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UNIVHRSITY
LIBRAKY
CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
3 1924 082 452 842
Cornell University
Library
The original of tliis book is in
tlie Cornell University Library.
There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924082452842
THE
BOOI OF MOEMON
TRANSLATED BT
JOSEPH SMITH, Jr.
BEPBINTED TBOU TEE lEIBD AlISBIOAN' EDITION, CABBFUIXT
BETISED BY THE TBAK8LAT0B.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The piesent effition of the Book of Mormon is an accurate reprint of
the third American edition, originally published at Nauvoo, eighteen years
ago, under the omciai sanction of the leaders of the Church orSeSSrChrist.
^flie apostacy of the great body of the Church, through the influence of
false teachers, who priTJly brought into the Church Damnable Heresies, even
denying the Lord, that bought them ; together with the fact that they hare
for a long time suppressed the Book, on ac-count of its pointed condemna-
tion of their practices, has appeared to the Publisher as a suflScieut reason
for reissuing it ; so that the many firm believers of the Book that are scat-
tered through the land, earnestly desiring the spread of truth, may hare an
opportunity to avail themselves of its precious truths, and put into their own
and their neighbors possession the real weapon with which to put down
Polygamy and its kindred institutions. In this republication, the Publisher
has yielded to a general desire for information in regard to the nature and
origin of the Book, and has placed in the introduction a mere 'synopsis of
the evidences of its Divinity, and what it purports to be.
INTRODUCTION.
What is the Book of Mormon ? Whence its origin ? What its purpose ?
are questions often asl^ed and variously answered, without much regard to
truth, by the many who make the answers. In answer to these questions,
we remark that the Book of Mormon purports to he a part of the great
things of God's law to Ephraim, as stated in the 8th chap. 11th and 12th
verses of Hosea. " Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars
shall be unto him to sin. I have written to him the great things of my law,
Ijnt they were counted as a strange thing."
I Who is Ephraim ? Where his land ? Let the Bible answer. By read-
ing the 48th chap, of Genesis, you will find that Jacob, a prophet of the
Living God, just before his death, blessed his son Joseph in the land of
Egypt, and that he also pronounced a pecuhar blessing upon his two grand-
sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, sons of Joseph, born unto him in the land
of Egypt. In this blessing, God, through his prophet Jacob, enters into a
very peculiar covenant with these lads, as you will find by reading the 19th
verse. And his father refused, and said, " I know it, my son, I know it :
he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great ; but truly his
younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a mul-
titude of nations." Here, then, is a positive, unconditional covenant, that
Manasseh shall become a people, and that Ephraim shall become a multitude
of nations; i. e., a great many nations, and yet at the same time an unknown
number of nations. Now the question arises, where ? Certainly not in the
land of Palestine, the land covenanted to Abraham, and confirmed to Isaac
by an oath, and unto Jacob for a law ; for in that land there was not room
for a multitude of nations ; and besides this, every reader of the Bible w^U
knows that the whole house of Israel never became but two nations in that
land, viz., the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah. Then, whero
VI rNTEODUCTION.
is the place for the peculiar covenant to be fulfilled ? Agaia let the Bibld
answer. In the 49th chap, and 1st verse of Genesis, we find the following j
" And Jacob called unto his sons and said, ' Gather yourselves together thalj
I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.' "
Not that which should befall them in person, but that which should befall
their posterity in the last days, as is evident from his blessing upon Judah,
in the 10th verse, where he says: "The sceptre shall not depart from Ju-
dah, nor a law-giver from between his feet, until Shiloh (i. e. Christ) come ;
and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.'' A thing that Christ
has not yet done.
In this chapter, commencing at the 22d verse, by reading to the 26th|
verse, you will get Jacob's dying blessing upon Joseph and his posterity.^
And inasmuch as Ephraim and Manasseh are all the children that the Bible
informs us of Joseph's having, this blessing, of course, pertains to their pos-
terity. In verse 26th, Jacob says to Joseph : " The blessings of thy father
have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors, unto the utmost bound
of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the
crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren."
Thus we find Jacob declaring that he has prevailed with God, and ob-|
tained a greater blessing than bis progenitors, Abraham and Isaac, had
obtained. They had obtained, as we learn from Genesis, 15th and 17th
chapters, the everlasting covenant of all the land of Palestine. But Jacob
here claims a greater possession, and describes it geographically as extend-
ing to the utmost bound of the everlasting hills, which, on e.\amination, we,
find to be on this continent, it being opposite on the globe from the land of
Palestine. And these everlasting hills, at the utmost bound of his blessings,
he declares shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head
of him that was separate from his brethren. We have already seen, in the
48th chapter, that he made Ephraim the crown of Joseph's head, by putting
the right-hand blessing upon him. Thus we find that the Bible provides a
land for Manasseh to become a people, and a place where Ephraim can be-
come a multitude of nations. And it now becomes as much the work of
God to get them to this land, as it was his work to bring the children of
Israel out of Egypt with great substance, in fulfilment of his covenant with
Abraham, in Genesis, 15th chapter. And also as emphatically the work of
Ephraim and Manasseh to write the dealings of God with them, and the his
tory of their travels and of their settlement of this their covenant posses-
sions, as it was the business of the Israelites to write the dealings of God
with them, and the history of their settlement in their covenant possession
!n the laud of Palestine.
Having learned who Ephraim, or the house of Joseph is, and the land
on which they reside, we are now prepared to understand to whom God
wrote the great things of his law, and they were counted as a strange
INTEODXrCTION, vH
thing. But from Hosea, 9th chapter, commencing at the 11th verse, we
find that Ephraim has apostatized from God, and that God has cast them
away because they would not hearken unto him, and that he has cursed them
with the barren womb and dry breasts, and made tliem wanderers among
the nations. Or, in short, they having joined themselves unto idols, God
has left them, and they have dwindled down to these wild, roving Indian
tribes, grieved, shot at, and hated, as Jacob and Hosea have both predicted.
Now the question arises. What has become of the great things of God's law
that was written to Ephraim ? Is it lost, forever lost 1 Let the Prophet
Ezekiel, in the 37th chapter, commencing at the 16th verse, answer.
"The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying: moreover, thou
son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it. For Judah and for the
children of Israel his companions ; then take another stick, and write upon
it, for Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his com-
panions; and join them one to another into one stick, and they shall be-
come one in thy hand. And when the children of the people shall speak
unto thee, saying. Wilt thou not show us what thou meanest by these? Say
unto them, thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph,
which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and
will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one
stick, and they shall be one in my hand."
Now, any one at all acquainted with the ancient custom of keeping re-
cords on parchment, well knows that they fastened a stick on each end of
the parchment, for the purpose of rolling and unrolling as they read, and
that hence records came thus to be called sticks. And all the Bible readers
as well know that our Bible all came to us through the kingdom of Judah
and that hence it is the stick of Judah. Hence, we perceive that the great
things of God's law to Ephraim here on this continent, his covenant posses-
sion would be the stick of Joseph in the hand of Ephraim; and that God
has positively declared that he would put it with the stick of Judah, the
Bible, and make them one in his hand. But when ? Ezekiel here answers
that question by showing us what shall follow God's putting the sticks to-
gether : " And say unto them, thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will take
the children of Israel from among the heathen (or Gentiles), whither they
be gone, and will gather them on every side and bring them into their own
land ; '' the very thing that God has been turning and overturning tlje na-
tions to accomplish ever since this Book of Mormon was published, in 1830.
For further proof, please read Isaiah, 29th chapter, where the Lord, in
addressing the nations that had fought against Mount-Zion, or his Covenant
people, declares that these nations are drunken, but not with wine ; "they
stagger, because the Lord has poured out upon them a deep sleep, and has
closed their eyes by covering their prophets, seers, and rulers. And the
vision of all ia become unto them " as the words of a boot that is Sealed,
VIU INTEOBTTCnOlT.
whicli men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee : and
he Baith, I cannot, for it is sealed. And the book is delivered to him that
is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee ; and he saith, I am not learned."
Then the Lord proceeds to speak, and among the important declarations
that he makes, he says: "Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon
shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed
as a forest." Now here the prophet shows us first the coming forth of a
Book from the ground, and then in a httle while Lebanon becoming a fruit-
ful field, which, according to Mr. Barclay's history of Jerusalem, published
in 1858, is most emphatically fulfilled; and certainly the year 1858 has
taken rapid strides towards causing the fruitful field of the north-west and
west to be esteemed as a forest. But again David, in the 85th Psalm, de-
clares that, " Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall
look down from heaven ; yea, the Lord shall give that which is good : and
our land shall yield her increase."
Thus testimony accumulates on testimony in the Bible in regard to a
Book coming forth from the ground, and that Palestine should become
fruitful soon after its coming forth, and also that Israel should be gathered
back to their own land on every side. Now it is easy for men to claim that
this Book of Mormon is the Solomon Spaulding romance, or that it was
got up by the ingenuity of Smith, Rigdon, and others. But it is not so
easy disposing of the fact that God has turned and overturned the seasons
until he visits the land of Palestine with the earlier and the later rain, un-
til her soil is again fruitful and her people again returning to their long-
cherished home.
To claim any of these sources to be the true origin of the Book, is vir-
tually to claim that Smith, Rigdon, and others have power over the ele-
ments, and can cause one land to become fruitful and another unfruitful at
their will and pleasure. Which absurd claim is more preposterous than
any claim ever set up for them by their most sanguine followers.
But when we acknowledge the Book to be just what it claims to be — a pari -
of the great things of God's law to Ephraim having come forth in fulfilment
of prophecy — ^it is at once all plain and reasonable.
But for further evidence, read from 4th to 10th chapter of Revelations
and you will there read of a book to come forth after John's day, in seven
distinct portions. And John closes his prophecy with this fearful curse
upon the man that takes away from the words of his prophecy, " That their
names shall be taken out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city and
from the things which are written In this Book." But all who say that
the Bible is all the revelation of God's will that we are to have, are guilty
of thus taking away from John's prophecy.
Another class of evidence,, that proves the origin of this Book to be divine
IS this : It came forth and was published in the year 1830, at a time when the
nSTEODirCTION. IX
antiquities of this country were but little known. Yet the Book boldly com-
mitted itself, that a people once lived and built cities of curious workmanship
in stone in Central America, and that at a certain time a portion of that peo-
ple emigrated northward, along the west sea, and became exceeding expert
in the use of cement, building many buildings of that material. Time, since
this Book came forth, has brought forth Josiah Priest's Antiquities, Cather-
wood and Stevens' Travels in Central America, The Antiquities of Peru, Emer-
crson and Sage's Travels in Mexico, California, &c., together with Lieutenant
Beal's Reports, and a host of other works, which, when taken in connection
with the facts and location put forth in the Book of Mormon, before any of
these explorations were made, surrounds the Book with an amount of evi-
dence to prove the divinity of its origin, that does not exist in favor of any
other book in existence. To this add the testimony of eleven witnesses,
that with words of soberness testify to its truth and divinity, the most of
whom, when the leaders of the church went into transgression, withdrew
from it, and have led sober, upright, and consistent lives ; and, when tested
by mobs, have declared that they would forfeit their lives before they would
recant or deny the testimony they had given.
Thus we have given to you, kind reader, a mere synopsis of the evi-
dences of the divinity of this Book, and in so doing have answered the two
first questions at the head of this article, and wUl now proceed to answer
the third question, to wit : What is the purpose of this Book ? One impor-
tant purpose of this Book is to increase the testimony of God to the human
family in regard to the plan of salvation, and the truths of the Christian re-
ligion, by giving to them the testimony of the prophets and apostles of God
sent forth to Ephraim on this continent, as well as the testimony of the
prophets and apostles of God to Judah on the other continent. This he
does in view of the fact that two witnesses who agree in regard to the same
truths are better than one. In the plan of salvation, and all things pertaining
thereunto, this Book and the Bible agree. In condemnation of sin in all its
forms, they are perfectly united — only the fact that, on all points of doctrine,
the Book of Mormon is plainer, easier to be understood than the Bible.
Another purpose is to make the people acquainted with who the abo-
rigines of this country are, and what they are yet in future to be, as well
as to develop to some extent the past history of the people that have lived
on this continent. Another design of God in bringing forth this work,
evidently is to prepare the way for the fulfilment of the Saviour's oft-
repeated declaration: "For there is nothing hid which shall not be
manifested ; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come
abroad'," Mark, 4 chap. 22d v., Luke, 8 chap, l^th v., by raising up a
people that shall throw off the shackles of superstition, and open their
hearts to the truth that God is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever,
and that hence he can as well be approached in this as well as in any
X INTEODtrCTION.
past generation. So that those who fear him can obtain wisdom at his hand
by direct revelation, as well now as in the various ages in the past, when
men have feared God and worked righteousness, and did obtain for their
benefit, as well as for the benefit of the world, all the rich store of wisdom
contained in the Bible. But space reminds me, kind reader, that I mnst
bring this introduction to a close, which I will do by earnestly inviting you
to divest yourself of prejudice, and carefully and critically read the Book.
* Written by Z. Brook, Elder in the Church of Christ.
THE
BOOK OF MORMON.
AN ACCOUNT WRITTEN BY THE HAND OP MORMON UPON PLATES
TAKEN FROM THE PLATES OF NEPHI.
WTierefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the La-
manites ; written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the honso 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 nnto the Lord, that
thoy might not be destroyed ; to come forth by the gift and power of God unto the
interpretation thereof; sealed by the band of Moroni, and hid. up unto the Lord, to
come forth in due time by the way of 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 Loed confounded the language of the peo-
ple, when they were building a tower to get to heaven : which is to shew unto the
remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their falhei's ;
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 Exsn-
KTAL 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 bo
found spotless at the judgment seat of Christ. MoBom.
THE TESTIMONY OP THREE "WITNESSES.
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, nnto whom, this work
shall come, that we, throagh the grace of God the Father, and onr 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 i^oken ; and we also know that they have been translated
hy the gift and power of God, for his Toice hath declared it unto us ; wherefore we kjiow
of a surety, that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings
which are upoij the plates ; and they have been shewn unto us by the power of God, and
not of man. And wff declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down.
train heaven, and he brought and laid before onr 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 onr 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 j udgraent 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.
OliVBK CffWDEKT,
David "Whitmee,
Martin Habbis.
AND AX80 THE TESTDTOKI OF EIGHT "WITNESSES.
Bh it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, tinto whom this work
shall come,^i^^if Joseph Smith, Jr., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the
.^Iktes of whT^ly hath Ijeen spoken, which have the appearance of gold ; and as many of
the leaves aa the said Smith has translated, we did handle with our hands: and we also
saw the engi-avings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of cu-
rious 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 ^ve our names unto
the world to witness unto the world that which we have seen ; and we lie not^ God
bearing witness of it.
Chkistian "Whitmke,
Jacob ■Whitmee,
Petee Whitmee, Jb.,
John "Whitmee,
HiEAM Page,
Joseph Smith, Sen.,
Hteum Smith,
Samuel H. Smith.
CONTENTS.
FIRST BOOK OP NEPHI.
PAGE
^anffui^e of the Eecord 3
fephrs Abridgment, S
jeni's Dream, 4
^ebl departs into the wilderness 6
Tephi slayeth Lahaiij 6
ariah complains of Lehi's Vision, 9
/ontents of the brass plates, . . t 9
shmael goes with Nephi, 11
fephi's brethren rebel, and bind hicti, . . 11
*ehi's dream of the tree, rod, &c., 12
lessiah and John prophesied of, 14
)liTe branches broKen off, 14
lephi's vision of Mary, 16
Do. the Crucifixion of Christ, 17
Do. darkness and earthquake, 17
]-reat abominable church, IS
)iscovery of the promised land, 19
tible spoken of, 19
took of Mormon and Holy Ghost prom-
ised, 20
►ther books come forth, 20
Sible and Book of Mormon one, 20
'romised to the Gentiles, 21
PAQH
Two Churches, 21
The work of the. Father to commence,. 23
A man in white robes (John), 22
Nephi tes come to knowledge, 23
Eod of iron, 24
The sons of Lehi take wives, 25
Director found (ball), 25
Nephi broke his bow, 26
Directors work by faith, 26
Ishmael died, 26
Lehi and Nephi threatened, 2T
Nephi commanded to build a ship, 27
Nephi about to be worshipped by his
brethren, 30
Ship finished and entered, 31
Dancing in the ship, 31
Nephi bound ; ship driven back, 31
AiTived on the promised land, * 33
Plates of ore made, S3
Zenos, Neum, and Zeuock, 33
Isaiah's writings, 84
Holy One of Israel, 86
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
jehi to his sons, 38
^position in all things, 41
Ldam fell that man miight be, 42
oseph saw our day, .'... 43
L choice seer, 43
Vritings grow together, 43
*rophet promised to the Lamanites, ... 44
oseph^'s prophecy on brass plates, 45
jehi buried, 45
Jcphi's life sought, 46
Jephi separated from Laman, 46
temple built, 47
ikin of blackness, 47
>ripat.<i_ Arp.._ fionsecrated 47
Bod of the stem of Jesse, ^ ..... . 63
Seed of Joseph perisheth not, ....'< 63
Law of Moses kept, 69
Christ shall shew himself, 60
Signs of Christ, birth and death, 69
"Whisper from the dust, book sealed up, 70
Priestcraft forbiddeci, 70
Sealed book to be brought forth, ....... 72 ^
Three witnesses behold the book, 73
The words [read this, I pray thee]^. 73
Seal up the Dook again, 73
Their priests shall contend, 73
Teach with their learning and deny the
HolvGhost. 73
XVI
CONTENTS.
BOOK OP JACOB.
PAGE
Kephi anointeth a King, 80
Nephi died, 80
Nephites and Lamanites, '. . . . 81
A righteous branch from Joseph, 83
Lamanites shall scourge you, 83
More than one wife forbidden, 83
Trees, -waves, and moantains obey us,. . 84
Jews looked beyond the mark, 85
Tame olive tree,,. . . . '. 85
Nethermost part of the vineyard, ..,.,, 86
PAGB
Fruit laid up against the season, 87
Another branch, 87
Wild fruit had overcome, 88
Lord of the vineyard wept, 88
Branches overcome the roots, 88
"Wild branches plucked off,...: 89
Sherem, the Anti-Christ, 91
A sign, Sherem smitten, — , 92
Enos takes the plates from his Father, . 98
THE BOOK OF ENOS.
Enos, thy sins are forgiven, 93 | Lamanites eat raw meat, .
Eecords threatened by Lamanites 94 I
THE BOOK OF JAEOM.
Nephites waxed strong,..,: 95 I Fortify cities,
Lamanites drink blood, . .' 95 I Plates discovered to Omni, ,
THE BOOK OF OMNI.
Plates given to Amaron, 96
Plates given to Cheraish, 96
Mosiah warned to flee, ^ '9Y
Zarahemla discovered, 97
Engravings on a stone, 97
Coriantumr discovered, 97
His parents came from the tower, 97
Plates delivered to King Eei:gamin, 97
THE -WOKDS OF MORMON.
False Christs and Prophets,
98
BOOK OF MOSIAH.
Mosiah made kin^, and received 100
The plates of brass, sword and director, 100
King Benjamin teacheth the people,.. . 101
Their tent doors towards the temple,.. 101
Coming of Christ foretold, 104
Beggars not denied, 107
Sons and daughters, 108
Mosiah began to reign, 109
Ammon, &c., bound and imprisoned,. . . 110
Limhi's proclamation, no
Twenty-four plates of gold, | " H2
Seer and Translator, 112
EECOED OF ZENIFF.
A battle fought, US
King Laman died, 114
Noah made King, 115
Abinadi the prophet, 116
Eesurrection, 123
Alma believed Abinadi, 128
Abinadi cast into prison and scourged
with fagots 128
"Waters of Mormon, 124
The daughters of the Lamanites stolen
by King Noah's priests, 128
Eecords on plates of ore, ISO
Last tribute of wine, 181
Lamanites' deep sleep 131
King Limhi baptized, ^ . . 135
Priests and teachers labour, 137
Alma saw an angel, " ;igg
Alma fell (dumb), ".!!.".".'.**"' 133
King Moslah's sons preach to the La-
manites, -jgg
Translation of records, "..!.! 140
Plates delivered by Limhi, '.'.,[.' 140
Translated by two stones, ] .' * ' 140
People back to the Tower, " ^141
Eecords given to Alma, .'.!![].*" 141
Judges appointed, '...*.!" 143
King Mosiah died, ." ." " 143
Alma died, '.',' 14s
Kings of Nephi ended, !!!!!!' 143
CONTENTS.
xvu
THE BOOK OP ALMA.
PAGlB
Nehor slew Gideon, 144
Amlici made King, 146
Amlici slain in battle 147
Amlicites painted red, 148
Alma baptized in Sidon, 150
Alma^s preaihing. , ]51
Alma ordained elders; 155
Commanded to meet often, 155
Alma saw an angel, 158
Amulek saw^an angel, 162
Lawyers questioning Amulek, 162
Coins named 164
Zeezrom the lawyer, 164
Zeezrom trembles, 165
Election spoken of, 168
Melchizedeck' priesthood, 169
Alma and Amulek stoned, 170
Becords burned, 170
Prison rent, 172
Zeezrom he.iled and baptized, 172
Nebor's desolation, 174
Lamanites converted, 175
Flocks scattered at Sebus, 176
Ammon smote off arms, 177
Ammon and King Lamoni, 178
King Lamoni fell, 179
Ammon and the Queen, 180
King and Queen prostrate. . . : 180
Aaron, &c., delivered, 183
Jerusalem built, 184
Preaching in Jerusalem, 184
Lamoni^s Father converted, 186
Land Desolation and Bountiful, 187
Anti-Nephi-Lehies, 189
G-eneral council, 190
Swords buried, 190
1,005 massacred, 190
Lamanites perish by fire, 191
Slavery forbidden, 194
Anti-Nephi-Lehies removed to Jershon,
called Ammonites 195
Tremendous battle, 196
Anti-Christ, Korihor, 198
Korihor struck dumb, 200
The devil in the form of an angel, 201
Korihor trodden down, 201
Alma's mission to Zoramites, 201
Eameumpton (holy stand), 203
Alma on hill Onidah, 203
Alma on faith, 204
Prophecy of Zenos, 206
Prophecy of Zenocfc, 206
Amulek's knowledge of Christ, 207
Charity recommended, 208
Same spirit possesses your body, 208
Believers cast out, 209
Alma to Helaman, 210
Plates given to Helaman, 211
Twenty-four Plates and Blroctors, 211
Gazelem, a stone (secret), 213
Liahona, or compass, 214
PAGB
Alma to Corianton, 215
Unpardonable sin, 216
Resurrection, 316
Restoration, 218
Justice in punishment, 219
If, Adam, took, tree, life, 219
Mercy rob justice, 220
Moroni's stratagem, 222
Slaughter of Laihanites. 223
Moroni's speech to Zerahemnah, 324
Prophec}* of a soldier, 225
Lamanites' covenant of peace, 225
Alma's prophecy 400 years after Christ, 226
Dwindle in unbelief, 226
Alma's strange departure, 226
Amalickiah leadeth away the people,
destroyeth the church, 227
Standard of Moroni, 228
Joseph's coat rent, 228
Jacob's prophecy of Joseph's seed, 228
Fevers in the land, plants and roots for
diseases, 229
Amalickiah marries the Queen, and is
acknowledged King, 231
Fortifications by Moroni, 388
Ditches filled with dead bodies, 235
Amalickiah's oath, 285
Pahoran appointed judge, 338
Army against king-men, 389
Amalickiah slain, 240
Amraoron made king, : Si^O
Bountiflil fortified, 241
Dissensions, . .■ '. 243
2,000 young- men,'. 244
Moroni's epistle to Ammoron, 245
Ammoron's answer, 24S
Lamanites made drunk, 246
Moroni's stratagem, 246
Helaman's epistle to Moronij 247
Helaman's stratagem, 249
Mothers taught faith, 250
Lamanites surrendered, 250
City of Antiparah taken, 251
200 of the 2,000 fainted, 252
Prisoners rebel, slain, ;;...' 253
Manti taken by stratagem, 253
Moroni to the governor, 256
Governor's answer, 258
King Pachus slain, 260
Cords and ladders prepared, 261
Nephihah taken, 261
Teancum's stratagem, slain, 262
Peace established, 262
Moronihah made commander, 262
Helaman died, 263
Sacred things; Shiblon 263
Moroni died, 263
5,400 emigrated north, 263
Ships built by Hagoth 368
Sacred things committed to Helaman ;
Shiblon died, 264
xvm
CONTENTS.
THE BOOK OF HELAMAN.
PAGE
Pahoran died 264:
Pahoran appointed judge, 264
Kishkumen slew Pahoran, 265
Pacumeni appointed judge, 265
Zarahemla teken, 265
Pacumeni killed 265
Coriantumr slain, 266
Lamanites surrendered, 266
Helaman appointed j udge, 266
Secret signs discovered and Kisbkumen
stabbed, 267
Gadianton fled, 26T
Emigration northward, 2G7
Oenlent bouses, 267
Many books and records, 268
Helaman died, 269
Nephi made judge, 269
Nephites become "wicked, 270
Nephi gave the judgment seat to Ce-
zoram, 271
Nephi and Lehi preached to the Laman-
ites, 271
8,000 baptized, 272
Alma and Nephi surrounded with fire, . 273
Angels administer, 273
Oezoram and son murdered, 274
Gadianton 's robbers, 374
Gadianton's robbers destroyed, 275
Nephi's prophecy, » 276
Gadianton robbers and judges, 276
Chief judge slain, 280
Seantum detected, 281
Keys of the kingdom, 283
Nephi taken away by the spirit, 383
Famine in the land, 283
Gadianton's band destroyed, 284
Famine removed, 285
Samuers prophecy, 286
Tools lost, 288
Two days and a night light, 288
Sign of the cruciflxion, , 389
Samuel stoned, &c.,... 291
Angels appeared, 292
BOOK OP NEPHI.
Lachoneus chief judge,
Mjephi receives the records,
Nephi^s strange departure,
No darkness at night
Lamonttes become white,
G-iddianhi to Lachoneus,
Gldgiddoni chief judge,
Qiddianhi slain,
Zemnarihah hanged,
Eobbers surrendered,
Mormon abridges the records,
Ohurch began to be broken up,
Government of the land destroyed
Chief judge murdered,
Divided into tribes,
Nephi raised the dead,
Sign of the crucifixion,
Cities destroyed, earthquakes, darkness,
&c..
Law of Moses fulfilled,
Christ appeared to Nephites, ....
Print of the nails,
Nephi and others called, ,
Baptism cotiimauded,
Doctrine of Christ,
Christ the end of the law,
Other sheep spoken oi^
Blessed are the Gentiles,
Gentile wickedness on the land of Jo-
Isaiab's words fulfilled, .
Jesus healed the sick, . . .
Christ blessed children. .
310
315
815
815
316
816
817
Little ones encircled with fire, . . ."^ 317
Christ administered the sacrament, 317
Christ taught his disciples, 318
Names of the. twelve, 319
The twelve taught the multitude, 820
Baptism, Holy Ghost, and fire, 820
Disciples made white. , 320
Jesus came, second time, 320
Faith, great, 32Q
Christ breaks bread again, 331
Miracle, bread and wine 323
Gentiles destroyed (Isaiaii), 822
Zion established, 333
From Gentiles, to your seed, 333
Sign, Father's work commenced, , 324
He shall be maiTed, 324
Gentiles destroyed (Isaiah), 824
New Jerusalem built, 334
Work commence among all the tribes,.. 324
Isaiah's words, 835
Saints did arise, 825
Malachi's prophecy, 336
Faith tried by the Book of Mormon,. . . 83T
Children's tongues loosed, 327
The Dead Raised, ^ S3T
Baptism and Holy Ghost, 827
All things common^ 337
Christ appeared third time, 337
Moses's Cnurch, , . .-. 827
Three Nephites tarry, » 880
The Twelve caught up, 330
Change upon their boies, 880
Disciples raise dead, 331
BOOK OF NEPHI, SON OF NEPHI.
Zarahemla'Tebnilt, 388
Other dis<dples are ordained in their
Btead, 88S
Nephi died ; Amos kept the records in
lusetead 384
Amos died, and his son Amos kept the
records, S84
Prisons rent by the three, 334
Secret conabinations, 335
Amaron liid records, ' 335
CONTENTS.
XIX
BOOK OF MORMON.
PAGK
Three Disciples taken away, 336
Mormon forbidden to preach, 836
Mormon appointed leader, 337
Samuel's prophecy fulfilled, 337
Mormon makes a Record, 338
Lands divided, 838
The Twelve shall judge, 339
Desolation taken, 340
Women and children sacrificed, 340
Mormon took the Records hid in Shim, 341
Mormon repented of his oath and took
command, 341
PA6K
Cominp forth of records, 341
Records hid in Oumorah, 343
230,000 Nephites slain, 348
Shall not get gain by the Plates, 84r
These things shall come forth out of the
earth, 845
The State of the World, 346
Miracles cease, unbelief, 347
Disciples go into all the World and
preach, 348
Language of the Book, S43
BOOK OF ETHER.
Twenty-four Plates found, , 849
Jared cried unto the Lord, 349
Jared went down to the valley of Nim-
Tod, 350
Deseret, honey-bee, 350
Barges built, 350
Decree of God, choice land, 350
Free from bondage, 350
Four years in tents atMoriancumer,.. . 851
L^rd talked three hours, 851
Barnes like a dish S51
Eight vessels, sixteen stones, 852
Lord touched the stones, 852
Finger of the Lord seen, 853
Jared^s brother saw the Lord, 853
Two stones given, 853
Stones sealed np, 853
Went aboard of vessels, 355
Fniious wind blew, 355
344 days' passage, 856
Orihah anointed King, 356
King Shule taken captive, 857
Shnie^B son slew Noah, 857
Jared carries his Father away cap-
tive 858
The daughter of Jared danced, 858
Jared anointed King by the hand of
wickedness, 858
Jared murdered, and Akish reigned in
his stead, 859
Names of animals 860
Poisonous serpents, 861
Riplakish's cruel reigUj 361
Morianton anointed King, 362
Poisonous serpents destroyed, 862
Many wicked kings, 863
Moroni on Faith, 864
Miracles by Faith, 865
Moroni saw Jesus, 365
New Jerusalem spoken of, , 366
Ether cast out, 366
Records finished ib the cavity of a rock, 36T
Secret combinations, 367
War in all the land, 367
King Shared murdered by his High
Priest, the High Priest was murdered
by Lib, 869
Lib slain by Coriantumr, 369
Dead bodies cover the land and none to
bury them, 2,000,000 of men slain, . .. . 869
HillKamah, 870
Cries rend the air, 870
Slept on their swords, 371
Coriantumr slewShiz, 871
Do. fell to the earth, 871
Records hid by Ether, 871
BOOK OP
Christ's words to the twelve, 871
Manner of Ordination, 872
Order of Sacrament, 873
Order of Baptism, 873
Faith, Hope, Charity, 373
Baptism of little children, 876
Women fed on their husbands' flesh,. , . 878
Daughters murdered and eat, , . 878
MORONI.
Sufferings of women and children, 878
Cannot recommend them to God, 379
Moroni to the Lamanites, 379
420 years since the Sign, 379
Rpcords sealed up (Moroni), 379
Gifts of the Spirits 879
God's word shall hiss forth, 880
THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI:
HIS EEIGN AOT> MINISTRY.
CHAPTEK I.
An account of Lehi (ijid Ms wife^ Sariahf^and his four sons^ being called^
(beginning at the eldest,) Laman, Lemuel, Sam, and Nephi. The Lora
■warns Lehi to depart'out of the JLand of Jerusalem, because he prophesieih
unto the people concerning their iniquity : and they seek to destroy his
life. He taketh three days' journey into the wilderness with his family,
ifephi taketh his brethren and returns to the land of Jerusalem after the
record of the Jews. The account of their sufferings. They take the daugh-
ters of Ishmael to wife. They take their families and depart into the
wilderness. Their sufferings and afflictions in tlte wilderness. The course
of their travels. They come to the large waters. NephVs brethren rebel-
leth 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, ixc. This is according to the account of Ncphi ; or, in
other words, I, Nephi, wrote this record.
I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught
somewhat in all the learning of my father ; and having seen many afSictions
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 ; 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. 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.
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, prophesy-
ing unto the people, that they must repent, or the great city Jerusalem must
be destroyed. 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.
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.
4 MKST BOOK OF NEPHI.
And it came to pass that he returned to his own house at Jerusalem ; and
he east himself upon his bed, being overcome with the spirit and the things
which he had seen ; 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.
And it came to pass that he saw one descending out of the midst of
heaven, and he beheld that his lustre was above that of the sun at noon-
day ; and he also saw twelve others following him, and their brightness did
exceed that of the stars in the firmament ; 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.
And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled with the spirit of the
Lord, and he read saying, Wo, wo unto Jerusalem ! for I have seen thine
abominations ; yea, and many things did my father read concerning Jerusa-
lem — ^that it should be destroyed, and the inhabitants thereof, many should
perish by the sword, and many should be carried away captive Into Bab-
ylon.
And it came to pass t^at when my father had read and saw many great
and marvellous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord : such as,
great and marvellous are thy works, L"ord 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 ! 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 bad seen ; yea, which the Lord had shewn unto him. And now I, Nephi,
do not make a full account of the things which my father had 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 chil«
dren, of which I shall not make a full account ; but I shall make an account
of my proceedings in my days. Behold I make an abridgment of the re-
cord of my father, upon plates which I have made with mine own bands ;
wherefore, after I have abridged the record of my father, then will I make
an account of mine own life.
Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after the Lord had shewn
BO many marvellous things unto my father Lehi, yea, concerning the de-
struction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people, and began
to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he bad
both seen an4 heard.
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 iii the book, manifested plainly of
the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world.
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 be-
hold, I, Nephi, will shew 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.
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 thon hast done ; and because thou liast been faithful and de-
riKST BOOK or NBPHI. 5
clared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold they
seek to take away thy life.
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. And
it came to pass that he was obedient untq the word of the Lord, wherefore
he did as the Lord commanded him.
And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness. And he left
bis 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 ; and he came down
by the borders near the shore of the Red Sea; and he travelled 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.
And it came to pass that when he had travelled three days in the wilder-
ness, he pitched his tent in a valley by the side of a river of water. 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 Crod. And it came to pass that
he called the name of the river, Laman, and it emptied into thejied Sea;
and the valley was in the borders near the mouth thereof. j
And when my father saw that the waters of the river emptied into the
fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto Laman, saying, that thou mightest
be like unto this river, continually running into the fountain of all righteous-
ness. And he also spake unto Lemuel : that thou mightest be like- unto
this valley, firm, and steadfast, and immovable in keeping the command-
ments of the Lord. 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.
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. 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.
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. And my father dwelt
in a tent.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceeding young, nevertheless
being large in stature, and alsp having great desire to know of the myste-
ries 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. 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 ; 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.
And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying: blessed art
thou, N-ephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently, with
lowliness of heart. And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments,
6 FIKST BOOK OF NEPHI.
ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise ; yen, even a land
which I have prepared for you ; yea, a land which is choice above all other
lands. And inasmuch as thy brethren shall rej)el against thee, they shall
be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And inasmuch as thou shalt keep
my commandments, thou shalt be made a ruler and a teacher over thy
brethren. 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. 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.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, returned from speaking with the
Lord, to the tent of my father. And it came to pass that he spake unto
me, saying, Behold I have dreamed a dream, in which the Lord hath com-
manded me that thou and thy brethren shall return to Jerusalem. For be-
hold, Laban hath the record of the Jews, and also a genealogy of my fore-
fathers, and they are engraven upon plates of brass. 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 wil-
derness. 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. Therefore go my son, and thou
shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured.
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
po commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare away for
them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words, he was
exceeding glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord. And I,
Nephi, and my brethren, took our journey in the wilderness with our tents!
to go up to the land of Jerusalem.
And it came to pass that when we had come up to the land of Jerusalem
I and my brethren did consult one with another ; 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. And he desired of Laban the re-
cords which were engraven upon the plates of brass, which contained the
genealogy of my father.
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'
But Laman fled out of his presence, and told the things which Laban had
done, unto us. And we began to be exceeding sorrowful, and my brethren
were about to return unto my father in the wUderness. But behold I said
unto them, that as the Lord liveth, and as we live, we wiU not go down unto
our fether m the wilderness, until we have accomplished the thing which the
Lord hath commanded us. Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeoinff the
commandments of the Lord ; therefore let us go down to the land of our
father's mheritance, 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; for he knew that Jerusalem must be destroyed, because of the wick-
edness of the people.
For behold they have rejected the words of the prophets. Wherefore
mv father should dwell in thn land affoi- h« kofi, k5„_ - , "«™ioje,
FIRST BOOK or NEPHI. /
obtain these records, that we may preserve unto our children the language of
our fathers ; and also that we may preserve unto them the words wliicli
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.
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. And it came to pass that we went down to the land of our inher-
itance, and we did gather together our gold, and our silver, and our pre-
cious things. And after we had gathered these things together, we went up
again unto the house of Laban.
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.
Andit came to pass that when Laban saw our property, and that it was
exceeding 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. 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.
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.
And it came to pass that Laman mas angry with me, and also with my fa-
ther; and also was Lemujpl, for he hearkened unto the words of Laman.
Wherefore, Laman and Lemuel did speak many hard words unto us, their
younger brothers, and tUey did smite us even with a rod.
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. And after the angel had spoken unto us, he departed.
And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to mur-
mur, 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 ?
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 aH the earth, then why not
mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands ?
Therefore, let us go up ; let us be strong like unto Moses ; for he truly
spake unto the waters of the Bed Sea, and they divided hither and thither,
and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the ar-
mies of Pharaoh did follow, and were drowned in the waters of the Red
Sea. Now behold, ye know that this is true ; and ye also know that an an-
gel 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.
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. 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. And I was led by the spirit, not knowing beforehand the things
which I should do. Nevertheless I went forth, and as I caroe nea^r uflt(J
8 riKST BOOK OF NEPHI.
the house of Laban, I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before
me, for he was drunken with wine. And when I came to him, I found that
it was Laban. 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 exceeding fine, and I saw that the blade thereof was of the most pre-
cious steel.
And it came to pass that I was constrained by the spirit that I should
kill La.bari : 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. 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.
And it came to pass that the spirit said unto me again, slay him, for the
Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. 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.
And now, when X, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the
words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that in-
asmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the
land of promise. 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. And I also knew that the law was engraven upon tne plates
of brass. And ag^n — I knew that the Lord hacji> delivered Laban into my
hands for this cause, that I might obtain the records according to his com-
mandments. Therefore I did obey the voice of th^spirit, and took Laban
by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword.
And after I had smitten off his head with his own sword, I took the gar-
ments of Laban and put them upon mine own body ; yea, even every whit ;
and I did gird on his armor about my loins.. 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 ; and he supposed me to be his master, Laban,
for he beheld the garments, and also the sword girdeS* about my loins. And
he spake unto me concerning the elders of the Jews, he knowing that hia
master Laban had been out by night among them. And I spake unto him
as if it had been Laban. 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. And I also bade him that he should follow
me. 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.
And he spake unto nie many times concerning the elders of the Jews as I
went forth unto my brethren, who were without the walls.
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 pres-
ence ; for they supposed it was Laban, and that he had slain me, and had
sought to take away their lives also.
And it came to pass that I called after them, and they did hear me ■
wherefore they did cease to flee from my presence. 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. '
And now I, Nephi, being a man large in stature, and also having re-
ceived much strength of the Lord, therefore I did seize upon the servant of
Laban, and held him that he should not flee.
FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI. 9
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 hia life. 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 yilderness with us. 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.
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 my father. And he also made an
oath unto us, that he would tarry with us from that time forth. 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.
And it came to pass that when Zoram had made an oatn unto us, our
fears did cease concerning him. 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.
And it came to pass that after we had came down into the wilderness
unto our father, behold he was filled witji joy, and also my mother, Sariah,
was exceeding glad, for she truly had mourned because of us; for she had
supposed that we had perished in the wilderness ; and she also had com-
plained 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. And after this manner of
language had my mother complained against my father.
And it had came 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, bM had tarried at
Jerusalem and had perished with my brethren. 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. And after this manner of language
did my father Lehi comfort my mother Sariah concerning us while we jour-
neyed in the wilderness up to the land of Jerusalem, to obtain the record of
the Jews.
And when we had returned to the tent of my father, behold their joy
was full, and my mother was comforted ; and she spake, saying, now I know
of a surety that the Lord hath commanded my husband to flee into the wil-
derness ; 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 gave them power
whereby they could accomplish the thing which the Lord hath commanded
them. And after this manner of language did she speak.
And it came to pass that they did rejoice exceedingly, and did offer sac-
rifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord ; and they gave thanks unto the
God of Israel. 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. And he beheld that
they did contain the five Ibooks of Moses, which gave an account of the crea-
tion of the world, and also of Adam and Eve, who were our first parents ;
and also a record of the Jews from the beginning, even down to the com-
mencement of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah ; and also the prophe-
cies of the holy prophets, from the beginning, even down to the commence-
1»
10 FIKST BOOK OP 'NEPHI.
ment of the reign of Ze^dekiah ; and also Ynany prophecies which have been
spcAen by the mouth of Jeremiah.
, 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 descend-
ant 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.
And they were also led out of captivity and out of the land of Egypt by
that same God who had preserved them. And thus my father Lehi did dis-
cover the genealogy of his fathers. And Laban also was a descendant of
Joseph, wherefore he and his fathers had kept the records.
And now when my father saw all these things, he was filled with the
spirit, and began to prophecy concerning his seed ; that these plates of brass
should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of
his seed. 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.
;^ And it came to pass that thus far I and my father had kept the com-
mandments wherewith the Lord had commanded us. And we had obtained
the record 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. Where-
fore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we should carry them with us, as we
journeyed in the wilderness towards the land of promise.
CHAPTER II.
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. For it sufficeth me to say
that we are a descendant of Joseph. 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. For the fullness 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. 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. 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.
And now I would that ye might know, that after iny 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.
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.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did again, with my brethren, go forth
. FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI. 11
into the wilderness to go up to Jerusalem. And it came to pass that wo
went up unto the house of Ishmael, and we did gain faTor in the sight of
Ishmael, insomuch that we did speak unto him the words- of the Lord.
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 wilderoess, to the tent of our father. » 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 I, Nephi, and Sam, and their father Ishmael,
and his wife, and his three other daughters.
And it came to pass in the which rebellion, they were desirous to return
unto the land of Jerusalem. And now I, Ntephi, being grieved for the hard-
ness of their hearts, tlierefore 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 ? How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word
of the Lord ? How is it that ye have forgotten that yc have seen an angel
of the Lord ? Yea, and how is it thai 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 ? Tea, and how is it that ye have for-
gotten 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. 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 Jeru-
salem ; for all things which the Lord hath spoken concerning the destruction
of Jerusalem, must be fulfilled. 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 theyliave sought to take away
the life of my father insomuch that they have driven him out of the land.
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.
And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken these words unto
my brethren, they werfe angry with me. And it came to pass that they
did lay their hands upon me — for behold, they were exceeding 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.
But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying, Lord,' accord-
ing 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 bauds with
which I am bound.
And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bauds
were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren,
and I spake unto them again. And it came to pass that they were angrj
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.
And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because of their wicked-
ness, 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.
12 WEST BOOK OP NBPHI.
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 forgireness. 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.
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.
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. 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. 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 But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceed-
ingly because of you ; for behold, loethought I saw in my dream, a dark
and dreary Wilderness.
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. And it came to pass that he
spake unto me, and bade me follow him. And it came to pass that as I
followed him, I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste. And
after I bad travelled for the space of many hours in darkness, I bego,n to
pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the mul-
titude of his tender mercies.
And it came to pass that after I had prayed unto the Lord, I beheld a
large and spacious field. And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose
fruit was desirable, to make one happy.
And it came to pass that I did go forth, and partake of the fruit there-
of; 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 white-
ness that I had ever seen. And as I partook of the fruit thereof, it filled
my soul with exceeding great joy ; wherefore I began to be desirous that
my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above
hold 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 shoirid go.
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.
And it came to pass that they did cqpie unto me, and partake of the
fruit also. 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 to
wards the head of the river, that perhaps I mightf-see them.
And it eame to pass that t saw them, but they would not come unto me
and partake of the fruit. 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. And 1
also beheld a straight and narrow path, which came along by the rod of
iron, even to the tree by which 1 stood ; and it also led by the head of tht
fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world • and 1
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 '
riKST BOOK OF NEPHI. 13
And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the
path which led to the tree. And it came to pass that there arose a mist of
darl^ness ; yea, even an exceeding great mist of darlcness, insomuch that
they who had commenced in the path, did lose their way, that they wander-
ed off and were lost.
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. And after
they had partaken of the fruit of the tree, they did cast their eyes about as
if they were ashamed. 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 ; and it was filled with
people, both old and youftg, both male and female ; and their manner of
dress was exceeding fine ; and they were in the attitude of mocking and
pointing their fingers towards those who had come at, and were partaking
of tlie fruit. And after they had tasted of the fruit, they were ashamed,
because of those that were scofiing at them ; and they fell away into forbid-
den paths and were lost.
And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father. 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. And
he also saw other multitudes, feeling their way towards that great and
spacious building.
And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the foun-
tain ; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads. And
great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And
after they did enter into that bnilding, they did point the finger of scorn at
me, and those that were partaking of the fruit also-: but we heeded them
not. These are the words of my father : For as many as heeded them,
had fallen away. And Lamau and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said my
father.
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 ;
and he did exhort them then with all the feehng 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.
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. And all these things did my father see,
and hear, and speak, as he dwelt i^ a tent, in the valley of Lemuel ; and
stlso a great many more things, which cannot be written upon these plates.
And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold, they are not
the plates upon whi^h 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.
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. Upon the other plates should be
engraven an account of the reign of the kings, and the wars and conten-
tions of my people ; wherefore, these plates are for the more part of the
14
FIKST BOOK OF NEPHI.
ministry ; and the other plates are for the more part of the reign of the kings,
and the wars and contentions of my people. Wherefore, the Lord hath
commanded me to make these plates, for a wise purpose in him; which
purpose I know not. But the Lord knoweth all things from the be^
ginning; 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.
CHAPTER III.
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.
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, 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 ojf 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.
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. And he Jilso 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.
Wherefore, all mankind were in a lost and in a fallea state, and ever would
be, Save they should rely on this Redeemer.
And he spake also, concerning a prophet, who should come before the
Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord ; 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, whoso shoe's latchet I am not worthy td unloose.
And much spake my father concerning this thing.
And my father said he should baptize in Bethabary, beyond Jordan •
and he also said he should baptize with water ; even that he should bap^
tize the Messiah with water. 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.
And it came to pass after my fathe&iad spoken these words, he spake
unto my brethren concerning the gospe" which .should be preached amonc
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.
Yea, even my father spake much concerning the Gentiles, and also con-
cerning the house of Israel, that they should be compared Uke unto an
olive tree, whose branches should be broken off, and should be scattered
upon all the face of the earth. Wherefore, he said it must needs be that
we should be led with one accord, into the land of promise unto the fulfilling
FIRST BOOK OP NBPHI. 15
of tlie word of the Lord, that we should be scattered upon all the face oi
the earth. And after the house of Israel should be scattered, the^ should
be gathered together again ; or, in fine, after the Gentiles had received the
fullness of the gospel, the natural branches of the olive tree, or the rem-
nants of the house of Israel, should be grafted in, or come to the knowledge
of the true Messiah, their Lord and their Redeemer. 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. And all these
things of which I have spokeh, were done as my father dwelt in a tent, in
the valley of Lemuel.
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
r 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 : for he is the
same yesterday, to-day, and forever ; and ihe way is prepared for all men
from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come un-
to him ; 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 i^ one eternal round. Therefore,
remember, man, for all thy doings, thou shalt be brought iiito judgment.
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. And
the Holy Ghost giveth authority that I should speak these things and deny
them not. x
For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my fa-
ther 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 exceeding high mountain, which I never had be-
fore seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot. And the spirit
said unto me, behold, what desirest thou ? And I said, I desire to behold
the things which my father saw. And the spirit said unto me, believest
thou that thy father saw the tree of which he hath spoken ? And I said,
yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father.
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 be-
Kevest in the Son of the moat high God ; wherefore, thou shalt behold the
things which thou hast desired. <Bind 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.
And it came to pass that the spirit said unto me, look ! and Hooked 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.
And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said unto the spirit, I
behold, thou hast shewn unto me the tree which is precious above all. And
16 FlfiST BOOK OS NEPHI.
he said unto me, what desirest thou ? And I said unto him, to know the in -
terpretation 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.
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 pres-
ence. ' . , T .
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.
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 ? And I said unto him, a virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other
vir^ns. And he said unto me, knowest thou the condescension of God ?
And I said unto him, I know that he loveth his children ; nevertheless, I do
not know the meaning of all things. And he said unto me, behold, the vir-
gin whom thoii seest, is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of
the flesh.
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 ! And I looked and beheld the
virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me, be-
hold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father ! Enowest
thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw ? 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.
And he spake unto me, saying, yea, and the most joyous to the soul. 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.
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. And the angel said unto me again, look and behold the condescen-
sion of God ! And I lojoked and beheld the Bedeemer of the world, of
whom my father bad 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 abode upon him in the form
of la dove. 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. And I also
beheld twelve others following him.
And it came to pass that they were curled away in the spirit, from be-
fore my face, and I saw them not. 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. And he spake unto me again, saying look I
And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the chil-
dren of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick and who
were af3icted with all manner of diseases, and with devils, and unclean
spirits, and the angel spake, and shewed 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.
FIRST BOOK CI' NEPHI. 17
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 peo-
ple ; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world ; and I
saw and bear record. And I, Nephi, saw that lie was lifted up upon the
cross, and slain for the sins of the world. And after he was slain, I saw tne
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. And the multitude of the earth was gathered together ; and I
beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the build-
ing 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.
And it came to pa£S that I saw and bear record, that the great and
spacious building was the pride of the world ; and it fell ; and the fall there-
of was exceeding 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.
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. <
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.
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.
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 earth-
quakes, 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 were burned with fire ; and l
saw many that did tumble to the earth, because of the quaking thereof.
And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the vapor of dark-
ness, that it passed from off the face of the earth ; and behold, I saw multi-
tudes who had fallen, because of the great and terrible judgments of the
Lord. And I saw the heavens open, and the Lamb of God descending out
of heaven ; and he came down and shewed himself unto them. And 1 also
saw and bear record that the Holy Ghost fell upon twelve others, and they
were ordained of God, and chosen.
And the angel spake unto me, saying, behold the twelve disciples of the
Lamb, who are chosen to minister nnto thy seed. And he said unto me,
thou remembereth the twelve apostdes 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 : 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.
And the angel said unto me, look ! And I looked and beheld three
generations pass away in Hghteousness ; and their garments were white,
even like unto the Lamb of God. And the angel said unto me, these ar«
made white in the blood of the Lamb, because of their faith in him. And
18 MRST BOOK OF NEPHI.
I, Nephi, also saw many of the fourth generation, who passed awav in
righteousness. ,
And it came to pass that I saw the multitudes of the earth gathered .
together. And the angel said unto me, behold thy seed, and also the. seed
of thy brethren ! 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.
And the angel spake unto me, saying, behold the fountain of filthy wa-
ter which thy father saw ; yea, even the river of which he spake ; and the
depths thereof are the depths of hell : 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
may perish, and are lost ; and the large and spacious building which thy fe-
ther saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. ^ Aiid
a.great.and 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. ' 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.
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 multi-
tudes upon the face of the land. 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. And the angel said
unto me, behold, these shall dwindle in unbelief.
And it came to pass that I bcdeld after they had dwindled in unbelief,
they became a dark and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and
all manner of abominations.
And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me saying, look ! And
I looked and beheld many nations and kingdoms. And the angel said unto
me, what beholdest thou ? And I said, 1 behold many nations and kingdoms.
And he said unto me, these are the nations and kingdoms of the Gentiles.
And it^came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Gentiles the
foundation of a great church. And the angel said unto me, behold the
foundation of a church, which is most abominable above all other churchesi
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.
And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church ; and
Isaw the devil that he was the foundation of it. And I also saw gold and
silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine twined linen, and all manner of pre-
cious clothing ; and I saw many harlots: 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 de-
sires of this great and abominable church ; and also for the praise of the
world, do they destroy the saints of God, and bring them down into can-
tivity. ■» "^
And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters ■ and thev
divided the GentUes from the seed of my brethren. And it came to nass
that the angel said unto me, behold the wrath of God is upon the seed of
thy brethren! And Hooked and beheld a man among the Gentiles who
was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters ; and'l be^
FIRST BOOK OP NEPHI. 19
held 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 btethren,
who were in the promised land.
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.
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. 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 exceeding fair and beautiful, like
unto my people, before they were slain.
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 ; and I beheld that their mother Gen-
tiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to
battle against them ; 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 to-
gether against them to battle. 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.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that they did prosper in the
land ; and I bSheld a book, and it was carried forth among them. And the
angel said unto me, knowest thou the meaning of the book ? And I said
unto him, I know not. 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 en-
gravings 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 Gen-
tiles.
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 plainness 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 : wherefore, these things go forth
from the Jews in purity, unto the Gentiles, according to the truth which is
in God : and after they go forth by the band of the twelve apostles of the
Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the foundation 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 ; and all this have they done, that they might per-
vert the right ways of the Lord ; that they might blind the eyes and harden
the hearts of the children of men : 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 ; 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
20 FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI.
which hare been taken out of the book, which were "plain unto the under.,
standing 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 exceeding great many do stumble, yea, insomuch
that Satan hath great power over them ; 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, will .not utterly destroy the mixture of thy seed, Tjrhich are
among thy brethren ; neither will he suffer that the Gentiles shall destroy
the seed of thy brethren ; neither will the Lord God suffer that the Gen-
tiles shall forever remain in that awful state of blindness, which thou be-
holdest they are in, because of the plain and most precious parts of the gos-
pel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church,
whose formation thou hast seen. 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.
And it came to pass that the angel, of the Lord spake unto me, saying,
behold, saith the Lamb of God, after I liave 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, be-
cause of the most plain and precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which
has 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, in-
somuch that I will bring forth unto them in mine own power, much of my
gospel, which shall be plain and precious, saith the Lamb ; for behold, ssuth
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 ; and in them shall be
written my gospel, saith the Lamb, and my rock and my salvation ; 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 ; arid whoso shall publish peace, yea,
tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be.
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 ; 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.
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 pre-
cious 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 aU men must come
unto him or they cannot be saved ; and they must come according to the
FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI. 21
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 ; and the time coraeth that he shall manifest himself unto all nations,
both unto the Jews, and also unto the Gentiles ; and Mcer 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.
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, and harden not their hearts against the Lamb of God, they shall bu
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 shidl no more be confounded ; 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 ; 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.
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 repentetb not, must perish ; therefore,
wo, be unto the Gentiles, if it so be that they harden their hearts against the
Lamb of God ; for the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, that I will work
a great and marvellous 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 unto destruction, both
temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of the devil, of which
I have spoken.
And it came to pass that when the angel had spoken these words, he
said unto me, remember thou the covenants of the Father unto the house of
Israel? I said unto him, yea. 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 foundation is the devil. 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 bfilongeth
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.
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.
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
22
PIKST BOOK OP NEPHI.
earth ; and their dominions upon the face of the earth were small, bcoai
of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw.
And it came to pass that I beheld that the great mother of abominatii
did gather together multitudes upon the face of all the earth, among all 1
nations of the Gentiles, to fight against the Lamb of God.
And it came to pass that I,' Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb
God, that it, descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and up
the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face
the. earth ; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power
God in great glory.
And it came to pass that I beheld that the wrath of God was poured <
upon the great and .abominable church, insomuch that there were wars a
rumors of wars among all the nations and kindreds of the earth, and as th(
began to be wars and rumors of ways among all the nations which belong
to the mother of abominations, the angel spake unto me, saying, beho
the wrath of God is upon the mother of harlots ; and behold, thou seest
these things ; and when the day cometh that the wrath of God is pom
out upon the mother of harlots, which is the great and abominable chm
of all the earth, whose foundation is the devil, then at that day, the wc
of the Father shall commence, in preparing the way for the fulfilling of i
covenants, which he hath made to his people, who are of the house
Israel.
And it came to pass that the angel' spake unto me, saying, look! A
I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe ; and t
angel said unto me, behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb ! I
hold, he_ shall see and write the remainder of these thmgs; yea,, and al
many things which have been : and he shall also write concerning the e
of the world ; wherefore, the things which he shall write are just and tru
and behold, they are written in-the book which thou beheld proceeding o
of the mouth of the Jew ; and at the time they proceeded out of the moii
of the Jew, or, at the tinje the book proceeded out of the mouth of t
Jew, the things which were written, were plain and pure, and most precioi
and easy to the understanding of all men. And behold, the things whi
this apostle of the Lamb shall write, are many things which thou hast see
and behold, the remainder shalt thou see ; but the things which thou shi
see hereafter, thou shalt not write ; for the Lord God hath ordained t
apostle of the Lamb of God that he should write them. And' also othc
who have been, to them hath he shown all things, and they have writt
them ; and they are s»aled up to come forth in their purity according
the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of the Lord, unto t
house of Israel.
And I, Nephi, heard and bear record, that the name of the apostle i
the Lamb was John, accordmg to the word of the angel. And I Nep!
am forbidden that I should write the remainder of the things which I S8
and heard; wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me ■ and
have not written but a small part of the things which I saw And I be
record, that I saw the things Which my father saw, and the angel of tl
Lord did make them known unto me. And now I make an end of speakii
concerning the thmgs which 1 saw, while I was carried away in the spiri
and if all the things which I saw are not written, the things which I ha'
written, are true. And thus it is. Amen.
FIRST BOOK OF NSFRI. 23
CHAPTER IV.
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. And
it came to pass that I beheld my brethren, and they were disputing one
with another, concerning the things which my^father had spoken unto them ;
for he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be
nuderstood, save a man should inquire of the Lord ; and they being hard in
their hearts, therefbre they did not look unto the Lord as they ought. 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 unaToidably
come to pass because of the great wickedness of the childrea,of men.
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 destruc-
tions of my people ; for I had beheld their fall. »
k',^ 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. And
they said, behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath
spoken concerning the natural branches of the olive tree, and also concern-
ing the Gentiles. And I said unto them, have ye inquired of the Lord ?
And they said unto me, we have not ; for the Lord maketh no such thing
known unto us. 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 ? Do ye not remember the things which the
Lord hath said, if ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, be-
lieving that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments,
surely, these things shall be made known unto you ?
Behold, I say unto you, that the house of Israel was compared unto an
olive trie, by the spirit of the Lord which was in our fathers ; and behold,
are we not broken oflf from the house of Israel ; and are we not a branch of
the house of Israel? And now, the thing which our father meaneth con-
cerning the grafting in of the natural branches through the fullness 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 he manifested in body unto the children of men, then shall the
fullness of the gospel of the Messiah come unto the Gentiles, and from the
Gentiles unto the remnant of our seed ; 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 Bedeemer, which was ministered unto their fathers by him ; wherefore,
they shall come to the knowledge of their Bedeemer, and the very points of
bis doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved. And
then at that day, will they not rejoice and give praise unto their everlasting
God, their rock and their salvation? Tea, at ^hat day, will they not receive
the strength and nourishment from the true vine ?« Yea, will they not come
unto the true fold of God? Behold, I say unto you, yea: they shall be re-
membered again among the house 'of Israel ; they shall be grafted in, being
a natural branch of the olive tree, into the true olive tree ; 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 shew his power unto the Gentiles,
24 FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI.
for the very cause that he shaU be rejected of the Jews, or of the house of
Israel : wherefore, our father hath not spoken of our seed alone, 0"* a's° pt
all the house of Israel, pointing to the covenant which should be fuiaied in
the latter days; which covenant the Lord made to our father Abraham, say-
ing, in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
And It came to pass that I, Nephi, spake much unto them concernmg
these things ; yea, I spake unto them concerning the restoration of the Jews,
in the latter days ; 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 be-
fore the Lord.
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 whicTh'^e saw? And I said unto them, it was a representation of the
tree of j^ife. And they said unto me, what meaneth the rod of iron which
our father saw, that led to the tree ? And I said unto them, that it was the
word of Grod ; 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. Wherefore, I, Xephi, 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. And they said unto me, what meaneth the river of water which
our father saw ? And I said unto them, that the water which my father saw,
was filthiness ; and so much was liis mind swallowed up in other things, that
be beheld not the filthiness of the water ; and I said unto them, that it was
an awful gulf, which separateth the wicked from the tree of life, and also
from the saiuts of God. 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.
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 for
ever and ever, and hath no end.
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 tem-
poral ? And it came to pass that I said unto them, that it was a represen-
tation 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 ; 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. But behold, I say unto you, the kingdom of
God is not filthy, and there cannot anyunclean thing enter into the king-
dom of God : wherefore, there must needs be a place of filthiness prepared
for that which is filthy. And there is a place prepared, yea, even that awful
hell of which I have spoken, and the devil is the foundation 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 ; wherefore the
FIKST BOOK OF NEPHl. 25
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.
CHAPTER V.
And now it came to pass that after I, Kephi, had made an end of speak-
ing to my brethren, behold, they said imto me, thou hast declared unto us
hard things, more than we are able to bear.
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 taketl^ the truth Jo be hard, for it cutteth them to the
very center. And now, my brethrefi,"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. And it came to 'pass -that \ Nephi, did
exhort my brethren, with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the
Lord. 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. Now, all these things were said and
done, as my father dwelt in a tent in the valley which he called Lemuel.
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. 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 exceed-
ingly.
And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord spake unto my father,
by Bight, and commanded him, that on the morrow, he should take his jour-
ney into the wilderness. 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.
And it came to pass tl;at 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.
And it came to pass that we did take our tents, and depart into the wil-
derness, across the river Laman. And it came to pass that we travelled for
the space of four days, nearly a south southeast direction, and we did pitch
our tents again ; and we did caU the name of the place Shazer.
And it came to pass that we did take our bows and our arrow?,, 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 w ilder-
ncss, 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 wilder-
ness, which were in the borders near the Red Sea. 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 ; and we did follow
2
26 ¥IEST BOOK bi* NEPHI.
the directions of the ball, which led us in the more fertile parts of the wil-
derness. And after we had travelled 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.
And it came to pass that as I, Nepbi, 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. 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.
And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael,
did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings and aflBictiona
in the wilderness ; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord
his God; yea, and they were all exceeding . sorrowful, even that they did
murmur against the Lord. ^
Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, having been afflicted with my breth-
ren, because of the loss of my bow : and their bows having lost their springs,
it began to.be exceeding difficult, yea,»insomuch, that we could obtain no
food. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much unto my brethren,
because they had hard^ed their hearts again, even unto complaining against
the Lord their God.' ,
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 ? And it came to pass that he did inquire of the
Lord, for they had humbled themselves because of my word ; for I did say
many things unto them in the energy of my soul.
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, inso-
much that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow. And it came to
pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him, look upon the ball, and be-
hold the things which are written ! 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.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers whicli were in the
ball, that they, did work according to the faith, and diligence, and heed,
which we did give unto them. 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.
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. And
it came to pass that I did slay wild beasts, insomuch that I did obtain food
for our families. And it came to pass that I did return to our tents bear-
ing the beasts which I had slain ; and now, when they beheld that I had
obtained food, how great lyas their joy. And it came to pass that they did
humble themselves before the Lord, and did give thanks unto him. -♦
And it came to pass that we did again take our journey, travelling nearly
the same course as in the beginning ; and after we had travelled for the
space of many days, we did pitch our tents again, that we might tarry for-
the space of a time.
And it came to pass that Ishmael died, and was buried in -the place which
SIEST BOOK OP NBPHI. 27
was called Ifahom. And it came to pass that the daughters of Ishmael did
moarn exceedingly, because of the loss of their father, and because of their
afBictions in the wilderness ; and they did murmur against my father, be-
cause 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 afBiction, hunger, thirst, and fatigue ; and after all these suf-
ferings, we must perish in the wilderness with hunger. And thus they did
murmur against my father, and also against me ; and they were desirous to
return again to Jerusalem. 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 : 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.
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.
And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilder-
ness ; 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. And so great were the bless-
ings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wil-
derness, 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 journey-
inga without murmurings. 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 com-
manded them : wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn
in the wilderness. And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea,
even eight years in the wilderness. 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.
And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the seashore ; and
notwithstanding we had suffered many afBictions, 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.
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.
And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying, thou ahalt
construct a ship, after the manner which I shall shew thee, that I may carry
thy people across these waters. 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
28 BIEST BOOK OP NEPHI.
the manner which thou hast shewn unto me ? And it came to pass that the
Lord told me whither I should go, to find ore, that I might make tools.
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 ; 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 ; 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. Yea, and the Lord said also,
that after ye have arrived to 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. Wherefore; I, Nephi,
did strive, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and I did exhort my
brethren to faithfulness and diligence.
And it came to pass that I did make tools of the ore which I did molten
out of the rock. 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. 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.
And now ■ it came to pass that I, Nephi, was exceeding sorrowful', be-
cause 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 re-
joice 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 accomphsh so
great a work ; 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 havie
been better that they had died, before they came out of Jerusalem, than to
have suffered these afflictions. 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 ; and we know
that the people who were in the liiud of Jerusalem, were a righteous peo-
ple ; for they kept the statutes and the judgment 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 untahis word ; yea, and our brother is
like unto him. And after this manner of language did my brethren mur-
mur and complain against us.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, spake unto them, saying do ye be-
lieve 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? Tea, 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? Now, ye know that the children of Israel were in
bondage ; and ye know that they were laden with tasks, which were grievoBS
to be borne ; wherefore, ye know that it must needs be a good thine for
them, that they should be brought out of bondage. Now ye know that
PIKST BOOK OF NEPHI. 29
Moses -was commanded of the Lord to do that great work ; and ye know
that by his word, the waters of the Ked Sea were divided hither and-thither,
and they passed through on dry ground. But ye know that the Egyptians
were drowned in the Eed Sea, who were the armies of Pharaoh ; and ye
also know that they were fed with manna in the wilderness ; 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 ; and notwithstanding they being led, the
Lord their God, their Eedeemer, going before them, leading them by day,
and giving light unto them by night, and doing'&U 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.
And it came to pass that according to his word, he did destroy them ;
and according to Ms 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. And after they had crossed the river Jordan, he did
make them mighty, unto the driving out the children of the land, yea, unto
the scattering them to destruction. And now do ye suppose that the chil-
dren 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. Do ye suppose that our fathers would have been more choice
than they, if they had been righteous ? I say unto you, nay ; 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 fullness 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. Behold, the Lord hath
created the earth that it should be inhabited ;' and he hath created his chil-
dren, that they should possess it. And he raiseth up a righteous nation,
and destroyeth the nations of the wicked. And he leadeth away the right-
eous into precious lands, and the wicked he destroyeth, and curseth the land
unto them for their sakes. He ruleth high in the heavens, for it is his
throne, and this earth is his footstool. 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 cove-
nants which he had made ; wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of
Egypt, and he did straighten them in the -wilderness with his rod, for they
hardened their hearts, even as ye have : and the Lord straightened 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 sim-
pleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.
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. 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 : 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. 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
30 FIEST BOOK OB NEPHI.
have heard his voice from time to time : and he hath spoken unto you in ;
stiU, smaU voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words
wherefore, he has spolsen unto you like unto the voice of thunder, whicl
did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder. And ye als
know, that by the power of his ahnighty word, he can cause the earth tha
it shall 'pass away ; yea, and ye know that by his word, he can cause th
rough places to be made smooth, and smooth places shall be broken uj
O, then, why is it, that ye can be so hard in your hearts ? Behold, my soi
is rent with anguish because of you, and my heart is pained : I fear lest y
shall be cast oft forever. Behold, I am full of the spirit of God, insomuc
that my frame has no strength.
And now it came to pass that when T"had spoken these words, they wer
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, saj
ing, in the name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye touch m
not, for I am filled with the power of God, even unto the consuming of m
flesh ; and whoso shall lay their hands upon me, shall wither even as a drie
reed ; and he shaU be as nought before the power of God, for God sha
smite him.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto them, that they shoul
murmur no more against their father, neither should they withhold the;
labor from me, for God had commanded me that I should build a shi]
And 1 said unto them, if God had commanded me to do all things, I conl
do them. If he should- command me that I should say unto this water, t
thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be don(
And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many mi
acles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, thi
I should build a ship ?
And it came to pass that I, Kephi, said many things unto my brethrei
insomuch that they were confounded, and could not contend against me
neither durst they lay their hands upon me, nor touch me with their fingei
even for the space of many days. Now they durst not do this, lest the
should wither before me, so powerful was the spirit of God, and thus it ha
wrought upon them.
And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me, stretch forth thii
hand again unto thy brethren, and they shall not wither before thee, but
will shock them, saith the Lord, and this will I do, that they may know th:
I am the Lord their God.
And it came to pass that I stretched forth my hand unto my brethrei
and they did not wither before me ; but the Lord did shake them, even a
cording to the word which he had spoken. And now they said, we kno
of a surety, that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of tl
Lord that has shaken us. And they fell down before me, and were aboi
to worship me, but I would not sufler them, saying, I am thy brother, ye
even thy younger brother; wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and ho
or thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land whi(
the Lord thy God shall give thee.
And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord, and did go fori
with me ; and we did work timbers of curious workmanship. And the Loi
did shew rae from time to time, after what manner I should work the til
bers of the ship. Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the mann
which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner (
men ; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shewn un
xe ; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.
FIKST BOOK OF NBPHI. 31
And I, Nephi, did go into the meant oft, and I did pray oft unto the
Lord ; wherefore, the Lord shewed unto me great things.
And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship according to the
word of the Lord, my brethren beheld tliat it was good, and that the work-'
manship thereof was exceeding fine ; wherefore, they did humble themselves
again before the Lord.
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. And it came to pass that on
the morrow, after we had prepared all things, much fruits aud 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.
And now, my father had begat two sons, in the wilderness : The eldest
was called Jacob, and the younger, Joseph. 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 ; and after
we had been driven forth before the wind, for the space of many days, be-
hold 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 exceed-
ing rudeness. 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.
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 shew forth his power, unto the fulfilling of
his word which he had spoken, concerning the wicked.
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 ; wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer the ship, inso-
much, 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. And on the fourth day which we had
been driven back, the tempest began to be exceeding sore.
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 baclc 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 wrists, and behold, they had swollen exceedingly ; and also
mine ancles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof. Never-
theless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long ; and
I did not murinur against the Lord, because of mine afiliotions.
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
any one 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. Because of their grief, and much
32 FIRST BOOK 01' NEPHI.
sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near eren 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. 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 ; 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 inthedepths of the sea,
they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me.
And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the com-
pass, 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.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed
again towards the promised land. And it came to pass that after we had
sailed for the space of many days, we did arrive to the promised land ; and ^
we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents ; and we did call it the
promised land.
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.
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 forest 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 oi
men. And we did find all manner of ore, both of gold, and of silver, and of
copper.
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. 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 forefathers, and the more part of all our proceedings in the
wilderjiess, are engraven upon those plates of which I have spoken ; where-
fore, the things which transpired before 1 made these plates, are, of a truth,
more particularly made mention upon the first plates.
And after I had made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi,
deceived a commandment, that the rqjnistry, 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 ; wherefore I, Nephi, did make a record,
upon the other plates, which gives an account, or which gives a greater ac-
count 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. And an account of my making these plates shall be given here-
after ; 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
FIRST BOOK OF NBPHI. 33
people. Nevertheless, I do not write any thing 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 wonld excuse myself because of other men, but because of the weak-
ness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself. For the
things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and
soul, others set at nought, 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 nought, and hearken
not to the voice of his.counsels ; and behold, he comethiiiaccording to the
words of the angel, in six hundred years from the time my father left Jeru-
salem. And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a
thing of nought ; 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. And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out oi
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.
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 light-
nings of his power, by tempest, by fire, and by smoke, and vapour of dark-
ness, and by the opening of the earth, and by mountains which shall be car-
ried up ; 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. And as for those
who are at Jerusalem, saith the prophet, shall be scourged by all people, be-
cause they crucify the God of Israel, and turn their hearts aside, rejecting
signs and wonders, and power and glory of the God of Israel ; 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 by-word and be hated among all nations : 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 : 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 ; yea, and all the earth shall see the salvation of the Lord, saith the
prophet ; every nation, kindred, tongue and people, shall be blessed.
And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I
might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their- Redeemer :
wherefore, I speak unto all the house of Israel, if- it so be that they should
obtain these things. For behold, I have workings in the spirit, which doth
weary me, even that all my joints are weak, for those who are at Jerusa-
lem : 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: 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.
2*
34 • FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI.
CHAPTER VI.
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 en-
graven upon the plates of brass, that they might know concerning the
doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old'. Alid I did read
many things unto them, which were written in the book of Moses; but that
I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer. -
Wherefore, 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. 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 : Hearken and hear this,
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. 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, 4he Lord of hosts is his name. Behold, I
have declared the former things from the beginning ; and they went forth
out of my mouth, and I shewed them ; I did shew them suddenly. And I
did it because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck was an iron
sinew, and thy brow brass, and. I have, even from the beginning, declared
to thee ; before it came to pass I shewed' them thee ; and I shewed them
for fear lest thou shouldst say, mine idol hath done them,, and my graven
image, and my molten image hath commanded them. Thou hast seen and
heard all this ; and will ye not declare them ! And that I have shewed thee
new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know
them. 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. 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.
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. For, behold, I have
refined thee ; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. 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.
Hearken unto me, Jacob, and Israel my called ; for I am he ; I am
the first, and I am also the last. 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. All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear;
who among them hatli declared these things unto them » The Lord hath
loved him ; yea, and he will fulfil his word which he hath declared bv them ;
way
prosperous.
Come ye, near unto me ; I have not spoken in secret from the begm-
FIRST BOOK OP NEPHI. 35
nin,^; from the time that it was declared, have I spoken; and the Lord
God, and his spirit, hath sent me. And thus saith the Lordy 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, has done it.
that thou hadst hearkened to my commandment ! then had thy peace been
as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea : thy seed also had
been as the sand; tlie offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof: his
name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.
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. 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. And notwithstanding he
hath done all this, and greater also, there is no peace, saith the Lord unto
the wicked.
And again : Hearken, 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, house of Israel. Listen 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. 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 ; and said unto me, thou
art my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified. Then I said, I have
labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain ; surely,
my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.
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. And he said, it is a light thing that thou shouldst be my ser-
vant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel.
1 will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my
salvation unto the ends of the earth. Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer
of Israel, his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the
nations abhorreth, to servant of rulers, kings shall see and arise, princes
also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful. Thus saith the
Lord, in an acceptable time have I heard thee, 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 : that mayest say to the prisoners. Go forth ;
to them that sit in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways,
and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger nor
thirst, neither shall the heat nor the sun smite them: for he that hath
mercy on them ^hall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide
them. And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be
exalted. And then, 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.
Sing, heavens ; and be joyful, earth ; for the feet of those who are
in the east shall be established, and break forth into singing, mountains :
for they shall be smitten no more : for the Lord hath comforted his people,
and will have mercy upon his afflicted. But behold, Zion hath said, the
Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten nie ; but he will shew
that he hath not. For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she
should not have compassion on the son of her womb ? Yea, they may for-
36 FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI.
get, yet will I not forget thee, house of Israel. -Behold, I hare graven
thee upon the palms of my hands ; thy walls are continually before me.
Thy children shall make haste against thy destroyers ; and they that made
thee waste, shall go forth of thee.
Lift up thine eyes round about, anS 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. 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. The children whom
thou shalt have, after thou hast lost the first, shall again in thine ears say,
the place is too straight for me : give place to me that I may dwell. 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 fre ? and
who hath brought up these ? Behold, I was left alone ; these, where have
they been? Thus saith the Lord God, behold, I will lift up mine hand to
the GentileSj 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 shoul-
ders. 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. For shall the prey be taken
from the mighty, or the lawful captives deUvered? 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- 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
anvi thy Redeemer, the mighty one of Jacob. .
CHAPTER VII.
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 afe spiritual, which shall
come to pass according to the spirit and not the flesh. 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. Wherefore
the things of which I have read, are things pertaining to things both tem-'
poral 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 aU nations'
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 thev'have
been led away. Aid since they have been led away, these things have been
prophesied concermng them, and also concerning all those who shall here-
after be scattered and be confounded, because of the Holy One of Israel ■ for
igainst him will they harden their hearts ; wherefore, they shall be scattered
imong all nations, and shall be hated of all men. Nevertheless, after they
FIRST BOOK OP NEPHI. 37
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
shoidders, 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.
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. And after our seed is scattered, the Lord
God will proceed to do a marvellous 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. 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. 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. 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. 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] Redeemer, the mighty one of Israel. 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 them-
selves, and the sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads,
and they shall be drunken with their own blood. And every nation which
shall war against thee, house of Israel, shall be turned one against anoth-
er, and they shall fall into the pit which they dTgged 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
t]je fall of it. 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. For the time
soon cometh, that the fullness 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. Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his power,
even if it so be that the fullness of his wrath must come, and the righteous
be preserved, even unto the destruction of their enemies by fire. Where-
fore, the righteous need not fear : for thus saith the prophet, they shall be
saved, even if it so be as by fire. Behold, my brethren, 1 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 : for behold, the righteous shall
not p^sh : for the time surely must come, that all they who fight against
Zion, shall be cut off. And the Lord will surely prepare a way for his peo-
ple, 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
lo pass that all those who will not hear that prophet, shall be cut off from
do SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
among the people. And now I, NepLi, declare unto you, that this prophet
of whom Moses spake, was the Holy One of Israel ; wherefore, he shall
execute judgment in righteousness ; 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 : 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 be-
come 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. 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. And
he gathercth his children from the four quarters of the earth ; and he num-
bereth 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.
And because of the righteousness of his people, satan has no power ; where-
fore) 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. And now behold, I, Nephi, say unto you^
that all these things must come according to the iiesh. I?ut, behold, ill
nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, shall dwell safely in the Holy One
of Israel, if it so be that they will repent.
And now I, Nephi, make an end ; for I durst not speak further as yet,
concerning these things. 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 command-
ments of God. 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 he obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be
saved at the last day. And thus it is. Amen.
THE SECOND BQOK OF NEPHI.
CHAPTER I.
An account of the death of Lehi. NephPs brethren rebelleth against him.
The Lord warns X^ephi to depart into the wilderness. His joumeyinqs in
the wilderness, &c.
And now it came to pass after I, Nephi, had made an end of teaching
my brethren, our father, Lehi, also spake many things unto them, hoWgreat
thi&gs the Lord had done for them, in bringifig them out of the land of Je-
rusalem. And he spake unto them concerning their rebellions upon the wa-
ters, and the mercies of God in sparing their lives, that they were not swal-
lowed up in the sea. And he also-spake unto them concerning the land Of
promise, which they had obtained : how merciful the Lord had been in
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI. 39
warning us that we should flee out of the land of Jerusalem. 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. 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 for-
ever : and also all those who should be led out of other coilntries, by the
hand of the Lord. Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings
of ^he spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land, save
they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord. 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. 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.
Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promise, that inasmuch as those whom
the Lord Sod shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem, shall keep his com-
mandments, 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 them-
selves. 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. But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in un-
belief, 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, know-
ing the great and marvellous 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 ; 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 pos-
sessions, and he will cause them to be scattered and smitten. Yea, as one
generation passeth to another, there shall be bloodsheds and great visita-
tions among them ; wherefore, my sons, I would that ye would remember ;
yea, I would that ye would hearken unto my words. 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 wo ! Awake ! and rise 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 traveller can return ; a few
more days, and I go the way of all the earth. But behold, the Lord hath
redeemed my soul from hell : I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled
abJRternally in the arms of his love. And I desire that ye should re-
memSer to observe the statutes and the judgments of the Lord : behold,
this hath been the anxiety of my soul, from the beginning. 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
fullness of his wrath upon you, that ye be cut off and destroyed forever ; or
40 SECOND BOOK OP NEPHI.
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 ac-
cording to the will and captivity of the devil. my sons, that these thmga
might not come upon you, but that ye might be a choice and a favored peo-
ple of the Lord. But behold, his will be done : for his ways are righteous-
ness forever ; and he hath said, that inasmuch as ye shall keep my com-
mandments, ye shall prosper in the land ; but inasmuch as ye will not keep
my commandments, ye shall be cut off from my presence. 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 ; that ye may not be cursed with a sore curs-
ing; 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.
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. Rebel no more against your brother, whose views have been glo-
rious, and who hath kept the commandments from the time that we left Je-
rusalem, 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. 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. 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. 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 him, but it was the spirit of the Lord which was in him, which
opened his mouth to utterance, that he could not shut it.
And now my son Laman and also Lemuel and Sara, 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. But if ye will not hearken unto
him, I take away my first blessing, yea, even my blessing, and it shall rest
upon him. And now, Zoram, I speak unto you : Behold, thou art the ser-
vant 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, for-
ever. 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. Wherefore, if ye shall
keep the commandments of the Lord, the Lord hath consecrated thinknd
for the security of thy seed with the seed of my son. And now, J^B, I
speak unto you : Thou art my first born in the days of my tribulation iSSie
wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and
much sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren. Nevertheless Jacob
my first born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God • ' and he
shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain. Wherefore, thy soul shall be
SECOND BOOK OP NEPHI. 41'
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 fullness of time, he Cometh to bring salration unto men.
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, to-day, and forever. And the way is prepared from the
fall of man, and salvation is free. And men are instructed sufiSciently, 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 tem-
poral law, they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law, they perish from
that which is good, and become miserable forever. Wherefore, redemp-
tion Cometh in and through the holy Messiah : for he is full of grace and
truth. 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. 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 pres-
ence 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 insurrection
of the dead, being the first that should rise. Wherefore, he is the first
fruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children
of men ; and they that beUeve in him, shall be saved. And because of the
intercession for all, all men come unto God ; wherefore, they stan'd 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 punish-'
ment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed,
to answer the ends of the atonement ; for it must needs be, that there is an
opposition in all things. If not so, my first born In the wilderness, right-
eousness could not be brought to pass ; neither wickedness ; neither holi-
ness nor misery ; neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things niust 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 incorrup-
tion, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. Wherefore, it
must needs have been created for a thing of nought; 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. 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 right-
eousness, 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.
And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things, for your profit and
iearnii^M|for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heav-
ens ^Hpie earth, and all things that in them is : both things to act, and
thin^^^be acted upon ; 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 ; wherefore, the
42 SECOND BOOK OP NBPHI.
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.
And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs sup-
pose, 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. 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. And after Adam
and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit, they were driven out of the
garden of Eden, to till the earth. And they have brought forth children ;
yea, even the family of all the earth. 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. Eor he gave commandment that all men
must repent ; for he shewed unto all men that they were lost, because of the
transgression of their parents. And now, behold, if Adam had not trans-
gressed, he ^ould not have fallen ; but he would have remained in the gar-
den of Eden. And all things which were created, must have remained in
the same state which they were, after they were created ; and they must
have remained forever, and had no end. And they would have had no chil-
dren ; 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.
But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth
all things. Adam fell, that men might be ; and men are, that they might
have joy. And the Messiah cometh in the fullness of time, that he may re-
deem 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. 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 mediation 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.
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 Spiritt 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 kthgdom.
I have spoken these few words unto yo'u 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 wel-
fare of your souls. Amen.
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI. 43
CHAPTER II.
' 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. And may the Lord consecrate also unto thee
this land, which is a most precious land, for thine inheritance and the inher-
itance 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. 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. For behold, thou art the fruit of my loins ; and I am a descend-
ant of Joseph, who was carried captive into Egypt. And great were the
covenants of the Lord, which he made unto Joseph ; wherefore, Joseph
truly saw our day. And he obtained a promise of the Lord, that out of the
fruit of his loins, the Lord GJpd would raise up a righteous branch unto the
house of Israel; not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken. olf;
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. For Joseph .truly testi-
fied, saying : A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice
seer unto the fruit of my loins. 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. Ani 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.
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. And he shall be great like unto
Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people,
house of Israel. And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of
the land of Egypt. 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 goneforth among
them. 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 Jn the latter
days ; and also to the knowledge of my covenantSj eaith the Lord. 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, "house of Israel,
saith the Lord. And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer
will tf^Lord bless ; and they that seek to destroy him, shall be confounded :
for ^Promise, of which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of thy
• loinlffhall be fulfilled. Behold I am sure of the fulfilling of this promise.
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 wrth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people
unto°salvation ; yea, thus prophesied Joseph, I am sure of this thing, even
44 SECOND BOOK OP NEPHI.
as I am sure of the promise of Moses : for the Lord hath said unto me, I will
preserve thy seed forever; 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. Tet 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.
And the Lord said unto me also, I will raise up unto thee 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 thex spokesman of thy loins shall declare it. 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. 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.
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 cove-
nant which I made unto thy fathers.
And now, behold, my son Joseph, after this manner did my father of old
prophesy. 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. And there shall raise up one mighty among them, who shall do
much good, both in word and in deed, being an instrument in the handp of
God, with exceading faith, to work mighty wonders, and do that thing
which is great in the sight of God, unto the bringing to pass much restora-
tion unto the house of Israel, and unto the seed of thy brethren. 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 accord-
ing to the words which I have spoken. Eemember the words of thy dying
father. Amen,
CHAPTER III.
And now I, Nephi, speak concerning the prophecies of which my father
hath spoken, concerning J,oseph, who was carried into Egypt : 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.
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 bom, I would that ye should give ear
unto my words : 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 kfeep my commandments-, ye shall be cut off from my presen^^ But
behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go down to my graV^Rtve T
should leave a blessing upon you : For behold, I know that if ye areHHght
up in the way ye should go, ye will not depart from it. 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. Where-
fore, because of my blessing, the Lord God will not suffer that ye shaU-
SECOND BOOK OF NEfHI. 45
perish ; wherefore, he will be merciful unto you, and unto your seed for-
ever.
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. And he spake unto them, saying : Be-
hold, 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 de-
stroyed ; but in the end thy seed shall be blessed.
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. And after he had made an end of speaking unto them, he spake
unto Sam, saying : " Blessed art thou, and thy seed : for thou shalt inherit
the land, like unto thy brother JSTephi. 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.
And it came to pass after.my father Lehi had spoken unto all his house-
hold, 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.
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 admoni-
tions of the Lord : for I, Nephi, was constrained to speak unto them, accord-
ing to his word. For I had spake many things unto them, and also my fa-
ther, before his death ; many of which sayings, are written upon mine other
plates : for a, more history part are written upon mine other plates. 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 sotd delighteth in the scrip-
tures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and
the profit of my children. Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the
Lord ; and my heart po,ndereth continually upon the things which I have
seen and heard. Nevertheless, the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me
his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth, wretched man that I
am ; yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh. My soul grieveth be-
cause of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about because of the tempta-
tions and the sins which doth so easily beset me. And when I desire to i^e-
joice, my heart groaneth because of my sins ; nevertheless, I know in whom
I have trusted. My God hath been my. support ; he hath led me through
mine afflictions in the wilderness ; and he hath preserved me upon the wa-
ters of the great deep. He hath fiUed me with his love, even unto the con-
suming of my flesh. He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing
of them to quake before me. Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and
he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night time. 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. And upon the
wings of his spirit hath my body been carried away upon exceeding 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. then,
if I harc seen so great things ; if the Lord in his condescension unto the
ohildl^of men, hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart
weep^^d my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away,
and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions ? And why should I
yield to sin, because of my flesh? Tea, why should I give way to tempta-
tions, 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 ? Awake, my
46 SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
soul! No longer droop in Bin. Kejoice O my heart, and give place no
more for the enemy of my soul. Do not anger again, because of mine
enemies. Do not slacken my strength, because of mine afflictions. Re-
joice, my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say, Lord, I will praise
thee forever ; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my
salvation. 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? May the gates of hell be shut continuiUly before
me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite ? Lord, wilt
thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness before me, that I may walk in
the pstth of the low valley, that I may be strict in the plain road? Lord,
wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness ? Lord,
wilt thou make », 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 wouldest clear my way before me, and hedge
not up my way, but the ways of mine enemy. 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 patteth his trust in the arm of flesh.
Tea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh bis arm.
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 hft 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 rook and mine everlastmg
God. Amen.
CHAPTER IV.
Behold, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cry much unto the Lord my
God, because of the anger of my brethren. But behold, their anger did in-
crease against me ; insomuch that they did seek to take away my life. 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. Now I do not write upon
these plates, all the words which they murmured against me. But it suf-
ficeth me to say, that they did seek to take away my Kfe.
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. Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family,
and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother, and J|is family!
and Jacob, and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sistet*, and all
those who would go with me. And all those who would go with nje were
those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God • wherefore
they did hearken unto my words. And we did take our tents and whatso-
ever things were possible for us, andMid 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. And my people would that we should%ll the
name of the place Nephi : wherefore, we did call it Nephi. And aUthose
who were with me, did take upon them to call themselves the people of
Nephi. 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 u'oses
And the Lord was with iis ; and we did prosper exceedingly : for we did
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI. 47
iow seed, and we did reap again in abundance. And we began to raise
locks', and herds, and animals of every kind. And I, Nephi, had also brought
ihe records which were engraven upon the plates of brass : and also the ball,
3r compass, which was prepared for my father, by the hand of the Lord, ac-"
3ording to that which is written.
And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly, and
bo multiply in the land. And I, Nephi, did take the sword of Labau,
»nd 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 de-
stroy us : for I knew their hatred towards me and my children, and those
who were called my people. And I did teach my people to build buildiuga ;
iind to work in all manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass,
ivnd of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were iu
great abundance. And I, Nephi, did build a temple ; and I did construct it
ifter 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 con-
struction was like unto the temple of Solomon ; and the workmanship
thereof was exceeding fine.
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people to be industrious,
and to labor with their hands. 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 accorSing to 'that which was in my pow-
er. 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. 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. 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 hira, that they had become like unto
a flint ; wherefore, as they were white, and exceeding 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. And thus saith the Lord God, I will
cause that they shall be loathsome unto thy people, save they shall repent
of their iniquities. 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. 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. And the Lord God said
unto me, they shall be a scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in remem-
brance of me ; and inasmuch as they will not remember me, and hearken
unto my words, they shall scourge them even unto destruction.
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. And
it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness. And thirty
years had passed away from the time we left Jerusalem. And I, Nephi,
had kepjithe records upon my plates, which I had made of my peopl*, thus far.
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 njy
sight, for the profit of thy people. Wherefore, I, Nephi, to be obedient to
the commandments of the Lord, went and made these plates upon which I
have engraven these things. And I engraved that which is pleasing unto
48 SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
God. And if my people are pleased with the things of God, *ey J^H be
pleased with mine engravings which are upon these plates. And it nfy peo-
ple desire to know the more particular part of the history of m? people,
they must search mine other plates. And it sufficeth me to say, that forty
years had passed away, and we had already had wars and contentions with
our brethren.
CHAPTER V.
The words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, which he spake untathe peo-
ple of Nephi : 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 pro-
tector, and on whom ye depend for safety, behold, ye know that I have
spoken unto you exceeding many things: nevertheless, I speak unto you
again ; for I am desirous for the welfare of your souls. Tea, mine unxiety
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.
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 God. 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.
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 he
carried upon their shoulders. 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 ihat wait for me.
And now I, Jacob, would speak somewhat concerning these words : For
behold, the Lord has shewn me that those who were at Jerusalem, from
whence we came, have been slain and carried away captive ; nevertheless,
the Lord has shewn unto me that they should return again. And he also
has shewn unto me, that the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, should
manifest himself unto them in the flesh ; and after he should manifest him-
self, they should scourge him and crucify him, according to the words of
the angel, who spake it unto me. 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. 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 faith-
fiU, 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 landsftf
their inheritance.
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI. 49
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.
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 hira : for they
still wait for the coming of the Messiah. 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. 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 : for shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful
captive delivered ? 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, 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 Eedeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. Yea,
for thus saith the Lord : Have I put thee away, or have I cast thee off for-
ever ? For thus saith the Lord : Where is the bill of your mother's divorce-
ment? 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 ; wherefore, when I came, there was no man : when I
called, yea, there was none to answer.
0, 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. I clothe the heavens with black-
ness, and I make sackcloth their covering. The Lord God hath given me
the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in sea-
son unto thee, House of Israel. When ye are weary, he waketh morning
by morning. He waketh mine ear to hear as the leat'ned. The Lord God
hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.
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 spittifig, for the Lord God will
help me : therefore shall I not Ije confounded. ■ Therefore have I set my
face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed ; and the Lord is
hear, and he justifieth me. Who will contend with me ? let us stand to-
gether. Who is mine adversary ? let him come near me, and I will smite
him with the strength of my mouth : 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.
Who is among you that feareth the Lord : that obeyeth the voice of his
servant : that walketh in darkness, and hath no light ? 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. Hearken unto me, ye that follow
after riwhteousness : Look unto the rock from whence ye are hewn, and to
8
60 SECOND BOOK or NEPHI.
the hole of the pit from whence ye are digged. Loolc untp Abraham, your
father, and unto Sarah, she that bare you : for I called him alone, and
blessed him. For the Lord shall comfort- Zion : he will comfort all her
waste places ; and he will make her wilderness lilie Eden, and her desert
like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found therein,
thanksgiving and the voice of melody. Hearken unto me, my people : and
give car unto me, my nation : for a law shall proceed from me, and I wiU
make my judgment to rest for a light for the people. 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. 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 wa:^ 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.
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 ; for the moth shall eat them up like a garment,
and the worm shall eat them like wool. But my righteousness shall be for-
ever ; and my salvation from generation to generation.
Awake, awake ! Put on strength arm of the Lord : awake as in the
ancient days. Art thou not he that hath cut Kahab, and wounded the
dragon ? 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 ? 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. I am he ; yea, I am he that comforteth you : Sehold, who art
thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall die, and of the Son of
man, who shall be made like nnto-grass ; 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?
The captive exile hastfeneth, that he may be loosed, and that he should not
die in the pit, nor that his' bread should fail. But I am the Lord thy God
whose waves roared : the Lord of Hosts is my name. And I havo 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. Awake, awake, stand up, Jeru-
salem, which hast drunk at the hand of the Lord the eup of his fury ; thou
hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembjing wrung out; 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. These two sons are
come unto thfce ; who shall be sorry for tljee : thy desolation and destruc-
tion, and the famine and the sword : And by whom shall I comfort thee ?
Thy sons hjive 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.
Therefore, hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, and not with wine:
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. 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. '
Awftke, awake, put on thy strength, Zion; put on thy beautiful gar-
SECOND BOOK OV NEPHI. 51
ments, Jerusalem, the holy city : for henceforth there shall no more come
into thee, the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust ;
arise, sit down, Jerusalem : loose thyself from the bands of thy neck,
captive daughter of Zion.
CHAPTER VI.
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 ; that he has spoken unto the Jews, by the mouth of
his holy prophets, even from the beginning down, from generation to gene-
ration, 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.
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. 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. Yea, I know that ye know, that in the body he
shall shew himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came ; for it is
expedient that it should be among them ; for it behoveth 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. For as death
hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator,
there must needs be a p«wer 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 ; 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.
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. 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 combi-
nations of murder, and all manner of secret works of darkness.
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. 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. And this death of which I have ■ Spoken,
which is the spiritual death, shall deliver up its dead ; which spiritual: death
'ii> hell ; wherefore, death and hell must deliver up their dead, and hell must
52 SECOND BOOK OH NEPHI.
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,
-r how great the plan of our God ! For on the other hand, the para-
dise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave de-
liver 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, havuig a perfect knowledge like unto us, in the flesh ; save
it be that our knowledge shall be perfect ; wherefore, we shall have a per-
fect 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.
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 ap-
pear 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 judg-
ment of God. 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 flames ascendeth up forever and ever ;
and has no end.
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 ful-
filled. 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 thp foundation of
the world ; and their joy shall be full forever.
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.
how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and
there is not any thing, save he knows it. 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. And
he suflereth this, that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might
stand before him, at the great and judgment day. 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. And if they will not*epent 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, hath spoken it ; wherefore he has given a law ;
and where th^re is no law given, there is no punishment ; and where there
is no punishment, there is no condemnation ; and where there is no condem-
nation, 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 : 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. '
SECOND BOOK OF NEFHI. 53
But WO onto him that has the law given ; yea, that has all the command-
ments of God, like unto U9, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth
the days of his probation ; - for awful is his state !
that cunning plan of the evil one ! the Tainness, 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.
But to be learned is good, if they hearken unto the counsels of God.
But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For be-
cause 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. And wo unto
the deaf, that will not hear : for they shall perish. Wo unto the blind, that
will not see : for they shall perish also. Wo unto the uncircumcised of
heart : for a knowledge of their iniquities shall smite them at the last day.
Wo unto the liar : for he shall be thrust down to hell. Wo unto the mur-
derer, who deliberately killeth : for he shall die. Wo unto them who com-
mit whoredoms : for they shall be thrust down to hell. Tea, wo unto those
that worship idols : for the devil of all devils delighteth in them. And, in
fine, wo unto all tho^e who die in their sins : for they shall seturn to God,
and behold his face, and remain in their sins.
0, 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. Bemember, to be carnally minded, is death, and to be spiritu-
ally minded, is life eternal.
0, my beloved brethren, give ear to my words. Kemember the great-
ness 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.
then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Re-
member 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 tha
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. And whoso knoqketh, 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 despiaeth ; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider them-
selves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, lie will
not open unto them. But the things of the wise and the prudent, shall be
hid from them for ever ; yea, that happiness which is prepared for the saints.
0, my beloved brethren, remember my words : Behold, I take off my gar-
ments 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, wjien 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.
0, 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. 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
54 SECOND BOOK or nephi.
perfectness, and be construned to exclaim, holy, holy are thy judgments,
Lord God Almighty, But I know my guilt ; I transgressed thy law, and my
transgressions are mine ; and the devil had obtained me, that I am a prey to
his awful misery. But behold, my brethren, is it expedient that I should
awake you to an awful reality of these things ? Would I harroit up your
souls if your minds were pure ? Would I be plain unto you according to
the plainness of the truth, if yc were freed from sin ? 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. Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart de-
lighteth in righteo^usness ; and I will praise the holy name of my God. 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. Wherefore, do not spend money for that which
is of no worth,-nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken dili-
gently unto me, 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. 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, re-
joice, 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.
And now, my brethren, I would speak unto you more ; but on the mor-
row I will declare unto you the remainder of my words. Amen.
CHAPTEE VII.
And now I, Jacob, speak unto you again, my beloved brethren, concern-
ing this righteous branch of which I have spoken. Tor behold, the promises
which we have obtained, are promises unto us according to the flesh ; where-
fore, as it has been shown unto me th^t 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. 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. For should the mighty mira-
cles be wrought among other nations, they would repent, and know that he
be their God; but because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem
will stiflen their necks against him, that he be crucified. Wherefore, be-
cause of their iniquities, destructions, famines, pestilences and bloodsheds,
shall come upon them; and -they who shaU not be destroyed, shall be scat-
tered among all nations.
But behold, thus saith the Lord God : When the jlay cometh that they
BhaU beheve in me, that I am Christ, then have I covenanted with their
fathers that they shaU be restored in the flesh, upon the earth, unto the
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI. 55
lands of their inheritance. And it shall come to pass that thej 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 in-
heritance. Yea, the kings of the Gentiles shall be nursing fathers unto
them, and their queens shall become nursing mothers ; wherefore the prom-
ises of the Lord are great unto the Gentiles, for he hath spoken it, and who
can dispute ? But behold, this land, saith God, shall be a land of thine in-
heritance ; and the Gentiles shall be blessed upon the land. 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. And I will fortify this
land against all other nations ; and he that-fighteth against Zion, shall perish,
saith God : 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. Wherefore, for this cause, that my cov-
enants 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 se-
cret works of darkness, and of murders, and of abominations ; wherefore,
he that fighteth against Zion both Jew and Gentile, both bond and free,
both mule and female, shall perish : for they are they who arc the whore of
. all the earth : for they who are not for rae, are against me, saith our God.
For I will fulfil my promises which I have made unto the children of men,
that J will do unto them while they are in the flesh. Wherefore, my be-
loved 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. Wherefore, I will consecrate
this land unto thy seed and they 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.
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 hiive been led to a better land : for the Lord hath made the sea our
path, and we are upon an isle of the sea. But great are the promises of the
Lord unto they 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. 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, be-
hold, the Lord remembereth all they who have been broken off; wherefore,
tie remembereth us also. ' 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. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, recon-
cile 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. Wherefore, may God
raise you from death, by the power of the resurrection, and also from ever-
lasting 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.
56 SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
CHAPTEE VIII.
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.
And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah: for my soul de-'
lighteth in his words. For I will lilcen his words unto ray people ; and I
will send them forth unto all my children : for he rerily saw my Redeemer,
eren as I have seen him. 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. 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. 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 his
justice, and power, and mercy, in the great and eternal plan of deliverance
from death. And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people, that save
Christ should come, all men must perish. For ff 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
fullness of bis own time.
And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of hiy 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.
The word that Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw, concerning Judah and Je-
rusalem : 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, and many peo-
ple 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. And he shall judge among the na-
tions, and shall rebuke many people ; and they shall beat their swords into
plough-shares, and their spears into pruning hooks ; nation shall not lift up
sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 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.
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.
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 ahy end of their
chariots ; their land also is full of idols ; they worship the work of their
own hands, — that which their own fingers have made : and the mean man
boweth not down, and the great man humbleth himself not : therefore for-
give him not.
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. And it shall
come to pass that the lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughti-
ness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone, shall be exalted in
SKCOND BOOK OP NEPHI. 57
that day. 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 ; 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, and upon all the high moun-
tains, and upon all the hills, and upon all the nations which are lifted up,
and upon every people, and upon every high tower, and upon every fenced
irall, and upon all the ships of the sea, and upon all the ships of Tarshish,
and upon all pleasant pictures. And the loftiness of man shall be bowed
dowi^, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low ; and the Lord alone
shall be exalted in that day. And the idols he shall utterly abolish. And
they shall go into the holes of the racks, 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. 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 ; 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. Cease ye from man, whose
breath, is in his nostrils ; for wherein is he to be accounted of?
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, the mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and
the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient, the captain of fifty, and the
honorable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the elo-
quent orator. And I will give children unto them to be their princes, and
babes shall rule over them. 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. 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 ; 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. 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.
The shew of their countenance doth witness against them, and doth de-
clare their sin to be even as Sodom, and they cannot hide it. Wo unto
their souls, for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Say unto the
righteous, that it is well with them ; for they shall eat the fruit of their do-
ings. Wo unto the wicked ! for they shall perish : for the reward of their
hands shall be' upon them.
And my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over
them. my p^ple, they who lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the
way of thy paths. The Lord standeth up to plead,''and standeth to judge
the people. 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. What mean ye ? Ye beat my people to
pieces, and grind the faces of the poor, saith the Lord God of hosts.
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 njaking a tinkling with their feet : 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. In that day the Lord will take away
the bravery of their tinkling ornaments, and cauls, and round tires like the
3*
58 SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
moon, the chains and the bracelets, and the mufSers, the bonnets, and tho
ornaments of their legs, and the head-bands, and the tablets and the ear-
rings, the rings, and nose-jewels, the changeable suits of apparel, and the
mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping-pins, the glasses, and the fine
linen, and hoods, and the vails.
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.
Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war. And her gates
shall lament and mourn ; and she shall be desolate, and shall sit upon the
ground.
/ And in that day, seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, wo
will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel : only let us be called by
thy name, to take away our reproach. 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.
And it shall come to pass, them that arc left in Zion, and remain in
Jerusalem, shall be called holy, every one that is written among the living
in Jerusalem : when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daugh-
ters 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. 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. And there shall be
a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of
refuge, and a covert from storm and from rain.
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 : 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. And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men
of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What could
haV6 been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it ? Where-
fore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, it brought forth wild
grapes. 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 : 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. 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.
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 ! In mine ears, said the
Lord of hosts, of a truth many houses shall be desolate, and great and fair
cities without inhabitant. Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath,
and the seed of a homer shall yield an ephah.
Wo unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow
strong drink : that continue until night, and wine inflame them ! And the
harp, and the viol, the tabrct and pipe, and wine are in their feasts ; but
they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his
hands.
Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no
knowledge : and their honorable men arc famished, arid their multitude
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI. 59
dried up with thirst. 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. And the mean man shall
be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the
lofty shall be humbled : but the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment,
and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. Then shall the
lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall
strangers eat. Wo unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and
sin as it were with a cart-rope ; 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.
Wo unto them that call ^vil good, and good evil ; that put darkness for
light, and light for darkness ; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bit-
ter ! Wo unto the wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight !
Wo unto the mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong
drink: who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness
of the righteous from him ! Therefore, as the fire devoureth the stubble,
and the Same 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. Therefore,
is the anger of the Lord kindled against hie people, and he hath stretched
forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them : and the hills did trem-
ble, and their carcasses were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this
his anger is not turned away, but his hand stretched out still.
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 ; none shall slumber
nor sleep ; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet
of their shoes be broken : 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. 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. 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.
CHAPTER IX.
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. Above it stood
the ser'aphims ; each one had six wings ; with twain he covered his face,
and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one
cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts : the
whMe earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the
voicB of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
« 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. Then flew one of the aera-
phimsNinto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the
tongs from oif the altar: and belaid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo,,this
has touched thy lips ; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
60 SECOND BOOK OP NEPHI.
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.
And he said, go, and tell this people, hear ye indeed, but they under-
stood not ; and see ye indeed, but they perceived not. Make the heart of
this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes j lest they
see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their
heart, and be converted, and be healed. 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 ; and the Lord have removed
men far away, fer there shall be a great forsaking iu the midst of the land.
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.
And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the sou of
Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah the son of
Bemaliah, king of Israel, went up towards Jerusalem to war against it, but
could not prevail against it. And it was told the house of David, saying,
Syria is confederated with Ephraim. And his heart was moved, and the
heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind.
Then said the Lord unto Isaiah, go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and
ghearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the
highway of the fuller's field ; and say unto him, take heed, and be quiet ;
fear not, neither be faint-hearted for the two tails of these smoking fire-
brands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah.
Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Reraaliah, have taken evil counsel
against thee, saying, 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 : thus saith the Lord Grod, it shall not stand, neither shall it come to
pass. For the head of Syria, is Damascus ; and the head of Damascus,
Rezin : and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that
it be not a people. 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.
Moreover, the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying, ask thee a sign of
the Lord thy God ; ask it either in the depths, or in the heights above. But
Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord. And he said ; hear
ye now, house of David ; is it a small thing for you to weary men, but
will ye weary my God also ? 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. Butter and honey shall he eat, 'that he may know to
refuse the evil, and to choose the good. 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.
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 depart-
ed from Judah, the king of Assyria. And it shall come to pass in that day,
that the Lord shaU hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of Egypt,
and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. And they shall come,mnd
shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks,
and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes. 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. And it shall come to pass in that day, a man shall nourish a young
cow, and two sheep ; 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
SECOND BOOK OP NEPHI. 61
eatrthat is left in the land. 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. With arrows and with bows shall
men £ome thither; because all the land shall become briers and thorns.
And all the hilts 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.
Moreover, the word of the Lord said unto me, take thee a great joU, and
write in it with a man's pen concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz. And I took
unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the
the son of Jeberechiah. And I went unto the prophetess ; and she con-
ceived and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me, call his name Maher-
shalal-hash-baz. For behold, the child shall not have knowledge to cry, my
father, and my mother, before the riches of Damascus and the spoil ef
Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.
The Lord spake also unto me again, saying, forasmuch as this people
refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly and rejoice in Kezin and Rema-
liah's son ; 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 aU his channels, and go over all his
banks : 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, Immanuel.
Associate yourselves, ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces ; and
give e^ all ye of far countries : gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in
pieces ; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel to-
gether and it shall come to nought : speak the word, and it shall not stand :
for God is with us.
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, say ye not, a con-
federacy, to all to whom this-people shall say, a confederacy ; neither fear ye
their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself, and let him be
your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary :
But for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses
of Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many
among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken and be snared, and be
taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. And I
will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and
I will look for him. 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.
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 ? 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. 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.
And they shall look unto the earth ; and behold trouble, and darkness, dim-
ness of anguish, and shall be driven to darkness.
Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when
at first he lightly afSicted the land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali,
and afterwards did more grievously afflict by the way of the Ked Sea beyond
Jordan in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have
Been a great light : they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon
62 SECOND BOOK OF NBPHI.
them hath the light shined. 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. For thou hast broken the yoke of his
burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor. For every
battle of the warrior with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood ;
but this shall be with burniug and fuel of fire. 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The ever-
lasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 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.
The Lord sent his word unto Jacob and it hath lighted upon Israel.
And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria,
that say in the pride and stoutness of hearty the bricks .are fallen down, but
we will build with hewn stones : the sycamores are cut down, but we will
change them into cedars. Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries
of Kezin against him and join his enemies together; 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.
For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they
seek the Lord of hosts. Therefore, will the Lord cut off from Israel head
and tail, branch and rush in one day. The ancient, he is the head ; and
the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this people
cause them to err ; and they that are led of them are destroyed. 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
evil doer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not
turned away, but his hand stretched out still.
For wickedness burneth as the lire ; 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. Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts is the
laud darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire ; no man shall
spare his brother. 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 Lis own arm ; Manasseh, Ephrahn ; and Ephraim,
Hanasseh ; they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is
not turned away, but his hand stretched out still.
W o unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievous-
ness which they have prescribed ; 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 ! 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 ? 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 stretched out
still.
Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is their
indignation. 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. 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. For he saith. Are not my princes
altogether kings? Is not Calno as Carchemish ? Is not Hamath as ArpadV
Is not Samaria as Damascus ? As my hand hath founded the kingdoms of
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI. 63
the idols, and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusalem and of Sa-
maria : shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to
Jerusalem and to her idols ? Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when
the Lord hath performed his whole worlc upon mount Zion and upon Jeru-
salem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and
the glory of his high looks. 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 : and my hand hath found
as a nest th6 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. Shall the axe 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. Therefore shall the Lord,
the Lord gf hosts, send among his fat ones, leanness : and under his glory
he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire. 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 : 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. And the rest of the trees of his forest
shall be few, that a child may write them.
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. The remnant shall return, yea, even the remnant of Jacob, unto
the mighty God. For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea,
yet a remnant of them shall return ; the consumption decreed shall over-
flow with righteousness. For the Lord God of hosts shall make a consump-
tion, even determined, in all the land.
Therefore, thus saith the Lord God of hosts, 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. For yet a
very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their
destruction. And the Lord of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him accord-
ing 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. And it shall come
to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoul-
der, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because
of the anointing. He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron ; at Mich
mash he hath laid up his carriages ; they are gone over the passage ; they
have taken up their lodging at Geba ; Eamath is afraid ; Gibeah of Saul is
fled. Lift up the voice, daughter of Gallim : cause it to be heard unto
Laish, poor Anathoth. Madmenah is removed : the inhabitants of Gebim
gather themselves to flee. 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. 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. And he shall cut down the thickets of the forests with
iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.
And there shall come forth a rod oilt of the stem of Jesse, and a branch
shall grow out of his roots ; 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 ; and shall make him of
quick understanding in the fear of the Lord : and he shall not judge after
64 SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
the sight of his eyes, neither reprore after the hearing of his ears ; but witt,
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. And righteousness
shalljbe the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 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 the failing together ; and a little
child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed ; their young
ones shall lie down together ; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And
the sucking child,6hall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child
shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den. 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.
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. 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
Gush, and from £lam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the
islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall
assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Jndah
from the four corners of the earth. 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 Ephra,im. But they shall fly upon the shoulders of
the Philistines toward the west : they shall spoil them of the east together ;
they shall lay their hand upon Edom and lloab ; and the children of Ammon
shall obey them. And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the
Egyptian sea ; and with his mighty wind he shall shake bis hand over the
river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dry
shod. And there shall be a highway for the remnant of his people, which
shall be left, froin Assyria, like as it was to Israel in the day that he came
up out of the land of Egypt.
And in that day thou shalt say, Lord, I will praise thee : though thou
wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
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.
Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And
in that day shall ye say, praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his
doings among the people, mate mention that his name is exalted. Sing
unto the Lord ; for he hath done excellent things : this is known in all the
earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion ; for great is the Holy
One of Israel in the midst of thee.
CHAPTER X.
The burden of Babylon, wliich Isaiah the son of Amoz did see 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. 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. The noise of the multitude in tbs
mountains like as of a great people ; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of
nations gathered together : the Lord of hosts mustereth the hosto of the
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI. 65
battle. 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;
Howl ye ; for the day of the Lord is at band : it shall come as a destruc-
tion from the Almighty. Therefore, shall all hands be faint, erery man's
heart shall melt : and they shall be afraid : pangs and sorrows shall tike
hold of them : they shall be amazed one at another ; their faces shall be as
flames : 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. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof
shall not give their light ; the sun shall be darkened in her going forth, and
tbe moon shall not cause her light to shine. ' And I will punish the world
for evil, >nd the wicked for their iniquity : I will cause the arrogancy of the
proud to cease, and wjll lay down the haughtiness of the terrible, I will
make a man more precious than fine gold ; even a man than the golden
wedge of Ophir. 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. And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that
no man taketh up: and4hey shall every man turn to his own people, and
flee every one into his own land. Every one that is proud shall be thrust
through ; yea, and every one that is joined to the wicked, shall fall by the
sword. Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes;
their houses shall be spoiled and their wives ravished. Behold I will stir up
the Medes against them, which shall not regard silver and gold, nor they
shall not delight in it. Their bows shall also dash the young men to pieces ;
and they shaU have no pity on the fruit of the womb ; their eyes shall not
spare children.
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excel-
lency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. 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 : 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. 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.
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. 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 cap-
tives ; and they shall rule over their oppressors. And it shall come to pass
in that day that the Lord shall give thee re'st, from thy sorrow, and from
thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve.
And it shall come to pass in that day, that thou slialt take up this prov-
erb against the king, of Babylon, and say, how hath the oppressor ceased,
the golden city ceased ! The Lord hath broken the staff of the wicked, the
sceptres of the rulers. He who smote the people in wrath with a continual
stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hjndereth.
The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet : they break forth into singing. 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. Hell from beneath is
66 SECOND BOOK OP NEPHI.
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. All they shall speak and say uuto thee, art thou
also become weak as we? Art thou become like unto us? Thy pomp is
bright down to the grave ; the noise of thy viols is not heard : the worm
is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. How art thou fallen from
heaven, Lucifer, son of the morning ! Art thou cut down to the ground,
which did weaken the nations ! For thou bast said in thy heart, I wiU as-
cend 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 ; I will
ascend above the heights of the clouds ; I will be like the Most High. Yet
thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 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,
and made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof, and
opened not the house of his prisoners ? All the kings of the nations, yea,
aU of them, lie in glory, every one of them in his own house. 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. 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. 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. For I will rise up against
them, saith the Lord of hosts, and cut off from Babylon the name, and rem-
nant, and son, and nephew, saith the Lord. 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.
The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, surely as I have thought, so shall
't come to pass ; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand : that I will bring
the Assyrian in my laud, and upon my mountains tread him under foot :
then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off
their shoulders., This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth:
and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all nations. For the Lord of
hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul? And his hand stretched
out, and who shall turn it back ? In the year that king Ahaz died was this
burden.
Bejoice 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. 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. Howl, gate ; cry, city ;
thou, wholcPalestina, art dissolved : for there shall come from the north a
smoke, and none shall be alone in his appointed times. 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.
CHAPTER XI.
Now I, Nephi, do speaBsomewhat 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 un-
SBCOND BOOK OF NEPHI, 67
derstand : for they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among
the Jews. For I, Nephi, hare not taught them many things concerning the
manner of the Jews ; for their worlsa were works of darkness, and their
doings were doings of abominations. Wherefore, I write unto my people
unto all those that shall receive hereafter these things which I write,|Piat .
they may know the judgments of God, that they come upon all nations, ac-
cording to the word which he hath spoken. Wherefore hearken, 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, nevertherless they are
plain unto all those that are fiUed 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 ; yea, 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 un-
derstand 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.
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 JewSj unto my children, according to all that which Isaiah hath spoken,
and I do not write them. But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy,
according to my plainness ; in the which I know that no man can err ; never-
theless, 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 ; 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 shair 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. And as one generation hath been de-
stroyed among the Jews, because of iniquity, even so have they been
destroyed, from generation to generation, according to their iniquities ; and
never hath any m them been destroyed, save it were foretold them by the
prophets of the Lord. 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 TSabylon. 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. But, behold, they shall
have wars, and rumors of wars ; and when the day cometh that the only be-
gotten 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. Behold they will crucify him, atid after he is laid in a sepulchre for
t^e 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.
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
68 SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
believe on his name, behold, Jerusalem shall be destroyed again :' for wc
unto them that fight against God and the people of his church. Wherefore,
the Jews shall be scattered among all nation^ ; yea, and also Babylon shall
be destroyed; wherefore, the Jews shall be scattered by other nations; and
afto they have been scattered, and the Lord God hath scourged them by
otKr nations, for the space of many generations, yea even down from gen-
eration 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, 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 marvellous work, and a
wonder among the children of men.
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. For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh
in sis hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem ; and ac-
cording to the words of the prophetsj and also the word of the angel of God,
his name shall be Jesus Christ, the son of God.
And now my brethren, I have spoken plain, that ye cannot err : and as
the Lord God Uveth, 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 ser-
pent 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.
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 ful-
filled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the earth
should stand. Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to genera-
tion 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 ; 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.
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 ;
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 ; and we talk of Christ, wc rejoice in
Christ, -we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according
to our prophecife, that our children may know to what source they may
look for a remission of their sins. Wherefore, we speak concerning the law
that our children may know the deadness of the law ; and they, by knowing
SECOND BOOK OP NEPHI. 69
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 ful-
filled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him, when
the law ought to be done away.
And now behold, my people, ye are a stiffneeked people : wherefore, I
have spoken plain unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the wbrds
which I have spoken, shall stand as a testimony against you : for they are
BufScient to teach any man the right way : /or the right way is to believe in
Christ and deny him not ; for by denying him, ye also deny the prophets nnd
the law.
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 no wise be
cast out. And inasmuch as it shall be expedient, ye must keep the per-
formances and ordinances of God, until the law shall be fulfilled which was
given unto Moses.
And after Christ shall have risen from the dead, he shall shew 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. 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. 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. Wherefore all those who are proud, and that do
wickedly, the day that comcth shall burn them up saith the Lord of hosts,
■for they shall be as stubble ; and they that kill the prophets, and the saints,
the depths of the earth shall swallow them up, saith the Lord of hosts ; the
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 ; 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.
the pain, and the anguish of my soul for the loss of the slain of my
people ! For I, Nephi, hath 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.
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 persecutions, behold they are they
which shall not perish. 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 genera-
tion shall have passed away in righteousness. And when these things have
passed away, a speedy destruction cometh unto my people ; for, notwith-
standing the pains of my soul, I have seen it ; wherefore, I know that it shall
come to pass ; and they sell themselves for nought ; 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 ; there-
fore they must go down to hell, 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.
70 SECOND BOOK OP NEPHt.
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 ; and that he mauifesteth himself unto all
those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost ; yea, unto every
njition, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs and
wonders, among the children of men, aceordmg to their faith.
But behold, I prophesy unto you concerning the last days ; concerning
the days when the Lord God shall bring these things forth unto the chil-
dren of men. After my seed, and the seed of my brethren shall have
dwindled in unbeUef, and shall have been smitten by the Gentiles : yea, after
the Lord God shall have camped against them round about, and shdl 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 ; 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. 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 ; wherefore, as those who have been destroyed, have been destroyed
speedily : and the multitude of their terrible ones, shall be as chaff that pass-
eth away. Tea, thus saith the Lord God : It shall be at an instant, suddenly.
And it shall come to pass, that those who have dwindled in unbelief,
shall be smitten by the hand of the Gentiles. 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 ; neverthe- '
less they put down the power and the 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 ; and there are many churches
built up which cause envyings, and strifes, and malice ; and there are also
secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations
of the devil, for he is the foundation of all these things ; yea, the foundation
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 for ever.
For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, that the Lord God
worketh not in darkness. He doeth not any thing 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. 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. 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. 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 re-
pentance. 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 Hke unto the other, and none are forbidden. He commandeth that there
shaU 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
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI. 71
praise of the world ; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. Behold, the
Lord hath forbidden this thing ; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a com-
mandment, 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 suiTer the laborer in Zion to perish.
But the laborer in Zion, shall labor for Zion ; for if they labor fbr money,
they shall perish. 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 maUce ; 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 ; 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. 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 ; 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 ; 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 waketh, and behold he is faint, and his soul hath appetite : yea, even
so shall the multitude of all the nations be that fight agaiftst mount Zion :
for behold, all ye that do 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 ; 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.
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 slum-
bered. . 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 there-
of. 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 abomina-
tions of the people. Wherefore the book shall be kept from them. 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 ; 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. And the day cometh that the words of the
book which were sealed. Shall be read upon the housetops ; and they sball.
be read by the power of Christ : and all things shall be revealed unto the:
children pf men which ever have been among the children of men, and.
72 SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
which ever will be, even unto the end of the earth. 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 shaU be-
hold 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. 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. Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth the words of
the book ; artd in the mouth of as many witnesses as seemeth him good, will
he establish bis word; and wo be unto him that rejecteth the word of God.
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 shew them unto the learned, say-
ing : read this, I pray thee. And the learned shall say, bring hither the
book, and I will read them : and now, because of the glory of the world,
and to get gain, will they say this, and not for the glory of God. And the
man shall say, I cannot bring the book, for it is sealed. Then shall the
learned say, I cannot read it. 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.
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, thoii
shalt read the words which I shall give unto thee. Touch not the things
which are sealed, for I will bring them forth iu mine own due timfe : for I
will show unto the children of men, that I am able to do mine own work.
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. For behold, I am God ; and
I am a God of miracles ; and I will shew tinto the world that I am the same
yesterday, to-day, and forever ; and I work not among the children of men,
save it be according to their faith.
And again it shall come to pass, that the Lord shall say unto him that
shall read the words that shall be deUvered him, 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, therefore, I will proceed to do a marvellous work
among this people ; yea, a marvellous work, and a wonder : for the wisdom
of their wise and learned shall perish, and the understanding of their pru-
dent shall be hid. And wo nnto 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
shew 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 ? But be-
hold, saith the Lord of hosts, I will shew unto the children of men, that it
is not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a' fruitful
field ; and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest. 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 ; and the meek also shall increase,
and their joy shall be in the Lord ; and the poor among men shall rejoice in
SECOND BOOK OT NBPHI. 73
the Holy One of Israel. For aslupedly as the Lord liveth, they shall see
that the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and
all that watch for iniquity are cut off; and they that make a man an offend-
er for a word, and lay a snare for him that reprovetli in the gate, and turn
aside the just for a thing of nought. 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. But when he seeth his chil-
dren, 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. They
also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmur-
ed shall learn doctrine.
CHAPTER SII.
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. 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. 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 other shall
say, I, I am the Lord's. And thus shall every one say, that hath built up
churches, and not unto the Lord ; 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. 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 to-day, for the Lord and the Redeemer hath done his work, and he
hath given his power unto men. 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.
Yea, and there shall be many which shall say, eat, drink, and be merry, for
to-morrow we die : and it shall be well with us. 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 to-morrow 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. Tea, 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 ; and the blood of the
saints shall cry from the ground against them. Tea, they have all gone out
of the way; they have become corrupted. Because of pride, and because
of false teachers, and false doctrine, their chur<;hes have become corrupted ;
and their churches are lifted up; because of pride, they are puffed up.
They rob the poor, because of their fine sanctuaries ; they rob the poor, be-
cause of their fine clothing ; and they persecute the meek, and the poor in
heart ; because in their pride, they are puffed up^ They wear stiff necks
and high heads ; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abomina-
tions, 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,
4
74 SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
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.
Wo unto them that turn aside the just for a thing of nought, and revile
against that which is good, and say that it is of no worth; for the day shall
come that the Lord God wiir speedily visit the inhabitants of the earth;
and in that day that they are fully ripe in iniquity, they shall perish. 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.
But behold, thajt great and abominable church, the whore of all the
earth, must tum^e to the earth ; and great must be the fall thereof: 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 : 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 ; 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. And behold, others he flatter-
eth 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.
Yea, they are graBped 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. Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion. Wo
be unto him that crieth, all is well; 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. Yea, wo be unto him that saith, we have received, and
we need no more. 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 founda-
tion, trembletb, lest he shall fall.
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. For behold,
thus saith the Lord God : I will give unto the children of men liiie 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. 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.
Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of hosts ; for notwithstand-
ing 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 thej
will repent and come unto me : for mine arm is lengthened out all the daj
long, saith the Lord God of hosts.
But behold, there shall be many at that day, when I shall proceed to do
a marvellous work among them, that I may remember my covenants which
J 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 ; and
SECOND BOOK OP NBPHI. 75
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. 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. But thus saith the Lord God :
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 bi-
ble which they receive from them ? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean ? Do
they remember the travels, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and
their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles ?
ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant peo-
ple? nay; but ye have cursed them, and have hated them, and have not
sought to recover them. But behold, I wiU return all these things upon
your own heads ; for I, the Lord, hath not forgotten my people. Thou fool,
that shall say, a bible, we have ^ot a bible, and we need no more bible.
Have ye obtained a bible, save it were by the Jews ? 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 na-
tions of the earth ? 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. And I do this that I may prove
unto many, that I am the same yesterday, to-day, and forever ; and that I
speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that
1 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.
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 : 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. 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.
And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Ne-
phites, 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
tribesoof Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.
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 remem-
ber his seed forever.
And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you: for I,
76 SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
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 utt^ly destroyed. 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 beUeve in his Son, who is the Holy One of Israel.
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. And then shall the rem-
nant of our seed know concerning us, how- that we came out from Jerusa-
lem, and that they are descendants of the Jews. And the Gospel of Jesus
Christ shall be declared among them; wherefere, they shall be restored
unto the knowledge of their fathers, and also unto the knowledge of Jesua
Christ, which was had among their fathers. 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 fiCom their eyes : - and many
generations shall not pass away amongthem, iave they shall be a pure and
a deUghtsome people. -
And it shall come to pass that the Jews which are scattered, also shall
begin to behove in Christ : and they shall begipi to gather in upon the face
of the land ; and as many as shall believe in Christ, shall also become a de-
lightsome people.
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 resto-
ration of his people upon the earth. And with righteousness shall the Lord
God judge the poor, and reprove with equity, for the meek of the earth.
jind he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth ; and with the
breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked ; for the time speedily cometh,
that the Lord God shall cause a great division among the people ; and the wick-
ed will he destroy ; and he will spare his people, yea, even if it so be that he
must destroy the wicked by fire. And righteousness shall be the girdle of
his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. And then shall the wolf
dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall he down with the kid ; and the
calf, and the young lion, and the fatling, together ; and a little child shall
lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed ; their young ones shall
lie down together ; and the hon shall eat straw like the ox. And the suck-
ing child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put
his hand on the cockatrice's den. 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. Wherefore, the things of all nations shall be
made known : yea, all things shall be made known unto the children of men.
There is nothing which is secret, save it shall be revealed ; there is no works
of darkness, save it shall be made manifest in the hght ; and there is nothin"
which is sealed upon the earth, save it shall be loosed. Wherefore aftthings
which have been revealed unto the children of men, shaU at that day be re-
vealed; 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.
SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI. 77
CHAPTER XIII.
And now I, Nephi, make an end of my prophesyings unto you, my be-
loved 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. Wherefore the things which I have written, sufiiceth 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. 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 understadding. Wherefore, I would that ye
should remember that I hare spoken unto you, concerning that prophet
which the Lord shewed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, which
should take away the sins of the world.
And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be
baptized by water to fulfil all righteousness, then, how much more need
have we, being i^nholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water. And now, I
would ask of you, my belovecj brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil
all righteousness in being baptized by water ? Know ye not that he was
holy ? But notwithstanding.,he being holy, he sheweth 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 ; wherefore, after he was baptized with water, the Holy Ghost
descended upon him in the form of a dove. And again : It sheweth 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. 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 com-
mandments of the Father ? And the Father said, repent ye, repent ye, and
be baptized in the name of my beloved Son. And also, the voice of the
Sou 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. 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.
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 Fa-
ther 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
And I heard a voice from the Father, saying, yea, the words of my be-
loved, are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall
be saved. 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 liv-
78 SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
ing God, he cannot be saved ; 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 shmild enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repent-
ance and ba*ism by water : and then cometh a remission of your sins by
fire, and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this straight 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 fu lfilli ng of the promise which he hath made, that if ye enter-
ed in by the way, ye should receive.
And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into the straight
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 th§ word of Christ, with un-
shaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of Him who is mighty
to save; 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.
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.
CHAPTER XIV.
And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder aoime-
whatin your hearts, concerning that which ye should do, after ye have enter-
ed in by the way. But behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts ?
Do ye not remember that I have 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 ;
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 that yc
should do. Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot
understand them, it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock ; where-
fore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark. 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. Behold,
this is the doctrine of Christ ; and there wiU 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.
And now I, Nephi, cannot say more : the spirit stoppeth mine utter-
ance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness
and the ignorance, and the stiff-neckedness of men : for they will not search
knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in
plamness, even as plain as word can be.
And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder stiU in your
hearts ; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if
SECOND BOOK OF NBPHI. 79
ye would hearken unto the spirit whioh teacheth a^niBn to pray, ye would
know that ye must pray : for the evil spirit teacheth not a man toipray, but
teacheth him that he must not pray. But behold I say unto you, that ye
must pray always, and not faint : that ye must not perform any thing urto
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 per-
formanee may be for the welfare of thy soul.
CHAPTER 5V.
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. 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 nought. 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 ; and I know that the Lord God will consecratg 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 Je-
sus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which
is life eternal. And it speaketh harsh 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. I glory in plainness ; I
gloi-y in truth ; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from
hell. I have charity for my people, and great faith in Christ, that I shall
meet many souls spotless at his judgment seat. I have charity for the
Jew : I say Jew, because I mean them from whence I came : 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 straight path, which leads to life, and continue in the path until
the end of the day of probation.
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, beheve 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. 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 .1 have been commanded of him to write these things, not-
withstanding my weakness : 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.
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 i^ntil that great day shall come ; and you that wiU
not partake of the goodness of God, and respect the words of the Jews, and
80 BOOK OE JACOB.
also my words, and the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth
of the Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an ererlasting farewell, for these
words shall condemn you at the last day ; for what I seal on earth, shall be
brought against you at the judgment bar ; for thus hath the Lord command-
ed me, and I must obey. Amen.
THE BOOK OF JACOB, THE BKOTHER OF NEPHI.
CHAPTER I.
The words of his preaching unto his brethren. He confovmdeth a man who
seeketh to overthrow the doctrine of Christ. A few words concerning the
history of the people of Nephi.
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. And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should write
upon these plates, a few of the things which I considered to be most pre-
cious,: that I should not touch, save it were lightly, concerning the history
of this people, which are called the people of Nephi. 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 gen-
eration to generation. 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 : for because of
faith and great anxiety, it truly had been made manifest unto us concerning
our people, what things should happen unto them. And we also had many
revelations, and the spirit of much prophecy ; wherefore, we knew of Christ
and his, kingdom, which should come. Wherefore, we labored dihgently
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. 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.
Now Nephi began to be old, and he saw that he must soon die ; where-
fore, he anointed a man to be a king and ruler over his people now, accord-
ing to the reigns of the kings. The people having loved Nephi exceedingly,
he having been a great protector for them, having wielded the sword oi
Laban in their defence, and having labored in all his days for their welfare ;
wherefore, the people were desirous to retain in remembrance his name.
And whoso should reign in his stead, were called by the people, second Ne-
phi, third Nephi, &c., according to the reigns of the kings ; and thus they
were called by the people, let them be of whatever name they would.
And it came to pass that Nephi died. Now the people which were not
Lamanites, were Nephites ; nevertheless, they were called Nephites Jacob-
BOOK OF JACOB. 81
ites, Joaephitea, Zoramitei, Lamanitea, Lemuelites, and lahmaelitea. 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, accord-
ing to the reigna of the kings.
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 themselvea
somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old, desiring many
wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son : yea, and they also began
to search much gold and silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in
pride"; wherefore, I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I taught them
in the temple, having firstly obtained mine errand from the Lord. For I,
Jacob, and my brother Joseph, had been consecrated priests, and teachers
of this people by the hand of Nephi. And we did magnify our oflSce 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 dili-
gence ; wherefore, by laboring with our mights, 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.
CHAPTER II.
The words which t%icob, the brother of Nephi, spake unto the people of
Nephi, after the death' of Nephi : Now, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, ac-
cording 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 ;
and ye yoursetves 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. For be-
hold, as yet, ye have been obedient unto the word of the Lord, which I have
given unto you. 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 concern-
ing your thoughts, how that ye are beginning to labor in sin, which sin
appeareth very abominable unto me, yea, and abominable unto God. Yea,
it grieveth ray soul and causeth me to shrink with shame before the pres-
ence of my Maker, that I might testify unto you concerning the wickedness
^f your hearts ; and also, it grieveth me that I must use so much boldbeas
of speech, concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of
whose feelings are exceeding tender, and chaste, and delicate before God,
which thing is pleasing unto God ; and it supposeth me that they have come
up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth
tlie wounded soul.
Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul, that I should be constrained because
of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to admgnish
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. But, notwithstanding the greatness of the task, I must do accord-
ing to the strict commands of Gad, and tell you concerning your wickedness
4*
82 BOOK OF JACOB.
and abominationa, in the presence of the pure in heart, and the brokes
heart, and under the glance of the piercing eye of the Almighty God.
Wherefore, I must tell you the truth, according to the plainness of the
word of God. For behold, as I enquired 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.
And now behold, my brethren, this is the word which I declare unto
you, that many of you hare begun to search for gold, and for silver, and 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. 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
tJisy.
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. that
he would shew you that he can pierce you, and with one glance of his eye,
he can smite you to the dust. that he would rid you from this iniquity
and abomination. And, that ye would listen unto the word of his com-
- mands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls. Think of
your brethren, hke unto yourselves, and be familiar with all, and free with
your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. But before ye seek
for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. 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 hun-
gry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick, and the
afflicted.
And now my brethren, I have spoken unto you concerning pride ; and
those of you which have afflicted your neighbor, and persecuted him, be-
cause ye were proud in your hearts, of the things which God hath given
you, what say ye of it ? 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 self same end
hath he created them, that they should keep his commandments, and glorify
him forever. 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 josser
crime, my heart would rejoice exceedingly, because of you. But the word
of God burthens me because of your grosser crimes. . for behold, thus sait^
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. Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines,
which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord, wherefore, thus saith
the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the
powe&of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from
the ffUit of the loins of Joseph. 'Vftherefore, I, the Lord God, will not suffer
that this -people shall do like unto them of old. 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 :
For I, the Lord God, delighteth in the chastity of women. And whoredoms
are an abomination before me : thus saith the Lord of hosts. Wherefore
\ this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of hosts, or cursed
BOOK OF JACOB. 83
be the land for their sakes. 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. For behold, I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and
heard the mourning of the daughters of my people injthe land of Jerusa-
lem ; yea, and in all the lands of my people, because of the wickedness and
abominations of their husbands. 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 ; 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 whore
doms, like unto them of old, saith the Lord of hosTis.
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 bondemnation : for ye have done these thpgs, which
ye ought not to have done. Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than
the Lamanites, out brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender
wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad exam-
ples 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.
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
iaith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead
your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruc-
tion.
all ye tliat are pure in heart, lift up your heads, and receive the pleas-
ing word of God, and feast upon his love ; for ye may, if your minds are
firm, forever. 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, (never-
theless, they are cursed with a sore cursing,) shall scourge you even unto de-
struction. 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. Behold, the Lamanites, your brethren,
whom ye hate, because of their filthiness and the cursings which hath come
upon their skins, are more righteous than you : for they have not forgotten
the commandment of the Lord, which wafl given unto our fathers, that they
should have, save it were one wife : and concubines they should have none ;
and there should not be whoredoms committed among them. 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.
Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands,
and their husbands and their wives love their children ; and their unbehef
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? '-i
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. Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, which i!i
the word of God, that ye revile no more against them, because of the dark-
ness of their skins ; neither shall ye revile against them because of their fil-
thiness; but ye shall remember your own filthiness, and remember that
their filthiness came because of their fathers. Wherefore, ye shall remem-'
84 BOOK OF JACOB.
ber your children, how that ye have grieved their hearts because of the ex
ample 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.
my brethren, hearken unto my word ; arouse the faculties of your
soul ; 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. And now I, Jacob, spake many more things unto the people of He-
phi, warning them against fornication, and lasciviousness, and every kind
of sin, telling them the awful consequences of them ; 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. 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.
CHAPTER III.
Now behold, it came to pass, that I, Jacob, having ministered much un-
to my people, in word, (and I cannot write but 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 ; but whatsoever things we
write upon any thing save it be upon plates, must perish and vanish away ;
but we can write a few words upoij plates, which will give our children, and
also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or
concerning their fathers. Now in this thing we do rejoice ; and wc labor
diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved
brethren, and our children, will receive them with thankful hearts, and look
npon them, that they may learn with joy, and not with sorrow, neither with
contempt concerning their first parents : 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.
Behold, they believed in Christ, and worshipped 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 sanc-
tified 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. Where-
fore 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, in|touch that we truly can command in the name of
Jesus, and the very treesTOey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea ;
nevertheless, the Lord God sheweth us our weakness, that we may know'
that it is by his grace, and hia great condescensions unto the children of
men, that we have power to do these things.
Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearch-
able 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.
BOOK OF JACOB. 85
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 word was ; and to speak, and man was created,
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. 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 jus-
tice, and in great mercy, over all his works ; wherefore, beloTed 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 resur-
rection 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.
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 ? Be-
hold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understand-
ing 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.
But behold, the Jews were a stiff-necked 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 blind-
ness 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.
And now I, Jacob, am led on by the spirit unto prophesying: for I per-
ceive by the vrorkings 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. 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. 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? Behold, my beloved brethren, I will un-
fold this mystery, unto you ; if I do not, by any means, get .shaken from
my firmness in tlie spirit, and stumble because of my over anxiety for
you.
Behold, my brethren, do ye not remember to have read the words of the
prophet Zenos, which spake unto the house of Israel, saying : hearken ye
house of Israel, and hear the words of me, a prophet of the Lord : for be-
hold, thus saith the Lord, I will liken thee, 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. And it came to pass that the
master of the vineyard wfint forth, and he saw ,thgfr%is plive tree began to
decay ; and he said, I will prune it, and dig aboufil^ and,nourish it, that per-
haps it may shoot forth young and tender branches, and it perish not. And
it came to pass that he pruned it, and digged about it, and nourislied it, ac-
cording to his word. ■ 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. And it came to pass thai, 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
86 BOOK OP JACOB.
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. 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 uuto my-
self; wherefore, I will take these young and tender branches, and I will
graft them whithersoever I will. Take thou the branches of the wild olive
tree, and graft them in, in the stead thereof: and these which I have pluck-
ed off, I will cast into the fire, and bum them, that they may not cumber
the ground of my vineyard.
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 ohve tree. And the Lord of the vineyard caused that
it should be digged about, and pruned, and nourished, saying unto his ser-
vant, 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. Wherefore, go thy way ; watch
the tree, and nourish it, according to my words. 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 branch-
es 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.
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. 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 vine-
yard, that we may labor in the vineyard.
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. 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 sprang forth, and be-
gan to bear fruit. And he beheld that it was good : and the fruit thereof
was like unto the natural fruit. And he said unto the servant, behold, the
branches of the wild tree hath taken hold of the moisture of the root there-
of, 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.
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 b'ranehe^L tjp i t ree hath not brought forth much fruit also, that I
may lay up of the W^Vtusreof, against the season, unto mine own self. 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.
BOOK OP JACOB. 87
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 the vineyard. And the Lord of the vine-
yard 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.
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, be-
hold 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.
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. 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.
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. But behold, the servant said unto him, let us prune it, and
dig aboufit, 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. 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.
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.
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 be-
hold, all sorts of fruit did cumber the tree.
And itcame 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. 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. 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? And the
servant said unto his master, behold, because thoiydidst ^aft in the branch-
es of the wild olive tree, they have nourished th^uH|y|lj|a|4hey are alive,
and they have not perished ; wherefore, thou hlfj^RH^^ffat they are yet
And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant,
the tree profiteth me nothing ; and the roots thereof profiteth me nothing,
so long as it shall bring forth evil fruit. Nevertheless, I know that the
roots are good : and for mine own purpose I have preserved them ; and be-
cause of their much strength, they have hitherto brought forth from the
wild branches good fruit. But behold, the wild branches have grown, and
88 BOOK OP JACOB.
hovo overran the roots thereof: and because that the wild branches hai
overcome the roots thereof, it hath brought forth much evil fruit ; and b
cause that it hath brought forth so much evil fruit, thou beholdest that
beginneth to perish : and it will soon become ripened, that it may be ca
into the fire, except we should do something for it to preserve it.
And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servan
let us go down into the nethermost parts of the vineyard, and behold if tl
natural branches have also brought forth evil fruit. And it came to pai
that they went down into the nethermost parts of the vineyard. And
came to pass that they beheld that the fruit of the natural branches had b(
come corrupt also ; yea, the first, and the second, and also the last ; at
they had all become corrupt. And the wild fruit of the last, had overcon
that part of the tree which brought forth good fruit, even that the branc
had withered away and died.
And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept, and said unl
the servant, what could I have done more for my vineyard? Behold,
knew that all the fruit of the vineyard, save it were these, had become co
rupted. And now, these which have once brought forth good fruit, hai
also become corrupted. And now, all the trees of my vineyard are good f(
nothing, save it be to be hewn down and cast into the fire. And bi
hold, this last, whose branch hath withered away, I did plant in a good sp(
of ground ; yea, even that which was choice unto me, above all other par
of the land of my vineyard. And thou beheldeat that I also cut down thi
which cumbered this spot of ground, that I might plantthis tree inthe^Jga
thereof And thou beheldeat that a part thereof, brought forth good'Sujil
and a part thereof, brought forth wild fruit. And because that 1 plucke
not the branches thereof, and cast them into the fire, behold, they hai
overcome the good branch, that it hath withered away. And now beholi
notwithstanding all the care which we have taken of my vineyard, the trei
thereof have become corrupted, that they bring forth no good fruit : ar
these I had hoped to preserve, to have laid up fruit thereof, against the sei
son, unto mine own self. But behold, they have become like unto the wil
olive tree ; and they are of no worth, but to be hewn down and cast into tl
fire : and it grieveth me that I should lose them. But what could I hm
done more in my vineyard ? Have I slackened mine hand, that I have m
nourished it? Nay; I have nourished it, and I have digged about it, and
have pruned it, and I have dunged it ; and I have stretched forth mine hac
almost all the day long ; and the end draweth nigh. And it grieveth n
that I should hew down all the trees of my vineyard, and cast them into tl
fire, that they should be burned. Who is it thatias corrupted my vineyard
And it came to pass that the servant said unto' his master, is it not tl
loftiness of thy vineyard ? Have not the branches thereof overcome tl
roots, which are good ? And because the branches have overcome the roo
thereof, behold, they grew faster than the strength of the roots takir
strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this the cause that the tre(
of thy vineyard haveJiccome cojrupted?
And it camatSBU^t theT^ord of the vineyard said unto the servan
let us go to, an^BBj^BKhe trees of the vineyard, and cast them into tl
fire, that they shalTnot'cOmber the ground of my vineyard; for I hai
done all ; what could I have done more for my vineyard ? But behold tl
servant said unto the Lord of the vineyard, spare it a httle longer. Ai
the Lord said, yea, I will spare it a little longer : for it grieveth me that
should lose the trees of my vineyard. Wherefore let us take of the branchi
of these which I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard ar
let us graft them into the tree from whence they ca^e ; and let us pluc
BOOK OE JACOB. »9
rom the tree those branches whose fruit is most bitter, and graft in the
latural branches of the tree in the stead thereof And this will I do, that
,he tree may not perish, that perhaps I may preserve unto myself the roots
hereof, for mine own purpose. And behold, the roots of the natural
jranches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would, are yet alive ;
therefore, that I may preserve them also, for mine own purpose, I will take
)f the branches of this tree, and I will graft them in unto them. Tea, I will
jraft in unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve
;he 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
n the fruit of my vineyard.
And it came to pass that they took from the natural tree which had be-
3ome wild, and grafted in unto the natural trees, which also had become
ivild : and they also took of the natural trees which had become wild, and
grafted into their mother tree. And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the
servant, pluck not the wild branches from the trees, save it be those which
ire most bitter ; and in them ye shall graft, according to that which I have
said. 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. And this
[ do, that perhaps the roots thereof may take strength, because of their
50od^e|s ; and because of the change of the branches, that the good may
overcome the evil ; and because that I have preserved the natural branches,
and Ae roots thereof; and that I have grafted in the natural branches
again, into their mother tree ; and have preserved the roots of their mother
trefeirthat perhaps the trees of my vineyard may bring forth again good
fruit pb,nd that I may have joy again in the fruit of my vineyard ; and per-
haps that I|may rejoice exceedingly, that I have preserved the roots and
the branches of the first fruit. Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that
we mg.y labor diligently with our mights in the vineyard, that we may pre-
pare'the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural
fruit is good, and the most precious above all other fruit. Wherefore, let
us go to, and labor with our mights, this last time ; for behold the end
draweth nigh : and this is for the last time that I shall prune my vineyard.
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. Wherefore, dig about them, and prune them, and dung
them once more, for the last time : for the end draweth nigh. And if it so
be that these last grafts shall grow, and bring forth the natural fruit, then
shall ye prepare the way for* them, that they may grow ; and as they begin
to grow, ye shall clear away the ibranches 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. For it grieveth me that I sh ould lose the trees of my
vineyard ; wherefore, ye shall clear away the bad|Ki5^bg as the good '
shall grow, that the root and the top may be eqapTft'^tFen gth , until the
good shall overcome the bad, and the bad be hetm down and cast into the
fire, that they cumber not the ground of ray vineyard ; and thus will I sweep
away the bad out of my vineyard. And the branches of the natural tree
will I graft in again, into the natural tree ; 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
90 BOOK OF JACOB.
shall be one. 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.
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. And the Lord of the vineyard said
unto them, go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your mights. 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 mights
with me, ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself,
against the time which will soon come.
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.
And there began to be the natural fruit again in the vineyard ; and the nat-
ural 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. 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 be-
come again the natural fruit ; and they became like unto one body ; and
the fruit were equal ; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved un^o him-
self the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning.
And it came to pass that when the Lord of the vineyard saw that his/ruit
was good, and that his vineyard was no more corrupt, he called up his servants
and said nnto them, behold, for this last time have we nourished my vine-
yard ; and thou beholdest that I have done according to my will ; and I
have preserved the natural fruit, that rit 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. 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. 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 wiU I preserve unto myself ; and the bad wih 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.
^U C H A P T E R IV.
And now, behold, my brethren, as I said unto you that I would proph-
esy, 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. And in 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 nour-
ish and prune his vineyard : and after that, the end soon cometh. And
BOOK OP JACOB. 91
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. And how merciful is our God unto u.s ; for he
rememberetli the house of Israel, bjth roots and branches ; and he stretches
forth his hands unto them, all the day long ; and they are a stifif-necked, and
a gainsaying people ; but as many as wiU not harden their hearts, shall be
saved in the kingdom of God. 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 oleaveth unto you. And while
his armlbf mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden
not your hearts. Yea, to-day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts : for why will ye die ? 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 ? 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 ?
Know ye not that if ye will do these things, that the power of the redemp-
tion and the resurrection which is in Christ, will bring you to stand with
shame and awful guilt before the bar of God? 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 uttc^nchable, and whose
smoke ascendeth up forever and ever, which lake o qjiiiig and brimstone, is
endless torment. then, my beloved brethren, rep^B'ye, and enter in at
the .straight gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall
obtain eternal life. be wise : -what can I say more ? 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.
CHAPTER V.
Ano now it came to pass after some years had passed away, there came
a man among the people of Nephi, whose name was Sherem. 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. 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. And he was learn-
ed, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people ; where-
fore, he could use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to
the power of the devil. And he had hope to shake me from the faith, not-
withstanding the many revelations, and the many things which I had seen
concerning these things ; for I truly had seen angels, and they had minis-
tered 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.
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 noght speak unto you : for I have heard and also know, that thou
92 BOOK OP JACOB.
goest about much, preaching that which ye call the gospel, or the doctrine
of Christ ; and ye hare 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, de-
clare 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. But behold, the Lord God poured in his spirit into
my soul, insomuch that I did confound him in all his words. Aqd I said
unto him, deniest thou the Christ who should 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. And I said unto him, believest
thou the Scriptures ? And he said, yea. 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. And this is not all : it has been made man-
ifest unto me, for I have heard and seen ; and it also has been made man-
ifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost : wherefore, I know if there
should be no atonement made, all mankind must be lost.
And it came to pass that he said unto me, shew me a sign by this pow-
er of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know so much. And I said unto
him, what am I, that I should tempt God to shew 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 si^iunto thee that he has power, both in heaven and in
earth ; and also, thsx'Christ shall come. And thy will, Lord, be done, and
not mine. *' > ^,
And it came to pass that when I, Jacob, had spoken these words, the
power of the Lord came uponhim, insomuch that he fell to the earth. And
it came to pass that he was nourished for the space of many days. 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.
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. 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. 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.
And it came to pass that when he had said these words, he could say no
more ; and he gave up the ghost. And when the multitude had witnessed
that he spake these things as he was about to give up the ghost, they were
astonished exceedingly itinsomuch, that the power of God came down upon
them, and they were ovejfeome, that they fell to the earth. Now, this thing
was pleasing unto me, Jacob ; for I had requested it of my father whp was
in heaven : for he had heard my cry, and answered my prayer.
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. And it came to pass that many
means were devised, to reclaim and restore the Lamanites -to the knowl-
edge of the truth : but it all were vain ; for- they delighted in wars and
BOOK OF ENDS. 93
bloodsheds; and they had au eternal hatred against us, their brethren.
And they sought by the power of their arms to destroy us continually ;
■wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them with their armies,
and with all their might, trusting in the God itnd roclc of their salvation ;
wherefore, they became as yet, conquerors of their enemies.
>.nd 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 knowl-
edge, by saying, that the time passed away with ua, and also our lives pass-
ed 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.
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.
CHAPTER I.
Behold, it came to pass that I, Enos, knowing my father, that he was a
just man ; for he taught me in Ms language, and also in the nurture and ad-
monition of the Lord. And blessed be the name of my God for it. And
I will tell you of the wrestle which I had before God, before I received a re-
mission of my sins : behold I went to hunt beasts in the forest ; 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. 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. And there came a voice unto me saying, Enos, thy
sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed. And I, Enos, knew that
God could not lie ; wherefore, my guilt was swept away. And I said. Lord,
how is it done ? 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 flosh ; wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made
the whole.
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 Nephitps ; wherefore, I did
pour out my whole soul unto God for them. And while I was thus strug-
gling 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 ft 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. And after I, Enos, had heard
94 300K or ENOS.
these words, my faith began to be unshakea in the Lord ; and I prayed unto
him with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites.
And it came to fass that, after I had prayed, and labored with all dili-
gence, the Lord said unto 'me, I will grant unto thee according to thy
desires, because of thy faitK. 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 Lor* God would preserve a record of my
people, the Nephites ; feven 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 per-
haps they might be brought unto salvation: for at the present, our strag-
glings 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.
Wherefore, I knowing that the Lord God was able to preserve our re-
cords, I cried unto him continually ; for he had said xmto me, whatsoever
thing ye shall ask in faith, believing that- ye shall receive in the name of
Christ, ye shall receive it. 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. And I, Enos,
knew it would be according to the covenant which he had made ; where-
fore, my soul did rest; 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.
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. 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 poeple ;
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 tho bow, and in
the cymeter, and the axe. And many of them did eat nothing save it was
raw meat ; and they were continually seeking to destroy us.
And it came to pass that the people of Ncphi did till the land, and raise
all manner of grain, and of fruit, and flocks of herds, and flocks of all man-
ner of cattle, of every kind, and goats, and wild goats, and also many
horses. And they were exceeding many prophets among us. And the
people were a stiff-necked people, hard to understand. And there was
nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of
wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually remini£ng them of
death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgments and the power of
God ; and all these tbirigs stirring them up continually, to keep them in the
fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of • these things,_and ex-
ceeding great plainness of speech, would keep them from going" down
speedily to destruction. And after this manner do I write concerning
them. And I saw wars between the Nephites and Lamanites, in the course
of my days.
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 Je-
rusalem. And as 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 Ghrist.
And I have declared it, in all my days ; and have rejoiced in it, above that
BOOK OF JAROM. 95
of the world. And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Ee-,
ieemer; for I Itnow that in him I shall rest : and I rejoice jn the day when
my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before iira': Jhen
shall I see his face witli pleasure, and he will*say unto me, come Unto me
ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my JFathee.
Amen.
THE BOOK OF JAEOM.
CHAPTER I.
JTow behold, I Jarom, write a few words, according to the command-
ment of my father Enos, that our genealogy may be kept. 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 reve-
lations. 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.
Behold, it is expedient that much should be done among this people, be-
cause 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 exceeding merciful unto them, and has not as yet swept them off from
the face of the land. And there are many among us who have many reve-
lations : for they are not all stiff-necked. And as many as are not stiff-
necked, and have faith, have communion with the Holy Spirit, which mak-
eth manifest unto the children of men according to their faith.
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 exceeding
strict. And they were scattered upon much of the face of the land ; and
the Lamanites also. And they were exceeding more numerous than were
they of the Nephites ; and they loved murder, and would drink the blood
of beasts.
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. And
we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the face of the land, and be-
came exceeding 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 ; and thus be-
ing prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper against us. But the
word of the Lord was verified, which he snake unto our fathers, saying, that
>
96 BOOK OP OMNI.
^stroyed from off the face of the land ; wherefore, the prophets, and the
priests, and the teachers, did labor diUgently, exhorting with all long suffer-
ing, Jihe people to diligence ; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for
which it was given ; persuadBng 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. 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.
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 tl>e time. 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 record of our wars are engraven,
according to the writings of the kings, or those which they cause to be
written. And I deliver these plates into the bands of my son Omni, that
they may be kept according to the' commandments of my fathers.
THE BOOK OE OMNI.
CHAPTEK I.
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 gen-
ealogy ; 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.
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.
And now I, Amaron, write the things whatsoever I write, which are
few, in the book of my father. Behold, it came to pass that three hun-
dred and twenty years had passed away, and the more wicked part of the
Nephites were destroyed : for the Lord would not suffer, after he had led
them out of the land of Jerusalem, and kept and preserved them from fall-
ing 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 inas-
much as ye will not keep my commandments, ye shall not prosper in the
land. 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. And it came to pass that I did deliver
the plates unto my brother Chemish.
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.
BOOK 'of OMNI. 97
Behold, I, Abinadora, am the son of Chemish, Behold, it came to pass
lat I saw much war and contention between my people, the Nephites, and
le Lamanites ; and I, with mine own sword, have taken the lives of many
f the Lamanites, in the defence of my brethren. And behold, the record
f this people is engraven upon plates which is had by the kings, according
) the generations ; and I know of no revelation, save that which has been
ritten, neither prophecy; wherefore, that which is sufScient is written,
.nd I make au end.
Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom. Behold, I will speak unto
ou somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was made king over the land of Za-
iherala : for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out
f the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the
ord, should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness. And
came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him.
.nd they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would
earken unto the voice of the Lord ; andthey were led by many preachings
ad prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of
od : and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness,
ntil they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.
nd they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla.
ow, there was great rejoicing among th6 people of Zarahemla ; and also,
arahemla did rejoice exceedingly, because the Lord had sent the people of
[osiah with the plates of brass which contained the record of the Jews.
Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that the people of Zara-
emla, came out from Jerusalem, at the time that Zedeldah,- king of Judah,
as carried away captive into Babylon. And they journeyed in the wilder-
ess, and were brought l)y the hand of the Lord, across the great waters,
ito the land where Mosiah discovered them ; and they had dwelt there,
om that time forth. And at the time that Mosiah discovered them, they
id become exceeding numerous. Nevertheless, they had had many wars and
irious contentions, and had fallen by the sword from time to time ; and
leir language had become corrupted ; and they had brought no records
ith them : and they denied the being of their Creator ; and Mosiah, nor
le people of Mosiah, could understand them.
But it came to pass that Mosiah caused that they should be taught in
is language. And it came to pass that after they were taught in the lan-
uage of Mosiah, Zarahemla gave a genealogy of his fathers, according to
is memory ; and they are written, but not in these plates.
And it came to pass tha^t the people of Zarahemla, and of Mosiah, did
lite together ; and Mosiah was appointed to be their king. And it came
I pass in the days of Mosiah, there was a large stone brought unto him,
ith engravings on it ; and he did interpret the engravings, by the gift and
3wer of God.
And they gave au account of one Coriantuma, and the slain pf his peo-
e. And Coriantuma was discovered by the people of Zarahemla ; and he
ivelt with them for the space of nine moons. Jt also spake a few words
mcerning his fathers. And his first parents came out frpm the tower, at
le time the Lord confounded the language of the people 5 and the severity
'the Lord fell upon them, according to his judgments, which are just ; and
leir bones lay scattered in the land northward.
Behold, I, Amaleki, was born in the days of Mosiah ; and I have lived
98 WORDS OP MOKMON.
did obtain much advantage over them ; yea, insomuch that king BenjaB
did drive them out of the land of Zarahemla.
And it came to pass that I began to be old : and, having no seed, a
knowing king Benjamin to be a just man before the Lord, wherefore, I si
deliver up these plates unto him, exhorting all men to come unto God, 1
Holy One of Israel, and believe in prophesying, and in revelations, and
the ministering of angels, and in the gift of speaking with tongues, and
the gift of interpreting languages, and in all things which are good : !
there is nothing which is good, save it comes from the Lord ; and tl
which is evil, cometh from the devil.
And now,' my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come m
Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, andt
power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole so
as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying,- and endure
the end ; and' as the Lord liveth, ye will be saved. ^
And now, I would speak somewhat concerning a certam number w
went up into the wilderness, to return to the land of Nephi : for there y
a large number who were desirous to possess the land of their inheritanc
wherefore, they went up into the wilderness. And their leader being
strong, and a mighty man, and a stiff-necked man, wherefore he cause(
contention among them ; and they were .all slain, save fifty, in the wild
ness, and they returned again to the land of Zarahemla.
And it came to pass that they also took others, to a considerable numb
and took their journey again into the wilderness. And I, Amaleki, hac
brother, who also went with them ; and I have not since known coucerni
them. And I am about to lie down in my grave ; and these plates are fi
And I make an end of my speaking.
THE WOEDS 0¥ MOEMON.
CHAPTER I.
And now I, Mormon, being about to deliver up the record which I hi
been making, into the hands of my son Moroni, behold, I have witnesi
almost all the destruction of my people, the Nephites. And it is many hi
drcd years after the coming of Christ, that I deliver these records into 1
hands of my son : and it supposeth me that he will witness the entiire
struction of my people. But may God grant that he may survive them, tl
he may write somewhat concerning them, and somewhat concerning Chr
that perhaps some day it may profit them.
And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written :
after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the re.
of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the
cords which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plal
which contained the small account of the prophets, from Jacob, down to
reign of this king Benjamin : and also many of the words of Nephi. J
the things which are upon these plates pleasing me, because of the prophec
of the coming of Christ ; and my fathers knowing that many of them hi
been fulfilled ; yea, and I also know that as many things as Jiave been p
phesied concerning us down to this day, have been fulfilled ; and as mi
as go beyond thjs day, must surely come to pass ; wherefore, I chose th
WOBDS OF MORMON. 99
tilings, to finish my record upon tliem, which remained of my record I shall
take from the plates of Nephi ; and I cannot write the hundredth part of
the things of my people.
But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings
md revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they
ire choice unto me ; and I know they will be choice unto ray brethren.
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. 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
Eigain be a delightsome people.
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. 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 contain-
sd records which had been handed down by the kings, from generation to
veneration, until the days of king Benjamin j 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.
And now, concerning this king Benjamin : He had somewhat contentions
imong his own people. And it came to pass also, that the armies of the
Lamanites came down out of the land of Nephi, to battle against his peo-
ple. But behold, king Benjamin gathered together his armies, and he did
stand agaipst them: and he did fight with the strength of his own arm, with
the sword of Laban ; 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
liad driven them out of all the lands of their inheritance.
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 ; and
ifter there had been false prophets, and false preachers and teachers among
the people, and all these having been punished according to their crimes ;
md aifter there having been much contentions and many dissensions, away
unto the Lamanites, behold, it came to-pass that king Benjamin, with the
issistance of the holy prophets who were among his people : for behold,
king Benjamin was a holy man, and he did reign over his people in right-
eousness. 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 stiff-neckedness of the people ; wherefore, with the
tielp 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.
100 BOOK OP MOSIAH.
THE BOOK OF MOSIAH.
CHAPTER I.
And now toere was no more contention in all the land of Zarahemla,
among all the people who belonged to king Benjamin, eo that king Benjamin
had continual peace all the remainder of his days. 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 lan-
guage 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. 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 : for it were not
possible that our father Lehi could h&re 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 ful fillin g
the commandments of God, even down to this present time. I say \mto
you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and pre-
served by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mys-
teries, 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. ray 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 Kephi, 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. 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 nnto our fathers. And
many more things did king Benjamin teach his sons, which are not written
in this book.
And it came to pass that after king Benjamin had made an end of teach-
ing 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 con-
fer the kingdom upon one of his sons. 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. And moreover, I shall give this people a name, that thereby
they may be distinguished above aU the people which the Lord G6d hath
brought out of the land of Jerusalem ; and this I do, because they have
BOOK OE MOSIAH. 101
been a diligent people in keeping the commandmenta of the Lord. And I
give unto them a name, that neyer shall be blotted out, except it be
through transgression. 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 pre-
served our fathers. 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 Lamauites, and become Tictims to their hatred.
And it came to pass that after king Bejaimiu had made an end of these
sayings to his son, that he gave him charge concerning all the affairs of the
kingdom. 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. 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.
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.
And it came to pass that after Mosiah had done as his father had com-
manded 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. And there was a great number, even so many that they
did not number them ; for they had multiplied exceedingly, and waxed
great in the land. And they also took of the firstlings of their flocks, that
they might offer sacrifice and burnt offerings, according to the law of Moses ;
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.
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 daugh-
ters, from the eldest down to the youngest, every family being separate, one
from another ; 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 ; for the multitude being so great, that king Ben-
jamin 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.
And it came to pass that he began to speak to his people from thatower ;
and they could not all hear his words, because of the greatness of the multi-
tude ; therefore, he caused that the words which he spake, should be written
and sent forth among those that were nbt under the sound of his vpice, that
they might also receive his words. And' these are the words which he spake
102 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
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 under-
stand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your
view. 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 ; but
I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities in body and
mind ; yet, as 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 thee with all the might, mind, and strength which
the Lord hath granted unto me ; 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 ; neither have I suffered
that ye should be confined in dungeons, nor that ye should make slaves one
of another, or that ye should murder, or plunder, or steal, or commit adul-
tery, or even I have not 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 ; 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. Yet, my brethren, I have not
done these things that I might boast, neither do I tell these things that there-
by 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. 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. 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. Behold, ye have called me your king ; and if I,
whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then had not ye ought to
labor to serve one another ? 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, doth merit any thanks from you, how had you ought to thank
your heavenly King ! I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should
render all the thanks and praise which your whole souls have power to pos-
sess, 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 ; I say unto you, that if ye should serve him who
has created you from the beginning, and art 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 soul, yet ye would be unprof-
itable servants. And behold, all that he requires of you, is to keep his com-
mandments ; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his command-
ments, 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.
And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you
your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him. 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 ara
BOOK OF MOSIAH. 103
still indebted unto him ; and are, and will be, forever and ever ; therefore,
of what have ye to boast ? 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 be-
longeth to liim who created you. 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 be-
hold that I am old, and am about to yield up this mortal frame to its mother
earth ; therefore, as I said unto you that I had served yoti, 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. I
say unto you, that I have caused th.at ye should assemble yourselves togeth-
er, 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. And moreover, 1 say unto you, that I have caused that ye should as-
semble yourselves together, that I might declare unto you that I can no
longer be your teacher, nor your king ; 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.
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. But my people, beware lest there shall arise contentious among
you, and ye list to obey the evil spirit, which was spoken of by my father
Mosiah. For behold, there is a wo pronounced upon him who listeth to
obey that spirit; for if he Usteth 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. 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 in-
debted 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 : and also, all that has been spoken by
our fathers, until now. And behold, also, they spake that which was com-
manded them of the Lord ; therefore, they are just and true.
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. ( 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 beoometh an enemy to
all righteousness ; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth ,
not in unholy temples. / Therefore, if that man repenteth not, and remain- '
gth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice doth awaken
"isis immortal soul to a lively sense of his ojvn guilt, which doth cause him to
\°
104 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
/shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, an(ft
pain, and anguis'b, which is like an unquenchable fire, whoso flames ascend-
eth up forever and ever. And now I say unto you, that mercy hath no claim
om that man; therefore, his final doom is to endure a never ending torm|nty
■^ all ye old niea, aad also ye young men, and you little childrSTwEo
cftK understand my words, (for I have spoken plain 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 ; and moreover, I would
desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that
keep the c«mmajidments of God. Tor behold, they are blessed in all things,
both tempeiral 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. remember, remember that these things are
true; &r the Lord God hath spoken it. I'l-
And again my brethren, I would call your att^ion, for I have some-
what more to speak unto you : for behold, I have things to tell you, con-
cerning that which is to come ; and the things which I shall tell you, are
made known unto me, by an angel from God. An^^4^e,. ss^idn.vinto me,
awake.; and I awoke, and behold, he stood before. AndilipiEawltnBto me,
awake, and hear the words which I shall tell thee : for be^o}d, I- am come to
declare unto you the glad tidings of great joy. For the Lpiid hjith heard
thy prayers, and hath judged of thy righteousness, and hatj(,s9nt me to de-
Alare unto thee that thou raayest rejoice ; and that thou maye^tj^S&Iare unto
thV people, that they may also be filled with joy. For behold, th^\tinie cometh,
and'ss not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who
was, amd is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down fc^ heaven,
among the children of aien, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clag^and shall
go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing.ithe sick,
raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive tli'pir sight,
and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases ; and he shall cast
out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of
men. And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirsty
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 'jond the abominations of his people. And he shall be called
Jesus Chri8%ine Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator
of all things, from the beginning; and his mother shall be caHed Mary.
And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the chil-
dren of men, even through faith on his name ; and even after all Ijhis, they
shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge
him, and sh^l crucify him. And he shall rise the third day from the dead;
and behold, \e standeth to judge the world. And behold, all these things
are done, that a righteous judgment might come upop the children of men.
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 theaj, or who have ignorantly sinned. But wo, wo unto him
who knoweth tiat he rebclleth against God ; for salvation cometh to none
such, except it 1m through repentance and -faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
And the Lord Gsod hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of
men to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that there-
by whosoever should beUeve that Christ should come, the same might re-
ceive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceeding great joy, even as
thodgh he had already come among them. Yet the Lord' God saw that his
people were a stiff-uedted people, and he appointed unto them a law, eveS
jhe law of Moses. And many signs, and wonders, and types, and shadoifs
BOOK OP MOSIAH. 105
showed he unto them, concerning his coining : 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 ; and even if it were possible that httle
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. And moreover, I say unto you, that there
shall be no other name given, nor any other way nor means whereby salva-
tion can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of
Christ, the Lord Omnipotent. For behold, he judgeth, and his judgriient 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 wag, and is, and is to come, in
arid through the atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent : for the
natural man is an enemy to God, and has been, from' the fall of Adam, and
will be, forever and ever ; but if he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,
and putteth off the natural man, and becometh a saint, through the atone-
ment of Christ, the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, hum-
ble, 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. And
moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come, when the knowledge of
a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
And behold, when that time cometh, none shall be found blameless before
God, except it b^ little children, only through repentance and faith on the
name of the Lord God Omnipotent; 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.
And now, I have spoken the words which the Lord God hath command-
ed me. 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 ; and if they be evil, they are consigned to an awful view of their
own guilt and abominations, which dolh 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
tlieir own souls. 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. 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 com-
manded me. Amen.
CHAPTER II.
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 ; and
thef had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the
dlS'jBf the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying, have
106 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ, that we may receive forgive-
ness 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.
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 ex-
ceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to
the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto them. And king Benja-
min again opened his mouth, and began to speak unto them, saying, my
friends and my brethren, ray 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 : for behold, if the knowledge of the goodness
of God at this time, has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness, and
your worthlessness and fallen state ; I say unto you, if ye have come to a
knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wis-
dom, 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 ; I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation, through the atone-
ment which was prepared from the foundation of the world, for all mankind,
which ever were, ever since the fall of Adam, or who are qr who ever shall
be, even unto the end of the world ; and this is the means whereby salva-
tion Cometh. And there is none other salvation, save this which hath been
spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved, ex-
cept the conditions which I have.told you. 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 compre-
hend. 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 beUeve all these things, see that ye
do them. 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 you/
sins, which causeth such exceeding 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 to-
wards 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 ; and behold, I say unto you, that if ye do this, ye shall always re-
'oice, 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. 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. 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 whioli
hath been spoken of by our fathers ; he being an enemy to all righteous-
ness ; but ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberngffll|i,
ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve* one another ; anjfflR
BOOK OP MOSIAH. 10/
ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will
administei 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. Perhaps thou shalt say, the man has brought upon him-
self 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. But I say unto you, 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 king-
dom of God. For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend
upon the same being, even God, for all the sub.'stance 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 ? 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 utter-
ance, so exceeding great was your joy. 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, then, how had ye ought to impart of the substance
that ye have^one to another ? 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 sub-
stance, 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. 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. 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. 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.
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 administer-
ing to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants,
and see that all these things are done in wisdom and order : for it is i)ot re-
quisite 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. And I would that ye should re-
member, that whosoever among you that 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 com-
mit sin also. And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may
commit sin : for there are divers ways jind means, even so many, that I can-
not number them. But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch
yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and ob-
fre the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have
rd concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives,
must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.
108 BOOK OP MOSIAH.
CHAPTER III.
And now, it came to pass ffliat when king Benjamin had thus spoken i
his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people, if they h
Ueved the words which he had spoken unto them. And they all cried wi(
one voice, saying. Tea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoke
unto us ; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spir
of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or i
our hearts, that 'we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good coi
tinually. And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of Goi
and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is 1
come ; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things. And it
the faith which we have had on the things which our king has spoken unl
us, that has brought us to this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice wil
such exceeding great joy ; and we are willing to enter into a covenant wit
our God, to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all thinj
that he shall command us, all the remander of our days, that we may n(
bring upon ourselves a never ending torment, as ha? been spoken by tl:
angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.
And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired of them
and therefore he said unto them, Te have spoken the words that I desired
and the covenant -rhich ye have made, is a righteous covenant. And uot
because of the covenant which ye have made, ye shall be called tl
children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters ; for behold, this day he hat
spiritually begotten you ; for ye say that your hearts are changed throug
faith on his name ; therefore, ye are born of him, and have become his soi
and his daughters. And tinder this head, ye are made free ; and there
no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name givei
whereby salvation icometh ; therefore, I would that ye should take upo
you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant wit
God, that ye.should be obedient unto the end of your hves. And it sha
come to pass' that whosoever doeth this, shall be found at the right hand i
God, for he shall know the name by which he is called ; for he shall I
.called by the name of Christ.
And now, it shall come to pass that whosoever shall not take upon thei
the name of Christ, must be palled by some othgr name ; therefore, he flni
eth himself on the left hand of God. And I wpuld that ye should remembi
also, that this is the name that I said I should give unto you, that nevi
should be blotted out, except it be through transgression : therefore, tali
heed that ye do not transgress, that the name be riot blotted out of yOi
hearts.' I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain tl
name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left har
of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be calle
and also, the name by which he shall call you : for, how knoweth a man tl
master -whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is f
from the thoughts and intents of his heart ? And again : Doth a man tal
an ass which belongeth to his neighbor, and keep him ? I say unto yo
nay ; he will not even suifer that he shall feed among his flocks, but w
drive him away, and cast him out. I say unto you, that even so shall it I
among you, if ye know not the name by which ye are called. Therefore,
would that yo should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in go(
■porkfi, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that ' '
may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and ei
BOOK OF MOSIAH. 109
nal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him,
who created aU things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.
CHAPTER IV.
And now, Ijing Benjamin thought it was expedient, after having finished
speaking to the people, that he shfould take the names of all those who had
entered into a covenant with God, to keep his commandments. And it
came to pass that there was not one soul, except it were little children, but
what had entered into the covenant, and had taken upon them the name of
Christ. And again : It came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an
end of all these things, and ha4 . 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 bad appointed priests to teach the people, that there-
by they might hear and know the commandments of God, and to stir them
up in remembrance of the oath which they had miade, he dismissed the mul-
titude, and they returned, every one according to their families, to their own
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 seveuty.-six years from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem. And king
Be^'amin lived three years und he died. And it came to pass that king Mo-
siah did w^lk in the w^ys (pf the Irord, and did observe his judgments, and
his statutes, and did keep his commapdments in all things whatsoever he
commanded him.
And king Mosia^ did pause hia people that they should till the earth.
And he also, himself did till the earth, that thereby he might not become
burthensome 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 pf th? ee years.
CHAPTER T.
And now, it can^e to pass that after king Mosiah had had continual peace,
for tl\e space q{ t^ee years, he was desirous to know concerning the people
who w^At .np to djireil in the land of Lehi-Nephi, or in the city of Lehi-Nephi :
for his people ha,d heard nothing from them, from the time they left the land
of Zarahemja ; therefore, they wearied him with their teasinga.
And it came t,9 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. 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. 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.,. And when they had wandered forty days.
Key came to a hill, which is north of the land of Shilom, and there they
tched their lients. And Ammon took three of his brethren, and their
ines were Amaleki, Helem, and Hem, and they we^t down into the land
110 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
of Nephi ; and behold, they met the king of the people, who was 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.
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 be-
fore the king, and were permitted, or rather commanded that they should
answer the questions which he should ask them. 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. 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 ?
And now, for this cause have I suffered that ye should be preserred, 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.
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, king,
I am very thankful before God this day, that I am yet alive, and am per-
mitted to speak ; and I will endeavor to speak with boldness : for I am as-
sured that if ye had known me, ye would not have suffered that I should
have wore these bands. For I am Ammon, and am a descendant of Zara-
hemla, and have come up out of the land of Zarahemla, to inquire concern-
ing our brethren, whom Zeniff brought up out of that land.
And now, it came to pass that after Limhi had heard the words of Am-
mon, he was exceeding 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 alsoi
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.
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 ol
their journey ; for they had suffered many things: they had suffered hunger,
thirst, and fatigue.
And now, it came to pass on the morrow, that king Limhi sent a prO'
clamation among all his people, that thereby they might gather themselves
together to the temple, to hear the words which he should speak untc
them. And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves to-
gether, that he spake unto them in this wise, saying, ye, my people, lifi
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, not
withstanding our many strugglihgs, which have been in vain ; yet I trusi
there remaineth an effectiial struggle to be made. Therefore, lift up youi
heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God, in that God who was the Goc
of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob ; and also, that God who brought thi
children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and caused that they shoulc
walk through the Ked Sea on dry ground, and fed them with manna, tha
they might not perish in the wilderness j and many, more things did he do fo:
them. And again : That same God has brought our fathers out of the lam
of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved his people, even until now. Am
V)ehold, it is because of our iniquities and abominations, thjit has brought ft
DWn. KJJi m.Ui51All.
»
into bondage. And ye all are witnesses this day, that Zeniff, who was made
king over this people, he being OTer-zealoua 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 ; 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. And now, is not this griev-
ous to be borne ? And is not this, our affliction great ? Now behold, how
great reason have we to mourn. 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. For
if this people had not fallen into transgression, the Lord would not have suf-
fered 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. 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. 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 ; 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 ? For behold, the Lord has 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 stum-
bling block before them. And again, he saith, if my people shall sow fil-
thiness, they shall reap the chaff thereof, in the whirlwind ; and the effect
thereof, is poison. And again, he saith, if my people shall sow filthiness,
they shall reap the east wind, which bringeth immediate destruction. And
now, behold, the promise of the Lord is fulfilled ; and ye are smitten, and
afflicted. 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.
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 hook, he told his people all the things concerning
their brethren who were in the land of Zarahemla ; and he caused that Am-
mon 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. And
be 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. 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.
And it came to pass that he caused that the plates which contained the
112 BOOK OP MOSIAH.
record of his people, from the time that they left the land of Zaraherala,
ahould be brought before Ammon, that he might read them. Now, as soon
as Ammon had read the record, the king inquired of him to know if he could
interpret langqages. And Ammon told him that he could not. And
the kiEg 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 ; 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, &c., 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, And
For a testimony that the things that they have said "are true, they have
brought twenty-four plates, which are filled with engravings ; and they are
Df pure gold. And behold, also, they have brought breast-plates, which are
arge ; and they are of brass, and of copper, and are perfectly sound. And
igain, they have brought swords, the hilts thereof have perished, and the
jlades thereof were cankered with rust ; and there is no one in the land that
s able to interpret the language or the engravings that are on the plates.
Therefore, I said unto thee, canst thou translate? And I say unto thee
igain, knowest thou of any one that can translate ? for I am desirous that
;hese records should- be translated into our language. For, perhaps they
Till give us a knowledge of a remnant of the people who have been de-
itroyed, from whence these records came ; or, perhaps they will give us a
mowledge of this very people who have been destroyed-; and I am desirous
10 know the cause of their destruction.
Now Ammon said unto him, I can assuredly tell thee, king, of a man
;hat can translate the records : for he has wherewith that he can look, and
;ranslate all records that are of ancient date : and it is a gift from God.
ind the things are called interpreters ; and no man can look in them, except
le be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not, and he should
)erish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called
leer. And behold, the king of the people who is in the land of Zarahemla,
s the man that is commanded to do these things, and who has this high
jift from God. And the king said, that a seer is greater than a prophet,
ind Ammon said, that a seer is a revelator, and a prophet also ; and a gift
vhich is greater, can no man have, except he should possess the power of
Jod, which no man can ; yet a man may have great power given him from
xod. But a seer can know of things which have past, and also of things
vhich are to come ; and by them shall all things be revealed, or rather, shSl
lecret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and
hings which are not known, shall be made known by them ; and also, things
ball be made known by them, which otherwise could not be known. Thus
Jod has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty
niracles ; therefore, he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.
And now, when Ammon had made an end of speakmg these words, the
dug rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks to God, saying, doubtless, a
;reat mystery is contained within these plates ; and these interpreters were
loubtless prepared for the purpose of unfolding all such mysteries to the
ihildren of men. how marvelous are the works of the Lord and h»w
ong doth he suffer with his people ; yea, and how blind and impenetrable
ire the understandings of the children of men : for they will not seek wis- J
lom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them. Tea, they are 3
BOOK OP MOSIAH. 113
as_ a wild flock, -which fleeth from the shepherd, aud soattereth, and are
driven, aud are devoured by the beasts of the forest.
CHAPTER VI.
The Record of Zeniff.
An account of his people, from t!ie time theyleft the land of Zarahemla, until
the time that they were delivered out of the hands of the Lamanites.
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 de-
sirous that they should not be destroyed ; 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 blood-thirsty 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 great-
est 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. And yet, I being over zealous to inherit
the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to pos-
sess 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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. 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 ; aud we did begin to multiply and prosper in the land. Now, it was
the cunning and the craftiness of king Laman, to bring nly people into bon-
dage, that he yielded up the land, that we might possess it.
'^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. Now, they were a lazy, and
an idolatrous people ; therefore, they were desirous to bring us into bond-
age, that they might glut themselves with the labors of our hands ; yea,
that they might feast themselves upon the flocks of our fields.
.„ Therefore, it came to pass that king Laman began to stir up his people,
lAthat they should contend with my people ; therefore, there began to be wars
114 BOOK OPjMOSIAH.
and contentions in the land. 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. 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.
And it came to pass that I did arm them with bows, aaid 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 ; yea, in the strength of the Lord did
we go fortli 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 ene-
mies, for we were awakened to a remembrance of the deliverance of our
fathers. 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. 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.
And it came to pass that we again began to establish the kingdom ; and
we agsun 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. 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.
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. And I did. cause that
the men should till the ground, and raise all manner of grain, and all man-
ner of fruit, of every kind. 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.
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. 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.
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 girdeU
with a leathern girdle about their loins.
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.
And it came to pass that we did go up to battle against the Lamanites.
BOOK OF MOSIAH. 115
And I, eren I, in my old ago, 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.
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 ; they were a wild, and
ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, beUeving 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. 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.
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, be-
cause they hardened their hearts against the Lord. And again : They were
wroth with him when they had arrived to 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. And again : They were wroth with him, because he de-
parted iatd the wilderness as the Lord had commanded bim, and took the
records which were engraven on the plates of brass ; for they said that he
robbed them. 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. For this very cause has
king Laman, by his cunning and lying craftiness, and his fair promises, de-
ceived me, that I have brought this, my people, up into this land, that they
may destroy them ; yea, and we have suffered this many years in the land.
And now I, Zeniff, after having told all these things unto my people con-
• corning 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. And it came to pass that we did drive them out of our land ; and
we slew them with a great slaughter, even so many that we did not number
them.
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. Ai^d 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.
CHAPTER VII.
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. For behold, he did not keep the command-
ments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he
had many wives and concubines. And 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. 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 pai-t of their ziff, and of their copper, and of their brass
116 BOOK OP MOSIAH.
and their iron; and a fifth part of their fatlings; and also, a fifth part of
all their grain. And all this did he take, to support himself, and his wives,
and his concubines, and also, his priests, and their wives, and their concu-
bines : thus he had changed the affairs of the kingdom. Tor 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. 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. Yea, and they
also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flatter-
ing words of the king and priests ; for they did speak flattering things unto
them.
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 zifi', and of copper ; and he also built him a spacious palace, and a
throne in the midst thereof, all of which was Of fine wood, and was orna-
mented with gold, and silver, and with precious things. 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 ; 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 be-
fore them', that they might rest their bodies and their arms upon, while they
should speak lying and vain words to his people.
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 over-
look 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.
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.
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 r and so
did also his priests spend their time with harlots. 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.
And it came to pass that the Lamanites began to come in upon his peo-
ple, upon small numbers, and to slay them in their fields, and while they
were tending their flocks. And king Noah sent guards round about the land
to keep them off; but he did not send a suflScient number, and the Laman-
ites 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.
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, th^y re-
turned rejoicing in their spoil. 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.
And it came to pass that there was a man among them, whose name was
BOOK OF MOSIAH. 117
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 wicliedness, and their whore-
doms : and except they repent, I will visit them in mine anger. And ex-
cept they repent, and turn to the Lord their God, behold, I will deliver
the;m into the hands of their enemies ; yea, and they shall be brought into
bondage ; and they shall be afflicted by the hands of their enemies.
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. 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. 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: And except they repent in sacl^cloth and ashes, and cry mightily
to the Lord their God, I will not hear their prayers, neither will I deliver
them out of their affictions ; and thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he
commanded me.
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. 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 : 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. 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.
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 hath 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 ; 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 com« 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, shaU devour their flesh.
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. 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. Yea, and I will cause that they shall have burdens lashed
upon, their backs ; and they shall be driven before, like a dumb ass.
And it shall come to pass that I wiU 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. And they shall
be smitten with a great pestilence ; and all this will I do, because of their
iniquities and abominations.
118 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
And it shall come to pass that except thoy 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.
- 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 ; and he also prophesieth evU
concerning thy life, and saith that thy life shall be as a garment in a furnace
of fire. And again, he saith that thou shalt be as a stalk, even as a dry stalk
of the field, which is ran over by the beasts and trodden under foot. And
again, he saith thou shalt be as the blossoms of a thistle, which when it is
fuUy 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.
. And now, 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 ? And now, king, behold, we are guiltless, and thou, king,
hast not sinned ; therefore, this man hath lied concerning you, and he has
prophesied in vain. And behold, we are strong, we shall not come into
bondage, or be taken captive by our enemies; yea, and thou hast pros-
pered in the land, and thou shalt also prosper. Behold, here is the man,
we deUver him into thy hands ; thou mayest do with him as seemeth thee
good.
And it came to pass that king Noah caused that Abinadi should be cast
into prison ; and be commanded that the priests should gather themselves
together, that he might hold a council with them what he should do with
him. And it came to pass that they said unto the king, bring him hither,
that we may questijon him. And the king commanded that he should be
brought before them. And they began to question him, that they might
cross him, that thereby they might have wherewith to accuse him ; but he an-
swered them boldly, and withstood all their questions, yea, to their astonish-
ment : for he did withstand them in all their questions, and did confound
them in all their words.
And it came to pass that one ot them said unto him, what meaneth the
words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers, say-
ing : 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; 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. Break
forth into joy ; sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem : for the Lord
hath comforted his people : he hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord hath
made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all nations ; and all the ends of the
earth shall see the salvation of our God. 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 ? 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 ; there-
fore, ye have perverted the ways of the Lord, Te have not applied your
hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore
what teach ye this people f And they said, we teach the law of Moses. And
again, he said unto them, if ye teach the law of Moses, why do ye not keep
BOOK OP MOSIAH. 119
it? Why do yo set your hearts upon riches? Why do ye commit whore-
doms,_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 ? Know ye not that I
speak the truth ? Yea, ye know that I speak the truth ; and you ought to
tremble before God.
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 con-
cerning the law of Moses ? Doth salvation come by the law of Mxjses ?
What say. ye? And they answered and said, that salvation did come by the
law of Moses. But now Abinadi said unto them, I know if ye keep the
commandments of God, ye shall be saved ; yea, if ye keep the command-
ments which the Lord delivered unto Moses, in the mount of Sinai, saying :
I am the Lord thy God, who has brought thee out of the land' of Egypt, out
of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other God before me. 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. 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.
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. And they stood forth and attempted to lay their hands on him :
but he withstood them, and said unto them, touch me-.not, for God shall
smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, for I have not deSvered the mes-
sage 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. But I must fulfil the commandments wherewith
God has commanded me, and because I have told you the truth^ve are angry
with me. And again, because I have spoken the word of (Spd, ye have
judged me that I am mad.
Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words, that the peo-
ple 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 lustre, even as
Moses did while in the moimt of Sinai, while speaking with the Lord. And
he spake with power and authority from God ; and he continued his words,
saying, ye see that ye have not power to slay me, therefore I finish my mes-
sage. Tea, and I perceive that it cuts you to your hearts, because I tell
you the truth concerning your iniquities : yea, and my words fill you with
wonder and amazement, and with anger. But I finish my message ; and
then it matters not whither I go, if it so be that I am saved. 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. 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.
And now, ye remember that I said unto you, thou shalt 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. 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 ; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me,
and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord
thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his
120 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
name in vain. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt
thou labor, and do all thy work ; 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: 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. Honor thy father and thy mother, that
thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shall not, bear false witness against thy neighbor. 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 any thing
that is thy neighbor's.
CHAPTER VIII.
And it came to pass that after Abinadi had made an end of these say-
ings, that he said unto them, have ye taught this people that they should
observe to do all these things ? for to keep these commandments ? 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. And now ye have said
that salvation cometh by the law of Moses. I say unto you that it is expe-
dient 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. And moreover, I say unto yon, 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. 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 stiff-necked people : quick to do iniquity,
and slow to remember the Lord their God ; 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. But behold, I say unto you, that all these
things were types of things to come. 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.
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 ? 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 ?
Yea, and have they not said also, that he should bring to pass the resurrec-
tion of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted ?
Tea, even doth not Isaiah say, who hath believed our report, and to whom
is the arm of the Lord revealed ? 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.
He is despised and rejected of men ; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with
grief: and we hid as it were our face from him; he was despised, and we
esteemed him not.
BOOK OF MOSIAII. 121
Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows ; yet we did
esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 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.. All we,
hke sheep,' have gone astray ; we have turned every one to his own way ;
and the JjOrd hath laid on him the iniquities of us all. 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. He was taken from prison amd 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. 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.
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.
He shall see of the travail if his soul, and shall be satisfie.d : by his knowledge
shall my righteous servant justify many ; for he shall bear their iniquities.
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 bare the sins of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
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 ; 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 ; the Father because he was conceived by the power
of God ; and the Son, because of the flesh ; thus becoming the Father and
Son : and they are one God, yea, the very eternal Father of heaven and of
earth ; 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 temp-
tation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and
disowned by his people. 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 ;
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 ; and thus God breaketh the bands of death ; having gained the
victory over death ; giving the Son power to make intercession for the chil-
dren of men ; 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. And now I say unto you, who shall declare his gen-
eration ? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an of-
fering for sin, he shall see his seed. And now what say ye ? And who shall
be his seed ? Behold, I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words
of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concern-
ing the coming of the Lord : I say unto you, that all those who have heark-
ened unto their words, and beheved 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 :
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 ? Tea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened
122 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
his mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgressions ; 1 mean all
the holy prophets ever since the world began ? I say unto you that they
are his seed; and' these are they who have published peace, who have
those that are still publishing peace ! And again, how beautiful upon the
mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from
this time henceforth and forever ! And behold, I say unto you, this is not
all : For how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bring-
eth 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 :
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. 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. 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 resur-
rection of Christ : for so shall he be called. 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 resur-
rection ; therefore, they are the first resurrection. 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. And these are those who have part in the
first resurrection ; and these are they that have died befijre Christ came, in
their ignorance, no thstving 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. And little
children also have eternal life. 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. Therefore had ye not ought to trem-
ble ? 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.
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.
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. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusa-
lem : for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.
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.
And now it came to pass that after Abinadi had spoken these words, be
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 ;
and then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall ha:ye 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, 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
BOOK OF MOSIAH. 123
cause of their fall ; which was the cause of all mankind becoming carnal,
sensual, devilish, knowing evil from good, subjecting themselves to the devil.
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. 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. 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. 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.
But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the
sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. 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. Even this
mortal shall put on immortality, and this corruption shall put on incorrup-
tion, 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. If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness,
and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation ; being deliv-
ered up to the devil, who hath subjected them, which is damnation ; having
gpne 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 ttey were commanded to repent, and yet they would not repent. And
now had ye not ought to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember
only in and through Christ ye can be saved ? Therefore, if ye teach the
law of Moses, also teach that it is a shadow of those things which are to
come ; teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who
is the very eternal Father. Amen.
CHAPTER IX.
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 thai
he should be put to death. 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 concern-
ing the iniquity which Abinadi had testified against them : Therefore he be-
gan to plead with the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but
suffer that he might depart in peace. 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. But he fled from before them, and hid
himself, that they found him not. And he, being conoealed for many days,
did write all the words which Abinadi had spoken.
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.
And after three days, having counselled with his priests, he caused that he
should again be brought before him. And he said unto him, Abinadi, we
124 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
have found an accusation against thee, and thou art worthy of death. 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.
Now Abinadi said unto him : I say unto you, I will not recall the words
which I hare 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 £illen
into your hands. Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not re-
call 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. ,
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. 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.
And it came to pass that they took him, and scourged his skin with fag-
gots, yea, even unto death. And now when the flames began to scorch him,
he cried unto them, saying : Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so
shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer, even
the pains of death, by fire ; and this because they believe in the salvation
of the Lord their God. And it will come to pass that ye shall be afflicted
with all manner of diseases, because of your iniquities. Tea, and ye shall
be smitten on every band, and shall be driven and scattered to and fro, even
as a wild flock is driven by wild and ferocious beasts. 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. Thus God exe-
cuteth vengeance upon those that destroy his people. God, receive my
soul. 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.
And now that 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'; yea, concern-
ing 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. 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. 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. 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 him-
self in the day time, from the searches of the king. And it came to pass
that as many as believed him, went thither to hear his words. And it came
to iiass after many days, there were a goodly number gathered together to
the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Tea, 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.
And it came to pass that he said unto them, behold, hero are the waters
BOOK OP MOSIAH. 125
of Mormon ; for thus were they called. Aad now, aa 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 : 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 re-
deemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that
ye may have eternal life. 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. And now when the people had heard
these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed, this is the de-
sire of our hearts.
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, Lord, pour
out thy spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of
heart. 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 Almigh-
ty God, as a "testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve Wm
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. 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. 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. And after this man-
ner 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 :
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 au-
thority of God, was added to his church.
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. 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. Yea, even he commanded them
that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the
Lord, who had redeemed his people. And he commanded them that there
should be no contention one with another, but that they should look for-
ward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism ; having their hearts
knit together in unity and in love, one towards another. And thus he com-
manded them to preach. And thus they became the children of God. 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.
And he also commanded them that the priests, whom he had ordained,
should labor with their own hands for their support ; and there was one day
in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves togeth-
er 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. And the priests
were not to denend upon the people for their support ; but for their labor
126 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
they were to receire 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. 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 he that had but little, but little should be required ; and to him that
had not should be given. 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. 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, ac-
cording to their needs and their wants.
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. And these things were done in the borders of the land, that
they might not come to the knowledge of the king. But behold, it came to
pass that the king, having discovered a movement among th% people, sent
his servants to watch them. Therefore on the day that they were assem-
bling themselves together to hear the word of the Lord, they were discovered
unto the king. And now the king said that Alma was stirring up the peo-
ple to rebellion against him ; therefore he sent his army to destroy them.
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. And they were in number about
four hundred and fifty souls.
And it came to pass that the army of the king returned, having search-
ed in vain for the people of the Lord. 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. And the lesser part began to breathe
out threatenings against the king, and there began to be a great contention
among them. 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. 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. And Gideon pursued after him, and was about
to get upon the tower to slay the king, and the king cast hig eyes round
about towards the land of Shemlon, and behold, the army of the Lamanites
werewithin the borders of the land. 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 them ; yea, they will destroy my people. 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. And the king com-
manded the people that they should flee before the Lamanites, and he him-
self did go before them, and they did flee into the wilderness with their
women and their children. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did
pursue them, and did overtake them, and began to slay them.
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.
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.
BOOK OF MOSIAH. 127
And it came to pasa 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. And it came to pass that
the Lamanites had compassion on them, for they were charmed with the
beauty of their women ; therefore the Lamanites did spare their lives, and
took them captives, and carried them back to the land of Nephi, and grant-
ed 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 de-
liver 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. And now
there was one of the sons of the king among those that were taken captive,
whose name was Limhi. And now Limhi was desirous that his father should
^ot be destroyed ; nevertheless, Limhi was not ignorant of the iniquities of
his father, he himself being a just man.
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.
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. 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. And they were about to take the priests also and put them
to death, and they fled before them.
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 Laman-
ites had granted unto them that they might possess the land by paying a
tribute to the Lamanites of one half of all they possessed. 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. 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.
And it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites Tnade an oath unto
them that his people should not slay them. 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.
And it came to pass that Limhi began to establish the kingdom, and to
establish peace among his people. 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. 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.
Now there was a place in Shemlon, where the daughters of the Laman-
ites did gather themselves together to sing, and to dance, and to make
themselves merry. And it came to pass that there was one day a small
number of them gathered toge^^her to sing and to dance. 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. And having tarried in the wilderness,
128 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
and having discovered the daughters of the Lamanites, they laid and
watched them ; 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.
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. Therefore they sent their armies forth ;
yea, even the king himself went before his people ; and they Went up to
. the land of Nepjii, to destroy the people of Limhi. 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. And it came to pass that when the Laman-
ites had come up, that the people of Limhi began to fall upon them frorj)
their waiting places, and began to slay them.
And it came to pass that the battle became exceeding sore, for they
fought like lions for their prey. 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.
And it came to pass that they found the king of the Lamanites among
the number of the dead ; yet he was not dead, having been wounded and
left upon the ground, so speedy was the flight of his people. And they took
bira and bound up hig 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. 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 Bave not broken the oath
that I made unto you ; therefore, why should ye break the oath which ye
made unto my people ? 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 did I cause my people to come up to war against thy people.
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. 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. 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? 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. And behold, they come with their numerous
hosts ; and except the king doth pacify them towards us, we must perish.
For are not the words of Abinadi fulfilled, which he prophesied against us?
and all this because we would not hearken unto the word of the Lord, and
turn from our iniquities ? 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. And now Limhi told the king all the things
BOOK OF MOSIAH. 129
concerning his father, and the priests that had fled into the wilderness, and
attributed the carrying away of their daughters to them.
And it came .to pass that the king was pacified towards his people ; and
be 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. 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 Laman-
ites ; and the king of the Lamanites did bow himself down before them, and
did plead in behalf of the people of Limhi. 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.
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. 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. 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 oyer them ; and began to put h^avy burdens,
upon their backs, and drive them as they would a dumb ass ; yea, all this
was done, that the word of the Lord might be fulfilled. And now the afflic-
tions of the Nephites were great ; and there was no way that they could
deUver themselves out of their hands, for the Lamanites had surrounded
them on every side.
And it came to pass that the people began to murmur with the king, be-
cause of their afflictions ; and they began to be desirous to go again 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.
And they gathered themselves together again, and put on their armor,
and went forth against the Lamanitesj to drive them out of their land. And
it came to pass that the Lamanites did beat them, and drove them back,
and slew many of them. And now there was a great mourning and lamen-
tation 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. 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. And it came to pass that their continual cries did
stir up the remainder of the people of Limhi to anger, against the Laman-
ites. And they went again to battle ; but they were driven back again,
suffering much loss. Yea, they went again, even the third time, and suf-
fered in the like manner ; and those that were not slain, returned again to
the city of Nephi. And they did humble themselves even to the dust, sub-
jecting 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. 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 dehver them out of their afflictions.
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.
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. Now there was a great number of women more
than there was of men ^ therefore king Limhi commanded that every man
130 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
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. Now the people of Limhi kept together
in a body as much as it was possible, and secure their grain, and their flocks ;
and the king himself did not trust his person without the walls of the city,
unless be took his guards with him, fearing that be might by some means
fall into the hands of the Lamanites. 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 ;
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.
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. And the king having been without the gates
of the city with his guard, discovered Ammon and his brethren ; and sup-
posing 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 ; 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 exceeding great joy. 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. 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. And they brought a record with them, even a record
of the people whose bones they had found ; and they were engraven on
plates of ore. And now Limhi was again filled with joy, on 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. Yet
Ammon and his brethren were filled with sorrow, because so many of their
brethren had been slain ; 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 ; 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. 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.
And it came to pass that king Limhi and many of his people were desir-
ous to be baptized ; but there was none in the land that had authority from
God. And Ammon declined doing this thing, considering himself an unwor-
thy servant ; 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.
They were deskous to be baptized, as a witness and a testimony that they
were willing to serve God with all their hearts ; nevertheless they did pro-
long the time ; and an account of their baptism shall be given hereafter.
BOOK OF MOSIAH. 131
And now all the study of Ammon and his people, and king Limhi and his
people, was to deliver themselves out of tlie hands of the Lamanites, and
from bondage.
CHAPTER X.
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. And it came to pass that they could find no way to deliver
themselves out of bondage, except it were to take tbeir women and chil-
dren, and their flocks, and their herds, and their tents, and depart into the
wilderness ; for the Lamanites being so numerous that it was impossible for
the people of Limhi to contend with them, thinking to deliver themselves
out of bondage by the sword.
Now it came to pass that Gideon went forth and stood before the king,
and said unto him, now king,' thou hast hitherto hearkened unto my words
many times when we ha:ve been contending with our brethren, the Laman-
ites. And now 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. And the king granted unto him that he might speak. And
Gideon said unto him, 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 thei]f flocks and herds, that they may drive them
into the wilderness by night. 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 the camp, when they
are drunken and asleep; 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. And it came to pass that the king hearkened
unto the words of Gideon. And king Limhi caused that his people should
gather their flocks together ; and he sent the tribute of wine to the Laman-
ites ; 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.
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. 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. And after being many days in the wilderness, they
arrived in the land of Zarahemla, and joined his people, and became his
subjects. And it came to pass that Mosiah received them with joy ; and he
also receiv<!d their records, and also the records which had been found by
the people of Limhi. 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 ; and after they had
pursued them two days, they could no longer follow their tracks ; therefore
they were lost in the wilderness.
132 BOOK OP MOSIAH.
OHAPTEK XI.
An account of Alma and the people of the Lord, who were driven into tht
wilderness by the people of king Noah,
Now Alma, having been warned of the Lord that the armies of liing Noah
would come upon them, and had made it known to hia people, therefore
they gathered together their flocks, and took of their grain, and departed
into the wilderness before the armies of king Noah. And the Lord did
strengthen them, that the people of king Noah could not overtake them, to
destroy them. And they fied eight days' journey into the wilderness. And
they came to a land, yea, even a very beautiful and pleasant land ; a land
of pure water. And they pitched their tents, and began to till the ground,
and began to build buildings, &c. ; yea, they were industrious, and did labor
exceedingly. And the people were desirous that Alma should be their king,
for he was beloved by his people. 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. 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. But remember the iniquity of king Noah and his priests ; and I my-
self was caught in a snare, and did many things which were abominable in
the sight of the Lord, which caused me sore repentance ; 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. Nevertheless, in this I do not glory, for I am
unworthy to glory of myself. And now I say unto you, ye have been op-
pressed 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. 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 ; and also trusting no one
to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking
in his ways and keeping his commandments. Thus did Alma teach his peo-
ple, that every man should love his neighbor as himself; that there should
be no contention among them. And now Alma was their high priest, he
being the founder of their church. And it came to pass that none received
authority to preach or to teach, except it were by him from God. There-
fore he consecrated all their priests, and all their teachers, and none were
consecrated except they were just men. Therefore they did watch over
their people, and did nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness.
And it came to pass that they began to prosper exceedingly in the land ;
and they called the land Helam. 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. Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten
his people j yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. 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. For behold, I will shew 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.
BOOK Off MOSIAH. 133
And it came to pass that he did deliver them, and did shew forth his mighty
power unto them, and great were their rejoicings.
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 were in the borders of the land. Now it came to
pass that the brethren of Alma fled from their fields, and gathered them-
selves together into the city of Helam ; and they were much frightened be-
cause of the appearance of the Lamanites. 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 ;
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. 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 pos-
sion of the land of Helam. Now the armies of the Lamanites which had
followed after the people of king Limhi, had been lost in the wilderness for
many days. And behold, they had found those priests of king Noah, in a
place which they called Amnion ; and they had began to possess the land of
Amulon, and had began to till the ground. Now the name of the leader of
those priests was Amulon. 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. And the Lamanites had compassion on Amulon and his
brethren, and did not destroy them, because of their wives. And Amulon
and his brethren did join the Lamanites, and they were . traveUng in the
wilderness in search of the laud of Nephi, when they discovered the land of
Helam, which was possessed by Alma and his brethren. And it came to
pass that the Lamanites promised unto Alma and his brethren, that if they
would shew them the way which led to the land of Nephi,. that they would
grant unto them their lives and their liberty. But after Alma had
shewn 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. 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. 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 any thing contrary to
the will of the king of the Lamanites. ■
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 ; for the Lamanites had taken posses-
sion of all these lands ; therefore the king of the Lamanites had appointed
kings over all these lands. 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 ; and he ap-
pointed teachers of the brethren of Amulon, in every land which was pos-
sessed by liis people ; and thus the language of Nephi began to be taught
among all the people of the Lamanites. And they were a people friendly one
with another ; nevertheless they knew not God ; neither did the brethren
of Amulon teach them any thing concerning the Lord their God, neither the
law of Moses ; nor did they teach them the words of Abiuadi ; but they
134 BOOK OP MOSIAH.
taught them that they should keep their record, and that they might write
one to another. 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 peo-
ple ; delighting in all manner of wickedness and plunder except it were
among their own brethren.
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 : 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
authoritylover them, and put tasks upon them, and put task-masters over
them. And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions, that they
began to cry mightily to God. 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. 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.
And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their
afiiictions, 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. 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 afQictions. 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.
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. And he said unto Alma,
thou shalt go before this people, and I will go with thee, and deliver this
people out of bondage.
Now it came to pass that Alma and his people in the night time, gather-
ed their flocks together, and also of their grain ; yea, even all the night time
were they gathering their flocks together. 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. 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, becaiise he led their way in the
wilderness ; 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. 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.
And now the Lord said unto Alma, haste thee and get thou and this peo-
ple out of this land, for the Lamanites have awoke and do pursue thee ;
therefore get thee out of this land, and I will stop the Lamanites in this val-
ley, that they come no further in pursuit of this people. And it came to
pass that they departed out of the valley, and took their journey into the
BOOK OF MOSIAH. 135
wilderness. And after they had been in the wilderness twelve days, they
arrived to the land of Zarahemla ; and king Mosiah did also receive them,
with joy. And new king Mosiah caused that all the people should be
gathered together. 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 Mulok, and those who came
with him into the wilderness ; 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. And now all the people of Nephi were as-
sembled together, and also all the people of Zarahemla, and they were
gathered together in two bodies.
And it5;ame to pass that Mosiah did read, and caused to be read, the re-
cords 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.
And he also read the account of Alma and bis brethren, and all their afflic-
tions, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla, until the time they re-
turned again. And now when . Mosiah had made an end of reading the
records, his people who tarried in the land were struck with wopder and
amazement, for they knew not what to think ; for when they beheld those
that had been deUvered out of bondage, they were filled with exceeding
great joy. 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, 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. 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.
And it came to pass that those who were the children of Amnion 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 bn
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 num-
bered among those who were called Nephites. And now all the people of
Zarahemla were numbered with the Nephites, and this because the kingdom
had bpen conferred upon none but those who were descendants of Nephi.
And now it came to pass that when Mosiah had made an end of speak-
ing and reading to the people, he desired that Alma should also speak to the
people. 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 peo-
ple repentance and faith on the Lord. 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. 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 bap-
tized ; and all his people were desirous that they might be baptized also.
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 Mor-
mon; 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.
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. 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 ;
136 BOOK OP MOSIAH.
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 ; 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.
And now there were seven churches in the land of Zarahemla. And it came
to pass that whosoever were desirous to take upon themselves the name of
Christ, or of God, they did join the churches of God : 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.
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. They did not believe what had been said concerning the res-
urrection of the dead ; neither did they beUeve concerning the coming of
Christ. And now because of their unbelief, they could not understand the
word of God ; and their hearts were hardened. 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. 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 nu-
merous. For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their flat-
tering 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.
And it came to pass that they were brought before the priests, and de-
livered up unto the priests by the teachers ; and the priests brought them
before Alma, who was the high priest. Now king Mosiah had given Alma
the authority over the church. And it came to pass that Alma did not know
concerning them, for there were many witue^es against them ; yea, the
people stood and testified of their iniquity in abundance. 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. 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. But king Mosiah said unto Alma,
behold, I judge them not ; therefore I deliver them into thy hands to be
judged. 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.
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, 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. And blessed are they because of their exceeding faith in the
words alone which thou hast spoken unto them. And blessed- art thou be-
cause thou hast established a church among this people : and they shall be
established, and they shall be my people. Yea, blessed is this people, who
are willing to bear my name ; for in mj name shall they be called ; and
they are mine. And because thou hast enquired of me concerning the trans-
gressor, thou art blessed. Thou art my servant : and I covenant with thee,
BOOK OE MOSIAH. . 137
that thou shalfhave eternal life; and thou shalt serve me, and go forth in
my name, and shall gather together, my sheep. 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. For behold, this is my church ; whosoever is bap-
tized, shall be baptized unto repentance. And whosoever ye receive, shall
believe in my name ; and him will I freely forgive ; 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. For behold, in my name are they calleS ; and if they know me, they
shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand. 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 ; and then shall
they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer ; but
they would not be redeemed. And then wiU I confess unto them, that I
never knew them ; and they wilst depart into everlasting fire, prepared for
the devil and his angels. Therefore I say unto you, that he that will not
hear my voice, the same shall ye not receive into my church, for him will I
not receive at the last day ; 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 repent-
eth in the sincerity of his heart, him shall ye forgive, and I will forgive him
also ; yea, and as often as my people rep6iit^,will I forgive them their tres-
passes against me. 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 that says he repents, the same hath brought himself under con-
demnation. 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.
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.
And it came to pass that Alma went and judged those that had been
taken in iniquity, according to the word of the Lojjd. And whosoever re-
pented of their sins and did confess them, them he did number among the
people of the church ; and those that would not confess their sins and re-
pent of their iniquity, the same were not numbered among the people of
the church, and their names were blotted out. 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 ; walk-
ing circumspectly before God ; receiving many, and baptizing many. And
now all these things did Alma and his fellow laborers do, who were over tthe
church ; walking in all diligence ; teaching the word of GojiSjfin all things,
suffering all manner of afflictions ; being persecuted by all those who did
not belong to the church of God. 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. 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.
And.itcameto pass that king Mosiah sent a proclamation throughout
the land round about, that there should not any unbeliever persecute any
of tTinao w>in hAlnnfyp.H tn t>ifl p.hiirnh of Gnd '. and there was a strict com-
138 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
mand throughout all the churches, that there should be no persecutions
among them, that there should be an equality among all men ; 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 ; 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. 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. And the Lord did visit
them, and prosper them, and they became a large and wealthy people.
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 idola-
trous 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. 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.
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, seek-
ing to destroy the church, and to lead astray the people of the Lord, con-
trary to the commandments of God, or even the king ; 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 ; and so great was their astonishment, that
they fell to the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto
them. Nevertheless he cried again, saying,^ Alma, arise, and stand forth,
for why persecuteth 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. And again, the angel said, behold,
the Lord hath heard 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. And now be-
hold, 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. 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 oif.
And now it came to pass that these were the last words which the angel
spake unto Alma, and he departed. 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. And now the astonishment of Alma was so
srreat. that he became dumb that, hp nnnlrl nn* #^-.n» u:^ ^i. . « i
BOOK or MOSIAH. 139
became weak, even that he could not move hii hands ; therefore he waa
taken by those that were with him, and carried helpless, even until he was
laid before his father. And they rehearsed unto his father all that had hap-
pened unto them ; and his father rejoiced, for he knew that it was the
power of God. And he caused that a multitude should be gathered to-
gether, that they might witness what the Lord had done for his son, and
also for those that were with him. 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.
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 com-
fort ; for, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of
the Lord ; behold, I am born of the spirit. 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 ; and thus they become new crea-
tures ; and unless they do this, they can in no wise inherit the kingdom of
God. 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. Nevertheless, after wander-
ing through much tribulation, 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 : 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 marvellous light
of God. My soul was wrecked with eternal torment ; but I am snatched,
and my soul is pained no more. I rejected my Redeemer, a.nd denied that
which had been spoken of by our fathers ; but own that they may foresee
and that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his
creating, he will make himself manifest unto all ; yea, every knee shall bow,
and every tongue confess before him. Tea, 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 judg-
ment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them ; and they shall quake,
and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.
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 ap-
peared 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 ; 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 com-
mandments of God. 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. And they traveled throughout all the
land 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 ; and thus they were instruments in the hands of God,
in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge ot
their Redeemer. And how blessed are thev ! For thev did Dublish neace :
140 BOOK OV MOSIAH.
they did publish good tidings of good ; and they did declare unto the people
that the Lord reigneth.
CHAPTER XII.
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, 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 re-
joice 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. 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 end-
less torment, did cause them to quake and tremble. 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; and suffering
much, fearing that they should be cast off forever.
And it came to pass that they did plead with their father many days,
that they might go up to the land of Nephi. And king Mosiah went and
inquired of the Lord, if he would let his sons go up among the Lamanites
to preach the word. 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.
And it came to pass that Mosiah granted that they might go, and do
according to their request; 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. 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 ; 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 ; 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. And now he translated
them by the means of those two stones which were fastened into the
two rims of a bow. Now these things were prepared from the beginning,
and were handed down from generation to generation, for the purpose of
interpreting languages; 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 ; and whoso-
ever has these things, is called seer, after the manner of old times.
Now after Mosiah had finished translating these records, behold, it gave
BOOK or MOSIAH. 141
destroyed, back td the buUding 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 until the crea-
tion of Adam. 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. 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.
CHAPTER XIII.
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 com-
manded 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. 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.
And it came to pass that the voice of the people came, saying, we are desir-
ous- that Aaron thy son, should be our king, and our ruler. 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 king-
dom, 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 : Behold, ye my people, or my brethren, for I esteem you
as such, for I desire that ye should consider the cause which ye are called
to consider ; for ye are desirous to have a king. Now I declare unto you,
that he to whom the kingdom doth rightly belong, has declined, and will
not take upon the kingdom. 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 causa
of shedding much blood, and perverting the way of the Lord ; yea, and
destroy the souls of many people. 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. 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 king-
dom, which would cause him and also this people to commit much sin. And
now let us be wise and look forward to these things, and do that which will
make for the peace of this people. Therefore I will be your king the re-
mainder 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 peo-
ple according to the commandments of God. 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 ; therefore, if it were
possible that ye could have just men to be your kings, who would establish
142 BOOK OF MOSIAH.
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 Ben-
jamin 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.
And even I myself have labored with all the power of 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 steal-
ing, nor plundering, nor murdering, nor any manner of iniquity ; and whoso-
ever has committed iniquity, him have I punished according to the law
which has been given to us by our fathers.
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. For behold, how much
iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed ! yea, and what great
destruction ! Yea, remember king Noah, his wickedness and his abomina-
tions ; 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. And were it not for the inter-
position of their all-wise Creator, and this because of their sincere repentance,
they must unavoidably have remained in bondage until now. But behold,
he did deliver them because tbey 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. 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.
For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he keepeth his guards about
him ; and lie teareth up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness
before him ; and he trampleth under his feet the commandments of God .
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
k,ws, he causeth to Ixe 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 th\is an unrighteous king doth pervert the ways of all righteous-
ness. And now behold I say unto you, it is not expedient that such abom-
inations should come upon you ; 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 theliand of the Lord. Now it is not common that the voice of
the people dedreth any thing contrary to that which is right ; but it is com-
mon 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. 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 de-
Btrpction, even as he has hitherto visited this land. 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 ; 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. 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 com-
mit sins and iniquities, they shall be answered upon their own heads. 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
BOOK OP MOSIAH. 143
heads of their kings. And now I desire that this inequality should be no
more in this land, especially among this people ; but I desirt 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.
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 nMirmurings of the people to their
king ; and he explained it all unto them. And he told them that these
things ought not to be ; but that the burden should come upon all the peo-
ple, that every man might bear his part. And he also unfolded unto them
all the disadvantages they labored under, by having an unrighteous king to
rule over them ; 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.
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 ; 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. There-
fore 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. And they did wax strong in love towards Mosiah ; yea,
they did esteem him more than any other man : fdS'' 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 de-
lighted 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, be-
yond measure. 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.
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 had given him the charge concerning all the affairs of the church.
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 ; 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.
And now it came to pass that his father died, being eighty and two years
old, having lived to fulfil the commandments of God.
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 ; 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.
144 BOOK 01' ALMA.
THE BOOK OF ALMA,""
THE SON OF ALMA.
CHAPTER I.
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 tke wars and contentions among
the people. And also an account of a war between the Nephites and the
Jiamanites, according to the record of Alma tlie first, and Chief Judge.
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 estabhshed
laws, and they were acknowledged by the people; therefore they were
obliged to abide by the laws which he had made.
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 ; 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 peo-
ple ; 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. 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 ;_ 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.
And it came to pass as he was going to preach to those who believed on
hia 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, admonish-
ing him with the words of God. 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. Now because Gideon withstood him with
the words of God, he was wroth with Gideon, and drew his sword and be-
gan 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 ;
and the man who slew him was taken by the people of the church, and was
brought before Alma, to be judged according to the crime which he had
committed. And it came to pass that he stood before Alma, and plead for
himself with much boldness. But AJma said unto him," behold, this is the
first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And be-
hold, 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. And thou hast shed the blood of a
BOOK OF ALMA. 145
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 ;
therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law which has been
given us by Mosiah, our last king ; and they have been acknowledged by
this people ; therefore this people must abide by the law.
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 earth, that what he had
taught to the people was contrary to the word of God ; and there he suffer-
ed an ignominious death. Nevertheless this did not put an end to the
spreafling 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. Nevertheless they durst
not lie, if it were known, for fear of the law, for liars were punished ; there-
fore they pretended to preach according to their belief: and now the law
could have no power on any man for his belief. 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.
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; yea, they did persecute them, and
afSict 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 im-
part the word of God, one with another, without money and without price.
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. Nevertheless, there were many amoi^ 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. Now this was
in the second year of the reign of Alma, and it was a cause of much afflic-
tion to the church ; yea, it was the cause of much trial with the church ; 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. Now this was a great trial to those
that did stand fast in the faith ; nevertheless, they were steadfast and im-
movable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience
the persecution which was heaped upon them. 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 ; and they did impart of their substance every
man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the
eick, and the afflicted ; and they did not wear costly apparelf yet they were
neat and comely ; and thus they did establish the affairs of the church : and
thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their
persecutions. And now because of the steadiness of the church, they be-
gan to be exceeding rich ; having abundance of all things whatsoever they
Btood 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. And thus in their prosperous circumstances they did not
146 BOOK or AliMA.
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 ; and thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy, than those
who did not belong to their church. 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 ; lying, thieving, robbing, commit-
ting whoredoms, and murdering, and all manner of wickedness; neverthe-
less, the law was put in force upon all those who did transgress it, inasmuch
as it were possible.
And it came to pass that by thus exerciaiug the law upon them, every
man suffering according to that which he had done, they become more still,
and durst not commit any wickedness, if it were known : therefore there
was much peace among the people of If ephi, until the fifth year of the reign
of the judges. 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 cer-
tain 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 ^le^w Gideon by the sword, who was executed according to the law.
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 en-
deavor to establish Amlici to be a king over the people. Now this was
alarming to the people qf 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 peo-
ple ; 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 priv-
ileges of th^' church, &c. ; for it was his intent to destroy the church of
God.
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, haying much dispute and wonder-
ful contentions, one with another ; and thus they did assemble themselves
together, to cast in their voices concerning the matter : and they were laid
before the judges. And it "came to pass that the yoice of the people came
against Amlici, that he was not made king over the people. 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.
And it came to pass that they gathered themselves together, and did
consecrate Amlici to be their king. 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. 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 :
therefore the people of the Nephites were aware of the intent of the Amli-
cites, 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 ; and thus they were prepared to meet the Amlicites at the
time of their coming. And there were appointed captains, and higher cap-
tains, and chief captains, according to their numbers.
BOOK OP ALMA. 147
And it came to pass that Amlici did arm his men with nil 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. And it came
to pass that the Amlicitea came upon the hill of 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. 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 ; 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 ;
nevertheless the Lord did strengthen the hand of the Nephites, that they
slew the Amlicites with a great slaughter, that they began to flee before
them. And it came to pass that the Nephites did pursue the Amlicites all
that day, and did slay them with much slaughter, insomuch that there was
slain of the Amlicites twelve thousand five hundred thirty and two souls ;
and there was slain of the Nephites, six thousand five hundred sixty and two
souls.
And it came to pass that when Alma could pursue the Amhoites no
longer, he caused that his people should pitch their tent?, 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. And Alma sent spies to follow the remnant of the Amli-
cites, 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. 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.
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, 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 Laman-
ites ; and behold, the Amlicites have joined them, 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.
And it came to pass that the people of Nephi took their tents, and de-
parted out of the valley of Gideon towards their city, which was the city of
Zarahemla. And behold, as they were crossing the river Sidon, the Laman-
ites and the Amlicites, being as numerous almost, as it were, as the sands of
the sea, came upon them to destroy them ; 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
AmUcites did fall before them. And it came to pass that Alma fought with
AmUci with the sword, face to face ; and they did contend mightily, one
with another.
And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God, being exercised
with much faith, cried saying, Lord, have mercy and spare my fife, that
I may be an instrument in thy hands, to save and preserve this people.
Now when Alma had said these words, he contended again with Amlici ;
and he was strengtficned, insomuch that he slew Amlici with the sword.
A.nd he also contended with the king of the Lamanites : but the king of the
148 BOOK OF ALMA.
Lamanites fled back from before Alma, and sent his guards to contend with
Alma. But Alma, with his guards, contended with the guards of the king
of the Lamanites, until he slew and drove them back ; 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 Amlioites on the west side of the river Sidon.
And it came to pass that when they bad all crossed the river Sidon that
the Lamanites and the Amlicites began to flee before them, notwithstand-
ing they were so numerous that they could not be numbered ; 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 ; 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. 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.
And it came to pass that the Nephites, who were not slain by the weap-
ons 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. 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. And now as many of the
Lamanites and the Amlicites who had been slain upon the bank of the river
Sidon, were oast into the waters of Sidon ; and behold, their bones are in
the depths of the sea, and they are many. And the Amlicites were distin-
guished 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 beads like unto the Lamjanites. 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,
&c. 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. 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 ; 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.
And it came to pass that whosoever did mingle his seed with that of the
Lamanites, did bring the same curse upon his seed : therefore whosoever
suffered himself to be led away by the Lamanites, was called under that
head, and there was a mark set upon him. And it came to pass that whoso-
ever 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 command-
ments of God, and kept them, were called the Nephites, or the people of
BOOK OF ALMA. 149
Nephi, from that time forth ; and it is they who have kept the records
which are true of their people, aud also of the people of the Lamanites.
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. 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 re-
pent of their wickedness and turn to me, that I may have mercy upon them.
And again : I will set a mark upon him that mingleth his seed with thy
brethren, that they may be cursed also. And again : I will set a mark upon
him that fighteth against thee and thy seed. And again I say, he that de-
parteth from thee, shall no more be called thy seed ; and I will bless thee,
&c., and whosoever shall be called thy seed, henceforth and forever: and
these were the promises of the Lord unto Nephi, and to his seed. 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. 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. 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 La-
manites came in upon the people of Nephi, in the same place, where the first
army met the Amlicites. And it came to pass that there was an army sent
to drive them out of their land. Now Alma himself being afflicted with a
wound, did not go up to battle at this time against the Lamanites ; 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 ; and then they returned again, and began to establish peace in
the land, being troubled no more for a time with their enemies. Now all
these things were done, yea, all these wass and contentions were commenced
and ended, in the fifth year of the reign of the Judges; 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 ; 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.
CHAPTER II.
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 Zara-
hemla ; 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 destroy-
ed by the Lamanites, 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. And they began to
150 BOOK or ALMA.
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. I
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.
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. 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. Por 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. 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. And thus ended the eighth
year of the reign of the judges ; and the wickedness of the church was a
great stumbling block ta those whq did not belong to the church ; and
thus the church began to fail in its progress.
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 ; 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. Sovr 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 afflic-
tions, for Christ's sake, who should come according to the spirit of prophecy,
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. 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 inequalityj began
to be very sorrowful ; nevertheless the spirit of the Lord did not fail him.
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.
Now this man's name was Nephihah, and he was appointed chief judge ;
BOOK OF ALMA. 151
and he sat in the judgment seat, to judge and to govern the people. 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 : 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 lie
might reclaim them, save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against
them. 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 revela-
tion and prophecy.
CHAPTER III.
2'he words which Alma, the High Priest, according to the holy order of God,
delivered to the people in their dties and villages throughout the land.
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. 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 : 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 estab-
lish 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. 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. 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. And now behold,
I say unto you, my brethren, you that belong to this church, have you suf-
ficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers ? Yea, and
have you suMciently 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 ? 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 en-
circled about by the bands of death, and the chains of hell, and an everlast-
ing destruction did await them. And now I ask of you my brethren, were
they destroyed ? Behold, I say unto you, nay, they were not. 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. And now I ask of you on what conditions are
iey .saved? Yea, what grounds had they to hope for salvation ? What ia
152 BOOK OP ALMA.
the cause of their being loosed from the bands of death ? Yea, and also,
the chains of hell ? Behold, I can tell you : did not my fiither 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 ? And according to his faith there was a mighty change
■wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you, that this is all true. 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 Jhey were saved. And now behold, I ask of you, my breth-
ren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God ? Have ye received
his image in your coontenances ? Have ye experienced this mighty change
in your hearts ? 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? 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? 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
upou the face of the earth, and that he will save you ? 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. 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 coun-
tenances ? I say unto you, can you think of being saved when you have
yielded yourselves to become subjects to the devil ? 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 bis people from
their sina. 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 ? Behold, will they not testify that ye are murderers, yea, a.nd
also that ye are guilty of all manner of wickedness ? Behold, my brethren,
do ye suppose that such an one can have a place to sit dpwn in the liingdom
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 ? 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 a place in the kingdom of heaven, but they shall be cast out, for
they are the children of the kingdom of the devil. 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 ? 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 ? Behold, are ye stripped of pride ? I say unto you,
:f ye are not, ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare
rjuickly, for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath
BOOK OF ALMA. 153
not eternal Kfe. 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.
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 ? 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 ; yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent,
repent, for the Lord God hath spoken it. 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 ; 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 ; yea, come unto me and bring forth
works of righteousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and cast into the
fire ; for behold, the time is at band that whosoever bringeth forth not good
fruit, or whosoever doeth not the works of righteousness, the same have
cause to wail and mourn. 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 art still
calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice. 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 oT 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. 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 denleth this, is a liar and a
child of the devil ; for I say unto you, that whatsoever is good, coraeth from
God, and whatsoever- is evil, cometh from the devil ; therefore, if a man
bringeth forth good works, he hearkeneth unto the voice of the good shep-
herd, 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. 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. And now my brethren, I
would that ye should hear me, for I speak in the energy of my soul ; for be-
hold, I have spoken unto you plain, that ye cannot err, or have spoken ac-
cording to the commandments of God. 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. And
this is not all Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Be-
hold, 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 ?
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. And moreover, I say unto
you, that as it has thus been revealed unto me, that the words which have
been spoken by our fathers, are true, even so according to the spirit of proph-
ecy, which is in me, which is also by the manifestation of the spirit of
God, 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, tb&t I
154 BOOK OP ALMA.
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.
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 ris-
ing generation; yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born
again ; 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. Tea, my beloved breth-
ren, 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 ; and also the spirit saith unto me, yea, cryeth unto
me with a mighty voice, sSying, go forth and say unto this people, repent,
for except ye repent, ye can in no wise inherit the kingdom of heaven. And
Sgain I say unto you, the spirit saith, behold, the axe is laid at the root of
the tree ; therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be
hewn down and cast into the fire ; yea, a fire which cannot be consumed ;
even an unquenchable fire. Behold, and remember, the Holy One hath
spoken it. 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; yea, will ye persist in
supposing that ye are better one than another ; yea, will ye persist in the
persecutions of your brethren, who humble themselves, and do walk after
the holy order of God, wherewith they have been brought into this church,
having been sanctified by the holy spirit ; and they do bring forth works
which are meet for repentance ; yea, and will you perrast in turning your
backs upon the poor, and the needy, and in withholding your substance from
them ? And finally, all ye that wiU persist in your wickedness, I say unto
you, that these are they who shall be hewn down and cast into the fire, ex-
cept they speedily repent.
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.
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 breth-
ren, 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. 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. 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 suiTer no raven-
ous wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed.
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. I speak by way of command unto you that belong to the church ; and
BOOK OF ALMA. 155
anto 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 partak-
ers of the fruit of the tree of life.
CHAPTER IV.
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 Zara-
hemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands, according to
the order of God, to preside and watch over the church. 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.
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 re-
jected, and their names were blotted out, that their names were not num-
bered among those of the righteous ; and thus they began to establish the
order of the church in the city of Zarahemla. Now I would that ye should
understand that the word of God was liberal unto all ; that none were de-
prived of the privilege of assembhng themselves together to hear the word of
God ; nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should
gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer, in be-
half of the welfare of the souls of those who know not God. ^
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 Zara-
hemla, 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. 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 proph-
ecy 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.
CHAPTER V.
The words of Alma which he delivered to the people in Gideon, according to
hi» own record.
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 judg-
ment seat, having had much business that I could not come unto you ; 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. And behold, I
156 BOOK OF ALMA.
have come having gwat hopes and much desire that I should find that ye
had humbled yourselves before God, and that ye had continued in the sup-
plicating 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 ; but blessed be the name of God, that he hath given
me to know, yea, hath given unto me the exceeding great joy of knowing
that they are established again in the way of hia righteousness. And I
trust, according to the spirit of God which is in me, that I shall also have
joy over you : nevertheless I do not desire that my joy over you should
come by the cause of so much afflictions and sorrow which I have had for
the brethren at Zarahemla ; for behold, my joy cometh over them after
wading through much afflictions and sorrow. But behold, I trust that ye
are not in a state of so much unbelief as were your brethren : I trust that
ye are not lifted up in the pride of your hearts ; yea, I trust that ye have
not set your hearts upon riches, and the vain things of the world ; yea, I
trust that you do not worship idols, but that ye do worship the true and the
living God, and that ye look forward for the remission of your sins with an
everlasting faith which is to come. For behold, I say unto you, there be
many things to come ; and behold, there is one thing which is of more im-
portance than they all : for behold, the time is not far distant, that the Re-
deemer liveth and cometh among his people. 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. 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. 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 con-
ceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the
Sou of God ; and he shall go forth, suffering pains, and afflictions, and temp-
tations of every kind ; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith,
he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesiies of his people ; 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 tilled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to
the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Nov 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 deliver-
ance ; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me. 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 youi?
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 unrighteous-
ness ; yea, I say unto you, come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which
easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction ; yea, come
and go forth, and shew unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your
sins, and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and
witness it unto him this day, by going into the waters of baptism ; and who-
soever 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
BOOK OP ALMA. 157
hare eaid unto him, he shall have eternal life, according, to the testimony of
the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me. And now my beloved brethren, do
you believe these things ? Behold, I say unto you, yea, I know that ye be-
lieve them ; and the way that I know that ye believe them, is by the mani-
festation of the spirit which is in me. And now because your faith is strong
concerning that, yea, concerning the things ^vhich I have spoken, great is
my joy. 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. For I perceive that ye are in
the paths «S 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 ; 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. And he doth not dwell in unholy
temples ; neither can filthiness, or any thing which is unclean be received
into the kingdom of God ; therefore, I say unto you, the time shall come,
yea, and it shall be at the last day, that he who is filthy, shall remain in
his filthiness.
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 blame-
less before him ; that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which
ye have been received. And now I would that ye should be humble, and
be submissive, and gentle ; easy to be entreated ; full of patience and long
sufifering ; being temperate in all things ; being diligent in keeping the com-
mandments 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, and see that ye have faith, hope, and char-
ity, and then ye will always abound in good- works ; and may the Lord ble.'is
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.
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. And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon
your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and aU that you pos-
sess; your women and your children, according to your faith and good
works, from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.
CHA.PTEE TI.
And now it came to pass that Alma returned from the land of Gideon,
after having taught tht people of Gideon many things which cannot be writ-
ten, 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 Zara-
hemla to rest himself from the labors which he had performed. And thus
ended the ninth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.
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.
158 BOOK OF ALMA.
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 : and he began to teach
the people in the laud 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.
And it came to pass that the people came to him throughout all the bor-
ders of the land which was by the wilderness side. And they were baptized
throughout all the land, 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. Now it
was the custom of the people of Nephi, to call their lands, .and their cities,
and their villages, yea, even all their gmall villages, after the name of him
who first possessed them ; and thus it was with the land of Ammonihah.
And it came to pass that when Alma had come to the city of Ammoni-
hah, he began toj)reach the word of God unto them. Now satan had. got-
ten great hold upon the hearts of the people of the city of Ammonihah ;
therefore they would not hearken unto the words of Alma. 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 ; nevertheless,
they hardened their hearts, saying unto him, behold, wje' 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.
And now we know that because we are not of thy church, we know that
thou hast no power over ua ; and. thou hast delivered up the judgment seat
unto Nephihah; therefore thou art not the chief judge over us. Now when
the people had said this, and had withstood all his words, and reviled him,
and spit upon him, and caused that he should be oast out of their £ity, he
departed thence and took his journey towards the city which was called
Aaron.
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 that while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold
an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying, blessed art thou, Alma ;
therefore lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice :
for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the
time which thou received thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that
delivered it unto you ; 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. 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.
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. 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 ? And Ihe 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 aiy food ; and I know that thdu will be a blessing unto
BOOK OF ALMA. 159
me and my house. And it came to pass that the man received him into his
house ; and the man was called Amulek ; and he brought forth bread and
meat, and sat before Alma.
And it came to pass that Alma ate bread and \ras filled ; and he blessed
Amulek and his house, and he gave thanks unto God. And after he had
eat and was filled, he said unto Amulek, I am Alma, and am the high priest
over the church of God throughout the land. 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. But behold, I have been commanded Ihat I
should turn again and prophesy unto this people, yea, and to testify against
them concerning their iniquities. And now Amulek, because thou hast fed
me and took me in, thou art blessed : for I was an hungered, for I had fasted
many days. And Alma tarried many days with Amulek, before he began
to preach unto the people.
And it came to pass that the people did wax more gross in their iniqui-
ties. And the word came to Alma, saying, go ; and also say unto my ser-
vant 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. And Alma went forth, and
also Amulek, among the people, to declare the words of God unto them ;
and they were filled with the Hjly Ghost ; and they had power given unto
them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons ; neither were
it possible that any man could slay them ; nevertheless they did not exer-
cise 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.
And it came to pass that they went forth and began to preach and to
prophesy unto the people, according to thp spirit and power which the Lord
had given them.
CHAPTER VII.
The words of Alma, and also the words of Amuleh which were declared unto
the people who were in the land of Ammonihah. And also they are cast
into prison, and delivered by the miraculous power of God which was in
them, according to the record of Alma.
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, who art thou? Suppose ye
that we shaU believe the testimony of one man, although he should preach
unto us that the earth should pass away ? Now they understood not the
words which they spake ; for they knew not that the earth Should pass away.
And they said also, we will not believe thy words, if thou shouldst prophesy
that this great city should be destroyed in one day. Now they knew not
that God could do such marvelous works, for they were a hard hearted and
stiff-necked people. And they said, who is God, that sendeth no more
authority than one man amongthis people, to declare unto them the truth
of such great and marvelous things ? And they stood forth to lay their
hands on me ; but behold, they did not. And I stood with boldness to
declara unto them, yea, I did boldly testify unto them, saying : behold,
160 BOOK OF ALMA.
ye wicked and perverse generation, how have ye forgotten the tradition of
your fathers ; yea, how soon ye have forgotten the commandments of God.
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 ? 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 ! Yea,
and if it had not been for his matchless power, and his mercy, and his long
sufiering 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 8ta1% of endless misery and wo. Behold, now I say unto you, that he
commandeth you to repent ; and except ye repent, ye can in no wise inherit
the kingdom of God. But behold, this is not all : he 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.
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. Now I would that ye
should remember, that inasmuch as the Lamanites have not kept the com-
mandments of God, they have been cut off from the presence of the Lord.
K/iw we see that the word of the Lord has been verified in this thing, an4,
the Lamanites have been cut off from his presence, from the beginning of
their transgressions in the land. Nevertheless I say unto you, that it shall
be more tolerable for them in the day of judgment, than for you, if ye re-
main in your sins ; yea, and even more tolerable for them in this life, than
for you, except ye repent, for there are many promises which are extended
to the Lamanites : for it is because of the traditions of their fathers that
cause them to remain in their state of ignorance ; therefore the Lord will
be merciful unto them, and prolong their existence in the land, .^nd 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. 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 Lamautes 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 ; 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 this 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 Ught and so much knowl-
edge given unto them of the Lord their God ; 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 ; 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 trans-
lation : yea, and after having been delivered of God out of the land of
Jerusalem, by the hand of the Lord ; having been saved from famine, and
from sickness, and all manner of diseases of every kind ; and they having
been waxed strong in battle, that they might not be destroyed ; having
BOOK OF ALMA. 161
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. 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
unfo you, that if this be the case ; that if they should fall into transgression,
that it would be far more tolerable for the Lamanites than for them. 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 ths earth? And now for this cause, that ye
may not be destroyed, the Lord has sent his angel to visit many of his peo-
ple, 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 ; 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 bear the cries
of his people, and to answer their prayers. And behold, he cometh to redeem
those who will bo baptized unto repentance, through faith on his name ;
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, accqfding 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. Now behold, this is the voice of
the angel, crying unto the people. Atid now my beloved brethren, for ye
are my brethren, and ye had ought to be beloved, and ye had 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.
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 stiff-necked people ; and also because I said unto them
that they were alost and fallen people, they were angry with me, and sought
to lay their hands upon me, that they might cast me into prison ; 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.
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.
CHAPTER VIII.
Now these are the words which Amulek preached unto the people who
were in the land of Ammonihah, saying ; I am Amulek ; I am the son of
Giddonah, who was the son of Ishmael, who was a descendant of Aminadi :
and it was that same Aminadi who interpreted the writing which was upon
the wall of the temple, which was written by the finger of God. 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.
And behold, I am also a man of no small reputation among all those who
162 BOOK OP ALMA.
know me ; yea, and behold, I have many kindreds and frienda, and I have
also acquired much riches by the hand of my industry ; 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 mar-
velous power ; yea, even in the preservation of the lives of this people ;
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 noli
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. 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.
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 whoSTthe
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. 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. And again, I know
that the things whereof he hath testified are true ; for behold, I say unto you
that as the Lord liveth, even so he has sent his angel to make these things
manifest unto me ; and this he has dohe while this Alma hath dwelt at my
• house ; for behold, he hath blessed mine house, he hath blessed me, and my
women, and my children, and my father, and my kinsfolks ; yea, even all my
kindred hath he blessed, and the blessing of the Lord hath rested upon ua
according to the words which he spake.
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 ; nevertheless,
there were some among them who thought to question them, that by their
cunning devices they might catch them in their word's, that they might find
witness against them, that they might deliver them to the judges, that they
might be judged according to the law, and that they might be slain or cast
into prison, according to the crime which they could make appear, or witness
against them. Now it was those men who sbught 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, be-
fore the judges. 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. 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. Now they knew not that Amulek could know of
their designs. But it came to pass as they began to question him, he per-
ceived their thoughts, and he said unto them, ye wicked and perverse
generation ; ye lawyers and hypocrites ; for ye are laying the foundations of
the devil ; for ye are laying traps and snares to catch the holy ones of God ;
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 ; 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
BOOK OF ALMA. 163
this people should be gorerned 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. And now I say unto you,
that well doth the Lord judge of ^our 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. Yea, well doth he cry, by the voice of his angels, that
I will come down among ray people, with equity and justice in my hands.
Tea, 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 de-
struction ; 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. 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 band, except ye repent.
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. But Amulek stretched
forth his hand, and cried the mightier unto them, saying : 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 f 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. ■
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.
And now it came to p^ss 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. And again : he
has reviled against our lawyers, and our judges, &c. And it came to pass
that the lawyers put it into their hearts that they should remember these
things against him. 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. Now the object of these lawyers was to get gain j and they got
gain according to their employ.
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 accord-
ing to the time which they labored to judge those who were brought before
them to be judged.
Now if a man owed another, and he would not pay that which he did
owe, he was cotnplained 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 rdbber.
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 ^ according to the law which was given. Now these are the
names of he different pieces of their gold, and of their silver, according to
164 BOOS OF ALMA.
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 reckon-
ing 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. Now the reckoning is thus : a senine of gold,
a seon of gold, a shum of gold, and a limnah of gold. A senum of silver,
an amnor of silv«r, an ezrom of silver, and an onti of silver. 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. Now the amount of a seon
of gold was twice the value of a senine ; and a shum of gold was twice the
value of a seon ; and a limnah of gold was the value of them all ; and aa
amnor of silver was as great as two senums; and an ezrom of silver was as
great as four senums ; and an onti was as great as them all. Now this is
the value of the lesser numbers of their reckoning, a shiblon is half of a
senum : therefore a shiblon for half a measure of barley ; and a shiblum is a
half of a shiblon ; and a le^ is the half of a shiblum. Now this is their
number, according to their reckoning. Now an antion of gold is equal to
three shiblons.
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. 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 de-
stroy that which was good : therefore he said unto Amulek, will ye answer
the questions which I shall put unto you ? 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. Now Amulek said, O thou child of
hell, why tempt ye me ? Knowest thou that the righteous yieldeth to no
such temptations ? 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. 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 unlo thee,
when thou had it in thy heart to retain them from me ; and it was only thy
desire that I should deny the true and living God, that thou mightest have
cause to destroy me. And now behold, for this great evil thou shalt have
thy reward. And Zeezrom said unto him, thou sayest there is a true and
liivng God ? And Amulek said, yea, there is a true and a living God. Now
Zeezrom said, is there more than one God ? And he answereth, no. Now
Zeezrom said unto him again, how knowest thou these things ? And he
said an angel hath made them known unto me. And Zeezrom said again,
who is he that shall come ? Is it the son of God ? And he said unto him,
yea. 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.
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. 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
BOOK OB ALMA. 165
said he shall not save his people in their sins. And I say unto yom> 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 ; there-
fore how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven ? There-
fore ye cannot be saved in your sins. Now Zegrrom saith again unto him,
is the Son of God the very eternal Father ? And Amulek said unto him, yea,
he is the very eternal Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in
them is ; he is the beginning and the end, the first and the last ; 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 ; 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. Now there is a death which is called a temporal death ; and the
death of Christ shall loose the band'i of this tempgral death, that all shall be
raised- from this temporal death ; the spirit and the body shall be re-united
again, in its perfect form ; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper
frame, even as we now are at this time ; and we shall be brought to stand
before G'od, knowing even as we know now, and have a, bright recollection
of all our guilt. Now this restoration shall come to all, both old and young,
both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the right-
eous ; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost ;
but all things shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the
body, and shall be brought and be arranged 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.
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 fhey 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.
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.
CHAPTER IX.
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. Now the words that Alma spake unto Zeez-
rom, were heard by the people round about : for the multitude was great,
and he spake on this wise : 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 : and thou seest that
we know that thy plan was a very subtle plan, as to the subtlety of the
166 BOOK OF ALMA.
devil, % to lie and to deceive this people, that thou mightest set them against
us, to revile us' and cast us out. Now this was a plan of thine adversary,
and he hath exercised his power in thee. Now I would that ye should re-
member that what I say unto thee, I say unto all. 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 en-
circle you about with his chains, that he might chain you down to everlast-
ing destroction, according to the power of his captivity.
Now when Ahna 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. 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 Amidek hath
spoken concerning the re^rrection 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? 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 ; and therefore he that will harden his heart, the same re-
ceiveth the lesser portion of the word ; and he that will not harden his
heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto
him to Know the mysteries of God, until they know them in full ; and they
that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the
word, until they know nothing concerning bis mysteries ; and then they are
taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now
this is what istneant by the chains of h^l; and Amulek hath spoken plainly
concerning death, and being raised from this mortality to a state of immor-
tality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to
our works. Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have harden-
ed 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 ; 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 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. 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 bis name, and
bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance.
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 ; then is the time when their
torments shall be as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames ascendeth up
forever and ever ; and then is the time that they shall be chained down to an
everlasting destruction, according to the power and captivity of satan : he
having subjected them according to his will. Then I say unto you, they
shall be as though there had been no redemption made ; for they cannot be
BOOK OJ ALMA. 167
redeemed according to God's justice ; and they cannot die, seeing there is
no more corruption.
Now it came to pass that when Alma had made an end of speaking these
words, the people began to be more astonished ; but there was one An-
tionah, who was a chiefTuler among them, come forth and said unto him,
■what is this that thou hast said, that man should rise from the dead and be
changed from this mortal to an immortal state, that the soul can never die ?
What does the scripture mean, which saith that God placed cheriibiras 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. Now Alma said unto him, this is the thing which I Was about to
explain. Qfow 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 a fallen people. And now behold, I say. unto
you, that if it had been possible for .4dam 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 shall
surely die. And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death
which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death ; never-
theless 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. 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. And now behold, if it were possible
that our first parents could have went forth and partEiken of the tree of
fife, 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. But behold, it was not
so ; but it was appointed unto man that they must die ; and after death,
they must come to judgment ; even that same judgment of which we
have spoken, which is the end. 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 wherefore he had appointed
unto them ; therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused
men to behold of his glory. 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 found3,tion of the
world ; and this he made known unto them according to their faith and
repentance, and their holy works ; 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, plac-
ing 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 ; 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) ^hich was an everlasting death as to things pertain-
ing 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. But God did call on man, 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 hav« mercy upon you,
168 BOOK OF ALMA.
through mine only begotten Son ; therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hard-
eneth not h'la heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine only be-
gotten Son, unto a remission of his sins ; and these shall enter into my rest.
And whosoever will harden his heart, and will do iniquity, behold, I swear
in my wrath that he shall not enter into my rest. ' 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 firsi)
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. And again : my brethren, I would cite
your minds forward to the time when the Lord God gave these command-
ments unto his children ; and I would that ye should remember that the
Lord God ordained priests, after his fioly order, which was after the order
of his Son, to teach these things unto the geoplej 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 h& Son for redemption.
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 beii^g left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good,
and exercising exceeding great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea,
with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a prepar-
atory redemption for such ; and thus^ej^have been called to this holy
calling on account of their faith, while othdrs would reject the spirit of God
on account of the hardness of their hearts and blinflnesa of their minds,
while, if it had not been for this, they might had as great privilege as their
brethren. Or in fine : in the first place they were on the same standing
with their brethren ; thus this holy calUgg being prepared from the founda-
tion of the world for such as would not ^Jiarden their hearts, being in and
through the atonement of the only begotten Son, who was prepared ; and
thus being called by this holy, calling, and ordained unto the high priest-
hood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the
children of men, that they also might enter into his rest, 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 eteriiity, according to his fore-
knowledge of all things. Now they were ordained after this manner:
fieing 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 ; thus they be-
come high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the only begottfti of
the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, -whofis full of
grace, equity and truth. And thus it is. Amen.
BOOK OF ALMA. 169
CHAPTER X.
Now as I said concerning the holy order of this high priesthood : there
irere many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was
on account of tlieir exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness
before God, they choosing to rep6nt and worlt righteousness, rather than to
perish ; therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified,
and their garments were washed white, through the blood of the Lamb.
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, exceeding great many,
who were made pure, and entered into the rest of the Lord their God. And
now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God,
and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye may alao enter into that
rest ; yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchizedek,
who was also a liigh priest after this same order which I have spoken, who
also took upon him the high priesthood forever. 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. 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.
Now this Melchizedek was a king over the land of Salem ; and his peo-
ple had waxed strong in iniquity and abominations ; yea, they had all gone
astray ; they were full of all manner of wickedness ; but Melchizedek having
exercised mighty faith, and received the ofSce of the high priesthood, ac-
cording 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. 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. Now I need
not rehearse the matter ; what I have said, may suffice. Behold, the scrip-
tures are before you ; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruc-
tion.
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 ;
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 ; where-
fore they have come unto us. 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.
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 rcr
celve his word, at the time of his coming in his glory. 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 micht be in mv dav: but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice.
170 BOOK OP AIMA.
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 fuUilled, ac-
cording to that which they have spoken concerning him, which was accord-
ing to the spirit of prophecy which was in them.
And now my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with
great anxiety, even unto pain, that ye would hearken iinto my words, and
cast off your sins, and not procrastiijate the day of your.repentance ; 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 tepipted 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 ; haying faith
on the Lord ; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal fife ; having the
love of God always in your hearts, that ye msfjr be lifted up at the last day,
and enter into his rest ; 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. And
Alma spake many more words unto the people, which are not written in
this book.
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 ; 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. 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. But it came to, pass that they did not ;
but they took them and bound them with strong cords, and took them be-
fore the chief judge of the land. Arid 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 thein ; and many such
things did the people testify against Alma and Amulek. Kow this was done
before the chief judge of the land. And it came to pass that Zeezrom was
astonished at the words which had been spoken ; and he also knew concern-
ing the blindness of the minds which he had caused among the people, by
hia lying words; and his soul began to be harrowed up, under a conscious-
ness of his own guilt ; yea, he began to be encircled about by the pains of
hell.
And it came to pass that he began to cry unto the people, saying : Be-
hold, 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. 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
;hem into the fire also, that they might be burned and destroyed by fire.
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. And when Amulek saw the pains of the
women and children who were consuming in the fire, he was also pained ;
BOOK OP ALMA. . 171
and he eaid unto Alma, how can we witness thia awful scene ? Therefore
let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of Goiwhich is ihusj
and save' them from the flames. But Alma said unto him, the spirit con-
stralncth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand ; for behold, the Lord
receiveth them up unto himself, in glory ; and he doth suffer tha^they may
do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them,«ccording 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 l&st
day. Now Amulek said unto Alma, behold, perhaps they will burn us also.
And Alma said, be it according to the will of the Lord. But behold, our
work is not finished ; therefore they burn us not.
Now it came to pass that when- the bodies of those who had been cast
into the fire, were consiimed, 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 thia
people, that they shall be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone ? 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 ?
Now this judge was after the order and- faith of Nehor, who slew Gideon.
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.
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 ques-
tioned them about many words ; but they, answered them nofliing. 'And it
came to pass that the judge stood before them, and said, why do ye not
answer the words of this people ? Enow ye not that I have power to de-
liver ye up unto the flames ? And he commanded them to speak : but they
answered nothing.
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 alsoj and smote them, saying,wiil ye stand again, and
judge this people, and condeinn our law ? If ye have such great power,
why do ye not deliver yourselves ? 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 ? 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 clothea, that they were naked ; and thus they were
bound with strong cords, and confined in prison.
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 Am-
monihah; and many of their teachers and their lawyers, went in vinto the
prison where Alma and Amulek were bound with cords. 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.
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,
■he- nnwer of God was unon AlmK ATid AmnlAlf. nnd thnv Arnso nn^ nfnn/)
172 BOOK OP ALMA.
upon their feet ; and Alma cried, saying, how long shall we suifer these
great afBiction% Lord ? Lord, give us strength according to our faith
which is in Christ, even unto deUverance : and they brake the cords with
which they were bound ; and when the people saw this, they began to flee,
LOT the fear of destruction had come upon them.
And it'SJkme to pass that so great was their fear, that they fell to the
3arth, 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 an^ Amulek, were dain by the fall thereof. 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 who was within the walls thereof, save it were Alma and Am-
ulek, were slain ;" and they straightway came forth into the city. 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.
And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek were commanded to ^K!part
out of that city ; and they departed, and came out even into the land of Si-
dom ; and behold, there they found all the people who had departed out of
the laud of Ammonihah, who had been cast oat and stoned, because they
believed in the words of Alma. And they related unto them all that had hap-
pened unto their wives and children, and also concerning themselves, and of
their power of deliverance. And also Zeezrom lay sick^t Sidom, with a burn-
ing fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of bis mind, on account
of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more ;
and he supposed that they had been sl^n, by the cause of his iniquity. And
this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind, until it did
become exceeding sore, having no deUverance ; therefore he began to be
scorched with a burning heat. 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.
And it came to pass that they went immediately, obeying the message
which he had sent unto them ; and they went in unto the house unto Zeezrom ;
and they found him upon his bed sick, being very low with a burning fever;
and his mind also was exceeding sore, because of his iniquities ; and when
he saw them, he stretched forth his hand, and besought them that they
would heal him.
And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand,
believest thou in the power» of Christ unto salvation ? And he answered
and said, yea, I believe all the-words that thou hast taught. And Alma said,
if thou believest in the redemption of Christ, thou canst be healed. And
he said, yea, I believe according to thy words. And then Alma cried unto
the Lord, saying, Lord our God, h^e mercy on this man, and heal him
according to his faith which is in pli^st. 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 %li^he people ; and the knowledge of this went
forth throughout all the land of Sidom. And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto
Jhe Lord ; and he began from that time forth to preach unto the people,
And Alma established a church in the land of Sidom. and consecrated nriests
BOOK OF ALMA. 173
and teachers in the land, to baptize unto the Lord whosoerer were desirons
to be baptized.
And it came to pass that they were many ; for they did flock in from all
the region round about Sidom, and were baptized ; but as to the people that
were in the land of Ammonihah, they yet remained a hard hearted and a
stiif-necked people ; and they repented not of their sins, ascribiiig 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.
And it came to pass tha-t 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 ; 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 Jiearta, and be-
gan 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 dsoth,
and from destruction : 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. And thus ended the tenth year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi.
CHAPTER XI.
*
And it came to pass in the eleventh year of the reign of the judges over
the people of STeplu, 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 through-
out the land ; 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 Amaumi;
hah, and began to slay the people, and destroy the city.
And now it came to pass that before the Kephites could raise a suffi-
cient army to drive them out of the land, they had destroyed the people
who were in the city of AmmQnihah, and also some around the borders of
Noah, and taking others captive into the wilderness. ^
Now it came to pass that the Nephites were desirous to obtain those who
had been carried away captive into the wilderness ; 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 de-
sired of him to know whether the Lord would that they should go into the
wilderness in search of their brethren, who had been taken captive by the
Lamanites.
And it came to pass that Alma inquired of the Lord concerning the mat-
ter. And Alma returned and said unto them, behold the Lamanites will
sross 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
rf the river Sidon, and there the Lord will deliver unto thee thy brethren
yho have been taken captive by the Lamanites.
174 BOOK OF AtMA.
And it came to pass that Zoram and his sons crossed over the river gi-
don 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.
And they came upon the armies of the liamanites, and the Lamanites were
scattered and driven into the wilderness ; that they took their brethren who
had been taken captive by the Lamanites, and there was not one soul of
them who had been lost, that were taken captive. And they were brought
by their brethren to possess their own lands. 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
Ammonihahits were destroyed, and also their great city, which they said
God could not destroy, because of its greatness. But behold, in one day
it was left desolate; and the carcases were mangled by dogs and wild
beasts of the wilderness ; 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. 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 Kephi. And thus for three years
did the people of iNephi have continual peace in all the land.
And Alma and Araulek 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. And as many as would hear their
words, unto them they did impart the word of God, without any respect of
persons, continually. And thus did Alma and Amulek go forth, and also
many more who had been chosen for the work, to preach the word through-
out 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.
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, that they might not be hardened
against the word, that they might not be unbelieving, and go on to destruc-
-tion, 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. )
Now those priests who did go forth among the people, did preach against
all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and malice, and revil-
ings, and stealing, robbing, plundering, murdering, committing adultery,
and all manner of lasciviousness,, crying that? these things ought not so to
be ; 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. 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. And now after the church having been established
throughout all the land, having got the victory ovfiT the devil, and the word
of God being preached in its purity in all the land ; and the Lord pouring
»ut his blessings upon the people ; thus ended the fourteenth year of the
reign of the judges, over the people of Nephi.
BOOK OF ALMA. 175
CHAPTER XII.
An account ' of the sons of Mosiah, toho. rejected their rights to the kingdom,
for the word ofOod, and went up to this .land of Nephi, to preach to the
Lamanites. Tlieir imfferingg and' deliverance, according to the record of
Alma.
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 Mosiab, journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.
Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first ap-
peared unto him ; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly, to see his breth-
ren ; and what added more to his joy, they were still bis brethren in the
Lord ; yea, and tbey had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth ; for
they were men of a sound understanding, and they had searched the scrip-
tures diligently, that they might know the word of God. 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. And they had been teaching
the word of God for the space of fourteen years, among the Iiamanites, hav-
ing 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. Now these are the cir-
cumstances 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. Now these were their
journeyings : Having taken leave of their fether Mosiah, in the first year of
the reign of the judges ; having refused the kingdom which their father was
desirous to confer upon them ; and also this was the minds of the people ;
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 : 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.
And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness,
and they fasted 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 instru-
ment 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.
And it came to pass that the Lord did visit them with his spirit, and
said unto them, be comforted ; and they were comforted. And the Lord
said unto them also, go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and estab-
lish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long suffering and afflictions, that
ye may shew forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an in-
strument of thee in my hands, unto the salvation of many souls.
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 de-
clare unto them the word of God.
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
176 BOOK or ALMA.
their haryest : for they supposed that great was the work which they had
andertaken. And assuredly it was great, for they had undertaken to preach
■She 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 ; 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 ; therefore this was the cause for which the sons of
Mosiah had undertaken the wOTk, that perhaps they might bring them unto
repentance ; that perhaps they might bring them to know of the plan of re-
demption : 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.
Now Ammon being the chief among them, or rather he did minister 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 ad-
ministered unto them before his departure ; and thus they took their several
journeys throughout the land. And Ammon went to the land of Ishmael,
the land being called after the sons of Ishmael, who also became Lamanites.
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 laiid, according to •his will and pleasure ;
and thus Ammon was carried before the king "who was over the land of Ish-
mael ; and bis name was Lamoni ; and he was a descendant of Ishmael. And
the king inquired of Ammon if it were "his desire to dwell in the land among
the Lamanites, or among his people ? And Ammon said unto him-, yea,
I desire to dwell among this people for a time ; yea, and perhaps untU the
day I die.
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. But Ammon said unto him, nay,
but I will be thy servant ; therefore Ammon became a servant to king La-
moni. 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. And after
he had been in the service of the king three days, as he was, with the La-
manitish 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 ;) 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.
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, say-
ing, behold our flocks are scattered already. Now they wept because of the
fear of being slain. Now when Ammon saw this, his heart was swollen
within him, with joy ; for, said he, I will shew forth my power unto these
my fellow servants, or the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks
unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow servants, that I
BOOK OP ALMA. 177
may lead them to believe in my words. Now these were the thoughts of
Ammon, when he saw the afflictions of those whom he termed to be his
brethren.
And it came to pass that he flattered them by his words, saying, my
brethren be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will
gather them together, and bring them back unto the place of water ; and
thus we will reserve the flocks unto the king, and he will not slay us.
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. 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. Therefore
they did as Ammon commanded them, and he went forth and stood to con-
tend with those who stood by the waters of Sebus ; and they were in num-
ber not a few ; 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 bad promised Mosiah that he would deliver his sons out
of their bands ; neither did they know any thing concerning the Lord ;
therefore they delighted in the destruction of their brethren ; and for this
cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the king.
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.
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 bis 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 bis arm. Now six
of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew none save it was 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. And when he had driven them afar
off, he returned, and they watered their flocks and returned them to thie
pasture of the king, and then went in unto the king, bearing the arms which
had been smote off by the sword of Ammon, of those who sought to slay
bim ; and they were carried in unto the king, for a testimony of the things
which they had done.
And it came to pass that king Lamoni caused that bis servants should
stand forth and testify to all the things which they had seen concerning the
matter. 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 punish-
ments upon this people, because of their murders? And they answered
the king, and said, whether he be the Great Spirit or 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, king, we do not believe that a man has
3uch great power, for we know that he cannot be slain. And now when
ne king heard these words, he said unto them, now I know that it is the
178 BOOK OF ALHA.
Great Spirit ; and he has come down at this time to preserve your liyes,
that I might not slay you as I did your brethren. Now this is the Great
Spirit of whom our fathers have spoken. 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 Lamonibegan to fear exceed-
ingly, with fear lest he had done wrong in slaying his servants ; 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. Now it was the practice of the Lamanites, to stand by the
waters of Sebus, to scatter the flocks of the people, that thereby they might
drive away many that were scattered, unto their own land, it being a prac-
tice of plunder among them.
And it came to pass that king Lamoni inquired of his servants, saying,
where is this man that has such great power ? And they said unto him, be-
hold, 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 pre-
pare 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 fa-
ther of Lamoni, who was king over all the land. 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. 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.
And when 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 ; and one of the king's servants said
unto him, Kabbanah, which is, being interpreted, powerful or great king,
considering their kings to be powerful ; and thus he said unto him, Kabbanah,
the king desireth thee to stay; therefore Ammon turned himself unto the
king, and said unto him, what wilt thou that I should do for thee, 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. And it came to pass
that Ammon said unto him again, what desirest thou of me ? But the king
answered him not.
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 bast 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 inarvellings ? I say unto you, what is it,
that thy marvellihgs are so great ? Behold, I am a man, and am thy ser-
vant ; therefore, whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do. Now
when the king had heard these words, he marvelled again, for he beheld that
Ammon could discern his thoughts; but notwithstanding this, king Lamoni
did open his mouth; and he said unto him, who art thou? Art thou that
Great Spirit who knows all things ? Ammon answered and said unto him, I
am not. And the king said, how knowest thou the thoughts of my heart?
Thou miiyest speak boldly, and tell me concerning these things ; and also teU
me by. what power ye slew and smote off the arms of my brethren, that scat-
tered my flocks. And now if thou wilt toll me concerning these things,
whatsoever thou desirest, I will give unto thee : and if it were needed. I
BOOK or AXMA. 179
ffould guard thee with my armies ; but I know that thqu art more powerful
than all they : nevertheless, whatsoever thou desirest of me, I will' grant it
unto thee. 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. And the king answered
him, and said, yea, I will beUeve all thy words ; and thus he was caught with
guile. And Ammon began to speak unto him with boldness, and said unto him,
believest thou that there is a God ? And he answered, and said unto him, I
do not know what that meaneth. And then Ammon said, believest thou
that there is a Great Spirit ? And he said, yea. 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 ? And
he said, yea, I believe that he created all things which are in the earth ; but
I do not know the heavens. And Ammon said unto him, the heavens is a
place where God dwells, and all his holy angels. And king Lamoni said, is
it above the earth ? 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. And king
Lamoni said, I believe all these things which thou hast spoken. Art thou
sent from God ? Ammon said unto him, I am a man ; and man in the be-
ginning, 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 ; 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. Xow when Ammon had said these
words, he began to 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 hinv 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 ; and he also rehearsed unto them (for it was unto the king
and to his servants,) all the joiirneyings of their fathers in the wilderness,
and all their sufferings with hunger and thirst, and their travel, &c. : 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 ; 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.
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. And he began to
cry unto the Lord, saying : Lord have mercy ; according to thy abundant
mercy which thou hast had upon the people of Nephi, have upon me and my
people. And now when he had said this, he fell unto the' earth, as if he
weredead. 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 wifej and his sons, and his
daughters mourned over him, after the manner of the Lamanites, greatly
lamenting his loss.
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 pur-
pose of burying their dead. Now the queen having heard of the fame of
Ammon, therefore she sent and desired that he should come in unto her.
And it came to pass that Ammon did as he was commanded, and went in
180 BOOK OV ALMA.
unto the queen, and desired to know what she would that he should do.
And she said unto him, the servants of my husbaod 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; therefore, if this is the ease, I would
iJiat 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. Now this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that king Lamoni
was under the pQwer of God ; he knew that the dark veil of unbeUef 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 good-
ness ; yea, this light had infused much joy into his soul, the cloud of dark-
ness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting light was lit up
in his soul ; yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he
was carried away in God ; therefore, what the queen desired of him, was his
only desire. Therefore he went in to see the Mng, according as the queen
had desired him ; and he saw the king, and he knew that he was not
dead. 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. And Am-
mon said unto her, believest thou this f And she said unto him, I have had
no witness, save thy word, and the word of our servants ; nevertheleasj I
believe that it shall be according as thou hast said. 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
Nephitcs.
And it came to pass that she watched over the bed of her hnsband^from
that time, even untij that time on the nlorrow which Ammon had appointed
that he should rise. And it came to pass that he arose, according to the
words o'f 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 ; 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 redeenr all mankind who be-
lieve on his name. Now when he had said these words, his heart was swol-
len within him, and he sunk again with joy : and the queen also sunk down
being overpowered by the spirit. 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 thanks-
giving 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. 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.
And it came to pass that they did call on the name of the Lord, in their
might, even till 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;
thus having been converted to the Lord, never had made it known ; therfe
fore when she saw that all the servantsiof Lamoni had fallen to the eart^
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
BOOK 01' ALMA. 181
among them, that by beholding this scene, it would cause thetn to believe
in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making
it known unto the people ; 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, pros-
trate upon the earth, and they all lay there as though they were dead ; and
!:hey also saw Ammon, and behold he was a fTephite. 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 laiid. 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 ;
and they were also rebuked by those men who had stood at the waters of
Sehus, 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 Scbns, while defending the flocks of the king.
Now one of them, whose brother had been slain with the sword of Ammon,
being exceeding angry with Ammon, drew his sword and went forth that he
might let it fall upon Ammon, to slay him ; and as he lifted the sword to
smite him, behold he fell dead. 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.
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 bands 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.
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 ; but others rebuked them all, saying, that he was a monster, who
had been sent from the Nephites to torment us ; 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 who 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 ; and thus the contention began to be exceeding
sharp among them. And while they were thus contending, the woman ser-
vant who had caused the multitude to be gathered together, came ; and
when she saw the contention which was among the multitude, she was ex-
ceeding sorrowful, even unto tears.
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, blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell ! blessed
God, have mercy on this people. And when she had said this, she clasped
her hands, being filled with joy, speaking many words which were not under-
stood ; and when she had done this, she took the king, Lamoni, by the
hand, and behold he arose and stood upon his feet ; and he immediately,
seeing the contention among his pgisple, 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 hi^ words, believed, aud were converted
unto the Lord. But there were many among them who would not hear his
words ; therefore they went their way.
And it came to pass that when Ammon arose, he also administered unto
182 BOOK or ALMA.
them, and also did aU the servants of Lamoni; and they didaU declare unto
the people the self-same thing ; that their hearts had been changed ; that
they had no more desire to do evil. 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. 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 ; 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
repent and believe on his name.
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 hiih unto his father. 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 Mid-
doni ; for behold, thy brother Aaron, and also Huloki and Ammah are in
prison.
■ Now it came to pass that when Ammon had beard this, he said unto
Lamoni, behold, my brother and brethren are in prison at Middoni; and I go
that I may deliver them. 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 Mid-
doni, 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 i And Ammon said unto Jiim, 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. Now when Lamoni had heard this, he caused
that his servants should make ready his horses, and his chariots. 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.
And it came to pass that as Ammon and Lamoni were journeying thith-
er, that they met the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.
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 ? And he also said, whither art thou going with this Nephite,
who is one of the children of a liar ? And it came to pass that Lamoni re-
hearsed unto him whither he was going, for he feared to offend him. 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. And now
when Lamoni had rehearsed unto him all these things, behold to his aston-
ishment, his father was angry with him, and said, Lkmoni, thou art going to
deliver these Nephites, who are sons of a liar. Behold, he robbed our fa-
thers ; 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. 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. 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. Now when-' his father had heard
these words, he' was angry with him, and he drew his sword that he might
BOOK O; ALUA. 183
Bmite him to the earth. But Ammon stood forth and said unto him, be-
hold, 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. 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. Now when Ammon had said these words unto him, he an-
swered 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 : 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. Now when the king saw
that Ammon could slay him, he began to plead with Ammon, that he would
spare his life. 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. Now the king, fearing he should lose his life, said, if
thou wilt spare me, I will grant unto thee whatsoovbr thou wilt ask, even to
half of the kingdom.
Now when Ammon saw that he had wrought upon the old king accord-
ing to his desire, he said unto him, if thou wilt grant that my brethren may
be cast out of prison, and also ihat 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. Now when Ammon had said these
words, the king began to rejoice because of his life. And when he saw that
Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when be also saw the great love
he bad 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 Lainohi should retain his kingdom, behold, I wiU grant unto
you' that my son may retain his kingdom from this time and forever ; and I
will govern him no more. And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren
may be oast 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 great-
ly 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.
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; And when Ammon did meet them, he was exceeding sorrowful,
for behold, they were naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly, be-
cause of being bound with strong cords. And they also had suffered hun-
ger, thirst, and all kind of afflictions; nevertheless they were patient in all
their sufferings. And as it happened, it was their lot to have fallen into
the hands of a more hardened and a more stiff-necked 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 hou^e, and from
place to place, even until they had arrived to the land of Middoni ; and
there they were taken and cast into prison, and bound with strong cords,
and kept in prison for many days; and were delivered by Lamoni and
Ammon.
184 BOOK OF ALMA.
CHAPTER XIII.
An account of the preaching of Aaron and Mtdolci, and their brethren, to the
Lamanitea.
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.
Now the Lamanites, and the Amalekites, and the people of Amnion, had
built a great city, which was called Jerusalem. Now the Lamanites, of
themselves, were sufficiently hardened, but the Amalekites, and the Amu-
lonitesj were still harder ; therefore they did cause the Lamanites that they
should liardcn their hearts, that they should wax strong in wickedness, and
their abominations.
And it came to pass that Aaron came to the city of Jerusalem, and firstly
began to preach to the Amalekites. And he began to preach to them in
their synagogues, for they had built synagogues, after the order of the Ne-
hors ; for many of the Amalekites and the Amulonites were after the order
of the Nehors. 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 ? Thou also
sayest, except we repent, we shall perish. How knowest thou the thought
and intent of our heart ? 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.
Now Aaron said unto him, believest thou that the Son of God shall come
to redeem mankind from their sins ? 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.
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. 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 ; 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 call-
ed 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. And it came to pass that they saw that the people would harden
their hearts ; therefore they departed, and came over into the laud of Mid-
doni. And they did preach the word unto many, and few believed on the
words which they taught. 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. 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. And
BOOK OV ALMA. 185
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. And they
went forth whithersoever they were led by the spirit of the Lord, preaching
the word of God in every synagogue of the Amalefcites, or in every assem-
bly of the Lamanites, where they could be admitted.
And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them, insomuch that
they brought many to the knowledge of the truth ; yea, they did convince
many of their sins, and of the tradition of their fathers, which were not cor-
rect.
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.
And king Lamoni would not suffer that Ammon should serve him, or be his
servant ; 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. 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 peo-
ple ; that they were free from the oppression of the king, his father ; for
that his father had granted unto him that he might reign, over the peonle
who were in the land of Ishmael, and in all the land round about. And he
also declared unto them that they might have the liberty of worshipping 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. 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 righteous-
ness. 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.
Now as Ammon was thus teaching the people of Lamoni continually, w^ 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.
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,
king, we are the brethren of Ammon, whom thou hast delivered out of
prison. And now, king, if thou wilt spare our lives, we will be thy ser-
vants. 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. 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. 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. 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 ? 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.
And now when Aaron heard this, his heart began to rqjoice, and he said,
behold, assuredly, as thou liyest, king, there is a God. And the king said,
is God that great Spirit that brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusa-
186 BOOK OF ALMA.
lem ? 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 ? 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.
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 bis own image, and that God gave
him commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen.
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. And since man had
fallen, he could not merit any thing of himself; but the sufferings and death
of Christ atoneth for their sins, through faith and repentance, &c. ; and that
he breaketh the bauds 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. 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 bellied with joy, that I
may not be cast off at the last day i Behold, said he, I will give up all that
I possess ; yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
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.
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 him-
self upon the earth, and cried mightily, saying, 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.
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. Now the servants had seen the cause of the king's foil,
therefore they durst not lay their hands on Aaron and his brethren ; and
they plead with the queen, saying, why commandest thou that we should
slay these men, when behold, one of them is mightier than us all ? There-
fore we shall fall before them. 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 serj>ants that they should go and
call the people, that they might slay AarOn^and his brethren. Now when
Aaron saw the determination of the queen, and he also knowing the hard-
ness of the hearts of the people, feared lest that a multitude should assem-
ble themselves together, and there should be a great contention, and a dis-
turbance 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 receiv-
ing his strength. . 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.
BOOK OF ALMA. 187
And he did minister unto them insomuch that his -whole household was con-
verted unto the Lord. Now there was a multitude gathered together be-
cause of the commandment of the queen, and there began to be great mur-
muringa among them, because of Aaron and his brethren. But the king
stood forth among them, and administered unto them. And they were
pacified towards Aaron, and those who were with him.
And it came to pass that when the king saw that the people were paci-
fied, he caused that Aaron and his brethren should stand forth in the midst
of the multitude, and that they should preach the word urito them. 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 sea-shore, and the borders of the wilderness
which was on the north, by the land of Zarahemla, through the borders of
Manti, by the head of the river Sidon, running from the east towards the
west ; and thus were the Lamanites and Jfephites divided. Now the more
idle part of the Lamanites lived in the -raderness, 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
sea-shore, and on the west, in the land of Nephi, in .the place of their fathers'
first Inheritance, and thus bordering along by the sea-shore. And also there
were many Lamanites on the east by the sea-shore, 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 north-
ern 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.
And it bordered on the land which they called Desolation ; it being so far
northward that it came into the land which had been peopled, and been de-
stroyed, of whose bones we have spoken, which was discovered byTOeSpco-
ple of Zarahemla ; it being the place of their first landing. 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.
JCnd now it was only the distance of a day and a half's journey for a Ne-
phite, 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.
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 ; therefore the Lamanites could
have no more possessions only in the land of Nephi, and in the wilderness
round about.- Now this was wisdom in the Nephites ; as the Lamanites were
an enemy to them, they would not su£f§j Iheir atfiictions on every hand,
and also that they might have a country whither they might flee, according
to their desires. And now I, after having said this, return again to the ac-
count of Ammon, and Aaron, Omner, and H^ni, and their brethren.
188 BOOK OF ALUA.
CHAPTER XIV.
Behopd, now it came to paas that the king of the Lamanites sent a procla-
mation 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 ; 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 ; and thus they might go forth and preach the word ac-
cording to their desires, for the king had been converted unto the Lord, and
all his household : therefore he sent this proclamation throughout the land
unto his people, that the word of God- might have no' obstruction, but that
it might go forth throughout all the land, that his people might be convinced
concerning the wicked traditioi^jlfi 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. 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 (iriesta an4 teachers throughout the land among the La-
manites, to preach and to teach the word of God among them ; and thus
they began to havo great success. And thousands were brought to the
knowledge of the Lord|(^ea, thousands were brought to believe in the tra-
ditions of the Nephites ; and they were taught the records and. the prophe-
cies whjgh were handed down, even to the present time ; and as sure as the
Lord livgth, BOjjiure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the
knoukKe of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren,
accaromg 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
t^e Lord, never did fall away, for they became a righteous people : they did
la^ down the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God
aiijMiore, neither against any of their brethren. Now these are they who
were converted unto the Lord : the people of the Lamanites who were in the
land' of Ishmael, and also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the
land of Middoni, and also of the people of the Lamanites who were ia the
city of Nephi, 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 ; and these are the names of the cities of the
Lamanites which were converted^rito the Lord ; and these are they that
laid down the weapons of theff^^hjlion. yea, all their weapons of war ; and
they were all Lamanites. J^^ffipMinalekites were not converted, save
only one ; neither were any of TOKiiMilomtes ; but they did harden their
hearts, and also the hearts of .tMp/afiianites in that part of theJand where-
soever they dwelt; yea, and aJKhelr villages and all their cities; therefore
we have named all the cities of th^^amanites in which they did repent and
come to the knowledge of the truth, and were converted.
And now it came to pa,s^that the king and those who were converted,
were desirous that they might have a name, that thereby thev imght be dis-
tinguished from their bretU^i ; therefore the king consulte^lmth Aaron
BOOK OH AipA. 18£
and many of their priests, concerning the nstme that they should take upoi
them, that they might be distinguished. A^nd it came to pass that the]
called their name Anti-Nephi-Lehies ; and they Vere called by this name, anc
were no more called Lamanites. And they began to be a Tery industrioui
people ; yea, and they were friendly with the Nephites ; therefore they di<
open a correspondence with them, and the curse of God did no more foUov
them.
And it came to pass that the Amalekites, and the Amulonites, and the
Lamanites who were in the land of Amnion, aiud also in the land.pf Helam, an<
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 o
Anti-Kephi-Lehi, were stirred up by the Amalekites, and by the Amulonites
to anger against their brethren ; and their hatred became exceeding son
against them, even insomuch that they began to rebel against their king, in
Bomuch that they would not that he should be their king ; therefore the;
took up arms against the people of Anti-!N'ephi-Iiehi.
Now the king conferred the kingdom upon his son and he called hi;
name Anti-Nephi-Lehi. And the king died in that self-same year that thi
Lamanites began to make preparations for war against the people of God
Now when Ammon and his brethren, and all those who had come up wit]
him, saw the preparations of the Lamanites to destroy their brethren, the;
came torth 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 i
council with Lamoni, and also with his brother Anti-Nephi-Lehi, what the;
should do to defend themselves against the Lamanites. Now there was no
one soul among all the people who had been converted unto the Lord, tha
would take up arms against their brethren ; nay, they would not even mak(
any preparations for war ; yea, and also their kin^commanded them tha
they should not. Now these are the words which Ae said unto the peopl
concerning the matter ; I thank my God, my beloved people, that our grea
God has in goodness sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto us to preacl
unto us, and to convince us of the traditions of our wicked fathers. Am
behold, I thank my great God that he has given us a portion of his spirit t(
soften our hearts, that we have opened a correspondence with these breth
ren, the Nephites ; and behold, I also thank my God that by opening thi
correspondence we have been convinced of our sins ; and of the many mut
ders which we have committed ; and I also thank my God, yea, my grea
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 murder
which we have committed, and took, away the guilt from our hearts, througl
the merits of his Son. And now behold, my brethren, since it has been a!
that we could do, (as we were the most lost of all mankind,) to repent of al
our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to get Go
to take them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sui
ficiently before God, that he would take away our stain. Now my best be
loved brethren, since God hath taken away our stains, and our swords hav
become bright, then let us stain our swords no more with the blood of ou
brethren. Behold, I say unto you, nay, let us retain our swords, that the;
be not stained with the blood of our brethren : for perhaps, if we shouL
stain our swords again, they can no more be washed bright through th
blood of the Son of our great God, which shall be .shed for the atonemen
of our sins. And the great God has had mercy on us, and made thes
things known unto us, that we might not perish : yea, and he has mad
*\^nan *\\inera IrYinnrn lintrA lia KAf/^l.i:ilian(4 Kan4iici.a lio \nvt>t.\\ mil* faAllls RS XPpl
190 BOOK OP ALMA.
angels, that the plan of salvation might be made known unto us as well as
unto future generations. 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. And now my brethren, if our
brethren seek to destroy us, behold, we will hide away our swords : yea,
even we wUl 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 breth-
ren destroy us, behold, we shall go to our God and shall be saved.
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 ; 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, vouch-
ing 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 iinto him ; and rather than spend their
days in idleness, they would labor abundantly with their hands ; 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 com-
mit sin; and thus we see, that they buried the weapons of peace, or they
buried the weapons of war, for peace.
And it came to pasa^hat their brethren the Lamanites, made prepara-
tions for war, and came*^ to the land of Hephi, for the purpose of destroy-
ing the king, and to place another in his stead, and also of destroying the
people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi out of the land. 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 ; arid thus they were in this attitude when the Lamanites began to fall
upon them, and began to slay them with the sword; and thus without meet-
ing any resistance, they did slay a thousand and five of them ; and we know
that they are blessed, for thiey have gone to dwell with their God. 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 tljat they
would 'lie down and perish, and praised God even in the very act of perish-
ing under the sword ; 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.
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.
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 tjiey
are saved. 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.
Now the greatest number of those of the Lamanites who slew so many of
>heir brethren, were Amalekites and Amulonites, the greatest number of
BOOK OF ALMA. 19!
vliom were after the order of the Nehors. Now among those who joine
the people of the Lord, there were none who were Amalekites or Amulonite
or who were of the order of Nehor, but they were actual descendants o
Laman and Lemuel : and thiis we can plainly discern, that after a peopl
have been once enlightened by the spirit of God, and have had great know!
edge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away int
sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state b(
comes worse than though they had never known these things.
And behold, now it came to pass that those Lamanites were more angrj
because they had slain their brethren ; therefore they swore vengeance upo
the Nephites; and*they did no more attempt to. slay the people of Ant
Nephi'Lehi at that time ; but they took their armies and went over into th
borders of the land of Zarahemla, and fell upon the people who were in th
land of Ammonihah, and destroyed them. And after that, they had man
battles with the Nephites, in the which they were driven and slain ; an
among the Lamanites who were slain, were almost all the seed of Amulo
and his brethren^ who were the priests of Noah, and they wfere slain by th
hands of the Nephites; and the. remainder having fled into. the east wildei
ness, and having usurped the power and authority over the Lamanites
caused that many of the Lamanites should perish by fire, because of thei
belief: for many of them, after having suffered much' loss and so man;
afflictions, began to be stirred up in remembrance of the words which Aaro:
and his brethren had preached to them in their laud : therefore they begai
to disbelieve the traditions of their fathers, and to believe in the Lord, an
that he gave great power unto the Nephites ; and thus there were many o:
them converted in the wilderness.
And it came to pass that those rulers who were the remnant of th
children of Amnion, caused that they should be put to death, yea, all thos
that believed in these things. Now this martyrdom caused that many oi
their brethren should be stirred up to anger ; and there began to be conten
tion in the wilderness ; and the Lamanites began to hunt the seed of Amuloi
and his brethren, and began to slay them, and they fled into the east wilder
ness. And behold they are hunted at this day, by the Lamanites: thus th<
words of Abinadi were brought to pass, which he said concerning the seed ol
the priests who caused that he should suffer death by fire. For he said unti
them, what ye shall do unto me, shall be a type of things to come. Am
now Abinadi was the first that suffered death by fire, because of bis belief ii
God : now this is what he meant, that many should suffer death by fire
according as he had suffered. And he said unto the priests of Noah, tha
their seed should cause many to be put to death, in the like manner as h<
was, and that they should be scattered, abroad and slain, even as a shee]
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 thej
were hunted, and they were smitten.
And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that* they could no
overpower the Nephites, they returned again to their own land ; and man]
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; and they did also bury their weapons of war, according as theii
brethren had, and they began to be a righteous people ; and they did wall
in the ways of the Lord, and did observe to keep .his commandments, anc
his statutes, yea, and they did keep the law of Moses ; for it was expedieni
that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not all. fulfilled
Tint nnt.withstandin? the law of Moses, thev did look forward to the cominc
92 BOUK 09 ALHA.
jlieving that they must keep those outward performances, until the time
lat he should be revealed unto them. Now they did not suppose that salva-
on came by the law of Mosps ; but the law of Mosea did serve to strengthen
lejr faith in Christ ; and thus- they did retain a hope through faith, unto
;ernal salvation, relying upon the spirit of prophecy, which spake of those
lings to come. And now behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and
imni, and their brethren, did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which
ley had had among the Lamanites, seeing that the Lord had granted unto
lem according to their prayers, and that he had also verified his word unto
lem in every particular. And now, these are the words of Animon to his
rethren, which say thus : My brothers and my brethren, behold I say uuto
ou, how great reason have we to rejoice: for could we have supposed,
hen we started from the land of Zarahemla, that God would have granted
ato us such great blessings? And now I ask, what great blessings has he
Bstowed upon us? Can ye tell? Behold, I answer for you; for our
rethren, the Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss ;
at behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light
f God ! And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon ua, that
e have been made instruments in the hands of God, to bring about this
reat work. Behold, thousands of them do rejoice, and have been brought
ito the fold of God. Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye
id thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your mights, yea, all the day long
id ye labor ; and behold the number of your sheaves, and they shall be
athered into the garners, that they are not wasted ; yea, they shall not be
eaten down by the storm, at the last day ; yea, neither shall they be har-
3wed up by the whirlwinds ; but when the storm cometh, they shall be
athered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them ;
ea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds, whither.soever the enemy
steth to carry them. But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the
arvest, and they are his ; and he will raise them up at the last day. Bless-
d be the name of our God ; let us sing to his praise, yea, let us give thanks to
is holy name, for he doth work righteousness forfever. For if we had not
ome up out of tho land of Zarahemla, these our dearly beloved brethren,
'ho have so dearly beloved us, would still have been racked with hatred
gainst us, yea, and they would also have bfeen strangers to God.
And it came to pass that when Ammon had said these words, hia brother
laron rebuked him, saying: Ammon, I fear that thy joy doth carry thee
way unto boasting. But Ammon said unto him, I do not boast in my own
trength, or in my own wisdom ; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart
! brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God; yea, I know that I am
othing ; as to my strength, I am weak ; therefore I will not boast of
lyself, but I will boast of my God ; for in his strength I can do all things ;
ea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which
re will praise .^is name forever. Behold, how many thousands of our
rethren has he loosed from the pains of hell ; and they are brought to sing
edeeming love ; and this because of the power of his word which is in us ;
herefore have we not great reason to rejoice ? Yea, we have reason to
raise him forever, for he is the most high God, and has loosed our brethren
rom the chains of hell. Tea, they were encircled about with everlasting
arkness and destruction ; but behold, he has brought them into hia ever-
lating light, yea, into everlasting salvation ; and they are encircled about
fith the matchless bounty of hia love : yea, and we have been instruments
a hia hands, of doing this great and marvelous work ; therefore let ua
;lory, yea, we will glory in the Lord ; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy ia full ;
ea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in
BOOK OF ALMA. 193
the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of hit
mercy, and of his long suffering towards the children of men ? Behold 1
say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel. Who could have
supposed that our God would have been so merciful as to have snatched ui
from our awful, sinful, and polluted state ? Behold, we went forth even ii
wrath, with mighty threatenings to destroy his church. then, why did hi
not consign us to an awful destruction ; yea, why did he not let the swore
of his justice fall upon us, and doom us to eternal despair? my soul, al
most as it were fleeth from the thought. Behold, he did not exercise hii
justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlast
ing gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls. Anc
now behold, my brethi-en, what natural man is there, that knoweth these
things ? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it b(
the penitent; yea, he that repentethand exerciseth faith, andbringeth fortl
good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing : unto such it is givei
to know the mysteries of God ; yea, unto such it shall be given to revea
things which never have been revealed ; yea, and it shall be given unt(
such, to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been givei
unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance. Now do ye remember
my brethren, that we said unto our brethren in the land of Zarahemla, W(
go up to the land of Ncphi, to preach unto our brethren, the Lamanites, an(
they laughed us to scorn ? For they said unto us, do ye suppose that y(
can bring the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth ? Do ye supposi
that ye can convince the Lamanites of the incort'ectness of the tradition
of their fathers, as stiff-necked a people as they are ; whose hearts delight ii
the shedding of blood ; whose days have been spent in the grossest iniquity
whose ways have been the ways of a trangressor, from the beginning ? Nov
my brethren, ye remember that this was their language. And moreover
they did say, let us take up arms against them, that we destroy them anc
their iniquity out of the land, lest they overrun us, and destroy us. But be
hold, my beloved brethren, we came into the wilderness not with the inten
to destroy our brethren, but with the intent that perhaps we might sav(
some few of their souls. Now when our hearts were depressed, and W(
were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said, gi
amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afSic
tions, and I will give unto you success. 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 t(
house, relying upon the mercies of the world ; not upon the mercies of thi
world alone, but upon the mercies of God. And we have entered into thei
houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets ; yea, an(
we have taught them upon their hills ; and we have also entered into thei
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 havi
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
and we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps w<
might be the means of saving some soul ; and we supposed that our jo;
would be full, if perhaps we could be the means of saving some. Now be
hold, vre 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 sin
cerity, because of their love towards their brethren, and also towards us
For behold, they had rather sacrifice their lives than even to take the life o
their enemy ; and they have buried their weapons of war deep in the earth
94 BOOK OP ALMA.
ou, has there been so great love in all the land ? Behold, I say unto you,
ay, there has not even among the Nephitea. For behold, they would take
p arms against their brethren ; they would not suffer themselves to be
lain. But behold, how many of these have laid down their Uvea ;. and we
now that they have gone to their God, because of their love, and of their
atred to sin. Now have we not reason to rejoice ? Yea, I say unto you,
bere never were men that had so great reason to^ rejoice aa we, since the
'orld began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto the boasting in
ly God ; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding ; he com-
rehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to
lose who will repent and believe on his name. Now if this is boasting,
ven so will I boast ; for this is my Hfe and my light, my joy and my salva-
on, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of
ly God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree
f Israel, and has been lost from its body, in a strange land ; yea, I say,
leesed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us wanderers in a
;range land.. Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every peo-
le, whatsoever land they may be in ; yea, he numbereth his people, and his
owels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great
lanksgivin^ ; yea, and I will give thanks unto qiy God forever. Amen.
CHAPTER XV.
Now it came to pass that when those Lamanites who had gone to war
gainst the Nephitea, had found, after their many struggles to destroy them,
lat it was in vain to seek their destruction, they returned again to the land
f Nephi. And it came to paaa that the Amalekites, because of their loss,
■ere exceeding angry. And when they saw that they could not seek re-
enge from the Nephitea, they began to stir up the people in anger against
lieir brethren, the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi ; therefore they began again
} destroy them. Now this people again refused to take their arms, and they
iSered themselves to be slain according to the 'desires of their enemies,
low when Ammon and his brethren saw this work ef destruction among
lose whom they so dearly beloved, and among thqse who had so dearly be-
)ved them ; for they were treated as though they were angels sent from
fod to save them from everlasting destruction ; therefore, when Ammon
nd hia brethren saw this great work of d^^tructioii, they were moved with
ompassion, and they said unto the king, ISt us gather together this people
f the Lord, and let ua go down to the land of Zarahemla, to our brethren,
le Nephitea, and flee out of the hands of our enemies, that wa be not de-
troyed. But the king aaid untp them, behold, the Nephitea will destroy
a, because of the many murders and sins we have committed against them,
jid Ammon Said, I will go and inquire of the Lord, and if he, say unto us,
down unto our brethren, will ye go ? And the Ung said unto him, yea:
' the Lord saith unto ua go, we will go down unto our brethren, and we will be
leir slaves until we repair unto ihem the many murders and sina which
e have committed against them. But Ammon aaid unto him, it ia against
lie law of our brethren, which was established by my father, that there
lould be any slaves among them ; therefore let ua go down and rely upon
le merciea of our brethren. But the king said unto him, inquire of the
lOrd, and if he saith ugto us go, we will go ; otherwise we will perish in the
md.
BOOK or ALMA. 19{
And it came to pass that Ammon went and inquired of the Lord, an
the Lord said unto him, get this people out of this land, that they peris
not, for satan has great hold on the hearts of the Amalekites, who do sti
up the Lamanites to anger against their brethren, to slay them ; therefor
get thee out of this land ; and blessed are this people in this generation
for I will preserve them.
And now it came to pass that Ammon went and told the king all th
words which the Lord had said unto him. And they gathered together a
their people ; yea, all the people of the Lord, and did gather together al
their flocks and herds, and departed out of the land, and came into th
wilderness which divided the land of Nephi from the land of Zarahemla, ani
came over near the bordei's of the land.
And it came to pass that Ammon said unto them, behold, I and m;
brethren will go forth into the land of Zarahemla, and ye shall remain her
until we return ; and we will try the hearts of our brethren, whether the;
will that ye shall come into their land.
And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, tha
h« and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken
and behold, this was a joyful meeting. Now the joy of Ammon was si
great, even that he was full ; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of hi
God, even to the exhausting of his strength ; and he fell again to the earth
Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none receivetl
save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happine^ss. Now the jo;
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 thei
strength.
And now it came to pass that Alma conducted his brethren back to th
land of Zarahemla ; even to his own house. And they went and told thi
chief judge all the things that had happened unto them in the land of Neph
among their brethren, the Lamanites.
And it came to pass that the chief judge sent a proclamation throughoa
all the land, desiring the voice of the people concerning the admitting thei
brethren, who were the people of Anti-Nephi-LeliL And it came to pas
that the voice of the people came, saying, behold, we will -give up the lam
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 thi
land which we will give unto our brethren for an inheritance. And behold
we will set our armies between the land Jershon and the land Nephi, that W{
may protect our brethren in the land Jershon ; and this we do for our breth
ren, on account of their fear to take up arms against their brethren, lest the;
should commit sin : and this great fear came, because of their sore repent
ance which they had, on account of their many murders, and their awfu
wickedness. And now behold, this will we do unto our brethren, that the;
may inherit the land Jershon ; and we will guard them from their enemie
with our armies, on conditions they will give ua a portion of their substanc(
to assist us, that we may maintain our armies.
Now it came to pass that when Ammon had heard this, he returned ti
the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, and^lso Alma with him, into the wilderness
whence they had pitched their tents, and made known unto them all thesi
things. And Alma also related unto them his conversion with Ammon
and Aaron, and his brethren. And it came to pass that it did cause grea
joy among them. And thty went down into the land of Jershon,and tool
possession of the landof Jershon ; and they were called by the Nephites thi
nnnnle of Ammon : therefore thev were distinEmished bv that name eve:
.96 BOOK OF ALMA.
ie people who were of the church of God. And they were also distin-
uished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men ; for they were
erfectly honest and upright in all things : and they were firm in the faith
f Christ, even unto the end. And they did look upon shedding the blood
f their brethren with the greatest abhorrence ; and they never could be
revailed upon to take up arms against their brethren ; and they never did
)ok upon death with any degree of terror for their hope and views^)f Christ
ad the resurrection ; therefore death was swallowed up to them by the
ictory of Christ over it : therefore they would suffer death in the most
ggravating and .distressing manner which could be inflicted by their breth-
m, before they would take the sword or the cimeter to smite them. And
.\us they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the
lOrd.
And now it came to pass that after the people of Ammon were estab;
shed in the land of Jershon, and a church also established in the land of
ershon ; and the armies of the Nephites were set round about the land of
ershon ; yea, in all the borders round about the land of Zarahemla ; behold
le armies of the Lamanites had followed their brethren into the wilder-
ess. And thus there was a tremendous battle ; yea, even such an one as
ever had been known among all the people in the land from the time Lebi
sft Jerusalem ; yea, and tens of thousands of the Lamanitea were slain and
;attered abroad. Yea, and also there was a tremendous slaughter among
de people of Nephi ; nevertheless, the Lamanites weredriven and scattered,
nd the people of Nephi returned again to their land. And now this was a
me that there was a great mourning and lamentation heard throughout all
le land among all the people of Nephi ; yea, the cry of widows mourning
>r their husbands, and also of fathers mourning for their sons, and the
aughter for the brother ; yea, the brother for the father : thus the cry of
lourning was heard among every one of them : mourning for their kindred
'ho had been slain. And now surely this was a sorrowful day; yea, a time
f solemnity and a time of much fasting and prayer : and thus endeth the
fteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi ; and this
I the account of Ammon and his brethren, their joumeyinga in the land of
fephi, their sufferings in the land, their sorrows, and their afflictions, and
lieir incomprehensible joy, and the reception and safety of the brethren in
le land of JershciD. And now may the Lord, the Redeemer of all men,
less their souls fotfever. And this is the account of the wars and conten-
ons among the Nephites, and also the wars between the Nephites and the
amanites ; and the fifteenth year of the reign of the judges is ended ; and
'om the first year to the fifteenth, has brought to pass the destruction of
lany thousand lives ; yea, it has brought to pass an awful scene of blood-
iied ; and the bodies of many thousands are laid low in the earth, while the
odies of many thousands are mouldering in heaps upon the face of the
iirth : yea, and many thousands are mourning for the loss of their kindred,
ecause they have reason to fear, according to the promises of the Lord,
lat they are consigned to a state of endless wo ; while many thousands of
thers truly mourn for the loss of their kindred, yet they rejoice and exult
1 the hope, and even know, according to the promises of the Lord,
lat they are raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never
ading happiness ; and thus we see how great the inequality of man is be-
fiuse of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by
le cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men : and
lus we see the great call of diligence of men to la^r in the vineyards of
le Lord ; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing ;
>rrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the
BOOK OF ALMA. 19!
light of Christ <mto life. that I were an angel, and could have the wisl
of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, witl
a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people ; yea,
would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance
and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto ou
God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the eartl
But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish ; for I ought to be conten
with the things which the Lord bath allotted unto me. I ought not to hai
row up in my desires, the firm decree of a just God, for I know that h
granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death u
unto life ; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, according to their wills
whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction ; yea, and I know tha
good and evil have come before all men ; or he that knoweth not good froi
evil is blameless ; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is give:
according to his desires ; whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, jo;
or remorse of conscience. Now seeing that I know these things, why shoul<
I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called ? Wh;
should I desire that I was an angel, that I could speak unto all the ends c
the earth ? For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their ow:
nation and tongue, to teach his word : yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fi
that they should have ; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wis
dom, according to that which is just and true. I know that which the Lori
hath commanded me, and I glory in it : I do not glory of myself, but
glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me ; yea, and this is m;
glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God, to brinj
some soul to repentance : and this is my joy. And behold, when I see man;
of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then i
my soul filled with joy ; then do I remember what the Lord hag done fo
me ; yea, even that he hath heard my prayer ; yea, then do I remember hi
merciful arm which he extended towards me ; yea, and I also remember th
captivity of my fathers ; for I surely do know that the Lord did deliver then
out of bondage, and by this did establish his church ; yea, the Lmd God
the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, did delive
them out of bondage ; yea, I have always remembered the captivity of m;
fathers ; and that same God who deUvered them out of the hands of th
Egyptians,, did deliver them out of bondage ; yea, and that same God dii
establish his church among them ; yea, and that same God hath called mi
by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this people, and hath given mi
much success, in the which my joy is full ; but I do not joy in my own sue
cess alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren
who have been up to the land of Nephi. Behold, they have labored exceed
ingly, and have brought forth much fruit ; and how great shall be tfaei
reward. Now vhen I think of the success of these my brethren, my soul i
carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so grea
is my joy.
And now may God grant unto these my brethren, that they miiy sit dowi
in the kingdom of God ; yea, and also all those who are the fruit of thei
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 '.
have spoken. Amen.
[98 BOOK OF AIMA.
CHAPTER XVI.
Behold, now it came to pasa that after the people of Ammon were estab-
shed in the land of Jershon, yea, and also after the Lamanites were driven
ut of the land, and their dead were buried by the people of the land. Now
lieir dead were not numbered, because of the greatness of their numbers,
either were the dead of the Jfephites numbered. But it came to pass after
bey had buried their dead, and also after the days of fasting, and mourn-
ig, and prayer, (and it was in the sixteenth year of the reign of the judges
ver the people of Nephi,) there began to be continual peace throughout all
be land, yea, and the people did observe to keep the commandments of the
lOrd ; and they were strict in observing the ordinances of God, according
a the law of Moses ; for they were taught to keep the law of Moses, until it
bould be fulfilled ; and thus the people did liave no disturbance in all the
ixteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.
And it came to pass in the seventeenth year of the reign of the judges, there
'as continual peace. But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth
ear, there came a man into the land of Zarahemla ; and he was Anti-Christ,
jr he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had
een spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming of Christ. Now there
ras no law against a man's -belief; for it was strictly contrary to the com-
lands of God, that there should be a law which should bring men on to un-
gual groands. For thus saith the scripture. Choose ye this day whom ye
ill serve. Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege, or rather
' he believed in God, it was his privilege to serve him ; but if he did not
elieve in him, there was no law to punish him. But if he murdered, he was
unished unto death ; and if he robbed, he was also punished ; and if he
tole, he was also punished ; and if he committed adultery, he was also pun-
ihed ; yea, for all this wickedness, they were punished ; for there was a law,
aat men should be judged according to their crimes. Nevertheless, there
as no law against a man's belief; therefore, a man was punished only for
ie crimes which he had done ; therefore all men were ou equal grounds.
Lud this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no
old upon him,) began to preach unto the people, that there should be no
hrist. And after this manner did he preach, saying : ye that are bound
own under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such
)olish things ? Why do ye look for a Christ ? For no man can know of
ay thing which is to come. Behold, these things which ye call prophecies,
hich ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish
•aditions of your fathers. How do ye know of their surety^ Behold, ye
mnot know of things which ye do not see ; therefore ye cannot know that
lere shall be a Christ. Ye look forward and say, that ye see a remission of
our sins. But behold, it is the ciFect of a phrensied mind : and this derange-
lent of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which
lad you away into a belief of things which are not so. And many more
ich things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atone-
lent made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life, according to
le management of the creature ; therefore everyman prospered according to
is genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength ; and
hatsoever a man did, was no crime. And thus he did preach unto them,
lading away the hearts of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their
ickedness; yea, leading away many women, and also men, to commit
BflOK OF ALMA. 19£
whoredoms ; telling them that when a man was dead, that was the en(
thereof.
Now this man went over to the land of Jershon also, to preach thes(
things among the people of Ammon, who were once the people of the La
manites. But behold, they were more wise than many of the Nephites ; foi
they took him, and bound him, and carried him before Ammon, who was i
high priest over that people.
And it came to pass that he caused that he should be carried out of th(
land. And he came over into the land of Gideon; and began to preach un
to them also ; and here he did not have much success, for he was taken an(
bound, and carried before the high priest, and also the chief judge over the
land.
And it eame to pass that the high priest said unto him, why do ye g<
about perverting the ways of the Lord 1 Why do ye teach this people tha
there shall be no Christ, to ijiterrupt their regoicings ? Why do ye speal
against all the prophecies of the holy prophets ? Now the high priest's name
was Giddonah. And Korihor said unto him, because I do not teach the fool
ish traditions of your fathers, and because I do not teach this people t<
bind themselves down under the foolish ordinances and performances whicl
are laid dSwn by ancient priests, to usurp power and authority over them
to keep them iu ignorance, that they may not lift up their beads, but bi
brought down according to thy words. Ye say that this people is a fre<
people. Behold, I say they are in bondage. Ye say that those ancient proph
eqies are true. Behold, I say that ye do not know that they are true
Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people, because of the trans
gression of a parent. Behold, I say that a child is not guilty because of iti
parents. And ye also say that Christ shall come. But behold, I say tha'
ye do not know that there shall be a Christ. And ye say also, that he shal
be slain for the sins of the world ; and thus ye lead away this people afte:
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 your
selves with the labors of their hands, that they durst not look up with bold
ness, and that they durst not enjoy their rights and privileges; yea, the;
durst hot make use of that which is their own, lest they should offenc
their priests, who do yoke them according to their desires, and havi
brought them to believe by their traditions, and their dreams, and thei]
whims, and their visions, and their pretended mysteries, that they should
if they did not do according to their words, offfend some unknown being
who they say is God ; a being who never has been seen nor known, wh(
never was nor ever will be. Now when the high priest and the chief judg(
sawthe hardness of his heart; yea, when they saw that he would revile evei
against God, they would not make any reply to his words ; but they caused tha
he should be bound ; and they defivered him up into the hands of the officers,
and sent him to the land of Zarahemla, that he might be brought before Almi
and the chief judge, who was governor over all the land.
And it. came to pass that when he was brought before Alma and th(
chief judge, he did go on in the same manner as he did in the land of Gid
eon ; yea, he went on to blaspheme. A'ild he did rise up in great swellinj
words before Alma, and did revile against the priests and teachers, accua
ing them of leading away the people after the silly traditions of their fa
thers, for the sake of glutting in the labors of the people. Now Alma sai(
unto him, thou knowest that we do not glut ourselves upon the labors ol
this people ; for behold, I have labored even from the commencement ol
thfl reiffn of the iudees. utitil now. with mine own hands, for my support
!00 BOOK OF AIMA.
f God unto my people. And notwithstanding the many labors which I
ave performed in the church, I have never received so much as even one
snine for my labor ; neither has any of my brethren, save it were in the
udgment seat ; and then we have received Only according to law, for our
me. And now if we do not receive any thing for our labors in the church,
hat doth it profit ug to labor in the church, save it were to declare the
•nth, that we may have rejoicings in the joy of our brethren ? Then why
lyest thou that we preach unto this people to get gain, when thou ofthy-
jif knowest that we receive no gain ? And now, believest thou that we de-
live this people, that causes such joy in their hearts ? And Eorihor an-
nrered him, yea. And then Alma said unto him, believest thou that there
1 a God ? And he answered, nay. Now Alma said unto him, will ye deny
gain that there is a God, and also deny the Christ ? for behold, I say unto
on, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come. And now,
hat evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not ? I
ly unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only. But behold, I
ave all things as a testimony that these things are true ; and ye also have all
lings as a testimony unto you that they are true ; and will ye deny
lem? Believest thou that these things- are true? Behold, I know that
lou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put
S the spirit of God, that it may have no place in you ; but the devil has
ower over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices, that he
lay destroy the children of God. And now Korihor said unto Alma, if
lou wilt shew me a sign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea,
lew unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth
f thy words. But Alma said unto him, thou hast had signs enough ; will ye
smpt your God ? Will ye say, shew unto me a sign, when ye have the tes-
mony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets ? The serip-
jres are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God ; yea,
ven the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its mo-
on ; yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular formj doth
itness that there is a Supreme Creator : and yet do ye go about, leading
way the hearts of this people, testifying unto them there is no God ? And
et will ye deny against all these witnesses ? And he said, yea, I will deny,
xcept ye shall shew me a sign.
And now it came to pass that Alma said unto him, behold, I am grieved
ecause of the hardness of your heart ; yea, that ye will still resist the spirit
f the truth, that thy soul may be destroyed. But behold, it is better that
ly soul should be lost, than that thou shouldest be the means of bringing
lany souls down to destruction, by thy lying and by thy flattering words ;
lerefore if thou shalt deny again, behold, God shall smite thee, that thou
bait become dumb, that thou shalt never open thy mouth any more, that
lou shalt not deceive this people any more. Now Eorihor said unto him,
do not deny the existence of a God, but I do not believe that there is a
rod ; and I say also, that ye do not know that there is a God ; and except
e shew me a sign, I will not believe. Now Alma said unto him, this will I
ive unto thee for a sign, that thou shalt be struck dumb, according to my
'ords ; and I say, that in the name of God, ye shall be struck dumb, that
e shall no more have utterance. Now when Alma had said these words, .
korihor was struck dumb, that he could not have utterance, according to
le words of Alma. A.nd now when the chief judge saw this, he put forth
is hand and wrote unto Korihor, saying : art thou convinced of the power
fGod? In whom did ye desire that Alma should shew forth his sign?
fould ye that he should afflict others, to shew unto thee a sign ? Behold,
e has showed unto you a sign ; and now will ye dispute more ? And
BOOK Of ALMA. 201
Eoribor put forth his hand, and wrote, saying : I know that I am dumb, foi
I cannot speak ; and I Iinow that nothing, save jt were the power of 6od
could bring this upon me : yea, and I also knew that there was a God. But
behold the devil hath deceived me ; for he appeared unto me in the form oi
an angel, and said unto me, go and reclaim this people, for they have al
gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me there is no God
yea, and be taught me that which I should say. . And I have taught hii
words; and I taught them, because they were pleasing unto the carna
mind ; and I taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that '.
verily believed that they were true ; and for this cause, t withstood thi
truth, even until I have brought this great curse upon me. Kow when h<
had said this, he besought that Alma should pray unto God, that the cursi
might be taken from him. But Alma said unto him, if this curse should bi
taken from thee, thou wouldest again lead away the hearts^ of this people
therefore, it shall be unto thee, even as the Lord will.
And it came to pass that the curse was not taken off of Eorihor; but hi
was cast out, and went about from house to house, begging for his food
Kow the knowledge of what had happened unto Eoribor, was immediatel;
published throughout all the land ; yea, the proclamation was sent forth b;
the chief judge, to all the people in the land, declaring unto those who hai
believed in the words of Eoribor, that they must speedily repent, lest thi
same judgments would come unto them.
And it came to pass that they were all convinced of the wickedness oi
Eorihor ; therefore they were all converted again unto the Lord ; and thi
put an end to the iniquity after the manner of Eorihor. And Eorihor dii
go about from house to house, begging food for his support.
And it came to pass that as he went forth among the people, yea, amonj
a people who had separated themselves from the Nephites, and called them
selves Zoramites, being led by a man whose name was Zoram ; and as hi
went forth amongst them, behold, he was run upon, and trodden down, evei
until he w.as dead ; and thus we see the end of him who perverteth the way
of the Lord ; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children a
the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.
Now it came to pass that after the end of Eorihor, Alma having receivei
tidings that the Zoramites were perverting the ways of the Lord, and tha
Zoram, who was their leader, was leading the hearts of the people to bov
down to dumb idols, &c,, his heart again began to sicken, because of thi
iniquity of the people ; for it was the cause of great sorrow to Alma, t(
know of iniquity among his people : therefore his heart was exceeding sorrow
ful, because of the separation of the Zoramites from the Nephites. Now thi
Zoramites had gathered themselves together in a land which they callei
Antiobum, which was east of the land of Zarahemla, which lay nearly boi
dering upon the sea-shore, which was south of the land of Jershon, whic]
also bordered upon the wilderness south, which wilderness was full of tbi
Lamanites. Now the Nephites greatly feared that the Zoramites wouli
enter into a correspondence with the Lamanites, and that it would be th
means of great loss on the part of the Nephites. And now, as the preach
ing of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that whicl
was just ; yea. It had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the peopL
than the sword, or any thing else, which had happened unto them : therefor
Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the won
of God. Therefore he took Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner ; and Himn
he did leave in the church in Zarahemla ; but the former three he took witl
him. and also Amulek and Zeezrom, who were at Melek ; and he also tool
02 BOOK OB ALMA.
ime was Helaman ; but the name? of those whom he took with him, were
liblon and CoriantoH ; and these are the names of those who went with
:m among the Zoraraites, to preach unto them the word.
Now the Zoramites were dissenters from the Nephites ; therefore they
id the word of God preached unto them. But they had fallen into great
•rors, for they would not observe to keep the commandments of God, and
is statutes, according to-the law of Moses ; neither would they observe the
srformances of the church, to continue in prayer and supplication to God
lily, that they might not enter into temptation • yea, in filie, they did per-
2rt the ways of the Lord in very many instances ; therefore, for this cause,
Ima and his brethren went into the land, to preach the word unto
lem.
Now when they had come into the land, Behold, to their astonishment,
ley found that thp Zoramites had built synagogues, and that they did gather
iemselv.es together on one day of the week, which day they did call the
ay of the Lord ; and they did worship after 'a manner which Alma and his
rethren had never beheld ; for they had a place built up in the centre of
leir synagogue, a place for standing, which was high above the head ; and
le top thereof would only admit one person. Therefore, whosoever de-
red to worship, must go forth and stand upon the top thereof, and stretch
irth his hands towards heavea; and cry witha loud voice, saying : Holy,
oly, God; we believe that thou art God, and we believe that thou art holy,
ad that thou wast a spirit, and that thou art a spirit, and that thou wilt be
spirit forever. Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from our
rethren ; and we do not believe in the tradition of our brethren, which
as handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers ; but we be-
eve that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children ; and also thou hast
lade it known unto us that there shall be no Christ ; but thou art the same,
esterday, to-day, and forever ; and thou hast elected us, that we shall be
ived, whilst all around us are elected to be cast by thy wrath down to hell ;
«■ the which holiness, God, we thank thee ; and 're also thank thee, that
lou hast<elected us, that we may not be led away aflar the foolish traditions
f our brethren, which doth bind them down to a belief of Christ, which
oth lead their hearts to wander far from thee, our God. And again:
fe thank thee, God, that we are a chosen and a holy people. Amen.
Now it came to pass that after Alma and his brethren, and his sons, had
eard these prayers, they were astonished beyond all measure. For behold
very man did go forth and offer up the same prayers. Now the place was
ailed by them Rameumptom, which being interpreted, is the Holy Stantl.
Tow from this stand, they did offer up, every man, the self-same prayer unto
rod, thanking their God that they were chosen of him, and that he did not
!ad them away after the tradition of their brethren ; and that their hearts
ere not stolen away to believe in things to come, which they knew notliing
bout.
Now after tlie people had all offered up thanks after this manner, they
eturned to their homes, never speaking of their God again, until they had
ssembl^d themselves together again, to the holy stand, to offer up thanks
fter their manner. Now when Alma saw this, his heart was grieved : for
e saw that they were a wicked and a perverse people ; yea, he saw that
beir hearts were set upon gold, and upon silver, and upon all manner of
ne goods. Yea, and he also, saw that their hearts were lifted up unto great
casting, in their pride. And he lifted up his voice to heaven, and cried,'
lying ; liow long, Lord, wilt thou suffer that thy servants shall dwell
ere below in the flesh, to behold such gross wickedness among the children
f men. Behold, 6 God, they cry unto thee, and yet their hearts arc
BOOK OF ALMA. 20i
swallowed up in their pvide. Behold, God, they cry unto thee with thei
mouths, while they are puffed up, even to greatness, with the vain thing
of the world. Behold, my God, their costly apparel, and their ringlets
and tiieir bracelets, and their ornaments of gold, and all their preciou
things which they are ornamented with ; and behold, their hearts are se
upon them, and yet they cry unto thee and say, we thank thee, God, fo
we are a chosen people unto thee, while others shall perish. Yea, and the;
say that thou hast made it known unto them, that there shall be no Christ
Lord God, how long wilt thou suffer that such wickedness and iniquit;
shall be among this people ? Lord, wilt thou give me strength, that ,
may bear with mine infirmities ? for I am infirmj and such wickedness amonj
this people doth pain my soul. Lord, my hea^'t is exceeding sorrowful
wilt ,thou comfort my soul in Christ ? Lord, wilt thou grant unto me tha
1 may hare strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions whicl
shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people ? Lord, wilt thoi
comfort my soul, and give unto me success, and also my fellow-laborers wh(
are with me ; yea, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and also Amulek, an<
Zeezrom, and also my two sons ; yea, even all these wilt thou comfort, (
Lord ? Yea, wilt thou comfort their souls in Christ ? Wilt thou grant unt(
them that they may have strength, that tbey may bear their afflictions whicl
shall come upon them, because of the iniquities of this people ? Lord
wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them agaii
unto thee, in Christ! Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and man;
of them are our brethren, therefore7 give unto us, Lord, power and wis
dom, that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.
Now it came to pass, that when Alma had said these words, that hi
clapped his hands upon all them who were with him. And behold, as h<
clapped his hands upon them, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. An(
after that, they did separate themselves one from another; taking ni
thought for themselves what they should eat, or what they should drink, o
what they should put on. And the Lord provided for them that the;
should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave then
strength, that they should suffer no maimer of afflictions, save it were swal
lowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer o)
Alma ; and this because he prayed in faith.
And it came to pass that they did go forth, and began to preach thi
word of God unto the people, entering into their synagogues, and into thei
houses; yea, and even they did preach the word in their streets. .And i
dame to pass that after much labor among them, they began to have succes;
among the poor class of people ; for behold, they were cast put of the syna
gogues, because of the coarseness of their apparel; therefore they were no
permitted to enter into their synagogues to worship God, being esteemed ai
filthiness ; therefore they were poor : yea, they were esteemed by theii
brethren as dross : therefore they were poor as to things of the world ; anc
also they were poor in heart.
Now as Alma was teaching and speaking unto the people upon the hil
Onidah, there came a great multitude unto him, who were those of whon
we have been speaking, of whom were poor in heart, because of their pov-
erty as to the things of the world. And, they came unto Alma ; and the on(
who was the most foremost among them, said unto him, behold, what shal
these my brethren do, for they are despised of all men, because of theii
poverty ; yea, and more especially by our priests ; for they have cast us oui
of our synagogues, which we have labored abundantly to build, with oui
own hands ; and they have cast us out because of our exceeding poverty
504 BOOK OB ALMA. .
bid now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately
owards him, and he beheld, with great joy ; for he beheld that their afflic-
ions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear
he word ; therefore he did say no more to the other multitude, but he
tretched forth his hand, and cried unto those whom he beheld, who were
ruly penitent, and said unto them, I behold that ye are lowly in heart ;
,nd if so, blessed are ye. Behold thy brother hath said, what shall we do?
or we are cast out of our synagogues, that we cannot worship our God.
iehold, I say unto you, do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, save it
le in your synagogues only ? And moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose
hat ye must not worship God only once in a week ? I say unto you, it is
rell that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and
hat ye may learn wisdom ; for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom ;
or it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren,
lecause of your exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of
leart ; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble. And now because ye
re compelled to be humble, blessed are ye ; for a man sometimes, if he is
ompelled to be humble, seeketh repentance ; and now surely, whosoever
epentetb, shall find mercy ; and he that findeth jnercy and eudureth to the
nd, the same shall be saved. And now as I said unto you, that because ye
rere compelled to be humble, ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they
re more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word? Yea,
e that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to
tic end, the same shall be blessed ; yea, much more blessed than they who are
ompelled to be humble, because of their exceeding poverty; therefore
lessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be hum-
le ; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of
rod, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart ; yea, without being
rought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will be-
eve. Yea, there are many who do say, if thou wilt shew unto us a sign
■om heaven, then we shall know of a surety ; then we shall believe. Now
ask is this faith ? Behold, I say unto you, nay ; for if a man knoweth a
ling, he hath no cause to believe, for he knoweth it. And now, how much
lore cursed is he that knoweth the will of God and doeth it not, than he
lat only believeth, or only hath cause to believe, and falleth into transgres-
on? Now of this thing, ye must judge. Behold, I say unto you, that it
on the one hand, even as it is on the other ; and it shall be unto every
lan according to his work.
(^And now as I said concerning faith : Faith, is not to have a perfect
nowledge of things ; therefore if ye have faith, ye hope for things which
re not seen, which are true. And now, behold, I say unto you ; and I
ould that ye should remember that God is merciful unto all who believe
a his name : therefore he desireth, in the first place, that ye should believe,
ea, even on his word. And now, he imparteth his word by angels, unto
len ; yea, not only men, but woraeti also. Now this is not all : little chil-
ren do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise
nd the learned. /
And now, my beloved brethren, as ye have desired to know of me what
e shall do because ye are afiiicted and cast out ; now I do not desire that
e should suppose that I mean to judge you only according to that which
true ; for I do not mean that ye nil of you have been compelled to hum-
le yourselves ; fori verily believe that there are some among you who
ould humble tUtemselves, let them be in whatsoever circumstances they
light. Now as I said concerning faith — that it was not a perfect know -
ige, even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first,
BOOK OF ALMA. 20S
unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge. But behold
if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon mj
words, and exercise a particle of faith ; yea, even if ye can no more, thar
desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a man
ner that ye can give place for a portion of my words. Now we will com
pare the word unto a seed. Now if ye give place, that a seed may b(
planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye dc
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 thes(
swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves, it must needs b(
that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to en-
large my soul ; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding ; yea, and ii
beginneth to be delicious to me. Now behold, would not this increase youi
faith? I say unto, you yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfecl
knowledge. But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and begin
neth to grow, then ye must needs Say, that the seed is good ; for behold ii
swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now behold, are y(
sure that this is a good seed ? I say unto you, yea ; for every, seed bring
eth forth unto its own likeness ; therefore, if a seed groweth, it is good, bu'
if it groweth not, behold, it is not good ; therefore it is oast away. Anc
now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed
and it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs knov
that the seed is good. And now behold, is your knowledge perfect ? Yea
your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant ; am
this because you know ; for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls
and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doti
begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand. then, ii
not this real? I say unto you, yea; because it is light; and whatsoever it
light, is good, because it is discernible ; therefore ye must know that it ii
good. And now behold, after ye have tasted this fight, is your knowledgi
perfect ? 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 tri
the experiment, to know if the seed was good. And behold, as the trei
beginneth to grow, ye will say, let us nourish it with great care, that it mai
get root, that it may grow up and bring forth fruit unto us. And now be
hold, if ye nourish it with much care, it will get root, and grow up, an(
bring forth fruit. But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for iti
nourishment, behold, it will not get any root ; and when the heat of thi
gun Cometh and.scorcheth it, because it hath no root, it withers away, anc
ye pluck it up and cast it out. Now this is not because the seed was no
good neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable. But i
is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree ; there
fore ye cannot have the fruit thereof. And thus if ye will not nourish thi
word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can neve:
pluck of the fruit of the tree of life. 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 ; and becaus(
of your diligence, and your faith, and your patience with the word, in nour
ishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by, ye shall pluol
the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that i
sweet, and which is white above all that is white ; yea, and pure above al
that is pure ; and ye shall feast upon this fruit, even until ye are filled, tha
vA Tinnryai. nnt npit.Tiiar faVinll vp iViiraf Thpn Tnv hrpthrpn VP. shall rean tK
06 BOOK OF ALMA.
iwards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long suffering,
aiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto youi
Now after Alma had spoken these words, tmy sent forth unto him de-
ring to know whether they should believe in one God, that they might
btain this fruit of which he had spoken, or how they should plant the seed,
r the word, of which he had spoken, whieh he said must be planted in their
earts ; or in what manner they should begin to exercise their faith ? And
.Ima said unto them, behold ye have said that ye coidd not worship your
od, because ye are cast out of your synagogues. But behold, I say unto
ou, if ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, ye do greatly err, and ye
light to search the scriptures ; if ye suppose that they have taught you
lis, ye do not understand them. Do ye remember to have read what Zenos,
le prophet of old, has said concerning prayer or worship ? for he said, thou
rt merciful God for thou hast heard my prSiyer, even when I was in the
ilderness ; yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning those who
ere mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me : yea, 0, God, and thou
■ast merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in my field ; when I did
ry unto thee in my prayer, and thou didst hear me. And again, God,
■hen I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my prayer. And when
did turn unto my closet, Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou didst hear
le ; yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee to be
eard of thee, and not of men; and thou wilt hear them ;' yea, God, thou
ast been merciful unto mo and heard my cries in the midst of thy congre-
ations ; yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out, and
ave been despised by mine enemies ; yea, thou didst hear my cries, and
■ast angry with mine enemies, and thou didst visit them in thine anger,
■ith speedy destruction ; and thou didst hear me because of mine afflSc-
ons and my sincerity ; and it is because of thy Son thit thou hast been
lua merciful uiito me ; therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afSictions ;
ir in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me,
ecause of thy Son.
And now Alma said unto tliem, do ye believe those scriptures which
ave been written by them of old ? Behold, if ye do, ye must believe what
enos said ; for behold, he said, thou hast turned away thy judgments, be-
ause of thy Son. Now behold, ray brethren, I would ask, if ye have read
le scriptures ? If ye have, how can ye disbelieve on the Son of God? For
: is not written that Zenos alone spake of these things, but Zenock also
pake af these things ; for behold, he said, thou art angry, Lord^ with this
eople, because they will not understand of thy mercies which thou hast be-
towed upon them, because of thy Son. And now my brethren, ye see that
second prophet of old has testified of the Son of God ; and because the
eople would not understand his words, they stoned him to death. But be-
old, this is not all ; these are not the only ones who have spoken concern-
ig the Son of God. Behold, he was spoken of by Moses ; yea, and behold,
type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it
light live. And many did look and live. But few understood the meaning
f those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there
■ere many who were so hardened that they would not look ; therefore they
erished. Now the reason they would not look, was because they did not
elieve that it would heal them. my brethren, if ye could be healed by
lerely casting about your eyes, that ye might be healed, would ye not
ehold quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be
lothful, that ye would not cast p-bout your eyes, that ye might perish ? If
0/ wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your eyes and
egin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people,
BOOK OF ALMA. 20'i
and that he shall suffer and die to atone^for their sina ; and that he shal
•Ase again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that al
men shall stand before him, to be judged, at the last and judgment day, ac
cording to their works. And now my brethren, I desire that ye shall plan
this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell, even so nourish it bj
your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unt(
everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens maj
be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do, if ye will
Amen.
And now it came to pass that after Alma had spoken these words unt(
them, he sat down upon the ground, and Amulek arose and began to teacl
them, saying, my brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should b(
ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming oi
Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God ; yea, I know that thes(
things were taught unto you, bountifully, before your dissension from among
us, and as ye have desired of my beloved brothe^, that he should mak(
known unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions ; and he hatl
spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your minds ; yea, and he hath ex
horted you unto faith, and to patience ; yea, even that ye would have s(
much faith as even to plant the word in your hearts, that ye may try th(
experiment of its goodness ; and we have beheld that the great questioi
which is- in your minds, is whether the word be in the Son of God, oi
whether there shall be no Christ. And ye also beheld that my brother hai
proven unto you, in many instances, that the word is in Christ, unto sal
vation. My brother has called upon the words of Zenos, that redemptioi
cometh through the Son of God, and also upon the words of Zenock : an(
also he has appealed unto Moses, to prove that these things are true. Anc
now behold, I will testify unto you of myiself, that these things are true
Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among thi
children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and tha
he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God has spoken it
for it is expedient that an atonement should be made ; for according to thi
great plan of the eternal God, there must be an atonement made, or else al
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 i
is expedient should be made ; for it is expedient that there should be a grea
and last sacrifice ; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither o
any manner of fowl ; for it ehall not be a human sacrifice : but it must be ai
infinite and eternal sacrifice. Now there is not any man that can sacrifio
his own blood, which will atone for the sins of another. Now if a man mur
dereth, behold, will our law, which is just, take the life of his brother ?
say- unto you, nay. But the law requireth the life of him who hath mur
deced ; therefore there can be nothing, which is short of an infinite atone
ment, which will suffice for the sins of the world ; therefore it is expedien
that there should be a great and last sacrifice ; and then shall there be, o
it is expedient there should be, a. stop to the shedding of blood ; then shal
the law of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall all be fulfilled; every jot and tit
tie, and none shall have passed away. And behold, this is the whole mean
ing of the law ; every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice ; am
that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God ; yea, infinite and eternal
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 thQ bowels of mercy
which overpowereth justice and bringeth about means rinto men that the;
mav \\avt> ffl.itb iiinto rfitifint.ance. And thus mercv can satisfv the demand
08 BOOK OF ALMA.
faith unto repentance, is exposed to the whole law of the demands of jus-
ee ; therefore, only unto him that has faith unto repentance, is brought
bout the great and eternal plan of redemption. Therefore may God graht
ato you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your fMth unto re-
entance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have
lercy upon you ; yea. Cry unto him for mercy ; for he is mighty to save ;
ea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him ; cry unto him
hen ye are in your fields ; yea, over all your floclis ; cry unto him In your
ouses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening ;
ea, cry unto him against' the power of your enemies^ yea, cry unto him
gainst the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness. Cry unto him over
le crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them : cry over the flocks
f your fields, that they may increase. But this is not all: ye must pour
ut your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness ;
ea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn
ut in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare
( those who are around you.
And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose
lat this is all ; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the
eedy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and the afflicted, and impart of
our substance if ye have, to those who stand in need ; I say unto you, if ye
not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you
othing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith ; therefore if ye do
ot remember to be charitable, ye are as dross, which the refiners do cast
ut, (it being of no worth,) and is trodden under foot of men.
And now, my brethren, I would that after ye have received so many wit-
esses, seeing that the holy scriptures testify of these things, come forth
nd bring firuit unto repentance ; yea, I would that ye would come forth and
irden not your hearts any longer ; for behold, now is the time, and the
ay of your salvation ; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your
earts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought. about
ato you. For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare'to meet God :
ea, behold, the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors,
.nd now as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, there-
)re I beseech of you, that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repent-
ace until the end ; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare
ir eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then
ameth the night of darkness, wherein there can be no labor performed,
e cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent,
lat I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this ; for that same spirit
hich doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that
ime spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal woiid. For
ehold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance, even until
eath, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he
oth seal you his ; therefore the spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you,
ad hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you ; and this is
le final state of the wicked. And this I know, because the Lord hath said,
e^welleth not in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he
well ; yea, and he has also said, that the righteous shall sit down in his
ingdom, to go no more out; but their garments should be made 'white,
irough the blood of the Lamb.
_ And now my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these
lings, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God,
nd that ye should no more defly the coming of Christ ; that ye contend no
M>re against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the
BOOK OF ALMA. 20£
name of Christ ; tb#t ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worshif
God in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth ; and that yc
live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he dot!
bestow upon you ; yea, and I also exhort you, my brethren, that ye be watch
ful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptatioi
of the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may not become hii
subjects at the last day : for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing. Ant
now my beloved brethren, I would exhort you to have patience, and thai
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 sin
ners Uke unto them ; but that ye have patience, and bear with those ailiic
tions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions.
Now it came to pass that after Amuiek had made au end of these words
they withdrew themselves from the multitude, and came over into the lane
of Jershon ; yea, and the rest of the brethren, after they had preached th<
word unto the Zoramites, also came over into the land of Jershon.
And it came to pass that after the more popular part of the Zoramitei
had consulted together concerning the words which had been preached unt(
them, they were angry because of the word, for it did destroy their craft
therefore they would not hearken unto the words. And they sent and gath
ered together throughout all the land, all the people, and consulted with then
concerning the words which had been spoken. Now their rulers, and theii
priests, and their teachers, did not let the people know concerning their de
sires ; therefore they found out privily the minds of all the people.
And it came to pass that after they had found out the minds of all thi
people, those who were in favor of the words which had been spoken b;
Alma and his brethren, were cast out of the land ; and they were many
and they came over also into the land of Jershon.
And it came to pass that Alma and his brethren did minister unto them
Now the people of the Zoramites were angry with the people of Ammoi
who were in Jershon, and the chief ruler of the Zoramites being a ver;
wicked man, sent over unto the people of Ammon desiring them that the;
should cast out of their land aU those who came over from them into thei
land. And he breathed out many threatenings against them. And nov
the people of Ammon did not fear their words, therefore they did not cas
them out, but they did 'receive all the poor of the Zoramites that came ove
unto them ; and they, did nourish them, and did clothe them, and did givi
unto them lands for their inheritance ; and they did administer unto then
according to their wants. Now this did stir up the Zoramites to ange
against the people of Ammon, and they began to mix with the Lamanitee
and to stir them up also to anger against them ; and thus the Zoramites am
the Lamanites began to make preparations for war against the people ol
Ammon, and also against the Nephites. And thus ended the seventeent]
year of the reigu of the judges, over the people of Nephi.
And the people of Ammon departed out of the land of Jershon, am
came over into the laud of Melek, and gave place in the land of Jershoi
for the armies of the Nephites, that they might contend with the armies oi
the Lamanites, and the armies of the Zoramites ; and thus commenced
war betwixt the Lamanites and the Nephites, in the eighteenth year of th
reign of the judges; and an account shall be given of their wars hereaftei
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 th
hands of God of bringing many of the Zoramites to repentance ; and a
manv as were brought to repentance, were driven out of their land ; bu
10 BOOK OF ALMA.
iken up artns to defend themselTes, and their wives, and children, and their
nds. Now Alma, being grieved for the iniquity of his people, yea for the
ars, and the bloodsheds, and the contentions which were among them ;
id having been to declare the word, or sent to declare the word, among all
le people in every city ; and seeing that the hearts of the people began to
ax hard, and that they began to be offended because of the strictness of
le word, his heart was exceeding sorrowful ; therefore, he caused that his
)ns should be gathered together, that he might give unto them every one
is charge, separately, concerning the things pertaining unto righteousness,
nd We have an account of his commandments, which he gave unto them
^cording to his own record.
CHAPTER XVII.
The commandments of Alma, to his son Helaman.
Mt son, give ear to my words ; for I swear unto you, that inasmuch as
e shall keep the commandments of God, ye shall prosper in the land. I
ould that ye should do as I have done, in remembering the captivity of
ur fathers ; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them, except
was the Grod of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of- Jacob :
ad he surely did deliver them in their afBictions. And now, my son He-
iman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore I beseech of thee that
lou wilt hear my words, and learn of me ; for I do know that whosoever
lall put their trust iu God, shall be supported in their trials, and their trou-
lea, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day ; and I would
ot that ye think that I know of myself, not of the temporal, but of the
jiritual; not of the carnal mind, but of God. Now behold I say unto you,
' I had not been bom of God, I should not have known these things ; but
od has, by the mouth of his holy angel, made these things known unto me,
ot of any worthiness of myself, for I went about with the sons of Mosiah,
;eking to destroy the church of God ; but behold, God sent his holy angel
) stop us by the way. And behold, he spake unto u%.as it were the voice
f thunder, and the whole earth did tremble beneath our feet, and we all
ill to the earth, for the fear of the Lord came upon us. But behold, the
oice said unto me, arise. And I arose and stood up, and beheld the angel,
.nd he said unto me, if thou wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no more to
estroy the church of God.
And it came to pass that I fell to the earth ; and it was for the space
f three days and three nights, that I could not open my mouth ; neither had
the use of my limbs. And the angel spake more things unto me, which
ere heard by my brethren, but I did not hear them ; for when I heard the
ords, if thou wilt be destroyed of thyself, seek no more to destroy the
hurch of God, I was struck with such great fear and amazement, lest per-
aps I should be destroyed, that I fell to the earth, and I did hear no more ;
ut I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the
reatest degree, and rsjpked with all my sins. Yea, I did remember all my
ins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell ; yea, I
iw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept hifeholy
ommandihents ; yea, and I had murdered many of his children, 'A i4ther
id them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine, so great had been my'in-
luities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God, did
BOOK OB ALMA. 21]
rack my soul with inexpressible horror. 0, thought I, that 1 could be ban
ished 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. And now
for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of i
damned soul.
And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I wai
harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered alg(
to have heard my father prophesy unto the people, concerning the cominj
of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Nov
as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart, Jesus
thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who art in the gall of bitterness, anc
art encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. And now behold
when I thought this, I couli remember my pains no more; yea, I was bar
rowed up by the memory of my sina no more. And 0, what joy, and wha
marvelous light I did behold ; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceedinj
as was my pain ; yea, I say unto you, my Son, that there could be nothinj
so exquisite and so bitter, as was my pains. Yea, and again I sa]
unto you, ray son, that ba the other' hand, there can be nothing so ex
quisite and sweet as was my joy ; yea, methought I saw even as our fathci
Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne; surrounded with numberless con
courses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God ; yea
and my soul did long to be there. But behold, my limbs did receive theii
strength again, and I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people
that I had been born of God ; yea, and from that time, even until now, '.
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 bom of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Yea
and now behold, my soil, the Lord doth give me exceeding great joy ii
the fruit of my labors ; for because of the word which he has imparted untc
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 thesi
things of which I have spoken, as I do know'; and the knowledge which '.
have is of God. And I have been supported under trials and troubles oi
every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions ; yea, God has deUvered mi
from prison, and from bonds, and from death ; yea, and I do put my trust ii
him, and he will still deliver me ; and I know that he will raise me up at thi
last day, to dwell with him in glory ; yea, and I will praise him forever, fo
he has brought our fathers out of Egypt, and he has swallowed up the Egyp
tians in the Bed 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 ti
time ; 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 bondagi
and captivity, from time to time, even down to the present day ; and I hav(
always retained in remembrance their captivity : yea, and ye also ought ti
retain in remembrance, as I have done, their captivity. But behold, m;
son, this is not all ; for ye ought to know, as I do know, that inasmuch a
ye shall keep the commandments of God, ye sha^^isper in the landf am
ye ought to know also, that inasmuch as ye will lOT^ep the commandment
of God, ye shall be cut off from his presence. Now this is according to hi
word.
And now my son Helaman, I command you that ye take the record
which have been entrusted with me ; and I also command you that ye kee]
a record of this people, according as I have done, upon the plates of Nephi
onfl Iroon all tKpsA thihD'H Sap.rArl whinh T have kenr. even as I have ken
112 BOOK OP ALUA.
rass which contain these engravings, which hare the records of the holy
opiptures upon them, which have the genealogy of our forefathers, even
:oin the beginning. And behold, it has beeo prophesied by our fathers,
liat thev should be kept and handed down from one generation to another,
nd be kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord, until they should go
jrth unto every nation, kindred, tongue and people, that they.shall know
f the mysteries contained thereon. And now behold, if they are kept, they
lUst retain their brightness ; yea, and they will retain their brightness ; yea,
nd also shall all the plates which do contain that which is holy writ. Now
e may suppose that this is foolishness in me ; but behold I say unto you,
liat by small and simple things, are great things brought to pass; and small
leans in many instance, doth confound the wise. And the Lord God doth
'Qrk by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes ; aud by very
mall means the Lord doth confound the wise, and bringeth about the sal-
atioD of many souls. -And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God, that
liese things should be preserved : for behold, they have enlarged the mem-
ry of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and
rought them to the knowledge of their God, unto the salvation of their
9uls. Yea, I say unto yon, were it not for these things that these records
o contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren could jiot
ave convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites, of the incorrect tra-
ition of their fathers ; yea, these records and their words, brought them
nto repentance ; that is, they brought them to the knowledge of the Lord
tieir God, and to rejoice in Jesus GhHst their Bedeemer. And who know-
th but what they will be the means of bringing many thousands of them,
ea, and also many thousands of our stiff-necked brethren, the Xepbites,
rho are now hardening their hearts, in sins and iniquities, to the knowledge
f their Bedeemer ? Kow these mysteries are not yet fully made known
nto me ; therefore I shall forbear. And it may suffice, if I only say, they
re preserved for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God : for he
oth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and
is course is one eternal round. O remember, remember, my son Helaman,
ow strict are the commandments of God. And he said, if ye will keep my
ammandments, ye shall prosper in the land ; but if ye keep not his com-
landments, ye shall be cut off from his presence. And now remember,
ly son, that God has entrusted you with these things, which are sacred,
hich he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep and preserve for a
ise purpose in him, that he may show forth his power unto future gen-
rations.
And now behold, I tell you by the spirit of prophecy, that if ye trans-
ress the commandments of God, behold, these things which are sacred,
hall be taken away from you by the pow«r of God, and ye shall be delivered
p unto satan, that he may sift you as chaff before the wind ; but if ye keep
le commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred, ac-
ording to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal
nto the Lord for all things whatsoever ye must do with them,) behold no
ower of earth or helfecan take them from you, for God is powerful to the
ilfilling of all his wofil&r'for he will fulfil all his promises which he shall
lake unto you, for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto our
ithers. For he promised unto them that he would reserve these things for
wise purpose in him, that -he might shew forth his power unto future
enerations.
And now behold, one purpose hath he fulfilled, even to the restoration
f many thousands of the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth ; and he
ath shewn forth his power in them, and he will also still shew forth his power
BOOK OF ALMA. 213
in them, unto future generations ; therefore they shall be preserved ; there
fore I command you, my son Helaman, that ye be diligent in fulfilling al
my words, and that ye be diligent in keeping the commandments of God, ai
they arc written.
And now, I will speak unto you concerning these twenty-four plates
that ye keep them, that the mysteries and the works of darkness, and theii
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,jiiay b(
made manifest unto this people ; yea, and that ye preserve these directors
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 die
not repent, they should' be destroyed from off the face of the earth. Ane
the Lord said, I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem, a stone, which shal
shine forth in darkness unto light, that I may discover unto my people wh(
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 abomi
nations. And now my son, these directors were prepared, that the word o
God might be fulfilled, which he spake, saying : I will bring forth out o
darkness unto light, all their secret works and their abominations : and ex
cept they repent, I will destroy them from off the face of the earth ; anc
I will bring to light ^U their secrets and abominations, unto every natioi
that shall hereafter possess the land. And now my son, we see that the]
did not repent ; therefore they have been destroyed, and thus far the wore
of God has been fulfilled ; yea, their secret abominations have been broughi
out of darkness, and made known unto us.
And now my son, I command you that ye retain all their oaths, and theii
covenants, and their agreements in their secret abominations ; yea, and al
their signs and their wonders ye shall retain from this people, that the]
know them not, lest peradventure they should fall into darkness also, anc
be destroyed. For behold, there is a curse upon all this land, that destruc
tion shall come upon all those workers of darkness, according to the powei
of God, when they are fully ripe ; therefore I desire that this people mfghi
not be destroyed. Therefore ye shall keep these secret plans of their oath!
and their covenants from this people, and only their wickedness, and theii
murders, and their abominations, shall ye make known unto them : and yt
shall teach them to abhor such wickedness, and abominations, and murders
and ye shall also teach them, that these people were destroyed on accouni
of their wickedness, and abominations, and their murders. For behold, the}
murdered all the prophets of the Lord who came among them to declare untc
them concerning their iniquities ; and the blood of those whom they mur
dered, did cry unto the Lord their God, for vengeance upon those who were
their murderers ; and thus the judgments of God did come upon those work
ers of darkness and secret combinations ; yea, and cursed be the land for
ever and ever unto those workers of darkness and secret combinations, evei
unto destruction, except they repent before they are fully ripe.
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 everlastin|
hatred against sin and iniquity ; preach unto them repentance, and faith oi
the Lord Jesus Christ ; teach them to humble themselves, and to be meel
and lowly in heart ; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil
with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ : teach them to never be weary o:
good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart : for such shall find rest tc
their souls. remember my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth ; yea
14 BOOK OF ALMA.
od for all thy support ; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and
hithersoever thou goest, let it be in the Lord ; yea, let thy thoughts be
irected unto the Lord ; yea, let the affections of .thy heart be placed upon
le Lord forever ; counsel the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct
lee for good : yea, when thou liest down at night, lie down unto the Lord,
lat he may watch over you in your sleep ; and when thou risest in the morn-
ig, let thy heart be full of thanks unto God : and if ye do these things, ye
lall be lifted up at the last day. And now my son, I have somewhat to
ly concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball; or director; or our
Lthers called; it liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass ; and the
ord prepared it. And behold, there cannot any man work after the man-
er of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to shew unto
ur fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness ; and it did
ork for them according to their faith in God ; therefore if they had faith
) believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way
ley should go, behold, it was done ; therefore they had this miracle, and
Iso many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day ; never-
leless, because those miracles were worked by small means, it did shew
nto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot to exercise
leir faith and diligence, and then those marvelous works ceased, and they
id not progress in their journey: therefore they tarried in the wilderness,
r did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst,
ecause' of their transgressions.
And now my son, I would that ye should understand that these things
re not without a shadow ; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to
lis compass, (now these things were temporal,) they did not prosper; even
J it is with things which are spiritual. For behold, it is as easy to give heed
> the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal
liss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would
oint unto them a straight course, to the promised land. And now I say,
there not a type in this thing ? For just as surely as this director did
ring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the
ords of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sor-
jw, into a far better land of promise. '
my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way;
ir so was it with our fathers ; for so was it prepared for them, that if they
ould look, they might live ; even so it is with us. The way is prepared,
ad if we will look, we may live forever. And now my son, see that ye
ike care of these sacred things ; yea, see that ye look to God and live,
o unto this people, and declare the word, and be sober, iij son farewell.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Tlie commandments of Alma, to his son Shiblon.
Mt son, give ear to my words ; for I say unto you, even as I said unto
[elaman, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God, ye shall
rosper In the land ; and inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments
f God, ye shall be cast off from his presence. And now my son, I trust
liat I shall have great joy in you, because of your steadiness and your faith-
ulness unto God; for as you have commenced in your youth,^to look to
he Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue in keeping his
BOOK 01' ALIKA. 21!
commandments : for blessed is he that endureth to the end. I say unto yoi
my son, that I have had great joy in thee already, because of thy faith
fulness, and thy diligence, and thy patience, and thy long suffering amonj
the people of the Zoramites. For I know that thou wast in bonds ; yea
and I also knew that thou wast stoned for the word's sake ; and thou dids
bear all these things with patience, because the Lord was with thee ; an(
now thou knowest that the Lord did deliver thee.
And now my son Shiblon, I would that ye should remember that as mucl
as ye shall put your trust in God, even so much ye shall be delivered out o
your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions ; and ye shall be lifted u]
at the last day. Kow my son, I would not that ye should think that I knov
these things of myself, but it is the spirit of God which is in me, whicl
maketh these things known unto me : for if I had not been born of God, .
should not have known these things. But behold, the Lord in his grea
mercy sent his ange'l to declare unto me, that I must stop the work of de
struction among his people ; yea, and I have seen an angel face to face ; an(
he spake with me, and his voice was as thunder, and it shook the wholi
earth.
And it came to pass that I was three days and three nights id the mos
bitter pain and anguish of soul ; and never, until I did cry out unto the Lon
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. And now my son, '
have told you this, that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me tha
there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only in am
through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold
he is the word .of truth and righteousness. And now, as ye have begun t(
teach the word, even so I would that ye should continue to teach ; and '.
would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things. See that yi
are not lifted up unto pride : yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wis
dom, nor of your much strength ; use boldness, but not overbearance ; an(
also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love ; se(
that ye refrain from idleness ; do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye hav<
seen that they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom
Bo not say, God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren; bu
rather say, Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren ii
mercy ; yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times. Am
may the Lord bless your soul, and receive .you at the last day into his king
dom, to sit 'down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto thii
people. Be sober. My son, farewell.
CHAPTER XIX.
The commandments of Alma, to his son Gorianton.
And now my son, I have somewhat more to say unto thee than what '
said unto thy brother : for behold, have ye not observed the steadiness r>
thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keejiing the commandmenti
of God. Behold, has he not set a good example for thee ? For thou dids
not give so much heed unto my words as did thy brother, among the peoph
of the Zoramites. Now this is what I have against thee ; thou didst go or
unto boastin^in thy strength, and thy wisdom. And this is not all, my son
16 BOOK OV ALMA.
liuistry, and did go over into the land of Siron, among the borders of the
amanites, after the harlot Isabel ; yea, she did steal away the hearts of
lany ; but this was no excuse for thee, my pon. Thou shouldst have tend-
i to the ministry, wherewith thou wast entrusted. Know ye not, my son,
lat these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord ; yea, most
Dominable above all sins, save it be the shedding of innocent blood, or
snying the Holy Ghost ? for behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it
see has had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it ; behold, this is a
n which is unpardonable ; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light
id knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness ; yea, I
ly unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness,
nd now my son, I would to God that ye had not been guilty of so great a
■ime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it
ere not foi'-your good. But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from
od ; and except ye repent, they will stand as a testimony against you at
le last day. Now, my son, I would that ye should repent, and forsake your
ns, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all
lese things ; for except ye do this, ye can in no wise inherit the kingdom
f God. remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these
lings. And I command you to take it upon you to counsel your elder
[-others in your undertakings ; for behold, thou art in thy youth, and ye
and in need to be nourished by your brothers. And give heed to their
junsel ; suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing ;
iffer not that the devil lead away your heart again, after those wicked har-
its. Behold, my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites :
ir when they saw your conduct, they would not believe in my words. And
Dw the spirit of the Lord doth say unto me, command thy children to do
9od, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction : there-
pre I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your
iquities ; that ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might and strength ;
lat ye lead away the hearts of no more, to do wickedly ; but rather return
ato them, and acknowledge your faults, and retain that wrong which ye have
one ; seek not after riches, nor the vain things of this world ; for behold,
au cannot carry them with you.
And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the oom-
ig of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that is he that surely shall come, to
ike away the sins of the world j^ yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of
ilvation unto his people. And now my son, this was the ministry unto
hich ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to pre-
!ire their minds ; or rather that salvation might come unto them, that they
lay prepare the minds of their children to hear the word at the time of his
}ming. And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this subject. Be-
old, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand,
ehold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God, as a
>ul will be. at the time of his coming ? Is it not as necessary that the plan
f redemption should be made known unto this people, as well as unto their
bildren ? Is it not as easy at this time, for the Lord to send his angel
) declare these glad tidings unto us, as unto our children ; or as after the
me of his coming ? Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto
lee : for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection
f the dead. Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection ; or I
•ould say in other words, that this mortal does not put on immortality ;
lis corruption does not put on incorruption, until after the coming of Christ,
lehold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead. But behold, my ,
an, the resurrection is not yet. Now I unfold unto you a mystery : never-
BOOK OP ALMA. 2t'l
theless, there are many mysteries, which are kept, that no one knowetl
them, save God himself. But I shew unto you one thing, which J have in
quired diligently of God, that I might know ; that is, concerning'the resur
rection. Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth fron
the dead. Now when this time cometh, no one knows ; but God knowetl
the time which is appointed. Now whether there shall be one time, or i
second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, ii
mattereth not ; for God knoweth all these things ; and it sufficeth me t(
know that this is the case : that there is a time appointed that all shall ris<
from the dead. Now there must needs be a space betwixt the time of death
and the time of the resurrection. And now I would inquire what becometl
of the souls of men, from this time of death, to the time appointed for th(
resurrection ? Now whether there is mote than one time appointed foi
men to rise, it mattereth not ; for all do not die at once : and this mat
tereth not ; all is as one day, with God ; and time only is measured unt<
men ; therefore there in a time appointed unto men, that they shall risi
from the dead : and there is a space between the time of death and the res
urrection. And now concerning this space of time. What becometh o
the souls of men, is the thing which I have inquired diligently of the Lore
to know ; and this is the thing of which I do know. And when the timi
cometh when all shall rise, then shall they" know that GAd knoweth all thi
times which are appointed unto man. Now concerning the state of the sou
between death and resurrection. Behold, it has been made known unto me
by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed fron
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. And then shall it come t(
pass the spirits of those who are righteous, are received into a state of hap
piness, which is called paradise ; a, state of rest ; a slate of peace, when
they shall rest from all their troubles, and from all care, and sorrow, &o
And .then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who an
evil ; for behold, they have no part nor portion of the spirit of the Lord
for behold they choose evil works, rather than good ; therefore the spirit o
the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their Jiouse; and thesi
shall be cast out into outer darkness ; there shall be weeping and wailing an(
gnashing of teeth ; and this because of their own iniquity ; being led cap
tive by thewiU of the devil. Now this is the state of the souls of the wick
ed ; yea, in darkness, and H state of awfuj, fearful, looking for, of the fierj
■itadignation 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
Now there are some that have understood that this state of happiness, an(
this state of misery of the soul, before the resurrection, was a first resurrec
tioD. Yea, I admit it may be termed a resurrection ; the raising of th<
spirit or the soul, and their consignation to happiness or misery, according
to the words which have been spoken. And behold, again it hath beei
spoken, that there is a first resurrection ; a resurrection of all those wh(
have been, or who are, or who shall be, doVu to the resurrection of Chris
from the dead. Now we do not suppose that this first resurrection whicl
is spoken of in this manner, can be the resurrection of the souls, and thei:
consignation to happiness or misery. Te (jannot supposie that this is what i
meancth. Behold, I say unto you, nay ; but it meaneth the re-uniting o
the soul with the body of those from the days of Adam, down to the resur
rection of Christ. Now whether the souls and the bodies of those of whon
have been spoken, shall all be re-united at once, the wicked as well as th(
righteous, I do not say ; let it suffice, that I say that they all come forth
218 ■ BOOK OF ALMA.
of those who die after the resurrection of Christ. Now my son, I do not saj
that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ ; but behold, 1
give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are re-united, of the
righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into heaven. But
whether it be at his resurrection, or after, I do not say ; but this much ]
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 ap-
pointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be re-united, both soul
and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to
their works; yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those things of
which have been spoken by the mouths of the prophets. 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. And
now my eon, this is the restoration of whitfh has been spoken by the mouths
of the prophets. And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom
of God. Biit 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.
And now my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration oi
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. 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.
And it is requisite with the justice of God, that men should be judged ac-
cording 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 ; and if their works are evil, they shaH be
restored unto him for evil: therefore, all things shall be restored to theii
proper order ; every thing to its natural frame ; mortality raised to immor-
tality ; corruption to incorruptioB ; 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 ; the one raised to
happiness, according to his desires of happiness ; or good, according to hiE
desires of good ; and the other to evil, according to his desires of evil j foi
as he has desired to do evil all the day long, even so shall he have his re-
ward of evil, when the night cometh. 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 shall he be rewarded unto righteousness. These are they that arc
redeemed of the Lord : yea, these are they that are taken out, that are de-
livered from that endless night of darkness ; and thus they stand or fall ; foi
behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil. Now
the decrees of God are unalterable ; therefore the way is prepared, thai
whosoever will, may walk therein and be saved. And now behold, my son,
do not risk one more offence against your God upon those points of doC'
trine, which ye have hitherto risked to commit sin. Do not suppose, be-
cause it has been spcdcen concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored
from sin to happiness. Behold I say unto you, wickedness never was hap-
piness. And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would
BOOK or ALMA. 21!
say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds of in
iquity ; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary ti
the nature of God ; therefore they are in a state contrary to the nature ol
happiness. And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration, t(
take a thing of a-natural state, and place it in an unnatural state, or to plae^
it in a state opposite to its nature ? 0, my son, this is not the case ; bu
the meaning of the word restoration, is to bring back again evil for evil, o
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 ; morcifu
for that which is merciful ; therefore, my son, see that ye are merciful unt(
your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually ; am
if ye do all these things, then shall ye receive your reward ; yea, ye shal
have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unti
you again ; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again
and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again ; for that which ye do sen(
out, shall return unto you again, and be restored ; therefore the word resto
ration, more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.
And now, my son, I perceive there is somewhat more which doth worr;
your mind, which ye cannot understand, which is concerning the justice o;
God, in the punishment of the sinner : for ye do try to suppose that it is in
justice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery. Now be
hold, my son, I will explain this thing unto thee : for behold, after the Lori
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 a
the east end of the garden of Eden, Cherubim, and a flaming sword whicl
turned every way, to keep the tree of life. Now we see that the man ha(
become as God, knowing good and evil ; and lest he shpuld put forth hi
hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever, the Lori
God placed Cherubim and a flaming sword, that he should liot partake of th
fruit ; 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. For behold, ii
Adam had put forth his hand immediately, and partook of the tree of life
he would have lived forever, according to the word of God, having no spac^
for repentance ; yea, and also the word of God would have been void, am
the great plan of salvation would have been frustrated. But behold, it wa
appointed unto man to die ; therefore as they were cut off from the tree ol
life, they should be cut off from the face of the earth ; and man becami
lost forever ; yea, they became fallen man. And now we see by this, tha
our first parents were cut off, both temporally and spiritually, from th(
presence of the Lord : and thus we see they became subjects to follow afte
their own will. Now behold, it was not exfiedient that man should be re
claimed from this temporal death, for that would destroy the great plan ol
happiness ; therefore, as the soul could never die, and the fall had brilugh
upon all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal ; that is, they wer
out off from the presence of the Lord ; it was expedient that mankind shouli
be reclaim^ from this spiritual death ; therefore as they had become carnal
sensual and devilish, by nature, this probationary state became a state fo
them to prepare ; it became a preparatory state. And now remember, m;
son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside,) as soon a
they were dead, their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presenc
of the Lord. And now there was no means to reclaim men from this fallei
state which man had brought upon himself, because of his own disobedi
ence ; therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not bi
brought about, only, on condition of repentance of men in this probationar
20 BOOK OF ALMA.
lercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice,
ow the work of justice could not be destroyed : if so God would cease to
e God. And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in
le grasp of justice ; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever
3 be cut oif from his presence. And now the plan of mercy could not be
rought about, except an atonement should be made ; therefore God him-
3lf atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to
ppease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and
merciful God also. Now repentance ,coiild not come unto men, except
3ere were a punishment, which also was as eternal as the life of the soul
iiould be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal
Iso as the life of the soul. Now, how could a man repent, except he should
in ? How could he sin, if there was no law, how could there be a law, save
[lere was a punishment ? Now there was a punishment affixed, and a just
iw given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man. Now if there
■as no law given, if a man murdered he should die, would he be afraid he
iould die if he should murder? And also, if there was no law given against
:n, men would not be afraid of sin. And if there was no law given if men
nned, what could justice do, or mercy either : for they would have no
laim upon the creature. But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed,
ad repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth: otherwise,
istice claimeth the creature, and executeth the law, and the law infficteth
le punishment ; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and
rod would cease to be God. But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy
laimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement ; and
le atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead : and the resur-
sction of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God ; and thus
ley are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works ;
ccording to ths law and justice ; for behold, justice exerciseth all his de-
lands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own ; and thus, none but
le truly penitent are saved. What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob
istice ? I say unto you nay ; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be
od. And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes, which
ere prepared from the foundation of the world. And thus cometh about
le salvation and the redemption of men, and also their destruction and
lisery ; therefore, my son, whosoever will come, may come, and partake
f the waters of life freely ; and whosoever will not come, the same is not
Dmpelled to come ; but in the last day, it shall be restored unto him, ac-
Drding to his deeds. If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in
is days, behold evil shall be done unto him, according to the restoration
f God. And now my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble
ou no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall
ring you down unto repentance. my son, I desire that ye should deny
le justice of God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the
iast point, because of your sins, by denying the justice of God, but do you
it the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long suffering, hme full sway
1 your heart ; but let it bring you down to the dust in humility. And now,
i my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And
ow, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that
lou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may
ave claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to
ly words. Amen.
BOOK OF ALMA. 22!
CHAPTER XX.
And now it came to pass, that the sons of Alma did go forth among tb
people, to declare the word unto them. And Alma also, himself, could no
rest, and he also went forth. Now we shall say no more concerning thei
preaching, except that they preached the word, and the truth, according ti
the spirit of prophecy and revelation : and they preached after the hoi;
order of God, by which they were called.
And now I return to an account of the wars between the Nephites am
Lamanites, in the eighteenth year of the reign of the judges. For behold i
came to pass that the Zoramites became Lamanites ; therefore in the com
mencement of the eighteenth year, the people of the STephltes saw that th
Lamanites were coming upon them ; therefore they made preparations fo
war ; yea, they gathered together their armies in the land of Jershon. Am
it came to pass that the Lamanites came with their thousands ; and the;
came into the land of Antionum, which was the land of the Zoramites ; am
a man by the name of Zerahemnah was their leader. And now as the Am
alekites were of a more wicked and a murderous disposition than the La
manites were, in and of themselves, therefore Zerahemnah appointed chiei
captains over the Lamanites, and they were all the Amalekites and Zoram
ites. Now this he did, that he might preserve their hatred towards the Ne
phites ; that be might bring them into subjection, to the accomplishment o
bis designs ; for behold, his designs were to stir up the Lamanites to ange:
against the Nephites ; this he did that he might usurp great power ove;
them ; and also that he might gain power over the Nephites, by bringinj
them into bondage, &c. And now the design of the Nephites was to suppor
their lands, and their houses, and their wives and their children, that the;
might preserve them from the hands of their roemies, and also that the;
might preserve their rights a^d their privileges ; yea, and also their liberty
that they might worship God according to their desires ; for they knew tha
if they should fall into the bands of the Lamanites, that whosoever shouh
worship God, in spirit and in truth, the true and the living God, the Laman
ites would destroy ; yea, and they also knew the extreme hatred of the La
manites 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 ; there
fore if they should fall into the hands of the Lamanites, they would be de
stroyed. And the Nephites would not suffer that they should be destroyed
therefore they gave them lands for their inheritance. And the people o)
Ammon did give unto the Nephites a large portion of their substance, t<
support their armies ; and thus the Nephites were compelled, alone, to with
stand 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 o
Noah. Now those descendants were as numerous, nearly, as were the Ne
phites ; and thus the Nephites were obliged to contend with their brethren
even unto bloodshed.
And it came to pass as the armies of the Lamanites had gathered togeth
er in the land of Antionum, behold the armies of the Nephites were preparet
to meet them in the land Jershon. Now the leader of the Nephites, or,th(
man who had been appointed to be the chief captain over the l^ephites
WriTD- tVio ttUiff nuntain f.nn\r fho nnmmnnA r»f all +Tin aT.Tr,i£ici f\f tha "KanViitaa
22 BOOK OF ALUA.
rnments of their wars. And he ivas only twenty and five years old when he
as appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephites.
And it came to pa^stbat he met the Lamanitesin the borders of Jershon,
ad his people were arnned with swords, and with cimeters, and all manner
f weapons of war. Am "when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the
Bople of Nephi, or that Moroni had prepared his people with breast-plates,
id with arm-shields ; yea, and also shields to defend their heads ; and also
ley were dressed with thick clothing. Jfow the army of Zerahemnah was
Dt prepared with any such thing. They had only their swords, and their
meters, their bows and their arrows, their stones and their slings ; but they
ere naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins ; yea, all
ere naked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites. But they were
ot armed with breast-plates, nor shields ; therefore they were exceeding
aid of the armies of the Nephites, because of their armor, notwithstand-
ig their number being so much greater than the Nephites.
Behold, now it came to pass, that they durst not come against the Ne-
liites in the borders of Jetshon ; therefore they departed out of the land of
ntionum, into the wilderness, and took their journey round about in the
ilderness, away by the head of the river SidoD, that they might come into
le land of Manti, and take possession of the land ; for they did not suppose
lat the armies of Moroni would know whether they had gone. But it
ime to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness, Horoni sent
)ies into the wilderness, to watch their camp ; and Moroni, also, knowing
f the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he
lould inquire of the Lord whether the armies of the Nephites should go, to
efend themselves against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that the
ord of the Lord came unto Alma, and Alma informed the messengers of
Moroni that the armies ofiifce Lamanites were marching round about in the
ilderness, that they might cWae over into the land of Manti, that they
light commence an attacHtaipw the more weak part of the people. And
lose messengers went and delivered the message unto Moroni.
Now Moroni, leaving a part of his army in the land of Jershon, lest by
ly means, a part of the Lamanites should come into the land and take pos-
ission of the city, took the remainder part of his army and marched over
ito the land of Manti. And he caused that all the people in that quarter of
le land, should gather themselves together to battle, against the Laman-
es, to defend their lands and their country, their rights and their liberties ;
lerefore they were prepared against the time of the coming of the Laman-
es. And it came to pass, that Moroni caused that his army should be se-
:eted in the valley which was near the bank of the river Sidon, which was
1 the west of the river Sidon, in the wilderness. And Moroni placed spies
)und about, that he might know when the camp of the Lamanites should
>me.
And now as Moroni knew the intention of the Lamanites, that it was
leir intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject them and bring them
ito bondage, that they might establish a kingdom unto themselves, over all
le land ; and he also knowing that it was the only desire of the Nephites
I preserve their lands, and their liberty and their church, therefore he
lought it no an that he should defend them by stratagem ; therefore he
lund, by his spies, which course the Lamanites were to take. Therefore
B divided his army, and brought a part over into the valley, and concealed
lem on the east, and on the south of the hill Riplah ; and the remainder he
mcealed in the west valley, on the west of the river Sidon, and so down
ito the borders of the land Manti. And thus having placed his army ac-
jrding to his desire, he was prepared to meet them.
BOOK OF ALMA. 223
And it came to pass that the Liimanites came up on the north of tljc
hill where a part of the army of Moroni was concealed. And as the Laman-
Ites had passed the hill Riplah, and come into the valley, and began to cross
the river Sidon, the army which was concealed on the sonth of the hill,
which was led by a man whose name was Lehi ; and he led his army fortb
and encircled the Lamanites about, on the east in their rear.
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 content
with the army of Lehi ; 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 theii
cimeters, which brought death almost at every stroke ; while on the othei
hand, therewasnow and then a man fell among the Nephites, by theii
swords, and the loss of blood ; they being shielded from the more vital parti
of the body, or the more vital part of the body being shielded from th<
strokes of the Lamanites, by their breast-plates, and their arm-shields, and
their head-plates ; and thus the Nephites did carry on the work of deatl
among the Lamanites. And it came to pass that the Lamanites became
frightened, because of the great destruction among them, even until thej
began to flee towards the river Sidon. And they were pursued by Lehi anc
his men, and they were driven by Lehi into the waters of Sidon j and thej
crossed the waters of Sidon. And Lehi retained his a:rmies upon the banli
of the river Sidon, that they should not cross.
And it came to pass that Moroni and his army met the Lamanites in th(
valley, on the other side of the river Sidon, and began to fall upon them
and to slay them. And the Lamanites did flee again before them, towards
the land of Manti ; and they were met again by the armies of Moroni. Nov
in this case, the Lamanites did fight exceedingly ; yea, never had the La
manites been known to fight with such exceeding great strength and courage
no, not even from the beginning ; and they were inspired by the Zoramitcs
and the Amalekites, who were their chief captains and leaders, and by Zera
heninah, who was their chief captain, or their chief leader and commander
yea, they did fight like dragons ; and many of the Nephites were slain b}
their hands; yea, for they did smite in two many of their head-plates; am
they did pierce many of their breast-plates; and they did smite off many oi
their arms; and thus the Lamanites did smite in their fierce anger. Never
theless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause ; for tljey were no
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 ; and they were doing that whicl
they felt was the duty which they owed to their God ; for the Lord had sai(
unto them, and also unto their fathers, that inasmuch as ye are not guilt;
of the first offence, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to bi
slain by the hands o^ your enemies. And again, the Lord has said that y(
shall defend your families, even unto bloodshed ; therefore for this causi
were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves
and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and thei
religion.
And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fiercenes
and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee fror
them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired thei
hearts, with these thoughts ; yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty
yea, .tlieir freedom from bondage. And it came to pass that they turnei
upon the Lamanites, and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God
124 BOOK or AIMA.
gainst the Lamanites with power ; and in that self-same hoxir that they
ried unto the Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before
liem ; and they fled even to the waters of Sidon. Now the Lamanites were
lore numerous ; yea, by more than double the number of the Nephites ;
evertheleas, they were driven insomuch that they were gathered together
1 one body, in the valley, upon the bank, by the river Sidon ; therefore the
rmies of Moroni encircled them about ; yea, even on both sides of the river ;
jr behold, on the east, were the men of Lehi ; therefore when Zerahemnah
iw the men of Lehi on the east of the river Sidon, and the armies of Mo-
oni on the west of the river Sidon,. that they were encircled about by the
fephites, they were struck with terror. Now Moroni, when he saw their
jrror commanded his men that they should atop shedding their blood.
And it came to pass that they did stop, and withdrew a pace from them.
Lnd Moroni said unto ZerahSmnah, behold, Zerahemnah, that we do not
esire to be men of blood. Ye know that ye are in our hands, yet we do
ot desire to slay you. Behold, we have not come out to battle against
ou, that we might shed your blood, for power ; neither do we desire to
ring any one to the yoke of bondage. But this is the very cause for which
e have come against us ; yea, and ye are angry with us because of our re-
gion. But now ye behold that the Lord is with us ; and ye behold that
e has delivered you into our hands. And now I would that ye should un-
erstand that this is done unto us because of our religion and our faith in
hrist. And now yc see that ye cannot destroy this' our faith. Now ye
ie that this is the true faith of Qod ; yea, ye see that God will support, and
eep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our
lith, and our religion ; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be de-
;royed, except we should fall into transgression, and deny our faith. And
ow, Zerahemnah, I command you, in the name of that all-powerful God,
■ho has strengthened our arms, that we have gained power over you by
ur faith, by our religion, and by our rites of worship, and by our church,
rid by the sacred support which we owe to our wives and our children, by
lat liberty which binds us to our lands and our country ; yea, and also by
le maintenance of the sacred word of God, to which we owe all our happi-
ess ; and by all that is most dear unto us ; yea, and this is not all ; I com-
land you by all the desires which ye have for life, that ye deliver up your
eapons of war unto us, and we will seek not your blood, but we will spare
our lives,- if ye will gb your way, and come not again to war against us.
nd now if ye do not this, behold, ye are in our hands, and I will command
ly men that they shall fall upon you, and inflict the wounds of death in
jur bodies, that ye may become extinct ; and then we will see who shall
ive power over this people; yea, we will see who shall be brought into
ondage.
And now it came to pass that when Zerahemnah had heard these sayings,
3 came forth and delivered up his sword and his cimeter, and his bow into
le hands of Moroni, and said unto him, behold, here are our weapons of
ar ; we will deUver them up unto you, and we will not suffer ourselves to
ike an oath unto you, which we know that we shall break, and also our
lildren ; but take our weapons of war, and suffer that we may depart into
le wilderness ; otherwise we will retain our swords, and we will perish or
jnquer. Behold, we are not of your faith ; we do not believe that it is
od that has delivered us into your hands; but we believe that it is your
mning that has preserved you from our swords. Behold, it is your breast-
lates, and your shields that has preserved you. And now when Zerahemnah
id made an end of speaking these words, Moroni returned the sword and
le weapons of war which he had received, unto Zerahemnah, saying be-
BOOK or ALMA. 225
hold, we will end the conflict. Now I cannot retain the words which I have
spoken ; therefore as the Lord llveth, 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 sub-
mit to the conditions to which I hare proposed. 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 brolce 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.
Arid 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, 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.
Now there were many, when they heard these words, and saw the scalp
which wai 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.
Now it came to pass that Zerahemnah was exceeding wroth, and he did
stir vp the remainder of his soldiers to anger, to contend more powerfully
against the Nephites. And now Moroni was angry, because of the stub-
bornness of the Lamanites ; therefore he commanded his people that they
should fall upon them and slay them. And it came to pass that they began
to slay them : yea, and the Lamanites did contend with their swords and
their mights. But behold, their naked skins, and their bare heads, were
exposed to the sharp swords of the Nephites ; yea, behold, they were pierced
and smitten; yea, and did fall exceeding fast before the swords of the
Nephites ; and they began to be swept down, even as the soldier of Moroni
had prophesied. Now Zerahemnah, when he saw that they were all about
to be destroyed, cried mightily unto Moroni, promising that he would cove-
nant, 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. 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. Now the number of their dead were
not numbered, because of the greatness of the number; yea, the number of
their dead were exceeding great, both on the Nephites, and on the Laman-
ites. And it came to pass that they did oast their dead into the waters of
Sidon ; and they have gone forth, and are buried in the depths of the sea.
And the armies of the Nephites, or of Moroni, returned, and came to their
houses, and their lands. 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.
10*
26 BOOK OF ALMA.
CHAPTER SXI.
%e account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the
days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in
his days.
Behold, now it tame to pass that the people of Nephi were exceedingly
goiced, because the Lord had again delivered them out of the hands of
leir enemiesij therefore they gave thanks unto the Lord their God : yea,
id they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with
tceeding great joy.
And it came to pass in the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges
per the people of Nephi, that Alma came unto his son Helaman, and said unto
im, believest thou the words which I spake unto thee concerning those records
hich ha-ve been kept ? And Helaman said unto him, yea, I believe.- And
Ima said again, believe thou in Jesus Christ, who shall come ? And he said,
:a, I believe all the words which thou hast spoken. And Alma said unto him
;ain, will ye keep my commandments ? And he said, yea, I will keep thy
jmmandmeifts with all my heart. Then Alma said unto him, blessed art
lou : and the Lord shall prosper thee in this land. But behold, I have
)mewhat to prophesy unto thee ; but what I prophesy unto thee, ye shaU
ot make known ; yea, what I prophesy unto thee shall not be made known,
ren until the prophecy is fulfilled ; therefore write the words which I shall
ly. And these are the words : Behold, I perceive that this very people,
le Nephites, according to the spirit of revelation which is in me, in four
andred years from the time that Jesus Christ shall manifest himself unto
lem, shall dwindle in unbelief; yea, and then shall they see wars and pes-
lences, yea, famines and bloodshed, even until the people of Nephi shall
ecome extinct; yea, and this because they shall dwindle in unbelief, and
lU into theworks of darkness and lasciviousness, and all manner of iniquities ;
ea, I say unto you, that because they shall sin against so great light and
iiowledge; yea, I say unto you, that from that day, even the fourth gener-
tion shall not all pass away, before this great iniquity shall come; and
hen that great day cometh, behold, the time very soon cometh that those
ho are now, or the seed of those who are now numbered among the people of
ephi, .shall no more be numbered among the people of Nephi ; but whoso-
rer remaineth, and is not destroyed in that great and dreadful day, shall be
umbered among the Lamanites, and shall become like unto them, all, save
be a few, who shall be called the disciples of the Lord ; and them shall
le Lamanites pursue, even until they shall become extinct. And now,
ecause of iniquity, this prophecy shall be fulfilled.
And now it came to pass that after Alma had said these things to Hela-
lan, he blessed him, and also his other sons ; and he also blessed the earth,
jr the righteous' sake. And he said, thus saith the Lord God : Cursed shall
e the land, yea, this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people,
nto destruction, which do wickedly, when they are fully ripe ; and as I
ave said, so shall it be : for this is the cursing and the blessing of God
pon the land, for the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of
Uowance. And now, when Alma had said these words, he blessed the
hurch, yea, all those who should stand fast in the faith, from that time
enceforth ; and when Alma had done this, he departed out of the land of
;arahemla, as if to go into the Innd of Melek. And it came to pass that he
ras never heard of more ; as to his death or burial, we know not of. Be-
lold, this we know, that he was a righteous man ; and the saying went
BOOK OF ALMA. 22'
abi'oad in the church, that he was taken up by the spirit, or buried by th(
hand of the Lord, even as Moses. But behold, the scripture saith the Lori
took Moses unto liimself ; and we suppose that he has also received Almi
in the spirit, unto himself; therefore, for this cause, we know nothing con
cerning his death and burial.
And now it camo to pass in the commencement of the nineteenth yea
of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, that Helaman wen
forth among the people to declare the word unto them ; for behold, becausi
of their wars with the Lamanites, and the many little dissensions and dis
turbances, which had been among the people, it became expedient that thi
word of God should be declared among them ; yea, and that a regulatioi
should be made throughout the church ; therefore Helaman and his brethrei
went forth to establish the church again in all the land, yea, in every cit;
throughout all the land which was possessed by the people of Nephi. An<
it came to pass that they did appoint priests and teachers throughout al
the land, over all the churches.
And now it came to pass that after Helaman and his brethren ha(
appointed priests and teachers over the churches, that there arose a dissen
sion among them, and they would not give heed to the words of Helamai
ajid-his brethren; but they grew proud, being lifted up in their hearts
because of their exceeding great riches ; therefore they grew rich in thei
own eyes, and would not give heed to their words, to walk uprightly befori
God.
And it came to pass that as many as would not hearken to the words oi
Helaman and his brethren, were gathered together against their brethren
And now behold, they were exceeding wroth, insomuch that they were de
termined to slay them. Now the leader of those who were wroth agains
their brethren, was a large and a strong man ; and his name was Amalick
iah. And Amalickiah was desirous to be a king ; and those people whi
were wroth, were also derirous that he should be their king : and they wen
the greater part of them the lower judges of the land; and they were seek
ing for power. And they had been led by the flatteries of Amalickiah, tha
if they would support him, and establish him to be their king, that hi
would make them rulers over the people. Thus they were led away b;
Amalickiah, to dissensions, notwithstanding the preaching of Helaman am
his brethren ? yea, notwithstanding their exceeding great care over thi
church, for they were high priests over the church. And there were man;
in the church who believed in the iiattering words of Amalickiah ; therefori
they dissented even from the church ; and thus were the aifairs of th<
people of Nephi exceeding precarious and dangerous, notwithstanding thei
great victory which they had had over the Lamanites, and their great re
joicings whiph tliey had had, because of their deUverance by the hands o:
the Lord. Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lori
th^ir Grod ; yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evi
oiie ; yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very wicked man cai
cause to take place among the children of men f yea, we see that Amalick
iah, because he was a man of cunning devices, and a man of many flattei
ing 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 foundatioi
of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God ha
sent upon the face of the land, for the righteous' sake.
And now it .came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief command
cr of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he wa
angry with Amalickiah. And it came to pass that he rent his cOat ; and h
28 BOOK OE ALMA.
ad freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children ; and he fastened
upon the end of a pole thereof. And he fastened on his head-plate, and
is breast-plate, and bis shields, and girded on his armor about his loin^ ;
nd he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he
illed it the title of liberty,) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he
rayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his
rethren so long as there should a band of christians remain to possess the
ind ; for thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the
tiurch of God, called, by those who did not belong to the church ; and
lose who did belong to the church, were faithful ; yea, aU those who were
•ue believers'in Christ, took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or
iristians, as they were called, because of their belief in Christ, who should
jme ; and therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the
liristians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.
And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he
ate all the land which was south of the land Desolation : yea, and in fine,
1 the land, both on the north and on the south, a chosen land, and the land
f liberty. And he said, surely God shall not suffer that we, who are, de-
jised because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall be trodden down and
Bstroycd, until we bring it upon us, by our own transgressions. And When
!oroni had said these words, he went forth among the people, waving the
mt of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing which he had
rote upon the rent, and crying with a, loud voice, saying, behold, whoso-
rer will maintain this title upon the lamJ, let them come forth in the
length of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their
ghts, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.
And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, be-
old, the people camerimning together, with their armors girded about their
lins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would
ot forsake the Lord their God ; or, in other words, if they should trans-
ress the commandments of God, fall into transgression, and be asham-
J to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even
i they had rent their garments. Now this was the covenant which they
lade ; and they cast their garments at the feet of Moroni, saying, we cov-
lant with our God, that we shall be destroyed, even as our brethren in
le land northward, if we shall fall into transgression ; yea, he may cast us
t the feet of our enemies, even as we have cast our garments at thy feet, to
e trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression. Moroni said unto
lem, behold, we are a remnant of the seed of Jacob ; yea, we are a remnant
f the seed of Joseph, whose coat was rent by his brethren, into many
ieces ; yea, and now behold, let us remember to keep the commandments
f God, or our garments shall be rent by our brethren, and We be cast into
rison, or be sold, or be slain: yea, let us preserve our hberty, as' a rem-
ant of Joseph ; yea, let us remember the words of Jacob, before his death :
)r behold, he saw that a part of the remnant of the coat of Joseph was
reserved, and had not decayed. And he said, even as this remnant of gar-
lent of my sons hath been preserved, so shall a remnant of the seed of my
ms be preserved by the hand of God, and be taken unto himself, while the
jmainder of the seed of Joseph shall perish, even as the remnant of his gar-
lent. Now behold, this giveth my soul sorrow ; nevertheless,'my soul hath
)y in my son, because that part of his seed which shall be taken unto God.
Tow behold, this was the language of Jacob. And now who knoweth but
•hat the remnant of the seed of Joseph, which shall perish as his garment
re those who have dissented from us ; yea, and even shall it be us, if we do
ot stand fast in the faith of Christ.
BOOK OF ALMA. 229
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 main-
tain their liberty, to stand against Amalickiah, and those who had dissented,
who were called Amallckiahites.
And it came to pass that when Amalickiah saw that the people of Moroni
were more numerous than the Amallckiahites ; and he also saw that his peo-
ple 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.
Now Moroni thought it was not expedient that the Lamanites should
have any more strength ; therefore he thought to cut off the people of Ama-
lickiah, or to take them and bring them back, and put Amalickiah to death ;
yea, for he knew that they would stir up the Lamanites to anger againsi
them, and cause them to come to battle against them ; and this he knew
that Amalickiah would do, that he might obtain his purposes : therefore
Moroni thought it was expedient that he should take his armies, who had
gathered themselves together, and armed themselves, and entered into :
covenant to keep the peace : And it came to pass that he took his army,
and marched out into the wilderness, to cut off the course of Amalickiah ii
the wilderness.
And it came to pass that he did according to his desires, and marchec
forth into the wilderness, and headed the armies of Amalickiah. And ii
came to pass that Amalickiah fled with a small number of his men, and th(
remainder were delivered up into the hands of Moroni, and were taken bad
into the land of Zarahemla. Now Moroni being a man who was appointee
by the chief judges and the voice of the people, therefore he had- power ac
cording to his will, with the armies of the Nephites, to establish and to exer
else authority over them.
And it came to pass that whomsoever of the Amallckiahites that wouk
not enter into a covenant to support the cause of freedom, that they mighi
maintain a free government, he caused to be put to death : and there was bu
few who denied the covenant of freedom.
<i And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of liberty to be hoiste(
upon every tower which was in all the land, which was possessed by the Ne
phites ; and thus Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites
And they began to have peace again in the land ; and thus they did main
tain peace in the land, until nearly the end of the nineteenth year of thi
reign of the judges. And Helaman and the high priests did also maintah
order in the church ; yea, even for the space of four years, did they hav(
much peace and rejoicing in the church.
And it came to pass that there were many who died, firmly believinj
that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ ; thus they wen
out of the world rejoicilfg. And there were some who died with fevers
which at some seasons of the year was very frequent in the land ; but no
so much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plant
and roots which God had prepared, to remove the cause of diseases to whic!
men were subject by the nature of the climate. But there were many wh(
died with old age ; and those who died in the faith of Christ, are happy ii
him, as we must needs suppose. Now we will return in our record, to Ama
lickiah, and those who had fled with him into the wilderness : for behold, h
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 th
oeople of Nephi, insomuch that the king of the Lamanites, sent a proclama
230 BOOK or ALMA.
tion throughout all his land, among all his people, that they should gather
themselves together again, to go to battle against the Nephites.
And it came to pass that when the proclamation had gone forth among
them, they were exceeding fraid ; yea, they feared to displease the king, and
they also feared to go to battle against the Nephites,, lest they should lose
their lives. And it came to pass that they would not, or the more part of
them, would not obey the commandments of the king.
And now it came to pass that the king was wroth, because of their dis-
obedience ;. 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. Now behold, this was the de-
sire 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 Laraanites. 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 sup-
posing that they were coming to destroy them, therefore they fled to Onidah,
to the place of arms. 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 thoy would not be subjected to go against the Nephites.
And it came to pass that they had gathered themselves together upon
the top of the mount \rhich was called Antipas, in preparation to battle.
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. And behold,
it came to pass that he caused his army to pitch their tents in the valley
which was near the mount Antipas. 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,,who!ie name was Lehonti, that he
should come down to the foot of. the mount, for he desired to speak with
him.
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. 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 Le-
honti's camp ; and he sent again the fourth time, hia message unto Lehonti,
desiring that he would come down, and that he would bring bis guards
with him.
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 gave 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.
And it came to pass that Lehonti came down with his men, and sur-
rounded the men of Amalickiah, so that before they awoke at the dawn of
the day, they were surrounded by the armies of Lehonti. And it came to
pass that when they saw they were surrounded, they plead with Amalickiah
that he would suffer them to fall in with their brethren, that they might not
oe destroyed. Now this was the very thing which AmaUckiah desired.
And it came to pass that he delivered his men, contrary to the commands
BOOK OF ALMA. 23-1
of the king. Now this was the thing that Amaliclsiah desired, that he might
accomplish his designs in dethroning the king. Now it was the custom
among the Lamanites, if their chief leader was killed, to appoint the second
leader to be their chief leader.
And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of his servants
should administer poison, by degrees to Lehonti, that he died. Now when
Lehonti was dead, the Lamanites appointed Amalickiah to be their leader
ind^ their chief commander. 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. And the king came out to meet
him, with his guards : for he supposed that Amalickiah had fulfilled his com-
mands, and that Amalickiah had gathered together so great an army to go
against the Nephites to battle. 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. 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. 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. Now the servants of the
king fled ; and the servants of Amalickiah raised a cry, saying, behold, the
servants of the king have stabbed him to the heart, and he has fell, and they
have fled ; behold, come and see.
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 whomsoever loved the king, let him go forth and pur-
sue his servants, that they may be slain.
And it came to pass that when all they who loved the king, when they
beard these words, came forth and pursued after the servants of the king.
Now when the servants of the king saw an army pursuing after them, they
were frighted again, and fled into the wilderness, and came over in the land
of Zarahemla, and joined the people of Ammon ; and the army which pur-
sued after them, returned, having pursued after them in vain : and thus
Amalickiah, by his fraud, gained the hearts of the people.
And it came to pass On the morrow, he entered the city of Nephi, with
his armies, and took possession of the city. 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, 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.
And it came to pass that Amalickiah took the same servant that slew the
king, and all they who were with him, and went in unto the queen, unto the
place where she sat ; and they a|l testified unto her that the king was slain
by his own servants ; and they said also, they have fled ; does not this tes-
tify against them ? And thus they satisfied the queen concerning the death
of the king.
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 obtamed the kingdom ; yea, he was acknowledged
king throughout all the land, among all the people of the Lamanites, who
232 BOOK OF ALMA.
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. 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 tradi-
tions of the Lamanites, giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciv-
iousness ; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God.
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 ; 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, hav-
ing 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, therefore he had accomplished his design, for he had hard-
ened 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. For he was determined, because of
the greatness of the number of his people, to overpower the Nephites, and
to bring them into bondage ; and thus he did appoint chief captains of the ■
Zoramites, they being the most acquainted with the strength of the Ne-
phites, and their places of resort, and the weakest parts of their cities ;
therefore he appointed them to be chief captains over his armies.
And it came to pass that they took their camp, and moved forth towards
the land of Zarahemla, in the wilderness. 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 ; 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 ; and in their weakest fortifications, be
did place the greater number of men ; and thus he did fortify and strengthen
the land which was possessed by the Nephites. 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 chris-
tians. 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 ; 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 wel-
fare and safety of his people ; 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. Now
the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even
to the shedding of blood, if it were necessary ; yea, and they were also
taught never to give an offence ; yea, and never to raise the sword, except
it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives ; and this
was their faith, that by so doing, God would prosper them in the land ; or
m other words, if they were faithful in keeping the commandments of God,
BOOK or ALMA. 233
that he would prosper them in the land ; yea, warn them to flee, or to pre-
pare for war, according to their danger ; 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. Yea, verily, verily I
say unto you, if nil 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. Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Hosiah, yea, and
even the other sons of Mosiah ; yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they
were all men of God. 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. And thus they went forth, and the people did
humble themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were hJghly
favored of the Lord ; and thus they were free from wars and contentions
among themselves ; yea, even for the space of four years. But as I have
said in the latter end of the nineteenth ; yea, notwithstanding their peace
amongst themselves, they were compelled reluctantly to contend with their
brethren, the Lamanites ; yea, and in fine, their wars never did cease for
the space of many years with the Lamanites, notwithstanding their much
reluctance. 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 breth-
ren out of this world into an eternal world unprepared to meet their God ;
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 ;
yea, they coiild not bear that their brethren should rejoice over the blood
of the Nephites, so long as there were any who should keep the command-
ments of God, for the promise of the Lord was, if they should keep his com-
mandments, they should prosper in the land.
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 ap-
proaching towards the land of Ammonihah. And behold, the city had been
re-built, and Moroni had stationed an army by the borders of the city, and
they had cast up dirt round about, to shield them from the arrows and the
stones of the Lamanites : for behold, they fought with stones, and with
arrows. Behold, I said that the city of Ammonihah had been re-built. I
say unto you, yea, that it was in part re-built, and because the Lamanites
had destroyed it once because of the iniquity of the people, they supposed
that it would again become an easy prey for them. 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 arrows at them, that they might take effect, neither
could they come upon them, save it was by their place of entrance. 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.
Now tl>e leaders of the Lamanites had supposed, because of the greatness of
their numbers ; yea, they supposed that they should be privileged to como
upon them as they had hitherto done ; yea, and they had alsq^ prepared
themselves with shields, and with breast-plates ; and they had also prepared
234 BOOK OP ALMA.
themselves with garments of skins ; yea, very thick garments, to cover their
nakedness. 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. But behold, to their uttermost
astonishment, they were prepared for them, in a manner which never had
been known among the children of Lchi. Now they were prepared for the
Lamanites, to battle, after the manner of the instructions of Moroni. And
it came to pass that the Lamanites, or the Amalickiahites, were exceedingly
astonished at their manner of preparation for war. Now if king Amalick-
iah had come 4own out of the land of Nephi, at the head of his army, per-
haps he would have caused the Lamanites to have attacked the.Nephites at
the city of Aramonihah ; for behold, he did care not for the blood of his
people. But behold, Amalickiah did not come down himself to battle. And
behold, his chief captains durst not attack the Nephites at the city of Am-
monihah, for Moroni had altered the management of affairs among the
Nephites, insomuch that the Lamanites were disappointed in their placed of
retreat, and they could not come upon them ; 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 Ne-
phites ; 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 ctiief
captains came forward, and took an oath that they would destroy the peo-
ple of that city. But behold, to their astonishment, the city of Noah, which
had hitherto been a weak place, had now, by the means of Moroni, becoine
strong ; yea, even to exceed the strength of the city Ammonihah. 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. 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.
And now behold, it came to pass, that when the Lamanites had found
that Lehi commanded the city, they were again disappointed, for they fear-
ed Lehi exceedingly ; nevertheless, their chief captains had sworn with an
oath, to attack the city ; therefore they brought up their armies. 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. And thus were the Nephites prepared to de-
stroy all such as should attempt to climb up to enter the fort by any other
way, by casting over stones and arrows at them. Thus they were prepared ;
yea, a body of their most strong men, with their swords and their slings, to
smite down all who should attempt to come into their place of security, by
the place of entrance ; and thus were they prepared to defend themselves
against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that the captains of the Laman-
ites brought up their armies before the place of entrance, and began to con-
tend 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. Now when they found that they could not obtain
power over the Nephites by the pass, they began to dig down their banks of
earth, that they might obtain a pass to their armies, that they might have
an equal chance to fight ; but behold, in these attempts, they were swept off
by the stones and the arrows which were thrown at them ; and instead of
BOOK OP ALMA. 235
filling up their ditches by pulling down the banks of the earth, they were
filled up in a measure, with their dead and wounded bodies. Thus the
Nephites had all power over their enemies ; and thus the Lamanites did at-
tempt to destroy the Nephltes, 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. 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 breast-plates, and their head-plates, insomuch that their wounds
were upon their legs : many of which were very severe.
And it came to pass, that when the Lamanites saw that their chief cap-
tains were Ml slain, they fled into the wilderness. And it came to pass that
they returned to the land of Kephi, to inform their king, Amalickiah, who
was a Nephite by birth, concerning their great loss. And it came to pass
that he wag exceeding angry with his people, because he had not obtained
his desire over the Nephites ; he had not subjected them to the yoke of
bondage ; yea, he was exceeding wroth, and he did curse God, and also Mo-
roni, and swearing with an oath that he would drink his blood ; and this be-
cause Moroni had kept the commandments of God in preparing for the
safety of his people. And it came to pass, that on the other hand, the peo-
ple of Neplii did thank the Lord their God, because of his matchless power
in delivering them from the hands of their enemies. And thus ended the
nineteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi; yea,
and there was continual peace among^themj and exceeding great prosperity
in the church, because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the
word of God, which was declared unto them bj^Helaman, and Shiblon, and
Gorianton, and Ammon, and his brethren, &e. : yea, and by all those who
had been ordained by the holy order of God, being baptized unto repent-
ance, and sent forth to preach among the people, &c.
CHAPTER XXII.
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 N^ephites ; 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. And he caused that upon those works of tim-
bers, there should be a frame of pickets built upon the timbers, roundabout ;
and they were strong and high ; 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. 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. Thus Mo-
roni did prepare strong holds against the coming of their enemies, round f i
about every city in all the land. r-
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 La-
manites who were in the east wilderness into their own lands, which were
236 BOOK OF ALMA.
south of the land of Zarahemla; and the land of Nephi did run in a straight
course from the east sea to the west. And it came to pass that when Mo-
roni 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 sea-shore, and
possess the land. 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. And
thus he cut off all the strong holds of the Lamanites, in the east wilderness:
yea, and also on the west, fortifying the line between the Nephites and the
Lamanites, between the land of Zarahemla and the land of Nephi'; from-the
west sea, running by the head of the river gidon ; the Kepbitea possessing
all the land northward ; yea, even all the land which was northward of the
land Bountifulj according to their pleasure. Thus Moroni, with his armies,
which did increase daily, because of the assurance of protection which his
works did bring forth unto them ; therefore they did seek to cut off the
strength and the power of the Lamanites, from off the lands of their posses-
sions, that they should have no power iipon the lands of their possession.
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 in the south by the line of the, possessions of the Lamanites. And
they also began a foundation for a city between the city of Moroni and the
city of Aaron, joining the borders of Aaroifl'and Moroni ; and they called
the name of the city, or the land, Nephihah. And they also began, in that
same year, to build many ci(jes on the north ; one in a particular manner
which they called Lehi, which was in the north, by the borders of the sea-
shore. And thus ended the twentieth year. And" in these prosperous cir-
cumstances 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. And
they did prosper exceedingly, and they became exceeding rich ; yea, and
they did multiply, and were strong in the land. And thus we see how mer-
ciful 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, blessed art thou and
thy children; and they shall be blessed: inasmuch as they shall keep mj
commandments, they shall prosper in the land. But remember, inasmuch
as they will not keep my commandments, they shall be cut off from the pres-
ence of the Lord. And we see that these promises have been verified to
the people of Nephi ; for it has been their qnarrellings and their conten-
tions, 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. 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. 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.
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.
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
BOOK OP ALMA. 237
joined upon the borders of Lehi ; both of which were on the borders by the
sea-shore. 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 con- *
tention between them, insomuch that the people of Morianton took arms
against their brethren^, and they were determined by the sword to slay them.
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. -,
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 exceeding fearful lest the army of
Moroni should come upon them, and destroy them ; therefore, Morianton
put it into their hearts that they should flee to the land which was north-
ward, which was covered with large bodies of water, and take possession of
the land which was northward. 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. And it came to pass that she fled, and came over to the camp of Mo-
roni, and told Moroni all things concerning, the matter ; and also concern-
ing their intentions to flee into the land northward. Now behold, the peo-
ple 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 possessioiv 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; therefore
Moroni sent an army, with their camp, to head the people of Morianton, to
stop their flight into the land northward. And it came to pass that they
did not head them, until they had come to the borders of the land Desola-
tion : 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.
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 wick-
edness 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. And
thus was the people of Morianton brought back. -And upon their covenant-
ing 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.
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, hav-
ing filled the judgment seat with perfect uprightness before God ; neverthe-
less, 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.
Behold, it came to pass that the sou 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. Now behold, his
238 BOOK OF ALMA.
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 peo-
ple of Nephi.
CHAPTER XXIII.
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 estab-
hshed peace between the people of Lehi and the people of Moriftnton con-
cerning their lands, and having commenced the twenty and fifth year in
peace; 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 W'ere a part of the people who desired
that a few paritioular points of the law should be altered. But behold, Pa-
horan 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, concern-
ing the altering of the law ; 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 con-
cerning the matter ; but not unto bloodshed.
And it came to pass that those who were desirous that Pahoran should
be dethroned from the judgment seat, wero-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. And those who were
desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land, took upon
tliem the name of freemen ; and thus was the division among them; for the
freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights, and the privi-
leges of their religion, by a free government.
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 als6many
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. 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 au-
thority over the people. -But behold, this was a critical time for such con-
tentions to be among the people of Nephi ; for behold, Amalickiah had
again stirred up the hearts of the people of the Lamanites, against the peo-
ple 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. 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. 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 wonderfVil great army, inso-
much that_ he feared not to come down to the land of Zarahemla. 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 began to settle the affairs of their con-
tentions concerning the chief judge, Pahoran.
And it came to pass that when the men who wore called king-men, had
BOOK OP ALMA. 239
beard that the Lamanites were coming doirn 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 <lefend their country. And it came to pass that
when Moroni saw this, and also saw that the Lamanites were coming into
the borders of the land, he was exceeding wroth, because of the stubborn-
ness of those people, whom he had labored with so much diligence to pre-
serve ; yea, he was exceeding wroth ; his soul was filled with anger against
them. 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 coun-
try, or to put them to death ; 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.
And it came to pass that Moroni commanded that his army should go
against those king-men, to pull down their pride and nobility, and level them
with the earth, or they should take up arms and support the cause of liberty.
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 Uft
their weapons of war to fight against the men of Moroni, they were hewn
down, and levelled to the earth. And it came to pass tha* 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 ; and the remainder of
those dissenters, rather than be smote down to the earth by the sword,
yielded to the standard of liberty, and were compelled to hoist the title of
Kberty upon their towers, and in their cities, and to take up arms in defence
of their country. 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.
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 La-
manites, behold, the Lamanites had come into the land of Moroni, which
was in the borders by the seashore.
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. 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 gath-
ered themselves together, and made preparations, and were ready to receive
the Lamanites to battle.
But it came to pass that Amalickiah would not suffer the Lamanites to
go against the city of Nephihah to battle, but kept them down by the sea-
shore, leaving men in every city to maintain and defend it ; 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. And thus had the Lamanites obtained, by the cunning of Ama-
lickiah, so many cities, by their numberless hosts, all of which were strongly
240 BOOK or ALMA.
fortified, after the manner of the forti6cations of Moroni ; all of which afford-
ed strong holds for the Lamanites.
* And it came to pass that they marched to the borders of the land Boun-
tiful, driving the Nephites before them, and slaying many. But it came to
pass that they were met by Teancum, who had slain Morianton, and had
headed the people in his flight. And it came to pas.s that he headed Ama-
lickiah also, and he was marching forth with his numerous army, that he
might take possession of the land Bountiful, and also the laud northward.
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.
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 Ama-
lickiah did pitch his tents in the borders on the beach by the seashore, and
after this manner were they driven.
And it came to pass that when the night had come, Teancum and his
servant stole forth and went out by night, and went in to the camp of Am-
alickiah ; and behold, sleep had overpowered them, because of their much
fatigue, which was caused by the labors and heat of the day.
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 imme-
diately, that he did not awake his servants. 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. And he caused that his
armies should stand in readiness, lest the Lamanites had awoke, and should
come upon them. And thus ended the twenty and fifth year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi ; and thus ended the days of Amo-
lickiab.
CHAPTER XXIV.
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. And now when the Lamanites saw this, they were
affrighted; and'they abandoned their design in marching to the land north-
ward, and retreated with all thejr army into the city of Mulek, and sought
protection in their fortifications. And it came to pass that the brother of
Amalickiah was appointed king over the people ; and his name was Am-
moron ; thus king Ammoron, the brother of king Amalicliiah, was appointed
to reign in his stead.
And it came to pass that he did command that his people should main-
tain those cities which they had taken by the shedding of blood ; for they
had not taken any cities, save they had lost much blood. And now Tean-
cum saw that the Lamanites were determined to maintain those cities which
they had taken, and those parts of the land which they had obtained pos-
session 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 ■
but he kept his men round about, as if making preparations for war ; yea
BOOK OP ALMA. 241
md truly he was preparing to defend himself against them, by casting up
nralls round about, and preparing places of resort.
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 ; 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 rdnsom for those whom the
Lamanites had taken. 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. 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. And he also
6!ud 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 1 cannot come unto you.
Now the king (Ammoron,) had departed out of the land of Zarahemla,
and 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 ; and thus he was en-
deavoring 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. 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.
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 establish-
ed armies to protect the south and the west borders of the land, had began
his march towards the land Bountiful, that he might assist Teancum with his
men, in retaking the cities which they had lost. 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.
And it came to pass that Teancum made preparations to make an attack
upon the city of MiJek, and march forth with his army against the Laman-
ites ; 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 Bountifiil, to wait for the coming of Moroni, that
he might receive strength to his army.
And it came to pass that Moroni did arrive with his army to the land of
Bountiful, in the latter end of the twenty and seventh year of the reign of
the judges over the people of Nephi. And in the commencement of the
twenty and eighth year, Moroni and Teancum, and many of the chief cap-
tains, held a council of war, what they should do to cause the Lamanites to
come out agiunst them to battle ; or that they might by some means, flatter
them out of their strong holds, that they might gain advantage over them,
and take again the city of Mulek.
And it came to pass that they sent embassies to the army of the Laman-
ites, which protected the city of Mulek, to their leader, whose name was
242 BOOK OF ALMA.
Jacob, desiring liim that lie would come out with his armies to meet them
upon the plains, between the two cities. But behold, Jacob who was a Zo-
ramite, would not come out with his army to meet them upon the plains.
And it cnme to pass that Moroni, having no hopes of meeting them upon
&ir grounds, therefore he resolved upon a plan that he might decoy the La-
manites out of their strong holds. Therefore he caused that Teancum should
take a small number of men, and march down near the seashore ; and Mo-
roni 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 Lamauites
had discovered Teancum, they ran and told it unto Jacob, their. leader.
And it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites did march forth
against Teancum, supposing by their numbers to overpower Teancum, be-
cause 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.
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. 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. 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 pui-suit of Teancum.
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. 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 Lelii were fresh. 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. Now Lehi was not desirous to
overtake them, till they should meet Moroni and his army. 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. And Moroni commanded bis
men that they should fall upon them, until they had given up their weapons
of war.
And it came to pass that Jacob, being their leader, being also a Zoram-
ite, and having an unconquerable spirit, he led the Lamanites forth to battle,
with exceeding fury against Moroni. 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.
And it came to pass that they fought on both hands with exceeding fury ;
»nd there were many slain on both sides ; yea, and Moroni was wounded,
jind Jacob was killed. And Lehi pressed upon their rear with such fury,
with his strong men, that the Lamanites in the rear delivered up their weap-
ons of war ; and the remainder of them, being much confused, knew not
whether to go or to strike. Now Moroni seeing their confusion, he SMd
unto them, if ye will bring forth your weapons of war, and deliver them up,
behold we will forbear shedding your blood. And it came to pass that wlicn
BOOK OF ALMA. 243
the Lamanites had heard these words, their chief captains, all those who
were not slain, came forth and threw down theif weapons of war at the feet
of Moroni, and also commanded their men that they should do the same :
but behold, there were many that would not ; and those who would not de-
liver 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. And now the number of prisoners who were taken,
txceeded more than the number of those who had been slain ; yea, more
than those who had been slain onr both sides.
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. 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 Mo'
roni ; and they rejoiced in each other's safety ; yea, they were beloved by
each other, and also beloved by all the people of Nephi.
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 ; and he caused that tjtey should build a breastwork of tim-
bers 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 La-
manites to labor, until they had encircled the city of Bountiful round about
with a strong wall of timbers and earth, to an exceeding height. And this
city became an exceeding strong hold ever after ; and in this city they did
guard tlie prisoners of the Lamanites; yea, even within a wall, which they
had caused them to build with their own hands. Now Moroni was compelled
to cause the Lamanites to labor, because it were easy to guard them while
at their labor ; and he desired all his forces, when he should make an attack
upon the Lamanites.
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 Mulek, which was one of the 'strongest holds of the Lamanites
in the land of Nephi ; and thus he had also built a strong hold to retain his
prisoners. 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.
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 pos-
session of a number of their cities in that part of the land ; and thus be-
cause of iniquity amongst themselves, yea, because of dissensions and in-
trigue among themselves, they were placed in the most dangerous circum-
stances.
And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people of Am-
mon, who, in the beginning, were Lamanites ; but by Ammon and his breth-
ren, 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,
ind had ever sinoebeen protected by the Nephites ; and because of their
244 BOOK OP ALMA.
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 ac-
cording to their oath, they would have perished ; yea, they would have Buf-
fered 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 ; and for this cause, they were brought down into the
land of Zarahemla ; and they ever had been protected by the Nephites.
But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the many afflic-
tions 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. 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 ; 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 afSictions, in their dangerous circumstances, at this time.
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 them-
selves against their enemies ; therefore they did assemble themselves together
at this time, as many as were able to take up arms ; and they called them-
selves Nephites ; 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.
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.
And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the Ne-
phites, 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. And they were all young men, and they were exceeding val-
iant 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 ; yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had
been taught to keep the commandments of God, and to walk uprightly be-
fore him.
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. And thus ended the twenty and
eighth year of the reign of the judges over the people of NepW, &c.
CHAPTER XXV .
And now it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year of the judges,
that Ammoron sent Unto Moroni, desiring that he would exchange prisoners.
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. 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
BOOK or ALMA. 245
the Nephitea from the Lamanitea, aa it were possible ; 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 Ammo-
ron, saying, behold, Ammoron, I have written unto you somewhat concern-
ing thia war which ye have waged against my people, or rather which thy
brother hath waged againat them, and which ye are still determined to carry
on after his death. Sehold I would tell you something concerning the jus-
tice of God, and the sword of his Almighty wrath, which doth hang over
you, except ye repent and withdraw your armies into your own lands, or the
lands of your possessions, which is the land of Nephi ; 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 land withdraw your murderous
purposes, and return with your armies to your own lands ; but as ye have
rejected these things, and have fought against the people of the Lord, even
so I may expect you will do it again.
And now behold, we are prepared to receive you ; yea, and except ye with-
draw your purposes, behold, ye will pull down the wrath of that God whom
you have rejected, upon you, even to your utter destruction ; but as the Lord
liveth, our armies ahall 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. But behold, it
supposeth me that I talk to you concerning these things in vain; or it sup-
poseth me that thou art a child of hell ; therefore I wUl close my epistle, by
telling you that I will not exchange prisoners, save it be on conditions that
ye wUl 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. And behold, if ye 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. 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 of our first inherit-
ance. Now I close my epistle. I am Moroni ; I am a leader of the people
of the Nephitea.
Now Jt came to pass that Ammoron, when he had received this epistle he
waa angry ; and he wrote another epiatle unto Moroni ; and these are the
words which he wrote, saying, I am Ammoron, the king of the Lamanites;
I am the brother of Anjaliokiah, whom ye have murdered. Behold, I wilt
avenge his blood upon you ; yea, and I will come upon you with my armies,
for I fear not your threateninga. For behold, your fathera did wrong their
brethren, inaomuch that they did rob them of their right to the government,
when it rightly belonged unto them. And now behold, if ye will lay down
your arms, and subject;youi'selves to be governed by those to whom the gov-
ernment doth rightly belong, then will I cause that my people shall lay down
their weapons, and shall be at war no more. Behold, ye have breathed out many
threateninga against me and my people : but behold, we fear not your threat-
enings ; nevertheless, I will grant to exchange prisoners according to your
request, gladly, that 1 may preserve my food for my men of war ; and we
will wage a war which shall he eternal, either to the subjecting the Nephites
to our authority, or to their eternal extinction. 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 being, we know not but that he
246 BOOK OP ALMA.
hath made us as well as you ; 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 be-
hold these things mattereth not. I am Ammoron, and a descendant of Zoram,
whom your fathers pressed and brought out of Jerusalem. 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.' . _ _
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. 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. Behold, I know
the place where the Lamanites doth guard my people, whom they have taken
prisoners ; and as Ammoron would not grant uivto me mine epistle, behold,
I will ^ve unto him according to my words ; yea^ I 'will seek death among
them, until they shall sue for peace. 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 ^'09.'^ descendant of Laman
among them.
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,
Now Moroni caused that Laman and a small number of his men, should go
forth unto the guards who were over the Nephites. 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. '
And when it was evening, Laman went to tlie guSrds 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 es-
caped from the Nephites, and they sleepeth ; and behold, we have took of
their wine, and brought with us. 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. 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. 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. And La-
man said unto them, you may do according to your, desires. 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.
And it came to pass that they did drink and were merry, and by and by
they were all drunken. 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. And now this was according
to the design of Moroni. And Moroni had prepared his men with weapons
of war ; and he sent to the cit/of Gid, while the Lamanites were in a deep
sleep, and drunken, and cast in the weapons of war in unto the prisoners,
insomuch that they were all armed ; yea, even to their women, and all those
of their children, as many as were able to use a weapon of war • when Moro-
ni had armed all those prisoners. And all those things were done in a pro-
found silence. But had they awoke the Lamanites, behold they were
BOOK or ALMA. 247
drunken, and the Nephltes could have slain them. Bnt behold this was not
the desire of Moroni. He did not delight in murder or bloodshed ; but h«
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. But he had obtained his desires ;
for he had armed those prisoners of the Nephites who were within the wall
of the city, and he gave them power to gain possession of those parts which
were within the walls ; and then he caused the men who were with him, to
withdraw a pace from them, and surround the armies of the Lamanites.
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 Ne-
phites without, and that their prisoners were armed within. 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. Now behold, this was the desire of Moroni. He took them prison-
ers 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 Mo-
roni, and were a great strength to his army.
And it came to pass that be did cause the Lamanites whom he had taken
prisoners, that they should commence a labor in strengthening the fortifica-
tions round about the city Gid. And it came to pass that when he had for-
tified the city Gid, according to his desires, he caused that his prisoners
should be tdken to the city Bountiful. And he also guarded that city with
an exceeding strong force. And it came to pass that they did, notwithstand-
ing 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. And it came to pass that the Nephites began again
to be victorious, and to reclaim their rights and their privileges. Many
times did the Lamanites attempt to encircle them about by night, but in
these attempts they did lose many prisoners. And many times did they
attempt to administer of their wine to the Nephites, that they might destroy
them with pois(Jn or with drunkenness. But behold, the Nephites were not
slow to remember the Lord their God, in this their times of affliction. They
could not be taken in their snares ; yea, they would not partake of their
wine, save they had firstly given to some of the Lamanite prisoners. 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. And now it came to pass that it was
expedient for Moroni to make preparations to attack the city Morlanton.
For behold, the Lamanites had, by their labors, fortified the city Morianton
until it had liecome an exceeding strong hold ; and thdy were continually
bringing new forces into that city, and also new supplies of provisions. And
thus ended the twenty and ninth year of the reign of the judges over the
people of Nephi.
CHAPTER XXVI.
And now it came to pass in the commencement of the thirtieth year of
the reign of the judges, in the second day, on the first month, Moroni re-
ceived an epistle from Helaman, stating the affairs of the people in that
quarter of.the land. And these are the words which he wrote, saying, my
248 BOOK OF ALMA.
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 con-
cerning our warfare in this part of the land. 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, Now I need not rehearse unto you concern-
ing their traditions or their unbelief, for thou knowest concerning all these
things ; therefore it sufiBceth 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. 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.
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. But I woiild
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. 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 thou-
sand young men, to the city of Judea, to assist Antipus, whom ye had ap-
pointed a leader over the people of that part of the land. 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 Lamauites because their forces had slain
a vast number of our men ; for which cause we have to mourn. Neverthe-
less, 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. And the La-
manites 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. And now
these are the cities which the Lamanites have obtained possession, by the
shedding of the blood of so many of our valiant men : The land of Manti, or
the city of Manti, and the city of Zeezrom, and the city of Cumeni, and the
city of Anliparah. And these are the cities which they possessed when I
arrived at the city of Judea ; and I found Antipus and his men toiling with
■ their mights to fortify the city ; 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 afSictions of every
kind. 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.
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.
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. 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. Now we were desirous that the Laman-
ites should come upon us ; for we were not desirous to make an attack upon
them in their strong holds. And it came to pass that we kept spies out
round about, to watch the movements of the Lamanites, that they might
not pass ns by night, nor by day, to make an attack upon our other cities
BOOK OS ALMA. 249
vrhich were on the northward ; foi' we knew in those cities they were not
Bufficiently strong to meet them ; therefore we were desiroug, 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.
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. Nei-
ther durst they march down against the city of Zarahemla ; neither durst
they cross the head of Sidon, over to the city of Nephihah. And thus, with'
their forces, they were determined to maintain those cities which they had
taken.
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. And also there was sent two thousand men unto us, from the land
of Zarahemla. And thus we were prepared with ten thousand men, and
provisions for them, and also for their wives, and their children. And the
Lamanites, thu.s 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. 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 cit^
as if we were carrying provisions to a heigiiboring city. 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. And it came to pass that we did march
forth, as if with our provisions, to go to that city. And it . came to pasJ
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. And now in the
city Antiparah, were stationed the strongest army of the Lamanites ; yea,
the n)OSt numerous. And it came to pass that when they had been in-
formed by their spies, they came forth with their army, and marched
against us.
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 ; yea even to a
considerable distance, insomuch that when they saw the army of Antipus
pursuing them, with their, mights, they did not turn to the right nor to the
left, but pursued their march in a straight course after us : and, as we sup-
pose, it was their intent to slay us before Antipus should overtake them,
and this that they might not be surrounded by our people. And now
Jjitipus, beholding our danger, did speed the march of his army. But
behold, it was night ; therefore they did not overtake us, neither did Anti-
pus overtake them ; therefore we did camp for the night.
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 con-
tend with them ; yea I would not suffer that my little sons shouldfall into
their hands ; therefore we did continue our march ; and we took our march
into the wilderness. Now they durst not turn to the right nor to the left, lest
tliey should be surrounded : neither would I turn to the right or to the left,
lest they should overtake me, and we could not stand against them, but be
slain, and they would make their escape ; and thus we did flee all that day
into the wilderness, even until it was dark.
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. But it came to
pass that they did not pursue us far, before they halted; antd it was in the
11* ■'.'■
250 BOOK OF AliMA.
morning of the third day, on the seventh month. 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
ag^nst them, that they might catch us in their snare ; thereforfe what say
ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle ? And now I say unto you
my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I seen so great courage, nay,
not amongst all the Nephites. For as I had ever called them my sons, (for
they were all of them very young,) even so they said unto m«, father, be-
hold, our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we shall fall ; then let
us go forth ; we would not slay our brethren, if they would let us alone ;
therefore let as go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus. Now
they never h»kd fought, yet they did not fear death : and they did think
jnore upon the Uberty of their fathers, than they did upon their lives ; yea,
they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, that God
would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers,
saying we do not doubt our mothers knew it.
And it came to -pass that I did return with my two thousand, against
these Lamanites who had pursued us. And now heliold, the armies of Anti-
pus had overtaken them, and a terrible battle had commenced. - 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 ;
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 ; there-
fore the men of Antipus being confused, because of the fall of their leaders,
began to give way before the Lamanites.
And it came to pass that the Lamanites took courage, and began to pup-
sue 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. 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.
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.
And how 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. But behold, to my great joy,
there bad 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. 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.
Aiid 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. But I sent
an epistle unto the king, that we were sure our forces were suiBcient to take
the city of Antiparah by our force ; and by delivering up the prisoners
BOOK OP AIiMA. 251
for that city, we should suppose ourselres unwise, and that we would only
deliver up our prisoners on exchange. And Ammoron refused mine epistle,
for he would not exchange prisoners ; therefore we began to make prepara-
tions to go'against the city of Antiparah. But the people of Antiparah did
leave the city, and fled to their other cities which they had possession of,
to fortify them ; and the city of Antiparah fell into our hands. And thus
ended the twenty and eighth year of the reign of the judges.
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 ha'd
come to join their brethren, my little band of two thousand. And now be-
hold, we were strong ; yea, and we had also a plenty of provisions brought
unto us.
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. And now behold, I will
shew unto you that we soon accomplished our desire ; yea, with our strong
force, or with a part of our strong force, we did surround, by night, the city
Oumeni, a little before they were to receive a supply of provisions. 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. 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. And notwithstanding the Lamanites being' cut
off from their support after this manner, they were still determined to main-
tain the city ; therefore it became expedient that we should take those pro-
visions and send them to Judea and our prisoners to the land of Zara-
hemla.
And it came to pass that not many days had passed away, before the
Lamanites began to lose all hopes of succor ; therefore they yielded up the
city into our hands ; and thus we had accomplished our designs, in obtaining
the city Oumeni. But it came to pass that our prisoners were numerous,
that notwithstanding the enormity of our numbers, we were obliged to em-
ploy all our force to keep them, or to put them to death. For behold they
would break out in great numbers, and would fight with stones, and with
cliibs, or whatsoever things they could get into their hands, insomuch that
we did slay upwards of two thousand of them, after they had surrendered
themselves prisoners of war ; therefore it became expedient for us, that we
should put an end to their lives, or guard them, sword in hand, down to the
laud of Zarahemla ; and also our provisions were not any more than suffi-
cient for our own people, notwithstanding that which we had taken from the
Lamanites. 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 se-
lected a part of our men, and gave them charge over our prisoners, to go
down to the land of Zarahemla.
But it came to pass that on the morrow, they did return. And now be-
hold, wfe did not inquire of them concerning the prisoners; for behold, the
Lamanites were upon us, and they returned in season to save us from fall-
ing'into their hands. For behold, Ammoron had sent to their support a
new supply of provisions, and also a numerous army of men.
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.
252 BOOK OP ALMA.
But behold, my little band of two thousand and sixty, fought moat despe-
rately ; yea, they were firm before the Lamanites, and did administer death
unto all those who opposed them ; and as the remainder of our army were
about to give way before the Lamanites, behold, tliose two thousand and
sixty were firm and undaunted: yea, and they did obey and observe to per-'
form 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. 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 baolc to the city of Manti. And
we retained our city Cumeni, and were not all destroyed by the sword;
nevertheless, we had suffered great loss.
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. 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 foes 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. And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army ;
yea, that they should be spared, whil^e 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. Now this was the faith of
these of whom I have spolsen ; they are young, and their minds are firm ;
and they do put their trust in God continually.
And now it came to pass that after we had thus taken care of our wound-
ed 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. Now Gid was the
chief captain over the band who was appointed to guard them down to the land.
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. 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, and will destroy our people.
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. 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 tlie
remainder of them, broke through and fled from us. 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. 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.
Now it came to pass that when I, Helaman, had heard these words of
Gid, I was filled with expeeding joy, because of the goodness of God in pre-
BOOK OF a.LMA. 253
Eerving 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.
And behold, now it came to pass that our next object was to obtain the
city of Mauti ; but behold, there was no way that we could lead them Out
of the city, by our small bands. For behold they remembered that which
we had hitherto done ; therefore we could not decoy them away from their
strong holds ; and they were so much more numerous than was our army, that
we durst not go forth and attack them in their strong hold. Yea, and it
became expedient that we should employ our men, to the maintaining those
parts of the land, of the which we had retained of our possessions ; there-
fore 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.
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. But behold, this did not profit us but little ; for the Laman-
ites were also receiving great strength, from day to day, and also many provi-
sions ; and thus were our circumstances at this period of time. 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 strong holds.
And it came to pass that we did wait in these ditScult circumstances, for
the space of many months, even until we were about to perish for the want
of food. 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. And now the cause of these our embarrassments, or the
cause why they did not send more strength unto us, we knew not ; there-
fore we were grieved, and also filled with fear, Ifest by any means the judg-
ment of God should come upon our land, to our overthrow and utter de-
struction ; 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. 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 deUveranoe in him ;
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. 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. And it came to pass
that on the morrow, that when the Lamanites saw that we were in the bor-
ders 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.
And it came to pass that when they saw that we were not strong, accord-
ing to our numbers, and fearing that we should cut them off from their sup-
port, 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; there-
fore they began to make preparations to come out against us to battle.
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
254 BOOK OF ALMA.
himself in the wilderness, and also that Teomner should, with a small num-
ber of men, secrete themselTes also in the wilderness. 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.
And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come out with their numer-
ous army against us. And when they had come and were aboiit to fall
upon us ■ with the sword, I caused that my men, those who were with me,
should retreat into the wilderness.
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 dis-
covered by the Lamanites.
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. 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. Now this was done because the Lamanites
did suffer their whole army, save a few guards only, to be led away into
the wilderness.
And it came to pass that Gid and Teomner, by this means, had obtained
possession of their strong holds. And it came to pass that we took our
course, after having travelled much in the wilderness, towards the land of
Zarahemla. And when the Lamanites saw that they were marching towards
the land of Zarahemla, they were exceeding fraid, lest there was a plan laid
to lead them on to destruction ; therefore they began to retreat into thfe
wilderness again, yea, even back by the same way which they had coine.
And behold, it was night, and they did pitch their tents ; for the chief cap-
tains 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.
Now it came to pass that when it was night, that I caused that my men
should not sleep, but that they should march forward, by another way,
towards the land of Manti. And because of this our march in the nighttime,
behold, on the morrow, we were beyond the Lamanites, insomuch that w6
djd arrive before them to the city of Manti. And thus it came to pass, that
by this stratagem, we did take possession of the city of Manti, without the
shedding of blood.
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 as-
tonished exceedingly, and struck with great fear, insomuch that they did
flee into the wilderness. 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. 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 chil-
dren, are returning to their homes, all save it be those who have been taken
prisoners and carried off by the Lamanites. - But behold our armies are
small, to maintain so great a number of cities, and so great possessions.
But behold, we trust that our God, who has given us victory over those
lauds, insoninch that we have obtained those cities and those lands, which
BOOK OP ALMA. 255
were our own. Now we do not know the cause that the government does
not grant us more strength ; neither do those men who came up unto ns, know
why we have not received greater strength. Behold, we do not Itnow but
what ye are unsuccessful, and ye have drawn away the forces into that quar-
ter of the land ; if so, we do not desire to murmur. 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 nu-
merous than that which they have sent. 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. Behold, liiis 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. And those sons of the peo-
ple of Ammon of whom I have so highly spoken, are with me in the city
of Manti; and the Lord has supported them, yea, and kept them from fall-
ing by the sword, insomuch that even one soul has not been slaiii. But be-
hold, they have received many wounds ; nevertheless they stand fast in that
liberty wherewith God has made them free ; and they are strict to remem-
ber 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.
And now my beloved brother Moroni, that the Lord our God who has re-
deemed us and made us free, may keep you continually in his presence ;
yea, and that be may 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.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year of the reign of the judges over
the people of Nephi, aftir Moroni had received and had read Helaman's
epistle, he was exceedingly rejoiced because of the welfare, yea, the exceed-
ing success which Helaman had had, in obtaining those lands which were
lost ; 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.
And it came to pass that he immediately sent an epistle to Pahoran, de-
siring that he should cause men to be gathered together, to strengthen
Helaman, or the armies of Helaman, insomuch that he might with ease
ihaintain that part of the land which he had been so miraculously prospered
in retaining. 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.
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 ; 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 ; and
thus being exceeding numerous, yea, and receiving strength from day to
day, by the command of Ammoron, they came forth against the people of
Nephihah, and they did begin to slay them with an exceeding great slaugh-
256 BOOK OF ALMA.
ter. 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. And now as Moroni had supposed that there
should be men sent to the city of Nephihah, to the assistance of the people
to maintain that city, and knowing that it was easier to keep the city from
falling into the hands of the Lamanites, than to retake it from them, he sup-
posed that they would easily maintain that city ; therefore he retained all
his force to maintain those places which he had recovered.
And now when Moroni saw that the city of Kephihah was lost, he was
exceeding sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the wickedness of the
people, whether they should not fall into the hands of their brethren. Now
this was the case with all his chief captains. They doubted and marvelled
also, because of the wickedness of the people ; and this because of the suc-
cess of the Lamanites over them. And it came to pass that Moroni was
angry with the government, because of their indifference concerning the
freedom of their country.
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 ; for be-
hold, 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 weap-
ons of war, of every kind, and send forth against the Lamanites, in what-
soever parts they should come into our land. And now behold, I say unto
you, that myself, and also my men, and also Helaman and his men, have suf-
fered exceeding great sufferings ; yea, even hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and
all manner of afflictions of every kind. But behold, were this all we had
suffered, we would not murmur nor complain ; 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 suf-
ficient strength and succor for them. Tea, great has been your neglect to-
wards us. And now behold, we desire to know thtf cause of this exceeding
great neglect ; yea, we desire to know the cause of your thoughtless state.
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 ; 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 ! But behold, this is not all, ye have withheld your
provSions from them, insomuch that many have fought and bled out their
lives because of their great desires which they had for the welfare of this
people ; yea, and this they have done, when they were about to perish with
hunger, because of your exceeding great neglect towards them. And now,
my beloved brethren ; for ye had ought to be beloved ; yea, and ye had
ought to have stirred yourselves more diligently for the welfare and the free-,
dom 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. Behold, could
ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and because of the exceed-
ing goodness of God, ye could do nothing, and hewould deliver you? Be-
hold, if ye have supposed this, ye have supposed in vain. Do ye suppose
that, because so many of your brethren have been killedl, it is because of
BOOK OP ALMA. , 257
thejr wickedness ? I say unto you, if ye have supposed this, ye have sup-
posed in vain ; for I say unto you, there are many who have fallen by the
sword; and behold, it is to your condemnation; 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.
And now behold, I say unto you, I fear exceedingly that the judgments of
God will come upon this people, because of their exceeding slothfulness ; yea,
even the slothfulness of our government, and their exceeding great neglect
towards their brethren, yea, towards those who have .been slain : 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 ; 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 bfeen done according to the fulfilling of his word. But
behold, now the Lamauites are coming upon us, and they are murdering our
people with the sword ; yea, our women and our children ; taking possession
of our lands, and also carrying them away captive ; causing them that they
should suffer all manner of afflictions ; and this because of the great wicked-
ness of those who are seeking for power and authority ; yea, even those
king-men. 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 ? Or is it that ye have neglected
us because ye are in the heart of our country, and ye are surrounded by se-
curity, that ye do not cause food to be sent unto us, and also men to
strengthen our armies ? Have ye forgot the commandments of the Lord
your God? Yea, have ye forgot the captivity of our fathers? Have ye for-
got the many times we have been delivered out of the bands of our ene-
mies ? Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we git upon
our thrones, and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided
for us ? Tea, 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 ? 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. 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 retained, and that we may also recover the remainder of our posses-
sions 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 ; and except ye grant mine epistle, and
come out and shew unto me a true spirit of freedom, and strive to strengthen
and fortify our armies, and grant unto them foodfor 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
258 j BOOK OF ALMA.
power can operate against them, and this because of their exceeding faith
and their patience in their tribulations ; 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 yon,
eren until those who have desires to usurp power and authority, shall be-
come extinct ; 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 thitt we have suffered so much loss. 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 destruc-
tion. 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 yon with the sword, insomuch tha/t ye can have no more power to im-
pede the progress of this people in the cause of our freedom ; for behold the
Lord will not suffer that ye shall live and wax strong in youY iniquities, to
destroy his righteous people. 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 flory, and the vain things of the world ! Ve know
that ye do transgijess the laws of God, and ye do knovr that ye do trample
them under jour 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.^ And now behold, I Moroni am con-
strained, according to the covenant which I have made to keep the com-
mandments 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. And behq|d if ye will Bot do this, I co'me 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 wora of God. Behold, I am Moroni,
your chief captain. I seek not forpower but to ptiU it down. I seek not
for honor of the world, but for tl^ glory of my God, and the freedom and
welfare of my country. And thus^ close mine epistle.
CHAPTEK XXVII L
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 gov-
ernor. And these are the worda. which he received : I, Pahoran, who am
the chief governor of this land, do send these words unto Moroni, the chief
captain over the army : behold Isay unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy in
your great afflictions ; yea, it grieves my soul. But behold, there are those
who do joy in your afflictions ; yea, Insomuch that they have risen up in re-
bellion against me, and also those of my people who are freemen ; yea, and
those who have risen up, are exceeding numerous. 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
BOOK OF ALMA. 259
our freemen, that they have not come unto you. And behold, they hare
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. 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. And they have come unto us, insomuch that those
who have risen up in rebellion against us', are set at defiance ; yea, inso-
much that they do fear us, and durst not come out against us to battle.
They have got possession of the land, or the city Zarahemla : they have ap-.
pointed a king over them, end he hath written unto the king of the Lamau-
ites, 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 snpposeth will enable the Lamanites to conquer the remainder of the
land, and he shall be placed king over this people, when they shall be con-
quered under the Lamanites. 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, Faboran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my
judgment seat, that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people.
Uy soul standeth fast in that liberty, in the which God hath made us free.
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. We would not shed the blooS of our brethfen, if they would not rise
up in rebellion and take the sword against us. 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. But behold he doth not command ns that we
shall subject ourselves to our enemies, but that we should put our trust in
him, and he will deliver us. 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. Therefore come
unto me speedily, with a few of your men, and leave the remainder in the
charge of Lehi and Teancum ; giv« 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. Behold I have sent a few provisions unto
them, that they may not perish until ye can come unto me. Gather toge-
ther whatsoever force ye can upon your march hither, and we will go speed-
ily against those dissenters, in the strength of our God, according to the
faith which is in us. And we will take possession of the city of Zarahemla,
that we may obtain more food to s^nt 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.
And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle ; for I was some-
what worried concerning what we ghould &o, whether it should be just in us
to go against our brethren. But ye have said, except they repent, the Lord
hath commanded you that ye should go against them. See that ye strength-
en Leni and Teancum in the Lord ; tell them to fear not, for God will de-
liver 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.
260 BOOK OF ALMA.
CHAPTEK XXIX
And now it came to pass that when Moroni hod received this epistle, his
heart did take courage, and was filled with exceeding great joy, because of
the faithfulness of Pahoran, that he was not also a traitor to the freedom
and cause of his country. But he did also mourn exceedingly, be-
cause 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 thdr God.
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.
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.
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. And thus when Moroni had gathered together what-
soever men he could in all his march, he came to the land of Gideon ; and
uniting his forces with that of Pahoran, they became exceeding strong, even
stronger than the men of Pachus, who was the king of those dissenters who had
driven out the freemen out of the land of Zarahemla, and had taken posses-
sion of the land.
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 Paohua, insomuch that they did come to battle. And he-
hold, Pachus was slain, and his men were taken prisoners ; and Pahoran was
restored to his judgment seat. 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 de-
fence of their country, but would fight against it, were put to death. 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 free-
dom, was speedily executed according to the law. 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.
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 caus-
ed that provisions should be sent, and also an army of six thousand men,
should be sent unto Helamau, to assist him in preserving that part of the
land ; 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 Laman-
ites.
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 Laman-
ites in that city.
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
BOOK OF ALMA. 261
took their provisions, and tlieir weapons of war. 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. 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.
And it came to pass that when they had sent them away, they pursued
their march towards the land of Nephihah. And it came to pass that when
they had come to the city Nephihah, they did pitch their tents in the plains
of Nephihah, which is near the city Nephihah. Now Moroni was desirous
that the Lamanites should come out to battle against them, upon the plains ;
but the Lamanites knowing of their exceeding great courage, and behold-
ing the greatness of their numbers, therefore they durst not come out against
them ; therefore they did not come to battle in that day. And when the
night came, Moroni went Torth 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 array.
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.
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.
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 morn-
ing came, they were all within the walls of the city. And when the Laman-
ites 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.
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 surround-
ed 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. 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.
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.
And it came to pass that as many as were desirous, unto them it was grant-
ed, according to their desires ; therefore all the prisoners of the Lamanites
did join the people of Ammon, and did begin to labor exceedingly, tilling
the ground, raising all manner of grain, and flocks, and herds of every kind ;
and thus were the Nephites relieved from a great burthen ; yea, insomuch
that they were relieved from all the prisoners of the Lamanites.
Now it came to pass that Moroni, after he had obtained possession of the
city of Nephihah, having taken many prisoners, which did reduce the armies
of the Lamanites exceedingly, and having retained many of the Nephites
who been taken prisoners, which did strengthen the army of Moroni exceed-
ingly ; therefore Moroni went forth from the land of Nephihah to the land
ofLehi.
And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that Moroni was com-
ing against them, they were again frightened, and fled before the army of
Moroni. 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 La-
262 BOOK OF ALMA.
manites fled from Lehi and Teancum, even down upon the borders by the
seashore, imtil they came to the land of Moroni. And the armies of the La-
manites 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.
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, inso-
much that the Lamanites were encircled about in the borders by the wilder-
ness, on the south, and in the borders by the wilderness, on the east; and
thus they did encamp for the night. For behold, the Nephites and the Laman-
ites also, were weary because of the greatness of the march ; therefore they
did not resolve upon any stratagem in the night time, save it were Teancum :
for he was exceeding angry with Ammoron, insomuch that he considered
that Ammoron, and Amalickiah his brother, had been the cause of this
great and lasting war between them and the Lamanites, which had been the
cause of so much war and blpodshed, yea, and so much famine.
And it came to pass that Teancum in his anger did go forth into the
camp of the Lamanites, and did let himself down over the walls of the city.
And he went forth with a cord, from place to place, insomuch that he did find
the king ; and he did cast a javelin at him, which did pierce him near the
heart. But behold, the king did awake his servant before he died, insomuch
that he did pursue Teancum, and slew him.
Now it came to pass that when Lehi and Moroni knew that Teancum was
dead, they were exceeding sorrowful : for behold, he had been a man who
had fought valiantly for his country, yea, a true friend to liberty ; and he
had suffered very many exceeding sore afflictions. But behold, he was dead,
and had gone the way of all the earth.
Now it came to pass that Mproni marched forth on the morrow, and came
upon the Lamanites, insomuch that they did slay them with a great slaugh-
ter ; 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. 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, foi
the space of many years. And there had been murders, and contentions,
and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nepbi ;
nevertheless, for the righteous' sake, yea, because of the prayers of the
righteous, they were spared. But behold, because of the exceeding great
length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites, many had be-
come hardened, because of the exceeding great length of the war ; and
many were softened, because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did
humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.
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. And Moroni yielded up the command of bis
armies into the hands of his son, whose name was Moronihah ; and he re-
tired to his own house that he might spend the remainder of his days in
peace. 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 ; 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 re-
pent of their sins, and to be baptized unto the Lord their God.
BOOK OF ALMA. 263
And it came to pass that they did establish again the church of God,
throughout all the land ; yea, and regulations were made concerning the
law. And their judges, and their chief judges were chosen. And the peo-
ple of Nephi began to prosper again in the land, and began to multiply and
to wax exceeding strong again in the land. And they began to grow exceed-
ing rich ; but notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their pros-
perity, 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 ex-
ceedingly before him ; 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. 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. 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 pver the people of Nephi.
CHAPTER XXX.
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 posses-
sion of those Sacred things which had been delivered unto Helaman by Al-
ma ; 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.
And it came to pass thiit Moroni died also. And thus ended the thirty
and sixth year of the reign of the judges. And it came to pass that in the
thirty and seventh year of the reign of the judges, there was a large com-
pany 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.
And it came to pass that Hagoth, he being an exceeding curious man,
therefore he went forth, and built him an exceeding large ship, on the bor-
ders of the land Bountiful, by the land Desolation, and launched it forth
into the west sea, by thejnarrow neck which led into the land northward.
And behold, there were many of the Nephites who did enter therein, and did
Bail forth with much provisions, and also many women and children ; and
they took their course northward. And thus ended the thirty and seventh
year. And in the thirty and eighth year, this man built other ships. And
*he 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.
And it came to pass that they were never heard of more. And we sup-
pose that they were drowned up in the depths of the sea. And it came to
pass that one other ship also did saU forth ; and whither she did go, we know
not. 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
yi'ar.
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 north-
ward, in a ship, to carry forth provisions unto the people who had gone forth
into that land ; therefore it became expedient for Shiblon to confer those sa-
cred things, before his death, upon the, son of Helaman, who was called He-
264 BOOK OP HBLAMAN.
laman, being called after the name of his father. Now behold, all those en-
gravings 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. Neverthe-
less these things were to be kept sacred, and handed down from one gene-
ration to another ; therefore, in this year, they had been conferred upon
Helaman, before the death of Shiblon. And it came to pass also in this
year, that there were some dissenters who had gone forth unto the Laman-
ites ; and they were stirred up again to anger against the Nephites. 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. And thus ended the thirty and ninth year of the reign of the judges
over the people of Nephi. And thus ended the account of Alma, and Hela-
man his son, and also Shiblon, who was his son.
THE BOOK OF HELAMAN.
CHAPTER I.
An account of the Nephites. Their wars and contentions, and their dissen-
sions. And also the prophecies of many holy prophets, before the coming
of Christ, according to the record of Helaman, who was the son of Hela-
man, and also according to the records of his sons, even down to the coining
of Christ. And also many of the- Lamanites are converted. An account of
their conversion. An account y>f the righteousness of the Lamanites, and
the wickedness and abominations of the Nephites, according to the record
of Helaman and his sons, even doion to the coming of Christ, which is
called the book of Helaman, &c.
And now behold, it came to pass in the commencement &f 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. 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. Now these are the names
who did contend for the judgment seat, who did also cause the people to
contend: Pahoran, Paanchi, and Facumeni. Now these are not all .the
sons of Pahoran, (for he had many,) but these arc they who did contend for
the judgment seat ; therefore they did cause three divisions among the peo-
ple. 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.
And it came to pass that Pacumeni, when he saw that he could not obtsdn
the judgment seat, he did unite with the voice of the people. But behold,
Paanchi and that part of the people that were desirous that he should be
their governor, was exceeding wroth ; therefore he was about to flatter
away those people to rise up in rebellion against their brethren.
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. Now when those people who were desirous that he should be
BOOK OF HELAMAN. 265
their governor, saw that he was condemned unto death, therefore they were
were angry ; and behold they sent forth one Kishkumen, even to the Judg-
ment seat of Pahoran, and murdered Pahoran as he sat upon the judgment
seat. And he was pursued by the servants of Pahoran ; but behold, so speedy
was the flight of Kishkumen, that no man could overtake him. And he went
unto those that sent him, and they all e'ntere.d into a covenant, yea, swearing
by their everlasting Maker, that they would tell no man that Kishkumen had
murdered Pahoran ; 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 them-
selves among the people, in a manner that they all could not be found ;
but as many as were found, were condemned unto death. 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.
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 breast-plates, and with all manner of shields of
every kind ; 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 lie was a descendant of Zarahemla ; and he was a dissenter from among
the Nephites ; and he was a large and mighty man ; 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 Ne-
phites, insomuch with his strength and also with his great wisdom, that by
sending him forth, he should gain power over the Nephites ; therefore he did
stir them up to anger, and he did gather together his armies, and he did ap-
point Coriantumr to be their leader, and did cause that they should march
down to the land of Zarahemla, to battle against the Nephites.
And it came to pass that because of so much contention and so much
diflicidty 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. But
it came to pass that CoriaStumr did march forth at the head of his numer-
ous host, and came upon the inhabitants of the city, and their march was
with such exceeding great speed, that there was no time for the Nephites to
gather together their armies ; 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. And it came to pass that Pacu-
meni, who was the chief Judge, did flee before Coriantumr, even 'to the walla
of the city. And it came to pass that Coriantumr did smit% him against the
wall, insomuch that he died. And thus ended the days of Pacumeni. And
now when Coriantumr saw that he was in possession of the city of Zarahem-
la, and saw that the Nephites had fled before them, and were slain, and were
taken, and were oast into prison, and that he had obtained the possession of the
strongest hold in all the land, his heart tookcourage, insomuch that he was
about to go forth against all the land. 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 ; and suppos-
ing that their greatest strength was in the centre of the land, therefor* he
did march forth, giving them no time to assemble themselves together, save
12
266 BOOK OF HBLAMAN.
it were in small bodies ; and in tljis manner they did fall upon them and cut
them down to the earth. But behold, this march of Coriantumr through the
centre of the land, gave Moronihah great advantage over them, nolwithstand-
ing the greatness of the number of the Nephites who-were slain ; for behold,
Moronihah had supposed that the Lamanites durst not come into the cen-
tre 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.
But behold, the Lamanites were not frightened according to his desire, but
they had come into the centre 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 strong
holds. 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. 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. And it came to pasa
that Moronihah did head them in their retreat, and did give unto them battle
insomuch that it became an exceeding bloody battle ; yea, many were slain ;
and among the number who were slain, Coriantumr was also found. 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 sur-
rounded on every hand by the Nephites. And thus had Coriantumr plunged
the Lamamtes into the.midst of the Nephites, insomuch that th^y were in the
power of the Nephites, and he himself was slain, and the Lamanites did yield
themselves into the hands of the Nephites.
And it came to pass that Moronihah took possession of the city of Zara-
hemla again, and caused that the Lamanites who had been taken prisoners
should depart out of the land in peace. And thus ended the forty and first
year of the reign of the judges.
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 ; there-
fore there began to be a contention again among the people concerning who
should fill the judgment seat. 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 ; but behold, Eishkumen, 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 ; for there was one
Gadianton who was exceeding 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 Eishkumen ; 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.
And it came to pass as he went forth towards the judgment seat, to de-
stroy Helaman, behold one of the servants of Helaman, having been out by
nig;ht, and having obtained, through disguise, a knowledge of those plans
wMch hadlieen laid by this band to destroy Helaman. And it came to pass
that he met Eishkumen and he gave unto him a sign ; therefore Eishkumen
made known unto him the object of his desire, desiring that he would con-
duct him to the judgment seat, that he might murder Helaman; and when
the servant of Helaman had known all the heart of Kishkumen, and how
BOOK OP HBLAMAN. 267
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
saith unto Kishkumen, let us go forth unto the judgment seat. Now this
did please Kishkumen exceedingly, for he did suppose that he should accom-
plish 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.
And it came to pass that Helaman did send forth to take this band of rob-
bers and secret murderers, that they might be executed according to the law.
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
shbuld 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 no where be found. 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 ifephi. 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. 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.
CHAPTER II.
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 lit-
tle 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. 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. And
it came to pass in the forty and sixth, yea, there were much contentions and
many dissensions ; in the which there were an exceeding great many who de-
parted out of the land of Zarahemla, and went forth unto the land northward,
to Inherit the land ; and they did travel to an exceeding great distance, inso-
much that they came to large bodies of water, and many rivers ; 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. And now no part of the land
was desolate, save it were for timber, &c. ; but because of the greatness of
the destruction of the people who had before inhabited the land, it was call-
ed desolate. And there being but little timber upon the face of the land,
nevertheless the people who wentforth became exceeding expert in the work-
ing of cement ; therefore they did build houses of cement, in the which they
did dwell.
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. 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 slTould grow up, that in time they might have timber to build their houses,
268 BOOK OF HELAMAN.
yea, their cities and their temples, and their synagogues, and their sanctua-
ries, and all manner of their buildings.
And it came to pass as timber was exceeding scarce in the land north-
ward, they did send forth much by the way of shipping j and thus they did
enable the people in the land northward, that they might build many cities,
both of wood and of cement. 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.
And now there are many records kept of the proceedings of this people,
by many gf this people, which are particular and very large, concerning them ;
but behold a hundredth part of the proceedings of this people, yea, the ac-
count of the Lamanites, and of the Nephites, and their wars, and conten-
tions, 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 wicked-
ness, and their murders, and their robbings, and their- plundering, and all
manner of abominations and whoredoms, cannot be contained in this work ;
but behold, there are many books and many records of every kind, and they
have been kept chiefly by the Nephites ; and they have been handed down
from one generation to another, by the Nephites, even until they have fall-
en 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.
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. The forty and sixth year
of the reign of the judges ended. And it came to pass that there was still
great contentions in the land, yea, even in the forty and seventh year, and
also in the forty and eighth year ; nevertheless, Helaman did fill the' judg-
ment 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. 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. 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. 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 combina-
tions 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.
And- it came to pass that in this same year, there was exceeding great
prosperity in the church, insomuch that there were thousands who did join
themselves unto the church, and were baptized unto repentance ; 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 teach-
ers were themselves astonished beyond measure. 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. Thus we may see
that the Lord is merciful unto all who will in the sincerity of their hearts,
call upon his holy name ; 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, whp ia
BOOK OF HBLAMAN. 269
the Son of God ; yea, we see that whosoever will 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
straight and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is
prepared to engulf the wicked, 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. 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. And it came to pass that there was peace
and exceeding 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. 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 peo-
ple who professed to belong to the church of God ; 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 afflictions ; 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 sanctiflcation of their
hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts
unto God. And it came to pass that the fifty and second year ended in peace
also, save it were the exceeding great pride which had gotten into the hearts
of "the people ; and it was because of their exceeding great riches, and their
prosperity in the land^ and it did grow upon them from day to day.
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. 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 ; and the rebellious part
were slain and driven out of the land, and they did go unto the king of the
Lamanites.
And it came to pass that they did endeavor to stir up the Lamanites to
war against the Nephites ; but behold, the Lamanites were exceeding fraid,
insomuch that they would not hearken to the words of those dissenters.
But 4t 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. 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; and the Nephites, and the
armies of Moronihah, were driven even into the land of Bountiful ; 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. 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
270 BOOK OE HELAMAN.
the land southward. And all this was done in the fifty and eighth and ninth
years of the reign of the judges.
And it came to pass in the sixtieth year of the reign of the judges, Mo-
ronihah did succeed with his armies, in obtaining many parts of the land ; yea,
they retained many cities which had fallen into the hands of the Lamanites.
And it came to pass in the sixty and first year of the reign of the judges,
they succeeded in retaining even the half of all their possessions. 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 amoi^g those also who
professed to belong to the church of God : 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, with-
holding 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, com-
mitting adultery, rising up in great contentions, and deserting away into the
land of Nephi, among the Lamanites ; and because of this their great wick-
edness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their
own strength ; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smit-
ten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of al-
most all their lands. But behold, Moronihah did preach many things unto
the people, because of their iniquity, and also NejJii 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. And it Same' to
pass that they did repent, and inasmuch as they did repent, they did begin
to prosper ; 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 retained the one-half of their property, and the one-half of all their
lands. And thus ended the sixty and first yeaj of the reign of the judges.
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 Laman-
ites ; 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.
And it came to pass because of the greatness of the number of the La-
manites, the Nephites were in great fear, lest they should be overpowered,
and trodden down, and slain, and destroyed ; yea, they began to remember
the prophecies of Alma, and also the words of Mosiah ; and they saw that
they had been a stiff-necked people, and that Hhey had set at nought the
commandments of God ; and that thfey had altered and trampled under their
feet the laws of Mosiah, or that which the Lord commanded him to give un-
to the people ; and thus seeing that their laws had become corrupted, and
that they had become a wicked people, insomuch that they were wicked
even like unto the Lamanites. And because of their iniquity, the church
had began 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. And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their breth-
ren, 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 ; therefore the Lord did cease to preserve
them by his miraculous and matchless power, for they had fallen into a state
3f unbelief and awful wickedness ; and they saw that the Lamanites were
BOOK OF HELAMAN. 271
more exceeding numerous than they, and except they should cleave unto
the Lord their God, they must unavoidably perish. 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.
And it came to pass that in this same year, behold, Nephi delivered up
the judgment seat, to a man whose name was Cezoram. 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, there-
fore they were ripening for destruction, for the laws had become corrupted ;
yea, and this was not all; they were a stiff-necked people, insomuch that
they could not be governed by the law nor justice, save it were to their de-
struction.
And it came to pass that Nephi had become weary, because of their in-
iquity ; 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; for they remembered the words which
their father Helaman spake unto them. And these are the words which he
spake : behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the com-
mandments 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, that ye may remember them ; and when ye may
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 : 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. 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.
remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake
unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means
whereby men can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ,
who shall come ; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world. 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 re-
deem his people : but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins,
but to redeem them from their sins. 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 salva-
tion of their souls. 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, bis 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, thev
cannot fall.
And it came to pass that these were the words which Helamau taught
to his sons ; yea, he did teach them many things which are not written, and
272 BOOK OF HBLAMAN.
also many things which are written. 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 Boun-
tiful ; and from thence forth to the city of Gid ; and from the city of Gid to
the city of Mulek ; 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 Laraanites.
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. 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 ; 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.
And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did proceed from thence to go
to the land of Nephi. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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 shewn unto
you this marvelous thing, in the which is shewn unto you, that ye cannot
lay your hands on us to slay us. And behold, vfhen 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. And it came to pass that they were overshadowed
with a cloud of darkness, and an awful, solemn fear came upon them. 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 ser-
vants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings.
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. 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 dis-
perse. 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 'sor-
BOOK OF HBLAMAN. 273
vants. And it came to pass that the earth shook again, and the walls trem-
bled ; and also again the third time the Toioe came, and did speak unto
them marvellous words, which cannot be uttered by man ; and the walls did
tremble again, and the earth shook as if it wej-e about to divide asunder.
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 im-
movable, because of the fear which did come upon them. 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. 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 up their eyes to
heaven ; and they were in the attitude as if talking or lifting their voices to
some being whom they beheld.
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.
And they said unto the man, behold, what do all these things mean ? and
who is it with whom these men do converse ? Now the man's name was
Aminadab. And Aminadab said unto them, they do converse with the
angels of God. And it came to pass that the Lamanites Eaid unto him,
what shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from over-
shadowing us ? 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 then it shall be removed
from overshadowing you.
And it came to pass that they all did begin to cry unto the voice of him
who had shook the earth ; yea, they did cry even until the cloud of dark-
ness was dispersed. And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes
about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadow-
ing them, and behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea, every
soul, by a pillar of fire. And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them ;
yea,, they were encircled about ; yea, they were as 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. 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.
And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant
voice, as if it were a whisper, saying, peace, peace be unto you, because of
your faith in my well beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.
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 an-
gels came down out of heaven, and ministered unto them. And there were
about three hundred souls who saw and heard these things ; and they were
bid to go forth and marvel not, neither should they doubt. 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 ;
and as many as were convinced, did lay down their weapons of war, and also
their hatred, and the tradition of their fathers. And it came to pass that
they did yield up unto the Nephites, the lands of their possession.
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 bad
12*
274 BOOK OP HELAMAN.
become, the more part of them, a righteous people, insomuch that their
righteousness did exceed that of the Nephitea, because of their firmness, and
their steadiness in the faith. 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. Nevertheless, the people of the church did
hare great joy, because of the conyersion 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. 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 ; yea, and many did preach with exceeding great power and
authority, unto the bringing down many of them into the depths of humil-
ity, to be the humble followers of God and the Lamb.
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. And behold,
there was peace in all the land, insomuch that the Nephites did go into what-
soever part of the land they would, whether among the Nephites or the La-
manites. 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. -
And it came to pass that they became exceeding rich, both the Laman-
ites 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. Now the land south was called Lehi, and the land north was
called Mulek, which was after the sons of Zedekiah ; for the Lord did bring
Mulek into the land north, and Lehi into the land south. 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. 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 exceeding strong in the land. And they did raise many
flocks and herds, yea, many fatlings. 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.' 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.
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. And in the commencement of
the sixty and seventh year, the people began to grow exceeding wicked
again. 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 blood-
sheds ; 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;
Jherefore they began to commit secret murders, and to rob, and to plunder,
bhat they might get gain. And now behold, those murderers and plunder-
jrs were a band who had been formed by Kishkumen and Gadiauton.
BOOK OP HBLAMAN. 275
And now it had come to pass that there were many, even among the Ne-
phites, of Gadianton's band. But behold they were more numerous among the
more wicked part of the Lamanites. And they were called Gadianton's rob-
bers and murderers ; and it was they who did murder the chief judge Cez-
oram, and his son, while in the judgment seat ; and behold, they were not
found.
And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites found that there were
robbers amCng them, they were exceeding sorrowful ; and they did use
every means in their power, to destroy them off the face of the earth. But
behold, Satan did stir np the hearts of the more part of the Nephitea, inso-
much that they did unite ■ with those band sof 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.
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 broth-
er 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 ; and thus they
might murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit whoredoms, and all man-
ner of wickedness, contrary to the laws of their country and also the laws
of their God ; and whosoever of those who belonged to their band, should
reveal untoHhe 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.
Now behold, it is these secret oaths and covenants, which Alma command-
ed his son should not go forth unto the world, lest they should be a means
of bringing down the people unto destruction. 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 ; 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.
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 everL<i8ting hell ; 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. 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. And now behold, he had got great
hold upon the hearts of the Nephites ; yea, insomuch that they had become
excee(£ng 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.
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
276 BOOK OF HELAMAN.
them in the sixtj^-and jteventh year of the reign of the judges over the peo-
ple of Nephi. And the^ did grow in their iniquities, in the sixty and eighth
year also, to the great sorrow and lamentation of the righteous. And thus
we see that the Nephites did begin to dwindle in unbelief, and grow in wick-
edness and abominations while the Lamanites began to grow exceedingly in
the knowledge of their God : yea, they did begin to keep his statutes and
commandmeuts, and to walk in truth and uprightness before him. And thus
we see that the spirit of the Lord began to withdraw from the N'ephites, be-
cause of the wickedness and the hardness of their hearts. And thus we see
that the Lord began to pour out his spirit upon the Lamanites, because of
their easiness and willingness to beheve in his word.
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 were utterly destroyed
from among the Lamanites. And it came to pass that on the other hand,
that the Nephites did build them up and support them, beginning at the
more wicked part of them, imtil they had overspread all the land of the Ne-
phites, and had seduced the more part of the righteous until they had come
down to beheve in their works, and partake of their spoils, and to join with
them in their secret murders and combinations. 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. And thus we see that they were
in an awful state, and ripening for an everlasting destruction. And it came
to pass that thus ended the sixty and eighth year of the reign of the judges
over the people of Nephi.
CHAPTER III.
THE PKOPHECT OF NEPHI,
The Son op Helaman.
God threatens the people of Nephi, that he will visit them in his anger, to
their utter destruction, except they repent of their wickedness. God smit-
eth the people of Nephi with pestilence ; they repent and turn unto him.
Samuel, a Xamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.
Behoid, 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 : 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 ; and
they did reject all his words, insomuch that he could not stay among them,
but returned again unto the land of his nativity ; and seeing the people in a
state of such awful wickedness, and those Gadianton robbers filUng the judg-
ment 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 ; condemning the righteous be-
cause of their righteousness ; letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunish-
ed, because of their money ; and moreover, to be held in office at the head
■>l government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get
BOOK or HELAMAN. 277
gain and glory of the world: and moreover that they might the more easy
commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills.
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, 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 command-
ments of God, and slow to be led to do4fiiquity ; and they were quick to
hearken unto the words of the Lord ; yea, if my days coidd have been In
them days, then would my soul have had joy in the righteousness of my
brethren. 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. 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 which led by the highway.
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. And now when Nephi arose he beheld the multi-
tudes of people who had gathered together. And it came to pass that he
opened his mouth and said unto them, behold, why have ye gathered your-
selves together ? That I may tell you of your iniquities ? Yea, because I
have got upon my tower, that I might pour out my soul unto my God, be-
cause of the exceeding sorrow of my heart, which is because of your iniqui-
ties ? 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 had ought to marvel, because ye are given away, that the devil has
got so great hold upon your hearts ; yea, how could ye have given away to
the enticing of him who is seeking to hurl away your souls down to ever-
lasting misery and endless wo ? repent ye, repent ye ! why will ye die ?
Turn ye, turn ye, unto the Lord your God. Why has he forsaken you ? 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. 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. how could you have forgotten your God in the very day that he
has delivered you ? 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 mur-
der, and plunder, and steal, and bear false witness against your neighbor,
and do all manner of iniquity ; 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. For behold, thus saith the Lord,
I will not shew unto the wicked of my strength, to one more than the other,
save it be unto those who repent of their sins, and hearlcen unto my words ;
uow therefore I would that ye should behold, my brethren, that it shall be
better for the Lamanites than for you, except ye Shall repent ; for behold
theyare more righteous than you; for they have not sinned against that
278 BOOK 0¥ HEI/AMAN.
great knowledge which ye have received ; therefore the Lord will be merdi-
M unto them : yea, he will lengthen out their days and increase their seed,
even when thou shalt be utterly destroyed, except thou shalt repent; 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 ; 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 exceeding great riches ; yea,
wo be unto you because of your wickedness and abominations. And ex-
cept ye repent, ye shall perish : yea, even your lands shall be taken from
you, and ye shaU be destroyed from off the face of the earth. 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.
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 f
Why seest this man, and hearest him revile against this people and agajnst
our law ? For behold, Nephi had spoken unto them concerning the corrupt-
ness of their law ; yea, many things did Nephi speak which cannot be writ-
ten ; and nothing did he speak which was contrary to the commandments
of God. And those judges were angry with him because he spake plain
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 ; therefore they did cry unto the people,
saying, why do ye euffier 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.
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. And
it came to pass that thus they did stir up the people to anger against Nephi,
and raised contentions among tbem ; 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 ; yea, behold all the judgements
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 know-
eth our iniquities ; yea, and behold if he had not been a prophet he could
not have testified concerning those things. 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 gaiilSd favor in the eyes of some, inso-
much that the remainder of them did fear. 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 Ked Sea, and they parted hither and thither, insomuch that the Israel-
ites, who were our fathers, came through upon dry ground, and the waters
closed upon the armies of the Egyptians, and swallowed them up ?
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
3xcept ye repent? But behold, ye- not only deny my words, but ye -also
BOOK OP HELAMAN. 279
deny all the words which hath 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. Tea, 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. 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. 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. Tea, and behold, Abraham saw of his coming, and was filled
with gladness, and did rejoice. Tea, and behold I say unto you, that Abra-
ham 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 shewn unto the people a great many
thousand years before his coming, that even redemption should come unto
them. 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. And behold, also Zenock, and also Ezias, and also Isaiah, and Jere-
miah, (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. then why not the Son of God come, according
to his prophecy ? And now will ye dispute that Jerusalem was destroyed ?
Will ye say that the sons of Zedekiah were not slain, all except it were Mu-
lek ? Tea, 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.
Our father Lehi was driven out of Jerusalem, because he testified of these
things. Kephi also testified of these things, and also almost all of our fa-
thers, 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. 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. 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. But behold,ye have rejected the truth, and rebelled
against your holy God ; and even at this time, instead of laying up for your-
selves 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 ; yea, even at this time ye are ripening, because of
your murders, and your fornication and wickedness, for everlasting destruc-
tion ; yea, and except ye repent, it will come unto you soon ; 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. 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. ^
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,
behold, now we will know of a surety, whether this man be a prophet, and
3od hath commanded him to prophesy such marvellous thmgs unto us. Be-
280 BOOK OF HELAMAN.
hold we do not believe that he hath ; yea, we do not believe that ae 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 arc true. 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. 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 con-
cerning the chief judge ; 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. 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. And be-
hold the people did gather themselves together unto the place of the judg-
ment seat : and behold, to their astonishment, they saw those five men who
had fallen to the earth. And now behold, the people knew nothing con-
cerning the multitude who had gathered together at the garden of Nephi ;
therefore they said among themselves, these men are they "who have mur-
dered the judge, and God has smitten them that they could not flee from us.
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. 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. And thus were also those judges who were at
the garden of Nephi, and heard his words, were also gathered together at
the burial.
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 the five whom ye say
ye have sent, we know not ; but there are five, who are the murderers,
whom W6- have cast into prison. And it came to pass that the judges de-
sired 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, we ran and came to the place of the judgment, 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, be-
hold they cast us into prison. 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 ac-
cording as ye desired, and behold he was dead according tothe words of
Nephi.
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 ; and now be-
hold we will detect this man, and he shall confess his fault and make known
unto us the true murderer of this judge. 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. Neverthe-
less, 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
BOOK OF HELAMAN. 281
might cross him, that they might accuse him to death : saying unto him,
thou art confederate, who is this man that has done this murder? Now tell
us, and acknowledge thy fault, saying, behold here is money ; and also we
will grant unto thee thj life, if thou will tell us and acknowledge the agree-
ment which thou hast made with him. But Nephi said unto them, ye
fools, ye uncircumcised of heart, ye blind, and ye stiff-necked people, do ye
know how long the Lord your God will suffer you that ye shall go on in this
your way of sin ? ye had ought to begin to howl and mourn, because of
the great destruction at this time which doth await you, except ye shall re-
pent. 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 abomi-
nations which are among you. And because I have done this, ye say that
I have agreed with a man that he should do this thing ;' yea, because I shewed
unto you this sign, ye are angry with me, and seek to destroy my life. And
now behold, I will shew unto you another sign, and see if ye will in this
thing seek to destroy me. Behold I say unto you, go to the house of Sean-
turn, who is the birother of Seeroram, and say unto him, has Kephi, the pre-
tended prophet, who doth prophesy so much evil concerning this people,
agreed with thee, in the which ye have murdered Seezoram, who is your
brother ? And behold, he shall say unto you, nay. And ye shall say unto
him, have ye murdered your brother? 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. But behold, ye shall examine him, and ye shall find blood
upon the skirts of his cloak. 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 ? And then shall he tremble, and shall look pale, even as if
death had come upon him. 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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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. And now
there were some among the people, who said that Nephi was a prophet ; 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 jildge.
And it came to pass that there arose a division among the people, inso-
much that they divided hither and thither, and went their ways, leaving
Nephi alone, as he was standing in the midst of them. And it came to pass
that Nephi went his way towards his own house, pondering upon the things
which the Lord had shewn unto him. And it came to pass as he was thus
pondering, — ^being much cast down because of the wickedness of the people
282 BOOK OF HELAMAN.
of the Ifephites, 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,
blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou tiast 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 have sought my will, and to keep my com-
mandments. And now because thou hast done this with such unweai^ing-
ness, 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 acobrding to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary
to my will. 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 peo-
ple, and ghall smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruc-
tion, according to the wickedness of this people. 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. And thus, if ye shall say unto ithis tem-
ple, it shall be rent in twain, it shall be done. And if ye shall say unto this
mountain, be thou cast down and become smooth, it shall be done. And
behold, if ye shall say, that God shall smite this people, it shall come to
pass. 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.
" 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. 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 ; therefore Nephi did de-
clare unto them the word of the Lord, saying, except ye repent, thus saith
the Lord, ye shall be smitten, even unto destruction. 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. 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.
And it came to pass that thus he did go forth in the spirit, from multi-
tude^to multitude, declaring the word of God, even until he had declared
it unto them all, or sent it forth among all the people. And it came to pass
that they would not hearken unto his words ; and there began to be conten-
tions, insomuch that they were divided against themselves, and began to
slay one another with the sword. And thus ended the seventy and first
year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.
BOOK OE HELAMAN. 283
CHAPTER IV.
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. 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.
And it came to pass that in this year, Nephi did cry unto the Lord, say-'
ing, Lord do not suffer that this people shall be destroyed by the sword ; but
Lord, rather let there be a famine in the land, to stir them up in remem-
brance of the Lord their God, and perhaps they will repent and turn unto
thee ; 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 de-
struction did cease by the sword, but became sore by famine. 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 Laman-
Ites as weU as among the Nephites, so that they were smitten that they did
perish by thousands, in the more wicked parts of the land.
And it came to pass that the people saw that they were about to perish
by famine, and they began to remember the words of Nephi. And the peo-
ple 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.
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, Lord, behold this people repenteth ;
and they have swept away the band of Gadianton from amongst them, inso-
much that they have become extinct, and they have concealed their secret
plans in the earth. Now, 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 ? Lord, wilt thou turn
away thine anger, yea, thy fierce anger, and cause that this famine may
cease in this land ? 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 ? 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 said, that
if this people repent, I will spare them ; yea, Lord, and thou seest that
they have repented, because of the famine, and the pestilence and destruc-
tion which has come unto them. And now, Lord, wilt thou turn away
thine anger, and try again if they will serve thee ? And if so, Lord, thou
canst bless them according to thy words which thou hast said.
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. And behold, the people did rejoice, and glorify God, and the
284 BOOK OF HELAMAN.
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. And
behold, Lehi, his brother, was not a whit behind him as to things pertain-
ing to righteousness. 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. 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 be-
long to the church ; and they did have exceeding great peace in the land ;
and thus ended the seventy and seventh year. 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. And in the
seventy and ninth year, there began to be much strife. But it came to pass
that Kephi 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.
And it came to pass that in the eightieth year of the reign, of the judges
over the people of JTephi, there were a certain number of the dissenters from
the people of Nephi, who had some years before gone over unto the Laman-
ites, and took upon themselves the name of Lamanites ; and also, a certain
nuinber 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. 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 ; and thus in time, yea, even in the space of not many years,
they became an exceeding great band of robbers ; and they did search out
all the secret plans of Gadianton ; and thus they became robbers of Gadi-
anton. Now behold, these robbers did mSce great havoc, yea, even great
destruction among the people of Nephi, and also among the people of the
Lamanites. • ^.^
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 rob-
bers, and to destroy them. 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.
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 ; 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 rob-
bers who infested the mountains and the wilderness. 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 ; 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
BOOK OF HBLAMAN. 285
and their children. Now this great evil, which came unto the people be-
cause of their iniquity, did stir them up again in remembrance of the Lord
their God. And thus ended the eighty and first year of the reign of the
judges. 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. 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. And thus ended the eighty and fifth
year. 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 ;
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 happi-
ness 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 exceeding great pros-
perity. 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 pestilences, they will not remember
him. 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 ; 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 ! 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 nought his counsels, and they will not that he should
be their guide. how great is the nothingness of the children of men ; yea,
even they are less than the dust of the earth. For behold, the dust of the
earth moveth hither and thither, to the dividing asunder, at the commmid of
our great and everlasting God ; yea, behold, at his voice doth the hilff and
the mountains tremble and quake ; and by the power of his voice they are
broken up, and become smooth, yea, even like unto a valley ; yea, by the
power of his voice doth the whole earth shake ; yea, by the power of his
voice, doth the foundations rock, even to the very centre ; yea, and if he
say unto the earth, move, it is moved ; yea, if he say >mto the earth, thou
Shalt go back, that it lengthen out thfe day for many hours, it is done : 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 sure it is the
earth that moveth, and not the sun. And behold, also, if he say unto the
waters of the great deep, be thou dried up, it is done. 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. 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 ; 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 for-
ever. And behold, if the Lord shall say unto a man, because of thine ini-
286 BOOK OP HELAMAN.
quities thou slmlt be accursed forever, it shall be done. 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. 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. 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. And
may God grant, in his great fnlnesa, that men might be brought unto re-
pentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace, for grace
according to their works. And I would that all men might be saved. But
we read that in that great and last day, there are some who shall be cast
out ; yea, who shall be cast off from the presence of the Lord ; 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 damnatioit And thus it is. Amen.
CHAPTER V.
THE PROPHECY OP SAMUEL, THE LAMAITITE, TO THE
NEPHITES.
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 commandment's of God, according to the
law of Moses. 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. 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.
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; and he said unto them, be"
hold, 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 passeth not- away save the sword of justice falleth upon this people ;
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. 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, therefore thus saith
the Lord, because of the hardness of the hearts of the people of the Ne-
phites, 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 ; and four hundred years shall
not pass away, before I will cause that they shall be smitten ; yea I-will visit
BOOK OF HELAMAN. 287
them with the sword, and with famine, and with pestilence ; 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. 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 ; 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. 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. 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; yea, and wo be unto the city of Gideon, for the wickedness and
abominations which are in her ; 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 ; 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.
And it shall come to pass saith the Lord of Hosts, yea, our great and true
God, that whoso shall hide up treasures in tlje 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, 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. And the day shall come that they shall hide up their treasures, be-
cause they have set their hearts upon riches ; and because they have set
their hearts upon their riches, I will hide up their treasures when they shall
flee before their enemies, because they will notliide them up unto me j cursed
be they, and also their treasures ; and in that day shall they be smitten, saith
the Lord. 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. Te do not remember the Lord
your God in the things 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. For this cause hath the Lord God c'aused that
a curse should come upon the land, and also upon your riches ; and this be-
cause of your iniquities ; 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. And now when ye talk, ye say, if our days
had been in the days of our fathers of old, ye would not have slain the proph-
ets ; ye would not have stoned them and cast them out. Behold ye are
288 BOOKOi' HELAMAN.
wdrse than they ; for as the Lord lireth, 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. 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 ; yea, ye
will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your, substance ; ^e 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 salth
that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. ye wicked and ye
perverse generation ; ye hardened and ye stiff-necked people, how long will
ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you ; yea, how long will ye suffer your-
selves to be led by foolish and blind guides; yea, how long ■will ye choose
darkness rather than light; yea, behold the anger of the -Lord is already
kindled against you ; behold, he hath cursed the land, because of your in-
iquity ; and behold, the time cometh that he curseth your riches, that it be-
cometh slippery, that ye cannot hold them ; and in the days of your poverty,
ye cannot retain them ; 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,
that I had repented, and had not killed the prophets, and stoned them, and
cast them out; yea, in that day ye shall say, 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. Behold, we lay a tool here, and on the morrow it is
gone ; and behold, o,ur swords are taken from us in the day we have sought
them for battle. Yea, we have hid up our treasures, and they have slipped
away from us, because of the curse of the land. 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 have become slippery, and we cannot hold them. Be-
hold we are surrounded by demons, yea, we are encircled about by the
angels of him who hath sought to destroy our soulj. Behold, our iniquities
are great. Lord, canst thou not turn away thine anger from uq ? And
this shall be your language in those days. But behold, your days of pro-
bation 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. 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.
And now it came to pass that Samuel, the Lamanite, did prophesy a
great many more things which cannot be written. 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. 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 ; therefore there shall be one
BOOK 07 HELAMAN. 289
day and a night, and a day, as if it were one day, and there were no mght ;
and this shall be unto you for a sign ; for ye shall Itnow of the rising of the
sun, and also of its setting; therefore they shall linow of a surety that there
shall be two days and a night ; nevertheless the night shall not be darken-
ed ; and it shall be the night before he is born. And behold there shall be
a new star arise, such an one as ye neier have beheld ; and this also shall be
a sign unto you. And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and
wonders in heaven. And it shall come to pass that ye shall be amazed, and
wonder, insomuch that ye shall fall to the earth. And it shall come to pass
chat whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have ever-
lasting life. 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. And now
because lam 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. And ye shall hear my words, for, for this intent have I come
up upon the walla of this city, that ye might hear and know of the judg-
ments of God which do await you because of your iniquities, and also that ye
might know the conditions of repentance ; 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 signii of his coming, to the intent that ye might believe on his
name. 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. And behold,
again, another sign I give unto you ; yea a sign of his death ; for behold,
he surely must die, that salvation may come ; yea, it behooveth him, and be-
cometh 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 ; yea,
behold this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all man-
kind from the first death ; that, spiritual death for all mankind, by the fall of
Adam, being cut off from the presence of the Lord, or considered as dead,
both as to the things temporal and to things spiritual. But behold, the res-
urrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth
them back into the presence of the Lord ; 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 ; therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by kndwing these things
and not doing them, ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation,
and ye are brought down unto this second death. But behold, as I said
unto you concerning another sign, a sign of bis 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 sufferdeath, for the
space of three days, to the time that he shall rise again from the dead ; 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 trem-
ble, 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, shoil be broken up ; yea they shall be rent
in twaiuj^nd 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.
13
290 BOOK OF HELAMAN.
beneath. And behold there shall be great tempests, and there shall be
many mountains laid low, like unto a Talley, and there shall be many places,
which are now called valleys, which shall become mountains, whose height
thereof is great. And many highways shall be broken up, and many cities
shall become desolate, and many graves shall be opened, and shall yield up
many of their dead ; and many saints shall appear unto many. And behold
thus hath the angel spoken unto me ; for he said unto me, that there should
be thuhderings and lightnings for the space of many hours ; and he- said
unto me that while the thunder and the lightning lasted, and the tempest,
Ihat these things should be, and that darkness should cover the face of the
whole earth, for the space of three days. And the angel said unto me
that many shall see greater things than these, to the intent that they mi^ht
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 unbeliei
among the children of men ; and this to the intent that whosoever will be-
lieve, might be saved, and that whosoever wiH not believe, a righteous judg-
ment might come upon them : and- also if they are condemned, they bring
upon themselves their own condemnation. And now remember, remember,
my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whoso-
ever 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 ; 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. And now my beloved brethren,
behold, I declare unto you that except ye shall repent, your houses shall be
left unto you desolate ; yea, except ye repent, your women shall have great
cause to mourn in the day that they shall give stick ; 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 ; yea, wo unto this people who are
called the people of Nephi, except they shall repent when they ghall see all
these signs aiid wonders which shall be shewed 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 ttiem ; yea, in the days of their iniquities
hath he chastened them, because he loveth them. But behold my brethren,
the Lamanites hath he hated, because their deeds have been evil contin-
ually : 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. 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 ob-
serve to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, ac-
cording to the law of Moses. Tea, 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. 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 ; therefore as many as
have come to this, ye know of yourselves, are firm and steadfast in the faith,
BOOK 01? HELAMAN. 291
and in the thing wherewith they have been made free. 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 be-
cause of their faith in Christ. 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 ; 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 ; yea, I say
unto you, that in the latter times, the promises of the Lord hath been ex-
tended to our brethren, the Lamanites ; and notwithstanding the many
atBlictions 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 ; and this is according to the prophecy, that they shall be
brought to the true knowledge, which is the knowledge of their Redeemer, -
and their great and true Shepherd, and be numbered among his sheep.
Therefore I say unto you, it shall be better for them than for you, except
ye repent. For behold, had the mighty works been shewn unto them which
have been shewn 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 ; 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. 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.
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. 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. Now when they saw this, 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. For behold, Nephi was baptizing,
and prophesying, and preaching, crying repentance unto the people ; shew-
ing signs and wonders ; working miracles among the people, that they might
know that the Christ must shortly come ; telling them of things which must
shortly come, that they might know and remember at the time of their com-
ing 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. 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 out unto their captains, saying,
292 BOOK OV HELAMAN.
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. 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. And
behold, he was never heard of more among the Nephites ; and thus were the
affairs of the people. And thus ended the eighty and sixth year of the
reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. 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. And these were the conditions also, in the
eighty and eighth year of the reign of the judges. 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 con-
trary to the commandments of God, in the eighty and ninth year of the
reign of the judges.
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 ; 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. 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, 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. And
they began to reason and to contend among themselves, saying, 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 shew himself unto us, as well as unto them who shall be at Jeru-
salem ? Tea, why will he not shew himself in this land, as well as in the
land of Jerusalem? But behold, we know that this is a wicked tradition,
which has been handed down unto ua 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. And they will, by the cunning and
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. 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 ; and notwithstanding the signs and the. won-
ders 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. And thus ended the ninetieth year of
the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. And thus ended the book
of Iblaman, according to the record of Helaman and his sons.
BOOK OF NEPHL 293
THE BOOK OF NEPHI, THE SON OF NEPHI,
WHO WAS THE SON OF HELAMAN;
CHAPTER I.
And Belaman was the son ofMelaman, who was the son of Alma, who was
the son of Alma, being a descendant of Nephi who was the son ofXehi, who
came out of Jerusalem in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, the king
of Jvdah.
Now it came to pass that the ninety and first year bad passed away ; and
it was six Iiundred 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. And Kephi, the son of Helaman, had departed out of the land of
Zarahemla, giving charge unto his son Nephi, who was his eldest son, con-
cerning 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 ; 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 re-
cord of this people.
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. 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.
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
Mth concerning this thing, hath been vain. 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. But behold, they did watch steadfastly for
that day, and that night, and that day, which shall be as one day, as if
there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been
vain.
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, ex-
cept the sign should come to pass which had been given by Samuel the proph-
et Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this
wickedness of his people, his heart was exceeding sorrowful. 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. And it
came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord, all the day ; and behold,
the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying, 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 thft world, to shew unto the world
that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of
my holy prophets. Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which
I have made known unto the children of men, from the foundation of the
irorld, and do the will, both of the Father, and of the Son of the Father,
294 BOOK OF NEPHI.
because of me, and of the Son, because of m; flesb. And behold, the time
is at band, and this night shall the sign be given.
And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfill-
ed, 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, be-
cause there was no darkness when the night came. And there were many
who had not believed the words of the prophets, fell to the earth, and be-
came as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction
wiiich they had laid for tbo^e who believed in the word of the prophets, had
been frustrated, for the signal which had been given was already at hand ;
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 as-
tonished, that they fell to the earth ; 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.
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, acQording 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. And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, ac-
cording to the words of the prophets. And it came to pass also, that a new
star did appear, according to the word. And it came to pass that from this
time forth, there began to be lyings sent forth among the people, by saUn,
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. And it came to pass that Nephi went forth among the peo-
ple, and also many others, baptizing unto repentance, in the which, there
were a great remission of sins.' And thus the people began again to have
peace in the land ; 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. 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 ttie 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 nor 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. And thus the ninety
and second year did pass away, bringing glad tidings unto the people be-
cause of the signs ■which did come to pass, according to the words of the
prophecy of all the holy prophets.
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 moun-
tains, who did infest the land ; for so strong were their holds and their se-
cret places, that the people could not overpower them ; therefore they did
commit many murders, and did do much slaughter among the peojjle. And
it came to pass that in the ninety and fourth year, they began to increase
in a 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 ; 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
BOOK OF NEPHI. 295
led^away by some who were Zoramites, by their lying and their flattering
words, to join those Gadianton robbers ; and thus were the Lamanites aS-
fiicted also, and began to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, be-
cause of the wickedness of the rising generation.
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 disbeUeTe all which they had heard and seen, im-
agining 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 peo-
ple ; and thus did satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, in-
somuch that he did blind their eyes, and lead them away to believe that the
doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing.
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. 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 ; and also an hundred years had ^passed
away, since the days of Mosiah, who was king over the people of the Ne-
phites. And six hundred and nine years had passed away, since Lehi left
Jerusalem ; 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. Now the Nephites began to reckon their time from this pe-
riod when the sign was given or from the coming of Christ ; therefore, nine
years had passed away, and Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, who bad
the charge of the records, did not return to the land of Zarahemla, and could
no where be found in all the landr
And it came to pass that the people did stiU remain in wickedness, not-
withstanding 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. 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, aiid 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 ;
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 their
I privileges of their church, and of their worship, and their freedom, and
their liberty. 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 exceeding sore. And it came to pass that
those Lamanites who had united with the Nephites, were numbered among
the Nephites : and their curse wag taken from them, and their skin became
white like unto the Nephites ; and their young men and their daughters be-
came exceeding fair, and they were numbered among the Nephites, and
were called Nephites. And thus ended th#thirteenth year.
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 l>e-
come exceeding sore ; nevertheless, the people of Nephi did gain some ad-
296 BOOK OP NEPHI.
Tantage of the robbers, insomuch that they did drive them back out of their
lands into the mountains, and into their secret places. And thus ended the
fourteenth year. And inthe 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. 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.
CHAPTER II.
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, Lachoneus, most noble and chief governor of
the land, behold I write this epistle unto' you, and do give unto you exceed-
ing great praise because of your firmness, and also the firmness of your peo-
ple, 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 de-
fence of yoUr' liberty, and your property, and your country, or that which
ye do call so. '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. And I, knowing of their unconquerable
spirit, having proved them in the field of battle, and knowing of their ever-
lasting 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 ; therefore I have wrote 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 ;
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
sl;^d visit you with the sword, and that destruction should come upon you ;
or in other words, yield yourselves up unto us, and unite with us, and be-
come acquainted with our secret works, and become our brethren, that ye
may be like nnto us ; not our slaves, but our brethren, and partners of all
our substance. 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 un-
til ye shall become extinct. 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 an ancient date, and
. they have been handed down unto us. And I write this epistle unto you,
Lachoneus, and I hope that ye will deliver up your lands, and your posses-
sions, 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.
BOOK OP KEPHI. 297
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 peo-
ple 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. 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 ; 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.
And he caused that fortifications should be built round about them, and the
strength thereof should be exceeding great. And he caused that there
should be 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 ;
yea, he said unto them, as the Lord liveth, except ye repent of all your in-
iquities, and cry unto" the Lord, that they would in no wise be delivered out
of the hands of those Gadianton robbers. 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 ac-
cording to the words of Lachoneus.
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 again'st them. Now the chiefest
among all the captains, and the great commander of all the armies of the
Nephites, was appointed, and his name was Gidgiddoni. 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, and also was the chief judge. 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. 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 centre 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. And it came to pass in the seven-
teenth 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,'ijnt^l they had all gone forth to the
pUice which had been appointed, that they should gather themselves to-
gether, to defend themselves against their enemies. And the land which
was appointed was the land of Zarahemla and the land Bountiful ; yea, to
the line which was between the land Bountiful and the land Desolation ; 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 ; and they did fortify
themselves agsunst their enemies ; and they did dwell in one land, and in
298 BOOK OF NEPHI.
one body, and ttey did fear the words which had been spoken by Lacho-
neus, insomuch that they did repent of all th,eir sins ; and they did put
up their prayers unto the Lord their God, that'he would delirer them in the
time that their enemies should come down against them to battle. And
they were exceeding sorrowful because of their enemy. And Uldgiddoni
did cause that they should make weapons of war, of every kind, that
they should be strong with armor, and with shields, and with bucklers, after
the manner of his instruction.
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 strong holds, and their secret places, and began to take possession of
the lainds, both which was in the land southland which was 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. 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. 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 ; therefore there wis 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 num-
ber, 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.
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. 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.
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 da^ 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. 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. And it came to pass that when the armies of Gid-
dianhi saw this, they began to'shout with a loud.yoice, because of their joy ;
for they had supposed that the Nephites had fallen with fear, because of the
terror of their armies; 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 ; 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. And notwithstanding
BOOK OF NEPHI. 299
the threatenings ani the oaths which Giddianhi had made, behold, the
Nephites did beat them, insomuch that they did fall back from before them.
And it came to pass that Gidgiddonl 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.
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.
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 ; 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 th^
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
cQuld cause them to yield themselves up according to their wishes. Now
they had appointed unto themselves another leader, whose name was Zem-
naribah ; therefore it was Zemnaribah that did cause that this siege should
take place. 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, because of the scantiness of provisions among the robbers ; for be-
hold they had nothing save it were meat for their subsistence, which meat
they, did obtain in the wilderness. And it came to pass that the wild game
became scarce in the wilderness, insomuch that the robbers were about to
perish with hunger. 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. 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.
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. 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, there-
fore 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 ; 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. 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. And
there were many thousands who did yield themselves up prisoners unto the
Nephites ; and the remainder of them were slain ; and their leader, Zem-
narihah, 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 fall the tree to the earth, and did cry with a loud voice, saying, may
tlie Lord preserve his people in righteousness and in holiness of heart, that
they may cause to be fell to the earth all who shall seek to slay them be-
cause of power and secret combinations, even as this man hath been fell to
;he earth. And they did rejoice and cry again with one voicii, saying, may
800 BOOK OF NEPHI.
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. And it came to pass that they did breali 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 ; 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.
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 Jjnew it was because of their repentance and
their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction. .
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 ;
and they knew that it must be expedient that Christ had come, hecause of
the many signs which had been given, according to the wDrds of the proph-
ets, 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 ; therefore they did forsake all their sins and their
abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence
day and night.
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 ; 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. 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. 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, 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 ; but behold there are records which do contain all the proceed-
ings of this people ; and » more short but a true account was given by
Nephi ; 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. And behold I do make the record on plates which I have
made with mine own hands. And behold, I am called Mormon, being called
after the land of Mormon, the land in the which Alma did establish the church
among the people ; yea, the first church which was established among them
after their transgression. 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. 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 ; yea, a small
record of that which hath taken place from the time that Lehi left Jerusa-
lem, even down until the present time ; therefore I do make my record from
the acooimts which have been given by those who were before me, until
BOOK OF NEPHI. 801
the commencement of my day ; and then I do make a record of the things
which I have seen with mine own eyes. 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. 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, 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 the
land,) and that he hath given me and my people so much knowledge unto
the salvation of our souls. Surely he bath blessed the house of Jacob, and
hath been merciful unto the seed of Joseph. And insomuch as the children
of Lehi have kept his commandments, he hath blessed them and prospered
them according to his word ; yea, and surely shall he again bring a remnant
of the seed of Joseph to the knowledge of the Lord their God ; 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 allithe
face of the earth ; aud 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 ; 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.
CHAPTER III.
And now it came to pass that the people of the N^ephites 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. 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. And they granted unto those rob-
bers who had entered into a covenant to keep the peace, of the band 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
didestablish peace in all the land. 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 ; aud they had formed their laws accord-
ing to equity and justice. And now there was nothing in all the land, to
hinder the people from prospering continually, except they should fall into
transgression. 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.
And it came to pass that there were many cities built anew, and there
were many old cities repaired and thfte 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. And thus passed away the twenty and eighth year,
302 BOOK OF NEPHI.
and the people had continual peace. 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 exceeding great riches,
yea, even unto great persecutions : for there were many merchants in the
land, and also many lawyers, and many officers. 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
reoeiye great learning because of their riches ; some were lifted up in pride,
and others were exceeding humble ; some did return railing for railing, while
others would receive raiUng, and persecution, and all manner of afflictions,
and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent befoce
God ; 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 Lar
manites, who were converted unto the true faith ; and they would not de-
part from it, for they were firm, andsteadfast, and immovable, willing with
all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord. Now the cause of
this iniijuity 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. And thus satan did lead away the hearts of
the people, to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had not enjoyed
peace but a few years. 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 tliey should ; and thus
in the commencement of this, the thirtieth year, they were in a state of
awful wickedness. 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. 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. And thjsre began to be men inspired from
heaven, and sent forth, standing among the people in aH^the land, preach-
ing and testifying boldly of the sins and iniquities of the people, and testi-
fying unto them concerning the redemption which the Lord would make for
his people; or in other words, the resurrection of Christ; and' they did tes-
tify boldly of his death and sufferings. Now there were many of the people
who were exceeding 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. 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. 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. 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 ; therefore a complaint came up unto the land of
Zarahemla, to the governor of the land, against these judges who had con-
demned the prophets of the Lord unto death, not according to the law.
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. Now it came to pass that those judges
Had many friends and kindreds; and the remainder, yea, even almost all the
BOOK OF NEPHI. 303
Uwyers andtlie high priests, did gather themselves together, ai;d unite with
the kindreds of those judges who were to be tried according to the law ;
and they did enter into a covenant one with another, yea, even into that
covenant which was given by fhem of old, which covenant was given and
administered by the devil, to combine against all righteousness ; 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.
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 es-
tablish a king over the land, that the land should no more be at liberty, but
should be subject unto kings. Now behold, I will shew 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. 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 gov-
ernment of the land. And every tribe did appoint a chief, or a leader over
them ; and thus they became tribes, and leaders of tribes. Now behold,
there was no man among them, save he had much family and many kindreds
and friends ; therefore their tribes became exceeding great. 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 ; and the regulations of the government were destroyed, be-
cause of the secret combination of the friends and kindreds of those who
murdered the prophets. And they did cause a great contention in the land,
insomuch that the more righteous part of the people, although they had
nearly all become wicked ; yea, there were but few righteous men among
them. And thus six years had not passed away, since the more part of the
people had turned frorn their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or
like the sow to her wallowing in the mire. 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 ; 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. 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 en-
tered into a covenant to destroy the government ; 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 ; 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.
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 frien'ds ; never-
theless 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
rf government, for they were established according to the minds of those
304 BOOK OF NKPHl.
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 deTee 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.
And it came to pass that NepM, having been visited by angels, and also
by the voice of the Lord, therefore having seen angels, and being eye wit-
ness, and having had power given unto him that he might know concern-
ing the ministry of Christ, and also being eye witness to their quick return
from righteousness unto their wickedness and abominations; 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. And he did minister many things unto them ; and all of them can-
not 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.
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 dis-
believe his words, for so great was bjs faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, that
angels did minister unto him daily ; and in the name of Jesus did he cast
out devils and unclean spirits ; and even hia brother did he raise from the
dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people ; and the
people saw it, and did witness of it, and were angry with himj because of his
power ; and he did also do many more miracles, in the sight of the people,
in the name of Jesus.
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 sigijify tinto the people that they had been visited
by the power and spirit pf ,6od, which was in Jesus Christ, in whom they be-
lieved. 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 shew forth signs also, and did do some miracles among the
people.
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. Now I would have
you to remember also, that there were none who were brought unto repent-
ance, who were not baptized with water ; 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. 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.
CH.APTER IV.
And now it came to pass that according to our record, and we know out
record to be true, for behold, it was a just man who did keep the record •
for he truly did many Yniracles 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
BOOK 01' NSFHI. 305
every whit from hia iniquity. And now it came to pass, if there was no
mistake made Dy this man in the reckoning of our time, the thirty and third
year had passed away, 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. And there began to be great doubtings and
disputations among the people, notwithstabding so many signs had been
given.
And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, in
the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as
never had been known in all the land ; and there was also a great and terri-
ble tempest ; au4 there was terrible thunder, insomuch that it did shake the
whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder; and there were exceeding
sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land. And the
city of Zarahemla did take fire ; and the city of Moroni did sink into the
depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned; and the earth
was carried up upon the city of Horonihah, that in the place of the city
thereof, there became a great mountain ; and there was a great and terrible
destruction in the land southward. 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 exceeding great quaking of the
whole earth ; and the highways were broken up, and the level roads were
spoiled, and many smooth places became rough, and many great and notable
cities were sunk, and many were burned, and many were shook till the
buildings thereof had fallen to the earth, and the inhabitants thereof were
slain, and the places were left desolate ; and there were some cities which
remained ; but the damage thereof was exceeding great, and there were
many in them who were slain ; and there were' some who were carried away
in the whirlwind ; and whither they *ent, no man knoweth, save they knew
that they were carried away ; 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. 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
fac»of the land.
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.
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 ; and there could be no light, because /if the
darkness ; neither candles, neither torches ; neither could there hi fire
kindled with their fine and exceeding dry wood, so that there could not be
any light at all ; 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.
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 groaninga
of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had
come upon them. And in one place they were heard to cry, saying, that
306 BOOK OP NEPHI.
we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then wou?d our
brethren have been spared, and they would not have been bnmed in that
great city Zarahemla. And in another place they were heard to cry and
mourn, saying, that we had repented befofe 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 bowlings of the people great and terrible.
And it came to pass that there was a voice heard among all the inhabi-
tants of the earth upon all the face of this land, crying, 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. Behold, that great city Zarahemla
have I burned with fire, and the inhabitants thereof. 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. And behold, that great city Moronihah
have I covered with earth, and the inhabitants thereof, to hide their in-
iquities 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.
And behold, the city of Grilgal have I caused to be sunk, and the inhabitants
thereof to be buried up in the depths of the earth ; yea, and the city 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 tefore my face, that the blood of the prophets and the
saints shall not come up any more unto me against them. And behold, the
city of Gadiandi, and the city of (Jadiomnah, 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. And behold, that great city Jac'obugath,
which was inhabited by the.people of the king of 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. 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 ; 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 ; and many great
destructions liave I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people,
because of their wickedness and their abominations.
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 ? Tea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me, ye
shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards
BOOK OJ NEPHI. 307
you, and whosoerer -will come, him will I receiye ; and blessed are those
who come unfo me. 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. I came unto my own, and my
own received me not. And the scriptures, concerning my coming, are ful-
filled. 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 ful-
filled. I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega,
the beginning and the end. And ye shall offer up unto me no more the
shedding of blood ; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt ofieringa shall be
done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings ;
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 Laraanites, be-
cause 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. Behold, I have
come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world
from sin : 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.
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 ; for so great was the aston-
ishment of the people that they did cease lamenting and howhng for the loss
of their kindred which bad been slain ; therefore there was silence in all the
land for the space of many hours.
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, 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. And again, how oft would
I have gathered yon, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings; yea,
ye people of the house of Jsrael, who have fallen ; yea, 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 wtiuld not. 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. But if not, house of Isra-
el, the places of your dwellings shall become desolate, until the time of the
fulfilling of the covenant to your fathers.
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. 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, and the earth did cleave together again, that it stood,
ana 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. And thus far were the scriptures fulfilled, which had been
spoken by the prophets. And it was the more righteous part of the people
308 BOOK OB NBPm.
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 ; and they were Spared^ and wer# 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 over-
powered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness. And now whoso readeth, '
let him understand ; he that hath the scriptures, let hiin search them, and
see and behold if all these deaths and destructions by fire, and by smoke,
and by tempests, and whirlwinds, and by the openiiig of the earth to re-
ceive them, and all these things, are not" unto the fulfilling of the prophecies
of many of the holy prophets. Behold, I say unto yoii, yea, many have
testified of these things at the coming of Christ, and were' slain because they
testified of these things ; yea, the prophet Zenos did testify of these things,
and also Zenock spake concerning these things, because they testified par-
ticularly concerning us, who are the remnant of their seed. Behold our fa-
ther 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? And it came to pass that in the
ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold I will shew unto you that the
people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called La-
manites, who had been spared, did have great favors shewn 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,
shewing 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.
CHAPTEE V.
Jesus Christ sheweth himself unto the people of Nephi, as the multitude were
gathered together in the land Boimtiful, and did minister unto them ; and
on this wise did he shew himself unto them.
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 shewing one to another the great and marvelous change which
had taken place ; and they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of
whom the sign had been given, concerning his death.
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 not-
withstanding it being a small voice, it did pierce them that did hear, to the
centre, 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. And it came to pass that again they heard the voice and
they understood it not ; and again the third time they did hear the voice
aud 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
BOOK OP NEPHI. 309
sound came ; and behold, the third time they did understand the voice
■which they heard; and it said unto them, behold, my beloved Son, in whom
I am well pleased, in whom Khave glorified my name, hear ye him.
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 clothefl in a white robe, and he caine dowtf 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.
And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand, and spake unto
thfe people, saying, behold I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified
shall come into the world : 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.
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 shew himself unto them after his ascension
into heaven.
And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying, arise and
come forth unto me, that ye may thrust yourliands into my side, ^nd 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.
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 bis 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, should come.
And when they had all gone forth, and had witnessed for themselves,
they did cry out with one accord, saying, hosanna ! blessed be the name of
the Most High God ! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did
worship him.
And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi, (for Kephi was among
the multitude,) and he commanded him that he should come forth. And
Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord, and he
did kiss his feet. And the Lord commanded him that he should arise.
And he arose and stood before him. And the Lord said unto him, I give
unto you power that ye shall baptize this people, when I am again ascended
into heaven. And again the Lord called others, and said unto them like-
wise ; 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.
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. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say,
calling them by name, saying : 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. And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come
forth again out of the water. 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,
310 BOOK OF NEPHI.
and the Father and I are one. And according as I haye commanded you,
thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as
there hath hitherto been; neither shall theffeibe disputations among you
concerning the points of my doctrine, as there hath hitherto been; 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. 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.
Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.
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 bearcth 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 ; and whoso beheveth in me, and is baptized, the same shall
be saved ; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdota of God. And
whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. 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 ; 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. 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. 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. 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. And whoso
shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the
same cometh of evil, and is not ^uilt upon my rock, but he buildeth upon a
sandy foundation, and the gates'lof hell standeth open to receive such, when
the floods come, and the winds beat upon them. Therefore go forth unto
this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of
the earth. And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words
unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the numberof them
who had been called, and received power and authoritjr to baptize, were
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. 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. Tea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words,
and come down into the depths of humility, and be baptized ; for thfey shall
be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission
of their sins. Yea, blessed are the poor in spirit who coftie unto me, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. And agsun, blessed are all they that
mourn, for they shall be comforted ; and blessed are the meek, for they
shall inherit the earth. And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst
after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. ' And bless-
ed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. And blessed are the pure
BOOK or NEPHI. 311
in heart, for they shall see God. And blessed are all the peace-makers, for
they shall be called the children of God. And blessed are all they who are
persecuted, for my name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. And
blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute, and shall say all
manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake, for ye shall have great joy
and be exceeding glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven ; for so
persecuted they the prophets who were before you. 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. Verily, verily I say unto you, I give unto you to be the light
of this people. A city that is set on a bill cannot be bid. Behold, do men
light a candle and put it under a bushel? ^ay, but on a candle-stick, and
it giveth light to all that are in the house ; therefore let your light so shine
before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your
Father who is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy the law or
the prophets. I am not come to destroy but to fulfil ; for verily I say unto
you, one jot nor one tittle hath not passed away from the law, but in me it
hatii all been fulfilled. «
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 ; 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. 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. 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,
Eaca, shall be in danger of the council ; and whosoever shall say thou fool,
shall be in danger of hell fire ; therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall
desire to come unto me, and rememberest that thy brother hath aught
against thee, 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 re-
ceive you. 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. Verily, verily I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means come out
thence, until thoii hast paid the uttermost senine. And while ye are in pris-
on, can ye pay even one senine ? Verily, verily I say unto you, nay. Be-
hold, it is written by them of old time, thjit thou shalt not commit adultery ;
but I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her,
hath committed' adultery already in his heart. Behold, I give you a com-
mandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart; 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. It hath been
written, that whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing
of divorcement. 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.
And again it is written, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform
unto the Lord thine oaths. But verily, verily I say unto you, swear not at
all ; neither by heaven, for it is God's throne ; nor by the earth, for it is his
footstool ; neither shalt thou swear by the head, because thou canst not make
one hair black or white ; but let your communication be yea, yea ; nay, nay ;
312 BOOK OS NEPHI,
for whatsoever cometh of more than these are evU. And behold, it is writ-
ten, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. 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 alec. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and
take away thy coat, let ^him have thy cloak also. And vfhosoever shall
compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee,
and to him that would borrow of thee, turn thou not away. And behold,
it is written also, that thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy ;
but behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do
good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefuUy use you and
persecute you, 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 ; therefore those
things which were of old time, which were under the law, in me are all ful-
filled. Old things are done away, and all things have became new ; there-
fore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in
heaven is perfect. 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.
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. But
when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth ;
that thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret, him-
self shall reward thee openly.
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.
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. But when ye pray, use not vain repeti-
tions, as the heathen, for they think that they shall be heard for their much
speaking. Be not ye therefore' like unto them, for your Father knoweth
what thiitgs ye have need of before ye ask him. After this manner there-
fore pray ye, our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy
will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And forgive us our debts, &s we
forgave our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from
evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.
Amen, For, if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you ; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your
Father forgive your trespasses. 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 yon, they have their re-
ward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face ;
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.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treas-
ures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there
will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye, if therefore thine
eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be
evil, thy whole body shaU be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is
in -thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 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
BOOK OB NBPHI. 313
CHAPTER VI.
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, remem-
ber 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 ? 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 ? Which of you by taking thought can
add one cubit unto his stature i And why take ye thought for raiment ?
Consider the lilies of the field how they grow ; they toil not, neither do they
spin ; and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not
arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so cl»the the grass of the
field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, even so will he
clothe you, if ye are not of little faith. Therefore take no thought, saying,
what shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or wherewithal shall we be
clothed ? For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these
things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and
all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the
morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufii-
cient is the day unto the evil thereof.
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. For
with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged ; and with what measure
ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the
mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in
thine own eye ? 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 ? Thou hypocrite,
first cast the beam out of thine own eye : and then shalt thou see clearly to
oast the mote out of thy brother's eye. Give not that which is holy unto
the dogs, neither oast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them
under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Ask, and it shall be given unto you ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and
it shall be opened unto you, for every one that asketh, receiveth ; and he
that seeketh, findeth ; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or
what man is there of you, whom, if his son ask bread, will he give him a'
stone ? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 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 ?
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.
Enter ye in at the straight gate ; for wide is the gate, and broad is the
way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be who go in thereat : be-
cause straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you
in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Te shall know
them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit ; but a corrupt tree
bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither
a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit, ^vefy tree thatbrmgeth not forth
14
314 BOOK OF NEPHI.
good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruita
ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the king-
dom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
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 V and in thy name done many
wonderful works ? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you,
depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
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, 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. 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, and the rain de-
scended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house ;
and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
CHAPTER VII.
And now it came to pass that when Jesus lad ended these sayings, he
cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and said unto them, behold, ye
have heard the things which I have 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. 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 under-
stood not the saying, that old things had passed away, and that all things
had become new. 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. Be-
hold I say unto you, that the law is fulfilled that was given unto Moses. Be-
hold, I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with my -peo-
ple Israel ; therefore, the law in me is fulfilled, for I have come to fulfil the
law ; therefore, it hath an end. 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. And because I said unto you, that old things hath passed away,
I do not destroy Jhat which hath been spoken concerning things which are\
to come. 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. 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. Behold, I have given unto you the commandments ; therefore
keep my commandments. And this is the law and the prophets, for thev
truly testified of me. r r . /
And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he
said unto those twelve whom he had chosen, ye are my disciples ; and ye
are a light unto this people, who are a remnant of the house of Joseph.
And behold, this is the land of your inheritance ; and the Father hath given
it unto you And not at any time hath the Father given me commandment
that I should tell it unto your brethren at Jerusalem ; neither at any time
hath the Father given me commandment, that I should teU unto them con-
cerning the other tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led
away out of the land. This mucji did the Father command me that I should
BOOK or NEPHi. 315
tell unto them, that other sheep I have, which are not of thia fold ; them
also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice ; and there shall be one fold,
and one shepherd. And now because of stiflf-neokedness and unbelief, they
understood not my word ; therefore I was commanded to say no more of
the Father concerning this thing unto them. But, verily, I say imto 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 be-
cause of their iniquity, that they know, not of you. 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. 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. 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 ; and they
understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice ; and they under-
stood 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.
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.
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 m any parts of that
land round about, whither I have been to minister. 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. 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 shew myself unto them. And I command
you that ye shall write these things, 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 knowl-
edge 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 fullness of the Gentiles,
the remnant of their seed who shall be scattered forth upon the face of the
earth, bgcause of their unbelief, may be brought in, or may be brought to a
knowledge of me, their Redeemer. And then will I gather them in from
the foiir quarters of the earth ; and then will I fulfil the covenant which the
Father hath made unto all the people of the house of 'Israel. And blessed
are the Gentiles, because of their belief in me, in and of the Holy Ghost,
which witness unto them of me and of the Father. Behold, because of their
belief in me, saith the Father, and because of the unbelief of you, house
of Israel, in the latter day shall the truth come unto the Gentiles, that the
fullness of these things shall be made known unto them. 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 ; 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 thia, and I have caused my peo-
ple 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 hias and a by-word among them. And thus com-
man^eth the Father that I should say unto you at thai day when the Gen-
325 BOOK 01' NEPHI.
tUes shaU sin against my gospel, and shall be Ufted up in the pride ortheir
hearts above aU nations, Ind above all the people of the whole earth and
shall be filled .with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefo,
and aU manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whore-
doms and of secret abominaLns ; and if they shall do all those things and
shall reiect the fullness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring
the fullness of my gospel from among them ; and then wiU I remember my
covenant which I have made unto my people, house of Israel, and I wiU
bring my gospel unto them; and I will shew unto thee, house of Israel,
that the (Entiles shall not have power over you, but I will remember my
covenant unto you, house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowl-
edge of the fuUness of my gospel. But if the Gentiles will repent, and return
unto me, saith the Father, behold, they shall be numbered among my people,
house of Israel ; and I wiU not suffer my people, who are of the house of
Israel, to go through among them, and tread them down, saith the Father.
But if they will not turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, I will suffer
them yea, I wiU suffer mv people, 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, house of Israel.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, thus hath the Father commanded me, that I
should' give unto this people this land for their inheritance. And when the
words of the prophet Isaiah shaU be fulfiUed, which say, thy watchmen shall
lift up the voice ; with the voice together shall they sing, for they sbaUsee
eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. Break forth into joy,
sine together, ye waste places of Jerusalem, for the Lord hath comforted
his'people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem. 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 God.
CHAPTER Till.
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. I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand
all my words which I am commanded of tlie Father to spea,k unto you at
this time ; 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 under-
stand ; and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.
But now I go unto the Father, and also to shew myself unto the lost tribes
of Israel, for they are not lost unto the Father, for he knoweth whither he
hath taken them.
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. And he said unto them, behold, my bowels are filled with com-
passion towards you, have ye any that are sick among you, bring them hith-
er. 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 ; for I perceive that ye desire that I should
shew unto you what I have done unto your brethren at Jerusalem, for I see
that your faith is sufficient, that I should heal you.
BOOK OE NBPHI. 317
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 they that were
afflicted in any manner ; and he did heal them every one as they were
brought forth unto him ; 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.
And it came to pass that he commanded that their httle children
should be brought. So they brought their little children and sat 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. 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. And it came to pass that when they had knelt upon the ground,
Jesus groaned within himself, and saith. Father, I am troubled because of
the wickedness of the people of the house of Jsrael. 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. And after this manner do
they bear record ; the eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, be-
fore, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto
the Father ; 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.
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. And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and bade
them arise. And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them, bless-
ed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full. And
when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bear record of it,
and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed
unto the Father for them. And when he had done this he wept again, and
he spake unto the multitude, and saith unto them, behold your little ones.
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 round about ; and they were encircled about with fire ; and the angels did
minister unto them, 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 &ve hundred souls ; and they did consist of men, women and children.
And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should
bring forth some bread and wine unto him. And while they were gone for
bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit them-
selves down upon the earth. And when the disciples had come with bread
and wine, h^ took of the bread, and brake and blessed it ; and he gave unto
the disciples, and commanded that they should eat. And when they had
eat, and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.
AAd 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. And
this shall ye always observe t-o do, even as I have done, even as I have bro-
318 BOOK or NBPHI.
ken bread, and blessed it, and gave it unto you. And this shall ye do in
remembrance of my body, which I have shewn 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.
And it came to pass that when he had 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. And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it, and were filled;
and they gave unto the inultitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.
And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said nnto 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. 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 nnto the Father that ye do
always remember me. And if ye do always remember me, ye shall have my •
spirit to be with you. And I give unto yon 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. But whoso among you shall do more or less than
these, are not built upon my rook, 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 re-
ceive them ; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall keep my commandments,
which the Father hath commanded me that I should give unto you. Verily,
verily I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted
by the devil, and ye are led away captive by him. 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.
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, 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; therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name;
and whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which ia right, be-
lieving that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you. Pray in
your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your
children may be blessed. And behold, ye shall meet together oft, and ye
shaU 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; 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 ;
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 ; 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 breakeththis command-
ment, suffereth himself to be led into temptation.
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, behold, verily, verily I say unto you, I give unto you another command-
ment, and then I must go unto my Father, that I may fulfil other command-
ments which he hath given me. 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, for whoso eat-
BOOK OF NEPHI. 31Q
eth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily, eateth and drinketh damna-
tion 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 ; 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 ; 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 ; 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. Therefore keep these sayings
which I have commanded you, that ye come not under condemnation, for wo
unto him whom the Father condemneth. And I give you these command-
ments, because of the disputations which have been among you. And bless-
ed are ye if ye have no" disputations among you. And now I go unto the
Father, because it is expedient that I should go unto the Father, for your
sakes.
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 tnto them as he touched them ; and
the multitude heard not the words which he spake, therefore they did not bear
record ; but the disciples bear record that he gave them power to give the
Holy Ghost. And I will shew unto you hereafter that this record is true.
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. 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.
CHAPTEK IX.
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. And it was noised abroad among the peo-
ple immediately, before it was yet dark, that the multitude had seen Jesus,
and that he had ministered unto them, and that he would also shew himself
on the morrow unto the multitude ; yea, and even all the night it was nois-
ed abroad concerning Jesus ; and insomuch did they send forth unto the peo-
ple, that there were many, yea, an exceeding great number did labor exceed-
ingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where
Jesus should shew himself unto the multitude.
And it came to pass 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. And behold, the mul-
titude was so great, that they did cause that they should be separated into
twelve bodies. And the twelve did teach the multitude, and behold, they
did cause that the multitude should kneel down upon the face of the earth,
320 BOOK OF NBPHI.
and should pray unto the Father, in the name of Jesus. And the dia
pies did pray unto the Father also, in the name of Jesus. And it cai
to pass that they arose and ministered unto the people. And when they h
ministered those same words which Jesus had spoken — nothing Tarying fr(
the words which Jesus had spoken — ^behold, they knelt again, and prayed
the Father in the name of Jesus, and they did pray for that which they mi
desired ; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto the
And when they had thus prayed, they went down unto the water's edge, a
the multitude followed them. And it came to pass that Nephi went down ;
to the water, and was baptized. And he came up out of the water and 1
gan to baptize. And he baptized all those whom Jesus had chosen. A
it came to pass when they were all baptized, and had come up out of t
water, the Holy Ghost did fall upon them, and they were filled with the E
ly Ghost, and with fire. And behold, they were encircled about as it we
fire; and it came down from heaven, and the multitude did witness it,. a
do bear record ; and angels did come down out of heaven, and did minisi
unto them. And it came to pass that while the angels were ministering nr
the disciples, behold, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and ministered t
to them. And it came to pass that he spake unto the multitude, and co
manded them that they should kneel down again upon thfe earth, and al
that his disciples should kneel down upon the earth. And it came to pi
that when they had all knelt down upon the earth, he commanded his dis
pies that they should pray. And behold, they began to pray ; and they c
pray unto Jesus, calling him their Lord and their God.
And it came to pass that Jesus departed out of the midst of them, and we
a little way off from them and bowed himself to the earth, and he said, ]
thei", I thank thee that thou hasti given the Holy Ghost unto these whom I ha
chosen ; and it is because of their belief in me, that I have chosen them c
of the world. Father, I pray thee that thou wilt give the Holy Ghost unto
them that shall believe in their words. Father, thou hast given them t
Holy Ghost, because they believe in me, and thou seest that they believe
me, because thou hearest them, and they pray unto me ; and they pray ur
me because I am with them. And now Father, I pray unto thee for the
and also for all those who shall believe on their words, that they may belie
in me, that I may be in them as thou. Father, art in me, that we may be oi
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the Fath
he came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still continue, without ce
ing, to pray unto him ; and they did not multiply many words, for it v
given unto them what they should pray, and they were filled with desi
And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them, as they did pray unto him, a
his countenance did smile upon them, and the light of his countenance i
shine upon them, and behold they were as white as the countenance, a
also the garments of Jesus ; and behold the whiteness thereof did exceed
the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon earth so white as 1
whiteness thereof. And Jesus said unto them, pray on ; nevertheless tl
did not cease to pray. And he turned from them again, and went a lil
way off, and bowed himself to the earth; and he prayed again unto t
Father, saying. Father, I thank thee that thou hast purified those whon
have chosen, because of their faith, and I pray for them, and also for th
who shall believe on their words, that they may be purified in me throu
faith on their words, even as they are purified in me. Father I pray not
the world, but for those whom thou hast given me out of the world becai
of their faith, that they may be purified in me, that I may be in 'them
thou. Father, art in me, that we may be one, that I may be glorified in the
And when Jesus had spoken these words, he came again unto his discipl
BOOK OS NEPHI. 321
and behold they did pray steadfastly, without ceasing, unto him ; and he
did smile upon them again ; and behold they were white, even as Jesua.
And it came to pass that he went again a little way off, and prayed unto
the Father : and tongue- cannot speak the words which he prayed, neither
can be written by man the words which he prayed. And the multitude did
hear, and do bear record, and their hearts were open, and they did under-
stand in their hearts the words which he prayed. Nevertheless, so great and
marvelous were the words which he prayed, that they cannot be written
neither can they be uttered by man.
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. 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.
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. And he commanded theni that
they should arise and stand up upon their feet. And they arose up and stood
upon their feet. And it came to pass that he brake bread again, and blessed
it, and gave to the disciples to eat. And when they had eaten he com-
manded them that they should break bread, and give it unto the multitude.
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. Now
there had been no bread, neither wine, brought by the disciples, neither by
the multitude ; but he truly gave unto them bread to cat, and also wine to
drink ; 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. Now
when the multitude iad 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. And it came to pass that when they had
all given glory unto Jesus, he saith unto them, behold now I finish the com-
mandment which the Father hath commanded me concerning this people
who are a remnant of the house of Israel. 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 ; th^efore search them. 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. house of
Israel, 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 Gk)d, who hath redeemed them. And the Father hath com-
manded me that I should give unto you this land, for your inheritance.
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, 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 tear-
eth in pieces, and none can deliver. Thy hand shall be lifted up upon thine
adversaries, and all thine enemies shall be cut off. And I will gather my
people together, as a man gathereth his sheaves into the floor, for I will
make my people with whom tlje Father hath covenanted, yea, I will make
thv horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass. And thou shalt beat in
■' 14*
322 BOOK OS NBPHI.
pieces many people ; and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, a
their substance unto the. Lord of the whole earth. And behold, I am-
who doeth it. And it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that the swo
of my justice shall bang over them at that day ; and except they repent,
shall fall upon them, saith the Father,, yea, even upon all the nations of. t
Gentiles. And it shall come to pass that I will establish my people, hoi
of Israel. And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the f
filling of the covenant which J made with your father Jacob ; and it sh
be a new Jerusalem. And the powers of heaven shall be in the midst
this people ; yea, even I will be in the midst of you. Behold, I am he
whom Moses spake, saying, a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up ur
you of your brethren, lilse unte me, him shall ye hear in all things whaiti
ever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that every soul w
will not hear that prophet, shall be cut off from among the people. Yeri
I say unto you, yea ; and all the prophets from Samuel, and those that f
low after, as many as have spoken, have testified of me. And behold
are the children of the prophets ; and ye are of the house of Israel ; and
are of the covenant which the Father made with your fathers, saying ui
Abraham, ajid in thy seed, shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed ; t
Father having raised me up unto you first, and sent me to bless you,
turning away every one of you from his iniquities ; and this because ye i
the children of the covenant. And after that ye were blessed,, then i
fiUeth the Father the covenant which he made with Abraham, saying, in t
seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed, unto the pouring out
the Holy Ghost through me upon the Gentiles, which blessing upon t
Gentiles, shall make them mighty above all, unto the scattering of my p(
pie, house of Israel : and they shall be a scourge Unto the people of t'
land. Nevertheless, when they shall have received the fullness of my gi
pel, then if they shall harden their hearts against me, I will return th
iniquities upon their own heads, saith the Father. And I will remember t
covenant which I have made witjk my people, and I have covenanted w:
them, that I would gather them together in mine own due time ; thai
would give unto theiji again the land of their fathers, for their inheritaui
which is the land of Jerusalem, which is the promised land unto them f
ever, saith the Father.
And it shall come to pass that the time cometh, when the fullness
my gospel shall be preached unto them, and they shall believe in me, tl
I am Jesus Christ, .the Son of God, and shall pray unto the Father in i
name. Then shall their watchmen lift up their voice ; and with the vo
togetheir shall they sing ; for they shall see eye to eye. Then will the 1
ther gather them together again, and give unto them Jerusalem for the la
of their inheritance. Then shall they break forth into joy — sing togetl
y.e waste places of Jerusalem : for the Father hath comforted his people,
hath redeemed Jerusalem. The Father hath made bare his holy arm in (
eyes of all the nations ; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvati
of the Father ; and the Father and I are one. And then shall be brouf
to pass that which is written, awake, awake again, and put on thy streng
Zion;, put on thy beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the holy city,
henceforth there shall no more come into thee the unoiroumcised and (
unclean. Shake thyself from the dust ; arise, sit down, Jerusalem ; loi
thyself from the bands of thy neck, captive daughter of Ziop. For'tl
saith the Lord, ye have sold yourselves for nought ; and ye shall be rede«
ed without money. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that my peo'ple gl
know my name ; yea, m that day they shall know, that I am he that d(
jpeak. And then shall they say, how beautiftd upon the mountains are 1
BOOK or NEPHI. 323
feet of him that bringeth good tidings unto them, that publisheth peace :
that bringeth good tidmgs unto them of good, that publisheth salvation;
that saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth ! And then shall a cry go forth, de-
part je, 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. 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. Behold,
my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be
very high. As many were astonished at thee ; (his visage was so marred
more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men,) so shall he
sprinkle many nations ; the kings shall shut their mouths at him, for that
which had been told them shall they see ; and that which they had not
heard shall they consider. 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 fulfill-
ed ; and then shall Jerusalem be inhabited again with my people, and it
shall be the land of their inheritance. 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, house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion.
And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign, for ver-
ily 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 ; 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, 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, house of Israel ; therefore,
when these works, and the works which shall be wrought among you here-
after, shall come forth from the Gentiles unto your seed, which shall dwindle
in unbelief because of iniquity ; for thus it behooveth the Father that it
should come forth from the Gentiles, that he may shew 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 num-
bered among my people, house of Israel : 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 com-
menced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the
people who are of the house of Israel. 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. 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 de-
clare it unto them. 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 shew unto them that my wisdom is
Eireater than the cunning of the devil. Therefore it shall come to pass,
,hat whosoever .will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, whom
324; BOOK OP NEPHI.
the Patter shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall g
imto him power that he •shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall
done even a's Moses said,) they shall be cut offfrom among my people v
are of the covenant ; and my people who are a remnant of Jacob, si
be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them, as a lion among the bea
of the forest, as a young liou among' the flocks of sheep, who, if he
through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliT
Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enem
shall be cut off. Yea, wo be trnto the Gentiles, except they repent, foi
shall come .to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut offi
horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots, and 1 1
cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds ; an
will cut off witchcrafts out of thy land, and thou shalt have no more soo
sayere : thy graven images I will also cut off, and thy standing images (
of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the works of 1
hands ; and I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; so wil
destroy thy cities. And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivin
and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts and whoredoms, shall be dc
away. For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day, who
ever will not repent and come unto my beloved Son, them will I cut
from among my people, house of Israel j and I will execute vengeai
and fury upon them, even as upon the heathen, such as they have j
heard.
CHAPTER X.
But if they will repent, and hearken unto my words, and harden i
their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come
unto the covenant, and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, ui
whom I have given this land for their inheritance, and they shall assist i
people, the remnant of Jacob ; and also, as many of the house of Israel
shall come, that they may build a city, which shaJl be called the New Je
salem ; and then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered
who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalc
And then shall the power of heaven come down among them ; and I a
wiU be in the midst, and then shall the work of the Father commence,
that day even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant oft
people. Verily, I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Fatl
commence among all the dispersed of my people ; yea, even the tribes wh
have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem. Tea, 1
work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Fath
to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call
the Father in my name ; yea, and then shall the work commence, with (
Father, among all nations, in preparing the way whereby his people may
gathered home to the land of their inheritance. And they shall go i
from all nations ; and they shall not go out in haste, nor go by flight ; fo
will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward.' A
then shall that which is written come to pass. Sing,^ barren, thou tl
didst not bear ; break forth into singing, and cry aloud; thou fliat didst i
travaU with child; for more are the children of the desolate than the cl
dreu of the married wife, saith the Lord. Enlarge'Hhe place of thy te
and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations ; spare not, lenetl
thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes ; for thou shalt break forth oc i
BOOK OP NEPHI. 325
right hand and on the left ; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and nialie
the desolate cities to be inhabited. 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 ividowhood any
more. For thy maker, thyhusband, the Lord of hosts ia his name ; and
thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel ; the God of the whole earth shall he
be called. 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. For
a small moment have I forsaken thee ; but with great mercies will I gather
thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; but with ev-
erlasting kindness will I hare mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.
For this, the waters of Noah unto me, for as I hare 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. For the mountains shall depart and the hills be re-
moved ; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the cov-
enant of my people be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted! behold, I will
lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And
I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy
borders of pleasant stones. And all thy children shall be taught of the
Lord ; and great shall be the peace of thy children. 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. Behold, they shall
surely gather together against thee, not by me ; whosoever shall gather to-
gether against thee shall fall for thy sake. 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. No weapon that is
formed against thee shall prosper ; and every tongue that shall rise against
thee in jiidgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants
of th? Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord. And now
behoH I say unto you, that ye had 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. 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. And all things that he
spake, hath been, and shall be even according to the words which he spake.
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. And whosoever will hearken unto my words, and repent-
eth, and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for
many there be that testify of these things.
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. And it came to pass that he said unto
Nephi, bring forth the record which ye have kept. And when Nephi had
brought forth the records, and laid them before him, he cast his eyes upon
them, and said 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
ihem. And he said unto them, were it not so ? And his disciples answered
aim and said, yea, Lord, Samuel did prophesy according to thy words, and
they were all fulfilled. And Jesus said unto them, how be it that ye have
326 BOOK or nbphi.
not written this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto many, a
did minister unto them ? And it came to pass that Nephi remembered tl
this thing had not been written. And it came to pass that Jesus command
that it should be written ; therefore it was written according as he co
manded.
CHAPTER XI.
And now it came to pass that when Jesus had expounded all the scr
tures in one, which they had written, he commanded them that they shoi
teach the things which he had expounded unto them. And it came to pi
that he commanded them that they should write the words which the Fatl
had given unto Malaohi, which he should tell unto them. And it carae
pass that after they were written, he expounded them. And these are t
words which he did tell unto them, saying, thus said the Father unto M
achi, behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way bef(
me, and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come t» his temple, ct
the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in ; behold, he shall cor
saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming ? a
who' shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and li
fuller's soap. And he shall sit as a refiner aftd purifier of silver ; and
shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that tl
may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Then shall the off
ing of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days
old, and as in former years. And I will come near to you to judgment ; a
I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulter's
and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireUng in
wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger, a
fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts. For I am the Lord, I change m
therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine or
nances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return ui
you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, wherein shall we return ? ^
Will a man rob God ? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wfeti
have we robbed thee ? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a cur
for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes ii
the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me n
herewith, saith tho' Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows
heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough
receive it. And I will rebuke ,^the devourer for your sakes, and he shall i
destroy the fruits of your grouVid ; neither shall your vine cast her fruit 1
fore the time in the fields, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations si
call you blessed, for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hos
Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye si
■what have we- spoken against thee? Ye have said, it is vain to serve G(
and what doth it profit that we have kept his ordinances, and that we hi
walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts ? And now we call the pro
happy ; yea, they that work wickedness are set up ; yea, them that ten
God ai*e even delivered..
Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and 1
_iord hearkened, and heard ; and a book of remembrance was written 1
fore him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his nai
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I ma
BOOK OF NEPHI. 327
up my jewels ; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that
Berveth him. Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and
the wicked, between him that serveth God, and him that servcth him not.
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.
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. 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.
Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him
in Horeb for aU Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send
you Elijah, the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of
the Lord ; 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. , , , , ^i ■ i.
And now it came to pass that when Jesus had told these things, He ex-
pounded them unto the multitude, and he did expound all things unto them,
both great and smaU. 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. And he did ex-
pound 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 iacc ol
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 awav ; and even unto the great and last day, when all people,
and all kindredsj and all nations and tongues shall stand before God, to be
iudged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil ; it
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.
CHAPTER XII.
And now there cannot be written in this book, even a hundredth part of
the things which Jesus did truly teach ""t^he people ; but behold ^
nlates of Nephi do contain the more part of the thmgs which he taught the
neopk and ?hese things have I written, which are a lesser p..rt of the lli.ngs
wMch he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they
may be broufht again unto this people, from the Ge'ntdes, according to the
words which^Jesus hath spoken. And when they shall l4ve reecvcd 1„.
which is expedient that they should tav«. fi^^tj'" t"^? ';'?'="• '^^'"'•""1,;
shall so be that they shall beUeve these things, then shall the greatei tl mgs
h^ni^de manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will not bclicvo
thes^thtncs then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto tl.e.r
condemSn Behold I wire about to write them all wh ch wore engr..ven
uDont^ plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbid it, saying, I w. 1 try the faith
of mv people therefore I, Mormon, do write the tilings which h.avc been
ot my P^OP'®' "■"?.? "r -J An^ ^ow I, Mormon, make an cud of my say-
~nd%'roTee°d twrite'thfthings 4'hich have been commanded mo,;
328 BOOK OF NEPHI.
therefore I would that ye should behold that the Lord truly did teach t
people, for the space of three days ; and after that, he did shew himself ui
them oft, and did break bread oft, and bless it, and gaTe it unto them.
And it came to pass that he did teach and minister unto the children
the multitude of whom hath been spoken, and he did loose their tongui
and they did speak unto their fathers great and marvelous things, ev
greater than he had revealed unto the people, and loosed their tongues tl:
they could utter. And it came to pass that after he had ascended ir
heaven the second time, that he shewed himself unto them, and had go
unto the Father, after having Bealed all their sick, and their lame, a
opened the eyes of their blind, and unstopped the tars of the deaf, and ev
had done all manner of cures among them, and raised a man from the des
and had shewn forth his power unto them, and had ascended unto t
Father, behold, it came to pass on the morrow, that the multitude gather
themselves together, and they both saw and heard these children ; yea, ev
babes did open their mouths, and utter marvelous things ; and the thin
which they did utter were forbidden, that there should not any man wr
them. And it came to pass that the disciples whom Jesus had chosen, 1
gan from that time forth to baptize and to teach as many as did come ur
them : and as many as were baptized in the name of Jesus were filled wi
the Holy Ghost. And many of them saw and heard unspeakable thin|
which are not lawful to be written : and they taught, and did minister o
to another ; and they had all things common among them, every man de
ing justly, one with another. And it came to pass that they did do all thinj
even as Jesus had commanded them. And they who were baptized in t
name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.
And it came to pass that as the disciples of Jesus were journeying a
were preaching the things which they had both heard* and seen, and wc
baptizing in the name of Jesus, it came to pass that the disciples w{
gathered together, and were united in mighty prayer and fasting. A
Jesus again shewed himself unto them, for they were praying unto the Fath
in his name; and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them, and saith ui
thein, what will ye that I shall give unto you ; and they said unto him, Loi
we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this churc
for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter. A
the Lord said unto them, verily, verily I say unto you, why is it that 1
people should murmur and dispute because of this thing ? have they not re
the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, whi
is my name ? for by this name shall ye be called at the last day ; and wht
taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be sav
at the last day ; therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my nan
therefore ye shall call the church in my name ; and ye shall call upon 1
Father in my name, that he will bless the church for my sake ; and how
it my church, save it be called in my name ? for if a church be called
Moses' name, theiut be Moses' church ; or if it be called in the name ol
man, then it be thW church of a man ; but if it be called in my name, thei
is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. Verily, I i
unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel ; therefore ye shall call what
ever things ye do call in my name ; therefore if ye call upon the Father,
the church, if it be in my name, the Father will hear you ; and if it so
that the church is built upon my gospel, then will the Father shew forth
own works in it ; but if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon i
works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you, tl
kave joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, a
Bhey are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no retui
BOOK OF NEPHI. 329
for their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they
are hewn down ; therefore remember the things that I hare told you. Be-
hold 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, be-
cause my Father sent me ; 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, 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 tiiey be evil ; 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. 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, f^nd 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; and this is the word which he hath,
given unto the children of men^ And for this cause he fulfiUeth the words
which he hath .given, and he Iieth not, but fulfilleth all his words; 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, be-
cause of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithful-
ness unto the end. 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. Verily, verily I say unto you, this is my gospel ;
and ye know the thingp 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 ; therefore if ye do these things, blessed are ye, for
ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
CHAPTER SIII.
Write the things which ye have seen and heard, save it be those which
are forbidden ; write the works of this people, which shall be even as hath
been written of that which hath been ; for behold, out of the books whjch
have been written, and which shall be written, shall this people be judged,
for by them shall their works be known unto men. And behold, all things
are written by the Father ; therefore out of the books which shall be writ-
ten, shall the world be judged. 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 had ye ought to be ? Verily I say
unto you, even as I am. And now I go unto the Father. And verily I Bay
unto you, whatsoever things ye shall ask the Father, in my name, it shall be
given unto you ; therefore ask, and ye shall receive ; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you ; for he that asketh, receiveth, and unto him that knooketh,
it shall be opened. And now behold, my joy is great, even unto fullness,
because of you, and also this generation ; yea, and even the Father Tejoiceth,
and also all the holy angels, because of you and this generation; for none
of them are lost. 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 fullness of joy. But behold, itsorroweth me because of the
330 BOOK OP NBPHI.
fourth generation from this generation, for they are led away captive I
him, even as was the son of perdition ; for they will sell me for silver, ai
for gold, and for that which moth doth corrupt, and which thieves can bres
through and steal. And in that day will I visit them, even in turning the
worlss upon their own heads.
And it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings, he sail
unto his disciples, enter ye in at the straight gate : for straight is the ga
and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it, b'
wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many the
be who tra^fpl therein, until the"ight oometh, wherein no man can work.
And it came to pass when Jesus had said these words, he spake unto i
disciples, one by one, saying unto them, what is it that ye desire of m
after that I am gone to the Father ? And they all spake, save it were thre
we desire that after we have lived unto the age of man, that our ministr
wherein thou hast called us, may have an end, that we may speedily coi
unto thee, in thy kingdom. And he said unto them, blessed are ye, becan
ye desired this thing of me ; therefore after that ye are seventy and U
years old, -ye shall come unto me in my kingdom, and with me ye shall fii
rest. And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself unto tl
three, and said unto them, what will ye that I should do unto you, when
am gone unto the Father ? And they sorrowed in their hearts, for thi
durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired. And he said un
them, behol^ I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing whi
John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lift
up by the Jews, desired of me ; therefore rbore blessed we ye, for ye sh
never taste of death, but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Fathi
unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled, accordi:
to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory, with the pow(
of heaven ; and ye shall never endure the pains of death ; but when I sh
come in my glory, ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, fr<
mortality to immortality ; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom
my Father. And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in t
flesh, neither sorrow, save it be for the sins of the world ; and all this w
I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desir
that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stan
and for this cause ye shall have fullness of joy ; and ye shall sit down in 1
kingdom of my Father ; yea, your joys shall be full, even as the Fatl
hath given me fullness of joy ; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am e^
as the Father ; and the Father and I are one ; and the Holy Ghost bearc
record of the Father and me ; and the Father giveth the Holy Ghost ui
the children of men,<because of me.
And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he toa
ed every one of them with his finger, save it were the three who were
tarry, and then he departed. And behold, the heavens were opened, .i
they were caughj up into heaven, and saw and heard unspeakable thin
And it was forbidden them that they should utter ■ neither was it gii
unto them power that they could utter the things which they saw and heai
and whether they were in the body or out of the body, they could not tt
for it did seem unto them like a transfiguration of them, that they w
changed from this body of flesh, into an immortal state, that they could
hold the things of God. But it came to pass that they did again minis
upon the face of the earth ; nevertheless they did not minister of the thi
which they had heard and seen, because of the commandment which '
given them in heaven. And now whether they were mortal or immor
from the iay of their transfi^ration, I know not ; but this much I km
BOOK OF NEPHI. 331
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; 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, and they were cast down into the
earth. But they did smite the* earth with the word of God, insomuch that
by bis power they were delivered out of the depths of the earth ; and there-
fore they could not dig pits sufScient to hold them. And thrice they were
cast into a furnace, and received no harm. 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. 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. And now I, Mormon, make an end of speaking concerning these
things, for a time. 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. But behold I have seen them, and
they have ministered unto me ; and behold they will be among the Gentiles,
and the Gentiles knoweth them not. They will also be among the Jews,
and the Jews shall know them not.
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 na-
tions, 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 con-
vincing power of God which is in them ; and they are as the angels of God,
and if they shall pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they can shew
themselves unto whatsoever man it seemeth them good ; 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 scat of Christ ;
yea even among the Gentiles shall there be a great and marvelous work
wrought by them, before that judgment day. And if ye had all the scrip-
tures 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.
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 reoeiveth
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 ; 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 ? And now behold,
as I spake concerning those whom the Lord.had chosen, yea, even three
who were caught up into the heavens, that I ^new not whether they were
cleansed from mortality to immortality. 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 ; 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. STow this change was not
equal to that which should 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 ;
332 BOOK OF NEPHI.
and in this state they were to remain until the judgment day of Christ ; ai
at that day they were to receive a greater change, and to be received ini
the kingdom of the Father to go no more out, but to dwell with God ete
nally in. the heavens. And now behold, I say unto you, that when the Loi
shall see fit, in his wisdom, that these sayings shall come unto the Gentile
according to his word, then ye may know that the covenant which t1
Father hath made with the children of Israel, concerning their restorati(
to the lands of their inheritance, is already beginning to be fulfilled ; ai
ye may know that the words of Jhe Lord, which have been spoken by tl
holy prophets, shall be fulfilled ; and ye need not say that the Lord dela
his coming unto the children of Israel ; and ye need not imagme in yo
hearts that the words which have been spoken are vain, for behold, tl
Lord will remember his covenant which he hath made unto his people
the house of Israel. And when ye shall see these sayings coming for
among you, then ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lot
for the sword of his justice is in his right hand, and behold at that day, if
shall spurn at his doings, he will cause that it shall soon overtake yc
Wo unto him that spurneth at the doings of the Lord ; yei, wo unto h:
that shall deny the Christ and his works ; yea, wo unto him that shall de;
the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say, the Lord no longer workc
by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings,
by the power of the Holy Ghost ; yea, and wo unto him that shall say
that day, that there can be no miracle wrought by Jesus Christ, to get gai
for he that doeth this, shall become like unto the son of perdition, i
whom there was no mercy, according to the word of Christ. Tea, and
need not any longer hiss, nor spurn, nor make game of the Jews, nor any
the remnant of the house of Israel, for behold the Lord remembereth his co'
nant unto them, and he will do unto them according to that which he hs
sworn ; therefore ye need not suppose that ye can turn the right hand
the Lord unto the left, that he may not execute judgment unto the fulfill!
of the covenant which he hath made unto the house of Israel.
CHAPTER XIV.
Hearken, ye Gentiles, and hear the words of Jesus Christ, the Son
the living God, which he hath commanded me that I should speak conce
ing you, for, behold he commandeth me that I should write saying, tu
all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways, and repent of your evil doings,
your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your sec
abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and of your pri<
crafts, and your envyings, aq^ your strifes, and from all your wickedr
and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that
may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghi
that ye may be numbered with my people, who are of the house of Israel
BOOK or NEFHI. 333
THE BOOK OF NEPHI, WHO IS THE SON OP NEPHI,
ONE OF THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST.
CHAPTEE I.
An account of the people of Nephi, according to his record.
And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and
also the tliirty 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.
And it came to pass iu the thirty and sixth year, the people were ail con-
verted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Kephites and La-
manites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and
every man did deal justly one with another; and they bad all things com-
mon among them, therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free,
but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift.
And it came to pass that the thirty and seventh year passed away also,
and there still continued to be peace in the land. 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. And thus did the thirty and
eighth year pass away, and also the thirty and ninth, and the forty and
first, and the forty and second ; yea, even uirtil 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 ; and the Lord did prosper
them exceedingly, in the land : yea, insomuch that they did fill cities again
where there had been cities burned ; yea, even that great city Zarahemla
did they cause to be built again. But there were many cities which had
been sunk, and waters came up iu the stead thereof ; therefore these cities
eould not be renewed.
And now behold it came to pass that the people of Nephi did wax strong,
and did multiply exceeding fast, and became an exceeding fair and delight-
some people. And they were married, and given in marriage, and were
blessed according to the multitude of the promises whichuhe Lord had
made unto them. And they did not walk an^ more after the^rformances
and ordinances of the law of Moses, but they did walk after theoommand-
ments which they had received from their Lord and their God, cdtttinuing
in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft, both to pray and to hear
the word of the Lord. 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.
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 thfe disciples of Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all gone to the para-
dise of God, save it were the three who should tarry ; and there wfere other
334 BOOK OF NEPHI.
disciples ordained in their stead ; and also many of that generation wl
had passed away. And it came to pass that there was no contention in
land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the peo]
And there were no cnvyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, ;
lyings, nor murders, nor any. manner of lasciviousness ; and surely %h
could not be a happier people among all the people who had been crea
by the hand of God ; there were no robbers, nor murderers, neither w
there Lamanites, or any manner of ites ; but they were in one, the child:
of GttiriBt, and heirs to the kingdom of God ; and how blessed were they,
the Lord did bless them in all their doings ; yea, eren they were blessed s
prospered, until an hundred and ten years had passed away ; and the f
generation from Christ had passed away, and there was no contention in
the land.
And It came to pass that Nephi, he that kept this last record, (and
kept it upon the plates of Neghi) died, and his son Amos kept it in his stei
and he kept it upon the plates of Nephi also ; and he kept ft eighty and f(
years, and there was still peace in the land, save it were a small part of 1
people who had revolted from the church, and took upon them the name
Lamanites; therefore there began to be Lamanites again in the land.
And it came to pass that Amos died also, (and it was an hundred a
ninety and four years from the coming of Christ,) and his son Amos ki
the record in his stead ; and he also kept it upon the plates of Nephi ; a
it was also written in the book of Nephi, which is this book. And it ca;
to pass that two hundred years had passed away, and the second generati
had all passed away save it were a few. And now I, Mormon, would tl
ye should know that the people had multiplied, insomuch that they wi
spread upon all the face of the land, and that they had become exceedi
rich, because of their prosperity in Christ. And now in this two hundr
and first year, there began to be among them those who were hfted up
pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine peai
and of the fine things of the world. And from that time forth they did ha
their goods and their substante no more common among them, and they 1
gan to be divided into classes, and they began to build up churches ur
themselves, to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ.
And it came to pass that when two hundred and ten years had pass
away, there were many churches in the land ; yea, there were many churcl
which professed to know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more pa
of his gospel, insomuch that they did receive all manner of wickedness, a
did administer that which was sacred unto him to whom it had been forb:
den, because of unworthiness. And this church did multiply exceeding
becduse of iniquity, and because of the power of satan who did..get he
upon their hearts. And again, there was another church wtich denied t
Christ ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, because of th(
humility, and their beUef in Christ ; and they did despise 'thenlVliBo»nse
the many miracles which were wrought among them ; therefore they c
exercise power and authority over the disciples of Jesus who did tarry wi
ttiem, and they did cast them into prison ; but by the power of the word
God, which was in them, the prisons were rent in twain, and they went for
domg mighty miracles among them. Nevertheless, and notwithstanding ;
these miracles, the people did harden their hearts, and did seek to kill the:
even as the Jews at Jerusalem sought to kill Jesus, according to his word, ai
they did cast them into furnaces of fire, and they came forth receiving i
harm ; and they also east them into dens of wild boasts, and they did pli
with the wild beasts even as a child with a lamb ; and they did com^ for
trom among them, receiving no harm. Nevertheless, the people did hard
BOOK OP NBPHI. 335
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. 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. And il 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 ; therefore the true
believers in Ciirist, 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. And it came to pass that they
who rejected the gospel, were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ish
maelites ; 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.
And it was because of the wickedness and abominations 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 Kephi,
from the beginning.
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 wick-
ed part of the people did wax strong, and became exceeding more numerous
than were the people of God. 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. And it came to pass that the wicked part of the'
people began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadi-
anton. 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. AniWrom this time, the disciples
began to sorrow for the sins of the world.
And it came to pass that when three hundred years had passed away,
both the people of Ifephi and the Lamanites had become exceeding wicked
one like unto another. 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.
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. And it came to pass
that when three hundred and twenty years had passed away, Ammaron, be-
ing constrained by the Holy Ghost, did hide up the records which were sa-
cred ; yea, even all the sacred records which had been handed down from
generation to generation, which were sacred, even until the three himdred
and twentieth year from the coming of Christ. 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.
336 BOOK OP MORMON.
BOOK OE MORMON.
CHAPTER I.
ASD now I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have bo
seen and heard, and call it the book of Mormon. And about the time tl
Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I bei
about ten years of age; and I began to be learned somewhat after t
manner of the learning of my people,) and Ammaron said unto me, I pi
ceire that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe ; therefore wh
ye are about twenty and four years old, I would that ye should rememl
the things that ye have observed concerning this people ; and when ye a
of that age, go to the land Antum, unto a hill, which shall be called Shii
ajid there have I deposited unto the Lord, all the sacred engravings cc
cerning this people. And behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi ur
yourself, and the remainder shall ye leave in the place where they are ; a
ye shall engrave on the plates of Nephi, all the things that ye have observ
concerning this people, And I, Mormon, being a descendant of Nephi, (a
my father's name was Mormon,) I remember the things which Ammar
commanded me. And it came to pass that I, being eleven years old, ^
carried by my father into the land southward, even to the land of Za:
hernia ; the whole face of the laud having become covered with buildini
and the people were as numerous almost, as it were the sand of the S(
And it came to pass in this year, there began to be a war between the I
phites, who consisted of the Nephites and the Jacobites, and the Josephit
and the Zoramites ; and this war was between the Nephites and the Lami
ites, and the Lemuelites, and the Ishmaelites. Now the Lamanitea, and f
Lemuelites, and the Ishmaelites were called Lamanites, and the two part
were Nephites and Lamanites« And it came to pass that the war began
be among them in the borders of Zarahemla, by the waters of Sidon. A
it came to pass that the Nephites had gathered together a great number
men, even to exceed the number of thirty thousand. And it came to pi
that they did have in this same year a number of battles, in the which t
Nephites did beat the Lamanites, and did slay many of them. And it cai
to pass that the Lamanites withdrew -their design, and there was peace s
tied in the land, and peace did remain for the space of about four yea
that there was no blood shed. But wickedness did prevail upon the face
the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved discipl
and the work of miracles and of healing did ceaser because of the iniqu
of the people. And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Gh
did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief. Anc
being fifteen years of age, and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefor
was visited of the Lord, and tasted, and knew of the goodness of Jesus. A
I did endeavor to preach unto this people, but my mouth was shut, anc
was forbidden that I should prdaoh unto them ; for behold they had wilfi:
rebelled against their God, and the beloved disciples were taken away i
of the land, because of their iniquity. But I did remain among tht
but I was forbidden to preach unto them, , because of the hardn
of their hearts; and because of the hardness of their hearts i
land was cursed for their sake. And these Gadianton robbers ' ti
were among the Lamanites, did infest the land, insomuch that the inhc
tants thereof began to hide up their treasures in the earth ; and they beoa
BOOK OV MOKMON. 337
slippery, because the Lord had cursed the land, that they could not hold
them, nor retain them again. And it came to pass that there were sorce-
ries, 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 Lamahite. And it came to pass in that same
year, there began to be a war again between the Nephites and the Laman-
ites. Afld 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. 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. And
it came to pass that in the three hundred and twenty and seventh year, the
Lamanites did come upon us with exceeding great power, insomuch that
they did frighten my armies ; therefore they would not fight; and they be-
gan to retreat towards the north countries. And it came to pass that we
did come to the city of Angola, and we did take possession of the city, and
make preparation to defend ourselves against the Lamanites. And it came
to pass that we did fortify the city with oup mights ; but notwithstanding
all our fortifications, the Lamanites did come upon us, and did drive us out
of the city. And they did also drive us forth out of the land of David.
And we marched forth and came to the land of Joshua, which was in the
borders west, by the seashore. 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. But behold, the land was filled with robbers and with Laman-
ites ; and notwithstanding the great destruction which hung over my peo-
ple, they did not repent of their evil doings ; therefore there was blood and
carnage spread through all the face of the land,both on the part of the Ne-
phites, and also on the part of the Lamanites : and it was one complete rev-
olution throughout all the face of the laud. And now the Lamanites had a
. king, aqd his name was Aaron ; and he came against us with an army of
forty and four thjousand. 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. 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 what was his own,
for the thieves, and the robbers, and the murderers, and the magic art, and
the witchcraft which was in the land. Thus there began to be a mourning
and a lamentation in all the land, because of these things ; and more espe-
cially among the people of Nephi. And it came to pass that when I, Mor-
mon, 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 merci-
ful unto them, that they would again become a righteous people. But be-
hold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing was not unto repentance, be-
cause 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. And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts and contrite
spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to die. Neverthieless they would ■
struggle with the sword for their lives. And it came to pass that my sorrow
did return unto me again, and I saw that the day of grace was past 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 6f the land. And thus three hundred and forty and four years had
passed away.
15
338 BOOK OF MOKMON.
And it came to pass that in the three hundred and forty and fifth y(
the Nephites did begin to flee before the Lamanites, and they were pursi
until they came even to the land of Jashon, before it was possible to s
them in their retreat. And now the city of Jashon was near the land wh
Ammaron had deposited the records unto the Lord, that they might not
destroyed. And behold, I had gone according to the word of Ammaron, :
taken the plates of Nephi, and did make a record according to the words
Ammaron. And upon the plates of Nephi I did make a full account of all
wickedness and abominations ; but upon these plates I did forbear to mi
a full account of their wickedness and abominations, for behold, a contin
scene of wickedness and abominations has been before mine eyes ever sii
I have been su£Scient to behold the ways of man. And wo is me, because
their wickedness, for my heart has been filled with sorrow because of th
wickedness, all my days ; nevertheless, I know that I shall be lifted up
the last day.
And it came to pass that in this year the people of Nephi again W(
hunted and driven. And it came to pass that we were driven forth ui
we had come northward to the land which was called Shem. And it came
pass that we did fortify the city of Shcm, and we did gather in our people
much as it were possible, that perhaps we might save them from destructii
And it came to pass in the three hundred and forty and sixth year, tl
began to come upon us again. And it came to pass that I did speak ui
my people, and did urge them with great energy, that they would sta
boldly before the Lamanites, and fight for their wives,- and their childri
and their houses and their homes. And my words did arouse them son
what to vigor, insomuch that they did not flee from before the Lamanit
but did stand with boldness against them. And it came to pass that we (
contend with an army of thirty thousand, against an army of fifty thousai
And it came to pass that we did stand before them with such firmness, tl
they did flee from before us. And it came to pass that when they had fl(
we did pursue them with our armies, and did meet them again, and did b(
them ; nevertheless the strength of the Lord was not with us ; yea, we w(
left to ourselves, that the spirit of the Lord did not abide in us ; therefc
we had become weak, like unto our brethren. And my heart did sorri
because of this the great calamity of my people ; because of their wick(
ness and abominations. But behold we did go forth against the Lamaniti
and the robbers of Gadianton, until we had again taken possession of t
lands of our inheritance. And the three hundred and forty and ninth ye
had passed away. And in the three hundred and fiftieth year, we mad«
treaty with the Lamanites and the robbers of Gadianton, in which we c
get the lands of our inheritance divided. And the Lamanites did give uj
us the land northward ; yea, even to the narrow passage which led into "t
land southward. And we did give unto the Lamanites all the land soul
ward.
And it came to pass that the Lamanites did not come to battle agJ
until ten years more had passed away. And behold, I had employed i
people, the Nephites, m preparing their lands and their arms against t
time of battle. And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me, c
unto this people repent ye, and come unto me and be ye baptized, and bui
up again my church, and ye shaU be spared. And I did cry unto this pe
pie but It was m vain, and they did not reaUze that It was the Lord tl
had spared them a„d granted unto them a chance for repentance. A
behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God And
came to pass that after this tenth year had passed away, making, in t
whole, three hundred and sixty years from the coming of Christ, the kii
BOOK OP MORMON. 339
of the Lamauites sent an epistle unto me, which gave unto me to know that
they were preparing to come again to battle against us. 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. 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.
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. And in the three hundred and
Hxty 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. 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. And they
did swear by the heavens, and also by the throne of God, that they would
go up to battle iigainst their enemies, and would cut them off from the face
of the land.
And it came to pass that I, Uormon, did utterly refuse from this time
forth, to be a, commander and a leader of this people, because of their
wickedness and abomination. 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.
And thrice have I delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, and
they have repented not of their sins. And when they had sworn by all that
had been forbidden them, by our Lord and Saviour 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, say-
ing, 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.' 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. 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 ; 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. 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. And these things do 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 &mily of Adam ; and ye must
stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil; 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
340 BOOK OS MOKMON.
dew, was the very Christ, and the very God ; and I would that I co
saade all ye ends of the earth to repent and prepare to stand be
judgment seat of Christ.
CHAPTER II.
And now it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty ai
year the Nephites did go up with their armies to battle against the
ites out of the land Desolation. And it came to pass that the armit
Nephites were driven back again to the land of Desolation. And wl
were yet weary, a fresh army of the Lamanites did come upon the
they had a sore battle, insomuch that the Lamanites did take possi
the city Desolation, and did slay many of the Nephites, and did tal
prisoners ; and the remainder did flee and join the inhabitants of
Teancum. Now the city Teancum lay in the borders by the seasho
it was also near the city Desolation. And it was because the armie
Nephites went up unto the Lamanites, that they began to Tae smlt
were it not for that, the Lamanites could have had no power ovi
But behold, the judgments of God will overtake the wicked ; and it i
wicked, that the wicked are punished ; for it is the wicked that sti
hearts of the children of men unto bloodshed. And it came to j
the Lamanites did make preparations to come against the city Tean
And it came to pass in the three hundred and sixty and fourth }
Lamanites did come against the city Teancum, that they might take
sion of the city Teancum also. And it came to pass that they i
pulsed and driven back' by the Nephites. And when the Nephites
they had driven the Lamanites, they did again boast of their streng
they went forth in their own might, and took possession again of
Desolation. And now all these things had been done, and there h
thousands slain on both sides, both the Nephites and the Lamanite
it came to pass that the three hundred and sixty and sixth year hac
away, and the Lamanites came again upon the Nephites to battle ;
the Nephites repented not of the evil they had done, but persisted
wickedness continually. And it is impossible for the tongue to des
for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the b'
carnage which was among the people ; both of the Nephites and of
manites ; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in 1
ding of blood continually. And there never had been so great wi(
among all the children of Lehi, nor even among all the house of Ii
cording to the words of the Lord, as were among this people.
And it came to pass that the Lamanites did take possession of
Desolation, and this because their nuniber did exceed the number o
phites. And they did also march forward against the city Tean(
did drive the inhabitants forth out of her, and did take many prison
women and children, and did offer them up as sacrifices unto their i
And it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty and sever
the Nephites, being angry because the Lamanites had sacrificed thei
and their children, that they did go against the Lamanites with e
great anger, insomuch that they did beat again the Lamanites, a
them out of their lands ; and the Lamanites did not come again agi
Nephites until the three hundred and seventy and fifth year. Anc
year they did come down against the Nephites with all their pow
BOOK OF MOKMON. 341
they were not numbered because of the greatness of their number. And
from this time forth did the Nephites gain no power over the Lamauites, but
began to be swept off before them even as a dew before the sun. And it
came to pass that the Lamanites did come down against the city Desolation;
and there was an exceeding sore battle fought in the land Desolation, in the
which they did beat the Nephites. And they fled again from before them,
and they came to the city Boaz ; and there they did stand against the La-
manites with exceeding boldness, insomuch that the Lamanites did not beat
them until they had come again the second time. And when they had come
the second time, the Nephites were driven and slaughtered with an exceed-
ing great slaughter ; their women and tbe(r children were again sacrificed
unto idols. 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. And
now I, Mormon, seeing that the Lamauites were about to overthrow the land,
therefore I did go to the hill Shim, and did take up all the records which
Ammaron had bid up unto the Lord.
And it came to pass that I did go forth among the Nephites, and did re-
pent of the oath which I hatl 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. But behold, I was with-
out hope, for L 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. 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. 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 main-
tained by the Nephites, which strong holds did cut them off that they could
not get into the country which lay before us to destroy the Inhabitants of
our land. But it came to pass that whatsoever lands we had passed by, and
the inhabitants thereof were not gathered in, were destroyed by the Laman-
ites, and their towns, and villages, and cities were burned with fire ; and thus
the three hundred and seventy and nine years passed away.
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. 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 Laman-
ites, were swept down and destroyed. 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, and also that a knowledge of
these things must come unto the remnant of this people, and also unto the
Gentiles, which the Lord hath said should scatter this people, and this peo-
ple should be counted as nought among them, therefore I write a small
abridgement, 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.
And now behold, this I speak unt9 their seed, and also to the Gentiles, who
have care for the house of Israel, that realize and know from whence their
blessings come. 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
342 BOOK OF UOKMON.
been clasped in the arms of Jesus. Now these things are written unto i
remnant of the house of Jacob ; and they are written after this manner, 1
cause it is known of God that wickedness will not bring them forth ui
them ; and they are to' be hid up unto the Lord, that they may come foi
in his own due time. And this is the commandment which I have receive
and behold they shall come forth according to the commandment of t
Lord, when he shall see fit, in his wisdom. And behold they shall go ui
the unbelieving of the Jews ; and for this intent shall they go ; that ti
may be persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God; tl
the FatheB may bring about, through his most beloved, his great and eten
purpose, in restoring the Jews, or all the house of Israel, to the land of th
inheritance, which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfill!
of his covenant, and also that the seed of this people may more fully 1
lieve his gospel, which shall go forth unto them from the Gentiles ; for tl
people shall be scattered, and shall become a dark, a filthy, and a loathsoi
people, beyond the description of that which ever hath been amongst u
yea, even that which hath been among the .Lamanites ; and this because
their unbehef and idolatry. For behold, the spirit of the Lord hath alrea
ceased to strive with their fathers, and they are without Christ and God
the world, and they are driven about as chaff before the wind. They we
once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their Shepherd ; yi
they were led even by God, the Father. But now, behold they are I
about by satan, even as chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel
tossed about upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without any thi
wherewith to steer her ; and even as she is, so are they. And behold, t
Lord hath reserved their blessings, which they might have received in t
land, for the Gentiles, who shall possess the land. But behold, it shall coi
to pass that they shall be driven and scattered by the Gentiles ; and af
they have been driven and scattered by the Gentiles, behold, then will t
Lord remember the covenant which he made unto Abraham, and unto
the house of Israel. And also the Lord will remember the prayers of t
righteous, which have been put up unto him for them. And then,
Gentiles, how can ye stand before the power of God, except ye shall rep(
and turn from your evil ways ! Know ye not that ye are in the hands
God ? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command t
earth shall be rolled together as a scroll ? Therefore repent ye, and hn
ble yourselves before him, lest he shall come out in justice against yo
lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, a
tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver.
CHAPTER III.
.1. 4""^.°°^ ^ ?'"^'' ™y '■^'^'"'^ concerning the destruction of my peop
the isephites. And it came to pass that we did march forth before the 1
mamtes. And I, Mormon, wrote an epistle unto the king of the Lamanit
and desired of him that he would grant unto us that we might gather
gethcr our people unto the land of Cumorah, by a hill which was call
Cumorah, and there we would give them Jbattle. And it came to pass tl
the kmg of the Lamanites did grant unto me the thing which I desired A
It came to pass that.we did march forth to the land of Cumorah, and we i
pitch our tents round about the hill Cumorah; and it was in a land
many waters, rivers and fountains; and here we had hope to gain adv;
BOOK OF MORMON. 343
tage over the Lamanitea. 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 Cumorah.
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 that 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. 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 wait to receive them. And it
came to pass that they come to battle against us, and every soul was filled
with terror, because of the greatness of their numbers. 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 axe, and with all manner of weapons of
war. 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. 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 ; and we also
beheld the ten thousand of my people who were led by my son Moroni.
And behold, the ten thousand of Gidgiddonah had fallen, and he also in the
midst ; and Lamah had fallen with his ten thousand ; and Crilgal had fallen
with his ten thousand ; and Limhah had fallen with his ten thousand ; and
Joneam had fallen with his ten thousand ; and Qamenihah, and Moronihah, and
Antionum, and Shiblom, and Shem, and Josh, had fallen with their ten thou-
sand each.
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 dissented 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 moulder upon the
land, and to crumble and to return to their mother earth. And my soul was
rent with anguish, because of the slain of my people, and I cried, ye fair
ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord ! ye fair
ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to
receive you ! Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen.
But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss. ye fair sons and daugh-
ters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it
that ye could have fallen ! But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot
bring your return ; and the day soon cometh that your mortal must put on
immortality, and these bodies which are now mouldering in corruption, must
soon become incorruptible bodies; and then ye must stand before the judg-
ment 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. that ye had repented before this great destruction had come
upon you. But behold, ye »re gone, and the Father, yea, the eternal Father
344 BOOK OP MORMON.
of heaven knoweth your state ; and he doeth with you according to 1
tice and mercy.
And now behold, I would speak somewhat unto the remnant of th
pie who are spared, if it so be that God may give unto them my word
they may know of the things of their fathers ; yea, I speak unto y
remnant of the honse of Israel ; and these are the words which I speak
ye that yc are of the house of Israel. Know ye that ye must come u:
pentance, or ye cannot be saved. Know ye that ye must lay dowi
weapons of war, and delight no more in the shedding of blood, am
them not Efgain, save it be that God shall command you. Know ye t
must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all yov
and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of Go
that he was slain by the Je^s, and by the power of the Father he ha
en again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave ; and i
him is the sting of death swallowed up. And he bringeth to pass the
rection of the dead, whereby man must be raised to stand before his
ment seat. And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the
whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day, h
given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, t
ceaselaes praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto th
and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness
hath no end. Therefore repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesu
lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which shall be set before you, no
in this record, but also in the record which shall come unto the G(
from the Jews, which record shall come from the Gentiles unto you.
behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe that ; and if
lieve that, ye will believe this also ; and if ye believe this, ye will
concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wi
by the power of God among them ; and ye will also know that ye
remnant of the seed of Jacob ; therefore ye are numbered among the |
of the first covenant ; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and ar
tized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, followu
example of our Saviour according to that which he hath commanded
shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen.
CHAPTER IV.
Behold. I, Moroni, do finish the record of my father Mormon. B(
I have but few things to write, which things I have been commanded
father. And now it came to pass that after the great and tremendous
at Cumorah, behold, the Nephites who had escaped into the country
ward, were hunted by the Lamanites, until they were aU destroved- a
father also was kiUed by them ; and I, even remain alone to write the ss
of the destruction of my people. But behold, they are gone, and I
the commandment of my father. And whether they wiU slav me I
not ; therefore I wiU write and hide up the records in the earth, and w
I go It mattereth not. Behold, my father hath made this record, and h:
written the intent thereof. And behold, I would write it also, if I had
ather hath been slain in battle, and all my kinsfolks, aid I have not ft
not "bI^'^.*"/"' .""^/T '°°S ?^ ^°'^ "''1 suffer thatlmaySve, I
aot. Behold, four hundred years have passed away since the comb
BOOK OP MOEMON. "345
our Lord and Saviour. And behold, the Lamanitea have hunted my people,
the Nepbites, 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. 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. 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 ; 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. But behold, my father and
I have seen them, and they have ministered unto us. 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 Mo-
roni i and were it possible, I would make all things known unto you. Behold,
I make an end of speaking concerning this people. I am the son of Mormon,
and_my father was a descendant of Nephi; 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 who-
so shall bring it to light, him will the Lord bless. For none can have pow-
er to bring it to light, save it be given him of God ; for God will 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. And blessed be him 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 ; 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. And he that sayeth, shew unto me,
or ye shall be smitten, let him beware lest he commandeth that which is for-
bidden of the Lord. For behold, the same that judgeth rashly, shall be
judged rashly again ; for according to bis works shall his wages be ; there-
fore, he that smiteth, shall be smitten again of the Lord. 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. 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 ; for
the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all his promises
shall be fulfilled. Search the prophecies of Isaiah. Behold, I cannot
write them. Tea, behold I say unto you, that those saints wbo 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. 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 pris-
ons to tumble to the earth ; yea, even the fiery furnace could not harm them ;
neithfir wild heaats. nor ooisonous seroents, because of the power of his word.
346 • BOOK OP MORMON.
And behold, their prayers were also in behalf of him that the Lord shon
suffer to bring these things forth. And no one need say, they shall not core
for they surely shall, for the Lord hath spoken it ; for out of the earth sh;
they come, by the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it; and it shall coi
in a day when it shall be said that miracles are done away ; and it shall cor
even as if one should speak from the dead. And it shall come in a day wh-
the blood of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret combinatio
and the works of darkness ; yea, it shall come in a day when the power
God shall be denied, and churches become defiled, and shall be lifted up in t
pride of their hearts ;. yea, eren in a day when leaders of churches; and teac
ers, in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who beloi
to their churches ; yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be heard
fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands ; and there sh
also be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers place
yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon t
face of the earth ; there shall be murders and robbing, and lying, tind t
ceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations, when there sh
be many who will say, do this, or do that, and it mattereth not, for the Lo
will uphold such at the last day. But wo unto such, for they arc in the g
of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity. Tea, it shall come in a d
when there shall be churches built up that shall say, come unto mc, and i
your money you shall be forgiven of your sins. ye wicked and perveri
and stiff-necked people, why have you built up churches unto yourselves
get gain ? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye mig
bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the revelations
God. For behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things mi
be fulfilled. Behold, the Lord hath shewn unto me great and marvelc
things concerning that which must shortly come at that day when th(
things shall come forth among you. Behold, I speak unto you as if yewt
present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shewn you ui
me, and I know your doing ; and I know that ye do walk in the pride
your hearts ; and there are none, save a few ouly, who do not lift themseh
up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, ui
envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniq
ties ; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted becai
of the pride of your hearts. For behold, ye do love money, and your si
stances, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, m<
than ye love the poor and thie needy, the sick and the afflicted. ye p
lutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which \
canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God ? Why are ye ashan
to take upon you the name of Christ ? Why do you not think that grea
is the value of an endless happiness, than that misery which never dies, 1
cause of the praise of the world. Why do ye adorn yourselves with tl
which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the nak
and the sick, and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not ? Y
why do ye build up your seci-et abominations to get gain, .and cause tl
widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn befi
the Lord ; and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry ui
the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads ? Behold i
sword of vengeance hangeth over you ; and the time soon cometh that
avengeth the blood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their ci
any longer.
And now, I speak also concerning those who do not believe in Chr
Behold, will ye believe in the day of your visitation, behold, when the Li
shall come ; yea, even that great day when the earth shall be rolled togetl
BOOK OS MOKMON. 34T
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? Then will ye longer deny the Christ, or can ye
behold the Lamb of God ? Do yb 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 ? Behold I say unto you, that ye
would be more miserable to dwell with a holy and 'just God, under a con-
sciousness of your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the
damned souls in hell. 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. then ye un-
believing, 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. 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
heahng, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpTetation of tongues. Be-
hold 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. For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, to-day, and for-
ever ; and in him there is no variabletiess neither shadow of changing. And
now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in
him there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves
a god who is not a God of miracles. But behold, I will shew 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. 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. 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, becausethe 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 awoke by the power of Godj 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 ; and then cometh the judg-
ment 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 un-
happy still. And now, all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a
god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things past,
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. Behold, are not the
things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes ? Yea, and who can
comprehend the marvelous works of God ? 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, hath miracles been wrought ? And who shall say that
Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles ? And there were many
mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. 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
348 BOOK OF MORMON.
a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles amoi
the children of men, is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depa
from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. E
hold I say unto yoij, that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whs
soever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted hii
and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth. For behol
thus saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, unto his disciples who should tarr
yea, and al^o to all his disciples, in the hearing of the multitude, go ye in
all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature ; and he that believe
and is baptized, shall be saved, but -he that believeth not, shall be damne
And these signs shall follow them that believe, in my name shall they c:
out devils ; they shall speak with new tongues ; they shall take up serpent
and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them ; they shall 1
hands on the sick, and they shall recover ; and whosoever shall believe
my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even uc
the ends of the earth. And now behold, who can stand against the wot
of the Lord? Who can deny his sayings? .Who will rise up against t
almighty power of the Lord ? Who will despise the works of the Lori
Who will .despise the children of Christ ? Behold, aU ye who are despis(
of the works of the Lord, for ye shall wonder and perish. then desp
not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask t
Father in the name of Jesus, for what things soever ye shall stand in ne(
Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come ui
the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear a
trembling before him. Be wise in the days of your probation ; strip yoi
selves of all uncleanness ; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, I
ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but tl
ye will serve the true and living God. See that ye are not baptized i
worthily ; see that ye partake not of the sacrament of Christ unworthil
but see that ye do all things in worthiness, and do it in the name of Je!
Christ, the Son of the living God : and if ye do this, and endure to the ei
ye will in no wise be cast out. Behold, I speak unto you as though I spa
from the dead ; for I know that ye shall hear my words. Condemn me i
because of mine imperfection ; neither my father, because of his imperf
tion ; aeither them who have wrjtteu before him, but rather give thai
unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that
may learn to be more wise than we have been.
And now behold, we have written this record according to our kno
edge in the characters, which are called among us the reformed Egyptii
being handed down and altered by us, according to our manner of sped
And if our plates had been suflBciently large, we should have written
Hebrew ; but the Hebrew hath been altered by us also ; and if we cO'
have written in Hebrew, behold, ye would have had no imperfection in (
record. But the Lord knoweth the things which we have written, and a
that none other people knoweth our language, therefore he hath prepai
means for the interpretation thereof. And these things are written, tl
w« may rid our garments of the blood of our brethren who have dwind
in unbelief. And behold, these things which we have desired concern:
our brethren, yea, even their restoration to the knowledge of Christ, is
cording to the prayers of all the saints who have dwelt in the land. A
may the Lord J^sus Christ grant that their prayers may be answered acco
ing to their faith ; and may God the Father remember the covenant wh
he hath made with the house of Israel ; and may he bless them forev
through faith on the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
BOOK or EIHEB. 349
BOOK OE ETHEE.
CHAPTER I.
Asm now I, Koroni, proceed to give an account of those ancient inhabit-
ants who were destroyed by the hand of the Lord upon the face of thia.
north country. 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.
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, 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. But behold, I give, not the
full account, but a part of the account I give, from the tower down until
they were destroyed. And on this wise do I give the account. He that
wrote this record was Ether, and he was a descendant of Coriantor ; Coriantor
was the son of Moron ; and Moron was the son of Ethem ; and Ethem was
the sou of Ahah ; and Ahah was the son of Seth ; and Seth was the son of
Shiblon ; and Shiblon was the son of Com ; and Com was the son of Corian-
tum ; and Coriantum was the . son of Amnigaddah ; and Amuigaddah was
the son of Aaron ; and Aaron was a descendant of Heth, who was the son
of Hearthom ; and Hearthom was the son of Lib ; and Lib was the son of
Eish ; and Kish was the son of Corum ; and Corum was the son of Levi ;
and Levi was the son of Kim ; and Kim was the son of Morianton ; and
Morianton was a descendant of Riplakish; and Biplakish was the son of
Shez ; and Shez was the son of Heth ; and Heth was the son of Com ; and
Com was the son of Coriantum ; and Coriantum was the son of Emer ; and
Emer was the son of Omer; and Omer was the son of Shula; and Shule
was the son of Kib ; and Kib was the son of Orihah, who was the son of Jared ;
which Jared came forthwith 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 swear 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. And the brother of Jared being a large
and a mighty man, and being a man highly favored of the Lord ; for Jared
his brother said unto him, cry unto the Lord, that he will not confound
us that we may not understand our words. 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. Then Jared said unto iiis 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. 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. 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
the4and, 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.
350 BOOK OP ETHER.
And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry unto the Lord s
cording to that which had been spoken by the mouth of Jared. And
came to pass that the Lord did hear the brother of Jared, and had co
passion upon him, and said unto him, go to and gather together thy flocl
both male and female, of every kind ; and also of the seed of the earth
every kind, and thy families ; and also Jared thy brother and his famil
and also thy friends and their families, and the friends of Jared and thi
families. And when thou hast done ihis, thou shalt go at the head of th(
down into the valley, which is northward. And there will I meet tliee, a
I will go before thee into a land which is choice above all the land of t
earth. And there will I bless thee And thy seed, and raise up unto me
thy seed, and of the seed of thy brother, and they who shall go with thi
a great nation. And there shall be none greater than the nation wliicl
will raise up unto me of thy seed, upon all the face of the earth. And th
I will do unto thee because this long time ye have cried unto me.
And it came to pass that Jared, and his brother, and their families, a
also the friends of Jared and his brother, and their families, went down in
the valley which was northward, (and the name of the valley was Nimr(
being called after the mighty hunter,) with their flocks which they h
gathered together, male and female, of every kind. And they did also 1
snares and catch fowls of the air, and they did also prepare a vessel,
which they did carry with them the 6sh of the waters ; and they did a:
carry with them deseret, which, by interpretation, is a honey bee ; and ti
they did carry with them swarms of bees, and all manner of that which \i
upon the face of the land, seeds of every kind. And it came to pass tl
when they had come down into the valley of Nimrod, the Lord came do'
and talked with the brother of Jared ; and he was in a cloud, and t
brother of Jared saw him not. And it came to pass that the Lord co
raanded them that they should go forth into the wilderness, yea, into tl
quarter where there never had man been. And it came to pass that t
Lord did go before them, and did talk with them as be stood in a cloud, a
gave directions whither they should travel. And it came to pass that th
did travel in lihe wilderness, and did build barges, in which they did cri
many waters, being directed continually by the hand of the Lord. And t
Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderne
but he would that they should come forth even unto the land of promi
which was choice above all other lands which the Lord God had preserv
for a righteous people ; and he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother
Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time hen
forth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they shoi
be swept off when the fullness of his wrath should come upon them. A
now we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a la
of promise, and whaltsoever nation shall possess it, shall serve God, or tl
shall be swept off when the fullness of hia wrath shall come upon the
And the fullness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened
iniquity ; for behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lan(
wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God, or shall be swept off;
it is the everlasting ij'ecree of God. And it is not until the fullness of i
quity among the children of the land, that they are swept off. And t
cometh unto you, ye Gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God, tl
ye may repent, and not continue in your iniquities until the fullness coi
that ye may not bring down the fullness of the wrath of God upon youf
the inhabitants of the land hath hitherto done. Behold, this is a choice lai
and whatsoever nation shall possess it, shall be free from bondage a
from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will 1
BOOK o; HIHES. 351
serre the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested
by the things which we have written. 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 us 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 sea-
shore for the space of four years.. 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. And the brother of Jared repented
of the evil which he had done, and did call upon the name of the Lord for
bis brethren who were with him. And the Lord said unto him, I will for-
give 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. 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 ; and they were built after a man-
ner that they were exceeding tight, even that they would hold water like unto
a dish ; andthe 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.
And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried unto the Lord, saying,
Lord I have performed the. work which thou hast commanded me, and I
have made the barges according as thou hast directed me. And behold,
Lord, in them there is no light, whither sh.ill we steer ? And also we sliall
perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them ;
therefore we shall perish. And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared, be-
hold, thou shalt make a hole in the top thereof, and also in the bottom there-
of; and when thou shalt suffer for air, thou shalt unstop the hole thereof, and
receive air. And if it so be that the water come in upon thee, behold, ye
shall stop the hole thereof, that ye may not perish in the flood. And it
came to pass that the brother of Jared did so, according as the Lord had
commanded. And he cried again unto the Lord, saying, Lord, behold I
have done even as thou hast commanded me ; and I have prepared the ves-
sels for my people, and behold,.there is no light in them. Behold, Lord,
wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness ? 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 ; for behold, ye shall be as a whale in the
midst of the sea ; for the mountain waves shall dash upon you. Never-
theless, 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. And behold, I prepare you against these thuigs ; lor
howbeit, ye cannot cross this great deep, save I prepare you agamst the
waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods
352 BOOK OF ETHER.
which shall come. Therefore what will ye that I should prepare for you, th
ye may have light when ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea ?
And it came to pass that the brother of Jared, (now the number of t;
vessels which had been prepared, was eight,) went forth unto the mouiit, whi-
they called the mount Shelem, because of its exceeding height, and d
moulten out of a rook sixteen small stones ; and they were white and clei
even as transparent glass, and he did carry them in his hands upon the ti
of the mount, and cried again unto the Lord, saying, Lord, thou hast sa
that we must be encompassed about by the floods. Now behold, Lord, ai
do not be aagry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee ; i
we know that thou art holy, and dwellest in the heavens ; and that we a
unworthy before thee ; because of the fall our natures have become evil cc
tinually ; nevertheless, Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that i
must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desiri
Behold, Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our iniquity; and ha
driven.us forth, and for this many years we have been in the wildernes
neverthteless, thou hast been merciful unto us. Lord, look upon me
pity, and turn away thine anger from thi§ thy people, and suffer not tl
they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness, but behold tht
things which I have moulten out of the rock. And I know, Lord, tt
thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of ma
therefore touch these stones, Lord, with thy finger, and prepare th(
that they may shine forth in darkness : and they shall shine forth unto
in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we sh
cross the sea. Behold, Lord, thou canst do this. We know that th
art able to shew forth great pow6r, which looks small unto the understai
ing of men. And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had si
these words, behold, the Lord stretched, forth his hand and touched t
stones, one by one, with his finger ; and the vail was taken from off the ej
of the brother of -Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it Was
the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood ; and the brother of Jared )
down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear. And the Lord saw tl
the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth ; and the Lord said unto hi
arise, why hast thou fallen ? And he saith unto the Lord, I saw the fin{
of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me ; for I knew not tl
the Lord had flesh and blood. And the Lord said unto him, becai
of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and bloo
and never has man come forth before me with such exceeding faith as th
hast ; for were it not so, ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest tt
more than this? And he answered, nay. Lord, shew thyself unto me. A
the Lord said unto him, believest thou the words which I shall speak? A
he answered, yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou ai
God of truth, and canst not lie. And when Jie had said these words, beh
the Lord shewed himself unto' him, and said, because thou knpwest th
things, ye are redeemed from^e fall; therefore ye are brougljt back ji
my presence ; therefore I shew myself unto you. Behold, I am he who i
prepared from the foundation of the world tOTedeem my people. Behoh
am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall aU mank
have light, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my nan
and they shall become my sons and my daughters. And never have I sh(
ed myself unto man whom 1 have created, for never has man believed in
as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image ' Y
eveu all men were created in the beginning, after mine own image ? '
bold this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit • and n
BOOK OF ETHEK. 353
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.
And now, as I, Moroni, said I could not make a full account of these
things which are written, therefore it sufflceth me to say, that Jesus shewed
himself unto this man in the spirit, even after the manner and in the likeness
of the same body, even as he shewed himself unto the Nephites; 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 shewed unto hiYn. And because of the knowledge of
this man, he could not be kept from beholding within the vail ; 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 ; wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not
be kept from within the vail ; therefore he saw Jesus, and he did minister
unto him.
And it came to pass that the Lord said unto the brother of Jared,,be-
hold, thou shalt not sufier 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 shew it to no man. And behold, when ye shall come unto
me, ye shall write them and seal them up, that no one can interpret them ;
for ye shall write them in a language that they cannot be read. And be-
hold, these two stones will I give unto thee, and ye shall seal them up also,
with the things which ye shall write. For behold, the language which ye
shall write, I have confounded ; wherefore I will cause in mine own due
time that these stones shall magnify to the eyes of men, these things which
ye shall write. And when the Lord had said these words, he shewed 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 ; 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
shewn unto him ; therefore the Lord could not withhold any thing frem him ;
for he knew that the Lord could shew him all things. And the Lord said
unto him, write these things and seal them up, and I will shew them in mine
own due time unto the children of men.
And it came to pass that the Lord commanded him that he should seal
up the two stones which he had received, and shew them not, until the Lord
should shew them unto the children of men. 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 Benjamin keep, them, that they should
not come unto the world until after Christ should shew himself unto his
people. And after Christ truly, had shewed himself unto his people, he com-
manded that they should be made manifest. And now, after that, they have
dwindled in unbelief, and there is none, save it be the Lamariiles, and they
have rejected the gospel of Christ ; therefore I am commanded that I should
hide them up again in the earth. Sehold, I have written upon these plates
*he very things which the brother of Jared saw ; and there never was greater
things made manifest, than that which was made manifest unto the brother
of Jared ; 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
commafidment of the Lord. For the Lord said unto me, they shall not go
354 BOOK OF ETHEB.
forth unto the Gentiles until the day that they shall repent of their iniqui
and become clean before the Lord ; and in that day that they shall exerc
faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the brother of Jared did, that they n
become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things whi
the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my reve
tions, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and
the earth, and all things that in them are. And he that will contend agaii
the word of the Lord, let him be accursed ; and he that shall deny th(
things, let him be accursed ; for unto them will I shew no greater thin]
saith Jesus Christ, for I am he who speaketh ; and at my command t
heavens are opened and are shut ; and at my word, the earth shall shak
and at my command the inhabitants thereof shall pass away, even so as
fire ; and he that believeth not my words, beUeveth not my disciples ; and
it so be that I do not speak, judge ye ; for ye shall know that it is I tt
speaketh, at the last day. But he that believeth these things which I ha
spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my spirit ; and he sh
know and bear record. For because of my spirit, he shall know that the
things are true ; for it persuadeth men to do good ; and whatsoever thi;
persuadeth men to do good, is of me ; for good cometh of none, save it
of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good ; he that will not I
lieve my words, will not believe me, that I am ; and he that will not belie
me, will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Fathi
I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world. Come unto me,
ye Gentiles, and I will shew unto you the greater things, the knowled
which is hid up because of unbelief. Come unto me, ye house of Israi
and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father ha
laid up for you, from the foundation of the world ; and it hath not cor
unto you, because of unbelief. Behold, when ye shall rend that vail of u
belief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness ai
hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelo
things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from yoi
yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart ai
a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered t!
covenant which he made unto your fathers, house of Israel ; and th:
shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant Job
be unfolded in the eyes of all the people. Remember, when ye see the
thmgs, ye shaU know that the time is at hand that they shaU be made mai
fest m very deed ; therefore, when ye shall receive this record, ye mi
know; that the work of the Father has commenced upon all the face of t
land. Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, ai
beheve in my gospel, and be baptized in my name ; for he that believel
and IS baptized, shaU be saved ; but he that believeth not, shall be damne(
and signs shall foUow them that believe in my name. And blessed is he th
18 lound faithful unto my name, at the last day, for he shall be lifted up
dwell in the kingdom prepared for him from the foundation of the worl
And behold, it is I that hath spoken it. Amen.
BOOK OF ETHEB. 355
CHAPTER II.
And now I, Moroni, have written the words which were commanded me,
according to my memory ; and I have told yon 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.
And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may shew the plates unto those
who shall assist to bring forth this work ; and unto three shall they be shewn
by the power of God : wherefore they shall know of a surety that these
things are true. And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be
established ; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shaU
be shewn forth the power of God, and also his word, of which the Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Ghost beareth record ; and all this shall stand as
a testimony against the world, at the last day. And if it so be- that they re-
pent and come unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they shall be received
into the kingdom of God. 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.
QHAPTEB III.
And now I, Moroni, proceed to give the record of Jared and his brother.
For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared the stones which the broth-
er 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 thereof. 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.
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. And it came to pass that
the Lord God caused that there should 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. 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.
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. And it came to pass
that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land, while
they were upoa 'he waters : and thus they were driven forth before the
wind ; 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
356 BOOK OP ETHEE.
day long ; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lor
And thus they were driven forth ; and no monster of the sea could brei
them, neither whale that could mar them ; and they did have light contin
ally, whether it was above the water or under the water. And thus thi
were driven forth, three hundred and forty and four days upon the wate;
and they did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when thi
had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land, they bowed thei
selves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves befo
the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the mul
tude of his tender mercies over them. '
And it came to pass that they went forth upon the face of the land, ai
began to till the earth. And Jared had four sons ; and they were called J
com, and Gilgah, and Mahah, and Orihah. And the brother of Jared al
begat sons and daughters. And the friends of Jared and his brother, we
in number about twenty and two souls; and they also begat sons ai
daughters, before they came to the promised land ; and therefore they h
gan to be many. And they were taught to walk humbly before the Lori
and they were also taught from on high.
And it came to pass that they began to spread upon the face of the Ian
and to multiply and to till the earth ; and they did wax strong in the Ian
And the brother of Jared began to be old, and saw that he must soon |
down to the grave ; wherefore he said unto Jared, let us gather togeth
our people that we may number them, that we may know of them wh
they will desire of us before we go down to our graves. And according
the people were gathered together. Now the number of the sons and t'
daughters of the brother of Jared were twenty and two souls ; and the nui
ber of the sons and daughters of Jared were twelve, he having four soi
And it came to pass that they did number their people ; and after that th
had numbered them, they did desire of them the things which they, won
that they should do before they went down to their graves. And it cat
to pass that the people desired of them that they should anoint one of th<
sons to |;e a king over them. And now behold, this was grievous un
them. But the brother of Jared said unto them, surely, this thing leade
into captivity. But Jared said unto his brother, suffer them that they m
have a king ; and therefore he said unto them, choose ye out from amo:
our sons a king, even whom ye -will.
And it came to pass that they chose even the first born of the broth
of Jared ; and his name was Pagag. And it came to pass that he refus
and would not be their king. And the people would tlmt his father shot
constrain him ; but his father would not ; and he commanded them that th
should constrain no man to be their king. And it came to pass that th
chose all the brothers of Pagag, and they would not. And it came to pi
that neither would the sons of Jared, even all, save it were one ; and Orih
was anointed to be king over the people. And he began to reign, and t
people began to prosper ; and they became exceeding rich. And it cai
to pass that Jared died, and his brother also. And it came to pass tl
Orihah did walk humbly before the Lordy and did remember how gri
things the Lord had done for his father, and also taught his people hi
great things the Lord had done for their fathers.
And it came to pass that Orihah did execute judgment upon the land
righteousness all his days, whose days were exceeding many. And he bej
sons and daughters; yea, he begat thirty and one, among whom wi
twenty and three sons. And it came to pass that he also begat Kib in
old age. And it came to pass that Kib reigned in his stead ; and Kib bej
Corihor. And when Corihor was thirty and two years old, he rebel
BOOK or ETHEE. 357
against hia father, and went over and dwelt in the land of Nehor ; and he
begat sons and daughters ; and they became exceeding fair ; wherefore Co-
rihor drew away many people after him. And when he had gathered to-
gether an army, he came up unto the land of Moron where the king dwelt,
and tooli him captive, which brought to pass the saying of the brother of
Jared, that they would be brought into captivity. Now the land of Moron
where the king dwelt, was near the land which is called Desolation by the
Nephites. And it came to pass that Kib dwelt in captivity, and his people,
under Corihor his son, until he became exceeding old ; nevertheless Kib,
begat Shule in his old age, while he was yet in captivity.
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 was
also mighty in judgment. Wherefore he came to the hill Ephraim, and he
did moulten 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.
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. 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 exceeding numerous. And it came to pass that Shule also be-
gat many sons aai daughters. And Corihor repented of the many evils
which he had done ; wherefore Shule gave him power in his kingdom. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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 ; 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.
And the country was divided ; and there were two kingdoms, the kingdom
of Shule and the kingdom of Cohor, the son of Noah. 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. And now Cohor had a son who
was called Nimrod ; and Nimrod gave up the kingdom of Cohor unto Shiile,
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 ; 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.
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 ; 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
358 BOOK OF ETHER.
brought unto repentance. And because the people did repent of their
iquities and idolatries, the Lord did spare them, and they began to pros]
again in the land. And it came to pass that Shule begat sons and daught
in his old age. And there were no more wars in the days of Shule ; and
remembered the great things that the Lord had done for his fathers in brii
ing them across the great deep into the promised land ; wherefore he (
execute judgment in righteousness all his days.
And it came to pass that he begat Omer, and Omer reigned in his stei
And Omer begat Jared ; and Jared begat sons and daughters. And Jai
rebelled against his father, and came and dwelt in the land of Heth. A
it came to pass that he did flatter many people, because of his cunni
words, until he had gained the half of the kingdom. And when he i
gained the half of the kingdom, he gave battle unto his father, and he i
carry away his father into captivity, and did make him serve in captivi
And now in the days of the reign of Omer, he was in captivity the half
his days. And it came to pass that he begat sons and daughters, amo
whom were Esrom and Coriantumr ; and they were exceeding angry becai
of the doings of Jared their brother, insomuch that they did raise an am
and gave battle unto Jared. And it came to pass that they did give bat
unto him by night. And it came to pass that when they had slain the an
of Jared, they were about to slay him also ; and he plead with them tl
they would not slay him, and he would give up the kingdom unto his fath
And it came to pass that they did grant unto him his life. And now Jai
became exceeding sorrowful because of the loss of the kingdom, for be h
Bet his heart upon the kingdom, and upon the glory of the world. Now t
daughter of Jared being exceeding expert, and seeing the sorrows of 1
father, thought to devise a plan whereby she could redeem the kingdc
unto her father. Now the daughter of Jared was exceeding fair. And
came to pass that she did talk with her father, and said unto him, where
hath my father so much sorrow ? Hath he not read the record which c
fathers brought across the great deep ? Behold, is there not an accoi
concerning them of old, that they by their secret plans did obtain kingdoi
and great glory ? And now therefore, let my father send for Akish, the s
of Eimnor ; and behold, I am fair, and I will dance before him, and I v
please him, that he will desire me to wife ; wherefore if he shall desire
thee that ye shall give unto him me to wife, then shall ye say, I will gi
her if ye will bring unto me the head of my father, the king. And ni
Omer was a friend to Akish, wherefore when Jared had sent for Akish, t
daughter of Jared danced before him, that she pleased him, insomuch tl
he desired her to wife. And it came to pass that he said unto Jared, gi
her unto me to wife. And Jared said unto him, I will give her unto you, if
will bring unto me the head of my father, the king. And it came to pi
that Akish gathered in unto the house of Jared all his kinsfolks, and si
unto them, will ye swear unto- me that ye will be faithful unto me in t
thing which I shall desire of you. And it came to pass that they all sws
unto him, by the God of heaven, and also by the heavens, and also by t
earth, and by their heads, that whoso should vary from the assistan
which Akish desired, should lose his head ; and whoso should divulge whi
soever thing Akish made known unto them, the same should lose his li
And it came to pass that thus they did agree with Akish. And Akish c
administer unto them the oaths which were given by them of old, who al
sought power, which had been handed down even from Cain, who was
murderer from the beglnumg. And they were kept up by the power of t
devil to administer these oaths unto the people, to keep them in darkne
to help such as sought power, to gain power, and to murder, and to plundi
BOOK OP BTHEK. 359
and to lie, and to commit ail manner of wickedness and wboredomf). 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 kindreds and friends, leading them away by fair
promises to do whatsoever thing he desired. 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 ; for the Lord
worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he will th%J; man should
shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it, from the beginning of man.
And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combina-
tions, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all
people, and they are had among the Lamanites, and they have caused the
destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruc-
tion of the people of Nephi ; 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 ; wherefore,
ye Gentiles, it is wisdom m God that these things should be shewn unto
you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these mur-
derous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power
and gain, and the work, yea, even tlie 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 ; where-
fore 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 ven-
geance upon it, and also upon those who build it up. 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 ia 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. 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 un-
to the fountain of all righteousness and be saved.
CHAPTER IV.
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, be-
hold they did overthrow the kingdom of Omer ; nevertheless the Lord was
merciful unto Omer, and also to his sons and to his daughters, who did not
seek his destruction. >nd 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 hiU of Shim, and came over by the place where the Nephites were de-
stroyed and from thence eastward, and came to a place which was called
360 BOOK OP ETHER.
Ablom, by the seashore, and there he pitched his tent, and also his sons i
his daughters, and all his household, save it were Jared and his family.
And it came to pass that Jared was anointed Ijing over the people,
the hand of wickedness ; and he gave unto Akish his daughter to w
And it came to pass that Akish sought the hfe of his father-in-law ; and
applied unto those whom he had sworn by the oath of the ancients, and tl
obtained the head of his father-in-law, as he sat upon his throne, givi
audience to his people ; for so great had been the spreading of this wici
and secret society, that it had corrupted the hearts of all the people ; the
fore Jared was murdered upon his throne, and Akish reigned in his stei
And it came to pass that Akish began to be jealous of his son, therefore
shut him up in prison, and kept him upon little or no food, until he had s
fered death. And now the brother of him that suffered death, (and 1
name was Nimrah,) was angry with his father, because of that which 1
father had done unto his brother. And it came to pass that Nimrah gath
ed together a small number of men, and fled out of the land, and came o^
and dwelt with Omer. And it came to pass that Akish begat other soi
and they won the hearts of the people, notwithstjpding they had sworn ur
him to do all manner of iniquity, according to that which he desired. Ni
the people of Akish were desirous for gain, even as Akish was desirous i
power ; wherefore the sons of Akish did offer them money, by which mea
they drew away the more part of the people after them ; and there beg
to be a war between the sons of Akish and Akish, which lasted for the spa
of many years ; yea, unto the destruction of nearly all the people of t
kingdom ; yea, even all, save it were thirty souls, and they who fled wi
the house of Omer ; wherefore Omer was restored again to the land of 1
inheritance. And it came to pass that Omer began to be old, neverthelei
in his old age he begat Emer ; and he anointed Emer to be king to rei|
in his stead. And after that he had anointed Emer to be king, he si
peace in the land for the space of two years, and he died, having seen e
ceeding many days, which were full of sorrow. And it came to pass tli
Emer did reign in his stead, and did fill the steps of his father. And t
Lord began again to take the curse from oif the land, and the house of Em
did prosper exceedingly under the reign of Emer ; and in the space of six
and two years, they had become exceeding strong, insomuch that they I
came exceeding rich, having all manner of fruit, and of grain, and of sill
and of fine linen, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and al
all manner of cattle, of oxen, and cows, and of sheep, and of swine, and i
goats, and also many other kind of animals which were useful for the foi
of man ; and they also had horses, and asses, and there were elephants, ai
cureloms, and cumoms : all of which were useful unto man, and more espeoii
ly the elephants, and cureloms, and cumoms. And thus the Lord did po
out his blessings upon this land, which was choice above all other land
and he commanded that whoso should possess the land, should possess
unto the Lord, or they should be destroyed when they were ripened in i
iquity ; for upon such, saith the Lord, I will pour out the fullness of i
wrath. And Emer did execute judgment in righteousness, all his days, ai
he begat many sons and daughters; and he begat Coriantum: and :
anomted Coriantum to reign in his stead. And after he had anointed Cc
lantum to reign in his stead, he lived four years, and he saw peace in t
land; yea, and he even saw the Son of righteousness, and did rejoice ai
glory m his day ; and he died in peace. And it came to pass that Coria
turn did walk in the steps of his father, and did build many mighty citii
and did administer that which was good unto his people, in all his dai
And It came to pass that he had no children, even until he was exceedii
BOOK OP BTHER. 36jL
old. And it eame 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. And it came to pass that he
begat Com, and Com feigned in his stead ; and he reigned forty and nine
years, and he begat Heth ; and he also begat other sons and daughters.
And the people had spread again over all the face of the land, and there be-
gan again to be an exceeding great wickedness upon the face or the land, and
Heth began to embrace the secret plans again of old, to destroy his father.
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. 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. But the people believed not the words of the proph-
ets, 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 done all these
things according to the commandment of the king Heth. And it came to pass
that there began to be a great dearth upon the land, and the inhabitants
began to be destroyed exceeding fast, because of the de.irth, for there was
no rain upon the face of the earth ; 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. 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. And it
came to pass that the Lord did cause the serpents tliat 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 ser-
pents. 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 de-
voured them all. Now when the people saw that they must perish, they
began to repent of their iniquities, and cry unto the Lord. And it came to
pass that when they had humbl ed 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 shew forth his power unto them
in preserving them from famine. 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. And it came to pass that Shez did remember the destruc-
tion of his fathers, and he did build up a righteous kingdom, for he remem-
bered 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. 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. And it
came to pass that his father did build up many cities upon th» face of the
land, and the people began again to spread over all the face of the land.
And Shez did live to an exceeding old age ; and he begat Kiplakish, and he
died. And Biplakish ifeigned in his stead. And it came to pass that Kip-
lakish 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 mens shoulders
which was grievous to be borne ; yea, he did tax them with heavy taxes ;
»nd with the taxes he did build many spacious buildings. And he did erect
1«
362 BOOK OF ETHER.
him an exceeding beautiful throne, and he did build many prisons, ai
whoso would not be subject unto taxes, he did cast into prison ; and who
was not able to pay taxes, he did cast into prison; and he did cause th
they should labor continually for their support ; and whoso refused to labt
he did cause to be put to death ; wherefore he did obtain all his fine worl
yea, even his fine gold he did cause to be refined in prison, and all mann
of fine workmanship he did cause to be wrought in prisons. And it cat
to pass that he did afflict the people with his whoredoms and abomination
and when he had reigned for the space of forty and two years, the pcop
did raise up in rebellion against him, and there began to be war again in tl
land, insomuch that Riplakish was killed, and his descendants were drivi
out of the land.
And it came to pass after the space of many years, Morianton, (he beii
a descendant of Riplakish,) gathered together an army of outcasts, and we
forth and gave battle unto the people ; and he gained powel' over mai
cities ; and the war becarhe exceeding sore, and did last for the space (
many years, and he did gain power over all the land, and did establish hii
self king over all the land. And after that he had estabhshed himself kis
he did ease the burden of the people, by which he did gain favor in the ey
of the people, and they did anoint him to be their king. And he did i
justice unto the people, but not unto himself, because of his many whoi
doms ; wherefore he was cut oif from the presence of the Lord. And
came to pass that Morianton built up many cities, and the people bccar
exceeding rich under his reign, both in buildings, and in gold, and in silvi
and in raising grain, and in flocks, and herds, and such things which h
been restored unto them. And Morianton did live to an exceeding grc
age, and then he begat Kim ; and Kim did reign in the stead of his fathe
and he did reign eight years, and his father died. And it came to pass tb
Kim did not reign in righteousness, wherefore he was not favored of t
Lord. And his brother did raise up in rebellion against him, by which
did bring him into captivity ; and he did remain in captivity all his daj
and he begat sons and daughters in captivity ; and in his old age he bej
Levi, and he died.
And it came to pass that Levi did serve in captivity after the death
his father, for the space of forty and two years. And he did make n
against the king of the land, by which he did obtain unto himself t
kingdom. And after he had obtained unto himself the kingdom, he (
that which was right in the sight of the Lord ; and the people did prosi
in the land, and he did live to a good old age, and begat sons and dauj
ters ; and he also begat Corom, whom he anointed king in his stead. . A
it oarae to pass that Corom did that which was good in the sight of 1
Lord, all his days ; and he begat many sons and daughters ; and after
had seen many days, he did pass away, even like unto the rest of the earl
and Kish reigned in his stead. And it came to pass that Kish passed sa
iOso, and Lib reigned in his stead. And it came to pass that Lib also i
that which was good in the sight of the Lord. And in the days of Lib i
poisonous serpents were destroyed ; wherefore they did go into the la
southward,*lo hunt food for the people of the land ; fot the land was cov
ed with animals of the forest. And Lib also himself became a great hunt
And they built a great city by the narrow neck of land, by the place wh^
the sea divides the land. And they did preserve the land southward fo
'Wildernessj to get game. And the whole face of the land northward i
covered with inhabitants; and they were exceeding industrious, and tl
did buy and sell, and traffic one with another, that they might get gs
ind they did work in all manner of ore, and they did raaSe °i
BOOK OP ETHER. 363
and silTer, 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. 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. And they did make all manner of tools
to till the earth, both to plough and to sow, to reap and to hoe, and also to
thrash. And they did make all manner of tools with which they did work
their beasts. And they did make all manner of weapons of war. And they
did work all manner of work of exceeding curious workmanship. 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. And it came to pass that Lib did
live many years, and begat sons and daughters ; and he also begat Hear-
thom. 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. 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 Amni-
gaddah also dwelt in captivity all his days : and he begat Coriantum, and
Goriantum dwelt in captivity all his days ; and he begat Com. 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
agdnst the king Amgid, and they fought for the space of many years, dur-
ing which time Com gained power over Amgid, and obtained power over
the remainder of the kingdom. 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.
Now Com did fight against them much ; nevertheless, he did not prevail
against them. 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.
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 ;
and they prophesied unto Com many things ; and he was blessed in all the
remainder of his days. And he lived to a good old age, and begat Shib-
lom ; and Shiblom reigned in his stead. And the brother of Shiblom rebelled
against him ; and there began to be an exceeding great war in all the land.
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 ; and there was great calamity in all the land, for they had testified
that a greater 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. And they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord, be-
cause 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 graat destruction, such an one as never had been known
upon the face of the ^feth, and all this came to pass in the days of Shiblom.
And the people began to repent of their iniquity ; and inasmuch as they did,
the Lord did have mercy on them.
And it came to pass that Shiblom was slain, and Seth was brought into
captivity ; and did dwell in captivity all his days. And it came to pass that
864 BOOK OF ETHER.
Abah. his son, did obtain tbe kingdom ; and he did reign over the people, ;
his days. And he did do all manner of iniquity in his days, by which '
did cause the shedding of much blood ; and few were his days. And Ethei
being a descendant of Ahah, did obtain the kingdom ; and he also did i
that which was wicked in his days. And it came to pass in the days
Ethem, there came many prophets and prophesied again unto the peopl
yea, they did prophesy that the Lord would utterly destroy them from i
the face of the earth, except they repented of their iniquities. And it cat
to pass that the people hardened their hearts, and would not hearki
unto their words ; and thi prophets mourned and withdrew from among t:
people.
And it came to pass that Ethem did execute judgment in wickedness i
his days ; and he begat Moron. And it came to pass that Moron did reij
in his stead ; and Moron did that which was wicked before the Lord. Ai
it came to pass that there arose a rebellion among the people, because
that secret combination which was built up to get power and gain ; and the
arose a mighty man among them in iniquity, and gave battle unto Moron
which he did overthrow the half of the kingdom ; and he did maintain t
half of the kingdom for many years. And it came to pass that Moron d
overthrow him, and did obtain the kingdom again. And it came to ps
that there arose another mighty man ; and he was a descendant of t
brother of Jared. And it came to pass that he did overthrow Moron ai
obtain the kingdom ; wherefore Moron dwelt in captivity all the remaind
of his days ; and he begat Coriantor.
And it came to pass that Coriantor dwelt in captivity all his days. Ai
in the days of Coriantor there also came many prophets, and prophesied
great and marvelous things, and cried repentance unto the people, and e
eept they should repent, the Lord God would execute judgment against the
to their utter destruction ; and that the Lord God would send or bring forth a
other people to possess the land, by his power, after the manner which '.
brought their fathers. And they did reject all the words of the prophe
because of their secret society and wicked abominations. And it cai
to pass that Coriantor begat Ether, and he died, having dwelt in captivi
all his days.
CHAPTER V.
And it came to pass that the days of Ether were in the days of Corii
tumr ; and Coriantumr was king over all the land. And Ether was a propl
of the Lord ; wherefore Ether came forth in the days of Coriantumr, and I
gan to prophesy unto the people, for he could not be restrained because
the spirit of the Lord which was in him ; for he did cry from the mornii
, even until the going down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe
God unto repentance, lest they should be destroyed, saying unto them, tl
by faith all things are fulfilled ; wherefore, whoso believeth in God, mi{
with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand
God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of m^
which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good wor
being led to glorify God. And it came to pass that Ether did prophi
great and marvelous things unto the people, which they did not believe,
«ause they saw them not. And now I, iforoni, would speak somewhat' e
eerning these things ; I would shew unto the world that faith is things *h
ire hoped for and not seen ; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not,
BOOK OF ETHER. 365
ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith, for it was by faith
that Christ shewed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the
dead ; and he shewed not himself unto them, until after they had faith in
him ; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith in him, for he shewed
himself not unto the world. But because of the faith of men, he has shewn
himself unto the world, and glorifiedthe 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 ;' wherefore ye may
also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith. Be-
hold, it was by faith that they of old were called after the holy order of
God ; wherefore, by faith, was the law of Moses given. But in the gift of
the Son, hath God prepared a more excellent way, and it is by faith that it
hath been fulfilled ; for if there be no faith among the children of men, God
can do no miracle among them ; wherefore he shewed not himself until after
their faith. Behold, it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the
prison to tumble to the earth. 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. Behold, it was the faith of Ammon and his
brethren, which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites ; yea,- and
even all they who wrought miracles, wrou^Bt them by faith, even those who
were before Christ, and also them who were after. 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. And neither at
any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith ; wherefore they
first believed in the Son of God. And there were many whose faith was so
exceeding 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 be-
held with an eye of faith, and they were glad. 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. 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 with-
hold any thing from his sight ; wherefore he shewed him all things, for he
could no longer be kept without the veil. And it is by faith that my fathers
have obtained the promise that these things should come unto their breth-
ren through the Gentiles ; therefore the Lord hath commanded me, yea,
even Jesus Christ. 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 ; 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. 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. 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 ad-
vantage of your weakness ; and if men come unto me, I will shew 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
366 BOOK OF EIHDR.
they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I mal
weak things become strong unto them. Behold ; I will shew unto the Ge
tiles their weakness, and I will shew unto them that faith, hope, and charit
bringeth unto me the fountain of all righteousness. And I, Moroni, havii
heard these words, was comforted, and said, Lord, thy righteous will 1
done, for 1 know that thou workest unto the children of men according
their faith ; for the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin, remov
and it was removed. And if he had not had faith, it would not have raoyei
wherefore thou workest after men have faith ; for thus did thou manife
thyself unto thy disciples. For after they had faith, and did speak in tl
name, thou didst shew thyself unto them in great power ; and I also remei
her that thou hast said that thou hast prepared a house for man ; yea, ev(
among the mansions of thy Father, in which man might have a more exc(
lent hope ; wh^efore man must hope, or he cannot receive an inheritam
in the place which thou hast prepared. And again I remember that th(
hast said that thou hast loved the world, even unto the laying down of tl
life for the world, that thou mightest take it again to prepare a place for tl
children of men. And now I know that this love wliich thou hast had f
the children of men, is charity ; wherefore, except men shall have charit
they cannot inherit that place ftich thou hast prepared in the mansions
thy Father. Wherefore, I know by this thing which thou hast said, that
the Gentiles have not charity, because of our weakness, that thou wHt pro
them, and take away their talent, yea, even that which they have receive
and give unto them who shall have more abundantly.
And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would ^ve un
the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity. And it came to pass th
the Lord said unto me, if they have not charity, it mattereth not unto tht
thou hast been faithful ; wherefore thy garments shall be made clean. Ai
because thou hast seen thy weakness, thou shalt be made strong, even un
the sitting down in the place which I have prepared in the mansions of t
Father. And now I, Moroni, bid farewell unto the Gentiles, yea, and al
unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet before the judgme
seat of Christ, where all men shall know that my garments are not spott
with your blood ; and then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, and tl
he hath talked with me face to face, and that he told me in plain humilil
even as a man telleth another in mine own language, concerning the
things ; and only a few have I written, because of my weakness in writii
And now I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophi
and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and' also t
Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, m
be, and abide in you forever. Amen.
CHAPTER VI.
And now I, Moroni, proceed to finish my record concerning the destr
tion of the people of whom I have been writing. For behold, they rejeci
all the words of Ether ; for he truly told them of all things, from the be|
ning of man ; and that after the waters had receded from off the face of t
land, it became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of
Lord ; wherefore the Lord would have that all men should serve him, v
dwell upon the face thereof; and that it was the place of the New JerusaU
which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lc
BOOK OF ETHER. 367
Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake concerning a New Jeru-
salem upon this land ; 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 ii 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; and that a New Jerusalem should be built up
upon this land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things
there has been a type ; 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 merci.
ful unto the father of Joseph, that he should perish not ; 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. 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. And then cometh
the New Jerusalem ; and bles.sed are theymrho 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, v,rho
were of the house of Israel. 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. 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.
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 nought,
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.
And as he dwelt in the cavity of a rock, he made the remainder of this
record, viewijig the destructions which came upon the people by night.
And It came to pass that in that same year 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.
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 ; 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 was none of the fair sons and
daughters upon the face of the whole earth, who repented of their sins ;
wherefore it came to pass that in the first year that Ether dwelt in the
cavity of a rock, there was many people who were slain by the sword of
those secret combinations fighting against Coriantumr, that they might
obtain the kingdom. And it came to pass that the sons of Coriantumr
fought much and bled much. 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 king-
dom and spare the people, otherwise they should be destroyed, and all his
household, save it were himself, and he should only live to see the fulfilling
368 BOOK OS ETHER.
if the prophecies which had been spoken concerning another people recei
ing theland for their inheritance ; and Coriantumr should receive a bur:
by them; and every soul should be destroyed save it were Coriantun
And it came to pass that Coriantumr repented not, neither his househol
neither the people ; and the wars ceased not ; and they sought to kill Eth<
but he fled from before them, and hid again in the cavity of the rock. Ai
it came to pass that there arose up Shared, and he also gave battle un
Coriantumr ; and he did beat him, insomuch that in the third year he d
bring him into captivity. And the sons of Coriantumr, in the fourth yes
did beat Shat^d, and did obtain the kingdom again unto their father. N<
there began to be a war upon all the face of the land, every man with 1
band, fighting for that which he desired. And there were robbers, and
fine, all manner of wickedness upon all the face of the land. And it car
to pass that Coriantumr was exceeding angry with Shared, and he we
against him with his armies, to battle ; and they did meet in great ange
and they did meet in the valley of Gilgal ; and the battle became exceedi;
sore. And it came to pass that Shared fought against him for the space
three days. And it came to pass that Coriantumr beat him, and did purs
him until he came to the plains of Heshlon. And it came to pass tl
Shared gave him battle again iS^on the plains; and behold, he 'did be
Coriantumr, and drove him back again to the valley of Gilgal. And Co
antumr gave Shared battle again in the valley of Gilgal, in which he be
Shared, and slew him. And Shared wounded Coriantumr in his thigh, tl
he did not go to battle again for the space of two years, in which time
the people upon the face of the land were shedding blood, and there n
none to restrain them. And now,there began to be a great curse upon
the land, because of the iniquity of the people, in which, if a man should 1
his tool or his sword upon his shelf, or upon the place whither he wot
keep it, and behold, upon the morrow, he could not find it, so great was t
curse upon the land. Wherefore every man did cleave unto that whi
was his own, with his hands, and would not borrow, neither would he len
and every man kept the hilt of his sword thereof, in his right hand, in the (
fence of his property and his own life, and of his wives and children. A
now after the space of two years, and after the death of Shared, beho
there arose the brother of Shared, and hci gave battle unto Coriantumr,
which Coriantumr did beat him, and did pursue him to the wilderness
Akish. And it came to pass that the brother of Shared did give battle ui
him in the wilderness of Akish ; and the battle became exceeding sore, a
many thousands fell by the sword. And it came to pass that Coriantu
did lay siege to the wilderness, and the brother of Shared did march foi
out of the wilderness by night, and slew a part of the army of Coriantut
as they were drunken. And he came forth to the land of Moron, a
placed himself upon the throne of Coriantumr. And it came to pass tl
Coriantumr dwelt with his army in the wilderness, for the space of t
years, in which he did receive great strength to his army. Now the brotl
of Shared, whose name was Gilead, also received great strength to his am
because of secret combinations. And it came to pass that his high pri
murdered him as he sat upon his throne. And it came to pass that one
the secret combinations murdered him in a secret pass, and obtained ui
himself the kingdom ; and his name was Lib ; and Lib was a man of gr
stature, more than any other man among all the people. And it came
pass that in the first year of Lib, Coriantumr came up unto the land of Mor
and gave battle unto Lib. And it came to pass that he fought with Lib,
which Lib did smite upon his arm that he was wounded ; nevertheless i
army of Coriantumr did press forward upon Lib, that he fled to the bord
BOOK OF ETHER. 369
upon the seashore. And it came to pass that Coriantumr pursued him ; and
Lib gave battle unto ]iim upon the seashore. And it came to pass that Lib
did smite the army of Coriantumr, that they fled again to the wilderness of
Akish. 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. 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 Cori-
antumr in the stead thereof, and the battle became exceeding sore, in the
which Coriantumr fled again before the army of the brother of Lib. 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 thereof; 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
swecpeth the earth before him ! And it came to pass that the people began
to flock together in armies, throughout all the face of the land. 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. 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 ; and so
swift and speedy was the war, that there was none left to bury the dead,
but they did marcli 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 ; and the
scent thereof went forth upon the face of the land, even upon all tlie face
of the land ; wherefore the people became troubled by day and by night,
because of the scent thereof^ 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. And thus we
see that the Lord did visit them in the fullness of his wrath, and their wick-
edness and abominations, had prepared a way for their everlasting destruc-
tion. And it came to pass that Shiz did pursue Coriantumr eastward, even
to the borders of the seashore, and there he gave battle unto Shiz for the
space of three days ; 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 they that would not join them ; 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 armiesof Shiz, to invite
them forth to battle. 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 exceeding sore. 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. 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.
And it came to pass when Coriantumr had recovered of his wounds, he
began to remember the words which Ether had spoken unto him ; he saw
diat there had been slain by the sword already nearly two millions of his
16*
370 BOOK OF ETHBK.
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. 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 re-
fused to be comforted. 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. And it came to pass that
when Shiz had received his epistle, he wrote an epistle unto Coriantumr, that
if he would givfe himself up, that he might slay him with his own sword, that
he would spare the lives of the people. And it came to pass that the peo-
ple 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. And when Coriantumr saw
that he was about to fall, he fled again beforS the people of Shiz. And it
came to pass that he came to the waters of Ripliancum, which, by interpreta-
tion, 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. And it came to pass
that they fought an exceeding soise battle, in which Coriantumr was wound-
ed again, and he fainted with the loss of blood. An(f 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. 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. 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. And it came to pass that Ether did behold all the
doings of the people ; and he beheld that the people who were for Corian-
tumr, were gathered together to the army of Coriantumr ; and the people
who were for Shiz, were gathered together to the army of Shiz ; 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. 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
breast-plates, 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. 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 howhng and a lamentation for the loss of the slain
of their people ; and so great were their cries, their bowlings and lamenta-
tions, that it did rend the air exceedingly. 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 bowlings, and their mournings, for
the loss of the slain of their people.
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 flie people. But 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 giten up unto the hardness of their hearts and
BOOK OP MORONI. 371
the blindness of their minds, that tliey might be destroyed ; wherefore they
went again to battle. And it came to pass that they fought all that day,
and when the night came they slept upon their swords ; and on the morrow
they fought even until the night came ; 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 ; 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 Coriantnmr, and sixty and nine of the people of Shiz.
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 mights with their
swords, and with their shields, all that day ; and when the night came there
were thirty and two of the people of Shiz, and twenty and seven of the peo-
ple of Coriantumr. And it came to pass that they ate and slept, and pre-
pared for death on the morrow. And they were large and mighty men, as
to the strength of men. And it came to pass that they fought for the space
of three hours, and they fainted with the loss of blood. And it came to pass
that when the men of Coriantumr had received sufiicient 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 Coriantjimr,
or he would perish by the sword ; wherefore he did pursue them, and on the
morrow he di^^wrtake them ; and they fought again with the sword. And
it came to pass5|p,t when they had all fallen by the sword, save it were Co-
riantumr and Shiz, behold, Shiz bad fainted with the loss of blood. And it
came to pass that when Coriantumr bad leaned upon his sword, that he
rested a little, he smote off the head of Shiz. And it came to pass that after
he had smote off the head of Shiz, that Shiz raised upon his hands and fell ;
and after that he had'^rnggled for breath, he died. And it came to pass
that Coriantumr fell to the earth, and became as if he had no life. 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 dfd find them. Now the last words which
ire written by Ether, are these, whether the Lord will that I be translated,
3r that I suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it raattereth not, if it so be
that 1 am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen.
THE BOOK OP MORONI.
CHAPTER I,
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 ,
lot as yet perished ; and I make not myself known to the Lamanites, lest
they should destroy me. For behold, their wars are exceeding fierce among
themselves • and because of their hatred, they put to death every Nephite
;hat will not deny the Christ. And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ ;
irherefore I wander whithersoever I can, for the safety of mine own life.
SFherefore I write a few more things, contrary to that which I had supposed ;
"or I had supposed not to have written any more ; but I write a few more
;hings that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Laman-
tes in some future day, according to the will of the Lord.
372 BOOK OF MOBONI.
CHAPTER II.
The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples, the twelve vrhc
he had chosen, as he laid his hands upon them. And he called them I
name, saying, ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty praye
and after ye have done this, ye shall have power that on him whom ye sh
lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost ; and in my name shall ye gi
it, for thus do mine apostles. Now Christ spake these words unto them
the time of his first appearing ; and the multitude heard it not, but the d
ciples heard it, and on as many as they laid their hands, fell the Holy Gho
CHAPTEB III.
The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of t
shurch, ordained priests and teachers. After they hacLnrayed unto t
Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands uponffem, and said,
the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest ; (or ifhe be a teache
I ordain you to be a teacher, to preach repentance and remission of si
through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the ei
Amen. And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, accoi
ing to the gifts and callings of God unto men ; and Khey ordained them
the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them.
CHAPTER IV.
The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and bio
of Christ unto the church. And they administered it according to the co
mandments of Christ ; wherefore we know the manner to be true ; and 1
»lder or priest did minister it. And they did kneel down with the chun
•nd pray to the Father in the name of Christ, saying, God, the Eteri
aTather, we ask thee in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sai
•ii'y this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may i
iu remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God \
Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of t
Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he h(
given them, that they may always have his spirit to be with them. Am(
CHAPTER V.
The manner of administering the wine. Behold, they took the cup, a
said, God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son Jei
Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink
t, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which t
BOOK OP MORONI. 373
shed for them, that they may witness unto thee, God the Eternal Father,
that they do always remember him, that they may haTe his spirit to be with
them. Amen.
CHAPTER VI.
And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, aijd
teachers were baptized ; and they were not baptized, save they brought
forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it ; neither did they receive any
unlo 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. And none were received unto baptism, save they took upon them
the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end. 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.
And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one
with another concerning the welfare of their souls : and they did meet to-
gether oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus ;
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 ; but as oft as they repented, and sought for-
giveness, with real intent, they were forgiven. 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 exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to
sing, even so it was done.
CHAPTER Til.
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. 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 ; wherefore I
would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable follow-
ers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope, by which ye can en-
ter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth, until ye shall rest
with him in heaven. And now my brethren, I judge these things of you
because of your peaceable walk with the children of men ; 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. For behold, God hath said,
a man being evil, cannot do that which is good ; for if he offereth a gift, or
'4 BOOK OF MORONI.
lyeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent, it profiteth him
thing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. For
hold, if a man being evil, giveth a gift, he doth it grudgingly ; wherefore
is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift ; wherefore he
counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man,
he shall pray, and not with real intent of heart ; yea, and it profiteth him
thing ; for God reoeiveth none such ; wherefore, a man being evil, cannot
that which is good ; neither will he give a good gift. For behold, a bit-
r fountain cannot bring forth good water ; neither can a good fountain
in"- forth bitter water ; wherefore a man being a. servant of the devil, can-
t follow Christ ; and if he follow Christ, he cannot be a servant of the
vil. Wherefore, all things which are good,, cometh of God; and that
lich is evil, cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and
;hteth against him continually., and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do
at which is evil continually. But behold, that which is of God, inviteth
d enticeth to do good continually ; wherefore, every thing which inviteth
d enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of
)d. Wherefore take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge
at which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God, to be of
e devil. For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye
ly know good from evil ; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may
low with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from thte dark night. For
hold, the spirit of Christ is given to every man, that they may know good
im evil ; wherefore I shew unto you the way to judge : for every thing
lich inviteth to. do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth
' the power and gift of Christ ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect
lowledge, it is of God ; but whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil,
id believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may
LOW with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil, for after this manner doth
e devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no not one ; neither
ith his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.
And now my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may
dge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully ;
r with that same judgment which ye judge, ye shall also be judged,
herefore I beseech, of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in
e light of Christ, that ye may know good from evil ; and if ye will lay hold
ion every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of
irist. And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon
ery good thing ? And now I come to that faith, of which I said I would
eak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good
ing. For behold, God knowing all things^ being from everlasting to ever-
iting, behold he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make
mifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come
ery good thing. And God also declared unto prophets by his own mouth,
at Christ should come. And behold, there were divers ways that he did
^nifest things unto the children of men, which were good ; and all things
lich are good, cometh of Christ, otherwise men were fallen, and there
uld no good thing come unto them. Wherefore, by the ministering of
gels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God,
en began to exercise faith in Christ ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold
ion every good thing ; and thus it was until the coming of Christ. And
ter that he came, men also were saved by faith in his name ; and by faith,
ey become the sons of God. And as sure as Christ liveth, he spake these
)rds unto our fathers, saying, "whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in
Y name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold it
BOOK OP MOROKI. 375
shall be done unto you. Wherefore, my beloTed brethren, hath miracles
ceased, because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath set down on the
right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath
upon the children of men ; 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. And be-
cause he hath done this, my beloved brethren, hath miracles ceased ? Be-
hold I say unto you, nay ; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the
children of men. For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister ac-
cording to the word of his command, shewing themselves unto them of strong
faith and a firm mind, in every form of godhness. And the office of their
ministry is, to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil 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 ; 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 bring-
eth to pass the Father the covenants which he hath made unto the children
of men. And*Christ hath said, if ye will have faith in me, ye shall have
power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. 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.
And now my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are
true which I have spoken unto you, and God will shew 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? or have angels ceased to appear unto i the chil-
dren 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 ? Behold I say unto you nay,
for it is by faith that miracles are wrought ; and it is by faith that angels ap-
pear 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 ; 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. But behold, my beloved brethren, 1 judge bet-
ter things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meek-
ness ; for if ye have not faith in him, then ye are not fit to be numbered among
the people of this church. 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? And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say
nnto you, that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the
power of bis resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal ; and this because
of your faith in him according to the promise ; wherefore, if a man hav^
faith he must needs have hope ; for without faith there cannot be any hope.
And again, behold I say unto you, that he cannot have faith and hope, save
he shall be' meek and lowly of heart ; if so, his faith and hope is vain, for
none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly of 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. And
charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up,
seeketh not her own, is not ,ea«ly provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoicetli
376 BOOK OF MORONI.
not in iniquity, but rejoicetli in the truth, beareth all things, believeth
things, hopeth all things; endureth all things ; wherefore, my beloved bret
ren, if ye have not charity, yc are nothing, for charity never faile
Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all thir
must fail ; but charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth foreve
and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with the
Wherefore, ray beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the ener
of heart, that ye may be filled with this love which he hath bestowed up
all who are true followers of his Son Jesus Christ, that ye may become t
sons of God, that when he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we sh
see him as he is, that we may have this hope, that we may be purified ev
as be is pure. Amen.
CHAPTER VIII.
An epistle of my father Mormon, written to me Moroni : and it was wi
ten unto me soon after my calling to the ministry. And on this wise'dld
write unto me, saying, my beloved son Moroni, I rejoice exceedingly tl
your Lord Jesus Christ hath been mindful -of you, and hath called you to
ministry, and to his holy work. I am mindfid of you always in my praye
continually praying unto God the, Father in the name of his holy child, Jes
that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through t
endurance of faith on bis name to the end.
And now my son I speak unto you concerning that which grieveth :
exceedingly; for it grieveth me that there should disputations rise amo
you. Foe if I have learned the truth, there has been disputations amo
you concerning the baptism of your little children. And now my son, I <
sire that, ye should labor diligently, that this gross error should be remo^
from among you ; for, for this intent I have written this epistle. For i
mediately after I had learned these things of you, I inquired of the L(
concerning the matter. And the word of the Lord came to me by i
power of the Holy Ghost, saying, listen to the words of Christ, your ]
deemer, your Lord, and your God. Behold, I came into the world not
call the righteous, but sinners to repentance ; the whole need no physici
but they that are sick ; wherefore little children are whole, for they are i
capable of committing sin ; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from th
in me, that it hath no power over them ; and the law of circumcision is d(
away in me. And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the wi
of God unto me ; wherefore my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mo
ery before God, that ye should baptize little children. Behold I say ui
you, that this thing shall ye teach, repentance and baptism unto those v
are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents t]
they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their lil
children, and they shall all be saved with their little children : and their
tie children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is ui
repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remifision of si
But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the wor
if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respec
to persons ; for how many Uttle children have died without baptism. Whe
fore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must hi
gone to an endless hell. Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth tl
little children need baptism, is in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds
iniquity ; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should
BOOK OP MORONI. 37
*
be citt off while in the thought, he must go down to hell. For awful is tl
wickedness to suppose that God saueth one child because of baptisn
and the other must perish because he hath no baptism. Wo be unt
him that shall pervert the ways of the Lord after this manner, for the
shall perish, except they repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, havin
authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfei
love casteth out all fear; and I am filled with charity, which is everlas
ing love; wherefore all children are alike unto me ; wherefore I. love littl
children with a perfect love ; and they are all alike, and partakers of salvi
tion. For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being
but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity. Little children cai
not repent ; wherefore it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies a
God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of his mercy. And h
that saith that little children need baptism, deuieth the mercies of Chris
and setteth at nought the atonement of him and the power of his redemj
tion. Wo unto such, for they are in danger of death, hell, and an endlei
torment. I speak it boldly, God hath commanded me. Listen unto thei
and give heed, or they stand against you at the judgment seat of Chris
For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they thi
are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all they th:
have no law ; wherefore, be that is not condemned, or he that is under n
condemnation, cannot repent ; and unto such baptism availeth nothinj
Bat it is mockery before God, denying the mercies of Christ, and the powt
of his holy spirit, and putting trust in dead works. Behold, my son, th;
thing ought not to be ; for repentance is unto them that are under conden
nation, and under the curse of a broken law. And the first fruits of repen
ance is baptism ; and baptism cometh by faith, unto the fulfilling the con
mandments ; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission o
sins ; and the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowUness of heart
and because of meekness and lowliness of heart, cometh the visitation of th
Holy Ghost, which comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which lov
endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all th
saints shall dwell with God. Behold, my son, I will write unto you agaii
if I go not out soon against the Lamanites. Behold, the pride of thi
nation, or the people of the Nephites, hath proven their destruction, excej
they fihould repent. Pray for them, my son, that repentance may com
unto them. But behold, I fear lest the spirit hath ceased striving wit
them ; and in this part of the land they are also seeking to put down a
power and authority, which cometh from God ; and they are denying th
Holy Ghost. And after rejecting so great a knowledge, my son, they mui
perish soon, unto the fulfilling of the prophecies which were spoken by th
prophets, as well as the words of our Savior himself. Farewell, my soi
until I shall write unto you, or shall meet you agaio. Amen.
CHAPTEE IX.
The second epittle of Mormon to his son Moroni.
My beloved son, I write unto you again, that ye may know that I ai
yet alive ; but I write somewhat that which is grievous. For behold,
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 ; yes
378 BOOK OF MoKufll,
and J(f e have lost a great number of our choice men. And now behold, my
son, I fear lest the Lamanites shall destroy this people, for they do not re
pent, and satan stirreth them up continually to anger, one with another.
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. For so exceedingly do
they anger, that it seemeth me that they have no fear of death ; that
they have lost their love, one towards another ; and they thirst after blood
and revenge continually. 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 righteous-
ness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.
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 hajre many prisoners, which they took from the tower of Sher-
rizah ; and there were men, women and children. 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. 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 tliat which
was most dear and precious above all things, which is chastity and virtue ;
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. my beloved son,
how can a people like- this, that are without civilization ; (and only a few
years have passed away, and they were a civil and a delightsome people ;) but
my son, how can a people like this, whose delight is in so much abomina-
tion, how can we expect that God will stay his hand in judgment* against us i
Behold, my heart cries wo unto this people. Come out in judgment, God,
and hide their sins, and wickedness, and abominations from before thy face.
And again, my son, there are many widows and their daughters, who re-
main 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. 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. the depravity of my people ! they are without order and with-
out mercy. Behold, I ain but a man, and I have bnt the strength of a man,
and I cannot any longer enforce my commands ; and they have become
!>trong in their perversion ; and they are aUke brutal, sparing none, neither
old nor young ; and they delight in every thing save that which is good ;
and the sufferings of our women and. our children upon all the face of this
land, doth exceed every thing ; yea, tongue cannot tell, neither can it be
written. And now my eon, 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. Behold, my son, I cannot recommend them unto
God lest he should smite me. But behold, my son', I recommend thee unto
God, and I trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved ; and I pray unto God
BOOK OF MOKONI. 379
hat he would spare th;^life, to witness the return of his p^ple unto him, or
heir utter destruction ; for I linow that they must perish, except they re-
)ent and return unto him ; and if they perish it will be Uke unto the Jared-
tes, because of the wilfulDess of their hearts, seeking for blood and reijenge.
Vnd if it so be that they perish, we know that many of our brethren have
lissented over unto the Lamanitcs, and many more will also dissent over
into them ; wherefore, write somewhat a few things, if thou art spared ; and
[ shall perish and not see thee ; but I trust that I may see thee soon ; for I
lave sacred records that I would deliver up unto thee. My son, be faithful
n Christ ; and may not the things wjiich I have written, grieve thee, to
weigh thee down unto death, but may Christ lift thee up, and may his suf-
ferings and death, and the shewing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy
md long Buffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your
mind forever. And may "the grace of God the Father, whose throne is
digh in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right
band of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be,
and abide with you forever. Amen.
CHAPTER X.
Now I, Moroni, write somewhat as scemeth 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. And I seal up these records, after I have
spoken a few words by way of exhortation unto you. Behold, I would ex-
hort 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 until
the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
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 ; and by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all
things. And whatsoever thing is good, is just and true ; wherefore, nothing
that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is. 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, accord-
ing to the faith of the children of men, the same to-day and to-morrow, and
forever. 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. For behold, to one is given by the
spirit of God, that he may teach the word of wisdom ; and to another, that
he may teach the word of knowledge by the same spirit ; and to another
exceeding great faith ; and to another, the gifts of healing by the same spirit.
And a''nin, to another, that he may work mighty miracles ; and again, to
another that he may prophesy concerning all things ; and again, to another,
the beholding of angels and ministering spirits ; and again, to another, all
kinds of tongues ; and again, to another, the interpretation of languages and
of divers kinds of tongues. And all these gifts come by the spirit of Christ ;
380 BOOK OP MORONI.
and they come unto erery man severally, according as he will. And I would
exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift
cometh of Christ. And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye
remember that he is the same yesterday, to-day, 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. 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 ; and except ye have charity, ye can in no wise 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 fiave no hope ; and if ye have no hope,
ye must needs be in despair ; and despair cometh because of iniquity.. And
Christ truly said unto our fathers, if ye have faith, ye can do all things which
is expedient unto me. 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. And wo be unto the children of men,
if this be the case; for there shall.be none that doeth good anlong you, no
not one. For if there be one among you that doeth good, he shall work by
the power and gifts of God. And wo unto them who shall do these things
away and die, for they die in their gins, and they cannot be saved in the
kingdom of God ; and I speak it according to the words of Christ, and I lie
not. 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 ? I declare these things unto the ful-
filling 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. And God shall show unto you, that that which I have written is
true. 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. And awake, and arise from the dust, Jerusalem ; yea, and put on
thy beautiful garments, 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, house
of Israel, may be fulfilled. 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 no wise deny
the power of God. 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 cove-
nant of the Father, unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy
without spot. 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.
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