and their families,
and also the friends of Jared and his brother and their families, went
down into the valley which was northward, (and the name of the valley
was Nimrod, being called after the mighty hunter) with their flocks
which they had gathered together, male and female, of every kind.

2:2 And they did also lay snares and catch fowls of the air; and they
did also prepare a vessel, in which they did carry with them the fish
of the waters.

2:3 And they did also carry with them deseret, which, by
interpretation, is a honey bee; and thus they did carry with them
swarms of bees, and all manner of that which was upon the face of the
land, seeds of every kind.

2:4 And it came to pass that when they had come down into the valley of
Nimrod the Lord came down and talked with the brother of Jared; and he
was in a cloud, and the brother of Jared saw him not.

2:5 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded them that they should
go forth into the wilderness, yea, into that quarter where there never
had man been. And it came to pass that the Lord did go before them, and
did talk with them as he stood in a cloud, and gave directions whither
they should travel.

2:6 And it came to pass that they did travel in the wilderness, and did
build barges, in which they did cross many waters, being directed
continually by the hand of the Lord.

2:7 And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea
in the wilderness, but he would that they should come forth even unto
the land of promise, which was choice above all other lands, which the
Lord God had preserved for a righteous people.

2:8 And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso
should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and
forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be
swept off when the fulness of his wrath should come upon them.

2:9 And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land,
that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it
shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his
wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon
them when they are ripened in iniquity.

2:10 For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands;
wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept
off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the
fulness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept
off.

2:11 And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may know the
decrees of God—that ye may repent, and not continue in your iniquities
until the fulness come, that ye may not bring down the fulness of the
wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto
done.

2:12 Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess
it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other
nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who
is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have
written.

2:13 And now I proceed with my record; for behold, it came to pass that
the Lord did bring Jared and his brethren forth even to that great sea
which divideth the lands. And as they came to the sea they pitched
their tents; and they called the name of the place Moriancumer; and
they dwelt in tents, and dwelt in tents upon the seashore for the space
of four years.

2:14 And it came to pass at the end of four years that the Lord came
again unto the brother of Jared, and stood in a cloud and talked with
him. And for the space of three hours did the Lord talk with the
brother of Jared, and chastened him because he remembered not to call
upon the name of the Lord.

2:15 And the brother of Jared repented of the evil which he had done,
and did call upon the name of the Lord for his brethren who were with
him. And the Lord said unto him: I will forgive thee and thy brethren
of their sins; but thou shalt not sin any more, for ye shall remember
that my Spirit will not always strive with man; wherefore, if ye will
sin until ye are fully ripe ye shall be cut off from the presence of
the Lord. And these are my thoughts upon the land which I shall give
you for your inheritance; for it shall be a land choice above all other
lands.

2:16 And the Lord said: Go to work and build, after the manner of
barges which ye have hitherto built. And it came to pass that the
brother of Jared did go to work, and also his brethren, and built
barges after the manner which they had built, according to the
instructions of the Lord. And they were small, and they were light upon
the water, even like unto the lightness of a fowl upon the water.

2:17 And they were built after a manner that they were exceedingly
tight, even that they would hold water like unto a dish; and the bottom
thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the sides thereof were tight
like unto a dish; and the ends thereof were peaked; and the top thereof
was tight like unto a dish; and the length thereof was the length of a
tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight like unto a
dish.

2:18 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried unto the Lord,
saying: O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me,
and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me.

2:19 And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light; whither shall we
steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it
is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish.

2:20 And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: Behold, thou shalt
make a hole in the top, and also in the bottom; and when thou shalt
suffer for air thou shalt unstop the hole and receive air. And if it be
so that the water come in upon thee, behold, ye shall stop the hole,
that ye may not perish in the flood.

2:21 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did so, according as
the Lord had commanded.

2:22 And he cried again unto the Lord saying: O Lord, behold I have
done even as thou hast commanded me; and I have prepared the vessels
for my people, and behold there is no light in them. Behold, O Lord,
wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness?

2:23 And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I
should do that ye may have light in your vessels? For behold, ye cannot
have windows, for they will be dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take
fire with you, for ye shall not go by the light of fire.

2:24 For behold, ye shall be as a whale in the midst of the sea; for
the mountain waves shall dash upon you. Nevertheless, I will bring you
up again out of the depths of the sea; for the winds have gone forth
out of my mouth, and also the rains and the floods have I sent forth.

2:25 And behold, I prepare you against these things; for ye cannot
cross this great deep save I prepare you against the waves of the sea,
and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come.
Therefore what will ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have
light when ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea?

Ether Chapter 3

3:1 And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of
the vessels which had been prepared was eight) went forth unto the
mount, which they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding
height, and did molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they
were white and clear, even as transparent glass; and he did carry them
in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord,
saying:

3:2 O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the
floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant
because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and
dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because
of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O
Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee,
that from thee we may receive according to our desires.

3:3 Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity, and
hast driven us forth, and for these many years we have been in the
wilderness; nevertheless, thou hast been merciful unto us. O Lord, look
upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and
suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in
darkness; but behold these things which I have molten out of the rock.

3:4 And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever
thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord,
with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in
darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we
have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.

3:5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to
show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of
men.

3:6 And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these
words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones
one by one with his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes of
the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as
the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of
Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear.

3:7 And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth;
and the Lord said unto him: Arise, why hast thou fallen?

3:8 And he saith unto the Lord: I saw the finger of the Lord, and I
feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh
and blood.

3:9 And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith thou hast seen
that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come
before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye
could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this?

3:10 And he answered: Nay; Lord, show thyself unto me.

3:11 And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall
speak?

3:12 And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth,
for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.

3:13 And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself
unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed
from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence;
therefore I show myself unto you.

3:14 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world
to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the
Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they
who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my
daughters.

3:15 And never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for
never has man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are
created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the
beginning after mine own image.

3:16 Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit;
and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I
appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in
the flesh.

3:17 And now, as I, Moroni, said I could not make a full account of
these things which are written therefore it sufficeth me to say that
Jesus showed himself unto this man in the spirit, even after the manner
and in the likeness of the same body even as he showed himself unto the
Nephites.

3:18 And he ministered unto him even as he ministered unto the
Nephites; and all this, that this man might know that he was God,
because of the many great works which the Lord had showed unto him.

3:19 And because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from
beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when
he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the
Lord; and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting.

3:20 Wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not be
kept from within the veil; therefore he saw Jesus; and he did minister
unto him.

3:21 And it came to pass that the Lord said unto the brother of Jared:
Behold, thou shalt not suffer these things which ye have seen and heard
to go forth unto the world, until the time cometh that I shall glorify
my name in the flesh; wherefore, ye shall treasure up the things which
ye have seen and heard, and show it to no man.

3:22 And behold, when ye shall come unto me, ye shall write them and
shall seal them up, that no one can interpret them; for ye shall write
them in a language that they cannot be read.

3:23 And behold, these two stones will I give unto thee, and ye shall
seal them up also with the things which ye shall write.

3:24 For behold, the language which ye shall write I have confounded;
wherefore I will cause in my own due time that these stones shall
magnify to the eyes of men these things which ye shall write.

3:25 And when the Lord had said these words, he showed unto the brother
of Jared all the inhabitants of the earth which had been, and also all
that would be; and he withheld them not from his sight, even unto the
ends of the earth.

3:26 For he had said unto him in times before, that if he would believe
in him that he could show unto him all things—it should be shown unto
him; therefore the Lord could not withhold anything from him, for he
knew that the Lord could show him all things.

3:27 And the Lord said unto him: Write these things and seal them up;
and I will show them in mine own due time unto the children of men.

3:28 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded him that he should
seal up the two stones which he had received, and show them not, until
the Lord should show them unto the children of men.

Ether Chapter 4

4:1 And the Lord commanded the brother of Jared to go down out of the
mount from the presence of the Lord, and write the things which he had
seen; and they were forbidden to come unto the children of men until
after that he should be lifted up upon the cross; and for this cause
did king Mosiah keep them, that they should not come unto the world
until after Christ should show himself unto his people.

4:2 And after Christ truly had showed himself unto his people he
commanded that they should be made manifest.

4:3 And now, after that, they have all dwindled in unbelief; and there
is none save it be the Lamanites, and they have rejected the gospel of
Christ; therefore I am commanded that I should hide them up again in
the earth.

4:4 Behold, I have written upon these plates the very things which the
brother of Jared saw; and there never were greater things made manifest
than those which were made manifest unto the brother of Jared.

4:5 Wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them; and I have
written them. And he commanded me that I should seal them up; and he
also hath commanded that I should seal up the interpretation thereof;
wherefore I have sealed up the interpreters, according to the
commandment of the Lord.

4:6 For the Lord said unto me: They shall not go forth unto the
Gentiles until the day that they shall repent of their iniquity, and
become clean before the Lord.

4:7 And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the
Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified
in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the brother of
Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the
earth, and all things that in them are.

4:8 And he that will contend against the word of the Lord, let him be
accursed; and he that shall deny these things, let him be accursed; for
unto them will I show no greater things, saith Jesus Christ; for I am
he who speaketh.

4:9 And at my command the heavens are opened and are shut; and at my
word the earth shall shake; and at my command the inhabitants thereof
shall pass away, even so as by fire.

4:10 And he that believeth not my words believeth not my disciples; and
if it so be that I do not speak, judge ye; for ye shall know that it is
I that speaketh, at the last day.

4:11 But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I
visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear
record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are
true; for it persuadeth men to do good.

4:12 And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good
cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all
good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am;
and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent
me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the
truth of the world.

4:13 Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater
things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief.

4:14 Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest
unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the
foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of
unbelief.

4:15 Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause
you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart,
and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which
have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye
shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a
contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the
covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.

4:16 And then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by
my servant John be unfolded in the eyes of all the people. Remember,
when ye see these things, ye shall know that the time is at hand that
they shall be made manifest in very deed.

4:17 Therefore, when ye shall receive this record ye may know that the
work of the Father has commenced upon all the face of the land.

4:18 Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and
believe in my gospel, and be baptized in my name; for he that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be
damned; and signs shall follow them that believe in my name.

4:19 And blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last
day, for he shall be lifted up to dwell in the kingdom prepared for him
from the foundation of the world. And behold it is I that hath spoken
it. Amen.

Ether Chapter 5

5:1 And now I, Moroni, have written the words which were commanded me,
according to my memory; and I have told you the things which I have
sealed up; therefore touch them not in order that ye may translate; for
that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in
God.

5:2 And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto
those who shall assist to bring forth this work;

5:3 And unto three shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore
they shall know of a surety that these things are true.

5:4 And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be
established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which
shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the
Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall
stand as a testimony against the world at the last day.

5:5 And if it so be that they repent and come unto the Father in the
name of Jesus, they shall be received into the kingdom of God.

5:6 And now, if I have no authority for these things, judge ye; for ye
shall know that I have authority when ye shall see me, and we shall
stand before God at the last day. Amen.

Ether Chapter 6

6:1 And now I, Moroni, proceed to give the record of Jared and his
brother.

6:2 For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones which
the brother of Jared had carried up into the mount, the brother of
Jared came down out of the mount, and he did put forth the stones into
the vessels which were prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold,
they did give light unto the vessels.

6:3 And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light
unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great
waters in darkness.

6:4 And it came to pass that when they had prepared all manner of food,
that thereby they might subsist upon the water, and also food for their
flocks and herds, and whatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they
should carry with them—and it came to pass that when they had done all
these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges, and set forth
into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God.

6:5 And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a
furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised
land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the
wind.

6:6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths
of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and
also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the
fierceness of the wind.

6:7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there
was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto
a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore
when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the
Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

6:8 And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards
the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were
driven forth before the wind.

6:9 And they did sing praises unto the Lord; yea, the brother of Jared
did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank and praise the Lord
all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise
the Lord.

6:10 And thus they were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could
break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light
continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.

6:11 And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four
days upon the water.

6:12 And they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when
they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed
themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves
before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of
the multitude of his tender mercies over them.

6:13 And it came to pass that they went forth upon the face of the
land, and began to till the earth.

6:14 And Jared had four sons; and they were called Jacom, and Gilgah,
and Mahah, and Orihah.

6:15 And the brother of Jared also begat sons and daughters.

6:16 And the friends of Jared and his brother were in number about
twenty and two souls; and they also begat sons and daughters before
they came to the promised land; and therefore they began to be many.

6:17 And they were taught to walk humbly before the Lord; and they were
also taught from on high.

6:18 And it came to pass that they began to spread upon the face of the
land, and to multiply and to till the earth; and they did wax strong in
the land.

6:19 And the brother of Jared began to be old, and saw that he must
soon go down to the grave; wherefore he said unto Jared: Let us gather
together our people that we may number them, that we may know of them
what they will desire of us before we go down to our graves.

6:20 And accordingly the people were gathered together. Now the number
of the sons and the daughters of the brother of Jared were twenty and
two souls; and the number of sons and daughters of Jared were twelve,
he having four sons.

6:21 And it came to pass that they did number their people; and after
that they had numbered them, they did desire of them the things which
they would that they should do before they went down to their graves.

6:22 And it came to pass that the people desired of them that they
should anoint one of their sons to be a king over them.

6:23 And now behold, this was grievous unto them. And the brother of
Jared said unto them: Surely this thing leadeth into captivity.

6:24 But Jared said unto his brother: Suffer them that they may have a
king. And therefore he said unto them: Choose ye out from among our
sons a king, even whom ye will.

6:25 And it came to pass that they chose even the firstborn of the
brother of Jared; and his name was Pagag. And it came to pass that he
refused and would not be their king. And the people would that his
father should constrain him, but his father would not; and he commanded
them that they should constrain no man to be their king.

6:26 And it came to pass that they chose all the brothers of Pagag, and
they would not.

6:27 And it came to pass that neither would the sons of Jared, even all
save it were one; and Orihah was anointed to be king over the people.

6:28 And he began to reign, and the people began to prosper; and they
became exceedingly rich.

6:29 And it came to pass that Jared died, and his brother also.

6:30 And it came to pass that Orihah did walk humbly before the Lord,
and did remember how great things the Lord had done for his father, and
also taught his people how great things the Lord had done for their
fathers.

Ether Chapter 7

7:1 And it came to pass that Orihah did execute judgment upon the land
in righteousness all his days, whose days were exceedingly many.

7:2 And he begat sons and daughters; yea, he begat thirty and one,
among whom were twenty and three sons.

7:3 And it came to pass that he also begat Kib in his old age. And it
came to pass that Kib reigned in his stead; and Kib begat Corihor.

7:4 And when Corihor was thirty and two years old he rebelled against
his father, and went over and dwelt in the land of Nehor; and he begat
sons and daughters, and they became exceedingly fair; wherefore Corihor
drew away many people after him.

7:5 And when he had gathered together an army he came up unto the land
of Moron where the king dwelt, and took him captive, which brought to
pass the saying of the brother of Jared that they would be brought into
captivity.

7:6 Now the land of Moron, where the king dwelt, was near the land
which is called Desolation by the Nephites.

7:7 And it came to pass that Kib dwelt in captivity, and his people
under Corihor his son, until he became exceedingly old; nevertheless
Kib begat Shule in his old age, while he was yet in captivity.

7:8 And it came to pass that Shule was angry with his brother; and
Shule waxed strong, and became mighty as to the strength of a man; and
he was also mighty in judgment.

7:9 Wherefore, he came to the hill Ephraim, and he did molten out of
the hill, and made swords out of steel for those whom he had drawn away
with him; and after he had armed them with swords he returned to the
city Nehor and gave battle unto his brother Corihor, by which means he
obtained the kingdom and restored it unto his father Kib.

7:10 And now because of the thing which Shule had done, his father
bestowed upon him the kingdom; therefore he began to reign in the stead
of his father.

7:11 And it came to pass that he did execute judgment in righteousness;
and he did spread his kingdom upon all the face of the land, for the
people had become exceedingly numerous.

7:12 And it came to pass that Shule also begat many sons and daughters.

7:13 And Corihor repented of the many evils which he had done;
wherefore Shule gave him power in his kingdom.

7:14 And it came to pass that Corihor had many sons and daughters. And
among the sons of Corihor there was one whose name was Noah.

7:15 And it came to pass that Noah rebelled against Shule, the king,
and also his father Corihor, and drew away Cohor his brother, and also
all his brethren and many of the people.

7:16 And he gave battle unto Shule the king, in which he did obtain the
land of their first inheritance; and he became a king over that part of
the land.

7:17 And it came to pass that he gave battle again unto Shule, the
king; and he took Shule, the king, and carried him away captive into
Moron.

7:18 And it came to pass as he was about to put him to death, the sons
of Shule crept into the house of Noah by night and slew him, and broke
down the door of the prison and brought out their father, and placed
him upon his throne in his own kingdom.

7:19 Wherefore, the son of Noah did build up his kingdom in his stead;
nevertheless they did not gain power any more over Shule the king, and
the people who were under the reign of Shule the king did prosper
exceedingly and wax great.

7:20 And the country was divided; and there were two kingdoms, the
kingdom of Shule, and the kingdom of Cohor, the son of Noah.

7:21 And Cohor, the son of Noah, caused that his people should give
battle unto Shule, in which Shule did beat them and did slay Cohor.

7:22 And now Cohor had a son who was called Nimrod; and Nimrod gave up
the kingdom of Cohor unto Shule, and he did gain favor in the eyes of
Shule; wherefore Shule did bestow great favors upon him, and he did do
in the kingdom of Shule according to his desires.

7:23 And also in the reign of Shule there came prophets among the
people, who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness
and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they
should be destroyed if they did not repent.

7:24 And it came to pass that the people did revile against the
prophets, and did mock them. And it came to pass that king Shule did
execute judgment against all those who did revile against the prophets.

7:25 And he did execute a law throughout all the land, which gave power
unto the prophets that they should go whithersoever they would; and by
this cause the people were brought unto repentance.

7:26 And because the people did repent of their iniquities and
idolatries the Lord did spare them, and they began to prosper again in
the land. And it came to pass that Shule begat sons and daughters in
his old age.

7:27 And there were no more wars in the days of Shule; and he
remembered the great things that the Lord had done for his fathers in
bringing them across the great deep into the promised land; wherefore
he did execute judgment in righteousness all his days.

Ether Chapter 8

8:1 And it came to pass that he begat Omer, and Omer reigned in his
stead. And Omer begat Jared; and Jared begat sons and daughters.

8:2 And Jared rebelled against his father, and came and dwelt in the
land of Heth. And it came to pass that he did flatter many people,
because of his cunning words, until he had gained the half of the
kingdom.

8:3 And when he had gained the half of the kingdom he gave battle unto
his father, and he did carry away his father into captivity, and did
make him serve in captivity;

8:4 And now, in the days of the reigns of Omer he was in captivity the
half of his days. And it came to pass that he begat sons and daughters
among whom were Esrom and Coriantumr;

8:5 And they were exceedingly angry because of the doings of Jared
their brother, insomuch that they did raise an army and gave battle
unto Jared. And it came to pass that they did give battle unto him by
night.

8:6 And it came to pass that when they had slain the army of Jared they
were about to slay him also; and he plead with them that they would not
slay him, and he would give up the kingdom unto his father. And it came
to pass that they did grant unto him his life.

8:7 And now Jared became exceedingly sorrowful because of the loss of
the kingdom, for he had set his heart upon the kingdom and upon the
glory of the world.

8:8 Now the daughter of Jared being exceedingly expert, and seeing the
sorrows of her father, thought to devise a plan whereby she could
redeem the kingdom unto her father.

8:9 Now the daughter of Jared was exceedingly fair. And it came to pass
that she did talk with her father, and said unto him: Whereby hath my
father so much sorrow? Hath he not read the record which our fathers
brought across the great deep? Behold, is there not an account
concerning them of old, that they by their secret plans did obtain
kingdoms and great glory?

8:10 And now, therefore, let my father send for Akish, the son of
Kimnor; and behold, I am fair, and I will dance before him, and I will
please him, that he will desire me to wife; wherefore if he shall
desire of thee that ye shall give unto him me to wife, then shall ye
say: I will give her if ye will bring unto me the head of my father,
the king.

8:11 And now Omer was a friend to Akish; wherefore, when Jared had sent
for Akish, the daughter of Jared danced before him that she pleased
him, insomuch that he desired her to wife. And it came to pass that he
said unto Jared: Give her unto me to wife.

8:12 And Jared said unto him: I will give her unto you, if ye will
bring unto me the head of my father, the king.

8:13 And it came to pass that Akish gathered in unto the house of Jared
all his kinsfolk, and said unto them: Will ye swear unto me that ye
will be faithful unto me in the thing which I shall desire of you?

8:14 And it came to pass that they all sware unto him, by the God of
heaven, and also by the heavens, and also by the earth, and by their
heads, that whoso should vary from the assistance which Akish desired
should lose his head; and whoso should divulge whatsoever thing Akish
made known unto them, the same should lose his life.

8:15 And it came to pass that thus they did agree with Akish. And Akish
did administer unto them the oaths which were given by them of old who
also sought power, which had been handed down even from Cain, who was a
murderer from the beginning.

8:16 And they were kept up by the power of the devil to administer
these oaths unto the people, to keep them in darkness, to help such as
sought power to gain power, and to murder, and to plunder, and to lie,
and to commit all manner of wickedness and whoredoms.

8:17 And it was the daughter of Jared who put it into his heart to
search up these things of old; and Jared put it into the heart of
Akish; wherefore, Akish administered it unto his kindred and friends,
leading them away by fair promises to do whatsoever thing he desired.

8:18 And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as
they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all,
in the sight of God;

8:19 For the Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he
will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it,
from the beginning of man.

8:20 And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and
combinations, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had
among all people, and they are had among the Lamanites.

8:21 And they have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am
now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi.

8:22 And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to
get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold,
they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of
his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from
the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not.

8:23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things
should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and
suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which
are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of
destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the
Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if
ye shall suffer these things to be.

8:24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things
come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation,
because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be
unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry
from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it
up.

8:25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to
overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it
bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by
the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who
beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused
man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts
of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast
them out from the beginning.

8:26 Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil
may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no
power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be
persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain
of all righteousness and be saved.

Ether Chapter 9

9:1 And now I, Moroni, proceed with my record. Therefore, behold, it
came to pass that because of the secret combinations of Akish and his
friends, behold, they did overthrow the kingdom of Omer.

9:2 Nevertheless, the Lord was merciful unto Omer, and also to his sons
and to his daughters who did not seek his destruction.

9:3 And the Lord warned Omer in a dream that he should depart out of
the land; wherefore Omer departed out of the land with his family, and
traveled many days, and came over and passed by the hill of Shim, and
came over by the place where the Nephites were destroyed, and from
thence eastward, and came to a place which was called Ablom, by the
seashore, and there he pitched his tent, and also his sons and his
daughters, and all his household, save it were Jared and his family.

9:4 And it came to pass that Jared was anointed king over the people,
by the hand of wickedness; and he gave unto Akish his daughter to wife.

9:5 And it came to pass that Akish sought the life of his
father-in-law; and he applied unto those whom he had sworn by the oath
of the ancients, and they obtained the head of his father-in-law, as he
sat upon his throne, giving audience to his people.

9:6 For so great had been the spreading of this wicked and secret
society that it had corrupted the hearts of all the people; therefore
Jared was murdered upon his throne, and Akish reigned in his stead.

9:7 And it came to pass that Akish began to be jealous of his son,
therefore he shut him up in prison, and kept him upon little or no food
until he had suffered death.

9:8 And now the brother of him that suffered death, (and his name was
Nimrah) was angry with his father because of that which his father had
done unto his brother.

9:9 And it came to pass that Nimrah gathered together a small number of
men, and fled out of the land, and came over and dwelt with Omer.

9:10 And it came to pass that Akish begat other sons, and they won the
hearts of the people, notwithstanding they had sworn unto him to do all
manner of iniquity according to that which he desired.

9:11 Now the people of Akish were desirous for gain, even as Akish was
desirous for power; wherefore, the sons of Akish did offer them money,
by which means they drew away the more part of the people after them.

9:12 And there began to be a war between the sons of Akish and Akish,
which lasted for the space of many years, yea, unto the destruction of
nearly all the people of the kingdom, yea, even all, save it were
thirty souls, and they who fled with the house of Omer.

9:13 Wherefore, Omer was restored again to the land of his inheritance.

9:14 And it came to pass that Omer began to be old; nevertheless, in
his old age he begat Emer; and he anointed Emer to be king to reign in
his stead.

9:15 And after that he had anointed Emer to be king he saw peace in the
land for the space of two years, and he died, having seen exceedingly
many days, which were full of sorrow. And it came to pass that Emer did
reign in his stead, and did fill the steps of his father.

9:16 And the Lord began again to take the curse from off the land, and
the house of Emer did prosper exceedingly under the reign of Emer; and
in the space of sixty and two years they had become exceedingly strong,
insomuch that they became exceedingly rich—

9:17 Having all manner of fruit, and of grain, and of silks, and of
fine linen, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things;

9:18 And also all manner of cattle, of oxen, and cows, and of sheep,
and of swine, and of goats, and also many other kinds of animals which
were useful for the food of man.

9:19 And they also had horses, and asses, and there were elephants and
cureloms and cumoms; all of which were useful unto man, and more
especially the elephants and cureloms and cumoms.

9:20 And thus the Lord did pour out his blessings upon this land, which
was choice above all other lands; and he commanded that whoso should
possess the land should possess it unto the Lord, or they should be
destroyed when they were ripened in iniquity; for upon such, saith the
Lord: I will pour out the fulness of my wrath.

9:21 And Emer did execute judgment in righteousness all his days, and
he begat many sons and daughters; and he begat Coriantum, and he
anointed Coriantum to reign in his stead.

9:22 And after he had anointed Coriantum to reign in his stead he lived
four years, and he saw peace in the land; yea, and he even saw the Son
of Righteousness, and did rejoice and glory in his day; and he died in
peace.

9:23 And it came to pass that Coriantum did walk in the steps of his
father, and did build many mighty cities, and did administer that which
was good unto his people in all his days. And it came to pass that he
had no children even until he was exceedingly old.

9:24 And it came to pass that his wife died, being an hundred and two
years old. And it came to pass that Coriantum took to wife, in his old
age, a young maid, and begat sons and daughters; wherefore he lived
until he was an hundred and forty and two years old.

9:25 And it came to pass that he begat Com, and Com reigned in his
stead; and he reigned forty and nine years, and he begat Heth; and he
also begat other sons and daughters.

9:26 And the people had spread again over all the face of the land, and
there began again to be an exceedingly great wickedness upon the face
of the land, and Heth began to embrace the secret plans again of old,
to destroy his father.

9:27 And it came to pass that he did dethrone his father, for he slew
him with his own sword; and he did reign in his stead.

9:28 And there came prophets in the land again, crying repentance unto
them—that they must prepare the way of the Lord or there should come a
curse upon the face of the land; yea, even there should be a great
famine, in which they should be destroyed if they did not repent.

9:29 But the people believed not the words of the prophets, but they
cast them out; and some of them they cast into pits and left them to
perish. And it came to pass that they did all these things according to
the commandment of the king, Heth.

9:30 And it came to pass that there began to be a great dearth upon the
land, and the inhabitants began to be destroyed exceedingly fast
because of the dearth, for there was no rain upon the face of the
earth.

9:31 And there came forth poisonous serpents also upon the face of the
land, and did poison many people. And it came to pass that their flocks
began to flee before the poisonous serpents, towards the land
southward, which was called by the Nephites Zarahemla.

9:32 And it came to pass that there were many of them which did perish
by the way; nevertheless, there were some which fled into the land
southward.

9:33 And it came to pass that the Lord did cause the serpents that they
should pursue them no more, but that they should hedge up the way that
the people could not pass, that whoso should attempt to pass might fall
by the poisonous serpents.

9:34 And it came to pass that the people did follow the course of the
beasts, and did devour the carcasses of them which fell by the way,
until they had devoured them all. Now when the people saw that they
must perish they began to repent of their iniquities and cry unto the
Lord.

9:35 And it came to pass that when they had humbled themselves
sufficiently before the Lord he did send rain upon the face of the
earth; and the people began to revive again, and there began to be
fruit in the north countries, and in all the countries round about. And
the Lord did show forth his power unto them in preserving them from
famine.

Ether Chapter 10

10:1 And it came to pass that Shez, who was a descendant of Heth—for
Heth had perished by the famine, and all his household save it were
Shez—wherefore, Shez began to build up again a broken people.

10:2 And it came to pass that Shez did remember the destruction of his
fathers, and he did build up a righteous kingdom; for he remembered
what the Lord had done in bringing Jared and his brother across the
deep; and he did walk in the ways of the Lord; and he begat sons and
daughters.

10:3 And his eldest son, whose name was Shez, did rebel against him;
nevertheless, Shez was smitten by the hand of a robber, because of his
exceeding riches, which brought peace again unto his father.

10:4 And it came to pass that his father did build up many cities upon
the face of the land, and the people began again to spread over all the
face of the land. And Shez did live to an exceedingly old age; and he
begat Riplakish. And he died, and Riplakish reigned in his stead.

10:5 And it came to pass that Riplakish did not do that which was right
in the sight of the Lord, for he did have many wives and concubines,
and did lay that upon men’s shoulders which was grievous to be borne;
yea, he did tax them with heavy taxes; and with the taxes he did build
many spacious buildings.

10:6 And he did erect him an exceedingly beautiful throne; and he did
build many prisons, and whoso would not be subject unto taxes he did
cast into prison; and whoso was not able to pay taxes he did cast into
prison; and he did cause that they should labor continually for their
support; and whoso refused to labor he did cause to be put to death.

10:7 Wherefore he did obtain all his fine work, yea, even his fine gold
he did cause to be refined in prison, and all manner of fine
workmanship he did cause to be wrought in prison. And it came to pass
that he did afflict the people with his whoredoms and abominations.

10:8 And when he had reigned for the space of forty and two years the
people did rise up in rebellion against him; and there began to be war
again in the land, insomuch that Riplakish was killed, and his
descendants were driven out of the land.

10:9 And it came to pass after the space of many years, Morianton, (he
being a descendant of Riplakish) gathered together an army of outcasts,
and went forth and gave battle unto the people; and he gained power
over many cities; and the war became exceedingly sore, and did last for
the space of many years; and he did gain power over all the land, and
did establish himself king over all the land.

10:10 And after that he had established himself king he did ease the
burden of the people, by which he did gain favor in the eyes of the
people, and they did anoint him to be their king.

10:11 And he did do justice unto the people, but not unto himself
because of his many whoredoms; wherefore he was cut off from the
presence of the Lord.

10:12 And it came to pass that Morianton built up many cities, and the
people became exceedingly rich under his reign, both in buildings, and
in gold and silver, and in raising grain, and in flocks, and herds, and
such things which had been restored unto them.

10:13 And Morianton did live to an exceedingly great age, and then he
begat Kim; and Kim did reign in the stead of his father; and he did
reign eight years, and his father died. And it came to pass that Kim
did not reign in righteousness, wherefore he was not favored of the
Lord.

10:14 And his brother did rise up in rebellion against him, by which he
did bring him into captivity; and he did remain in captivity all his
days; and he begat sons and daughters in captivity, and in his old age
he begat Levi; and he died.

10:15 And it came to pass that Levi did serve in captivity after the
death of his father, for the space of forty and two years. And he did
make war against the king of the land, by which he did obtain unto
himself the kingdom.

10:16 And after he had obtained unto himself the kingdom he did that
which was right in the sight of the Lord; and the people did prosper in
the land; and he did live to a good old age, and begat sons and
daughters; and he also begat Corom, whom he anointed king in his stead.

10:17 And it came to pass that Corom did that which was good in the
sight of the Lord all his days; and he begat many sons and daughters;
and after he had seen many days he did pass away, even like unto the
rest of the earth; and Kish reigned in his stead.

10:18 And it came to pass that Kish passed away also, and Lib reigned
in his stead.

10:19 And it came to pass that Lib also did that which was good in the
sight of the Lord. And in the days of Lib the poisonous serpents were
destroyed. Wherefore they did go into the land southward, to hunt food
for the people of the land, for the land was covered with animals of
the forest. And Lib also himself became a great hunter.

10:20 And they built a great city by the narrow neck of land, by the
place where the sea divides the land.

10:21 And they did preserve the land southward for a wilderness, to get
game. And the whole face of the land northward was covered with
inhabitants.

10:22 And they were exceedingly industrious, and they did buy and sell
and traffic one with another, that they might get gain.

10:23 And they did work in all manner of ore, and they did make gold,
and silver, and iron, and brass, and all manner of metals; and they did
dig it out of the earth; wherefore they did cast up mighty heaps of
earth to get ore, of gold, and of silver, and of iron, and of copper.
And they did work all manner of fine work.

10:24 And they did have silks, and fine-twined linen; and they did work
all manner of cloth, that they might clothe themselves from their
nakedness.

10:25 And they did make all manner of tools to till the earth, both to
plow and to sow, to reap and to hoe, and also to thrash.

10:26 And they did make all manner of tools with which they did work
their beasts.

10:27 And they did make all manner of weapons of war. And they did work
all manner of work of exceedingly curious workmanship.

10:28 And never could be a people more blessed than were they, and more
prospered by the hand of the Lord. And they were in a land that was
choice above all lands, for the Lord had spoken it.

10:29 And it came to pass that Lib did live many years, and begat sons
and daughters; and he also begat Hearthom.

10:30 And it came to pass that Hearthom reigned in the stead of his
father. And when Hearthom had reigned twenty and four years, behold,
the kingdom was taken away from him. And he served many years in
captivity, yea, even all the remainder of his days.

10:31 And he begat Heth, and Heth lived in captivity all his days. And
Heth begat Aaron, and Aaron dwelt in captivity all his days; and he
begat Amnigaddah, and Amnigaddah also dwelt in captivity all his days;
and he begat Coriantum, and Coriantum dwelt in captivity all his days;
and he begat Com.

10:32 And it came to pass that Com drew away the half of the kingdom.
And he reigned over the half of the kingdom forty and two years; and he
went to battle against the king, Amgid, and they fought for the space
of many years, during which time Com gained power over Amgid, and
obtained power over the remainder of the kingdom.

10:33 And in the days of Com there began to be robbers in the land; and
they adopted the old plans, and administered oaths after the manner of
the ancients, and sought again to destroy the kingdom.

10:34 Now Com did fight against them much; nevertheless, he did not
prevail against them.

Ether Chapter 11

11:1 And there came also in the days of Com many prophets, and
prophesied of the destruction of that great people except they should
repent, and turn unto the Lord, and forsake their murders and
wickedness.

11:2 And it came to pass that the prophets were rejected by the people,
and they fled unto Com for protection, for the people sought to destroy
them.

11:3 And they prophesied unto Com many things; and he was blessed in
all the remainder of his days.

11:4 And he lived to a good old age, and begat Shiblom; and Shiblom
reigned in his stead. And the brother of Shiblom rebelled against him,
and there began to be an exceedingly great war in all the land.

11:5 And it came to pass that the brother of Shiblom caused that all
the prophets who prophesied of the destruction of the people should be
put to death;

11:6 And there was great calamity in all the land, for they had
testified that a great curse should come upon the land, and also upon
the people, and that there should be a great destruction among them,
such an one as never had been upon the face of the earth, and their
bones should become as heaps of earth upon the face of the land except
they should repent of their wickedness.

11:7 And they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord, because of
their wicked combinations; wherefore, there began to be wars and
contentions in all the land, and also many famines and pestilences,
insomuch that there was a great destruction, such an one as never had
been known upon the face of the earth; and all this came to pass in the
days of Shiblom.

11:8 And the people began to repent of their iniquity; and inasmuch as
they did the Lord did have mercy on them.

11:9 And it came to pass that Shiblom was slain, and Seth was brought
into captivity, and did dwell in captivity all his days.

11:10 And it came to pass that Ahah, his son, did obtain the kingdom;
and he did reign over the people all his days. And he did do all manner
of iniquity in his days, by which he did cause the shedding of much
blood; and few were his days.

11:11 And Ethem, being a descendant of Ahah, did obtain the kingdom;
and he also did do that which was wicked in his days.

11:12 And it came to pass that in the days of Ethem there came many
prophets, and prophesied again unto the people; yea, they did prophesy
that the Lord would utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth
except they repented of their iniquities.

11:13 And it came to pass that the people hardened their hearts, and
would not hearken unto their words; and the prophets mourned and
withdrew from among the people.

11:14 And it came to pass that Ethem did execute judgment in wickedness
all his days; and he begat Moron. And it came to pass that Moron did
reign in his stead; and Moron did that which was wicked before the
Lord.

11:15 And it came to pass that there arose a rebellion among the
people, because of that secret combination which was built up to get
power and gain; and there arose a mighty man among them in iniquity,
and gave battle unto Moron, in which he did overthrow the half of the
kingdom; and he did maintain the half of the kingdom for many years.

11:16 And it came to pass that Moron did overthrow him, and did obtain
the kingdom again.

11:17 And it came to pass that there arose another mighty man; and he
was a descendant of the brother of Jared.

11:18 And it came to pass that he did overthrow Moron and obtain the
kingdom; wherefore, Moron dwelt in captivity all the remainder of his
days; and he begat Coriantor.

11:19 And it came to pass that Coriantor dwelt in captivity all his
days.

11:20 And in the days of Coriantor there also came many prophets, and
prophesied of great and marvelous things, and cried repentance unto the
people, and except they should repent the Lord God would execute
judgment against them to their utter destruction;

11:21 And that the Lord God would send or bring forth another people to
possess the land, by his power, after the manner by which he brought
their fathers.

11:22 And they did reject all the words of the prophets, because of
their secret society and wicked abominations.

11:23 And it came to pass that Coriantor begat Ether, and he died,
having dwelt in captivity all his days.

Ether Chapter 12

12:1 And it came to pass that the days of Ether were in the days of
Coriantumr; and Coriantumr was king over all the land.

12:2 And Ether was a prophet of the Lord; wherefore Ether came forth in
the days of Coriantumr, and began to prophesy unto the people, for he
could not be restrained because of the Spirit of the Lord which was in
him.

12:3 For he did cry from the morning, even until the going down of the
sun, exhorting the people to believe in God unto repentance lest they
should be destroyed, saying unto them that by faith all things are
fulfilled—

12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a
better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope
cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make
them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to
glorify God.

12:5 And it came to pass that Ether did prophesy great and marvelous
things unto the people, which they did not believe, because they saw
them not.

12:6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things;
I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for
and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive
no witness until after the trial of your faith.

12:7 For it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers,
after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them
until after they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs be that
some had faith in him, for he showed himself not unto the world.

12:8 But because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the
world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that
thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might
hope for those things which they have not seen.

12:9 Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if
ye will but have faith.

12:10 Behold it was by faith that they of old were called after the
holy order of God.

12:11 Wherefore, by faith was the law of Moses given. But in the gift
of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way; and it is by faith
that it hath been fulfilled.

12:12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no
miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their
faith.

12:13 Behold, it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the
prison to tumble to the earth.

12:14 Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the
change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with
the Holy Ghost.

12:15 Behold, it was the faith of Ammon and his brethren which wrought
so great a miracle among the Lamanites.

12:16 Yea, and even all they who wrought miracles wrought them by
faith, even those who were before Christ and also those who were after.

12:17 And it was by faith that the three disciples obtained a promise
that they should not taste of death; and they obtained not the promise
until after their faith.

12:18 And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after
their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God.

12:19 And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even
before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but
truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye
of faith, and they were glad.

12:20 And behold, we have seen in this record that one of these was the
brother of Jared; for so great was his faith in God, that when God put
forth his finger he could not hide it from the sight of the brother of
Jared, because of his word which he had spoken unto him, which word he
had obtained by faith.

12:21 And after the brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord,
because of the promise which the brother of Jared had obtained by
faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight; wherefore
he showed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the
veil.

12:22 And it is by faith that my fathers have obtained the promise that
these things should come unto their brethren through the Gentiles;
therefore the Lord hath commanded me, yea, even Jesus Christ.

12:23 And I said unto him: Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these
things, because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us
mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing;
for thou hast made all this people that they could speak much, because
of the Holy Ghost which thou hast given them;

12:24 And thou hast made us that we could write but little, because of
the awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast not made us mighty in
writing like unto the brother of Jared, for thou madest him that the
things which he wrote were mighty even as thou art, unto the
overpowering of man to read them.

12:25 Thou hast also made our words powerful and great, even that we
cannot write them; wherefore, when we write we behold our weakness, and
stumble because of the placing of our words; and I fear lest the
Gentiles shall mock at our words.

12:26 And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools
mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek,
that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;

12:27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I
give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is
sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they
humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make
weak things become strong unto them.

12:28 Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness and I will
show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the
fountain of all righteousness.

12:29 And I, Moroni, having heard these words, was comforted, and said:
O Lord, thy righteous will be done, for I know that thou workest unto
the children of men according to their faith;

12:30 For the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin, Remove—and
it was removed. And if he had not had faith it would not have moved;
wherefore thou workest after men have faith.

12:31 For thus didst thou manifest thyself unto thy disciples; for
after they had faith, and did speak in thy name, thou didst show
thyself unto them in great power.

12:32 And I also remember that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a
house for man, yea, even among the mansions of thy Father, in which man
might have a more excellent hope; wherefore man must hope, or he cannot
receive an inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared.

12:33 And again, I remember that thou hast said that thou hast loved
the world, even unto the laying down of thy life for the world, that
thou mightest take it again to prepare a place for the children of men.

12:34 And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the
children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity
they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions
of thy Father.

12:35 Wherefore, I know by this thing which thou hast said, that if the
Gentiles have not charity, because of our weakness, that thou wilt
prove them, and take away their talent, yea, even that which they have
received, and give unto them who shall have more abundantly.

12:36 And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would
give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity.

12:37 And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: If they have not
charity it mattereth not unto thee, thou hast been faithful; wherefore,
thy garments shall be made clean. And because thou hast seen thy
weakness thou shalt be made strong, even unto the sitting down in the
place which I have prepared in the mansions of my Father.

12:38 And now I, Moroni, bid farewell unto the Gentiles, yea, and also
unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the
judgment-seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are
not spotted with your blood.

12:39 And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and that he hath
talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humility,
even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning these
things;

12:40 And only a few have I written, because of my weakness in writing.

12:41 And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the
prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father,
and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth
record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen.

Ether Chapter 13

13:1 And now I, Moroni, proceed to finish my record concerning the
destruction of the people of whom I have been writing.

13:2 For behold, they rejected all the words of Ether; for he truly
told them of all things, from the beginning of man; and that after the
waters had receded from off the face of this land it became a choice
land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord; wherefore the
Lord would have that all men should serve him who dwell upon the face
thereof;

13:3 And that it was the place of the New Jerusalem, which should come
down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord.

13:4 Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a
New Jerusalem upon this land.

13:5 And he spake also concerning the house of Israel, and the
Jerusalem from whence Lehi should come—after it should be destroyed it
should be built up again, a holy city unto the Lord; wherefore, it
could not be a new Jerusalem for it had been in a time of old; but it
should be built up again, and become a holy city of the Lord; and it
should be built unto the house of Israel.

13:6 And that a New Jerusalem should be built upon this land, unto the
remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things there has been a type.

13:7 For as Joseph brought his father down into the land of Egypt, even
so he died there; wherefore, the Lord brought a remnant of the seed of
Joseph out of the land of Jerusalem, that he might be merciful unto the
seed of Joseph that they should perish not, even as he was merciful
unto the father of Joseph that he should perish not.

13:8 Wherefore, the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built upon
this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall
build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and
they shall no more be confounded, until the end come when the earth
shall pass away.

13:9 And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and they shall be
like unto the old save the old have passed away, and all things have
become new.

13:10 And then cometh the New Jerusalem; and blessed are they who dwell
therein, for it is they whose garments are white through the blood of
the Lamb; and they are they who are numbered among the remnant of the
seed of Joseph, who were of the house of Israel.

13:11 And then also cometh the Jerusalem of old; and the inhabitants
thereof, blessed are they, for they have been washed in the blood of
the Lamb; and they are they who were scattered and gathered in from the
four quarters of the earth, and from the north countries, and are
partakers of the fulfilling of the covenant which God made with their
father, Abraham.

13:12 And when these things come, bringeth to pass the scripture which
saith, there are they who were first, who shall be last; and there are
they who were last, who shall be first.

13:13 And I was about to write more, but I am forbidden; but great and
marvelous were the prophecies of Ether; but they esteemed him as
naught, and cast him out; and he hid himself in the cavity of a rock by
day, and by night he went forth viewing the things which should come
upon the people.

13:14 And as he dwelt in the cavity of a rock he made the remainder of
his record, viewing the destructions which came upon the people, by
night.

13:15 And it came to pass that in that same year in which he was cast
out from among the people there began to be a great war among the
people, for there were many who rose up, who were mighty men, and
sought to destroy Coriantumr by their secret plans of wickedness, of
which hath been spoken.

13:16 And now Coriantumr, having studied, himself, in all the arts of
war and all the cunning of the world, wherefore he gave battle unto
them who sought to destroy him.

13:17 But he repented not, neither his fair sons nor daughters; neither
the fair sons and daughters of Cohor; neither the fair sons and
daughters of Corihor; and in fine, there were none of the fair sons and
daughters upon the face of the whole earth who repented of their sins.

13:18 Wherefore, it came to pass that in the first year that Ether
dwelt in the cavity of a rock, there were many people who were slain by
the sword of those secret combinations, fighting against Coriantumr
that they might obtain the kingdom.

13:19 And it came to pass that the sons of Coriantumr fought much and
bled much.

13:20 And in the second year the word of the Lord came to Ether, that
he should go and prophesy unto Coriantumr that, if he would repent, and
all his household, the Lord would give unto him his kingdom and spare
the people—

13:21 Otherwise they should be destroyed, and all his household save it
were himself. And he should only live to see the fulfilling of the
prophecies which had been spoken concerning another people receiving
the land for their inheritance; and Coriantumr should receive a burial
by them; and every soul should be destroyed save it were Coriantumr.

13:22 And it came to pass that Coriantumr repented not, neither his
household, neither the people; and the wars ceased not; and they sought
to kill Ether, but he fled from before them and hid again in the cavity
of the rock.

13:23 And it came to pass that there arose up Shared, and he also gave
battle unto Coriantumr; and he did beat him, insomuch that in the third
year he did bring him into captivity.

13:24 And the sons of Coriantumr, in the fourth year, did beat Shared,
and did obtain the kingdom again unto their father.

13:25 Now there began to be a war upon all the face of the land, every
man with his band fighting for that which he desired.

13:26 And there were robbers, and in fine, all manner of wickedness
upon all the face of the land.

13:27 And it came to pass that Coriantumr was exceedingly angry with
Shared, and he went against him with his armies to battle; and they did
meet in great anger, and they did meet in the valley of Gilgal; and the
battle became exceedingly sore.

13:28 And it came to pass that Shared fought against him for the space
of three days. And it came to pass that Coriantumr beat him, and did
pursue him until he came to the plains of Heshlon.

13:29 And it came to pass that Shared gave him battle again upon the
plains; and behold, he did beat Coriantumr, and drove him back again to
the valley of Gilgal.

13:30 And Coriantumr gave Shared battle again in the valley of Gilgal,
in which he beat Shared and slew him.

13:31 And Shared wounded Coriantumr in his thigh, that he did not go to
battle again for the space of two years, in which time all the people
upon the face of the land were shedding blood, and there was none to
restrain them.

Ether Chapter 14

14:1 And now there began to be a great curse upon all the land because
of the iniquity of the people, in which, if a man should lay his tool
or his sword upon his shelf, or upon the place whither he would keep
it, behold, upon the morrow, he could not find it, so great was the
curse upon the land.

14:2 Wherefore every man did cleave unto that which was his own, with
his hands, and would not borrow neither would he lend; and every man
kept the hilt of his sword in his right hand, in the defence of his
property and his own life and of his wives and children.

14:3 And now, after the space of two years, and after the death of
Shared, behold, there arose the brother of Shared and he gave battle
unto Coriantumr, in which Coriantumr did beat him and did pursue him to
the wilderness of Akish.

14:4 And it came to pass that the brother of Shared did give battle
unto him in the wilderness of Akish; and the battle became exceedingly
sore, and many thousands fell by the sword.

14:5 And it came to pass that Coriantumr did lay siege to the
wilderness; and the brother of Shared did march forth out of the
wilderness by night, and slew a part of the army of Coriantumr, as they
were drunken.

14:6 And he came forth to the land of Moron, and placed himself upon
the throne of Coriantumr.

14:7 And it came to pass that Coriantumr dwelt with his army in the
wilderness for the space of two years, in which he did receive great
strength to his army.

14:8 Now the brother of Shared, whose name was Gilead, also received
great strength to his army, because of secret combinations.

14:9 And it came to pass that his high priest murdered him as he sat
upon his throne.

14:10 And it came to pass that one of the secret combinations murdered
him in a secret pass, and obtained unto himself the kingdom; and his
name was Lib; and Lib was a man of great stature, more than any other
man among all the people.

14:11 And it came to pass that in the first year of Lib, Coriantumr
came up unto the land of Moron, and gave battle unto Lib.

14:12 And it came to pass that he fought with Lib, in which Lib did
smite upon his arm that he was wounded; nevertheless, the army of
Coriantumr did press forward upon Lib, that he fled to the borders upon
the seashore.

14:13 And it came to pass that Coriantumr pursued him; and Lib gave
battle unto him upon the seashore.

14:14 And it came to pass that Lib did smite the army of Coriantumr,
that they fled again to the wilderness of Akish.

14:15 And it came to pass that Lib did pursue him until he came to the
plains of Agosh. And Coriantumr had taken all the people with him as he
fled before Lib in that quarter of the land whither he fled.

14:16 And when he had come to the plains of Agosh he gave battle unto
Lib, and he smote upon him until he died; nevertheless, the brother of
Lib did come against Coriantumr in the stead thereof, and the battle
became exceedingly sore, in the which Coriantumr fled again before the
army of the brother of Lib.

14:17 Now the name of the brother of Lib was called Shiz. And it came
to pass that Shiz pursued after Coriantumr, and he did overthrow many
cities, and he did slay both women and children, and he did burn the
cities.

14:18 And there went a fear of Shiz throughout all the land; yea, a cry
went forth throughout the land—Who can stand before the army of Shiz?
Behold, he sweepeth the earth before him!

14:19 And it came to pass that the people began to flock together in
armies, throughout all the face of the land.

14:20 And they were divided; and a part of them fled to the army of
Shiz, and a part of them fled to the army of Coriantumr.

14:21 And so great and lasting had been the war, and so long had been
the scene of bloodshed and carnage, that the whole face of the land was
covered with the bodies of the dead.

14:22 And so swift and speedy was the war that there was none left to
bury the dead, but they did march forth from the shedding of blood to
the shedding of blood, leaving the bodies of both men, women, and
children strewed upon the face of the land, to become a prey to the
worms of the flesh.

14:23 And the scent thereof went forth upon the face of the land, even
upon all the face of the land; wherefore the people became troubled by
day and by night, because of the scent thereof.

14:24 Nevertheless, Shiz did not cease to pursue Coriantumr; for he had
sworn to avenge himself upon Coriantumr of the blood of his brother,
who had been slain, and the word of the Lord which came to Ether that
Coriantumr should not fall by the sword.

14:25 And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of
his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for
their everlasting destruction.

14:26 And it came to pass that Shiz did pursue Coriantumr eastward,
even to the borders by the seashore, and there he gave battle unto Shiz
for the space of three days.

14:27 And so terrible was the destruction among the armies of Shiz that
the people began to be frightened, and began to flee before the armies
of Coriantumr; and they fled to the land of Corihor, and swept off the
inhabitants before them, all them that would not join them.

14:28 And they pitched their tents in the valley of Corihor; and
Coriantumr pitched his tents in the valley of Shurr. Now the valley of
Shurr was near the hill Comnor; wherefore, Coriantumr did gather his
armies together upon the hill Comnor, and did sound a trumpet unto the
armies of Shiz to invite them forth to battle.

14:29 And it came to pass that they came forth, but were driven again;
and they came the second time, and they were driven again the second
time. And it came to pass that they came again the third time, and the
battle became exceedingly sore.

14:30 And it came to pass that Shiz smote upon Coriantumr that he gave
him many deep wounds; and Coriantumr, having lost his blood, fainted,
and was carried away as though he were dead.

14:31 Now the loss of men, women and children on both sides was so
great that Shiz commanded his people that they should not pursue the
armies of Coriantumr; wherefore, they returned to their camp.

Ether Chapter 15

15:1 And it came to pass when Coriantumr had recovered of his wounds,
he began to remember the words which Ether had spoken unto him.

15:2 He saw that there had been slain by the sword already nearly two
millions of his people, and he began to sorrow in his heart; yea, there
had been slain two millions of mighty men, and also their wives and
their children.

15:3 He began to repent of the evil which he had done; he began to
remember the words which had been spoken by the mouth of all the
prophets, and he saw them that they were fulfilled thus far, every
whit; and his soul mourned and refused to be comforted.

15:4 And it came to pass that he wrote an epistle unto Shiz, desiring
him that he would spare the people, and he would give up the kingdom
for the sake of the lives of the people.

15:5 And it came to pass that when Shiz had received his epistle he
wrote an epistle unto Coriantumr, that if he would give himself up,
that he might slay him with his own sword, that he would spare the
lives of the people.

15:6 And it came to pass that the people repented not of their
iniquity; and the people of Coriantumr were stirred up to anger against
the people of Shiz; and the people of Shiz were stirred up to anger
against the people of Coriantumr; wherefore, the people of Shiz did
give battle unto the people of Coriantumr.

15:7 And when Coriantumr saw that he was about to fall he fled again
before the people of Shiz.

15:8 And it came to pass that he came to the waters of Ripliancum,
which, by interpretation, is large, or to exceed all; wherefore, when
they came to these waters they pitched their tents; and Shiz also
pitched his tents near unto them; and therefore on the morrow they did
come to battle.

15:9 And it came to pass that they fought an exceedingly sore battle,
in which Coriantumr was wounded again, and he fainted with the loss of
blood.

15:10 And it came to pass that the armies of Coriantumr did press upon
the armies of Shiz that they beat them, that they caused them to flee
before them; and they did flee southward, and did pitch their tents in
a place which was called Ogath.

15:11 And it came to pass that the army of Coriantumr did pitch their
tents by the hill Ramah; and it was that same hill where my father
Mormon did hide up the records unto the Lord, which were sacred.

15:12 And it came to pass that they did gather together all the people
upon all the face of the land, who had not been slain, save it was
Ether.

15:13 And it came to pass that Ether did behold all the doings of the
people; and he beheld that the people who were for Coriantumr were
gathered together to the army of Coriantumr; and the people who were
for Shiz were gathered together to the army of Shiz.

15:14 Wherefore, they were for the space of four years gathering
together the people, that they might get all who were upon the face of
the land, and that they might receive all the strength which it was
possible that they could receive.

15:15 And it came to pass that when they were all gathered together,
every one to the army which he would, with their wives and their
children—both men women and children being armed with weapons of war,
having shields, and breastplates, and head-plates, and being clothed
after the manner of war—they did march forth one against another to
battle; and they fought all that day, and conquered not.

15:16 And it came to pass that when it was night they were weary, and
retired to their camps; and after they had retired to their camps they
took up a howling and a lamentation for the loss of the slain of their
people; and so great were their cries, their howlings and lamentations,
that they did rend the air exceedingly.

15:17 And it came to pass that on the morrow they did go again to
battle, and great and terrible was that day; nevertheless, they
conquered not, and when the night came again they did rend the air with
their cries, and their howlings, and their mournings, for the loss of
the slain of their people.

15:18 And it came to pass that Coriantumr wrote again an epistle unto
Shiz, desiring that he would not come again to battle, but that he
would take the kingdom, and spare the lives of the people.

15:19 And behold, the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving with them,
and Satan had full power over the hearts of the people; for they were
given up unto the hardness of their hearts, and the blindness of their
minds that they might be destroyed; wherefore they went again to
battle.

15:20 And it came to pass that they fought all that day, and when the
night came they slept upon their swords.

15:21 And on the morrow they fought even until the night came.

15:22 And when the night came they were drunken with anger, even as a
man who is drunken with wine; and they slept again upon their swords.

15:23 And on the morrow they fought again; and when the night came they
had all fallen by the sword save it were fifty and two of the people of
Coriantumr, and sixty and nine of the people of Shiz.

15:24 And it came to pass that they slept upon their swords that night,
and on the morrow they fought again, and they contended in their might
with their swords and with their shields, all that day.

15:25 And when the night came there were thirty and two of the people
of Shiz, and twenty and seven of the people of Coriantumr.

15:26 And it came to pass that they ate and slept, and prepared for
death on the morrow. And they were large and mighty men as to the
strength of men.

15:27 And it came to pass that they fought for the space of three
hours, and they fainted with the loss of blood.

15:28 And it came to pass that when the men of Coriantumr had received
sufficient strength that they could walk, they were about to flee for
their lives; but behold, Shiz arose, and also his men, and he swore in
his wrath that he would slay Coriantumr or he would perish by the
sword.

15:29 Wherefore, he did pursue them, and on the morrow he did overtake
them; and they fought again with the sword. And it came to pass that
when they had all fallen by the sword, save it were Coriantumr and
Shiz, behold Shiz had fainted with the loss of blood.

15:30 And it came to pass that when Coriantumr had leaned upon his
sword, that he rested a little, he smote off the head of Shiz.

15:31 And it came to pass that after he had smitten off the head of
Shiz, that Shiz raised upon his hands and fell; and after that he had
struggled for breath, he died.

15:32 And it came to pass that Coriantumr fell to the earth, and became
as if he had no life.

15:33 And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him: Go forth. And
he went forth, and beheld that the words of the Lord had all been
fulfilled; and he finished his record; (and the hundredth part I have
not written) and he hid them in a manner that the people of Limhi did
find them.

15:34 Now the last words which are written by Ether are these: Whether
the Lord will that I be translated, or that I suffer the will of the
Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it so be that I am saved in the
kingdom of God. Amen.




 THE BOOK OF MORONI

Moroni Chapter 1

1:1 Now I, Moroni, after having made an end of abridging the account of
the people of Jared, I had supposed not to have written more, but I
have not as yet perished; and I make not myself known to the Lamanites
lest they should destroy me.

1:2 For behold, their wars are exceedingly fierce among themselves; and
because of their hatred they put to death every Nephite that will not
deny the Christ.

1:3 And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore, I wander
whithersoever I can for the safety of mine own life.

1:4 Wherefore, I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had
supposed; for I had supposed not to have written any more; but I write
a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren,
the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord.

Moroni Chapter 2

2:1 The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve
whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them—

2:2 And he called them by name, saying: Ye shall call on the Father in
my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have
power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the
Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles.

2:3 Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time of his first
appearing; and the multitude heard it not, but the disciples heard it;
and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Ghost.

Moroni Chapter 3

3:1 The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of the
church, ordained priests and teachers—

3:2 After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they
laid their hands upon them, and said:

3:3 In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest, (or, if he
be a teacher) I ordain you to be a teacher, to preach repentance and
remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on
his name to the end. Amen.

3:4 And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers,
according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained
them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them.

Moroni Chapter 4

4:1 The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and
blood of Christ unto the church; and they administered it according to
the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true;
and the elder or priest did minister it—

4:2 And they did kneel down with the church, and pray to the Father in
the name of Christ, saying:

4:3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son,
Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all
those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body
of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they
are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember
him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may
always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

Moroni Chapter 5

5:1 The manner of administering the wine—Behold, they took the cup, and
said:

5:2 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son,
Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those
who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy
Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God,
the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may
have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

Moroni Chapter 6

6:1 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and
teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought
forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.

6:2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with
a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church
that they truly repented of all their sins.

6:3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the
name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.

6:4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought
upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered
among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken,
that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to
keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto
prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and
the finisher of their faith.

6:5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to
speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.

6:6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in
remembrance of the Lord Jesus.

6:7 And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity
among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and three witnesses
of the church did condemn them before the elders, and if they repented
not, and confessed not, their names were blotted out, and they were not
numbered among the people of Christ.

6:8 But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real
intent, they were forgiven.

6:9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of
the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as
the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort,
or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.

Moroni Chapter 7

7:1 And now I, Moroni, write a few of the words of my father Mormon,
which he spake concerning faith, hope, and charity; for after this
manner did he speak unto the people, as he taught them in the synagogue
which they had built for the place of worship.

7:2 And now I, Mormon, speak unto you, my beloved brethren; and it is
by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and his holy
will, because of the gift of his calling unto me, that I am permitted
to speak unto you at this time.

7:3 Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are
the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient
hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time
henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven.

7:4 And now my brethren, I judge these things of you because of your
peaceable walk with the children of men.

7:5 For I remember the word of God, which saith by their works ye shall
know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also.

7:6 For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is
good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall
do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.

7:7 For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.

7:8 For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it
grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had
retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God.

7:9 And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray
and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing,
for God receiveth none such.

7:10 Wherefore, a man being evil cannot do that which is good; neither
will he give a good gift.

7:11 For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water;
neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man
being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow
Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil.

7:12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which
is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and
fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and
to do that which is evil continually.

7:13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good
continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do
good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

7:14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge
that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be
of the devil.

7:15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye
may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may
know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

7:16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he
may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge;
for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe
in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye
may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

7:17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in
Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a
perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the
devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither
do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

7:18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye
may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge
wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be
judged.

7:19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search
diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and
if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye
certainly will be a child of Christ.

7:20 And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon
every good thing?

7:21 And now I come to that faith, of which I said I would speak; and I
will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing.

7:22 For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to
everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of
men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ
there should come every good thing.

7:23 And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ
should come.

7:24 And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things
unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are
good cometh of Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no
good thing come unto them.

7:25 Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which
proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in
Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and
thus it was until the coming of Christ.

7:26 And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name;
and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as sure as Christ liveth
he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye
shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that
ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you.

7:27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because
Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand
of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon
the children of men?

7:28 For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all
those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave
unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the
children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens.

7:29 And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles
ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to
minister unto the children of men.

7:30 For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to
the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith
and a firm mind in every form of godliness.

7:31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance,
and to fulfill and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which
he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the
children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen
vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him.

7:32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue
of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in
their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner
bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the
children of men.

7:33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have
power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

7:34 And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto
me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be
saved.

7:35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these
things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto
you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true,
and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?

7:36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has
he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long
as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man
upon the face thereof to be saved?

7:37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are
wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men;
wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men,
for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.

7:38 For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save
they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have
ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for
they are as though there had been no redemption made.

7:39 But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for
I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if
ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the
people of his church.

7:40 And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning
hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope?

7:41 And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that
ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his
resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your
faith in him according to the promise.

7:42 Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for
without faith there cannot be any hope.

7:43 And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and
hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart.

7:44 If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before
God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly
in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is
the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he
is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.

7:45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is
not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no
evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth
all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all
things.

7:46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are
nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity,
which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

7:47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever;
and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well
with him.

7:48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the
energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath
bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that
ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be
like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope;
that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

Moroni Chapter 8

8:1 An epistle of my father Mormon, written to me, Moroni; and it was
written unto me soon after my calling to the ministry. And on this wise
did he write unto me, saying:

8:2 My beloved son, Moroni, I rejoice exceedingly that your Lord Jesus
Christ hath been mindful of you, and hath called you to his ministry,
and to his holy work.

8:3 I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto
God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through
his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of
faith on his name to the end.

8:4 And now, my son, I speak unto you concerning that which grieveth me
exceedingly; for it grieveth me that there should disputations rise
among you.

8:5 For, if I have learned the truth, there have been disputations
among you concerning the baptism of your little children.

8:6 And now, my son, I desire that ye should labor diligently, that
this gross error should be removed from among you; for, for this intent
I have written this epistle.

8:7 For immediately after I had learned these things of you I inquired
of the Lord concerning the matter. And the word of the Lord came to me
by the power of the Holy Ghost, saying:

8:8 Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your
God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but
sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are
sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of
committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me,
that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done
away in me.

8:9 And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God
unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery
before God, that ye should baptize little children.

8:10 Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance
and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing
sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and
humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved
with their little children.

8:11 And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism.
Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments
unto the remission of sins.

8:12 But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation
of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable
God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died
without baptism!

8:13 Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism,
these must have gone to an endless hell.

8:14 Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children
need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity,
for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be
cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell.

8:15 For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child
because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no
baptism.

8:16 Wo be unto them that shall pervert the ways of the Lord after this
manner, for they shall perish except they repent. Behold, I speak with
boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do;
for perfect love casteth out all fear.

8:17 And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love;
wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little
children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of
salvation.

8:18 For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable
being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity.

8:19 Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness
to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in
him because of his mercy.

8:20 And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the
mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the
power of his redemption.

8:21 Wo unto such, for they are in danger of death, hell, and an
endless torment. I speak it boldly; God hath commanded me. Listen unto
them and give heed, or they stand against you at the judgment-seat of
Christ.

8:22 For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also
all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh
on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or
he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism
availeth nothing—

8:23 But it is mockery before God, denying the mercies of Christ, and
the power of his Holy Spirit, and putting trust in dead works.

8:24 Behold, my son, this thing ought not to be; for repentance is unto
them that are under condemnation and under the curse of a broken law.

8:25 And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh
by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the
commandments bringeth remission of sins;

8:26 And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of
heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the
visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and
perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the
end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God.

8:27 Behold, my son, I will write unto you again if I go not out soon
against the Lamanites. Behold, the pride of this nation, or the people
of the Nephites, hath proven their destruction except they should
repent.

8:28 Pray for them, my son, that repentance may come unto them. But
behold, I fear lest the Spirit hath ceased striving with them; and in
this part of the land they are also seeking to put down all power and
authority which cometh from God; and they are denying the Holy Ghost.

8:29 And after rejecting so great a knowledge, my son, they must perish
soon, unto the fulfilling of the prophecies which were spoken by the
prophets, as well as the words of our Savior himself.

8:30 Farewell, my son, until I shall write unto you, or shall meet you
again. Amen.

Moroni Chapter 9

9:1 My beloved son, I write unto you again that ye may know that I am
yet alive; but I write somewhat of that which is grievous.

9:2 For behold, I have had a sore battle with the Lamanites, in which
we did not conquer; and Archeantus has fallen by the sword, and also
Luram and Emron; yea, and we have lost a great number of our choice
men.

9:3 And now behold, my son, I fear lest the Lamanites shall destroy
this people; for they do not repent, and Satan stirreth them up
continually to anger one with another.

9:4 Behold, I am laboring with them continually; and when I speak the
word of God with sharpness they tremble and anger against me; and when
I use no sharpness they harden their hearts against it; wherefore, I
fear lest the Spirit of the Lord hath ceased striving with them.

9:5 For so exceedingly do they anger that it seemeth me that they have
no fear of death; and they have lost their love, one towards another;
and they thirst after blood and revenge continually.

9:6 And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us
labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought
under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this
tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness,
and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.

9:7 And now I write somewhat concerning the sufferings of this people.
For according to the knowledge which I have received from Amoron,
behold, the Lamanites have many prisoners, which they took from the
tower of Sherrizah; and there were men, women, and children.

9:8 And the husbands and fathers of those women and children they have
slain; and they feed the women upon the flesh of their husbands, and
the children upon the flesh of their fathers; and no water, save a
little, do they give unto them.

9:9 And notwithstanding this great abomination of the Lamanites, it
doth not exceed that of our people in Moriantum. For behold, many of
the daughters of the Lamanites have they taken prisoners; and after
depriving them of that which was most dear and precious above all
things, which is chastity and virtue—

9:10 And after they had done this thing, they did murder them in a most
cruel manner, torturing their bodies even unto death; and after they
have done this, they devour their flesh like unto wild beasts, because
of the hardness of their hearts; and they do it for a token of bravery.

9:11 O my beloved son, how can a people like this, that are without
civilization—

9:12 (And only a few years have passed away, and they were a civil and
a delightsome people)

9:13 But O my son, how can a people like this, whose delight is in so
much abomination—

9:14 How can we expect that God will stay his hand in judgment against
us?

9:15 Behold, my heart cries: Wo unto this people. Come out in judgment,
O God, and hide their sins, and wickedness, and abominations from
before thy face!

9:16 And again, my son, there are many widows and their daughters who
remain in Sherrizah; and that part of the provisions which the
Lamanites did not carry away, behold, the army of Zenephi has carried
away, and left them to wander whithersoever they can for food; and many
old women do faint by the way and die.

9:17 And the army which is with me is weak; and the armies of the
Lamanites are betwixt Sherrizah and me; and as many as have fled to the
army of Aaron have fallen victims to their awful brutality.

9:18 O the depravity of my people! They are without order and without
mercy. Behold, I am but a man, and I have but the strength of a man,
and I cannot any longer enforce my commands.

9:19 And they have become strong in their perversion; and they are
alike brutal, sparing none, neither old nor young; and they delight in
everything save that which is good; and the suffering of our women and
our children upon all the face of this land doth exceed everything;
yea, tongue cannot tell, neither can it be written.

9:20 And now, my son, I dwell no longer upon this horrible scene.
Behold, thou knowest the wickedness of this people; thou knowest that
they are without principle, and past feeling; and their wickedness doth
exceed that of the Lamanites.

9:21 Behold, my son, I cannot recommend them unto God lest he should
smite me.

9:22 But behold, my son, I recommend thee unto God, and I trust in
Christ that thou wilt be saved; and I pray unto God that he will spare
thy life, to witness the return of his people unto him, or their utter
destruction; for I know that they must perish except they repent and
return unto him.

9:23 And if they perish it will be like unto the Jaredites, because of
the wilfulness of their hearts, seeking for blood and revenge.

9:24 And if it so be that they perish, we know that many of our
brethren have deserted over unto the Lamanites, and many more will also
desert over unto them; wherefore, write somewhat a few things, if thou
art spared and I shall perish and not see thee; but I trust that I may
see thee soon; for I have sacred records that I would deliver up unto
thee.

9:25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have
written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift
thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body
unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his
glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.

9:26 And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the
heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of
his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and
abide with you forever. Amen.

Moroni Chapter 10

10:1 Now I, Moroni, write somewhat as seemeth me good; and I write unto
my brethren, the Lamanites; and I would that they should know that more
than four hundred and twenty years have passed away since the sign was
given of the coming of Christ.

10:2 And I seal up these records, after I have spoken a few words by
way of exhortation unto you.

10:3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things,
if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember
how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the
creation of Adam even down unto the time that ye shall receive these
things, and ponder it in your hearts.

10:4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye
would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these
things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with
real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it
unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

10:5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all
things.

10:6 And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing
that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.

10:7 And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost;
wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he
worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the
same today and tomorrow, and forever.

10:8 And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts
of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there
are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the
same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the
manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them.

10:9 For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that he may
teach the word of wisdom;

10:10 And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge by the
same Spirit;

10:11 And to another, exceedingly great faith; and to another, the
gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10:12 And again, to another, that he may work mighty miracles;

10:13 And again, to another, that he may prophesy concerning all
things;

10:14 And again, to another, the beholding of angels and ministering
spirits;

10:15 And again, to another, all kinds of tongues;

10:16 And again, to another, the interpretation of languages and of
divers kinds of tongues.

10:17 And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ; and they come
unto every man severally, according as he will.

10:18 And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember
that every good gift cometh of Christ.

10:19 And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember
that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these
gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done
away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the
unbelief of the children of men.

10:20 Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there
must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be
charity.

10:21 And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the
kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye
have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope.

10:22 And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair
cometh because of iniquity.

10:23 And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can
do all things which are expedient unto me.

10:24 And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day
cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it
shall be because of unbelief.

10:25 And wo be unto the children of men if this be the case; for there
shall be none that doeth good among you, no not one. For if there be
one among you that doeth good, he shall work by the power and gifts of
God.

10:26 And wo unto them who shall do these things away and die, for they
die in their sins, and they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God; and
I speak it according to the words of Christ; and I lie not.

10:27 And I exhort you to remember these things; for the time speedily
cometh that ye shall know that I lie not, for ye shall see me at the
bar of God; and the Lord God will say unto you: Did I not declare my
words unto you, which were written by this man, like as one crying from
the dead, yea, even as one speaking out of the dust?

10:28 I declare these things unto the fulfilling of the prophecies. And
behold, they shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the everlasting
God; and his word shall hiss forth from generation to generation.

10:29 And God shall show unto you, that that which I have written is
true.

10:30 And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and
lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the
unclean thing.

10:31 And awake, and arise from the dust, O Jerusalem; yea, and put on
thy beautiful garments, O daughter of Zion; and strengthen thy stakes
and enlarge thy borders forever, that thou mayest no more be
confounded, that the covenants of the Eternal Father which he hath made
unto thee, O house of Israel, may be fulfilled.

10:32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny
yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all
ungodliness and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then
is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in
Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in
nowise deny the power of God.

10:33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and
deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of
God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the
covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become
holy, without spot.

10:34 And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the
paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am
brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the
pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and
dead. Amen.




