9212 lines
482 KiB
Plaintext
9212 lines
482 KiB
Plaintext
THE BOOK OF ALMA, The Son of Alma
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ALM 0:0 The account of Alma, who was the son of Alma the first, and Chief Judge
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over the people of Nephi, and also the High Priest over the Church. An account
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of the reign of the Judges, and the wars and contentions among the people. And
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also an account of a war between the Nephites and the Lamanites, according to
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the record of Alma, the first and chief Judge.
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ALM 1:0 Nehor, an enemy of the church, slays Gideon, and is brought to judgment
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and executed--Priestcraft and persecution--Improved conditions--Priests and
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people equal.
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ALM 1:1 Now it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of the judges
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over the people of Nephi, from this time forward, king Mosiah having gone the
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way of all the earth, having warred a good warfare, walking uprightly before
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God, leaving none to reign in his stead; nevertheless he had established laws,
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and they were acknowledged by the people; therefore they were obliged to abide
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by the laws which he had made.
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ALM 1:2 And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the
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judgment-seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was
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large, and was noted for his much strength.
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ALM 1:3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he
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termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto
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the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they
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ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the
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people.
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ALM 1:4 And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved
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at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might
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lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also
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redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.
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ALM 1:5 And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many
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did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give
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him money.
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ALM 1:6 And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear
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very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner
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of his preaching.
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ALM 1:7 And it came to pass as he was going, to preach to those who believed on
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his word, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, yea, even one of
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their teachers; and he began to contend with him sharply, that he might lead
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away the people of the church; but the man withstood him, admonishing him with
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the words of God.
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ALM 1:8 Now the name of the man was Gideon; and it was he who was an instrument
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in the hands of God in delivering the people of Limhi out of bondage.
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ALM 1:9 Now, because Gideon withstood him with the words of God he was wroth
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with Gideon, and drew his sword and began to smite him. Now Gideon being
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stricken with many years, therefore he was not able to withstand his blows,
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therefore he was slain by the sword.
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ALM 1:10 And the man who slew him was taken by the people of the church, and
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was brought before Alma, to be judged according to the crimes which he had
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committed.
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ALM 1:11 And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded for himself
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with much boldness.
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ALM 1:12 But Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that
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priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art not
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only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by the sword; and
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were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire
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destruction.
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ALM 1:13 And thou hast shed the blood of a righteous man, yea, a man who has
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done much good among this people; and were we to spare thee his blood would
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come upon us for vengeance.
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ALM 1:14 Therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law which has
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been given us by Mosiah, our last king; and it has been acknowledged by this
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people; therefore this people must abide by the law.
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ALM 1:15 And it came to pass that they took him; and his name was Nehor; and
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they carried him upon the top of the hill Manti, and there he was caused, or
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rather did acknowledge, between the heavens and the earth, that what he had
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taught to the people was contrary to the word of God; and there he suffered an
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ignominious death.
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ALM 1:16 Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft
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through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world,
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and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake
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of riches and honor.
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ALM 1:17 Nevertheless, they durst not lie, if it were known, for fear of the
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law, for liars were punished; therefore they pretended to preach according to
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their belief; and now the law could have no power on any man for his belief.
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ALM 1:18 And they durst not steal, for fear of the law, for such were punished;
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neither durst they rob, nor murder, for he that murdered was punished unto
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death.
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ALM 1:19 But it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church of God
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began to persecute those that did belong to the church of God, and had taken
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upon them the name of Christ.
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ALM 1:20 Yea, they did persecute them, and afflict them with all manner of
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words, and this because of their humility; because they were not proud in their
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own eyes, and because they did impart the word of God, one with another,
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without money and without price.
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ALM 1:21 Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that there
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should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did
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not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution among
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themselves.
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ALM 1:22 Nevertheless, there were many among them who began to be proud, and
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began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they
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would smite one another with their fists.
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ALM 1:23 Now this was in the second year of the reign of Alma, and it was a
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cause of much affliction to the church; yea, it was the cause of much trial
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with the church.
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ALM 1:24 For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted
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out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many
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withdrew themselves from among them.
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ALM 1:25 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith;
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nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of
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God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them.
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ALM 1:26 And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto
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the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when
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the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again
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diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his
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hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the
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teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did
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all labor, every man according to his strength.
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ALM 1:27 And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that
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which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and
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they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.
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ALM 1:28 And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they
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began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.
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ALM 1:29 And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be
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exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in
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need--an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also
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abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and
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abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.
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ALM 1:30 And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away
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any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were
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sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon
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riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and
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free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having
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no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.
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ALM 1:31 And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who
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did not belong to their church.
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ALM 1:32 For those who did not belong to their church did indulge themselves in
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sorceries, and in idolatry or idleness, and in babblings, and in envyings and
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strife; wearing costly apparel; being lifted up in the pride of their own eyes;
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persecuting, lying, thieving, robbing, committing whoredoms, and murdering, and
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all manner of wickedness; nevertheless, the law was put in force upon all those
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who did transgress it, inasmuch as it was possible.
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ALM 1:33 And it came to pass that by thus exercising the law upon them, every
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man suffering according to that which he had done, they became more still, and
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durst not commit any wickedness if it were known; therefore, there was much
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peace among the people of Nephi until the fifth year of the reign of the
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judges.
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ALM 2:0 Amlici seeks to become king--Rejected by the majority, but is made
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king--He is defeated in battle--He joins the Lamanites--Alma slays Amlici and
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routs his forces.
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ALM 2:1 And it came to pass in the commencement of the fifth year of their
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reign there began to be a contention among the people; for a certain man, being
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called Amlici, he being a very cunning man, yea, a wise man as to the wisdom of
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the world, he being after the order of the man that slew Gideon by the sword,
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who was executed according to the law--
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ALM 2:2 Now this Amlici had, by his cunning, drawn away much people after him;
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even so much that they began to be very powerful; and they began to endeavor to
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establish Amlici to be a king over the people.
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ALM 2:3 Now this was alarming to the people of the church, and also to all
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those who had not been drawn away after the persuasions of Amlici; for they
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knew that according to their law that such things must be established by the
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voice of the people.
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ALM 2:4 Therefore, if it were possible that Amlici should gain the voice of the
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people, he, being a wicked man, would deprive them of their rights and
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privileges of the church; for it was his intent to destroy the church of God.
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ALM 2:5 And it came to pass that the people assembled themselves together
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throughout all the land, every man according to his mind, whether it were for
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or against Amlici, in separate bodies, having much dispute and wonderful
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contentions one with another.
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ALM 2:6 And thus they did assemble themselves together to cast in their voices
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concerning the matter; and they were laid before the judges.
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ALM 2:7 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came against Amlici,
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that he was not made king over the people.
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ALM 2:8 Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those who were against
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him; but Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger against those
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who were not in his favor.
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ALM 2:9 And it came to pass that they gathered themselves together, and did
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consecrate Amlici to be their king.
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ALM 2:10 Now when Amlici was made king over them he commanded them that they
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should take up arms against their brethren; and this he did that he might
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subject them to him.
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ALM 2:11 Now the people of Amlici were distinguished by the name of Amlici,
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being called Amlicites; and the remainder were called Nephites, or the people
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of God.
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ALM 2:12 Therefore the people of the Nephites were aware of the intent of the
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Amlicites, and therefore they did prepare to meet them; yea, they did arm
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themselves with swords, and with cimeters, and with bows, and with arrows, and
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with stones, and with slings, and with all manner of weapons of war, of every
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kind.
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ALM 2:13 And thus they were prepared to meet the Amlicites at the time of their
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coming. And there were appointed captains, and higher captains, and chief
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captains, according to their numbers.
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ALM 2:14 And it came to pass that Amlici did arm his men with all manner of
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weapons of war of every kind; and he also appointed rulers and leaders over his
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people, to lead them to war against their brethren.
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ALM 2:15 And it came to pass that the Amlicites came upon the hill Amnihu,
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which was east of the river Sidon, which ran by the land of Zarahemla, and
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there they began to make war with the Nephites.
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ALM 2:16 Now Alma, being the chief judge and the governor of the people of
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Nephi, therefore he went up with his people, yea, with his captains, and chief
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captains, yea, at the head of his armies, against the Amlicites to battle.
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ALM 2:17 And they began to slay the Amlicites upon the hill east of Sidon. And
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the Amlicites did contend with the Nephites with great strength, insomuch that
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many of the Nephites did fall before the Amlicites.
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ALM 2:18 Nevertheless the Lord did strengthen the hand of the Nephites, that
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they slew the Amlicites with great slaughter, that they began to flee before
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them.
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ALM 2:19 And it came to pass that the Nephites did pursue the Amlicites all
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that day, and did slay them with much slaughter, insomuch that there were slain
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of the Amlicites twelve thousand five hundred thirty and two souls; and there
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were slain of the Nephites six thousand five hundred sixty and two souls.
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ALM 2:20 And it came to pass that when Alma could pursue the Amlicites no
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longer he caused that his people should pitch their tents in the valley of
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Gideon, the valley being called after that Gideon who was slain by the hand of
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Nehor with the sword; and in this valley the Nephites did pitch their tents for
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the night.
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ALM 2:21 And Alma sent spies to follow the remnant of the Amlicites, that he
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might know of their plans and their plots, whereby he might guard himself
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against them, that he might preserve his people from being destroyed.
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ALM 2:22 Now those whom he had sent out to watch the camp of the Amlicites were
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called Zeram, and Amnor, and Manti, and Limher; these were they who went out
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with their men to watch the camp of the Amlicites.
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ALM 2:23 And it came to pass that on the morrow they returned into the camp of
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the Nephites in great haste, being greatly astonished, and struck with much
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fear, saying:
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ALM 2:24 Behold, we followed the camp of the Amlicites, and to our great
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astonishment, in the land of Minon, above the land of Zarahemla, in the course
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of the land of Nephi, we saw a numerous host of the Lamanites; and behold, the
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Amlicites have joined them;
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ALM 2:25 And they are upon our brethren in that land; and they are fleeing
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before them with their flocks, and their wives, and their children, towards our
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city; and except we make haste they obtain possession of our city, and our
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fathers, and our wives, and our children be slain.
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ALM 2:26 And it came to pass that the people of Nephi took their tents, and
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departed out of the valley of Gideon towards their city, which was the city of
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Zarahemla.
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ALM 2:27 And behold, as they were crossing the river Sidon, the Lamanites and
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the Amlicites, being as numerous almost, as it were, as the sands of the sea,
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came upon them to destroy them.
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ALM 2:28 Nevertheless, the Nephites being strengthened by the hand of the Lord,
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having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the hands of
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their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen
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them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them.
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ALM 2:29 And it came to pass that Alma fought with Amlici with the sword, face
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to face; and they did contend mightily, one with another.
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ALM 2:30 And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God, being exercised
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with much faith, cried, saying: O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I
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may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people.
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ALM 2:31 Now when Alma had said these words he contended again with Amlici; and
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he was strengthened, insomuch that he slew Amlici with the sword.
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ALM 2:32 And he also contended with the king of the Lamanites; but the king of
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the Lamanites fled back from before Alma and sent his guards to contend with
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Alma.
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ALM 2:33 But Alma, with his guards, contended with the guards of the king of
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the Lamanites until he slew and drove them back.
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ALM 2:34 And thus he cleared the ground, or rather the bank, which was on the
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west of the river Sidon, throwing the bodies of the Lamanites who had been
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slain into the waters of Sidon, that thereby his people might have room to
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cross and contend with the Lamanites and the Amlicites on the west side of the
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river Sidon.
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ALM 2:35 And it came to pass that when they had all crossed the river Sidon
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that the Lamanites and the Amlicites began to flee before them, notwithstanding
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they were so numerous that they could not be numbered.
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ALM 2:36 And they fled before the Nephites towards the wilderness which was
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west and north, away beyond the borders of the land; and the Nephites did
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pursue them with their might, and did slay them.
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ALM 2:37 Yea, they were met on every hand, and slain and driven, until they
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were scattered on the west, and on the north, until they had reached the
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wilderness, which was called Hermounts; and it was that part of the wilderness
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which was infested by wild and ravenous beasts.
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ALM 2:38 And it came to pass that many died in the wilderness of their wounds,
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and were devoured by those beasts and also the vultures of the air; and their
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bones have been found, and have been heaped up on the earth.
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ALM 3:0 The mark of the Amlicites, and the curse upon the Lamanites--Another
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Nephite victory.
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ALM 3:1 And it came to pass that the Nephites who were not slain by the weapons
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of war, after having buried those who had been slain--now the number of the
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slain were not numbered, because of the greatness of their number--after they
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had finished burying their dead they all returned to their lands, and to their
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houses, and their wives, and their children.
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ALM 3:2 Now many women and children had been slain with the sword, and also
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many of their flocks and their herds; and also many of their fields of grain
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were destroyed, for they were trodden down by the hosts of men.
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ALM 3:3 And now as many of the Lamanites and the Amlicites who had been slain
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upon the bank of the river Sidon were cast into the waters of Sidon; and behold
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their bones are in the depths of the sea, and they are many.
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ALM 3:4 And the Amlicites were distinguished from the Nephites, for they had
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marked themselves with red in their foreheads after the manner of the
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Lamanites; nevertheless they had not shorn their heads like unto the Lamanites.
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ALM 3:5 Now the heads of the Lamanites were shorn; and they were naked, save it
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were skin which was girded about their loins, and also their armor, which was
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girded about them, and their bows, and their arrows, and their stones, and
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their slings, and so forth.
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ALM 3:6 And the skins of the Lamanites were dark, according to the mark which
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was set upon their fathers, which was a curse upon them because of their
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transgression and their rebellion against their brethren, who consisted of
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Nephi, Jacob, and Joseph, and Sam, who were just and holy men.
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ALM 3:7 And their brethren sought to destroy them, therefore they were cursed;
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and the Lord God set a mark upon them, yea, upon Laman and Lemuel, and also the
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sons of Ishmael, and Ishmaelitish women.
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ALM 3:8 And this was done that their seed might be distinguished from the seed
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of their brethren, that thereby the Lord God might preserve his people, that
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they might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions which would prove their
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destruction.
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ALM 3:9 And it came to pass that whosoever did mingle his seed with that of the
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Lamanites did bring the same curse upon his seed.
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ALM 3:10 Therefore, whosoever suffered himself to be led away by the Lamanites
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was called under that head, and there was a mark set upon him.
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ALM 3:11 And it came to pass that whosoever would not believe in the tradition
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of the Lamanites, but believed those records which were brought out of the land
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of Jerusalem, and also in the tradition of their fathers, which were correct,
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who believed in the commandments of God and kept them, were called the
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Nephites, or the people of Nephi, from that time forth--
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ALM 3:12 And it is they who have kept the records which are true of their
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people, and also of the people of the Lamanites.
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ALM 3:13 Now we will return again to the Amlicites, for they also had a mark
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set upon them; yea, they set the mark upon themselves, yea, even a mark of red
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upon their foreheads.
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ALM 3:14 Thus the word of God is fulfilled, for these are the words which he
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said to Nephi: Behold, the Lamanites have I cursed, and I will set a mark on
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them that they and their seed may be separated from thee and thy seed, from
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this time henceforth and forever, except they repent of their wickedness and
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turn to me that I may have mercy upon them.
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ALM 3:15 And again: I will set a mark upon him that mingleth his seed with thy
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brethren, that they may be cursed also.
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ALM 3:16 And again: I will set a mark upon him that fighteth against thee and
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thy seed.
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ALM 3:17 And again, I say he that departeth from thee shall no more be called
|
|
thy seed; and I will bless thee, and whomsoever shall be called thy seed,
|
|
henceforth and forever; and these were the promises of the Lord unto Nephi and
|
|
to his seed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 3:18 Now the Amlicites knew not that they were fulfilling the words of God
|
|
when they began to mark themselves in their foreheads; nevertheless they had
|
|
come out in open rebellion against God; therefore it was expedient that the
|
|
curse should fall upon them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 3:19 Now I would that ye should see that they brought upon themselves the
|
|
curse; and even so doth every man that is cursed bring upon himself his own
|
|
condemnation.
|
|
|
|
ALM 3:20 Now it came to pass that not many days after the battle which was
|
|
fought in the land of Zarahemla, by the Lamanites and the Amlicites, that there
|
|
was another army of the Lamanites came in upon the people of Nephi, in the same
|
|
place where the first army met the Amlicites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 3:21 And it came to pass that there was an army sent to drive them out of
|
|
their land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 3:22 Now Alma himself being afflicted with a wound did not go up to battle
|
|
at this time against the Lamanites;
|
|
|
|
ALM 3:23 But he sent up a numerous army against them; and they went up and slew
|
|
many of the Lamanites, and drove the remainder of them out of the borders of
|
|
their land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 3:24 And then they returned again and began to establish peace in the land,
|
|
being troubled no more for a time with their enemies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 3:25 Now all these things were done, yea, all these wars and contentions
|
|
were commenced and ended in the fifth year of the reign of the judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 3:26 And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent to
|
|
the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their works,
|
|
whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or
|
|
eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it
|
|
be a good spirit or a bad one.
|
|
|
|
ALM 3:27 For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this
|
|
according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according
|
|
to the truth. And thus endeth the fifth year of the reign of the judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:0 Growth of the church--Prosperity, pride, and iniquity--Nephihah made
|
|
chief judge.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:1 Now it came to pass in the sixth year of the reign of the judges over
|
|
the people of Nephi, there were no contentions nor wars in the land of
|
|
Zarahemla;
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:2 But the people were afflicted, yea, greatly afflicted for the loss of
|
|
their brethren, and also for the loss of their flocks and herds, and also for
|
|
the loss of their fields of grain, which were trodden under foot and destroyed
|
|
by the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:3 And so great were their afflictions that every soul had cause to mourn;
|
|
and they believed that it was the judgments of God sent upon them because of
|
|
their wickedness and their abominations; therefore they were awakened to a
|
|
remembrance of their duty.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:4 And they began to establish the church more fully; yea, and many were
|
|
baptized in the waters of Sidon and were joined to the church of God; yea, they
|
|
were baptized by the hand of Alma, who had been consecrated the high priest
|
|
over the people of the church, by the hand of his father Alma.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:5 And it came to pass in the seventh year of the reign of the judges
|
|
there were about three thousand five hundred souls that united themselves to
|
|
the church of God and were baptized. And thus ended the seventh year of the
|
|
reign of the judges over the people of Nephi; and there was continual peace in
|
|
all that time.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:6 And it came to pass in the eighth year of the reign of the judges, that
|
|
the people of the church began to wax proud, because of their exceeding riches,
|
|
and their fine silks, and their fine-twined linen, and because of their many
|
|
flocks and herds, and their gold and their silver, and all manner of precious
|
|
things, which they had obtained by their industry; and in all these things were
|
|
they lifted up in the pride of their eyes, for they began to wear very costly
|
|
apparel.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:7 Now this was the cause of much affliction to Alma, yea, and to many of
|
|
the people whom Alma had consecrated to be teachers, and priests, and elders
|
|
over the church; yea, many of them were sorely grieved for the wickedness which
|
|
they saw had begun to be among their people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:8 For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the church
|
|
began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon
|
|
riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful,
|
|
one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe
|
|
according to their own will and pleasure.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:9 And thus, in this eighth year of the reign of the judges, there began
|
|
to be great contentions among the people of the church; yea, there were
|
|
envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions, and pride, even to exceed
|
|
the pride of those who did not belong to the church of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:10 And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the
|
|
wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did not
|
|
belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:11 And it came to pass in the commencement of the ninth year, Alma saw
|
|
the wickedness of the church, and he saw also that the example of the church
|
|
began to lead those who were unbelievers on from one piece of iniquity to
|
|
another, thus bringing on the destruction of the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:12 Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves
|
|
up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and
|
|
the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who
|
|
were sick and afflicted.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:13 Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while
|
|
others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their
|
|
succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding
|
|
the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ's sake, who
|
|
should come according to the spirit of prophecy;
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:14 Looking forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of their sins;
|
|
being filled with great joy because of the resurrection of the dead, according
|
|
to the will and power and deliverance of Jesus Christ from the bands of death.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:15 And now it came to pass that Alma, having seen the afflictions of the
|
|
humble followers of God, and the persecutions which were heaped upon them by
|
|
the remainder of his people, and seeing all their inequality, began to be very
|
|
sorrowful; nevertheless the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:16 And he selected a wise man who was among the elders of the church, and
|
|
gave him power according to the voice of the people, that he might have power
|
|
to enact laws according to the laws which had been given, and to put them in
|
|
force according to the wickedness and the crimes of the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:17 Now this man's name was Nephihah, and he was appointed chief judge;
|
|
and he sat in the judgment-seat to judge and to govern the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:18 Now Alma did not grant unto him the office of being high priest over
|
|
the church, but he retained the office of high priest unto himself; but he
|
|
delivered the judgment-seat unto Nephihah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:19 And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or
|
|
among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to
|
|
stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the
|
|
word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were
|
|
among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in
|
|
bearing down in pure testimony against them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 4:20 And thus in the commencement of the ninth year of the reign of the
|
|
judges over the people of Nephi, Alma delivered up the judgment-seat to
|
|
Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order
|
|
of God, to the testimony of the word, according to the spirit of revelation and
|
|
prophecy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:0 The words which Alma, the High Priest according to the holy order of
|
|
God, delivered to the people in their cities and villages throughout the
|
|
land--He recounts the experience of the church--Denounces iniquity--Calls upon
|
|
the people to repent.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:1 Now it came to pass that Alma began to deliver the word of God unto the
|
|
people, first in the land of Zarahemla, and from thence throughout all the
|
|
land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:2 And these are the words which he spake to the people in the church
|
|
which was established in the city of Zarahemla, according to his own record,
|
|
saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:3 I, Alma, having been consecrated by my father, Alma, to be a high
|
|
priest over the church of God, he having power and authority from God to do
|
|
these things, behold, I say unto you that he began to establish a church in the
|
|
land which was in the borders of Nephi; yea, the land which was called the land
|
|
of Mormon; yea, and he did baptize his brethren in the waters of Mormon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:4 And behold, I say unto you, they were delivered out of the hands of the
|
|
people of king Noah, by the mercy and power of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:5 And behold, after that, they were brought into bondage by the hands of
|
|
the Lamanites in the wilderness; yea, I say unto you, they were in captivity,
|
|
and again the Lord did deliver them out of bondage by the power of his word;
|
|
and we were brought into this land, and here we began to establish the church
|
|
of God throughout this land also.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:6 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, you that belong to this
|
|
church, have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your
|
|
fathers? Yea, and have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and
|
|
long-suffering towards them? And moreover, have ye sufficiently retained in
|
|
remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:7 Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep
|
|
sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness;
|
|
nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting
|
|
word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of
|
|
hell, and an everlasting destruction did await them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:8 And now I ask of you, my brethren, were they destroyed? Behold, I say
|
|
unto you, Nay, they were not.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:9 And again I ask, were the bands of death broken, and the chains of hell
|
|
which encircled them about, were they loosed? I say unto you, Yea, they were
|
|
loosed, and their souls did expand, and they did sing redeeming love. And I say
|
|
unto you that they are saved.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:10 And now I ask of you on what conditions are they saved? Yea, what
|
|
grounds had they to hope for salvation? What is the cause of their being loosed
|
|
from the bands of death, yea, and also the chains of hell?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:11 Behold, I can tell you--did not my father Alma believe in the words
|
|
which were delivered by the mouth of Abinadi? And was he not a holy prophet?
|
|
Did he not speak the words of God, and my father Alma believe them?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:12 And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his
|
|
heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:13 And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty
|
|
change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put
|
|
their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until
|
|
the end; therefore they were saved.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye
|
|
spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances?
|
|
Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you
|
|
look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in
|
|
immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to
|
|
be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:16 I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice
|
|
of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold,
|
|
your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:17 Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that
|
|
day, and say--Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the
|
|
earth--and that he will save you?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:18 Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal of
|
|
God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of all
|
|
your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a
|
|
remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart
|
|
and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God
|
|
engraven upon your countenances?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:20 I say unto you, can ye think of being saved when you have yielded
|
|
yourselves to become subjects to the devil?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:21 I say unto you, ye will know at that day that ye cannot be saved; for
|
|
there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his
|
|
garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the
|
|
blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to
|
|
redeem his people from their sins.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:22 And now I ask of you, my brethren, how will any of you feel, if ye
|
|
shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and
|
|
all manner of filthiness? Behold, what will these things testify against you?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:23 Behold will they not testify that ye are murderers, yea, and also that
|
|
ye are guilty of all manner of wickedness?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:24 Behold, my brethren, do ye suppose that such an one can have a place
|
|
to sit down in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob,
|
|
and also all the holy prophets, whose garments are cleansed and are spotless,
|
|
pure and white?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:25 I say unto you, Nay; except ye make our Creator a liar from the
|
|
beginning, or suppose that he is a liar from the beginning, ye cannot suppose
|
|
that such can have place in the kingdom of heaven; but they shall be cast out
|
|
for they are the children of the kingdom of the devil.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced a
|
|
change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I
|
|
would ask, can ye feel so now?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:27 Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say,
|
|
if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been
|
|
sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white
|
|
through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their
|
|
sins?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:28 Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are
|
|
not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of
|
|
heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:29 Behold, I say, is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? I
|
|
say unto you that such an one is not prepared; and I would that he should
|
|
prepare quickly, for the hour is close at hand, and he knoweth not when the
|
|
time shall come; for such an one is not found guiltless.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:30 And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth make a mock
|
|
of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:31 Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand
|
|
that he must repent or he cannot be saved!
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:32 Yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent, repent, for the
|
|
Lord God hath spoken it!
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy
|
|
are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:34 Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the
|
|
tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life
|
|
freely;
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:35 Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and ye shall
|
|
not be hewn down and cast into the fire--
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:36 For behold, the time is at hand that whosoever bringeth forth not good
|
|
fruit, or whosoever doeth not the works of righteousness, the same have cause
|
|
to wail and mourn.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:37 O ye workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the vain things of
|
|
the world, ye that have professed to have known the ways of righteousness
|
|
nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a
|
|
shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will not
|
|
hearken unto his voice!
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:38 Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and
|
|
in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will
|
|
not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are
|
|
called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:39 And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are
|
|
ye? Behold, I say unto you, that the devil is your shepherd, and ye are of his
|
|
fold; and now, who can deny this? Behold, I say unto you, whosoever denieth
|
|
this is a liar and a child of the devil.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:40 For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God, and
|
|
whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:41 Therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works he hearkeneth unto the
|
|
voice of the good shepherd, and he doth follow him; but whosoever bringeth
|
|
forth evil works, the same becometh a child of the devil, for he hearkeneth
|
|
unto his voice, and doth follow him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:42 And whosoever doeth this must receive his wages of him; therefore, for
|
|
his wages he receiveth death, as to things pertaining unto righteousness, being
|
|
dead unto all good works.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:43 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should hear me, for I speak in
|
|
the energy of my soul; for behold, I have spoken unto you plainly that ye
|
|
cannot err, or have spoken according to the commandments of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:44 For I am called to speak after this manner, according to the holy
|
|
order of God, which is in Christ Jesus; yea, I am commanded to stand and
|
|
testify unto this people the things which have been spoken by our fathers
|
|
concerning the things which are to come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:45 And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things
|
|
myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I
|
|
have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:46 Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit
|
|
of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these
|
|
things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord
|
|
God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit
|
|
of revelation which is in me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:47 And moreover, I say unto you that it has thus been revealed unto me,
|
|
that the words which have been spoken by our fathers are true, even so
|
|
according to the spirit of prophecy which is in me, which is also by the
|
|
manifestation of the Spirit of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:48 I say unto you, that I know of myself that whatsoever I shall say unto
|
|
you, concerning that which is to come, is true; and I say unto you, that I know
|
|
that Jesus Christ shall come, yea, the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father,
|
|
full of grace, and mercy, and truth. And behold, it is he that cometh to take
|
|
away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who steadfastly
|
|
believeth on his name.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:49 And now I say unto you that this is the order after which I am called,
|
|
yea, to preach unto my beloved brethren, yea, and every one that dwelleth in
|
|
the land; yea, to preach unto all, both old and young, both bond and free; yea,
|
|
I say unto you the aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation;
|
|
yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born again.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:50 Yea, thus saith the Spirit: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, for the
|
|
kingdom of heaven is soon at hand; yea, the Son of God cometh in his glory, in
|
|
his might, majesty, power, and dominion. Yea, my beloved brethren, I say unto
|
|
you, that the Spirit saith: Behold the glory of the King of all the earth; and
|
|
also the King of heaven shall very soon shine forth among all the children of
|
|
men.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:51 And also the Spirit saith unto me, yea, crieth unto me with a mighty
|
|
voice, saying: Go forth and say unto this people--Repent, for except ye repent
|
|
ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of heaven.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:52 And again I say unto you, the Spirit saith: Behold, the ax is laid at
|
|
the root of the tree; therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit
|
|
shall be hewn down and cast into the fire, yea, a fire which cannot be
|
|
consumed, even an unquenchable fire. Behold, and remember, the Holy One hath
|
|
spoken it.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:53 And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye withstand these
|
|
sayings; yea, can ye lay aside these things, and trample the Holy One under
|
|
your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye
|
|
still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the
|
|
vain things of the world, upon your riches?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:54 Yea, will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than another;
|
|
yea, will ye persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble themselves
|
|
and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have been brought into
|
|
this church, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and they do bring forth
|
|
works which are meet for repentance--
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:55 Yea, and will you persist in turning your backs upon the poor, and the
|
|
needy, and in withholding your substance from them?
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:56 And finally, all ye that will persist in your wickedness, I say unto
|
|
you that these are they who shall be hewn down and cast into the fire except
|
|
they speedily repent.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:57 And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the voice
|
|
of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate, and
|
|
touch not their unclean things; and behold, their names shall be blotted out,
|
|
that the names of the wicked shall not be numbered among the names of the
|
|
righteous, that the word of God may be fulfilled, which saith: The names of the
|
|
wicked shall not be mingled with the names of my people;
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:58 For the names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life,
|
|
and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right hand. And now, my
|
|
brethren, what have ye to say against this? I say unto you, if ye speak against
|
|
it, it matters not, for the word of God must be fulfilled.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:59 For what shepherd is there among you having many sheep doth not watch
|
|
over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his flock? And behold, if a
|
|
wolf enter his flock doth he not drive him out? Yea, and at the last, if he
|
|
can, he will destroy him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:60 And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and
|
|
if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are
|
|
his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among
|
|
you, that ye may not be destroyed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:61 And now I, Alma, do command you in the language of him who hath
|
|
commanded me, that ye observe to do the words which I have spoken unto you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 5:62 I speak by way of command unto you that belong to the church; and unto
|
|
those who do not belong to the church I speak by way of invitation, saying:
|
|
Come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye also may be partakers of the
|
|
fruit of the tree of life.
|
|
|
|
ALM 6:0 The reform movement, begun in Zarahemla, is carried to the city of
|
|
Gideon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 6:1 And now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking
|
|
unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of Zarahemla,
|
|
he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according to the order
|
|
of God, to preside and watch over the church.
|
|
|
|
ALM 6:2 And it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church who
|
|
repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance, and were received into
|
|
the church.
|
|
|
|
ALM 6:3 And it also came to pass that whosoever did belong to the church that
|
|
did not repent of their wickedness and humble themselves before God--I mean
|
|
those who were lifted up in the pride of their hearts--the same were rejected,
|
|
and their names were blotted out, that their names were not numbered among
|
|
those of the righteous.
|
|
|
|
ALM 6:4 And thus they began to establish the order of the church in the city of
|
|
Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 6:5 Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was liberal
|
|
unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling themselves
|
|
together to hear the word of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 6:7 And now it came to pass that when Alma had made these regulations he
|
|
departed from them, yea, from the church which was in the city of Zarahemla,
|
|
and went over upon the east of the river Sidon, into the valley of Gideon,
|
|
there having been a city built, which was called the city of Gideon, which was
|
|
in the valley that was called Gideon, being called after the man who was slain
|
|
by the hand of Nehor with the sword.
|
|
|
|
ALM 6:8 And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the church
|
|
which was established in the valley of Gideon, according to the revelation of
|
|
the truth of the word which had been spoken by his fathers, and according to
|
|
the spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to the testimony of Jesus
|
|
Christ, the Son of God, who should come to redeem his people from their sins,
|
|
and the holy order by which he was called. And thus it is written. Amen.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:0 The words of Alma which he delivered to the people in Gideon, according
|
|
to his own record--His testimony of the Redeemer--he commends the people for
|
|
their righteousness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:1 Behold my beloved brethren, seeing that I have been permitted to come
|
|
unto you, therefore I attempt to address you in my language; yea, by my own
|
|
mouth, seeing that it is the first time that I have spoken unto you by the
|
|
words of my mouth, I having been wholly confined to the judgment-seat, having
|
|
had much business that I could not come unto you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:2 And even I could not have come now at this time were it not that the
|
|
judgment-seat hath been given to another, to reign in my stead; and the Lord in
|
|
much mercy hath granted that I should come unto you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:3 And behold, I have come having great hopes and much desire that I
|
|
should find that ye had humbled yourselves before God, and that ye had
|
|
continued in the supplicating of his grace, that I should find that ye were
|
|
blameless before him, that I should find that ye were not in the awful dilemma
|
|
that our brethren were in at Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:4 But blessed be the name of God, that he hath given me to know, yea,
|
|
hath given unto me the exceedingly great joy of knowing that they are
|
|
established again in the way of his righteousness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:5 And I trust, according to the Spirit of God which is in me, that I
|
|
shall also have joy over you; nevertheless I do not desire that my joy over you
|
|
should come by the cause of so much afflictions and sorrow which I have had for
|
|
the brethren at Zarahemla, for behold, my joy cometh over them after wading
|
|
through much affliction and sorrow.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:6 But behold, I trust that ye are not in a state of so much unbelief as
|
|
were your brethren; I trust that ye are not lifted up in the pride of your
|
|
hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not set your hearts upon riches and the vain
|
|
things of the world; yea, I trust that you do not worship idols, but that ye do
|
|
worship the true and the living God, and that ye look forward for the remission
|
|
of your sins, with an everlasting faith, which is to come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:7 For behold, I say unto you there be many things to come; and behold,
|
|
there is one thing which is of more importance than they all--for behold, the
|
|
time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:8 Behold, I do not say that he will come among us at the time of his
|
|
dwelling in his mortal tabernacle; for behold, the Spirit hath not said unto me
|
|
that this should be the case. Now as to this thing I do not know; but this much
|
|
I do know, that the Lord God hath power to do all things which are according to
|
|
his word.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:9 But behold, the Spirit hath said this much unto me, saying: Cry unto
|
|
this people, saying--Repent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in
|
|
his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand,
|
|
and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land
|
|
of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall
|
|
be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a
|
|
son, yea, even the Son of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations
|
|
of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will
|
|
take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death
|
|
which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his
|
|
bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know
|
|
according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God
|
|
suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his
|
|
people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of
|
|
his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the
|
|
Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven;
|
|
therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your
|
|
sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of
|
|
the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which
|
|
easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and
|
|
go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and
|
|
enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto
|
|
him this day by going into the waters of baptism.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:16 And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from
|
|
thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will remember
|
|
that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal life, according to the
|
|
testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:17 And now my beloved brethren, do you believe these things? Behold, I
|
|
say unto you, yea, I know that ye believe them; and the way that I know that ye
|
|
believe them is by the manifestation of the Spirit which is in me. And now
|
|
because your faith is strong concerning that, yea, concerning the things which
|
|
I have spoken, great is my joy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:18 For as I said unto you from the beginning, that I had much desire that
|
|
ye were not in the state of dilemma like your brethren, even so I have found
|
|
that my desires have been gratified.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:19 For I perceive that ye are in the paths of righteousness; I perceive
|
|
that ye are in the path which leads to the kingdom of God; yea, I perceive that
|
|
ye are making his paths straight.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:20 I perceive that it has been made known unto you, by the testimony of
|
|
his word, that he cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from that
|
|
which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the
|
|
left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore, his course
|
|
is one eternal round.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:21 And he doth not dwell in unholy temples; neither can filthiness or
|
|
anything which is unclean be received into the kingdom of God; therefore I say
|
|
unto you the time shall come, yea, and it shall be at the last day, that he who
|
|
is filthy shall remain in his filthiness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:22 And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto you that I
|
|
might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless
|
|
before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have
|
|
been received.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and
|
|
gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being
|
|
temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at
|
|
all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and
|
|
temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always
|
|
abound in good works.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:25 And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless, that ye
|
|
may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the holy
|
|
prophets who have been ever since the world began, having your garments
|
|
spotless even as their garments are spotless, in the kingdom of heaven to go no
|
|
more out.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:26 And now my beloved brethren, I have spoken these words unto you
|
|
according to the Spirit which testifieth in me; and my soul doth exceedingly
|
|
rejoice, because of the exceeding diligence and heed which ye have given unto
|
|
my word.
|
|
|
|
ALM 7:27 And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and
|
|
lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your women and
|
|
your children, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and
|
|
forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:0 Alma's success in Melek--The people of Ammonihah cast him
|
|
out--Comforted by an angel, he returns--Amulek joins him in the ministry--Great
|
|
power given.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:1 And now it came to pass that Alma returned from the land of Gideon,
|
|
after having taught the people of Gideon many things which cannot be written,
|
|
having established the order of the church, according as he had before done in
|
|
the land of Zarahemla, yea, he returned to his own house at Zarahemla to rest
|
|
himself from the labors which he had performed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:2 And thus ended the ninth year of the reign of the judges over the
|
|
people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:3 And it came to pass in the commencement of the tenth year of the reign
|
|
of the judges over the people of Nephi, that Alma departed from thence and took
|
|
his journey over into the land of Melek, on the west of the river Sidon, on the
|
|
west by the borders of the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:4 And he began to teach the people in the land of Melek according to the
|
|
holy order of God, by which he had been called; and he began to teach the
|
|
people throughout all the land of Melek.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:5 And it came to pass that the people came to him throughout all the
|
|
borders of the land which was by the wilderness side. And they were baptized
|
|
throughout all the land;
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:6 So that when he had finished his work at Melek he departed thence, and
|
|
traveled three days' journey on the north of the land of Melek; and he came to
|
|
a city which was called Ammonihah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:7 Now it was the custom of the people of Nephi to call their lands, and
|
|
their cities, and their villages, yea, even all their small villages, after the
|
|
name of him who first possessed them; and thus it was with the land of
|
|
Ammonihah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:8 And it came to pass that when Alma had come to the city of Ammonihah he
|
|
began to preach the word of God unto them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:9 Now Satan had gotten great hold upon the hearts of the people of the
|
|
city of Ammonihah; therefore they would not hearken unto the words of Alma.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:10 Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in
|
|
mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in
|
|
the city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:11 Nevertheless, they hardened their hearts, saying unto him: Behold, we
|
|
know that thou art Alma; and we know that thou art high priest over the church
|
|
which thou hast established in many parts of the land, according to your
|
|
tradition; and we are not of thy church, and we do not believe in such foolish
|
|
traditions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:12 And now we know that because we are not of thy church we know that
|
|
thou hast no power over us; and thou hast delivered up the judgment-seat unto
|
|
Nephihah; therefore thou art not the chief judge over us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:13 Now when the people had said this, and withstood all his words, and
|
|
reviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that he should be cast out of their
|
|
city, he departed thence and took his journey towards the city which was called
|
|
Aaron.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:14 And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being
|
|
weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul,
|
|
because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it
|
|
came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an angel of
|
|
the Lord appeared unto him, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:15 Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for
|
|
thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the
|
|
commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from
|
|
him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of
|
|
Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them.
|
|
Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:17 For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the
|
|
liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the
|
|
statutes, and judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:18 Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from the
|
|
angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah. And he entered
|
|
the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the south of the city of
|
|
Ammonihah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:19 And as he entered the city he was an hungered, and he said to a man:
|
|
Will ye give to an humble servant of God something to eat?
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:20 And the man said unto him: I am a Nephite, and I know that thou art a
|
|
holy prophet of God, for thou art the man whom an angel said in a vision: Thou
|
|
shalt receive. Therefore, go with me into my house and I will impart unto thee
|
|
of my food; and I know that thou wilt be a blessing unto me and my house.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:21 And it came to pass that the man received him into his house; and the
|
|
man was called Amulek; and he brought forth bread and meat and set before Alma.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:22 And it came to pass that Alma ate bread and was filled; and he blessed
|
|
Amulek and his house, and he gave thanks unto God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:23 And after he had eaten and was filled he said unto Amulek: I am Alma,
|
|
and am the high priest over the church of God throughout the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:24 And behold, I have been called to preach the word of God among all
|
|
this people, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy; and I was in
|
|
this land and they would not receive me, but they cast me out and I was about
|
|
to set my back towards this land forever.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:25 But behold, I have been commanded that I should turn again and
|
|
prophesy unto this people, yea, and to testify against them concerning their
|
|
iniquities.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:26 And now, Amulek, because thou hast fed me and taken me in, thou art
|
|
blessed; for I was an hungered, for I had fasted many days.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:27 And Alma tarried many days with Amulek before he began to preach unto
|
|
the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:28 And it came to pass that the people did wax more gross in their
|
|
iniquities.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:29 And the word came to Alma, saying: Go; and also say unto my servant
|
|
Amulek, go forth and prophesy unto this people, saying--Repent ye, for thus
|
|
saith the Lord, except ye repent I will visit this people in mine anger; yea,
|
|
and I will not turn my fierce anger away.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:30 And Alma went forth, and also Amulek, among the people, to declare the
|
|
words of God unto them; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:31 And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be
|
|
confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them;
|
|
nevertheless they did not exercise their power until they were bound in bands
|
|
and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his
|
|
power in them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 8:32 And it came to pass that they went forth and began to preach and to
|
|
prophesy unto the people, according to the spirit and power which the Lord had
|
|
given them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:00 The words of Alma, and also the words of Amulek, which were declared
|
|
unto the people who were in the land of Ammonihah. And also they are cast into
|
|
prison, and delivered by the miraculous power of God which was in them,
|
|
according to the record of Alma. Comprising chapters 9 to 14 inclusive.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:0 Alma preaches to the people of Ammonihah and calls them to
|
|
repentance--His testimony rejected.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:1 And again, I, Alma, having been commanded of God that I should take
|
|
Amulek and go forth and preach again unto this people, or the people who were
|
|
in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass as I began to preach unto them, they
|
|
began to contend with me, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:2 Who art thou? Suppose ye that we shall believe the testimony of one
|
|
man, although he should preach unto us that the earth should pass away?
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:3 Now they understood not the words which they spake; for they knew not
|
|
that the earth should pass away.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:4 And they said also: We will not believe thy words if thou shouldst
|
|
prophesy that this great city should be destroyed in one day.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:5 Now they knew not that God could do such marvelous works, for they were
|
|
a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:6 And they said: Who is God, that sendeth no more authority than one man
|
|
among this people, to declare unto them the truth of such great and marvelous
|
|
things?
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:7 And they stood forth to lay their hands on me; but behold, they did
|
|
not. And I stood with boldness to declare unto them, yea, I did boldly testify
|
|
unto them, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:8 Behold, O ye wicked and perverse generation, how have ye forgotten the
|
|
tradition of your fathers; yea, how soon ye have forgotten the commandments of
|
|
God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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?
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:10 And have ye forgotten so soon how many times he delivered our fathers
|
|
out of the hands of their enemies, and preserved them from being destroyed,
|
|
even by the hands of their own brethren?
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:11 Yea, and if it had not been for his matchless power, and his mercy,
|
|
and his long-suffering towards us, we should unavoidably have been cut off from
|
|
the face of the earth long before this period of time, and perhaps been
|
|
consigned to a state of endless misery and woe.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:12 Behold, now I say unto you that he commandeth you to repent; and
|
|
except ye repent, ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. But behold, this
|
|
is not all--he has commanded you to repent, or he will utterly destroy you from
|
|
off the face of the earth; yea, he will visit you in his anger, and in his
|
|
fierce anger he will not turn away.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:13 Behold, do ye not remember the words which he spake unto Lehi, saying
|
|
that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land?
|
|
And again it is said that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye
|
|
shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:14 Now I would that ye should remember, that inasmuch as the Lamanites
|
|
have not kept the commandments of God, they have been cut off from the presence
|
|
of the Lord. Now we see that the word of the Lord has been verified in this
|
|
thing, and the Lamanites have been cut off from his presence, from the
|
|
beginning of their transgressions in the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:15 Nevertheless I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for them
|
|
in the day of judgment than for you, if ye remain in your sins, yea, and even
|
|
more tolerable for them in this life than for you, except ye repent.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:16 For there are many promises which are extended to the Lamanites; for
|
|
it is because of the traditions of their fathers that caused them to remain in
|
|
their state of ignorance; therefore the Lord will be merciful unto them and
|
|
prolong their existence in the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:17 And at some period of time they will be brought to believe in his
|
|
word, and to know of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers; and
|
|
many of them will be saved, for the Lord will be merciful unto all who call on
|
|
his name.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:18 But behold, I say unto you that if ye persist in your wickedness that
|
|
your days shall not be prolonged in the land, for the Lamanites shall be sent
|
|
upon you; and if ye repent not they shall come in a time when you know not, and
|
|
ye shall be visited with utter destruction; and it shall be according to the
|
|
fierce anger of the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:19 For he will not suffer you that ye shall live in your iniquities, to
|
|
destroy his people. I say unto you, Nay; he would rather suffer that the
|
|
Lamanites might destroy all his people who are called the people of Nephi, if
|
|
it were possible that they could fall into sins and transgressions, after
|
|
having had so much light and so much knowledge given unto them of the Lord
|
|
their God;
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:20 Yea, after having been such a highly favored people of the Lord; yea,
|
|
after having been favored above every other nation, kindred, tongue, or people;
|
|
after having had all things made known unto them, according to their desires,
|
|
and their faith, and prayers, of that which has been, and which is, and which
|
|
is to come;
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:21 Having been visited by the Spirit of God; having conversed with
|
|
angels, and having been spoken unto by the voice of the Lord; and having the
|
|
spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and also many gifts, the gift
|
|
of speaking with tongues, and the gift of preaching, and the gift of the Holy
|
|
Ghost, and the gift of translation;
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:22 Yea, and after having been delivered of God out of the land of
|
|
Jerusalem, by the hand of the Lord; having been saved from famine, and from
|
|
sickness, and all manner of diseases of every kind; and they having waxed
|
|
strong in battle, that they might not be destroyed; having been brought out of
|
|
bondage time after time, and having been kept and preserved until now; and they
|
|
have been prospered until they are rich in all manner of things--
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:23 And now behold I say unto you, that if this people, who have received
|
|
so many blessings from the hand of the Lord, should transgress contrary to the
|
|
light and knowledge which they do have, I say unto you that if this be the
|
|
case, that if they should fall into transgression, it would be far more
|
|
tolerable for the Lamanites than for them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:24 For behold, the promises of the Lord are extended to the Lamanites,
|
|
but they are not unto you if ye transgress; for has not the Lord expressly
|
|
promised and firmly decreed, that if ye will rebel against him that ye shall
|
|
utterly be destroyed from off the face of the earth?
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:25 And now for this cause, that ye may not be destroyed, the Lord has
|
|
sent his angel to visit many of his people, declaring unto them that they must
|
|
go forth and cry mightily unto this people, saying: Repent ye, for the kingdom
|
|
of heaven is nigh at hand;
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:26 And not many days hence the Son of God shall come in his glory; and
|
|
his glory shall be the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace,
|
|
equity, and truth, full of patience, mercy, and long-suffering, quick to hear
|
|
the cries of his people and to answer their prayers.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:27 And behold, he cometh to redeem those who will be baptized unto
|
|
repentance, through faith on his name.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:28 Therefore, prepare ye the way of the Lord, for the time is at hand
|
|
that all men shall reap a reward of their works, according to that which they
|
|
have been--if they have been righteous they shall reap the salvation of their
|
|
souls, according to the power and deliverance of Jesus Christ; and if they have
|
|
been evil they shall reap the damnation of their souls, according to the power
|
|
and captivation of the devil.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:29 Now behold, this is the voice of the angel, crying unto the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:30 And now, my beloved brethren, for ye are my brethren, and ye ought to
|
|
be beloved, and ye ought to bring forth works which are meet for repentance,
|
|
seeing that your hearts have been grossly hardened against the word of God, and
|
|
seeing that ye are a lost and a fallen people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:31 Now it came to pass that when I, Alma, had spoken these words, behold,
|
|
the people were wroth with me because I said unto them that they were a
|
|
hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:32 And also because I said unto them that they were a lost and a fallen
|
|
people they were angry with me, and sought to lay their hands upon me, that
|
|
they might cast me into prison.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:33 But it came to pass that the Lord did not suffer them that they should
|
|
take me at that time and cast me into prison.
|
|
|
|
ALM 9:34 And it came to pass that Amulek went and stood forth, and began to
|
|
preach unto them also. And now the words of Amulek are not all written,
|
|
nevertheless a part of his words are written in this book.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:0 Amulek's lineage--Lehi a descendant of Joseph through Manasseh--Amulek
|
|
tells of his conversion--His testimony--He denounces designing lawyers and
|
|
judges--Zeezrom.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:1 Now these are the words which Amulek preached unto the people who were
|
|
in the land of Ammonihah, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:2 I am Amulek; I am the son of Giddonah, who was the son of Ishmael, who
|
|
was a descendant of Aminadi; and it was that same Aminadi who interpreted the
|
|
writing which was upon the wall of the temple, which was written by the finger
|
|
of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:3 And Aminadi was a descendant of Nephi, who was the son of Lehi, who
|
|
came out of the land of Jerusalem, who was a descendant of Manasseh, who was
|
|
the son of Joseph who was sold into Egypt by the hands of his brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:4 And behold, I am also a man of no small reputation among all those who
|
|
know me; yea, and behold, I have many kindreds and friends, and I have also
|
|
acquired much riches by the hand of my industry.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:5 Nevertheless, after all this, I never have known much of the ways of
|
|
the Lord, and his mysteries and marvelous power. I said I never had known much
|
|
of these things; but behold, I mistake, for I have seen much of his mysteries
|
|
and his marvelous power; yea, even in the preservation of the lives of this
|
|
people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:6 Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I
|
|
would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know;
|
|
therefore I went on rebelling against God, in the wickedness of my heart, even
|
|
until the fourth day of this seventh month, which is in the tenth year of the
|
|
reign of the judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:7 As I was journeying to see a very near kindred, behold an angel of the
|
|
Lord appeared unto me and said: Amulek, return to thine own house, for thou
|
|
shalt feed a prophet of the Lord; yea, a holy man, who is a chosen man of God;
|
|
for he has fasted many days because of the sins of this people, and he is an
|
|
hungered, and thou shalt receive him into thy house and feed him, and he shall
|
|
bless thee and thy house; and the blessing of the Lord shall rest upon thee and
|
|
thy house.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:8 And it came to pass that I obeyed the voice of the angel, and returned
|
|
towards my house. And as I was going thither I found the man whom the angel
|
|
said unto me: Thou shalt receive into thy house--and behold it was this same
|
|
man who has been speaking unto you concerning the things of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:9 And the angel said unto me he is a holy man; wherefore I know he is a
|
|
holy man because it was said by an angel of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:11 For behold, he hath blessed mine house, he hath blessed me, and my
|
|
women, and my children, and my father and my kinsfolk; yea, even all my kindred
|
|
hath he blessed, and the blessing of the Lord hath rested upon us according to
|
|
the words which he spake.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:12 And now, when Amulek had spoken these words the people began to be
|
|
astonished, seeing there was more than one witness who testified of the things
|
|
whereof they were accused, and also of the things which were to come, according
|
|
to the spirit of prophecy which was in them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:13 Nevertheless, there were some among them who thought to question
|
|
them, that by their cunning devices they might catch them in their words, that
|
|
they might find witness against them, that they might deliver them to their
|
|
judges that they might be judged according to the law, and that they might be
|
|
slain or cast into prison, according to the crime which they could make appear
|
|
or witness against them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:14 Now it was those men who sought to destroy them, who were lawyers,
|
|
who were hired or appointed by the people to administer the law at their times
|
|
of trials, or at the trials of the crimes of the people before the judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:15 Now these lawyers were learned in all the arts and cunning of the
|
|
people; and this was to enable them that they might be skilful in their
|
|
profession.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:16 And it came to pass that they began to question Amulek, that thereby
|
|
they might make him cross his words, or contradict the words which he should
|
|
speak.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:17 Now they knew not that Amulek could know of their designs. But it
|
|
came to pass as they began to question him, he perceived their thoughts, and he
|
|
said unto them: O ye wicked and perverse generation, ye lawyers and hypocrites,
|
|
for ye are laying the foundations of the devil; for ye are laying traps and
|
|
snares to catch the holy ones of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:18 Ye are laying plans to pervert the ways of the righteous, and to
|
|
bring down the wrath of God upon your heads, even to the utter destruction of
|
|
this people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:19 Yea, well did Mosiah say, who was our last king, when he was about to
|
|
deliver up the kingdom, having no one to confer it upon, causing that this
|
|
people should be governed by their own voices--yea, well did he say that if the
|
|
time should come that the voice of this people should choose iniquity, that is,
|
|
if the time should come that this people should fall into transgression, they
|
|
would be ripe for destruction.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:20 And now I say unto you that well doth the Lord judge of your
|
|
iniquities; well doth he cry unto this people, by the voice of his angels:
|
|
Repent ye, repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:21 Yea, well doth he cry, by the voice of his angels that: I will come
|
|
down among my people, with equity and justice in my hands.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:22 Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the
|
|
righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with
|
|
utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days
|
|
of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:23 But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now
|
|
therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the
|
|
Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then
|
|
ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the
|
|
time is soon at hand except ye repent.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:24 And now it came to pass that the people were more angry with Amulek,
|
|
and they cried out, saying: This man doth revile against our laws which are
|
|
just, and our wise lawyers whom we have selected.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:25 But Amulek stretched forth his hand, and cried the mightier unto
|
|
them, saying: O ye wicked and perverse generation, why hath Satan got such
|
|
great hold upon your hearts? Why will ye yield yourselves unto him that he may
|
|
have power over you, to blind your eyes, that ye will not understand the words
|
|
which are spoken, according to their truth?
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:26 For behold, have I testified against your law? Ye do not understand;
|
|
ye say that I have spoken against your law; but I have not, but I have spoken
|
|
in favor of your law, to your condemnation.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:27 And now behold, I say unto you, that the foundation of the
|
|
destruction of this people is beginning to be laid by the unrighteousness of
|
|
your lawyers and your judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:28 And now it came to pass that when Amulek had spoken these words the
|
|
people cried out against him, saying: Now we know that this man is a child of
|
|
the devil, for he hath lied unto us; for he hath spoken against our law. And
|
|
now he says that he has not spoken against it.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:29 And again, he has reviled against our lawyers, and our judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:30 And it came to pass that the lawyers put it into their hearts that
|
|
they should remember these things against him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:31 And there was one among them whose name was Zeezrom. Now he was the
|
|
foremost to accuse Amulek and Alma, he being one of the most expert among them,
|
|
having much business to do among the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 10:32 Now the object of these lawyers was to get gain; and they got gain
|
|
according to their employ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:0 Judges and their compensation--Nephite coins and measures--Zeezrom
|
|
confounded by Amulek.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:1 Now it was in the law of Mosiah that every man who was a judge of the
|
|
law, or those who were appointed to be judges, should receive wages according
|
|
to the time which they labored to judge those who were brought before them to
|
|
be judged.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:2 Now if a man owed another, and he would not pay that which he did owe,
|
|
he was complained of to the judge; and the judge executed authority, and sent
|
|
forth officers that the man should be brought before him; and he judged the man
|
|
according to the law and the evidences which were brought against him, and thus
|
|
the man was compelled to pay that which he owed, or be stripped, or be cast out
|
|
from among the people as a thief and a robber.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:3 And the judge received for his wages according to his time--a senine
|
|
of gold for a day, or a senum of silver, which is equal to a senine of gold;
|
|
and this is according to the law which was given.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:4 Now these are the names of the different pieces of their gold, and of
|
|
their silver, according to their value. And the names are given by the
|
|
Nephites, for they did not reckon after the manner of the Jews who were at
|
|
Jerusalem; neither did they measure after the manner of the Jews; but they
|
|
altered their reckoning and their measure, according to the minds and the
|
|
circumstances of the people, in every generation, until the reign of the
|
|
judges, they having been established by king Mosiah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:5 Now the reckoning is thus--a senine of gold, a seon of gold, a shum of
|
|
gold, and a limnah of gold.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:6 A senum of silver, an amnor of silver, an ezrom of silver, and an onti
|
|
of silver.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:7 A senum of silver was equal to a senine of gold, and either for a
|
|
measure of barley, and also for a measure of every kind of grain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:8 Now the amount of a seon of gold was twice the value of a senine.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:9 And a shum of gold was twice the value of a seon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:10 And a limnah of gold was the value of them all.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:11 And an amnor of silver was as great as two senums.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:12 And an ezrom of silver was as great as four senums.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:13 And an onti was as great as them all.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:14 Now this is the value of the lesser numbers of their reckoning--
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:15 A shiblon is half of a senum; therefore, a shiblon for half a measure
|
|
of barley.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:16 And a shiblum is a half of a shiblon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:17 And a leah is the half of a shiblum.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:18 Now this is their number, according to their reckoning.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:19 Now an antion of gold is equal to three shiblons.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:20 Now, it was for the sole purpose to get gain, because they received
|
|
their wages according to their employ, therefore, they did stir up the people
|
|
to riotings, and all manner of disturbances and wickedness, that they might
|
|
have more employ, that they might get money according to the suits which were
|
|
brought before them; therefore they did stir up the people against Alma and
|
|
Amulek.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:21 And this Zeezrom began to question Amulek, saying: Will ye answer me
|
|
a few questions which I shall ask you? Now Zeezrom was a man who was expert in
|
|
the devices of the devil, that he might destroy that which was good; therefore,
|
|
he said unto Amulek: Will ye answer the questions which I shall put unto you?
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:22 And Amulek said unto him: Yea, if it be according to the Spirit of
|
|
the Lord, which is in me; for I shall say nothing which is contrary to the
|
|
Spirit of the Lord. And Zeezrom said unto him: Behold, here are six onties of
|
|
silver, and all these will I give thee if thou wilt deny the existence of a
|
|
Supreme Being.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:23 Now Amulek said: O thou child of hell, why tempt ye me? Knowest thou
|
|
that the righteous yieldeth to no such temptations?
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:24 Believest thou that there is no God? I say unto you, Nay, thou
|
|
knowest that there is a God, but thou lovest that lucre more than him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:25 And now thou hast lied before God unto me. Thou saidst unto
|
|
me--Behold these six onties, which are of great worth, I will give unto
|
|
thee--when thou hadst it in thy heart to retain them from me; and it was only
|
|
thy desire that I should deny the true and living God, that thou mightest have
|
|
cause to destroy me. And now behold, for this great evil thou shalt have thy
|
|
reward.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:26 And Zeezrom said unto him: Thou sayest there is a true and living
|
|
God?
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:27 And Amulek said: Yea, there is a true and living God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:28 Now Zeezrom said: Is there more than one God?
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:29 And he answered, No.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:30 Now Zeezrom said unto him again: How knowest thou these things?
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:31 And he said: An angel hath made them known unto me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:32 And Zeezrom said again: Who is he that shall come? Is it the Son of
|
|
God?
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:33 And he said unto him, Yea.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:34 And Zeezrom said again: Shall he save his people in their sins? And
|
|
Amulek answered and said unto him: I say unto you he shall not, for it is
|
|
impossible for him to deny his word.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:35 Now Zeezrom said unto the people: See that ye remember these things;
|
|
for he said there is but one God; yet he saith that the Son of God shall come,
|
|
but he shall not save his people--as though he had authority to command God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:36 Now Amulek saith again unto him: Behold thou hast lied, for thou
|
|
sayest that I spake as though I had authority to command God because I said he
|
|
shall not save his people in their sins.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:37 And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for
|
|
I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the
|
|
kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the
|
|
kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:38 Now Zeezrom saith again unto him: Is the Son of God the very Eternal
|
|
Father?
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:39 And Amulek said unto him: Yea, he is the very Eternal Father of
|
|
heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are; he is the beginning and
|
|
the end, the first and the last;
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:40 And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall
|
|
take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these
|
|
are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:41 Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption
|
|
made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for behold, the day
|
|
cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged
|
|
according to their works.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:42 Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death
|
|
of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be
|
|
raised from this temporal death.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:43 The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form;
|
|
both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are
|
|
at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we
|
|
know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:44 Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both
|
|
bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and
|
|
even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing
|
|
shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall
|
|
be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the
|
|
Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according
|
|
to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:45 Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the
|
|
mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say
|
|
unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from
|
|
death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their
|
|
spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming
|
|
spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.
|
|
|
|
ALM 11:46 Now, when Amulek had finished these words the people began again to
|
|
be astonished, and also Zeezrom began to tremble. And thus ended the words of
|
|
Amulek, or this is all that I have written.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:0 Amulek's testimony confirmed by Alma--Doctrine of the tree of
|
|
life--The plan of redemption expounded.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:1 Now Alma, seeing that the words of Amulek had silenced Zeezrom, for he
|
|
beheld that Amulek had caught him in his lying and deceiving to destroy him,
|
|
and seeing that he began to tremble under a consciousness of his guilt, he
|
|
opened his mouth and began to speak unto him, and to establish the words of
|
|
Amulek, and to explain things beyond, or to unfold the scriptures beyond that
|
|
which Amulek had done.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:2 Now the words that Alma spake unto Zeezrom were heard by the people
|
|
round about; for the multitude was great, and he spake on this wise:
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:3 Now Zeezrom, seeing that thou hast been taken in thy lying and
|
|
craftiness, for thou hast not lied unto men only but thou hast lied unto God;
|
|
for behold, he knows all thy thoughts, and thou seest that thy thoughts are
|
|
made known unto us by his Spirit;
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:4 And thou seest that we know that thy plan was a very subtle plan, as
|
|
to the subtlety of the devil, for to lie and to deceive this people that thou
|
|
mightest set them against us, to revile us and to cast us out--
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:5 Now this was a plan of thine adversary, and he hath exercised his
|
|
power in thee. Now I would that ye should remember that what I say unto thee I
|
|
say unto all.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:6 And behold I say unto you all that this was a snare of the adversary,
|
|
which he has laid to catch this people, that he might bring you into subjection
|
|
unto him, that he might encircle you about with his chains, that he might chain
|
|
you down to everlasting destruction, according to the power of his captivity.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:7 Now when Alma had spoken these words, Zeezrom began to tremble more
|
|
exceedingly, for he was convinced more and more of the power of God; and he was
|
|
also convinced that Alma and Amulek had a knowledge of him, for he was
|
|
convinced that they knew the thoughts and intents of his heart; for power was
|
|
given unto them that they might know of these things according to the spirit of
|
|
prophecy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:8 And Zeezrom began to inquire of them diligently, that he might know
|
|
more concerning the kingdom of God. And he said unto Alma: What does this mean
|
|
which Amulek hath spoken concerning the resurrection of the dead, that all
|
|
shall rise from the dead, both the just and the unjust, and are brought to
|
|
stand before God to be judged according to their works?
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is
|
|
given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under
|
|
a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of
|
|
his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed
|
|
and diligence which they give unto him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the
|
|
lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is
|
|
given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the
|
|
mysteries of God until he know them in full.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser
|
|
portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then
|
|
they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction.
|
|
Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our
|
|
hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will
|
|
our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:14 For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we
|
|
shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this
|
|
awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad
|
|
if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from
|
|
his presence.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:15 But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his
|
|
glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and
|
|
acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just; that he
|
|
is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and
|
|
that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth
|
|
forth fruit meet for repentance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:16 And now behold, I say unto you then cometh a death, even a second
|
|
death, which is a spiritual death; then is a time that whosoever dieth in his
|
|
sins, as to a temporal death, shall also die a spiritual death; yea, he shall
|
|
die as to things pertaining unto righteousness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:17 Then is the time when their torments shall be as a lake of fire and
|
|
brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever; and then is the time that
|
|
they shall be chained down to an everlasting destruction, according to the
|
|
power and captivity of Satan, he having subjected them according to his will.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:18 Then, I say unto you, they shall be as though there had been no
|
|
redemption made; for they cannot be redeemed according to God's justice; and
|
|
they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:19 Now it came to pass that when Alma had made an end of speaking these
|
|
words, the people began to be more astonished;
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:20 But there was one Antionah, who was a chief ruler among them, came
|
|
forth and said unto him: What is this that thou hast said, that man should rise
|
|
from the dead and be changed from this mortal to an immortal state, that the
|
|
soul can never die?
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:21 What does the scripture mean, which saith that God placed cherubim
|
|
and a flaming sword on the east of the garden of Eden, lest our first parents
|
|
should enter and partake of the fruit of the tree of life, and live forever?
|
|
And thus we see that there was no possible chance that they should live
|
|
forever.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:22 Now Alma said unto him: This is the thing which I was about to
|
|
explain. Now we see that Adam did fall by the partaking of the forbidden fruit,
|
|
according to the word of God; and thus we see, that by his fall, all mankind
|
|
became a lost and fallen people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:23 And now behold, I say unto you that if it had been possible for Adam
|
|
to have partaken of the fruit of the tree of life at that time, there would
|
|
have been no death, and the word would have been void, making God a liar, for
|
|
he said: If thou eat thou shalt surely die.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:24 And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has
|
|
been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a
|
|
space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a
|
|
probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that
|
|
endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection
|
|
of the dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:25 Now, if it had not been for the plan of redemption, which was laid
|
|
from the foundation of the world, there could have been no resurrection of the
|
|
dead; but there was a plan of redemption laid, which shall bring to pass the
|
|
resurrection of the dead, of which has been spoken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:26 And now behold, if it were possible that our first parents could have
|
|
gone forth and partaken of the tree of life they would have been forever
|
|
miserable, having no preparatory state; and thus the plan of redemption would
|
|
have been frustrated, and the word of God would have been void, taking none
|
|
effect.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:27 But behold, it was not so; but it was appointed unto men that they
|
|
must die; and after death, they must come to judgment, even that same judgment
|
|
of which we have spoken, which is the end.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:28 And after God had appointed that these things should come unto man,
|
|
behold, then he saw that it was expedient that man should know concerning the
|
|
things whereof he had appointed unto them;
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:29 Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to
|
|
behold of his glory.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:30 And they began from that time forth to call on his name; therefore
|
|
God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption, which
|
|
had been prepared from the foundation of the world; and this he made known unto
|
|
them according to their faith and repentance and their holy works.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:31 Wherefore, he gave commandments unto men, they having first
|
|
transgressed the first commandments as to things which were temporal, and
|
|
becoming as Gods, knowing good from evil, placing themselves in a state to act,
|
|
or being placed in a state to act according to their wills and pleasures,
|
|
whether to do evil or to do good--
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:32 Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known
|
|
unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil, the penalty
|
|
thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things
|
|
pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no
|
|
power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the
|
|
supreme goodness of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:33 But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan
|
|
of redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent, and harden not your
|
|
hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son;
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:34 Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall
|
|
have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his
|
|
sins; and these shall enter into my rest.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:35 And whosoever will harden his heart and will do iniquity, behold, I
|
|
swear in my wrath that he shall not enter into my rest.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:36 And now, my brethren, behold I say unto you, that if ye will harden
|
|
your hearts ye shall not enter into the rest of the Lord; therefore your
|
|
iniquity provoketh him that he sendeth down his wrath upon you as in the first
|
|
provocation, yea, according to his word in the last provocation as well as the
|
|
first, to the everlasting destruction of your souls; therefore, according to
|
|
his word, unto the last death, as well as the first.
|
|
|
|
ALM 12:37 And now, my brethren, seeing we know these things, and they are true,
|
|
let us repent, and harden not our hearts, that we provoke not the Lord our God
|
|
to pull down his wrath upon us in these his second commandments which he has
|
|
given unto us; but let us enter into the rest of God, which is prepared
|
|
according to his word.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:0 Alma's discourse continued--The holy order of the Son of God--High
|
|
Priests--Why ordained--Melchizedek and Abraham.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:1 And again, my brethren, I would cite your minds forward to the time
|
|
when the Lord God gave these commandments unto his children; and I would that
|
|
ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order,
|
|
which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:2 And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a
|
|
manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his
|
|
Son for redemption.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:3 And this is the manner after which they were ordained--being called
|
|
and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of
|
|
God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place
|
|
being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and
|
|
exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with
|
|
that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory
|
|
redemption for such.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:4 And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of
|
|
their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the
|
|
hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not
|
|
been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:5 Or in fine, in the first place they were on the same standing with
|
|
their brethren; thus this holy calling being prepared from the foundation of
|
|
the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the
|
|
atonement of the Only Begotten Son, who was prepared--
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:6 And thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high
|
|
priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the
|
|
children of men, that they also might enter into his rest--
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:7 This high priesthood being after the order of his Son, which order was
|
|
from the foundation of the world; or in other words, being without beginning of
|
|
days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according
|
|
to his foreknowledge of all things--
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:8 Now they were ordained after this manner--being called with a holy
|
|
calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, and taking upon them the high
|
|
priesthood of the holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and high
|
|
priesthood, is without beginning or end--
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:9 Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the
|
|
Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years,
|
|
who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:10 Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood,
|
|
there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on
|
|
account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before
|
|
God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish;
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:11 Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were
|
|
sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:12 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their
|
|
garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon
|
|
sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many,
|
|
who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:13 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before
|
|
God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye may also enter into
|
|
that rest.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:14 Yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchizedek,
|
|
who was also a high priest after this same order which I have spoken, who also
|
|
took upon him the high priesthood forever.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:15 And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; yea,
|
|
even our father Abraham paid tithes of one-tenth part of all he possessed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:16 Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that thereby the
|
|
people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his order, or
|
|
it being his order, and this that they might look forward to him for a
|
|
remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:17 Now this Melchizedek was a king over the land of Salem; and his
|
|
people had waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they had all gone
|
|
astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness;
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:18 But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the
|
|
office of the high priesthood according to the holy order of God, did preach
|
|
repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did
|
|
establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he was called the prince of
|
|
peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:19 Now, there were many before him, and also there were many afterwards,
|
|
but none were greater; therefore, of him they have more particularly made
|
|
mention.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:20 Now I need not rehearse the matter; what I have said may suffice.
|
|
Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to
|
|
your own destruction.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:21 And now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words unto
|
|
them, he stretched forth his hand unto them and cried with a mighty voice,
|
|
saying: Now is the time to repent, for the day of salvation draweth nigh;
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:22 Yea, and the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare
|
|
it unto all nations; yea, doth declare it, that they may have glad tidings of
|
|
great joy; yea, and he doth sound these glad tidings among all his people, yea,
|
|
even to them that are scattered abroad upon the face of the earth; wherefore
|
|
they have come unto us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:23 And they are made known unto us in plain terms, that we may
|
|
understand, that we cannot err; and this because of our being wanderers in a
|
|
strange land; therefore, we are thus highly favored, for we have these glad
|
|
tidings declared unto us in all parts of our vineyard.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:24 For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our
|
|
land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of
|
|
men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:25 And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the
|
|
mouth of angels, of his coming; for the time cometh, we know not how soon.
|
|
Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I
|
|
will rejoice.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:26 And it shall be made known unto just and holy men, by the mouth of
|
|
angels, at the time of his coming, that the words of our fathers may be
|
|
fulfilled, according to that which they have spoken concerning him, which was
|
|
according to the spirit of prophecy which was in them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:27 And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea,
|
|
with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and
|
|
cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance;
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his
|
|
holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above
|
|
that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble,
|
|
meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:29 Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal
|
|
life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at
|
|
the last day and enter into his rest.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:30 And may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye may not bring
|
|
down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be bound down by the chains of hell,
|
|
that ye may not suffer the second death.
|
|
|
|
ALM 13:31 And Alma spake many more words unto the people, which are not written
|
|
in this book.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:0 Alma and Amulek imprisoned--their adherents persecuted--Deaths by
|
|
fire--Zeezrom, now repentant, pleads their cause and is cast out--The prophets
|
|
delivered and their enemies slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:1 And it came to pass after he had made an end of speaking unto the
|
|
people many of them did believe on his words, and began to repent, and to
|
|
search the scriptures.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:2 But the more part of them were desirous that they might destroy Alma
|
|
and Amulek; for they were angry with Alma, because of the plainness of his
|
|
words unto Zeezrom; and they also said that Amulek had lied unto them, and had
|
|
reviled against their law and also against their lawyers and judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:3 And they were also angry with Alma and Amulek; and because they had
|
|
testified so plainly against their wickedness, they sought to put them away
|
|
privily.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:4 But it came to pass that they did not; but they took them and bound
|
|
them with strong cords, and took them before the chief judge of the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:5 And the people went forth and witnessed against them--testifying that
|
|
they had reviled against the law, and their lawyers and judges of the land, and
|
|
also of all the people that were in the land; and also testified that there was
|
|
but one God, and that he should send his Son among the people, but he should
|
|
not save them; and many such things did the people testify against Alma and
|
|
Amulek. Now this was done before the chief judge of the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:6 And it came to pass that Zeezrom was astonished at the words which had
|
|
been spoken; and he also knew concerning the blindness of the minds, which he
|
|
had caused among the people by his lying words; and his soul began to be
|
|
harrowed up under a consciousness of his own guilt; yea, he began to be
|
|
encircled about by the pains of hell.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:7 And it came to pass that he began to cry unto the people, saying:
|
|
Behold, I am guilty, and these men are spotless before God. And he began to
|
|
plead for them from that time forth; but they reviled him, saying: Art thou
|
|
also possessed with the devil? And they spit upon him, and cast him out from
|
|
among them, and also all those who believed in the words which had been spoken
|
|
by Alma and Amulek; and they cast them out, and sent men to cast stones at
|
|
them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:8 And they brought their wives and children together, and whosoever
|
|
believed or had been taught to believe in the word of God they caused that they
|
|
should be cast into the fire; and they also brought forth their records which
|
|
contained the holy scriptures, and cast them into the fire also, that they
|
|
might be burned and destroyed by fire.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:9 And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them
|
|
forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of
|
|
those who were consumed by fire.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:10 And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were
|
|
consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we
|
|
witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and
|
|
exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:11 But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not
|
|
stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in
|
|
glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may
|
|
do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the
|
|
judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the
|
|
blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry
|
|
mightily against them at the last day.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:12 Now Amulek said unto Alma: Behold, perhaps they will burn us also.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:13 And Alma said: Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold,
|
|
our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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?
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:15 Behold, ye see that ye had not power to save those who had been cast
|
|
into the fire; neither has God saved them because they were of thy faith. And
|
|
the judge smote them again upon their cheeks, and asked: What say ye for
|
|
yourselves?
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:16 Now this judge was after the order and faith of Nehor, who slew
|
|
Gideon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:17 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek answered him nothing; and he
|
|
smote them again, and delivered them to the officers to be cast into prison.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:18 And when they had been cast into prison three days, there came many
|
|
lawyers, and judges, and priests, and teachers, who were of the profession of
|
|
Nehor; and they came in unto the prison to see them, and they questioned them
|
|
about many words; but they answered them nothing.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:19 And it came to pass that the judge stood before them, and said: Why
|
|
do ye not answer the words of this people? Know ye not that I have power to
|
|
deliver you up unto the flames? And he commanded them to speak; but they
|
|
answered nothing.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:20 And it came to pass that they departed and went their ways, but came
|
|
again on the morrow; and the judge also smote them again on their cheeks. And
|
|
many came forth also, and smote them, saying: Will ye stand again and judge
|
|
this people, and condemn our law? If ye have such great power why do ye not
|
|
deliver yourselves?
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:21 And many such things did they say unto them, gnashing their teeth
|
|
upon them, and spitting upon them, and saying: How shall we look when we are
|
|
damned?
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:22 And many such things, yea, all manner of such things did they say
|
|
unto them; and thus they did mock them for many days. And they did withhold
|
|
food from them that they might hunger, and water that they might thirst; and
|
|
they also did take from them their clothes that they were naked; and thus they
|
|
were bound with strong cords, and confined in prison.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:23 And it came to pass after they had thus suffered for many days, (and
|
|
it was on the twelfth day, in the tenth month, in the tenth year of the reign
|
|
of the judges over the people of Nephi) that the chief judge over the land of
|
|
Ammonihah and many of their teachers and their lawyers went in unto the prison
|
|
where Alma and Amulek were bound with cords.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:24 And the chief judge stood before them, and smote them again, and said
|
|
unto them: If ye have the power of God deliver yourselves from these bands, and
|
|
then we will believe that the Lord will destroy this people according to your
|
|
words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:25 And it came to pass that they all went forth and smote them, saying
|
|
the same words, even until the last; and when the last had spoken unto them the
|
|
power of God was upon Alma and Amulek, and they rose and stood upon their feet.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:26 And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great
|
|
afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is
|
|
in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were
|
|
bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of
|
|
destruction had come upon them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:27 And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to
|
|
the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison; and the earth shook
|
|
mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to
|
|
the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who
|
|
smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:28 And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not
|
|
hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which
|
|
was in Christ. And they straightway came forth out of the prison; and they were
|
|
loosed from their bands; and the prison had fallen to the earth, and every soul
|
|
within the walls thereof, save it were Alma and Amulek, was slain; and they
|
|
straightway came forth into the city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 14:29 Now the people having heard a great noise came running together by
|
|
multitudes to know the cause of it; and when they saw Alma and Amulek coming
|
|
forth out of the prison, and the walls thereof had fallen to the earth, they
|
|
were struck with great fear, and fled from the presence of Alma and Amulek even
|
|
as a goat fleeth with her young from two lions; and thus they did flee from the
|
|
presence of Alma and Amulek.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:0 Zeezrom, miraculously healed, joins the church and preaches--Many
|
|
baptized--Alma and Amulek return to Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:1 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek were commanded to depart out
|
|
of that city; and they departed, and came out even into the land of Sidom; and
|
|
behold, there they found all the people who had departed out of the land of
|
|
Ammonihah, who had been cast out and stoned, because they believed in the words
|
|
of Alma.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:2 And they related unto them all that had happened unto their wives and
|
|
children, and also concerning themselves, and of their power of deliverance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:3 And also Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever, which was
|
|
caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for
|
|
he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had
|
|
been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other
|
|
sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no
|
|
deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:4 Now, when he heard that Alma and Amulek were in the land of Sidom, his
|
|
heart began to take courage; and he sent a message immediately unto them,
|
|
desiring them to come unto him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:5 And it came to pass that they went immediately, obeying the message
|
|
which he had sent unto them; and they went in unto the house unto Zeezrom; and
|
|
they found him upon his bed, sick, being very low with a burning fever; and his
|
|
mind also was exceedingly sore because of his iniquities; and when he saw them
|
|
he stretched forth his hand, and besought them that they would heal him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:6 And it came to pass that Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand:
|
|
Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:7 And he answered and said: Yea, I believe all the words that thou hast
|
|
taught.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:8 And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ thou
|
|
canst be healed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:9 And he said: Yea, I believe according to thy words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:10 And then Alma cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord our God, have mercy
|
|
on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:11 And when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, and
|
|
began to walk; and this was done to the great astonishment of all the people;
|
|
and the knowledge of this went forth throughout all the land of Sidom.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:12 And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from that time
|
|
forth to preach unto the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:13 And Alma established a church in the land of Sidom, and consecrated
|
|
priests and teachers in the land, to baptize unto the Lord whosoever were
|
|
desirous to be baptized.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:14 And it came to pass that they were many; for they did flock in from
|
|
all the region round about Sidom, and were baptized.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:16 And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek, Amulek having forsaken all
|
|
his gold, and silver, and his precious things, which were in the land of
|
|
Ammonihah, for the word of God, he being rejected by those who were once his
|
|
friends and also by his father and his kindred;
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:17 Therefore, after Alma having established the church at Sidom, seeing
|
|
a great check, yea, seeing that the people were checked as to the pride of
|
|
their hearts, and began to humble themselves before God, and began to assemble
|
|
themselves together at their sanctuaries to worship God before the altar,
|
|
watching and praying continually, that they might be delivered from Satan, and
|
|
from death, and from destruction--
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:18 Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things, therefore he took
|
|
Amulek and came over to the land of Zarahemla, and took him to his own house,
|
|
and did administer unto him in his tribulations, and strengthened him in the
|
|
Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 15:19 And thus ended the tenth year of the reign of the judges over the
|
|
people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:0 A cry of war--The wicked city Ammonihah destroyed by Lamanites--Zoram
|
|
and his sons rout the enemy--Desolation of Nehors--The church widely
|
|
established.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:1 And it came to pass in the eleventh year of the reign of the judges
|
|
over the people of Nephi, on the fifth day of the second month, there having
|
|
been much peace in the land of Zarahemla, there having been no wars nor
|
|
contentions for a certain number of years, even until the fifth day of the
|
|
second month in the eleventh year, there was a cry of war heard throughout the
|
|
land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:2 For behold, the armies of the Lamanites had come in upon the
|
|
wilderness side, into the borders of the land, even into the city of Ammonihah,
|
|
and began to slay the people and destroy the city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:3 And now it came to pass, before the Nephites could raise a sufficient
|
|
army to drive them out of the land, they had destroyed the people who were in
|
|
the city of Ammonihah, and also some around the borders of Noah, and taken
|
|
others captive into the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:4 Now it came to pass that the Nephites were desirous to obtain those
|
|
who had been carried away captive into the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:5 Therefore, he that had been appointed chief captain over the armies of
|
|
the Nephites, (and his name was Zoram, and he had two sons, Lehi and Aha)--now
|
|
Zoram and his two sons, knowing that Alma was high priest over the church, and
|
|
having heard that he had the spirit of prophecy, therefore they went unto him
|
|
and desired of him to know whither the Lord would that they should go into the
|
|
wilderness in search of their brethren, who had been taken captive by the
|
|
Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:6 And it came to pass that Alma inquired of the Lord concerning the
|
|
matter. And Alma returned and said unto them: Behold, the Lamanites will cross
|
|
the river Sidon in the south wilderness, away up beyond the borders of the land
|
|
of Manti. And behold there shall ye meet them, on the east of the river Sidon,
|
|
and there the Lord will deliver unto thee thy brethren who have been taken
|
|
captive by the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:7 And it came to pass that Zoram and his sons crossed over the river
|
|
Sidon, with their armies, and marched away beyond the borders of Manti into the
|
|
south wilderness, which was on the east side of the river Sidon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:8 And they came upon the armies of the Lamanites, and the Lamanites were
|
|
scattered and driven into the wilderness; and they took their brethren who had
|
|
been taken captive by the Lamanites, and there was not one soul of them had
|
|
been lost that were taken captive. And they were brought by their brethren to
|
|
possess their own lands.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:9 And thus ended the eleventh year of the judges, the Lamanites having
|
|
been driven out of the land, and the people of Ammonihah were destroyed; yea,
|
|
every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed, and also their great
|
|
city, which they said God could not destroy, because of its greatness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:10 But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the carcasses were
|
|
mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:11 Nevertheless, after many days their dead bodies were heaped up upon
|
|
the face of the earth, and they were covered with a shallow covering. And now
|
|
so great was the scent thereof that the people did not go in to possess the
|
|
land of Ammonihah for many years. And it was called Desolation of Nehors; for
|
|
they were of the profession of Nehor, who were slain; and their lands remained
|
|
desolate.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:12 And the Lamanites did not come again to war against the Nephites
|
|
until the fourteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.
|
|
And thus for three years did the people of Nephi have continual peace in all
|
|
the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:13 And Alma and Amulek went forth preaching repentance to the people in
|
|
their temples, and in their sanctuaries, and also in their synagogues, which
|
|
were built after the manner of the Jews.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:14 And as many as would hear their words, unto them they did impart the
|
|
word of God, without any respect of persons, continually.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:15 And thus did Alma and Amulek go forth, and also many more who had
|
|
been chosen for the work, to preach the word throughout all the land. And the
|
|
establishment of the church became general throughout the land, in all the
|
|
region round about, among all the people of the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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--
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:17 That they might not be hardened against the word, that they might not
|
|
be unbelieving, and go on to destruction, but that they might receive the word
|
|
with joy, and as a branch be grafted into the true vine, that they might enter
|
|
into the rest of the Lord their God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:18 Now those priests who did go forth among the people did preach
|
|
against all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and malice, and
|
|
revilings, and stealing, robbing, plundering, murdering, committing adultery,
|
|
and all manner of lasciviousness, crying that these things ought not so to be--
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:19 Holding forth things which must shortly come; yea, holding forth the
|
|
coming of the Son of God, his sufferings and death, and also the resurrection
|
|
of the dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:20 And many of the people did inquire concerning the place where the Son
|
|
of God should come; and they were taught that he would appear unto them after
|
|
his resurrection; and this the people did hear with great joy and gladness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 16:21 And now after the church had been established throughout all the
|
|
land--having got the victory over the devil, and the word of God being preached
|
|
in its purity in all the land, and the Lord pouring out his blessings upon the
|
|
people--thus ended the fourteenth year of the reign of the judges over the
|
|
people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:00 An account of the sons of Mosiah, who rejected their rights to the
|
|
kingdom for the word of God, and went up to the land of Nephi to preach to the
|
|
Lamanites; their sufferings and deliverance--according to the record of Alma.
|
|
Comprising chapters 17 to 26 inclusive.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:0 Ammon in the land of Ishmael--he becomes a servant to king Lamoni--His
|
|
heroic defense of the king's flocks.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:1 And now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of
|
|
Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he
|
|
met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first
|
|
appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren;
|
|
and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea,
|
|
and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a
|
|
sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they
|
|
might know the word of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and
|
|
fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of
|
|
revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:4 And they had been teaching the word of God for the space of fourteen
|
|
years among the Lamanites, having had much success in bringing many to the
|
|
knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words many were brought
|
|
before the altar of God, to call on his name and confess their sins before him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:5 Now these are the circumstances which attended them in their
|
|
journeyings, for they had many afflictions; they did suffer much, both in body
|
|
and in mind, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also much labor in the
|
|
spirit.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:6 Now these were their journeyings: Having taken leave of their father,
|
|
Mosiah, in the first year of the judges; having refused the kingdom which their
|
|
father was desirous to confer upon them, and also this was the minds of the
|
|
people;
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:7 Nevertheless they departed out of the land of Zarahemla, and took
|
|
their swords, and their spears, and their bows, and their arrows, and their
|
|
slings; and this they did that they might provide food for themselves while in
|
|
the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:8 And thus they departed into the wilderness with their numbers which
|
|
they had selected, to go up to the land of Nephi, to preach the word of God
|
|
unto the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:9 And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness,
|
|
and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a
|
|
portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be
|
|
an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their
|
|
brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth, to the knowledge of the
|
|
baseness of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:10 And it came to pass that the Lord did visit them with his Spirit, and
|
|
said unto them: Be comforted. And they were comforted.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:11 And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy
|
|
brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and
|
|
afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will
|
|
make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:12 And it came to pass that the hearts of the sons of Mosiah, and also
|
|
those who were with them, took courage to go forth unto the Lamanites to
|
|
declare unto them the word of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:13 And it came to pass when they had arrived in the borders of the land
|
|
of the Lamanites, that they separated themselves and departed one from another,
|
|
trusting in the Lord that they should meet again at the close of their harvest;
|
|
for they supposed that great was the work which they had undertaken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:14 And assuredly it was great, for they had undertaken to preach the
|
|
word of God to a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who
|
|
delighted in murdering the Nephites, and robbing and plundering them; and their
|
|
hearts were set upon riches, or upon gold and silver, and precious stones; yet
|
|
they sought to obtain these things by murdering and plundering, that they might
|
|
not labor for them with their own hands.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:15 Thus they were a very indolent people, many of whom did worship
|
|
idols, and the curse of God had fallen upon them because of the traditions of
|
|
their fathers; notwithstanding the promises of the Lord were extended unto them
|
|
on the conditions of repentance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:16 Therefore, this was the cause for which the sons of Mosiah had
|
|
undertaken the work, that perhaps they might bring them unto repentance; that
|
|
perhaps they might bring them to know of the plan of redemption.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:17 Therefore they separated themselves one from another, and went forth
|
|
among them, every man alone, according to the word and power of God which was
|
|
given unto him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:18 Now Ammon being the chief among them, or rather he did administer
|
|
unto them, and he departed from them, after having blessed them according to
|
|
their several stations, having imparted the word of God unto them, or
|
|
administered unto them before his departure; and thus they took their several
|
|
journeys throughout the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:19 And Ammon went to the land of Ishmael, the land being called after
|
|
the sons of Ishmael, who also became Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:20 And as Ammon entered the land of Ishmael, the Lamanites took him and
|
|
bound him, as was their custom to bind all the Nephites who fell into their
|
|
hands, and carry them before the king; and thus it was left to the pleasure of
|
|
the king to slay them, or to retain them in captivity, or to cast them into
|
|
prison, or to cast them out of his land, according to his will and pleasure.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:21 And thus Ammon was carried before the king who was over the land of
|
|
Ishmael; and his name was Lamoni; and he was a descendant of Ishmael.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:22 And the king inquired of Ammon if it were his desire to dwell in the
|
|
land among the Lamanites, or among his people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:23 And Ammon said unto him: Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for
|
|
a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:24 And it came to pass that king Lamoni was much pleased with Ammon, and
|
|
caused that his bands should be loosed; and he would that Ammon should take one
|
|
of his daughters to wife.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:25 But Ammon said unto him: Nay, but I will be thy servant. Therefore
|
|
Ammon became a servant to king Lamoni. And it came to pass that he was set
|
|
among other servants to watch the flocks of Lamoni, according to the custom of
|
|
the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:26 And after he had been in the service of the king three days, as he
|
|
was with the Lamanitish servants going forth with their flocks to the place of
|
|
water, which was called the water of Sebus, and all the Lamanites drive their
|
|
flocks hither, that they may have water--
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:27 Therefore, as Ammon and the servants of the king were driving forth
|
|
their flocks to this place of water, behold, a certain number of the Lamanites,
|
|
who had been with their flocks to water, stood and scattered the flocks of
|
|
Ammon and the servants of the king, and they scattered them insomuch that they
|
|
fled many ways.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:28 Now the servants of the king began to murmur, saying: Now the king
|
|
will slay us, as he has our brethren because their flocks were scattered by the
|
|
wickedness of these men. And they began to weep exceedingly, saying: Behold,
|
|
our flocks are scattered already.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:29 Now they wept because of the fear of being slain. Now when Ammon saw
|
|
this his heart was swollen within him with joy; for, said he, I will show forth
|
|
my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power which is in me, in
|
|
restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my
|
|
fellow-servants, that I may lead them to believe in my words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:30 And now, these were the thoughts of Ammon, when he saw the
|
|
afflictions of those whom he termed to be his brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:31 And it came to pass that he flattered them by his words, saying: My
|
|
brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will
|
|
gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we
|
|
will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:32 And it came to pass that they went in search of the flocks, and they
|
|
did follow Ammon, and they rushed forth with much swiftness and did head the
|
|
flocks of the king, and did gather them together again to the place of water.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:33 And those men again stood to scatter their flocks; but Ammon said
|
|
unto his brethren: Encircle the flocks round about that they flee not; and I go
|
|
and contend with these men who do scatter our flocks.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:34 Therefore, they did as Ammon commanded them, and he went forth and
|
|
stood to contend with those who stood by the waters of Sebus; and they were in
|
|
number not a few.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:35 Therefore they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed that one of
|
|
their men could slay him according to their pleasure, for they knew not that
|
|
the Lord had promised Mosiah that he would deliver his sons out of their hands;
|
|
neither did they know anything concerning the Lord; therefore they delighted in
|
|
the destruction of their brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the
|
|
flocks of the king.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:36 But Ammon stood forth and began to cast stones at them with his
|
|
sling; yea, with mighty power he did sling stones amongst them; and thus he
|
|
slew a certain number of them insomuch that they began to be astonished at his
|
|
power; nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and
|
|
they were determined that he should fall; therefore, seeing that they could not
|
|
hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:37 But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote
|
|
off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand their blows by smiting
|
|
their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be
|
|
astonished, and began to flee before him; yea, and they were not few in number;
|
|
and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:38 Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew none save it
|
|
were their leader with his sword; and he smote off as many of their arms as
|
|
were lifted against him, and they were not a few.
|
|
|
|
ALM 17:39 And when he had driven them afar off, he returned and they watered
|
|
their flocks and returned them to the pasture of the king, and then went in
|
|
unto the king, bearing the arms which had been smitten off by the sword of
|
|
Ammon, of those who sought to slay him; and they were carried in unto the king
|
|
for a testimony of the things which they had done.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:0 King Lamoni mistakes Ammon for the Great Spirit--He is taught
|
|
concerning the true God--Is overcome by the Spirit of the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:1 And it came to pass that king Lamoni caused that his servants should
|
|
stand forth and testify to all the things which they had seen concerning the
|
|
matter.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:2 And when they had all testified to the things which they had seen, and
|
|
he had learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving his flocks, and also
|
|
of his great power in contending against those who sought to slay him, he was
|
|
astonished exceedingly, and said: Surely, this is more than a man. Behold, is
|
|
not this the Great Spirit who doth send such great punishments upon this
|
|
people, because of their murders?
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:3 And they answered the king, and said: Whether he be the Great Spirit
|
|
or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the
|
|
enemies of the king; neither can they scatter the king's flocks when he is with
|
|
us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore, we know that he is
|
|
a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such
|
|
great power, for we know he cannot be slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:4 And now, when the king heard these words, he said unto them: Now I
|
|
know that it is the Great Spirit; and he has come down at this time to preserve
|
|
your lives, that I might not slay you as I did your brethren. Now this is the
|
|
Great Spirit of whom our fathers have spoken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:5 Now this was the tradition of Lamoni, which he had received from his
|
|
father, that there was a Great Spirit. Notwithstanding they believed in a Great
|
|
Spirit, they supposed that whatsoever they did was right; nevertheless, Lamoni
|
|
began to fear exceedingly, with fear lest he had done wrong in slaying his
|
|
servants;
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:6 For he had slain many of them because their brethren had scattered
|
|
their flocks at the place of water; and thus, because they had had their flocks
|
|
scattered they were slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:7 Now it was the practice of these Lamanites to stand by the waters of
|
|
Sebus to scatter the flocks of the people, that thereby they might drive away
|
|
many that were scattered unto their own land, it being a practice of plunder
|
|
among them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:8 And it came to pass that king Lamoni inquired of his servants, saying:
|
|
Where is this man that has such great power?
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:9 And they said unto him: Behold, he is feeding thy horses. Now the king
|
|
had commanded his servants, previous to the time of the watering of their
|
|
flocks, that they should prepare his horses and chariots, and conduct him forth
|
|
to the land of Nephi; for there had been a great feast appointed at the land of
|
|
Nephi, by the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:10 Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and
|
|
his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon,
|
|
saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has
|
|
been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to
|
|
execute them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:11 Now I surely know that this is the Great Spirit, and I would desire
|
|
him that he come in unto me, but I durst not.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:12 And it came to pass that when Ammon had made ready the horses and the
|
|
chariots for the king and his servants, he went in unto the king, and he saw
|
|
that the countenance of the king was changed; therefore he was about to return
|
|
out of his presence.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:13 And one of the king's servants said unto him, Rabbanah, which is,
|
|
being interpreted, powerful or great king, considering their kings to be
|
|
powerful; and thus he said unto him: Rabbanah, the king desireth thee to stay.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:14 Therefore Ammon turned himself unto the king, and said unto him: What
|
|
wilt thou that I should do for thee, O king? And the king answered him not for
|
|
the space of an hour, according to their time, for he knew not what he should
|
|
say unto him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:15 And it came to pass that Ammon said unto him again: What desirest
|
|
thou of me? But the king answered him not.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:16 And it came to pass that Ammon, being filled with the Spirit of God,
|
|
therefore he perceived the thoughts of the king. And he said unto him: Is it
|
|
because thou hast heard that I defended thy servants and thy flocks, and slew
|
|
seven of their brethren with the sling and with the sword, and smote off the
|
|
arms of others, in order to defend thy flocks and thy servants; behold, is it
|
|
this that causeth thy marvelings?
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:17 I say unto you, what is it, that thy marvelings are so great? Behold,
|
|
I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever thou desirest which is
|
|
right, that will I do.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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?
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:19 Ammon answered and said unto him: I am not.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:20 And the king said: How knowest thou the thoughts of my heart? Thou
|
|
mayest speak boldly, and tell me concerning these things; and also tell me by
|
|
what power ye slew and smote off the arms of my brethren that scattered my
|
|
flocks--
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:21 And now, if thou wilt tell me concerning these things, whatsoever
|
|
thou desirest I will give unto thee; and if it were needed, I would guard thee
|
|
with my armies; but I know that thou art more powerful than all they;
|
|
nevertheless, whatsoever thou desirest of me I will grant it unto thee.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:22 Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he said unto Lamoni: Wilt thou
|
|
hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things? And this
|
|
is the thing that I desire of thee.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:23 And the king answered him, and said: Yea, I will believe all thy
|
|
words. And thus he was caught with guile.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:24 And Ammon began to speak unto him with boldness, and said unto him:
|
|
Believest thou that there is a God?
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:25 And he answered, and said unto him: I do not know what that meaneth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:26 And then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit?
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:27 And he said, Yea.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:28 And Ammon said: This is God. And Ammon said unto him again: Believest
|
|
thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things which are in heaven
|
|
and in the earth?
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:29 And he said: Yea, I believe that he created all things which are in
|
|
the earth; but I do not know the heavens.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:30 And Ammon said unto him: The heavens is a place where God dwells and
|
|
all his holy angels.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:31 And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth?
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:32 And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of
|
|
men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand
|
|
were they all created from the beginning.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:33 And king Lamoni said: I believe all these things which thou hast
|
|
spoken. Art thou sent from God?
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:34 Ammon said unto him: I am a man; and man in the beginning was created
|
|
after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these
|
|
things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which
|
|
is just and true;
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:35 And a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me
|
|
knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:36 Now when Ammon had said these words, he began at the creation of the
|
|
world, and also the creation of Adam, and told him all the things concerning
|
|
the fall of man, and rehearsed and laid before him the records and the holy
|
|
scriptures of the people, which had been spoken by the prophets, even down to
|
|
the time that their father, Lehi, left Jerusalem.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:37 And he also rehearsed unto them (for it was unto the king and to his
|
|
servants) all the journeyings of their fathers in the wilderness, and all their
|
|
sufferings with hunger and thirst, and their travail, and so forth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:38 And he also rehearsed unto them concerning the rebellions of Laman
|
|
and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, yea, all their rebellions did he relate
|
|
unto them; and he expounded unto them all the records and scriptures from the
|
|
time that Lehi left Jerusalem down to the present time.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:39 But this is not all; for he expounded unto them the plan of
|
|
redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world; and he also
|
|
made known unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and all the works of the
|
|
Lord did he make known unto them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:40 And it came to pass that after he had said all these things, and
|
|
expounded them to the king, that the king believed all his words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:41 And he began to cry unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, have mercy;
|
|
according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon the people of Nephi,
|
|
have upon me, and my people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:42 And now, when he had said this, he fell unto the earth, as if he were
|
|
dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 18:43 And it came to pass that his servants took him and carried him in
|
|
unto his wife, and laid him upon a bed; and he lay as if he were dead for the
|
|
space of two days and two nights; and his wife, and his sons, and his daughters
|
|
mourned over him, after the manner of the Lamanites, greatly lamenting his
|
|
loss.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:0 A wonderful conversion--Abish the Lamanite woman--Lamanite king and
|
|
queen espouse the faith--Ammon establishes the church in Ishmael.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:1 And it came to pass that after two days and two nights they were about
|
|
to take his body and lay it in a sepulchre, which they had made for the purpose
|
|
of burying their dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:2 Now the queen having heard of the fame of Ammon, therefore she sent
|
|
and desired that he should come in unto her.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:3 And it came to pass that Ammon did as he was commanded, and went in
|
|
unto the queen, and desired to know what she would that he should do.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:4 And she said unto him: The servants of my husband have made it known
|
|
unto me that thou art a prophet of a holy God, and that thou hast power to do
|
|
many mighty works in his name;
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:5 Therefore, if this is the case, I would that ye should go in and see
|
|
my husband, for he has been laid upon his bed for the space of two days and two
|
|
nights; and some say that he is not dead, but others say that he is dead and
|
|
that he stinketh, and that he ought to be placed in the sepulchre; but as for
|
|
myself, to me he doth not stink.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:6 Now, this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that king Lamoni was
|
|
under the power of God; he knew that the dark veil of unbelief was being cast
|
|
away from his mind, and the light which did light up his mind, which was the
|
|
light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness--yea,
|
|
this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having
|
|
been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul,
|
|
yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away
|
|
in God--
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:7 Therefore, what the queen desired of him was his only desire.
|
|
Therefore, he went in to see the king according as the queen had desired him;
|
|
and he saw the king, and he knew that he was not dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:8 And he said unto the queen: He is not dead, but he sleepeth in God,
|
|
and on the morrow he shall rise again; therefore bury him not.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:9 And Ammon said unto her: Believest thou this? And she said unto him: I
|
|
have had no witness save thy word, and the word of our servants; nevertheless I
|
|
believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:10 And Ammon said unto her: Blessed art thou because of thy exceeding
|
|
faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all
|
|
the people of the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:11 And it came to pass that she watched over the bed of her husband,
|
|
from that time even until that time on the morrow which Ammon had appointed
|
|
that he should rise.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:12 And it came to pass that he arose, according to the words of Ammon;
|
|
and as he arose, he stretched forth his hand unto the woman, and said: Blessed
|
|
be the name of God, and blessed art thou.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:13 For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he
|
|
shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who
|
|
believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen
|
|
within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being
|
|
overpowered by the Spirit.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:14 Now Ammon seeing the Spirit of the Lord poured out according to his
|
|
prayers upon the Lamanites, his brethren, who had been the cause of so much
|
|
mourning among the Nephites, or among all the people of God because of their
|
|
iniquities and their traditions, he fell upon his knees, and began to pour out
|
|
his soul in prayer and thanksgiving to God for what he had done for his
|
|
brethren; and he was also overpowered with joy; and thus they all three had
|
|
sunk to the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:15 Now, when the servants of the king had seen that they had fallen,
|
|
they also began to cry unto God, for the fear of the Lord had come upon them
|
|
also, for it was they who had stood before the king and testified unto him
|
|
concerning the great power of Ammon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:16 And it came to pass that they did call on the name of the Lord, in
|
|
their might, even until they had all fallen to the earth, save it were one of
|
|
the Lamanitish women, whose name was Abish, she having been converted unto the
|
|
Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father--
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:17 Thus, having been converted to the Lord, and never having made it
|
|
known, therefore, when she saw that all the servants of Lamoni had fallen to
|
|
the earth, and also her mistress, the queen, and the king, and Ammon lay
|
|
prostrate upon the earth, she knew that it was the power of God; and supposing
|
|
that this opportunity, by making known unto the people what had happened among
|
|
them, that by beholding this scene it would cause them to believe in the power
|
|
of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the
|
|
people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:18 And they began to assemble themselves together unto the house of the
|
|
king. And there came a multitude, and to their astonishment, they beheld the
|
|
king, and the queen, and their servants prostrate upon the earth, and they all
|
|
lay there as though they were dead; and they also saw Ammon, and behold, he was
|
|
a Nephite.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:20 But others rebuked them, saying: The king hath brought this evil upon
|
|
his house, because he slew his servants who had had their flocks scattered at
|
|
the waters of Sebus.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:21 And they were also rebuked by those men who had stood at the waters
|
|
of Sebus and scattered the flocks which belonged to the king, for they were
|
|
angry with Ammon because of the number which he had slain of their brethren at
|
|
the waters of Sebus, while defending the flocks of the king.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:22 Now, one of them, whose brother had been slain with the sword of
|
|
Ammon, being exceedingly angry with Ammon, drew his sword and went forth that
|
|
he might let it fall upon Ammon, to slay him; and as he lifted the sword to
|
|
smite him, behold, he fell dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:23 Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord had said unto
|
|
Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy
|
|
faith--therefore, Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:24 And it came to pass that when the multitude beheld that the man had
|
|
fallen dead, who lifted the sword to slay Ammon, fear came upon them all, and
|
|
they durst not put forth their hands to touch him or any of those who had
|
|
fallen; and they began to marvel again among themselves what could be the cause
|
|
of this great power, or what all these things could mean.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:25 And it came to pass that there were many among them who said that
|
|
Ammon was the Great Spirit, and others said he was sent by the Great Spirit;
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:26 But others rebuked them all, saying that he was a monster, who had
|
|
been sent from the Nephites to torment them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:27 And there were some who said that Ammon was sent by the Great Spirit
|
|
to afflict them because of their iniquities; and that it was the Great Spirit
|
|
that had always attended the Nephites, who had ever delivered them out of their
|
|
hands; and they said that it was this Great Spirit who had destroyed so many of
|
|
their brethren, the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:28 And thus the contention began to be exceedingly sharp among them. And
|
|
while they were thus contending, the woman servant who had caused the multitude
|
|
to be gathered together came, and when she saw the contention which was among
|
|
the multitude she was exceedingly sorrowful, even unto tears.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:29 And it came to pass that she went and took the queen by the hand,
|
|
that perhaps she might raise her from the ground; and as soon as she touched
|
|
her hand she arose and stood upon her feet, and cried with a loud voice,
|
|
saying: O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God,
|
|
have mercy on this people!
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:30 And when she had said this, she clasped her hands, being filled with
|
|
joy, speaking many words which were not understood; and when she had done this,
|
|
she took the king, Lamoni, by the hand, and behold he arose and stood upon his
|
|
feet.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:31 And he, immediately, seeing the contention among his people, went
|
|
forth and began to rebuke them, and to teach them the words which he had heard
|
|
from the mouth of Ammon; and as many as heard his words believed, and were
|
|
converted unto the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:32 But there were many among them who would not hear his words;
|
|
therefore they went their way.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:33 And it came to pass that when Ammon arose he also administered unto
|
|
them, and also did all the servants of Lamoni; and they did all declare unto
|
|
the people the selfsame thing--that their hearts had been changed; that they
|
|
had no more desire to do evil.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:34 And behold, many did declare unto the people that they had seen
|
|
angels and had conversed with them; and thus they had told them things of God,
|
|
and of his righteousness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:35 And it came to pass that there were many that did believe in their
|
|
words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and they became a righteous
|
|
people, and they did establish a church among them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 19:36 And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus
|
|
the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is
|
|
extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:0 Ammon and king Lamoni journey to Middoni--the meet Lamoni's father who
|
|
is king over all the land--Hostile at first, he relents, and grants great
|
|
favors.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:1 And it came to pass that when they had established a church in that
|
|
land, that king Lamoni desired that Ammon should go with him to the land of
|
|
Nephi, that he might show him unto his father.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:2 And the voice of the Lord came to Ammon, saying: Thou shalt not go up
|
|
to the land of Nephi, for behold, the king will seek thy life; but thou shalt
|
|
go to the land of Middoni; for behold, thy brother Aaron, and also Muloki and
|
|
Ammah are in prison.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:3 Now it came to pass that when Ammon had heard this, he said unto
|
|
Lamoni: Behold, my brother and brethren are in prison at Middoni, and I go that
|
|
I may deliver them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:4 Now Lamoni said unto Ammon: I know, in the strength of the Lord thou
|
|
canst do all things. But behold, I will go with thee to the land of Middoni;
|
|
for the king of the land of Middoni, whose name is Antiomno, is a friend unto
|
|
me; therefore I go to the land of Middoni, that I may flatter the king of the
|
|
land, and he will cast thy brethren out of prison. Now Lamoni said unto him:
|
|
Who told thee that thy brethren were in prison?
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:5 And Ammon said unto him: No one hath told me, save it be God; and he
|
|
said unto me--Go and deliver thy brethren, for they are in prison in the land
|
|
of Middoni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:6 Now when Lamoni had heard this he caused that his servants should make
|
|
ready his horses and his chariots.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:7 And he said unto Ammon: Come, I will go with thee down to the land of
|
|
Middoni, and there I will plead with the king that he will cast thy brethren
|
|
out of prison.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:8 And it came to pass that as Ammon and Lamoni were journeying thither,
|
|
they met the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:9 And behold, the father of Lamoni said unto him: Why did ye not come to
|
|
the feast on that great day when I made a feast unto my sons, and unto my
|
|
people?
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:10 And he also said: Whither art thou going with this Nephite, who is
|
|
one of the children of a liar?
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:11 And it came to pass that Lamoni rehearsed unto him whither he was
|
|
going, for he feared to offend him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:12 And he also told him all the cause of his tarrying in his own
|
|
kingdom, that he did not go unto his father to the feast which he had prepared.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:13 And now when Lamoni had rehearsed unto him all these things, behold,
|
|
to his astonishment, his father was angry with him, and said: Lamoni, thou art
|
|
going to deliver these Nephites, who are sons of a liar. Behold, he robbed our
|
|
fathers; and now his children are also come amongst us that they may, by their
|
|
cunning and their lyings, deceive us, that they again may rob us of our
|
|
property.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:14 Now the father of Lamoni commanded him that he should slay Ammon with
|
|
the sword. And he also commanded him that he should not go to the land of
|
|
Middoni, but that he should return with him to the land of Ishmael.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:15 But Lamoni said unto him: I will not slay Ammon, neither will I
|
|
return to the land of Ishmael, but I go to the land of Middoni that I may
|
|
release the brethren of Ammon, for I know that they are just men and holy
|
|
prophets of the true God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:16 Now when his father had heard these words, he was angry with him, and
|
|
he drew his sword that he might smite him to the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:17 But Ammon stood forth and said unto him: Behold, thou shalt not slay
|
|
thy son; nevertheless, it were better that he should fall than thee, for
|
|
behold, he has repented of his sins; but if thou shouldst fall at this time, in
|
|
thine anger, thy soul could not be saved.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:18 And again, it is expedient that thou shouldst forbear; for if thou
|
|
shouldst slay thy son, he being an innocent man, his blood would cry from the
|
|
ground to the Lord his God, for vengeance to come upon thee; and perhaps thou
|
|
wouldst lose thy soul.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:19 Now when Ammon had said these words unto him, he answered him,
|
|
saying: I know that if I should slay my son, that I should shed innocent blood;
|
|
for it is thou that hast sought to destroy him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:21 Now when the king saw that Ammon could slay him, he began to plead
|
|
with Ammon that he would spare his life.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:22 But Ammon raised his sword, and said unto him: Behold, I will smite
|
|
thee except thou wilt grant unto me that my brethren may be cast out of prison.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:23 Now the king, fearing he should lose his life, said: If thou wilt
|
|
spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half of the
|
|
kingdom.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:24 Now when Ammon saw that he had wrought upon the old king according to
|
|
his desire, he said unto him: If thou wilt grant that my brethren may be cast
|
|
out of prison, and also that Lamoni may retain his kingdom, and that ye be not
|
|
displeased with him, but grant that he may do according to his own desires in
|
|
whatsoever thing he thinketh, then will I spare thee; otherwise I will smite
|
|
thee to the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:25 Now when Ammon had said these words, the king began to rejoice
|
|
because of his life.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:26 And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when he
|
|
also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished
|
|
exceedingly, and said: Because this is all that thou hast desired, that I would
|
|
release thy brethren, and suffer that my son Lamoni should retain his kingdom,
|
|
behold, I will grant unto you that my son may retain his kingdom from this time
|
|
and forever; and I will govern him no more--
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:27 And I will also grant unto thee that thy brethren may be cast out of
|
|
prison, and thou and thy brethren may come unto me, in my kingdom; for I shall
|
|
greatly desire to see thee. For the king was greatly astonished at the words
|
|
which he had spoken, and also at the words which had been spoken by his son
|
|
Lamoni, therefore he was desirous to learn them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:28 And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni proceeded on their journey
|
|
towards the land of Middoni. And Lamoni found favor in the eyes of the king of
|
|
the land; therefore the brethren of Ammon were brought forth out of prison.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:29 And when Ammon did meet them he was exceedingly sorrowful, for behold
|
|
they were naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly because of being bound
|
|
with strong cords. And they also had suffered hunger, thirst, and all kinds of
|
|
afflictions; nevertheless they were patient in all their sufferings.
|
|
|
|
ALM 20:30 And, as it happened, it was their lot to have fallen into the hands
|
|
of a more hardened and a more stiffnecked people; therefore they would not
|
|
hearken unto their words, and they had cast them out, and had smitten them, and
|
|
had driven them from house to house, and from place to place, even until they
|
|
had arrived in the land of Middoni; and there they were taken and cast into
|
|
prison, and bound with strong cords, and kept in prison for many days, and were
|
|
delivered by Lamoni and Ammon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:00 An account of the preaching of Aaron, and Muloki, and their brethren,
|
|
to the Lamanites. Comprising chapters 21 to 26 inclusive.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:0 Rejected by the Amalekites, Aaron and Muloki go to Middoni--They are
|
|
imprisoned--Their release and missionary labors--Ammon's further
|
|
success--Synagogues built.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:1 Now when Ammon and his brethren separated themselves in the borders of
|
|
the land of the Lamanites, behold Aaron took his journey towards the land which
|
|
was called by the Lamanites, Jerusalem, calling it after the land of their
|
|
fathers' nativity; and it was away joining the borders of Mormon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:2 Now the Lamanites and the Amalekites and the people of Amulon had
|
|
built a great city, which was called Jerusalem.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:3 Now the Lamanites of themselves were sufficiently hardened, but the
|
|
Amalekites and the Amulonites were still harder; therefore they did cause the
|
|
Lamanites that they should harden their hearts, that they should wax strong in
|
|
wickedness and their abominations.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:4 And it came to pass that Aaron came to the city of Jerusalem, and
|
|
first began to preach to the Amalekites. And he began to preach to them in
|
|
their synagogues, for they had built synagogues after the order of the Nehors;
|
|
for many of the Amalekites and the Amulonites were after the order of the
|
|
Nehors.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:5 Therefore, as Aaron entered into one of their synagogues to preach
|
|
unto the people, and as he was speaking unto them, behold there arose an
|
|
Amalekite and began to contend with him, saying: What is that thou hast
|
|
testified? Hast thou seen an angel? Why do not angels appear unto us? Behold
|
|
are not this people as good as thy people?
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:6 Thou also sayest, except we repent we shall perish. How knowest thou
|
|
the thought and intent of our hearts? How knowest thou that we have cause to
|
|
repent? How knowest thou that we are not a righteous people? Behold, we have
|
|
built sanctuaries, and we do assemble ourselves together to worship God. We do
|
|
believe that God will save all men.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:7 Now Aaron said unto him: Believest thou that the Son of God shall come
|
|
to redeem mankind from their sins?
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:8 And the man said unto him: We do not believe that thou knowest any
|
|
such thing. We do not believe in these foolish traditions. We do not believe
|
|
that thou knowest of things to come, neither do we believe that thy fathers and
|
|
also that our fathers did know concerning the things which they spake, of that
|
|
which is to come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:9 Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming
|
|
of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there
|
|
could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and
|
|
sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:10 And it came to pass as he began to expound these things unto them
|
|
they were angry with him, and began to mock him; and they would not hear the
|
|
words which he spake.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:11 Therefore, when he saw that they would not hear his words, he
|
|
departed out of their synagogue, and came over to a village which was called
|
|
Ani-Anti, and there he found Muloki preaching the word unto them; and also
|
|
Ammah and his brethren. And they contended with many about the word.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:12 And it came to pass that they saw that the people would harden their
|
|
hearts, therefore they departed and came over into the land of Middoni. And
|
|
they did preach the word unto many, and few believed on the words which they
|
|
taught.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:13 Nevertheless, Aaron and a certain number of his brethren were taken
|
|
and cast into prison, and the remainder of them fled out of the land of Middoni
|
|
unto the regions round about.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:14 And those who were cast into prison suffered many things, and they
|
|
were delivered by the hand of Lamoni and Ammon, and they were fed and clothed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:15 And they went forth again to declare the word, and thus they were
|
|
delivered for the first time out of prison; and thus they had suffered.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:16 And they went forth whithersoever they were led by the Spirit of the
|
|
Lord, preaching the word of God in every synagogue of the Amalekites, or in
|
|
every assembly of the Lamanites where they could be admitted.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:17 And it came to pass that the Lord began to bless them, insomuch that
|
|
they brought many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, they did convince many of
|
|
their sins, and of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:18 And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni returned from the land of
|
|
Middoni to the land of Ishmael, which was the land of their inheritance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:19 And king Lamoni would not suffer that Ammon should serve him, or be
|
|
his servant.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:20 But he caused that there should be synagogues built in the land of
|
|
Ishmael; and he caused that his people, or the people who were under his reign,
|
|
should assemble themselves together.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:22 And he also declared unto them that they might have the liberty of
|
|
worshiping the Lord their God according to their desires, in whatsoever place
|
|
they were in, if it were in the land which was under the reign of king Lamoni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 21:23 And Ammon did preach unto the people of king Lamoni; and it came to
|
|
pass that he did teach them all things concerning things pertaining to
|
|
righteousness. And he did exhort them daily, with all diligence; and they gave
|
|
heed unto his word, and they were zealous for keeping the commandments of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:0 Aaron in the land of Nephi--The king and all his household
|
|
converted--Country divided between Nephites and Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:1 Now, as Ammon was thus teaching the people of Lamoni continually, we
|
|
will return to the account of Aaron and his brethren; for after he departed
|
|
from the land of Middoni he was led by the Spirit to the land of Nephi, even to
|
|
the house of the king which was over all the land save it were the land of
|
|
Ishmael; and he was the father of Lamoni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:2 And it came to pass that he went in unto him into the king's palace,
|
|
with his brethren, and bowed himself before the king, and said unto him:
|
|
Behold, O king, we are the brethren of Ammon, whom thou hast delivered out of
|
|
prison.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:3 And now, O king, if thou wilt spare our lives, we will be thy
|
|
servants. And the king said unto them: Arise, for I will grant unto you your
|
|
lives, and I will not suffer that ye shall be my servants; but I will insist
|
|
that ye shall administer unto me; for I have been somewhat troubled in mind
|
|
because of the generosity and the greatness of the words of thy brother Ammon;
|
|
and I desire to know the cause why he has not come up out of Middoni with thee.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:4 And Aaron said unto the king: Behold, the Spirit of the Lord has
|
|
called him another way; he has gone to the land of Ishmael, to teach the people
|
|
of Lamoni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:5 Now the king said unto them: What is this that ye have said concerning
|
|
the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, this is the thing which doth trouble me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:6 And also, what is this that Ammon said--If ye will repent ye shall be
|
|
saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast off at the last day?
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:7 And Aaron answered him and said unto him: Believest thou that there is
|
|
a God? And the king said: I know that the Amalekites say that there is a God,
|
|
and I have granted unto them that they should build sanctuaries, that they may
|
|
assemble themselves together to worship him. And if now thou sayest there is a
|
|
God, behold I will believe.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:8 And now when Aaron heard this, his heart began to rejoice, and he
|
|
said: Behold, assuredly as thou livest, O king, there is a God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:9 And the king said: Is God that Great Spirit that brought our fathers
|
|
out of the land of Jerusalem?
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:10 And Aaron said unto him: Yea, he is that Great Spirit, and he created
|
|
all things both in heaven and in earth. Believest thou this?
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:11 And he said: Yea, I believe that the Great Spirit created all things,
|
|
and I desire that ye should tell me concerning all these things, and I will
|
|
believe thy words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:12 And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would believe
|
|
his words, he began from the creation of Adam, reading the scriptures unto the
|
|
king--how God created man after his own image, and that God gave him
|
|
commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:13 And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of
|
|
Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the
|
|
plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world,
|
|
through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:14 And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but
|
|
the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and
|
|
repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the
|
|
grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up
|
|
in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto
|
|
him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which
|
|
thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this
|
|
wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be
|
|
filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I
|
|
will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may
|
|
receive this great joy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:16 But Aaron said unto him: If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt
|
|
bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow
|
|
down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall
|
|
receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:17 And it came to pass that when Aaron had said these words, the king
|
|
did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even he did prostrate
|
|
himself upon the earth, and cried mightily, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God,
|
|
and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away
|
|
all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved
|
|
at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as
|
|
if he were dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:19 And it came to pass that his servants ran and told the queen all that
|
|
had happened unto the king. And she came in unto the king; and when she saw him
|
|
lay as if he were dead, and also Aaron and his brethren standing as though they
|
|
had been the cause of his fall, she was angry with them, and commanded that her
|
|
servants, or the servants of the king, should take them and slay them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:20 Now the servants had seen the cause of the king's fall, therefore
|
|
they durst not lay their hands on Aaron and his brethren; and they pled with
|
|
the queen saying: Why commandest thou that we should slay these men, when
|
|
behold one of them is mightier than us all? Therefore we shall fall before
|
|
them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:21 Now when the queen saw the fear of the servants she also began to
|
|
fear exceedingly, lest there should some evil come upon her. And she commanded
|
|
her servants that they should go and call the people, that they might slay
|
|
Aaron and his brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:23 Now this was done in the presence of the queen and many of the
|
|
servants. And when they saw it they greatly marveled, and began to fear. And
|
|
the king stood forth, and began to minister unto them. And he did minister unto
|
|
them, insomuch that his whole household were converted unto the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:24 Now there was a multitude gathered together because of the
|
|
commandment of the queen, and there began to be great murmurings among them
|
|
because of Aaron and his brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:25 But the king stood forth among them and administered unto them. And
|
|
they were pacified towards Aaron and those who were with him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:26 And it came to pass that when the king saw that the people were
|
|
pacified, he caused that Aaron and his brethren should stand forth in the midst
|
|
of the multitude, and that they should preach the word unto them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:27 And it came to pass that the king sent a proclamation throughout all
|
|
the land, amongst all his people who were in all his land, who were in all the
|
|
regions round about, which was bordering even to the sea, on the east and on
|
|
the west, and which was divided from the land of Zarahemla by a narrow strip of
|
|
wilderness, which ran from the sea east even to the sea west, and round about
|
|
on the borders of the seashore, and the borders of the wilderness which was on
|
|
the north by the land of Zarahemla, through the borders of Manti, by the head
|
|
of the river Sidon, running from the east towards the west--and thus were the
|
|
Lamanites and the Nephites divided.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:28 Now, the more idle part of the Lamanites lived in the wilderness, and
|
|
dwelt in tents; and they were spread through the wilderness on the west, in the
|
|
land of Nephi; yea, and also on the west of the land of Zarahemla, in the
|
|
borders by the seashore, and on the west in the land of Nephi, in the place of
|
|
their fathers' first inheritance, and thus bordering along by the seashore.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:29 And also there were many Lamanites on the east by the seashore,
|
|
whither the Nephites had driven them. And thus the Nephites were nearly
|
|
surrounded by the Lamanites; nevertheless the Nephites had taken possession of
|
|
all the northern parts of the land bordering on the wilderness, at the head of
|
|
the river Sidon, from the east to the west, round about on the wilderness side;
|
|
on the north, even until they came to the land which they called Bountiful.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:30 And it bordered upon the land which they called Desolation, it being
|
|
so far northward that it came into the land which had been peopled and been
|
|
destroyed, of whose bones we have spoken, which was discovered by the people of
|
|
Zarahemla, it being the place of their first landing.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:31 And they came from there up into the south wilderness. Thus the land
|
|
on the northward was called Desolation, and the land on the southward was
|
|
called Bountiful, it being the wilderness which is filled with all manner of
|
|
wild animals of every kind, a part of which had come from the land northward
|
|
for food.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:32 And now, it was only the distance of a day and a half's journey for a
|
|
Nephite, on the line Bountiful and the land Desolation, from the east to the
|
|
west sea; and thus the land of Nephi and the land of Zarahemla were nearly
|
|
surrounded by water, there being a small neck of land between the land
|
|
northward and the land southward.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:33 And it came to pass that the Nephites had inhabited the land
|
|
Bountiful, even from the east unto the west sea, and thus the Nephites in their
|
|
wisdom, with their guards and their armies, had hemmed in the Lamanites on the
|
|
south, that thereby they should have no more possession on the north, that they
|
|
might not overrun the land northward.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:34 Therefore the Lamanites could have no more possessions only in the
|
|
land of Nephi, and the wilderness round about. Now this was wisdom in the
|
|
Nephites--as the Lamanites were an enemy to them, they would not suffer their
|
|
afflictions on every hand, and also that they might have a country whither they
|
|
might flee, according to their desires.
|
|
|
|
ALM 22:35 And now I, after having said this, return again to the account of
|
|
Ammon and Aaron, Omner and Himni, and their brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:0 Religious freedom is proclaimed--Many Lamanites converted--Amalekites
|
|
and Amulonites reject the truth--The Anti-Nephi-Lehies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:1 Behold, now it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites sent a
|
|
proclamation among all his people, that they should not lay their hands on
|
|
Ammon, or Aaron, or Omner, or Himni, nor either of their brethren who should go
|
|
forth preaching the word of God, in whatsoever place they should be, in any
|
|
part of their land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:2 Yea, he sent a decree among them, that they should not lay their hands
|
|
on them to bind them, or to cast them into prison; neither should they spit
|
|
upon them, nor smite them, nor cast them out of their synagogues, nor scourge
|
|
them; neither should they cast stones at them, but that they should have free
|
|
access to their houses, and also their temples, and their sanctuaries.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:3 And thus they might go forth and preach the word according to their
|
|
desires, for the king had been converted unto the Lord, and all his household;
|
|
therefore he sent his proclamation throughout the land unto his people, that
|
|
the word of God might have no obstruction, but that it might go forth
|
|
throughout all the land, that his people might be convinced concerning the
|
|
wicked traditions of their fathers, and that they might be convinced that they
|
|
were all brethren, and that they ought not to murder, nor to plunder, nor to
|
|
steal, nor to commit adultery, nor to commit any manner of wickedness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:4 And now it came to pass that when the king had sent forth this
|
|
proclamation, that Aaron and his brethren went forth from city to city, and
|
|
from one house of worship to another, establishing churches, and consecrating
|
|
priests and teachers throughout the land among the Lamanites, to preach and to
|
|
teach the word of God among them; and thus they began to have great success.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:5 And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, yea,
|
|
thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the Nephites; and they
|
|
were taught the records and prophecies which were handed down even to the
|
|
present time.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as
|
|
many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of
|
|
Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy,
|
|
and the power of God working miracles in them--yea, I say unto you, as the Lord
|
|
liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were
|
|
converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:7 For they became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of
|
|
their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more, neither against
|
|
any of their brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:8 Now, these are they who were converted unto the Lord:
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:9 The people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Ishmael;
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:10 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the land of
|
|
Middoni;
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:11 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the city of
|
|
Nephi;
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:12 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the land of
|
|
Shilom, and who were in the land of Shemlon, and in the city of Lemuel, and in
|
|
the city of Shimnilom.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:13 And these are the names of the cities of the Lamanites which were
|
|
converted unto the Lord; and these are they that laid down the weapons of their
|
|
rebellion, yea, all their weapons of war; and they were all Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:14 And the Amalekites were not converted, save only one; neither were
|
|
any of the Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts, and also the hearts of
|
|
the Lamanites in that part of the land wheresoever they dwelt, yea, and all
|
|
their villages and all their cities.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:15 Therefore, we have named all the cities of the Lamanites in which
|
|
they did repent and come to the knowledge of the truth, and were converted.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:16 And now it came to pass that the king and those who were converted
|
|
were desirous that they might have a name, that thereby they might be
|
|
distinguished from their brethren; therefore the king consulted with Aaron and
|
|
many of their priests, concerning the name that they should take upon them,
|
|
that they might be distinguished.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:17 And it came to pass that they called their names Anti-Nephi-Lehies;
|
|
and they were called by this name and were no more called Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 23:18 And they began to be a very industrious people; yea, and they were
|
|
friendly with the Nephites; therefore, they did open a correspondence with
|
|
them, and the curse of God did no more follow them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:0 Lamanites come against the people of God--Converted Lamanites refuse
|
|
to take up arms--More conversions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:1 And it came to pass that the Amalekites and the Amulonites and the
|
|
Lamanites who were in the land of Amulon, and also in the land of Helam, and
|
|
who were in the land of Jerusalem, and in fine, in all the land round about,
|
|
who had not been converted and had not taken upon them the name of
|
|
Anti-Nephi-Lehi, were stirred up by the Amalekites and by the Amulonites to
|
|
anger against their brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:2 And their hatred became exceedingly sore against them, even insomuch
|
|
that they began to rebel against their king, insomuch that they would not that
|
|
he should be their king; therefore, they took up arms against the people of
|
|
Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:3 Now the king conferred the kingdom upon his son, and he called his
|
|
name Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:4 And the king died in that selfsame year that the Lamanites began to
|
|
make preparations for war against the people of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:5 Now when Ammon and his brethren and all those who had come up with him
|
|
saw the preparations of the Lamanites to destroy their brethren, they came
|
|
forth to the land of Midian, and there Ammon met all his brethren; and from
|
|
thence they came to the land of Ishmael that they might hold a council with
|
|
Lamoni and also with his brother Anti-Nephi-Lehi, what they should do to defend
|
|
themselves against the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:6 Now there was not one soul among all the people who had been converted
|
|
unto the Lord that would take up arms against their brethren; nay, they would
|
|
not even make any preparations for war; yea, and also their king commanded them
|
|
that they should not.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:7 Now, these are the words which he said unto the people concerning the
|
|
matter: I thank my God, my beloved people, that our great God has in goodness
|
|
sent these our brethren, the Nephites, unto us to preach unto us, and to
|
|
convince us of the traditions of our wicked fathers.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:8 And behold, I thank my great God that he has given us a portion of his
|
|
Spirit to soften our hearts, that we have opened a correspondence with these
|
|
brethren, the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:9 And behold, I also thank my God, that by opening this correspondence
|
|
we have been convinced of our sins, and of the many murders which we have
|
|
committed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:10 And I also thank my God, yea, my great God, that he hath granted unto
|
|
us that we might repent of these things, and also that he hath forgiven us of
|
|
those our many sins and murders which we have committed, and taken away the
|
|
guilt from our hearts, through the merits of his Son.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:11 And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all that we could do,
|
|
(as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent of all our sins and the
|
|
many murders which we have committed, and to get God to take them away from our
|
|
hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently before God that he
|
|
would take away our stain--
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:12 Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath taken away our stains,
|
|
and our swords have become bright, then let us stain our swords no more with
|
|
the blood of our brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:13 Behold, I say unto you, Nay, let us retain our swords that they be
|
|
not stained with the blood of our brethren; for perhaps, if we should stain our
|
|
swords again they can no more be washed bright through the blood of the Son of
|
|
our great God, which shall be shed for the atonement of our sins.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:14 And the great God has had mercy on us, and made these things known
|
|
unto us that we might not perish; yea, and he has made these things known unto
|
|
us beforehand, because he loveth our souls as well as he loveth our children;
|
|
therefore, in his mercy he doth visit us by his angels, that the plan of
|
|
salvation might be made known unto us as well as unto future generations.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:15 Oh, how merciful is our God! And now behold, since it has been as
|
|
much as we could do to get our stains taken away from us, and our swords are
|
|
made bright, let us hide them away that they may be kept bright, as a testimony
|
|
to our God at the last day, or at the day that we shall be brought to stand
|
|
before him to be judged, that we have not stained our swords in the blood of
|
|
our brethren since he imparted his word unto us and has made us clean thereby.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:16 And now, my brethren, if our brethren seek to destroy us, behold, we
|
|
will hide away our swords, yea, even we will bury them deep in the earth, that
|
|
they may be kept bright, as a testimony that we have never used them, at the
|
|
last day; and if our brethren destroy us, behold, we shall go to our God and
|
|
shall be saved.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:17 And now it came to pass that when the king had made an end of these
|
|
sayings, and all the people were assembled together, they took their swords,
|
|
and all the weapons which were used for the shedding of man's blood, and they
|
|
did bury them up deep in the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:18 And this they did, it being in their view a testimony to God, and
|
|
also to men, that they never would use weapons again for the shedding of man's
|
|
blood; and this they did, vouching and covenanting with God, that rather than
|
|
shed the blood of their brethren they would give up their own lives; and rather
|
|
than take away from a brother they would give unto him; and rather than spend
|
|
their days in idleness they would labor abundantly with their hands.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:19 And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe
|
|
and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather
|
|
than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or
|
|
they buried the weapons of war, for peace.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:20 And it came to pass that their brethren, the Lamanites, made
|
|
preparations for war, and came up to the land of Nephi for the purpose of
|
|
destroying the king, and to place another in his stead, and also of destroying
|
|
the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi out of the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:21 Now when the people saw that they were coming against them they went
|
|
out to meet them, and prostrated themselves before them to the earth, and began
|
|
to call on the name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude when the
|
|
Lamanites began to fall upon them, and began to slay them with the sword.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:22 And thus without meeting any resistance, they did slay a thousand and
|
|
five of them; and we know that they are blessed, for they have gone to dwell
|
|
with their God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:23 Now when the Lamanites saw that their brethren would not flee from
|
|
the sword, neither would they turn aside to the right hand or to the left, but
|
|
that they would lie down and perish, and praised God even in the very act of
|
|
perishing under the sword--
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:25 And it came to pass that they threw down their weapons of war, and
|
|
they would not take them again, for they were stung for the murders which they
|
|
had committed; and they came down even as their brethren, relying upon the
|
|
mercies of those whose arms were lifted to slay them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:26 And it came to pass that the people of God were joined that day by
|
|
more than the number who had been slain; and those who had been slain were
|
|
righteous people, therefore we have no reason to doubt but what they were
|
|
saved.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:27 And there was not a wicked man slain among them; but there were more
|
|
than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth; thus we see that the
|
|
Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:28 Now the greatest number of those of the Lamanites who slew so many of
|
|
their brethren were Amalekites and Amulonites, the greatest number of whom were
|
|
after the order of the Nehors.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:29 Now, among those who joined the people of the Lord, there were none
|
|
who were Amalekites or Amulonites, or who were of the order of Nehor, but they
|
|
were actual descendants of Laman and Lemuel.
|
|
|
|
ALM 24:30 And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once
|
|
enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things
|
|
pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and
|
|
transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse
|
|
than though they had never known these things.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:0 Lamanite aggressions--Vengeance by Amulonites--Martyrdoms--Further
|
|
fulfillment of Abinadi's prophecy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:1 And behold, now it came to pass that those Lamanites were more angry
|
|
because they had slain their brethren; therefore they swore vengeance upon the
|
|
Nephites; and they did no more attempt to slay the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi at
|
|
that time.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:2 But they took their armies and went over into the borders of the land
|
|
of Zarahemla, and fell upon the people who were in the land of Ammonihah and
|
|
destroyed them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:3 And after that, they had many battles with the Nephites, in the which
|
|
they were driven and slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:4 And among the Lamanites who were slain were almost all the seed of
|
|
Amulon and his brethren, who were the priests of Noah, and they were slain by
|
|
the hands of the Nephites;
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:5 And the remainder, having fled into the east wilderness, and having
|
|
usurped the power and authority over the Lamanites, caused that many of the
|
|
Lamanites should perish by fire because of their belief--
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:6 For many of them, after having suffered much loss and so many
|
|
afflictions, began to be stirred up in remembrance of the words which Aaron and
|
|
his brethren had preached to them in their land; therefore they began to
|
|
disbelieve the traditions of their fathers, and to believe in the Lord, and
|
|
that he gave great power unto the Nephites; and thus there were many of them
|
|
converted in the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:7 And it came to pass that those rulers who were the remnant of the
|
|
children of Amulon caused that they should be put to death, yea, all those that
|
|
believed in these things.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:8 Now this martyrdom caused that many of their brethren should be
|
|
stirred up to anger; and there began to be contention in the wilderness; and
|
|
the Lamanites began to hunt the seed of Amulon and his brethren and began to
|
|
slay them; and they fled into the east wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:9 And behold they are hunted at this day by the Lamanites. Thus the
|
|
words of Abinadi were brought to pass, which he said concerning the seed of the
|
|
priests who caused that he should suffer death by fire.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:10 For he said unto them: What ye shall do unto me shall be a type of
|
|
things to come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:11 And now Abinadi was the first that suffered death by fire because of
|
|
his belief in God; now this is what he meant, that many should suffer death by
|
|
fire, according as he had suffered.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:12 And he said unto the priests of Noah that their seed should cause
|
|
many to be put to death, in the like manner as he was, and that they should be
|
|
scattered abroad and slain, even as a sheep having no shepherd is driven and
|
|
slain by wild beasts; and now behold, these words were verified, for they were
|
|
driven by the Lamanites, and they were hunted, and they were smitten.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:13 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that they could not
|
|
overpower the Nephites they returned again to their own land; and many of them
|
|
came over to dwell in the land of Ishmael and the land of Nephi, and did join
|
|
themselves to the people of God, who were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:14 And they did also bury their weapons of war, according as their
|
|
brethren had, and they began to be a righteous people; and they did walk in the
|
|
ways of the Lord, and did observe to keep his commandments and his statutes.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:15 Yea, and they did keep the law of Moses; for it was expedient that
|
|
they should keep the law of Moses as yet, for it was not all fulfilled. But
|
|
notwithstanding the law of Moses, they did look forward to the coming of
|
|
Christ, considering that the law of Moses was a type of his coming, and
|
|
believing that they must keep those outward performances until the time that he
|
|
should be revealed unto them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:16 Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the law of Moses; but
|
|
the law of Moses did serve to strengthen their faith in Christ; and thus they
|
|
did retain a hope through faith, unto eternal salvation, relying upon the
|
|
spirit of prophecy, which spake of those things to come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 25:17 And now behold, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni, and their
|
|
brethren did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which they had had among the
|
|
Lamanites, seeing that the Lord had granted unto them according to their
|
|
prayers, and that he had also verified his word unto them in every particular.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:0 Ammon glories in the Lord--Boasting in righteousness--he recounts
|
|
blessings to him and his brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:1 And now, these are the words of Ammon to his brethren, which say thus:
|
|
My brothers and my brethren, behold I say unto you, how great reason have we to
|
|
rejoice; for could we have supposed when we started from the land of Zarahemla
|
|
that God would have granted unto us such great blessings?
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:2 And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed upon us? Can ye
|
|
tell?
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:3 Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the Lamanites, were in
|
|
darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but behold, how many of them are
|
|
brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing which
|
|
hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of
|
|
God to bring about this great work.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:4 Behold, thousands of them do rejoice, and have been brought into the
|
|
fold of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:5 Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in
|
|
the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor;
|
|
and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the
|
|
garners, that they are not wasted.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:6 Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea,
|
|
neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh
|
|
they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate
|
|
to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the
|
|
enemy listeth to carry them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:7 But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they
|
|
are his; and he will raise them up at the last day.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:8 Blessed be the name of our God; let us sing to his praise, yea, let us
|
|
give thanks to his holy name, for he doth work righteousness forever.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:9 For if we had not come up out of the land of Zarahemla, these our
|
|
dearly beloved brethren, who have so dearly beloved us, would still have been
|
|
racked with hatred against us, yea, and they would also have been strangers to
|
|
God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:10 And it came to pass that when Ammon had said these words, his brother
|
|
Aaron rebuked him, saying: Ammon, I fear that thy joy doth carry thee away unto
|
|
boasting.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my
|
|
own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I
|
|
will rejoice in my God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore
|
|
I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I
|
|
can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this
|
|
land, for which we will praise his name forever.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:13 Behold, how many thousands of our brethren has he loosed from the
|
|
pains of hell; and they are brought to sing redeeming love, and this because of
|
|
the power of his word which is in us, therefore have we not great reason to
|
|
rejoice?
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:14 Yea, we have reason to praise him forever, for he is the Most High
|
|
God, and has loosed our brethren from the chains of hell.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:15 Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness and
|
|
destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlasting light, yea,
|
|
into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless
|
|
bounty of his love; yea, and we have been instruments in his hands of doing
|
|
this great and marvelous work.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will
|
|
rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who
|
|
can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power,
|
|
and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men?
|
|
Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:17 Who could have supposed that our God would have been so merciful as
|
|
to have snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted state?
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:18 Behold, we went forth even in wrath, with mighty threatenings to
|
|
destroy his church.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:19 Oh then, why did he not consign us to an awful destruction, yea, why
|
|
did he not let the sword of his justice fall upon us, and doom us to eternal
|
|
despair?
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:20 Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did
|
|
not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over
|
|
that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:21 And now behold, my brethren, what natural man is there that knoweth
|
|
these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it
|
|
be the penitent.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good
|
|
works, and prayeth continually without ceasing--unto such it is given to know
|
|
the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which
|
|
never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring
|
|
thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring
|
|
these our brethren to repentance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:23 Now do ye remember, my brethren, that we said unto our brethren in
|
|
the land of Zarahemla, we go up to the land of Nephi, to preach unto our
|
|
brethren, the Lamanites, and they laughed us to scorn?
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:24 For they said unto us: Do ye suppose that ye can bring the Lamanites
|
|
to the knowledge of the truth? Do ye suppose that ye can convince the Lamanites
|
|
of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers, as stiffnecked a
|
|
people as they are; whose hearts delight in the shedding of blood; whose days
|
|
have been spent in the grossest iniquity; whose ways have been the ways of a
|
|
transgressor from the beginning? Now my brethren, ye remember that this was
|
|
their language.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:25 And moreover they did say: Let us take up arms against them, that we
|
|
destroy them and their iniquity out of the land, lest they overrun us and
|
|
destroy us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back,
|
|
behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the
|
|
Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you
|
|
success.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we
|
|
have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea,
|
|
we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the
|
|
world--not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have
|
|
taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills;
|
|
and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught
|
|
them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our
|
|
cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and
|
|
cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been
|
|
delivered again.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that
|
|
perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy
|
|
would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:31 Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and
|
|
are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of
|
|
their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards
|
|
us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:32 For behold, they had rather sacrifice their lives than even to take
|
|
the life of their enemy; and they have buried their weapons of war deep in the
|
|
earth, because of their love towards their brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:33 And now behold I say unto you, has there been so great love in all
|
|
the land? Behold, I say unto you, Nay, there has not, even among the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:34 For behold, they would take up arms against their brethren; they
|
|
would not suffer themselves to be slain. But behold how many of these have laid
|
|
down their lives; and we know that they have gone to their God, because of
|
|
their love and of their hatred to sin.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never
|
|
were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea,
|
|
and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power,
|
|
all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a
|
|
merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on
|
|
his name.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life
|
|
and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo.
|
|
Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who
|
|
are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a
|
|
strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful
|
|
of us, wanderers in a strange land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 26:37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people,
|
|
whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of
|
|
mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving;
|
|
yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:0 People of Anti-Nephi-Lehi seek safety in Zarahemla--they are called
|
|
the people of Ammon--Land of Jershon given to them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:1 Now it came to pass that when those Lamanites who had gone to war
|
|
against the Nephites had found, after their many struggles to destroy them,
|
|
that it was in vain to seek their destruction, they returned again to the land
|
|
of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:2 And it came to pass that the Amalekites, because of their loss, were
|
|
exceedingly angry. And when they saw that they could not seek revenge from the
|
|
Nephites, they began to stir up the people in anger against their brethren, the
|
|
people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi; therefore they began again to destroy them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:3 Now this people again refused to take their arms, and they suffered
|
|
themselves to be slain according to the desires of their enemies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:4 Now when Ammon and his brethren saw this work of destruction among
|
|
those whom they so dearly beloved, and among those who had so dearly beloved
|
|
them--for they were treated as though they were angels sent from God to save
|
|
them from everlasting destruction--therefore, when Ammon and his brethren saw
|
|
this great work of destruction, they were moved with compassion, and they said
|
|
unto the king:
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:5 Let us gather together this people of the Lord, and let us go down to
|
|
the land of Zarahemla to our brethren the Nephites, and flee out of the hands
|
|
of our enemies, that we be not destroyed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:6 But the king said unto them: Behold, the Nephites will destroy us,
|
|
because of the many murders and sins we have committed against them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:7 And Ammon said: I will go and inquire of the Lord, and if he say unto
|
|
us, go down unto our brethren, will ye go?
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:8 And the king said unto him: Yea, if the Lord saith unto us go, we will
|
|
go down unto our brethren, and we will be their slaves until we repair unto
|
|
them the many murders and sins which we have committed against them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:9 But Ammon said unto him: It is against the law of our brethren, which
|
|
was established by my father, that there should be any slaves among them;
|
|
therefore let us go down and rely upon the mercies of our brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:10 But the king said unto him: Inquire of the Lord, and if he saith unto
|
|
us go, we will go; otherwise we will perish in the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:11 And it came to pass that Ammon went and inquired of the Lord, and the
|
|
Lord said unto him:
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:12 Get this people out of this land, that they perish not; for Satan has
|
|
great hold on the hearts of the Amalekites, who do stir up the Lamanites to
|
|
anger against their brethren to slay them; therefore get thee out of this land;
|
|
and blessed are this people in this generation, for I will preserve them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:13 And now it came to pass that Ammon went and told the king all the
|
|
words which the Lord had said unto him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:14 And they gathered together all their people, yea, all the people of
|
|
the Lord, and did gather together all their flocks and herds, and departed out
|
|
of the land, and came into the wilderness which divided the land of Nephi from
|
|
the land of Zarahemla, and came over near the borders of the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:15 And it came to pass that Ammon said unto them: Behold, I and my
|
|
brethren will go forth into the land of Zarahemla, and ye shall remain here
|
|
until we return; and we will try the hearts of our brethren, whether they will
|
|
that ye shall come into their land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:16 And it came to pass that as Ammon was going forth into the land, that
|
|
he and his brethren met Alma, over in the place of which has been spoken; and
|
|
behold, this was a joyful meeting.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:17 Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was
|
|
swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and
|
|
he fell again to the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:18 Now was not this exceeding joy? Behold, this is joy which none
|
|
receiveth save it be the truly penitent and humble seeker of happiness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:19 Now the joy of Alma in meeting his brethren was truly great, and also
|
|
the joy of Aaron, of Omner, and Himni; but behold their joy was not that to
|
|
exceed their strength.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:20 And now it came to pass that Alma conducted his brethren back to the
|
|
land of Zarahemla; even to his own house. And they went and told the chief
|
|
judge all the things that had happened unto them in the land of Nephi, among
|
|
their brethren, the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:21 And it came to pass that the chief judge sent a proclamation
|
|
throughout all the land, desiring the voice of the people concerning the
|
|
admitting their brethren, who were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:22 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came, saying:
|
|
Behold, we will give up the land of Jershon, which is on the east by the sea,
|
|
which joins the land Bountiful, which is on the south of the land Bountiful;
|
|
and this land Jershon is the land which we will give unto our brethren for an
|
|
inheritance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:23 And behold, we will set our armies between the land Jershon and the
|
|
land Nephi, that we may protect our brethren in the land Jershon; and this we
|
|
do for our brethren, on account of their fear to take up arms against their
|
|
brethren lest they should commit sin; and this their great fear came because of
|
|
their sore repentance which they had, on account of their many murders and
|
|
their awful wickedness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:24 And now behold, this will we do unto our brethren, that they may
|
|
inherit the land Jershon; and we will guard them from their enemies with our
|
|
armies, on condition that they will give us a portion of their substance to
|
|
assist us that we may maintain our armies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:25 Now, it came to pass that when Ammon had heard this, he returned to
|
|
the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, and also Alma with him, into the wilderness,
|
|
where they had pitched their tents, and made known unto them all these things.
|
|
And Alma also related unto them his conversion, with Ammon and Aaron, and his
|
|
brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:26 And it came to pass that it did cause great joy among them. And they
|
|
went down into the land of Jershon, and took possession of the land of Jershon;
|
|
and they were called by the Nephites the people of Ammon; therefore they were
|
|
distinguished by that name ever after.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:28 And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the
|
|
greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms
|
|
against their brethren; and they never did look upon death with any degree of
|
|
terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore,
|
|
death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:29 Therefore, they would suffer death in the most aggravating and
|
|
distressing manner which could be inflicted by their brethren, before they
|
|
would take the sword or cimeter to smite them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 27:30 And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored
|
|
people of the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:0 Lamanites make war upon Nephites--A tremendous battle--Lamanites
|
|
defeated--Deep mourning.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:1 And now it came to pass that after the people of Ammon were
|
|
established in the land of Jershon, and a church also established in the land
|
|
of Jershon, and the armies of the Nephites were set round about the land of
|
|
Jershon, yea, in all the borders round about the land of Zarahemla; behold the
|
|
armies of the Lamanites had followed their brethren into the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:2 And thus there was a tremendous battle; yea, even such an one as never
|
|
had been known among all the people in the land from the time Lehi left
|
|
Jerusalem; yea, and tens of thousands of the Lamanites were slain and scattered
|
|
abroad.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:3 Yea, and also there was a tremendous slaughter among the people of
|
|
Nephi; nevertheless, the Lamanites were driven and scattered, and the people of
|
|
Nephi returned again to their land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:4 And now this was a time that there was a great mourning and
|
|
lamentation heard throughout all the land, among all the people of Nephi--
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:5 Yea, the cry of widows mourning for their husbands, and also of
|
|
fathers mourning for their sons, and the daughter for the brother, yea, the
|
|
brother for the father; and thus the cry of mourning was heard among all of
|
|
them, mourning for their kindred who had been slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:6 And now surely this was a sorrowful day; yea, a time of solemnity, and
|
|
a time of much fasting and prayer.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:7 And thus endeth the fifteenth year of the reign of the judges over the
|
|
people of Nephi;
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:8 And this is the account of Ammon and his brethren, their journeyings
|
|
in the land of Nephi, their sufferings in the land, their sorrows, and their
|
|
afflictions, and their incomprehensible joy, and the reception and safety of
|
|
the brethren in the land of Jershon. And now may the Lord, the Redeemer of all
|
|
men, bless their souls forever.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:9 And this is the account of the wars and contentions among the
|
|
Nephites, and also the wars between the Nephites and the Lamanites; and the
|
|
fifteenth year of the reign of the judges is ended.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:10 And from the first year to the fifteenth has brought to pass the
|
|
destruction of many thousand lives; yea, it has brought to pass an awful scene
|
|
of bloodshed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:11 And the bodies of many thousands are laid low in the earth, while the
|
|
bodies of many thousands are moldering in heaps upon the face of the earth;
|
|
yea, and many thousands are mourning for the loss of their kindred, because
|
|
they have reason to fear, according to the promises of the Lord, that they are
|
|
consigned to a state of endless wo.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:12 While many thousands of others truly mourn for the loss of their
|
|
kindred, yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and even know, according to
|
|
the promises of the Lord, that they are raised to dwell at the right hand of
|
|
God, in a state of never-ending happiness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:13 And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and
|
|
transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans
|
|
which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.
|
|
|
|
ALM 28:14 And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the
|
|
vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of
|
|
rejoicing--sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because
|
|
of the light of Christ unto life.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:0 Alma's yearning desire to cry repentance to all--God's word
|
|
apportioned in wisdom--Alma rejoices over success of his brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I
|
|
might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the
|
|
earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder,
|
|
repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto
|
|
our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:3 But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be
|
|
content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:4 I ought not to harrow up in my desires, the firm decree of a just God,
|
|
for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be
|
|
unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth
|
|
unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they
|
|
be unto salvation or unto destruction.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:5 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that
|
|
knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to
|
|
him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil,
|
|
life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:6 Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to
|
|
perform the work to which I have been called?
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:7 Why should I desire that I were an angel, that I could speak unto all
|
|
the ends of the earth?
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation
|
|
and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they
|
|
should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according
|
|
to that which is just and true.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do
|
|
not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea,
|
|
and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God
|
|
to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming
|
|
to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what
|
|
the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do
|
|
I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:11 Yea, and I also remember the captivity of my fathers; for I surely do
|
|
know that the Lord did deliver them out of bondage, and by this did establish
|
|
his church; yea, the Lord God, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the
|
|
God of Jacob, did deliver them out of bondage.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:12 Yea, I have always remembered the captivity of my fathers; and that
|
|
same God who delivered them out of the hands of the Egyptians did deliver them
|
|
out of bondage.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:13 Yea, and that same God did establish his church among them; yea, and
|
|
that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this
|
|
people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full
|
|
because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much
|
|
fruit; and how great shall be their reward!
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is
|
|
carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great
|
|
is my joy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 29:17 And now may God grant unto these, my brethren, that they may sit down
|
|
in the kingdom of God; yea, and also all those who are the fruit of their
|
|
labors that they may go no more out, but that they may praise him forever. And
|
|
may God grant that it may be done according to my words, even as I have spoken.
|
|
Amen.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:0 Korihor the Anti-Christ--Expelled from Jershon and arrested at
|
|
Gideon--Arraigned in Zarahemla--he demands a sign and is stricken dumb--His
|
|
miserable death.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:1 Behold, now it came to pass that after the people of Ammon were
|
|
established in the land of Jershon, yea, and also after the Lamanites were
|
|
driven out of the land, and their dead were buried by the people of the land--
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:2 Now their dead were not numbered because of the greatness of their
|
|
numbers; neither were the dead of the Nephites numbered--but it came to pass
|
|
after they had buried their dead, and also after the days of fasting, and
|
|
mourning, and prayer, (and it was in the sixteenth year of the reign of the
|
|
judges over the people of Nephi) there began to be continual peace throughout
|
|
all the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:3 Yea, and the people did observe to keep the commandments of the Lord;
|
|
and they were strict in observing the ordinances of God, according to the law
|
|
of Moses; for they were taught to keep the law of Moses until it should be
|
|
fulfilled.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:4 And thus the people did have no disturbance in all the sixteenth year
|
|
of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:5 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the seventeenth year
|
|
of the reign of the judges, there was continual peace.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:6 But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth year, there
|
|
came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to
|
|
preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the
|
|
prophets, concerning the coming of Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:7 Now there was no law against a man's belief; for it was strictly
|
|
contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring
|
|
men on to unequal grounds.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:8 For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if
|
|
he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe
|
|
in him there was no law to punish him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:10 But if he murdered he was punished unto death; and if he robbed he
|
|
was also punished; and if he stole he was also punished; and if he committed
|
|
adultery he was also punished; yea, for all this wickedness they were punished.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:11 For there was a law that men should be judged according to their
|
|
crimes. Nevertheless, there was no law against a man's belief; therefore, a man
|
|
was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on
|
|
equal grounds.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:12 And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have
|
|
no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no
|
|
Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:13 O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye
|
|
yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no
|
|
man can know of anything which is to come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:14 Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are
|
|
handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your
|
|
fathers.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:15 How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things
|
|
which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:16 Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But
|
|
behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds
|
|
comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a
|
|
belief of things which are not so.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:17 And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that
|
|
there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in
|
|
this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man
|
|
prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to
|
|
his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:18 And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts of many,
|
|
causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness, yea, leading away many
|
|
women, and also men, to commit whoredoms--telling them that when a man was
|
|
dead, that was the end thereof.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:19 Now this man went over to the land of Jershon also, to preach these
|
|
things among the people of Ammon, who were once the people of the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:20 But behold they were more wise than many of the Nephites; for they
|
|
took him, and bound him, and carried him before Ammon, who was a high priest
|
|
over that people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:21 And it came to pass that he caused that he should be carried out of
|
|
the land. And he came over into the land of Gideon, and began to preach unto
|
|
them also; and here he did not have much success, for he was taken and bound
|
|
and carried before the high priest, and also the chief judge over the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:22 And it came to pass that the high priest said unto him: Why do ye go
|
|
about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye teach this people that there
|
|
shall be no Christ, to interrupt their rejoicings? Why do ye speak against all
|
|
the prophecies of the holy prophets?
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:23 Now the high priest's name was Giddonah. And Korihor said unto him:
|
|
Because I do not teach the foolish traditions of your fathers, and because I do
|
|
not teach this people to bind themselves down under the foolish ordinances and
|
|
performances which are laid down by ancient priests, to usurp power and
|
|
authority over them, to keep them in ignorance, that they may not lift up their
|
|
heads, but be brought down according to thy words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:24 Ye say that this people is a free people. Behold, I say they are in
|
|
bondage. Ye say that those ancient prophecies are true. Behold, I say that ye
|
|
do not know that they are true.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:25 Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people, because of
|
|
the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a child is not guilty because
|
|
of its parents.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:26 And ye also say that Christ shall come. But behold, I say that ye do
|
|
not know that there shall be a Christ. And ye say also that he shall be slain
|
|
for the sins of the world--
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:27 And thus ye lead away this people after the foolish traditions of
|
|
your fathers, and according to your own desires; and ye keep them down, even as
|
|
it were in bondage, that ye may glut yourselves with the labors of their hands,
|
|
that they durst not look up with boldness, and that they durst not enjoy their
|
|
rights and privileges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:28 Yea, they durst not make use of that which is their own lest they
|
|
should offend their priests, who do yoke them according to their desires, and
|
|
have brought them to believe, by their traditions and their dreams and their
|
|
whims and their visions and their pretended mysteries, that they should, if
|
|
they did not do according to their words, offend some unknown being, who they
|
|
say is God--a being who never has been seen or known, who never was nor ever
|
|
will be.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:29 Now when the high priest and the chief judge saw the hardness of his
|
|
heart, yea, when they saw that he would revile even against God, they would not
|
|
make any reply to his words; but they caused that he should be bound; and they
|
|
delivered him up into the hands of the officers, and sent him to the land of
|
|
Zarahemla, that he might be brought before Alma, and the chief judge who was
|
|
governor over all the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:31 And he did rise up in great swelling words before Alma, and did
|
|
revile against the priests and teachers, accusing them of leading away the
|
|
people after the silly traditions of their fathers, for the sake of glutting on
|
|
the labors of the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:32 Now Alma said unto him: Thou knowest that we do not glut ourselves
|
|
upon the labors of this people; for behold I have labored even from the
|
|
commencement of the reign of the judges until now, with mine own hands for my
|
|
support, notwithstanding my many travels round about the land to declare the
|
|
word of God unto my people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:33 And notwithstanding the many labors which I have performed in the
|
|
church, I have never received so much as even one senine for my labor; neither
|
|
has any of my brethren, save it were in the judgment-seat; and then we have
|
|
received only according to law for our time.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:34 And now, if we do not receive anything for our labors in the church,
|
|
what doth it profit us to labor in the church save it were to declare the
|
|
truth, that we may have rejoicings in the joy of our brethren?
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:35 Then why sayest thou that we preach unto this people to get gain,
|
|
when thou, of thyself, knowest that we receive no gain? And now, believest thou
|
|
that we deceive this people, that causes such joy in their hearts?
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:36 And Korihor answered him, Yea.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:37 And then Alma said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:38 And he answered, Nay.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:39 Now Alma said unto him: Will ye deny again that there is a God, and
|
|
also deny the Christ? For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and
|
|
also that Christ shall come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:40 And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ
|
|
cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:41 But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are
|
|
true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true;
|
|
and will ye deny them? Believest thou that these things are true?
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:42 Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a
|
|
lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place
|
|
in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working
|
|
devices that he may destroy the children of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:43 And now Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a sign, that I
|
|
may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me that he hath power, and
|
|
then will I be convinced of the truth of thy words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:44 But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt
|
|
your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all
|
|
these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid
|
|
before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth,
|
|
and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also
|
|
all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a
|
|
Supreme Creator.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:45 And yet do ye go about, leading away the hearts of this people,
|
|
testifying unto them there is no God? And yet will ye deny against all these
|
|
witnesses? And he said: Yea, I will deny, except ye shall show me a sign.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:46 And now it came to pass that Alma said unto him: Behold, I am grieved
|
|
because of the hardness of your heart, yea, that ye will still resist the
|
|
spirit of the truth, that thy soul may be destroyed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:47 But behold, it is better that thy soul should be lost than that thou
|
|
shouldst be the means of bringing many souls down to destruction, by thy lying
|
|
and by thy flattering words; therefore if thou shalt deny again, behold God
|
|
shall smite thee, that thou shalt become dumb, that thou shalt never open thy
|
|
mouth any more, that thou shalt not deceive this people any more.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:48 Now Korihor said unto him: I do not deny the existence of a God, but
|
|
I do not believe that there is a God; and I say also, that ye do not know that
|
|
there is a God; and except ye show me a sign, I will not believe.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:49 Now Alma said unto him: This will I give unto thee for a sign, that
|
|
thou shalt be struck dumb, according to my words; and I say, that in the name
|
|
of God, ye shall be struck dumb, that ye shall no more have utterance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:50 Now when Alma had said these words, Korihor was struck dumb, that he
|
|
could not have utterance, according to the words of Alma.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:51 And now when the chief judge saw this, he put forth his hand and
|
|
wrote unto Korihor, saying: Art thou convinced of the power of God? In whom did
|
|
ye desire that Alma should show forth his sign? Would ye that he should afflict
|
|
others, to show unto thee a sign? Behold, he has showed unto you a sign; and
|
|
now will ye dispute more?
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:52 And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: I know that I am
|
|
dumb, for I cannot speak; and I know that nothing save it were the power of God
|
|
could bring this upon me; yea, and I always knew that there was a God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:53 But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in
|
|
the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they
|
|
have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is no
|
|
God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his
|
|
words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind; and I
|
|
taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed
|
|
that they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I
|
|
have brought this great curse upon me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:54 Now when he had said this, he besought that Alma should pray unto
|
|
God, that the curse might be taken from him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:55 But Alma said unto him: If this curse should be taken from thee thou
|
|
wouldst again lead away the hearts of this people; therefore, it shall be unto
|
|
thee even as the Lord will.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:56 And it came to pass that the curse was not taken off of Korihor; but
|
|
he was cast out, and went about from house to house begging for his food.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:57 Now the knowledge of what had happened unto Korihor was immediately
|
|
published throughout all the land; yea, the proclamation was sent forth by the
|
|
chief judge to all the people in the land, declaring unto those who had
|
|
believed in the words of Korihor that they must speedily repent, lest the same
|
|
judgments would come unto them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:58 And it came to pass that they were all convinced of the wickedness of
|
|
Korihor; therefore they were all converted again unto the Lord; and this put an
|
|
end to the iniquity after the manner of Korihor. And Korihor did go about from
|
|
house to house, begging food for his support.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:59 And it came to pass that as he went forth among the people, yea,
|
|
among a people who had separated themselves from the Nephites and called
|
|
themselves Zoramites, being led by a man whose name was Zoram--and as he went
|
|
forth amongst them, behold, he was run upon and trodden down, even until he was
|
|
dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 30:60 And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord;
|
|
and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day,
|
|
but doth speedily drag them down to hell.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:0 Alma heads a mission to reclaim the apostate Zoramites--The Rameumptom
|
|
or holy stand--The Zoramite form of worship.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:1 Now it came to pass that after the end of Korihor, Alma having
|
|
received tidings that the Zoramites were perverting the ways of the Lord, and
|
|
that Zoram, who was their leader, was leading the hearts of the people to bow
|
|
down to dumb idols, his heart again began to sicken because of the iniquity of
|
|
the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:2 For it was the cause of great sorrow to Alma to know of iniquity among
|
|
his people; therefore his heart was exceedingly sorrowful because of the
|
|
separation of the Zoramites from the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:3 Now the Zoramites had gathered themselves together in a land which
|
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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.
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ALM 31:4 Now the Nephites greatly feared that the Zoramites would enter into a
|
|
correspondence with the Lamanites, and that it would be the means of great loss
|
|
on the part of the Nephites.
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ALM 31:5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the
|
|
people to do that which was just--yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the
|
|
minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto
|
|
them--therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue
|
|
of the word of God.
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|
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|
ALM 31:6 Therefore he took Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner; and Himni he did leave
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|
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.
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|
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|
ALM 31:7 Now the eldest of his sons he took not with him, and his name was
|
|
Helaman; but the names of those whom he took with him were Shiblon and
|
|
Corianton; and these are the names of those who went with him among the
|
|
Zoramites, to preach unto them the word.
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|
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|
ALM 31:8 Now the Zoramites were dissenters from the Nephites; therefore they
|
|
had had the word of God preached unto them.
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|
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ALM 31:9 But they had fallen into great errors, for they would not observe to
|
|
keep the commandments of God, and his statutes, according to the law of Moses.
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|
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ALM 31:10 Neither would they observe the performances of the church, to
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|
continue in prayer and supplication to God daily, that they might not enter
|
|
into temptation.
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|
ALM 31:11 Yea, in fine, they did pervert the ways of the Lord in very many
|
|
instances; therefore, for this cause, Alma and his brethren went into the land
|
|
to preach the word unto them.
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|
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ALM 31:12 Now, when they had come into the land, behold, to their astonishment
|
|
they found that the Zoramites had built synagogues, and that they did gather
|
|
themselves together on one day of the week, which day they did call the day of
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the Lord; and they did worship after a manner which Alma and his brethren had
|
|
never beheld;
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ALM 31:13 For they had a place built up in the center of their synagogue, a
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|
place for standing, which was high above the head, and the top thereof would
|
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only admit one person.
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ALM 31:14 Therefore, whosoever desired to worship must go forth and stand upon
|
|
the top thereof, and stretch forth his hands towards heaven, and cry with a
|
|
loud voice, saying:
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|
ALM 31:15 Holy, holy God; we believe that thou art God, and we believe that
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|
thou art holy, and that thou wast a spirit, and that thou art a spirit, and
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|
that thou wilt be a spirit forever.
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ALM 31:16 Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from our brethren;
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|
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.
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ALM 31:17 But thou art the same yesterday, today, and forever; and thou hast
|
|
elected us that we shall be saved, whilst all around us are elected to be cast
|
|
by thy wrath down to hell; for the which holiness, O God, we thank thee; and we
|
|
also thank thee that thou hast elected us, that we may not be led away after
|
|
the foolish traditions of our brethren, which doth bind them down to a belief
|
|
of Christ, which doth lead their hearts to wander far from thee, our God.
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|
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|
ALM 31:18 And again we thank thee, O God, that we are a chosen and a holy
|
|
people. Amen.
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|
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|
ALM 31:19 Now it came to pass that after Alma and his brethren and his sons had
|
|
heard these prayers, they were astonished beyond all measure.
|
|
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ALM 31:20 For behold, every man did go forth and offer up these same prayers.
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|
ALM 31:21 Now the place was called by them Rameumptom, which, being
|
|
interpreted, is the holy stand.
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|
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|
ALM 31:22 Now, from this stand they did offer up, every man, the selfsame
|
|
prayer unto God, thanking their God that they were chosen of him, and that he
|
|
did not lead them away after the tradition of their brethren, and that their
|
|
hearts were not stolen away to believe in things to come, which they knew
|
|
nothing about.
|
|
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|
ALM 31:23 Now, after the people had all offered up thanks after this manner,
|
|
they returned to their homes, never speaking of their God again until they had
|
|
assembled themselves together again to the holy stand, to offer up thanks after
|
|
their manner.
|
|
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|
ALM 31:24 Now when Alma saw this his heart was grieved; for he saw that they
|
|
were a wicked and a perverse people; yea, he saw that their hearts were set
|
|
upon gold, and upon silver, and upon all manner of fine goods.
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|
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|
ALM 31:25 Yea, and he also saw that their hearts were lifted up unto great
|
|
boasting, in their pride.
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|
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|
ALM 31:26 And he lifted up his voice to heaven, and cried, saying: O, how long,
|
|
O Lord, wilt thou suffer that thy servants shall dwell here below in the flesh,
|
|
to behold such gross wickedness among the children of men?
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:27 Behold, O God, they cry unto thee, and yet their hearts are swallowed
|
|
up in their pride. Behold, O God, they cry unto thee with their mouths, while
|
|
they are puffed up, even to greatness, with the vain things of the world.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:28 Behold, O my God, their costly apparel, and their ringlets, and their
|
|
bracelets, and their ornaments of gold, and all their precious things which
|
|
they are ornamented with; and behold, their hearts are set upon them, and yet
|
|
they cry unto thee and say--We thank thee, O God, for we are a chosen people
|
|
unto thee, while others shall perish.
|
|
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|
ALM 31:29 Yea, and they say that thou hast made it known unto them that there
|
|
shall be no Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:30 O Lord God, how long wilt thou suffer that such wickedness and
|
|
infidelity shall be among this people? O Lord, wilt thou give me strength, that
|
|
I may bear with mine infirmities. For I am infirm, and such wickedness among
|
|
this people doth pain my soul.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:32 O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul, and give unto me success, and also
|
|
my fellow laborers who are with me--yea, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and also
|
|
Amulek and Zeezrom and also my two sons--yea, even all these wilt thou comfort,
|
|
O Lord. Yea, wilt thou comfort their souls in Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:33 Wilt thou grant unto them that they may have strength, that they may
|
|
bear their afflictions which shall come upon them because of the iniquities of
|
|
this people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:34 O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing
|
|
them again unto thee in Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our
|
|
brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring
|
|
these, our brethren, again unto thee.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:36 Now it came to pass that when Alma had said these words, that he
|
|
clapped his hands upon all them who were with him. And behold, as he clapped
|
|
his hands upon them, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:37 And after that they did separate themselves one from another, taking
|
|
no thought for themselves what they should eat, or what they should drink, or
|
|
what they should put on.
|
|
|
|
ALM 31:38 And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither
|
|
should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should
|
|
suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of
|
|
Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he
|
|
prayed in faith.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:0 The poor hearken to message of salvation--Alma's commendation and
|
|
discourse--Faith developed by desire to believe.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:1 And it came to pass that they did go forth, and began to preach the
|
|
word of God unto the people, entering into their synagogues, and into their
|
|
houses; yea, and even they did preach the word in their streets.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:2 And it came to pass that after much labor among them, they began to
|
|
have success among the poor class of people; for behold, they were cast out of
|
|
the synagogues because of the coarseness of their apparel--
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:3 Therefore they were not permitted to enter into their synagogues to
|
|
worship God, being esteemed as filthiness; therefore they were poor; yea, they
|
|
were esteemed by their brethren as dross; therefore they were poor as to things
|
|
of the world; and also they were poor in heart.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:4 Now, as Alma was teaching and speaking unto the people upon the hill
|
|
Onidah, there came a great multitude unto him, who were those of whom we have
|
|
been speaking, of whom were poor in heart, because of their poverty as to the
|
|
things of the world.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:5 And they came unto Alma; and the one who was the foremost among them
|
|
said unto him: Behold, what shall these my brethren do, for they are despised
|
|
of all men because of their poverty, yea, and more especially by our priests;
|
|
for they have cast us out of our synagogues which we have labored abundantly to
|
|
build with our own hands; and they have cast us out because of our exceeding
|
|
poverty; and we have no place to worship our God; and behold, what shall we do?
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:6 And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face
|
|
immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their
|
|
afflictions had truly humbled them and that they were in a preparation to hear
|
|
the word.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:7 Therefore he did say no more to the other multitude; but he stretched
|
|
forth his hand, and cried unto those whom he beheld, who were truly penitent,
|
|
and said unto them:
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:8 I behold that ye are lowly in heart; and if so, blessed are ye.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:9 Behold thy brother hath said, What shall we do? --for we are cast out
|
|
of our synagogues, that we cannot worship our God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:10 Behold I say unto you, do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God save
|
|
it be in your synagogues only?
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:11 And moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose that ye must not worship God
|
|
only once in a week?
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues,
|
|
that ye may be humble, and that ye may learn wisdom; for it is necessary that
|
|
ye should learn wisdom; for it is because that ye are cast out, that ye are
|
|
despised of your brethren because of your exceeding poverty, that ye are
|
|
brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a
|
|
man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now
|
|
surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and
|
|
endureth to the end the same shall be saved.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:14 And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be
|
|
humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly
|
|
humble themselves because of the word?
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:15 Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and
|
|
endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed--yea, much more blessed than
|
|
they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:16 Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being
|
|
compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth
|
|
in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without
|
|
being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will
|
|
believe.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:17 Yea, there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign from
|
|
heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:18 Now I ask, is this faith? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for if a man
|
|
knoweth a thing he hath no cause to believe, for he knoweth it.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:19 And now, how much more cursed is he that knoweth the will of God and
|
|
doeth it not, than he that only believeth, or only hath cause to believe, and
|
|
falleth into transgression?
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:20 Now of this thing ye must judge. Behold, I say unto you, that it is
|
|
on the one hand even as it is on the other; and it shall be unto every man
|
|
according to his work.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:21 And now as I said concerning faith--faith is not to have a perfect
|
|
knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are
|
|
not seen, which are true.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:22 And now, behold, I say unto you, and I would that ye should remember,
|
|
that God is merciful unto all who believe on his name; therefore he desireth,
|
|
in the first place, that ye should believe, yea, even on his word.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:23 And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men
|
|
but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto
|
|
them many times which confound the wise and the learned.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:24 And now, my beloved brethren, as ye have desired to know of me what
|
|
ye shall do because ye are afflicted and cast out--now I do not desire that ye
|
|
should suppose that I mean to judge you only according to that which is true--
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:25 For I do not mean that ye all of you have been compelled to humble
|
|
yourselves; for I verily believe that there are some among you who would humble
|
|
themselves, let them be in whatsoever circumstances they might.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:26 Now, as I said concerning faith--that it was not a perfect
|
|
knowledge--even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at
|
|
first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an
|
|
experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can
|
|
no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye
|
|
believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place,
|
|
that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a
|
|
good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the
|
|
Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and
|
|
when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within
|
|
yourselves--It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is
|
|
good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my
|
|
understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea;
|
|
nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to
|
|
grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth,
|
|
and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen
|
|
your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that
|
|
this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto
|
|
you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted
|
|
the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs
|
|
know that the seed is good.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:34 And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is
|
|
perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know,
|
|
for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it
|
|
hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and
|
|
your mind doth begin to expand.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light;
|
|
and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must
|
|
know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your
|
|
knowledge perfect?
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:36 Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for
|
|
ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the
|
|
experiment to know if the seed was good.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:37 And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us
|
|
nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and
|
|
bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it
|
|
will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:38 But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment,
|
|
behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and
|
|
scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and
|
|
cast it out.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:39 Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because
|
|
the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is
|
|
barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit
|
|
thereof.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:40 And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an
|
|
eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree
|
|
of life.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it
|
|
beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience,
|
|
looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall
|
|
be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with
|
|
the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye
|
|
shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all
|
|
that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above
|
|
all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled,
|
|
that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.
|
|
|
|
ALM 32:43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your
|
|
diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring
|
|
forth fruit unto you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:0 Alma's discourse continued--True worship not confined to
|
|
sanctuaries--The prophets Zenos and Zenock again cited.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:1 Now after Alma had spoken these words, they sent forth unto him
|
|
desiring to know whether they should believe in one God, that they might obtain
|
|
this fruit of which he had spoken, or how they should plant the seed, or the
|
|
word of which he had spoken, which he said must be planted in their hearts; or
|
|
in what manner they should begin to exercise their faith.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:2 And Alma said unto them: Behold, ye have said that ye could not
|
|
worship your God because ye are cast out of your synagogues. But behold, I say
|
|
unto you, if ye suppose that ye cannot worship God, ye do greatly err, and ye
|
|
ought to search the scriptures; if ye suppose that they have taught you this,
|
|
ye do not understand them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:3 Do ye remember to have read what Zenos, the prophet of old, has said
|
|
concerning prayer or worship?
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:4 For he said: Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my prayer,
|
|
even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed
|
|
concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:5 Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in
|
|
my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and thou didst hear me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:6 And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my
|
|
prayer.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:7 And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou
|
|
didst hear me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:8 Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to
|
|
be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:9 Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard my cries in the
|
|
midst of thy congregations.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:10 Yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out and have
|
|
been despised by mine enemies; yea, thou didst hear my cries, and wast angry
|
|
with mine enemies, and thou didst visit them in thine anger with speedy
|
|
destruction.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:11 And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity;
|
|
and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me,
|
|
therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy;
|
|
for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son.
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:12 And now Alma said unto them: Do ye believe those scriptures which
|
|
have been written by them of old?
|
|
|
|
ALM 33:13 Behold, if ye do, ye must believe what Zenos said; for, behold he
|
|
said: Thou hast turned away thy judgments because of thy Son.
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|
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ALM 33:14 Now behold, my brethren, I would ask if ye have read the scriptures?
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|
If ye have, how can ye disbelieve on the Son of God?
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ALM 33:15 For it is not written that Zenos alone spake of these things, but
|
|
Zenock also spake of these things--
|
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|
ALM 33:16 For behold, he said: Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people,
|
|
because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them
|
|
because of thy Son.
|
|
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|
ALM 33:17 And now, my brethren, ye see that a second prophet of old has
|
|
testified of the Son of God, and because the people would not understand his
|
|
words they stoned him to death.
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|
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ALM 33:18 But behold, this is not all; these are not the only ones who have
|
|
spoken concerning the Son of God.
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|
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ALM 33:19 Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised
|
|
up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many
|
|
did look and live.
|
|
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|
ALM 33:20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of
|
|
the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that
|
|
they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not
|
|
look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.
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|
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ALM 33:21 O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting about your
|
|
eyes that ye might be healed, would ye not behold quickly, or would ye rather
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|
harden your hearts in unbelief, and be slothful, that ye would not cast about
|
|
your eyes, that ye might perish?
|
|
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|
ALM 33:22 If so, wo shall come upon you; but if not so, then cast about your
|
|
eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his
|
|
people, and that he shall suffer and die to atone for their sins; and that he
|
|
shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection,
|
|
that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day,
|
|
according to their works.
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|
ALM 33:23 And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your
|
|
hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And
|
|
behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And
|
|
then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of
|
|
his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen.
|
|
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|
ALM 34:0 Amulek's testimony--The great and last sacrifice--how mercy satisfies
|
|
justice--Repentance not to be procrastinated.
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|
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|
ALM 34:1 And now it came to pass that after Alma had spoken these words unto
|
|
them he sat down upon the ground, and Amulek arose and began to teach them,
|
|
saying:
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|
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ALM 34:2 My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant
|
|
of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is
|
|
taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught
|
|
unto you bountifully before your dissension from among us.
|
|
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|
ALM 34:3 And as ye have desired of my beloved brother that he should make known
|
|
unto you what ye should do, because of your afflictions; and he hath spoken
|
|
somewhat unto you to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto
|
|
faith and to patience--
|
|
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|
ALM 34:4 Yea, even that ye would have so much faith as even to plant the word
|
|
in your hearts, that ye may try the experiment of its goodness.
|
|
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|
ALM 34:5 And we have beheld that the great question which is in your minds is
|
|
whether the word be in the Son of God, or whether there shall be no Christ.
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|
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|
ALM 34:6 And ye also beheld that my brother has proved unto you, in many
|
|
instances, that the word is in Christ unto salvation.
|
|
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|
ALM 34:7 My brother has called upon the words of Zenos, that redemption cometh
|
|
through the Son of God, and also upon the words of Zenock; and also he has
|
|
appealed unto Moses, to prove that these things are true.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:8 And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things
|
|
are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among
|
|
the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and
|
|
that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:9 For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to
|
|
the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all
|
|
mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and
|
|
are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is
|
|
expedient should be made.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:10 For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice;
|
|
yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl;
|
|
for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal
|
|
sacrifice.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:11 Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood which will
|
|
atone for the sins of another. Now, if a man murdereth, behold will our law,
|
|
which is just, take the life of his brother? I say unto you, Nay.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:12 But the law requireth the life of him who hath murdered; therefore
|
|
there can be nothing which is short of an infinite atonement which will suffice
|
|
for the sins of the world.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:13 Therefore, it is expedient that there should be a great and last
|
|
sacrifice, and then shall there be, or it is expedient there should be, a stop
|
|
to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it
|
|
shall be all fulfilled, every jot and tittle, and none shall have passed away.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:14 And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing
|
|
to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the
|
|
Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:15 And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on
|
|
his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the
|
|
bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men
|
|
that they may have faith unto repentance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them
|
|
in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is
|
|
exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him
|
|
that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of
|
|
redemption.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:17 Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to
|
|
exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name,
|
|
that he would have mercy upon you;
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both
|
|
morning, mid-day, and evening.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:23 Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all
|
|
righteousness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in
|
|
them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:26 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and
|
|
your secret places, and in your wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full,
|
|
drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the
|
|
welfare of those who are around you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:28 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose
|
|
that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if ye turn away the
|
|
needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your
|
|
substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need--I say unto you, if ye do not
|
|
any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and
|
|
ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:29 Therefore, if ye do not remember to be charitable, ye are as dross,
|
|
which the refiners do cast out, (it being of no worth) and is trodden under
|
|
foot of men.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:30 And now, my brethren, I would that, after ye have received so many
|
|
witnesses, seeing that the holy scriptures testify of these things, ye come
|
|
forth and bring fruit unto repentance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any
|
|
longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and
|
|
therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the
|
|
great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God;
|
|
yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses,
|
|
therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your
|
|
repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to
|
|
prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life,
|
|
then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:35 For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even
|
|
until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and
|
|
he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from
|
|
you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this
|
|
is the final state of the wicked.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:36 And this I know, because the Lord hath said he dwelleth not in unholy
|
|
temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell; yea, and he has also
|
|
said that the righteous shall sit down in his kingdom, to go no more out; but
|
|
their garments should be made white through the blood of the Lamb.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:37 And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these
|
|
things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and
|
|
that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ;
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:38 That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive
|
|
it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the
|
|
dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in
|
|
truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and
|
|
blessings which he doth bestow upon you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:39 Yea, and I also exhort you, my brethren, that ye be watchful unto
|
|
prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptations of the
|
|
devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may not become his subjects at
|
|
the last day; for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing.
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:40 And now my beloved brethren, I would exhort you to have patience, and
|
|
that ye bear with all manner of afflictions; that ye do not revile against
|
|
those who do cast you out because of your exceeding poverty, lest ye become
|
|
sinners like unto them;
|
|
|
|
ALM 34:41 But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a
|
|
firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:0 Nephite missionaries retire to land of Jershon--Their Zoramite
|
|
converts, expelled from their own country, rejoin them--Preparations for war.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:1 Now it came to pass that after Amulek had made an end of these words,
|
|
they withdrew themselves from the multitude and came over into the land of
|
|
Jershon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:2 Yea, and the rest of the brethren, after they had preached the word
|
|
unto the Zoramites, also came over into the land of Jershon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:3 And it came to pass that after the more popular part of the Zoramites
|
|
had consulted together concerning the words which had been preached unto them,
|
|
they were angry because of the word, for it did destroy their craft; therefore
|
|
they would not hearken unto the words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:4 And they sent and gathered together throughout all the land all the
|
|
people, and consulted with them concerning the words which had been spoken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:5 Now their rulers and their priests and their teachers did not let the
|
|
people know concerning their desires; therefore they found out privily the
|
|
minds of all the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:6 And it came to pass that after they had found out the minds of all the
|
|
people, those who were in favor of the words which had been spoken by Alma and
|
|
his brethren were cast out of the land; and they were many; and they came over
|
|
also into the land of Jershon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:7 And it came to pass that Alma and his brethren did minister unto them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:8 Now the people of the Zoramites were angry with the people of Ammon
|
|
who were in Jershon, and the chief ruler of the Zoramites, being a very wicked
|
|
man, sent over unto the people of Ammon desiring them that they should cast out
|
|
of their land all those who came over from them into their land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:9 And he breathed out many threatenings against them. And now the people
|
|
of Ammon did not fear their words; therefore they did not cast them out, but
|
|
they did receive all the poor of the Zoramites that came over unto them; and
|
|
they did nourish them, and did clothe them, and did give unto them lands for
|
|
their inheritance; and they did administer unto them according to their wants.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:10 Now this did stir up the Zoramites to anger against the people of
|
|
Ammon, and they began to mix with the Lamanites and to stir them up also to
|
|
anger against them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:11 And thus the Zoramites and the Lamanites began to make preparations
|
|
for war against the people of Ammon, and also against the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:12 And thus ended the seventeenth year of the reign of the judges over
|
|
the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:13 And the people of Ammon departed out of the land of Jershon, and came
|
|
over into the land of Melek, and gave place in the land of Jershon for the
|
|
armies of the Nephites, that they might contend with the armies of the
|
|
Lamanites and the armies of the Zoramites; and thus commenced a war betwixt the
|
|
Lamanites and the Nephites, in the eighteenth year of the reign of the judges;
|
|
and an account shall be given of their wars hereafter.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:14 And Alma, and Ammon, and their brethren, and also the two sons of
|
|
Alma returned to the land of Zarahemla, after having been instruments in the
|
|
hands of God of bringing many of the Zoramites to repentance; and as many as
|
|
were brought to repentance were driven out of their land; but they have lands
|
|
for their inheritance in the land of Jershon, and they have taken up arms to
|
|
defend themselves, and their wives, and children, and their lands.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:15 Now Alma, being grieved for the iniquity of his people, yea for the
|
|
wars, and the bloodsheds, and the contentions which were among them; and having
|
|
been to declare the word, or sent to declare the word, among all the people in
|
|
every city; and seeing that the hearts of the people began to wax hard, and
|
|
that they began to be offended because of the strictness of the word, his heart
|
|
was exceedingly sorrowful.
|
|
|
|
ALM 35:16 Therefore, he caused that his sons should be gathered together, that
|
|
he might give unto them every one his charge, separately, concerning the things
|
|
pertaining unto righteousness. And we have an account of his commandments,
|
|
which he gave unto them according to his own record.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:00 The commandments of Alma to his son, Helaman. Comprising chapters 36
|
|
and 37.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:0 Alma recounts his sinful past, his miraculous conversion, and his
|
|
subsequent zeal in the ministry.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:1 My son, give ear to my words; for I swear unto you, that inasmuch as
|
|
ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:2 I would that ye should do as I have done, in remembering the captivity
|
|
of our fathers; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it
|
|
was the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he
|
|
surely did deliver them in their afflictions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:3 And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and
|
|
therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for
|
|
I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in
|
|
their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up
|
|
at the last day.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:4 And I would not that ye think that I know of myself--not of the
|
|
temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:5 Now, behold, I say unto you, if I had not been born of God I should
|
|
not have known these things; but God has, by the mouth of his holy angel, made
|
|
these things known unto me, not of any worthiness of myself;
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:6 For I went about with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to destroy the
|
|
church of God; but behold, God sent his holy angel to stop us by the way.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:7 And behold, he spake unto us, as it were the voice of thunder, and the
|
|
whole earth did tremble beneath our feet; and we all fell to the earth, for the
|
|
fear of the Lord came upon us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:8 But behold, the voice said unto me: Arise. And I arose and stood up,
|
|
and beheld the angel.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:9 And he said unto me: If thou wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no
|
|
more to destroy the church of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:10 And it came to pass that I fell to the earth; and it was for the
|
|
space of three days and three nights that I could not open my mouth, neither
|
|
had I the use of my limbs.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:11 And the angel spake more things unto me, which were heard by my
|
|
brethren, but I did not hear them; for when I heard the words--If thou wilt be
|
|
destroyed of thyself, seek no more to destroy the church of God--I was struck
|
|
with such great fear and amazement lest perhaps I should be destroyed, that I
|
|
fell to the earth and I did hear no more.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:12 But I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to
|
|
the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:13 Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was
|
|
tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my
|
|
God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:14 Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away
|
|
unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the
|
|
very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with
|
|
inexpressible horror.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:15 Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul
|
|
and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be
|
|
judged of my deeds.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:16 And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with
|
|
the pains of a damned soul.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I
|
|
was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to
|
|
have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one
|
|
Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my
|
|
heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of
|
|
bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no
|
|
more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul
|
|
was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite
|
|
and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on
|
|
the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:22 Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon
|
|
his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of
|
|
singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:23 But behold, my limbs did receive their strength again, and I stood
|
|
upon my feet, and did manifest unto the people that I had been born of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:24 Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without
|
|
ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to
|
|
taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born
|
|
of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:25 Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me exceedingly
|
|
great joy in the fruit of my labors;
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:26 For because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many
|
|
have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to
|
|
eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have
|
|
spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:27 And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind,
|
|
yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison,
|
|
and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will
|
|
still deliver me.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:28 And I know that he will raise me up at the last day, to dwell with
|
|
him in glory; yea, and I will praise him forever, for he has brought our
|
|
fathers out of Egypt, and he has swallowed up the Egyptians in the Red Sea; and
|
|
he led them by his power into the promised land; yea, and he has delivered them
|
|
out of bondage and captivity from time to time.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:29 Yea, and he has also brought our fathers out of the land of
|
|
Jerusalem; and he has also, by his everlasting power, delivered them out of
|
|
bondage and captivity, from time to time even down to the present day; and I
|
|
have always retained in remembrance their captivity; yea, and ye also ought to
|
|
retain in remembrance, as I have done, their captivity.
|
|
|
|
ALM 36:30 But behold, my son, this is not all; for ye ought to know as I do
|
|
know, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper
|
|
in the land; and ye ought to know also, that inasmuch as ye will not keep the
|
|
commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence. Now this is
|
|
according to his word.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:0 Helaman entrusted with the records and other sacred
|
|
relics--Gazelem--The Liahona a type of the word of Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:1 And now, my son Helaman, I command you that ye take the records which
|
|
have been entrusted with me;
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:2 And I also command you that ye keep a record of this people, according
|
|
as I have done, upon the plates of Nephi, and keep all these things sacred
|
|
which I have kept, even as I have kept them; for it is for a wise purpose that
|
|
they are kept.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:3 And these plates of brass, which contain these engravings, which have
|
|
the records of the holy scriptures upon them, which have the genealogy of our
|
|
forefathers, even from the beginning--
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:4 Behold, it has been prophesied by our fathers, that they should be
|
|
kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be kept and preserved
|
|
by the hand of the Lord until they should go forth unto every nation, kindred,
|
|
tongue, and people, that they shall know of the mysteries contained thereon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:5 And now behold, if they are kept they must retain their brightness;
|
|
yea, and they will retain their brightness; yea, and also shall all the plates
|
|
which do contain that which is holy writ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say
|
|
unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and
|
|
small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and
|
|
eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and
|
|
bringeth about the salvation of many souls.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:8 And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these things should
|
|
be preserved; for behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea,
|
|
and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the
|
|
knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:9 Yea, I say unto you, were it not for these things that these records
|
|
do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren could not have
|
|
convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites of the incorrect tradition of
|
|
their fathers; yea, these records and their words brought them unto repentance;
|
|
that is, they brought them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to
|
|
rejoice in Jesus Christ their Redeemer.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:10 And who knoweth but what they will be the means of bringing many
|
|
thousands of them, yea, and also many thousands of our stiff-necked brethren,
|
|
the Nephites, who are now hardening their hearts in sin and iniquities, to the
|
|
knowledge of their Redeemer?
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:11 Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore I
|
|
shall forbear.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:12 And it may suffice if I only say they are preserved for a wise
|
|
purpose, which purpose is known unto God; for he doth counsel in wisdom over
|
|
all his works, and his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:13 O remember, remember, my son Helaman, how strict are the commandments
|
|
of God. And he said: If ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the
|
|
land--but if ye keep not his commandments ye shall be cut off from his
|
|
presence.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:14 And now remember, my son, that God has entrusted you with these
|
|
things, which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep
|
|
and preserve for a wise purpose in him, that he may show forth his power unto
|
|
future generations.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:15 And now behold, I tell you by the spirit of prophecy, that if ye
|
|
transgress the commandments of God, behold, these things which are sacred shall
|
|
be taken away from you by the power of God, and ye shall be delivered up unto
|
|
Satan, that he may sift you as chaff before the wind.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:16 But if ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these things
|
|
which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you
|
|
must appeal unto the Lord for all things whatsoever ye must do with them)
|
|
behold, no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful
|
|
to the fulfilling of all his words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:17 For he will fulfil all his promises which he shall make unto you, for
|
|
he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto our fathers.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:18 For he promised unto them that he would preserve these things for a
|
|
wise purpose in him, that he might show forth his power unto future
|
|
generations.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:19 And now behold, one purpose hath he fulfilled, even to the
|
|
restoration of many thousands of the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth;
|
|
and he hath shown forth his power in them, and he will also still show forth
|
|
his power in them unto future generations; therefore they shall be preserved.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:20 Therefore I command you, my son Helaman, that ye be diligent in
|
|
fulfilling all my words, and that ye be diligent in keeping the commandments of
|
|
God as they are written.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:21 And now, I will speak unto you concerning those twenty-four plates,
|
|
that ye keep them, that the mysteries and the works of darkness, and their
|
|
secret works, or the secret works of those people who have been destroyed, may
|
|
be made manifest unto this people; yea, all their murders, and robbings, and
|
|
their plunderings, and all their wickedness and abominations, may be made
|
|
manifest unto this people; yea, and that ye preserve these interpreters.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:22 For behold, the Lord saw that his people began to work in darkness,
|
|
yea, work secret murders and abominations; therefore the Lord said, if they did
|
|
not repent they should be destroyed from off the face of the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:23 And the Lord said: I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem, a stone,
|
|
which shall shine forth in darkness unto light, that I may discover unto my
|
|
people who serve me, that I may discover unto them the works of their brethren,
|
|
yea, their secret works, their works of darkness, and their wickedness and
|
|
abominations.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:24 And now, my son, these interpreters were prepared that the word of
|
|
God might be fulfilled, which he spake, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:25 I will bring forth out of darkness unto light all their secret works
|
|
and their abominations; and except they repent I will destroy them from off the
|
|
face of the earth; and I will bring to light all their secrets and
|
|
abominations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:26 And now, my son, we see that they did not repent; therefore they have
|
|
been destroyed, and thus far the word of God has been fulfilled; yea, their
|
|
secret abominations have been brought out of darkness and made known unto us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:27 And now, my son, I command you that ye retain all their oaths, and
|
|
their covenants, and their agreements in their secret abominations; yea, and
|
|
all their signs and their wonders ye shall keep from this people, that they
|
|
know them not, lest peradventure they should fall into darkness also and be
|
|
destroyed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:28 For behold, there is a curse upon all this land, that destruction
|
|
shall come upon all those workers of darkness, according to the power of God,
|
|
when they are fully ripe; therefore I desire that this people might not be
|
|
destroyed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:29 Therefore ye shall keep these secret plans of their oaths and their
|
|
covenants from this people, and only their wickedness and their murders and
|
|
their abominations shall ye make known unto them; and ye shall teach them to
|
|
abhor such wickedness and abominations and murders; and ye shall also teach
|
|
them that these people were destroyed on account of their wickedness and
|
|
abominations and their murders.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:30 For behold, they murdered all the prophets of the Lord who came among
|
|
them to declare unto them concerning their iniquities; and the blood of those
|
|
whom they murdered did cry unto the Lord their God for vengeance upon those who
|
|
were their murderers; and thus the judgments of God did come upon these workers
|
|
of darkness and secret combinations.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:31 Yea, and cursed be the land forever and ever unto those workers of
|
|
darkness and secret combinations, even unto destruction, except they repent
|
|
before they are fully ripe.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:32 And now, my son, remember the words which I have spoken unto you;
|
|
trust not those secret plans unto this people, but teach them an everlasting
|
|
hatred against sin and iniquity.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:33 Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ;
|
|
teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them
|
|
to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus
|
|
Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly
|
|
in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:35 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy
|
|
youth to keep the commandments of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be
|
|
unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all
|
|
thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be
|
|
placed upon the Lord forever.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:38 And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which
|
|
our fathers call a ball, or director--or our fathers called it Liahona, which
|
|
is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:39 And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of so curious
|
|
a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course
|
|
which they should travel in the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:40 And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore,
|
|
if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should
|
|
point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this
|
|
miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:41 Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by small means it
|
|
did show unto them marvelous works. They were slothful, and forgot to exercise
|
|
their faith and diligence and then those marvelous works ceased, and they did
|
|
not progress in their journey;
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:42 Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct
|
|
course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their
|
|
transgressions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:43 And now, my son, I would that ye should understand that these things
|
|
are not without a shadow; for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this
|
|
compass (now these things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it is
|
|
with things which are spiritual.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which
|
|
will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers
|
|
to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to
|
|
the promised land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely
|
|
as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the
|
|
promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us
|
|
beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the
|
|
way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if
|
|
they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared,
|
|
and if we will look we may live forever.
|
|
|
|
ALM 37:47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea,
|
|
see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and
|
|
be sober. My son, farewell.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:00 The commandments of Alma to his son, Shiblon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:0 Commended for faithfulness, and counseled to observe meekness and
|
|
self-control.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:1 My son, give ear to my words, for I say unto you, even as I said unto
|
|
Helaman, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall
|
|
prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God
|
|
ye shall be cut off from his presence.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:2 And now, my son, I trust that I shall have great joy in you, because
|
|
of your steadiness and your faithfulness unto God; for as you have commenced in
|
|
your youth to look to the Lord your God, even so I hope that you will continue
|
|
in keeping his commandments; for blessed is he that endureth to the end.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:3 I say unto you, my son, that I have had great joy in thee already,
|
|
because of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, and thy patience and thy
|
|
long-suffering among the people of the Zoramites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:4 For I know that thou wast in bonds; yea, and I also know that thou
|
|
wast stoned for the word's sake; and thou didst bear all these things with
|
|
patience because the Lord was with thee; and now thou knowest that the Lord did
|
|
deliver thee.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:5 And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much
|
|
as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of
|
|
your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up
|
|
at the last day.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:6 Now, my son, I would not that ye should think that I know these things
|
|
of myself, but it is the Spirit of God which is in me which maketh these things
|
|
known unto me; for if I had not been born of God I should not have known these
|
|
things.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:7 But behold, the Lord in his great mercy sent his angel to declare unto
|
|
me that I must stop the work of destruction among his people; yea, and I have
|
|
seen an angel face to face, and he spake with me, and his voice was as thunder,
|
|
and it shook the whole earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:8 And it came to pass that I was three days and three nights in the most
|
|
bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until I did cry out unto the Lord
|
|
Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a remission of my sins. But behold, I did
|
|
cry unto him and I did find peace to my soul.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:9 And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that
|
|
ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be
|
|
saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the
|
|
world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:10 And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye
|
|
should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate
|
|
in all things.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not
|
|
boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all
|
|
your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from
|
|
idleness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:13 Do not pray as the Zoramites do, for ye have seen that they pray to
|
|
be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:14 Do not say: O God, I thank thee that we are better than our brethren;
|
|
but rather say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in
|
|
mercy--yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times.
|
|
|
|
ALM 38:15 And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day
|
|
into his kingdom, to sit down in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the word unto
|
|
this people. Be sober. My son, farewell.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:00 The commandments of Alma to his son, Corianton. Comprising chapters
|
|
39 to 42 inclusive.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:0 Corianton reproved for harlotry--His sinful conduct had affected faith
|
|
of the Zoramites--Christ's redemption retroactive.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:1 And now, my son, I have somewhat more to say unto thee than what I
|
|
said unto thy brother; for behold, have ye not observed the steadiness of thy
|
|
brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of
|
|
God? Behold, has he not set a good example for thee?
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:2 For thou didst not give so much heed unto my words as did thy brother,
|
|
among the people of the Zoramites. Now this is what I have against thee; thou
|
|
didst go on unto boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:3 And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which was grievous
|
|
unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of
|
|
Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:4 Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for
|
|
thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast
|
|
entrusted.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:5 Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight
|
|
of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of
|
|
innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:6 For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in
|
|
you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable;
|
|
yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God, it is not
|
|
easy for him to obtain forgiveness; yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not
|
|
easy for him to obtain a forgiveness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:7 And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been guilty of so
|
|
great a crime. I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if
|
|
it were not for your good.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:8 But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent
|
|
they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and
|
|
go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these
|
|
things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh,
|
|
remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:10 And I command you to take it upon you to counsel with your elder
|
|
brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou art in thy youth, and ye stand
|
|
in need to be nourished by your brothers. And give heed to their counsel.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:11 Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing;
|
|
suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots.
|
|
Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when
|
|
they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:12 And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children
|
|
to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction;
|
|
therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your
|
|
iniquities;
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:13 That ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength;
|
|
that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly; but rather return unto
|
|
them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:14 Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold,
|
|
you cannot carry them with you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:15 And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming
|
|
of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take
|
|
away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation
|
|
unto his people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:16 And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to
|
|
declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds; or rather
|
|
that salvation might come unto them, that they may prepare the minds of their
|
|
children to hear the word at the time of his coming.
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:17 And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this subject. Behold, you
|
|
marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand. Behold, I say unto
|
|
you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the
|
|
time of his coming?
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:18 Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should be made
|
|
known unto this people as well as unto their children?
|
|
|
|
ALM 39:19 Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send his angel to
|
|
declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children, or as after the time
|
|
of his coming?
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:0 Alma to Corianton continued--Resurrection universal--Separate states
|
|
of righteous and wicked between death and resurrection--A literal restoration.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:1 Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I
|
|
perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:2 Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection--or, I would
|
|
say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on immortality, this
|
|
corruption does not put on incorruption--until after the coming of Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:3 Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead. But behold,
|
|
my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now, I unfold unto you a mystery;
|
|
nevertheless, there are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them
|
|
save God himself. But I show unto you one thing which I have inquired
|
|
diligently of God that I might know--that is concerning the resurrection.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:4 Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the
|
|
dead. Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is
|
|
appointed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:5 Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third
|
|
time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God
|
|
knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the
|
|
case--that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:6 Now there must needs be a space betwixt the time of death and the time
|
|
of the resurrection.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:7 And now I would inquire what becometh of the souls of men from this
|
|
time of death to the time appointed for the resurrection?
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:8 Now whether there is more than one time appointed for men to rise it
|
|
mattereth not; for all do not die at once, and this mattereth not; all is as
|
|
one day with God, and time only is measured unto men.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:9 Therefore, there is a time appointed unto men that they shall rise
|
|
from the dead; and there is a space between the time of death and the
|
|
resurrection. And now, concerning this space of time, what becometh of the
|
|
souls of men is the thing which I have inquired diligently of the Lord to know;
|
|
and this is the thing of which I do know.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:10 And when the time cometh when all shall rise, then shall they know
|
|
that God knoweth all the times which are appointed unto man.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:11 Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the
|
|
resurrection--Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the
|
|
spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea,
|
|
the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that
|
|
God who gave them life.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are
|
|
righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a
|
|
state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles
|
|
and from all care, and sorrow.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:13 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea,
|
|
who are evil--for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the
|
|
Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit
|
|
of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house--and these
|
|
shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and
|
|
gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by
|
|
the will of the devil.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:14 Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness,
|
|
and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of
|
|
God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in
|
|
paradise, until the time of their resurrection.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:15 Now, there are some that have understood that this state of happiness
|
|
and this state of misery of the soul, before the resurrection, was a first
|
|
resurrection. Yea, I admit it may be termed a resurrection, the raising of the
|
|
spirit or the soul and their consignation to happiness or misery, according to
|
|
the words which have been spoken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:16 And behold, again it hath been spoken, that there is a first
|
|
resurrection, a resurrection of all those who have been, or who are, or who
|
|
shall be, down to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:17 Now, we do not suppose that this first resurrection, which is spoken
|
|
of in this manner, can be the resurrection of the souls and their consignation
|
|
to happiness or misery. Ye cannot suppose that this is what it meaneth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:18 Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but it meaneth the reuniting of the soul
|
|
with the body, of those from the days of Adam down to the resurrection of
|
|
Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:19 Now, whether the souls and the bodies of those of whom has been
|
|
spoken shall all be reunited at once, the wicked as well as the righteous, I do
|
|
not say; let it suffice, that I say that they all come forth; or in other
|
|
words, their resurrection cometh to pass before the resurrection of those who
|
|
die after the resurrection of Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:20 Now, my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the
|
|
resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion, that the souls and
|
|
the bodies are reunited, of the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and
|
|
his ascension into heaven.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:21 But whether it be at his resurrection or after, I do not say; but
|
|
this much I say, that there is a space between death and the resurrection of
|
|
the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time
|
|
which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both
|
|
soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to
|
|
their works.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:22 Yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those things of which has
|
|
been spoken by the mouths of the prophets.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul;
|
|
yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair
|
|
of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper
|
|
and perfect frame.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:24 And now, my son, this is the restoration of which has been spoken by
|
|
the mouths of the prophets--
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:25 And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 40:26 But behold, an awful death cometh upon the wicked; for they die as to
|
|
things pertaining to things of righteousness; for they are unclean, and no
|
|
unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of God; but they are cast out, and
|
|
consigned to partake of the fruits of their labors or their works, which have
|
|
been evil; and they drink the dregs of a bitter cup.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:0 Alma to Corianton continued--What restoration signifies--men to be
|
|
judged according to their deeds and desires--Self-judgment.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:1 And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration of
|
|
which has been spoken; for behold, some have wrested the scriptures, and have
|
|
gone far astray because of this thing. And I perceive that thy mind has been
|
|
worried also concerning this thing. But behold, I will explain it unto thee.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:2 I say unto thee, my son, that the plan of restoration is requisite
|
|
with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all things should be restored
|
|
to their proper order. Behold, it is requisite and just, according to the power
|
|
and resurrection of Christ, that the soul of man should be restored to its
|
|
body, and that every part of the body should be restored to itself.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:3 And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged
|
|
according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the
|
|
desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be
|
|
restored unto that which is good.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:4 And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto them for evil.
|
|
Therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper order, every thing to
|
|
its natural frame--mortality raised to immortality, corruption to
|
|
incorruption--raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God, or to
|
|
endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the devil, the one on one hand, the
|
|
other on the other--
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:5 The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or
|
|
good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his
|
|
desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so
|
|
shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:6 And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and
|
|
desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded
|
|
unto righteousness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:7 These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that
|
|
are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness; and thus
|
|
they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good
|
|
or do evil.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:8 Now, the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore, the way is
|
|
prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:9 And now behold, my son, do not risk one more offense against your God
|
|
upon those points of doctrine, which ye have hitherto risked to commit sin.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration,
|
|
that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you,
|
|
wickedness never was happiness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:11 And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would
|
|
say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of
|
|
iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the
|
|
nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of
|
|
happiness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:12 And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a
|
|
thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in
|
|
a state opposite to its nature?
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:13 O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word
|
|
restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or
|
|
devilish for devilish--good for that which is good; righteous for that which is
|
|
righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:14 Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal
|
|
justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these
|
|
things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored
|
|
unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a
|
|
righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded
|
|
unto you again.
|
|
|
|
ALM 41:15 For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be
|
|
restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and
|
|
justifieth him not at all.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:0 Alma to Corianton continued--Justice and mercy expounded--The tree of
|
|
life--Mortality a period of probation--Spiritual and temporal
|
|
death--Repentance, atonement, law, punishment, all necessary.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:1 And now, my son, I perceive there is somewhat more which doth worry
|
|
your mind, which ye cannot understand--which is concerning the justice of God
|
|
in the punishment of the sinner; for ye do try to suppose that it is injustice
|
|
that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:2 Now behold, my son, I will explain this thing unto thee. For behold,
|
|
after the Lord God sent our first parents forth from the garden of Eden, to
|
|
till the ground, from whence they were taken--yea, he drew out the man, and he
|
|
placed at the east end of the garden of Eden, cherubim, and a flaming sword
|
|
which turned every way, to keep the tree of life--
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:3 Now, we see that the man had become as God, knowing good and evil; and
|
|
lest he should put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat
|
|
and live forever, the Lord God placed cherubim and the flaming sword, that he
|
|
should not partake of the fruit--
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:4 And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent,
|
|
yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:5 For behold, if Adam had put forth his hand immediately, and partaken
|
|
of the tree of life, he would have lived forever, according to the word of God,
|
|
having no space for repentance; yea, and also the word of God would have been
|
|
void, and the great plan of salvation would have been frustrated.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:6 But behold, it was appointed unto man to die--therefore, as they were
|
|
cut off from the tree of life they should be cut off from the face of the
|
|
earth--and man became lost forever, yea, they became fallen man.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:7 And now, ye see by this that our first parents were cut off both
|
|
temporally and spiritually from the presence of the Lord; and thus we see they
|
|
became subjects to follow after their own will.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:8 Now behold, it was not expedient that man should be reclaimed from
|
|
this temporal death, for that would destroy the great plan of happiness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:9 Therefore, as the soul could never die, and the fall had brought upon
|
|
all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal, that is, they were cut off
|
|
from the presence of the Lord, it was expedient that mankind should be
|
|
reclaimed from this spiritual death.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:10 Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and devilish, by
|
|
nature, this probationary state became a state for them to prepare; it became a
|
|
preparatory state.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:11 And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption,
|
|
(laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls were miserable, being
|
|
cut off from the presence of the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:12 And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state,
|
|
which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience;
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be
|
|
brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary
|
|
state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions,
|
|
mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now
|
|
the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the
|
|
grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be
|
|
cut off from his presence.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an
|
|
atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the
|
|
world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice,
|
|
that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:16 Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a
|
|
punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed
|
|
opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the
|
|
soul.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:17 Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How could he sin if
|
|
there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment?
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:18 Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which
|
|
brought remorse of conscience unto man.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:19 Now, if there was no law given--if a man murdered he should
|
|
die--would he be afraid he would die if he should murder?
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:20 And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be
|
|
afraid to sin.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:21 And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do,
|
|
or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature?
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance
|
|
granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the
|
|
creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not
|
|
so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and
|
|
mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the
|
|
resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men
|
|
into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be
|
|
judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy
|
|
claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay;
|
|
not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:26 And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes, which
|
|
were prepared from the foundation of the world. And thus cometh about the
|
|
salvation and the redemption of men, and also their destruction and misery.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:27 Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the
|
|
waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to
|
|
come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:28 If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his days,
|
|
behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the restoration of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:29 And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you
|
|
no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall
|
|
bring you down unto repentance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more. Do
|
|
not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by
|
|
denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his mercy,
|
|
and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down
|
|
to the dust in humility.
|
|
|
|
ALM 42:31 And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this
|
|
people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness,
|
|
that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may
|
|
have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words.
|
|
Amen.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:0 Another Lamanite invasion--Armies of Moroni and Lehi surround and
|
|
overpower the enemy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:1 And now it came to pass that the sons of Alma did go forth among the
|
|
people, to declare the word unto them. And Alma, also, himself, could not rest,
|
|
and he also went forth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:2 Now we shall say no more concerning their preaching, except that they
|
|
preached the word, and the truth, according to the spirit of prophecy and
|
|
revelation; and they preached after the holy order of God by which they were
|
|
called.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:3 And now I return to an account of the wars between the Nephites and
|
|
the Lamanites, in the eighteenth year of the reign of the judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:4 For behold, it came to pass that the Zoramites became Lamanites;
|
|
therefore, in the commencement of the eighteenth year the people of the
|
|
Nephites saw that the Lamanites were coming upon them; therefore they made
|
|
preparations for war; yea, they gathered together their armies in the land of
|
|
Jershon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:5 And it came to pass that the Lamanites came with their thousands; and
|
|
they came into the land of Antionum, which is the land of the Zoramites; and a
|
|
man by the name of Zerahemnah was their leader.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:6 And now, as the Amalekites were of a more wicked and murderous
|
|
disposition than the Lamanites were, in and of themselves, therefore,
|
|
Zerahemnah appointed chief captains over the Lamanites, and they were all
|
|
Amalekites and Zoramites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:7 Now this he did that he might preserve their hatred towards the
|
|
Nephites, that he might bring them into subjection to the accomplishment of his
|
|
designs.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:8 For behold, his designs were to stir up the Lamanites to anger against
|
|
the Nephites; this he did that he might usurp great power over them, and also
|
|
that he might gain power over the Nephites by bringing them into bondage.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:9 And now the design of the Nephites was to support their lands, and
|
|
their houses, and their wives, and their children, that they might preserve
|
|
them from the hands of their enemies; and also that they might preserve their
|
|
rights and their privileges, yea, and also their liberty, that they might
|
|
worship God according to their desires.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:10 For they knew that if they should fall into the hands of the
|
|
Lamanites, that whosoever should worship God in spirit and in truth, the true
|
|
and the living God, the Lamanites would destroy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:11 Yea, and they also knew the extreme hatred of the Lamanites towards
|
|
their brethren, who were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, who were called the
|
|
people of Ammon--and they would not take up arms, yea, they had entered into a
|
|
covenant and they would not break it--therefore, if they should fall into the
|
|
hands of the Lamanites they would be destroyed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:12 And the Nephites would not suffer that they should be destroyed;
|
|
therefore they gave them lands for their inheritance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:13 And the people of Ammon did give unto the Nephites a large portion of
|
|
their substance to support their armies; and thus the Nephites were compelled,
|
|
alone, to withstand against the Lamanites, who were a compound of Laman and
|
|
Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, and all those who had dissented from the
|
|
Nephites, who were Amalekites and Zoramites, and the descendants of the priests
|
|
of Noah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:14 Now those descendants were as numerous, nearly, as were the Nephites;
|
|
and thus the Nephites were obliged to contend with their brethren, even unto
|
|
bloodshed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:15 And it came to pass as the armies of the Lamanites had gathered
|
|
together in the land of Antionum, behold, the armies of the Nephites were
|
|
prepared to meet them in the land of Jershon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:16 Now, the leader of the Nephites, or the man who had been appointed to
|
|
be the chief captain over the Nephites--now the chief captain took the command
|
|
of all the armies of the Nephites--and his name was Moroni;
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:17 And Moroni took all the command, and the government of their wars.
|
|
And he was only twenty and five years old when he was appointed chief captain
|
|
over the armies of the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:18 And it came to pass that he met the Lamanites in the borders of
|
|
Jershon, and his people were armed with swords, and with cimeters, and all
|
|
manner of weapons of war.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:19 And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of Nephi, or
|
|
that Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm-shields,
|
|
yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with
|
|
thick clothing--
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:20 Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with any such thing; they
|
|
had only their swords and their cimeters, their bows and their arrows, their
|
|
stones and their slings; and they were naked, save it were a skin which was
|
|
girded about their loins; yea, all were naked, save it were the Zoramites and
|
|
the Amalekites;
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:21 But they were not armed with breastplates, nor shields--therefore,
|
|
they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their
|
|
armor, notwithstanding their number being so much greater than the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:22 Behold, now it came to pass that they durst not come against the
|
|
Nephites in the borders of Jershon; therefore they departed out of the land of
|
|
Antionum into the wilderness, and took their journey round about in the
|
|
wilderness, away by the head of the river Sidon, that they might come into the
|
|
land of Manti and take possession of the land; for they did not suppose that
|
|
the armies of Moroni would know whither they had gone.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:23 But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness
|
|
Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also,
|
|
knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that
|
|
he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to
|
|
defend themselves against the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:24 And it came to pass that the word of the Lord came unto Alma, and
|
|
Alma informed the messengers of Moroni, that the armies of the Lamanites were
|
|
marching round about in the wilderness, that they might come over into the land
|
|
of Manti, that they might commence an attack upon the weaker part of the
|
|
people. And those messengers went and delivered the message unto Moroni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:25 Now Moroni, leaving a part of his army in the land of Jershon, lest
|
|
by any means a part of the Lamanites should come into that land and take
|
|
possession of the city, took the remaining part of his army and marched over
|
|
into the land of Manti.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:26 And he caused that all the people in that quarter of the land should
|
|
gather themselves together to battle against the Lamanites, to defend their
|
|
lands and their country, their rights and their liberties; therefore they were
|
|
prepared against the time of the coming of the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:27 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his army should be
|
|
secreted in the valley which was near the bank of the river Sidon, which was on
|
|
the west of the river Sidon in the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:28 And Moroni placed spies round about, that he might know when the camp
|
|
of the Lamanites should come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:29 And now, as Moroni knew the intention of the Lamanites, that it was
|
|
their intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject them and bring them
|
|
into bondage that they might establish a kingdom unto themselves over all the
|
|
land;
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:30 And he also knowing that it was the only desire of the Nephites to
|
|
preserve their lands, and their liberty, and their church, therefore he thought
|
|
it no sin that he should defend them by stratagem; therefore, he found by his
|
|
spies which course the Lamanites were to take.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:31 Therefore, he divided his army and brought a part over into the
|
|
valley, and concealed them on the east, and on the south of the hill Riplah;
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:32 And the remainder he concealed in the west valley, on the west of the
|
|
river Sidon, and so down into the borders of the land Manti.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:33 And thus having placed his army according to his desire, he was
|
|
prepared to meet them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:34 And it came to pass that the Lamanites came up on the north of the
|
|
hill, where a part of the army of Moroni was concealed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:35 And as the Lamanites had passed the hill Riplah, and came into the
|
|
valley, and began to cross the river Sidon, the army which was concealed on the
|
|
south of the hill, which was led by a man whose name was Lehi, and he led his
|
|
army forth and encircled the Lamanites about on the east in their rear.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:36 And it came to pass that the Lamanites, when they saw the Nephites
|
|
coming upon them in their rear, turned them about and began to contend with the
|
|
army of Lehi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:37 And the work of death commenced on both sides, but it was more
|
|
dreadful on the part of the Lamanites, for their nakedness was exposed to the
|
|
heavy blows of the Nephites with their swords and their cimeters, which brought
|
|
death almost at every stroke.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:38 While on the other hand, there was now and then a man fell among the
|
|
Nephites, by their swords and the loss of blood, they being shielded from the
|
|
more vital parts of the body, or the more vital parts of the body being
|
|
shielded from the strokes of the Lamanites, by their breastplates, and their
|
|
armshields, and their head-plates; and thus the Nephites did carry on the work
|
|
of death among the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:39 And it came to pass that the Lamanites became frightened, because of
|
|
the great destruction among them, even until they began to flee towards the
|
|
river Sidon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:40 And they were pursued by Lehi and his men; and they were driven by
|
|
Lehi into the waters of Sidon, and they crossed the waters of Sidon. And Lehi
|
|
retained his armies upon the bank of the river Sidon that they should not
|
|
cross.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:41 And it came to pass that Moroni and his army met the Lamanites in the
|
|
valley, on the other side of the river Sidon, and began to fall upon them and
|
|
to slay them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:42 And the Lamanites did flee again before them, towards the land of
|
|
Manti; and they were met again by the armies of Moroni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:44 And they were inspired by the Zoramites and the Amalekites, who were
|
|
their chief captains and leaders, and by Zerahemnah, who was their chief
|
|
captain, or their chief leader and commander; yea, they did fight like dragons,
|
|
and many of the Nephites were slain by their hands, yea, for they did smite in
|
|
two many of their head-plates, and they did pierce many of their breastplates,
|
|
and they did smite off many of their arms; and thus the Lamanites did smite in
|
|
their fierce anger.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:45 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they
|
|
were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes
|
|
and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for
|
|
their rites of worship and their church.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:46 And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed
|
|
to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers,
|
|
that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second,
|
|
ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:47 And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even
|
|
unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the
|
|
Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their
|
|
country, and their rights, and their religion.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:48 And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierceness
|
|
and the anger of the Lamanites, they were about to shrink and flee from them.
|
|
And Moroni, perceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with
|
|
these thoughts--yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their
|
|
freedom from bondage.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:49 And it came to pass that they turned upon the Lamanites, and they
|
|
cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty and their
|
|
freedom from bondage.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:50 And they began to stand against the Lamanites with power; and in that
|
|
selfsame hour that they cried unto the Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites
|
|
began to flee before them; and they fled even to the waters of Sidon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:51 Now, the Lamanites were more numerous, yea, by more than double the
|
|
number of the Nephites; nevertheless, they were driven insomuch that they were
|
|
gathered together in one body in the valley, upon the bank by the river Sidon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:52 Therefore the armies of Moroni encircled them about, yea, even on
|
|
both sides of the river, for behold, on the east were the men of Lehi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:53 Therefore when Zerahemnah saw the men of Lehi on the east of the
|
|
river Sidon, and the armies of Moroni on the west of the river Sidon, that they
|
|
were encircled about by the Nephites, they were struck with terror.
|
|
|
|
ALM 43:54 Now Moroni, when he saw their terror, commanded his men that they
|
|
should stop shedding their blood.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:0 Moroni's magnanimity--Zerahemnah rejects his peace offer, but is
|
|
compelled to accept terms--Lamanites make covenant of peach--End of Alma's
|
|
record.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:1 And it came to pass that they did stop and withdrew a pace from them.
|
|
And Moroni said unto Zerahemnah: Behold, Zerahemnah, that we do not desire to
|
|
be men of blood. Ye know that ye are in our hands, yet we do not desire to slay
|
|
you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:2 Behold, we have not come out to battle against you that we might shed
|
|
your blood for power; neither do we desire to bring any one to the yoke of
|
|
bondage. But this is the very cause for which ye have come against us; yea, and
|
|
ye are angry with us because of our religion.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:3 But now, ye behold that the Lord is with us; and ye behold that he has
|
|
delivered you into our hands. And now I would that ye should understand that
|
|
this is done unto us because of our religion and our faith in Christ. And now
|
|
ye see that ye cannot destroy this our faith.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:4 Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God
|
|
will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him,
|
|
and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we
|
|
shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:5 And now, Zerahemnah, I command you, in the name of that all-powerful
|
|
God, who has strengthened our arms that we have gained power over you, by our
|
|
faith, by our religion, and by our rites of worship, and by our church, and by
|
|
the sacred support which we owe to our wives and our children, by that liberty
|
|
which binds us to our lands and our country; yea, and also by the maintenance
|
|
of the sacred word of God, to which we owe all our happiness; and by all that
|
|
is most dear unto us--
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:6 Yea, and this is not all; I command you by all the desires which ye
|
|
have for life, that ye deliver up your weapons of war unto us, and we will seek
|
|
not your blood, but we will spare your lives, if ye will go your way and come
|
|
not again to war against us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:7 And now, if ye do not this, behold, ye are in our hands, and I will
|
|
command my men that they shall fall upon you, and inflict the wounds of death
|
|
in your bodies, that ye may become extinct; and then we will see who shall have
|
|
power over this people; yea, we will see who shall be brought into bondage.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:8 And now it came to pass that when Zerahemnah had heard these sayings
|
|
he came forth and delivered up his sword and his cimeter, and his bow into the
|
|
hands of Moroni, and said unto him: Behold, here are our weapons of war; we
|
|
will deliver them up unto you, but we will not suffer ourselves to take an oath
|
|
unto you, which we know that we shall break, and also our children; but take
|
|
our weapons of war, and suffer that we may depart into the wilderness;
|
|
otherwise we will retain our swords, and we will perish or conquer.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:9 Behold, we are not of your faith; we do not believe that it is God
|
|
that has delivered us into your hands; but we believe that it is your cunning
|
|
that has preserved you from our swords. Behold, it is your breastplates and
|
|
your shields that have preserved you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:10 And now when Zerahemnah had made an end of speaking these words,
|
|
Moroni returned the sword and the weapons of war, which he had received, unto
|
|
Zerahemnah, saying: Behold, we will end the conflict.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:11 Now I cannot recall the words which I have spoken, therefore as the
|
|
Lord liveth, ye shall not depart except ye depart with an oath that ye will not
|
|
return again against us to war. Now as ye are in our hands we will spill your
|
|
blood upon the ground, or ye shall submit to the conditions which I have
|
|
proposed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:12 And now when Moroni had said these words, Zerahemnah retained his
|
|
sword, and he was angry with Moroni, and he rushed forward that he might slay
|
|
Moroni; but as he raised his sword, behold, one of Moroni's soldiers smote it
|
|
even to the earth, and it broke by the hilt; and he also smote Zerahemnah that
|
|
he took off his scalp and it fell to the earth. And Zerahemnah withdrew from
|
|
before them into the midst of his soldiers.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:13 And it came to pass that the soldier who stood by, who smote off the
|
|
scalp of Zerahemnah, took up the scalp from off the ground by the hair, and
|
|
laid it upon the point of his sword, and stretched it forth unto them, saying
|
|
unto them with a loud voice:
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:14 Even as this scalp has fallen to the earth, which is the scalp of
|
|
your chief, so shall ye fall to the earth except ye will deliver up your
|
|
weapons of war and depart with a covenant of peace.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:15 Now there were many, when they heard these words and saw the scalp
|
|
which was upon the sword, that were struck with fear; and many came forth and
|
|
threw down their weapons of war at the feet of Moroni, and entered into a
|
|
covenant of peace. And as many as entered into a covenant they suffered to
|
|
depart into the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:16 Now it came to pass that Zerahemnah was exceedingly wroth, and he did
|
|
stir up the remainder of his soldiers to anger, to contend more powerfully
|
|
against the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:17 And now Moroni was angry, because of the stubbornness of the
|
|
Lamanites; therefore he commanded his people that they should fall upon them
|
|
and slay them. And it came to pass that they began to slay them; yea, and the
|
|
Lamanites did contend with their swords and their might.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:18 But behold, their naked skins and their bare heads were exposed to
|
|
the sharp swords of the Nephites; yea, behold they were pierced and smitten,
|
|
yea, and did fall exceedingly fast before the swords of the Nephites; and they
|
|
began to be swept down, even as the soldier of Moroni had prophesied.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:19 Now Zerahemnah, when he saw that they were all about to be destroyed,
|
|
cried mightily unto Moroni, promising that he would covenant and also his
|
|
people with them, if they would spare the remainder of their lives, that they
|
|
never would come to war again against them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:20 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that the work of death should
|
|
cease again among the people. And he took the weapons of war from the
|
|
Lamanites; and after they had entered into a covenant with him of peace they
|
|
were suffered to depart into the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:21 Now the number of their dead was not numbered because of the
|
|
greatness of the number; yea, the number of their dead was exceedingly great,
|
|
both on the Nephites and on the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:22 And it came to pass that they did cast their dead into the waters of
|
|
Sidon, and they have gone forth and are buried in the depths of the sea.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:23 And the armies of the Nephites, or of Moroni, returned and came to
|
|
their houses and their lands.
|
|
|
|
ALM 44:24 And thus ended the eighteenth year of the reign of the judges over
|
|
the people of Nephi. And thus ended the record of Alma, which was written upon
|
|
the plates of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:00 The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions,
|
|
in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in
|
|
his days. Comprising chapters 45 to 62 inclusive.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:0 Nephite extinction again foretold--Alma's departure compared to that
|
|
of Moses--Dissension in the church.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:1 Behold, now it came to pass that the people of Nephi were exceedingly
|
|
rejoiced, because the Lord had again delivered them out of the hands of their
|
|
enemies; therefore they gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did
|
|
fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:2 And it came to pass in the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges
|
|
over the people of Nephi, that Alma came unto his son Helaman and said unto
|
|
him: Believest thou the words which I spake unto thee concerning those records
|
|
which have been kept?
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:3 And Helaman said unto him: Yea, I believe.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:4 And Alma said again: Believest thou in Jesus Christ, who shall come?
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:5 And he said: Yea, I believe all the words which thou hast spoken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:6 And Alma said unto him again: Will ye keep my commandments?
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:7 And he said: Yea, I will keep thy commandments with all my heart.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:8 Then Alma said unto him: Blessed art thou; and the Lord shall prosper
|
|
thee in this land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:9 But behold, I have somewhat to prophesy unto thee; but what I prophesy
|
|
unto thee ye shall not make known; yea, what I prophesy unto thee shall not be
|
|
made known, even until the prophecy is fulfilled; therefore write the words
|
|
which I shall say.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:10 And these are the words: Behold, I perceive that this very people,
|
|
the Nephites, according to the spirit of revelation which is in me, in four
|
|
hundred years from the time that Jesus Christ shall manifest himself unto them,
|
|
shall dwindle in unbelief.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:11 Yea, and then shall they see wars and pestilences, yea, famines and
|
|
bloodshed, even until the people of Nephi shall become extinct--
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:12 Yea, and this because they shall dwindle in unbelief and fall into
|
|
the works of darkness, and lasciviousness, and all manner of iniquities; yea, I
|
|
say unto you, that because they shall sin against so great light and knowledge,
|
|
yea, I say unto you, that from that day, even the fourth generation shall not
|
|
all pass away before this great iniquity shall come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:13 And when that great day cometh, behold, the time very soon cometh
|
|
that those who are now, or the seed of those who are now numbered among the
|
|
people of Nephi, shall no more be numbered among the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:14 But whosoever remaineth, and is not destroyed in that great and
|
|
dreadful day, shall be numbered among the Lamanites, and shall become like unto
|
|
them, all, save it be a few who shall be called the disciples of the Lord; and
|
|
them shall the Lamanites pursue even until they shall become extinct. And now,
|
|
because of iniquity, this prophecy shall be fulfilled.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:15 And now it came to pass that after Alma had said these things to
|
|
Helaman, he blessed him, and also his other sons; and he also blessed the earth
|
|
for the righteous' sake.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:16 And he said: Thus saith the Lord God--Cursed shall be the land, yea,
|
|
this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, unto destruction,
|
|
which do wickedly, when they are fully ripe; and as I have said so shall it be;
|
|
for this is the cursing and the blessing of God upon the land, for the Lord
|
|
cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:17 And now, when Alma had said these words he blessed the church, yea,
|
|
all those who should stand fast in the faith from that time henceforth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:18 And when Alma had done this he departed out of the land of Zarahemla,
|
|
as if to go into the land of Melek. And it came to pass that he was never heard
|
|
of more; as to his death or burial we know not of.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:19 Behold, this we know, that he was a righteous man; and the saying
|
|
went abroad in the church that he was taken up by the Spirit, or buried by the
|
|
hand of the Lord, even as Moses. But behold, the scriptures saith the Lord took
|
|
Moses unto himself; and we suppose that he has also received Alma in the
|
|
spirit, unto himself; therefore, for this cause we know nothing concerning his
|
|
death and burial.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:20 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the nineteenth year of
|
|
the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, that Helaman went forth among
|
|
the people to declare the word unto them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:21 For behold, because of their wars with the Lamanites and the many
|
|
little dissensions and disturbances which had been among the people, it became
|
|
expedient that the word of God should be declared among them, yea, and that a
|
|
regulation should be made throughout the church.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:22 Therefore, Helaman and his brethren went forth to establish the
|
|
church again in all the land, yea, in every city throughout all the land which
|
|
was possessed by the people of Nephi. And it came to pass that they did appoint
|
|
priests and teachers throughout all the land, over all the churches.
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:23 And now it came to pass that after Helaman and his brethren had
|
|
appointed priests and teachers over the churches that there arose a dissension
|
|
among them, and they would not give heed to the words of Helaman and his
|
|
brethren;
|
|
|
|
ALM 45:24 But they grew proud, being lifted up in their hearts, because of
|
|
their exceedingly great riches; therefore they grew rich in their own eyes, and
|
|
would not give heed to their words, to walk uprightly before God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:0 Amalickiah conspires to be king--Moroni and the title of liberty--The
|
|
people covenant to maintain freedom--flight of Amalickiah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:1 And it came to pass that as many as would not hearken to the words of
|
|
Helaman and his brethren were gathered together against their brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:2 And now behold, they were exceedingly wroth, insomuch that they were
|
|
determined to slay them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:3 Now the leader of those who were wroth against their brethren was a
|
|
large and a strong man; and his name was Amalickiah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:4 And Amalickiah was desirous to be a king; and those people who were
|
|
wroth were also desirous that he should be their king; and they were the
|
|
greater part of them the lower judges of the land, and they were seeking for
|
|
power.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:5 And they had been led by the flatteries of Amalickiah, that if they
|
|
would support him and establish him to be their king that he would make them
|
|
rulers over the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:6 Thus they were led away by Amalickiah to dissensions, notwithstanding
|
|
the preaching of Helaman and his brethren, yea, notwithstanding their
|
|
exceedingly great care over the church, for they were high priests over the
|
|
church.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:7 And there were many in the church who believed in the flattering words
|
|
of Amalickiah, therefore they dissented even from the church; and thus were the
|
|
affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly precarious and dangerous,
|
|
notwithstanding their great victory which they had had over the Lamanites, and
|
|
their great rejoicings which they had had because of their deliverance by the
|
|
hand of the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their
|
|
God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:9 Yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very wicked man can
|
|
cause to take place among the children of men.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device
|
|
and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people
|
|
to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy
|
|
the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing
|
|
God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous' sake.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander
|
|
of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry
|
|
with Amalickiah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece
|
|
thereof, and wrote upon it--In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom,
|
|
and our peace, our wives, and our children--and he fastened it upon the end of
|
|
a pole.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his
|
|
shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which
|
|
had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty)
|
|
and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the
|
|
blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band
|
|
of Christians remain to possess the land--
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:14 For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the
|
|
church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:15 And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those
|
|
who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ,
|
|
or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should
|
|
come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:16 And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the
|
|
Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:17 And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he
|
|
named all the land which was south of the land Desolation, yea, and in fine,
|
|
all the land, both on the north and on the south--A chosen land, and the land
|
|
of liberty.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:18 And he said: Surely God shall not suffer that we, who are despised
|
|
because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall be trodden down and
|
|
destroyed, until we bring it upon us by our own transgressions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:19 And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among the people,
|
|
waving the rent part of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing
|
|
which he had written upon the rent part, and crying with a loud voice, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them
|
|
come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they
|
|
will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless
|
|
them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words,
|
|
behold, the people came running together with their armor girded about their
|
|
loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not
|
|
forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the
|
|
commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ashamed to take upon
|
|
them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their
|
|
garments.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:22 Now this was the covenant which they made, and they cast their
|
|
garments at the feet of Moroni, saying: We covenant with our God, that we shall
|
|
be destroyed, even as our brethren in the land northward, if we shall fall into
|
|
transgression; yea, he may cast us at the feet of our enemies, even as we have
|
|
cast our garments at thy feet to be trodden under foot, if we shall fall into
|
|
transgression.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:23 Moroni said unto them: Behold, we are a remnant of the seed of Jacob;
|
|
yea, we are a remnant of the seed of Joseph, whose coat was rent by his
|
|
brethren into many pieces; yea, and now behold, let us remember to keep the
|
|
commandments of God, or our garments shall be rent by our brethren, and we be
|
|
cast into prison, or be sold, or be slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:24 Yea, let us preserve our liberty as a remnant of Joseph; yea, let us
|
|
remember the words of Jacob, before his death, for behold, he saw that a part
|
|
of the remnant of the coat of Joseph was preserved and had not decayed. And he
|
|
said--Even as this remnant of garment of my son hath been preserved, so shall a
|
|
remnant of the seed of my son be preserved by the hand of God, and be taken
|
|
unto himself, while the remainder of the seed of Joseph shall perish, even as
|
|
the remnant of his garment.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:25 Now behold, this giveth my soul sorrow; nevertheless, my soul hath
|
|
joy in my son, because of that part of his seed which shall be taken unto God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:26 Now behold, this was the language of Jacob.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:27 And now who knoweth but what the remnant of the seed of Joseph, which
|
|
shall perish as his garment, are those who have dissented from us? Yea, and
|
|
even it shall be ourselves if we do not stand fast in the faith of Christ.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:28 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had said these words he went
|
|
forth, and also sent forth in all the parts of the land where there were
|
|
dissensions, and gathered together all the people who were desirous to maintain
|
|
their liberty, to stand against Amalickiah and those who had dissented, who
|
|
were called Amalickiahites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:29 And it came to pass that when Amalickiah saw that the people of
|
|
Moroni were more numerous than the Amalickiahites--and he also saw that his
|
|
people were doubtful concerning the justice of the cause in which they had
|
|
undertaken--therefore, fearing that he should not gain the point, he took those
|
|
of his people who would and departed into the land of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:30 Now Moroni thought it was not expedient that the Lamanites should
|
|
have any more strength; therefore he thought to cut off the people of
|
|
Amalickiah, or to take them and bring them back, and put Amalickiah to death;
|
|
yea, for he knew that he would stir up the Lamanites to anger against them, and
|
|
cause them to come to battle against them; and this he knew that Amalickiah
|
|
would do that he might obtain his purposes.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:31 Therefore Moroni thought it was expedient that he should take his
|
|
armies, who had gathered themselves together, and armed themselves, and entered
|
|
into a covenant to keep the peace--and it came to pass that he took his army
|
|
and marched out with his tents into the wilderness, to cut off the course of
|
|
Amalickiah in the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:32 And it came to pass that he did according to his desires, and marched
|
|
forth into the wilderness, and headed the armies of Amalickiah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:33 And it came to pass that Amalickiah fled with a small number of his
|
|
men, and the remainder were delivered up into the hands of Moroni and were
|
|
taken back into the land of Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:34 Now, Moroni being a man who was appointed by the chief judges and the
|
|
voice of the people, therefore he had power according to his will with the
|
|
armies of the Nephites, to establish and to exercise authority over them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:35 And it came to pass that whomsoever of the Amalickiahites that would
|
|
not enter into a covenant to support the cause of freedom, that they might
|
|
maintain a free government, he caused to be put to death; and there were but
|
|
few who denied the covenant of freedom.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:36 And it came to pass also, that he caused the title of liberty to be
|
|
hoisted upon every tower which was in all the land, which was possessed by the
|
|
Nephites; and thus Moroni planted the standard of liberty among the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:37 And they began to have peace again in the land; and thus they did
|
|
maintain peace in the land until nearly the end of the nineteenth year of the
|
|
reign of the judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:38 And Helaman and the high priests did also maintain order in the
|
|
church; yea, even for the space of four years did they have much peace and
|
|
rejoicing in the church.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:39 And it came to pass that there were many who died, firmly believing
|
|
that their souls were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ; thus they went out of
|
|
the world rejoicing.
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:40 And there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of
|
|
the year were very frequent in the land--but not so much so with fevers,
|
|
because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had
|
|
prepared to remove the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the
|
|
nature of the climate--
|
|
|
|
ALM 46:41 But there were many who died with old age; and those who died in the
|
|
faith of Christ are happy in him, as we must needs suppose.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:0 Amalickiah, by treachery, becomes king of the Lamanites--His awful
|
|
wickedness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:1 Now we will return in our record to Amalickiah and those who had fled
|
|
with him into the wilderness; for, behold, he had taken those who went with
|
|
him, and went up in the land of Nephi among the Lamanites, and did stir up the
|
|
Lamanites to anger against the people of Nephi, insomuch that the king of the
|
|
Lamanites sent a proclamation throughout all his land, among all his people,
|
|
that they should gather themselves together again to go to battle against the
|
|
Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:2 And it came to pass that when the proclamation had gone forth among
|
|
them they were exceedingly afraid; yea, they feared to displease the king, and
|
|
they also feared to go to battle against the Nephites lest they should lose
|
|
their lives. And it came to pass that they would not, or the more part of them
|
|
would not, obey the commandments of the king.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:3 And now it came to pass that the king was wroth because of their
|
|
disobedience; therefore he gave Amalickiah the command of that part of his army
|
|
which was obedient unto his commands, and commanded him that he should go forth
|
|
and compel them to arms.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:4 Now behold, this was the desire of Amalickiah; for he being a very
|
|
subtle man to do evil therefore he laid the plan in his heart to dethrone the
|
|
king of the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:5 And now he had got the command of those parts of the Lamanites who
|
|
were in favor of the king; and he sought to gain favor of those who were not
|
|
obedient; therefore he went forward to the place which was called Onidah, for
|
|
thither had all the Lamanites fled; for they discovered the army coming, and,
|
|
supposing that they were coming to destroy them, therefore they fled to Onidah,
|
|
to the place of arms.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:6 And they had appointed a man to be a king and a leader over them,
|
|
being fixed in their minds with a determined resolution that they would not be
|
|
subjected to go against the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:7 And it came to pass that they had gathered themselves together upon
|
|
the top of the mount which was called Antipas, in preparation to battle.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:8 Now it was not Amalickiah's intention to give them battle according to
|
|
the commandments of the king; but behold, it was his intention to gain favor
|
|
with the armies of the Lamanites, that he might place himself at their head and
|
|
dethrone the king and take possession of the kingdom.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:9 And behold, it came to pass that he caused his army to pitch their
|
|
tents in the valley which was near the mount Antipas.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:10 And it came to pass that when it was night he sent a secret embassy
|
|
into the mount Antipas, desiring that the leader of those who were upon the
|
|
mount, whose name was Lehonti, that he should come down to the foot of the
|
|
mount, for he desired to speak with him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:11 And it came to pass that when Lehonti received the message he durst
|
|
not go down to the foot of the mount. And it came to pass that Amalickiah sent
|
|
again the second time, desiring him to come down. And it came to pass that
|
|
Lehonti would not; and he sent again the third time.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:12 And it came to pass that when Amalickiah found that he could not get
|
|
Lehonti to come down off from the mount, he went up into the mount, nearly to
|
|
Lehonti's camp; and he sent again the fourth time his message unto Lehonti,
|
|
desiring that he would come down, and that he would bring his guards with him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:13 And it came to pass that when Lehonti had come down with his guards
|
|
to Amalickiah, that Amalickiah desired him to come down with his army in the
|
|
night-time, and surround those men in their camps over whom the king had given
|
|
him command, and that he would deliver them up into Lehonti's hands, if he
|
|
would make him (Amalickiah) a second leader over the whole army.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:14 And it came to pass that Lehonti came down with his men and
|
|
surrounded the men of Amalickiah, so that before they awoke at the dawn of day
|
|
they were surrounded by the armies of Lehonti.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:15 And it came to pass that when they saw that they were surrounded,
|
|
they plead with Amalickiah that he would suffer them to fall in with their
|
|
brethren, that they might not be destroyed. Now this was the very thing which
|
|
Amalickiah desired.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:16 And it came to pass that he delivered his men, contrary to the
|
|
commands of the king. Now this was the thing that Amalickiah desired, that he
|
|
might accomplish his designs in dethroning the king.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:17 Now it was the custom among the Lamanites, if their chief leader was
|
|
killed, to appoint the second leader to be their chief leader.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:18 And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of his servants
|
|
should administer poison by degrees to Lehonti, that he died.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:19 Now, when Lehonti was dead, the Lamanites appointed Amalickiah to be
|
|
their leader and their chief commander.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:20 And it came to pass that Amalickiah marched with his armies (for he
|
|
had gained his desires) to the land of Nephi, to the city of Nephi, which was
|
|
the chief city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:21 And the king came out to meet him with his guards, for he supposed
|
|
that Amalickiah had fulfilled his commands, and that Amalickiah had gathered
|
|
together so great an army to go against the Nephites to battle.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:22 But behold, as the king came out to meet him Amalickiah caused that
|
|
his servants should go forth to meet the king. And they went and bowed
|
|
themselves before the king, as if to reverence him because of his greatness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:23 And it came to pass that the king put forth his hand to raise them,
|
|
as was the custom with the Lamanites, as a token of peace, which custom they
|
|
had taken from the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:24 And it came to pass that when he had raised the first from the
|
|
ground, behold he stabbed the king to the heart; and he fell to the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:25 Now the servants of the king fled; and the servants of Amalickiah
|
|
raised a cry, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:26 Behold, the servants of the king have stabbed him to the heart, and
|
|
he has fallen and they have fled; behold, come and see.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:27 And it came to pass that Amalickiah commanded that his armies should
|
|
march forth and see what had happened to the king; and when they had come to
|
|
the spot, and found the king lying in his gore, Amalickiah pretended to be
|
|
wroth, and said: Whosoever loved the king, let him go forth, and pursue his
|
|
servants that they may be slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:28 And it came to pass that all they who loved the king, when they heard
|
|
these words, came forth and pursued after the servants of the king.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:29 Now when the servants of the king saw an army pursuing after them,
|
|
they were frightened again, and fled into the wilderness, and came over into
|
|
the land of Zarahemla and joined the people of Ammon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:30 And the army which pursued after them returned, having pursued after
|
|
them in vain; and thus Amalickiah, by his fraud, gained the hearts of the
|
|
people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:31 And it came to pass on the morrow he entered the city Nephi with his
|
|
armies, and took possession of the city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:32 And now it came to pass that the queen, when she had heard that the
|
|
king was slain--for Amalickiah had sent an embassy to the queen informing her
|
|
that the king had been slain by his servants, that he had pursued them with his
|
|
army, but it was in vain, and they had made their escape--
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:33 Therefore, when the queen had received this message she sent unto
|
|
Amalickiah, desiring him that he would spare the people of the city; and she
|
|
also desired him that he should come in unto her; and she also desired him that
|
|
he should bring witnesses with him to testify concerning the death of the king.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:34 And it came to pass that Amalickiah took the same servant that slew
|
|
the king, and all them who were with him, and went in unto the queen, unto the
|
|
place where she sat; and they all testified unto her that the king was slain by
|
|
his own servants; and they said also: They have fled; does not this testify
|
|
against them? And thus they satisfied the queen concerning the death of the
|
|
king.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:35 And it came to pass that Amalickiah sought the favor of the queen,
|
|
and took her unto him to wife; and thus by his fraud, and by the assistance of
|
|
his cunning servants, he obtained the kingdom; yea, he was acknowledged king
|
|
throughout all the land, among all the people of the Lamanites, who were
|
|
composed of the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites, and all the
|
|
dissenters of the Nephites, from the reign of Nephi down to the present time.
|
|
|
|
ALM 47:36 Now these dissenters, having the same instruction and the same
|
|
information of the Nephites, yea, having been instructed in the same knowledge
|
|
of the Lord, nevertheless, it is strange to relate, not long after their
|
|
dissensions they became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and
|
|
ferocious than the Lamanites--drinking in with the traditions of the Lamanites;
|
|
giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely
|
|
forgetting the Lord their God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:0 Amalickiah incites the Lamanites against Nephites--Moroni prepares for
|
|
the conflict--A true patriot and a mighty man of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:1 And now it came to pass that, as soon as Amalickiah had obtained the
|
|
kingdom he began to inspire the hearts of the Lamanites against the people of
|
|
Nephi; yea, he did appoint men to speak unto the Lamanites from their towers,
|
|
against the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:2 And thus he did inspire their hearts against the Nephites, insomuch
|
|
that in the latter end of the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges, he
|
|
having accomplished his designs thus far, yea, having been made king over the
|
|
Lamanites, he sought also to reign over all the land, yea, and all the people
|
|
who were in the land, the Nephites as well as the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:3 Therefore he had accomplished his design, for he had hardened the
|
|
hearts of the Lamanites and blinded their minds, and stirred them up to anger,
|
|
insomuch that he had gathered together a numerous host to go to battle against
|
|
the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:4 For he was determined, because of the greatness of the number of his
|
|
people, to overpower the Nephites and to bring them into bondage.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:5 And thus he did appoint chief captains of the Zoramites, they being
|
|
the most acquainted with the strength of the Nephites, and their places of
|
|
resort, and the weakest parts of their cities; therefore he appointed them to
|
|
be chief captains over his armies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:6 And it came to pass that they took their camp, and moved forth toward
|
|
the land of Zarahemla in the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:7 Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining
|
|
power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the
|
|
minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:8 Yea, he had been strengthening the armies of the Nephites, and
|
|
erecting small forts, or places of resort; throwing up banks of earth round
|
|
about to enclose his armies, and also building walls of stone to encircle them
|
|
about, round about their cities and the borders of their lands; yea, all round
|
|
about the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:9 And in their weakest fortifications he did place the greater number of
|
|
men; and thus he did fortify and strengthen the land which was possessed by the
|
|
Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:10 And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands,
|
|
their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto
|
|
the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their
|
|
enemies the cause of Christians.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect
|
|
understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul
|
|
did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from
|
|
bondage and slavery;
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for
|
|
the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who
|
|
did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had
|
|
sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his
|
|
religion, even to the loss of his blood.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:14 Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their
|
|
enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and they were
|
|
also taught never to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except
|
|
it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:15 And this was their faith, that by so doing God would prosper them in
|
|
the land, or in other words, if they were faithful in keeping the commandments
|
|
of God that he would prosper them in the land; yea, warn them to flee, or to
|
|
prepare for war, according to their danger;
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:16 And also, that God would make it known unto them whither they should
|
|
go to defend themselves against their enemies, and by so doing, the Lord would
|
|
deliver them; and this was the faith of Moroni, and his heart did glory in it;
|
|
not in the shedding of blood but in doing good, in preserving his people, yea,
|
|
in keeping the commandments of God, yea, and resisting iniquity.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were,
|
|
and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have
|
|
been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of
|
|
the children of men.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:18 Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and
|
|
even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were
|
|
all men of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:19 Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto
|
|
the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did
|
|
baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:20 And thus they went forth, and the people did humble themselves
|
|
because of their words, insomuch that they were highly favored of the Lord, and
|
|
thus they were free from wars and contentions among themselves, yea, even for
|
|
the space of four years.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:21 But, as I have said, in the latter end of the nineteenth year, yea,
|
|
notwithstanding their peace amongst themselves, they were compelled reluctantly
|
|
to contend with their brethren, the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:22 Yea, and in fine, their wars never did cease for the space of many
|
|
years with the Lamanites, notwithstanding their much reluctance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:23 Now, they were sorry to take up arms against the Lamanites, because
|
|
they did not delight in the shedding of blood; yea, and this was not all--they
|
|
were sorry to be the means of sending so many of their brethren out of this
|
|
world into an eternal world, unprepared to meet their God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:24 Nevertheless, they could not suffer to lay down their lives, that
|
|
their wives and their children should be massacred by the barbarous cruelty of
|
|
those who were once their brethren, yea, and had dissented from their church,
|
|
and had left them and had gone to destroy them by joining the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 48:25 Yea, they could not bear that their brethren should rejoice over the
|
|
blood of the Nephites, so long as there were any who should keep the
|
|
commandments of God, for the promise of the Lord was, if they should keep his
|
|
commandments they should prosper in the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:0 The invading Lamanites baffled and repulsed--Amalickiah's wrath over
|
|
his failure--Prosperity of the church.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:1 And now it came to pass in the eleventh month of the nineteenth year,
|
|
on the tenth day of the month, the armies of the Lamanites were seen
|
|
approaching towards the land of Ammonihah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:2 And behold, the city had been rebuilt, and Moroni had stationed an
|
|
army by the borders of the city, and they had cast up dirt round about to
|
|
shield them from the arrows and the stones of the Lamanites; for behold, they
|
|
fought with stones and with arrows.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:3 Behold, I said that the city of Ammonihah had been rebuilt. I say unto
|
|
you, yea, that it was in part rebuilt; and because the Lamanites had destroyed
|
|
it once because of the iniquity of the people, they supposed that it would
|
|
again become an easy prey for them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:4 But behold, how great was their disappointment; for behold, the
|
|
Nephites had dug up a ridge of earth round about them, which was so high that
|
|
the Lamanites could not cast their stones and their arrows at them that they
|
|
might take effect, neither could they come upon them save it was by their place
|
|
of entrance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:5 Now at this time the chief captains of the Lamanites were astonished
|
|
exceedingly, because of the wisdom of the Nephites in preparing their places of
|
|
security.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:6 Now the leaders of the Lamanites had supposed, because of the
|
|
greatness of their numbers, yea, they supposed that they should be privileged
|
|
to come upon them as they had hitherto done; yea, and they had also prepared
|
|
themselves with shields, and with breastplates; and they had also prepared
|
|
themselves with garments of skins, yea, very thick garments to cover their
|
|
nakedness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:7 And being thus prepared they supposed that they should easily
|
|
overpower and subject their brethren to the yoke of bondage, or slay and
|
|
massacre them according to their pleasure.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:8 But behold, to their uttermost astonishment, they were prepared for
|
|
them, in a manner which never had been known among the children of Lehi. Now
|
|
they were prepared for the Lamanites, to battle after the manner of the
|
|
instructions of Moroni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:9 And it came to pass that the Lamanites, or the Amalickiahites, were
|
|
exceedingly astonished at their manner of preparation for war.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:10 Now, if king Amalickiah had come down out of the land of Nephi, at
|
|
the head of his army, perhaps he would have caused the Lamanites to have
|
|
attacked the Nephites at the city of Ammonihah; for behold, he did care not for
|
|
the blood of his people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:11 But behold, Amalickiah did not come down himself to battle. And
|
|
behold, his chief captains durst not attack the Nephites at the city of
|
|
Ammonihah, for Moroni had altered the management of affairs among the Nephites,
|
|
insomuch that the Lamanites were disappointed in their places of retreat and
|
|
they could not come upon them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:12 Therefore they retreated into the wilderness, and took their camp and
|
|
marched towards the land of Noah, supposing that to be the next best place for
|
|
them to come against the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:13 For they knew not that Moroni had fortified, or had built forts of
|
|
security, for every city in all the land round about; therefore, they marched
|
|
forward to the land of Noah with a firm determination; yea, their chief
|
|
captains came forward and took an oath that they would destroy the people of
|
|
that city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:14 But behold, to their astonishment, the city of Noah, which had
|
|
hitherto been a weak place, had now, by the means of Moroni, become strong,
|
|
yea, even to exceed the strength of the city Ammonihah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:15 And now, behold, this was wisdom in Moroni; for he had supposed that
|
|
they would be frightened at the city Ammonihah; and as the city of Noah had
|
|
hitherto been the weakest part of the land, therefore they would march thither
|
|
to battle; and thus it was according to his desires.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:16 And behold, Moroni had appointed Lehi to be chief captain over the
|
|
men of that city; and it was that same Lehi who fought with the Lamanites in
|
|
the valley on the east of the river Sidon.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:17 And now behold it came to pass, that when the Lamanites had found
|
|
that Lehi commanded the city they were again disappointed, for they feared Lehi
|
|
exceedingly; nevertheless their chief captains had sworn with an oath to attack
|
|
the city; therefore, they brought up their armies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:18 Now behold, the Lamanites could not get into their forts of security
|
|
by any other way save by the entrance, because of the highness of the bank
|
|
which had been thrown up, and the depth of the ditch which had been dug round
|
|
about, save it were by the entrance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:19 And thus were the Nephites prepared to destroy all such as should
|
|
attempt to climb up to enter the fort by any other way, by casting over stones
|
|
and arrows at them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:20 Thus they were prepared, yea, a body of their strongest men, with
|
|
their swords and their slings, to smite down all who should attempt to come
|
|
into their place of security by the place of entrance; and thus were they
|
|
prepared to defend themselves against the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:21 And it came to pass that the captains of the Lamanites brought up
|
|
their armies before the place of entrance, and began to contend with the
|
|
Nephites, to get into their place of security; but behold, they were driven
|
|
back from time to time, insomuch that they were slain with an immense
|
|
slaughter.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:22 Now when they found that they could not obtain power over the
|
|
Nephites by the pass, they began to dig down their banks of earth that they
|
|
might obtain a pass to their armies, that they might have an equal chance to
|
|
fight; but behold, in these attempts they were swept off by the stones and
|
|
arrows which were thrown at them; and instead of filling up their ditches by
|
|
pulling down the banks of earth, they were filled up in a measure with their
|
|
dead and wounded bodies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:23 Thus the Nephites had all power over their enemies; and thus the
|
|
Lamanites did attempt to destroy the Nephites until their chief captains were
|
|
all slain; yea, and more than a thousand of the Lamanites were slain; while, on
|
|
the other hand, there was not a single soul of the Nephites which was slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:24 There were about fifty who were wounded, who had been exposed to the
|
|
arrows of the Lamanites through the pass, but they were shielded by their
|
|
shields, and their breastplates, and their head-plates, insomuch that their
|
|
wounds were upon their legs, many of which were very severe.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:25 And it came to pass, that when the Lamanites saw that their chief
|
|
captains were all slain they fled into the wilderness. And it came to pass that
|
|
they returned to the land of Nephi, to inform their king, Amalickiah, who was a
|
|
Nephite by birth, concerning their great loss.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:26 And it came to pass that he was exceedingly angry with his people,
|
|
because he had not obtained his desire over the Nephites; he had not subjected
|
|
them to the yoke of bondage.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:27 Yea, he was exceedingly wroth, and he did curse God, and also Moroni,
|
|
swearing with an oath that he would drink his blood; and this because Moroni
|
|
had kept the commandments of God in preparing for the safety of his people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:28 And it came to pass, that on the other hand, the people of Nephi did
|
|
thank the Lord their God, because of his matchless power in delivering them
|
|
from the hands of their enemies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:29 And thus ended the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges over
|
|
the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 49:30 Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great
|
|
prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave
|
|
unto the word of God, which was declared unto them by Helaman, and Shiblon, and
|
|
Corianton, and Ammon and his brethren, yea, and by all those who had been
|
|
ordained by the holy order of God, being baptized unto repentance, and sent
|
|
forth to preach among the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:0 Moroni fortifies the lime between land of Zarahemla and land of
|
|
Nephi--Morianton plans to occupy the land northward--he is killed by
|
|
Teancum--Pahoran succeeds Nephihah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:1 And now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop making preparations
|
|
for war, or to defend his people against the Lamanites; for he caused that his
|
|
armies should commence in the commencement of the twentieth year of the reign
|
|
of the judges, that they should commence in digging up heaps of earth round
|
|
about all the cities, throughout all the land which was possessed by the
|
|
Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:2 And upon the top of these ridges of earth he caused that there should
|
|
be timbers, yea, works of timbers built up to the height of a man, round about
|
|
the cities.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:3 And he caused that upon those works of timbers there should be a frame
|
|
of pickets built upon the timbers round about; and they were strong and high.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:4 And he caused towers to be erected that overlooked those works of
|
|
pickets, and he caused places of security to be built upon those towers, that
|
|
the stones and the arrows of the Lamanites could not hurt them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:5 And they were prepared that they could cast stones from the top
|
|
thereof, according to their pleasure and their strength, and slay him who
|
|
should attempt to approach near the walls of the city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:6 Thus Moroni did prepare strongholds against the coming of their
|
|
enemies, round about every city in all the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:7 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his armies should go forth
|
|
into the east wilderness; yea, and they went forth and drove all the Lamanites
|
|
who were in the east wilderness into their own lands, which were south of the
|
|
land of Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:8 And the land of Nephi did run in a straight course from the east sea
|
|
to the west.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:9 And it came to pass that when Moroni had driven all the Lamanites out
|
|
of the east wilderness, which was north of the lands of their own possessions,
|
|
he caused that the inhabitants who were in the land of Zarahemla and in the
|
|
land round about should go forth into the east wilderness, even to the borders
|
|
by the seashore, and possess the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:10 And he also placed armies on the south, in the borders of their
|
|
possessions, and caused them to erect fortifications that they might secure
|
|
their armies and their people from the hands of their enemies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:11 And thus he cut off all the strongholds of the Lamanites in the east
|
|
wilderness, yea, and also on the west, fortifying the line between the Nephites
|
|
and the Lamanites, between the land of Zarahemla and the land of Nephi, from
|
|
the west sea, running by the head of the river Sidon--the Nephites possessing
|
|
all the land northward, yea, even all the land which was northward of the land
|
|
Bountiful, according to their pleasure.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:12 Thus Moroni, with his armies, which did increase daily because of the
|
|
assurance of protection which his works did bring forth unto them, did seek to
|
|
cut off the strength and the power of the Lamanites from off the lands of their
|
|
possessions, that they should have no power upon the lands of their possession.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:13 And it came to pass that the Nephites began the foundation of a city,
|
|
and they called the name of the city Moroni; and it was by the east sea; and it
|
|
was on the south by the line of the possessions of the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:14 And they also began a foundation for a city between the city of
|
|
Moroni and the city of Aaron, joining the borders of Aaron and Moroni; and they
|
|
called the name of the city, or the land, Nephihah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:15 And they also began in that same year to build many cities on the
|
|
north, one in a particular manner which they called Lehi, which was in the
|
|
north by the borders of the seashore.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:16 And thus ended the twentieth year.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:17 And in these prosperous circumstances were the people of Nephi in the
|
|
commencement of the twenty and first year of the reign of the judges over the
|
|
people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:18 And they did prosper exceedingly, and they became exceedingly rich;
|
|
yea, and they did multiply and wax strong in the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:19 And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the
|
|
Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can
|
|
behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto
|
|
Lehi, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:20 Blessed art thou and thy children; and they shall be blessed,
|
|
inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments they shall prosper in the land. But
|
|
remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my commandments they shall be cut off
|
|
from the presence of the Lord.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:21 And we see that these promises have been verified to the people of
|
|
Nephi; for it has been their quarrelings and their contentions, yea, their
|
|
murderings, and their plunderings, their idolatry, their whoredoms, and their
|
|
abominations, which were among themselves, which brought upon them their wars
|
|
and their destructions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:22 And those who were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord
|
|
were delivered at all times, whilst thousands of their wicked brethren have
|
|
been consigned to bondage, or to perish by the sword, or to dwindle in
|
|
unbelief, and mingle with the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:23 But behold there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi,
|
|
since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni, yea, even at this time, in
|
|
the twenty and first year of the reign of the judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:24 And it came to pass that the twenty and second year of the reign of
|
|
the judges also ended in peace; yea, and also the twenty and third year.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:25 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the twenty and fourth
|
|
year of the reign of the judges, there would also have been peace among the
|
|
people of Nephi had it not been for a contention which took place among them
|
|
concerning the land of Lehi, and the land of Morianton, which joined upon the
|
|
borders of Lehi; both of which were on the borders by the seashore.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:26 For behold, the people who possessed the land of Morianton did claim
|
|
a part of the land of Lehi; therefore there began to be a warm contention
|
|
between them, insomuch that the people of Morianton took up arms against their
|
|
brethren, and they were determined by the sword to slay them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:27 But behold, the people who possessed the land of Lehi fled to the
|
|
camp of Moroni, and appealed unto him for assistance; for behold they were not
|
|
in the wrong.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:28 And it came to pass that when the people of Morianton, who were led
|
|
by a man whose name was Morianton, found that the people of Lehi had fled to
|
|
the camp of Moroni, they were exceedingly fearful lest the army of Moroni
|
|
should come upon them and destroy them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:29 Therefore, Morianton put it into their hearts that they should flee
|
|
to the land which was northward, which was covered with large bodies of water,
|
|
and take possession of the land which was northward.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:30 And behold, they would have carried this plan into effect, (which
|
|
would have been a cause to have been lamented) but behold, Morianton being a
|
|
man of much passion, therefore he was angry with one of his maid servants, and
|
|
he fell upon her and beat her much.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:31 And it came to pass that she fled, and came over to the camp of
|
|
Moroni, and told Moroni all things concerning the matter, and also concerning
|
|
their intentions to flee into the land northward.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:32 Now behold, the people who were in the land Bountiful, or rather
|
|
Moroni, feared that they would hearken to the words of Morianton and unite with
|
|
his people, and thus he would obtain possession of those parts of the land,
|
|
which would lay a foundation for serious consequences among the people of
|
|
Nephi, yea, which consequences would lead to the overthrow of their liberty.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:33 Therefore Moroni sent an army, with their camp, to head the people of
|
|
Morianton, to stop their flight into the land northward.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:34 And it came to pass that they did not head them until they had come
|
|
to the borders of the land Desolation; and there they did head them, by the
|
|
narrow pass which led by the sea into the land northward, yea, by the sea, on
|
|
the west and on the east.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:35 And it came to pass that the army which was sent by Moroni, which was
|
|
led by a man whose name was Teancum, did meet the people of Morianton; and so
|
|
stubborn were the people of Morianton, (being inspired by his wickedness and
|
|
his flattering words) that a battle commenced between them, in the which
|
|
Teancum did slay Morianton and defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and
|
|
returned to the camp of Moroni. And thus ended the twenty and fourth year of
|
|
the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:36 And thus were the people of Morianton brought back. And upon their
|
|
covenanting to keep the peace they were restored to the land of Morianton, and
|
|
a union took place between them and the people of Lehi; and they were also
|
|
restored to their lands.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:37 And it came to pass that in the same year that the people of Nephi
|
|
had peace restored unto them, that Nephihah, the second chief judge, died,
|
|
having filled the judgment seat with perfect uprightness before God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:38 Nevertheless, he had refused Alma to take possession of those records
|
|
and those things which were esteemed by Alma and his fathers to be most sacred;
|
|
therefore Alma had conferred them upon his son, Helaman.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:39 Behold, it came to pass that the son of Nephihah was appointed to
|
|
fill the judgment-seat, in the stead of his father; yea, he was appointed chief
|
|
judge and governor over the people, with an oath and sacred ordinance to judge
|
|
righteously, and to keep the peace and the freedom of the people, and to grant
|
|
unto them their sacred privileges to worship the Lord their God, yea, to
|
|
support and maintain the cause of God all his days, and to bring the wicked to
|
|
justice according to their crime.
|
|
|
|
ALM 50:40 Now behold, his name was Pahoran. And Pahoran did fill the seat of
|
|
his father, and did commence his reign in the end of the twenty and fourth
|
|
year, over the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:0 King-men and freemen--Pahoran, chief judge, is sustained by the
|
|
freemen--King-men suppressed--Amalickiah's invasion, defeat, and death.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:1 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the twenty and fifth
|
|
year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, they having
|
|
established peace between the people of Lehi and the people of Morianton
|
|
concerning their lands, and having commenced the twenty and fifth year in
|
|
peace;
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:2 Nevertheless, they did not long maintain an entire peace in the land,
|
|
for there began to be a contention among the people concerning the chief judge
|
|
Pahoran; for behold, there were a part of the people who desired that a few
|
|
particular points of the law should be altered.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:3 But behold, Pahoran would not alter nor suffer the law to be altered;
|
|
therefore, he did not hearken to those who had sent in their voices with their
|
|
petitions concerning the altering of the law.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:4 Therefore, those who were desirous that the law should be altered were
|
|
angry with him, and desired that he should no longer be chief judge over the
|
|
land; therefore there arose a warm dispute concerning the matter, but not unto
|
|
bloodshed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:5 And it came to pass that those who were desirous that Pahoran should
|
|
be dethroned from the judgment-seat were called king-men, for they were
|
|
desirous that the law should be altered in a manner to overthrow the free
|
|
government and to establish a king over the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:6 And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge
|
|
over the land took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division
|
|
among them, for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights
|
|
and the privileges of their religion by a free government.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:7 And it came to pass that this matter of their contention was settled
|
|
by the voice of the people. And it came to pass that the voice of the people
|
|
came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained the judgment-seat, which
|
|
caused much rejoicing among the brethren of Pahoran and also many of the people
|
|
of liberty, who also put the king-men to silence, that they durst not oppose
|
|
but were obliged to maintain the cause of freedom.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:8 Now those who were in favor of kings were those of high birth, and
|
|
they sought to be kings; and they were supported by those who sought power and
|
|
authority over the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:9 But behold, this was a critical time for such contentions to be among
|
|
the people of Nephi; for behold, Amalickiah had again stirred up the hearts of
|
|
the people of the Lamanites against the people of the Nephites, and he was
|
|
gathering together soldiers from all parts of his land, and arming them, and
|
|
preparing for war with all diligence; for he had sworn to drink the blood of
|
|
Moroni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:10 But behold, we shall see that his promise which he made was rash;
|
|
nevertheless, he did prepare himself and his armies to come to battle against
|
|
the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:11 Now his armies were not so great as they had hitherto been, because
|
|
of the many thousands who had been slain by the hand of the Nephites; but
|
|
notwithstanding their great loss, Amalickiah had gathered together a
|
|
wonderfully great army, insomuch that he feared not to come down to the land of
|
|
Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:12 Yea, even Amalickiah did himself come down, at the head of the
|
|
Lamanites. And it was in the twenty and fifth year of the reign of the judges;
|
|
and it was at the same time that they had begun to settle the affairs of their
|
|
contentions concerning the chief judge, Pahoran.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:13 And it came to pass that when the men who were called king-men had
|
|
heard that the Lamanites were coming down to battle against them, they were
|
|
glad in their hearts; and they refused to take up arms, for they were so wroth
|
|
with the chief judge, and also with the people of liberty, that they would not
|
|
take up arms to defend their country.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:14 And it came to pass that when Moroni saw this, and also saw that the
|
|
Lamanites were coming into the borders of the land, he was exceedingly wroth
|
|
because of the stubbornness of those people whom he had labored with so much
|
|
diligence to preserve; yea, he was exceedingly wroth; his soul was filled with
|
|
anger against them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:15 And it came to pass that he sent a petition, with the voice of the
|
|
people, unto the governor of the land, desiring that he should read it, and
|
|
give him (Moroni) power to compel those dissenters to defend their country or
|
|
to put them to death.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:16 For it was his first care to put an end to such contentions and
|
|
dissensions among the people; for behold, this had been hitherto a cause of all
|
|
their destruction. And it came to pass that it was granted according to the
|
|
voice of the people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:17 And it came to pass that Moroni commanded that his army should go
|
|
against those king-men, to pull down their pride and their nobility and level
|
|
them with the earth, or they should take up arms and support the cause of
|
|
liberty.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:18 And it came to pass that the armies did march forth against them; and
|
|
they did pull down their pride and their nobility, insomuch that as they did
|
|
lift their weapons of war to fight against the men of Moroni they were hewn
|
|
down and leveled to the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:19 And it came to pass that there were four thousand of those dissenters
|
|
who were hewn down by the sword; and those of their leaders who were not slain
|
|
in battle were taken and cast into prison, for there was no time for their
|
|
trials at this period.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:20 And the remainder of those dissenters, rather than be smitten down to
|
|
the earth by the sword, yielded to the standard of liberty, and were compelled
|
|
to hoist the title of liberty upon their towers, and in their cities, and to
|
|
take up arms in defence of their country.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:21 And thus Moroni put an end to those king-men, that there were not any
|
|
known by the appellation of king-men; and thus he put an end to the
|
|
stubbornness and the pride of those people who professed the blood of nobility;
|
|
but they were brought down to humble themselves like unto their brethren, and
|
|
to fight valiantly for their freedom from bondage.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:22 Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus breaking down the
|
|
wars and contentions among his own people, and subjecting them to peace and
|
|
civilization, and making regulations to prepare for war against the Lamanites,
|
|
behold, the Lamanites had come into the land of Moroni, which was in the
|
|
borders by the seashore.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:23 And it came to pass that the Nephites were not sufficiently strong in
|
|
the city of Moroni; therefore Amalickiah did drive them, slaying many. And it
|
|
came to pass that Amalickiah took possession of the city, yea, possession of
|
|
all their fortifications.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:24 And those who fled out of the city of Moroni came to the city of
|
|
Nephihah; and also the people of the city of Lehi gathered themselves together,
|
|
and made preparations and were ready to receive the Lamanites to battle.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:25 But it came to pass that Amalickiah would not suffer the Lamanites to
|
|
go against the city of Nephihah to battle, but kept them down by the seashore,
|
|
leaving men in every city to maintain and defend it.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:26 And thus he went on, taking possession of many cities, the city of
|
|
Nephihah, and the city of Lehi, and the city of Morianton, and the city of
|
|
Omner, and the city of Gid, and the city of Mulek, all of which were on the
|
|
east borders by the seashore.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:27 And thus had the Lamanites obtained, by the cunning of Amalickiah, so
|
|
many cities, by their numberless hosts, all of which were strongly fortified
|
|
after the manner of the fortifications of Moroni; all of which afforded
|
|
strongholds for the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:28 And it came to pass that they marched to the borders of the land
|
|
Bountiful, driving the Nephites before them and slaying many.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:29 But it came to pass that they were met by Teancum, who had slain
|
|
Morianton and had headed his people in his flight.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:30 And it came to pass that he headed Amalickiah also, as he was
|
|
marching forth with his numerous army that he might take possession of the land
|
|
Bountiful, and also the land northward.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:31 But behold he met with a disappointment by being repulsed by Teancum
|
|
and his men, for they were great warriors; for every man of Teancum did exceed
|
|
the Lamanites in their strength and in their skill of war, insomuch that they
|
|
did gain advantage over the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:32 And it came to pass that they did harass them, insomuch that they did
|
|
slay them even until it was dark. And it came to pass that Teancum and his men
|
|
did pitch their tents in the borders of the land Bountiful; and Amalickiah did
|
|
pitch his tents in the borders on the beach by the seashore, and after this
|
|
manner were they driven.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:33 And it came to pass that when the night had come, Teancum and his
|
|
servant stole forth and went out by night, and went into the camp of
|
|
Amalickiah; and behold, sleep had overpowered them because of their much
|
|
fatigue, which was caused by the labors and heat of the day.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:34 And it came to pass that Teancum stole privily into the tent of the
|
|
king, and put a javelin to his heart; and he did cause the death of the king
|
|
immediately that he did not awake his servants.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:35 And he returned again privily to his own camp, and behold, his men
|
|
were asleep, and he awoke them and told them all the things that he had done.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:36 And he caused that his armies should stand in readiness, lest the
|
|
Lamanites had awakened and should come upon them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 51:37 And thus endeth the twenty and fifth year of the reign of the judges
|
|
over the people of Nephi; and thus endeth the days of Amalickiah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:0 Ammoron succeeds Amalickiah--Moroni, with Teancum and Lehi, retakes
|
|
city of Mulek and wins great victory--Death of Jacob, the Lamanite general.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:1 And now, it came to pass in the twenty and sixth year of the reign of
|
|
the judges over the people of Nephi, behold, when the Lamanites awoke on the
|
|
first morning of the first month, behold, they found Amalickiah was dead in his
|
|
own tent; and they also saw that Teancum was ready to give them battle on that
|
|
day.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:2 And now, when the Lamanites saw this they were affrighted; and they
|
|
abandoned their design in marching into the land northward, and retreated with
|
|
all their army into the city of Mulek, and sought protection in their
|
|
fortifications.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:3 And it came to pass that the brother of Amalickiah was appointed king
|
|
over the people; and his name was Ammoron; thus king Ammoron, the brother of
|
|
king Amalickiah, was appointed to reign in his stead.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:4 And it came to pass that he did command that his people should
|
|
maintain those cities, which they had taken by the shedding of blood; for they
|
|
had not taken any cities save they had lost much blood.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:5 And now, Teancum saw that the Lamanites were determined to maintain
|
|
those cities which they had taken, and those parts of the land which they had
|
|
obtained possession of; and also seeing the enormity of their number, Teancum
|
|
thought it was not expedient that he should attempt to attack them in their
|
|
forts.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:6 But he kept his men round about, as if making preparations for war;
|
|
yea, and truly he was preparing to defend himself against them, by casting up
|
|
walls round about and preparing places of resort.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:7 And it came to pass that he kept thus preparing for war until Moroni
|
|
had sent a large number of men to strengthen his army.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:8 And Moroni also sent orders unto him that he should retain all the
|
|
prisoners who fell into his hands; for as the Lamanites had taken many
|
|
prisoners, that he should retain all the prisoners of the Lamanites as a ransom
|
|
for those whom the Lamanites had taken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:9 And he also sent orders unto him that he should fortify the land
|
|
Bountiful, and secure the narrow pass which led into the land northward, lest
|
|
the Lamanites should obtain that point and should have power to harass them on
|
|
every side.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:10 And Moroni also sent unto him, desiring him that he would be faithful
|
|
in maintaining that quarter of the land, and that he would seek every
|
|
opportunity to scourge the Lamanites in that quarter, as much as was in his
|
|
power, that perhaps he might take again by stratagem or some other way those
|
|
cities which had been taken out of their hands; and that he also would fortify
|
|
and strengthen the cities round about, which had not fallen into the hands of
|
|
the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:11 And he also said unto him, I would come unto you, but behold, the
|
|
Lamanites are upon us in the borders of the land by the west sea; and behold, I
|
|
go against them, therefore I cannot come unto you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:12 Now, the king (Ammoron) had departed out of the land of Zarahemla,
|
|
and had made known unto the queen concerning the death of his brother, and had
|
|
gathered together a large number of men, and had marched forth against the
|
|
Nephites on the borders by the west sea.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:13 And thus he was endeavoring to harass the Nephites, and to draw away
|
|
a part of their forces to that part of the land, while he had commanded those
|
|
whom he had left to possess the cities which he had taken, that they should
|
|
also harass the Nephites on the borders by the east sea, and should take
|
|
possession of their lands as much as it was in their power, according to the
|
|
power of their armies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:14 And thus were the Nephites in those dangerous circumstances in the
|
|
ending of the twenty and sixth year of the reign of the judges over the people
|
|
of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:15 But behold, it came to pass in the twenty and seventh year of the
|
|
reign of the judges, that Teancum, by the command of Moroni--who had
|
|
established armies to protect the south and the west borders of the land, and
|
|
had begun his march towards the land Bountiful, that he might assist Teancum
|
|
with his men in retaking the cities which they had lost--
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:16 And it came to pass that Teancum had received orders to make an
|
|
attack upon the city of Mulek, and retake it if it were possible.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:17 And it came to pass that Teancum made preparations to make an attack
|
|
upon the city of Mulek, and march forth with his army against the Lamanites;
|
|
but he saw that it was impossible that he could overpower them while they were
|
|
in their fortifications; therefore he abandoned his designs and returned again
|
|
to the city Bountiful, to wait for the coming of Moroni, that he might receive
|
|
strength to his army.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:18 And it came to pass that Moroni did arrive with his army at the land
|
|
of Bountiful, in the latter end of the twenty and seventh year of the reign of
|
|
the judges over the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:19 And in the commencement of the twenty and eighth year, Moroni and
|
|
Teancum and many of the chief captains held a council of war--what they should
|
|
do to cause the Lamanites to come out against them to battle; or that they
|
|
might by some means flatter them out of their strongholds, that they might gain
|
|
advantage over them and take again the city of Mulek.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:20 And it came to pass they sent embassies to the army of the Lamanites,
|
|
which protected the city of Mulek, to their leader, whose name was Jacob,
|
|
desiring him that he would come out with his armies to meet them upon the
|
|
plains between the two cities. But behold, Jacob, who was a Zoramite, would not
|
|
come out with his army to meet them upon the plains.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:21 And it came to pass that Moroni, having no hopes of meeting them upon
|
|
fair grounds, therefore, he resolved upon a plan that he might decoy the
|
|
Lamanites out of their strongholds.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:22 Therefore he caused that Teancum should take a small number of men
|
|
and march down near the seashore; and Moroni and his army, by night, marched in
|
|
the wilderness, on the west of the city Mulek; and thus, on the morrow, when
|
|
the guards of the Lamanites had discovered Teancum, they ran and told it unto
|
|
Jacob, their leader.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:23 And it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites did march forth
|
|
against Teancum, supposing by their numbers to overpower Teancum because of the
|
|
smallness of his numbers. And as Teancum saw the armies of the Lamanites coming
|
|
out against him he began to retreat down by the seashore, northward.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:24 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that he began to
|
|
flee, they took courage and pursued them with vigor. And while Teancum was thus
|
|
leading away the Lamanites who were pursuing them in vain, behold, Moroni
|
|
commanded that a part of his army who were with him should march forth into the
|
|
city, and take possession of it.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:25 And thus they did, and slew all those who had been left to protect
|
|
the city, yea, all those who would not yield up their weapons of war.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:26 And thus Moroni had obtained possession of the city Mulek with a part
|
|
of his army, while he marched with the remainder to meet the Lamanites when
|
|
they should return from the pursuit of Teancum.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:27 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did pursue Teancum until they
|
|
came near the city Bountiful, and then they were met by Lehi and a small army,
|
|
which had been left to protect the city Bountiful.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:28 And now behold, when the chief captains of the Lamanites had beheld
|
|
Lehi with his army coming against them, they fled in much confusion, lest
|
|
perhaps they should not obtain the city Mulek before Lehi should overtake them;
|
|
for they were wearied because of their march, and the men of Lehi were fresh.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:29 Now the Lamanites did not know that Moroni had been in their rear
|
|
with his army; and all they feared was Lehi and his men.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:30 Now Lehi was not desirous to overtake them till they should meet
|
|
Moroni and his army.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:31 And it came to pass that before the Lamanites had retreated far they
|
|
were surrounded by the Nephites, by the men of Moroni on one hand, and the men
|
|
of Lehi on the other, all of whom were fresh and full of strength; but the
|
|
Lamanites were wearied because of their long march.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:32 And Moroni commanded his men that they should fall upon them until
|
|
they had given up their weapons of war.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:33 And it came to pass that Jacob, being their leader, being also a
|
|
Zoramite, and having an unconquerable spirit, he led the Lamanites forth to
|
|
battle with exceeding fury against Moroni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:34 Moroni being in their course of march, therefore Jacob was determined
|
|
to slay them and cut his way through to the city of Mulek. But behold, Moroni
|
|
and his men were more powerful; therefore they did not give way before the
|
|
Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:35 And it came to pass that they fought on both hands with exceeding
|
|
fury; and there were many slain on both sides; yea, and Moroni was wounded and
|
|
Jacob was killed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:36 And Lehi pressed upon their rear with such fury with his strong men,
|
|
that the Lamanites in the rear delivered up their weapons of war; and the
|
|
remainder of them, being much confused, knew not whither to go or to strike.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:37 Now Moroni seeing their confusion, he said unto them: If ye will
|
|
bring forth your weapons of war and deliver them up, behold we will forbear
|
|
shedding your blood.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:38 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had heard these words,
|
|
their chief captains, all those who were not slain, came forth and threw down
|
|
their weapons of war at the feet of Moroni, and also commanded their men that
|
|
they should do the same.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:39 But behold, there were many that would not; and those who would not
|
|
deliver up their swords were taken and bound, and their weapons of war were
|
|
taken from them, and they were compelled to march with their brethren forth
|
|
into the land Bountiful.
|
|
|
|
ALM 52:40 And now the number of prisoners who were taken exceeded more than the
|
|
number of those who had been slain, yea, more than those who had been slain on
|
|
both sides.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:0 City Bountiful fortified--Nephite dissension gives advantage to
|
|
enemy--Helaman and his two thousand stripling warriors.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:1 And it came to pass that they did set guards over the prisoners of the
|
|
Lamanites, and did compel them to go forth and bury their dead, yea, and also
|
|
the dead of the Nephites who were slain; and Moroni placed men over them to
|
|
guard them while they should perform their labors.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:2 And Moroni went to the city of Mulek with Lehi, and took command of
|
|
the city and gave it unto Lehi. Now behold, this Lehi was a man who had been
|
|
with Moroni in the more part of all his battles; and he was a man like unto
|
|
Moroni, and they rejoiced in each other's safety; yea, they were beloved by
|
|
each other, and also beloved by all the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:3 And it came to pass that after the Lamanites had finished burying
|
|
their dead and also the dead of the Nephites, they were marched back into the
|
|
land Bountiful; and Teancum, by the orders of Moroni, caused that they should
|
|
commence laboring in digging a ditch round about the land, or the city,
|
|
Bountiful.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:4 And he caused that they should build a breastwork of timbers upon the
|
|
inner bank of the ditch; and they cast up dirt out of the ditch against the
|
|
breastwork of timbers; and thus they did cause the Lamanites to labor until
|
|
they had encircled the city of Bountiful round about with a strong wall of
|
|
timbers and earth, to an exceeding height.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:5 And this city became an exceeding stronghold ever after; and in this
|
|
city they did guard the prisoners of the Lamanites; yea, even within a wall
|
|
which they had caused them to build with their own hands. Now Moroni was
|
|
compelled to cause the Lamanites to labor, because it was easy to guard them
|
|
while at their labor; and he desired all his forces when he should make an
|
|
attack upon the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:6 And it came to pass that Moroni had thus gained a victory over one of
|
|
the greatest of the armies of the Lamanites, and had obtained possession of the
|
|
city of Mulek, which was one of the strongest holds of the Lamanites in the
|
|
land of Nephi; and thus he had also built a stronghold to retain his prisoners.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:7 And it came to pass that he did no more attempt a battle with the
|
|
Lamanites in that year, but he did employ his men in preparing for war, yea,
|
|
and in making fortifications to guard against the Lamanites, yea, and also
|
|
delivering their women and their children from famine and affliction, and
|
|
providing food for their armies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:8 And now it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites, on the west
|
|
sea, south, while in the absence of Moroni on account of some intrigue amongst
|
|
the Nephites, which caused dissensions amongst them, had gained some ground
|
|
over the Nephites, yea, insomuch that they had obtained possession of a number
|
|
of their cities in that part of the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:9 And thus because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea, because of
|
|
dissensions and intrigue among themselves they were placed in the most
|
|
dangerous circumstances.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:10 And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people of
|
|
Ammon, who, in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren, or
|
|
rather by the power and word of God, they had been converted unto the Lord; and
|
|
they had been brought down into the land of Zarahemla, and had ever since been
|
|
protected by the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:11 And because of their oath they had been kept from taking up arms
|
|
against their brethren; for they had taken an oath that they never would shed
|
|
blood more; and according to their oath they would have perished; yea, they
|
|
would have suffered themselves to have fallen into the hands of their brethren,
|
|
had it not been for the pity and the exceeding love which Ammon and his
|
|
brethren had had for them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:12 And for this cause they were brought down into the land of Zarahemla;
|
|
and they ever had been protected by the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:13 But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the many
|
|
afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved
|
|
with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in the defence of their
|
|
country.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:14 But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of war, they
|
|
were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, for they were
|
|
about to break the oath which they had made.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:15 And Helaman feared lest by so doing they should lose their souls;
|
|
therefore all those who had entered into this covenant were compelled to behold
|
|
their brethren wade through their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances
|
|
at this time.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:16 But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, who had not entered
|
|
into a covenant that they would not take their weapons of war to defend
|
|
themselves against their enemies; therefore they did assemble themselves
|
|
together at this time, as many as were able to take up arms, and they called
|
|
themselves Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:17 And they entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the
|
|
Nephites, yea, to protect the land unto the laying down of their lives; yea,
|
|
even they covenanted that they never would give up their liberty, but they
|
|
would fight in all cases to protect the Nephites and themselves from bondage.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:18 Now behold, there were two thousand of those young men, who entered
|
|
into this covenant and took their weapons of war to defend their country.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:19 And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the
|
|
Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great support; for they
|
|
took their weapons of war, and they would that Helaman should be their leader.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for
|
|
courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all--they
|
|
were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught
|
|
to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:22 And now it came to pass that Helaman did march at the head of his two
|
|
thousand stripling soldiers, to the support of the people in the borders of the
|
|
land on the south by the west sea.
|
|
|
|
ALM 53:23 And thus ended the twenty and eighth year of the reign of the judges
|
|
over the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:0 Ammoron asks for exchange of prisoners--Moroni grants request upon
|
|
conditions--The Lamanite king's angry reply.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:1 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the twenty and ninth
|
|
year of the judges, that Ammoron sent unto Moroni desiring that he would
|
|
exchange prisoners.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:2 And it came to pass that Moroni felt to rejoice exceedingly at this
|
|
request, for he desired the provisions which were imparted for the support of
|
|
the Lamanite prisoners for the support of his own people; and he also desired
|
|
his own people for the strengthening of his army.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:3 Now the Lamanites had taken many women and children, and there was not
|
|
a woman nor a child among all the prisoners of Moroni, or the prisoners whom
|
|
Moroni had taken; therefore Moroni resolved upon a stratagem to obtain as many
|
|
prisoners of the Nephites from the Lamanites as it were possible.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:4 Therefore he wrote an epistle, and sent it by the servant of Ammoron,
|
|
the same who had brought an epistle to Moroni. Now these are the words which he
|
|
wrote unto Ammoron, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:5 Behold, Ammoron, I have written unto you somewhat concerning this war
|
|
which ye have waged against my people, or rather which thy brother hath waged
|
|
against them, and which ye are still determined to carry on after his death.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:6 Behold, I would tell you somewhat concerning the justice of God, and
|
|
the sword of his almighty wrath, which doth hang over you except ye repent and
|
|
withdraw your armies into your own lands, or the land of your possessions,
|
|
which is the land of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:7 Yea, I would tell you these things if ye were capable of hearkening
|
|
unto them; yea, I would tell you concerning that awful hell that awaits to
|
|
receive such murderers as thou and thy brother have been, except ye repent and
|
|
withdraw your murderous purposes, and return with your armies to your own
|
|
lands.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:8 But as ye have once rejected these things, and have fought against the
|
|
people of the Lord, even so I may expect you will do it again.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:9 And now behold, we are prepared to receive you; yea, and except you
|
|
withdraw your purposes, behold, ye will pull down the wrath of that God whom
|
|
you have rejected upon you, even to your utter destruction.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:10 But, as the Lord liveth, our armies shall come upon you except ye
|
|
withdraw, and ye shall soon be visited with death, for we will retain our
|
|
cities and our lands; yea, and we will maintain our religion and the cause of
|
|
our God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:11 But behold, it supposeth me that I talk to you concerning these
|
|
things in vain; or it supposeth me that thou art a child of hell; therefore I
|
|
will close my epistle by telling you that I will not exchange prisoners, save
|
|
it be on conditions that ye will deliver up a man and his wife and his
|
|
children, for one prisoner; if this be the case that ye will do it, I will
|
|
exchange.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:12 And behold, if ye do not this, I will come against you with my
|
|
armies; yea, even I will arm my women and my children, and I will come against
|
|
you, and I will follow you even into your own land, which is the land of our
|
|
first inheritance; yea, and it shall be blood for blood, yea, life for life;
|
|
and I will give you battle even until you are destroyed from off the face of
|
|
the earth.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:13 Behold, I am in my anger, and also my people; ye have sought to
|
|
murder us, and we have only sought to defend ourselves. But behold, if ye seek
|
|
to destroy us more we will seek to destroy you; yea, and we will seek our land,
|
|
the land of our first inheritance.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:14 Now I close my epistle. I am Moroni; I am a leader of the people of
|
|
the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:15 Now it came to pass that Ammoron, when he had received this epistle,
|
|
was angry; and he wrote another epistle unto Moroni, and these are the words
|
|
which he wrote, saying:
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:16 I am Ammoron, the king of the Lamanites; I am the brother of
|
|
Amalickiah whom ye have murdered. Behold, I will avenge his blood upon you,
|
|
yea, and I will come upon you with my armies for I fear not your threatenings.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:17 For behold, your fathers did wrong their brethren, insomuch that they
|
|
did rob them of their right to the government when it rightly belonged unto
|
|
them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:18 And now behold, if ye will lay down your arms, and subject yourselves
|
|
to be governed by those to whom the government doth rightly belong, then will I
|
|
cause that my people shall lay down their weapons and shall be at war no more.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:19 Behold, ye have breathed out many threatenings against me and my
|
|
people; but behold, we fear not your threatenings.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:20 Nevertheless, I will grant to exchange prisoners according to your
|
|
request, gladly, that I may preserve my food for my men of war; and we will
|
|
wage a war which shall be eternal, either to the subjecting the Nephites to our
|
|
authority or to their eternal extinction.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:21 And as concerning that God whom ye say we have rejected, behold, we
|
|
know not such a being; neither do ye; but if it so be that there is such a
|
|
being, we know not but that he hath made us as well as you.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:22 And if it so be that there is a devil and a hell, behold will he not
|
|
send you there to dwell with my brother whom ye have murdered, whom ye have
|
|
hinted that he hath gone to such a place? But behold these things matter not.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:23 I am Ammoron, and a descendant of Zoram, whom your fathers pressed
|
|
and brought out of Jerusalem.
|
|
|
|
ALM 54:24 And behold now, I am a bold Lamanite; behold, this war hath been
|
|
waged to avenge their wrongs, and to maintain and to obtain their rights to the
|
|
government; and I close my epistle to Moroni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:0 Moroni, incensed at Ammoron's false assertions, refuses to exchange
|
|
prisoners--Strategy secures release of captured Nephites--City of Gid taken
|
|
without bloodshed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:1 Now it came to pass that when Moroni had received this epistle he was
|
|
more angry, because he knew that Ammoron had a perfect knowledge of his fraud;
|
|
yea, he knew that Ammoron knew that it was not a just cause that had caused him
|
|
to wage a war against the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:2 And he said: Behold, I will not exchange prisoners with Ammoron save
|
|
he will withdraw his purpose, as I have stated in my epistle; for I will not
|
|
grant unto him that he shall have any more power than what he hath got.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:3 Behold, I know the place where the Lamanites do guard my people whom
|
|
they have taken prisoners; and as Ammoron would not grant unto me mine epistle,
|
|
behold, I will give unto him according to my words; yea, I will seek death
|
|
among them until they shall sue for peace.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:4 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had said these words, he
|
|
caused that a search should be made among his men, that perhaps he might find a
|
|
man who was a descendant of Laman among them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:5 And it came to pass that they found one, whose name was Laman; and he
|
|
was one of the servants of the king who was murdered by Amalickiah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:6 Now Moroni caused that Laman and a small number of his men should go
|
|
forth unto the guards who were over the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:7 Now the Nephites were guarded in the city of Gid; therefore Moroni
|
|
appointed Laman and caused that a small number of men should go with him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:8 And when it was evening Laman went to the guards who were over the
|
|
Nephites, and behold, they saw him coming and they hailed him; but he saith
|
|
unto them: Fear not; behold, I am a Lamanite. Behold, we have escaped from the
|
|
Nephites, and they sleep; and behold we have taken of their wine and brought
|
|
with us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:9 Now when the Lamanites heard these words they received him with joy;
|
|
and they said unto him: Give us of your wine, that we may drink; we are glad
|
|
that ye have thus taken wine with you for we are weary.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:10 But Laman said unto them: Let us keep of our wine till we go against
|
|
the Nephites to battle. But this saying only made them more desirous to drink
|
|
of the wine;
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:11 For, said they: We are weary, therefore let us take of the wine, and
|
|
by and by we shall receive wine for our rations, which will strengthen us to go
|
|
against the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:12 And Laman said unto them: You may do according to your desires.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:13 And it came to pass that they did take of the wine freely; and it was
|
|
pleasant to their taste, therefore they took of it more freely; and it was
|
|
strong, having been prepared in its strength.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:14 And it came to pass they did drink and were merry, and by and by they
|
|
were all drunken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:15 And now when Laman and his men saw that they were all drunken, and
|
|
were in a deep sleep, they returned to Moroni and told him all the things that
|
|
had happened.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:16 And now this was according to the design of Moroni. And Moroni had
|
|
prepared his men with weapons of war; and he went to the city Gid, while the
|
|
Lamanites were in a deep sleep and drunken, and cast in weapons of war unto the
|
|
prisoners, insomuch that they were all armed;
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:17 Yea, even to their women, and all those of their children, as many as
|
|
were able to use a weapon of war, when Moroni had armed all those prisoners;
|
|
and all those things were done in a profound silence.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:18 But had they awakened the Lamanites, behold they were drunken and the
|
|
Nephites could have slain them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:19 But behold, this was not the desire of Moroni; he did not delight in
|
|
murder or bloodshed, but he delighted in the saving of his people from
|
|
destruction; and for this cause he might not bring upon him injustice, he would
|
|
not fall upon the Lamanites and destroy them in their drunkenness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:20 But he had obtained his desires; for he had armed those prisoners of
|
|
the Nephites who were within the wall of the city, and had given them power to
|
|
gain possession of those parts which were within the walls.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:21 And then he caused the men who were with him to withdraw a pace from
|
|
them, and surround the armies of the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:22 Now behold this was done in the night-time, so that when the
|
|
Lamanites awoke in the morning they beheld that they were surrounded by the
|
|
Nephites without, and that their prisoners were armed within.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:23 And thus they saw that the Nephites had power over them; and in these
|
|
circumstances they found that it was not expedient that they should fight with
|
|
the Nephites; therefore their chief captains demanded their weapons of war, and
|
|
they brought them forth and cast them at the feet of the Nephites, pleading for
|
|
mercy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:24 Now behold, this was the desire of Moroni. He took them prisoners of
|
|
war, and took possession of the city, and caused that all the prisoners should
|
|
be liberated, who were Nephites; and they did join the army of Moroni, and were
|
|
a great strength to his army.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:25 And it came to pass that he did cause the Lamanites, whom he had
|
|
taken prisoners, that they should commence a labor in strengthening the
|
|
fortifications round about the city Gid.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:26 And it came to pass that when he had fortified the city Gid,
|
|
according to his desires, he caused that his prisoners should be taken to the
|
|
city Bountiful; and he also guarded that city with an exceedingly strong force.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:27 And it came to pass that they did, notwithstanding all the intrigues
|
|
of the Lamanites, keep and protect all the prisoners whom they had taken, and
|
|
also maintain all the ground and the advantage which they had retaken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:28 And it came to pass that the Nephites began again to be victorious,
|
|
and to reclaim their rights and their privileges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:29 Many times did the Lamanites attempt to encircle them about by night,
|
|
but in these attempts they did lose many prisoners.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:30 And many times did they attempt to administer of their wine to the
|
|
Nephites, that they might destroy them with poison or with drunkenness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:31 But behold, the Nephites were not slow to remember the Lord their God
|
|
in this their time of affliction. They could not be taken in their snares; yea,
|
|
they would not partake of their wine, save they had first given to some of the
|
|
Lamanite prisoners.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:32 And they were thus cautious that no poison should be administered
|
|
among them; for if their wine would poison a Lamanite it would also poison a
|
|
Nephite; and thus they did try all their liquors.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:33 And now it came to pass that it was expedient for Moroni to make
|
|
preparations to attack the city Morianton; for behold, the Lamanites had, by
|
|
their labors, fortified the city Morianton until it had become an exceeding
|
|
stronghold.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:34 And they were continually bringing new forces into that city, and
|
|
also new supplies of provisions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 55:35 And thus ended the twenty and ninth year of the reign of the judges
|
|
over the people of Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:0 Helaman's epistle to Moroni--Wonderful faith and valor of the
|
|
stripling Ammonites--Another great battle--Nephites victorious.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:1 And now it came to pass in the commencement of the thirtieth year of
|
|
the reign of the judges, on the second day in the first month, Moroni received
|
|
an epistle from Helaman, stating the affairs of the people in that quarter of
|
|
the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:2 And these are the words which he wrote, saying: My dearly beloved
|
|
brother, Moroni, as well in the Lord as in the tribulations of our warfare;
|
|
behold, my beloved brother, I have somewhat to tell you concerning our warfare
|
|
in this part of the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:3 Behold, two thousand of the sons of those men whom Ammon brought down
|
|
out of the land of Nephi--now ye have known that these were descendants of
|
|
Laman, who was the eldest son of our father Lehi;
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:4 Now I need not rehearse unto you concerning their traditions or their
|
|
unbelief, for thou knowest concerning all these things--
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:5 Therefore it sufficeth me that I tell you that two thousand of these
|
|
young men have taken their weapons of war, and would that I should be their
|
|
leader; and we have come forth to defend our country.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:6 And now ye also know concerning the covenant which their fathers made,
|
|
that they would not take up their weapons of war against their brethren to shed
|
|
blood.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:7 But in the twenty and sixth year, when they saw our afflictions and
|
|
our tribulations for them, they were about to break the covenant which they had
|
|
made and take up their weapons of war in our defence.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:8 But I would not suffer them that they should break this covenant which
|
|
they had made, supposing that God would strengthen us, insomuch that we should
|
|
not suffer more because of the fulfilling the oath which they had taken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:9 But behold, here is one thing in which we may have great joy. For
|
|
behold, in the twenty and sixth year, I, Helaman, did march at the head of
|
|
these two thousand young men to the city of Judea, to assist Antipus, whom ye
|
|
had appointed a leader over the people of that part of the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:10 And I did join my two thousand sons, (for they are worthy to be
|
|
called sons) to the army of Antipus, in which strength Antipus did rejoice
|
|
exceedingly; for behold, his army had been reduced by the Lamanites because
|
|
their forces had slain a vast number of our men, for which cause we have to
|
|
mourn.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:11 Nevertheless, we may console ourselves in this point, that they have
|
|
died in the cause of their country and of their God, yea, and they are happy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:12 And the Lamanites had also retained many prisoners, all of whom are
|
|
chief captains, for none other have they spared alive. And we suppose that they
|
|
are now at this time in the land of Nephi; it is so if they are not slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:13 And now these are the cities of which the Lamanites have obtained
|
|
possession by the shedding of the blood of so many of our valiant men;
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:14 The land of Manti, or the city of Manti, and the city of Zeezrom, and
|
|
the city of Cumeni, and the city of Antiparah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:15 And these are the cities which they possessed when I arrived at the
|
|
city of Judea; and I found Antipus and his men toiling with their might to
|
|
fortify the city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:16 Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they
|
|
had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities; and
|
|
thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:17 And now they were determined to conquer in this place or die;
|
|
therefore you may well suppose that this little force which I brought with me,
|
|
yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes and much joy.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:18 And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that Antipus had
|
|
received a greater strength to his army, they were compelled by the orders of
|
|
Ammoron to not come against the city of Judea, or against us, to battle.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:19 And thus were we favored of the Lord; for had they come upon us in
|
|
this our weakness they might have perhaps destroyed our little army; but thus
|
|
were we preserved.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:20 They were commanded by Ammoron to maintain those cities which they
|
|
had taken. And thus ended the twenty and sixth year. And in the commencement of
|
|
the twenty and seventh year we had prepared our city and ourselves for defence.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:21 Now we were desirous that the Lamanites should come upon us; for we
|
|
were not desirous to make an attack upon them in their strongholds.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:22 And it came to pass that we kept spies out round about, to watch the
|
|
movements of the Lamanites, that they might not pass us by night nor by day to
|
|
make an attack upon our other cities which were on the northward.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:23 For we knew in those cities they were not sufficiently strong to meet
|
|
them; therefore we were desirous, if they should pass by us, to fall upon them
|
|
in their rear, and thus bring them up in the rear at the same time they were
|
|
met in the front. We supposed that we could overpower them; but behold, we were
|
|
disappointed in this our desire.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:24 They durst not pass by us with their whole army, neither durst they
|
|
with a part, lest they should not be sufficiently strong and they should fall.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:25 Neither durst they march down against the city of Zarahemla; neither
|
|
durst they cross the head of Sidon, over to the city of Nephihah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:26 And thus, with their forces, they were determined to maintain those
|
|
cities which they had taken.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:27 And now it came to pass in the second month of this year, there was
|
|
brought unto us many provisions from the fathers of those my two thousand sons.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:28 And also there were sent two thousand men unto us from the land of
|
|
Zarahemla. And thus we were prepared with ten thousand men, and provisions for
|
|
them, and also for their wives and their children.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:29 And the Lamanites, thus seeing our forces increase daily, and
|
|
provisions arrive for our support, they began to be fearful, and began to sally
|
|
forth, if it were possible to put an end to our receiving provisions and
|
|
strength.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:30 Now when we saw that the Lamanites began to grow uneasy on this wise,
|
|
we were desirous to bring a stratagem into effect upon them; therefore Antipus
|
|
ordered that I should march forth with my little sons to a neighboring city, as
|
|
if we were carrying provisions to a neighboring city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:31 And we were to march near the city of Antiparah, as if we were going
|
|
to the city beyond, in the borders by the seashore.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:32 And it came to pass that we did march forth, as if with our
|
|
provisions, to go to that city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:33 And it came to pass that Antipus did march forth with a part of his
|
|
army, leaving the remainder to maintain the city. But he did not march forth
|
|
until I had gone forth with my little army, and came near the city Antiparah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:34 And now, in the city Antiparah were stationed the strongest army of
|
|
the Lamanites; yea, the most numerous.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:35 And it came to pass that when they had been informed by their spies,
|
|
they came forth with their army and marched against us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:36 And it came to pass that we did flee before them, northward. And thus
|
|
we did lead away the most powerful army of the Lamanites;
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:37 Yea, even to a considerable distance, insomuch that when they saw the
|
|
army of Antipus pursuing them, with their might, they did not turn to the right
|
|
nor to the left, but pursued their march in a straight course after us; and, as
|
|
we suppose, it was their intent to slay us before Antipus should overtake them,
|
|
and this that they might not be surrounded by our people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:38 And now Antipus, beholding our danger, did speed the march of his
|
|
army. But behold, it was night; therefore they did not overtake us, neither did
|
|
Antipus overtake them; therefore we did camp for the night.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:39 And it came to pass that before the dawn of the morning, behold, the
|
|
Lamanites were pursuing us. Now we were not sufficiently strong to contend with
|
|
them; yea, I would not suffer that my little sons should fall into their hands;
|
|
therefore we did continue our march, and we took our march into the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:40 Now they durst not turn to the right nor to the left lest they should
|
|
be surrounded; neither would I turn to the right nor to the left lest they
|
|
should overtake me, and we could not stand against them, but be slain, and they
|
|
would make their escape; and thus we did flee all that day into the wilderness,
|
|
even until it was dark.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:41 And it came to pass that again, when the light of the morning came we
|
|
saw the Lamanites upon us, and we did flee before them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:42 But it came to pass that they did not pursue us far before they
|
|
halted; and it was in the morning of the third day of the seventh month.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:43 And now, whether they were overtaken by Antipus we knew not, but I
|
|
said unto my men: Behold, we know not but they have halted for the purpose that
|
|
we should come against them, that they might catch us in their snare;
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:44 Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle?
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:45 And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I
|
|
seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:46 For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very
|
|
young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he
|
|
will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay
|
|
our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should
|
|
overpower the army of Antipus.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did
|
|
think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives;
|
|
yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God
|
|
would deliver them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do
|
|
not doubt our mothers knew it.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:49 And it came to pass that I did return with my two thousand against
|
|
these Lamanites who had pursued us. And now behold, the armies of Antipus had
|
|
overtaken them, and a terrible battle had commenced.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:50 The army of Antipus being weary, because of their long march in so
|
|
short a space of time, were about to fall into the hands of the Lamanites; and
|
|
had I not returned with my two thousand they would have obtained their purpose.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:51 For Antipus had fallen by the sword, and many of his leaders, because
|
|
of their weariness, which was occasioned by the speed of their march--therefore
|
|
the men of Antipus, being confused because of the fall of their leaders, began
|
|
to give way before the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:52 And it came to pass that the Lamanites took courage, and began to
|
|
pursue them; and thus were the Lamanites pursuing them with great vigor when
|
|
Helaman came upon their rear with his two thousand, and began to slay them
|
|
exceedingly, insomuch that the whole army of the Lamanites halted and turned
|
|
upon Helaman.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:53 Now when the people of Antipus saw that the Lamanites had turned them
|
|
about, they gathered together their men and came again upon the rear of the
|
|
Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:54 And now it came to pass that we, the people of Nephi, the people of
|
|
Antipus, and I with my two thousand, did surround the Lamanites, and did slay
|
|
them; yea, insomuch that they were compelled to deliver up their weapons of war
|
|
and also themselves as prisoners of war.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:55 And now it came to pass that when they had surrendered themselves up
|
|
unto us, behold, I numbered those young men who had fought with me, fearing
|
|
lest there were many of them slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 56:57 And as we had no place for our prisoners, that we could guard them to
|
|
keep them from the armies of the Lamanites, therefore we sent them to the land
|
|
of Zarahemla, and a part of those men who were not slain of Antipus, with them;
|
|
and the remainder I took and joined them to my stripling Ammonites, and took
|
|
our march back to the city of Judea.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:0 Helaman's epistle continued--Antiparah retaken--City of Cumeni
|
|
surrenders--Lamanites driven to Manti--A miraculous preservation--Escape of
|
|
Lamanite prisoners.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:1 And now it came to pass that I received an epistle from Ammoron, the
|
|
king, stating that if I would deliver up those prisoners of war whom we had
|
|
taken that he would deliver up the city of Antiparah unto us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:2 But I sent an epistle unto the king, that we were sure our forces were
|
|
sufficient to take the city of Antiparah by our force; and by delivering up the
|
|
prisoners for that city we should suppose ourselves unwise, and that we would
|
|
only deliver up our prisoners on exchange.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:3 And Ammoron refused mine epistle, for he would not exchange prisoners;
|
|
therefore we began to make preparations to go against the city of Antiparah.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:4 But the people of Antiparah did leave the city, and fled to their
|
|
other cities, which they had possession of, to fortify them; and thus the city
|
|
of Antiparah fell into our hands.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:5 And thus ended the twenty and eighth year of the reign of the judges.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:6 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the twenty and ninth
|
|
year, we received a supply of provisions, and also an addition to our army,
|
|
from the land of Zarahemla, and from the land round about, to the number of six
|
|
thousand men, besides sixty of the sons of the Ammonites who had come to join
|
|
their brethren, my little band of two thousand. And now behold, we were strong,
|
|
yea, and we had also plenty of provisions brought unto us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:7 And it came to pass that it was our desire to wage a battle with the
|
|
army which was placed to protect the city Cumeni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:8 And now behold, I will show unto you that we soon accomplished our
|
|
desire; yea, with our strong force, or with a part of our strong force, we did
|
|
surround, by night, the city Cumeni, a little before they were to receive a
|
|
supply of provisions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:9 And it came to pass that we did camp round about the city for many
|
|
nights; but we did sleep upon our swords, and keep guards, that the Lamanites
|
|
could not come upon us by night and slay us, which they attempted many times;
|
|
but as many times as they attempted this their blood was spilt.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:10 At length their provisions did arrive, and they were about to enter
|
|
the city by night. And we, instead of being Lamanites, were Nephites;
|
|
therefore, we did take them and their provisions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:11 And notwithstanding the Lamanites being cut off from their support
|
|
after this manner, they were still determined to maintain the city; therefore
|
|
it became expedient that we should take those provisions and send them to
|
|
Judea, and our prisoners to the land of Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:12 And it came to pass that not many days had passed away before the
|
|
Lamanites began to lose all hopes of succor; therefore they yielded up the city
|
|
unto our hands; and thus we had accomplished our designs in obtaining the city
|
|
Cumeni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:13 But it came to pass that our prisoners were so numerous that,
|
|
notwithstanding the enormity of our numbers, we were obliged to employ all our
|
|
force to keep them, or to put them to death.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:14 For behold, they would break out in great numbers, and would fight
|
|
with stones, and with clubs, or whatsoever thing they could get into their
|
|
hands, insomuch that we did slay upwards of two thousand of them after they had
|
|
surrendered themselves prisoners of war.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:15 Therefore it became expedient for us, that we should put an end to
|
|
their lives, or guard them, sword in hand, down to the land of Zarahemla; and
|
|
also our provisions were not any more than sufficient for our own people,
|
|
notwithstanding that which we had taken from the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:16 And now, in those critical circumstances, it became a very serious
|
|
matter to determine concerning these prisoners of war; nevertheless, we did
|
|
resolve to send them down to the land of Zarahemla; therefore we selected a
|
|
part of our men, and gave them charge over our prisoners to go down to the land
|
|
of Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:17 But it came to pass that on the morrow they did return. And now
|
|
behold, we did not inquire of them concerning the prisoners; for behold, the
|
|
Lamanites were upon us, and they returned in season to save us from falling
|
|
into their hands. For behold, Ammoron had sent to their support a new supply of
|
|
provisions and also a numerous army of men.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:18 And it came to pass that those men whom we sent with the prisoners
|
|
did arrive in season to check them, as they were about to overpower us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:19 But behold, my little band of two thousand and sixty fought most
|
|
desperately; yea, they were firm before the Lamanites, and did administer death
|
|
unto all those who opposed them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:20 And as the remainder of our army were about to give way before the
|
|
Lamanites, behold, those two thousand and sixty were firm and undaunted.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:21 Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command
|
|
with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them;
|
|
and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had
|
|
taught them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:22 And now behold, it was these my sons, and those men who had been
|
|
selected to convey the prisoners, to whom we owe this great victory; for it was
|
|
they who did beat the Lamanites; therefore they were driven back to the city of
|
|
Manti.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:23 And we retained our city Cumeni, and were not all destroyed by the
|
|
sword; nevertheless, we had suffered great loss.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:24 And it came to pass that after the Lamanites had fled, I immediately
|
|
gave orders that my men who had been wounded should be taken from among the
|
|
dead, and caused that their wounds should be dressed.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:25 And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of my two
|
|
thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless,
|
|
according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the
|
|
joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and
|
|
neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:26 And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea,
|
|
that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were
|
|
slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of
|
|
their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe--that there
|
|
was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by
|
|
his marvelous power.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:27 Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are
|
|
young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God
|
|
continually.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:28 And now it came to pass that after we had thus taken care of our
|
|
wounded men, and had buried our dead and also the dead of the Lamanites, who
|
|
were many, behold, we did inquire of Gid concerning the prisoners whom they had
|
|
started to go down to the land of Zarahemla with.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:29 Now Gid was the chief captain over the band who was appointed to
|
|
guard them down to the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:30 And now, these are the words which Gid said unto me: Behold, we did
|
|
start to go down to the land of Zarahemla with our prisoners. And it came to
|
|
pass that we did meet the spies of our armies, who had been sent out to watch
|
|
the camp of the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:31 And they cried unto us, saying--Behold, the armies of the Lamanites
|
|
are marching towards the city of Cumeni; and behold, they will fall upon them,
|
|
yea, and will destroy our people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:32 And it came to pass that our prisoners did hear their cries, which
|
|
caused them to take courage; and they did rise up in rebellion against us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:33 And it came to pass because of their rebellion we did cause that our
|
|
swords should come upon them. And it came to pass that they did in a body run
|
|
upon our swords, in the which, the greater number of them were slain; and the
|
|
remainder of them broke through and fled from us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:34 And behold, when they had fled and we could not overtake them, we
|
|
took our march with speed towards the city Cumeni; and behold, we did arrive in
|
|
time that we might assist our brethren in preserving the city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:35 And behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of our enemies.
|
|
And blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he that has delivered us;
|
|
yea, that has done this great thing for us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 57:36 Now it came to pass that when I, Helaman, had heard these words of
|
|
Gid, I was filled with exceeding joy because of the goodness of God in
|
|
preserving us, that we might not all perish; yea, and I trust that the souls of
|
|
them who have been slain have entered into the rest of their God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:0 Helaman's epistle concluded--Nephite operations before Manti--A
|
|
Lamanite sortie--Gid and Teomner capture the city--Enemy withdraws.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:1 And behold, now it came to pass that our next object was to obtain the
|
|
city of Manti; but behold, there was no way that we could lead them out of the
|
|
city by our small bands. For behold, they remembered that which we had hitherto
|
|
done; therefore we could not decoy them away from their strongholds.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:2 And they were so much more numerous than was our army that we durst
|
|
not go forth and attack them in their strongholds.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:3 Yea, and it became expedient that we should employ our men to the
|
|
maintaining those parts of the land which we had regained of our possessions;
|
|
therefore it became expedient that we should wait, that we might receive more
|
|
strength from the land of Zarahemla and also a new supply of provisions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:4 And it came to pass that I thus did send an embassy to the governor of
|
|
our land, to acquaint him concerning the affairs of our people. And it came to
|
|
pass that we did wait to receive provisions and strength from the land of
|
|
Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:5 But behold, this did profit us but little; for the Lamanites were also
|
|
receiving great strength from day to day, and also many provisions; and thus
|
|
were our circumstances at this period of time.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:6 And the Lamanites were sallying forth against us from time to time,
|
|
resolving by stratagem to destroy us; nevertheless we could not come to battle
|
|
with them, because of their retreats and their strongholds.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:7 And it came to pass that we did wait in these difficult circumstances
|
|
for the space of many months, even until we were about to perish for the want
|
|
of food.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:8 But it came to pass that we did receive food, which was guarded to us
|
|
by an army of two thousand men to our assistance; and this is all the
|
|
assistance which we did receive, to defend ourselves and our country from
|
|
falling into the hands of our enemies, yea, to contend with an enemy which was
|
|
innumerable.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:9 And now the cause of these our embarrassments, or the cause why they
|
|
did not send more strength unto us, we knew not; therefore we were grieved and
|
|
also filled with fear, lest by any means the judgments of God should come upon
|
|
our land, to our overthrow and utter destruction.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:10 Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would
|
|
strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also
|
|
give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our
|
|
possessions, for the support of our people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with
|
|
assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to
|
|
our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should
|
|
hope for our deliverance in him.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:12 And we did take courage with our small force which we had received,
|
|
and were fixed with a determination to conquer our enemies, and to maintain our
|
|
lands, and our possessions, and our wives, and our children, and the cause of
|
|
our liberty.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:13 And thus we did go forth with all our might against the Lamanites,
|
|
who were in the city of Manti; and we did pitch our tents by the wilderness
|
|
side, which was near to the city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:14 And it came to pass that on the morrow, that when the Lamanites saw
|
|
that we were in the borders by the wilderness which was near the city, that
|
|
they sent out their spies round about us that they might discover the number
|
|
and the strength of our army.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:15 And it came to pass that when they saw that we were not strong,
|
|
according to our numbers, and fearing that we should cut them off from their
|
|
support except they should come out to battle against us and kill us, and also
|
|
supposing that they could easily destroy us with their numerous hosts,
|
|
therefore they began to make preparations to come out against us to battle.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:16 And when we saw that they were making preparations to come out
|
|
against us, behold, I caused that Gid, with a small number of men, should
|
|
secrete himself in the wilderness, and also that Teomner and a small number of
|
|
men should secrete themselves also in the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:17 Now Gid and his men were on the right and the others on the left; and
|
|
when they had thus secreted themselves, behold, I remained, with the remainder
|
|
of my army, in that same place where we had first pitched our tents against the
|
|
time that the Lamanites should come out to battle.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:18 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come out with their
|
|
numerous army against us. And when they had come and were about to fall upon us
|
|
with the sword, I caused that my men, those who were with me, should retreat
|
|
into the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:19 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did follow after us with great
|
|
speed, for they were exceedingly desirous to overtake us that they might slay
|
|
us; therefore they did follow us into the wilderness; and we did pass by in the
|
|
midst of Gid and Teomner, insomuch that they were not discovered by the
|
|
Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:20 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had passed by, or when
|
|
the army had passed by, Gid and Teomner did rise up from their secret places,
|
|
and did cut off the spies of the Lamanites that they should not return to the
|
|
city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:21 And it came to pass that when they had cut them off, they ran to the
|
|
city and fell upon the guards who were left to guard the city, insomuch that
|
|
they did destroy them and did take possession of the city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:22 Now this was done because the Lamanites did suffer their whole army,
|
|
save a few guards only, to be led away into the wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:23 And it came to pass that Gid and Teomner by this means had obtained
|
|
possession of their strongholds. And it came to pass that we took our course,
|
|
after having traveled much in the wilderness towards the land of Zarahemla.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:24 And when the Lamanites saw that they were marching towards the land
|
|
of Zarahemla, they were exceedingly afraid, lest there was a plan laid to lead
|
|
them on to destruction; therefore they began to retreat into the wilderness
|
|
again, yea, even back by the same way which they had come.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:25 And behold, it was night and they did pitch their tents, for the
|
|
chief captains of the Lamanites had supposed that the Nephites were weary
|
|
because of their march; and supposing that they had driven their whole army
|
|
therefore they took no thought concerning the city of Manti.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:26 Now it came to pass that when it was night, I caused that my men
|
|
should not sleep, but that they should march forward by another way towards the
|
|
land of Manti.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:27 And because of this our march in the night-time, behold, on the
|
|
morrow we were beyond the Lamanites, insomuch that we did arrive before them at
|
|
the city of Manti.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:28 And thus it came to pass, that by this stratagem we did take
|
|
possession of the city of Manti without the shedding of blood.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:29 And it came to pass that when the armies of the Lamanites did arrive
|
|
near the city, and saw that we were prepared to meet them, they were astonished
|
|
exceedingly and struck with great fear, insomuch that they did flee into the
|
|
wilderness.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:30 Yea, and it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites did flee
|
|
out of all this quarter of the land. But behold, they have carried with them
|
|
many women and children out of the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:31 And those cities which had been taken by the Lamanites, all of them
|
|
are at this period of time in our possession; and our fathers and our women and
|
|
our children are returning to their homes, all save it be those who have been
|
|
taken prisoners and carried off by the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:32 But behold, our armies are small to maintain so great a number of
|
|
cities and so great possessions.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:33 But behold, we trust in our God who has given us victory over those
|
|
lands, insomuch that we have obtained those cities and those lands, which were
|
|
our own.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:34 Now we do not know the cause that the government does not grant us
|
|
more strength; neither do those men who came up unto us know why we have not
|
|
received greater strength.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:35 Behold, we do not know but what ye are unsuccessful, and ye have
|
|
drawn away the forces into that quarter of the land; if so, we do not desire to
|
|
murmur.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:36 And if it is not so, behold, we fear that there is some faction in
|
|
the government, that they do not send more men to our assistance; for we know
|
|
that they are more numerous than that which they have sent.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:37 But, behold, it mattereth not--we trust God will deliver us,
|
|
not-withstanding the weakness of our armies, yea, and deliver us out of the
|
|
hands of our enemies.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:38 Behold, this is the twenty and ninth year, in the latter end, and we
|
|
are in the possession of our lands; and the Lamanites have fled to the land of
|
|
Nephi.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:39 And those sons of the people of Ammon, of whom I have so highly
|
|
spoken, are with me in the city of Manti; and the Lord has supported them, yea,
|
|
and kept them from falling by the sword, insomuch that even one soul has not
|
|
been slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:40 But behold, they have received many wounds; nevertheless they stand
|
|
fast in that liberty where-with 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.
|
|
|
|
ALM 58:41 And now, my beloved brother, Moroni, may the Lord our God, who has
|
|
redeemed us and made us free, keep you continually in his presence; yea, and
|
|
may he favor this people, even that ye may have success in obtaining the
|
|
possession of all that which the Lamanites have taken from us, which was for
|
|
our support. And now, behold, I close mine epistle. I am Helaman, the son of
|
|
Alma.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:0 Moroni writes to Pahoran, asking reenforcements to Helaman--City of
|
|
Nephihah taken by Lamanites--Moroni's anger at seeming indifference of the
|
|
government.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year of the reign of the judges
|
|
over the people of Nephi, after Moroni had received and had read Helaman's
|
|
epistle, he was exceedingly rejoiced because of the welfare, yea, the exceeding
|
|
success which Helaman had had, in obtaining those lands which were lost.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:2 Yea, and he did make it known unto all his people, in all the land
|
|
round about in that part where he was, that they might rejoice also.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:3 And it came to pass that he immediately sent an epistle to Pahoran,
|
|
desiring that he should cause men to be gathered together to strengthen
|
|
Helaman, or the armies of Helaman, insomuch that he might with ease maintain
|
|
that part of the land which he had been so miraculously prospered in regaining.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:4 And it came to pass when Moroni had sent this epistle to the land of
|
|
Zarahemla, he began again to lay a plan that he might obtain the remainder of
|
|
those possessions and cities which the Lamanites had taken from them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:5 And it came to pass that while Moroni was thus making preparations to
|
|
go against the Lamanites to battle, behold, the people of Nephihah, who were
|
|
gathered together from the city of Moroni and the city of Lehi and the city of
|
|
Morianton, were attacked by the Lamanites.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:6 Yea, even those who had been compelled to flee from the land of Manti,
|
|
and from the land round about, had come over and joined the Lamanites in this
|
|
part of the land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:7 And thus being exceedingly numerous, yea, and receiving strength from
|
|
day to day, by the command of Ammoron they came forth against the people of
|
|
Nephihah, and they did begin to slay them with an exceedingly great slaughter.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:8 And their armies were so numerous that the remainder of the people of
|
|
Nephihah were obliged to flee before them; and they came even and joined the
|
|
army of Moroni.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:9 And now as Moroni had supposed that there should be men sent to the
|
|
city of Nephihah, to the assistance of the people to maintain that city, and
|
|
knowing that it was easier to keep the city from falling into the hands of the
|
|
Lamanites than to retake it from them, he supposed that they would easily
|
|
maintain that city.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:10 Therefore he retained all his force to maintain those places which he
|
|
had recovered.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:11 And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was lost he was
|
|
exceedingly sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the wickedness of the
|
|
people, whether they should not fall into the hands of their brethren.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:12 Now this was the case with all his chief captains. They doubted and
|
|
marveled also because of the wickedness of the people, and this because of the
|
|
success of the Lamanites over them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 59:13 And it came to pass that Moroni was angry with the government,
|
|
because of their indifference concerning the freedom of their country.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:0 Moroni's second epistle to Pahoran--Complains of neglect--Demands
|
|
immediate help on peril of reprisal.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:1 And it came to pass that he wrote again to the governor of the land,
|
|
who was Pahoran, and these are the words which he wrote, saying: Behold, I
|
|
direct mine epistle to Pahoran, in the city of Zarahemla, who is the chief
|
|
judge and the governor over the land, and also to all those who have been
|
|
chosen by this people to govern and manage the affairs of this war.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:2 For behold, I have somewhat to say unto them by the way of
|
|
condemnation; for behold, ye yourselves know that ye have been appointed to
|
|
gather together men, and arm them with swords, and with cimeters, and all
|
|
manner of weapons of war of every kind, and send forth against the Lamanites,
|
|
in whatsoever parts they should come into our land.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:3 And now behold, I say unto you that myself, and also my men, and also
|
|
Helaman and his men, have suffered exceedingly great sufferings; yea, even
|
|
hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and all manner of afflictions of every kind.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:4 But behold, were this all we had suffered we would not murmur nor
|
|
complain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:5 But behold, great has been the slaughter among our people; yea,
|
|
thousands have fallen by the sword, while it might have otherwise been if ye
|
|
had rendered unto our armies sufficient strength and succor for them. Yea,
|
|
great has been your neglect towards us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:6 And now behold, we desire to know the cause of this exceedingly great
|
|
neglect; yea, we desire to know the cause of your thoughtless state.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:7 Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless
|
|
stupor, while your enemies are spreading the work of death around you? Yea,
|
|
while they are murdering thousands of your brethren--
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:8 Yea, even they who have looked up to you for protection, yea, have
|
|
placed you in a situation that ye might have succored them, yea, ye might have
|
|
sent armies unto them, to have strengthened them, and have saved thousands of
|
|
them from falling by the sword.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:9 But behold, this is not all--ye have withheld your provisions from
|
|
them, insomuch that many have fought and bled out their lives because of their
|
|
great desires which they had for the welfare of this people; yea, and this they
|
|
have done when they were about to perish with hunger, because of your
|
|
exceedingly great neglect towards them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:10 And now, my beloved brethren--for ye ought to be beloved; yea, and ye
|
|
ought to have stirred yourselves more diligently for the welfare and the
|
|
freedom of this people; but behold, ye have neglected them insomuch that the
|
|
blood of thousands shall come upon your heads for vengeance; yea, for known
|
|
unto God were all their cries, and all their sufferings--
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:11 Behold, could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and
|
|
because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do nothing and he would
|
|
deliver you? Behold, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:12 Do ye suppose that, because so many of your brethren have been killed
|
|
it is because of their wickedness? I say unto you, if ye have supposed this ye
|
|
have supposed in vain; for I say unto you, there are many who have fallen by
|
|
the sword; and behold it is to your condemnation;
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:13 For the Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that his justice and
|
|
judgment may come upon the wicked; therefore ye need not suppose that the
|
|
righteous are lost because they are slain; but behold, they do enter into the
|
|
rest of the Lord their God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:14 And now behold, I say unto you, I fear exceedingly that the judgments
|
|
of God will come upon this people, because of their exceeding slothfulness,
|
|
yea, even the slothfulness of our government, and their exceedingly great
|
|
neglect towards their brethren, yea, towards those who have been slain.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:15 For were it not for the wickedness which first commenced at our head,
|
|
we could have withstood our enemies that they could have gained no power over
|
|
us.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:16 Yea, had it not been for the war which broke out among ourselves;
|
|
yea, were it not for these king-men, who caused so much bloodshed among
|
|
ourselves; yea, at the time we were contending among ourselves, if we had
|
|
united our strength as we hitherto have done; yea, had it not been for the
|
|
desire of power and authority which those king-men had over us; had they been
|
|
true to the cause of our freedom, and united with us, and gone forth against
|
|
our enemies, instead of taking up their swords against us, which was the cause
|
|
of so much bloodshed among ourselves; yea, if we had gone forth against them in
|
|
the strength of the Lord, we should have dispersed our enemies, for it would
|
|
have been done, according to the fulfilling of his word.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:17 But behold, now the Lamanites are coming upon us, taking possession
|
|
of our lands, and they are murdering our people with the sword, yea, our women
|
|
and our children, and also carrying them away captive, causing them that they
|
|
should suffer all manner of afflictions, and this because of the great
|
|
wickedness of those who are seeking for power and authority, yea, even those
|
|
king-men.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:18 But why should I say much concerning this matter? For we know not but
|
|
what ye yourselves are seeking for authority. We know not but what ye are also
|
|
traitors to your country.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:19 Or is it that ye have neglected us because ye are in the heart of our
|
|
country and ye are surrounded by security, that ye do not cause food to be sent
|
|
unto us, and also men to strengthen our armies?
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:20 Have ye forgotten the commandments of the Lord your God? Yea, have ye
|
|
forgotten the captivity of our fathers? Have ye forgotten the many times we
|
|
have been delivered out of the hands of our enemies?
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:21 Or do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit
|
|
upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided
|
|
for us?
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:22 Yea, will ye sit in idleness while ye are surrounded with thousands
|
|
of those, yea, and tens of thousands, who do also sit in idleness, while there
|
|
are thousands round about in the borders of the land who are falling by the
|
|
sword, yea, wounded and bleeding?
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:23 Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit
|
|
still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay. Now I would that ye
|
|
should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed
|
|
first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:24 And now, except ye do repent of that which ye have done, and begin to
|
|
be up and doing, and send forth food and men unto us, and also unto Helaman,
|
|
that he may support those parts of our country which he has regained, and that
|
|
we may also recover the remainder of our possessions in these parts, behold it
|
|
will be expedient that we contend no more with the Lamanites until we have
|
|
first cleansed our inward vessel, yea, even the great head of our government.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:25 And except ye grant mine epistle, and come out and show unto me a
|
|
true spirit of freedom, and strive to strengthen and fortify our armies, and
|
|
grant unto them food for their support, behold I will leave a part of my
|
|
freemen to maintain this part of our land, and I will leave the strength and
|
|
the blessings of God upon them, that none other power can operate against
|
|
them--
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:26 And this because of their exceeding faith, and their patience in
|
|
their tribulations--
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:27 And I will come unto you, and if there be any among you that has a
|
|
desire for freedom, yea, if there be even a spark of freedom remaining, behold
|
|
I will stir up insurrections among you, even until those who have desires to
|
|
usurp power and authority shall become extinct.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:28 Yea, behold I do not fear your power nor your authority, but it is my
|
|
God whom I fear; and it is according to his commandments that I do take my
|
|
sword to defend the cause of my country, and it is because of your iniquity
|
|
that we have suffered so much loss.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:29 Behold it is time, yea, the time is now at hand, that except ye do
|
|
bestir yourselves in the defence of your country and your little ones, the
|
|
sword of justice doth hang over you; yea, and it shall fall upon you and visit
|
|
you even to your utter destruction.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:30 Behold, I wait for assistance from you; and, except ye do administer
|
|
unto our relief, behold, I come unto you, even in the land of Zarahemla, and
|
|
smite you with the sword, insomuch that ye can have no more power to impede the
|
|
progress of this people in the cause of our freedom.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:31 For behold, the Lord will not suffer that ye shall live and wax
|
|
strong in your iniquities to destroy his righteous people.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:32 Behold, can you suppose that the Lord will spare you and come out in
|
|
judgment against the Lamanites, when it is the tradition of their fathers that
|
|
has caused their hatred, yea, and it has been redoubled by those who have
|
|
dissented from us, while your iniquity is for the cause of your love of glory
|
|
and the vain things of the world?
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:33 Ye know that ye do transgress the laws of God, and ye do know that ye
|
|
do trample them under your feet. Behold, the Lord saith unto me: If those whom
|
|
ye have appointed your governors do not repent of their sins and iniquities, ye
|
|
shall go up to battle against them.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:34 And now behold, I, Moroni, am constrained, according to the covenant
|
|
which I have made to keep the commandments of my God; therefore I would that ye
|
|
should adhere to the word of God, and send speedily unto me of your provisions
|
|
and of your men, and also to Helaman.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:35 And behold, if ye will not do this I come unto you speedily; for
|
|
behold, God will not suffer that we should perish with hunger; therefore he
|
|
will give unto us of your food, even if it must be by the sword. Now see that
|
|
ye fulfil the word of God.
|
|
|
|
ALM 60:36 Behold, I am Moroni, your chief captain. I seek not for power, but to
|
|
pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God,
|
|
and the freedom and welfare of my country. And thus I close mine epistle.
|
|
|
|
ALM 61:0 Pahoran's patriotic reply--He exonerates himself and the
|
|
freemen--Nephite state tottering--Governor appeals for military aid against
|
|
rebels.
|
|
|
|
ALM 61:1 Behold, now it came to pass that soon after Moroni had sent his
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epistle unto the chief governor, he received an epistle from Pahoran, the chief
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governor. And these are the words which he received:
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ALM 61:2 I, Pahoran, who am the chief governor of this land, do send these
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words unto Moroni, the chief captain over the army. Behold, I say unto you,
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Moroni, that I do not joy in your great afflictions, yea, it grieves my soul.
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ALM 61:3 But behold, there are those who do joy in your afflictions, yea,
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insomuch that they have risen up in rebellion against me, and also those of my
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people who are freemen, yea, and those who have risen up are exceedingly
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numerous.
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ALM 61:4 And it is those who have sought to take away the judgment-seat from me
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that have been the cause of this great iniquity; for they have used great
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flattery, and they have led away the hearts of many people, which will be the
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cause of sore affliction among us; they have withheld our provisions, and have
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daunted our freemen that they have not come unto you.
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ALM 61:5 And behold, they have driven me out before them, and I have fled to
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the land of Gideon, with as many men as it were possible that I could get.
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ALM 61:6 And behold, I have sent a proclamation throughout this part of the
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land; and behold, they are flocking to us daily, to their arms, in the defence
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of their country and their freedom, and to avenge our wrongs.
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ALM 61:7 And they have come unto us, insomuch that those who have risen up in
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rebellion against us are set at defiance, yea, insomuch that they do fear us
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and durst not come out against us to battle.
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ALM 61:8 They have got possession of the land, or the city, of Zarahemla; they
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have appointed a king over them, and he hath written unto the king of the
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Lamanites, in the which he hath joined an alliance with him; in the which
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alliance he hath agreed to maintain the city of Zarahemla, which maintenance he
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supposeth will enable the Lamanites to conquer the remainder of the land, and
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he shall be placed king over this people when they shall be conquered under the
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Lamanites.
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ALM 61:9 And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I
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am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. I, Pahoran, do not
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seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the
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rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in
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the which God hath made us free.
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ALM 61:10 And now, behold, we will resist wickedness even unto bloodshed. We
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would not shed the blood of the Lamanites if they would stay in their own land.
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ALM 61:11 We would not shed the blood of our brethren if they would not rise up
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in rebellion and take the sword against us.
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ALM 61:12 We would subject ourselves to the yoke of bondage if it were
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requisite with the justice of God, or if he should command us so to do.
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ALM 61:13 But behold he doth not command us that we shall subject ourselves to
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our enemies, but that we should put our trust in him, and he will deliver us.
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ALM 61:14 Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist evil, and
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whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and
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dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our
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freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the
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cause of our Redeemer and our God.
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ALM 61:15 Therefore, come unto me speedily with a few of your men, and leave
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the remainder in the charge of Lehi and Teancum; give unto them power to
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conduct the war in that part of the land, according to the Spirit of God, which
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is also the spirit of freedom which is in them.
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ALM 61:16 Behold I have sent a few provisions unto them, that they may not
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perish until ye can come unto me.
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ALM 61:17 Gather together whatsoever force ye can upon your march hither, and
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we will go speedily against those dissenters, in the strength of our God
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according to the faith which is in us.
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ALM 61:18 And we will take possession of the city of Zarahemla, that we may
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obtain more food to send forth unto Lehi and Teancum; yea, we will go forth
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against them in the strength of the Lord, and we will put an end to this great
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iniquity.
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ALM 61:19 And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle, for I was
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somewhat worried concerning what we should do, whether it should be just in us
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to go against our brethren.
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ALM 61:20 But ye have said, except they repent the Lord hath commanded you that
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ye should go against them.
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ALM 61:21 See that ye strengthen Lehi and Teancum in the Lord; tell them to
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fear not, for God will deliver them, yea, and also all those who stand fast in
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that liberty wherewith God hath made them free. And now I close mine epistle to
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my beloved brother, Moroni.
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ALM 62:0 Moroni marches to relief of Pahoran--Zarahemla recaptured from the
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rebels--Help sent to Helaman, Lehi, and Teancum--Lamanites concentrate in the
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land of Moroni--Teancum slays Ammoron, at cost of his own life--Lamanites
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driven out of the land.
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ALM 62:1 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had received this epistle his
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heart did take courage, and was filled with exceedingly great joy because of
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the faithfulness of Pahoran, that he was not also a traitor to the freedom and
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cause of his country.
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ALM 62:2 But he did also mourn exceedingly because of the iniquity of those who
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had driven Pahoran from the judgment-seat, yea, in fine because of those who
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had rebelled against their country and also their God.
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ALM 62:3 And it came to pass that Moroni took a small number of men, according
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to the desire of Pahoran, and gave Lehi and Teancum command over the remainder
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of his army, and took his march towards the land of Gideon.
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ALM 62:4 And he did raise the standard of liberty in whatsoever place he did
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enter, and gained whatsoever force he could in all his march towards the land
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of Gideon.
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ALM 62:5 And it came to pass that thousands did flock unto his standard, and
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did take up their swords in the defence of their freedom, that they might not
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come into bondage.
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ALM 62:6 And thus, when Moroni had gathered together whatsoever men he could in
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all his march, he came to the land of Gideon; and uniting his forces with those
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of Pahoran they became exceedingly strong, even stronger than the men of
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Pachus, who was the king of those dissenters who had driven the freemen out of
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the land of Zarahemla and had taken possession of the land.
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ALM 62:7 And it came to pass that Moroni and Pahoran went down with their
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armies into the land of Zarahemla, and went forth against the city, and did
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meet the men of Pachus, insomuch that they did come to battle.
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ALM 62:8 And behold, Pachus was slain and his men were taken prisoners, and
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Pahoran was restored to his judgment-seat.
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ALM 62:9 And the men of Pachus received their trial, according to the law, and
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also those king-men who had been taken and cast into prison; and they were
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executed according to the law; yea, those men of Pachus and those king-men,
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whosoever would not take up arms in the defence of their country, but would
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fight against it, were put to death.
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ALM 62:10 And thus it became expedient that this law should be strictly
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observed for the safety of their country; yea, and whosoever was found denying
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their freedom was speedily executed according to the law.
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ALM 62:11 And thus ended the thirtieth year of the reign of the judges over the
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people of Nephi; Moroni and Pahoran having restored peace to the land of
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Zarahemla, among their own people, having inflicted death upon all those who
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were not true to the cause of freedom.
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ALM 62:12 And it came to pass in the commencement of the thirty and first year
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of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, Moroni immediately caused
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that provisions should be sent, and also an army of six thousand men should be
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sent unto Helaman, to assist him in preserving that part of the land.
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ALM 62:13 And he also caused that an army of six thousand men, with a
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sufficient quantity of food, should be sent to the armies of Lehi and Teancum.
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And it came to pass that this was done to fortify the land against the
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Lamanites.
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ALM 62:14 And it came to pass that Moroni and Pahoran, leaving a large body of
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men in the land of Zarahemla, took their march with a large body of men towards
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the land of Nephihah, being determined to overthrow the Lamanites in that city.
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ALM 62:15 And it came to pass that as they were marching towards the land, they
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took a large body of men of the Lamanites, and slew many of them, and took
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their provisions and their weapons of war.
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ALM 62:16 And it came to pass after they had taken them, they caused them to
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enter into a covenant that they would no more take up their weapons of war
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against the Nephites.
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ALM 62:17 And when they had entered into this covenant they sent them to dwell
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with the people of Ammon, and they were in number about four thousand who had
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not been slain.
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ALM 62:18 And it came to pass that when they had sent them away they pursued
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their march towards the land of Nephihah. And it came to pass that when they
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had come to the city of Nephihah, they did pitch their tents in the plains of
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Nephihah, which is near the city of Nephihah.
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ALM 62:19 Now Moroni was desirous that the Lamanites should come out to battle
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against them, upon the plains; but the Lamanites, knowing of their exceedingly
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great courage, and beholding the greatness of their numbers, therefore they
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durst not come out against them; therefore they did not come to battle in that
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day.
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ALM 62:20 And when the night came, Moroni went forth in the darkness of the
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night, and came upon the top of the wall to spy out in what part of the city
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the Lamanites did camp with their army.
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ALM 62:21 And it came to pass that they were on the east, by the entrance; and
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they were all asleep. And now Moroni returned to his army, and caused that they
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should prepare in haste strong cords and ladders, to be let down from the top
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of the wall into the inner part of the wall.
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ALM 62:22 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his men should march
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forth and come upon the top of the wall, and let themselves down into that part
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of the city, yea, even on the west, where the Lamanites did not camp with their
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armies.
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ALM 62:23 And it came to pass that they were all let down into the city by
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night, by the means of their strong cords and their ladders; thus when the
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morning came they were all within the walls of the city.
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ALM 62:24 And now, when the Lamanites awoke and saw that the armies of Moroni
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were within the walls, they were affrighted exceedingly, insomuch that they did
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flee out by the pass.
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ALM 62:25 And now when Moroni saw that they were fleeing before him, he did
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cause that his men should march forth against them, and slew many, and
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surrounded many others, and took them prisoners; and the remainder of them fled
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into the land of Moroni, which was in the borders by the seashore.
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ALM 62:26 Thus had Moroni and Pahoran obtained the possession of the city of
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Nephihah without the loss of one soul; and there were many of the Lamanites who
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were slain.
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ALM 62:27 Now it came to pass that many of the Lamanites that were prisoners
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were desirous to join the people of Ammon and become a free people.
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ALM 62:28 And it came to pass that as many as were desirous, unto them it was
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granted according to their desires.
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ALM 62:29 Therefore, all the prisoners of the Lamanites did join the people of
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Ammon, and did begin to labor exceedingly, tilling the ground, raising all
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manner of grain, and flocks and herds of every kind; and thus were the Nephites
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relieved from a great burden; yea, insomuch that they were relieved from all
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the prisoners of the Lamanites.
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ALM 62:30 Now it came to pass that Moroni, after he had obtained possession of
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the city of Nephihah, having taken many prisoners, which did reduce the armies
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of the Lamanites exceedingly, and having regained many of the Nephites who had
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been taken prisoners, which did strengthen the army of Moroni exceedingly;
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therefore Moroni went forth from the land of Nephihah to the land of Lehi.
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ALM 62:31 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that Moroni was
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coming against them, they were again frightened and fled before the army of
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Moroni.
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ALM 62:32 And it came to pass that Moroni and his army did pursue them from
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city to city, until they were met by Lehi and Teancum; and the Lamanites fled
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from Lehi and Teancum, even down upon the borders by the seashore, until they
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came to the land of Moroni.
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ALM 62:33 And the armies of the Lamanites were all gathered together, insomuch
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that they were all in one body in the land of Moroni. Now Ammoron, the king of
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the Lamanites, was also with them.
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ALM 62:34 And it came to pass that Moroni and Lehi and Teancum did encamp with
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their armies round about in the borders of the land of Moroni, insomuch that
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the Lamanites were encircled about in the borders by the wilderness on the
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south, and in the borders by the wilderness on the east.
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ALM 62:35 And thus they did encamp for the night. For behold, the Nephites and
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the Lamanites also were weary because of the greatness of the march; therefore
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they did not resolve upon any stratagem in the night-time, save it were
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Teancum; for he was exceedingly angry with Ammoron, insomuch that he considered
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that Ammoron, and Amalickiah his brother, had been the cause of this great and
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lasting war between them and the Lamanites, which had been the cause of so much
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war and bloodshed, yea, and so much famine.
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ALM 62:36 And it came to pass that Teancum in his anger did go forth into the
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camp of the Lamanites, and did let himself down over the walls of the city. And
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he went forth with a cord, from place to place, insomuch that he did find the
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king; and he did cast a javelin at him, which did pierce him near the heart.
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But behold, the king did awaken his servants before he died, insomuch that they
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did pursue Teancum, and slew him.
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ALM 62:37 Now it came to pass that when Lehi and Moroni knew that Teancum was
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dead they were exceedingly sorrowful; for behold, he had been a man who had
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fought valiantly for his country, yea, a true friend to liberty; and he had
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suffered very many exceedingly sore afflictions. But behold, he was dead, and
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had gone the way of all the earth.
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ALM 62:38 Now it came to pass that Moroni marched forth on the morrow, and came
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upon the Lamanites, insomuch that they did slay them with a great slaughter;
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and they did drive them out of the land; and they did flee, even that they did
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not return at that time against the Nephites.
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ALM 62:39 And thus ended the thirty and first year of the reign of the judges
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over the people of Nephi; and thus they had had wars, and bloodsheds, and
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famine, and affliction, for the space of many years.
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ALM 62:40 And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all
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manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi; nevertheless for the righteous'
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sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared.
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ALM 62:41 But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war
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between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the
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exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their
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afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the
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depth of humility.
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ALM 62:42 And it came to pass that after Moroni had fortified those parts of
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the land which were most exposed to the Lamanites, until they were sufficiently
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strong, he returned to the city of Zarahemla; and also Helaman returned to the
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place of his inheritance; and there was once more peace established among the
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people of Nephi.
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ALM 62:43 And Moroni yielded up the command of his armies into the hands of his
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son, whose name was Moronihah; and he retired to his own house that he might
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spend the remainder of his days in peace.
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ALM 62:44 And Pahoran did return to his judgment-seat; and Helaman did take
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upon him again to preach unto the people the word of God; for because of so
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many wars and contentions it had become expedient that a regulation should be
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made again in the church.
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ALM 62:45 Therefore, Helaman and his brethren went forth, and did declare the
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word of God with much power unto the convincing of many people of their
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wickedness, which did cause them to repent of their sins and to be baptized
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unto the Lord their God.
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ALM 62:46 And it came to pass that they did establish again the church of God,
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throughout all the land.
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ALM 62:47 Yea, and regulations were made concerning the law. And their judges,
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and their chief judges were chosen.
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ALM 62:48 And the people of Nephi began to prosper again in the land, and began
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to multiply and to wax exceedingly strong again in the land. And they began to
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grow exceedingly rich.
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ALM 62:49 But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their
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prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were
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they slow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves
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exceedingly before him.
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ALM 62:50 Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had done for them,
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that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and
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from all manner of afflictions, and he had delivered them out of the hands of
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their enemies.
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ALM 62:51 And they did pray unto the Lord their God continually, insomuch that
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the Lord did bless them, according to his word, so that they did wax strong and
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prosper in the land.
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ALM 62:52 And it came to pass that all these things were done. And Helaman
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died, in the thirty and fifth year of the reign of the judges over the people
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of Nephi.
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ALM 63:0 Shiblon succeeds Helaman--Death of Moroni--Hagoth, builder of
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ships--Nephite voyages to the land northward--Helaman, son of Helaman, keeps
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the records--Moronihah defeats Lamanites--End of Alma's account.
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ALM 63:1 And it came to pass in the commencement of the thirty and sixth year
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of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, that Shiblon took
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possession of those sacred things which had been delivered unto Helaman by
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Alma.
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ALM 63:2 And he was a just man, and he did walk uprightly before God; and he
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did observe to do good continually, to keep the commandments of the Lord his
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God; and also did his brother.
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ALM 63:3 And it came to pass that Moroni died also. And thus ended the thirty
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and sixth year of the reign of the judges.
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ALM 63:4 And it came to pass that in the thirty and seventh year of the reign
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of the judges, there was a large company of men, even to the amount of five
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thousand and four hundred men, with their wives and their children, departed
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out of the land of Zarahemla into the land which was northward.
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ALM 63:5 And it came to pass that Hagoth, he being an exceedingly curious man,
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therefore he went forth and built him an exceedingly large ship, on the borders
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of the land Bountiful, by the land Desolation, and launched it forth into the
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west sea, by the narrow neck which led into the land northward.
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ALM 63:6 And behold, there were many of the Nephites who did enter therein and
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did sail forth with much provisions, and also many women and children; and they
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took their course northward. And thus ended the thirty and seventh year.
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ALM 63:7 And in the thirty and eighth year, this man built other ships. And the
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first ship did also return, and many more people did enter into it; and they
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also took much provisions, and set out again to the land northward.
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ALM 63:8 And it came to pass that they were never heard of more. And we suppose
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that they were drowned in the depths of the sea. And it came to pass that one
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other ship also did sail forth; and whither she did go we know not.
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ALM 63:9 And it came to pass that in this year there were many people who went
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forth into the land northward. And thus ended the thirty and eighth year.
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ALM 63:10 And it came to pass in the thirty and ninth year of the reign of the
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judges, Shiblon died also, and Corianton had gone forth to the land northward
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in a ship, to carry forth provisions unto the people who had gone forth into
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that land.
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ALM 63:11 Therefore it became expedient for Shiblon to confer those sacred
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things, before his death, upon the son of Helaman, who was called Helaman,
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being called after the name of his father.
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ALM 63:12 Now behold, all those engravings which were in the possession of
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|
Helaman were written and sent forth among the children of men throughout all
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the land, save it were those parts which had been commanded by Alma should not
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go forth.
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ALM 63:13 Nevertheless, these things were to be kept sacred, and handed down
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from one generation to another; therefore, in this year, they had been
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conferred upon Helaman, before the death of Shiblon.
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ALM 63:14 And it came to pass also in this year that there were some dissenters
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who had gone forth unto the Lamanites; and they were stirred up again to anger
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against the Nephites.
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ALM 63:15 And also in this same year they came down with a numerous army to war
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against the people of Moronihah, or against the army of Moronihah, in the which
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they were beaten and driven back again to their own lands, suffering great
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loss.
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ALM 63:16 And thus ended the thirty and ninth year of the reign of the judges
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over the people of Nephi.
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ALM 63:17 And thus ended the account of Alma, and Helaman his son, and also
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Shiblon, who was his son.
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