Canon of Truth
Mormon Second Order Memories
Fractured Addewid: A Novel In Progress
by
Oliver Smith
OliverSmith@CyberPoet.com
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Second Order Recitation -
THE BOOK OF ALMA
THE SON OF ALMA
The account of Alma, the son of Alma the first, and chief judge
over the people of Nephi, and the high priest over the Church. An
account of the reign of the judges, wars and contentions among
the people and of a war between the Nephites and the
Lamanites, according to the record of Alma, the 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
died and fought well, walking proud before God,
leaving none to reign in his stead; nevertheless
he established laws, and they were acknowledged and followed by the people;
And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma there was
a large, strong man brought before him to be judged, who had been
preaching what he called the word of Nerth to them, bearing down against
the church;
declaring unto the
people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they
ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be
supported by the people. 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 his word, he met a man who belonged to the
church of God, yea, even one of their teachers; and he began to contend
with him sharply, that he might lead away the people of the church; but
the man withstood him, admonishing him with the words of God. 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 began to smite him. Now Gideon being
stricken with many years, therefore he was not able to withstand his
blows, therefore he was slain by the sword. And the man who slew him
was taken by the people of the church, and was brought before Alma, to
be judged according to the crimes which he had committed. And it came
to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded for himself with much
boldness. But Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that
priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art
not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by
the sword; and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it
would prove their entire destruction. And thou hast shed the blood of a
righteous man, yea, a man who has done much good among this people; and
were we to spare thee his blood would come upon us for vengeance.
Therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law which has
been given us by Mosiah, our last king; and it has been acknowledged by
this people; therefore this people must abide by the law. And it came
to pass that they took him; and his name was Nehor; and they carried
him upon the top of the hill Manti, and there he was caused, or rather
did acknowledge, between the heavens and the earth, that what he had
taught to the people was contrary to the word of God; and there he
suffered an ignominious death. Nevertheless, this did not put an end to
the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who
loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false
doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor.
Nevertheless, they durst not lie, if it were known, for fear of the
law, for liars were punished; therefore they pretended to preach
according to their belief; and now the law could have no power on any
man for his belief. 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 afflict them with all manner
of words, and this because of their humility; because they were not
proud in their own eyes, and because they did impart the word of God,
one with another, without money and without price. 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 among them who began to be
proud, and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto
blows; yea, they would smite one another with their fists. Now this was
in the second year of the reign of Alma, and it was a cause of much
affliction to the church; yea, it was the cause of much trial with the
church. 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 immovable 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 sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel,
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 began to be exceedingly rich, having
abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need -- an abundance
of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of
grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and
abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely
cloth. And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send
away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or
that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set
their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old
and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the
church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who
stood in need. 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;
persecuting, lying, thieving, robbing, committing whoredoms, and
murdering, and all manner of wickedness; nevertheless, the law was put
in force upon all those who did transgress it, inasmuch as it was
possible. And it came to pass that by thus exercising the law upon
them, every man suffering according to that which he had done, they
became more still, and durst not commit any wickedness if it were
known; therefore, there was much peace among the people of Nephi until
the fifth year of the reign of the judges. And it came to pass in the
commencement of the fifth year of their reign there began to be a
contention among the people; for a certain man, being called Amlici, he
being a very cunning man, yea, a wise man as to the wisdom of the
world, he being after the order of the man that slew Gideon by the
sword, who was executed according to the law -- Now this Amlici had, by
his cunning, drawn away much people after him; even so much that they
began to be very powerful; and they began to endeavor to establish
Amlici to be king over the people. Now this was alarming to the people
of the church, and also to all those who had not been drawn away after
the persuasions of Amlici; for they knew that according to their law
that such things must be established by the voice of the people.
Therefore, if it were possible that Amlici should gain the voice of the
people, he, being a wicked man, would deprive them of their rights and
privileges of the church; for it was his intent to destroy the church
of God. And it came to pass that the people assembled themselves
together throughout all the land, every man according to his mind,
whether it were for or against Amlici, in separate bodies, having much
dispute and wonderful contentions one with another. 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 voice 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 Amlicites, and
therefore they did prepare to meet them; yea, they did arm themselves
with swords, and with cimeters, and with bows, and with arrows, and
with stones, and with slings, and with all manner of weapons of war, of
every kind. And thus they were prepared to meet the Amlicites at the
time of their coming. And there were appointed captains, and higher
captains, and chief captains, according to their numbers. And it came
to pass that Amlici did arm his men with all manner of weapons of war
of every kind; and he also appointed rulers and leaders over his
people, to lead them to war against their brethren. And it came to pass
that the Amlicites came upon the hill Amnihu, which was east of the
river Sidon, which ran by the land of Zarahemla, and there they began
to make war with the Nephites. 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
great slaughter, that they began to flee before them. nd it came to
pass that the Nephites did pursue the Amlicites all that day, and did
slay them with much slaughter, insomuch that there were slain of the
Amlicites twelve thousand five hundred thirty and two souls; and there
were slain of the Nephites six thousand five hundred sixty and two
souls. And it came to pass that when Alma could pursue the Amlicites no
longer he caused that his people should pitch their tents in the valley
of Gideon, the valley being called after that Gideon who was slain by
the hand of Nehor with the sword; and in this valley the Nephites did
pitch their tents for the night. And Alma sent spies to follow the
remnant of the Amlicites, that he might know of their plans and their
plots, whereby he might guard himself against them, that he might
preserve his people from being destroyed. 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 Lamanites; 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 departed 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 Lamanites 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 the Amlicites did
fall before them. And it came to pass that Alma fought with Amlici 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: O Lord, have mercy and spare
my life, 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 strengthened, insomuch that he slew Amlici with the
sword. And he also contended with the king of the Lamanites; but the
king of the Lamanites fled back from before Alma and sent his guards to
contend with Alma. 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 Amlicites on the west
side of the river Sidon. And it came to pass that when they had all
crossed the river Sidon that the Lamanites and the Amlicites began to
flee before them, notwithstanding they were so numerous that they could
not be numbered. 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 weapons of
war, after having buried those who had been slain -- now the number of
the slain were not numbered, because of the greatness of their number
-- after they had finished burying their dead they all returned to
their lands, and to their houses, and their wives, and their children.
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 cast into the waters of Sidon;
and behold their bones are in the depths of the sea, and they are many.
And the Amlicites were distinguished from the Nephites, for they had
marked themselves with red in their foreheads after the manner of the
Lamanites; nevertheless they had not shorn their heads like unto the
Lamanites. Now the heads of the Lamanites were shorn; and they were
naked, save it were skin which was girded about their loins, and also
their armor, which was girded about them, and their bows, and their
arrows, and their stones, and their slings, and so forth. 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 whosoever would not believe in the tradition of the
Lamanites, but believed those records which were brought out of the
land of Jerusalem, and also in the tradition of their fathers, which
were correct, who believed in the commandments of God and kept them,
were called the Nephites, or the people of Nephi, from that time forth
-- And it is they who have kept the records which are true of their
people, and 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 repent
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 departeth from thee shall no more be called thy seed; and I will
bless thee, and whomsoever shall be called thy seed, henceforth and
forever; and these were the promises of the Lord unto Nephi and to his
seed. 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 Lamanites 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 wars 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. Now it came to
pass in the sixth year of the reign of the judges over the people of
Nephi, there were no contentions nor wars in the land of Zarahemla; But
the people were afflicted, yea, greatly afflicted for the loss of their
brethren, and also for the loss of their flocks and herds, and also for
the loss of their fields of grain, which were trodden under foot and
destroyed by the Lamanites. 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 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. 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. For they saw and beheld with great
sorrow that the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride
of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain
things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards
another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe
according to their own will and pleasure. 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 to those who 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. Now this was a great cause for
lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves,
succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting
their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and
suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ's sake, who should come
according to the spirit of prophecy; 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 inequality, 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; 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 he 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 revelation and prophecy. 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
establish a church in the land which was in the borders of Nephi; yea,
the land which was called the land of Mormon; yea, and he did baptize
his brethren in the waters of Mormon. 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 sufficiently retained in remembrance the
captivity of your fathers? Yea, and have you sufficiently retained in
remembrance his mercy and long-suffering towards them? And moreover,
have ye sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered
their souls from hell? Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he
awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold,
they were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were
illuminated by the light of the everlasting word; yea, they were
encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of hell, and an
everlasting destruction did await them. 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 they saved? Yea, what grounds had they to
hope for salvation? What is the cause of their being loosed from the
bands of death, yea, and also the chains of hell? Behold, I can tell
you -- did not my father Alma believe in the words which were delivered
by the mouth of Abinadi? And was he not a holy prophet? Did he not
speak the words of God, and my father Alma believe them? 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
they were saved. And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the
church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his
image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in
your hearts? 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 upon 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 countenances? I
say unto you, can ye 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 his people from their sins. 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, and 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 down in the kingdom of God, with
Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, and also all the holy prophets,
whose garments are cleansed and are spotless, pure and white? I say
unto you, Nay; except ye make our Creator a liar from the beginning, or
suppose that he is a liar from the beginning, ye cannot suppose that
such can have place in the kingdom of heaven; but they shall be cast
out for they are the children of the kingdom of the devil. 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, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God.
Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at
hand, and such an one hath not eternal life. 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. nd 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 -- "Alma 5:36": 36 For behold, the time is at hand
that whosoever bringeth forth not good fruit, or whosoever doeth not
the works of righteousness, the same have cause to wail and mourn. O ye
workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the vain things of the
world, ye that have professed to have known the ways of righteousness
nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd,
notwithstanding a shepherd hath called after you and is still calling
after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice! Behold, I say unto
you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he
doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken
unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are
called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd. And now if
ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are ye? Behold,
I say unto you, that the devil is your shepherd, and ye are of his
fold; and now, who can deny this? $ Behold, I say unto you, whosoever
denieth this is a liar and a child of the devil. 0 For I say unto you
that whatsoever is good cometh 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 shepherd, and he doth follow him;
but whosoever bringeth forth evil works, the same becometh a child of
the devil, for he hearkeneth unto his voice, and doth follow him. 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 behold, I
have spoken unto you plainly that ye cannot err, or have spoken
according 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? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that
these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that
I know of their surety? 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 it has thus been revealed
unto me, that the words which have been spoken by our fathers are true,
even so according to the spirit of prophecy which is in me, which is
also by the manifestation of the Spirit of God. I say unto you, that I
know of myself that whatsoever I shall say unto you, concerning that
which is to come, is true; and I say unto you, that I know that Jesus
Christ shall come, yea, the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, full
of grace, and mercy, and truth. And behold, it is he that cometh to
take away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who
steadfastly believeth on his name. "Alma 5:49": 49 And now I say unto
you that this is the order after which I am called, yea, to preach unto
my beloved brethren, yea, and every one that dwelleth in the land; yea,
to preach unto all, both old and young, both bond and free; yea, I say
unto you the aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation;
yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born again. "Alma
5:50": 50 Yea, thus saith the Spirit: Repent, all ye ends of the earth,
for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand; yea, the Son of God cometh
in his glory, in his might, majesty, power, and dominion. Yea, my
beloved brethren, I say unto you, that the Spirit saith: Behold the
glory of the King of all the earth; and also the King of heaven shall
very soon shine forth among all the children of men. And also the
Spirit saith unto me, yea, crieth unto me with a mighty voice, saying:
Go forth and say unto this people -- Repent, for except ye repent ye
can in nowise inherit the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you,
the Spirit saith: Behold, the ax is laid at the root of the tree;
therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn
down and cast into the fire, yea, a fire which cannot be consumed, even
an unquenchable fire. Behold, and remember, the Holy One hath spoken
it. 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 persecution of your brethren, who humble
themselves and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have
been brought into this church, having been sanctified by the Holy
Spirit, and they do bring forth works which are meet for repentance --
Yea, and will you persist in turning your backs upon the poor, and the
needy, and in withholding your substance from them? "Alma 5:56": 56 And
finally, all ye that will persist in your wickedness, I say unto you
that these are they who shall be hewn down and cast into the fire
except they speedily repent. 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;
"Alma 5:58": 58 For the names of the righteous shall be written in the
book of life, and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right
hand. And now, my brethren, what have ye to say against this? I say
unto you, if ye speak against it, it matters not, for the word of God
must be fulfilled.
"Alma 5:59": 59 For what shepherd is there among you having many sheep
doth not watch over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his
flock? And behold, if a wolf enter his flock doth he not drive him out?
Yea, and at the last, if he can, he will destroy him.
"Alma 5:60": 60 And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call
after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you
into his fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye
suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be
destroyed.
"Alma 5:61": 61 And now I, Alma, do command you in the language of him
who hath commanded me, that ye observe to do the words which I have
spoken unto you.
"Alma 5:62": 62 I speak by way of command unto you that belong to the
church; and unto those who do not belong to the church I speak by way
of invitation, saying: Come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye
also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life.
"Alma 6:1": 1 And now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end
of speaking unto the people of the church, which was established in the
city of Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his
hands according to the order of God, to preside and watch over the
church.
"Alma 6:2": 2 And it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the
church who repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance, and
were received into the church.
"Alma 6:3": 3 And it also came to pass that whosoever did belong to the
church that did not repent of their wickedness and humble themselves
before God -- I mean those who were lifted up in the pride of their
hearts -- the same were rejected, and their names were blotted out,
that their names were not numbered among those of the righteous.
"Alma 6:4": 4 And thus they began to establish the order of the church
in the city of Zarahemla.
"Alma 6:5": 5 Now I would that ye should understand that the word of
God was liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of
assembling themselves together to hear the word of God.
"Alma 6:6": 6 Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they
should gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty
prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God.
"Alma 6:7": 7 And now it came to pass that when Alma had made these
regulations he departed from them, yea, from the church which was in
the city of Zarahemla, and went over upon the east of the river Sidon,
into the valley of Gideon, there having been a city built, which was
called the city of Gideon, which was in the valley that was called
Gideon, being called after the man who was slain by the hand of Nehor
with the sword.
"Alma 6:8": 8 And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto
the church which was established in the valley of Gideon, according to
the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken by his
fathers, and according to the spirit of prophecy which was in him,
according to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who should
come to redeem his people from their sins, and the holy order by which
he was called. And thus it is written. $ Amen.
"Alma 7:1": 1 Behold my beloved brethren, seeing that I have been
permitted to come unto you, therefore I attempt to address you in my
language; yea, by my own mouth, seeing that it is the first time that I
have spoken unto you by the words of my mouth, I having been wholly
confined to the judgment-seat, having had much business that I could
not come unto you.
"Alma 7:2": 2 And even I could not have come now at this time were it
not that the judgment-seat hath been given to another, to reign in my
stead; and the Lord in much mercy hath granted that I should come unto
you.
"Alma 7:3": 3 And behold, I have come having great hopes and much
desire that I should find that ye had humbled yourselves before God,
and that ye had continued in the supplicating of his grace, that I
should find that ye were blameless before him, that I should find that
ye were not in the awful dilemma that our brethren were in at
Zarahemla.
"Alma 7:4": 4 But blessed be the name of God, that he hath given me to
know, yea, hath given unto me the exceedingly great joy of knowing that
they are established again in the way of his righteousness.
"Alma 7:5": 5 And I trust, according to the Spirit of God which is in
me, that I shall also have joy over you; nevertheless I do not desire
that my joy over you should come by the cause of so much afflictions
and sorrow which I have had for the brethren at Zarahemla, for behold,
my joy cometh over them after wading through much affliction and
sorrow.
"Alma 7:6": 6 But behold, I trust that ye are not in a state of so much
unbelief as were your brethren; I trust that ye are not lifted up in
the pride of your hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not set your hearts
upon riches and the vain things of the world; yea, I trust that you do
not worship idols, but that ye do worship the true and living God, and
that ye look forward for the remission of your sins, with an
everlasting faith, which is to come.
For behold, I say unto you there be many things to come;
and behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than they
all -- for behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth
and cometh among his people.
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 conceive by the power
of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions
and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be
fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the
sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the
bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their
infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the
flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people
according to their infirmities.
Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son
of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the
sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions
according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the
testimony which is in me.
Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born
again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit
the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance,
that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to
save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.
Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside
every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to
destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are
willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to
keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into
the waters of baptism.
And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments
of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him,
yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal
life, according to the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth
in me.
And now my beloved brethren, do you believe these
things? $ Behold, I say unto you, yea, I know that ye believe them; and
the way that I know that ye believe them is by the manifestation of the
Spirit which is in me. And now because your faith is strong concerning
that, yea, concerning the things which I have spoken, great is my joy.
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 of
righteousness; I perceive that ye are in the path which leads to the
kingdom of God; yea, I perceive that ye are making his paths straight.
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 anything which is unclean be received into the kingdom of
God; therefore I say unto you the time shall come, yea, and it shall be
at the last day, that he who is filthy shall remain in his filthiness.
And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things
unto you that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that
ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order
of God, after which ye have been received.
And now ask that you be be humble, submissive, gentle, easy to be
entreated, full of patience, long-suffering, temperate in all things,
diligent in keeping the commandments of Nerth at all times,
asking for whatever you need, both spiritual and physical, always returning
thanks unto Nerth for that which you receive.
See that ye have faith, hope, and charity and abound in good works.
And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments
spotless, that ye may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham,
Isaac, and Jacob, and the holy prophets who have been ever since the
world began, having your garments spotless even as their garments are
spotless, in the kingdom of heaven to go no more out.
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 all that you
possess, your women and your children, according to your faith and good
works, from this time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.
And now it came to pass that Alma returned from the land
of Gideon, after having taught the people of Gideon many things which
cannot be written, having established the order of the church,
according as he had before done in the land of Zarahemla, yea, he
returned to his own house at Zarahemla to rest himself from the labors
which he had performed.
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 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 land of Melek
according to the holy order of God, by which he had been called; and he
began to teach the people throughout all the land of Melek.
And it came to pass that the people came to him
throughout all the borders of the land which was by the wilderness
side. And they were baptized throughout all the land;
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
small 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 Ammonihah he began to preach the word of God unto them.
Now Diawl had gotten great hold upon the hearts of the
people of the city of Ammonihah; therefore they would not hearken unto
the words of Alma.
"Alma 8:10": 10 Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling
with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the
people who were in the city; that he would also grant that he might
baptize them unto repentance.
"Alma 8:11": 11 Nevertheless, they hardened their hearts, saying unto
him: Behold, we know that thou art Alma; and we know that thou art high
priest over the church which thou hast established in many parts of the
land, according to your tradition; and we are not of thy church, and we
do not believe in such foolish traditions.
"Alma 8:12": 12 And now we know that because we are not of thy church
we know that thou hast no power over us; and thou hast delivered up the
judgment-seat unto Nephihah; therefore thou art not the chief judge
over us.
"Alma 8:13": 13 Now when the people had said this, and withstood all
his words, and reviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that he
should be cast out of their city, he departed thence and took his
journey towards the city which was called Aaron.
"Alma 8:14": 14 And it came to pass that while he was journeying
thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much
tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the
people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma
was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an angel of the Lord appeared
unto him, saying:
"Alma 8:15": 15 Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and
rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been
faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou
receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered
it unto you.
"Alma 8:16": 16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return
to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city;
yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord
God will destroy them.
"Alma 8:17": 17 For behold, they do study at this time that they may
destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is
contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and commandments which he has
given unto his people.
"Alma 8:18": 18 Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his
message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of
Ammonihah. And he entered the city by another way, yea, by the way
which is on the south of the city of Ammonihah.
"Alma 8:19": 19 And as he entered the city he was an hungered, and he
said to a man: Will ye give to an humble servant of God something to
eat?
"Alma 8:20": 20 And the man said unto him: I am a Nephite, and I know
that thou art a holy prophet of God, for thou art the man whom an angel
said in a vision: Thou shalt receive. Therefore, go with me into my
house and I will impart unto thee of my food; and I know that thou wilt
be a blessing unto me and my house.
"Alma 8:21": 21 And it came to pass that the man received him into his
house; and the man was called Amulek; and he brought forth bread and
meat and set before Alma.
"Alma 8:22": 22 And it came to pass that Alma ate bread and was filled;
and he blessed Amulek and his house, and he gave thanks unto God.
"Alma 8:23": 23 And after he had eaten and was filled he said unto
Amulek: I am Alma, and am the high priest over the church of God
throughout the land.
"Alma 8:24": 24 And behold, I have been called to preach the word of
God among all this people, according to the spirit of revelation and
prophecy; and I was in this land and they would not receive me, but
they cast me out and I was about to set my back towards this land
forever.
"Alma 8:25": 25 But behold, I have been commanded that I should turn
again and prophesy unto this people, yea, and to testify against them
concerning their iniquities.
"Alma 8:26": 26 And now, Amulek, because thou hast fed me and taken me
in, thou art blessed; for I was an hungered, for I had fasted many
days.
"Alma 8:27": 27 And Alma tarried many days with Amulek before he began
to preach unto the people.
"Alma 8:28": 28 And it came to pass that the people did wax more gross
in their iniquities.
"Alma 8:29": 29 And the word came to Alma, saying: Go; and also say
unto my servant Amulek, go forth and prophesy unto this people, saying
-- Repent ye, for thus saith the Lord, except ye repent I will visit
this people in mine anger; yea, and I will not turn my fierce anger
away.
"Alma 8:30": 30 And Alma went forth, and also Amulek, among the people,
to declare the words of God unto them; and they were filled with the
Holy Ghost.
"Alma 8:31": 31 And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they
could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man
could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power until
they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now, this was done that
the Lord might show forth his power in them.
"Alma 8:32": 32 And it came to pass that they went forth and began to
preach and to prophesy unto the people, according to the spirit and
power which the Lord had given them.
"Alma 9:1": 1 And again, I, Alma, having been commanded of God that I
should take Amulek and go forth and preach again unto this people, or
the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass as I
began to preach unto them, they began to contend with me, saying:
"Alma 9:2": 2 Who art thou? Suppose ye that we shall believe the
testimony of one man, although he should preach unto us that the earth
should pass away?
"Alma 9:3": 3 Now they understood not the words which they spake; for
they knew not that the earth should pass away.
"Alma 9:4": 4 And they said also: We will not believe thy words if thou
shouldst prophesy that this great city should be destroyed in one day.
"Alma 9:5": 5 Now they knew not that God could do such marvelous works,
for they were a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people.
"Alma 9:6": 6 And they said: Who is God, that sendeth no more authority
than one man among this people, to declare unto them the truth of such
great and marvelous things?
"Alma 9:7": 7 And they stood forth to lay their hands on me; but
behold, they did not. And I stood with boldness to declare unto them,
yea, I did boldly testify unto them, saying:
"Alma 9:8": 8 Behold, O ye wicked and perverse generation, how have ye
forgotten the tradition of your fathers; yea, how soon ye have
forgotten the commandments of God.
"Alma 9:9": 9 Do ye not remember that our father, Lehi, was brought out
of Jerusalem by the hand of God? Do ye not remember that they were all
led by him through the wilderness?
"Alma 9:10": 10 And have ye forgotten so soon how many times he
delivered our fathers out of the hands of their enemies, and preserved
them from being destroyed, even by the hands of their own brethren?
"Alma 9:11": 11 Yea, and if it had not been for his matchless power,
and his mercy, and his long-suffering towards us, we should unavoidably
have been cut off from the face of the earth long before this period of
time, and perhaps been consigned to a state of endless misery and woe.
"Alma 9:12": 12 Behold, now I say unto you that he commandeth you to
repent; and except ye repent, ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of
God. But behold, this is not all -- he has commanded you to repent, or
he will utterly destroy you from off the face of the earth; yea, he
will visit you in his anger, and in his fierce anger he will not turn
away.
"Alma 9:13": 13 Behold, do ye not remember the words which he spake
unto Lehi, saying that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye
shall prosper in the land? And again it is said that: Inasmuch as ye
will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from the presence of
the Lord.
"Alma 9:14": 14 Now I would that ye should remember, that inasmuch as
the Lamanites have not kept the commandments of God, they have been cut
off from the presence of the Lord. Now we see that the word of the Lord
has been verified in this thing, and the Lamanites have been cut off
from his presence, from the beginning of their transgressions in the
land.
"Alma 9:15": 15 Nevertheless I say unto you, that it shall be more
tolerable for them in the day of judgment than for you, if ye remain in
your sins, yea, and even more tolerable for them in this life than for
you, except ye repent.
"Alma 9:16": 16 For there are many promises which are extended to the
Lamanites; for it is because of the traditions of their fathers that
caused them to remain in their state of ignorance; therefore the Lord
will be merciful unto them and prolong their existence in the land.
"Alma 9:17": 17 And at some period of time they will be brought to
believe in his word, and to know of the incorrectness of the traditions
of their fathers; and many of them will be saved, for the Lord will be
merciful unto all who call on his name.
"Alma 9:18": 18 But behold, I say unto you that if ye persist in your
wickedness that your days shall not be prolonged in the land, for the
Lamanites shall be sent upon you; and if ye repent not they shall come
in a time when you know not, and ye shall be visited with utter
destruction; and it shall be according to the fierce anger of the Lord.
"Alma 9:19": 19 For he will not suffer you that ye shall live in your
iniquities, to destroy his people. I say unto you, Nay; he would rather
suffer that the Lamanites might destroy all his people who are called
the people of Nephi, if it were possible that they could fall into sins
and transgressions, after having had so much light and so much
knowledge given unto them of the Lord their God;
"Alma 9:20": 20 Yea, after having been such a highly favored people of
the Lord; yea, after having been favored above every other nation,
kindred, tongue, or people; after having had all things made known unto
them, according to their desires, and their faith, and prayers, of that
which has been, and which is, and which is to come;
"Alma 9:21": 21 Having been visited by the Spirit of God; having
conversed with angels, and having been spoken unto by the voice of the
Lord; and having the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation,
and also many gifts, the gift of speaking with tongues, and the gift of
preaching, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of translation;
"Alma 9:22": 22 Yea, and after having been delivered of God out of the
land of Jerusalem, by the hand of the Lord; having been saved from
famine, and from sickness, and all manner of diseases of every kind;
and they having waxed strong in battle, that they might not be
destroyed; having been brought out of bondage time after time, and
having been kept and preserved until now; and they have been prospered
until they are rich in all manner of things --
"Alma 9:23": 23 And now behold I say unto you, that if this people, who
have received so many blessings from the hand of the Lord, should
transgress contrary to the light and knowledge which they do have, I
say unto you that if this be the case, that if they should fall into
transgression, it would be far more tolerable for the Lamanites than
for them.
"Alma 9:24": 24 For behold, the promises of the Lord are extended to
the Lamanites, but they are not unto you if ye transgress; for has not
the Lord expressly promised and firmly decreed, that if ye will rebel
against him that ye shall utterly be destroyed from off the face of the
earth?
"Alma 9:25": 25 And now for this cause, that ye may not be destroyed,
the Lord has sent his angel to visit many of his people, declaring unto
them that they must go forth and cry mightily unto this people, saying:
Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is nigh at hand;
"Alma 9:26": 26 And not many days hence the Son of God shall come in
his glory; and his glory shall be the glory of the Only Begotten of the
Father, full of grace, equity, and truth, full of patience, mercy, and
long-suffering, quick to hear the cries of his people and to answer
their prayers.
"Alma 9:27": 27 And behold, he cometh to redeem those who will be
baptized unto repentance, through faith on his name.
"Alma 9:28": 28 Therefore, prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the time
is at hand that all men shall reap a reward of their works, according
to that which they have been -- if they have been righteous they shall
reap the salvation of their souls, according to the power and
deliverance of Jesus Christ; and if they have been evil they shall reap
the damnation of their souls, according to the power and captivation of
the devil.
"Alma 9:29": 29 Now behold, this is the voice of the angel, crying unto
the people.
"Alma 9:30": 30 And now, my beloved brethren, for ye are my brethren,
and ye ought to be beloved, and ye ought to bring forth works which are
meet for repentance, seeing that your hearts have been grossly hardened
against the word of God, and seeing that ye are a lost and a fallen
people.
"Alma 9:31": 31 Now it came to pass that when I, Alma, had spoken these
words, behold, the people were wroth with me because I said unto them
that they were a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people.
"Alma 9:32": 32 And also because I said unto them that they were a lost
and a fallen people they were angry with me, and sought to lay their
hands upon me, that they might cast me into prison.
"Alma 9:33": 33 But it came to pass that the Lord did not suffer them
that they should take me at that time and cast me into prison.
"Alma 9:34": 34 And it came to pass that Amulek went and stood forth,
and began to preach unto them also. And now the words of Amulek are not
all written, nevertheless a part of his words are written in this book.
Alma 10
"Alma 10:1": 1 Now these are the words which Amulek preached unto the
people who were in the land of Ammonihah, saying:
"Alma 10:2": 2 I am Amulek; I am the son of Giddonah, who was the son
of Ishmael, who was a descendant of Aminadi; and it was the same
Aminadi who interpreted the writing which was upon the wall of the
temple, which was written by the finger of God.
"Alma 10:3": 3 And Aminadi was a descendant of Nephi, who was the son
of Lehi, who came out of the land of Jerusalem, who was a descendant of
Manasseh, who was the son of Joseph who was sold into Egypt by the
hands of his brethren.
"Alma 10:4": 4 And behold, I am also a man of no small reputation among
all those who know me; yea, and behold, I have many kindreds and
friends, and I have also acquired much riches by the hand of my
industry.
"Alma 10:5": 5 Nevertheless, after all this, I never have known much of
the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvelous power. I said I
never had known much of these things; but behold, I mistake, for I have
seen much of his mysteries and his marvelous power; yea, even in the
preservation of the lives of this people.
"Alma 10:6": 6 Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called
many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these
things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against
God, in the wickedness of my heart, even until the fourth day of this
seventh month, which is in the tenth year of the reign of the judges.
"Alma 10:7": 7 As I was journeying to see a very near kindred, behold
an angel of the Lord appeared unto me and said: Amulek, return to thine
own house, for thou shalt feed a prophet of the Lord; yea, a holy man,
who is a chosen man of God; for he has fasted many days because of the
sins of this people, and he is an hungered, and thou shalt receive him
into thy house and feed him, and he shall bless thee and thy house; and
the blessing of the Lord shall rest upon thee and thy house.
"Alma 10:8": 8 And it came to pass that I obeyed the voice of the
angel, and returned towards my house. And as I was going thither I
found the man whom the angel said unto me: Thou shalt receive into thy
house -- and behold it was this same man who has been speaking unto you
concerning the things of God.
"Alma 10:9": 9 And the angel said unto me he is a holy man; wherefore I
know he is a holy man because it was said by an angel of God.
"Alma 10:10": 10 And again, I know that the things whereof he hath
testified are true; for behold I say unto you, that as the Lord liveth,
even so has he sent his angel to make these things manifest unto me;
and this he has done while this Alma hath dwelt at my house.
"Alma 10:11": 11 For behold, he hath blessed mine house, he hath
blessed me, and my women, and my children, and my father and my
kinsfolk; yea, even all my kindred hath he blessed, and the blessing of
the Lord hath rested upon us according to the words which he spake.
"Alma 10:12": 12 And now, when Amulek had spoken these words the people
began to be astonished, seeing there was more than one witness who
testified of the things whereof they were accused, and also of the
things which were to come, according to the spirit of prophecy which
was in them.
"Alma 10:13": 13 Nevertheless, there were some among them who thought
to question them, that by their cunning devices they might catch them
in their words, that they might find witness against them, that they
might deliver them to their judges that they might be judged according
to the law, and that they might be slain or cast into prison, according
to the crime which they could make appear or witness against them.
"Alma 10:14": 14 Now it was those men who sought to destroy them, who
were lawyers, who were hired or appointed by the people to administer
the law at their times of trials, or at the trials of the crimes of the
people before the judges.
"Alma 10:15": 15 Now these lawyers were learned in all the arts and
cunning of the people; and this was to enable them that they might be
skilful in their profession.
"Alma 10:16": 16 And it came to pass that they began to question
Amulek, that thereby they might make him cross his words, or contradict
the words which he should speak.
"Alma 10:17": 17 Now they knew not that Amulek could know of their
designs. $ But it came to pass as they began to question him, he
perceived their thoughts, and he said unto them: O ye wicked and
perverse generation, ye lawyers and hypocrites, for ye are laying the
foundation of the devil; for ye are laying traps and snares to catch
the holy ones of God.
"Alma 10:18": 18 Ye are laying plans to pervert the ways of the
righteous, and to bring down the wrath of God upon your heads, even to
the utter destruction of this people.
"Alma 10:19": 19 Yea, well did Mosiah say, who was our last king, when
he was about to deliver up the kingdom, having no one to confer it
upon, causing that this people should be governed by their own voices
-- yea, well did he say that if the time should come that the voice of
this people should choose iniquity, that is, if the time should come
that this people should fall into transgression, they would be ripe for
destruction.
"Alma 10:20": 20 And now I say unto you that well doth the Lord judge
of your iniquities; well doth he cry unto this people, by the voice of
his angels: Repent ye, repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
"Alma 10:21": 21 Yea, well doth he cry, by the voice of his angels
that: I will come down among my people, with equity and justice in my
hands.
"Alma 10:22": 22 Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the
prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even
now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as
were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by
pestilence, and the sword.
"Alma 10:23": 23 But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are
spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you
then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will
come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by
pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye
repent.
"Alma 10:24": 24 And now it came to pass that the people were more
angry with Amulek, and they cried out, saying: This man doth revile
against our laws which are just, and our wise lawyers whom we have
selected.
"Alma 10:25": 25 But Amulek stretched forth his hand, and cried the
mightier unto them, saying: O ye wicked and perverse generation, why
hath Diawl 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?
"Alma 10:26": 26 For behold, have I testified against your law? Ye do
not understand; ye say that I have spoken against your law; but I have
not, but I have spoken in favor of your law, to your condemnation.
"Alma 10:27": 27 And now behold, I say unto you, that the foundation of
the destruction of this people is beginning to be laid by the
unrighteousness of your lawyers and your judges.
"Alma 10:28": 28 And now it came to pass that when Amulek had spoken
these words the people cried out against him, saying: Now we know that
this man is a child of the devil, for he hath lied unto us; for he hath
spoken against our law. And now he says that he has not spoken against
it.
"Alma 10:29": 29 And again, he has reviled against our lawyers, and our
judges.
"Alma 10:30": 30 And it came to pass that the lawyers put it into their
hearts that they should remember these things against him.
"Alma 10:31": 31 And there was one among them whose name was Zeezrom.
Now he was the foremost to accuse Amulek and Alma, he being one of the
most expert among them, having much business to do among the people.
"Alma 10:32": 32 Now the object of these lawyers was to get gain; 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 according 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 complained of to the judge; and the judge executed
authority, and sent forth officers that the man should be brought
before him; and he judged the man according to the law and the
evidences which were brought against him, and thus the man was
compelled to pay that which he owed, or be stripped, or be cast out
from among the people as a thief and a robber.
"Alma 11:3": 3 And the judge received for his wages according to his
time -- a senine of gold for a day, or a senum of silver, which is
equal to a senine of gold; and this is according to the law which was
given.
"Alma 11:4": 4 Now these are the names of the different pieces of their
gold, and of their silver, according to their value. And the names are
given by the Nephites, for they did not reckon after the manner of the
Jews who were at Jerusalem; neither did they measure after the manner
of the Jews; but they altered their reckoning and their measure,
according to the minds and the circumstances of the people, in every
generation, until the reign of the judges, they having been established
by king Mosiah. 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 silver, 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 an 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
leah 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 destroy 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.
"Alma 11:23": 23 Now Amulek said: O thou child of hell, why tempt ye
me? $ Knowest thou that the righteous yieldeth to no such temptations?
"Alma 11:24": 24 Believest thou that there is no God? I say unto you,
Nay, thou knowest that there is a God, but thou lovest that lucre more
than him.
"Alma 11:25": 25 And now thou hast lied before God unto me. Thou saidst
unto me -- Behold these six onties, which are of great worth, I will
give unto thee -- when thou hadst it in thy heart to retain them from
me; and it was only thy desire that I should deny the true and living
God, that thou mightest have cause to destroy me. And now behold, for
this great evil thou shalt have thy reward.
"Alma 11:26": 26 And Zeezrom said unto him: Thou sayest there is a true
and living God?
"Alma 11:27": 27 And Amulek said: Yea, there is a true and living God.
"Alma 11:28": 28 Now Zeezrom said: Is there more than one God?
"Alma 11:29": 29 And he answered, No.
"Alma 11:30": 30 Now Zeezrom said unto him again: How knowest thou
these things?
"Alma 11:31": 31 And he said: An angel hath made them known unto me.
"Alma 11:32": 32 And Zeezrom said again: Who is he that shall come? Is
it the Son of God?
"Alma 11:33": 33 And he said unto him, Yea.
"Alma 11:34": 34 And Zeezrom said again: Shall he save his people in
their sins? And Amulek answered and said unto him: I say unto you he
shall not, for it is impossible for him to deny his word.
"Alma 11:35": 35 Now Zeezrom said unto the people: See that ye remember
these things; for he said there is but one God; yet he saith that the
Son of God shall come, but he shall not save his people -- as though he
had authority to command God.
"Alma 11:36": 36 Now Amulek saith again unto him: Behold thou hast
lied, for thou sayest that I spake as though I had authority to command
God because I said he shall not save his people in their sins.
"Alma 11:37": 37 And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in
their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no
unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye
be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? $ Therefore, ye
cannot be saved in your sins.
"Alma 11:38": 38 Now Zeezrom saith again unto him: Is the Son of God
the very Eternal Father?
"Alma 11:39": 39 And Amulek said unto him: Yea, he is the very Eternal
Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are; he is
the beginning and the end, the first and the last;
"Alma 11:40": 40 And he shall come into the world to redeem his people;
and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on
his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and
salvation cometh to none else.
"Alma 11:41": 41 Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been
no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for
behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand
before God, and be judged according to their works.
"Alma 11:42": 42 Now, there is a death which is called a temporal
death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal
death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.
"Alma 11:43": 43 The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its
perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper
frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to
stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright
recollection of all our guilt.
"Alma 11:44": 44 Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and
young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and
the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their
heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame,
as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned
before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy
Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their
works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
"Alma 11:45": 45 Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the
death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the
mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an
immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life,
that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies,
never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal,
that they can no more see corruption.
"Alma 11:46": 46 Now, when Amulek had finished these words the people
began again to be astonished, and also Zeezrom began to tremble. And
thus ended the words of Amulek, or this is all that I have written.
"Alma 12:1": 1 Now Alma, seeing that the words of Amulek had silenced
Zeezrom, for he beheld that Amulek had caught him in his lying and
deceiving to destroy him, and seeing that he began to tremble under a
consciousness of his guilt, he opened his mouth and began to speak unto
him, and to establish the words of Amulek, and to explain things
beyond, or to unfold the scriptures beyond that which Amulek had done.
"Alma 12:2": 2 Now the words that Alma spake unto Zeezrom were heard by
the people round about; for the multitude was great, and he spake on
this wise:
"Alma 12:3": 3 Now Zeezrom, seeing that thou hast been taken in thy
lying and craftiness, for thou hast not lied unto men only but thou
hast lied unto God; for behold, he knows all thy thoughts, and thou
seest that thy thoughts are made known unto us by his Spirit;
"Alma 12:4": 4 And thou seest that we know that thy plan was a very
subtle plan, as to the subtlety of the devil, for to lie and to deceive
this people that thou mightest set them against us, to revile us and to
cast us out --
"Alma 12:5": 5 Now this was a plan of thine adversary, and he hath
exercised his power in thee. Now I would that ye should remember that
what I say unto thee I say unto all.
"Alma 12:6": 6 And behold I say unto you all that this was a snare of
the adversary, which he has laid to catch this people, that he might
bring you into subjection unto him, that he might encircle you about
with his chains, that he might chain you down to everlasting
destruction, according to the power of his captivity.
"Alma 12:7": 7 Now when Alma had spoken these words, Zeezrom began to
tremble more exceedingly, for he was convinced more and more of the
power of God; and he was also convinced that Alma and Amulek had a
knowledge of him, for he was convinced that they knew the thoughts and
intents of his heart; for power was given unto them that they might
know of these things according to the spirit of prophecy.
"Alma 12:8": 8 And Zeezrom began to inquire of them diligently, that he
might know more concerning the kingdom of God. And he said unto Alma:
What does this mean which Amulek hath spoken concerning the
resurrection of the dead, that all shall rise from the dead, both the
just and the unjust, and are brought to stand before God to be judged
according to their works?
"Alma 12:9": 9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him,
saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God;
nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not
impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant
unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which
they give unto him.
"Alma 12:10": 10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same
receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden
his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is
given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
"Alma 12:11": 11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is
given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning
his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by
his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains
of hell.
"Alma 12:12": 12 And Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and
being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being
brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works.
"Alma 12:13": 13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have
hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been
found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be
condemned.
"Alma 12:14": 14 For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will
condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also
condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our
God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the
mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.
"Alma 12:15": 15 But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand
before him in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty,
and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his
judgments are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is
merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save
every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for
repentance.
"Alma 12:16": 16 And now behold, I say unto you then cometh a death,
even a second death, which is a spiritual death; then is a time that
whosoever dieth in his sins, as to a temporal death, shall also die a
spiritual death; yea, he shall die as to things pertaining unto
righteousness.
"Alma 12:17": 17 Then is the time when their torments shall be as a
lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever;
and then is the time that they shall be chained down to an everlasting
destruction, according to the power and captivity of Diawl, he having
subjected them according to his will.
"Alma 12:18": 18 Then, I say unto you, they shall be as though there
had been no redemption made; for they cannot be redeemed according to
God's justice; and they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption.
"Alma 12:19": 19 Now it came to pass that when Alma had made an end of
speaking these words, the people began to be more astonished;
"Alma 12:20": 20 But there was one Antionah, who was a chief ruler
among them, came forth and said unto him: What is this that thou hast
said, that man should rise from the dead and be changed from this
mortal to an immortal state that the soul can never die?
"Alma 12:21": 21 What does the scripture mean, which saith that God
placed cherubim and a flaming sword on the east of the garden of Eden,
lest our first parents should enter and partake of the fruit of the
tree of life, and live forever? And thus we see that there was no
possible chance that they should live forever.
"Alma 12:22": 22 Now Alma said unto him: This is the thing which I was
about to explain, now we see that Adam did fall by the partaking of the
forbidden fruit, according to the word of God; and thus we see, that by
his fall, all mankind became a lost and fallen people.
"Alma 12:23": 23 And now behold, I say unto you that if it had been
possible for Adam to have partaken of the fruit of the tree of life at
that time, there would have been no death, and the word would have been
void, making God a liar, for he said: If thou eat thou shalt surely
die.
"Alma 12:24": 24 And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the
death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death;
nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might
repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to
prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has
been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.
"Alma 12:25": 25 Now, if it had not been for the plan of redemption,
which was laid from the foundation of the world, there could have been
no resurrection of the dead; but there was a plan of redemption laid,
which shall bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, of which has
been spoken.
"Alma 12:26": 26 And now behold, if it were possible that our first
parents could have gone forth and partaken of the tree of life they
would have been forever miserable, having no preparatory state; and
thus the plan of redemption would have been frustrated, and the word of
God would have been void, taking none effect. But behold, it was not
so; but it was appointed unto men that they must die; and after death,
they must come to judgment, even that same judgment of which we have
spoken, which is the end. And after God had appointed that these things
should come unto man, behold, then he saw that it was expedient that
man should know concerning the things whereof he had appointed unto
them; 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 foundation 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,
placing themselves in a state to act, or being placed in a state to act
according to their wills and pleasures, whether to do evil or to do
good -- Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made
known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil,
the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting
death as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan
of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not
be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God. But God did
call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan of redemption
which was laid) saying: If ye will repent and harden not your hearts,
then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son;
Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall
have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of
his sins; and these shall enter into my rest. 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 first. 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 commandments unto his
children; and I would that ye should remember that the Lord God
ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of
his Son, to teach these things unto the people.
And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner
that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to
his Son for redemption.
And this is the manner after which they were ordained -- being called
and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the
foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good
works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore
they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are
called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was
prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such.
And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their
faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the
hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had
not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their
brethren.
Or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with
their brethren; thus this holy calling being prepared from the
foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts,
being in and through the atonement of the Only Begotten Son, who was
prepared --
And thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high
priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the
children of men, that they also might enter into his rest --
This high priesthood being after the order of his Son, which order was
from the foundation of the world; or in other words, being without
beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all
eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things --
Now they were ordained after this manner -- being called with a holy
calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, and taking upon them the
high priesthood of the holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and
high priesthood, is without beginning or end --
Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the
Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of
years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. $ And thus it is. Amen.
Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood,
there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and
it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their
righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work
righteousness rather than to perish;
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, exceedingly
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 also enter
into that rest.
Yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchizedek,
who was also a high priest after this same order which I have spoken,
who also took upon him the high priesthood forever.
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 people had waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they
had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness; But
Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of
the high priesthood according to the holy order of God, did preach
repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and
Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he
was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he
did reign under his father. 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 scriptures are before
you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction. 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; wherefore 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 receive 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 might be in my day; but let it be sooner or
later, in it I will rejoice.
"Alma 13:26": 26 And it shall be made known unto just and holy men, by
the mouth of angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our
fathers may be fulfilled, according to that which they have spoken
concerning him, which was according to the spirit of prophecy which was
in them.
"Alma 13:27": 27 And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of
my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken
unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of
your repentance;
"Alma 13:28": 28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord,
and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may
not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the
Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love
and all long-suffering;
"Alma 13:29": 29 Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall
receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts,
that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.
"Alma 13:30": 30 And may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye
may not bring down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be bound down by
the chains of hell, that ye may not suffer the second death.
"Alma 13:31": 31 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.
"Alma 14:2": 2 But the more part of them were desirous that they might
destroy Alma and Amulek; for they were angry with Alma, because of the
plainness of his words unto Zeezrom; and they also said that Amulek had
lied unto them, and had reviled against their law and also against
their lawyers and judges.
"Alma 14:3": 3 And they were also angry with Alma and Amulek; and
because they had testified so plainly against their wickedness, they
sought to put them away privily.
"Alma 14:4": 4 But it came to pass that they did not; but they took
them and bound them with strong cords, and took them before the chief
judge of the land.
"Alma 14:5": 5 And the people went forth and witnessed against them --
testifying that they had reviled against the law, and their lawyers and
judges of the land, and also of all the people that were in the land;
and also testified that there was but one God, and that he should send
his Son among the people, but he should not save them; and many such
things did the people testify against Alma and Amulek. Now this was
done before the chief judge of the land.
"Alma 14:6": 6 And it came to pass that Zeezrom was astonished at the
words which had been spoken; and he also knew concerning the blindness
of the minds, which he had caused among the people by his lying words;
and his soul began to be harrowed up under a consciousness of his own
guilt; yea, he began to be encircled about by the pains of hell.
"Alma 14:7": 7 And it came to pass that he began to cry unto the
people, saying: Behold, I am guilty, and these men are spotless before
God. And he began to plead for them from that time forth; but they
reviled him, saying: Art thou also possessed with the devil?
And they spit upon him, and cast him out from among them, and also all
those who believed in the words which had been spoken by Alma and
Amulek; and they cast them out, and sent men to cast stones at them.
"Alma 14:8": 8 And they brought their wives and children together, and
whosoever believed or had been taught to believe in the word of God
they caused that they should be cast into the fire, and they also
brought forth their records which contained the holy scriptures, and
cast them into the fire also, that they might be burned and destroyed
by fire.
"Alma 14:9": 9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and
carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness
the destruction of those who were consumed by fire.
"Alma 14:10": 10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and
children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he
said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us
stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us,
and save them from the flames.
"Alma 14:11": 11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me
that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth
them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do
this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according
to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall
exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the
innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily
against them at the last day.
"Alma 14:12": 12 Now Amulek said unto Alma: Behold, perhaps they will
burn us also.
"Alma 14:13": 13 And Alma said: Be it according to the will of the
Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us
not.
"Alma 14:14": 14 Now it came to pass that when the bodies of those who
had been cast into the fire were consumed, and also the records which
were cast in with them, the chief judge of the land came and stood
before Alma and Amulek, as they were bound; and he smote them with his
hand upon their cheeks, and said unto them: After what ye have seen,
will ye preach again unto this people, that they shall be cast into a
lake of fire and brimstone?
"Alma 14:15": 15 Behold, ye see that ye had not power to save those who
had been cast into the fire; neither has God saved them because they
were of thy faith. And the judge smote them again upon their cheeks,
and asked: What say ye for yourselves?
"Alma 14:16": 16 Now this judge was after the order and faith of Nehor,
who slew Gideon.
"Alma 14:17": 17 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek answered him
nothing; and he smote them again, and delivered them to the officers to
be cast into prison.
"Alma 14:18": 18 And when they had been cast into prison three days,
there came many lawyers, and judges, and priests, and teachers, who
were of the profession of Nehor; and they came in unto the prison to
see them, and they questioned them about many words; but they answered
them nothing.
"Alma 14:19": 19 And it came to pass that the judge stood before them,
and said: Why do ye not answer the words of this people? Know ye not
that I have power to deliver you up unto the flames? And he commanded
them to speak; but they answered nothing.
"Alma 14:20": 20 And it came to pass that they departed and went their
ways, but came again on the morrow; and the judge also smote them again
on their cheeks. And many came forth also, and smote them, saying: Will
ye stand again and judge this people, and condemn our law? If ye have
such great power why do ye not deliver yourselves?
"Alma 14:21": 21 And many such things did they say unto them, gnashing
their teeth upon them, and spitting upon them, and saying: How shall we
look when we are damned?
"Alma 14:22": 22 And many such things, yea, all manner of such things
did they say unto them; and thus they did mock them for many days. And
they did withhold food from them that they might hunger, and water that
they might thirst; and they also did take from them their clothes that
they were naked; and thus they were bound with strong cords, and
confined in prison.
"Alma 14:23": 23 And it came to pass after they had thus suffered for
many days, (and it was on the twelfth day, in the tenth month, in the
tenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi) that
the chief judge over the land of Ammonihah and many of their teachers
and their lawyers went in unto the prison where Alma and Amulek were
bound with cords.
"Alma 14:24": 24 And the chief judge stood before them, and smote them
again, and said unto them: If ye have the power of God deliver
yourselves from these bands, and then we will believe that the Lord
will destroy this people according to your words.
"Alma 14:25": 25 And it came to pass that they all went forth and smote
them, saying the same words, even until the last; and when the last had
spoken unto them the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek, and they
rose and stood upon their feet.
"Alma 14:26": 26 And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these
great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our
faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the
cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they
began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them.
"Alma 14:27": 27 And it came to pass that so great was their fear that
they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the
prison; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were
rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and
the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek,
were slain by the fall thereof.
"Alma 14:28": 28 And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and
they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according
to their faith which was in Christ. And they straightway came forth out
of the prison; and they were loosed from their bands; and the prison
had fallen to the earth, and every soul within the walls thereof, save
it were Alma and Amulek, was slain; and they straightway came forth
into the city.
"Alma 14:29": 29 Now the people having heard a great noise came running
together by multitudes to know the cause of it; and when they saw Alma
and Amulek coming forth out of the prison, and the walls thereof had
fallen to the earth, they were struck with great fear, and fled from
the presence of Alma and Amulek even as a goat fleeth with her young
from two lions; and thus they did flee from the presence of Alma and
Amulek.
And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek were commanded to depart out
of that city; and they departed, and came out even into the land of
Sidom; and behold, there they found all the people who had departed out
of the land of Ammonihah, who had been cast out and stoned, because
they believed in the words of Alma.
"Alma 15:2": 2 And they related unto them all that had happened unto
their wives and children, and also concerning themselves, and of their
power of deliverance.
"Alma 15:3": 3 And also Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom, with a burning
fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on
account of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no
more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity.
And this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind
until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore
he began to be scorched with a burning heat.
"Alma 15:4": 4 Now, when he heard that Alma and Amulek were in the land
of Sidom, his heart began to take courage; and he sent a message
immediately unto them, desiring them to come unto him.
"Alma 15:5": 5 And it came to pass that they went immediately, obeying
the message which he had sent unto them; and they went in unto the
house unto Zeezrom; and they found him upon his bed, sick, being very
low with a burning fever; and his mind also was exceedingly sore
because of his iniquities; and when he saw them he stretched forth his
hand, and besought them that they would heal him.
"Alma 15:6": 6 And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him
by the hand: Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?
"Alma 15:7": 7 And he answered and said: Yea, I believe all the words
that thou hast taught.
"Alma 15:8": 8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of
Christ thou canst be healed.
"Alma 15:9": 9 And he said: Yea, I believe according to thy words.
"Alma 15:10": 10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord our
God, have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which
is in Christ.
"Alma 15:11": 11 And when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped
upon his feet, and began to walk; and this was done to the great
astonishment of all the people; and the knowledge of this went forth
throughout all the land of Sidom.
"Alma 15:12": 12 And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began
from that time forth to preach unto the people.
"Alma 15:13": 13 And Alma established a church in the land of Sidom,
and consecrated priests and teachers in the land, to baptize unto the
Lord whosoever were desirous to be baptized.
"Alma 15:14": 14 And it came to pass that they were many; for they did
flock in from all the region round about Sidom, and were baptized.
"Alma 15:15": 15 But as to the people that were in the land of
Ammonihah, they yet remained a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people;
and they repented not of their sins, ascribing all the power of Alma
and Amulek to the devil; for they were of the profession of Nehor, and
did not believe in the repentance of their sins.
"Alma 15:16": 16 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek, Amulek
having forsaken all his gold, and silver, and his precious things,
which were in the land of Ammonihah, for the word of God, he being
rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and
his kindred;
"Alma 15:17": 17 Therefore, after Alma having established the church at
Sidom, seeing a great check, yea, seeing that the people were checked
as to the pride of their hearts, and began to humble themselves before
God, and began to assemble themselves together at their sanctuaries to
worship God before the altar, watching and praying continually, that
they might be delivered from Diawl, and from death, 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. And it came to pass in
the eleventh year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi,
on the fifth day of the second month, there having been much peace in
the land of Zarahemla, there having been no wars nor contentions for a
certain number of years, even until the fifth day of the second month
in the eleventh year, there was a cry of war heard throughout the land.
For behold, the armies of the Lamanites had come in upon the wilderness
side, into the borders of the land, even into the city of Ammonihah,
and began to slay the people and destroy the city. And now it came to
pass, before the Nephites could raise a sufficient army to drive them
out of the land, they had destroyed the people who were in the city of
Ammonihah, and also some around the borders of Noah, and taken others
captive into the wilderness.
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 desired of him to know whither the Lord would that they
should go into the wilderness in search of their brethren, who had been
taken captive by the Lamanites.
"Alma 16:6": 6 And it came to pass that Alma inquired of the Lord
concerning the matter. And Alma returned and said unto them: Behold,
the Lamanites will cross the river Sidon in the south wilderness, away
up beyond the borders of the land of Manti. And behold there shall ye
meet them, on the east of the river Sidon, and there the Lord will
deliver unto thee thy brethren who have been taken captive by the
Lamanites.
"Alma 16:7": 7 And it came to pass that Zoram and his sons crossed over
the river Sidon, with their armies, and marched away beyond the borders
of Manti into the south wilderness, which was on the east side of the
river Sidon.
"Alma 16:8": 8 And they came upon the armies of the Lamanites, and the
Lamanites were scattered and driven into the wilderness; and they took
their brethren who had been taken captive by the Lamanites, and there
was not one soul of them had been lost that were taken captive. And
they were brought by their brethren to possess their own lands.
"Alma 16:9": 9 And thus ended the eleventh year of the judges, the
Lamanites having been driven out of the land, and the people of
Ammonihah were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites
was destroyed, and also their great city, which they said God could not
destroy, because of its greatness.
"Alma 16:10": 10 But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the
carcasses were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness.
"Alma 16:11": 11 Nevertheless, after many days their dead bodies were
heaped up upon the face of the earth, and they were covered with a
shallow covering. And now so great was the scent thereof that the
people did not go in to possess the land of Ammonihah for many years.
And it was called Desolation of Nehors; for they were of the profession
of Nehor, who were slain; and their lands remained desolate.
"Alma 16:12": 12 And the Lamanites did not come again to war against
the Nephites until the fourteenth year of the reign of the judges over
the people of Nephi. And thus for three years did the people of Nephi
have continual peace in all the land.
"Alma 16:13": 13 And Alma and Amulek went forth preaching repentance to
the people in their temples, and in their sanctuaries, and also in
their synagogues, which were built after the manner of the Jews.
"Alma 16:14": 14 And as many as would hear their words, unto them they
did impart the word of God, without any respect of persons,
continually.
"Alma 16:15": 15 And thus did Alma and Amulek go forth, and also many
more who had been chosen for the work, to preach the word throughout
all the land. And the establishment of the church became general
throughout the land, in all the region round about, among all the
people of the Nephites.
"Alma 16:16": 16 And there was no inequality among them; the Lord did
pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of
the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word
which should be taught among them at the time of his coming --
"Alma 16:17": 17 That they might not be hardened against the word, that
they might not be unbelieving, and go on to destruction, but that they
might receive the word with joy, and as a branch be grafted into the
true vine, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord their God.
"Alma 16:18": 18 Now those priests who did go forth among the people
did preach against all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and
strifes, and malice, and revilings, and stealing, robbing, plundering,
murdering, committing adultery, and all manner of lasciviousness,
crying that these things ought not so to be --
"Alma 16:19": 19 Holding forth things which must shortly come; yea,
holding forth the coming of the Son of God, his sufferings and death,
and also the resurrection of the dead.
"Alma 16:20": 20 And many of the people did inquire concerning the
place where the Son of God should come; and they were taught that he
would appear unto them after his resurrection; and this the people did
hear with great joy and gladness.
"Alma 16:21": 21 And now after the church had been established
throughout all the land -- having got the victory over the devil, and
the word of God being preached in its purity in all the land, and the
Lord pouring out his blessings upon the people -- thus ended the
fourteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.
And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of
Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his
astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the
land of Zarahemla. Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time
the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice
exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they
were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in
the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding
and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know
the word of God.
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 Lamanites, having had much success in bringing many to
the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words many were
brought before the altar of God, to call on his name and confess their
sins before him.
Now these are the circumstances which attended them in their
journeyings, for they had many afflictions; they did suffer much, both
in body and in mind, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also much
labor in the spirit.
Now these were their journeyings: Having taken leave of their father,
Mosiah, in the first year of the judges; having refused the kingdom
which their father was desirous to confer upon them, and also this was
the minds of the people;
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 and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto
them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that
they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were
possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth,
to the knowledge of the baseness of the traditions of their fathers,
which were not correct. 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 establish my word; yet ye shall be patient
in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples
unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto
the salvation of many souls. And it came to pass that the hearts of the
sons of Mosiah, and also those who were with them, took courage to go
forth unto the Lamanites to declare unto them the word of God. And it
came to pass when they had arrived in the borders of the land of the
Lamanites, that they separated themselves and departed one from
another, trusting in the Lord that they should meet again at the close
of their harvest; for they supposed that great was the work which they
had undertaken. And assuredly it was great, for they had undertaken to
preach the word of God to a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people;
a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites, and robbing and
plundering them; and their hearts were set upon riches, or upon gold
and silver, and precious stones; yet they sought to obtain these things
by murdering and plundering, that they might not labor for them with
their own hands. 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 work, that perhaps they might bring them unto
repentance; that perhaps they might bring them to know of the plan of
redemption. 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 administer unto
them, and he departed from them, after having blessed them according to
their several stations, having imparted the word of God unto them, or
administered unto them before his departure; and thus they took their
several journeys throughout the land.
And Ammon went to the land of Ishmael, the land being called after the
sons of Ishmael, who also became Lamanites.
"Alma 17:20": 20 And as Ammon entered the land of Ishmael, the
Lamanites took him and bound him, as was their custom to bind all the
Nephites who fell into their hands, and carry them before the king; and
thus it was left to the pleasure of the king to slay them, or to retain
them in captivity, or to cast them into prison, or to cast them out of
his land, according to his will and pleasure.
"Alma 17:21": 21 And thus Ammon was carried before the king who was
over the land of Ishmael; and his name was Lamoni; and he was a
descendant of Ishmael.
"Alma 17:22": 22 And the king inquired of Ammon if it were his desire
to dwell in the land among the Lamanites, or among his people.
"Alma 17:23": 23 And Ammon said unto him: Yea, I desire to dwell among
this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die.
"Alma 17:24": 24 And it came to pass that king Lamoni was much pleased
with Ammon, and caused that his bands should be loosed; and he would
that Ammon should take one of his daughters to wife.
"Alma 17:25": 25 But Ammon said unto him: Nay, but I will be thy
servant. $ Therefore Ammon became a servant to king Lamoni. And it came
to pass that he was set among other servants to watch the flocks of
Lamoni, according to the custom of the Lamanites.
"Alma 17:26": 26 And after he had been in the service of the king three
days, as he was with the Lamanitish servants going forth with their
flocks to the place of water, which was called the water of Sebus, and
all the Lamanites drive their flocks hither, that they may have water
--
"Alma 17:27": 27 Therefore, as Ammon and the servants of the king were
driving forth their flocks to this place of water, behold, a certain
number of the Lamanites, who had been with their flocks to water, stood
and scattered the flocks of Ammon and the servants of the king, and
they scattered them insomuch that they fled many ways.
"Alma 17:28": 28 Now the servants of the king began to murmur, saying:
Now the king will slay us, as he has our brethren because their flocks
were scattered by the wickedness of these men. And they began to weep
exceedingly, saying: Behold, our flocks are scattered already.
"Alma 17:29": 29 Now they wept because of the fear of being slain. Now
when Ammon saw this his heart was swollen within him with joy; for,
said he, I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-servants, or
the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the king, that
I may win the hearts of these my fellow-servants, that I may lead them
to believe in my words.
"Alma 17:30": 30 And now, these were the thoughts of Ammon, when he saw
the afflictions of those whom he termed to be his brethren.
"Alma 17:31": 31 And it came to pass that he flattered them by his
words, saying: My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of
the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto
the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king
and he will not slay us.
"Alma 17:32": 32 And it came to pass that they went in search of the
flocks, and they did follow Ammon, and they rushed forth with much
swiftness and did head the flocks of the king, and did gather them
together again to the place of water.
"Alma 17:33": 33 And those men again stood to scatter their flocks; but
Ammon said unto his brethren: Encircle the flocks round about that they
flee not; and I go and contend with these men who do scatter our
flocks.
"Alma 17:34": 34 Therefore, they did as Ammon commanded them, and he
went forth and stood to contend with those who stood by the waters of
Sebus; and they were in number not a few.
"Alma 17:35": 35 Therefore they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed
that one of their men could slay him according to their pleasure, for
they knew not that the Lord had promised Mosiah that he would deliver
his sons out of their hands; neither did they know anything concerning
the Lord; therefore they delighted in the destruction of their
brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the
king.
"Alma 17:36": 36 But Ammon stood forth and began to cast stones at them
with his sling; yea, with mighty power he did sling stones amongst
them; and thus he slew a certain number of them insomuch that they
began to be astonished at his power; nevertheless they were angry
because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that
he should fall; therefore, seeing that they could not hit him with
their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him.
"Alma 17:37": 37 But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite
Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand
their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch
that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him; yea,
and they were not few in number; and he caused them to flee by the
strength of his arm.
"Alma 17:38": 38 Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew
none save it were their leader with his sword; and he smote off as many
of their arms as were lifted against him, and they were not a few.
"Alma 17:39": 39 And when he had driven them afar off, he returned and
they watered their flocks and returned them to the pasture of the king,
and then went in unto the king, bearing the arms which had been smitten
off by the sword of Ammon, of those who sought to slay him; and they
were carried in unto the king for a testimony of the things which they
had done.
And it came to pass that king Lamoni caused that his servants should
stand forth and testify to all the things which they had seen
concerning the matter.
"Alma 18:2": 2 And when they had all testified to the things which they
had seen, and he had learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving
his flocks, and also of his great power in contending against those who
sought to slay him, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Surely,
this is more than a man. Behold, is not this the Great Spirit who doth
send such great punishments upon this people, because of their murders?
"Alma 18:3": 3 And they answered the king, and said: Whether he be the
Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he
cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter
the king's flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and
great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And
now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we
know he cannot be slain.
"Alma 18:4": 4 And now, when the king heard these words, he said unto
them: Now I know that it is the Great Spirit; and he has come down at
this time to preserve your lives, that I might not slay you as I did
your brethren. Now this is the Great Spirit of whom our fathers have
spoken. Now this was the tradition of Lamoni, which he had received
from his father, that there was a Great Spirit. Notwithstanding they
believed in a Great Spirit they supposed that whatsoever they did was
right; nevertheless, Lamoni began to fear exceedingly, with fear lest
he had done wrong in slaying his servants; 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.
"Alma 18:7": 7 Now it was the practice of these Lamanites to stand by
the waters of Sebus to scatter the flocks of the people, that thereby
they might drive away many that were scattered unto their own land, it
being a practice of plunder among them.
"Alma 18:8": 8 And it came to pass that king Lamoni inquired of his
servants, saying: Where is this man that has such great power?
"Alma 18:9": 9 And they said unto him: Behold, he is feeding thy
horses. Now the king had commanded his servants, previous to the time
of the watering of their flocks, that they should prepare his horses
and chariots, and conduct him forth to the land of Nephi; for there had
been a great feast appointed at the land of Nephi, by the father of
Lamoni, who was king over all the land.
"Alma 18:10": 10 Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing
his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the
faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant
among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even
he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.
"Alma 18:11": 11 Now I surely know that this is the Great Spirit, and I
would desire him that he come in unto me, but I durst not.
"Alma 18:12": 12 And it came to pass that when Ammon had made ready the
horses and the chariots for the king and his servants, he went in unto
the king, and he saw that the countenance of the king was changed;
therefore he was about to return out of his presence.
"Alma 18:13": 13 And one of the king's servants said unto him,
Rabbanah, which is, being interpreted, powerful or great king,
considering their kings to be powerful; and thus he said unto him:
Rabbanah, the king desireth thee to stay.
"Alma 18:14": 14 Therefore Ammon turned himself unto the king, and said
unto him: What wilt thou that I should do for thee, O king? And the
king answered him not for the space of an hour, according to their
time, for he knew not what he should say unto him.
"Alma 18:15": 15 And it came to pass that Ammon said unto him again:
What desirest thou of me? But the king answered him not.
"Alma 18:16": 16 And it came to pass that Ammon, being filled with the
Spirit of God, therefore he perceived the thoughts of the king. And he
said unto him: Is it because thou hast heard that I defended thy
servants and thy flocks, and slew seven of their brethren with the
sling and with the sword, and smote off the arms of others, in order to
defend thy flocks and thy servants; behold, is it this that causeth thy
marvelings?
"Alma 18:17": 17 I say unto you, what is it, that thy marvelings are so
great?
Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever thou
desirest which is right, that will I do.
"Alma 18:18": 18 Now when the king had heard these words, he marveled
again, for he beheld that Ammon could discern his thoughts; but
notwithstanding this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, and said unto
him: Who art thou? Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things?
"Alma 18:19": 19 Ammon answered and said unto him: I am not.
"Alma 18:20": 20 And the king said: How knowest thou the thoughts of my
heart?
Thou mayest speak boldly, and tell me concerning these things; and also
tell me by what power ye slew and smote off the arms of my brethren
that scattered my flocks --
"Alma 18:21": 21 And now, if thou wilt tell me concerning these things,
whatsoever thou desirest I will give unto thee; and if it were needed,
I would guard thee with my armies; but I know that thou art more
powerful than all they; nevertheless, whatsoever thou desirest of me I
will grant it unto thee.
"Alma 18:22": 22 Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he said unto
Lamoni: Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I
do these things? And this is the thing that I desire of thee.
"Alma 18:23": 23 And the king answered him, and said: Yea, I will
believe all thy words. And thus he was caught with guile.
"Alma 18:24": 24 And Ammon began to speak unto him with boldness, and
said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?
"Alma 18:25": 25 And he answered, and said unto him: I do not know what
that meaneth.
"Alma 18:26": 26 And then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a
Great Spirit?
"Alma 18:27": 27 And he said, Yea.
"Alma 18:28": 28 And Ammon said: This is God. And Ammon said unto him
again: Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all
things which are in heaven and in the earth?
"Alma 18:29": 29 And he said: Yea, I believe that he created all things
which are in the earth; but I do not know the heavens.
"Alma 18:30": 30 And Ammon said unto him: The heavens is a place where
God dwells and all his holy angels.
"Alma 18:31": 31 And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth?
"Alma 18:32": 32 And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the
children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the
heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.
"Alma 18:33": 33 And king Lamoni said: I believe all these things which
thou hast spoken. Art thou sent from God?
"Alma 18:34": 34 Ammon said unto him: I am a man; and man in the
beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his
Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be
brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true;
"Alma 18:35": 35 And a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which
giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires
which are in God.
"Alma 18:36": 36 Now when Ammon had said these words, he began at the
creation of the world, and also the creation of Adam, and told him all
the things concerning the fall of man, and rehearsed and laid before
him the records and the holy scriptures of the people, which had been
spoken by the prophets, even down to the time that their father, Lehi,
left Jerusalem.
"Alma 18:37": 37 And he also rehearsed unto them (for it was unto the
king and to his servants) all the journeyings of their fathers in the
wilderness, and all their sufferings with hunger and thirst, and their
travail, and so forth.
"Alma 18:38": 38 And he also rehearsed unto them concerning the
rebellions of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, yea, all their
rebellions did he relate unto them; and he expounded unto them all the
records and scriptures from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem down to
the present time.
"Alma 18:39": 39 But this is not all; for he expounded unto them the
plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the
world; and he also made known unto them concerning the coming of
Christ, and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them.
"Alma 18:40": 40 And it came to pass that after he had said all these
things, and expounded them to the king, that the king believed all his
words.
"Alma 18:41": 41 And he began to cry unto the Lord, saying: O Lord,
have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon
the people of Nephi, have upon me, and my people.
"Alma 18:42": 42 And now, when he had said this, he fell unto the
earth, as if he were dead.
"Alma 18:43": 43 And it came to pass that his servants took him and
carried him in unto his wife, and laid him upon a bed; and he lay as if
he were dead for the space of two days and two nights; and his wife,
and his sons, and his daughters mourned over him, after the manner of
the Lamanites, greatly lamenting his loss.
And it came to pass that after two days and two nights they were about
to take his body and lay it in a sepulchre, which they had made for the
purpose of burying their dead.
"Alma 19:2": 2 Now the queen having heard of the fame of Ammon,
therefore she sent and desired that he should come in unto her.
"Alma 19:3": 3 And it came to pass that Ammon did as he was commanded,
and went in unto the queen, and desired to know what she would that he
should do.
"Alma 19:4": 4 And she said unto him: The servants of my husband have
made it known unto me that thou art a prophet of a holy God, and that
thou hast power to do many mighty works in his name;
"Alma 19:5": 5 Therefore, if this is the case, I would that ye should
go in and see my husband, for he has been laid upon his bed for the
space of two days and two nights; and some say that he is not dead, but
others say that he is dead and that he stinketh, and that he ought to
be placed in the sepulchre; but as for myself, to me he doth not stink.
"Alma 19:6": 6 Now, this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that king
Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that the dark veil of
unbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the light which did
light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a
marvelous light of his goodness -- yea, this light had infused such joy
into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that
the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that
this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God --
"Alma 19:7": 7 Therefore, what the queen desired of him was his only
desire. $ Therefore, he went in to see the king according as the queen
had desired him; and he saw the king, and he knew that he was not dead.
"Alma 19:8": 8 And he said unto the queen: He is not dead, but he
sleepeth in God, and on the morrow he shall rise again; therefore bury
him not.
"Alma 19:9": 9 And Ammon said unto her: Believest thou this? And she
said unto him: I have had no witness save thy word, and the word of our
servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou
hast said.
"Alma 19:10": 10 And Ammon said unto her: Blessed art thou because of
thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such
great faith among all the people of the Nephites.
"Alma 19:11": 11 And it came to pass that she watched over the bed of
her husband, from that time even until that time on the morrow which
Ammon had appointed that he should rise.
"Alma 19:12": 12 And it came to pass that he arose, according to the
words of Ammon; and as he arose, he stretched forth his hand unto the
woman, and said: Blessed be the name of God, and blessed art thou.
"Alma 19:13": 13 For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my
Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall
redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these
words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy;
and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit.
"Alma 19:14": 14 Now Ammon seeing the Spirit of the Lord poured out
according to his prayers upon the Lamanites, his brethren, who had been
the cause of so much mourning among the Nephites, or among all the
people of God because of their iniquities and their traditions, he fell
upon his knees, and began to pour out his soul in prayer and
thanksgiving to God for what he had done for his brethren; and he was
also overpowered with joy; and thus they all three had sunk to the
earth.
"Alma 19:15": 15 Now, when the servants of the king had seen that they
had fallen, they also began to cry unto God, for the fear of the Lord
had come upon them also, for it was they who had stood before the king
and testified unto him concerning the great power of Ammon.
"Alma 19:16": 16 And it came to pass that they did call on the name of
the Lord, in their might, even until they had all fallen to the earth,
save it were one of the Lamanitish women, whose name was Abish, she
having been converted unto the Lord for many years, on account of a
remarkable vision of her father --
"Alma 19:17": 17 Thus, having been converted to the Lord, and never
having made it known, therefore, when she saw that all the servants of
Lamoni had fallen to the earth, and also her mistress, the queen, and
the king, and Ammon lay prostrate upon the earth, she knew that it was
the power of God; and supposing that this opportunity, by making known
unto the people what had happened among them, that by beholding this
scene it would cause them to believe in the power of God, therefore she
ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people.
"Alma 19:18": 18 And they began to assemble themselves together unto
the house of the king. And there came a multitude, and to their
astonishment they beheld the king, and the queen, and their servants
prostrate upon the earth, and they all lay there as though they were
dead; and they also saw Ammon, and behold, he was a Nephite.
"Alma 19:19": 19 And now the people began to murmur among themselves;
some saying that it was a great evil that had come upon them, or upon
the king and his house, because he had suffered that the Nephite should
remain in the land.
"Alma 19:20": 20 But others rebuked them, saying: The king hath brought
this evil upon his house, because he slew his servants who had had
their flocks scattered at the waters of Sebus.
"Alma 19:21": 21 And they were also rebuked by those men who had stood
at the waters of Sebus and scattered the flocks which belonged to the
king, for they were angry with Ammon because of the number which he had
slain of their brethren at the waters of Sebus, while defending the
flocks of the king.
"Alma 19:22": 22 Now, one of them, whose brother had been slain with
the sword of Ammon, being exceedingly angry with Ammon, drew his sword
and went forth that he might let it fall upon Ammon, to slay him; and
as he lifted the sword to smite him, behold, he fell dead.
"Alma 19:23": 23 Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord
had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be
unto him according to thy faith -- therefore, Mosiah trusted him unto
the Lord.
"Alma 19:24": 24 And it came to pass that when the multitude beheld
that the man had fallen dead, who lifted the sword to slay Ammon, fear
came upon them all, and they durst not put forth their hands to touch
him or any of those who had fallen; and they began to marvel again
among themselves what could be the cause of this great power, or what
all these things could mean.
"Alma 19:25": 25 And it came to pass that there were many among them
who said that Ammon was the Great Spirit, and others said he was sent
by the Great Spirit;
"Alma 19:26": 26 But others rebuked them all, saying that he was a
monster, who had been sent from the Nephites to torment them.
"Alma 19:27": 27 And there were some who said that Ammon was sent by
the Great Spirit to afflict them because of their iniquities; and that
it was the Great Spirit that had always attended the Nephites, who had
ever delivered them out of their hands; and they said that it was this
Great Spirit who had destroyed so many of their brethren, the
Lamanites.
"Alma 19:28": 28 And thus the contention began to be exceedingly sharp
among them. And while they were thus contending, the woman servant who
had caused the multitude to be gathered together came, and when she saw
the contention which was among the multitude she was exceedingly
sorrowful, even unto tears.
"Alma 19:29": 29 And it came to pass that she went and took the queen
by the hand, that perhaps she might raise her from the ground; and as
soon as she touched her hand she arose and stood upon her feet, and
cried with a loud voice, saying: O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from
an awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy on this people!
"Alma 19:30": 30 And when she had said this, she clasped her hands,
being filled with joy, speaking many words which were not understood;
and when she had done this, she took the king, Lamoni, by the hand, and
behold he arose and stood upon his feet.
"Alma 19:31": 31 And he, immediately, seeing the contention among his
people, went forth and began to rebuke them, and to teach them the
words which he had heard from the mouth of Ammon; and as many as heard
his words believed, and were converted unto the Lord.
"Alma 19:32": 32 But there were many among them who would not hear his
words; therefore they went their way.
"Alma 19:33": 33 And it came to pass that when Ammon arose he also
administered unto them, and also did all the servants of Lamoni; and
they did all declare unto the people the selfsame thing -- that their
hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil.
"Alma 19:34": 34 And behold, many did declare unto the people that they
had seen angels and had conversed with them; and thus they had told
them things of God, and of his righteousness.
"Alma 19:35": 35 And it came to pass that there were many that did
believe in their words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and
they became a righteous people, and they did establish a church among
them.
And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus
the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that
his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his
name.
And it came to pass that when they had established a church in that
land, that king Lamoni desired that Ammon should go with him to the
land of Nephi, that he might show him unto his father.
"Alma 20:2": 2 And the voice of the Lord came to Ammon saying: Thou
shalt not go up to the land of Nephi, for behold, the king will seek
thy life; but thou shalt go to the land of Middoni; for behold, thy
brother Aaron, and also Muloki and Ammah are in prison.
"Alma 20:3": 3 Now it came to pass that when Ammon had heard this, he
said unto Lamoni: Behold, my brother and brethren are in prison at
Middoni, and I go that I may deliver them.
"Alma 20:4": 4 Now Lamoni said unto Ammon: I know, in the strength of
the Lord thou canst do all things. But behold, I will go with thee to
the land of Middoni; for the king of the land of Middoni, whose name is
Antiomno, is a friend unto me; therefore I go to the land of Middoni,
that I may flatter the king of the land, and he will cast thy brethren
out of prison. Now Lamoni said unto him: Who told thee that thy
brethren were in prison?
"Alma 20:5": 5 And Ammon said unto him: No one hath told me, save it be
God; and he said unto me -- Go and deliver thy brethren, for they are
in prison in the land of Middoni.
"Alma 20:6": 6 Now when Lamoni had heard this he caused that his
servants should make ready his horses and his chariots.
"Alma 20:7": 7 And he said unto Ammon: Come, I will go with thee down
to the land of Middoni, and there I will plead with the king that he
will cast thy brethren out of prison.
"Alma 20:8": 8 And it came to pass that as Ammon and Lamoni were
journeying thither, they met the father of Lamoni, who was king over
all the land.
"Alma 20:9": 9 And behold, the father of Lamoni said unto him: Why did
ye not come to the feast on that great day when I made a feast unto my
sons, and unto my people?
"Alma 20:10": 10 And he also said: Whither art thou going with this
Nephite, who is one of the children of a liar?
"Alma 20:11": 11 And it came to pass that Lamoni rehearsed unto him
whither he was going, for he feared to offend him.
"Alma 20:12": 12 And he also told him all the cause of his tarrying in
his own kingdom, that he did not go unto his father to the feast which
he had prepared.
"Alma 20:13": 13 And now when Lamoni had rehearsed unto him all these
things, behold, to his astonishment, his father was angry with him, and
said: Lamoni, thou art going to deliver these Nephites, who are sons of
a liar. Behold, he robbed our fathers; and now his children are also
come amongst us that they may, by their cunning and their lyings,
deceive us, that they again may rob us of our property.
"Alma 20:14": 14 Now the father of Lamoni commanded him that he should
slay Ammon with the sword. And he also commanded him that he should not
go to the land of Middoni, but that he should return with him to the
land of Ishmael.
"Alma 20:15": 15 But Lamoni said unto him: I will not slay Ammon,
neither will I return to the land of Ishmael, but I go to the land of
Middoni that I may release the brethren of Ammon, for I know that they
are just men and holy prophets of the true God.
"Alma 20:16": 16 Now when his father had heard these words, he was
angry with him, and he drew his sword that he might smite him to the
earth.
"Alma 20:17": 17 But Ammon stood forth and said unto him: Behold, thou
shalt not slay thy son; nevertheless, it were better that he should
fall than thee, for behold, he has repented of his sins; but if thou
shouldst fall at this time, in thine anger, thy soul could not be
saved.
"Alma 20:18": 18 And again, it is expedient that thou shouldst forbear;
for if thou shouldst slay thy son, he being an innocent man, his blood
would cry from the ground to the Lord his God, for vengeance to come
upon thee; and perhaps thou wouldst lose thy soul.
"Alma 20:19": 19 Now when Ammon had said these words unto him, he
answered him, saying: I know that if I should slay my son, that I
should shed innocent blood; for it is thou that hast sought to destroy
him.
"Alma 20:20": 20 And he stretched forth his hand to slay Ammon. But
Ammon withstood his blows, and also smote his arm that he could not use
it.
"Alma 20:21": 21 Now when the king saw that Ammon could slay him, he
began to plead with Ammon that he would spare his life.
"Alma 20:22": 22 But Ammon raised his sword, and said unto him: Behold,
I will smite thee except thou wilt grant unto me that my brethren may
be cast out of prison.
"Alma 20:23": 23 Now the king, fearing he should lose his life, said:
If thou wilt spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask,
even to half of the kingdom.
"Alma 20:24": 24 Now when Ammon saw that he had wrought upon the old
king according to his desire, he said unto him: If thou wilt grant that
my brethren may be cast out of prison, and also that Lamoni may retain
his kingdom, and that ye be not displeased with him, but grant that he
may do according to his own desires in whatsoever thing he thinketh,
then will I spare thee; otherwise I will smite thee to the earth.
"Alma 20:25": 25 Now when Ammon had said these words, the king began to
rejoice because of his life.
"Alma 20:26": 26 And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy
him, and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he
was astonished exceedingly, and said: Because this is all that thou
hast desired, that I would release thy brethren, and suffer that my son
Lamoni should retain his kingdom, behold, I will grant unto you that my
son may retain his kingdom from this time and forever; and I will
govern him no more --
"Alma 20:27": 27 And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren may
be cast out of prison, and thou and thy brethren may come unto me, in
my kingdom; for I shall greatly desire to see thee. For the king was
greatly astonished at the words which he had spoken, and also at the
words which had been spoken by his son Lamoni, therefore he was
desirous to learn them.
"Alma 20:28": 28 And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni proceeded on
their journey towards the land of Middoni. And Lamoni found favor in
the eyes of the king of the land; therefore the brethren of Ammon were
brought forth out of prison.
"Alma 20:29": 29 And when Ammon did meet them he was exceedingly
sorrowful, for behold they were naked, and their skins were worn
exceedingly because of being bound with strong cords. And they also had
suffered hunger, thirst, and all kinds of afflictions; nevertheless
they were patient in all their sufferings.
"Alma 20:30": 30 And, as it happened, it was their lot to have fallen
into the hands of a more hardened and a more stiffnecked people;
therefore they would not hearken unto their words, and they had cast
them out, and had smitten them, and had driven them from house to
house, and from place to place, even until they had arrived in the land
of Middoni; and there they were taken and cast into prison, and bound
with strong cords, and kept in prison for many days, and were delivered
by Lamoni and Ammon.
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.
"Alma 21:2": 2 Now the Lamanites and the Amalekites and the people of
Amulon had built a great city, which was called Jerusalem.
"Alma 21:3": 3 Now the Lamanites of themselves were sufficiently
hardened, but the Amalekites and the Amulonites were still harder;
therefore they did cause the Lamanites that they should harden their
hearts, that they should wax strong in wickedness and their
abominations.
"Alma 21:4": 4 And it came to pass that Aaron came to the city of
Jerusalem, and first began to preach to the Amalekites. And he began to
preach to them in their synagogues, for they had built synagogues after
the order of the Nehors; for many of the Amalekites and the Amulonites
were after the order of the Nehors
"Alma 21:5": 5 Therefore, as Aaron entered into one of their synagogues
to preach unto the people, and as he was speaking unto them, behold
there arose an Amalekite and began to contend with him, saying: What is
that thou hast testified? Hast thou seen an angel? Why do not angels
appear unto us? Behold are not this people as good as thy people?
"Alma 21:6": 6 Thou also sayest, except we repent we shall perish. How
knowest thou the thought and intent of our hearts? How knowest thou
that we have cause to repent? How knowest thou that we are not a
righteous people? Behold, we have built sanctuaries, and we do assemble
ourselves together to worship God. We do believe that God will save all
men.
"Alma 21:7": 7 Now Aaron said unto him: Believest thou that the Son of
God shall come to redeem mankind from their sins?
"Alma 21:8": 8 And the man said unto him: We do not believe that thou
knowest any such thing. We do not believe in these foolish traditions.
$ We do not believe that thou knowest of things to come, neither do we
believe that thy fathers and also that our fathers did know concerning
the things which they spake, of that which is to come.
"Alma 21:9": 9 Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them
concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection
of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it
were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of
his blood.
"Alma 21:10": 10 And it came to pass as he began to expound these
things unto them they were angry with him, and began to mock him; and
they would not hear the words which he spake.
"Alma 21:11": 11 Therefore, when he saw that they would not hear his
words, he departed out of their synagogue, and came over to a village
which was called Ani-Anti, and there he found Muloki preaching the word
unto them; and also Ammah and his brethren. And they contended with
many about the word.
"Alma 21:12": 12 And it came to pass that they saw that the people
would harden their hearts, therefore they departed and came over into
the land of Middoni. And they did preach the word unto many, and few
believed on the words which they taught.
"Alma 21:13": 13 Nevertheless, Aaron and a certain number of his
brethren were taken and cast into prison, and the remainder of them
fled out of the land of Middoni unto the regions round about.
"Alma 21:14": 14 And those who were cast into prison suffered many
things, and they were delivered by the hand of Lamoni and Ammon, and
they were fed and clothed.
"Alma 21:15": 15 And they went forth again to declare the word, and
thus they were delivered for the first time out of prison; and thus
they had suffered.
"Alma 21:16": 16 And they went forth whithersoever they were led by the
Spirit of the Lord, preaching the word of God in every synagogue of the
Amalekites, or in every assembly of the Lamanites where they could be
admitted.
"Alma 21:17": 17 And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them,
insomuch that they brought many to the knowledge of the truth; yea,
they did convince many of their sins, and of the traditions of their
fathers, which were not correct.
"Alma 21:18": 18 And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni returned
from the land of Middoni to the land of Ishmael, which was the land of
their inheritance.
"Alma 21:19": 19 And king Lamoni would not suffer that Ammon should
serve him, or be his servant.
"Alma 21:20": 20 But he caused that there should be synagogues built in
the land of Ishmael; and he caused that his people, or the people who
were under his reign, should assemble themselves together.
"Alma 21:21": 21 And he did rejoice over them, and he did teach them
many things. And he did also declare unto them that they were a people
who were under him, and that they were a free people, that they were
free from the oppressions of the king, his father; for that his father
had granted unto him that he might reign over the people who were in
the land of Ishmael, and in all the land round about.
"Alma 21:22": 22 And he also declared unto them that they might have
the liberty of worshiping the Lord their God according to their
desires, in whatsoever place they were in, if it were in the land which
was under the reign of king Lamoni. And Ammon did preach unto the
people of king Lamoni; and it came to pass that he did teach them all
things concerning things pertaining to righteousness. And he did exhort
them daily, with all diligence; and they gave heed unto his word, and
they were zealous for keeping the commandments of God.
Now, as Ammon was thus teaching the people of Lamoni continually, we
will return to the account of Aaron and his brethren; for after he
departed from the land of Middoni he was led by the Spirit to the land
of Nephi, even to the house of the king which was over all the land
save it were the land of Ishmael; and he was the father of Lamoni.
And it came to pass that he went in unto him into the king's palace,
with his brethren, and bowed himself before the king, and said unto
him: Behold, O king, we are the brethren of Ammon, whom thou hast
delivered out of prison.
"Alma 22:3": 3 And now, O king, if thou wilt spare our lives, we will
be thy servants. And the king said unto them: Arise, for I will grant
unto you your lives, and I will not suffer that ye shall be my
servants; but I will insist that ye shall administer unto me; for I
have been somewhat troubled in mind because of the generosity and the
greatness of the words of thy brother Ammon; and I desire to know the
cause why he has not come up out of Middoni with thee.
"Alma 22:4": 4 And Aaron said unto the king: Behold, the Spirit of the
Lord has called him another way; he has gone to the land of Ishmael, to
teach the people of Lamoni.
"Alma 22:5": 5 Now the king said unto them: What is this that ye have
said concerning the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, this is the thing which
doth trouble me.
"Alma 22:6": 6 And also, what is this that Ammon said -- If ye will
repent ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast
off at the last day?
"Alma 22:7": 7 And Aaron answered him and said unto him: Believest thou
that there is a God? And the king said: I know that the Amalekites say
that there is a God, and I have granted unto them that they should
build sanctuaries, that they may assemble themselves together to
worship him. And if now thou sayest there is a God, behold I will
believe.
"Alma 22:8": 8 And now when Aaron heard this, his heart began to
rejoice, and he said: Behold, assuredly as thou livest, O king, there
is a God.
"Alma 22:9": 9 And the king said: Is God that Great Spirit that brought
our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem?
"Alma 22:10": 10 And Aaron said unto him: Yea, he is that Great Spirit,
and he created all things both in heaven and in earth. Believest thou
this?
"Alma 22:11": 11 And he said: Yea, I believe that the Great Spirit
created all things, and I desire that ye should tell me concerning all
these things, and I will believe thy words.
"Alma 22:12": 12 And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king
would believe his words, he began from the creation of Adam, reading
the scriptures unto the king -- how God created man after his own
image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of
transgression, man had fallen.
"Alma 22:13": 13 And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the
creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal
state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the
foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would
believe on his name.
"Alma 22:14": 14 And since man had fallen he could not merit anything
of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their
sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh
the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the
sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron
did expound all these things unto the king.
"Alma 22:15": 15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded
these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have
this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that
I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my
breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I
may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up
all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive
this great joy.
"Alma 22:16": 16 But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing,
if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy
sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith,
believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which
thou desirest.
"Alma 22:17": 17 And it came to pass that when Aaron had said these
words, the king did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even
he did prostrate himself upon the earth, and cried mightily, saying:
"Alma 22:18": 18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if
there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto
me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be
raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the
king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead.
"Alma 22:19": 19 And it came to pass that his servants ran and told the
queen all that had happened unto the king. And she came in unto the
king; and when she saw him lay as if he were dead, and also Aaron and
his brethren standing as though they had been the cause of his fall,
she was angry with them, and commanded that her servants, or the
servants of the king, should take them and slay them.
"Alma 22:20": 20 Now the servants had seen the cause of the king's
fall, therefore they durst not lay their hands on Aaron and his
brethren; and they pled with the queen saying: Why commandest thou that
we should slay these men, when behold one of them is mightier than us
all? Therefore we shall fall before them.
"Alma 22:21": 21 Now when the queen saw the fear of the servants she
also began to fear exceedingly, lest there should some evil come upon
her. And she commanded her servants that they should go and call the
people, that they might slay Aaron and his brethren.
"Alma 22:22": 22 Now when Aaron saw the determination of the queen, he,
also knowing the hardness of the hearts of the people, feared lest that
a multitude should assemble themselves together, and there should be a
great contention and a disturbance among them; therefore he put forth
his hand and raised the king from the earth, and said unto him: Stand.
And he stood upon his feet, receiving his strength.
"Alma 22:23": 23 Now this was done in the presence of the queen and
many of the servants. And when they saw it they greatly marveled, and
began to fear. And the king stood forth, and began to minister unto
them. And he did minister unto them, insomuch that his whole household
were converted unto the Lord.
"Alma 22:24": 24 Now there was a multitude gathered together because of
the commandment of the queen, and there began to be great murmurings
among them because of Aaron and his brethren.
"Alma 22:25": 25 But the king stood forth among them and administered
unto them. And they were pacified towards Aaron and those who were with
him.
"Alma 22:26": 26 And it came to pass that when the king saw that the
people were pacified, he caused that Aaron and his brethren should
stand forth in the midst of the multitude, and that they should preach
the word unto them.
"Alma 22:27": 27 And it came to pass that the king sent a proclamation
throughout all the land, amongst all his people who were in all his
land, who were in all the regions round about, which was bordering even
to the sea, on the east and on the west, and which was divided from the
land of Zarahemla by a narrow strip of wilderness, which ran from the
sea east even to the sea west, and round about on the borders of the
seashore, and the borders of the wilderness which was on the north by
the land of Zarahemla, through the borders of Manti, by the head of the
river Sidon, running from the east towards the west -- and thus were
the Lamanites and the Nephites divided.
"Alma 22:28": 28 Now, the more idle part of the Lamanites lived in the
wilderness, and dwelt in tents; and they were spread through the
wilderness on the west, in the land of Nephi; yea, and also on the west
of the land of Zarahemla, in the borders by the seashore, and on the
west in the land of Nephi, in the place of their fathers' first
inheritance, and thus bordering along by the seashore.
"Alma 22:29": 29 And also there were many Lamanites on the east by the
seashore, whither the Nephites had driven them. And thus the Nephites
were nearly surrounded by the Lamanites; nevertheless the Nephites had
taken possession of all the northern parts of the land bordering on the
wilderness, at the head of the river Sidon, from the east to the west,
round about on the wilderness side; on the north, even until they came
to the land which they called Bountiful.
"Alma 22:30": 30 And it bordered upon the land which they called
Desolation, it being so far northward that it came into the land which
had been peopled and been destroyed, of whose bones we have spoken,
which was discovered by the people of Zarahemla, it being the place of
their first landing.
"Alma 22:31": 31 And they came from there up into the south wilderness.
Thus the land on the northward was called Desolation, and the land on
the southward was called Bountiful, it being the wilderness which is
filled with all manner of wild animals of every kind, a part of which
had come from the land northward for food.
"Alma 22:32": 32 And now, it was only the distance of a day and a
half's journey for a Nephite, on the line Bountiful and the land
Desolation, from the east to the west sea; and thus the land of Nephi
and the land of Zarahemla were nearly surrounded by water, there being
a small neck of land between the land northward and the land southward.
"Alma 22:33": 33 And it came to pass that the Nephites had inhabited
the land Bountiful, even from the east unto the west sea, and thus the
Nephites in their wisdom, with their guards and their armies, had
hemmed in the Lamanites on the south, that thereby they should have no
more possession on the north, that they might not overrun the land
northward.
"Alma 22:34": 34 Therefore the Lamanites could have no more possessions
only in the land of Nephi, and the wilderness round about. Now this was
wisdom in the Nephites -- as the Lamanites were an enemy to them, they
would not suffer their afflictions on every hand, and also that they
might have a country whither they might flee, according to their
desires.
"Alma 22:35": 35 And now I, after having said this, return again to the
account of Ammon and Aaron, Omner and Himni, and their brethren.
Behold, now it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites sent a
proclamation among all his people, that they should not lay their hands
on Ammon, or Aaron, or Omner, or Himni, nor either of their brethren
who should go forth preaching the word of God, in whatsoever place they
should be, in any part of their land.
"Alma 23:2": 2 Yea, he sent a decree among them, that they should not
lay their hands on them to bind them, or to cast them into prison;
neither should they spit upon them, nor smite them, nor cast them out
of their synagogues, nor scourge them; neither should they cast stones
at them, but that they should have free access to their houses, and
also their temples, and their sanctuaries.
"Alma 23:3": 3 And thus they might go forth and preach the word
according to their desires, for the king had been converted unto the
Lord, and all his household; therefore he sent his proclamation
throughout the land unto his people, that the word of God might have no
obstruction, but that it might go forth throughout all the land, that
his people might be convinced concerning the wicked traditions of their
fathers, and that they might be convinced that they were all brethren,
and that they ought not to murder, nor to plunder, nor to steal, nor to
commit adultery, nor to commit any manner of wickedness.
"Alma 23:4": 4 And now it came to pass that when the king had sent
forth this proclamation, that Aaron and his brethren went forth from
city to city, and from one house of worship to another, establishing
churches, and consecrating priests and teachers throughout the land
among the Lamanites, to preach and to teach the word of God among them;
and thus they began to have great success.
"Alma 23:5": 5 And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord,
yea, thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the
Nephites; and they were taught the records and prophecies which were
handed down even to the present time.
"Alma 23:6": 6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as
believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth,
through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the
spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working
miracles in them -- yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of
the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto
the Lord, never did fall away.
"Alma 23:7": 7 For they became a righteous people; they did lay down
the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any
more, neither against any of their brethren.
"Alma 23:8": 8 Now, these are they who were converted unto the Lord:
"Alma 23:9": 9 The people of the Lamanites who were in the land of
Ishmael;
"Alma 23:10": 10 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in
the land of Middoni;
"Alma 23:11": 11 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in
the city of Nephi;
"Alma 23:12": 12 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in
the land of Shilom, and who were in the land of Shemlon, and in the
city of Lemuel, and in the city of Shimnilom.
"Alma 23:13": 13 And these are the names of the cities of the Lamanites
which were converted unto the Lord; and these are they that laid down
the weapons of their rebellion, yea, all their weapons of war; and they
were all Lamanites.
"Alma 23:14": 14 And the Amalekites were not converted, save only one;
neither were any of the Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts,
and also the hearts of the Lamanites in that part of the land
wheresoever they dwelt, yea, and all their villages and all their
cities.
"Alma 23:15": 15 Therefore, we have named all the cities of the
Lamanites in which they did repent and come to the knowledge of the
truth, and were converted.
"Alma 23:16": 16 And now it came to pass that the king and those who
were converted were desirous that they might have a name, that thereby
they might be distinguished from their brethren; therefore the king
consulted with Aaron and many of their priests, concerning the name
that they should take upon them, that they might be distinguished.
"Alma 23:17": 17 And it came to pass that they called their names
Anti-Nephi-Lehies; and they were called by this name and were no more
called Lamanites.
"Alma 23:18": 18 And they began to be a very industrious people; yea,
and they were friendly with the Nephites; therefore, they did open a
correspondence with them, and the curse of God did no more follow them.
And it came to pass that the Amalekites and the Amulonites and the
Lamanites who were in the land of Amulon, and also in the land of
Helam, and who were in the land of Jerusalem, and in fine, in all the
land round about, who had not been converted and had not taken upon
them the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, were stirred up by the Amalekites and
by the Amulonites to anger against their brethren.
"Alma 24:2": 2 And their hatred became exceedingly sore against them,
even insomuch that they began to rebel against their king, insomuch
that they would not that he should be their king; therefore, they took
up arms against the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
"Alma 24:3": 3 Now the king conferred the kingdom upon his son, and he
called his name Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
"Alma 24:4": 4 And the king died in that selfsame year that the
Lamanites began to make preparations for war against the people of God.
"Alma 24:5": 5 Now when Ammon and his brethren and all those who had
come up with him saw the preparations of the Lamanites to destroy their
brethren, they came forth to the land of Midian, and there Ammon met
all his brethren; and from thence they came to the land of Ishmael that
they might hold a council with Lamoni and also with his brother
Anti-Nephi-Lehi, what they should do to defend themselves against the
Lamanites.
"Alma 24:6": 6 Now there was not one soul among all the people who had
been converted unto the Lord that would take up arms against their
brethren; nay, they would not even make any preparations for war; yea,
and also their king commanded them that they should not.
"Alma 24:7": 7 Now, these are the words which he said unto the people
concerning the matter: I thank my God, my beloved people, that our
great God has in goodness sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto
us to preach unto us, and to convince us of the traditions of our
wicked fathers.
"Alma 24:8": 8 And behold, I thank my great God that he has given us a
portion of his Spirit to soften our hearts, that we have opened a
correspondence with these brethren, the Nephites.
"Alma 24:9": 9 And behold, I also thank my God, that by opening this
correspondence we have been convinced of our sins, and of the many
murders which we have committed.
"Alma 24:10": 10 And I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he
hath granted unto us that we might repent of these things, and also
that he hath forgiven us of those our many sins and murders which we
have committed, and taken away the guilt from our hearts, through the
merits of his Son.
"Alma 24:11": 11 And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all
that we could do, (as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent
of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to
get God to take them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do
to repent sufficiently before God that he would take away our stain --
"Alma 24:12": 12 Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken
away our stains, and our swords have become bright, then let us stain
our swords no more with the blood of our brethren.
"Alma 24:13": 13 Behold, I say unto you, Nay, let us retain our swords
that they be not stained with the blood of our brethren; for perhaps,
if we should stain our swords again they can no more be washed bright
through the blood of the Son of our great God, which shall be shed for
the atonement of our sins.
"Alma 24:14": 14 And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these
things known unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made
these things known unto us beforehand, because he loveth our souls as
well as he loveth our children; therefore, in his mercy he doth visit
us by his angels, that the plan of salvation might be made known unto
us as well as unto future generations.
"Alma 24:15": 15 Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it
has been as much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us,
and our swords are made bright, let us hide them away that they may be
kept bright, as a testimony to our God at the last day, or at the day
that we shall be brought to stand before him to be judged, that we have
not stained our swords in the blood of our brethren since he imparted
his word unto us and has made us clean thereby.
"Alma 24:16": 16 And now, my brethren, if our brethren seek to destroy
us, behold, we will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them
deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we
have never used them, at the last day; and if our brethren destroy us,
behold, we shall go to our God and shall be saved.
"Alma 24:17": 17 And now it came to pass that when the king had made an
end of these sayings, and all the people were assembled together, they
took their swords, and all the weapons which were used for the shedding
of man's blood, and they did bury them up deep in the earth.
"Alma 24:18": 18 And this they did, it being in their view a testimony
to God, and also to men, that they never would use weapons again for
the shedding of man's blood; and this they did, vouching and
covenanting with God, that rather than shed the blood of their brethren
they would give up their own lives; and rather than take away from a
brother they would give unto him; and rather than spend their days in
idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands.
"Alma 24:19": 19 And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were
brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would
suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that
they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war,
for peace.
"Alma 24:20": 20 And it came to pass that their brethren, the
Lamanites, made preparations for war, and came up to the land of Nephi
for the purpose of destroying the king, and to place another in his
stead, and also of destroying the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi out of the
land.
"Alma 24:21": 21 Now when the people saw that they were coming against
them they went out to meet them, and prostrated themselves before them
to the earth, and began to call on the name of the Lord; and thus they
were in this attitude when the Lamanites began to fall upon them, and
began to slay them with the sword.
"Alma 24:22": 22 And thus without meeting any resistance, they did slay
a thousand and five of them; and we know that they are blessed, for
they have gone to dwell with their God.
"Alma 24:23": 23 Now when the Lamanites saw that their brethren would
not flee from the sword, neither would they turn aside to the right
hand or to the left, but that they would lie down and perish, and
praised God even in the very act of perishing under the sword --
"Alma 24:24": 24 Now when the Lamanites saw this they did forbear from
slaying them; and there were many whose hearts had swollen in them for
those of their brethren who had fallen under the sword, for they
repented of the things which they had done.
"Alma 24:25": 25 And it came to pass that they threw down their weapons
of war, and they would not take them again, for they were stung for the
murders which they had committed; and they came down even as their
brethren, relying upon the mercies of those whose arms were lifted to
slay them.
"Alma 24:26": 26 And it came to pass that the people of God were joined
that day by more than the number who had been slain; and those who had
been slain were righteous people, therefore we have no reason to doubt
but what they were saved.
"Alma 24:27": 27 And there was not a wicked man slain among them; but
there were more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth;
thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his
people.
"Alma 24:28": 28 Now the greatest number of those of the Lamanites who
slew so many of their brethren were Amalekites and Amulonites, the
greatest number of whom were after the order of the Nehors.
"Alma 24:29": 29 Now, among those who joined the people of the Lord,
there were none who were Amalekites or Amulonites, or who were of the
order of Nehor, but they were actual descendants of Laman and Lemuel.
"Alma 24:30": 30 And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people
have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great
knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen
away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus
their state becomes worse than though they had never known these
things. And behold, now it came to pass that those Lamanites were more
angry because they had slain their brethren; therefore they swore
vengeance upon the Nephites; and they did no more attempt to slay the
people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi at that time.
"Alma 25:2": 2 But they took their armies and went over into the
borders of the land of Zarahemla, and fell upon the people who were in
the land of Ammonihah, and destroyed them.
"Alma 25:3": 3 And after that, they had many battles with the Nephites,
in the which they were driven and slain.
"Alma 25:4": 4 And among the Lamanites who were slain were almost all
the seed of Amulon and his brethren, who were the priests of Noah, and
they were slain by the hands of the Nephites;
"Alma 25:5": 5 And the remainder, having fled into the east wilderness,
and having usurped the power and authority over the Lamanites, caused
that many of the Lamanites should perish by fire because of their
belief --
"Alma 25:6": 6 For many of them, after having suffered much loss and so
many afflictions, began to be stirred up in remembrance of the words
which Aaron and his brethren had preached to them in their land;
therefore they began to disbelieve the traditions of their fathers, and
to believe in the Lord, and that he gave great power unto the Nephites;
and thus there were many of them converted in the wilderness.
"Alma 25:7": 7 And it came to pass that those rulers who were the
remnant of the children of Amulon caused that they should be put to
death, yea, all those that believed in these things.
"Alma 25:8": 8 Now this martyrdom caused that many of their brethren
should be stirred up to anger; and there began to be contention in the
wilderness; and the Lamanites began to hunt the seed of Amulon and his
brethren and began to slay them; and they fled into the east
wilderness.
"Alma 25:9": 9 And behold they are hunted at this day by the Lamanites.
Thus the words of Abinadi were brought to pass, which he said
concerning the seed of the priests who caused that he should suffer
death by fire.
"Alma 25:10": 10 For he said unto them: What ye shall do unto me shall
be a type of things to come.
"Alma 25:11": 11 And now Abinadi was the first that suffered death by
fire because of his belief in God; now this is what he meant, that many
should suffer death by fire, according as he had suffered.
"Alma 25:12": 12 And he said unto the priests of Noah that their seed
should cause many to be put to death, in the like manner as he was, and
that they should be scattered abroad and slain, even as a sheep having
no shepherd is driven and slain by wild beasts; and now behold, these
words were verified, for they were driven by the Lamanites, and they
were hunted, and they were smitten.
"Alma 25:13": 13 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that
they could not overpower the Nephites they returned again to their own
land; and many of them came over to dwell in the land of Ishmael and
the land of Nephi, and did join themselves to the people of God, who
were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
"Alma 25:14": 14 And they did also bury their weapons of war, according
as their brethren had, and they began to be a righteous people; and
they did walk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe to keep his
commandments and his statutes.
"Alma 25:15": 15 Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was
expedient that they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not
all fulfilled. But notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did look
forward to the coming of Christ, considering that the law of Moses was
a type of his coming, and believing that they must keep those outward
performances until the time that he should be revealed unto them.
"Alma 25:16": 16 Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the
law of Moses; but the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith
in Christ; and thus they did retain a hope through faith, unto eternal
salvation, relying upon the spirit of prophecy, which spake of those
things to come.
"Alma 25:17": 17 And now behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and
Himni, and their brethren did rejoice exceedingly, for the success
which they had had among the Lamanites, seeing that the Lord had
granted unto them according to their prayers, and that he had also
verified his word unto them in every particular.
And now, these are the words of Ammon to his brethren, which say thus:
My brothers and my brethren, behold I say unto you, how great reason
have we to rejoice; for could we have supposed when we started from the
land of Zarahemla that God would have granted unto us such great
blessings?
"Alma 26:2": 2 And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed
upon us? $ Can ye tell?
"Alma 26:3": 3 Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the
Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but
behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of
God! $ And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that
we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this
great work.
"Alma 26:4": 4 Behold, thousands of them do rejoice, and have been
brought into the fold of God.
"Alma 26:5": 5 Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye
did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the
day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! $ And
they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted.
"Alma 26:6": 6 Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the
last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but
when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place,
that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be
driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.
"Alma 26:7": 7 But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the
harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day.
"Alma 26:8": 8 Blessed be the name of our God; let us sing to his
praise, yea, let us give thanks to his holy name, for he doth work
righteousness forever.
"Alma 26:9": 9 For if we had not come up out of the land of Zarahemla,
these our dearly beloved brethren, who have so dearly beloved us, would
still have been racked with hatred against us, yea, and they would also
have been strangers to God.
"Alma 26:10": 10 And it came to pass that when Ammon had said these
words, his brother Aaron rebuked him, saying: Ammon, I fear that thy
joy doth carry thee away unto boasting.
"Alma 26:11": 11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own
strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my
heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.
"Alma 26:12": 12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am
weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God,
for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty
miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his
name forever.
"Alma 26:13": 13 Behold, how many thousands of our brethren has he
loosed from the pains of hell; and they are brought to sing redeeming
love, and this because of the power of his word which is in us,
therefore have we not great reason to rejoice?
"Alma 26:14": 14 Yea, we have reason to praise him forever, for he is
the Most High God, and has loosed our brethren from the chains of hell.
"Alma 26:15": 15 Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting
darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his
everlasting light, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are
encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love; yea, and we have
been instruments in his hands of doing this great and marvelous work.
"Alma 26:16": 16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the
Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise
our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who
can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his
long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I
cannot say the smallest part which I feel.
"Alma 26:17": 17 Who could have supposed that our God would have been
so merciful as to have snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted
state?
"Alma 26:18": 18 Behold, we went forth even in wrath, with mighty
threatenings to destroy his church.
"Alma 26:19": 19 Oh then, why did he not consign us to an awful
destruction, yea, why did he not let the sword of his justice fall upon
us, and doom us to eternal despair?
"Alma 26:20": 20 Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought.
$ Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great
mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery,
even to the salvation of our souls.
"Alma 26:21": 21 And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there
that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth
these things, save it be the penitent.
"Alma 26:22": 22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and
bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing --
unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it
shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea,
and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to
repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our
brethren to repentance.
"Alma 26:23": 23 Now do ye remember, my brethren, that we said unto our
brethren in the land of Zarahemla, we go up to the land of Nephi, to
preach unto our brethren, the Lamanites, and they laughed us to scorn?
"Alma 26:24": 24 For they said unto us: Do ye suppose that ye can bring
the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth? Do ye suppose that ye can
convince the Lamanites of the incorrectness of the traditions of their
fathers, as stiffnecked a people as they are; whose hearts delight in
the shedding of blood; whose days have been spent in the grossest
iniquity; whose ways have been the ways of a transgressor from the
beginning? Now my brethren, ye remember that this was their language.
"Alma 26:25": 25 And moreover they did say: Let us take up arms against
them, that we destroy them and their iniquity out of the land, lest
they overrun us and destroy us.
"Alma 26:26": 26 But behold, my beloved brethren, we came into the
wilderness not with the intent to destroy our brethren, but with the
intent that perhaps we might save some few of their souls.
"Alma 26:27": 27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about
to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy
brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and
I will give unto you success.
"Alma 26:28": 28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst
them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered
every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying
upon the mercies of the world -- not upon the mercies of the world
alone but upon the mercies of God.
"Alma 26:29": 29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them,
and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them
upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their
synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and
spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and
taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through
the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again.
"Alma 26:30": 30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and
all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and
we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means
of saving some.
"Alma 26:31": 31 Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of
our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea,
and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards
their brethren and also towards us.
"Alma 26:32": 32 For behold, they had rather sacrifice their lives than
even to take the life of their enemy; and they have buried their
weapons of war deep in the earth, because of their love towards their
brethren.
"Alma 26:33": 33 And now behold I say unto you, has there been so great
love in all the land? Behold, I say unto you, Nay, there has not, even
among the Nephites.
"Alma 26:34": 34 For behold, they would take up arms against their
brethren; they would not suffer themselves to be slain. But behold how
many of these have laid down their lives; and we know that they have
gone to their God, because of their love and of their hatred to sin.
"Alma 26:35": 35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto
you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we,
since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto
boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all
understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being,
even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.
"Alma 26:36": 36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for
this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my
redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who
has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of
Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say,
blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in
a strange land.
"Alma 26:37": 37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every
people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people,
and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and
my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever.
Amen. Now it came to pass that when those Lamanites who had gone to war
against the Nephites had found, after their many struggles to destroy
them, that it was in vain to seek their destruction, they returned
again to the land of Nephi.
"Alma 27:2": 2 And it came to pass that the Amalekites, because of
their loss, were exceedingly angry. And when they saw that they could
not seek revenge from the Nephites, they began to stir up the people in
anger against their brethren, the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi; therefore
they began again to destroy them.
"Alma 27:3": 3 Now this people again refused to take their arms, and
they suffered themselves to be slain according to the desires of their
enemies.
"Alma 27:4": 4 Now when Ammon and his brethren saw this work of
destruction among those whom they so dearly beloved, and among those
who had so dearly beloved them -- for they were treated as though they
were angels sent from God to save them from everlasting destruction --
therefore, when Ammon and his brethren saw this great work of
destruction, they were moved with compassion, and they said unto the
king:
"Alma 27:5": 5 Let us gather together this people of the Lord, and let
us go down to the land of Zarahemla to our brethren the Nephites, and
flee out of the hands of our enemies, that we be not destroyed.
"Alma 27:6": 6 But the king said unto them: Behold, the Nephites will
destroy us, because of the many murders and sins we have committed
against them.
"Alma 27:7": 7 And Ammon said: I will go and inquire of the Lord, and
if he say unto us, go down unto our brethren, will ye go?
"Alma 27:8": 8 And the king said unto him: Yea, if the Lord saith unto
us go, we will go down unto our brethren, and we will be their slaves
until we repair unto them the many murders and sins which we have
committed against them.
"Alma 27:9": 9 But Ammon said unto him: It is against the law of our
brethren, which was established by my father, that there should be any
slaves among them; therefore let us go down and rely upon the mercies
of our brethren.
"Alma 27:10": 10 But the king said unto him: Inquire of the Lord, and
if he saith unto us go, we will go; otherwise we will perish in the
land.
"Alma 27:11": 11 And it came to pass that Ammon went and inquired of
the Lord, and the Lord said unto him:
"Alma 27:12": 12 Get this people out of this land, that they perish
not; for Diawl has great hold on the hearts of the Amalekites, who do
stir up the Lamanites to anger against their brethren to slay them;
therefore get thee out of this land; and blessed are this people in
this generation, for I will preserve them.
"Alma 27:13": 13 And now it came to pass that Ammon went and told the
king all the words which the Lord had said unto him.
"Alma 27:14": 14 And they gathered together all their people, yea, all
the people of the Lord, and did gather together all their flocks and
herds, and departed out of the land, and came into the wilderness which
divided the land of Nephi from the land of Zarahemla, and came over
near the borders of the land.
"Alma 27:15": 15 And it came to pass that Ammon said unto them: Behold,
I and my brethren will go forth into the land of Zarahemla, and ye
shall remain here until we return; and we will try the hearts of our
brethren, whether they will that ye shall come into their land.
"Alma 27:16": 16 And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into
the land, that he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which
has been spoken; and behold, this was a joyful meeting.
"Alma 27:17": 17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was
full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the
exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth.
"Alma 27:18": 18 Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy
which none receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of
happiness.
"Alma 27:19": 19 Now the joy of Alma in meeting his brethren was truly
great, and also the joy of Aaron, of Omner, and Himni; but behold their
joy was not that to exceed their strength.
"Alma 27:20": 20 And now it came to pass that Alma conducted his
brethren back to the land of Zarahemla; even to his own house. And they
went and told the chief judge all the things that had happened unto
them in the land of Nephi, among their brethren, the Lamanites.
"Alma 27:21": 21 And it came to pass that the chief judge sent a
proclamation throughout all the land, desiring the voice of the people
concerning the admitting their brethren, who were the people of
Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
"Alma 27:22": 22 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came,
saying: Behold, we will give up the land of Jershon, which is on the
east by the sea, which joins the land Bountiful, which is on the south
of the land Bountiful; and this land Jershon is the land which we will
give unto our brethren for an inheritance.
"Alma 27:23": 23 And behold, we will set our armies between the land
Jershon and the land Nephi, that we may protect our brethren in the
land Jershon; and this we do for our brethren, on account of their fear
to take up arms against their brethren lest they should commit sin; and
this their great fear came because of their sore repentance which they
had, on account of their many murders and their awful wickedness.
"Alma 27:24": 24 And now behold, this will we do unto our brethren,
that they may inherit the land Jershon; and we will guard them from
their enemies with our armies, on condition that they will give us a
portion of their substance to assist us that we may maintain our
armies.
"Alma 27:25": 25 Now, it came to pass that when Ammon had heard this,
he returned to the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, and also Alma with him,
into the wilderness, where they had pitched their tents, and made known
unto them all these things. And Alma also related unto them his
conversion, with Ammon and Aaron, and his brethren.
"Alma 27:26": 26 And it came to pass that it did cause great joy among
them. $ And they went down into the land of Jershon, and took
possession of the land of Jershon; and they were called by the Nephites
the people of Ammon; therefore they were distinguished by that name
ever after.
"Alma 27:27": 27 And they were among the people of Nephi, and also
numbered among the people who were of the church of God. And they were
also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men;
for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were
firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.
"Alma 27:28": 28 And they did look upon shedding the blood of their
brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be
prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never
did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views
of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to
them by the victory of Christ over it. Therefore, they would suffer
death in the most aggravating and distressing manner which could be
inflicted by their brethren, before they would take the sword or
cimeter to smite them. And thus 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 established in the land of Jershon, and a
church also established in the land of Jershon, and the armies of the
Nephites were set round about the land of Jershon, yea, in all the
borders round about the land of Zarahemla; behold the armies of the
Lamanites had followed their brethren into the wilderness.
"Alma 28:2": 2 And thus there was a tremendous battle; yea, even such
an one as never had been known among all the people in the land from
the time Lehi left Jerusalem; yea, and tens of thousands of the
Lamanites were slain and scattered abroad.
"Alma 28:3": 3 Yea, and also there was a tremendous slaughter among the
people of Nephi; nevertheless, the Lamanites were driven and scattered,
and the people of Nephi returned again to their land.
"Alma 28:4": 4 And now this was a time that there was a great mourning
and lamentation heard throughout all the land, among all the people of
Nephi --
"Alma 28:5": 5 Yea, the cry of widows mourning for their husbands, and
also of fathers mourning for their sons, and the daughter for the
brother, yea, the brother for the father; and thus the cry of mourning
was heard among all of them, mourning for their kindred who had been
slain.
"Alma 28:6": 6 And now surely this was a sorrowful day; yea, a time of
solemnity, and a time of much fasting and prayer.
"Alma 28:7": 7 And thus endeth the fifteenth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi;
"Alma 28:8": 8 And this is the account of Ammon and his brethren, their
journeyings in the land of Nephi, their sufferings in the land, their
sorrows, and their afflictions, and their incomprehensible joy, and the
reception and safety of the brethren in the land of Jershon. And now
may the Lord, the Redeemer of all men, bless their souls forever.
"Alma 28:9": 9 And this is the account of the wars and contentions
among the Nephites, and also the wars between the Nephites and the
Lamanites; and the fifteenth year of the reign of the judges is ended.
"Alma 28:10": 10 And from the first year to the fifteenth has brought
to pass the destruction of many thousand lives; yea, it has brought to
pass an awful scene of bloodshed.
"Alma 28:11": 11 And the bodies of many thousands are laid low in the
earth, while the bodies of many thousands are moldering in heaps upon
the face of the earth; yea, and many thousands are mourning for the
loss of their kindred, because they have reason to fear, according to
the promises of the Lord, that they are consigned to a state of endless
wo.
"Alma 28:12": 12 While many thousands of others truly mourn for the
loss of their kindred, yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and even
know, according to the promises of the Lord, that they are raised to
dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never-ending happiness.
"Alma 28:13": 13 And thus we see how great the inequality of man is
because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which
comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts
of men.
"Alma 28:14": 14 And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to
labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of
sorrow, and also of rejoicing -- sorrow because of death and
destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto
life.
O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I
might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake
the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
"Alma 29:2": 2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice
of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should
repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon
all the face of the earth.
But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be
content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
I ought not to harrow up in my desires, the firm decree of a just God,
for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether
it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men,
yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to
their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.
"Alma 29:5": 5 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all
men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that
knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires,
whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of
conscience.
"Alma 29:6": 6 Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I
desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?
"Alma 29:7": 7 Why should I desire that I were an angel, that I could
speak unto all the ends of the earth?
"Alma 29:8": 8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of
their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all
that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord
doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true.
"Alma 29:9": 9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I
glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the
Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may
be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance;
and this is my joy.
"Alma 29:10": 10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly
penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with
joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that
he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which
he extended towards me.
"Alma 29:11": 11 Yea, and I also remember the captivity of my fathers;
for I surely do know that the Lord did deliver them out of bondage, and
by this did establish his church; yea, the Lord God, the God of
Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, did deliver them out
of bondage.
"Alma 29:12": 12 Yea, I have always remembered the captivity of my
fathers; and that same God who delivered them out of the hands of the
Egyptians did deliver them out of bondage.
"Alma 29:13": 13 Yea, and that same God did establish his church among
them; yea, and that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to
preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in
the which my joy is full.
"Alma 29:14": 14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy
is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to
the land of Nephi.
"Alma 29:15": 15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have
brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!
"Alma 29:16": 16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren
my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as
it were, so great is my joy.
"Alma 29:17": 17 And now may God grant unto these, my brethren, that
they may sit down in the kingdom of God; yea, and also all those who
are the fruit of their labors that they may go no more out, but that
they may praise him forever. And may God grant that it may be done
according to my words, even as I have spoken. Amen.
Behold, now it came to pass that after the people of Ammon were
established in the land of Jershon, yea, and also after the Lamanites
were driven out of the land, and their dead were buried by the people
of the land -- Now their dead were not numbered because of the
greatness of their numbers; neither were the dead of the Nephites
numbered -- but it came to pass after they had buried their dead, and
also after the days of fasting, and mourning, and prayer, (and it was
in the sixteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of
Nephi) there began to be continual peace throughout all the land.
"Alma 30:3": 3 Yea, and the people did observe to keep the commandments
of the Lord; and they were strict in observing the ordinances of God,
according to the law of Moses; for they were taught to keep the law of
Moses until it should be fulfilled.
"Alma 30:4": 4 And thus the people did have no disturbance in all the
sixteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.
"Alma 30:5": 5 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the
seventeenth year of the reign of the judges, there was continual peace.
"Alma 30:6": 6 But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth
year, there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was
Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the
prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming
of Christ.
"Alma 30:7": 7 Now there was no law against a man's belief; for it was
strictly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law
which should bring men on to unequal grounds.
"Alma 30:8": 8 For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom
ye will serve.
"Alma 30:9": 9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege;
or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but
if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.
"Alma 30:10": 10 But if he murdered he was punished unto death; and if
he robbed he was also punished; and if he stole he was also punished;
and if he committed adultery he was also punished; yea, for all this
wickedness they were punished.
"Alma 30:11": 11 For there was a law that men should be judged
according to their crimes. Nevertheless, there was no law against a
man's belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which
he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds.
"Alma 30:12": 12 And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the
law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that
there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying:
"Alma 30:13": 13 O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain
hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye
look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come.
"Alma 30:14": 14 Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which
ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish
traditions of your fathers.
"Alma 30:15": 15 How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know
of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there
shall be a Christ.
"Alma 30:16": 16 Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of
your sins.
But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement
of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which
lead you away into a belief of things which are not so.
"Alma 30:17": 17 And many more such things did he say unto them,
telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men,
but every man fared in this life according to the management of the
creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and
that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a
man did was no crime.
"Alma 30:18": 18 And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the
hearts of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their
wickedness, yea, leading away many women, and also men, to commit
whoredoms -- telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end
thereof.
"Alma 30:19": 19 Now this man went over to the land of Jershon also, to
preach these things among the people of Ammon, who were once the people
of the Lamanites.
"Alma 30:20": 20 But behold they were more wise than many of the
Nephites; for they took him, and bound him, and carried him before
Ammon, who was a high priest over that people.
"Alma 30:21": 21 And it came to pass that he caused that he should be
carried out of the land. And he came over into the land of Gideon, and
began to preach unto them also; and here he did not have much success,
for he was taken and bound and carried before the high priest, and also
the chief judge over the land.
"Alma 30:22": 22 And it came to pass that the high priest said unto
him: Why do ye go about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye
teach this people that there shall be no Christ, to interrupt their
rejoicings? Why do ye speak against all the prophecies of the holy
prophets?
"Alma 30:23": 23 Now the high priest's name was Giddonah. And Korihor
said unto him: Because I do not teach the foolish traditions of your
fathers, and because I do not teach this people to bind themselves down
under the foolish ordinances and performances which are laid down by
ancient priests, to usurp power and authority over them, to keep them
in ignorance, that they may not lift up their heads, but be brought
down according to thy words.
"Alma 30:24": 24 Ye say that this people is a free people. Behold, I
say they are in bondage. Ye say that those ancient prophecies are true.
$ Behold, I say that ye do not know that they are true.
"Alma 30:25": 25 Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen
people, because of the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a
child is not guilty because of its parents.
"Alma 30:26": 26 And ye also say that Christ shall come. But behold, I
say that ye do not know that there shall be a Christ. And ye say also
that he shall be slain for the sins of the world --
"Alma 30:27": 27 And thus ye lead away this people after the foolish
traditions of your fathers, and according to your own desires; and ye
keep them down, even as it were in bondage, that ye may glut yourselves
with the labors of their hands, that they durst not look up with
boldness, and that they durst not enjoy their rights and privileges.
"Alma 30:28": 28 Yea, they durst not make use of that which is their
own lest they should offend their priests, who do yoke them according
to their desires, and have brought them to believe, by their traditions
and their dreams and their whims and their visions and their pretended
mysteries, that they should, if they did not do according to their
words, offend some unknown being, who they say is God -- a being who
never has been seen or known, who never was nor ever will be.
"Alma 30:29": 29 Now when the high priest and the chief judge saw the
hardness of his heart, yea, when they saw that he would revile even
against God, they would not make any reply to his words; but they
caused that he should be bound; and they delivered him up into the
hands of the officers, and sent him to the land of Zarahemla, that he
might be brought before Alma, and the chief judge who was governor over
all the land.
"Alma 30:30": 30 And it came to pass that when he was brought before
Alma and the chief judge, he did go on in the same manner as he did in
the land of Gideon; yea, he went on to blaspheme.
"Alma 30:31": 31 And he did rise up in great swelling words before
Alma, and did revile against the priests and teachers, accusing them of
leading away the people after the silly traditions of their fathers,
for the sake of glutting on the labors of the people.
"Alma 30:32": 32 Now Alma said unto him: Thou knowest that we do not
glut ourselves upon the labors of this people; for behold I have
labored even from the commencement of the reign of the judges until
now, with mine own hands for my support, notwithstanding my many
travels round about the land to declare the word of God unto my people.
"Alma 30:33": 33 And notwithstanding the many labors which I have
performed in the church, I have never received so much as even one
senine for my labor; neither has any of my brethren, save it were in
the judgment-seat; and then we have received only according to law for
our time.
"Alma 30:34": 34 And now, if we do not receive anything for our labors
in the church, what doth it profit us to labor in the church save it
were to declare the truth, that we may have rejoicings in the joy of
our brethren?
"Alma 30:35": 35 Then why sayest thou that we preach unto this people
to get gain, when thou, of thyself, knowest that we receive no gain? $
And now, believest thou that we deceive this people, that causes such
joy in their hearts?
"Alma 30:36": 36 And Korihor answered him, Yea.
"Alma 30:37": 37 And then Alma said unto him: Believest thou that there
is a God?
"Alma 30:38": 38 And he answered, Nay.
"Alma 30:39": 39 Now Alma said unto him: Will ye deny again that there
is a God, and also deny the Christ? For behold, I say unto you, I know
there is a God, and also that Christ shall come.
"Alma 30:40": 40 And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or
that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be
your word only.
"Alma 30:41": 41 But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that
these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto
you that they are true; and will ye deny them? Believest thou that
these things are true?
"Alma 30:42": 42 Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art
possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God
that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and
he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the
children of God.
"Alma 30:43": 43 And now Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a
sign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me
that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy
words.
"Alma 30:44": 44 But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough;
will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have
the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy
prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things
denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are
upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets
which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme
Creator.
"Alma 30:45": 45 And yet do ye go about, leading away the hearts of
this people, testifying unto them there is no God? And yet will ye deny
against all these witnesses? And he said: Yea, I will deny, except ye
shall show me a sign.
"Alma 30:46": 46 And now it came to pass that Alma said unto him:
Behold, I am grieved because of the hardness of your heart, yea, that
ye will still resist the spirit of the truth, that thy soul may be
destroyed.
"Alma 30:47": 47 But behold, it is better that thy soul should be lost
than that thou shouldst be the means of bringing many souls down to
destruction, by thy lying and by thy flattering words; therefore if
thou shalt deny again, behold God shall smite thee, that thou shalt
become dumb, that thou shalt never open thy mouth any more, that thou
shalt not deceive this people any more.
"Alma 30:48": 48 Now Korihor said unto him: I do not deny the existence
of a God, but I do not believe that there is a God; and I say also,
that ye do not know that there is a God; and except ye show me a sign,
I will not believe.
"Alma 30:49": 49 Now Alma said unto him: This will I give unto thee for
a sign, that thou shalt be struck dumb, according to my words; and I
say, that in the name of God, ye shall be struck dumb, that ye shall no
more have utterance.
"Alma 30:50": 50 Now when Alma had said these words, Korihor was struck
dumb, that he could not have utterance, according to the words of Alma.
"Alma 30:51": 51 And now when the chief judge saw this, he put forth
his hand and wrote unto Korihor, saying: Art thou convinced of the
power of God? In whom did ye desire that Alma should show forth his
sign? Would ye that he should afflict others, to show unto thee a sign?
Behold, he has showed unto you a sign; and now will ye dispute more?
"Alma 30:52": 52 And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: I
know that I am dumb, for I cannot speak; and I know that nothing save
it were the power of God could bring this upon me; yea, and I always
knew that there was a God.
"Alma 30:53": 53 But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he
appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and
reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown
God. And he said unto me: There is no God; yea, and he taught me that
which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught them
because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind; and I taught them,
even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that
they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I
have brought this great curse upon me.
"Alma 30:54": 54 Now when he had said this, he besought that Alma
should pray unto God, that the curse might be taken from him.
"Alma 30:55": 55 But Alma said unto him: If this curse should be taken
from thee thou wouldst again lead away the hearts of this people;
therefore, it shall be unto thee even as the Lord will.
"Alma 30:56": 56 And it came to pass that the curse was not taken off
of Korihor; but he was cast out, and went about from house to house
begging for his food.
"Alma 30:57": 57 Now the knowledge of what had happened unto Korihor
was immediately published throughout all the land; yea, the
proclamation was sent forth by the chief judge to all the people in the
land, declaring unto those who had believed in the words of Korihor
that they must speedily repent, lest the same judgments would come unto
them.
"Alma 30:58": 58 And it came to pass that they were all convinced of
the wickedness of Korihor; therefore they were all converted again unto
the Lord; and this put an end to the iniquity after the manner of
Korihor. And Korihor did go about from house to house, begging food for
his support.
"Alma 30:59": 59 And it came to pass that as he went forth among the
people, yea, among a people who had separated themselves from the
Nephites and called themselves Zoramites, being led by a man whose name
was Zoram -- and as he went forth amongst them, behold, he was run upon
and trodden down, even until he was dead.
"Alma 30:60": 60 And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways
of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his
children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.
Now it came to pass that after the end of Korihor, Alma having received
tidings that the Zoramites were perverting the ways of the Lord, and
that Zoram, who was their leader, was leading the hearts of the people
to bow down to dumb idols, his heart again began to sicken because of
the iniquity of the people.
"Alma 31:2": 2 For it was the cause of great sorrow to Alma to know of
iniquity among his people; therefore his heart was exceedingly
sorrowful because of the separation of the Zoramites from the Nephites.
"Alma 31:3": 3 Now the Zoramites had gathered themselves together in a
land which they called Antionum, which was east of the land of
Zarahemla, which lay nearly bordering upon the seashore, which was
south of the land of Jershon, which also bordered upon the wilderness
south, which wilderness was full of the Lamanites.
"Alma 31:4": 4 Now the Nephites greatly feared that the Zoramites would
enter into a correspondence with the Lamanites, and that it would be
the means of great loss on the part of the Nephites.
"Alma 31:5": 5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great
tendency to lead the people to do that which was just -- yea, it had
had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword,
or anything else, which had happened unto them -- therefore Alma
thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of
God.
"Alma 31:6": 6 Therefore he took Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner; and Himni
he did leave in the church in Zarahemla; but the former three he took
with him, and also Amulek and Zeezrom, who were at Melek; and he also
took two of his sons.
"Alma 31:7": 7 Now the eldest of his sons he took not with him, and his
name was Helaman; but the names of those whom he took with him were
Shiblon and Corianton; and these are the names of those who went with
him among the Zoramites, to preach unto them the word.
"Alma 31:8": 8 Now the Zoramites were dissenters from the Nephites;
therefore they had had the word of God preached unto them.
"Alma 31:9": 9 But they had fallen into great errors, for they would
not observe to keep the commandments of God, and his statutes,
according to the law of Moses.
"Alma 31:10": 10 Neither would they observe the performances of the
church, to continue in prayer and supplication to God daily, that they
might not enter into temptation.
"Alma 31:11": 11 Yea, in fine, they did pervert the ways of the Lord in
very many instances; therefore, for this cause, Alma and his brethren
went into the land to preach the word unto them.
"Alma 31:12": 12 Now, when they had come into the land, behold, to
their astonishment they found that the Zoramites had built synagogues,
and that they did gather themselves together on one day of the week,
which day they did call the day of the Lord; and they did worship after
a manner which Alma and his brethren had never beheld;
"Alma 31:13": 13 For they had a place built up in the center of their
synagogue, a place for standing, which was high above the head, and the
top thereof would only admit one person.
"Alma 31:14": 14 Therefore, whosoever desired to worship must go forth
and stand upon the top thereof, and stretch forth his hands towards
heaven, and cry with a loud voice, saying:
"Alma 31:15": 15 Holy, holy God; we believe that thou art God, and we
believe that thou art holy, and that thou wast a spirit, and that thou
art a spirit, and that thou wilt be a spirit forever.
"Alma 31:16": 16 Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from
our brethren; and we do not believe in the tradition of our brethren,
which was handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers; but
we believe that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children; and also
thou hast made it known unto us that there shall be no Christ.
"Alma 31:17": 17 But thou art the same yesterday, today, and forever;
and thou hast elected us that we shall be saved, whilst all around us
are elected to be cast by thy wrath down to hell; for the which
holiness, O God, we thank thee; and we also thank thee that thou hast
elected us, that we may not be led away after the foolish traditions of
our brethren, which doth bind them down to a belief of Christ, which
doth lead their hearts to wander far from thee, our God.
"Alma 31:18": 18 And again we thank thee, O God, that we are a chosen
and a holy people. Amen.
"Alma 31:19": 19 Now it came to pass that after Alma and his brethren
and his sons had heard these prayers, they were astonished beyond all
measure.
"Alma 31:20": 20 For behold, every man did go forth and offer up these
same prayers.
"Alma 31:21": 21 Now the place was called by them Rameumptom, which,
being interpreted, is the holy stand.
"Alma 31:22": 22 Now, from this stand they did offer up, every man, the
selfsame prayer unto God, thanking their God that they were chosen of
him, and that he did not lead them away after the tradition of their
brethren, and that their hearts were not stolen away to believe in
things to come, which they knew nothing about.
"Alma 31:23": 23 Now, after the people had all offered up thanks after
this manner, they returned to their homes, never speaking of their God
again until they had assembled themselves together again to the holy
stand, to offer up thanks after their manner.
"Alma 31:24": 24 Now when Alma saw this his heart was grieved; for he
saw that they were a wicked and a perverse people; yea, he saw that
their hearts were set upon gold, and upon silver, and upon all manner
of fine goods.
"Alma 31:25": 25 Yea, and he also saw that their hearts were lifted up
unto great boasting, in their pride.
"Alma 31:26": 26 And he lifted up his voice to heaven, and cried,
saying: O, how long, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that thy servants shall
dwell here below in the flesh, to behold such gross wickedness among
the children of men?
"Alma 31:27": 27 Behold, O God, they cry unto thee, and yet their
hearts are swallowed up in their pride. Behold, O God, they cry unto
thee with their mouths, while they are puffed up, even to greatness,
with the vain things of the world.
"Alma 31:28": 28 Behold, O my God, their costly apparel, and their
ringlets, and their bracelets, and their ornaments of gold, and all
their precious things which they are ornamented with; and behold, their
hearts are set upon them, and yet they cry unto thee and say -- We
thank thee, O God, for we are a chosen people unto thee, while others
shall perish.
"Alma 31:29": 29 Yea, and they say that thou hast made it known unto
them that there shall be no Christ.
"Alma 31:30": 30 O Lord God, how long wilt thou suffer that such
wickedness and infidelity shall be among this people? O Lord, wilt thou
give me strength, that I may bear with mine infirmities. For I am
infirm, and such wickedness among this people doth pain my soul.
"Alma 31:31": 31 O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou
comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may
have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which
shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people.
"Alma 31:32": 32 O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul, and give unto me
success, and also my fellow laborers who are with me -- yea, Ammon, and
Aaron, and Omner, and also Amulek and Zeezrom and also my two sons --
yea, even all these wilt thou comfort, O Lord. Yea, wilt thou comfort
their souls in Christ.
"Alma 31:33": 33 Wilt thou grant unto them that they may have strength,
that they may bear their afflictions which shall come upon them because
of the iniquities of this people.
"Alma 31:34": 34 O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have
success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ.
"Alma 31:35": 35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of
them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and
wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.
"Alma 31:36": 36 Now it came to pass that when Alma had said these
words, that he clapped his hands upon all them who were with him. And
behold, as he clapped his hands upon them, they were filled with the
Holy Spirit.
"Alma 31:37": 37 And after that they did separate themselves one from
another, taking no thought for themselves what they should eat, or what
they should drink, or what they should put on.
"Alma 31:38": 38 And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger
not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength,
that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were
swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer
of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith.
And it came to pass that they did go forth, and began to preach the
word of God unto the people, entering into their synagogues, and into
their houses; yea, and even they did preach the word in their streets.
"Alma 32:2": 2 And it came to pass that after much labor among them,
they began to have success among the poor class of people; for behold,
they were cast out of the synagogues because of the coarseness of their
apparel --
"Alma 32:3": 3 Therefore they were not permitted to enter into their
synagogues to worship God, being esteemed as filthiness; therefore they
were poor; yea, they were esteemed by their brethren as dross;
therefore they were poor as to things of the world; and also they were
poor in heart.
"Alma 32:4": 4 Now, as Alma was teaching and speaking unto the people
upon the hill Onidah, there came a great multitude unto him, who were
those of whom we have been speaking, of whom were poor in heart,
because of their poverty as to the things of the world.
"Alma 32:5": 5 And they came unto Alma; and the one who was the
foremost among them said unto him: Behold, what shall these my brethren
do, for they are despised of all men because of their poverty, yea, and
more especially by our priests; for they have cast us out of our
synagogues which we have labored abundantly to build with our own
hands; and they have cast us out because of our exceeding poverty; and
we have no place to worship our God; and behold, what shall we do?
"Alma 32:6": 6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his
face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he
beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them and that they were
in a preparation to hear the word.
"Alma 32:7": 7 Therefore he did say no more to the other multitude; but
he stretched forth his hand, and cried unto those whom he beheld, who
were truly penitent, and said unto them:
"Alma 32:8": 8 I behold that ye are lowly in heart; and if so, blessed
are ye.
"Alma 32:9": 9 Behold thy brother hath said, What shall we do? -- for
we are cast out of our synagogues, that we cannot worship our God.
"Alma 32:10": 10 Behold I say unto you, do ye suppose that ye cannot
worship God save it be in your synagogues only?
"Alma 32:11": 11 Moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose that ye must not
worship God only once in a week?
"Alma 32:12": 12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of
your synagogues, that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom;
for it is necessary that ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that
ye are cast out, that ye are despised of your brethren because of your
exceeding poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye
are necessarily brought to be humble.
"Alma 32:13": 13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed
are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh
repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and
he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.
"Alma 32:14": 14 And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were
compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are
more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?
"Alma 32:15": 15 Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of
his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed -- yea,
much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of
their exceeding poverty.
"Alma 32:16": 16 Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves
without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words,
blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized
without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the
word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe.
"Alma 32:17": 17 Yea, there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto
us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall
believe.
"Alma 32:18": 18 Now I ask, is this faith? Behold, I say unto you, Nay;
for if a man knoweth a thing he hath no cause to believe, for he
knoweth it.
"Alma 32:19": 19 And now, how much more cursed is he that knoweth the
will of God and doeth it not, than he that only believeth, or only hath
cause to believe, and falleth into transgression?
"Alma 32:20": 20 Now of this thing ye must judge. Behold, I say unto
you, that it is on the one hand even as it is on the other; and it
shall be unto every man according to his work.
"Alma 32:21": 21 And now as I said concerning faith -- faith is not to
have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope
for things which are not seen, which are true.
"Alma 32:22": 22 And now, behold, I say unto you, and I would that ye
should remember, that God is merciful unto all who believe on his name;
therefore he desireth, in the first place, that ye should believe, yea,
even on his word.
"Alma 32:23": 23 And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men,
yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children
do have words given unto them many times which confound the wise and
the learned.
"Alma 32:24": 24 And now, my beloved brethren, as ye have desired to
know of me what ye shall do because ye are afflicted and cast out --
now I do not desire that ye should suppose that I mean to judge you
only according to that which is true --
"Alma 32:25": 25 For I do not mean that ye all of you have been
compelled to humble yourselves; for I verily believe that there are
some among you who would humble themselves, let them be in whatsoever
circumstances they might.
"Alma 32:26": 26 Now, as I said concerning faith -- that it was not a
perfect knowledge -- even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of
their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a
perfect knowledge.
"Alma 32:27": 27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your
faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle
of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this
desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give
place for a portion of my words.
"Alma 32:28": 28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye
give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be
a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief,
that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to
swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye
will begin to say within yourselves -- It must needs be that this is a
good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my
soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it
beginneth to be delicious to me.
"Alma 32:29": 29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say
unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect
knowledge.
"Alma 32:30": 30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and
beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for
behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. $ And now
behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen
your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold
it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.
"Alma 32:31": 31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed?
I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own
likeness.
"Alma 32:32": 32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it
groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.
"Alma 32:33": 33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment,
and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to
grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.
"Alma 32:34": 34 And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your
knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this
because ye know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and
ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth
begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.
"Alma 32:35": 35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because
it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is
discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold,
after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect?
"Alma 32:36": 36 Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside
your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed
that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good.
"Alma 32:37": 37 And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will
say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it
may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye
nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring
forth fruit.
"Alma 32:38": 38 But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for
its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of
the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers
away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
"Alma 32:39": 39 Now, this is not because the seed was not good,
neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it
is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree,
therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.
"Alma 32:40": 40 And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking
forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck
of the fruit of the tree of life.
"Alma 32:41": 41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree
as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with
patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and
behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.
"Alma 32:42": 42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your
patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you,
behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most
precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white
above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye
shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger
not, neither shall ye thirst.
"Alma 32:43": 43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your
faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting
for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.
Alma 33
"Alma 33:1": 1 Now after Alma had spoken these words, they sent forth
unto him desiring to know whether they should believe in one God, that
they might obtain this fruit of which he had spoken, or how they should
plant the seed, or the word of which he had spoken, which he said must
be planted in their hearts; or in what manner they should begin to
exercise their faith.
"Alma 33:2": 2 And Alma said unto them: Behold, ye have said that ye
could not worship your God because ye are cast out of your synagogues.
$ But behold, I say unto you, if ye suppose that ye cannot worship God,
ye do greatly err, and ye ought to search the scriptures; if ye suppose
that they have taught you this, ye do not understand them.
"Alma 33:3": 3 Do ye remember to have read what Zenos, the prophet of
old, has said concerning prayer or worship?
"Alma 33:4": 4 For he said: Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast
heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast
merciful when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou
didst turn them to me.
"Alma 33:5": 5 Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did
cry unto thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and
thou didst hear me.
"Alma 33:6": 6 And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst
hear me in my prayer.
"Alma 33:7": 7 And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed
unto thee, thou didst hear me.
"Alma 33:8": 8 Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry
unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.
"Alma 33:9": 9 Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard
my cries in the midst of thy congregations.
"Alma 33:10": 10 Yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast
out and have been despised by mine enemies; yea, thou didst hear my
cries, and wast angry with mine enemies, and thou didst visit them in
thine anger with speedy destruction.
"Alma 33:11": 11 And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and
my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus
merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine
afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments
away from me, because of thy Son.
"Alma 33:12": 12 And now Alma said unto them: Do ye believe those
scriptures which have been written by them of old?
"Alma 33:13": 13 Behold, if ye do, ye must believe what Zenos said;
for, behold he said: Thou hast turned away thy judgments because of thy
Son.
"Alma 33:14": 14 Now behold, my brethren, I would ask if ye have read
the scriptures? If ye have, how can ye disbelieve on the Son of God?
"Alma 33:15": 15 For it is not written that Zenos alone spake of these
things, but Zenock also spake of these things --
"Alma 33:16": 16 For behold, he said: Thou art angry, O Lord, with this
people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast
bestowed upon them because of thy Son.
"Alma 33:17": 17 And now, my brethren, ye see that a second prophet of
old has testified of the Son of God, and because the people would not
understand his words they stoned him to death.
"Alma 33:18": 18 But behold, this is not all; these are not the only
ones who have spoken concerning the Son of God.
"Alma 33:19": 19 Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a
type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it
might live. And many did look and live.
"Alma 33:20": 20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and
this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who
were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now
the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it
would heal them.
"Alma 33:21": 21 O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting
about your eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly,
or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful,
that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish?
"Alma 33:22": 22 If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then
cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he
will come to redeem his people, and that he shall suffer and die to
atone for their sins; and that he shall rise again from the dead, which
shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before
him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their
works.
"Alma 33:23": 23 And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant
this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish
it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in
you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your
burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can
ye do if ye will. Amen.
Alma 34
"Alma 34:1": 1 And now it came to pass that after Alma had spoken these
words unto them he sat down upon the ground, and Amulek arose and began
to teach them, saying:
"Alma 34:2": 2 My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye
should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the
coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know
that these things were taught unto you bountifully before your
dissension from among us.
"Alma 34:3": 3 And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he
should make known unto you what ye should do, because of your
afflictions; and he hath spoken somewhat unto you to prepare your
minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto faith and to patience --
"Alma 34:4": 4 Yea, even that ye would have so much faith as even to
plant the word in your hearts, that ye may try the experiment of its
goodness.
"Alma 34:5": 5 And we have beheld that the great question which is in
your minds is whether the word be in the Son of God, or whether there
shall be no Christ.
"Alma 34:6": 6 And ye also beheld that my brother has proved unto you,
in many instances, that the word is in Christ unto salvation.
"Alma 34:7": 7 My brother has called upon the words of Zenos, that
redemption cometh through the Son of God, and also upon the words of
Zenock; and also he has appealed unto Moses, to prove that these things
are true.
"Alma 34:8": 8 And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that
these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that
Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the
transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of
the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
"Alma 34:9": 9 For it is expedient that an atonement should be made;
for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an
atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all
are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except
it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made.
"Alma 34:10": 10 For it is expedient that there should be a great and
last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither
of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it
must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice.
"Alma 34:11": 11 Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own
blood which will atone for the sins of another. Now, if a man
murdereth, behold will our law, which is just, take the life of his
brother? I say unto you, Nay.
"Alma 34:12": 12 But the law requireth the life of him who hath
murdered; therefore there can be nothing which is short of an infinite
atonement which will suffice for the sins of the world.
"Alma 34:13": 13 Therefore, it is expedient that there should be a
great and last sacrifice; and then shall there be, or it is expedient
there should be, a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of
Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall be all fulfilled, every jot and
tittle, and none shall have passed away.
"Alma 34:14": 14 And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law,
every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great
and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.
"Alma 34:15": 15 And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who
shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last
sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth
justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith
unto repentance.
"Alma 34:16": 16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and
encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith
unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice;
therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about
the great and eternal plan of redemption.
"Alma 34:17": 17 Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye
may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call
upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;
"Alma 34:18": 18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
"Alma 34:19": 19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto
him.
"Alma 34:20": 20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all
your flocks.
"Alma 34:21": 21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your
household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
"Alma 34:22": 22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
"Alma 34:23": 23 Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy
to all righteousness.
"Alma 34:24": 24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye
may prosper in them.
"Alma 34:25": 25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may
increase.
"Alma 34:26": 26 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in
your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
"Alma 34:27": 27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your
hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your
welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.
"Alma 34:28": 28 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you,
do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these
things, if ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the
sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those
who stand in need -- I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things,
behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as
hypocrites who do deny the faith.
"Alma 34:29": 29 Therefore, if ye do not remember to be charitable, ye
are as dross, which the refiners do cast out, (it being of no worth)
and is trodden under foot of men.
"Alma 34:30": 30 And now, my brethren, I would that, after ye have
received so many witnesses, seeing that the holy scriptures testify of
these things, ye come forth and bring fruit unto repentance.
"Alma 34:31": 31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not
your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your
salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts,
immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto
you.
"Alma 34:32": 32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare
to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to
perform their labors.
"Alma 34:33": 33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so
many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not
procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this
day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we
do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of
darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.
"Alma 34:34": 34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful
crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye
cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at
the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power
to possess your body in that eternal world.
"Alma 34:35": 35 For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your
repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the
spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of
the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the
devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the
wicked.
"Alma 34:36": 36 And this I know, because the Lord hath said he
dwelleth not in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth
he dwell; yea, and he has also said that the righteous shall sit down
in his kingdom, to go no more out; but their garments should be made
white through the blood of the Lamb.
"Alma 34:37": 37 And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should
remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with
fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ;
"Alma 34:38": 38 That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but
that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye
humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever
place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in
thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth
bestow upon you.
"Alma 34:39": 39 Yea, and I also exhort you, my brethren, that ye be
watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the
temptations of the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may
not become his subjects at the last day; for behold, he rewardeth you
no good thing.
"Alma 34:40": 40 And now my beloved brethren, I would exhort you to
have patience, and that ye bear with all manner of afflictions; that ye
do not revile against those who do cast you out because of your
exceeding poverty, lest ye become sinners like unto them;
"Alma 34:41": 41 But that ye have patience, and bear with those
afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your
afflictions.
Alma 35
"Alma 35:1": 1 Now it came to pass that after Amulek had made an end of
these words, they withdrew themselves from the multitude and came over
into the land of Jershon.
"Alma 35:2": 2 Yea, and the rest of the brethren, after they had
preached the word unto the Zoramites, also came over into the land of
Jershon.
"Alma 35:3": 3 And it came to pass that after the more popular part of
the Zoramites had consulted together concerning the words which had
been preached unto them, they were angry because of the word, for it
did destroy their craft; therefore they would not hearken unto the
words.
"Alma 35:4": 4 And they sent and gathered together throughout all the
land all the people, and consulted with them concerning the words which
had been spoken.
"Alma 35:5": 5 Now their rulers and their priests and their teachers
did not let the people know concerning their desires; therefore they
found out privily the minds of all the people.
"Alma 35:6": 6 And it came to pass that after they had found out the
minds of all the people, those who were in favor of the words which had
been spoken by Alma and his brethren were cast out of the land; and
they were many; and they came over also into the land of Jershon.
"Alma 35:7": 7 And it came to pass that Alma and his brethren did
minister unto them.
"Alma 35:8": 8 Now the people of the Zoramites were angry with the
people of Ammon who were in Jershon, and the chief ruler of the
Zoramites, being a very wicked man, sent over unto the people of Ammon
desiring them that they should cast out of their land all those who
came over from them into their land.
"Alma 35:9": 9 And he breathed out many threatenings against them. And
now the people of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did
not cast them out, but they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites
that came over unto them; and they did nourish them, and did clothe
them, and did give unto them lands for their inheritance; and they did
administer unto them according to their wants.
"Alma 35:10": 10 Now this did stir up the Zoramites to anger against
the people of Ammon, and they began to mix with the Lamanites and to
stir them up also to anger against them.
"Alma 35:11": 11 And thus the Zoramites and the Lamanites began to make
preparations for war against the people of Ammon, and also against the
Nephites.
"Alma 35:12": 12 And thus ended the seventeenth year of the reign of
the judges over the people of Nephi.
"Alma 35:13": 13 And the people of Ammon departed out of the land of
Jershon, and came over into the land of Melek, and gave place in the
land of Jershon for the armies of the Nephites, that they might contend
with the armies of the Lamanites and the armies of the Zoramites; and
thus commenced a war betwixt the Lamanites and the Nephites, in the
eighteenth year of the reign of the judges; and an account shall be
given of their wars hereafter.
"Alma 35:14": 14 And Alma, and Ammon, and their brethren, and also the
two sons of Alma returned to the land of Zarahemla, after having been
instruments in the hands of God of bringing many of the Zoramites to
repentance; and as many as were brought to repentance were driven out
of their land; but they have lands for their inheritance in the land of
Jershon, and they have taken up arms to defend themselves, and their
wives, and children, and their lands.
"Alma 35:15": 15 Now Alma, being grieved for the iniquity of his
people, yea for the wars, and the bloodsheds, and the contentions which
were among them; and having been to declare the word, or sent to
declare the word, among all the people in every city; and seeing that
the hearts of the people began to wax hard, and that they began to be
offended because of the strictness of the word, his heart was
exceedingly sorrowful.
"Alma 35:16": 16 Therefore, he caused that his sons should be gathered
together, that he might give unto them every one his charge,
separately, concerning the things pertaining unto righteousness. $ And
we have an account of his commandments, which he gave unto them
according to his own record.
Alma 36
"Alma 36:1": 1 My son, give ear to my words; for I swear unto you, that
inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in
the land.
"Alma 36:2": 2 I would that ye should do as I have done, in remembering
the captivity of our fathers; for they were in bondage, and none could
deliver them except it was the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob; and he surely did deliver them in their
afflictions.
"Alma 36:3": 3 And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy
youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words
and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in
God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their
afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.
"Alma 36:4": 4 And I would not that ye think that I know of myself --
not of the temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of
God.
"Alma 36:5": 5 Now, behold, I say unto you, if I had not been born of
God I should not have known these things; but God has, by the mouth of
his holy angel, made these things known unto me, not of any worthiness
of myself.
"Alma 36:6": 6 For I went about with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to
destroy the church of God; but behold, God sent his holy angel to stop
us by the way.
"Alma 36:7": 7 And behold, he spake unto us, as it were the voice of
thunder, and the whole earth did tremble beneath our feet; and we all
fell to the earth, for the fear of the Lord came upon us.
"Alma 36:8": 8 But behold, the voice said unto me: Arise. And I arose
and stood up, and beheld the angel.
"Alma 36:9": 9 And he said unto me: If thou wilt of thyself be
destroyed, seek no more to destroy the church of God.
"Alma 36:10": 10 And it came to pass that I fell to the earth; and it
was for the space of three days and three nights that I could not open
my mouth, neither had I the use of my limbs.
"Alma 36:11": 11 And the angel spake more things unto me, which were
heard by my brethren, but I did not hear them; for when I heard the
words -- If thou wilt be destroyed of thyself, seek no more to destroy
the church of God -- I was struck with such great fear and amazement
lest perhaps I should be destroyed, that I fell to the earth and I did
hear no more.
"Alma 36:12": 12 But I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was
harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.
"Alma 36:13": 13 Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for
which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had
rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.
"Alma 36:14": 14 Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or
rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had
been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence
of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.
"Alma 36:15": 15 Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become
extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the
presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds.
"Alma 36:16": 16 And now, for three days and for three nights was I
racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.
"Alma 36:17": 17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with
torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold,
I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people
concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for
the sins of the world.
"Alma 36:18": 18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried
within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in
the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting
chains of death.
"Alma 36:19": 19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember
my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no
more.
"Alma 36:20": 20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did
behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
"Alma 36:21": 21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be
nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I
say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so
exquisite and sweet as was my joy.
"Alma 36:22": 22 Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God
sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of
angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my
soul did long to be there.
"Alma 36:23": 23 But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again,
and I stood upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had
been born of God.
"Alma 36:24": 24 Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored
without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might
bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that
they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
"Alma 36:25": 25 Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me
exceedingly great joy in the fruit of my labors;
"Alma 36:26": 26 For because of the word which he has imparted unto me,
behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted,
and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of
these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge
which I have is of God.
"Alma 36:27": 27 And I have been supported under trials and troubles of
every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has
delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do
put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me.
"Alma 36:28": 28 And I know that he will raise me up at the last day,
to dwell with him in glory; yea, and I will praise him forever, for he
has brought our fathers out of Egypt, and he has swallowed up the
Egyptians in the Red Sea; and he led them by his power into the
promised land; yea, and he has delivered them out of bondage and
captivity from time to time.
"Alma 36:29": 29 Yea, and he has also brought our fathers out of the
land of Jerusalem; and he has also, by his everlasting power, delivered
them out of bondage and captivity, from time to time even down to the
present day; and I have always retained in remembrance their captivity;
yea, and ye also ought to retain in remembrance, as I have done, their
captivity.
"Alma 36:30": 30 But behold, my son, this is not all; for ye ought to
know as I do know, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of
God ye shall prosper in the land; and ye ought to know also, that
inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut
off from his presence. Now this is according to his word.
Alma 37
"Alma 37:1": 1 And now, my son Helaman, I command you that ye take the
records which have been entrusted with me;
"Alma 37:2": 2 And I also command you that ye keep a record of this
people, according as I have done, upon the plates of Nephi, and keep
all these things sacred which I have kept, even as I have kept them;
for it is for a wise purpose that they are kept.
"Alma 37:3": 3 And these plates of brass, which contain these
engravings, which have the records of the holy scriptures upon them,
which have the genealogy of our forefathers, even from the beginning --
"Alma 37:4": 4 Behold, it has been prophesied by our fathers, that they
should be kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be
kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord until they should go forth
unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that they shall know of
the mysteries contained thereon.
"Alma 37:5": 5 And now behold, if they are kept they must retain their
brightness; yea, and they will retain their brightness; yea, and also
shall all the plates which do contain that which is holy writ.
"Alma 37:6": 6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but
behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things
brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the
wise.
"Alma 37:7": 7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his
great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth
confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.
"Alma 37:8": 8 And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these
things should be preserved; for behold, they have enlarged the memory
of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and
brought them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their
souls.
"Alma 37:9": 9 Yea, I say unto you, were it not for these things that
these records do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his
brethren could not have convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites of
the incorrect tradition of their fathers; yea, these records and their
words brought them unto repentance; that is, they brought them to the
knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice in Jesus Christ their
Redeemer.
"Alma 37:10": 10 And who knoweth but what they will be the means of
bringing many thousands of them, yea, and also many thousands of our
stiffnecked brethren, the Nephites, who are now hardening their hearts
in sin and iniquities, to the knowledge of their Redeemer?
"Alma 37:11": 11 Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto
me; therefore I shall forbear.
"Alma 37:12": 12 And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved
for a wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth
counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his paths are straight, and
his course is one eternal round.
"Alma 37:13": 13 O remember, remember, my son Helaman, how strict are
the commandments of God. And he said: If ye will keep my commandments
ye shall prosper in the land -- but if ye keep not his commandments ye
shall be cut off from his presence.
"Alma 37:14": 14 And now remember, my son, that God has entrusted you
with these things, which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also
which he will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him, that he may
show forth his power unto future generations.
"Alma 37:15": 15 And now behold, I tell you by the spirit of prophecy,
that if ye transgress the commandments of God, behold, these things
which are sacred shall be taken away from you by the power of God, and
ye shall be delivered up unto Diawl, that he may sift you as chaff
before the wind.
"Alma 37:16": 16 But if ye keep the commandments of God, and do with
these things which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth
command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all things
whatsoever ye must do with them) behold, no power of earth or hell can
take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his
words.
"Alma 37:17": 17 For he will fulfil all his promises which he shall
make unto you, for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto
our fathers.
"Alma 37:18": 18 For he promised unto them that he would preserve these
things for a wise purpose in him, that he might show forth his power
unto future generations.
"Alma 37:19": 19 And now behold, one purpose hath he fulfilled, even to
the restoration of many thousands of the Lamanites to the knowledge of
the truth; and he hath shown forth his power in them, and he will also
still show forth his power in them unto future generations; therefore
they shall be preserved.
"Alma 37:20": 20 Therefore I command you, my son Helaman, that ye be
diligent in fulfilling all my words, and that ye be diligent in keeping
the commandments of God as they are written.
"Alma 37:21": 21 And now, I will speak unto you concerning those
twenty-four plates, that ye keep them, that the mysteries and the works
of darkness, and their secret works, or the secret works of those
people who have been destroyed, may be made manifest unto this people;
yea, all their murders, and robbings, and their plunderings, and all
their wickedness and abominations, may be made manifest unto this
people; yea, and that ye preserve these interpreters.
"Alma 37:22": 22 For behold, the Lord saw that his people began to work
in darkness, yea, work secret murders and abominations; therefore the
Lord said, if they did not repent they should be destroyed from off the
face of the earth.
"Alma 37:23": 23 And the Lord said: I will prepare unto my servant
Gazelem, a stone, which shall shine forth in darkness unto light, that
I may discover unto my people who serve me, that I may discover unto
them the works of their brethren, yea, their secret works, their works
of darkness, and their wickedness and abominations.
"Alma 37:24": 24 And now, my son, these interpreters were prepared that
the word of God might be fulfilled, which he spake, saying:
"Alma 37:25": 25 I will bring forth out of darkness unto light all
their secret works and their abominations; and except they repent I
will destroy them from off the face of the earth; and I will bring to
light all their secrets and abominations, unto every nation that shall
hereafter possess the land.
"Alma 37:26": 26 And now, my son, we see that they did not repent;
therefore they have been destroyed, and thus far the word of God has
been fulfilled; yea, their secret abominations have been brought out of
darkness and made known unto us.
"Alma 37:27": 27 And now, my son, I command you that ye retain all
their oaths, and their covenants, and their agreements in their secret
abominations; yea, and all their signs and their wonders ye shall keep
from this people, that they know them not, lest peradventure they
should fall into darkness also and be destroyed.
"Alma 37:28": 28 For behold, there is a curse upon all this land, that
destruction shall come upon all those workers of darkness, according to
the power of God, when they are fully ripe; therefore I desire that
this people might not be destroyed.
"Alma 37:29": 29 Therefore ye shall keep these secret plans of their
oaths and their covenants from this people, and only their wickedness
and their murders and their abominations shall ye make known unto them;
and ye shall teach them to abhor such wickedness and abominations and
murders; and ye shall also teach them that these people were destroyed
on account of their wickedness and abominations and their murders.
"Alma 37:30": 30 For behold, they murdered all the prophets of the Lord
who came among them to declare unto them concerning their iniquities;
and the blood of those whom they murdered did cry unto the Lord their
God for vengeance upon those who were their murderers; and thus the
judgments of God did come upon these workers of darkness and secret
combinations.
"Alma 37:31": 31 Yea, and cursed be the land forever and ever unto
those workers of darkness and secret combinations, even unto
destruction, except they repent before they are fully ripe.
"Alma 37:32": 32 And now, my son, remember the words which I have
spoken unto you; trust not those secret plans unto this people, but
teach them an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity.
"Alma 37:33": 33 Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord
Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly
in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with
their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Alma 37:34": 34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be
meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.
"Alma 37:35": 35 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth;
yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.
"Alma 37:36": 36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let
all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be
in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea,
let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
"Alma 37:37": 37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will
direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto
the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou
risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if
ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
"Alma 37:38": 38 And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the
thing which our fathers call a ball, or director -- or our fathers
called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord
prepared it.
"Alma 37:39": 39 And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner
of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to show unto
our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness.
"Alma 37:40": 40 And it did work for them according to their faith in
God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that
those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was
done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles
wrought by the power of God, day by day.
"Alma 37:41": 41 Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by
small means it did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful,
and forgot to exercise their faith and diligence and then those
marvelous works ceased, and they did not progress in their journey;
"Alma 37:42": 42 Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not
travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst,
because of their transgressions.
"Alma 37:43": 43 And now, my son, I would that ye should understand
that these things are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were
slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal)
they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual.
"Alma 37:44": 44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of
Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as
it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point
unto them a straight course to the promised land.
"Alma 37:45": 45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For
just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its
course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow
their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better
land of promise.
"Alma 37:46": 46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the
easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it
prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it
is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live
forever.
"Alma 37:47": 47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred
things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and
declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell.
Alma 38
"Alma 38:1": 1 My son, give ear to my words, for I say unto you, even
as I said unto Helaman, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments
of God ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep
the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence.
"Alma 38:2": 2 And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in
you, because of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as
you have commenced in your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so
I hope that you will continue in keeping his commandments; for blessed
is he that endureth to the end.
"Alma 38:3": 3 I say unto you, my son, that I have had great joy in
thee already, because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, and thy
patience and thy long-suffering among the people of the Zoramites.
"Alma 38:4": 4 For I know that thou wast in bonds; yea, and I also know
that thou wast stoned for the word's sake; and thou didst bear all
these things with patience because the Lord was with thee; and now thou
knowest that the Lord did deliver thee.
"Alma 38:5": 5 And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should
remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much
ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your
afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
"Alma 38:6": 6 Now, my son, I would not that ye should think that I
know these things of myself, but it is the Spirit of God which is in me
which maketh these things known unto me; for if I had not been born of
God I should not have known these things.
"Alma 38:7": 7 But behold, the Lord in his great mercy sent his angel
to declare unto me that I must stop the work of destruction among his
people; yea, and I have seen an angel face to face, and he spake with
me, and his voice was as thunder, and it shook the whole earth.
"Alma 38:8": 8 And it came to pass that I was three days and three
nights in the most bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until I
did cry out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a
remission of my sins. But behold, I did cry unto him and I did find
peace to my soul.
"Alma 38:9": 9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn
wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means
whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. $ Behold, he is
the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth
and righteousness.
"Alma 38:10": 10 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I
would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be
diligent and temperate in all things.
"Alma 38:11": 11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see
that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.
"Alma 38:12": 12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that
ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that
ye refrain from idleness.
"Alma 38:13": 13 Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that
they pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom.
"Alma 38:14": 14 Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better
than our brethren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and
remember my brethren in mercy -- yea, acknowledge your unworthiness
before God at all times.
"Alma 38:15": 15 And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at
the last day into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son,
and teach the word unto this people. Be sober. My son, farewell.
Alma 39
"Alma 39:1": 1 And now, my son, I have somewhat more to say unto thee
than what I said unto thy brother; for behold, have ye not observed the
steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in
keeping the commandments of God? Behold, has he not set a good example
for thee?
"Alma 39:2": 2 For thou didst not give so much heed unto my words as
did thy brother, among the people of the Zoramites. Now this is what I
have against thee; thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength and
thy wisdom.
"Alma 39:3": 3 And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which
was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go
over into the land of Siron, among the borders of the Lamanites, after
the harlot Isabel.
"Alma 39:4": 4 Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was
no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry
wherewith thou wast entrusted.
"Alma 39:5": 5 Know ye not, my son, that these things are an
abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all
sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy
Ghost?
"Alma 39:6": 6 For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has
had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin
which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light
and knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness;
yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a
forgiveness.
"Alma 39:7": 7 And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been
guilty of so great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to
harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good.
"Alma 39:8": 8 But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and
except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last
day.
"Alma 39:9": 9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake
your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross
yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise
inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and
cross yourself in these things.
"Alma 39:10": 10 And I command you to take it upon you to counsel with
your elder brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou art in thy
youth, and ye stand in need to be nourished by your brothers. $ And
give heed to their counsel.
"Alma 39:11": 11 Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or
foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after
those wicked harlots. Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought
upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not
believe in my words.
"Alma 39:12": 12 And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me:
Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many
people to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of
God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;
"Alma 39:13": 13 That ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might,
and strength; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly;
but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong
which ye have done.
"Alma 39:14": 14 Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this
world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you.
"Alma 39:15": 15 And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you
concerning the coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he
that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he
cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.
"Alma 39:16": 16 And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye
were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people to prepare
their minds; or rather that salvation might come unto them, that they
may prepare the minds of their children to hear the word at the time of
his coming.
"Alma 39:17": 17 And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this
subject. $ Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long
beforehand. Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as
precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?
"Alma 39:18": 18 Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption
should be made known unto this people as well as unto their children?
"Alma 39:19": 19 Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send
his angel to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children,
or as after the time of his coming?
Alma 40
"Alma 40:1": 1 Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee;
for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of
the dead.
"Alma 40:2": 2 Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection --
or, I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on
immortality, this corruption does not put on incorruption -- until
after the coming of Christ.
"Alma 40:3": 3 Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the
dead. But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now, I unfold
unto you a mystery; nevertheless, there are many mysteries which are
kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But I show unto you
one thing which I have inquired diligently of God that I might know --
that is concerning the resurrection.
"Alma 40:4": 4 Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come
forth from the dead. Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God
knoweth the time which is appointed.
"Alma 40:5": 5 Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time,
or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth
not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that
this is the case -- that there is a time appointed that all shall rise
from the dead.
"Alma 40:6": 6 Now there must needs be a space betwixt the time of
death and the time of the resurrection.
"Alma 40:7": 7 And now I would inquire what becometh of the souls of
men from this time of death to the time appointed for the resurrection?
"Alma 40:8": 8 Now whether there is more than one time appointed for
men to rise it mattereth not; for all do not die at once, and this
mattereth not; all is as one day with God, and time only is measured
unto men.
"Alma 40:9": 9 Therefore, there is a time appointed unto men that they
shall rise from the dead; and there is a space between the time of
death and the resurrection. And now, concerning this space of time,
what becometh of the souls of men is the thing which I have inquired
diligently of the Lord to know; and this is the thing of which I do
know.
"Alma 40:10": 10 And when the time cometh when all shall rise, then
shall they know that God knoweth all the times which are appointed unto
man.
"Alma 40:11": 11 Now, concerning the state of the soul between death
and the resurrection -- Behold, it has been made known unto me by an
angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from
this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or
evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
"Alma 40:12": 12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of
those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which
is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall
rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.
"Alma 40:13": 13 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of
the wicked, yea, who are evil -- for behold, they have no part nor
portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works
rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into
them, and take possession of their house -- and these shall be cast out
into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing
of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by
the will of the devil.
"Alma 40:14": 14 Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea,
in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery
indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this
state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their
resurrection.
"Alma 40:15": 15 Now, there are some that have understood that this
state of happiness and this state of misery of the soul, before the
resurrection, was a first resurrection. Yea, I admit it may be termed a
resurrection, the raising of the spirit or the soul and their
consignation to happiness or misery, according to the words which have
been spoken.
"Alma 40:16": 16 And behold, again it hath been spoken, that there is a
first resurrection, a resurrection of all those who have been, or who
are, or who shall be, down to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
"Alma 40:17": 17 Now, we do not suppose that this first resurrection,
which is spoken of in this manner, can be the resurrection of the souls
and their consignation to happiness or misery. Ye cannot suppose that
this is what it meaneth.
"Alma 40:18": 18 Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but it meaneth the
reuniting of the soul with the body, of those from the days of Adam
down to the resurrection of Christ.
"Alma 40:19": 19 Now, whether the souls and the bodies of those of whom
has been spoken shall all be reunited at once, the wicked as well as
the righteous, I do not say; let it suffice; that I say that they all
come forth; or in other words, their resurrection cometh to pass before
the resurrection of those who die after the resurrection of Christ.
"Alma 40:20": 20 Now, my son, I do not say that their resurrection
cometh at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my
opinion, that the souls and the bodies are reunited, of the righteous,
at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into heaven.
"Alma 40:21": 21 But whether it be at his resurrection or after, I do
not say; but this much I say, that there is a space between death and
the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or
in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall
come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to
stand before God, and be judged according to their works.
"Alma 40:22": 22 Yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those
things of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets.
"Alma 40:23": 23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body
to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its
body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things
shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.
"Alma 40:24": 24 And now, my son, this is the restoration of which has
been spoken by the mouths of the prophets --
"Alma 40:25": 25 And then shall the righteous shine forth in the
kingdom of God.
"Alma 40:26": 26 But behold, an awful death cometh upon the wicked; for
they die as to things pertaining to things of righteousness; for they
are unclean, and no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of God; but
they are cast out, and consigned to partake of the fruits of their
labors or their works, which have been evil; and they drink the dregs
of a bitter cup.
Alma 41
"Alma 41:1": 1 And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the
restoration of which has been spoken; for behold, some have wrested the
scriptures, and have gone far astray because of this thing. And I
perceive that thy mind has been worried also concerning this thing. But
behold, I will explain it unto thee.
"Alma 41:2": 2 I say unto thee, my son, that the plan of restoration is
requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all things
should be restored to their proper order. Behold, it is requisite and
just, according to the power and resurrection of Christ, that the soul
of man should be restored to its body, and that every part of the body
should be restored to itself.
"Alma 41:3": 3 And it is requisite with the justice of God that men
should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good
in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they
should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.
"Alma 41:4": 4 And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto
them for evil. Therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper
order, every thing to its natural frame -- mortality raised to
immortality, corruption to incorruption -- raised to endless happiness
to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery to inherit the
kingdom of the devil, the one on one hand, the other on the other --
"Alma 41:5": 5 The one raised to happiness according to his desires of
happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to
evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil
all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the
night cometh.
"Alma 41:6": 6 And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of
his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so
he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
"Alma 41:7": 7 These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these
are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night
of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their
own judges, whether to do good or do evil.
"Alma 41:8": 8 Now, the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore, the
way is prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved.
"Alma 41:9": 9 And now behold, my son, do not risk one more offense
against your God upon those points of doctrine, which ye have hitherto
risked to commit sin.
"Alma 41:10": 10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning
restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. $ Behold,
I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.
"Alma 41:11": 11 And now, my son, all men that are in a state of
nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of
bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the
world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore,
they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.
"Alma 41:12": 12 And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration
to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state,
or to place it in a state opposite to its nature?
"Alma 41:13": 13 O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of
the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal
for carnal, or devilish for devilish -- good for that which is good;
righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just;
merciful for that which is merciful.
"Alma 41:14": 14 Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your
brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and
if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye
shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice
restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored
unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.
"Alma 41:15": 15 For that which ye do send out shall return unto you
again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully
condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.
Alma 42
"Alma 42:1": 1 And now, my son, I perceive there is somewhat more which
doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand -- which is concerning
the justice of God in the punishment of the sinner; for ye do try to
suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be consigned to a
state of misery.
"Alma 42:2": 2 Now behold, my son, I will explain this thing unto thee.
For behold, after the Lord God sent our first parents forth from the
garden of Eden, to till the ground, from whence they were taken -- yea,
he drew out the man, and he placed at the east end of the garden of
Eden, cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the
tree of life --
"Alma 42:3": 3 Now, we see that the man had become as God, knowing good
and evil; and lest he should put forth his hand, and take also of the
tree of life, and eat and live forever, the Lord God placed cherubim
and the flaming sword, that he should not partake of the fruit --
"Alma 42:4": 4 And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man
to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God.
"Alma 42:5": 5 For behold, if Adam had put forth his hand immediately,
and partaken of the tree of life, he would have lived forever,
according to the word of God, having no space for repentance; yea, and
also the word of God would have been void, and the great plan of
salvation would have been frustrated.
"Alma 42:6": 6 But behold, it was appointed unto man to die --
therefore, as they were cut off from the tree of life they should be
cut off from the face of the earth -- and man became lost forever, yea,
they became fallen man.
"Alma 42:7": 7 And now, ye see by this that our first parents were cut
off both temporally and spiritually from the presence of the Lord; and
thus we see they became subjects to follow after their own will.
"Alma 42:8": 8 Now behold, it was not expedient that man should be
reclaimed from this temporal death, for that would destroy the great
plan of happiness.
"Alma 42:9": 9 Therefore, as the soul could never die, and the fall had
brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal, that
is, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord, it was expedient
that mankind should be reclaimed from this spiritual death.
"Alma 42:10": 10 Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and
devilish, by nature, this probationary state became a state for them to
prepare; it became a preparatory state.
"Alma 42:11": 11 And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan
of redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls
were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord.
"Alma 42:12": 12 And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this
fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own
disobedience;
"Alma 42:13": 13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of
redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance
of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for
except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except
it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could
not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God.
"Alma 42:14": 14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they
were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned
them forever to be cut off from his presence.
"Alma 42:15": 15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about
except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for
the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the
demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a
merciful God also.
"Alma 42:16": 16 Now, repentance could not come unto men except there
were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul
should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as
eternal also as the life of the soul.
"Alma 42:17": 17 Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How
could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there
was a punishment?
"Alma 42:18": 18 Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law
given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
"Alma 42:19": 19 Now, if there was no law given -- if a man murdered he
should die -- would he be afraid he would die if he should murder?
"Alma 42:20": 20 And also, if there was no law given against sin men
would not be afraid to sin.
"Alma 42:21": 21 And if there was no law given, if men sinned what
could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon
the creature?
"Alma 42:22": 22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed,
and a repentance granted; which repentance mercy claimeth; otherwise,
justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law
inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be
destroyed, and God would cease to be God.
"Alma 42:23": 23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the
penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement
bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of
the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are
restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works,
according to the law and justice.
"Alma 42:24": 24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and
also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly
penitent are saved.
"Alma 42:25": 25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say
unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.
"Alma 42:26": 26 And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal
purposes, which were prepared from the foundation of the world. And
thus cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men, and also
their destruction and misery.
"Alma 42:27": 27 Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and
partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the
same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored
unto him according to his deeds.
"Alma 42:28": 28 If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in
his days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the
restoration of God.
"Alma 42:29": 29 And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these
things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with
that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.
"Alma 42:30": 30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of
God no more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point
because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the
justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in
your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.
"Alma 42:31": 31 And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the
word unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word
with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance,
that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God
grant unto you even according to my words. $ Amen.
Alma 43
"Alma 43:1": 1 And now it came to pass that the sons of Alma did go
forth among the people, to declare the word unto them. And Alma, also,
himself, could not rest, and he also went forth.
"Alma 43:2": 2 Now we shall say no more concerning their preaching,
except that they preached the word, and the truth, according to the
spirit of prophecy and revelation; and they preached after the holy
order of God by which they were called.
"Alma 43:3": 3 And now I return to an account of the wars between the
Nephites and the Lamanites, in the eighteenth year of the reign of the
judges.
"Alma 43:4": 4 For behold, it came to pass that the Zoramites became
Lamanites; therefore, in the commencement of the eighteenth year the
people of the Nephites saw that the Lamanites were coming upon them;
therefore they made preparations for war; yea, they gathered together
their armies in the land of Jershon.
"Alma 43:5": 5 And it came to pass that the Lamanites came with their
thousands; and they came into the land of Antionum, which is the land
of the Zoramites; and a man by the name of Zerahemnah was their leader.
"Alma 43:6": 6 And now, as the Amalekites were of a more wicked and
murderous disposition than the Lamanites were, in and of themselves,
therefore, Zerahemnah appointed chief captains over the Lamanites, and
they were all Amalekites and Zoramites.
"Alma 43:7": 7 Now this he did that he might preserve their hatred
towards the Nephites, that he might bring them into subjection to the
accomplishment of his designs.
"Alma 43:8": 8 For behold, his designs were to stir up the Lamanites to
anger against the Nephites; this he did that he might usurp great power
over them, and also that he might gain power over the Nephites by
bringing them into bondage.
"Alma 43:9": 9 And now the design of the Nephites was to support their
lands, and their houses, and their wives, and their children, that they
might preserve them from the hands of their enemies; and also that they
might preserve their rights and their privileges, yea, and also their
liberty, that they might worship God according to their desires.
"Alma 43:10": 10 For they knew that if they should fall into the hands
of the Lamanites, that whosoever should worship God in spirit and in
truth, the true and the living God, the Lamanites would destroy.
"Alma 43:11": 11 Yea, and they also knew the extreme hatred of the
Lamanites towards their brethren, who were the people of
Anti-Nephi-Lehi, who were called the people of Ammon -- and they would
not take up arms, yea, they had entered into a covenant and they would
not break it -- therefore, if they should fall into the hands of the
Lamanites they would be destroyed.
"Alma 43:12": 12 And the Nephites would not suffer that they should be
destroyed; therefore they gave them lands for their inheritance.
"Alma 43:13": 13 And the people of Ammon did give unto the Nephites a
large portion of their substance to support their armies; and thus the
Nephites were compelled, alone, to withstand against the Lamanites, who
were a compound of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, and all
those who had dissented from the Nephites, who were Amalekites and
Zoramites, and the descendants of the priests of Noah.
"Alma 43:14": 14 Now those descendants were as numerous, nearly, as
were the Nephites; and thus the Nephites were obliged to contend with
their brethren, even unto bloodshed.
"Alma 43:15": 15 And it came to pass as the armies of the Lamanites had
gathered together in the land of Antionum, behold, the armies of the
Nephites were prepared to meet them in the land of Jershon.
"Alma 43:16": 16 Now, the leader of the Nephites, or the man who had
been appointed to be the chief captain over the Nephites -- now the
chief captain took the command of all the armies of the Nephites -- and
his name was Moroni;
"Alma 43:17": 17 And Moroni took all the command, and the government of
their wars. And he was only twenty and five years old when he was
appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephites.
"Alma 43:18": 18 And it came to pass that he met the Lamanites in the
borders of Jershon, and his people were armed with swords, and with
cimeters, and all manner of weapons of war.
"Alma 43:19": 19 And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the
people of Nephi, or that Moroni, had prepared his people with
breastplates and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend
their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing --
"Alma 43:20": 20 Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with any
such thing; they had only their swords and their cimeters, their bows
and their arrows, their stones and their slings; and they were naked,
save it were a skin which was girded about their loins; yea, all were
naked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites;
"Alma 43:21": 21 But they were not armed with breastplates, nor shields
-- therefore, they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the
Nephites because of their armor, notwithstanding their number being so
much greater than the Nephites.
"Alma 43:22": 22 Behold, now it came to pass that they durst not come
against the Nephites in the borders of Jershon; therefore they departed
out of the land of Antionum into the wilderness, and took their journey
round about in the wilderness, away by the head of the river Sidon,
that they might come into the land of Manti and take possession of the
land; for they did not suppose that the armies of Moroni would know
whither they had gone.
"Alma 43:23": 23 But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into
the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their
camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain
men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither
the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the
Lamanites.
"Alma 43:24": 24 And it came to pass that the word of the Lord came
unto Alma, and Alma informed the messengers of Moroni, that the armies
of the Lamanites were marching round about in the wilderness, that they
might come over into the land of Manti, that they might commence an
attack upon the weaker part of the people. And those messengers went
and delivered the message unto Moroni.
"Alma 43:25": 25 Now Moroni, leaving a part of his army in the land of
Jershon, lest by any means a part of the Lamanites should come into
that land and take possession of the city, took the remaining part of
his army and marched over into the land of Manti.
"Alma 43:26": 26 And he caused that all the people in that quarter of
the land should gather themselves together to battle against the
Lamanites, to defend their lands and their country, their rights and
their liberties; therefore they were prepared against the time of the
coming of the Lamanites.
"Alma 43:27": 27 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his army
should be secreted in the valley which was near the bank of the river
Sidon, which was on the west of the river Sidon in the wilderness.
"Alma 43:28": 28 And Moroni placed spies round about, that he might
know when the camp of the Lamanites should come.
"Alma 43:29": 29 And now, as Moroni knew the intention of the
Lamanites, that it was their intention to destroy their brethren, or to
subject them and bring them into bondage that they might establish a
kingdom unto themselves over all the land;
"Alma 43:30": 30 And he also knowing that it was the only desire of the
Nephites to preserve their lands, and their liberty, and their church,
therefore he thought it no sin that he should defend them by stratagem;
therefore, he found by his spies which course the Lamanites were to
take.
"Alma 43:31": 31 Therefore, he divided his army and brought a part over
into the valley, and concealed them on the east, and on the south of
the hill Riplah;
"Alma 43:32": 32 And the remainder he concealed in the west valley, on
the west of the river Sidon, and so down into the borders of the land
Manti.
"Alma 43:33": 33 And thus having placed his army according to his
desire, he was prepared to meet them.
"Alma 43:34": 34 And it came to pass that the Lamanites came up on the
north of the hill, where a part of the army of Moroni was concealed.
"Alma 43:35": 35 And as the Lamanites had passed the hill Riplah, and
came into the valley, and began to cross the river Sidon, the army
which was concealed on the south of the hill, which was led by a man
whose name was Lehi, and he led his army forth and encircled the
Lamanites about on the east in their rear.
"Alma 43:36": 36 And it came to pass that the Lamanites, when they saw
the Nephites coming upon them in their rear, turned them about and
began to contend with the army of Lehi.
"Alma 43:37": 37 And the work of death commenced on both sides, but it
was more dreadful on the part of the Lamanites, for their nakedness was
exposed to the heavy blows of the Nephites with their swords and their
cimeters, which brought death almost at every stroke.
"Alma 43:38": 38 While on the other hand, there was now and then a man
fell among the Nephites, by their swords and the loss of blood, they
being shielded from the more vital parts of the body, or the more vital
parts of the body being shielded from the strokes of the Lamanites, by
their breastplates, and their arm-shields, and their head-plates; and
thus the Nephites did carry on the work of death among the Lamanites.
"Alma 43:39": 39 And it came to pass that the Lamanites became
frightened, because of the great destruction among them, even until
they began to flee towards the river Sidon.
"Alma 43:40": 40 And they were pursued by Lehi and his men; and they
were driven by Lehi into the waters of Sidon, and they crossed the
waters of Sidon. And Lehi retained his armies upon the bank of the
river Sidon that they should not cross.
"Alma 43:41": 41 And it came to pass that Moroni and his army met the
Lamanites in the valley, on the other side of the river Sidon, and
began to fall upon them and to slay them.
"Alma 43:42": 42 And the Lamanites did flee again before them, towards
the land of Manti; and they were met again by the armies of Moroni.
"Alma 43:43": 43 Now in this case the Lamanites did fight exceedingly;
yea, never had the Lamanites been known to fight with such exceedingly
great strength and courage, no, not even from the beginning.
"Alma 43:44": 44 And they were inspired by the Zoramites and the
Amalekites, who were their chief captains and leaders, and by
Zerahemnah, who was their chief captain, or their chief leader and
commander; yea, they did fight like dragons, and many of the Nephites
were slain by their hands, yea, for they did smite in two many of their
head-plates, and they did pierce many of their breastplates, and they
did smite off many of their arms; and thus the Lamanites did smite in
their fierce anger.
"Alma 43:45": 45 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better
cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were
fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their
children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their
church.
"Alma 43:46": 46 And they were doing that which they felt was the duty
which they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also
unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first
offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain
by the hands of your enemies.
"Alma 43:47": 47 And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend
your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the
Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their
families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their
religion.
"Alma 43:48": 48 And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw
the fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to
shrink and flee from them. And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent
forth and inspired their hearts with these thoughts -- yea, the
thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom from
bondage.
"Alma 43:49": 49 And it came to pass that they turned upon the
Lamanites, and they cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for
their liberty and their freedom from bondage.
"Alma 43:50": 50 And they began to stand against the Lamanites with
power; and in that selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for
their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before them; and they fled
even to the waters of Sidon.
"Alma 43:51": 51 Now, the Lamanites were more numerous, yea, by more
than double the number of the Nephites; nevertheless, they were driven
insomuch that they were gathered together in one body in the valley,
upon the bank by the river Sidon.
"Alma 43:52": 52 Therefore the armies of Moroni encircled them about,
yea, even on both sides of the river, for behold, on the east were the
men of Lehi.
"Alma 43:53": 53 Therefore when Zerahemnah saw the men of Lehi on the
east of the river Sidon, and the armies of Moroni on the west of the
river Sidon, that they were encircled about by the Nephites, they were
struck with terror.
"Alma 43:54": 54 Now Moroni, when he saw their terror, commanded his
men that they should stop shedding their blood.
Alma 44
"Alma 44:1": 1 And it came to pass that they did stop and withdrew a
pace from them. And Moroni said unto Zerahemnah: Behold, Zerahemnah,
that we do not desire to be men of blood. Ye know that ye are in our
hands, yet we do not desire to slay you.
"Alma 44:2": 2 Behold, we have not come out to battle against you that
we might shed your blood for power; neither do we desire to bring any
one to the yoke of bondage. But this is the very cause for which ye
have come against us; yea, and ye are angry with us because of our
religion.
"Alma 44:3": 3 But now, ye behold that the Lord is with us; and ye
behold that he has delivered you into our hands. And now I would that
ye should understand that this is done unto us because of our religion
and our faith in Christ. And now ye see that ye cannot destroy this our
faith.
"Alma 44:4": 4 Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye
see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are
faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will
the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into
transgression and deny our faith.
"Alma 44:5": 5 And now, Zerahemnah, I command you, in the name of that
all-powerful God, who has strengthened our arms that we have gained
power over you, by our faith, by our religion, and by our rites of
worship, and by our church, and by the sacred support which we owe to
our wives and our children, by that liberty which binds us to our lands
and our country; yea, and also by the maintenance of the sacred word of
God, to which we owe all our happiness; and by all that is most dear
unto us --
"Alma 44:6": 6 Yea, and this is not all; I command you by all the
desires which ye have for life, that ye deliver up your weapons of war
unto us, and we will seek not your blood, but we will spare your lives,
if ye will go your way and come not again to war against us.
"Alma 44:7": 7 And now, if ye do not this, behold, ye are in our hands,
and I will command my men that they shall fall upon you, and inflict
the wounds of death in your bodies, that ye may become extinct; and
then we will see who shall have power over this people; yea, we will
see who shall be brought into bondage.
"Alma 44:8": 8 And now it came to pass that when Zerahemnah had heard
these sayings he came forth and delivered up his sword and his cimeter,
and his bow into the hands of Moroni, and said unto him: Behold, here
are our weapons of war; we will deliver them up unto you, but we will
not suffer ourselves to take an oath unto you, which we know that we
shall break, and also our children; but take our weapons of war, and
suffer that we may depart into the wilderness; otherwise we will retain
our swords, and we will perish or conquer.
"Alma 44:9": 9 Behold, we are not of your faith; we do not believe that
it is God that has delivered us into your hands; but we believe that it
is your cunning that has preserved you from our swords. Behold, it is
your breastplates and your shields that have preserved you.
"Alma 44:10": 10 And now when Zerahemnah had made an end of speaking
these words, Moroni returned the sword and the weapons of war, which he
had received, unto Zerahemnah, saying: Behold, we will end the
conflict.
"Alma 44:11": 11 Now I cannot recall the words which I have spoken,
therefore as the Lord liveth, ye shall not depart except ye depart with
an oath that ye will not return again against us to war. Now as ye are
in our hands we will spill your blood upon the ground, or ye shall
submit to the conditions which I have proposed.
"Alma 44:12": 12 And now when Moroni had said these words, Zerahemnah
retained his sword, and he was angry with Moroni, and he rushed forward
that he might slay Moroni; but as he raised his sword, behold, one of
Moroni's soldiers smote it even to the earth, and it broke by the hilt;
and he also smote Zerahemnah that he took off his scalp and it fell to
the earth. And Zerahemnah withdrew from before them into the midst of
his soldiers.
"Alma 44:13": 13 And it came to pass that the soldier who stood by, who
smote off the scalp of Zerahemnah, took up the scalp from off the
ground by the hair, and laid it upon the point of his sword, and
stretched it forth unto them, saying unto them with a loud voice:
"Alma 44:14": 14 Even as this scalp has fallen to the earth, which is
the scalp of your chief, so shall ye fall to the earth except ye will
deliver up your weapons of war and depart with a covenant of peace.
"Alma 44:15": 15 Now there were many, when they heard these words and
saw the scalp which was upon the sword, that were struck with fear; and
many came forth and threw down their weapons of war at the feet of
Moroni, and entered into a covenant of peace. And as many as entered
into a covenant they suffered to depart into the wilderness.
"Alma 44:16": 16 Now it came to pass that Zerahemnah was exceedingly
wroth, and he did stir up the remainder of his soldiers to anger, to
contend more powerfully against the Nephites.
"Alma 44:17": 17 And now Moroni was angry, because of the stubbornness
of the Lamanites; therefore he commanded his people that they should
fall upon them and slay them. And it came to pass that they began to
slay them; yea, and the Lamanites did contend with their swords and
their might.
"Alma 44:18": 18 But behold, their naked skins and their bare heads
were exposed to the sharp swords of the Nephites; yea, behold they were
pierced and smitten, yea, and did fall exceedingly fast before the
swords of the Nephites; and they began to be swept down, even as the
soldier of Moroni had prophesied.
"Alma 44:19": 19 Now Zerahemnah, when he saw that they were all about
to be destroyed, cried mightily unto Moroni, promising that he would
covenant and also his people with them, if they would spare the
remainder of their lives, that they never would come to war again
against them.
"Alma 44:20": 20 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that the work
of death should cease again among the people. And he took the weapons
of war from the Lamanites; and after they had entered into a covenant
with him of peace they were suffered to depart into the wilderness.
"Alma 44:21": 21 Now the number of their dead was not numbered because
of the greatness of the number; yea, the number of their dead was
exceedingly great, both on the Nephites and on the Lamanites.
"Alma 44:22": 22 And it came to pass that they did cast their dead into
the waters of Sidon, and they have gone forth and are buried in the
depths of the sea.
"Alma 44:23": 23 And the armies of the Nephites, or of Moroni, returned
and came to their houses and their lands.
"Alma 44:24": 24 And thus ended the eighteenth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi. And thus ended the record of Alma,
which was written upon the plates of Nephi.
Alma 45
"Alma 45:1": 1 Behold, now it came to pass that the people of Nephi
were exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had again delivered them
out of the hands of their enemies; therefore they gave thanks unto the
Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did
worship God with exceedingly great joy.
"Alma 45:2": 2 And it came to pass in the nineteenth year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi, that Alma came unto his son
Helaman and said unto him: Believest thou the words which I spake unto
thee concerning those records which have been kept?
"Alma 45:3": 3 And Helaman said unto him: Yea, I believe.
"Alma 45:4": 4 And Alma said again: Believest thou in Jesus Christ, who
shall come?
"Alma 45:5": 5 And he said: Yea, I believe all the words which thou
hast spoken.
"Alma 45:6": 6 And Alma said unto him again: Will ye keep my
commandments?
"Alma 45:7": 7 And he said: Yea, I will keep thy commandments with all
my heart.
"Alma 45:8": 8 Then Alma said unto him: Blessed art thou; and the Lord
shall prosper thee in this land.
"Alma 45:9": 9 But behold, I have somewhat to prophesy unto thee; but
what I prophesy unto thee ye shall not make known; yea, what I prophesy
unto thee shall not be made known, even until the prophecy is
fulfilled; therefore write the words which I shall say.
"Alma 45:10": 10 And these are the words: Behold, I perceive that this
very people, the Nephites, according to the spirit of revelation which
is in me, in four hundred years from the time that Jesus Christ shall
manifest himself unto them, shall dwindle in unbelief.
"Alma 45:11": 11 Yea, and then shall they see wars and pestilences,
yea, famines and bloodshed, even until the people of Nephi shall become
extinct --
"Alma 45:12": 12 Yea, and this because they shall dwindle in unbelief
and fall into the works of darkness, and lasciviousness, and all manner
of iniquities; yea, I say unto you, that because they shall sin against
so great light and knowledge, yea, I say unto you, that from that day,
even the fourth generation shall not all pass away before this great
iniquity shall come.
"Alma 45:13": 13 And when that great day cometh, behold, the time very
soon cometh that those who are now, or the seed of those who are now
numbered among the people of Nephi, shall no more be numbered among the
people of Nephi.
"Alma 45:14": 14 But whosoever remaineth, and is not destroyed in that
great and dreadful day, shall be numbered among the Lamanites, and
shall become like unto them, all, save it be a few who shall be called
the disciples of the Lord; and them shall the Lamanites pursue even
until they shall become extinct. And now, because of iniquity, this
prophecy shall be fulfilled.
"Alma 45:15": 15 And now it came to pass that after Alma had said these
things to Helaman, he blessed him, and also his other sons; and he also
blessed the earth for the righteous' sake.
"Alma 45:16": 16 And he said: Thus saith the Lord God -- Cursed shall
be the land, yea, this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and
people, unto destruction, which do wickedly, when they are fully ripe;
and as I have said so shall it be; for this is the cursing and the
blessing of God upon the land, for the Lord cannot look upon sin with
the least degree of allowance.
"Alma 45:17": 17 And now, when Alma had said these words he blessed the
church, yea, all those who should stand fast in the faith from that
time henceforth.
"Alma 45:18": 18 And when Alma had done this he departed out of the
land of Zarahemla, as if to go into the land of Melek. And it came to
pass that he was never heard of more; as to his death or burial we know
not of.
"Alma 45:19": 19 Behold, this we know, that he was a righteous man; and
the saying went abroad in the church that he was taken up by the
Spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses. But behold,
the scriptures saith the Lord took Moses unto himself; and we suppose
that he has also received Alma in the spirit, unto himself; therefore,
for this cause we know nothing concerning his death and burial.
"Alma 45:20": 20 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the
nineteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi,
that Helaman went forth among the people to declare the word unto them.
"Alma 45:21": 21 For behold, because of their wars with the Lamanites
and the many little dissensions and disturbances which had been among
the people, it became expedient that the word of God should be declared
among them, yea, and that a regulation should be made throughout the
church.
"Alma 45:22": 22 Therefore, Helaman and his brethren went forth to
establish the church again in all the land, yea, in every city
throughout all the land which was possessed by the people of Nephi. And
it came to pass that they did appoint priests and teachers throughout
all the land, over all the churches.
"Alma 45:23": 23 And now it came to pass that after Helaman and his
brethren had appointed priests and teachers over the churches that
there arose a dissension among them, and they would not give heed to
the words of Helaman and his brethren;
"Alma 45:24": 24 But they grew proud, being lifted up in their hearts,
because of their exceedingly great riches; therefore they grew rich in
their own eyes, and would not give heed to their words, to walk
uprightly before God.
Alma 46
"Alma 46:1": 1 And it came to pass that as many as would not hearken to
the words of Helaman and his brethren were gathered together against
their brethren.
"Alma 46:2": 2 And now behold, they were exceedingly wroth, insomuch
that they were determined to slay them.
"Alma 46:3": 3 Now the leader of those who were wroth against their
brethren was a large and a strong man; and his name was Amalickiah.
"Alma 46:4": 4 And Amalickiah was desirous to be a king; and those
people who were wroth were also desirous that he should be their king;
and they were the greater part of them the lower judges of the land,
and they were seeking for power.
"Alma 46:5": 5 And they had been led by the flatteries of Amalickiah,
that if they would support him and establish him to be their king that
he would make them rulers over the people.
"Alma 46:6": 6 Thus they were led away by Amalickiah to dissensions,
notwithstanding the preaching of Helaman and his brethren, yea,
notwithstanding their exceedingly great care over the church, for they
were high priests over the church.
"Alma 46:7": 7 And there were many in the church who believed in the
flattering words of Amalickiah, therefore they dissented even from the
church; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly
precarious and dangerous, notwithstanding their great victory which
they had had over the Lamanites, and their great rejoicings which they
had had because of their deliverance by the hand of the Lord.
"Alma 46:8": 8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the
Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by
the evil one.
"Alma 46:9": 9 Yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very
wicked man can cause to take place among the children of men.
"Alma 46:10": 10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of
cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the
hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the
church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had
granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the
land for the righteous' sake.
"Alma 46:11": 11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the
chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these
dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.
"Alma 46:12": 12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took
a piece thereof, and wrote upon it -- In memory of our God, our
religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children --
and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
"Alma 46:13": 13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his
breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins;
and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and
he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth,
and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to
rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians
remain to possess the land --
"Alma 46:14": 14 For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who
belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to
the church.
"Alma 46:15": 15 And those who did belong to the church were faithful;
yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them,
gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because
of their belief in Christ who should come.
"Alma 46:16": 16 And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the
cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.
"Alma 46:17": 17 And it came to pass that when he had poured out his
soul to God, he named all the land which was south of the land
Desolation, yea, and in fine, all the land, both on the north and on
the south -- A chosen land, and the land of liberty.
"Alma 46:18": 18 And he said: Surely God shall not suffer that we, who
are despised because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall be
trodden down and destroyed, until we bring it upon us by our own
transgressions.
"Alma 46:19": 19 And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth
among the people, waving the rent part of his garment in the air, that
all might see the writing which he had written upon the rent part, and
crying with a loud voice, saying:
"Alma 46:20": 20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the
land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a
covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that
the Lord God may bless them.
"Alma 46:21": 21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed
these words, behold, the people came running together with their armor
girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a
covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other
words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into
transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the
Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments.
"Alma 46:22": 22 Now this was the covenant which they made, and they
cast their garments at the feet of Moroni, saying: We covenant with our
God, that we shall be destroyed, even as our brethren in the land
northward, if we shall fall into transgression; yea, he may cast us at
the feet of our enemies, even as we have cast our garments at thy feet
to be trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression.
"Alma 46:23": 23 Moroni said unto them: Behold, we are a remnant of the
seed of Jacob; yea, we are a remnant of the seed of Joseph, whose coat
was rent by his brethren into many pieces; yea, and now behold, let us
remember to keep the commandments of God, or our garments shall be rent
by our brethren, and we be cast into prison, or be sold, or be slain.
"Alma 46:24": 24 Yea, let us preserve our liberty as a remnant of
Joseph; yea, let us remember the words of Jacob, before his death, for
behold, he saw that a part of the remnant of the coat of Joseph was
preserved and had not decayed. And he said -- Even as this remnant of
garment of my son hath been preserved, so shall a remnant of the seed
of my son be preserved by the hand of God, and be taken unto himself,
while the remainder of the seed of Joseph shall perish, even as the
remnant of his garment.
"Alma 46:25": 25 Now behold, this giveth my soul sorrow; nevertheless,
my soul hath joy in my son, because of that part of his seed which
shall be taken unto God.
"Alma 46:26": 26 Now behold, this was the language of Jacob.
"Alma 46:27": 27 And now who knoweth but what the remnant of the seed
of Joseph, which shall perish as his garment, are those who have
dissented from us? Yea, and even it shall be ourselves if we do not
stand fast in the faith of Christ.
"Alma 46:28": 28 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had said
these words he went forth, and also sent forth in all the parts of the
land where there were dissensions, and gathered together all the people
who were desirous to maintain their liberty, to stand against
Amalickiah and those who had dissented, who were called Amalickiahites.
"Alma 46:29": 29 And it came to pass that when Amalickiah saw that the
people of Moroni were more numerous than the Amalickiahites -- and he
also saw that his people were doubtful concerning the justice of the
cause in which they had undertaken -- therefore, fearing that he should
not gain the point, he took those of his people who would and departed
into the land of Nephi.
"Alma 46:30": 30 Now Moroni thought it was not expedient that the
Lamanites should have any more strength; therefore he thought to cut
off the people of Amalickiah, or to take them and bring them back, and
put Amalickiah to death; yea, for he knew that he would stir up the
Lamanites to anger against them, and cause them to come to battle
against them; and this he knew that Amalickiah would do that he might
obtain his purposes.
"Alma 46:31": 31 Therefore Moroni thought it was expedient that he
should take his armies, who had gathered themselves together, and armed
themselves, and entered into a covenant to keep the peace -- and it
came to pass that he took his army and marched out with his tents into
the wilderness, to cut off the course of Amalickiah in the wilderness.
"Alma 46:32": 32 And it came to pass that he did according to his
desires, and marched forth into the wilderness, and headed the armies
of Amalickiah.
"Alma 46:33": 33 And it came to pass that Amalickiah fled with a small
number of his men, and the remainder were delivered up into the hands
of Moroni and were taken back into the land of Zarahemla.
"Alma 46:34": 34 Now, Moroni being a man who was appointed by the chief
judges and the voice of the people, therefore he had power according to
his will with the armies of the Nephites, to establish and to exercise
authority over them.
"Alma 46:35": 35 And it came to pass that whomsoever of the
Amalickiahites that would not enter into a covenant to support the
cause of freedom, that they might maintain a free government, he caused
to be put to death; and there were but few who denied the covenant of
freedom.
"Alma 46:36": 36 And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of
liberty to be hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, which
was possessed by the Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the standard of
liberty among the Nephites.
"Alma 46:37": 37 And they began to have peace again in the land; and
thus they did maintain peace in the land until nearly the end of the
nineteenth year of the reign of the judges.
"Alma 46:38": 38 And Helaman and the high priests did also maintain
order in the church; yea, even for the space of four years did they
have much peace and rejoicing in the church.
"Alma 46:39": 39 And it came to pass that there were many who died,
firmly believing that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus
Christ; thus they went out of the world rejoicing.
"Alma 46:40": 40 And there were some who died with fevers, which at
some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land -- but not so
much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many
plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of
diseases, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate --
"Alma 46:41": 41 But there were many who died with old age; and those
who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him, as we must needs
suppose.
Alma 47
"Alma 47:1": 1 Now we will return in our record to Amalickiah and those
who had fled with him into the wilderness; for, behold, he had taken
those who went with him, and went up in the land of Nephi among the
Lamanites, and did stir up the Lamanites to anger against the people of
Nephi, insomuch that the king of the Lamanites sent a proclamation
throughout all his land, among all his people, that they should gather
themselves together again to go to battle against the Nephites.
"Alma 47:2": 2 And it came to pass that when the proclamation had gone
forth among them they were exceedingly afraid; yea, they feared to
displease the king, and they also feared to go to battle against the
Nephites lest they should lose their lives. And it came to pass that
they would not, or the more part of them would not, obey the
commandments of the king.
"Alma 47:3": 3 And now it came to pass that the king was wroth because
of their disobedience; therefore he gave Amalickiah the command of that
part of his army which was obedient unto his commands, and commanded
him that he should go forth and compel them to arms.
"Alma 47:4": 4 Now behold, this was the desire of Amalickiah; for he
being a very subtle man to do evil therefore he laid the plan in his
heart to dethrone the king of the Lamanites.
"Alma 47:5": 5 And now he had got the command of those parts of the
Lamanites who were in favor of the king; and he sought to gain favor of
those who were not obedient; therefore he went forward to the place
which was called Onidah, for thither had all the Lamanites fled; for
they discovered the army coming, and, supposing that they were coming
to destroy them, therefore they fled to Onidah, to the place of arms.
"Alma 47:6": 6 And they had appointed a man to be a king and a leader
over them, being fixed in their minds with a determined resolution that
they would not be subjected to go against the Nephites.
"Alma 47:7": 7 And it came to pass that they had gathered themselves
together upon the top of the mount which was called Antipas, in
preparation to battle.
"Alma 47:8": 8 Now it was not Amalickiah's intention to give them
battle according to the commandments of the king; but behold, it was
his intention to gain favor with the armies of the Lamanites, that he
might place himself at their head and dethrone the king and take
possession of the kingdom.
"Alma 47:9": 9 And behold, it came to pass that he caused his army to
pitch their tents in the valley which was near the mount Antipas.
"Alma 47:10": 10 And it came to pass that when it was night he sent a
secret embassy into the mount Antipas, desiring that the leader of
those who were upon the mount, whose name was Lehonti, that he should
come down to the foot of the mount, for he desired to speak with him.
"Alma 47:11": 11 And it came to pass that when Lehonti received the
message he durst not go down to the foot of the mount. And it came to
pass that Amalickiah sent again the second time, desiring him to come
down. And it came to pass that Lehonti would not; and he sent again the
third time.
"Alma 47:12": 12 And it came to pass that when Amalickiah found that he
could not get Lehonti to come down off from the mount, he went up into
the mount, nearly to Lehonti's camp; and he sent again the fourth time
his message unto Lehonti, desiring that he would come down, and that he
would bring his guards with him.
"Alma 47:13": 13 And it came to pass that when Lehonti had come down
with his guards to Amalickiah, that Amalickiah desired him to come down
with his army in the night-time, and surround those men in their camps
over whom the king had given him command, and that he would deliver
them up into Lehonti's hands, if he would make him (Amalickiah) a
second leader over the whole army.
"Alma 47:14": 14 And it came to pass that Lehonti came down with his
men and surrounded the men of Amalickiah, so that before they awoke at
the dawn of day they were surrounded by the armies of Lehonti.
"Alma 47:15": 15 And it came to pass that when they saw that they were
surrounded, they plead with Amalickiah that he would suffer them to
fall in with their brethren, that they might not be destroyed.
Now this was the very thing which Amalickiah desired.
"Alma 47:16": 16 And it came to pass that he delivered his men,
contrary to the commands of the king. Now this was the thing that
Amalickiah desired, that he might accomplish his designs in dethroning
the king.
"Alma 47:17": 17 Now it was the custom among the Lamanites, if their
chief leader was killed, to appoint the second leader to be their chief
leader.
"Alma 47:18": 18 And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of
his servants should administer poison by degrees to Lehonti, that he
died.
"Alma 47:19": 19 Now, when Lehonti was dead, the Lamanites appointed
Amalickiah to be their leader and their chief commander.
"Alma 47:20": 20 And it came to pass that Amalickiah marched with his
armies (for he had gained his desires) to the land of Nephi, to the
city of Nephi, which was the chief city.
"Alma 47:21": 21 And the king came out to meet him with his guards, for
he supposed that Amalickiah had fulfilled his commands, and that
Amalickiah had gathered together so great an army to go against the
Nephites to battle.
"Alma 47:22": 22 But behold, as the king came out to meet him
Amalickiah caused that his servants should go forth to meet the king.
And they went and bowed themselves before the king, as if to reverence
him because of his greatness.
"Alma 47:23": 23 And it came to pass that the king put forth his hand
to raise them, as was the custom with the Lamanites, as a token of
peace, which custom they had taken from the Nephites.
"Alma 47:24": 24 And it came to pass that when he had raised the first
from the ground, behold he stabbed the king to the heart; and he fell
to the earth.
"Alma 47:25": 25 Now the servants of the king fled; and the servants of
Amalickiah raised a cry, saying:
"Alma 47:26": 26 Behold, the servants of the king have stabbed him to
the heart, and he has fallen and they have fled; behold, come and see.
"Alma 47:27": 27 And it came to pass that Amalickiah commanded that his
armies should march forth and see what had happened to the king; and
when they had come to the spot, and found the king lying in his gore,
Amalickiah pretended to be wroth, and said: Whosoever loved the king,
let him go forth, and pursue his servants that they may be slain.
"Alma 47:28": 28 And it came to pass that all they who loved the king,
when they heard these words, came forth and pursued after the servants
of the king.
"Alma 47:29": 29 Now when the servants of the king saw an army pursuing
after them, they were frightened again, and fled into the wilderness,
and came over into the land of Zarahemla and joined the people of
Ammon.
"Alma 47:30": 30 And the army which pursued after them returned, having
pursued after them in vain; and thus Amalickiah, by his fraud, gained
the hearts of the people.
"Alma 47:31": 31 And it came to pass on the morrow he entered the city
Nephi with his armies, and took possession of the city.
"Alma 47:32": 32 And now it came to pass that the queen, when she had
heard that the king was slain -- for Amalickiah had sent an embassy to
the queen informing her that the king had been slain by his servants,
that he had pursued them with his army, but it was in vain, and they
had made their escape --
"Alma 47:33": 33 Therefore, when the queen had received this message
she sent unto Amalickiah, desiring him that he would spare the people
of the city; and she also desired him that he should come in unto her;
and she also desired him that he should bring witnesses with him to
testify concerning the death of the king.
"Alma 47:34": 34 And it came to pass that Amalickiah took the same
servant that slew the king, and all them who were with him, and went in
unto the queen, unto the place where she sat; and they all testified
unto her that the king was slain by his own servants; and they said
also: They have fled; does not this testify against them? And thus they
satisfied the queen concerning the death of the king.
"Alma 47:35": 35 And it came to pass that Amalickiah sought the favor
of the queen, and took her unto him to wife; and thus by his fraud, and
by the assistance of his cunning servants, he obtained the kingdom;
yea, he was acknowledged king throughout all the land, among all the
people of the Lamanites, who were composed of the Lamanites and the
Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites, and all the dissenters of the Nephites,
from the reign of Nephi down to the present time.
"Alma 47:36": 36 Now these dissenters, having the same instruction and
the same information of the Nephites, yea, having been instructed in
the same knowledge of the Lord, nevertheless, it is strange to relate,
not long after their dissensions they became more hardened and
impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites --
drinking in with the traditions of the Lamanites; giving way to
indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting
the Lord their God.
Alma 48
"Alma 48:1": 1 And now it came to pass that, as soon as Amalickiah had
obtained the kingdom he began to inspire the hearts of the Lamanites
against the people of Nephi; yea, he did appoint men to speak unto the
Lamanites from their towers, against the Nephites.
"Alma 48:2": 2 And thus he did inspire their hearts against the
Nephites, insomuch that in the latter end of the nineteenth year of the
reign of the judges, he having accomplished his designs thus far, yea,
having been made king over the Lamanites, he sought also to reign over
all the land, yea, and all the people who were in the land, the
Nephites as well as the Lamanites.
"Alma 48:3": 3 Therefore he had accomplished his design, for he had
hardened the hearts of the Lamanites and blinded their minds, and
stirred them up to anger, insomuch that he had gathered together a
numerous host to go to battle against the Nephites.
"Alma 48:4": 4 For he was determined, because of the greatness of the
number of his people, to overpower the Nephites and to bring them into
bondage.
"Alma 48:5": 5 And thus he did appoint chief captains of the Zoramites,
they being the most acquainted with the strength of the Nephites, and
their places of resort, and the weakest parts of their cities;
therefore he appointed them to be chief captains over his armies.
"Alma 48:6": 6 And it came to pass that they took their camp, and moved
forth toward the land of Zarahemla in the wilderness.
"Alma 48:7": 7 Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been
obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had
been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord
their God.
"Alma 48:8": 8 Yea, he had been strengthening the armies of the
Nephites, and erecting small forts, or places of resort; throwing up
banks of earth round about to enclose his armies, and also building
walls of stone to encircle them about, round about their cities and the
borders of their lands; yea, all round about the land.
"Alma 48:9": 9 And in their weakest fortifications he did place the
greater number of men; and thus he did fortify and strengthen the land
which was possessed by the Nephites.
"Alma 48:10": 10 And thus he was preparing to support their liberty,
their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that
they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain
that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians.
"Alma 48:11": 11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man
of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in
bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of
his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
"Alma 48:12": 12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to
his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon
his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety
of his people.
"Alma 48:13": 13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of
Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights,
and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.
"Alma 48:14": 14 Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves
against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were
necessary; yea, and they were also taught never to give an offense,
yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy,
except it were to preserve their lives.
"Alma 48:15": 15 And this was their faith, that by so doing God would
prosper them in the land, or in other words, if they were faithful in
keeping the commandments of God that he would prosper them in the land;
yea, warn them to flee, or to prepare for war, according to their
danger;
"Alma 48:16": 16 And also, that God would make it known unto them
whither they should go to defend themselves against their enemies, and
by so doing, the Lord would deliver them; and this was the faith of
Moroni, and his heart did glory in it; not in the shedding of blood but
in doing good, in preserving his people, yea, in keeping the
commandments of God, yea, and resisting iniquity.
"Alma 48:17": 17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had
been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very
powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would
never have power over the hearts of the children of men.
"Alma 48:18": 18 Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of
Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and
his sons, for they were all men of God.
"Alma 48:19": 19 Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less
serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the
word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever
would hearken unto their words.
"Alma 48:20": 20 And thus they went forth, and the people did humble
themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were highly
favored of the Lord, and thus they were free from wars and contentions
among themselves, yea, even for the space of four years.
"Alma 48:21": 21 But, as I have said, in the latter end of the
nineteenth year, yea, notwithstanding their peace amongst themselves,
they were compelled reluctantly to contend with their brethren, the
Lamanites.
"Alma 48:22": 22 Yea, and in fine, their wars never did cease for the
space of many years with the Lamanites, notwithstanding their much
reluctance.
"Alma 48:23": 23 Now, they were sorry to take up arms against the
Lamanites, because they did not delight in the shedding of blood; yea,
and this was not all -- they were sorry to be the means of sending so
many of their brethren out of this world into an eternal world,
unprepared to meet their God.
"Alma 48:24": 24 Nevertheless, they could not suffer to lay down their
lives, that their wives and their children should be massacred by the
barbarous cruelty of those who were once their brethren, yea, and had
dissented from their church, and had left them and had gone to destroy
them by joining the Lamanites.
"Alma 48:25": 25 Yea, they could not bear that their brethren should
rejoice over the blood of the Nephites, so long as there were any who
should keep the commandments of God, for the promise of the Lord was,
if they should keep his commandments they should prosper in the land.
Alma 49
"Alma 49:1": 1 And now it came to pass in the eleventh month of the
nineteenth year, on the tenth day of the month, the armies of the
Lamanites were seen approaching towards the land of Ammonihah.
"Alma 49:2": 2 And behold, the city had been rebuilt, and Moroni had
stationed an army by the borders of the city, and they had cast up dirt
around about to shield them from the arrows and the stones of the
Lamanites; for behold, they fought with stones and with arrows.
"Alma 49:3": 3 Behold, I said that the city of Ammonihah had been
rebuilt. I say unto you, yea, that it was in part rebuilt; and because
the Lamanites had destroyed it once because of the iniquity of the
people, they supposed that it would again become an easy prey for them.
"Alma 49:4": 4 But behold, how great was their disappointment; for
behold, the Nephites had dug up a ridge of earth round about them,
which was so high that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and
their arrows at them that they might take effect, neither could they
come upon them save it was by their place of entrance.
"Alma 49:5": 5 Now at this time the chief captains of the Lamanites
were astonished exceedingly, because of the wisdom of the Nephites in
preparing their places of security.
"Alma 49:6": 6 Now the leaders of the Lamanites had supposed, because
of the greatness of their numbers, yea, they supposed that they should
be privileged to come upon them as they had hitherto done; yea, and
they had also prepared themselves with shields, and with breastplates;
and they had also prepared themselves with garments of skins, yea, very
thick garments to cover their nakedness.
"Alma 49:7": 7 And being thus prepared they supposed that they should
easily overpower and subject their brethren to the yoke of bondage, or
slay and massacre them according to their pleasure.
"Alma 49:8": 8 But behold, to their uttermost astonishment, they were
prepared for them, in a manner which never had been known among the
children of Lehi. Now they were prepared for the Lamanites, to battle
after the manner of the instructions of Moroni.
"Alma 49:9": 9 And it came to pass that the Lamanites, or the
Amalickiahites, were exceedingly astonished at their manner of
preparation for war.
"Alma 49:10": 10 Now, if king Amalickiah had come down out of the land
of Nephi, at the head of his army, perhaps he would have caused the
Lamanites to have attacked the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah; for
behold, he did care not for the blood of his people.
"Alma 49:11": 11 But behold, Amalickiah did not come down himself to
battle. $ And behold, his chief captains durst not attack the Nephites
at the city of Ammonihah, for Moroni had altered the management of
affairs among the Nephites, insomuch that the Lamanites were
disappointed in their places of retreat and they could not come upon
them.
"Alma 49:12": 12 Therefore they retreated into the wilderness, and took
their camp and marched towards the land of Noah, supposing that to be
the next best place for them to come against the Nephites.
"Alma 49:13": 13 For they knew not that Moroni had fortified, or had
built forts of security, for every city in all the land round about;
therefore, they marched forward to the land of Noah with a firm
determination; yea, their chief captains came forward and took an oath
that they would destroy the people of that city.
"Alma 49:14": 14 But behold, to their astonishment, the city of Noah,
which had hitherto been a weak place, had now, by the means of Moroni,
become strong, yea, even to exceed the strength of the city Ammonihah.
"Alma 49:15": 15 And now, behold, this was wisdom in Moroni; for he had
supposed that they would be frightened at the city Ammonihah; and as
the city of Noah had hitherto been the weakest part of the land,
therefore they would march thither to battle; and thus it was according
to his desires.
"Alma 49:16": 16 And behold, Moroni had appointed Lehi to be chief
captain over the men of that city; and it was that same Lehi who fought
with the Lamanites in the valley on the east of the river Sidon.
"Alma 49:17": 17 And now behold it came to pass, that when the
Lamanites had found that Lehi commanded the city they were again
disappointed, for they feared Lehi exceedingly; nevertheless their
chief captains had sworn with an oath to attack the city; therefore,
they brought up their armies.
"Alma 49:18": 18 Now behold, the Lamanites could not get into their
forts of security by any other way save by the entrance, because of the
highness of the bank which had been thrown up, and the depth of the
ditch which had been dug round about, save it were by the entrance.
"Alma 49:19": 19 And thus were the Nephites prepared to destroy all
such as should attempt to climb up to enter the fort by any other way,
by casting over stones and arrows at them.
"Alma 49:20": 20 Thus they were prepared, yea, a body of their
strongest men, with their swords and their slings, to smite down all
who should attempt to come into their place of security by the place of
entrance; and thus were they prepared to defend themselves against the
Lamanites.
"Alma 49:21": 21 And it came to pass that the captains of the Lamanites
brought up their armies before the place of entrance, and began to
contend with the Nephites, to get into their place of security; but
behold, they were driven back from time to time, insomuch that they
were slain with an immense slaughter.
"Alma 49:22": 22 Now when they found that they could not obtain power
over the Nephites by the pass, they began to dig down their banks of
earth that they might obtain a pass to their armies, that they might
have an equal chance to fight; but behold, in these attempts they were
swept off by the stones and arrows which were thrown at them; and
instead of filling up their ditches by pulling down the banks of earth,
they were filled up in a measure with their dead and wounded bodies.
"Alma 49:23": 23 Thus the Nephites had all power over their enemies;
and thus the Lamanites did attempt to destroy the Nephites until their
chief captains were all slain; yea, and more than a thousand of the
Lamanites were slain; while, on the other hand, there was not a single
soul of the Nephites which was slain.
"Alma 49:24": 24 There were about fifty who were wounded, who had been
exposed to the arrows of the Lamanites through the pass, but they were
shielded by their shields, and their breastplates, and their
head-plates, insomuch that their wounds were upon their legs, many of
which were very severe.
"Alma 49:25": 25 And it came to pass, that when the Lamanites saw that
their chief captains were all slain they fled into the wilderness. And
it came to pass that they returned to the land of Nephi, to inform
their king, Amalickiah, who was a Nephite by birth, concerning their
great loss.
"Alma 49:26": 26 And it came to pass that he was exceedingly angry with
his people, because he had not obtained his desire over the Nephites;
he had not subjected them to the yoke of bondage.
"Alma 49:27": 27 Yea, he was exceedingly wroth, and he did curse God,
and also Moroni, swearing with an oath that he would drink his blood;
and this because Moroni had kept the commandments of God in preparing
for the safety of his people.
"Alma 49:28": 28 And it came to pass, that on the other hand, the
people of Nephi did thank the Lord their God, because of his matchless
power in delivering them from the hands of their enemies.
"Alma 49:29": 29 And thus ended the nineteenth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi.
"Alma 49:30": 30 Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and
exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and
diligence which they gave unto the word of God, which was declared unto
them by Helaman, and Shiblon, and Corianton, and Ammon and his
brethren, yea, and by all those who had been ordained by the holy order
of God, being baptized unto repentance, and sent forth to preach among
the people.
Alma 50
"Alma 50:1": 1 And now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop making
preparations for war, or to defend his people against the Lamanites;
for he caused that his armies should commence in the commencement of
the twentieth year of the reign of the judges, that they should
commence in digging up heaps of earth round about all the cities,
throughout all the land which was possessed by the Nephites.
"Alma 50:2": 2 And upon the top of these ridges of earth he caused that
there should be timbers, yea, works of timbers built up to the height
of a man, round about the cities.
"Alma 50:3": 3 And he caused that upon those works of timbers there
should be a frame of pickets built upon the timbers round about; and
they were strong and high.
"Alma 50:4": 4 And he caused towers to be erected that overlooked those
works of pickets, and he caused places of security to be built upon
those towers, that the stones and the arrows of the Lamanites could not
hurt them.
"Alma 50:5": 5 And they were prepared that they could cast stones from
the top thereof, according to their pleasure and their strength, and
slay him who should attempt to approach near the walls of the city.
"Alma 50:6": 6 Thus Moroni did prepare strongholds against the coming
of their enemies, round about every city in all the land.
"Alma 50:7": 7 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his armies
should go forth into the east wilderness; yea, and they went forth and
drove all the Lamanites who were in the east wilderness into their own
lands, which were south of the land of Zarahemla.
"Alma 50:8": 8 And the land of Nephi did run in a straight course from
the east sea to the west.
"Alma 50:9": 9 And it came to pass that when Moroni had driven all the
Lamanites out of the east wilderness, which was north of the lands of
their own possessions, he caused that the inhabitants who were in the
land of Zarahemla and in the land round about should go forth into the
east wilderness, even to the borders by the seashore, and possess the
land.
"Alma 50:10": 10 And he also placed armies on the south, in the borders
of their possessions, and caused them to erect fortifications that they
might secure their armies and their people from the hands of their
enemies.
"Alma 50:11": 11 And thus he cut off all the strongholds of the
Lamanites in the east wilderness, yea, and also on the west, fortifying
the line between the Nephites and the Lamanites, between the land of
Zarahemla and the land of Nephi, from the west sea, running by the head
of the river Sidon -- the Nephites possessing all the land northward,
yea, even all the land which was northward of the land Bountiful,
according to their pleasure.
"Alma 50:12": 12 Thus Moroni, with his armies, which did increase daily
because of the assurance of protection which his works did bring forth
unto them, did seek to cut off the strength and the power of the
Lamanites from off the lands of their possessions, that they should
have no power upon the lands of their possession.
"Alma 50:13": 13 And it came to pass that the Nephites began the
foundation of a city, and they called the name of the city Moroni; and
it was by the east sea; and it was on the south by the line of the
possessions of the Lamanites.
"Alma 50:14": 14 And they also began a foundation for a city between
the city of Moroni and the city of Aaron, joining the borders of Aaron
and Moroni; and they called the name of the city, or the land,
Nephihah.
"Alma 50:15": 15 And they also began in that same year to build many
cities on the north, one in a particular manner which they called Lehi,
which was in the north by the borders of the seashore.
"Alma 50:16": 16 And thus ended the twentieth year.
"Alma 50:17": 17 And in these prosperous circumstances were the people
of Nephi in the commencement of the twenty and first year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi.
"Alma 50:18": 18 And they did prosper exceedingly, and they became
exceedingly rich; yea, and they did multiply and wax strong in the
land.
"Alma 50:19": 19 And thus we see how merciful and just are all the
dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the
children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even
at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:
"Alma 50:20": 20 Blessed art thou and thy children; and they shall be
blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments they shall prosper
in the land. But remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my
commandments they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.
"Alma 50:21": 21 And we see that these promises have been verified to
the people of Nephi; for it has been their quarrelings and their
contentions, yea, their murderings, and their plunderings, their
idolatry, their whoredoms, and their abominations, which were among
themselves, which brought upon them their wars and their destructions.
"Alma 50:22": 22 And those who were faithful in keeping the
commandments of the Lord were delivered at all times, whilst thousands
of their wicked brethren have been consigned to bondage, or to perish
by the sword, or to dwindle in unbelief, and mingle with the Lamanites.
"Alma 50:23": 23 But behold there never was a happier time among the
people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni,
yea, even at this time, in the twenty and first year of the reign of
the judges.
"Alma 50:24": 24 And it came to pass that the twenty and second year of
the reign of the judges also ended in peace; yea, and also the twenty
and third year.
"Alma 50:25": 25 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the
twenty and fourth year of the reign of the judges, there would also
have been peace among the people of Nephi had it not been for a
contention which took place among them concerning the land of Lehi, and
the land of Morianton, which joined upon the borders of Lehi; both of
which were on the borders by the seashore.
"Alma 50:26": 26 For behold, the people who possessed the land of
Morianton did claim a part of the land of Lehi; therefore there began
to be a warm contention between them, insomuch that the people of
Morianton took up arms against their brethren, and they were determined
by the sword to slay them.
"Alma 50:27": 27 But behold, the people who possessed the land of Lehi
fled to the camp of Moroni, and appealed unto him for assistance; for
behold they were not in the wrong.
"Alma 50:28": 28 And it came to pass that when the people of Morianton,
who were led by a man whose name was Morianton, found that the people
of Lehi had fled to the camp of Moroni, they were exceedingly fearful
lest the army of Moroni should come upon them and destroy them.
"Alma 50:29": 29 Therefore, Morianton put it into their hearts that
they should flee to the land which was northward, which was covered
with large bodies of water, and take possession of the land which was
northward.
"Alma 50:30": 30 And behold, they would have carried this plan into
effect, (which would have been a cause to have been lamented) but
behold, Morianton being a man of much passion, therefore he was angry
with one of his maid servants, and he fell upon her and beat her much.
"Alma 50:31": 31 And it came to pass that she fled, and came over to
the camp of Moroni, and told Moroni all things concerning the matter,
and also concerning their intentions to flee into the land northward.
"Alma 50:32": 32 Now behold, the people who were in the land Bountiful,
or rather Moroni, feared that they would hearken to the words of
Morianton and unite with his people, and thus he would obtain
possession of those parts of the land, which would lay a foundation for
serious consequences among the people of Nephi, yea, which consequences
would lead to the overthrow of their liberty.
"Alma 50:33": 33 Therefore Moroni sent an army, with their camp, to
head the people of Morianton, to stop their flight into the land
northward.
"Alma 50:34": 34 And it came to pass that they did not head them until
they had come to the borders of the land Desolation; and there they did
head them, by the narrow pass which led by the sea into the land
northward, yea, by the sea, on the west and on the east.
"Alma 50:35": 35 And it came to pass that the army which was sent by
Moroni, which was led by a man whose name was Teancum, did meet the
people of Morianton; and so stubborn were the people of Morianton,
(being inspired by his wickedness and his flattering words) that a
battle commenced between them, in the which Teancum did slay Morianton
and defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and returned to the camp
of Moroni. And thus ended the twenty and fourth year of the reign of
the judges over the people of Nephi.
"Alma 50:36": 36 And thus were the people of Morianton brought back.
And upon their covenanting to keep the peace they were restored to the
land of Morianton, and a union took place between them and the people
of Lehi; and they were also restored to their lands.
"Alma 50:37": 37 And it came to pass that in the same year that the
people of Nephi had peace restored unto them, that Nephihah, the second
chief judge, died, having filled the judgment-seat with perfect
uprightness before God.
"Alma 50:38": 38 Nevertheless, he had refused Alma to take possession
of those records and those things which were esteemed by Alma and his
fathers to be most sacred; therefore Alma had conferred them upon his
son, Helaman.
"Alma 50:39": 39 Behold, it came to pass that the son of Nephihah was
appointed to fill the judgment-seat, in the stead of his father; yea,
he was appointed chief judge and governor over the people, with an oath
and sacred ordinance to judge righteously, and to keep the peace and
the freedom of the people, and to grant unto them their sacred
privileges to worship the Lord their God, yea, to support and maintain
the cause of God all his days, and to bring the wicked to justice
according to their crime.
"Alma 50:40": 40 Now behold, his name was Pahoran. And Pahoran did fill
the seat of his father, and did commence his reign in the end of the
twenty and fourth year, over the people of Nephi.
Alma 51
"Alma 51:1": 1 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the
twenty and fifth year of the reign of the judges over the people of
Nephi, they having established peace between the people of Lehi and the
people of Morianton concerning their lands, and having commenced the
twenty and fifth year in peace;
"Alma 51:2": 2 Nevertheless, they did not long maintain an entire peace
in the land, for there began to be a contention among the people
concerning the chief judge Pahoran; for behold, there were a part of
the people who desired that a few particular points of the law should
be altered.
"Alma 51:3": 3 But behold, Pahoran would not alter nor suffer the law
to be altered; therefore, he did not hearken to those who had sent in
their voices with their petitions concerning the altering of the law.
"Alma 51:4": 4 Therefore, those who were desirous that the law should
be altered were angry with him, and desired that he should no longer be
chief judge over the land; therefore there arose a warm dispute
concerning the matter, but not unto bloodshed.
"Alma 51:5": 5 And it came to pass that those who were desirous that
Pahoran should be dethroned from the judgment-seat were called
king-men, for they were desirous that the law should be altered in a
manner to overthrow the free government and to establish a king over
the land.
"Alma 51:6": 6 And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain
chief judge over the land took upon them the name of freemen; and thus
was the division among them, for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to
maintain their rights and the privileges of their religion by a free
government.
"Alma 51:7": 7 And it came to pass that this matter of their contention
was settled by the voice of the people. And it came to pass that the
voice of the people came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained
the judgment-seat, which caused much rejoicing among the brethren of
Pahoran and also many of the people of liberty, who also put the
king-men to silence, that they durst not oppose but were obliged to
maintain the cause of freedom.
"Alma 51:8": 8 Now those who were in favor of kings were those of high
birth, and they sought to be kings; and they were supported by those
who sought power and authority over the people.
"Alma 51:9": 9 But behold, this was a critical time for such
contentions to be among the people of Nephi; for behold, Amalickiah had
again stirred up the hearts of the people of the Lamanites against the
people of the Nephites, and he was gathering together soldiers from all
parts of his land, and arming them, and preparing for war with all
diligence; for he had sworn to drink the blood of Moroni.
"Alma 51:10": 10 But behold, we shall see that his promise which he
made was rash; nevertheless, he did prepare himself and his armies to
come to battle against the Nephites.
"Alma 51:11": 11 Now his armies were not so great as they had hitherto
been, because of the many thousands who had been slain by the hand of
the Nephites; but notwithstanding their great loss, Amalickiah had
gathered together a wonderfully great army, insomuch that he feared not
to come down to the land of Zarahemla.
"Alma 51:12": 12 Yea, even Amalickiah did himself come down, at the
head of the Lamanites. And it was in the twenty and fifth year of the
reign of the judges; and it was at the same time that they had begun to
settle the affairs of their contentions concerning the chief judge,
Pahoran.
"Alma 51:13": 13 And it came to pass that when the men who were called
king-men had heard that the Lamanites were coming down to battle
against them, they were glad in their hearts; and they refused to take
up arms, for they were so wroth with the chief judge, and also with the
people of liberty, that they would not take up arms to defend their
country.
"Alma 51:14": 14 And it came to pass that when Moroni saw this, and
also saw that the Lamanites were coming into the borders of the land,
he was exceedingly wroth because of the stubbornness of those people
whom he had labored with so much diligence to preserve; yea, he was
exceedingly wroth; his soul was filled with anger against them.
"Alma 51:15": 15 And it came to pass that he sent a petition, with the
voice of the people, unto the governor of the land, desiring that he
should read it, and give him (Moroni) power to compel those dissenters
to defend their country or to put them to death.
"Alma 51:16": 16 For it was his first care to put an end to such
contentions and dissensions among the people; for behold, this had been
hitherto a cause of all their destruction. And it came to pass that it
was granted according to the voice of the people.
"Alma 51:17": 17 And it came to pass that Moroni commanded that his
army should go against those king-men, to pull down their pride and
their nobility and level them with the earth, or they should take up
arms and support the cause of liberty.
"Alma 51:18": 18 And it came to pass that the armies did march forth
against them; and they did pull down their pride and their nobility,
insomuch that as they did lift their weapons of war to fight against
the men of Moroni they were hewn down and leveled to the earth.
"Alma 51:19": 19 And it came to pass that there were four thousand of
those dissenters who were hewn down by the sword; and those of their
leaders who were not slain in battle were taken and cast into prison,
for there was no time for their trials at this period.
"Alma 51:20": 20 And the remainder of those dissenters, rather than be
smitten down to the earth by the sword, yielded to the standard of
liberty, and were compelled to hoist the title of liberty upon their
towers, and in their cities, and to take up arms in defence of their
country.
"Alma 51:21": 21 And thus Moroni put an end to those king-men, that
there were not any known by the appellation of king-men; and thus he
put an end to the stubbornness and the pride of those people who
professed the blood of nobility; but they were brought down to humble
themselves like unto their brethren, and to fight valiantly for their
freedom from bondage.
"Alma 51:22": 22 Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus
breaking down the wars and contentions among his own people, and
subjecting them to peace and civilization, and making regulations to
prepare for war against the Lamanites, behold, the Lamanites had come
into the land of Moroni, which was in the borders by the seashore.
"Alma 51:23": 23 And it came to pass that the Nephites were not
sufficiently strong in the city of Moroni; therefore Amalickiah did
drive them, slaying many. And it came to pass that Amalickiah took
possession of the city, yea, possession of all their fortifications.
"Alma 51:24": 24 And those who fled out of the city of Moroni came to
the city of Nephihah; and also the people of the city of Lehi gathered
themselves together, and made preparations and were ready to receive
the Lamanites to battle.
"Alma 51:25": 25 But it came to pass that Amalickiah would not suffer
the Lamanites to go against the city of Nephihah to battle, but kept
them down by the seashore, leaving men in every city to maintain and
defend it.
"Alma 51:26": 26 And thus he went on, taking possession of many cities,
the city of Nephihah, and the city of Lehi, and the city of Morianton,
and the city of Omner, and the city of Gid, and the city of Mulek, all
of which were on the east borders by the seashore.
"Alma 51:27": 27 And thus had the Lamanites obtained, by the cunning of
Amalickiah, so many cities, by their numberless hosts, all of which
were strongly fortified after the manner of the fortifications of
Moroni; all of which afforded strongholds for the Lamanites.
"Alma 51:28": 28 And it came to pass that they marched to the borders
of the land Bountiful, driving the Nephites before them and slaying
many.
"Alma 51:29": 29 But it came to pass that they were met by Teancum, who
had slain Morianton and had headed his people in his flight.
"Alma 51:30": 30 And it came to pass that he headed Amalickiah also, as
he was marching forth with his numerous army that he might take
possession of the land Bountiful, and also the land northward.
"Alma 51:31": 31 But behold he met with a disappointment by being
repulsed by Teancum and his men, for they were great warriors; for
every man of Teancum did exceed the Lamanites in their strength and in
their skill of war, insomuch that they did gain advantage over the
Lamanites.
"Alma 51:32": 32 And it came to pass that they did harass them,
insomuch that they did slay them even until it was dark. And it came to
pass that Teancum and his men did pitch their tents in the borders of
the land Bountiful; and Amalickiah did pitch his tents in the borders
on the beach by the seashore, and after this manner were they driven.
"Alma 51:33": 33 And it came to pass that when the night had come,
Teancum and his servant stole forth and went out by night, and went
into the camp of Amalickiah; and behold, sleep had overpowered them
because of their much fatigue, which was caused by the labors and heat
of the day.
"Alma 51:34": 34 And it came to pass that Teancum stole privily into
the tent of the king, and put a javelin to his heart; and he did cause
the death of the king immediately that he did not awake his servants.
"Alma 51:35": 35 And he returned again privily to his own camp, and
behold, his men were asleep, and he awoke them and told them all the
things that he had done.
"Alma 51:36": 36 And he caused that his armies should stand in
readiness, lest the Lamanites had awakened and should come upon them.
"Alma 51:37": 37 And thus endeth the twenty and fifth year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi; and thus endeth the days of
Amalickiah.
Alma 52
"Alma 52:1": 1 And now, it came to pass in the twenty and sixth year of
the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, behold, when the
Lamanites awoke on the first morning of the first month, behold, they
found Amalickiah was dead in his own tent; and they also saw that
Teancum was ready to give them battle on that day.
"Alma 52:2": 2 And now, when the Lamanites saw this they were
affrighted; and they abandoned their design in marching into the land
northward, and retreated with all their army into the city of Mulek,
and sought protection in their fortifications.
"Alma 52:3": 3 And it came to pass that the brother of Amalickiah was
appointed king over the people; and his name was Ammoron; thus king
Ammoron, the brother of king Amalickiah, was appointed to reign in his
stead.
"Alma 52:4": 4 And it came to pass that he did command that his people
should maintain those cities, which they had taken by the shedding of
blood; for they had not taken any cities save they had lost much blood.
"Alma 52:5": 5 And now, Teancum saw that the Lamanites were determined
to maintain those cities which they had taken, and those parts of the
land which they had obtained possession of; and also seeing the
enormity of their number, Teancum thought it was not expedient that he
should attempt to attack them in their forts.
"Alma 52:6": 6 But he kept his men round about, as if making
preparations for war; yea, and truly he was preparing to defend himself
against them, by casting up walls round about and preparing places of
resort.
"Alma 52:7": 7 And it came to pass that he kept thus preparing for war
until Moroni had sent a large number of men to strengthen his army.
"Alma 52:8": 8 And Moroni also sent orders unto him that he should
retain all the prisoners who fell into his hands; for as the Lamanites
had taken many prisoners, that he should retain all the prisoners of
the Lamanites as a ransom for those whom the Lamanites had taken.
"Alma 52:9": 9 And he also sent orders unto him that he should fortify
the land Bountiful, and secure the narrow pass which led into the land
northward, lest the Lamanites should obtain that point and should have
power to harass them on every side.
"Alma 52:10": 10 And Moroni also sent unto him, desiring him that he
would be faithful in maintaining that quarter of the land, and that he
would seek every opportunity to scourge the Lamanites in that quarter,
as much as was in his power, that perhaps he might take again by
stratagem or some other way those cities which had been taken out of
their hands; and that he also would fortify and strengthen the cities
round about, which had not fallen into the hands of the Lamanites.
"Alma 52:11": 11 And he also said unto him, I would come unto you, but
behold, the Lamanites are upon us in the borders of the land by the
west sea; and behold, I go against them, therefore I cannot come unto
you.
"Alma 52:12": 12 Now, the king (Ammoron) had departed out of the land
of Zarahemla, and had made known unto the queen concerning the death of
his brother, and had gathered together a large number of men, and had
marched forth against the Nephites on the borders by the west sea.
"Alma 52:13": 13 And thus he was endeavoring to harass the Nephites,
and to draw away a part of their forces to that part of the land, while
he had commanded those whom he had left to possess the cities which he
had taken, that they should also harass the Nephites on the borders by
the east sea, and should take possession of their lands as much as it
was in their power, according to the power of their armies.
"Alma 52:14": 14 And thus were the Nephites in those dangerous
circumstances in the ending of the twenty and sixth year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi.
"Alma 52:15": 15 But behold, it came to pass in the twenty and seventh
year of the reign of the judges, that Teancum, by the command of Moroni
-- who had established armies to protect the south and the west borders
of the land, and had begun his march towards the land Bountiful, that
he might assist Teancum with his men in retaking the cities which they
had lost --
"Alma 52:16": 16 And it came to pass that Teancum had received orders
to make an attack upon the city of Mulek, and retake it if it were
possible.
"Alma 52:17": 17 And it came to pass that Teancum made preparations to
make an attack upon the city of Mulek, and march forth with his army
against the Lamanites; but he saw that it was impossible that he could
overpower them while they were in their fortifications; therefore he
abandoned his designs and returned again to the city Bountiful, to wait
for the coming of Moroni, that he might receive strength to his army.
"Alma 52:18": 18 And it came to pass that Moroni did arrive with his
army at the land of Bountiful, in the latter end of the twenty and
seventh year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.
"Alma 52:19": 19 And in the commencement of the twenty and eighth year,
Moroni and Teancum and many of the chief captains held a council of war
-- what they should do to cause the Lamanites to come out against them
to battle; or that they might by some means flatter them out of their
strongholds, that they might gain advantage over them and take again
the city of Mulek.
"Alma 52:20": 20 And it came to pass they sent embassies to the army of
the Lamanites, which protected the city of Mulek, to their leader,
whose name was Jacob, desiring him that he would come out with his
armies to meet them upon the plains between the two cities. $ But
behold, Jacob, who was a Zoramite, would not come out with his army to
meet them upon the plains.
"Alma 52:21": 21 And it came to pass that Moroni, having no hopes of
meeting them upon fair grounds, therefore, he resolved upon a plan that
he might decoy the Lamanites out of their strongholds.
"Alma 52:22": 22 Therefore he caused that Teancum should take a small
number of men and march down near the seashore; and Moroni and his
army, by night, marched in the wilderness, on the west of the city
Mulek; and thus, on the morrow, when the guards of the Lamanites had
discovered Teancum, they ran and told it unto Jacob, their leader.
"Alma 52:23": 23 And it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites
did march forth against Teancum, supposing by their numbers to
overpower Teancum because of the smallness of his numbers. And as
Teancum saw the armies of the Lamanites coming out against him he began
to retreat down by the seashore, northward.
"Alma 52:24": 24 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that
he began to flee, they took courage and pursued them with vigor. And
while Teancum was thus leading away the Lamanites who were pursuing
them in vain, behold, Moroni commanded that a part of his army who were
with him should march forth into the city, and take possession of it.
"Alma 52:25": 25 And thus they did, and slew all those who had been
left to protect the city, yea, all those who would not yield up their
weapons of war.
"Alma 52:26": 26 And thus Moroni had obtained possession of the city
Mulek with a part of his army, while he marched with the remainder to
meet the Lamanites when they should return from the pursuit of Teancum.
"Alma 52:27": 27 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did pursue
Teancum until they came near the city Bountiful, and then they were met
by Lehi and a small army, which had been left to protect the city
Bountiful.
"Alma 52:28": 28 And now behold, when the chief captains of the
Lamanites had beheld Lehi with his army coming against them, they fled
in much confusion, lest perhaps they should not obtain the city Mulek
before Lehi should overtake them; for they were wearied because of
their march, and the men of Lehi were fresh.
"Alma 52:29": 29 Now the Lamanites did not know that Moroni had been in
their rear with his army; and all they feared was Lehi and his men.
"Alma 52:30": 30 Now Lehi was not desirous to overtake them till they
should meet Moroni and his army.
"Alma 52:31": 31 And it came to pass that before the Lamanites had
retreated far they were surrounded by the Nephites, by the men of
Moroni on one hand, and the men of Lehi on the other, all of whom were
fresh and full of strength; but the Lamanites were wearied because of
their long march.
"Alma 52:32": 32 And Moroni commanded his men that they should fall
upon them until they had given up their weapons of war.
"Alma 52:33": 33 And it came to pass that Jacob, being their leader,
being also a Zoramite, and having an unconquerable spirit, he led the
Lamanites forth to battle with exceeding fury against Moroni.
"Alma 52:34": 34 Moroni being in their course of march, therefore Jacob
was determined to slay them and cut his way through to the city of
Mulek. But behold, Moroni and his men were more powerful; therefore
they did not give way before the Lamanites.
"Alma 52:35": 35 And it came to pass that they fought on both hands
with exceeding fury; and there were many slain on both sides; yea, and
Moroni was wounded and Jacob was killed.
"Alma 52:36": 36 And Lehi pressed upon their rear with such fury with
his strong men, that the Lamanites in the rear delivered up their
weapons of war; and the remainder of them, being much confused, knew
not whither to go or to strike.
"Alma 52:37": 37 Now Moroni seeing their confusion, he said unto them:
If ye will bring forth your weapons of war and deliver them up, behold
we will forbear shedding your blood.
"Alma 52:38": 38 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had heard
these words, their chief captains, all those who were not slain, came
forth and threw down their weapons of war at the feet of Moroni, and
also commanded their men that they should do the same.
"Alma 52:39": 39 But behold, there were many that would not; and those
who would not deliver up their swords were taken and bound, and their
weapons of war were taken from them, and they were compelled to march
with their brethren forth into the land Bountiful.
"Alma 52:40": 40 And now the number of prisoners who were taken
exceeded more than the number of those who had been slain, yea, more
than those who had been slain on both sides.
Alma 53
"Alma 53:1": 1 And it came to pass that they did set guards over the
prisoners of the Lamanites, and did compel them to go forth and bury
their dead, yea, and also the dead of the Nephites who were slain; and
Moroni placed men over them to guard them while they should perform
their labors.
"Alma 53:2": 2 And Moroni went to the city of Mulek with Lehi, and took
command of the city and gave it unto Lehi. Now behold, this Lehi was a
man who had been with Moroni in the more part of all his battles; and
he was a man like unto Moroni, and they rejoiced in each other's
safety; yea, they were beloved by each other, and also beloved by all
the people of Nephi.
"Alma 53:3": 3 And it came to pass that after the Lamanites had
finished burying their dead and also the dead of the Nephites, they
were marched back into the land Bountiful; and Teancum, by the orders
of Moroni, caused that they should commence laboring in digging a ditch
round about the land, or the city, Bountiful.
"Alma 53:4": 4 And he caused that they should build a breastwork of
timbers upon the inner bank of the ditch; and they cast up dirt out of
the ditch against the breastwork of timbers; and thus they did cause
the Lamanites to labor until they had encircled the city of Bountiful
round about with a strong wall of timbers and earth, to an exceeding
height.
"Alma 53:5": 5 And this city became an exceeding stronghold ever after;
and in this city they did guard the prisoners of the Lamanites; yea,
even within a wall which they had caused them to build with their own
hands. Now Moroni was compelled to cause the Lamanites to labor,
because it was easy to guard them while at their labor; and he desired
all his forces when he should make an attack upon the Lamanites.
"Alma 53:6": 6 And it came to pass that Moroni had thus gained a
victory over one of the greatest of the armies of the Lamanites, and
had obtained possession of the city of Mulek, which was one of the
strongest holds of the Lamanites in the land of Nephi; and thus he had
also built a stronghold to retain his prisoners.
"Alma 53:7": 7 And it came to pass that he did no more attempt a battle
with the Lamanites in that year, but he did employ his men in preparing
for war, yea, and in making fortifications to guard against the
Lamanites, yea, and also delivering their women and their children from
famine and affliction, and providing food for their armies.
"Alma 53:8": 8 And now it came to pass that the armies of the
Lamanites, on the west sea, south, while in the absence of Moroni on
account of some intrigue amongst the Nephites, which caused dissensions
amongst them, had gained some ground over the Nephites, yea, insomuch
that they had obtained possession of a number of their cities in that
part of the land.
"Alma 53:9": 9 And thus because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea,
because of dissensions and intrigue among themselves they were placed
in the most dangerous circumstances.
"Alma 53:10": 10 And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the
people of Ammon, who in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon and
his brethren, or rather by the power and word of God, they had been
converted unto the Lord; and they had been brought down into the land
of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected by the Nephites.
"Alma 53:11": 11 And because of their oath they had been kept from
taking up arms against their brethren; for they had taken an oath that
they never would shed blood more; and according to their oath they
would have perished; yea, they would have suffered themselves to have
fallen into the hands of their brethren, had it not been for the pity
and the exceeding love which Ammon and his brethren had had for them.
"Alma 53:12": 12 And for this cause they were brought down into the
land of Zarahemla; and they ever had been protected by the Nephites.
"Alma 53:13": 13 But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and
the many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them,
they were moved with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in
the defence of their country.
"Alma 53:14": 14 But behold, as they were about to take their weapons
of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his
brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made.
"Alma 53:15": 15 And Helaman feared lest by so doing they should lose
their souls; therefore all those who had entered into this covenant
were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions,
in their dangerous circumstances at this time.
"Alma 53:16": 16 But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, who
had not entered into a covenant that they would not take their weapons
of war to defend themselves against their enemies; therefore they did
assemble themselves together at this time, as many as were able to take
up arms, and they called themselves Nephites.
"Alma 53:17": 17 And they entered into a covenant to fight for the
liberty of the Nephites, yea, to protect the land unto the laying down
of their lives; yea, even they covenanted that they never would give up
their liberty, but they would fight in all cases to protect the
Nephites and themselves from bondage.
"Alma 53:18": 18 Now behold, there were two thousand of those young
men, who entered into this covenant and took their weapons of war to
defend their country.
"Alma 53:19": 19 And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a
disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time
also a great support; for they took their weapons of war, and they
would that Helaman should be their leader.
"Alma 53:20": 20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly
valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold,
this was not all -- they were men who were true at all times in
whatsoever thing they were entrusted.
"Alma 53:21": 21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they
had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly
before him.
"Alma 53:22": 22 And now it came to pass that Helaman did march at the
head of his two thousand stripling soldiers, to the support of the
people in the borders of the land on the south by the west sea.
"Alma 53:23": 23 And thus ended the twenty and eighth year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi.
Alma 54
"Alma 54:1": 1 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the
twenty and ninth year of the judges, that Ammoron sent unto Moroni
desiring that he would exchange prisoners.
"Alma 54:2": 2 And it came to pass that Moroni felt to rejoice
exceedingly at this request, for he desired the provisions which were
imparted for the support of the Lamanite prisoners for the support of
his own people; and he also desired his own people for the
strengthening of his army.
"Alma 54:3": 3 Now the Lamanites had taken many women and children, and
there was not a woman nor a child among all the prisoners of Moroni, or
the prisoners whom Moroni had taken; therefore Moroni resolved upon a
stratagem to obtain as many prisoners of the Nephites from the
Lamanites as it were possible.
"Alma 54:4": 4 Therefore he wrote an epistle, and sent it by the
servant of Ammoron, the same who had brought an epistle to Moroni. Now
these are the words which he wrote unto Ammoron, saying:
"Alma 54:5": 5 Behold, Ammoron, I have written unto you somewhat
concerning this war which ye have waged against my people, or rather
which thy brother hath waged against them, and which ye are still
determined to carry on after his death.
"Alma 54:6": 6 Behold, I would tell you somewhat concerning the justice
of God, and the sword of his almighty wrath, which doth hang over you
except ye repent and withdraw your armies into your own lands, or the
land of your possessions, which is the land of Nephi.
"Alma 54:7": 7 Yea, I would tell you these things if ye were capable of
hearkening unto them; yea, I would tell you concerning that awful hell
that awaits to receive such murderers as thou and thy brother have
been, except ye repent and withdraw your murderous purposes, and return
with your armies to your own lands.
"Alma 54:8": 8 But as ye have once rejected these things, and have
fought against the people of the Lord, even so I may expect you will do
it again.
"Alma 54:9": 9 And now behold, we are prepared to receive you; yea, and
except you withdraw your purposes, behold, ye will pull down the wrath
of that God whom you have rejected upon you, even to your utter
destruction.
"Alma 54:10": 10 But, as the Lord liveth, our armies shall come upon
you except ye withdraw, and ye shall soon be visited with death, for we
will retain our cities and our lands; yea, and we will maintain our
religion and the cause of our God.
"Alma 54:11": 11 But behold, it supposeth me that I talk to you
concerning these things in vain; or it supposeth me that thou art a
child of hell; therefore I will close my epistle by telling you that I
will not exchange prisoners, save it be on conditions that ye will
deliver up a man and his wife and his children, for one prisoner; if
this be the case that ye will do it, I will exchange.
"Alma 54:12": 12 And behold, if you do not this, I will come against
you with my armies; yea, even I will arm my women and my children, and
I will come against you, and I will follow you even into your own land,
which is the land of our first inheritance; yea, and it shall be blood
for blood, yea, life for life; and I will give you battle even until
you are destroyed from off the face of the earth.
"Alma 54:13": 13 Behold, I am in my anger, and also my people; ye have
sought to murder us, and we have only sought to defend ourselves. But
behold, if ye seek to destroy us more we will seek to destroy you; yea,
and we will seek our land, the land of our first inheritance.
"Alma 54:14": 14 Now I close my epistle. I am Moroni; I am a leader of
the people of the Nephites.
"Alma 54:15": 15 Now it came to pass that Ammoron, when he had received
this epistle, was angry; and he wrote another epistle unto Moroni, and
these are the words which he wrote, saying:
"Alma 54:16": 16 I am Ammoron, the king of the Lamanites; I am the
brother of Amalickiah whom ye have murdered. Behold, I will avenge his
blood upon you, yea, and I will come upon you with my armies for I fear
not your threatenings.
"Alma 54:17": 17 For behold, your fathers did wrong their brethren,
insomuch that they did rob them of their right to the government when
it rightly belonged unto them.
"Alma 54:18": 18 And now behold, if ye will lay down your arms, and
subject yourselves to be governed by those to whom the government doth
rightly belong, then will I cause that my people shall lay down their
weapons and shall be at war no more.
"Alma 54:19": 19 Behold, ye have breathed out many threatenings against
me and my people; but behold, we fear not your threatenings.
"Alma 54:20": 20 Nevertheless, I will grant to exchange prisoners
according to your request, gladly, that I may preserve my food for my
men of war; and we will wage a war which shall be eternal, either to
the subjecting the Nephites to our authority or to their eternal
extinction.
"Alma 54:21": 21 And as concerning that God whom ye say we have
rejected, behold, we know not such a being; neither do ye; but if it so
be that there is such a thing, we know not but that he hath made us as
well as you.
"Alma 54:22": 22 And if it so be that there is a devil and a hell,
behold will he not send you there to dwell with my brother whom ye have
murdered, whom ye have hinted that he hath gone to such a place? $ But
behold these things matter not.
"Alma 54:23": 23 I am Ammoron, and a descendant of Zoram, whom your
fathers pressed and brought out of Jerusalem.
"Alma 54:24": 24 And behold now, I am a bold Lamanite; behold, this war
hath been waged to avenge their wrongs, and to maintain and to obtain
their rights to the government; and I close my epistle to Moroni.
Alma 55
"Alma 55:1": 1 Now it came to pass that when Moroni had received this
epistle he was more angry, because he knew that Ammoron had a perfect
knowledge of his fraud; yea, he knew that Ammoron knew that it was not
a just cause that had caused him to wage a war against the people of
Nephi.
"Alma 55:2": 2 And he said: Behold, I will not exchange prisoners with
Ammoron save he will withdraw his purpose, as I have stated in my
epistle; for I will not grant unto him that he shall have any more
power than what he hath got.
"Alma 55:3": 3 Behold, I know the place where the Lamanites do guard my
people whom they have taken prisoners; and as Ammoron would not grant
unto me mine epistle, behold, I will give unto him according to my
words; yea, I will seek death among them until they shall sue for
peace.
"Alma 55:4": 4 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had said these
words, he caused that a search should be made among his men, that
perhaps he might find a man who was a descendant of Laman among them.
"Alma 55:5": 5 And it came to pass that they found one, whose name was
Laman; and he was one of the servants of the king who was murdered by
Amalickiah.
"Alma 55:6": 6 Now Moroni caused that Laman and a small number of his
men should go forth unto the guards who were over the Nephites.
"Alma 55:7": 7 Now the Nephites were guarded in the city of Gid;
therefore Moroni appointed Laman and caused that a small number of men
should go with him.
"Alma 55:8": 8 And when it was evening Laman went to the guards who
were over the Nephites, and behold, they saw him coming and they hailed
him; but he saith unto them: Fear not; behold, I am a Lamanite. $
Behold, we have escaped from the Nephites, and they sleep; and behold
we have taken of their wine and brought with us.
"Alma 55:9": 9 Now when the Lamanites heard these words they received
him with joy; and they said unto him: Give us of your wine, that we may
drink; we are glad that ye have thus taken wine with you for we are
weary.
"Alma 55:10": 10 But Laman said unto them: Let us keep of our wine till
we go against the Nephites to battle. But this saying only made them
more desirous to drink of the wine;
"Alma 55:11": 11 For, said they: We are weary, therefore let us take of
the wine, and by and by we shall receive wine for our rations, which
will strengthen us to go against the Nephites.
"Alma 55:12": 12 And Laman said unto them: You may do according to your
desires.
"Alma 55:13": 13 And it came to pass that they did take of the wine
freely; and it was pleasant to their taste, therefore they took of it
more freely; and it was strong, having been prepared in its strength.
"Alma 55:14": 14 And it came to pass they did drink and were merry, and
by and by they were all drunken.
"Alma 55:15": 15 And now when Laman and his men saw that they were all
drunken, and were in a deep sleep, they returned to Moroni and told him
all the things that had happened.
"Alma 55:16": 16 And now this was according to the design of Moroni.
And Moroni had prepared his men with weapons of war; and he went to the
city Gid, while the Lamanites were in a deep sleep and drunken, and
cast in weapons of war unto the prisoners, insomuch that they were all
armed;
"Alma 55:17": 17 Yea, even to their women, and all those of their
children, as many as were able to use a weapon of war, when Moroni had
armed all those prisoners; and all those things were done in a profound
silence.
"Alma 55:18": 18 But had they awakened the Lamanites, behold they were
drunken and the Nephites could have slain them.
"Alma 55:19": 19 But behold, this was not the desire of Moroni; he did
not delight in murder or bloodshed, but he delighted in the saving of
his people from destruction; and for this cause he might not bring upon
him injustice, he would not fall upon the Lamanites and destroy them in
their drunkenness.
"Alma 55:20": 20 But he had obtained his desires; for he had armed
those prisoners of the Nephites who were within the wall of the city,
and had given them power to gain possession of those parts which were
within the walls.
"Alma 55:21": 21 And then he caused the men who were with him to
withdraw a pace from them, and surround the armies of the Lamanites.
"Alma 55:22": 22 Now behold this was done in the night-time, so that
when the Lamanites awoke in the morning they beheld that they were
surrounded by the Nephites without, and that their prisoners were armed
within.
"Alma 55:23": 23 And thus they saw that the Nephites had power over
them; and in these circumstances they found that it was not expedient
that they should fight with the Nephites; therefore their chief
captains demanded their weapons of war, and they brought them forth and
cast them at the feet of the Nephites, pleading for mercy.
"Alma 55:24": 24 Now behold, this was the desire of Moroni. He took
them prisoners of war, and took possession of the city, and caused that
all the prisoners should be liberated, who were Nephites; and they did
join the army of Moroni, and were a great strength to his army.
"Alma 55:25": 25 And it came to pass that he did cause the Lamanites,
whom he had taken prisoners, that they should commence a labor in
strengthening the fortifications round about the city Gid.
"Alma 55:26": 26 And it came to pass that when he had fortified the
city Gid, according to his desires, he caused that his prisoners should
be taken to the city Bountiful; and he also guarded that city with an
exceedingly strong force.
"Alma 55:27": 27 And it came to pass that they did, notwithstanding all
the intrigues of the Lamanites, keep and protect all the prisoners whom
they had taken, and also maintain all the ground and the advantage
which they had retaken.
"Alma 55:28": 28 And it came to pass that the Nephites began again to
be victorious, and to reclaim their rights and their privileges.
"Alma 55:29": 29 Many time did the Lamanites attempt to encircle them
about by night, but in these attempts they did lose many prisoners.
"Alma 55:30": 30 And many times did they attempt to administer of their
wine to the Nephites, that they might destroy them with poison or with
drunkenness.
"Alma 55:31": 31 But behold, the Nephites were not slow to remember the
Lord their God in this their time of affliction. They could not be
taken in their snares; yea, they would not partake of their wine, save
they had first given to some of the Lamanite prisoners.
"Alma 55:32": 32 And they were thus cautious that no poison should be
administered among them; for if their wine would poison a Lamanite it
would also poison a Nephite; and thus they did try all their liquors.
"Alma 55:33": 33 And now it came to pass that it was expedient for
Moroni to make preparations to attack the city Morianton; for behold,
the Lamanites had, by their labors, fortified the city Morianton until
it had become an exceeding stronghold.
"Alma 55:34": 34 And they were continually bringing new forces into
that city, and also new supplies of provisions.
"Alma 55:35": 35 And thus ended the twenty and ninth year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi.
Alma 56
"Alma 56:1": 1 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the
thirtieth year of the reign of the judges, on the second day in the
first month, Moroni received an epistle from Helaman, stating the
affairs of the people in that quarter of the land.
"Alma 56:2": 2 And these are the words which he wrote, saying: My
dearly beloved brother, Moroni, as well in the Lord as in the
tribulations of our warfare; behold, my beloved brother, I have
somewhat to tell you concerning our warfare in this part of the land.
"Alma 56:3": 3 Behold, two thousand of the sons of those men whom Ammon
brought down out of the land of Nephi -- now ye have known that these
were descendants of Laman, who was the eldest son of our father Lehi;
"Alma 56:4": 4 Now I need not rehearse unto you concerning their
traditions or their unbelief, for thou knowest concerning all these
things --
"Alma 56:5": 5 Therefore it sufficeth me that I tell you that two
thousand of these young men have taken their weapons of war, and would
that I should be their leader; and we have come forth to defend our
country.
"Alma 56:6": 6 And now ye also know concerning the covenant which their
fathers made, that they would not take up their weapons of war against
their brethren to shed blood.
"Alma 56:7": 7 But in the twenty and sixth year, when they saw our
afflictions and our tribulations for them, they were about to break the
covenant which they had made and take up their weapons of war in our
defence.
"Alma 56:8": 8 But I would not suffer them that they should break this
covenant which they had made, supposing that God would strengthen us,
insomuch that we should not suffer more because of the fulfilling the
oath which they had taken.
"Alma 56:9": 9 But behold, here is one thing in which we may have great
joy. $ For behold, in the twenty and sixth year, I, Helaman, did march
at the head of these two thousand young men to the city of Judea, to
assist Antipus, whom ye had appointed a leader over the people of that
part of the land.
"Alma 56:10": 10 And I did join my two thousand sons, (for they are
worthy to be called sons) to the army of Antipus, in which strength
Antipus did rejoice exceedingly; for behold, his army had been reduced
by the Lamanites because their forces had slain a vast number of our
men, for which cause we have to mourn.
"Alma 56:11": 11 Nevertheless, we may console ourselves in this point,
that they have died in the cause of their country and of their God,
yea, and they are happy.
"Alma 56:12": 12 And the Lamanites had also retained many prisoners,
all of whom are chief captains, for none other have they spared alive.
$ And we suppose that they are now at this time in the land of Nephi;
it is so if they are not slain.
"Alma 56:13": 13 And now these are the cities of which the Lamanites
have obtained possession by the shedding of the blood of so many of our
valiant men:
"Alma 56:14": 14 The land of Manti, or the city of Manti, and the city
of Zeezrom, and the city of Cumeni, and the city of Antiparah.
"Alma 56:15": 15 And these are the cities which they possessed when I
arrived at the city of Judea; and I found Antipus and his men toiling
with their might to fortify the city.
"Alma 56:16": 16 Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in
spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to
maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of
every kind.
"Alma 56:17": 17 And now they were determined to conquer in this place
or die; therefore you may well suppose that this little force which I
brought with me, yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes and
much joy.
"Alma 56:18": 18 And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw
that Antipus had received a greater strength to his army, they were
compelled by the orders of Ammoron to not come against the city of
Judea, or against us, to battle.
"Alma 56:19": 19 And thus were we favored of the Lord; for had they
come upon us in this our weakness they might have perhaps destroyed our
little army; but thus were we preserved.
"Alma 56:20": 20 They were commanded by Ammoron to maintain those
cities which they had taken. And thus ended the twenty and sixth year.
And in the commencement of the twenty and seventh year we had prepared
our city and ourselves for defence.
"Alma 56:21": 21 Now we were desirous that the Lamanites should come
upon us; for we were not desirous to make an attack upon them in their
strongholds.
"Alma 56:22": 22 And it came to pass that we kept spies out round
about, to watch the movements of the Lamanites, that they might not
pass us by night nor by day to make an attack upon our other cities
which were on the northward.
"Alma 56:23": 23 For we knew in those cities they were not sufficiently
strong to meet them; therefore we were desirous, if they should pass by
us, to fall upon them in their rear, and thus bring them up in the rear
at the same time they were met in the front. We supposed that we could
overpower them; but behold, we were disappointed in this our desire.
"Alma 56:24": 24 They durst not pass by us with their whole army,
neither durst they with a part, lest they should not be sufficiently
strong and they should fall.
"Alma 56:25": 25 Neither durst they march down against the city of
Zarahemla; neither durst they cross the head of Sidon, over to the city
of Nephihah.
"Alma 56:26": 26 And thus, with their forces, they were determined to
maintain those cities which they had taken.
"Alma 56:27": 27 And now it came to pass in the second month of this
year, there was brought unto us many provisions from the fathers of
those my two thousand sons.
"Alma 56:28": 28 And also there were sent two thousand men unto us from
the land of Zarahemla. And thus we were prepared with ten thousand men,
and provisions for them, and also for their wives and their children.
"Alma 56:29": 29 And the Lamanites, thus seeing our forces increase
daily, and provisions arrive for our support, they began to be fearful,
and began to sally forth, if it were possible to put an end to our
receiving provisions and strength.
"Alma 56:30": 30 Now when we saw that the Lamanites began to grow
uneasy on this wise, we were desirous to bring a stratagem into effect
upon them; therefore Antipus ordered that I should march forth with my
little sons to a neighboring city, as if we were carrying provisions to
a neighboring city.
"Alma 56:31": 31 And we were to march near the city of Antiparah, as if
we were going to the city beyond, in the borders by the seashore.
"Alma 56:32": 32 And it came to pass that we did march forth, as if
with our provisions, to go to that city.
"Alma 56:33": 33 And it came to pass that Antipus did march forth with
a part of his army, leaving the remainder to maintain the city. But he
did not march forth until I had gone forth with my little army, and
came near the city Antiparah.
"Alma 56:34": 34 And now, in the city Antiparah were stationed the
strongest army of the Lamanites; yea, the most numerous.
"Alma 56:35": 35 And it came to pass that when they had been informed
by their spies, they came forth with their army and marched against us.
"Alma 56:36": 36 And it came to pass that we did flee before them,
northward. $ And thus we did lead away the most powerful army of the
Lamanites;
"Alma 56:37": 37 Yea, even to a considerable distance, insomuch that
when they saw the army of Antipus pursuing them, with their might, they
did not turn to the right nor to the left, but pursued their march in a
straight course after us; and, as we suppose, it was their intent to
slay us before Antipus should overtake them, and this that they might
not be surrounded by our people.
"Alma 56:38": 38 And now Antipus, beholding our danger, did speed the
march of his army. But behold, it was night; therefore they did not
overtake us, neither did Antipus overtake them; therefore we did camp
for the night.
"Alma 56:39": 39 And it came to pass that before the dawn of the
morning, behold, the Lamanites were pursuing us. Now we were not
sufficiently strong to contend with them; yea, I would not suffer that
my little sons should fall into their hands; therefore we did continue
our march, and we took our march into the wilderness.
"Alma 56:40": 40 Now they durst not turn to the right nor to the left
lest they should be surrounded; neither would I turn to the right nor
to the left lest they should overtake me, and we could not stand
against them, but be slain, and they would make their escape; and thus
we did flee all that day into the wilderness, even until it was dark.
"Alma 56:41": 41 And it came to pass that again, when the light of the
morning came we saw the Lamanites upon us, and we did flee before them.
"Alma 56:42": 42 But it came to pass that they did not pursue us far
before they halted; and it was in the morning of the third day of the
seventh month.
"Alma 56:43": 43 And now, whether they were overtaken by Antipus we
knew not, but I said unto my men: Behold, we know not but they have
halted for the purpose that we should come against them, that they
might catch us in their snare;
"Alma 56:44": 44 Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against
them to battle?
"Alma 56:45": 45 And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni,
that never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the
Nephites.
"Alma 56:46": 46 For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were
all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our
God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us
go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone;
therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus.
"Alma 56:47": 47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear
death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than
they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers,
that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.
"Alma 56:48": 48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers,
saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
"Alma 56:49": 49 And it came to pass that I did return with my two
thousand against these Lamanites who had pursued us. And now behold,
the armies of Antipus had overtaken them, and a terrible battle had
commenced.
"Alma 56:50": 50 The army of Antipus being weary, because of their long
march in so short a space of time, were about to fall into the hands of
the Lamanites; and had I not returned with my two thousand they would
have obtained their purpose.
"Alma 56:51": 51 For Antipus had fallen by the sword, and many of his
leaders, because of their weariness, which was occasioned by the speed
of their march -- therefore the men of Antipus, being confused because
of the fall of their leaders, began to give way before the Lamanites.
"Alma 56:52": 52 And it came to pass that the Lamanites took courage,
and began to pursue them; and thus were the Lamanites pursuing them
with great vigor when Helaman came upon their rear with his two
thousand, and began to slay them exceedingly, insomuch that the whole
army of the Lamanites halted and turned upon Helaman.
"Alma 56:53": 53 Now when the people of Antipus saw that the Lamanites
had turned them about, they gathered together their men and came again
upon the rear of the Lamanites.
"Alma 56:54": 54 And now it came to pass that we, the people of Nephi,
the people of Antipus, and I with my two thousand, did surround the
Lamanites, and did slay them; yea, insomuch that they were compelled to
deliver up their weapons of war and also themselves as prisoners of
war.
"Alma 56:55": 55 And now it came to pass that when they had surrendered
themselves up unto us, behold, I numbered those young men who had
fought with me, fearing lest there were many of them slain.
"Alma 56:56": 56 But behold, to my great joy, there had not one soul of
them fallen to the earth; yea, and they had fought as if with the
strength of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such
miraculous strength; and with such mighty power did they fall upon the
Lamanites, that they did frighten them; and for this cause did the
Lamanites deliver themselves up as prisoners of war.
"Alma 56:57": 57 And as we had no place for our prisoners, that we
could guard them to keep them from the armies of the Lamanites,
therefore we sent them to the land of Zarahemla, and a part of those
men who were not slain of Antipus, with them; and the remainder I took
and joined them to my stripling Ammonites, and took our march back to
the city of Judea.
Alma 57
"Alma 57:1": 1 And now it came to pass that I received an epistle from
Ammoron, the king, stating that if I would deliver up those prisoners
of war whom we had taken that he would deliver up the city of Antiparah
unto us.
"Alma 57:2": 2 But I sent an epistle unto the king, that we were sure
our forces were sufficient to take the city of Antiparah by our force;
and by delivering up the prisoners for that city we should suppose
ourselves unwise, and that we would only deliver up our prisoners on
exchange.
"Alma 57:3": 3 And Ammoron refused mine epistle, for he would not
exchange prisoners; therefore we began to make preparations to go
against the city of Antiparah.
"Alma 57:4": 4 But the people of Antiparah did leave the city, and fled
to their other cities, which they had possession of, to fortify them;
and thus the city of Antiparah fell into our hands.
"Alma 57:5": 5 And thus ended the twenty and eighth year of the reign
of the judges.
"Alma 57:6": 6 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the
twenty and ninth year, we received a supply of provisions, and also an
addition to our army, from the land of Zarahemla, and from the land
round about, to the number of six thousand men, besides sixty of the
sons of the Ammonites who had come to join their brethren, my little
band of two thousand. And now behold, we were strong, yea, and we had
also plenty of provisions brought unto us.
"Alma 57:7": 7 And it came to pass that it was our desire to wage a
battle with the army which was placed to protect the city Cumeni.
"Alma 57:8": 8 And now behold, I will show unto you that we soon
accomplished our desire; yea, with our strong force, or with a part of
our strong force, we did surround, by night, the city Cumeni, a little
before they were to receive a supply of provisions.
"Alma 57:9": 9 And it came to pass that we did camp round about the
city for many nights; but we did sleep upon our swords, and keep
guards, that the Lamanites could not come upon us by night and slay us,
which they attempted many times; but as many times as they attempted
this their blood was spilt.
"Alma 57:10": 10 At length their provisions did arrive, and they were
about to enter the city by night. And we, instead of being Lamanites,
were Nephites; therefore, we did take them and their provisions.
"Alma 57:11": 11 And notwithstanding the Lamanites being cut off from
their support after this manner, they were still determined to maintain
the city; therefore it became expedient that we should take those
provisions and send them to Judea, and our prisoners to the land of
Zarahemla.
"Alma 57:12": 12 And it came to pass that not many days had passed away
before the Lamanites began to lose all hopes of succor; therefore they
yielded up the city unto our hands; and thus we had accomplished our
designs in obtaining the city Cumeni.
"Alma 57:13": 13 But it came to pass that our prisoners were so
numerous that, notwithstanding the enormity of our numbers, we were
obliged to employ all our force to keep them, or to put them to death.
"Alma 57:14": 14 For behold, they would break out in great numbers, and
would fight with stones, and with clubs, or whatsoever thing they could
get into their hands, insomuch that we did slay upwards of two thousand
of them after they had surrendered themselves prisoners of war.
"Alma 57:15": 15 Therefore it became expedient for us, that we should
put an end to their lives, or guard them, sword in hand, down to the
land of Zarahemla; and also our provisions were not any more than
sufficient for our own people, notwithstanding that which we had taken
from the Lamanites.
"Alma 57:16": 16 And now, in those critical circumstances, it became a
very serious matter to determine concerning these prisoners of war;
nevertheless, we did resolve to send them down to the land of
Zarahemla; therefore we selected a part of our men, and gave them
charge over our prisoners to go down to the land of Zarahemla.
"Alma 57:17": 17 But it came to pass that on the morrow they did
return. And now behold, we did not inquire of them concerning the
prisoners; for behold, the Lamanites were upon us, and they returned in
season to save us from falling into their hands. For behold, Ammoron
had sent to their support a new supply of provisions and also a
numerous army of men.
"Alma 57:18": 18 And it came to pass that those men whom we sent with
the prisoners did arrive in season to check them, as they were about to
overpower us.
"Alma 57:19": 19 But behold, my little band of two thousand and sixty
fought most desperately; yea, they were firm before the Lamanites, and
did administer death unto all those who opposed them.
"Alma 57:20": 20 And as the remainder of our army were about to give
way before the Lamanites, behold, those two thousand and sixty were
firm and undaunted.
"Alma 57:21": 21 Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every
word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith
it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said
unto me that their mothers had taught them.
"Alma 57:22": 22 And now behold, it was these my sons, and those men
who had been selected to convey the prisoners, to whom we owe this
great victory; for it was they who did beat the Lamanites; therefore
they were driven back to the city of Manti.
"Alma 57:23": 23 And we retained our city Cumeni, and were not all
destroyed by the sword; nevertheless, we had suffered great loss.
"Alma 57:24": 24 And it came to pass that after the Lamanites had fled,
I immediately gave orders that my men who had been wounded should be
taken from among the dead, and caused that their wounds should be
dressed.
"Alma 57:25": 25 And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out
of my two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of
blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great
astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one
soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among
them who had not received many wounds.
"Alma 57:26": 26 And now, their preservation was astonishing to our
whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand
of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the
miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which
they had been taught to believe -- that there was a just God, and
whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous
power.
"Alma 57:27": 27 Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken;
they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust
in God continually.
"Alma 57:28": 28 And now it came to pass that after we had thus taken
care of our wounded men, and had buried our dead and also the dead of
the Lamanites, who were many, behold, we did inquire of Gid concerning
the prisoners whom they had started to go down to the land of Zarahemla
with.
"Alma 57:29": 29 Now Gid was the chief captain over the band who was
appointed to guard them down to the land.
"Alma 57:30": 30 And now, these are the words which Gid said unto me:
Behold, we did start to go down to the land of Zarahemla with our
prisoners. And it came to pass that we did meet the spies of our
armies, who had been sent out to watch the camp of the Lamanites.
"Alma 57:31": 31 And they cried unto us, saying -- Behold, the armies
of the Lamanites are marching towards the city of Cumeni; and behold,
they will fall upon them, yea, and will destroy our people.
"Alma 57:32": 32 And it came to pass that our prisoners did hear their
cries, which caused them to take courage; and they did rise up in
rebellion against us.
"Alma 57:33": 33 And it came to pass because of their rebellion we did
cause that our swords should come upon them. And it came to pass that
they did in a body run upon our swords, in the which, the greater
number of them were slain; and the remainder of them broke through and
fled from us.
"Alma 57:34": 34 And behold, when they had fled and we could not
overtake them, we took our march with speed towards the city Cumeni;
and behold, we did arrive in time that we might assist our brethren in
preserving the city.
"Alma 57:35": 35 And behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of
our enemies. And blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he
that has delivered us; yea, that has done this great thing for us.
"Alma 57:36": 36 Now it came to pass that when I, Helaman, had heard
these words of Gid, I was filled with exceeding joy because of the
goodness of God in preserving us, that we might not all perish; yea,
and I trust that the souls of them who have been slain have entered
into the rest of their God.
Alma 58
"Alma 58:1": 1 And behold, now it came to pass that our next object was
to obtain the city of Manti; but behold, there was no way that we could
lead them out of the city by our small bands. For behold, they
remembered that which we had hitherto done; therefore we could not
decoy them away from their strongholds.
"Alma 58:2": 2 And they were so much more numerous than was our army
that we durst not go forth and attack them in their strongholds.
"Alma 58:3": 3 Yea, and it became expedient that we should employ our
men to the maintaining those parts of the land which we had regained of
our possessions; therefore it became expedient that we should wait,
that we might receive more strength from the land of Zarahemla and also
a new supply of provisions.
"Alma 58:4": 4 And it came to pass that I thus did send an embassy to
the governor of our land, to acquaint him concerning the affairs of our
people. And it came to pass that we did wait to receive provisions and
strength from the land of Zarahemla.
"Alma 58:5": 5 But behold, this did profit us but little; for the
Lamanites were also receiving great strength from day to day, and also
many provisions; and thus were our circumstances at this period of
time.
"Alma 58:6": 6 And the Lamanites were sallying forth against us from
time to time, resolving by stratagem to destroy us; nevertheless we
could not come to battle with them, because of their retreats and their
strongholds.
"Alma 58:7": 7 And it came to pass that we did wait in these difficult
circumstances for the space of many months, even until we were about to
perish for the want of food.
"Alma 58:8": 8 But it came to pass that we did receive food, which was
guarded to us by an army of two thousand men to our assistance; and
this is all the assistance which we did receive, to defend ourselves
and our country from falling into the hands of our enemies, yea, to
contend with an enemy which was innumerable.
"Alma 58:9": 9 And now the cause of these our embarrassments, or the
cause why they did not send more strength unto us, we knew not;
therefore we were grieved and also filled with fear, lest by any means
the judgments of God should come upon our land, to our overthrow and
utter destruction.
"Alma 58:10": 10 Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God,
that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our
enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our
cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our
people.
"Alma 58:11": 11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did
visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that
he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and
did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.
"Alma 58:12": 12 And we did take courage with our small force which we
had received, and were fixed with a determination to conquer our
enemies, and to maintain our lands, and our possessions, and our wives,
and our children, and the cause of our liberty.
"Alma 58:13": 13 And thus we did go forth with all our might against
the Lamanites, who were in the city of Manti; and we did pitch our
tents by the wilderness side, which was near to the city.
"Alma 58:14": 14 And it came to pass that on the morrow, that when the
Lamanites saw that we were in the borders by the wilderness which was
near the city, that they sent out their spies round about us that they
might discover the number and the strength of our army.
"Alma 58:15": 15 And it came to pass that when they saw that we were
not strong, according to our numbers, and fearing that we should cut
them off from their support except they should come out to battle
against us and kill us, and also supposing that they could easily
destroy us with their numerous hosts, therefore they began to make
preparations to come out against us to battle.
"Alma 58:16": 16 And when we saw that they were making preparations to
come out against us, behold, I caused that Gid, with a small number of
men, should secrete himself in the wilderness, and also that Teomner
and a small number of men should secrete themselves also in the
wilderness.
"Alma 58:17": 17 Now Gid and his men were on the right and the others
on the left; and when they had thus secreted themselves, behold, I
remained, with the remainder of my army, in that same place where we
had first pitched our tents against the time that the Lamanites should
come out to battle.
"Alma 58:18": 18 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come out
with their numerous army against us. And when they had come and were
about to fall upon us with the sword, I caused that my men, those who
were with me, should retreat into the wilderness.
"Alma 58:19": 19 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did follow
after us with great speed, for they were exceedingly desirous to
overtake us that they might slay us; therefore they did follow us into
the wilderness; and we did pass by in the midst of Gid and Teomner,
insomuch that they were not discovered by the Lamanites.
"Alma 58:20": 20 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had passed
by, or when the army had passed by, Gid and Teomner did rise up from
their secret places, and did cut off the spies of the Lamanites that
they should not return to the city.
"Alma 58:21": 21 And it came to pass that when they had cut them off,
they ran to the city and fell upon the guards who were left to guard
the city, insomuch that they did destroy them and did take possession
of the city.
"Alma 58:22": 22 Now this was done because the Lamanites did suffer
their whole army, save a few guards only, to be led away into the
wilderness.
"Alma 58:23": 23 And it came to pass that Gid and Teomner by this means
had obtained possession of their strongholds. And it came to pass that
we took our course, after having traveled much in the wilderness
towards the land of Zarahemla.
"Alma 58:24": 24 And when the Lamanites saw that they were marching
towards the land of Zarahemla, they were exceedingly afraid, lest there
was a plan laid to lead them on to destruction; therefore they began to
retreat into the wilderness again, yea, even back by the same way which
they had come.
"Alma 58:25": 25 And behold, it was night and they did pitch their
tents, for the chief captains of the Lamanites had supposed that the
Nephites were weary because of their march; and supposing that they had
driven their whole army therefore they took no thought concerning the
city of Manti.
"Alma 58:26": 26 Now it came to pass that when it was night, I caused
that my men should not sleep, but that they should march forward by
another way towards the land of Manti.
"Alma 58:27": 27 And because of this our march in the night-time,
behold, on the morrow we were beyond the Lamanites, insomuch that we
did arrive before them at the city of Manti.
"Alma 58:28": 28 And thus it came to pass, that by this stratagem we
did take possession of the city of Manti without the shedding of blood.
"Alma 58:29": 29 And it came to pass that when the armies of the
Lamanites did arrive near the city, and saw that we were prepared to
meet them, they were astonished exceedingly and struck with great fear,
insomuch that they did flee into the wilderness.
"Alma 58:30": 30 Yea, and it came to pass that the armies of the
Lamanites did flee out of all this quarter of the land. But behold,
they have carried with them many women and children out of the land.
"Alma 58:31": 31 And those cities which had been taken by the
Lamanites, all of them are at this period of time in our possession;
and our fathers and our women and our children are returning to their
homes, all save it be those who have been taken prisoners and carried
off by the Lamanites.
"Alma 58:32": 32 But behold, our armies are small to maintain so great
a number of cities and so great possessions.
"Alma 58:33": 33 But behold, we trust in our God who has given us
victory over those lands, insomuch that we have obtained those cities
and those lands, which were our own.
"Alma 58:34": 34 Now we do not know the cause that the government does
not grant us more strength; neither do those men who came up unto us
know why we have not received greater strength.
"Alma 58:35": 35 Behold, we do not know but what ye are unsuccessful,
and ye have drawn away the forces into that quarter of the land; if so,
we do not desire to murmur.
"Alma 58:36": 36 And if it is not so, behold, we fear that there is
some faction in the government, that they do not send more men to our
assistance; for we know that they are more numerous than that which
they have sent.
"Alma 58:37": 37 But, behold, it mattereth not -- we trust God will
deliver us, notwithstanding the weakness of our armies, yea, and
deliver us out of the hands of our enemies.
"Alma 58:38": 38 Behold, this is the twenty and ninth year, in the
latter end, and we are in the possession of our lands; and the
Lamanites have fled to the land of Nephi.
"Alma 58:39": 39 And those sons of the people of Ammon, of whom I have
so highly spoken, are with me in the city of Manti; and the Lord had
supported them, yea, and kept them from falling by the sword, insomuch
that even one soul has not been slain.
"Alma 58:40": 40 But behold, they have received many wounds;
nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made
them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day
to day; yea, they do observe to keep his statutes, and his judgments,
and his commandments continually; and their faith is strong in the
prophecies concerning that which is to come.
"Alma 58:41": 41 And now, my beloved brother, Moroni, may the Lord our
God, who has redeemed us and made us free, keep you continually in his
presence; yea, and may he favor this people, even that ye may have
success in obtaining the possession of all that which the Lamanites
have taken from us, which was for our support. And now, behold, I close
mine epistle. I am Helaman, the son of Alma.
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year of the reign of the judges
over the people of Nephi, after Moroni had received and had read
Helaman's epistle, he was exceedingly rejoiced because of the welfare,
yea, the exceeding success which Helaman had had, in obtaining those
lands which were lost.
"Alma 59:2": 2 Yea, and he did make it known unto all his people, in
all the land round about in that part where he was, that they might
rejoice also.
"Alma 59:3": 3 And it came to pass that he immediately sent an epistle
to Pahoran, desiring that he should cause men to be gathered together
to strengthen Helaman, or the armies of Helaman, insomuch that he might
with ease maintain that part of the land which he had been so
miraculously prospered in regaining.
"Alma 59:4": 4 And it came to pass when Moroni had sent this epistle to
the land of Zarahemla, he began again to lay a plan that he might
obtain the remainder of those possessions and cities which the
Lamanites had taken from them.
"Alma 59:5": 5 And it came to pass that while Moroni was thus making
preparations to go against the Lamanites to battle, behold, the people
of Nephihah, who were gathered together from the city of Moroni and the
city of Lehi and the city of Morianton, were attacked by the Lamanites.
"Alma 59:6": 6 Yea, even those who had been compelled to flee from the
land of Manti, and from the land round about, had come over and joined
the Lamanites in this part of the land.
"Alma 59:7": 7 And thus being exceedingly numerous, yea, and receiving
strength from day to day, by the command of Ammoron they came forth
against the people of Nephihah, and they did begin to slay them with an
exceedingly great slaughter.
"Alma 59:8": 8 And their armies were so numerous that the remainder of
the people of Nephihah were obliged to flee before them; and they came
even and joined the army of Moroni.
"Alma 59:9": 9 And now as Moroni had supposed that there should be men
sent to the city Nephihah, to the assistance of the people to maintain
that city, and knowing that it was easier to keep the city from falling
into the hands of the Lamanites than to retake it from them, he
supposed that they would easily maintain that city.
"Alma 59:10": 10 Therefore he retained all his force to maintain those
places which he had recovered.
"Alma 59:11": 11 And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was
lost he was exceedingly sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the
wickedness of the people, whether they should not fall into the hands
of their brethren. Now this was the case with all his chief captains.
They doubted and marveled also because of the wickedness of the people,
and this because of the success of the Lamanites over them.
"Alma 59:13": 13 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 behold, I have somewhat to say unto
them by the way of condemnation; for behold, ye yourselves know that ye
have been appointed to gather together men, and arm them with swords,
and with cimeters, and all manner of weapons of war of every kind, and
send forth against the Lamanites, in whatsoever parts they should come
into our land.
And now behold, I say unto you that myself, and also my men, and also
Helaman and his men, have suffered exceedingly great sufferings; yea,
even hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and all manner of afflictions of
every kind.
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 sufficient strength and succor for
them. Yea, great has been your neglect towards us.
And now behold, we desire to know the cause of this exceedingly great
neglect; yea, we desire to know the cause of your thoughtless state.
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.
"Alma 60:9": 9 But behold, this is not all -- ye have withheld your
provisions from them, insomuch that many have fought and bled out their
lives because of their great desires which they had for the welfare of
this people; yea, and this they have done when they were about to
perish with hunger, because of your exceedingly great neglect towards
them.
"Alma 60:10": 10 And now, my beloved brethren -- for ye ought to be
beloved; yea, and ye ought to have stirred yourselves more diligently
for the welfare and the freedom of this people; but behold, ye have
neglected them insomuch that the blood of thousands shall come upon
your heads for vengeance; yea, for known unto God were all their cries,
and all their sufferings --
"Alma 60:11": 11 Behold, could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your
thrones, and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do
nothing and he would deliver you? Behold, if ye have supposed this ye
have supposed in vain.
"Alma 60:12": 12 Do ye suppose that, because so many of your brethren
have been killed it is because of their wickedness? I say unto you, if
ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain; for I say unto you,
there are many who have fallen by the sword; and behold it is to your
condemnation;
"Alma 60:13": 13 For the Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that
his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; therefore ye need
not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain; but
behold, they do enter into the rest of the Lord their God.
"Alma 60:14": 14 And now behold, I say unto you, I fear exceedingly
that the judgments of God will come upon this people, because of their
exceeding slothfulness, yea, even the slothfulness of our government,
and their exceedingly great neglect towards their brethren, yea,
towards those who have been slain.
"Alma 60:15": 15 For were it not for the wickedness which first
commenced at our head, we could have withstood our enemies that they
could have gained no power over us.
"Alma 60:16": 16 Yea, had it not been for the war which broke out among
ourselves; yea, were it not for these king-men, who caused so much
bloodshed among ourselves; yea, at the time we were contending among
ourselves, if we had united our strength as we hitherto have done; yea,
had it not been for the desire of power and authority which those
king-men had over us; had they been true to the cause of our freedom,
and united with us, and gone forth against our enemies, instead of
taking up their swords against us, which was the cause of so much
bloodshed among ourselves; yea, if we had gone forth against them in
the strength of the Lord, we should have dispersed our enemies, for it
would have been done, according to the fulfilling of his word.
"Alma 60:17": 17 But behold, now the Lamanites are coming upon us,
taking possession of our lands, and they are murdering our people with
the sword, yea, our women and our children, and also carrying them away
captive, causing them that they should suffer all manner of
afflictions, and this because of the great wickedness of those who are
seeking for power and authority, yea, even those king-men.
"Alma 60:18": 18 But why should I say much concerning this matter? For
we know not but what ye yourselves are seeking for authority. We know
not but what ye are also traitors to your country.
"Alma 60:19": 19 Or is it that ye have neglected us because ye are in
the heart of our country and ye are surrounded by security, that ye do
not cause food to be sent unto us, and also men to strengthen our
armies?
"Alma 60:20": 20 Have ye forgotten the commandments of the Lord your
God? $ Yea, have ye forgotten the captivity of our fathers? Have ye
forgotten the many times we have been delivered out of the hands of our
enemies?
"Alma 60:21": 21 Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us,
while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which
the Lord has provided for us?
"Alma 60:22": 22 Yea, will ye sit in idleness while ye are surrounded
with thousands of those, yea, and tens of thousands, who do also sit in
idleness, while there are thousands round about in the borders of the
land who are falling by the sword, yea, wounded and bleeding?
"Alma 60:23": 23 Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless
while ye sit still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay.
Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward
vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be
cleansed also.
"Alma 60:24": 24 And now, except ye do repent of that which ye have
done, and begin to be up and doing, and send forth food and men unto
us, and also unto Helaman, that he may support those parts of our
country which he has regained, and that we may also recover the
remainder of our possessions in these parts, behold it will be
expedient that we contend no more with the Lamanites until we have
first cleansed our inward vessel, yea, even the great head of our
government.
"Alma 60:25": 25 And except ye grant mine epistle, and come out and
show unto me a true spirit of freedom, and strive to strengthen and
fortify our armies, and grant unto them food for their support, behold
I will leave a part of my freemen to maintain this part of our land,
and I will leave the strength and the blessings of God upon them, that
none other power can operate against them --
"Alma 60:26": 26 And this because of their exceeding faith, and their
patience in their tribulations --
"Alma 60:27": 27 And I will come unto you, and if there be any among
you that has a desire for freedom, yea, if there be even a spark of
freedom remaining, behold I will stir up insurrections among you, even
until those who have desires to usurp power and authority shall become
extinct.
"Alma 60:28": 28 Yea, behold I do not fear your power nor your
authority, but it is my God whom I fear; and it is according to his
commandments that I do take my sword to defend the cause of my country,
and it is because of your iniquity that we have suffered so much loss.
"Alma 60:29": 29 Behold it is time, yea, the time is now at hand, that
except ye do bestir yourselves in the defence of your country and your
little ones, the sword of justice doth hang over you; yea, and it shall
fall upon you and visit you even to your utter destruction.
"Alma 60:30": 30 Behold, I wait for assistance from you; and, except ye
do administer unto our relief, behold, I come unto you, even in the
land of Zarahemla, and smite you with the sword, insomuch that ye can
have no more power to impede the progress of this people in the cause
of our freedom.
"Alma 60:31": 31 For behold, the Lord will not suffer that ye shall
live and wax strong in your iniquities to destroy his righteous people.
"Alma 60:32": 32 Behold, can you suppose that the Lord will spare you
and come out in judgment against the Lamanites, when it is the
tradition of their fathers that has caused their hatred, yea, and it
has been redoubled by those who have dissented from us, while your
iniquity is for the cause of your love of glory and the vain things of
the world?
"Alma 60:33": 33 Ye know that ye do transgress the laws of God, and ye
do know that ye do trample them under your feet. Behold, the Lord saith
unto me: If those whom ye have appointed your governors do not repent
of their sins and iniquities, ye shall go up to battle against them.
"Alma 60:34": 34 And now behold, I, Moroni, am constrained, according
to the covenant which I have made to keep the commandments of my God;
therefore I would that ye should adhere to the word of God, and send
speedily unto me of your provisions and of your men, and also to
Helaman.
"Alma 60:35": 35 And behold, if ye will not do this I come unto you
speedily; for behold, God will not suffer that we should perish with
hunger; therefore he will give unto us of your food, even if it must be
by the sword. Now see that ye fulfil the word of God.
"Alma 60:36": 36 Behold, I am Moroni, your chief captain. I seek not
for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but
for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country. And
thus I close mine epistle.
Behold, now it came to pass that soon after Moroni had sent his epistle
unto the chief governor, he received an epistle from Pahoran, the chief
governor. And these are the words which he received:
"Alma 61:2": 2 I, Pahoran, who am the chief governor of this land, do
send these words unto Moroni, the chief captain over the army. $
Behold, I say unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy in your great
afflictions, yea, it grieves my soul.
"Alma 61:3": 3 But behold, there are those who do joy in your
afflictions, yea, insomuch that they have risen up in rebellion against
me, and also those of my people who are freemen, yea, and those who
have risen up are exceedingly numerous.
"Alma 61:4": 4 And it is those who have sought to take away the
judgment-seat from me that have been the cause of this great iniquity;
for they have used great flattery, and they have led away the hearts of
many people, which will be the cause of sore affliction among us; they
have withheld our provisions, and have daunted our freemen that they
have not come unto you.
"Alma 61:5": 5 And behold, they have driven me out before them, and I
have fled to the land of Gideon, with as many men as it were possible
that I could get.
"Alma 61:6": 6 And behold, I have sent a proclamation throughout this
part of the land; and behold, they are flocking to us daily, to their
arms, in the defence of their country and their freedom, and to avenge
our wrongs.
"Alma 61:7": 7 And they have come unto us, insomuch that those who have
risen up in rebellion against us are set at defiance, yea, insomuch
that they do fear us and durst not come out against us to battle.
"Alma 61:8": 8 They have got possession of the land, or the city, of
Zarahemla; they have appointed a king over them, and he hath written
unto the king of the Lamanites, in the which he hath joined an alliance
with him; in the which alliance he hath agreed to maintain the city of
Zarahemla, which maintenance he supposeth will enable the Lamanites to
conquer the remainder of the land, and he shall be placed king over
this people when they shall be conquered under the Lamanites.
"Alma 61:9": 9 And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it
mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your
heart. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my
judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my
people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath
made us free.
"Alma 61:10": 10 And now, behold, we will resist wickedness even unto
bloodshed. We would not shed the blood of the Lamanites if they would
stay in their own land.
"Alma 61:11": 11 We would not shed the blood of our brethren if they
would not rise up in rebellion and take the sword against us.
"Alma 61:12": 12 We would subject ourselves to the yoke of bondage if
it were requisite with the justice of God, or if he should command us
so to do.
"Alma 61:13": 13 But behold he doth not command us that we shall
subject ourselves to our enemies, but that we should put our trust in
him, and he will deliver us.
"Alma 61:14": 14 Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist
evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as
rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we
may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of
our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God.
"Alma 61:15": 15 Therefore, come unto me speedily with a few of your
men, and leave the remainder in the charge of Lehi and Teancum; give
unto them power to conduct the war in that part of the land, according
to the Spirit of God, which is also the Spirit of freedom which is in
them.
"Alma 61:16": 16 Behold I have sent a few provisions unto them, that
they may not perish until ye can come unto me.
"Alma 61:17": 17 Gather together whatsoever force ye can upon your
march hither, and we will go speedily against those dissenters, in the
strength of our God according to the faith which is in us.
"Alma 61:18": 18 And we will take possession of the city of Zarahemla,
that we may obtain more food to send forth unto Lehi and Teancum; yea,
we will go forth against them in the strength of the Lord, and we will
put an end to this great iniquity.
"Alma 61:19": 19 And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle,
for I was somewhat worried concerning what we should do, whether it
should be just in us to go against our brethren.
"Alma 61:20": 20 But ye have said, except they repent the Lord hath
commanded you that ye should go against them.
"Alma 61:21": 21 See that ye strengthen Lehi and Teancum in the Lord;
tell them to fear not, for God will deliver them, yea, and also all
those who stand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free.
And now I close mine epistle to my beloved brother, Moroni.
"Alma 62:1": 1 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had received
this epistle his heart did take courage, and was filled with
exceedingly great joy because of the faithfulness of Pahoran, that he
was not also a traitor to the freedom and cause of his country.
"Alma 62:2": 2 But he did also mourn exceedingly because of the
iniquity of those who had driven Pahoran from the judgment-seat, yea,
in fine because of those who had rebelled against their country and
also their God.
"Alma 62:3": 3 And it came to pass that Moroni took a small number of
men, according to the desire of Pahoran, and gave Lehi and Teancum
command over the remainder of his army, and took his march towards the
land of Gideon.
"Alma 62:4": 4 And he did raise the standard of liberty in whatsoever
place he did enter, and gained whatsoever force he could in all his
march towards the land of Gideon.
"Alma 62:5": 5 And it came to pass that thousands did flock unto his
standard, and did take up their swords in the defence of their freedom,
that they might not come into bondage.
"Alma 62:6": 6 And thus, when Moroni had gathered together whatsoever
men he could in all his march, he came to the land of Gideon; and
uniting his forces with those of Pahoran they became exceedingly
strong, even stronger than the men of Pachus, who was the king of those
dissenters who had driven the freemen out of the land of Zarahemla and
had taken possession of the land.
"Alma 62:7": 7 And it came to pass that Moroni and Pahoran went down
with their armies into the land of Zarahemla, and went forth against
the city, and did meet the men of Pachus, insomuch that they did come
to battle.
"Alma 62:8": 8 And behold, Pachus was slain and his men were taken
prisoners, and Pahoran was restored to his judgment-seat.
"Alma 62:9": 9 And the men of Pachus received their trial, according to
the law, and also those king-men who had been taken and cast into
prison; and they were executed according to the law; yea, those men of
Pachus and those king-men, whosoever would not take up arms in the
defence of their country, but would fight against it, were put to
death.
"Alma 62:10": 10 And thus it became expedient that this law should be
strictly observed for the safety of their country; yea, and whosoever
was found denying their freedom was speedily executed according to the
law.
"Alma 62:11": 11 And thus ended the thirtieth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi; Moroni and Pahoran having restored
peace to the land of Zarahemla, among their own people, having
inflicted death upon all those who were not true to the cause of
freedom.
"Alma 62:12": 12 And it came to pass in the commencement of the thirty
and first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi,
Moroni immediately caused that provisions should be sent, and also an
army of six thousand men should be sent unto Helaman, to assist him in
preserving that part of the land.
"Alma 62:13": 13 And he also caused that an army of six thousand men,
with a sufficient quantity of food, should be sent to the armies of
Lehi and Teancum. And it came to pass that this was done to fortify the
land against the Lamanites.
"Alma 62:14": 14 And it came to pass that Moroni and Pahoran, leaving a
large body of men in the land of Zarahemla, took their march with a
large body of men towards the land of Nephihah, being determined to
overthrow the Lamanites in that city.
"Alma 62:15": 15 And it came to pass that as they were marching towards
the land, they took a large body of men of the Lamanites, and slew many
of them, and took their provisions and their weapons of war.
"Alma 62:16": 16 And it came to pass after they had taken them, they
caused them to enter into a covenant that they would no more take up
their weapons of war against the Nephites.
"Alma 62:17": 17 And when they had entered into this covenant they sent
them to dwell with the people of Ammon, and they were in number about
four thousand who had not been slain.
"Alma 62:18": 18 And it came to pass that when they had sent them away
they pursued their march towards the land of Nephihah. And it came to
pass that when they had come to the city of Nephihah, they did pitch
their tents in the plains of Nephihah, which is near the city of
Nephihah.
"Alma 62:19": 19 Now Moroni was desirous that the Lamanites should come
out to battle against them, upon the plains; but the Lamanites, knowing
of their exceedingly great courage, and beholding the greatness of
their numbers, therefore they durst not come out against them;
therefore they did not come to battle in that day.
"Alma 62:20": 20 And when the night came, Moroni went forth in the
darkness of the night, and came upon the top of the wall to spy out in
what part of the city the Lamanites did camp with their army.
"Alma 62:21": 21 And it came to pass that they were on the east, by the
entrance; and they were all asleep. And now Moroni returned to his
army, and caused that they should prepare in haste strong cords and
ladders, to be let down from the top of the wall into the inner part of
the wall.
"Alma 62:22": 22 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his men
should march forth and come upon the top of the wall, and let
themselves down into that part of the city, yea, even on the west,
where the Lamanites did not camp with their armies.
"Alma 62:23": 23 And it came to pass that they were all let down into
the city by night, by the means of their strong cords and their
ladders; thus when the morning came they were all within the walls of
the city.
"Alma 62:24": 24 And now, when the Lamanites awoke and saw that the
armies of Moroni were within the walls, they were affrighted
exceedingly, insomuch that they did flee out by the pass.
"Alma 62:25": 25 And now when Moroni saw that they were fleeing before
him, he did cause that his men should march forth against them, and
slew many, and surrounded many others, and took them prisoners; and the
remainder of them fled into the land of Moroni, which was in the
borders by the seashore.
"Alma 62:26": 26 Thus had Moroni and Pahoran obtained the possession of
the city of Nephihah without the loss of one soul; and there were many
of the Lamanites who were slain.
"Alma 62:27": 27 Now it came to pass that many of the Lamanites that
were prisoners were desirous to join the people of Ammon and become a
free people.
"Alma 62:28": 28 And it came to pass that as many as were desirous,
unto them it was granted according to their desires.
"Alma 62:29": 29 Therefore, all the prisoners of the Lamanites did join
the people of Ammon, and did begin to labor exceedingly, tilling the
ground, raising all manner of grain, and flocks and herds of every
kind; and thus were the Nephites relieved from a great burden; yea,
insomuch that they were relieved from all the prisoners of the
Lamanites.
"Alma 62:30": 30 Now it came to pass that Moroni, after he had obtained
possession of the city of Nephihah, having taken many prisoners, which
did reduce the armies of the Lamanites exceedingly, and having regained
many of the Nephites who had been taken prisoners, which did strengthen
the army of Moroni exceedingly; therefore Moroni went forth from the
land of Nephihah to the land of Lehi.
"Alma 62:31": 31 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that
Moroni was coming against them, they were again frightened and fled
before the army of Moroni.
"Alma 62:32": 32 And it came to pass that Moroni and his army did
pursue them from city to city, until they were met by Lehi and Teancum;
and the Lamanites fled from Lehi and Teancum, even down upon the
borders by the seashore, until they came to the land of Moroni.
"Alma 62:33": 33 And the armies of the Lamanites were all gathered
together, insomuch that they were all in one body in the land of
Moroni. $ Now, Ammoron, the king of the Lamanites, was also with them.
"Alma 62:34": 34 And it came to pass that Moroni and Lehi and Teancum
did encamp with their armies round about in the borders of the land of
Moroni, insomuch that the Lamanites were encircled about in the borders
by the wilderness on the south, and in the borders by the wilderness on
the east.
"Alma 62:35": 35 And thus they did encamp for the night. For behold,
the Nephites and the Lamanites also were weary because of the greatness
of the march; therefore they did not resolve upon any stratagem in the
night-time, save it were Teancum; for he was exceedingly angry with
Ammoron, insomuch that he considered that Ammoron, and Amalickiah his
brother, had been the cause of this great and lasting war between them
and the Lamanites, which had been the cause of so much war and
bloodshed, yea, and so much famine.
"Alma 62:36": 36 And it came to pass that Teancum in his anger did go
forth into the camp of the Lamanites, and did let himself down over the
walls of the city. And he went forth with a cord, from place to place,
insomuch that he did find the king; and he did cast a javelin at him,
which did pierce him near the heart. But behold, the king did awaken
his servants before he died, insomuch that they did pursue Teancum, and
slew him.
"Alma 62:37": 37 Now it came to pass that when Lehi and Moroni knew
that Teancum was dead they were exceedingly sorrowful; for behold, he
had been a man who had fought valiantly for his country, yea, a true
friend to liberty; and he had suffered very many exceedingly sore
afflictions. But behold, he was dead, and had gone the way of all the
earth.
"Alma 62:38": 38 Now it came to pass that Moroni marched forth on the
morrow, and came upon the Lamanites, insomuch that they did slay them
with a great slaughter; and they did drive them out of the land; and
they did flee, even that they did not return at that time against the
Nephites.
"Alma 62:39": 39 And thus ended the thirty and first year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi; and thus they had had wars, and
bloodsheds, and famine, and affliction, for the space of many years.
"Alma 62:40": 40 And there had been murders, and contentions, and
dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi;
nevertheless for the righteous' sake, yea, because of the prayers of
the righteous, they were spared.
"Alma 62:41": 41 But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of
the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become
hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many
were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did
humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.
"Alma 62:42": 42 And it came to pass that after Moroni had fortified
those parts of the land which were most exposed to the Lamanites, until
they were sufficiently strong, he returned to the city of Zarahemla;
and also Helaman returned to the place of his inheritance; and there
was once more peace established among the people of Nephi.
"Alma 62:43": 43 And Moroni yielded up the command of his armies into
the hands of his son, whose name was Moronihah; and he retired to his
own house that he might spend the remainder of his days in peace.
"Alma 62:44": 44 And Pahoran did return to his judgment-seat; and
Helaman did take upon him again to preach unto the people the word of
God; for because of so many wars and contentions it had become
expedient that a regulation should be made again in the church.
"Alma 62:45": 45 Therefore, Helaman and his brethren went forth, and
did declare the word of God with much power unto the convincing of many
people of their wickedness, which did cause them to repent of their
sins and to be baptized unto the Lord their God.
"Alma 62:46": 46 And it came to pass that they did establish again the
church of God, throughout all the land.
"Alma 62:47": 47 Yea, and regulations were made concerning the law. And
their judges, and their chief judges were chosen.
"Alma 62:48": 48 And the people of Nephi began to prosper again in the
land, and began to multiply and to wax exceedingly strong again in the
land. And they began to grow exceedingly rich.
"Alma 62:49": 49 But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength,
or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their
eyes; neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they
did humble themselves exceedingly before him.
"Alma 62:50": 50 Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had
done for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds,
and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions and he had
delivered them out of the hands of their enemies.
"Alma 62:51": 51 And they did pray unto the Lord their God continually,
insomuch that the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that
they did wax strong and prosper in the land.
"Alma 62:52": 52 And it came to pass that all these things were done.
And Helaman died, in the thirty and fifth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi.
"Alma 63:1": 1 And it came to pass in the commencement of the thirty
and sixth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi,
that Shiblon took possession of those sacred things which had been
delivered unto Helaman by Alma.
"Alma 63:2": 2 And he was a just man, and he did walk uprightly before
God; and he did observe to do good continually, to keep the
commandments of the Lord his God; and also did his brother.
"Alma 63:3": 3 And it came to pass that Moroni died also. And thus
ended the thirty and sixth year of the reign of the judges.
"Alma 63:4": 4 And it came to pass that in the thirty and seventh year
of the reign of the judges, there was a large company of men, even to
the amount of five thousand and four hundred men, with their wives and
their children, departed out of the land of Zarahemla into the land
which was northward.
"Alma 63:5": 5 And it came to pass that Hagoth, he being an exceedingly
curious man, therefore he went forth and built him an exceedingly large
ship, on the borders of the land Bountiful, by the land Desolation, and
launched it forth into the west sea, by the narrow neck which led into
the land northward.
"Alma 63:6": 6 And behold, there were many of the Nephites who did
enter therein and did sail forth with much provisions, and also many
women and children; and they took their course northward. And thus
ended the thirty and seventh year.
"Alma 63:7": 7 And in the thirty and eighth year, this man built other
ships.
And the first ship did also return, and many more people did enter into
it; and they also took much provisions, and set out again to the land
northward.
"Alma 63:8": 8 And it came to pass that they were never heard of more.
And we suppose that they were drowned in the depths of the sea. And it
came to pass that one other ship also did sail forth; and whither she
did go we know not.
"Alma 63:9": 9 And it came to pass that in this year there were many
people who went forth into the land northward. And thus ended the
thirty and eighth year.
"Alma 63:10": 10 And it came to pass in the thirty and ninth year of
the reign of the judges, Shiblon died also, and Corianton had gone
forth to the land northward in a ship, to carry forth provisions unto
the people who had gone forth into that land.
"Alma 63:11": 11 Therefore it became expedient for Shiblon to confer
those sacred things, before his death, upon the son of Helaman, who was
called Helaman, being called after the name of his father.
"Alma 63:12": 12 Now behold, all those engravings which were in the
possession of Helaman were written and sent forth among the children of
men throughout all the land, save it were those parts which had been
commanded by Alma should not go forth.
"Alma 63:13": 13 Nevertheless, these things were to be kept sacred, and
handed down from one generation to another; therefore, in this year,
they had been conferred upon Helaman, before the death of Shiblon.
"Alma 63:14": 14 And it came to pass also in this year that there were
some dissenters who had gone forth unto the Lamanites; and they were
stirred up again to anger against the Nephites.
"Alma 63:15": 15 And also in this same year they came down with a
numerous army to war against the people of Moronihah, or against the
army of Moronihah, in the which they were beaten and driven back again
to their own lands, suffering great loss. 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 Helaman his son, and also Shiblon,
who was his son.
The Book Of Helaman
An account of the Nephites. Their wars and contentions, and their
dissensions. And also the prophecies of many holy prophets, before the
coming of Christ, according to the records of Helaman, who was the son
of Helaman, and also according to the records of his sons, even down to
the coming of Christ. And also many of the Lamanites are converted. An
account of their conversion. An account of the righteousness of the
Lamanites, and the wickedness and abominations of the Nephites,
according to the record of Helaman and his sons, even down to the
coming of Christ, which is called the book of Helaman.
And now behold, it came to pass in the commencement of the fortieth
year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, there began
to be a serious difficulty among the people of the Nephites.
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 their names who did contend for the
judgment-seat, who did also cause the people to contend: Pahoran,
Paanchi, and Pacumeni. Now these are not all the sons of Pahoran, (for
he had many) but these are they who did contend for the judgment-seat;
therefore, they did cause three divisions among the people.
"Helaman 1:5": 5 Nevertheless, it came to pass that Pahoran was
appointed by the voice of the people to be chief judge and a governor
over the people of Nephi.
"Helaman 1:6": 6 And it came to pass that Pacumeni, when he saw that he
could not obtain the judgment-seat, he did unite with the voice of the
people.
"Helaman 1:7": 7 But behold, Paanchi, and that part of the people that
were desirous that he should be their governor, was exceedingly wroth;
therefore, he was about to flatter away those people to rise up in
rebellion against their brethren.
"Helaman 1:8": 8 And it came to pass as he was about to do this,
behold, he was taken, and was tried according to the voice of the
people, and condemned unto death; for he had raised up in rebellion and
sought to destroy the liberty of the people.
"Helaman 1:9": 9 Now when those people who were desirous that he should
be their governor saw that he was condemned unto death, therefore they
were angry, and behold, they sent forth one Kishkumen, even to the
judgment-seat of Pahoran, and murdered Pahoran as he sat upon the
judgment-seat.
"Helaman 1:10": 10 And he was pursued by the servants of Pahoran; but
behold, so speedy was the flight of Kishkumen that no man could
overtake him.
"Helaman 1:11": 11 And he went unto those that sent him, and they all
entered into a covenant, yea, swearing by their everlasting Maker, that
they would tell no man that Kishkumen had murdered Pahoran.
"Helaman 1:12": 12 Therefore, Kishkumen was not known among the people
of Nephi, for he was in disguise at the time that he murdered Pahoran.
And Kishkumen and his band, who had covenanted with him, did mingle
themselves among the people, in a manner that they all could not be
found; but as many as were found were condemned unto death.
"Helaman 1:13": 13 And now behold, Pacumeni was appointed, according to
the voice of the people, to be a chief judge and a governor over the
people, to reign in the stead of his brother Pahoran; and it was
according to his right. And all this was done in the fortieth year of
the reign of the judges; and it had an end.
"Helaman 1:14": 14 And it came to pass in the forty and first year of
the reign of the judges, that the Lamanites had gathered together an
innumerable army of men, and armed them with swords, and with cimeters
and with bows, and with arrows, and with head-plates, and with
breastplates, and with all manner of shields of every kind.
"Helaman 1:15": 15 And they came down again that they might pitch
battle against the Nephites. And they were led by a man whose name was
Coriantumr; and he was a descendant of Zarahemla; and he was a
dissenter from among the Nephites; and he was a large and a mighty man.
"Helaman 1:16": 16 Therefore, the king of the Lamanites, whose name was
Tubaloth, who was the son of Ammoron, supposing that Coriantumr, being
a mighty man, could stand against the Nephites, with his strength and
also with his great wisdom, insomuch that by sending him forth he
should gain power over the Nephites --
"Helaman 1:17": 17 Therefore he did stir them up to anger, and he did
gather together his armies, and he did appoint Coriantumr to be their
leader, and did cause that they should march down to the land of
Zarahemla to battle against the Nephites.
"Helaman 1:18": 18 And it came to pass that because of so much
contention and so much difficulty in the government, that they had not
kept sufficient guards in the land of Zarahemla; for they had supposed
that the Lamanites durst not come into the heart of their lands to
attack that great city Zarahemla.
"Helaman 1:19": 19 But it came to pass that Coriantumr did march forth
at the head of his numerous host, and came upon the inhabitants of the
city, and their march was with such exceedingly great speed that there
was no time for the Nephites to gather together their armies.
"Helaman 1:20": 20 Therefore Coriantumr did cut down the watch by the
entrance of the city, and did march forth with his whole army into the
city, and they did slay every one who did oppose them, insomuch that
they did take possession of the whole city.
"Helaman 1:21": 21 And it came to pass that Pacumeni, who was the chief
judge, did flee before Coriantumr, even to the walls of the city. And
it came to pass that Coriantumr did smite him against the wall,
insomuch that he died. And thus ended the days of Pacumeni.
"Helaman 1:22": 22 And now when Coriantumr saw that he was in
possession of the city of Zarahemla, and saw that the Nephites had fled
before them, and were slain, and were taken, and were cast into prison,
and that he had obtained the possession of the strongest hold in all
the land, his heart took courage insomuch that he was about to go forth
against all the land.
"Helaman 1:23": 23 And now he did not tarry in the land of Zarahemla,
but he did march forth with a large army, even towards the city of
Bountiful; for it was his determination to go forth and cut his way
through with the sword, that he might obtain the north parts of the
land.
"Helaman 1:24": 24 And, supposing that their greatest strength was in
the center of the land, therefore he did march forth, giving them no
time to assemble themselves together save it were in small bodies; and
in this manner they did fall upon them and cut them down to the earth.
"Helaman 1:25": 25 But behold, this march of Coriantumr through the
center of the land gave Moronihah great advantage over them,
notwithstanding the greatness of the number of the Nephites who were
slain.
"Helaman 1:26": 26 For behold, Moronihah had supposed that the
Lamanites durst not come into the center of the land, but that they
would attack the cities round about in the borders as they had hitherto
done; therefore Moronihah had caused that their strong armies should
maintain those parts round about by the borders.
"Helaman 1:27": 27 But behold, the Lamanites were not frightened
according to his desire, but they had come into the center of the land,
and had taken the capital city which was the city of Zarahemla, and
were marching through the most capital parts of the land, slaying the
people with a great slaughter, both men, women, and children, taking
possession of many cities and of many strongholds.
"Helaman 1:28": 28 But when Moronihah had discovered this, he
immediately sent forth Lehi with an army round about to head them
before they should come to the land Bountiful
"Helaman 1:29": 29 And thus he did; and he did head them before they
came to the land Bountiful, and gave unto them battle, insomuch that
they began to retreat back towards the land of Zarahemla.
"Helaman 1:30": 30 And it came to pass that Moronihah did head them in
their retreat, and did give unto them battle, insomuch that it became
an exceedingly bloody battle; yea, many were slain, and among the
number who were slain Coriantumr was also found.
"Helaman 1:31": 31 And now, behold, the Lamanites could not retreat
either way, neither on the north, nor on the south, nor on the east,
nor on the west, for they were surrounded on every hand by the
Nephites.
"Helaman 1:32": 32 And thus had Coriantumr plunged the Lamanites into
the midst of the Nephites, insomuch that they were in the power of the
Nephites, and he himself was slain, and the Lamanites did yield
themselves into the hands of the Nephites.
"Helaman 1:33": 33 And it came to pass that Moronihah took possession
of the city of Zarahemla again, and caused that the Lamanites who had
been taken prisoners should depart out of the land in peace.
"Helaman 1:34": 34 And thus ended the forty and first year of the reign
of the judges.
"Helaman 2:1": 1 And it came to pass in the forty and second year of
the reign of the judges, after Moronihah had established again peace
between the Nephites and the Lamanites, behold there was no one to fill
the judgment-seat; therefore there began to be a contention again among
the people concerning who should fill the judgment-seat.
"Helaman 2:2": 2 And it came to pass that Helaman, who was the son of
Helaman, was appointed to fill the judgment-seat, by the voice of the
people.
"Helaman 2:3": 3 But behold, Kishkumen, who had murdered Pahoran, did
lay wait to destroy Helaman also; and he was upheld by his band, who
had entered into a covenant that no one should know his wickedness.
"Helaman 2:4": 4 For there was one Gadianton, who was exceedingly
expert in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret
work of murder and of robbery; therefore he became the leader of the
band of Kishkumen.
"Helaman 2:5": 5 Therefore he did flatter them, and also Kishkumen,
that if they would place him in the judgment-seat he would grant unto
those who belonged to his band that they should be placed in power and
authority among the people; therefore Kishkumen sought to destroy
Helaman.
"Helaman 2:6": 6 And it came to pass as he went forth towards the
judgment-seat to destroy Helaman, behold one of the servants of
Helaman, having been out by night, and having obtained, through
disguise, a knowledge of those plans which had been laid by this band
to destroy Helaman --
"Helaman 2:7": 7 And it came to pass that he met Kishkumen, and he gave
unto him a sign; therefore Kishkumen made known unto him the object of
his desire, desiring that he would conduct him to the judgment-seat
that he might murder Helaman.
"Helaman 2:8": 8 And when the servant of Helaman had known all the
heart of Kishkumen, and how that it was his object to murder, and also
that it was the object of all those who belonged to his band to murder,
and to rob, and to gain power, (and this was their secret plan, and
their combination) the servant of Helaman said unto Kishkumen: Let us
go forth unto the judgment-seat.
"Helaman 2:9": 9 Now this did please Kishkumen exceedingly, for he did
suppose that he should accomplish his design; but behold, the servant
of Helaman, as they were going forth unto the judgment-seat, did stab
Kishkumen even to the heart, that he fell dead without a groan. And he
ran and told Helaman all the things which he had seen, and heard, and
done.
"Helaman 2:10": 10 And it came to pass that Helaman did send forth to
take this band of robbers and secret murderers, that they might be
executed according to the law.
"Helaman 2:11": 11 But behold, when Gadianton had found that Kishkumen
did not return he feared lest that he should be destroyed; therefore he
caused that his band should follow him. And they took their flight out
of the land, by a secret way, into the wilderness; and thus when
Helaman sent forth to take them they could nowhere be found.
"Helaman 2:12": 12 And more of this Gadianton shall be spoken
hereafter. And thus ended the forty and second year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi.
"Helaman 2:13": 13 And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see
that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire
destruction of the people of Nephi.
"Helaman 2:14": 14 Behold I do not mean the end of the book of Helaman,
but I mean the end of the book of Nephi, from which I have taken all
the account which I have written.
"Helaman 3:1": 1 And now it came to pass in the forty and third year of
the reign of the judges, there was no contention among the people of
Nephi save it were a little pride which was in the church, which did
cause some little dissensions among the people, which affairs were
settled in the ending of the forty and third year.
"Helaman 3:2": 2 And there was no contention among the people in the
forty and fourth year; neither was there much contention in the forty
and fifth year.
"Helaman 3:3": 3 And it came to pass in the forty and sixth, yea, there
was much contention and many dissensions; in the which there were an
exceedingly great many who departed out of the land of Zarahemla, and
went forth unto the land northward to inherit the land.
"Helaman 3:4": 4 And they did travel to an exceedingly great distance,
insomuch that they came to large bodies of water and many rivers.
"Helaman 3:5": 5 Yea, and even they did spread forth into all parts of
the land, into whatever parts it had not been rendered desolate and
without timber, because of the many inhabitants who had before
inherited the land.
"Helaman 3:6": 6 And now no part of the land was desolate, save it were
for timber; but because of the greatness of the destruction of the
people who had before inhabited the land it was called desolate.
"Helaman 3:7": 7 And there being but little timber upon the face of the
land, nevertheless the people who went forth became exceedingly expert
in the working of cement; therefore they did build houses of cement, in
the which they did dwell.
"Helaman 3:8": 8 And it came to pass that they did multiply and spread,
and did go forth from the land southward to the land northward, and did
spread insomuch that they began to cover the face of the whole earth,
from the sea south to the sea north, from the sea west to the sea east.
"Helaman 3:9": 9 And the people who were in the land northward did
dwell in tents, and in houses of cement, and they did suffer whatsoever
tree should spring up upon the face of the land that it should grow up,
that in time they might have timber to build their houses, yea, their
cities, and their temples, and their synagogues, and their sanctuaries,
and all manner of their buildings.
"Helaman 3:10": 10 And it came to pass as timber was exceedingly scarce
in the land northward, they did send forth much by the way of shipping.
"Helaman 3:11": 11 And thus they did enable the people in the land
northward that they might build many cities, both of wood and of
cement.
"Helaman 3:12": 12 And it came to pass that there were many of the
people of Ammon, who were Lamanites by birth, did also go forth into
this land.
"Helaman 3:13": 13 And now there are many records kept of the
proceedings of this people, by many of this people, which are
particular and very large, concerning them.
"Helaman 3:14": 14 But behold, a hundredth part of the proceedings of
this people, yea, the account of the Lamanites and of the Nephites, and
their wars, and contentions, and dissensions, and their preaching, and
their prophecies, and their shipping and their building of ships, and
their building of temples, and of synagogues and their sanctuaries, and
their righteousness, and their wickedness, and their murders, and their
robbings, and their plundering, and all manner of abominations and
whoredoms, cannot be contained in this work.
"Helaman 3:15": 15 But behold, there are many books and many records of
every kind, and they have been kept chiefly by the Nephites.
"Helaman 3:16": 16 And they have been handed down from one generation
to another by the Nephites, even until they have fallen into
transgression and have been murdered, plundered, and hunted, and driven
forth, and slain, and scattered upon the face of the earth, and mixed
with the Lamanites until they are no more called the Nephites, becoming
wicked, and wild, and ferocious, yea, even becoming Lamanites.
"Helaman 3:17": 17 And now I return again to mine account; therefore,
what I have spoken had passed after there had been great contentions,
and disturbances, and wars, and dissensions, among the people of Nephi.
"Helaman 3:18": 18 The forty and sixth year of the reign of the judges
ended;
"Helaman 3:19": 19 And it came to pass that there was still great
contention in the land, yea, even in the forty and seventh year, and
also in the forty and eighth year.
"Helaman 3:20": 20 Nevertheless Helaman did fill the judgment-seat with
justice and equity; yea, he did observe to keep the statutes, and the
judgments, and the commandments of God; and he did do that which was
right in the sight of God continually; and he did walk after the ways
of his father, insomuch that he did prosper in the land.
"Helaman 3:21": 21 And it came to pass that he had two sons. He gave
unto the eldest the name of Nephi, and unto the youngest, the name of
Lehi. And they began to grow up unto the Lord.
"Helaman 3:22": 22 And it came to pass that the wars and contentions
began to cease, in a small degree, among the people of the Nephites, in
the latter end of the forty and eighth year of the reign of the judges
over the people of Nephi.
"Helaman 3:23": 23 And it came to pass in the forty and ninth year of
the reign of the judges, there was continual peace established in the
land, all save it were the secret combinations which Gadianton the
robber had established in the more settled parts of the land, which at
that time were not known unto those who were at the head of government;
therefore they were not destroyed out of the land.
"Helaman 3:24": 24 And it came to pass that in this same year there was
exceedingly great prosperity in the church, insomuch that there were
thousands who did join themselves unto the church and were baptized
unto repentance.
"Helaman 3:25": 25 And so great was the prosperity of the church, and
so many the blessings which were poured out upon the people, that even
the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond
measure.
"Helaman 3:26": 26 And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did
prosper unto the baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many
souls, yea, even tens of thousands.
"Helaman 3:27": 27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all
who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.
"Helaman 3:28": 28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open
unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ,
who is the Son of God.
"Helaman 3:29": 29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon
the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide
asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and
lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that
everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked --
"Helaman 3:30": 30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at
the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with
Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to
go no more out.
"Helaman 3:31": 31 And in this year there was continual rejoicing in
the land of Zarahemla, and in all the regions round about, even in all
the land which was possessed by the Nephites.
"Helaman 3:32": 32 And it came to pass that there was peace and
exceedingly great joy in the remainder of the forty and ninth year;
yea, and also there was continual peace and great joy in the fiftieth
year of the reign of the judges.
"Helaman 3:33": 33 And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the
judges there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to
enter into the church -- not into the church of God, but into the
hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church of God --
"Helaman 3:34": 34 And they were lifted up in pride, even to the
persecution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great evil, which
did cause the more humble part of the people to suffer great
persecutions, and to wade through much affliction.
"Helaman 3:35": 35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax
stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the
faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation,
yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts,
which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto
God.
"Helaman 3:36": 36 And it came to pass that the fifty and second year
ended in peace also, save it were the exceedingly great pride which had
gotten into the hearts of the people; and it was because of their
exceedingly great riches and their prosperity in the land; and it did
grow upon them from day to day.
"Helaman 3:37": 37 And it came to pass in the fifty and third year of
the reign of the judges, Helaman died, and his eldest son Nephi began
to reign in his stead. And it came to pass that he did fill the
judgment-seat with justice and equity; yea, he did keep the
commandments of God, and did walk in the ways of his father.
"Helaman 4:1": 1 And it came to pass in the fifty and fourth year there
were many dissensions in the church, and there was also a contention
among the people, insomuch that there was much bloodshed.
"Helaman 4:2": 2 And the rebellious part were slain and driven out of
the land, and they did go unto the king of the Lamanites.
"Helaman 4:3": 3 And it came to pass that they did endeavor to stir up
the Lamanites to war against the Nephites; but behold, the Lamanites
were exceedingly afraid, insomuch that they would not hearken to the
words of those dissenters.
"Helaman 4:4": 4 But it came to pass in the fifty and sixth year of the
reign of the judges, there were dissenters who went up from the
Nephites unto the Lamanites; and they succeeded with those others in
stirring them up to anger against the Nephites; and they were all that
year preparing for war.
"Helaman 4:5": 5 And in the fifty and seventh year they did come down
against the Nephites to battle, and they did commence the work of
death; yea, insomuch that in the fifty and eighth year of the reign of
the judges they succeeded in obtaining possession of the land of
Zarahemla; yea, and also all the lands, even unto the land which was
near the land Bountiful.
"Helaman 4:6": 6 And the Nephites and the armies of Moronihah were
driven even into the land of Bountiful;
"Helaman 4:7": 7 And there they did fortify against the Lamanites, from
the west sea, even unto the east; it being a day's journey for a
Nephite, on the line which they had fortified and stationed their
armies to defend their north country.
"Helaman 4:8": 8 And thus those dissenters of the Nephites, with the
help of a numerous army of the Lamanites, had obtained all the
possession of the Nephites which was in the land southward. And all
this was done in the fifty and eighth and ninth years of the reign of
the judges.
"Helaman 4:9": 9 And it came to pass in the sixtieth year of the reign
of the judges, Moronihah did succeed with his armies in obtaining many
parts of the land; yea, they regained many cities which had fallen into
the hands of the Lamanites.
"Helaman 4:10": 10 And it came to pass in the sixty and first year of
the reign of the judges they succeeded in regaining even the half of
all their possessions.
"Helaman 4:11": 11 Now this great loss of the Nephites, and the great
slaughter which was among them, would not have happened had it not been
for their wickedness and their abomination which was among them; yea,
and it was among those also who professed to belong to the church of
God.
"Helaman 4:12": 12 And it was because of the pride of their hearts,
because of their exceeding riches, yea, it was because of their
oppression to the poor, withholding their food from the hungry,
withholding their clothing from the naked, and smiting their humble
brethren upon the cheek, making a mock of that which was sacred,
denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation, murdering,
plundering, lying, stealing, committing adultery, rising up in great
contentions, and deserting away into the land of Nephi, among the
Lamanites --
"Helaman 4:13": 13 And because of this their great wickedness, and
their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own
strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and
smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost
possession of almost all their lands.
"Helaman 4:14": 14 But behold, Moronihah did preach many things unto
the people because of their iniquity, and also Nephi and Lehi, who were
the sons of Helaman, did preach many things unto the people, yea, and
did prophesy many things unto them concerning their iniquities, and
what should come unto them if they did not repent of their sins.
"Helaman 4:15": 15 And it came to pass that they did repent, and
inasmuch as they did repent they did begin to prosper.
"Helaman 4:16": 16 For when Moronihah saw that they did repent he did
venture to lead them forth from place to place, and from city to city,
even until they had regained the one-half of their property and the
one-half of all their lands.
"Helaman 4:17": 17 And thus ended the sixty and first year of the reign
of the judges.
"Helaman 4:18": 18 And it came to pass in the sixty and second year of
the reign of the judges, that Moronihah could obtain no more
possessions over the Lamanites.
"Helaman 4:19": 19 Therefore they did abandon their design to obtain
the remainder of their lands, for so numerous were the Lamanites that
it became impossible for the Nephites to obtain more power over them;
therefore Moronihah did employ all his armies in maintaining those
parts which he had taken.
"Helaman 4:20": 20 And it came to pass, because of the greatness of the
number of the Lamanites the Nephites were in great fear, lest they
should be overpowered, and trodden down, and slain, and destroyed.
"Helaman 4:21": 21 Yea, they began to remember the prophecies of Alma,
and also the words of Mosiah; and they saw that they had been a
stiffnecked people, and that they had set at naught the commandments of
God.
"Helaman 4:22": 22 And that they had altered and trampled under their
feet the laws of Mosiah, or that which the Lord commanded him to give
unto the people; and they saw that their laws had become corrupted, and
that they had become a wicked people, insomuch that they were wicked
even like unto the Lamanites.
"Helaman 4:23": 23 And because of their iniquity the church had begun
to dwindle; and they began to disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and
in the spirit of revelation; and the judgments of God did stare them in
the face.
"Helaman 4:24": 24 And they saw that they had become weak, like unto
their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no
more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit
of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples --
"Helaman 4:25": 25 Therefore the Lord did cease to preserve them by his
miraculous and matchless power, for they had fallen into a state of
unbelief and awful wickedness; and they saw that the Lamanites were
exceedingly more numerous than they, and except they should cleave unto
the Lord their God, they must unavoidably perish.
"Helaman 4:26": 26 For behold, they saw that the strength of the
Lamanites was as great as their strength, even man for man. And thus
had they fallen into this great transgression; yea, thus had they
become weak, because of their transgression, in the space of not many
years.
"Helaman 5:1": 1 And it came to pass that in this same year, behold,
Nephi delivered up the judgment-seat to a man whose name was Cezoram.
"Helaman 5:2": 2 For as their laws and their governments were
established by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil were
more numerous than they who chose good, therefore they were ripening
for destruction, for the laws had become corrupted.
"Helaman 5:3": 3 Yea, and this was not all; they were a stiffnecked
people, insomuch that they could not be governed by the law nor
justice, save it were to their destruction.
"Helaman 5:4": 4 And it came to pass that Nephi had become weary
because of their iniquity; and he yielded up the judgment-seat, and
took it upon him to preach the word of God all the remainder of his
days, and his brother Lehi also, all the remainder of his days;
"Helaman 5:5": 5 For they remembered the words which their father
Helaman spake unto them. And these are the words which he spake:
"Helaman 5:6": 6 Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to
keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should declare unto
the people these words. Behold, I have given unto you the names of our
first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have
done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when
ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember
their works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that
they were good.
"Helaman 5:7": 7 Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that
which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it
has been said and written of them.
"Helaman 5:8": 8 And now my sons, behold I have somewhat more to desire
of you, which desire is, that ye may not do these things that ye may
boast, but that ye may do these things to lay up for yourselves a
treasure in heaven, yea, which is eternal, and which fadeth not away;
yea, that ye may have that precious gift of eternal life, which we have
reason to suppose hath been given to our fathers.
"Helaman 5:9": 9 O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king
Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other
way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood
of Jesus Christ, who shall come, yea, remember that he cometh to redeem
the world.
"Helaman 5:10": 10 And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto
Zeezrom, in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord
surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to
redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.
"Helaman 5:11": 11 And he hath power given unto him from the Father to
redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath
sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance,
which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of
their souls.
"Helaman 5:12": 12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon
the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must
build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty
winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his
mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to
drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock
upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation
whereon if men build they cannot fall.
"Helaman 5:13": 13 And it came to pass that these were the words which
Helaman taught to his sons; yea, he did teach them many things which
are not written, and also many things which are written.
"Helaman 5:14": 14 And they did remember his words; and therefore they
went forth, keeping the commandments of God, to teach the word of God
among all the people of Nephi, beginning at the c