GIFT OF
Professor George k. Rice
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2007 with funding from
IVIicrosoft Corporation
http://www.archive.org/details/bookofmormonaccoOOchicrich
Fourth Chicago Edition
PRESS OF
Henry C. Etten & Co.,
CHICAGO
Book of Mormon
BOOK OP MOEMON:
AN ACCOUNT WRITTEN BY
THE HAND OF MORMON,
UPON
Plates taken from the Plates of Nephi.
Wherefore it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and
also of the Lamanites; written to the Lamanites who are a remnant of
the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile: written by way of
commandment, and t.lso by the Spirit of prophecy and of revelation.
Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not
be destroyed; to come forth by the gift and power of God unto the inter-
pretation thereof: sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the
Lord, to come forth in due time by the way of Gentile; the interpretation
thereof by the gift of God.
An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether also; which is a record
of the people of Jared; who were scattered at the time the Lord con-
founded the language of the people when they were building a tower to
get to heaven; which is to shew unto the remnant of the House of
Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that
they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast oflC
forever; and also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS
Is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL GOD, manifesting himself unto all
nations. And now if there are faults, they are the mistakes of men;
wherefore condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless
at the judgment-seat of Christ.
TRANSLATED BY JOSEPH SMITH, Jun.
DIVISION INTO CHAPTERS AND VERSE3S, WITH
REFERENCES, BY ORSON PRATT, SEN.
NORTHERN STATES MISSION
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
PUBLISHERS
149 SO. PAULINA ST.. CHICAGO, ILL.
1908
The Testimony of Three Witnesses. I J 02
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people unto whom
this work shall come, that we, through the grace of God the Father, and
■our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record,
which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites,
their brethren, and also of the people of Jared who came from the tower
of which hath been spoken; and we also know that they have been
translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it
Tarxto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we
also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates;
and they havfi been shewn unto us by the power of God, and not of man.
And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down
from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld
and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is
by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we
Ix'held and bear record that these things are true; and it is marvellous
in our eyes, nevertheless the voice of the Lord commanded us that we
should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the command-
ments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if
we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all
men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall
dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honour be to the
Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
OLITER COWDERY,
DAVID WHITMER,
MARTIN HARRIS.
And also the Testimony of Eight Witnesses.
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people unto whom
this work shall come, that Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this
work, has shewn unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which
liave the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said
Smith has translated, we did handle with our hands; and we also saw
the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work,
and of curious workmanship. And this wo bear record with words of
soberness, that the said Smith has shewn unto us, for we have seen and
hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of
which we have spoken. And wo give our names unto the world, to wit-
ness unto the world that which we have seen; and we lie not, God
bearing witness of it.
CHRISTIAN WHITMER, HIRAM PAGE,
JACOB WHITMER, JOSEPH SMITH, Sen.
PETER WHITMER, Jun. HYRUM SMITH,
JOHN WHITMER, SAMUEL H. SMITH.
IV1529794
CONTENTS.
Page
I. NEPHI 1
Language of the Record ^
Nephi's Abridgment -^
Lehi's Dream 3
Lehi departs into the wilder-
ness 3
"Nephi slayeth Laban 9
Sariah complains of Lehi's
Vision 10
Contents of the brass plates... 11
Ishmael goes with Nephi 13
Nephi's brethren rebgjt, and
bind him 14
Lehi's dream of the tree,
rod, &c 15
Messiah and John prophesied of 18
Olive Branches broken off.... 19
Nephi's Vision of Mary 21
Do. the Crucifixion of Christ.. 23
Do. darkness and earthquake.. 24
Great abominable church 25
Discovery of the promised land 26
Bible spoken of 27
Book of Mormon and Holy
Ghost promised 28
Other books come forth 29
Bible and Book of Mormon one 29
Promises to the Gentiles 29
Two Churches 30
The work of the Father to
commence 3t
A man in white robes (John) . 31
Nephites come to knowledge.. 33
Rod of Iron 34
The sons of Lehi take wives. . 36
Director found (ball) 36
Nephi broke his bow 37
Directors work by faith 88
Ishmael died 38
Lehi and Nephi threatened.... 38
Nephi commanded to build a
ship 40
Page
Nephi about to be worshipped
by his brethren 44
Ship finished and entered 45
Dancing in the ship 45
Nephi bound: ship driven back 46
Arrived on the promised land. 47
Plates of ore made 47
Zenos, Neum. and Zenock 48
Isaiah's Writings 50
Holy One of Israel 55-
II. NEPHI 58
Lehi to his sons 58
Opposition in all things 62
Adam fell that men might be. 64
Joseph saw our day 65
A choice seer 65
Writings grow together 66
Prophet promised to the Lam-
anites 67
Joseph's prophecy on brass
plates 67
Lehi buried 68
Nephi's life sought 70
Nephi separated from Laman. 70
Temple built 71
Skin of blackness 72
Priests. &c. consecrated 72
Make other plates 72
Isaiah's words (by Jacob).... 73
Angels to a devil 79
Spirits and bodies re-united... 79
Baptism 81
No kings upon this land 84
Isaiah prophesieth 87
Rod of the stem of Jesse lOO
Seed of Joseph perish not 109
Law of Moges kept 109
Christ shall shew himself IIO-
Signs of Christ, birth and
death 110
CONTENTS.
Page
IVhisper from the dust: book
sealed up Ill
Priestcraft forbidden 113
Sealed boot to be brought forth 114
Three witnesses behold the book 114
The words [read this, I pray
thee] 115
Seal up the book again 115
"Their priests shall contend 117
Teach with their learning and
deny the Holy Ghost 117
Rob the poor 118
A Bible, a Bible 120
Men judged of the Books 12J
White and a delightsome peo-
ple 122
Work commence among all
people 122
Xamb of God baptized 123
Baptism by water and Holy
Ghost 124
BOOK OF JACOB 128
Nephi anointeth a King 129
Nephi died . . . . 121)
Nephites and Lamanites 129
A righteous branch from Jo-
seph 132
Lamanites shall scourge you.. 134
More than one wife forbidden. 134
Trees, waves and mountains
obey us 136
Jews look beyond the mark... 137
Tame olive tree 137
Nethermost part of the vine-
yard 138
Fruit laid up against the sea-
son 1.39
Another branch 1.39
Wild fruit had overcome 141
Lord of the vineyard wept.... 141
Branches overcome the roots. . 142
Wild branches plucked off 144
;Sherem the Anti-Christ 147
A sign, Sherem smitten 148
Enos takes the plates from his
father 149
THE BOOK OF ENOS 150
Enos, thy sins are forgiven.... 150
Hecords threatened by Laman-
ites 151
ILamanites eat raw meat 151
THE BOOK OF JAROM 152
Pago
Nephites waxed strong 153
Lamanites drink blood 153
Fortify cities 153
Plates delivered to Omni 154
THE BOOK OF OMNI 154
Plates given to Amaron 154
Plates given to Chemish 155
Mosiah warned to flee 155
Zarahemla discovered 155
Engravings on a stone 156
Coriantumr discovered 156
His parents came from the
tower 156
Plates delivered to king Ben-
jamin 157
THE WORDS OF MORMON... 158
False Christs and Prophets 159
BOOK OF MOSIAH 160
Mosiah made king 161
The plates of brass, sword and
director 162
King Benjamin teacheth the
people 163
Their tent doors towards the
temple 163
Coming of Christ foretold 167
Beggars not denied 171
Sons and daughters 174
Mosiah began to reign 175
Ammon, &c. bound and im-
prisoned 176
Limhi's proclamation 177
Twenty-four plates of gold 180
Seer and Translator 180
RECORD OF ZENIFF 181
A battle fought 183
King Laman died 184
Noah made king 185
Abinadi the prophet 187
Resurrection 196
Alma believed Abinadi 199
Abinadi cast into prison and
scourged with faggots 200
Waters of Mormon 201
The daughters of the Laman-
ites stolen by king Noah's
priests 206
Records on plates of ore 210
CONTENTS.
Page
liast tribute of wine 212
Lamanites deep sleep 217
King Limhi baptized 219
Priest and teachers labor 223
Alma saw an angel 224
Alma fell, (dumb) 225
King Mosiah's sons preach to
the Lamanites 227
Translation of records 228
Plates delivered by Limhi 228
Translated by two stones 228
People back to the tower 228
Records given to Alma 228
Judges appointed 229
King Mosiah died 233
Alma died 233
Kings of Nephi ended 233
THE BOOK OF ALMA 233
Nehor slew Gideon 234
Amlici made king 237
Amliei slain in battle 239
Amlicites painted red 240
Alma baptized in^Sidon 243
Alma's preaching 245
Alma ordained elders 251
Commanded to meet often 251
Alma saw an angel 256
Amulek saw an angel 262
I-iawyers questioning Amulek . . 263
Coins named 265
Zeozrom the lawyer 266
Zeezrom trembles 268
Election spcken of 272
Melchizedek priesthood 273
Zeezrom stoned 276
Records burned 276
Prison rent 278
Zeezrom healed and baptized. . 279
Nehor's desolation 281
Lamanites converted 283
Flocks scattered at Sebus 285
Ammon smote off arms 286
Ammon and king Lamoni 28S
King Lamoni fell 290
Ammon and the Queen 291
King and Queen prostrate 292
Aaron. &c. delivered 297
Jerusalem built 297
Preaching in Jerusalem 297
Lamoni's father converted 301
I^nd Desolation and Bountiful 303
Anti-Nephi-Lehies 305
General council 306
Swords buried 307
1,005 massacred 308
Lamanites perish by fire 309
Slavery forbidden 315
Anti-Nephi-Lehies removtd to
Jershon, called Ammonites. .. 317
Page-
Tremendous battle 317'
Anti-Christ, Korihor 321
Korihor struck dumb 325
The devil in the form of an
angel 325
Korihor trodden down 326'
Alma's mission to Zoramites. . 32?
Rameumptom (holy stand) 32 3
Alma on hill Onidah 331
Alma en faith 33.)
Prophecy of Zenos 334
Prophecy of Zenock 334
Amulek 's knowledge of Christ. 336
Charity recommended 337
Same spirit possess your body. 338
Believers cast out 339
Alma to Helaman 341
Plates given to Helaman 343
24 Plates 345
Gazelem, a stone, (secret) 346
Liahoaa, or compass 347
Alma to Shiblon 348.
Alma to Corianton 350
Unpardonable sin 35;^
Resurrection 353
Restoration 354
Justice in punishment 356-
If, Adam, took, tree, life 356-
Mercy rob justice 358
Moroni's stratagem 362:
Slaughter of Lamanites 363
Moroni's speech to Zerahemnah 364
Prophecy of a soldier 366
Lamanites covenant of peace.. 366
Alma's prophecy, 400 years
after Christ 368
Dwindle in unbelief 36S
Alma's strange departure 368
Amalickiah leadeth away the
people, destroyeth the church 37<>
Standard of Moroni 370«
Joseph's coat rent 37i
Jacob's prophecy of Joseph's
seed 37T
Fevers in the land, plants and
roots for diseases .37.T
Amalickiah's plot 374
The king stabbed 375-
Amalickiah marries the Queen;
and is acknowledged king... 376*'
Fortifications by Moroni 378
Ditches filled with dead bodies 382-
Amalickiah's oath 382
Pahoran appointed judge 386^:
Army against king-men 388
Amalickiah slain 390-
Ammoron made king 391
Bountiful fortified 391
Dissensions 395
2000 Young Men 396
Moroni's epistle to Ammoron.. 397
Ammoron's answer 398'
Lamanites made drunk 400*
Moroni's stratagem 40O*
CONTENTS.
Page
Belaman's epistle to Moroni. . 402
Helaman's stratagem 404
Mothers taught faith 406
I.amanites surrendered 406
€ity of Antiparah taken 407
City of Cumeni taken 408
■200 of the 2,000 fainted 409
Prisoners rebel, el." in 410
Manti taken by stratagem 413
Moroni to the governor 415
■Governor's answer 419
King Pachus slain 422
•Cords and ladders prepared 423
Nephihah taken 423
Teancum's stratagem; slain.. 425
Peace established 425
Moronihah made commander... 425
JJelaman died 426
.Sacred things; Shiblon 426
Moroni died 427
5.400 emigrated north 427
Ships built by Hagoth 427
Sacred things committed to
Helaman; Shiblon died 427
THE BOOK OF HELAMAN... 428
Pahoran died 428
Pahoran appointed judge 429
Kishkumen slew Pahoran 429
Pacumeni appointed judge 429
Zarahemla taken 430
Pacumeni killed 430
Coriantumr slain 431
Lamanites surrendered 431
Helaman appointed judge 432
Secret signs discovered and
Kishkumen stabbed 432
Gadianton fled 433
Emigration northward 433
Cement houses 434
Many books and records 434
Helaman died 436
Nephi made judge 436
Nephites become wicked 437
Nephi gave the judgment seat
to Cezoram 439
Nephi and Lehi preached to
the Lamanites 441
8.000 baptized 441
Alma and Nephi surrounded
with fire 441
Angels administer 443
Cezoram and son murdered 445
Gadianton robbers 446
Gadianton robbers destroyed... 447
Nephi's prophecy 448
Gadianton robbers are judges.. 448
'Chief Judge slain 453
fieantum detected 450
Keys of the kingdom 457
Nephi taken away by the Spirit 458
Famine in the land 459
Gadianton band destroyed 459
Famine removed 460
Samuel's prophecy 464
Tools lost 467
Two days and a night, light.. 468
Sign of the crucifixion 469
Samuel stoned, &c 473
Angels appeared 474
III. NEPHI 475
Lachoneus Chief Judge 475
Nephi receives the records.... 475
Nephi's strange departure. . . . 475
No darkness at night 477
Lamanites became white 480
Giddianhi to Lachoneus 480
Gidgiddoni Chief Judge 482
Giddianhi slain 485
Zemnarihah hanged 486
Robbers surrendered 486
Mormon abridges the records.. 488
Church began to^be broken up. 490
Government of the land de-
stroyed 492
Chief Judge murdered 492
Divided into tribes 492
Nephi raised the dead 493
Sign of the crucifixion 495
Cities destroyed, earthquakes,
darkness, &c 495
Law of Moses fulfilled 498
Christ appeared to Nephites... 501
Print of the nails 502
Nephi and others called 503
Baptism commanded 503
Doctrine of Christ 503
Christ the end of the law 511
Other sheep spoken of 512
Blessed are the Gentiles 513
Gentile wickedness on the land
of Joseph 514
Isaiah's words fulfilled 514
Jesus healed the sick 515
Christ blessed children 516
Little ones encircled with tire. 516
Christ administered the sacra-
ment 517
Christ taught his disciples 519
Names of the Twelve 52f>
The Twelve taugnt the multi-
tude 520
Baptism, Holy Ghost, and fire. 521
Disciples made white 522
Faith, great 523
Christ breaks bread again 523
Miracle, bread and wine 523
Gentiles destroyed (Isaiah) 524
CONTENTS.
Page
Zion established 527
From Gentiles, to your seed.. 527
Sign, Father's work commenced 527
He shall be marred 528
Gentiles destroyed (Isaiah) 528
New Jerusalem built 529
Work commence among all the
tribes 529
Isaiah's words 529
Saints did arise 531
Malachi's prophecy 532
Faith tried by the Book of
Mormon 535
Children's tongues loosed 535
The Dead raised 535
Baptism and Holy Ghost 535
All things common 536
Christ appeared again 536
Moses's Church 536
Three Nephites tarry 539
The Three caught up 540
Change upon theii- bodies 541
IV. NEPHI 543
Disciples raise the Dead 544
Zarahemla Re-built 544
Other Disciples ordained in
their stead 545
Nephi died; Amos kept the
Records in his stead 545
Amos died and his son Amos
kept the Records 545
Prisons rent by the Three 546
Secret Combinations 547
Ammaron hid Records 548
BOOK OF MORMON 548
Three Disciples taken away... 549
Mormon forbidden to preach.. 549
Mormon appointed leader 550
Samuel's prophecy fulfilled 551
Mormon makes a Record 551
Lands divided 552
The Twelve shall judge 554
Desolation taken 556
Women and children sacrificed. 556
Mormon took the Records hid
in Shim 557
Mormon repented of his oath
and took command 557
Coming forth of Records 558
Records hid in Cumorah 560
230>000 Nephites slain 560
Page
Shall not get gain by the
Plates ,... 564
These things shall come forth
out of the earth 564
The state of the World 565
Miracles cease, unbelief 568
Disciples go into all the World
and preach 569
Language of the Book 570
BOOK OF ETHER 670
Twenty-four Plates found 570
Jared cried unto the Lord 573
Jared went down to the valley
of Nimrod 573
Deseret, honey-bee 573
Barges built 573
Decree of God, choice land.... 573
Free from bondage 574
Four years in tents at Murian-
cumer 574
Lord talked three hours 574
Barges like a dish 574
Eight vessels, sixteen stones.. 576
Lord touched the stones 576
Finger of the Lord seen 576
Jared's brother saw the Lord.. 577
Two stones given 578
Stones sealed up 578
Went aboard of vessels 581
Furious Wind blew 582
344 days' passage 582
Orihah anointed king 583
King Shule taken captive 585
Shule's sons slew Noah 585
Jared carries his father away
captive 586
The daughter of Jared danced. 587
Jared anointed king by the
hand of wickedness 589
Jared murdered, and Akish
reigned in his stead 589
Names of Animals 590
Poisonous serpents 591
Riplakish's cruel reign 592
Morianton anointed King 593
Poisonous serpents destroyed.. 593
Many wicked Kings 595
Moroni on Faith 597
Miracles by Faith 598
Moroni saw Jesus 600
New Jerusalem spoken of 600
Ether cast out 601
Records finished in the cavity
of a rock 601
Secret Combinations 602
War in all the land 602
King Gilead murdered by his
High Priest, vhe High Priest
was murdered by Lib 603
CONTENTS.
Lib slain by Coriantumr 604
Dead bodies cover the Land
and none to bury them 604
2.000,000 of men slain 606
Hill Ramah 606
Cries rend the air 607
Slept on their swords 607
Coriantumr slew Shiz 608
Do. fell to the earth 608
Records hid by Ether 608
BOOK OF MOROiTI 60S
Christ's words to the Twelve.. 609
Manner of Ordination 609
Order of Sacrament 610
Order of Baptism 610
Faith. Hope, Charity 61 ■.
Baptism of little children.... 616
Women fed on their husbands'
flesh 6ir)
Daughters murdered and eat. . . 6iJ>
Sufferings of women and chil-
dren 61'>
Cannot recommend them to God 620
Moroni to the Lamanites. . . . . . 621
420 years since the Sign 621
Records sealed up (Moroni) . . . 621
Gifts of the Spirit 621
God's word shall hiss forth... 623
THE BOOK OF MORMON.
THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI,
HIS REIGN AND MINISTRY.
An account of Lehi and his wife Sariah, and his four sons^
being called, (beginning at the eldest,) Laman, Lemuel,.
Sam, and Nephi. The Lord warns Lehi to depart out of
the land of Jerusalem, because he prophesieth unto the
people concerning their iniquity; and they seek to destroy
his life. He taketh three days' journey into the wilder-
ness with his family. Nephi taketh his brethren and
returns to the land of Jerusalem after the record of the
Jews. The account of their sufferings. They take the
daughters of Ishmael to wife. They take their families
and depart into the wilderness. Their sufferings and af-
flictions in the wilderness. The course of their travels.
They come to the large waters. Nephi's brethren rebelleth
against him. He confoundeth them, and buildeth a ship.
They call the place Bouuciful. They cross the large
waters into the promised land, &c. This is according to
the account of Nephi; or in other ivords, /, Nephi, wrote
this record.
CHAPTER 1.
1. I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore*
I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father ; and;
having seen many afflictions in the course of my days —
nevertheless, having been highly favoured of the Lord in all
my days ; yea, having had a great knowledge of the good-
ness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of
my proceedings in my days ;
2. Yea, I make a record in the language of my father,,
which consists of the learning of the Jews, and the "lan-
guage of the Egyptians.
3. And I know that the record which I make is true ;
and I make it with mine own hand ; and I make it according
to my knowledge.
4. For it came to pass in the commencement of the "first
year of the reign of Zedekiah, King of Judah, (my father
a, Mos. 1:4. Mor.9:32. 6, ii. Kings 24: 18.
2 I. NEPHI. [chap. I.
Lehi, having dwelt at Jerusalem in all his days;) and in that
«ame year there came '^many prophets, prophesying unto the
people that they must repent, or the great city Jerusalem
must be destroyed.
5. Wherefore it came to pass that my father, Lehi, as he
went forth, prayed unto the Lord, yea, even with all his
ieart, in behalf of his people.
6. And it came to pass, as he prayed unto the Lord, there
•came a pillar of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him; and
lie saw and heard much ; and because of the things which
he saw and heard, he did quake and tremble exceedingly.
7. And it came to pass that he returned to his own
house at Jerusalem ; and he cast himself upon his bed,
being overcome with the Spirit and the things which he had
aeen ;
8. And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was
•carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open,
.and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne,
surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the
iittitude of singing and praising their God.
9. And it came to pass that he saw one descending out
of the midst of heaven, and he beheld that his lustre was
^bove that of the sun at noon-day ;
10. And he also saw twelve others following him, and
their brightness did exceed that of the stars in the firma-
:ment ;
11. And they came down and went forth upon the face
■of the earth ; and the first came and stood before my father,
and gave unto him a book, and bade him that he should
Tead.
12. And it came to pass that as he read, he was filled
ivith the Spirit of the Lord,
13. And he read, saying, Wo, w^o unto Jerusalem ! for 1
have seen thine abominations ; yea, and many things did my
father read concerning Jerusalem '^that it should be de-
stroyed, and the inhabitants thereof, many should perish by
the sword, and many should be carried away captive into
Babylon.
14. And it came to pass that when my father had read
and saw many great and marvellous things, he did exclaim
many things unto the Lord ; such as great and marvellous
.-are thy works, O Lord God Almighty! Thy throne is high
in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy are
over all the inhabitants of the earth; and because thou art
merciful, thou will not suffer those who come unto thee that
they shall perish !
15. And after this manner was the language of my
father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice,
find his whole heart was filled, because of the things which
he had seen; yea, which the Lord had shewn unto him.
c, II. Chron. 36: 15, 16. d. ii. Chron. 36 : 17—20.
CHAP. II.] I. NEPHI. 3
16. And now I, Nephi, do not make a full account of the
things which my ^father hath written, for he hath written
many things which he saw in visions and in dreams ; and he
also hath written many things which he prophesied and
spake unto his children, of which 1 shall not make a full
^account ;
17. But I shall make an account of my proceedings in my
days. Behold I make an '^abridgment of the record of my
father, upon plates which I have made with mine own
hands ; wherefore after I have abridged the record of my
father, then will I make an account of mine own life.
18. Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after
the Lord had shown so many marvellous things unto my
father, Lehi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem,
behold he went forth among the people, and began to
prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things
which he had both seen and heard.
19. And it came to pass that the ''Jews did mock him,
because of the things which he testified of them ; for he truly
testified of their wickedness and their abominations; and he
testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also
the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of
the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the
•world.
20. And when the Jews heard these things, they were
angry with him ; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom
they had cast out, and stoned, and slain ; and they also
sought his life, that they might take it away. But behold, I,
Nephi, will shew unto you that the tender mercies of the^
Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of'
their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of
deliverance.
CHAPTER 2.
1. For behold it came to pass that the Lord spake unto
my father, yea, even in a dream, and said unto him. Blessed
art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done ;
and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this
people the things which I commanded thee, behold they seek
to take away thy life.
2. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my
father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and
depart into the wilderness.
3. And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word
of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.
4. And it came to pass that he departed into the wilder-
e. I. Nep. 6:1. /. i. Nep. 6: 1. 9:2—5. 10:1. 19:1—6. ii. Nep. 5: 29— 33.
Jacob 1: 1—4. 3: 13, 14. 4: 1. 2. 7: 26, 27. Enoa 1: 13, 15—18. Jarom 1:14. 15.
Words x>i Mor. 1: 1—11. g, ii. Chron. 36: 16.
4 I. NEPHi. [chap, m
iiess. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance,,
and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things and
took nothing with him, save it were his familj% and pro-
visions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness;
5. And he came down bj^ the borders near the shore of
the Red Sea ; and he travelled in the wilderness in the
borders which are nearer the Red Sea ; and he did travel
in the wilderness with his family which consisted of my
mother, Sariah, and my elder brothers, who were Laman,,
Lemuel, and Sam.
6. And it came to pass that when he had travelled three
days in the wilderness, he pitched his tent in a valley by the
side of a river of water.
7. And it came to pass that he built an altar of stones,,
and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto
the Lord our God.
8. And it came to pass that he called the name of the
river, Laman, and it emptied into the Red Sea ; and the
valley was in the borders near the mouth thereof.
9. And when my father saw that the waters of the river
emptied into the fountain of the Red Sea, he spake unto-
Laman, saying, O that thou mightest be like unto this river,,
continually running into the fountain of all righteousness.
10. And he also spake unto Lemuel : O that thou
mightest be like unto this valley, firm and steadfast, and
immoveable in keeping the commandments of the Lord.
11. Now this he spake because of the stiffneckedness of
• Laman and Lemuel; for behold they did murmur in many
things against their father, because he was a visionary man,,
and had led them out of the land of Jerusalem, to leave the
land of their inheritance, and their gold, and their silver, and
their precious things, to perish in the wilderness. And this:
they said he had done because of the foolish imaginations of
his heart.
12. And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did
murmur against their father. And they did murmur be-
cause they knew not the dealings of that God who had
created them.
13. Neither did they believe that Jerusalem, that great
city, could be destroyed according to the words of the
prophets. And they were like unto the Jews, who were at
Jerusalem, who sought to take away the life of my father.
14. And it came to pass that mj^ father did speak unto
them in the valley of Lemuel, with power, being filled with
the Spirit, until their frames did shake before him. And he
did confound them, that they durst not utter against him ;
\yherefore, they did as he commanded them.
15. And my father dwelt in a tent.
la And it came to pass th|Lt I, Nephi, being exceeding
young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having
great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore I
did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did
CHAP. III.] I. NEPHI. 5
soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had
been spoken by my father ; wherefore I did not rebel against
him' like unto my brothers.
17. And I spake unto Sam, making known unto him the
things which the Lord had manifested unto me by his Holy
Spirit. And it came to pass that he believed in my words;
18. But behold Laman and Lemuel would not hearken
arnto my words ; and being grieved because of the hardness
of their hearts, I cried unto the Lord for them.
19. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me,
saying, Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for
thou hast sought me diligently, with lowliness of heart.
20. And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments,
ye shall prosper, "and shall be led to a land of promise ; yea,
even SL land which I have prepared for you ; yea, a land which
is choice above all other lands.
21. And inasmuch as thy "brethren shall rebel against
thee, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.
22. And inasmuch as thou shalt keep my command-
ments, ''thou shalt be made a ruler and a teacher over thy
brethren.
23. For behold, in that day that they shall rebel against
me, I will '^curse them even with a sore curse, and they shall
have no power over thy seed, except they shall rebel against
me also.
24. And if it so be that they rebel against me, they shall
be a scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in the ways of
remembrance.
CHAPTER 3.
1. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, returned from
speaking with the Lord, to the tent of my father.
2. And it came to pass that he spake unto me, saying :
Behold 1 have dreamed a dream, in the which the Lord hath
<ommanded me that thou and thy brethren shall return to
Jerusalem.
3. For behold, Laban hath the record of the Jews, and
also a genealogy of thy forefathers, and "they are engraven
npon plates of brass.
4. Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me that thou and
thy brothers should go unto the house of Laban, and seek
tho records, and bring them down hither into the wilderness.
5. And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying. It is a
hard thing which I have required of them ; but behold 1
a, I. Nep. 18: 22, 23. Ether 1 : 42. 2: 7-12. b, IT. Nep. 5: 20. Alma 9.13, 14.
3S:1. c. I. Nep. 3: 29. ii. Nep. 5: 19. cT, i. Nep. 12: 22, 23. Ii. Nep. 5:21— 25.
Alma 3: 6—19. 17: 15. in. Nep. 2: 15, 16. Mor. 5: 15.
a, T. Nep. 3 12, 19. 20. 24. 4: 24. 38. 5: 10—22. 13: 23. IS; 22. it. Nep. 4: 2.
: 12. Mos. 1: 3, 4. 28: 20. Alma 37: 3—12. 63: 1. 11—14. ill. Nep. 1: 2.
6 I. NEPHI. [CHAP. III.
have not required it of them; but it is a commandment of
the Lord.
6. Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favoured of
the Lord, because thou hast not murmured.
7. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my
father, I will go and do the things which the Lord hath com-
manded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments
unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for,
them that they may accomplish the thing which he com-
mandeth them.
8. And it came to pass that when my father had heard
these words, he was exceeding glad, for he knew that I had
been blessed of the Lord.
9. And I, Nephi, and my brethren took our journey in the^
wilderness with our tents, to go up to the land of Jerusalem.
10. And it came to pass that when we had come up to
the land of Jerusalem, I and my brethren did consult one
with another ;
11. And we *cast lots who of us should go in unto the
house of Laban. And it came to pass that the lot fell upon
Laman ; and Laman went in unto the house of Laban, and
he talked with him as he sat in his house.
12. And he desired of Laban the records which were
engraven upon the plates of brass, which contained the
genealogy of my father.
13. And behold, it came to pass that Laban was angry,
and thrust him out from his presence ; and he would not that
he should have the records. Wherefore, he said unto him,.
Behold thou art a robber, and I will slay thee.
14. But Laman fled out of his presence, and told the
things which Laban had done, unto us. And we began to
be exceeding sorrowful, and my brethren were about ta
return unto my father in the wilderness.
15. But behold I said unto them, That as the Lord liveth,
and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the
wilderness, until we have accomplished the thing which the
Lord hath commanded us.
16. Wherefore let us be faithful in keeping the com-
mandments of the Lord; therefore let us go down to the
land of our father's inheritance, for behold he left ''gold and
silver, and all manner of riches. And all this he hath done,,
because of the commandments of the Lord.
17. For he knew that '^Jerusalem must be destroyed,,
because of the wickedness of the people.
18. For behold, they have rejected the words of the pro-
phets. Wherefore, if my father should dwell in the land
after he hath been commanded to flee out of the land, behold
he would also perish. Wherefore it must needs be that he
flee out of the land.
b, Joshua 18: 6. 10. Judges 20: 9. Acts 1: 26. c, i. :;cp. 2: 4. d, ii. Chron. 30.-
H— 20.
CHAP. III.] I. NEPHI. T
19. And behold, it is wisdom in God that we should
obtain these records, that we ma}' preserve unto our children,
the ''language of our fathers ;
20. And also that we may preserve unto them the words
which have been spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets,,
which have been delivered unto them by the Spirit and
power of God, since the world began, even down unto this
present time.
21. And it came to pass that after this manner of lan-
guage did I persuade my brethren, that they might be^
faithful in keeping the commandments of God.
22. And it came to pass that we went down to the land
of our inheritance, and we did gather together our ^gold, and
our silver, and our precious things.
23. And after we had gathered J:hese things together^
we went up again to the house of Laban.
24. And it came to pass that we went in unto Laban, and
desired him that he would give unto us the records which
were engraven upon the ^plates of brass, for which we would
give unto him our gold, and our silver, and all our precious^
things.
25. And it came to pass that when Laban saw our pro-
perty, and that it was exceeding great, he did lust after it,,
insomuch that he thrust us • out, and sent his servants to-
slay us, that he might obtain our property.
26. And it came to pass that we did flee before the-
servants of Laban, and we were obliged to leave behind our
property, and it fell into the hands of Laban.
27. And it came to pass that we fled into the wilderness,,
and the servants of Laban did not overtake us, and we hid
ourselves in the cavity of a rock.
28. And it came to pass that Laman was angry with me,,
and also with my father ; and also was Lemuel ; for he
hearkened unto the words of Laman. Wherefore Laman
and Lemuel did speak many hard words unto us, their*
younger brothers, and they did smite us even with a rod.
29. And it came to pass as they smote us with a.
rod, behold an angel of the Lord came and stood before them,,
and he spake unto them, saying, Why do ye smite your
younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord;
hath chosen him to be a ''ruler over you, and this because of
your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again,,
and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands.
30. And after the angel had spoken unto us, he departed.
31. And after the angel had departed, Laman and
Lemuel again began to murmur, saying. How is it possible
that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold,
he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he-
can slay fifty; then why not us?
e. I. Nep. 1:3. Mos. 1:4. /, i. Nep. 2: 4. 3: 16. g, See a. k, i. Nep„
2:22.
I. NEPHI. [chap. IV.
♦ CHAPTER 4.
1. And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren,
•sajing, Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be
faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord ; for
behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not
mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens
of thousands.
2. Therefore let us go up ; let us be strong like unto
Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea,
and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came
through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of
Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the
Red Sea.
3. Now behold ye know that this is true ; and ye also
know that an angel hath spoken unto you, wherefore can ye
doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even
as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians.
4. Now when I had spoken these words, they were yet
wroth, and did still continue to murmur ; nevertheless they
did follow me up until we came without the walls of
Jerusalem. ,
5. And it was by night : and I caused that they should
hide themselves without the walls. And after they had hid
themselves, I, Nephi, crept into the city and went forth towards
the house of Laban.
6. And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand
the things which I should do.
7. Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto
the house of Laban, I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the
earth before me, for he was drunken with wine.
8. And when I came to him I found that it was Laban.
9. And I beheld his "sword, and I drew it forth from the
sheath thereof, and the hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the
workmanship thereof was exceeding fine, and I saw that the
l)lade thereof was of the most precious steel.
10. And it came to pass that I was constrained by the
Spirit that I should kill I^aban : but I said in my heart, never
at any time have I shed the blood of man, and I shrunk and
would that I might not slay him.
11. And the Spirit said unto me again. Behold the Lord
liath delivered him into thy hands ; yea, and I also knev/ that
he had sought to take away mine own life ; yea, and he would
not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord ; and he
also had taken away our property.
12. And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me
:again. Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy
hands.
13. Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth
a. II. Nep. 5:14. Jacob 1:10. Mos. 1:1G. Doc. & Cov. 17: 1.
CHAP. IV. J I. NEPHI. ^
his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should
perish, than that a nation should dwindle and perish in
unbelief.
14. And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I
remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me
in the wilderness, saying, That inasmuch as thy seed shall
keep my commandments, "they shall prosper in the land of
promise.
15. Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the
commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses,
save they should have the law.
16. And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the
plates of brass.
17. And again — I knew that the Lord had delivered
Laban into my hands for this cause, that I might obtain the
records according to his commandments.
18. Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took
Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with
his own sword.
19. And after I had smitten off his head with his own sword,.
I took the garments of Laban and put them upon mine own
body; y^a, even every whit; and I did gird on his armour about,
my loins.
20. And after I had done this, I went forth unto the
treasury of Laban. And as I went forth towards the
treasury of Laban, behold I saw the servant of Laban who
had the keys of the treasury. And I commanded him in.
the voice of Laban, that he should go with me into the
treasury ;
21. And he supposed me to be his master Laban, for he
beheld the garments and also the sword girded about my loins.
22. And he spake unto me concerning the elders of the
Jews, he knowing that his master Laban had been out by
night among them.
23. And I spake unto him as if it had been Laban.
24. And I also spake unto him that I should carry the
engravings which were upon the ''plates of brass, to my
elder brethren, who were without the walls.
25. And I also bade him that he should follow me.
26. And he, supposing that I spake of the brethren of the
church, and that I was truly that Laban whom I had slain,
wherefore he did follow me.
27. And he spake unto me many times concerning the
elders of the Jews, as I went forth unto my brethren, who
were without the walls.
28. And it came to pass that when Laman saw me, he
was exceedingly frightened, and also Lemuel and Sam. And
they fled from before my presence; for they supposed it was
Laban, and that he had slain me, and had sought to take
away their lives also.
b, I. Nep. 2:20, 23. c. See a, i. Nep. 3.
10 I. NEPHI. [CHAP. V.
29. And it came to pass that I called after them, and they
did hear me ; wherefore they did cease to flee from my
presence.
30. And it came to pass that when the servant of Laban
beheld my brethren, he began to tremble, and was about to
iiee from before me, and return to the city of Jerusalem.
31. And now I, Nephi, being a man large in stature, and
also having received much strength of the Lord, therefore
I did seize upon the servant of Laban, and held him, that he
■should not ilee.
32. And it came to pass that I spake with him, that if he
would hearken unto my words, as the Lord liveth, and as I
live, even so that if he would hearken unto our words, we
would spare his life.
33. And I spake unto him, even with an oath, that he
need not fear; that he should be a free man like unto us, if
he would go down in the wilderness with us.
34. And I also spake unto him, saying, Surely the Lord
hath commanded us to do this thing, and shall we not be
diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord? There-
fore, if thou wilt go down into the wilderness to my father,
thou shalt have place with us.
35. And it came to pass that Zoram did take courage at
the words which I spake. Now '^Zoram was the name of the
•servant; and he promised that he would go down into the
wilderness unto my father. And he also made an oath unto
us, that he would tarry with us from that time forth.
3(). Now we were desirous that he should tarry with us
for this cause, that the Jews might not know concerning our
flight into the wilderness, lest they should pursue us and
destroy us.
37. And it came to pass that when Zoram had made an
oath unto us, our fears did cease concerning him.
38. And it came to pass that we took the plates of brass
and the servant of Laban, and departed into the wilderness,
and journeyed unto the tent of our father.
CHAPTER 5.
1. And it came to pass that after we had come down into
-the wilderness unto our father, behold he was filled with joy,
and also my mother Sariah, was exceeding glad, for she truly
had mourned because of us ;
2. For she had supposed that we had perished in the
wilderness; and she also had complained against my father,
telling him that he was a visionary man; saying, Behold
thou hast led us forth from the land of our inheritance, and
:my sons are no more, and we perish in the wilderness.
d, I. Nep. 16: 7. II. Nep. 5: 6. Jacob 1 : 13. Alma 54: 23. iv. Nep. 1 : 36, 37.
CHAP. V.J I. NEPHI. 11
3. And after this manner of language had my mother com-
plained against . my father.
4. And it had came to pass that my father spake unto
her, saying, I know that I am a visionary man ; for if I had
not seen the things of God in a "vision, I should not have
known the goodness of God, but had tarried at Jerusalem,
and had perished with my brethren.
5. But behold, I have obtained a land of promise, in the
which things I do rejoice ; yea, and I know that the Lord
v.ill deliver my sons out of the hands of Laban, and bring
them down again unto us in the wilderness.
6. And after this manner of language did my father Lehi,
■comfort my mother Sariah, concerning us, while we journeyed
in the wilderness up to the land of Jerusalem, to obtain the
re(Hjrd of the Jews.
7. And when we had returned to the tent of my father,
behold their joy was full, and my mother was comforted ;
,8. And she spake, saying, Now I know of a surety that
the Lord hath ''commanded my husband to flee into the
wilderness ; yea, and I also know of a surety that the Lord
hath protected my sons, and delivered them out of the hands
of Laban, and gave them power whereby they could accom-
plish the thing which the Lord hath commanded them. And
after this manner of language did she speak.
y. And it came to pass that they did rejoice exceedingly,
and did offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto the Lord ; and
they gave thanks unto the God of Israel.
10. And after they had given thanks unto the God of
Israel, my father, Lehi, took the records which were engraven
upon ''the plates of brass, and he did search them from the
beginning.
11. x\nd he beheld that they did contain the five books of
Moses, which gave an account of the creation of the world,
and also of Adam and Eve, who were our first parents ;
12. And also a record of the Jews from the beginning, even
down to the commencement of the reign of Zedekiah, king
of Judah ;
13. And also the prophecies of the holy prophets, from
the beginning, even down to the commencement of the reign
•of Zedekiah ; and also many prophecies which have been spoken
by the mouth of Jeremiah.
14. And it came to pass that my father, Lehi, also found
upon the plates of brass, a ''genealogy of his fathers ; where-
fore he knew that he was a descendant of Joseph ; yea, even
that Joseph who was the son of Jacob, who was sold into
Egypt, and who was preserved by the hand of the Lord, that
he might preserve his father, Jacob, and all his household
from perishing with famine.
15. And they were also led out of captivity and out of
a, 1. Nep. 1: 13. 3: 18. 5. i. Nep. 2: 2. c. See i. Nep. 3, a. d, i. Nep. 3: 12.
5:16. 6:2. Alma 10: 3. 37:3.
12 I. NEPHI. l^CHAP. VI.
the land of Egypt, by that same God who had preserved
them.
16. And thus my father, Lehi, did discover the genealogy
of his fathers. And Laban also was a descendant of Joseph,
wherefore he and his fathers had kept the records.
17. And now when my father saw all these things, he
was filled with the Spirit, and began to prophesy concerning
his seed ;
18. That these plates of brass should go forth unto all na-
tions, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed.
19. Wherefore, he said that these plates of brass should
never perish ; neither should they be dimmed any more by
time. And he prophesied many things concerning his seed.
20. And it came to pass that thus far I and my father
had kept the commandments wherewith the Lord had com-
manded us.
21. And we had obtained the records which the Lord had
commanded us, and searched them and found that they were
desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch
that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unta
our children.
22. Wherefore, it was wisdom in the Lord that we
should carry them with us, as we journeyed in the wilderness
towards the land of promise.
CHAPTER 6.
1. And now I, Nephi, *do not give the genealogy of my
fathers in this part of my record ; neither at any time shall I
give it after upon these plates which I am writing ; for it is
given in the record which has been "kept by my father ; where-
fore I do not write it in this work.
2. For it sufiiceth me to say, that we are a descendant of
Joseph.
3. And it mattereth not to me that I am particular to
give a full account of all the things of my father, for they
cannot be written upon these plates, for I desire the room
that I may write of the things of God.
4. For the fulness of mine intent is, that I may persuade
men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac,,
and the God of Jacob, and be saved.
5. Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world,.
I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God
and unto those who are not of the world.
6. Wherefore, I shall give commandment unto my seed,
that they shall not "occupy these plates with things which
are not of worth unto the children of men.
a, 1. Nep. 1 : 16. 6. Jacob 1 : 1—4. 3: 13, 14. 4 : 1—3. Enos 1: 13—18. Jarom
1:1,2,14,15. Oranil:l, 3,9, 11, 25. Words of Mo.. 1: 3— 11.
CHAP. VII.] I. NEPHI. 13
CHAPTER 7.
1. And now I would that ye might know, that after my
father, Lehi, had made an end of "prophesying concerning
his seed, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto him again,
saying, That it was not meet for him, Lehi, that he should
take his family into the wilderness alone ; but that his sons
should Hake daughters to wife, that they might raise up
seed unto the Lord in the land of promise.
2. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded him
that I, Nephi, and my brethren, should again return unto the
land of Jerusalem, and bring down ''Ishmael and his family
into the wilderness.
3. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did again, with my
brethren, go forth into the wilderness to go up to Jerusalem.
4. And it came to pass that we went up unto the house
of Ishmael, and we did gain favour in the sight of Ishmael,
insomuch that we did speak unto him the words of the Lord.
5. And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the heart
of Ishmael, and also his household, insomuch that they took
their journey with us down into the wilderness to the tent
of our father.
6. And it came to pass that as we journeyed in the
wilderness, behold Laman and Lemuel, and two of the
daughters of Ishmael, and the two sons of Ishmael, and their
families, did rebel against us ; yea, against me, Nephi, and
Sam, and their father, Ishmael, and his wife, and his three
other daughters.
7. And it came to pass in the which rebellion, they were
desirous to return unto the land of Jerusalem.
8. And now I, Nephi, being grieved for the hardness of
their hearts, therefore I spake unto them, saying, yea, even
unto Laman and unto Lemuel, Behold ye are mine elder
brethren, and how is it that ye are so hard in your hearts,
and so blind in your minds, that ye have need that I, your
younger brother, should speak unto you, yea, and set an
example for you?
9. How is it that ye have not hearkened unto the word of
the Lord?
10. How is it that ye have forgotten that ye have "seen
an angel of the Lord?
11. Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten what great
things the Lord hath done for us, in ^delivering us out of
the hands of Laban, and also that we should obtain the
record?
12. Yea, and how is it that ye have forgotten that the
Lord is able to do all things according to his will, for the
children of men, if it so be that they exercise faith in him ;
wherefore let us be faithful to him.
a, I. Nep. 1 : 16. 2: 14. 6, l. Nep. 16: 7. c, i. Nep. 7: 6, 19. d, i. Nep. 3: 29.
«, I. Nep. 4.
14 . I. NEPHI. [CHAP. VII.
13. And if it so be that we are faithful to him, ''we shall
obtain the land of promise; and ye shall know ^at some
future period, that the word of the I^ord shall be fulfilled
concerning the destruction of Jerusalem ; for all things which
the Lord hath spoken concerning the destruction of Jerusalem
must be fulfilled.
14. For behold, the Spirit of the Lord ceaseth soon to
strive with them; for behold they have "rejected the prophets,
and *Jeremiah have they cast into prison. And they have
sought to ^take away the life of my father insomuch that
they have driven him out of the land.
15. Now behold, I say unto you. That if ye will return
unto Jerusalem, ye shall also perish with them. And now,
if ye have choice, go up to the land, and remember the words
which I speak unto you, that if ye go ye will also perish ; for
thus the Spirit of the Lord constraineth me that I should
speak.
16. And it came to pass that when I, Nephi, had spoken
these words unto my brethren, they were angry with me.
And it came to pass that they did lay their hands upon me —
for behold, they were exceeding wroth — and they did bind
me with cords, for they sought to take away my life, that
they might leave me in the wilderness to be devoured by wild
beasts.
17. But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord,
saying, O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt
thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren ; yea, even
give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I
am bound.
18. And it came to pass that when I had said these
words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and
feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spake unto them
again.
19. And it came to pass that they were angry with me
again, and sought to lay hands upon me ; but behold, one of
the daughters of Ishmael. yea, and also her mother, and one
of the sons of Ishmael, did plead with my brethren, insomuch
that they did soften their hearts ; and they did cease striving
to take away my life.
20. And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because
of their wickedness, insomuch that they did bow down before
me, and did plead with me, that I would forgive them of the
thing that they had done against me.
21. And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them
all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would
pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness. And it came
to pass that they did so. And after they had done praying
unto the Lord, we did again travel on our journey towards
the tent of our father.
/. I. Nep. 2: 20. 18: 22, 23. g, ii. Nep. 6: 8. 9. 25: 10. Omni 1- 15. Hela. 8: 20,
21. h, Jer. 44: 4—6. i, Jer. 37: 15. ;, i. Nep. 2: 1. .
CHAP. VIII.] I. NEPHI. 15
22. And it came to pass that we did come down unto the
tent of our father. And after I and my brethren, and all the
house of Ishmael, had come down unto the tent of my father*
they did give thinks unto the Lord their God ; and they did
offer sacrifice and burnt offerings unto him.
CHAPTER 8.
1. And it came to pass that we had gathered together all
manner of "seeds of every kind, both of grain of every kind,
and also of the seeds of fruit of every kind.
2. And it came to pass that while my father tarried in
the wilderness, he spake unto us, saying, Behold, I have
dreamed a dream ; or, in other words, I have seen a vision.
3. And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I
have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also
of Sam ; for I have reason to suppose that they, and also
many of their seed, will be saved.
4. But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly
because of you ; for behold, methought I saw in my dream, a
dark and dreary wilderness.
5. And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was
dressed in a white robe : and he came and stood before me.
6. And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade
me follow him.
7. And it came to pass that as I followed him, I beheld
myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.
8. And after I had travelled for the space of many hours
in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would
have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender
mercies.
9. And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord,
I beheld a large and spacious field.
10. And it came to pass that I ''beheld a tree, whose fruit
was 'desirable to make one happy.
11. And it came to pass that I did go forth, and partake
of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet,
above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that
the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that
I had ever seen.
12. And as I partook of the fruit thereof, it filled my soul
with exceeding great joy ; wherefore, I began to be desirous;
that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it
was desirable above all other fruit.
13. And as I cast my eyes round about, that perhaps I
might discover my family also, I beheld a ''river of water;
a, I. Nep. 18: 24. 6. i. Nep. 8: 15. 20. 24, 25, 30. 11 : 8, 9, 21—23, 25. c, i. Nep.
8:19. 12:16.18. 15:26-29.
16 I. NEPHI. [chap. VIII.
and it ran alongy and it was near the tree of which I was
partaking the fruit.
14. And I looked to behold from whence it came : and I
saw the head thereof a little way off; and at the head there-
of, I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi ; and
they stood as if they knew not whither they should go.
15. And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them ; and
I also did say unto them with a loud voice, That they should
come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable
Above all other fruit.
16. And it came to pass that they did come unto me, and
partake of the fruit also.
17. And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman
^nd Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; where-
fore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that
perhaps I might see them.
18. And it came to pass that I saw them, but "they would
not come unto me.
19. And I beheld a ^rod of iron, and it extended along
"the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.
20. And I also beheld a straight and narrow path, which
<jame along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I
stood ; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a
large and spacious field, as if it had been a world ;
21. And I saw numberless concourses of people ; many of
whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the
path which led unto the tree by which I stood.
22. And it came to pass that they did come forth, and
commence in the path which led to the tree.
23. And it came to pass that there arose a mist of dark-
ness ; yea, even an exceeding great mist of darkness, inso-
much that they who had commenced in the path, did lose
their way, that they wandered off and were lost.
24. And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing
forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of
the rod of iron ; and they did press forward through the
mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they
•did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.
25. And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree,
they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.
26. And I also cast m.y eyes round about, and beheld, on
the other side of the river of water, ^a. great and spacious
"building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the
•earth ;
27. And it was filled with people, both old and young,
toth male and female ; and their manner of dress was ex-
<ieeding fine ; and they were in the attitude of mocking and
pointing their fingers towards those who had come at, and
Avere partaking o^ the fruit.
d. ii.Xep.5:2Q. c. i.liepuS.-^l. 30. 15-23.24. /. i. Nep. 9: 31, 33. 11:35,36
CHAP. IX.] I. NEPHI. 17
28. And after they had tasted of the fruit they were
jishamed, because of those that were scoffing at them ; and
they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.
29. And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my
father.
30. But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other
Tuultitudes pressing forward ; and they came and caught
liold of the end of the ''rod of iron ; and they did press their
■way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron,
until ' ey came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit
of the tree.
31. And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way
towards that great and spacious building.
32. And it came to pass that many were Mrowned in the
depths of the fountain ; and many were lost from his view,
wandering in strange roads.
33. And great was the multitude that did enter into
that *strange building. And after they did enter into that
building, they did point the finger of scorn at me, and those
that were partaking of the fruit also ; but we heeded them
not.
34. These are the words of my father: For as many as
lieeded them, had fallen away.
35. And •'Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said
my father. ,
36. And it came to pass after my father had spoken all
the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said
xmto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he
exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel ; yea, he feared
lest they should be *^cast off from the presence of the Lord :
37. And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a
tender parent, that they would hearken to his words that,
perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast
them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.
38. And after he had preached unto them, and also
prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep
the commandments of the Lord ; and he did cease speaking
onto them.
CHAPTER 9.
1. And all these things did my father see, and hear, and
speak, as he "dwelt in a tent, in the valley of Lemuel ; and
also a great many more things, which cannot be written upon
these plates.
2. And now, as I have spoken "concerning these plates,
behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full
g, I. Nep. 8: 19. 15: 23. 24. h, i. Nep. 8: 13, U, 15: 26—29. i, i. Nep. 8: 26.
j, vers. 4, 17, 18. k, ii. Nep. 5: 20.
a, I. IS p. 2: 7, 14. ft, See f, i. Nep. 1.
ISr I. NEPHI. [chap. X.
account of the history of my people; for the plates upon
which I make a full account of my people, I have given the
name of Nephi ; wherefore they are called the plates of Nephi,
after mine own name ; and these plates also are called the
plates of Nephi.
3. Nevertheless, I have received a commandment of the
Lord, that I should make these plates, for the special pur-
pose that there should be an account engraven of the
ministry of my people.
4. Upon the other plates should be engraven an account
of the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions of
my people ; wherefore these plates are for the more part of
the ministry ; and the other plates are for the more part of
the reign of kings, and the wars and contentions of my
people.
5. Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make
these plates for a ''wise purpose in him ; which purpose I
know not.
6. But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning;
wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works
among the children of men ; for behold, he hath all power
unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.
CHAPTER 10.
1. And now I, Nephi, proceed to give an account upon
these plates of my proceedings, and my reign and ministry;
wherefore, to proceed with mine account, I must speak some-
what of the things of my father, and also of my brethren.
2. For behold, it came to pass after my father had made
an end of speaking the words of his dream, and also of
exhorting them to all diligence, he spake unto them con-
cerning the Jews,
3. That after they should be destroyed, even that great
city Jerusalem, and many be carried away captive into Baby-
lon, according to the own due time of the Lord, they should
return again ; yea, even be brought back out of captivity ;
and after they should be "brought back out of captivity,
they should possess again the land of their inheritance.
4. Yea, even ^six hundred years from the time that my
father left Jerusalem, a ''prophet would the Lord God raise
up among the Jews ; even a Messiah ; or, in other words, a
Saviour of the world.
5. And he also spake concerning the prophets, how "^great
a number had testified of these things, concerning this
c, Wor. of Mor. 1 ; 7. Doc. & Gov. 10: 34, 35, 40. I. Nep. 19: 3.
a, II. Nep. 6: 8, 9. Dan. 9: 2. 6, i. Nep. 10: 4. 19:8. II. Nep. 25: 19. III. Nep.
1:1. c, I. Nep. 22: 20. 21. iii. Nep. 20: 23. d, in. Nep. 20: 24.
CHAP. X.] I. NEPUI. 19
Messiah, of whom he had spoken, or this Redeemer of the
world.
6. Wherefore all mankind were in a *lost and in a fallen
state, and ever would be, save they should rely on this
Redeemer.
7. And he spake also concerning a '"prophet who should
come before the Messiah, to prepare the way of the Lord ;
8. Yea, even he should go forth and cry in the wilder-
ness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths
straight ; for there standeth one among you whom ye know
not; and he is mightier than I, whose shoe's latchet I am not
worthy to unloose. And much spake my father concerning
this thing.
9. And my father said he should baptize in Bethabary,
beyond Jordan ; and he also said he should baptize with
water ; even that he should baptize the Messiah with water.
10. And after he had baptized the Messiah with water,
he should behold and bear record, that he had baptized the
Lamb of God, who should take away the sins of the world.
"* 11. And it came to pass after my father had spoken these
words, he spake unto my brethren concerning the gospel
which should be preached among the Jews; and also con-
cerning the ^dwindling of the Jews in unbelief. And after
they had slain the Messiah, who should come, and after he
had been slain, he should rise from the dead, and should
make himself manifest, by the Holy Ghost, unto the Gentiles.
12. Yea, even my father spake much concerning the
Gentiles, and also concerning the house of Israel, that they
should be compared like unto an '^olive tree, whose branches
should be broken off, and should be scattered upon all the
face of the earth.
13. Wherefore, he said it must needs be that we should
be led with one accord into the *land of promise unto the
fulfilling of the word of the Lord, that we should be scattered
upon all the face of the earth.
14. And after the house of Israel should be scattered, they
should be gathered together again ; or, in fine, after ^the
Gentiles had received the fulness of the Gospel, the natural
branches of the olive tree, or the remnants of the house of
Israel, should be grafted in, or come to the knowledge of the
true Messiah, their Lord and their Redeemer.
15. And after this manner of language did my father
prophesy and speak unto my brethren ; and also many more
things which I do not write in this book ; for I have ^written
as many of them as were expedient for me in mine other book.
16. And all these things of which I have spoken, were
done as my father ^dwelt in a tent, in the valley of Lemuel.
e, II Nep. 2:5— 8. 9:6—38. 25:20. 31:21. Mos. 16:4, 5. Alma 9: 30, 32. A i.
Nep. U 27. II. Nep. 31: 4— 18. g, Rom. 11. Jacob 4: 15. iii. Nep. 15: 23. h, Jacob
!> and 6 chap, i, I. Nep. 2: 20. 18: 23. j, Jacob 5. III. Nep. 16: 4—7. 21: 1—11. ik.
see /, I. Nep. 1. I, I. Nep. 1: 14.
20 L NEPHI. [CHAP. XI.
17. And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all
the words of my father, concerning the things which he
saw in a vision ; and also the things which he spake by the
power of the Holy Ghost ; which power he received by faith
on the Son of God ; and the Son of God was the ^lessiah
who should come ; I, Nephi, was desirous also, that I might
see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of
the Holy Ghost, which is the ""gift of God unto all those who
diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time
that he should manifest himself unto the children of men ;
18. For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever;
and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of
the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto
Lim ;
19. For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the
mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power
of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old,
and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore
the course of the Lord is one eternal round.
20. Therefore remember, O man, for all thy doings, thou
shalt be brought into judgment.
21. Wherefore if ye have sought to do wickedly in the
days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the
^judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with
* God ; wherefore ye must be cast off for ever.
22. And the Holy Ghost giveth authority that I should
speak these things, and deny them not.
CHAPTER 11.
1. 'For it came to pass after I had desired to know the
things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord
was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering
in mine heart, I was caught away in the Spirit of the
Lord, yea, into an exceeding high mountain, which I never
had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my
foot.
2. And the Spirit said unto me, Behold, what desirest
thou?
3. And I said, I desire to behold the things which my
father saw.
4. And the Spirit said unto me, Believest thou that thy
father saw the "tree of which he hath spoken?
5. And I said. Yea, tho-a knowest that I believe all the
words of my father.
6. And when I had spoken these words, the Spirit cried
m, II. Pet. 1:21.
a, I. Nep. 8: 10—12. 11: 8. 9. 15: 21, 22.
CHAP. XI.] I. NEPHI. 21
with a loud voice, saying, Hosanna to the Lord, the most
high God ; for he is God over all the earth, yea, even above
all : and blessed art thou, Nephi, because thou believest in
the Son of the most high God ; wherefore thou shalt behold
the things which thou hast desired.
7. And behold this thing shall be given unto thee for a sign,
that after thou hast beheld the tree which bore the fruit which
thy father tasted, thou shalt also behold a man descending out
of heaven, and him shall ye witness ; and after ye have witnessed
him, ye shall bear record that it is the Son of God.
8. And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me,
Look ! and I looked and beheld a tree ; and it was like unto
the tree which my father had seen ; and the beauty thereof
was far beyond, yea, exceeding of all beauty ; and the white-
ness thereof did exceed the whiteness of the driven snow.
9. And it came to pass after I had seen the tree, I said
unto the Spirit, I behold thou hast shewn unto me the tree
which is precious above all.
10. And he said unto me. What desirest thou?
11. And I said unto him, to know the interpretation
thereof ; for I spake unto him as a man speaketh ; for I be-
held that he was in the ^form of a man ; yet nevertheless, I
knew that it was the Spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto
me as a man speaketh with another.
12. And it came to pass that he said unto me. Look! and
I looked as if to look upon him, and I saw him not ; for he
had gone from before my presence.
13. And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the
great city of Jerusalem, and also other cities. And I beheld
the city of Nazareth ; and in the city of ''Nazareth I beheld a
virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white.
14. And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open ;
and an angel came down and stood before me ; and he said
unto me, Nephi, what beholdest thou?
15. And I said unto him, a virgin, most beautiful and
fair above all other virgins.
16. And he said unto me, Knowest thou the condescension
of God?
17. And I said unto him, I know that he loveth his
children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all
things.
18. And he said unto me, Behold the virgin whom thou
seest, is the "^mother of the Son of God, after the manner of
the flesh.
19. And it came to pass that I beheld that she was
carried away in the Spirit ; and after she had been carried
away in the Spirit for the space of a time, the angel spake
unto me, saying, Look !
6. John 14: 1G.17. c, Luke 1:26. 27. d, Luke 1: 31, 32. i. Nep. 11:20. 21. Mos:
15:2-^. 19:13. Ether 3: 9.
22 I. NEPHI. fCJHAP. XI,
20. And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing ?
child in her arms.
21. And the angel said unto me, Behold the Lamb of
God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father ! Knowest
thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?
22. And I answered him saying. Yea, it is the *love of
God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the
children of men ; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all
things.
23. And he spake unto me saying, Yea, and the most joyous
to the soul.
24. And after he had said these words, he said unto me,
Look ! and I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth
among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at
his feet and worship him.
25. And it came to pass that I beheld that the ^rod of iron
w^hich my father had seen, was the word of God, which led
to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which
waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also
beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love
of God.
2G. And the angel said unto me again, Look and behold
the condescension of God !
27. And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world,
of whom my father had spoken ; and I also beheld the
''prophet, who should prepare the way before him. And
the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him; and
after be was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the
Holy Ghost come down out of heaven and abode upon him
in the form of a dove.
28. And I beheld that he went forth ministering unto the
people, in power and great glory; and the multitudes were
gathered together to hear him; and I beheld that they cast
him out from among them.
29. And I also beheld '^twelve others following him. And
it came to pass that they were carried away in the Spirit,
from before my face, and I saw them not.
30. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me
again, saying, Look! And I looked, and I beheld the heavens
open again, and I saw angels descending upon the children
of men ; and they did minister unto them.
31. And he spake unto me again, saying. Look ! And I
looked, and T beheld the Lamb of God going forth among
the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people
who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of
diseases, and with devils, and unclean spirits; and the
angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they
e, I. Nep. 11 : 25. Moroni 8: 26. /. i. Nep. 8: 19. g, i. Nep. 10: 7—10.
II. Nep. 31; 4-14. K I. Nep. 11: 34. 35, 36. 12: 9 13: 24-26, 40, 41.
14:20.
CHAP. XII.] I. NEPHI. » 23
■were healed by the power of the Lamb of God ; and the devils
.and the unclean spirits were cast out.
r* 32. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me
again, saying, Look ! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of
God, that he was taken by the people ; yea, the Son of the
everlasting €rod was judged of the world; and I saw and
bear record.
33. And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the
cross, and slain for the sins of the world.
34. And after he was slain I saw the multitudes of the
<earth, that they were gathered together to fight against the
apostles of the Lamb ; for thus were the twelve called by the
kangel of the Lord.
^* 35. And the multitude of the earth was gathered to-
.^ether ; and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious
building, like unto the ^building which my father saw ! And
the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying. Behold
the world and the wisdom thereof ; yea, behold the house of
Israel hath gathered together, to fight against the twelve
apostles of the Lamb.
30. And it came to pass that I saw and bear record, that
the great and spacious building was the pride of the world :
and it fell ; and the fall thereof was exceeding great. And
the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying. Thus
shall be the destruction of all nations, kindreds, tongues,
and people, that shall fight against the twelve apostles of
the Lamb.
CHAPTER 12.
1. And it came to pass that the angel said unto me.
Look, and behold thy seed, and also the seed of thy brethren !
And I looked and beheld the land of promise ; and I beheld
multitudes of people, yea, even as it were in number, as
'many as the sand of the sea.
2. And it came to pass that I beheld multitudes gathered
together to battle, one against the other ; and I beheld wars,
and rumours of wars, and great slaughters with the sword
among my people.
3. And it came to pass that I beheld many generations
pass away, after the manner of wars and contentions in the
land ; and I beheld many cities, yea, even that I did not
number them.
4. And it came to pass that I saw a mist of "darkness on
the face of the land of promise; and I saw lightnings, and I
heard thunderings, and earthquakes, and all manner of
tumultuous noises ; and I saw the earth and the rocks that
I, I. Nep.8:26— 28.
a, T. Nep. 19: 10— 12. it. Nep. 26: 3— 7. Hela. 14: 20— 27. in. Nep. 8— 10.
24 ' I. NEPHi. [chap. xil.
they rent; and I saw mountains tumbling into pieces; and I
saw the plains of the earth, that they were broken up; and'.
I saw^ many cities, that they were sunk ; and I saw many^
that they were burned with fire; and I saw many that did
tumble to the earth, because of the quaking thereof.
5. And it came to pass after I saw these things, I saw the
vapour of darkness, that it passed from off the face of the
earth ; and behold, I saw multitudes who had fallen, because-
of the great and terrible judgments of the Lord.
6. And I saw the heavens open, and the Lamb of God
"descending out of heaven ; and he came down and shewed
himself unto them.
7. And I also saw and bear record, that the Holy Ghost
fell upon ''twelve others; and they were ordained of God,
and chosen.
8. And the angel spake unto me, saying. Behold the
twelve disciples of the Lamb, who are chosen to minister
unto thy seed.
9. And he said unto me, Thou rememberest the twelve
apostles of the Lamb? Behold they are they who shall
judge the twelve tribes of Israel ; wherefore, the twelve
ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them ; for ye are of
the house of Israel.
10. And these twelve ministers whom thou beholdest, shall
judge thy seed. And, behold they are righteous for ever;
for because of their faith in the Lamb of God, their garments,
are made white in his blood.
11. And the angel said unto me. Look ! And I looked,
and beheld *^three generations pass away in righteousness ;
and their garments were white even like unto the Lamb of
God. And the angel said unto me. These are made white
in the blood of the Lamb, because of their faith in him.
12. And I, Nephi, also saw many of the fourth genera-
tion, who passed away in righteousness.
13. And it came to pass, that I saw the multitudes of
the earth gathered together.
14. And the angel said unto me, Behold thy seed, and also
the seed of thy brethren.
15. And it came to pass that I looked and beheld
the ^people of my seed gathered together in multitudes
against the seed of my brethren ; and they were gathered
together to battle.
16. And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold the
fountain of filthy water which thy father saw; yea, even 'the
river of which he spake; and the depths thereof are the
depths of hell;
6, II. Nep. 26: 1, 9. Alma 16: 20. in. Nep. 11:3— 17. r, in. Nep. 11:22. 12:1..
13: 25. 15: 11. 18: 37. 19: 4—36. 27 and 28 chap. iv. Nep. 1:1— 14. rf, ii. Nep.,
26:9,10. Alma 45: 10— 14. Hela. 13: 5, 6, 9, 10. m. Nep. 27; 31, 32. Mor. 6. e. Mor.
6. f, I. Nep. 8: 13, 14. 15:26—29.
•CHAP. XII.] I. NEFHI. 25
17. And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the
•devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of
the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad
roads, that they perish, and are lost ;
18. And the large and spacious building which thy father
saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of
men. And a great and a terrible gulf divideth them; yea,
even the word of the justice of the eternal God, and the
Messiah who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy Ghost
beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this
time, and from this time henceforth and for ever.
19. And while the angel spake these words, I beheld and
saw that the seed of my brethren did contend against my
tseed, according to the word of the angel ; and because of the
pride of my seed, and the temptations of the devil, I beheld
that the seed of my brethren did overpower the people of my
seed.
20. And it came to pass that I beheld and saw the people
of the seed of my brethren, that they had overcome my
.seed ; and they went forth in multitudes upon the face of the
land.
21. And I saw them gathered together in multitudes ;
.and I saw wars and rumours of wars among them ; and in
wars and rumours of wars, I saw ^many generations pass
•away.
22. And the angel said unto me, Behold these shall
•dwindle in unbelief.
23. And it came to pass that I beheld after they had
dwindled in unbelief, they became a Mark, and loathsome,
and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of
abominations.
CHAPTER 13.
1. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me,
saying, Look! And I looked and beheld many nations and
kingdoms.
2. And the angel said unto me. What beholdest thou?
And I said, I behold many nations and kingdoms.
3. And he said unto me. These are the nations and king-
doms of the Gentiles.
4. And it come to pass that I saw among the nations of
the Gentiles the foundation of a "great church.
5. And the angel said unto me. Behold the foundation of
a church, which is most abominable above all other churches,
which ''slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them
g. Over 14 centuries, h, ii. Nep. 5: 20—25. Alma 3: 6—19. Mor. 5: 15.
a. Vers. 6. 2G, 28, 32, 34. I. Nep. 14: 3. 9— 17. 6,Ver.9. I. Nep. 14: 13. Rev;
17:6. 18:24.
26 I. NEPHI. [chap. XIIL
and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of
iron, and bringeth them down into captivity.
6. And it came to pass that I beheld this great and
abominable church ; and 1 ''saw the devil that he was the
foundation of it.
7. And I also *^saw gold, and silver, and silks, and
scarlets, and fine-twined linen, and all manner of precious
clothing; and I saw many harlots.
8. An^ the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold the gold,,
and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-
twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are
the desires o^^ this great and abominable church :
9. And also for the praise of the world, do they destroy
the saints of God, and bring them down into captivity.
10. And it came to pass that I looked and beheld *many
waters ; and they divided the Gentiles from the seed of my
brethren.
11. And it came to pass that the angel said unto me.
Behold the wrath of God is upon the seed of thy brethren.
12. And I looked and beheld a ^man among the Gentiles
who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the
many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came
down and wrought upon the man; and he went forth upon
the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who
were in the promised land.
13. And it came to pass that I beheld the Spirit of God,
that it wrought upon "other Gentiles ; and they went forth
out of Captivity, upon the many waters.
14. Ana it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes
of the Gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the
wrath of God, that it was upon the ''seed of my brethren ;
and they were scattered before the Gentiles, and were
smitten.
15. And I beheld the Spirit of the Lord, that it w^as upon
the Gentiles; that they did prosper, and obtain the land for
their inheritance ; and I beheld that they were w^hite, and
exceeding fair and beautiful, like unto my *people before
they were slain.
16. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the
Gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity, did humble
themselves before the Lord ; and the power of the Lord was
with them ;
17. And I beheld that their ^mother Gentiles were
gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also^
to battle against them ;
18. And I beheld that the power of God was with them,
and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were
gathered together against them to battle.
r, I. Nep. 14: 9, 10. 22:22,23. cZ, Mor. 8: 36-38. Rev. 18: 10— 17. e. The At-
lantic Ocean. /, Columbus, g, Pilgrim ialhcro. /i, The Indians. i, Mor. 6: 17—22,
j, 1 he Briiish.
CHAP. XIII.] L NEPHI. ' 27
19. And I, Nephi, beheld that the *Gentiles that had
gone out of captivity, were delivered by the power of God
out of the hands of all other nations.
20. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that they
did prosper in the land ; and I beheld a 'book, and it was
carried forth among them.
21. And the angel said unto me, Knowest thou the
meaning of the book?
22. And I said unto him, I know not.
23. And he said, Behold it proceedeth out of the mouth
of a Jew: and I, Nephi, beheld it; and he said unto
me, The book that thou beholdest, is a record of the
Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord which he
hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth
many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; and it is a
record like unto the engravings which are upon the '"plates
of brass, save there are not so many; nevertheless, they
contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto
the house of Israel ; wherefore, they are of great worth unto
the Gentiles.
24. And the angel of the Lord said unto me. Thou hast
beheld that the book proceeded forth from the mouth of a
Jew; and when it proceeded forth from the mouth of a .Jew,
it contained the plainness of the gospel of the Lord, of whom
the twelve apostles bear record ; and they bear record according
to the truth which is in the Lamb of God ;
25. Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in
purity, unto the Gentiles, according to the truth which is in
God ;
26. And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve
apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou
seest the foundation of a great and abominable church,
which is most abominable above all other churches ; for
behold, they have "taken away from the gospel of the
Lamb, many parts which are plain and most precious;
and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken
away;
27. And all this have they done, that they niight pervert
the right ways of the Lord ; that they might blind the eyes
and harden the hearts of the children of men ;
28. Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone
forth through the hands of the great and abominable church,
that there are many plain and precious things taken away
from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God :
29. And after these plain and precious things were taken
away, it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles ;
and after it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles,
yea, even across the many waters which thou hast seen with
the Gentiles which have gone forth out of captivity ; thou
*, The United States. I.Bible, m, see o, i. Nep. 3. n. vers. 28— 32.
28 I. NEPHL [CHAP. XIII.
seest because of the many plain and precious things which
have been taken out of the book, which were plain unto the
understanding of the children of men, according to the plain-
ness which is in the Lamb of God; because of these things
which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an ex-
ceeding great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath
great power over them ;
30. Nevertheless thou beholdest that the "Gentiles who have
gone forth out of captivity, and have been lifted up by the
power of God above all other nations upon the face of the
land, which is choice above all other lands, which is the land
that the Lord God hath convenanted with thy father, that his
seed should have for the land of their inheritance, wherefore
thou seest that the Lord God will not suffer that the Gentiles
will utterly destroy the ^mixture of thy seed, which are among
thy brethren;
31. Neither will he suffer that the Gentiles shall destroy the
^'seed of thy brethren ;
32. Neither will the Lord God suffer that the Gentiles
shall for ever remain in that awful state of blindness, which
thou beholdest they are in, because of the plain and most
precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept
back by that abominable church, whose formation thou hast
seen.
33. Wherefore, saith the Lamb of God, I will be merciful
unto the Gentiles, unto the visiting of the remnant of the
House of Israel in great judgment.
34. And it came to pass that the angel of the Lord spake
unto me, saying. Behold, saith the Lamb of God, after
I have visited the remnant of the house of Israel, and this
remnant of whom I speak is the seed of thy father ;
wherefore, after I have visited them in judgment, and smitten
•"them by the hand of the Gentiles; and after the Gen-
tiles do stumble exceedingly, because of the most plain
and precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb, which have
been kept back by that abominable church, which is the
mother of harlots, saith the Lamb; I will be merciful unto
the Gentiles in that day, insomuch that I will bring
forth unto them in mine own power, much of my
gospel, which shall be plain and precious, saith the
Lamb ;
35. For behold, saith the Lamb, I will manifest myself unto
thy seed, that they shall write many things which I shall
minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious ; and
after thy seed shall be destroyed, and dwindle in unbelief, and
also the seed of thy brethren ; behold, these things shall be
'hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power
of the Lamb ;
o, The United States. ii. Nep. 10: 10—11. p. Alma 45: 10—14. Mor. 9: 24.
q. The Indians. Vers. 83, 34. in. Nep. 16: 7—10. Mor. 5: 19—21. r, The Indians.
6, II. Nep. 27: 6— 2'j. in. Nep. 16: 4. Mor. 8: 4.
CHAP. XIV.] I. NEPHI. 29
\
36. And in them shall be written my gospel, saith the Lamb,
and my rock and my salvation ;
37. And blessed are 'they who shall seek to bring forth my
Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of
the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end, they shall
be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlast-
ing kingdom of the Lamb ; and whoso shall publish peace, yea,
tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall
they be.
38. And it came to pass that I beheld the remnant of the
seed of my brethren, and also the "book of the Lamb of God,
which had proceeded forth from the mouth of the Jew,* that it
came forth from the Gentiles, unto the remnant of the seed of
my brethren,
39. And after it had come forth unto them, I beheld other
*'books, which came forth by the power of the Lamb, from the
Gentiles unto them, unto the convincing of the Gentiles, and
the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the Jews,
who were scattered upon all the face of the earth, that the
records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb
are true.
40. And the angel spake unto me, saying. These last records
which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the
truth of the ^ first, which are of the twelve apostles of the
Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things
which have been taken away from them ; and shall make
known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb
of God is the Son of the eternal Father, and the Saviour
of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they
cannot be saved ;
41. And they must come according to the words which
shall be established by the mouth of the Lamb ; and the
words of the Lamb shall be made known in the records of
thy seed, as well as in the records of the twelve apostles of
the Lamb; wherefore they "^both shall be established in
one ; for there is one God and one Shepherd over all the
earth ;
42. And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto
all nations, both unto the .Jews, and also unto the Gentiles ;
and after he has manifested himself unto the Jews, and also
unto the Gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the
Gentiles, and also unto the Jews, and the last shall be first, and
the first shall be last.
CHAPTER 14.
1. And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall
hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall
t, II. Nep. 30: 3. Jacob 5: 70—75. 6: 2, 3. u, Bible. v. Book of Mor. Doc. &
Ccv. &c. iw, Bible, x. ii. Nep. 3: 12. ii. Nep. 29- 13, 14. Ezek. 37: 15— 23.
30 I. NEPHI. [CHAP. XIV.
manifest himself unto them in word, and also in "power, in very
deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks,
2. And if they harden not their hearts against the Lamb
of God, they shall be ''numbered among the seed of thy
father; yea, they shall be numbered among the house of
Israel ; and they shall be a blessed people upon the promised
land for ever : they shall be no more brought ''down into
captivity ; and the house of Israel shall no more be con-
founded ;
3. And that great pit which hath been digged for them, by
that great and abominable church, which was founded by the
devil and his children, that he might lead away the souls of
men down to hell ; yea, that great pit w^hich hath been digged
for the destruction of men, shall be filled by those who digged
it, unto their utter destruction, saith the Lamb of God ; not
the destruction of the soul, save it be the casting of it into
that hell which hath no end ;
4. For behold, this is according to the captivity of the devil,
and also according to the justice of God, upon all those who
win work wickedness and abomination before him.
5. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me,
Nephi, saying. Thou hast beheld that if the Gentiles repent,
it shafll be well v/ith them ; and thou also knowest con-
cerning the covenants of the Lord unto the house of Israel ;
and thou also hast heard, that whoso repenteth not, must
perish ;
6. Therefore, ''wo, be unto the Gentiles, if it so be that they
harden their hearts against the Lamb of God;
7. For the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, That I
will work a great and a ^marvellous work among the children
of men ; a work which shall be everlasting, either on
the one hand or on the other: either to the convincing
of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the deliverance
of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness
of their minds unto their being brought down into cap-
tivity, and also into destruction, both temporally and spirit-
ually, according to the captivity of the devil, of which
I have spoken.
8. And it came to pass that when the angel had spoken
these words, he said unto me, Rememberest thou the convenants
of the Father unto the house of Israel? I said unto him.
Yea.
9. And it came to pass that he said unto me. Look, and
behold that great and abominable church, which is the mother
of abominations, whose foundation is the devil.
10. And he said unto me. Behold there are, save ''two
churches only ; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and
the other is the church of the devil ; wherefore, whoso
a. ver. 14. i. Nep. 13: 37. Jacob 6: 2, 3. 6. in. Nep. 21:6, 22— 25. 30 ch. Ether
13: 10. c, II. Nep. 10: 10—14. d, ii. Nep. 28: 32. iii. Nep. 16: 7—15. 21: 11—21.
e, Isaiah 29: 14. /, vers. 11— 17. 22:14,22—26.
CHAP, XIV.] !. NEPHI. 31
belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God, belongeth to
that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and
'^she is the whore of all the earth.
11. And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the whore
of all the earth, and she sat upon many waters ; and she had
dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds,
tongues, and people.
12. And it came to pass that I beheld the church of the
Lamb of God, and its numbers were ''few, because of the wick-
edness and abominations of the whore who sat upon many
waters; nevertheless, I beheld that the church of the Lamb,
who were the saints of God, were also upon all the face of
the earth ; and their dominions upon the face of the earth
were small, because of the wickedness of the great whore whom
I saw.
13. And it came to pass that I beheld that the great mother
of abominations did gather together multitudes upon the face
of all the earth, among all the nations of the Gentiles, to
fight against the Lamb of God.
14. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of
the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the
church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord,
who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they
were armed with righteousness and with the *power of God in
great glory.
15. And it came to pass that I beheld that the wrath of God
w^as poured out upon the great and abominable church, inso-
much that there were wars and rumours of wars among all the
nations and kindreds of the earth,
16. And as there began to be ^wars and rumours of wars
among all the nations which belonged to the mother of abomina-
tions, the angel spake unto me, saying. Behold, the wrath of
God is upon the mother of harlots; and behold, thou seest all
these things :
17. And when the day cometh that the *wrath of God is
poured out upon the mother of harlots, which is the great
and abominable church of all the earth, whose found ition is
the devil, then, at that day, the work of the Father shall com-
mence, in preparing: the way for the fulfilling of his covenants,
"whieh he hath made to his people, who are of the house of
Israel.
18. And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, say-
ing. Look !
19. And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a
white robe ;
20. And the angel said unto me. Behold ^one of the twelve
apostles of the Lamb!
S', vers. 11— 17. Rev. 17-5, 15. 7i, ill. Nep. 14: 14. Isa. 24:6. Matt. 24:37.
i, 1. Nep. 13: 37. 38. Jacob 6: 2, 3. ;, i. Nep. 22: 1% 14. Isa. 66: 15, 16. k, i. Nep.
•22: 15, IG. III. Nep. 20: 20. 21: 20, 21. Mor. 8: 41. I, ver. 27.
32 I. NEPHi. [chap. XV^
21. Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these-
things ; yea, and also many things which have been :
22. And he shall also write concerning the end of the
world ;
23. Wherefore, the things which he shall write, are just and
true; and behold they are written in the ""book which thou
beheld proceeding out of the mouth of the Jew ; and at the
time they proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, or, at the
time the book proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, the
things which were written, were plain and pure, and most
precious, and easy to the understanding of all men.
24. And behold, the things which this apostle of the Lamb-
shall write, are many things which thou hast seen ; and behold,,
the remainder shalt thou see ;
25. But the things which thou shalt see hereafter, thou shalt.
not write; for the Lord God hath ordained the apostle of the
Lamb of God, that he should write them.
26. And also others who have been, to them hath he shewa
all things, and "they have written them ; and they are sealed
up to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which
is in the Lamb, in the own due time of the Lord, unto the
house of Israel.
27. And I, Nephi, heard and bear record, that the name of
the apostle of the Lamb was ''John, according to the word of
tlip {infirel
28. And behold, I, Nephi, am forbidden that I should write
the remainder of the things which I saw and heard ; wherefore-
the things which I have written sufficeth me ; and I have
not written but a small part of the things which I
saw.
29. And I bear record, that I saw the things which my
''father saw, and the angel of the Lord did make them knowii
unto me.
30. x\nd now I make an end of speaking concerning the
things which I saw, while I was carried away in the Spirit:
and if all the things which I saw are not written, the things
which I have written are true. And thus it is. Amen.
CHAPTER 15.
1. And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been carried
away in the Spirit, and seen all these things, I returned to the
tent of my father. , , , ,.
2. And it came to pass that I beheld my brethren, and they
were disputing one T\^th another, concerning the things which
mv father had spoken unto them ; \ ^v. ^
3. For he truly spake many great things unto them.
m. Bible, n, Ether 3: 21-27. 12:21. ii. Nep. 27:6-23. o, ver. 20. p. i. Nep.
8:2.
CHAP. XV.] I. NEPHI. . 35
which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of
the Lord ; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did
not look unto the Lord as they ought. ^ , ,. ,
4. And now I, Nephi, was grieved because or the^ hardness
of their hearts, and also, because of the things which I had
seen, and knew they must unavoidably come to pass, because of
the great wickedness of the children of men.
5. And it came to pass that I was overcome because of my
afflictions, for I considered that mine afflictions were great
above all, because of the destructions of "my people, for I haa
beheld their fall.
6. And it came to pass that after I had received strength
I spake unto my brethren, desiring to know of them the cause
of their disputations.
7. And they said. Behold, we cannot understand the words
which "our father hath spoken concerning the natural branches
of the olive tree, and also, concerning the Gentiles.
8. And I said unto them, Have ye inquired of the Lord?
9. And they s id unto me. We have not; for the Lord
maketh no such thing known unto us.
10. Behold, I said unto them. How is it that ye do not keep*
the commandments of the Lord? How is it that ye will perish,,
because of the hardness of your hearts?
• 11. Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath
said, If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith,,
believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my
commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto-
you.
12. Behold, I say unto you, that the house of Israel wa*
compared unto an "olive-tree, by the Spirit of the Lord which
was in our fathers; and behold are we not broken off from the
house of Israel? and are we not a branch of the house of
Israel?
13. And now, the thing which our father meaneth con-
cerning the grafting in of the natural branches through
the fulness of the Gentiles, is, that in the latter days, when
our ''seed shall have dwindled in unbelief, yea, for the space
of many years, and many generations after the Messiah shall
be manifested in body unto the children of men, then shall
the fulness of the gospel of the Messiah come unto the
Gentiles, and from the Gentiles unto the remnant of our
seed :
14. And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know
that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are the
covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and
come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the
knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer, which was minis-
tered unto their fathers by him; wherefore they shall
a. The Nephites. Mor. 6. 6, 1. Nep. 9: 1. c, vers. 13, 16. ii. Nep. 3: 5. Jacob
5. 6:1—4. d, Indians. Vers. 14— 20. I. Nep. 22: 8— 12. III. Nep. 5: 21— 26. 16:
10—12, 21 ch. Mor. 5: 10— 15, 20, 21.
34 I. NEPHI. [CHAP. XV,
"Come to the knowledge of their Redeemer, and the very points of
his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be
saved.
15. And then at that day, will they not rejoice and give
praise unto their everlasting God, their rock and their salva-
tion? Yea, at that day, will they not receive the strength and
nourishment from the true vine? Yea, will they not come
•unto the true fold of God?
16. Behold, I say unto you, Yea; they shall be remembered
again among the house of Israel ; they §hall be grafted in,
being a natural branch of the olive tree, into the true olive
tree ;
17. And this is what our father meaneth ; and he meaneth
that it will not come to pass until after they are scattered by
the Gentiles; and he meaneth that it shall come by way of
the Gentiles, that the Lord may shew his power unto the
Gentiles, for the very cause that he shall be rejected of the
Jews, or of the house of Israel ;
18. Wherefore our father hath not spoken of our seed alone,
but also of all the house of Israel, pointing to the covenant
W'hich should be fulfilled in the latter days ; which covenant the
Liord made to our father Abraham, saying, In thy seed shall
all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
19. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, spake much unto
them concerning these things ; yea, I spake unto them, coi^cern«
ing the restoration of the ^ Jews, in the latter days ;
20. And I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah, who
spake concerning the restoration of the Jews, or of the house
of Israel ; and after they were restored, they should no more
be confounded, neither should they be scattered again. And it
came to pass that I did speak many words unto my brethren,
that they were pacified, and did humble themselves before the
Lord.
21. And it came to pass that they did speak unto me again,
saying. What meaneth this thing which our father saw in a
dream? What meaneth the ^tree which he saw?
22. And I said unto them. It was a representation of the
tree of life.
23. And they said unto me. What meaneth the ^rod of iron
which our father saw, that led to the tree?
24. And I said unto them. That it was the word of God;
and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would
hold fast unto it, they would never perish ; neither could the
temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary over-
power them unto blindness, to lead them away to de-
struction.
25. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto
the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all
e. I. Nep. 19: 13-16. 22:11,12. ii. Nep. 6: 10— 15. 9:1,2. 10:5—9. 25:18.
17. 30:7. 8.r iii. Nep. 5:21— 26. 20:29—34. 21:26—29. 29:1.8. Mor.5:14. /,
I. Nep. 8: 10—12. g, i. Nep. 8: 19.
CHAP. XV.] I. NEPHI. 35
the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I
possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God, and
remember to keep his commandments always in all things.
2G. And they said unto me, What meaneth the '^river of
water which our father saw?
27. And I said unto them, That the water which my father
saw, was filthiness ; and so much was his mind swallowed up
in other things, that he beheld not the filthiness of the
water ;
28. And I said unto them, That it was an awful *gulf, which
separated the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the
saints of God.
29. And I said unto them. That it was a representation of
that awful hell, which the angel said unto me was prepared for
the wicked.
30. And I said unto them. That our father also saw that
the justice of God did also divide the wicked from the righteous ;
and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a
flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God for ever and ever,
and hath no end.
31. And they said unto me, Doth this thing mean the tor-
ment of the body in the days of probation, or doth it mean the
final state of the soul after the death of the temporal
body? or doth it speak of the things which are
temporal ?
32. And it came to pass that I said unto them, That it
was a representation of things both temporal and spiritual; for
the day should come that they must be judged of their works,
yea, even the works w^hich were done by the temporal body in
their days of probation ;
33. Wherefore if they should die in their wickedness, they
must be cast off also, as to the things which are spiritual, which
are pertaining to righteousness; whjerefore, they must be
brought to stani^ before God, to be judged of their works; and
if their works have been ^filthiness, they must needs be
filthy : and if they be filthy, it must needs be that they cannot
dwell in the kingdom of God; if so, the kingdom of God must
be filthy also.
34. But behold, I say unto you, the kingdom of God is not
filthy, and there cannot any unclean thing enter into the king-
dom" of God : wherefore there must needs be a place of filthiness
prepared for that which is filthy. ». - ,
35. And there is a place prepared, yea, even that *awful
hell of which I have spoken, and the devil is the foundation of
it; wherefore the final state of the souls of men is to dwell
in the kingdom of God, or to be cast out because of that 'justice
of which I have spoken;
36. Wherefore, the wicked are rejected from the righteous,
h, I, Nep. 8: 13. i, li. Nep. 1: 13. Alma 26: 20, Hela 3: 29 j, ii Nep 9: 16.
Mos.2:37. Alma 11:37. Mor.9:4. fc, ver. 29. ii. Nep. 1:13. 2: 29 9: 8-19 26.
34. 36. 28: 15, 21, 23. Jacob 6: 10. Alma 12: 16—18. in. Nep. 27: 11, 12. Moro.
8: 13, 14, 21. I ver. 30.
36 I. NEPHI. [chap. XVI.
and also from, that tree of life, whose fruit is most precious
and most desirable above all other fruits; yea, and it is the
greatest of all the gifts of God. And thus I spake unto my
brethren. Amen.
CHAPTER 16.
1. And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made
an end of speaking to my brethren, behold they said unto me.
Thou hast declared unto us "hard things, more than we are
able to bear.
2. And it came to pass that I said unto them, That I knew
that I had spoken hard things against the wicked, according
to the truth ; and the righteous have I justified, and test»^ified
that they should be lifted up at the last day ; wherefore, the
guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the
very centre.
3. And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were will-
ing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye
might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur
because of the truth, ^nd say. Thou speakest hard things
against us.
4. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren,
with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the
Lord.
5. And it came to pass that they did humble themselves
before the Lord ; insomuch, that I had jov and great hopes of
them, that they would walk in the paths of righteousness.
6. Now, all these things were said and done, as my father
dwelt in a tent in the ^^alley which he called Lemuel.
7. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, took one of the
daughters of *Ishmael to wife; and also, my brethren took of
the daughters of Ishmael to wife ; and also Zoram took the
eldest daughter of Ishmael to wife.
8. And thus my father had fulfilled all the commandments
of the Lord which had been given unto him. And also, I,
Nephi, had been blessed of the Lord exceedingly.
9. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord spake
unto my lather by night, and commanded him that on the mor-
row he should take his journey into the wilderness.
10. And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morn-
ing, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment
he beheld upon the ground a round "ball of curious work-
manship ; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball
were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we
should go into the wilderness.
a, vers. 2, 3. ii. Nep. 1: 26, 27. Enos 1 : 23. Moro. 9:4. 6, i. Nep. 2: 8, 14. 9: 1.
c, I. Nep. 7: 2—6. 19, 22. d, vers. 16, 26—30. i. Nep. 18' 12, 21. II. Nep. 5: 12.
Alma 37: 38—47.
CHAP. XVI.] I. NEPHI. 37
11. And it came to pass that we did gather together what-
soever things we should carry into the wilderness, and all the
remainder of our provisions which the Lord had given unto
us; and we did take seed of every kind, that we might carry
into the wilderness.
12. And it came to pass that we did take our tents, and
depart into the wilderness, across the river Laman.
13. And it came to pass that we travelled for the space
of four days, nearly a south, southeast direction, and we did
pitch our tents again ; and we did call the name of the place
Shazer.
14. And it came to pass that we did take our bows and
our arrows, and go forth into the wilderness to slay food for
our families; and after we had slain food for our families,
we did return again to our families in the wilderness, to the
place of Shazer. And we did go forth again in the wilderness,
following the same direction, keeping in the most fertile parts
of the wilderness, which were in the borders near the Red
Sea.
15. And it came to pass that we did travel for the space
of many days, slaying food by the way, with our bows and our
arrows, and our stones and our slings ;
16. And we did follow the directions of the ball, which led
us in the more fertile parts of the wilderness.
17. And after we had travelled for the space of many days,
we did pitch our tents for the space of a time, that we might
again rest ourselves and obtain food for our families.
18. And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to
slay food, behold, I did break my bow, which was made of
*fine steel ; and after I did break my bow, behold, my brethren
were angry with me, because of the loss of my boW, for we
did obtain no food.
19. And it came to pass that we did return without food
to our families, and being much fatigued, because of
their journeying, they did suffer much for the want of
food.
20. And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel, and the
sons of Ishmael, did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of
their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness ; and also my
father began to murmur against the Lord his God ; yea, and
they were all exceeding sorrowful, even that they did murmur
Against the Lord.
21. Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, having been
afflicted with my brethren because of the loss of my bow;
and their bows having lost their springs, it began to be
-exceeding diflBcult, yea, insomuch that we could obtain no
food.
22. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much
nnto my brethren, because they had hardened their hearts
again, even unto complaining against the Lord their God.
e, I. Nep. -4: 9. ii. Nep. 5: 15. Jarom 1:8. Ether 7: 9. Psalm 18: 34.
38
I. NEPHI. [CHAP. XVI,
23. And It came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of
wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow ; wherefore,.
1 did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and
with stones. And I said unto my father, Whither shall I sro
to obtain food?
24. And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord, for
they had humbled themselves because of my word; for I did
say many things unto them in the energy of my soul.
25. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came
unto my father; and he was truly chastened because of his
murmuring against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought
down into the depths of sorrow.
26. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said
unto him, Look upon the ^ball, and behold the things which are
written.
27. xlnd it came to pass that when my father beheld the
things which were written upon the ball, he did fear and trem-
ble exceedingly ; and also my brethren, and the sons of Ishmael
and our wives,
28. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers
which were in the ball, that they did work according to the
faith, and diligence, and heed which we did give unto
them.
29. And there was also written upon them, a new
writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us
understanding concerning the ways of the Lord ; and it
was written and changed from time to time, according to the
faith and diligence which we gave unto it : And thus we
see that, by small means, the Lord can bring about great
things. ^
30. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up
into the top of the mountain, according to the directions which
were given upon the ball.
31. And it came to pass that I did slay wild beasts, insomuch
that I did obtain food for our families.
32. And it came to pass that I did return to our tents, bear-
ing the beasts which I had slain; and now when they beheld
that I had obtained food, how great was their joy. And it
came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord,
and did give thanks unto him.
33. And it came to pass that we did again take our journey,
travelling nearly the same course as in the beginning; and
after we had travelled for the space of many days, we did
pitch our tents again, that we might tarry for the space of
a time.
34. And it came to pass that '^Ishmael died, and was buried
in the place which was called Nahom.
35. And it came to pass that the daughters of Ishmael did
mourn exceedingly, because of the loss of their father, and be-
cause of their aflBictions in the wilderness ; and they did mur-
f, I. Nep. 16: 10. g, i. Nep. 7: 2—6. 19.
CHAP. XVII.] I. NEPHI. 39
mur against my father, because he had brought them out
of the land of Jerusalem, saying, Our father is dead ; yea,,
and we have wandered much in the wilderness, and we have
suffered much affliction, hunger, thirst, and fatigue ; and after
all these sufferings we must perish in the wilderness with
hunger.
36. And thus they did murmur against my father, and
also against me ; and they were desirous to return again to
Jerusalem.
37. And Laman said unto Lemuel, and also unto the sons
of Ishmael, behold, let us slay our father, and also our brother
Nephi, who has taken it upon him to be our ruler and our
teacher, who are his elder brethren :
38. Now, he says that the Lord has talked with him, and
also that angels have ministered unto him. But behold, we-
know that he lies unto us ; and he tells us these things, and
he worketh many things by his cunning arts, that he may de-
ceive our eyes, thinking, perhaps, that he may lead us away
into some strange wilderness ; and after he has led us away, he
has thought to make himself a king and a niler over us,,
that he may do with us according to his will and pleasure. And
after this manner did my brother Laman stir up their hearts
to anger.
39. And it came to pass that the Lord was with us, yea„
even the voice of the Lord came and did speak many words:
unto them, and did chasten them exceedingly ; and after
they were chastened by the voice of the Lord, they did turn;
away their anger, and did repent of their sins, insomuch
that the Lord did bless us again with food, that we did not
perish.
CHAPTER 17.
1. And it came to pass that we did again take our journey
in the wilderness; and -we did travel nearly eastward, froni
that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much
affliction in the wilderness ; and our women did bear children,
in the wilderness.
2. And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that
while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women,
did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong,,
yea, even like unto the men ; and they began to bear their
journeyings without murmurings.
3. And thus we see that the commandments of God must
be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children , of men keep«
the commandments of God, he doth nourish them, and
strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accom-
plish the thing which he has commanded them ; wherefore, he
did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilder-
ness.
40 I. NEPHI. [chap. XVII.
4. And we did sojourn for the space of many years, yea, even
•eight years in the wilderness.
5. And we did come to the land which we called Bountiful,
because of its much fruit, and also wild honey; and all these
things were prepared of the Lord, that we might not perish.
And we beheld the sea, which we called Irreantum, which being
interpreted, is, many waters.
6. And it came to pass that we did pitch our tents by the
sea-shore; and notwithstanding we had suffered many afflictions
and much difficulty, yea, even so much that we cannot write
them all, we were exceedingly rejoiced when we came to the
sea-shore; and we called the place Bountiful, because of its
much fruit.
7. And it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had been in the
land of Bountiful for the space of many days, the voice of the
Lord came unto me, saying. Arise, and get thee into the moun-
tain. And it came to pass that I arose and went up into the
mountain, and cried unto the Lord.
8. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me,
saying. Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which
I shall shew thee, that I may carry thy people across these
waters.
9. And I said, Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore
to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after
the manner which thou hast shewn unto me?
10. And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I
should go to find ore, that I might make tools.
11. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make a bellows
wherewith to blow the fire, of the skins of beasts; and after
I had made a bellows, that I might have wherewith to blow
the fire, I did smite two stones together, that I might make
fire:
12. For the Lord had not hitherto suffered that we should
make much fire, as we journeyed in the wilderness ; for he said,
I will make thy food become sweet, that ye cook it not;
13. And I will also be your light in the wilderness ; and I
will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep
my commandments ; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my
commandments, ye shall be led towards the "promised land ;
and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led.
14. Yea, and the Lord said also, That after ye have
arrived to the promised land, ye shall know that I, the
Lord, am God ; and that I, the Lord, did deliver you from
destruction; yea, that I did bring you out of the land of
Jerusalem.
15. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did strive to keep the command-
ments of the Lord, and I did exhort my brethren to faithful-
ness and diligence.
16. And it came to pass that I did make ''tools of the ore
which I did molten out of the rock.
a, I. Nep. 2:20. 18; 23. b, vers. 9, 10.
CHAP. XVII.] I. NEPHI. 41
17. And when my brethren saw that I was about to*
'build a ship, they began to murmur against me, saying,.
Our brother is a fool, for he thinketh that he can build a.
ship ; yea, and he also thinketh that he can cross these great
waters.
18. And thus my brethren did complain against me, and!
were desirous that they might not labour, for they did not
believe that I could build a ship ; neither would they believe
that I was instructed of the Lord.
19. And now it came to pass that I, Nephi, was exceeding
sorrowful because of the hardness of their hearts; and now
when they saw that I began to be sorrowful, they were glad ia
their hearts, insomuch that they did rejoice over me, saying, We
knew that ye could not construct a ship, for we knew that ye?
were lacking in judgment ; wherefore, thou canst not accomplish
so great a work ;
20. And thou art like unto our father, led away by the-
foolish imaginations of his heart; yea, he hath led us out of
the land of Jerusalem, and we have wandered in the-
wilderness for these many years ; and our women have
toiled, being big with child ; and they have borne children,
in the wilderness and suffered all things, save it were death ;
and it would have been better that they had died, before
they came out of Jerusalem, than to have suffered these
afflictions.
21. Behold, these many years we have suffered in the wilder-
ness, which time we might have enjoyed our possessions, and
the land of our inheritance; yea, and we might have been
happy ;
22. And we know that the people who were in the land
of Jerusalem, were a righteous people; for they kept the
statutes and the judgments of the Lord, and all his command-
ments, according to the law of Moses; wherefore we know
that they are a righteous people; and our father hath judged
them, and hath led us away because we would hearken unto
his words; yea, and our brother is like unto him. And after
this manner of language did my brethren murmur and complain
against us.
23. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, spake unto them,,
saying, Do ye believe that our fathers, who were the children
of Israel, would have been led away out of the hands of the
Egyptians, if they had not hearkened unto the words of the
Lord?
24. Yea, do ye suppose that they would have been led out
of bondage, if the Lord had not commanded Moses that he
should lead them out of bondage?
25. Now ye know that the children of Israel were in bond-
age; and ye know that they were laden with tasks, which
were grievous to be borne; wherefore, ye know that
c, vers. 8. 49, 51. 18: 1—6.
42 I. NEPHI. [CHAP. XVII.
it must needs be a good thing for them, that they should be
brought out of bondage.
26. Now ye know that Moses was commanded of the Lord
to do that great work ; and ye know that by his word, the
■waters of the Red Sea were divided hither and thither, and
they passed through on dry ground.
27. But ye know that the Egyptians were drowned in the
Hed Sea, who were the armies of Pharaoh ;
28. And ye also know that they were fed with manna in
the wilderness ;
29. Yea, and ye also know that Moses, by his word according
to the power of God which was in him, smote the rock, and
there came forth water, that the children of Israel might
•quench their thirst ;
30. And notwithstanding they being led, the Lord their God,
their Redeemer, going before them, leading them by day, and
giving light unto them by night, and doing all things for them
which were expedient for man to receive, they hardened their
hearts, and blinded their minds, and reviled against Moses and
against the true and living God.
31. And it came to pass that according to his word, he did
destroy them ; and according to his word, he did lead them ;
and according to his word he did do all things for them ; and
there was not any thing done, save it were by his word.
32. And after they had crossed the river Jordan, he did
make them mighty unto the driving out of the children of the
land, yea, unto the scattering them to destruction.
33. And now do ye suppose that the children of this land,
who were in the land of promise, who were driven out by our
fathers, do ye suppose that they were righteous? Behold, I say
unto you. Nay.
34. Do ye suppose that our fathers would have been more
<'hoice than they, if they had been righteous? I say unto you.
Nay;
35. Behold, the Lord esteem.eth all flesh in one: he that
is righteous is favored of God. Btit behold, this people had
rejected every word of God, and they were ripe in iniquity ;
and the fulness of the wrath of God was upon them ; and the
Lord did curse the land against them, and bless it unto our
fathers; yea, he did curse it against them unto their destruc-
tion ; and he did bless it unto our fathers, unto their obtaining
•power over it.
36. Behold, the Lord hath created the earth that it should be
inhabited; and he hath created his children, that they should
possess it.
37. And he raiseth up a righteous nation, and destroyeth the
nations of the wicked.
38. And he leadeth away the righteous into precious lands,
and the wicked he destroyeth, and curseth the land unto them
for their sakes.
39. He ruleth high in the heavens, for it is his throne, and
this earth is his footstool.
CHAP. XVII.] I. NEPHI. 43
40. And he loveth those who will have him to be their
<xod. Behold, he loved our fathers ! and he covenanted with
them, yea, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ; and he remem-
bered the covenants which he had made; wherefore, he did
bring them out of the land of Egypt.
41. And he did straighten them in the wilderness with his
rod ; for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have ; and the
Lord straightened them because of their iniquity. He sent
iiery-flying serpents among them ; and after they were bitten,
lie prepared a way that they might, be healed; and the labour
which they had to perform, was to look ; and because of the
simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many
who perished.
42. And they did harden their hearts from time to time,
and they did revile against Moses, and also against God ;
nevertheless, ye know that they were led forth by his matchless
power into the land of promise.
43. And now, after all these things, the time has come that
they have become wicked, yea, nearly unto ripeness ; and I
know not, but they are sit this day about to be destroyed ;
for I know that the day must surely come, that they must
be destroyed, save a few only, who shall be led away into
<captivity ;
44. Wherefore, the Lord '^commanded my father that he
should depart into the wilderness ; and the ^Jews also sought
to take away his life ; yea, and ''ye also have sought to take
away his life ; wherefore, ye are murderers in your hearts, and
ye are like unto them.
45. Ye are swift to do iniquity, but slow to remember the
Lord your God. ^Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto
you ; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time ; and he
hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past
feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has
spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which
did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide
asunder.
46. And ye also know, that by the power of his almighty
word, he can ''cause the earth that it shall pass away; yea,
and ye know that by his word, he can cause the *rough
places to be made smooth, and smooth places shall be broken
up. O, then, why is it, that ye can be so hard in your
hearts ?
47. Behold, my soul is rent with anguish because of you,
and my heart is pained : I fear lest ye shall be cast off for
ever. Behold, I am full of the Spirit of God, insomuch that my
frame has no strength.
48. And now it came to pass that when I had spoken these
words, they were angry with me, and were desirous to
d, I. Nep. 2: 2. e, i. Nep. 2: 1. /, i. Nep. 16: 37. g, i. Nep. 3: 29. h, iii. Nep.
26: 3. i, I. Nep. 12: 4. 19: U 12. Ii. Nep. 26: 4—6. Hela. 14: 21—24. iii. Nep.
8: 5—19.
44 I. NEPHI. [CHAP. XVIir.
throw me into the depths of the sea; and as they came forth
to lay their hands upon me, I spake unto them saying, In the-
name of the Almighty God, I command you that ye
^ touch me not, for I am filled with the power of God,,
even unto the consuming of my flesh; and whoso shall lay
their hands upon me, shall wither even as a dried reed ; and
he shall be as naught before the power of God, for God shall
smite him.
49. And it came to pass that 1, Nephi, said unto them, That
they should murmur no more against their father; neither
should they withhold their labour from me, for God had com-
manded me that I should build a ship.
50. And I said unto them, *If God had commanded me to-
do all things, I could do them. If he should command me that
I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth ;
and if I should say it, it would be done.
51. And now, if the Lord has such great power, and ha?-
wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how
is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship ?
52. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said many things^
unto my brethren, insomuch that they were confounded, and
could not contend against me ; neither durst they lay their
hands upon me, nor touch me with their fingers, even for the-
space of many days. Now they durst not do this, lest they
should wither before me, so powerful was the Spirit of God ;
and thus it had wrought upon them.
53. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me,.
Stretch forth thine hand again unto thy brethren, and they
shall ^not wither before thee, but I will shock them, saith:
the Lord, and this will I do, that they may know that I am.
the Lord their God.
54. And it came to pass that I stretched forth my hand,
unto my brethren, and they did not wither before me; but
the Lord did shake them, even according to the word which;
he had spoken.
55. And now, they said, We know of a surety that the
Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the
Lord that has shaken us. And they fell down before me, and
were about to worship me, but I would not suffer them,
saying, I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger brother;
wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and honour thy father
and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which
the Lord thy God shall give thee.
CHAPTER 18.
1. And it came to pass that they did worship the Lord,
and did go forth with me; and we did work timbers of
i, vers. 52—55. ii. Nep. 1: 26, 27. /:, i. Nep. 3: 7. Jacob 4: 6. /, vers. 48, 54,.
5'.
CHAP. XVIII.] 1. NEPHI. 45
■curious workmanship. And the Lord did show me from
time to time after what manner I should work the timbers
of the ship.
2. Now I, Nephi, did not "work the timbers after the
manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the
ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the
manner which the Lord had shewn unto me ; wherefore, it
was not after the manner of men.
3. And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did
pray oft unto the Lord ; wherefore the Lord shewed unto me
^reat things.
4. And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship,
according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that
it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was ex-
•ceeding fine; wherefore, they did bumble themselves again
before the Lord.
5. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came
unto my father, that we should arise and go down into the
rship.
6. And it came to pass that on the morrow, after we had
prepared all things, much fruits and meat from the wilder-
ness, and honey in abundance, and provisions according to
that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down
Into the ship, with all our loading and our "seeds, and
whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one
:according to his age, wherefore, we did all go down into the
ship, with our wives and our children.
7. And now, my father had begat two sons in the
wilderness ; the eldest was called Jacob and the younger
Joseph.
8. And it came to pass after we had all gone down into
the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things
VN^hich had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea,
and were driven forth before the wind ''towards the promised
land ;
9. And after we had been driven forth before the wind,
for the space of many days, behold my brethren, and the st)ns
of Ishmael, and also their wives, began to make themselves
merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and
to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget
by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they
were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness.
10. And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly, lest the
Lord should be angry with us, and smite us, because of our
Iniquity, that we should be swallowed up in the depths of
the sea; wherefore I, Nephi, began to speak to them with
much soberness; but behold they were angry with me,
saying, We will not that our younger brother shall be.
a '^ruler over us.
a. I. Nep. 17: 8. 6, i. Nep. 8: 1. 16:11. ver. 24. c, I. Nep. 2: 20. 5:5.22. 7:
13. 12: 1, 4. 13: 12, 14, 30. 14: 2. 18: 22. 23. d, i. Nep. 2: 22. 16: 37, 38. ii. Nep.
1-25-27. 5:3,19.
46 I. NEPHI. [chap. XVIII.
11. And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did
take me and bind me with cords, and they did treat me with
much liarshness ; nevertheless the Lord did suffer it, that he
might shew forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word
which he had spoken concerning the wicked.
12. And it came to pass that after they had bound me,
insomuch that I could not move, the ^compass, which had
been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work ;
13. Wherefore, they knew not whither they should steer
the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a
great and terrible tempest, and we were driven back upon
the waters for the space of three days ; and they began to be
frightened exceedingly, lest they should be drowned in the
sea ; nevertheless they did not loose me.
14. And on the fourth day, which we had been driven
back, the tempest began to be exceeding sore.
15. And it came to pass that we were about to be
swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had
been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days„
my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were
upon them, and that they must perish, save that they should
repent of their iniquities ; wherefore they came unto me^
and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and
behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles
were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.
16. Nevertheless I did look unto my God, and I did
praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur
against the Lord, because of mine afflictions.
17. Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto
them, and also unto the ''sons of Ishmael ; but behold they
did breathe out much threatenings against any one that
should speak for me ; and my parents being stricken in
years, and having suffered much grief because of their
children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their
sick beds.
18. Because of their grief, and much sorrow, and the
iniquity of mv brethren, they were brought near even to be
carried out or this time to meet their God ; yea, their grey
hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the
dust; yea, even they were near to be cast into the watery
grave.
19. And ^Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having-
need of much nourishment, were grieved because of tlie
afflictions of their mother ; and also ''my wife with her
tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the
hearts of my brethren, that they would loose me;
20. And there was nothing, save it were the power of
God, which threatened them with destruction, could softea
their hearts ; wherefore when they saw that they were about
to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea, they repented
e, see d, i. Nep. 16 ch. /, i. Nep. 7 : G. g, ver. 7. h, i. Nep. 16: 7.
CHAP. XIX.] I. NEPHI. 47
of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they
loosed me.
21. And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold,
I took the *compass, and it did work whither I desired it.
And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord ; and after
I had prayed, the winds did cease, and the storm did cease,
and there was a great calm.
22. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did ^guide the
ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land.
23. And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the
space of many days, we did arrive to the 'promised land ;
and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch our tents ;
and we did call it the promised land.
24. And it came to pass that we did begin to till the
earth, and we began to plant seeds; yea, we did put all
our 'seeds into the earth, which we had brought from the
land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass that they did grow
exceedingly ; wherefore we were blessed in abundance.
25. And it came to pass that we did find upon the land
of promise, as we journeyed in the wilderness, that there
were "^beasts in the forests of every kind, both the cow and
the ox, and the ass and the horse, and the goat and the wild
goat, and all manner of wild animals, which were for the use
of men. And we did find all manner of "ore, both of gold,
and of silver, and of copper.
CHAPTER 19.
1. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded me^
wherefore I did make ''plates of ore, that I might engraven
upon them the record of my people. And upon the plates^
which I made, I did engraven the ''record of my father, and
also our journeyings in the wilderness, and the prophecies
of my father : and also many of mine own prophecies have I
engraven upon them.
2. And I knew not at the time when I made them, that I
should be commanded of the Lord to make these plates:
wherefore, the record of my father, and the genealogy of his;
fathers, and the more part of all our proceedings in the
wilderness, are engraven upon those plates of which I have
spoken ; wherefore, the things which transpired before I
made these plates, are, of a truth, more particularly made
mention upon the first plates.
i, ver. 12. j, ver. 13. k, l. Nep. 2: 20, believed to be on the coast of Chili, S>
America. I, i. Nep. 8: 1. m, Enos 1: 21. Alma 18:9. 20: 6. in. Nep. 3: 22. 4: 4.
6: 1, Ether 9:'18, 19, 31—34. 10: 19—21. n. i. Nep. 19: 1. ii. Nep. 5: 14—16. Jacot
2: 12, 13. Hela. 6: 9—11. Ether 9: 17. 10: 7, 12. 23.
a, see f, i. Nep. 1. h, i. Nep. 1: 16, 17. 19: 2.
48 I. NEPHI. [CHAP. XIX.
3. And after I had made *^these plates by way of
commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the
jministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious
parts of them, should be written upon these plates; and
that the things which were written, should be kept for the
instruction of my people, who should possess the land, and
.also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known
unto the Lord ;
4. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did make a record upon
the '^other plates, which gives an account, or which gives a
;greater account of the wars, and contentions, and destruc-
tions of my people. And this have I done, and commanded
my people what they should do after I was gone ; and that
these plates should be handed down from one generation to
another, or from one prophet to another, until further
■commandments of the Lord.
5. And an account of my making *these plates shall be
.given hereafter : and then, behold, I proceed according to
that which I have spoken ; and this I do that the more
sacred things may be kept for the knowledge of my people.
6. Nevertheless, I do not write anything upon plates,
save it be that I think it be sacred. And now, if I do err,
•even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself
Ibecause of other men, but because of the weakness which is
:in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself.
7. For the things which some men esteem to be of great
worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and
trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel,
'do men trample under their feet ; I say, trample under their
feet, but I would speak in other words ; they set him at
:naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels ;
8. And behold he cometh according to the words of the
•fingel, in ^six hundred years from the time my father left
Jerusalem.
9. And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge
him to be a thing of naught ; wherefore they scourge him,
.and he sufifereth it ; and they smite him, and he sufiPereth it.
Tea, they spit upon him, and he sufifereth it, because of his
loving kindness and his long suffering towards the children
•of men.
10. And the God of our fathers, who were led out of
T^gypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the
-wilderness by him ; yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac,
:and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the
words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men,
to be lifted up according to the words of "Zenock, and to be
•crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried
in a sepulchre, according to the words of ''Zenos, which he
c, second plates, d, first plates, e, ii. Nep. 5: 30. Doc. & Gov. Sec. 10. /, i,
.Nep. 10:4. see 6, i. Nep. 10. (?. Alma 33: 15. 34:7. Hela.8:20. in. Nep. 10: 15—
17. K ver. 12. 16. Jacob 5: 1. 6: 1. Alma 33: 3, 13, 15. 34: 7. Hela. 8: 19. 15: 11.
:iii. Nep. 10: 16.
CHAP. XIX.] I. NEi'HI. 49
spake concerning the * three days of darkness, which should
be a sign given of his death, unto those who should inhabit
the isles of the sea ; more especially given unto those who
are of the house of Israel.
11. For thus spake the prophet, The Lord God surely
shall visit all the house of Israel at that day : some with
his ^voice, because of their righteousness, unto their great
joy and salvation, and otners ''with the thunderings and the
lightnings of his power, by tempests, by fire, and by smoke,
and vapour of darkness, and by the opening of the earth,
and by mountains which shall be carried up ;
12. And all these things must surely come, saith the
prophet Zenos. And the ^rocks of the earth must rend; and
because of the groanings of the earth, many of the kings of
the isles of the sea shall be wrought upon by the Spirit of
God, to exclaim. The God of nature suffers.
13. And as for those who are at Jerusalem, saith the
prophet, they shall be scourged by all people, because they
crucify the God of Israel, and turn their hearts aside,
rejecting signs and wonders, and power and glory of the
God of Israel ;
14. And because they turn their hearts aside, saith the
prophet, and have despised the Holy One of Israel, they shall
wander in the flesh, and perish, and become a hiss and a
by-word, and be hated among all nations ;
15. Nevertheless, when that day cometh, saith the
prophet, that ""they no more turn aside their hearts against
the Holy One of Israel, then will he remember the covenants
which he made to their fathers;
16. Yea, then will he remember the isles of the sea; yea,
and all the people who are of the house of Israel, will I
gather in, saith the Lord, according to the words of the
prophet "Zenos, from the four quarters of the earth ;
17. Yea, and all the earth shall see the salvation of the
Lord, saith the prophet; every nation, kindred, tongue, and
people, shall be blessed.
18. And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my
people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they
would remember the Lord their Redeemer;
39. Wherefore, I speak unto all the house of Israel, if it
so be that they should obtain these things.
20. For behold, I have workings in the Spirit, which
doth weary me, even that all my joints are weak, for those
who are at Jerusalem; for had not the Lord been merciful,
to show unto me concerning them, even as he had prophets
of old, I should have perished also :
21. And he surely did shew unto the prophets of old all
things concerning them; and also he did show unto many
1 Hela. 14: 20, 27. iii. Nep. 8: 19—23. 10: 9. ;. in. Nep. 9. k, Hela. 14: 20^
27. III. Nep. 8: 5—23. I, Hela. 14: 21, 22. in. Nep. 8: 17, 18. m, see e, i. Nep. 15,
n, aeeh.
60 I. NEPHL [CHAP. XX.
concerning us; wherefore it must needs be that we know
concerning them, for they are * written upon the plates of
brass.
22. Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my
brethren these things ; and it came to pass that I did read
many things to them, which were engraven upon the ''plates
of brass, that they might know concerning the doings of the
Lord in other lands, among people of old.
23. And I did read many things unto them, which were
written in the book of Moses; but that I might more fully
persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer, I did
reaa unto them that which was written by the prophet
Isaiah ; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might
be for our profit and learning.
24. Wherefore I spake unto them, saying. Hear ye the
words of the prophet, ye who are a remnant of the house of
Israel, a branch who have been broken off ; hear ye the
words of the prophet, which were written unto all the house
of Israel, and liken them unto yourselves, that ye may have
hope as well as your brethren, from whom ye have been
broken off; for after this manner has the prophet written.
CHAPTER 20. (See Isaiah 48.)
1. Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are
called by the name of Israel, and are come forth "out of
the waters of Judah, who ''swear by the name of the Lord,
and make mention of the God of Israel, yet they swear ''not
in truth nor in righteousness ;
2. Nevertheless they call themselves <*of the holy city,
but they do ^not stay themselves upon the God of Israel,
who is the Lord of Hosts ; yea, the Lord of Hosts is his
name.
3. Behold, ^I have declared the former things from the
beginning ; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I
shewed them. I did shew them suddenly,
4. And I did it because I knew that thou wert obstinate,
and ^thy neck was an iron sinew, and thy brow brass ;
5. And I have, even ''from the beginning declared to thee,
before it came to pass I shewed them thee; and I shewed
them for fear lest thou shouldst say, mine idol hath done
them, and my graven image, and my molten image hath
commanded them.
6. Thou hast seen and heard all this: and will ye not
0, III. Nep. 10: 16, 17. p, see a, i. Nep. 3.
a, Isa. 48: 26. b, Deut. 6: 13. Isa. 65: 16. Zeph. 1:5. c, Jer. 4: 2. 5: 2. d, Isa.
52:1. e. Mic. 3:9— 11. /, Isa. 41:22. 42:9. 43:9. 44:7,8. 45:21. 46:9,10. g,
Ex. 32:9. Deut. 31:27. h,seef.
CHAP. XX.] L NEPHI. 51
declare them? And that I have shewed thee new things from
this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know
them.
7. They are created now, and not from the beginning;
even before the day when thou heardest them not they were
declared unto thee, lest thou shouldst say, Behold I knew
them.
8. Yea, and thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not;
yea, from that time thine ear was not opened ; for I knew
that thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and wast called
a ^transgressor from the womb.
9. Nevertheless, for my name's sake will I defer mine
anger, and for my praise will I refrain from thee, that I cut
thee not off ;
10. For, behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee
in the furnace of aflfliction.
11. For mine own sake, yea, for mine own sake will I do
this, for I will not suffer my name to be polluted, ^and I
will not give my glory unto another.
12. Hearken unto me, O Jacob, and Israel my called; for
I am he ; I am the '^first, and I am also the last.
13. Mine ^hand hath also laid the foundation of the earth,,
and my right hand hath spanned the heavens. ^I call unto
them, and they stand up together.
14. "All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; who among-
them hath declared these things unto them? The Lord
hath loved him ; yea, and he will fulfil his word which he
hath declared by them ; and "he will do his pleasure on
Babylon, and his arm shall come upon the Chaldeans.
15. Also, saith the Lord ; I the Lord, yea, I have spoken ;
yea, H have called him to declare, I have brought him, and
he shall make his way prosperous.
16. Come ye near unto me : «I have not spoken in secret
from the beginning; from the time that it was declared
have I spoken; and the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent
me.
17. And thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy
One of Israel ; I have sent him, the Lord thy God who-
teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way thoa
shouldst go, has done it.
18. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandment!
then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness
as the waves of the sea;
19. *"Thy seed also had been as the sand; the offspring of
thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not
have been cut off nor destroyed from before me.
20. *Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans,.
i\Ps.58:3. ;Msa.42:8. fc. Isa.41r4. Rev. 1:17. 22:13. /,Ps. 102:25. rn^
Isa. 40: 26. n, see /. o, Isa. 44: 28. p, Isa. 45: 1—4. g, Isa. 45: 19, r, Gen. 22: 17.
Hos. 1 : 10. s, Jer. St: 8. 51 : 6, 44, 45. Zech. 2: 6, 7.
52 I. NEPHI. [chap. XXI.
with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter to the end
of the earth ; say ye, *the Lord hath redeemed his servant
Jacob.
21. And they "thirsted not; he led them through the
deserts ; he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for
them ; he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out.
22. And notwithstanding he hath done all this, ancl
greater also, there is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the
wicked.
CHAPTER 21. (See Isaiah 49.)
1. And again : Hearken, O ye house of Israel, all ye that
51 re broken off and are driven out, because of the wickedness
of the pastors of my people ; yea, all ye that are broken off
that are scattered abroad, who are of my people, O house of
Israel. Listen, °0 isles, unto me, and hearken ye people
from far ; the Lord hath called me from the womb ; from
the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my
name.
2. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in
the shadow of his hand hath he hid me; and made me a
polished shaft ; in his quiver hath he hid me ;
3. And said unto me. Thou art my servant, O Israel, in
-whom I will be glorified.
4. Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my
strength for naught and in vain ; surely my judgment is
"With the Lord, and my work with my God.
5. And now, saith the Lord, that formed me from the
TTomb that I should be ''his servant, to bring Jacob again to
liim : Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious
in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my
strength.
6. And he said. It is a light thing that thou shouldst be
my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the
preserved of Israel. I will also give thee for a light ''to the
<jentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the ends of
the earth.
7. Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy
One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nations
abhorreth, to servant of rulers, kings shall see and arise,
princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is
faithful.
8. Thus saith the Lord, in an acceptable time have I
heard thee, ''O isles of the sea, and in a day of salvation
liave I helped thee ; and I will preserve thee, and give
tlsa.44:22,23. «, Ps. 107: 35-38. Isa.35:6,7. 41:17.18.
o,ver.«. Isa.51:5. 60:9. 66:19. i. Nep. 22:4. ii. Nep. 10: 20— 22. 6. sec
^, II. Nep. 3 di. c. III. Nep. 21: 11. d, see o.
r
€HAP. XXI.] I. NEPHI. 55
thee ^my servant for a covenant of the people, to establish
the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages ;
9. That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; ^to
them that sit in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed
in the ways, and their ^pastures shall be in all high places.
10. They shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the
heat nor the sun smite them ; for he that hath mercy on
them shall lead them, even ''by the springs of water shall he
guide tl ^m.
11. And I will make *all my mountains a way, and ^my
highways shall be exalted.
12. And then, O house of Israel, behold, '^these shall
come from far ; and lo, these from the north and from the
west; and these from the land of Sinim.
13. ^Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; for the
feet of those who are in the east shall be established; and
break forth into singing, O mountains; for they shall be
smitten no more ; for the Lord hath comforted his people,
and will have mercy upon his afflicted.
14. But, behold, Zion hath said, The Lord hath forsaken
rre, and my Lord hath forgotten me; but he will shew that
he hath not
15. '"For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she
fehould not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea,
they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of
Israel.
16. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my
hands; thy walls are continually before me.
17. Thy children shall make haste against thy
destroyers ; and they that made thee waste, shall go forth
of thee.
18. Lift up thine eyes round about and behold; "all
these gather themselves together, and they shall come to
thee. And as I live, saith the Lord, thou shalt surely clothe
thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on
even as a bride.
19. For thy waste and thy desolate places, and tne land
of thy destruction, shall even now be too narrow by reason
of the inhabitants; and "they that swallowed thee up shall
be far away.
20. The children whom thou shalt have, after thou hast
''lost the first, shall again in thine ears say, The place is too
straight for me; give place to me that I may dwell.
21. Then shalt thou say in thine heart, who hath
begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, «and am^
desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who hath
e see e n Nep. 3. f, il. Nep. 3:5. g, in th6 elevated repiotis of the Rocky
mountains. ' h, see u, I. Nep. 20. i, see g. j, Isa. 40: 3. 62: 10. Rail-wavs exalted
in the hi<rh places of the earth, and in the desert, k, Isa. 43: .5—7. I, Isa. 44: 23. m. Ps.
103: 13. n, Mic. 4: 11—13. o, ver. 17. p, the ten lost tribes, ver. 21. q, the dispersed
«f Judah.
^ I. NEPHI. [CHAP. XXIL
brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where
have they been?
22. Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will lift up '"mine
hand to the Gentiles, and set up *my standard to the people ;
and *they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters
shall be carried upon their shoulders.
23. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens
thy nursing mothers ; they shall bow down to thee with their
face towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet;
and thou shalt know that I am the Lord ; for they shall not
be ashamed that wait for me.
24. "For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the
lawful captives delivered?
25. But thus saith the Lord, even the captives of the
mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall
be delivered ; for I will coiitend with him that contendeth
with thee, and I will save thy children.
26. ""And I will feed them that oppress thee with their
own flesh ; they shall be drunken with their own blood as
with sweet wine ; and all flesh shall know that I the Lord
am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of
Jacob.
CHAPTER 22.
1. And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had read
these things which were engraven upon the "plates of brass,
my brethren came unto me and said unto me, What
meaneth these things which ye have read? Behold, are they
to be understood according to things which are spiritual,
which shall come to pass according to the Spirit and not the
flesh?
2. And I, Nephi, said unto them. Behold they were
manifest unto tUe prophet, by the voice of the Spirit; for by
the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets,
which shall come upon the children of men according to the
flesh.
3. Wherefore, the things of which I have read, are
things pertaining to things both temporal and spiritual ; for
it appears that the house of Israel, sooner or later, will be
scattered upon all the face of the earth, and also among all
nations,
4. And behold there are many who are already lost from
the knowledge of those who are at Jenasalem. Yea, the
more part of all the tribes have been led away ; and they are
r.Isa. 66:18—20. s. Tsa. 62: 10. see p, it. Nep. 15. «. i. Nep. 22: 8. ii. Nep. 6!
e. 7. 10: 8, 9. u, I. Nep. 22: 12—14. v, i. Nep. 14: 15—17. 22: 13, 14. II. Nep. 6:
14—18,
a, see 0,1. Nep. 3.
OHAP. XXII.] L NEPHL 55
scattered to and fro upon the *isles of the sea; and whither
they are, none of us knoweth, save that we know that they
have been led away.
5. And since they have been led away, these things have
been prophesied concerning them, and also concerning all those
who shall hereafter be scattered and be confounded, because
of the Holy One of Israel ; for against him will they harden
their hearts ; wherefore, they shall be scattered among all
nations, and shall be hated of all men.
6. Nevertheless, after they shall be nursed by the Gen-
tiles, and the Lord has lifted up his hand upon the ''Gentiles
and set them up for a standard, and their children have been
carried in their arms, and their daughters have been carried
upon their shoulders, behold these things of which are spoken,
are temporal ; for thus is the covenant of the Lord with our
fathers ; and it meaneth us in the days to come, and also all
our brethren who are of the house of Israel.
7. And it meaneth that the time cometh that after all
the house of Israel have been scattered and confounded,
that the Lord God will raise up a *^mighty nation among the
Gentiles, yea, even upon the face of this land ; and by them
shall *our seed be scattered.
8. And after our seed is scattered, the Lord God will
proceed to do a ^marvellous work among the Gentiles, which
shall be of great worth unto our seed; wherefore, it is likened
unto their being nourished by the Gentiles and being carried
in their arms and upon their shoulders.
9. And it shall also be of ^worth unto the Gentiles; and
not only unto the Gentiles, but unto ''all the house of Israel,-
unto the making kno\'.n of the covenants of the Father of
heaven unto Abraham, saying, In thy seed shall all the kindreds
of the earth be blessed ;
10. And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that
all the kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed, unless he
shall make bare his arm in the eyes of the nations.
11. Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare
his arm in the eyes of all the nations, in bringing about his
covenants and his gospel, unto those who are of the house
of Israel.
12. Wherefore, he will bring them again out of captivity,
and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their
inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity, and
out of darkness ; and they shall know that the Lord is their
Saviour and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel.
13. And the blood of that great and abominable church,
which is the whore of all the earth, shall turn upon their
6, n. Nep. 10: 20— 22. c, I. Nep. 21 : 22, 23. cf, The United States, c. The Laman-
ites. f, I. Nep. 13: 35. 14:7. ii. Nep. 25: 17. 27:26. 29:1.2. ill. Nep. 21 : 1—9.
Ether 4: 15. q, i. Nep. 13: 34—42. 14: 1—5. ii. Nep. 28: 2. 30; 3. iii. Nep. 21 : 6.
253: 4. h, T. Nep. 13: 39. 14: 17. Ii. Nep. 29: 13, 14. 30: 7, 8. in. Nep. 5: 23—26.
16:4.5. 21:26—29.
56 I. NEPHi. [chap. xxn.
owD heads; for *they shall war among themselves, and the
sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads, and
they shall be drunken with their own blood.
14. And every nation which shall war against thee, O
house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and
they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the
people of the Lord. And all that •'fight against Zion shall
be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the
right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable
church shall tumble to the dust, and great shall be the fall
of it.
15. For behold, saith the prophet, the time cometh speedily,
that Satan shall have *no more power over the hearts of the
children of men ; for the day soon cometh, that all the proud
and they who do wickedly, shall be as stubble; and the day
cometh that they must be ^burned.
16. For the time soon cometh, that the fulness of the
wrath of God shall be poured out upon all the children of
men ; for he will not suffer that the wicked shall destroy the
righteous.
17. Wherefore, he will preserve the righteous by his
power, even if it so be that the fulness of his wrath must
come, and the righteous be preserved, even unto the destruc-
tion of their enemies by .fire. Wherefore, the righteous need
not fear; for thus saith the prophet, they shall be saved, even
if it be so as by fire.
18. Behold, my brethren, I say unto you, that these
things' must shortly come ; yea, even blood, and fire, and
vapour of smoke must come ; and it must needs be upon the
face of this earth ; and it cometh unto men according to the
flesh, if it so be that they will harden their hearts against
the Holy Cne of Israel;
19. For behold, the righteous shall not perish ; for the
time surely must come, that all they who fight against Zion
shall be cut off.
20. And the Lord will surely prepare a way for his
people, unto the fulfilling of the words of Moses, which he
spake, saying: A ""prophet shall the Lord your God raise
up unto you, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things
whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to
pass that all those who will not hear that prophet, shall be
cut off from among the people.
21. And now I, Nephi, declare unto you, that this prophet
of whom Closes spake, was the Holy One of Israel ; wherefore,
he shall execute judgment in righteousness;
22. And the ''righteous need not fear, for they are those
who shall not be confounded. But it is the kingdom of the
devil which shall be built up among the children of men,
i I. Nep. 14: 3, 15—17. 21 : 26. j, vers. 19. 20. ii. Nep. 27: 2, 3. k, ver. 26.
Jacob 5: 76. Z, vers. 17 18. m, ver. 21. III. Nep. 20: 23. 21: 11. ?i, vers. 16, 17,
19, 24, 28.
CHAP. XXTI.] I. NEPHI. 57
which kingdom is established among them which are in the
flesh ;
23. For the time speedily shall come, that ''all churches
which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built
up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up
' to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who
seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and
to do all manner of iniquity ; yea, in fine, all those who
belong to the kingdom of the devil, are they who need fear,
and tremble, and quake ; they are those who must be "
brought low in the dust; they are those who must be
consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of
the prophet.
24. And the time cometh speedily, that the righteous
must be led up as ^^calves of the stall, and the Holy One of
Israel must reign in dominion, and might, and power, and
great glory.
25. And he gathereth his ^children from the four
quarters of the earth ; and he numbereth his sheep, and
they know him ; and there shall be one fold and one
shepherd ; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall
find pasture.
26. And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan
has no power ; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space
of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the
people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of
Israel reigneth.
27. And now behold, I, Nephi, say unto you, That all these
things must come according to the flesh.
28. But, behold, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people,
shall dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel, if it so be that
they will repent.
29. And now I, Nephi, make an end; for I durst not speak
further as yet, concerning these things.
30. Wherefore, my brethren, I would that ye should consider
that the things which have been written upon the '"plates
of brass are true ; and they testify that a man must be
obedient to the commandments of God.
31. Wherefore, ye need not suppose that I and my father
are the only ones that have testified, and also taught them.
Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments^ and
endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day. And
thus it is. Amen.
o, I. Nep. 14 10, 15—17. n. Nep. 28: 3—32. in. Nep. 27: 7—12. iv. Nep. 1 :
25—29. Mor. 8: 28, 32, 33, 36—38. p, in. Nep. 25: 3. q, Psa. 50: 5. Isa. 43: 6. 7.
Jer. 3: 14. Rev. 18- 4. 5. Eph. 1 : 10. r, see C, I. Nep. 3.
58 II. NEPHI. [chap. I.
THE SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI.
An account of the death of Lehi. Nephi's brethren rehelleth
against him. The Lord icarns Nephi to depart into the
wilderness. His journeyings in the wUdernesSf dc.
CHAPTER 1.
1. And now it came to pass that after I, Nephi, had made an
end of teaching my brethren, our father, Lehi, also spake
many things unto them, how great things the Lord had done
for them, in bringing them out of the land of Jerusalem.
2. And he spake unto them, concerning their "rebellions
upon the waters, and the mercies of God in sparing their
lives, that they were not swallowed up in the sea.
3. And he also spake unto them, concerning the ''land of
promise, which they had obtained : how merciful the Lord
had been in warning us that we should flee out of the land
of Jerusalem.
4. For, behold, said he, I have ''seen a vision, in which I
know that Jerusalem is destroyed; and had we remained in
Jerusalem, we should also have perished.
5. But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have
obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all
other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with
me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea,
the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my
children for ever ; and also all those who should be led out of
other countries by the hand of the Lord.
6. Wherefore, T, Lehi, prophesy according to the
workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none
come into this land, save they shall be brought by the hand
of the Lord.
7. Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom
he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him
according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall
be a land of liberty unto them ; wherefore, they shall never
be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because
of iniquity ; for if iniquity shall abound, '^cursed shall be the
land /or their sakes ; but unto the righteous it shall be blessed
for ever.
8. And behold, it is wisdom that this land should be
kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations ; for behold,
a, I. Nep. 18: 9—20. b, vers. 5—12. see a, i. Nep. 2. c, i. Nep. 17: 14. Hela.
8: 21, 22. d, Alma 45: 10—14, 16. Mor. 1 : 17. 6: 7—22. Ether 2: 8—12.
CHAP. I.l II. NEPHL 69
many nations would overrun the land, that there would be
no place for an inheritance.
9. Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promise, that
inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the
land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall
prosper upon the face of this land ; and they shall be kept
from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto
themselves. And if it so be that they shall keep his
commandments, they shall be blessed upon the face of this
land, and there shall be none to molest them, nor to take
away the land of their inheritance; and they shall dwell
safely for ever.
10. But behold, when the time cometh that they shall
dwindle in unbelief, after they have received so great
blessings from the hand of the Lord; having a knowledge of
the creation of the earth, and all men, knowing the great
and marvellous works of the Lord from the creation of the
world ; having power given them to do all things by faith ;
having all the commandments from the beginning, and
having been brought up by his infinite goodness into this
precious land of promise; behold, I say, if the day shall come
that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the true McvSsiah,
their Redeemer and their God, behold the judgments of Lira
that is just shall rest upon them ;
11. Yea, he will bring ^other nations unto them, and he
will give unto them power, and he will take away from them
the lands of their possessions ; and he will cause them to be
scattered and smitten.
12. Yea, as ono generation passeth to another, there shall
be bloodsheds, and great visitations among them ; wherefore,
my sons, I would that ye would remember; yea, I would that
yo would hearken unto my words.
13. O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea,
even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains
by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the
children of men, that they are carried away captive down to
the eternal gulf of misery and woe!
14. Awake ! and arise from the dust, and hear the words
of a trembling parent, whose limbs ye must soon lay down in
the cold and silent grave, from whence no traveller can return ;
a few more days, and I go the way of all the earth.
15. But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell;
I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about«eternally in
the arms of his love.
16. And I desire that ye should remember to observe the
statutes and the judgments of the Lord ; behold, this hath been
the anxiety of my soul from the beginning.
17. My heart hath been weighed down with sorrow from
time to time, for I have feared, lest for the hardness of your
hearts, the Lord your God should come out in the fulness of
e, I. Nep. 13: 12—20. Mor. 5: 19, 20.
60 II. NEPHI. [chap. I.
his wrath upon ^you, that ye be cut off and destroyed for
ever;
18. Or, that a cursing should come upon you for the space
of "many generations; and ye are visited by sword, and by
famine, and are hated, and are led according to the will and
captivity of the devil.
ID. O my sons, that these things might not come upon
you, but that ye might be a choice and a favoured people of
the Lord. But behold, his will be done; for his ways are
righteousness for ever ;
20. And he hath said, '^That inasmuch as ye shall keep my
commandments, ye shall prosper in the land ; but inasmuch
as ye will not keep my commandments, ye shall be cut off from
my presence ;
21. And now that my soul might have joy in you, and
that my heart might leave this world with gladness because
of you ; that I might not be brought down with grief and
sorrow to the grave, arise from the dust, my sons, and be
men, and be determined in one mind, and in one heart
united in all things, that ye may not come down into
captivity ;
22. That ye may not be cursed with a sore cursing; and
also, that ye may not incur the displeasure of a just God upon
you, unto the destruction, yea, the eternal destruction of both
soul and body.
23. Awake, my sons ; put on the armour of righteousness.
Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth
out of obscurity, and arise from the dust.
24. Rebel no more against your brother, whose views
have been ^glorious, and who hath kept the commandments
from the time that we left Jerusalem ; and who hath been
an instrument in the hands of God, in bringing us forth into
the land of promise ; for were it not for him, we must have
perished with ^hunger in the wilderness ; nevertheless, ye
sought to ^take away his life ; yea, and he hat)i suffered much
sorrow because of you.
25. And I exceedingly fear and tremble because of you,
lest he shall suffer again ; for behold, ye have accused him
that. he sought power and ^authority over you; but I know
that he hath not sought for power nor authority over you;
but he hath sought the glory of God, and your own eternal
w^elfare.
26. And ye have murmured because he hath been
plain unto you. Ye say that he hath used sharpness; ye
say that he hath been angry with you ; but behold, his
sharpness was the "^sharpness of the power of the word of
/, I. Nep. 2: 23. ii. Nep. 5: 21—24. Alma 3: 6—19. Mor. 5: 15. g, i. Nep. 12:
20—22. h, Jarom 1:9. Omni 1:6. Mos. 1:7. 2: 22, 31. Alma 9: 13, 14. 36: 1. 30.
37:13. 38:1. iii. Nep. 5:22. i, i. Nep. 11: 1. 18:3. ;, i. Nep. 16: 32. fc, i. Nep.
16: 37, I, i. Nep. 16: 38. m, i. Nep. 17: 48.
CHAP. II.] II. NEPHI, 61
God, which was in him; and that which ye call anger, was
the truth, according to that which is in God, which be could
not restrain, manifesting boldly concerning your iniquities.
27. And it must needs be that the power of God must be
with him, even unto his commanding you, that ye must obey.
But behold, it was not him, but it was the Spirit of the Lord
which was in him, which opened his mouth to utterance, that
he could not shut it.
28. And now my son Laman, and also Lemuel and Sam,
and also my sons who are the sons of Ishmael, behold, if ye
will hearken unto the voice of Nephi, ye shall not perish.
And if ye will hearken unto him, I leave unto you a blessing,
yea, even my first blessing.
29. But if ye will not hearken unto him, I take away my
first blessing, yea, even my blessing, and it shall rest upon
him.
30. And now, Zoram, I speak unto you : Behold, thou art
the "servant of Laban; nevertheless, thou hast been brought •
out of the land of Jerusalem, and I know that thou art a true
friend unto my son, Nephi, for ever.
31. Wherefore, because thou hast been faithful, thy seed
shall be blessed with his seed, that they dwell in prosperity
long upon the face of this land ; and nothing, save it shall be
iniquity among them, shall harm or disturb their prosperity
upon the face of this land for ever.
32. Wherefore, if ye shall keep the commandments of the
Lord, the Lord hath consecrated this land for the security of
thy seed with the seed of my son.
CHAPTER 2.
1. And now, Jacob, I speak unto you: Thou art my <*first-
born in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness. And
behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and much
sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren.
2. Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou
knowest the greatness of God ; and he shall consecrate thine
afflictions for thy gain.
3. Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt
dwell safely with thy brother, Nephi ; and thy days shall be-
spent in the service of thy God. Wherefore, I know that thou
art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer;
for thou hast beheld, that in the fulness of time he cometh to
bring salvation unto men.
4. And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; where-
fore, thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall
n, I. Nep. 4: 20, 35.
a, I. Nep 18.7. 19.
62 /I. NEPHI. [chap. II.
minister in the fi3sh ; for the Spirit is the same, yesterday,
to-day, and for ever. And the way is prepared from the fall
of man, and salvation is free.
5. And men are instructed sufficiently, that they know
good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by
the law, no flesh is justified ; or, by the law, men are cut off.
Yea, by the "temporal law, they were cut off ; and also, by
the ""spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and
become miserable for ever.
6. Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy
Messiah ; for he is full of grace and truth.
7. Behold he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer
the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart
and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the
law be answered.
8. Wherefore, how great the importance to make these
things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they
•may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence
of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace
of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to
the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that
he may bring to pass the ^^resurrection of the dead, being the
first that should rise.
9. Wherefore he is the first fruits unto God, inasmuch as
he shall make ^intercession for all the children of men ; and
they that believe in him shall be saved.
10. And because of the intercession for all, all men come
unto God ; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to
be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which
is in him. W^herefore, the ends of the law which the Holy
One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which
is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition
to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends
of the ''atonement ;
11. For it must needs be, that there is an ^opposition in
all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness,
righteousness could not be brought to pass; neither wicked-
ness; neither holiness nor misery; neither good nor bad.
Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one ;
wherefore, if it should be one body, it must needs remain as
h, IT. Nep. 9: 4. 6, 7. Alma 11: 42— 45. 12: 12. 16, 24, 27, 31, 36. 42:
6—9. Hela. 14: 16. c, ii. Nep. 9: 8—15, 26. Mos. 16: 4—10. Alma 11 :
40—45. 12: 16—18. 32. 36, 37. 40: 13, 14, 26. 42: 6—11, 14. Hela. 14:
15—18. d, II. Nep. 9: 4, 6—19, 22. Mos. 13: 35. 15: 8, 9, 20—27. 16;
7—11. Alma 5: 15. 7:12. 11:41—45. 12:12—18.24,25. 22:14. 33:
22. 40ch. 41:2— 5. 42:23. Hela. 14: 15— 17, 25. iii. Nep. 23: 9— 13.
26:5. Mor.6:21. 7:6. 9:13. Moro.7:41. 10:34. e, ver.lO. Mos.
14:12. 15:8. More. 7: 27, 28. /, ii. Nep. 9:7, 21. 22, 25, 26. 10:25.
25:16. Jacob 4: 11. 12. Mos. 3: 11, 15— 19. 4:2,6,7. 13:28. 18-2.
Alma 5: 27. 13:5.11. 21:9. 22:14. 24:13. 30:17. 33:22. 34:8—16.
36. 36:17. 42:15,23. Hela. 14:15. 16. in. Nep. U: 11. 27:19. Mor.
9: 13. More. 7: 41. 8: 20. 10: 33. g, vera. 15, 16.
CHAP. II.] II. NEPHI. 63
dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption noF
incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor
insensibility.
12. Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a
thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no
purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing
must needs destroy the wisdom of God, and hi^ eternal
purposes; and also, the power, and the mercy, and the
justice of God.
13. And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say
there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall
also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no
righteousness, there be no happiness. And if there be no
righteousness nor happiness, there be no punishment nor
misery. And if these things are not, there is no GoS. And
if there is no God, we are not, neither the earth ; for there
could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to
be acted upon;, wherefore, all things must have vanished
away.
14. And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things^
for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath
created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all
things that in them is; both things to act, and things to be
acted upon.
15. And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of
man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of
the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which
are created, it must noeds be that there was an ''opposition;
even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life;
the one being sweet and the other bitter;
16. Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he
should act for himself. Wherefore man could not act for
himself, save it should be that he was enticed by the one or
the other.
17. And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have
read, must needs suppose, that an angel of God, according
to that *which is written, had fallen from heaven ; where-
fore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil
before God.
18. And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become
miserable for ever, he sought also the misery of all mankind.
Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who
is the devil, who is the father of all lies ; wherefore he said.
Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye
shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
19. And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden
fruit, they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the
earth.
20. And they have brought forth children ; yea, even the
family of all the earth.
ft, ver. 11. i, II. Nep. 9: 8. Pearl of Great Price, Moses 4: 3—4.
64 II. NEPHi. [chap. n.
21. And the days of the children of men were prolonged,
according to the will of God, that they might repent while in
the flesh ; wherefore, their state became a state of probation,
and their time was lengthened, according to the command-
ments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men.
For he gave commandment that all men must repent ; for he
shewed unto all men that they were lost, because of the
transgression of their parents.
22. And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed, he
would not have fallen ; but he would have remained in the
garden of Eden. And all things which were created, must
have remained in the same state which they were, after they
were created; and they must have remained for ever, and
had no end.
23. A^d they would have had 'no children ; wherefore
they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no
joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew
no sin.
24. But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom
©f him who knoweth all things.
25. Adam '^fell that men might be ; and men are, that they
might have joy.
26. And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that
he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because
that they are redeemed from the fall, they have become *free
for ever, knowing good from evil ; to act for themselves, and not
to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at
the great and last day, according to the commandments which
God hath given.
27. Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh ; and
all things are given them which are expedient unto man.
And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through
the great mediation of all men, or to choose captivity and
death, according to the captivity and power of the devil ; for
he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto
himself.
28. And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the
great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments ;
and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, accord-
ing to the will of his Holy Spirit;
29. And not choose eternal death, according to the will of
the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit
of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell,
that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
30. I have spoken thesei few words unto you all, my sons,
in the last days of my probation ; and I have chosen the
good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I
have none other object, save it be the everlasting welfare of
your souls. Amen.
;, ves. ^. Pearl of Great Price, p. fiO. k, ver. 23. /, vers. 27—29. Almx 29 ch;
41:7. 42:2,. Hela. 14:30.
CHAP. III.] n. NEPHL 65
CHAPTER 3.
1. And now I speak unto you, Jovseph, "my last born. Thoifr
wast born in the wilderness of mine afflictions ; yea, in the-
days of my greatest sorrow, did thy mother bear thee.
2. And may the Lord consecrate also unto thee "this land,
which is a most precious land, for thine inheritance and the-
inheritance of thy seed with thy brethren, fo^r thy security
for ever, if it so be that ye shall keep the commandments of
the Holy One of Israel.
3. And now, Joseph, my last born, whom I have brought
out of the wilderness of mine afflictions, may the Lord bless
thee for ever, for thy seed shall not ''utterly be destroyed.
4. For behold, thou art the fruit of my loins ; and I am
a '^descendant of Joseph, who was carried captive into Egypt.
And great were the covenants of the Lord, which he made-
unto Joseph ;
5. Wherefore, Joseph truly saw our day. And he
obtained a promise of the Lord, that out of the fruit of his-
loins, the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto*
the house of Israel ; not the Messiah, but a branch which
was to be broken off; nevertheless, to be remembered in the
covenants of the Lord, that the Messiah should be made
manifest unto them in the latter days, in the Spirit of
power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto
light; yea, out of hidden darkness and out of captivity unto
freedom.
6. For Joseph truly testified, saying: A *seer shall the
Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the
fruit of my loins.
7. Yea, Joseph truly said. Thus saith the Lord unto me :.
A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins;
and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins..
And unto him will I give commandment, that he shall do a.
work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be
of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to^
the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy
fathers.
8. And I will give unto him a commandment, that he shall
do none other work, save the work which I shall command
him. And I will make him great in mine eyes ; for he shall
do my work.
9. And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have
said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of
10. And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of
the land of Egypt.
a, T. Nep. 18: 7, 19. 5. i. Nep. 2: 20. 18: 22. 23. c, i. Nep. 13: 30. d, i. Nep*.
5- 14—16. Alma 10: 3. e, vers. 11, 14. Mos. 8: 13—18. Ether 3: 21—28. in. Nep^
21:8—11. Mor.8:16. 25.
^66 II. NEPHI. [CHAP. III.
11. But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins;
:and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto
the seed of thy loins ; and not to the bringing forth my word
only, saith the Lord, but to the convincing them of my word,
which shall have already gone forth among them.
12. Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the
fruit of the loins of Judah shall write ; and that which shall
be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall
be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall ^grow
together, unto 'the confounding of false doctrines and laying
down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit
■of thy loins, and bringing them to the ^knowledge of their
fathers in the latter days; and also to the knowledge of my
covenants, saith the Lord.
13. And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in
that day when my work shall commence among all my
people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the
Lord.
14. And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer
will the Lord bless ; and they that seek to destroy him, shall
ibe confounded ; for this promise, which I have obtained pf the
Lord, of the fruit of my loins, shall be fulfilled. Behold, I
-am sure of the fulfilling of this promise.
15. And his name shall be called ''after me ; and it shall
'be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto
.me; for the thing which the Lord shall bring forth by his
band, by the power of the Lord shall *bring my people unto
rsalvation ;
16. Yea, thus prophesied Joseph, I am sure of this thin^,
even as I am sure of the promise of Moses ; for the Lord hath
:said unto me, I will preserve thy seed for ever.
17. And the Lord hath said, I will raise up a Moses; and
I will give power unto him in a rod; and I will give judg-
ment unto him in writing. Yet I will not loose his tongue,
that he shall speak much; for I will not make him mighty
in speaking. But I will write unto him my law, by the
finger of mine own hand; and I will make a spokesman for
Ihim.
18. And the Lord said unto me also, I will raise up unto
the fruit of thy loins ; and I will make for him a ^spokesman.
And I, behold, I will give unto him, that he shall write the
writing of the fruit of thy loins, unto the fruit of thy loins;
and the spokesman of thy loins shall declare it.
19. And the words which he shall write, shall be the
words which are expedient in my wisdom should go forth
unto the fruit of thy loins. And it shall be as if the fruit
of thy loins had cried unto them from the dust; for I know
their faith.
f, Ezek. 37: 16—20. g, iii. Nep. 5: 23. Mor. 7: 5, 10. h, Joseph, i, ii. Nep.
27:6—26. Enos 1:12—18. Alma 37: 1—20. III. Nep. 16: 10, 11. Mor. 7: 8— 10.
J, Doc & Gov. 100:9. 11.
CHAP. IV.] II. NEPHI. 67
20. And they shall *cry from the dust ; yea, even repentance
unto their brethren, even after many generations have gone by
them. And it shall come to pass that their cry shall go, even
according to the sirapleness of their vv^ords.
21. Because of their faith, their words shall proceed forth
out of my mouth unto their brethren who are the fruit of thy
loins ; and the weakness of their words will I make strong
in their faith, unto the remembering of my covenant which I
made unto thy fathers.
22. And now, behold, my son Joseph, after this manner did
my father of old prophesy.
23. Wherefore, because of this covenant thou art blessed;
for thy seed shall not be destroyed, for they shall hearken unto
the words of the book.
24. And there shall rise up ^one mighty among them, who
shall do much good, both in word and in deed, being an instru-
ment in the hands of God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty
wonders, and do that thing which is great in the sight of God,
unto the bringing to pass much restoration unto the house of
Israel, and unto the seed of thy brethren.
25. And now, blessed art thou, Joseph. Behold, thou art
little ; wherefore hearken unto the words of thy brother, Nephi,
and it shall be done unto thee, even according to the words
which I have spoken. Remember the words of thy dying
father. Amen.
CHAPTER 4.
1. And now, T, Nephi, speak concerning the prophecies of
which my father hath spoken, concerning Joseph, who was
carried into Egypt:
2. For behold, he truly prophesied concerning all his
seed. And the prophecies which he wrote, there are not
many greater. And he prophesied concerning us, and our
future generations; and they are written upon the '^plates
of brass.
3. Wherefore, after my father had made an end of speaking
concerning the prophecies of Joseph, he called the children
of Laman, his sons, and his daughters, and said unto them.
Behold, my sons, and my daughters, who are the sons and the
daughters of my first-born, I would that ye should give ear
unto my words;
4. For the Lord God hath said, That inasmuch as ye
shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land;
and inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments, ye
shall be cut off from my presence.
5. But behold, my sons and my daughters, I cannot go
k, II. Nep. 26: 16. Mor. 8: 14—16, 23, 25, 26. I, an Indian prophet.
a, see a, i. Nep. 3.
68 ' n. NEPHI. [CHAP. IV.
down to my grave, save I should leave a blessing upon* you :
For behold, I know that if ye are brought up in the way ye
should go, ye will not depart from it.
6. Wherefore, if ye are cursed, behold, I leave my blessing
upon you, that the cursing may be taken from you, and be
answered upon the heads of your parents.
7. Wherefore, because of my blessing, the Lord God will
not suffer that ye shall perish ; wherefore, he ^will be merciful
unto you, and unto your seed for ever.
8. And it came to pass that after my father had made an
end of speaking to the sons and daughters of Laman, he
caused the sons and daughters of Lemuel to be brought before
him.
9. And he spake unto them, saying: Behbld, my sons and
my daughters, who are the sons and the daughters of my
second son; behold I leave unto you the ''same blessing which
I left unto the sons and daughters of Laman ; wherefore, thou
Shalt not utterly be destroyed; but in the end thy seed shall
be blessed.
10. And it came to pass that when my father had made
an end of speaking unto them, behold, he spake unto the ''sons
ef Ishmael, yea, and even all his household.
11. And after he had made an end of speaking unto them,
he spake unto Sam, sajing: Blessed art thou, and thy seed;
for thou shalt inherit the land, Jike unto thy brother Nephi.
And thy seed shall be ^numbered with his seed ; and thou shalt
be even like unto thy brother, and thy seed like unto his seed ;
and thou shalt be blessed in all thy days.
12. And it came to pass after my father, Lehi, had spoken
unto all his household, according to the feelings of his heart,
arid the Spirit of the Lord which was in him, he waxed old.
And : : came to pass that he died, and was buried.
13. And it cnme to pass that not many days after his death,
Ijaman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, were angry with
me because of the admonitions of the Lord ;
14. For I, Nephi, was constrained to speak unto them,
according to his v^^ord : for I had spoken many things unto
them, and also my father, before his death ; many of which
sayings, are written upon mine ^other plates; for a more
history part are written upon mine other plates.
15. And upon ^'these, I write the things of my soul, and
many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates
of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my
heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and
the profit of my children.
16. Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord ;
and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which
I. have seen and heard.
6. i.Nep. 13:31. it. Nep. 10: IS, 19. Jacob 3: 3-9. Hela. 7: 23, 24. 15:10-
17. III. Nep. 20: 22. Mor. 5:20, 21. Ether 13: 6, 8— 11. C, vers. 5— 7. c?, i. Nep.
7:6. e, Jacob 1:12—14. /,i.Nep.9:4. (?, i. Nep. 6: 1— 5.
CHAP. IV.] II. NEPHI. Od
»
17. Nevertheless, the great goodness of the Lord, in
shewing me his great and marvellous works, my heart
exclaimeth, O wretched man that I am ; yea, my heart sor-
roweth because of my flesh. My soul grieveth because of mine
iniquities.
18. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations
and the sins which doth so easily beset me.
19. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth be-
cause of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have
trusted.
20. My God hath been my support; he hath led me through
mine afflictions in the wilderness ; and he hath preserved me
upon the waters of the great deep.
21. He hath filled me with his love, even unto the con*
suming of my flesh. .
22. He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of
them to quake before me.
23. Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath
given me knowledge by visions in the night time.
24. And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before
him ; yea, my voice have I sent up on high ; and angels came
down and ministered unto me.
25. And upon the wings of his Spirit hath my body been
carried away upon exceeding high moin tains. And mine
eyes have beheld great things ; yea, even too great for man ;
therefore I was bidden that I should not write them.
26. O then, if I have seen so great things; if the Lord in
his condescension unto the children of men, hath visited men
in so much mercy, why should my heart weep, and my soul
linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste av/ay, and
my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?
27. And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh?
Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one
have place in my heart, to destroy my peace and afflict my
soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
28. Awake, my soul ! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice,
O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my
soul.
29. Do not anger again, because of mine enemies. Do not
slacken my strength, because of mine afflictions.
30. Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say,
O Lord, I will praise thee for ever; yea, my soul will rejoice
in thee, my Hod, and the rock of my salvation.
31. O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver
me out of tl'^e hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me
that I may shake at the appearance of sin?
32. May the gates of hell be shut continually before me,
because, that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite?
O Lord, wilt thou not shut the gates of thy righteousness
before me, that I may walk in the path of the low valley,
that I may be strict in the plain road?
33. O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of
70 II. NEPKI. [chap. V.
thy righteousness? O Lord, wilt thou make a way for mine
escape before mine enemies? Wilt thou make my path
straight before me? Wilt thou not place a stumbling
block in my way? But that thou wouldst clear my way
before me, and hedge not up my way, but the ways of mine
enemy.
34. O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in
thee for ever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh;
for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm
of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or
maketh flesh his arm.
35. Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that
asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; there-
fore I will lift up my voice unto thee; yea, I will cry unto
thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my
voice shall for ever ascend up unto thee^ my rock and mine
everlasting God. Amen.
CHAPTER 5.
1. Behold, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cry much unto
the Lord my God, because of the '^anger of my brethren.
2. But behold, their anger did increase against me ; insomuch
that they did seek to take away my life.
3. Yea, they did murmur against me, saying: Our
younger brother thinks to rule over us ; and we have had
much trial because of him ; wherefore, now let us slay him,
that we may not be afflicted more because of his words. For
behold, we will not have him to be our ruler; for it belongs
unto us, who are the elder brethren, to rule over this
people.
4. Now I do not write upon these plates, all the words
which they murmured against me. But it sufficeth me to say»
that they did seek to take away my life.
5. And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me, that
I, Nephi, should depart from them, and flee into the wilderness,
and all those who would go with me.
6. Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my
family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder
brother and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger
brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go
with me. And all those who would go with me, were those
who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God;
wherefore they did hearken unto my words.
7. And we did take our tents and whatsoever things were
possible for us, and did journey in the wildprness for the
space of many days. And after we had journeyed for the space
of many days, we did pitch our tents.
a, IT. Nep. 4: 13. Enosl-20. Mos. 10: 15.
CHAP, v.] XI. NEPHL 71
8. And my people would that we should call the name of
the place ''Nephi ; wherefore we did call it Nephi.
9. And all those who were with me, did take upon them
to call themselves the people of Nephi.
10. And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the
statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things,
according to the law of Moses.
11. x\nd the Lord was with us; and we did prosper
exceedingly; for we did sow seed, and we did reap again in
abundance. And we began to raise flocks, and herds, and
animals of every kind.
12. And I, Nephi, had also brought the records which were
engraven upon the ''plates of brass; and also the ''ball, or
compass, which was prepared for my father, by the hand of the
Lord, according to that which is written.
13. And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly,,
and to multiply in the land.
14. And I, Nephi, did take the ®sword of Laban, and
after the manner of it did make many swords, lest by any
means the people who were now called Lamanites should
come upon us and destroy us ; for I knew their '"hatred
towards me and my children, and those who were called my
people.
15. And I did teach my people, to build buildings; and
to work in all ^manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper,
and of brass, and of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of
precious ores, which were in great abundance.
16. And I, Nephi, did build a ''temple; and I did
construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon, save
it were not built of so many precious things; for they were
not to be found upon the land ; wherefore, it could not be^
built like unto Solomon's temple. But the manner of the
construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the^
workmanship thereof was exceeding fine.
17. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people
to be industrious, and to labour with their hands.
18. And it came to pass that they would that I should be
their *king. But I, Nephi, was desirous that they should
have no king; nevertheless, I did for them according to that
which was in my power.
19. And behold, the words of the Lord had been fulfilled
unto my brethren, which he spake concerning them, that I
should be their ^ruler and their teacher; wherefore, I had
been their ruler and their teacher, according to the com-
b, Omni 1 : 12, 27. Words of Mor. 1 : 13. Mos. 7r 6, 7, 9. 21. 9: 1, 3. 4, 14. llf
13. 19:15,19,22. 21:26. 23:35—38. 28:1,5. 29:3. Alma 2: 24. 5:3. 17:8.20;:
1,2. 22:1,26—34. 25:13. 27:14. 47:1,20. 50:8,11. 54:6. Hela.4:12. 5:20
21. c, see a, i. Nep. 3. d, see d, i. Nep. 16. e, see a, i. Nep. 4. f, see a, ii. Nep. 52,
a, Jarom 1 • 8. Ether 7: 9. h, Jacob 1 : 17. Alma 16: 1 3. 23: 2. 26: 29. Hela. 3: 9„
14. III. Nep. 11: 1. i, ii. Nep. 6: 2. Jacob 1:9, 11, 15. Jarom 1:7, 14. Omni 1: 12,
19. 23, 24. Mos. 1: 10. 6: 4—7. j, see c, i. Nep. 2.
72 n. NEPHI. [CHAP. V.
mandments of the Lord, until the time they sought to *take
away my life.
20. Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which
he spake unto me, saying: That inasmuch as they will not
hearken unto thy words, they shall be 'cut off from the
presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut ofi^ from
his presence.
21. And he had caused the ^"cursing to come upon them,
yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For
behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they
had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white,
and exceeding fair and delightsome, that they might not be
enticing unto my people, the Lord God did cause a skin of
blackness to come upon them.
22. And thus saith the Lord God, I will cause that they
shall be loathsome unto thy people, save they shall repent of
their iniquities.
23. And cursed shall be the seed of him that mixeth with
their seed ; for they shall be cursed even with the same cursing.
And the Lord spake it, and it was done.
24. And because of their cursing which was upon them,
they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety,
^and did seek in the v -Iderness for beasts of prey.
25. And the Lord God said unto me, they shall be
a "scourge unto thy seed, to stir them up in remembrance of
me ; and inasmuch as they will not remember me, and
hearken unto my words, they shall scourge them even unto
•destruction.
26. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did consecrate Jacob
and Joseph, that "they should be priests and teachers over
the land of my people.
27. And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of
happiness.
28. And thirty years had passed away from the time we
left Jerusalem.
29. And I, Nephi, had kept the ^records upon my plates,
which I had made, of my people, thus far.
30. And it came to pass that the Lord God said unto me,
Make ^other plates ; and thou shalt engrave many things
upon them which are good in my sight, for the profit of thy
people.
31. Wherefore, I, Nephi, to be obedient to the command-
ments of the Lord, went and made these plates upon which
I have engraven these things.
32. And I engraved that which is pleasing unto God.
And if my people are pleased with the things of God, they
will be pleased with mine engravings which are upon these
plates.
k, see ver. 2. I, see b, i. Nep. 2. m, see d, i. Nep. 2. n, i. Nep. 2: 24. 12; 19.
Alma 45: 9—14. 46: 24. Mor. 6. o, ii. Nep. 6: 2. Jacob 1: 18, 19. p, see /, i. Nep.
a. <3f, see c, i. Nep. 9,
CHAP. VI.] II. NEPHI. 7Z
33. And if my people desire to know the more particular
part of the history of my people they must search mine other
plates.'
34. And it suflBceth me to say, that forty years had passed
away, and we had already had wars and contentions with
our brethren.
CHAPTER 6.
1. The words of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, which he
spake unto the people of Nephi :
2. Behold, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, having been called
of God, and "ordained after the manner of his holy order,
and having been consecrated by my brother Nephi, unto whom
ye look as a ''king or a protector, and on whom ye depend
for safety, behold ye know that I have spoken unto you
exceeding many things;
3. Nevertheless, I speak unto you again; for I am
desirous for the welfare of your souls. Yea, mine anxiety
is great for you ; and ye yourselves know that it ever has
been. For I have exhorted you with all diligence; and I
have taught you the words of my father; and I have spoken
unto you concerning all things which are written, from the
creation of the world.
4. And now, behold, I would speak unto you concerning
things which are, and which are to come; wherefore, I will
read you the words of Isaiah. And they are the words which
my brother has desired that I should speak unto you. And
t speak unto you for your sakes, that ye may learn and glorify
\he name of your God.
5. And now, the words which I shall read, are they which
Isaiah spake concerning all the house of Israel ; wherefore,
j-hey may be likened unto you, for yo are of the house of
'^-'•nel. And there are many things which have been spoken
by isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of
liihe house of Israel.
6. And now, these are the words: ^'Thus saith the Lord
God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and
set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy
sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon
their shoulders.
7. And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens
thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with theiV
faces towards the earth, and Jick up the dust of thy feet;
and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not
be ashamed that wait for me.
8. And now I, Jacob, would speak somewhat concerning:
these words : For behold, the Lord has '^shewn me that
a, IT. Nep. 5: 26. Jacob 1: 18, 19. 5, see i, it. Nep. 5. c, Tsa. 49: 22, 23. d. i.
Nep. 7: 13. 14.
74 n. NEPHi. [chap. VI.
those who were at Jerusalem, from whence we came, have
been slain and carried away captive;
9. Nevertheless, the Lord has shewn unto me that they
should return again. And he also has shewn unto me, that
the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, should manifest himself
unto them in the flesh ; and after he should manifest himself,
they should scourge him and crucify him, according to the
words of the angel, who spake it unto me.
10. And after they have hardened their hearts and
stiffened their necks against the Holy One of Israel, behold,
the judgments of the Holy One of Israel shall come upon
them. And the day cometh that they shall be smitten and
aflaicted.
11. Wherefore, after they are driven to and fro, for thus
saith the angel. Many shall be afflicted in the flesh, and
shall not be suffered to perish, because of the prayers of the
faithful, they shall be scattered, and smitten, and hated ;
nevertheless, the Lord will be merciful unto them,
that ^when they shall come to the knowledge of their
Redeemer, they shall be gathered together again to the lands
of their inheritance.
12. And blessed are the 'Gentiles, they of whom the
prophet has written ; for behold, if it so be that they shall
repent and fight not against Zion, and do not unite them-
selves to that great and ^abominable church, they shall be
saved; for the Lord God will fulfil his covenants which he
has made unto his children; and for this cause the prophet
lias written these things.
13. Wherefore, ''they that fight against Zion and the
covenant people of the Lord, shall lick up the dust of their
feet ; and the people of the Lord shall not be ashamed. For
the people of the Lord are they who wait for him ; for they
still wait for the coming of the Messiah.
14. And behold, according to the words of the prophet,
the Messiah will set himself again the *second time to recover
them ; wherefore, he will manifest himself unto them in power
and great glory, unto the destruction of their enemies, when
that day cometh when they^ shall believe in him ; and none
will he destroy that believe in him.
15. And they that believe ^not in him, shall be destroyed,
both by fire, and by tempest, and by earthquakes, and by
bloodsheds, and by pestilence, and by famine. And they shall
know that the Lord is God, the Holy One of Israel ;
16. '^For shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the
lawful captive delivered?
17. 3ut thus saith the Lord: Even the captives of the
e, see e, I. Nep. 15. f, i. Nep. 13: 12— 23. SO-S,'). 38— 42. 14:1—5. ii. Nep.
.10: 8—14, 18, 19. iii. Nep. 16; 6, 7. 20: 27. 21 : 2—6. 22—25. Mor. 5: 19. g, see o,
:i. Nep. 13. h, see j. i. Nep. 22. i, II. Nep. 21 : 11. 25: 17. 29: 1. ;. I. Nep. 14: 3.
15—17. 22:13—23. ti Nep. 10: 15. 16. 27:2-4. 2S: 15-32. iii. Nep. 16:8— 15.
20:15—20. 21:11—21,29. Mor. 5:22— 24. Etlier2:8-n. A, Isaiah 49: 24— 26.
CHAP. VII.] n. NEPHI. 75
mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible
shall be delivered ; for the Mighty God shall deliver his
covenant people. For thus saith the Lord ; I will contend
with them that contendeth with thee,
18. And I will feed them that oppress thee, with their
own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood,
as with sweet wine ; and all flesh shall know that I the
Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the Mighty One of
Jacob.
CHAPTER 7. (See Isaiah 50.)
1. Yea, for thus saith the Lord : "Have I put thee away,
or have I cast thee off for ever? For thus saith the Lord:
Where is the ''bill of your mother's divorcement? To whom
have I put thee away, or to which of my *^creditors have I
sold you? Yea, to whom have I sold you? Behold, for your
iniquities *^have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions
is your mother put away ;
2. Wherefore, when I came, there was no man ; "when I
called, yea, there was none to answer. O house of Israel, is
my hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem, or have I no
power to deliver? Behold, ^at my rebuke I dry up the sea.
I make ^their rivers a wilderness and ''their fish to stink,
because the waters are dried up ; and they die because of
thirst.
3. *I clothe the heaven with blackness, ^and I m'ake sack-
cloth their covering.
4. ''The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the
learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season
unto thee, O house of Israel. When ye are weary, he waketh
morning by morning. He waketh mine ear to hear as the
learned.
5. The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not
rebellious, neither turned away back.
6. I gave my back to the smiter, and my cheeks to them
that plucked off the hair. I hid not my face from shame
and spitting,
7. For the Lord God will help me: therefore shall I not
be confounded. Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and
I know that I shall not bp ashamed ;
8. And the Lord is near, and he justifieth me. Who will
contend with me? let us stand together. Who is mine ad-
versary? let him come near me, *and I will smite him with the
strength of my mouth ;
9. For the Lord God will help me. And all they who
a, Mai. 2: 16. Matt. 19: 9. h, Bent. 24: 1—4. Jer. 3: 8. Hos. 2: 2. c, it. KinCT
4:1. Matt. 18:25. (i, Isa, 52:3. 6. Prov. 1 : 24— 27. Isa. 65: 12. 66:4. Jer. 7: 13,
35: 15. Doc. & Gov. 133: 67. f, Ex. 14: 21. Ps. 106: 9. Nah. 1: 4. Doc. A Gov. 133-
68. g, Josh. 3: 15, 16. h, Ex. 7: 18, 21. i, Ex. 10: 21. ;, Rev. 6: 12. k, Ex. 4: 11.
Z, Isa. 11:4.
76 II. NEPHi. [CHAP. vm.
shall condemn me, behold, *"all they shall wax old as a
garment, and the moth shall eat them up.
10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord; that obeyeth
the voice of his servant; that walketh in darkness, and hath
no light?
11. Behold all ye that kindle fire, that compass yourselves
about with sparks, walk in the light of your tire, and in the
sparks which ye have kindled. "This shall ye have of mine
hand : Ye shall lie down in sorrow.
CHAPTER 8. (See Isaiah 51.)
1. Hearken unto me, ye that follow after righteousness:
Look unto the rock from whence ye are hewn, and to the hole
of the pit from whence ye are digged.
2. Look unto Abraham, your father, and unto Sarah, she
that bear you ; for I called him alone, and blessed him.
3. For the Lord "shall comfort Zion, he will comfort
all *her waste places ; and he will make her "wilderness like
Eden, and '^her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and
gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice
of melody.
4. Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me,
O my nation ; for a ''law shall proceed from me, and I will
make my judgment to rest for a light for the people.
5. My righteousness is near ; my salvation is gone forth,
and min^ arm shall judge the people. ''The isles shall wait
upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.
6. ''Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the
earth beneath ; for the heavens shall vanish away like
smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment ; and
they that dwell therein, shall die in like manner. Bu.t my
salvation shall be for ever ; and my righteousness shall not
be abolished.
7. Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people
in whose heart I have written my Maw ; fear ye not the
reproach of men; neither be ye afraid of their revilings;
8. *For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and
the worm shall eat them like wool. But my righteousness
shall be for ever; and -'^ salvation from generation to
generation.
9. ^Awake, awake ! ''Put on strength, O arm of the Lord ;
m, Job 13: 28. Ps. 102: 26. Isa. 51: 6. 8. n. Doc. & Gov. 133: 70.
a, ver. 12. Ps. 102r 13. Isa. 40: 1. 52:9. 6. Isa. 35: 1. c, Ps. 107: 3, 4, 35-37.
Isa. 32: 15—20. 35: 1, 2. 6, 7. 43: 19, 20. d, Isa. 35: 1, 2, 6. 7. 43: 19, 20. e, Isa.
2: 3. Mic. 4: 2. /. see a, i. Nep. 21. g, Ps. 102: 25, 26. Matt 24: 35. ii. Pet. 3:
10—12. h, see e. i, see m, ii. Nep. 7. j, Ps. 44: 23. Isa. 52: 1. k, Ps. 93: 1. Rev.
11:17.
CHAP. VIII.] 11. NEPHI. 77
awake 'as in the ancient days. Art thou not he that
hath ""cut Rahab, *and wounded the dragon?
10. Art thou not he who hath dried the sea, the waters
of the great deep ; that hath made the depths of the sea a way
for the ransomed to pass over?
11. "Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and
. come with singing unto Zion ; and everlasting joy and holiness
shall be upon their heads ; and they shall obtain gladness and
joy ; sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
12. I am he; yea, I am he that comforteth you. Behold,
who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of man, who shall
die; and of the son of man, who shall be made like unto
grass ;
13. And forgetest the Lord thy maker, that hath stretched
forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth, "and
hast feared continually every day, because of the fury of the
oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? ^And where is the
fury of the oppressor?
14. The ^captive exile hasteneth, that he may be loosed,
and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread
should fail.
15. But I am the Lord thy God, whose waves roared ; th^
Lord of Hosts is my name.
16. And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have
covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, '"that I may plant
the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth, and say
unto Zion, ^Behold, thou art my people.
17. Awake, ^ awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, 'which hast
drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of his fury; thou hast
drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling rung out;
18. And none to guide her among all the sons she hath
brought forth ; neither that taketh her by the hand, of all
the sons she hath brought up.
19. These "two sons are come unto thee; who shall be
sorry for thee : thy desolation and destruction, and the famine
and the sword : And by whom shall I comfort thee?
20. Thy sons have fainted, save these two; they lie at
the head of all the streets, as a wild bull in a net ; they are full
of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of thy God.
21. Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken,
and not with wine ;
22. Thus saith thy Lord, the Lord and thy God pleadeth
\ the cause of his people ; behold, I have taken out of thine
hand the cup of trembling, the dregs of the cup of my fury;
thou shalt no more drink it again.
23. But *'I will put it into the hand of them that afflict
?. Ps. 44:1. m, Ps. 74: 13, 14. 89:10. Isa. 27:1. 35:8. 43:16. Ezek. 29:3.
n, Isa. 35: 8—10. Jer. 31: 12, 13. o, i. Nep. 22: 17. p. see % i. Nep. 22. q^ vers.
16, 21—25. Isa. 60; 12, 14. r, Isa. «5: 17. 66: 22. s, ver. 3. Ps. 46: 4—7 48: 1—3.
102: 13—16. t, Tsa. 40: 1. 2, ft. 10. I.uke 21 : 22—24. w, ver. 20. Rev. 11: 3— 13.
V, Joel 3: 9-16. Zech. 12: 2, 3, 8. 9. 14: 3, 12—15.
78 II. NEPHI. [chap. IX'.
thee; who have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go
over ; and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the
street to them that went over.
24. ^Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on
thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city ; ''for
henceforth there shall no more come into thee, the uncircum-
cised and the unclean.
25. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O
Jerusalem ; ^loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O cap-
tive daughter of Zion.
CHAPTER 9.
1. And now, my beloved brethren, I have read these things
that ye might know concerning the covenants of the Lord ;
that he has covenanted with all the house of Israel;
2. That he has spokan unto the Jews, by the mouth of his
holy prophets, even from the beginning down, from gen-
eration to generation, until the time comes that they
shall be ^'restored to the true church and fold of God ;
when they shall be gathered home to the lauds of their
inheritance, -and shall be established in all their lands of
promise.
3. Behold, my beloved brethren, I speak unto you these
things that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads for ever,
because of the blessings which the Lord God/ shall bestow
upon your children.
4. For I know that ye have searched much, many of you,
to know of things to come ; wherefore I know that ye know
that our flesh must waste away and die; nevertheless, in our
''bodies we shall see God.
5. Yea, I know that ye know, that in the body he shall
show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came ;
for it is expedient that it should be amonj^ them; for it
behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become
subject unto man in the flesh, and *^die for all men, that all
men might become subject unto him.
0. For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the
merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a
powei of resurrection, and the ^^resurrection must needs come
unto man by reason of the fall ; and the fall came by reason
of transgression ; and because man became fallen, they were
cut off *from the presence of the Lord;
w, vers. 9—11. Isa. 52: 1, 2. x, Joel 3: 17. Zech. 14: 21, y, see q.
a, see e, i. Nep. 15. b, vers. 15, 22. 26, 38. Mos. 16: 10. Alma 5: 15, 22. 11:
41—45. 12:12—18. 40:21. 42:23. Hela. 14: 15— 18. in. Nep. 27: 14, 15. Mor.
9: 13. Moro. 10: 34. c, vers. 21, 22. Hela. 14: 15—18. in. Nep. 27: 14, 15. d, see
d, n, Nep. 2. e, ver. 9. Alma 42: 7, 9. 11, 14, 23. Hela. U: 16, 17.
CHAP. IX.] II. NEPHL 79
7. Wherefore it must needs be an infinite 'atonement}
save it should be an infinite atonement, this corruption
could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the ^first judg-
ment which came upon man, must needs have remained to
an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid
down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no
more.
8. O the wisdom of God ! his mercy and grace ! For
behold, if the flesh should rise no more, our spirits must
become subject to that ''angel who fell from before the
presence of the eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no
more.
9. And our spirits must have become *like unto him, and
we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the
presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in
misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled
our first parents; who transformeth himself nisrh unto an
angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto
secret combinations of murder, and all manner of secret works
of darkness.
10. O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth
a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster;
yea, that monster, Meath and hell, which I call the death of
the body, and also the death of the spirit.
11. And because of the way of deliverance of our God,
the Holy One of Israel, this death, of which I have spoken,
which is the temporal, shall deliver up its dead; which death
is the grave.
12. And this death of which I have spoken, which i^ the
spiritual death, shall deliver up its dead; which spiritual
death is hell ; wherefore, Meath and hell must deliver up
their dead, and hell must deliver up its captive spirits, and
the grave must deliver up its captive bodies, and the bodieis
and the spirits of men will be restored one to the other; and
it is by the power of the resurrection of the Holy One of
Israel.
13. O how great the plan of our God! For on the other
hand, the ^paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the
righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous;
and the spirit and the body is ""restored to itself again, and
all men become incorruptible, and immortal, and they are
living souls, having a perfect knowledge like nnto us in the
flesh ; save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect ;
14. Wherefore, we shall have a "perfect knowledge of all
our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the
f, see f, II. Nep. 2. g, vers. 8—16. Mos. 3:26. 27. 16:4—11, Alma 11:45.
12: 18, 26, 36. 42: 6, 9, U. Hela. 14: 16, 17. Mor. 9: 13. h, see i, ii. Nep. 2. i, vers.
16, 26, 37, 46. i. Nep. 14: 3, 4, 7. ii. Neo. 28. 20—23. Mos. 16: 2—5. 11. j, vers.
11—13, 26. Mos. 16: 4—8. Alma 12: 24—27. 40" 23—26. 42: 6—15. Hela. 14: 15—
19. Mor. 9: 13. k, see j. I, Alma 40: 12, 14. iv. Nep. 1: 14. More. 10: 34. W, Alma
11:42—45. 40:21—24.41. n, Mos. 3:25- Alma 11:43. 12.14.
80 IL NEPHI. [chap. IX.
righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment,
and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even
with the robe of righteousness.
15. And it shall come to pass, that when all men shall
have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they
have become immortal, they must appear before the judgment-
eeat of the Holy One of Israel ; and then cometh the judgment,
and then must they be judged according to the holy judgment
of God.
16. And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God
hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass
away, that they who are righteous, shall be righteous still,
and they who are filthy, shall be ''filthy still; wherefore, they
who are filthy, are the devil and his angels ; and they shall
go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their
torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame
ascendeth up for ever and ever, and has no end.
17. O the greatness and the justice of our God! For he
executeth all his words, and they have gond forth out of his
mouth, and his law must be fulfilled.
18. But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One
of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel,
they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised
the shame of it; they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which
was prepared for them ''from the foundation of the world,
and their joy shall be full for ever.
19. O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One
of ^rael! For he delivereth his saints from that «awful
monlter the devil, and death, and hell, and that lake of fire
and brimstone, which is endless torment.
20. O how great the holiness of our God! For he
knoweth 'all things, and there is not any thing, save he
knows it.
21. And he cometh into the world that he may save all
men, if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he
suffereth the pains of all men; yea, the *pains of every living
creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the
family of Adam.
22. And he suffereth this, that the 'resurrection might pass
upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great
and judgment day.
23. And he commandeth all men that "they must repent,
o, I. Nep. 15: 33—35. Alma 7: 21. Mor. 9: 14. p. Alma 13: 3, 5 7—9. 22: 13.
42: 26. Hela. 5: 47. in. Nep. 26: 5. Ether 3: 14. 4: 14, 15. 19. 12: 32—34, 37. More
8:12. g', see A;, I. Nep. 15. r, Alma 7: 13. 13:7. 18:32. 26:35. Hela. 9:41. mi
Nep. 27; 26. Mor. 8: 17. Moro. 7: 22. s, vers. 5, 7. Mos. 3: 7, 14. 15: 10. Alma 7:
11—13. 11:40. 22:14. 34:8—15. Hela. 14: 15— 17. m. Nep. 9:22. 11* 11. 14,
16. 27: 14, 15o Mor. 9: 13, 14. t, see d, ii. Nep. 2. u. Acts 2: 38. Mark 1*4. Matt.
8:5, 6. Luke 3:3. John 3:5. ii. Nep. 31:5. 9—13. 17. Mos. 18:8-17. AJma 15:
12—14. 19:35 62:45. Hela. 3: 24-26. 5:17,19. iii. Nep. 7: 23— 26. 11:21-38.
12:1.2. 18-5,11,30. 19:10-13. 22:5. 26: 17» 21. 27:1.16.20. 28:18. 30 ch.
IV. Nep. 1: 1. Mor. 7:8, 10, 9: 23. Ether 4: 18. Moro. 6: 1—4. 8: 5-26.
CHAP. IX.] IL NEPHI. 81
and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the
Holy One of Israel, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom
of God.
24. And if they will not repent and believe in his name,
and be baptized in his name, and endure to the end, they
must be damned; for the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel,
hias spoken it ;
25. Wherefore he has given a law; and where there is no
law given, there is no punishment; and where there is no
punishment, there is no condemnation; and where there is
no condemnation, the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have
claim upon them, because of the ^atonement; for they are
delivered by the power of him ;
26. For the atonement satis fie th the demands of his
justice upon all those who have not the law given to them,
that they are delivered from that awful monster, ^ death
and hell, and the devil, and the lake of fire and brimstone,
which is endless torment ; and they are restored to that
God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of
Israel.
27. But wo unto him that has the law given; yea, that
has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that
transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his pro-
bation, for awful is his state !
28. O that cunning plan of the evil one ! O the vainness,
:and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When
they *are learned, they think they are wise, and they
hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside,
supposing they know of themselves, — wherefore, their
wisdom is foolishness, and it profiteth them not. And they
shall perish.
29. But to be learned is good, if they hearken unto the
counsels of God,^
30. But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things
of the world. For because they are rich, they despise the
poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon
their treasures ; wherefore their treasure is their God. And
behold, their treasure shall perish with them also.
31. And wo unto the deaf, that will not hear; for they
shall perish.
• 32. Wo unto the blind, that will not see; for they shall
perish also.
33. Wo unto the uncircumcised of heart; for a knowledge
of their iniquities shall smite them at the last day.
34. Wo unto the liar ; for he shall be thrust down to
hell.
35. Wo unto the murderer, who deliberately killeth ; for he
shall die.
36. Wo unto them who commit ^whoredoms ; for they
shall be thrust down to hell. "
V, see f, Ti. Nep. 2. w, see j. x, vers. 29, 42. ii. Nep. 26: 20. 27: 15—26. 28:
4, 15. y, 11, Nep. 28: 15. Jacob 2: 28. Alma 39:5, 9, 11. in. Nep. 12:27—32.
82 II. NEPHI. [chap. IX.
37. Yea, wo unto those that worship idols; for the devil
of all devils delighteth in them.
38. And, in fine,, wo unto all those who die in their sins;
for they shall ^return to God, and behold his face, and remain
in their sins.
39. O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in
transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness
of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember,
to be carnally minded is death, and to be spiritually minded
is life eternal.
40. O, my beloved brethren, give ear to my words.
Rempmber the greatness of the Holy One of Israel. Do not
say that I have spoken hard things against you ; for if ye do^
ye will revile against the truth; for I have spoken the words
. of your Maker. I know that the words of truth are hard
against all uncleanness ; but the righteous fear them not, for
they love the truth, and are not shaken.
41. O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the
Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold,
the way for man is ^""narrow, but it lietli in a straight course
before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of
Israel ; and he employeth no servant there ; and there is none
other way, save it be by the gate, for he cannot be deceived;
for the Lord God is his name.
42. And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and
the ^''wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are
puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and
their riches ; yea, they are they, whom he despiseth ; and
save they shall cast these things away, and consider them-
selves fools before God, and come down in the depths of
humility, he will not open unto them.
43. But the things of the wise and the prudent, shall be
hid from them for ever; yea, that happiness which is prepared
for the saints.
44. O, my beloved brethren, remember my words : Behold,
I take off my garments, and I shake them before you : I pray
the God of my salvation that he view me with his all-
searching eye ; wherefore, ye shall know at the last day, when
all men shall be judged of their works, that the God of Israel
did witness that I shook your iniquities from my soul, and
that I stand with brightness before him, and am rid of your
blood.
45. O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins;
shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come
unto that God who is the rock of your salvation.
46. Prepare your souls for that glorious day, when justice
shall be administered unto the righteous; even the day of
judgment, that ye may not shrink with awful fear; that ye
may not remember your awful guilt in ^''perfectness, and be
z, ver. 15. Alma 40: 11. 2a, ii. Nep. 31 : 9, 17. 18. 33: 9. Alma 37: 44, 45.
Hela. 3: 29, bO. in. Nep. 14; 13, 14. 2&, ver. 29. ii. Nep. 28; 4, 15. 2Cy see n.
CHAP. X.] n. NEPHI. 83
constrained to exclaim, Holy, holy are thy judgments, O Lord
God Almighty. But I know my guilt; I transgressed thy
law, and my transgressions are mine; and the devil hath
^''obtained me, that I am a prey to his awful misery.
47. But behold, my brethren, is it expedient that ^ should
awake you to an awful reality of these things? Would I
harrow up your souls, if your minds were pure? Would I
be plain unto you according to the plainness of the truth, if ye
were freed from sin?
48. Behold, if ye were holy, I would speak unto you of
holiness ; but as ye are not holy, and ye look upon me as a
teacher, it must needs be expedient that I teach you the
consequences of sin.
49. Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth
in righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my
God.
50. Come, my brethren, ^•'every one that thirsteth, come
ye to the waters ; and he that hath no money, come buy and
eat ; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without
price.
51. Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of
no worth, nor your labour for that which cannot satisfy.
Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which
I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and
feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted,
and let your soul delight in fatness.
52. Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of
your God ; pray unto him continually by day, and give
thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts
rejoice,
53. And behold how great the covenants of the Lord, and
how great his condescensions unto the children of men; and
because of his greatness, and his grace and mercy, he has
promised unto us that our seed shall ^'^not utterly be destroyed,
according to the flesh, but that he would preserve them; and
in future generations, they shall become a righteous branch
unto the house of Israel.
54. And now, my brethren, I would speak unto you more;
but on the morrow I will declare unto you the remainder of
my words. Amen.
CHAPTER 10.
1. And noiA* I, Jacob, speak unto you again, my beloved
brethren, concerning this "righteous branch of which I have
spoken.
2d, see i. 2e, Isaiah 55: 1, 2. 2f, i. Nep. 13: 30, 31. See p, i. Nep. 13.
a, I. Nep. 15: 12—17. II. Nep. 3:5. 9: 53. Jacob 5; 25, 43—45. Alma 46:
24, 25.
84 11. NEPHI. [CHAP. X".
2. For behold, the promises which we have obtained,
are promises unto us according to the flesh ; wherefore, as it
has been shown unto me that ''many of our children shall
perish in the flesh, because of unbelief, nevertheless, God
will be merciful unto many ; and our children shall be restored,
that they may come to that which will give them the true
knowledge of their Redeemer.
3. Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be
expedient that Christ, (for in the last night the angel spake
unto me that this should be his name,) should come among
the Jews, among those who are the more wicked part of
the world ; and they shall crucify him : For thus it behoveth
our God; and there is none other nation on earth that would
crucify their God.
4. For should the mighty miracles be wrought among
Other nations, they would repent, and know that he be their
God;
5. But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at
Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be
crucified.
6. Wherefore, because of their iniquities, destructions,
famines, pestilences, and bloodshed, shall come upon them ;
and they who shall not be destroyed, shall be scattered among
all nations.
7. But behold, thus saith the Lord God: When the day
Cometh that they shall believe in me, that I am Christ, then
have I covenanted with their fathers that ''they shall be
restored in the flesh, upon the earth, unto the lands of their
inheritance.
8. And it shall come to pass that they shall be gathered
in from their long dispersion, from the isles of the sea, and
f r«m the four parts of the earth ; and the nations of the
Gentiles fiball be great in the eyes of me, saith God, in carrying
them forth to the lands of their inheritance.
9. Yea, '^the kings of the Gentiles shall be nursing
fathers unto them, and their queens shall become nursing
mothers; wherefore, the promises of the Lord are great
unto the Gentiles, for he hath spoken it, and who can
dispute?
10. But behold, this land, saith God, shall be a land of
thine * inheritance, and the Gentiles ''shall be blessed upon
the land.
11. And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the
Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall
raise up unto the Gentiles;
12. And , I will fortify this land ''against all other
nations ;
b, see d, i. Nep. 15. c, see e, i. Nep. 15. d, i. Nep. 13: 35, 39. 15: 17, 18.
22: 5—9. II. Nep. 6: 6, 7. e, see a, l. Nep. 2. /, i. Nep. 13: 15, 19, 34—42. 14:
1—7. 15:13,17. 22:6—10. m. Nep. 16: 4— 7. 21;2— 6. 22— 25. Mor.5:19. Ether
2:12. y, I. Nep. 13:19.
CHA5». X.] II. N2PKI. 85^
13. And he that '^fighteth against Zion shall perish,
saith God ;
14. For he that raiseth up a king against me shall
perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their
king, and I will be a light unto them for ever, that hear my
words.
15. Wherefore, for this cause, that my covenants may
be fulfilled which I have made unto the children of men,
that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh, I must
needs destroy the *secret works of darkness, and of murders,
and of abominations;
16. Wherefore, he that fighteth ^against Zion, both Jew
and Gentile, both bond and free, both male and female,
shall perish ; for they are they who are the '''whore of all the
earth; for they who are not for me are against me, saith
our God.
17. For I will fulfil my promises which I have made unto
the children of men, that I will do unto them while they are
in the flesh:
18. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, thus saith our
God, I will afflict thy seed by the 'hand of the Gentiles ;
nevertheless I will soften the hearts of the Gentiles, that
they shall be like unto a father to them ; wherefore the
Gentiles shall be blessed and numbered among the house of
Israel.
19. Wherefore, I will con??ecrate "^this land unto thy seed,
and they who shall be numbered among thy seed, for ever,
for the land of their inheritance: for it is a choice land,
saith God unto me, above all other lands, wherefore I wilf
have all men that dwell thereon, that they shall v^orship me,
saith God.
20. And now, my beloved brethren, seeing that our mer-
ciful God has given us so great knowledge, concerning these
things, let us remember him, and lay aside our sins, and not
hang down our heads, for we are not cast off; nevertheless,
we have been driven out of the land of our inheritance; but
we have been led to a better land, for the Lord has made
the sea our path, and we are upon an isle of the sea.
21. But great are the promises of the Lord unto them
who are upon the "isles of the sea; wherefore as it says
isles, there must needs be more than this, and they are
inhabited also by our brethren.
22. For behold, the Lord God has "led away from time
h, ver. 16. i. Nep. 22: 14, 19. ii. Nep. 27: 2, 3. i, ii. Nep. 9: 9. 26: 22. 27:
27. Alma 37: 21— 32. Hela. 1: 11, 12. 2:3—14. 3:23. 6:17—30,37—41. 7:4,5.
20,21,25. 8:1,4.27,28. 9:6. 10:3. 11:2,10.25—33. iii. Nep. 1:27— 30. 2:
10—19. 3 and 4 ch. 5: 4—6. 6: 28—30. 7: 6, 9—12. 9: 9. iv. Nep. 1 : 42, 46. Mor.
1: 18. 2: 8, 10. 27. 8: 27, 40. Ether 8: 9—25. 9: 1, 5, 6, 26. 10: 33. 11 : 15. 22.
13: 15, 18. 14: 8—10. ;, see h. k, poe <j, i, Nep. 14. I, i. Nep. 13: 14, 15, 30, 31.
See p and q, i. Nep. 13. m, i. Nep. 13: 15. See a, i. Nep. 2. n, i. Nep. 19: 16.
22:3—5. Isaiah 49:1. 51:5. 60:9. 66:19. o, i. Nep. 22: 4, 6.
86 II. N£PHI. [CHAP. XI.
to time from the house of Israel, according to his will and
pleasure. And now behold, the Lord remembereth all them
who have been broken off, wherefore he remembereth us
also;
23. Therefore cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye
are free to act for yourselves — to choose the way of everlasting
death, or the v^ay of eternal life.
24. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to
the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh :
and remember after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only
in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.
25. Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power
of the ^resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the
power of the 'atonement, that ye may be received into the
eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through
grace divine. Amen.
CHAPTER 11.
1. And now Jacob spake many more things to my people
at that time : nevertheless only these things have I caused
to be written, for the things which I have written sufficeth
me.
2. And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah,
for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his
words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all
my children, for he verily "saw my Redeemer, even as I have
seen him.
3. And my brother Jacob also has *seen him as I have
seen him : wherefore I will send their words forth unto my
children to prove unto them that my words are true. Where-
fore, by the words of ''three, God hath said I will establish my
word. Nevertheless, God sendeth '^more witnesses, and he
proveth all his words.
4. Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people
the truth of the coming of Christ: for, for this end hath the
law of Moses been given; and all things which have been
given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are
the typifying of him.
5. And also my soul delighteth in the covenants of the
Lord which he hath made to our fathers; yea, my soul
delighteth in his grace, and in his justice, and power, and
mercy in the great and eternal plan of ^deliverance from
death.
p, see d, II. Nep. 2. q, see f, ii. Nep. 2.
a, II. Nep. 16: 1. Isaiah 59- 20. 5, ii. Nep. 2: 3, 4. c, it. Nep. 27: 12. Ether
5: 3. 4. Boc. & Gov. 5: 11, 15, 17. Book of Mor. p. v. d, ii. Nep. 27: 13, 14. Ether
6: 2. Book of Mor. p. v. e, see /, n. Nep. 2.
CHAP. XII.] n. NEPHI. 87
6. And my soul delighteth in proving unto my people, that
save Christ should come, all men must perish.
7. For if there be no Christ, there be ^no God ; and if
there be no God, we are not, for there could have been no
creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he
cometh in the fulness of his own time.
8. And now I write some of the ^words of Isaiah, that
whoso of my people shall see these words, may lift up their
hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words,
and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men.
CHAPTER 12. (See Isaiah 2.)
1. The word that Isaiah, the son of Amos, saw, coacerning
Judah and Jerusalem.
2. And °it shall come to pass in the last days, when the
mountain of the Lord's ''house shall be established in the
top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and
all nations shall flow unto it.
3. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let
us go up to the ''mountain of the Lord, to the house of the
God of Jacob; and he will teach us of jis ways, and we
will walk in his paths : for out of Zion shall go forth the
law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4. And he shall '^judge among the nations, and shall
rebuke many people: and ®they shall beat their swords into
plough-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks : nation
shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they
learn war any more.
5. O house of. Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light
of the Lord; ^yea, come, for ye have all gone astray, every
one to his wicked ways.
6. Therefore, O Lord, thou hast forsaken thy people, the
house of Jacob, because they be replenished ''from the east,
and ''hearken unto soothsayers like the Philistines, and they
please themselves in the children of strangers.
7. *Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither is
there any end of their treasures — their land is also full of
horses, neither is there any end of their chariots;
8. ^Their land is also full of idols — they worship the work
of their own hands, that which their own fingers have
made :
f, IT. Nep. 2: 13, 14. Alma 42r 22, 23. Mor. 9: 19. g, See Isaiah from the n.
to the XIV. inclusive, as quoted in the next 13 chapters, taken by Nephi from the Brass
Hates.
o, Micah 4: 1—3. b, ver. 3. m. Nep. 24: 1. c, Boc. & Cov. 133: 13. d, n. Nep.
21:2--5. e, ii. Nep. 21:9. /, this sentence nbt in the present versions of the Bible.
See I. Nep. 13. g, Num. 23: 7. h, Deut. 18: 14. i. Deut. 17: 16, 17. j, Jer. 2: 28.
88 U. NEPHI. [chap. XIII.
9. And the mean man boweth ''not down, and the great
man humbleth himself ^not, therefore, forgive him not.
10. *"0 ye wicked ones, enter into the rock, and hide thee
in the dust, for the fear of the Lord, and the glory of his
majesty shall smite thee.
11. And it shall come to pass that the "lofty looks pf
man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be
bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that
day.
12. For the day of the Lord of Hosts soon cometh upon
all nations ; yea, upon every one ; yea, upon the ^proud and
lofty, and upon every one who is lifted up, and he shall be
brought low;
13. Yea, and the day of the Lord shall come upon all 'the
cedars of Lebanon, for they are high and lifted up; and upon
all the oiks of Bashan,
14. And upon all the 'high mountains, and upon all the
hills, and upon all the nations which are lifted up, and upon
every people,
15. And upon 'every high tower, and upon every fenced
wall,
16. And upon all the ships of the sea, and *upon all the
ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
17. And "the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and
the haughtiness of men shall be made low ; and the Lord alone
shall be exalted in that day.
18. And the idols he shall ''utterly abolish.
19. And ^they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and
into the caves of the earth, for the fear of the Lord shall
come upon them; and the glory of his majesty shall smite
them, w^hen he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
20. In that day a 'man shall cast his idols. of silver, and
his idols of gold, which he hath made for himself to worship,
to the moles and to the bats;
21. To ^go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops
of the ragged rocks, for the fear of the Lord shall come upon
them, and the majesty of his glory shall smite them when he
ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
22. Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils;
for wherein is he to be accounted of?
CHAPTER 13. (8ee Isaiah 3.)
1. For behold, the Lord, the Lord of Hosts, doth take
away from Jerusalem, and from Judah, the stay and the
k, Isaiah 2:9. I, the word not twice used in this passage, m, vers. 19, 21. Rev.
6: 15, 16. n, ver. 17. II. Nep. 15: 15, 16. 0, Zeph. 1: 14—18. p, Mai 4: 1. q, Isa.
14: 8. 37: 24. Ezek. 31 : 3. Zech. 11 : 1, 2. r, Isa. 30: 25. s, Zech. 1: 16. ili. Nep.
21 : 15, 18. t, I. Kings 10; 22. u ver. 11. v, ver. 20. w, see m, x, ver. 18. y. see
CHAP. XIII.] II. NEPHI. 89
Staff, the whole staff of bread, and the whole stay of
water,
2. The "mighty man, and the man of war, the judge, and
the prophet, and the prudent, and the ancient,
3. The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the
counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent
orator.
4. And I will ^giv€ children unto them to be their princes,
and babes shall rule over them.
5. And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another,
and every one by his neighbour ; the child shall behave himself
proudly against the ancient, and the base against the hon-
ourable.
6. When a man shall take hold of his brother of the
house of his father, and shall say, thou hast clothing, be thou
our ruler, and let not this ruin come under thy hand;
7. In that day shall he swear, saying, I will not be a
healer; for in my house there is neither bread nor clothing;
make me not a ruler of the people.
8. For ^Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen ; because
their tongues and their doings have been against the Lord,
to provoke the eyes of his glory.
9. The shew of their countenance doth witness against
them, and doth declare their sin to be even as '^Sodom, and
they cannot hide it. Wo unto their souls ! for they have
rewarded evil unto themselves.
10. Say unto the righteous, that it is well with them ; for
they shall eat the fruit of their doings.
11. Wo unto the wicked ! for they shall perish ; for the
reward of their hands shall be upon them.
12. And my people, ''children are their oppressors, and
women rule over them. O my people, they ^who lead thee
cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.
13. The Lord standeth up "to plead, and standeth to judge
the people.
14. The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients
of his people, and the princes thereof; for ye have eaten
up ''the vineyard, and the spoil of the poor in your houses.
15. What mean ye? Ye *beat my people to pieces, and
grind the faces of the poor, saith the Lord God of Hosts.
16. Moreover, the Lord saith. Because the daughters of Zion
are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton
eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling
with their feet;
17. Therefore the Lord will smite with a ^scab the crown
of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will
^discover their secret parts.
18. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of
a. IT. Kines 24: 14. h, Eccl. 10: 16. c, Mic. 3: 12. d, Gen. 13: 13. 18: 20. 21.
19: 5. e, ver. 4. f, Isa. 9: 16. g, Mic. 6: 2. h, Isa, 5: 7. i, Isa. 58: 4. Mic. 3: 2, 3.
i Deut. 28: 27. k, Jet- 13: 22. Nah. 3: 5.
k
90 II. NEPHI, [CHAP. XIV.
their tinkling ornaments, and cauls, and round tiers like the
moon,
19. The chains and the bracelets, and the mufflers,
20. The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the
head-bands, and the tablets, and the ear-rings,
21. The rings, and nose jewels,
22. The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and
the wimples, and the crisping-pins,
23. The glasses, and the fine linen, and hoods, and the
vails.
24. And. it shall come to pass, instead of sweet smell,
there shall be stink ; and instead of a girdle, a rent ; and
instead of well set hair, 'baldness ; and instead of a
stomacher, a girding of sack-cloth ; burning instead of
beauty.
25. Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in
the war.
26. "*And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she shall
be desolate, and "shall sit upon the ground.
CHAPTER 14. {See Isaiah 4.)
1. And in that day, "seven w^omen shall take hold of one
man, saying, we will eat our own bread, and wear our own
apparel ; only let us be called by thy name to take away our
reproach.
2. In that day shall Hhe branch of the Lord be beautiful
and glorious; the fruit of the earth excellent and comely to
them that are escaped of Israel.
3. And it shall come to pass, them that are ^'left in Zion,
and remain in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, every one that
is written among the living in Jerusalem;
4. When the Lord shall have '^washed away the filth of
the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of
Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the spirit of judgment,
and by the ^spirit of burning.
5. And ^the Lord will create upon every dwelling-place
of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a ''cloud and smoke
by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon
all the glory of Zion shall be a defence.
6. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the
day-time from the heat, and "for a place of refuge, and a
covert from storm and from rain.
U Isa. 22: 12. Mic. 1: 16. m, Jer. 14: 2. Lam. 1:4. n. Lam. 2: 10.
a, Isa. 13: 12. Judgments will make a great scarcity of men, so that seven women
will take one man, as a husband, and be called by his name, b, ii. Nep. 3: 5. Isa. 60:
21. x, Matt. 13: 41— 43, 47— 50. 25:1—12. d, ii. Nep. 13: 16— 26. €, Ezek. 20:
87.38. Mai. 3:2. 4:1—3. f, Isa, 33; 14. 15. 60:1—3.19-21. Mai. 3:2. 3. g. Ex,
13:21. Zech.2:5. /^. Isa. 25:4.
CHAP. XV.] II. NEPHI. 91
CHAPTER 15. (See Isaiah 5.)
1. And then will I sing to my well-beloved a song of my
beloved, touching "his vineyard. My well-beloved hath a vine-
yard in a very fruitful hill ;
2. And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof,
and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in
the midst of it, and also made a wine-press therein; and he
looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth
^wild grapes.
3'. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah,
judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.
4. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that
I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it
should bring forth grapes, it brought forth wild grapes.
5. And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my
vineyard ; I will ''take away the hedge thereof, and it shall
be eaten up ; and I will break down the wall thereof, and it
shall be trodden down ;
^ 6. And I will lay it waste ; it shall not be pruned nor
digged ; but there shall come up ''briers and thorns ; I will
also ^command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.
7. For the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the house of
Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant ; and he
looked for judgment, and behold oppression ; for righteousness,
but behold a cry.
8. Wo unto them that join ^house to house, till there can
be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of
the earth !
9. In mine ears, said the Lord of Hosts, of a truth many
houses shall be desolate, and great and fair cities without
inhabitant. '
10. Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one ^bath, and
the seed of a homer shall yield an ephah.
11. '^Wo unto them that rise up early in the morning, that
they. may follow strong drink, that continue until night, and
wine inflame them I
12. *And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and
wine are in their feasts ; but they ^regard not the work of
the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands.
13. Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, ''because
they have no knowledge ; and their honourable men are fam-
ished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.
14. Therefore, hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her
mouth without measure ; and their glory, and their multi-
a, Ps. 80: 8. Isa. 27: 2. Jer. 2: 21. Matt. 21: 33. Mark 12: 1. Luke 20: 9. 5,
Jacob 5 ch. c, Ps. 80: 12. d, Isa. 7: 23, 24. 32: 13 e, Jer. 3: 3. /. Mic. 2: 2. g, Ezek.
45:11. /i, ver. 22. Prov. 23:29—32. Eccl. 10:17. t, Amos 6:5, 6. ;, 34:27. Ps.
28:5. k, Isa. 1-3, Hos. 4:6. Luke 19:44.
92 11. NEPHI. [chap. XV.
tude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend
into it.
15. And *the mean man shall be brought down, and the
mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall
be humbled ;
IG. But the Lord of Hosts shall be *'*exalted in judgment,
and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.
17. Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the
waste places of "the fat ones shall strangers eat.
18. Wo unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity,
and sin as it were with a cart rope;
19. That say, let him ''make speed, hasten his work^ that
we may see it ; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel
draw nigh and come, that we may know it.
20. Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that
put darkness for light, and light for darkness ; that put bitter
for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21. Wo unto the wise in their own eyes, and prudent in
their own sight I
22. Wo unto the mighty to drink wine, and men of strength
to mingle strong drink ;
23. Who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the
righteousness of the righteous from him !
24. Therefore, as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the
flame consumeth the chaff, their root shall be rottenness, and
their blossoms shall go up as dust ; because they have cast
away the law of the Lord of Hosts, and despised the word of
the Holy One of Israel.
25. Therefore, is the anger of the Lord kindled against
his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against
them, and hath smitten them ; and the hills did tremble,
and their carcasses were torn in the midst of the streets.
For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand
stretched out still.
26. And he will lift up an ^ensign to the nations from «far,
and * will hiss unto them '"from the end of the earth ; and
behold, they shall come with speed swiftly ; none shall be
weary nor stumble among them ;
27. None shall slumber nor sleep ; neither shall the girdle
of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be
broken :
28. Whose arrows shall be sharp, and all their bows bent,
and their horses hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their
wiieels like a whirlwind, their roaring like a lion.
29. They shall roar like young lions ; yea, they shall roar,
and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry away safe, and none
shall deliver.
30. And in that day they shall roar against them like the
I, Isa. 2: 9, 17. m, Isa. 2: 11. n Isa. 10: 16. o, Jer. 17: 15. p, Isa. 11: 10,
12. 13:2. 18:3. 49:22. 66:19. Zech. 9: 16. g', afar from Palestine, r, hiss from
some distant country. II. Nep. 29:2. Moro. 10:28.
CHAP. XVI.] II. NEPHI. 93
roaring of the sea ; and if they look onto the land, behold,
darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens
thereof.
CHAPTER 16. (See Isaiah 6.)
1. In the year that king Uzziah died, I "saw also the Lord
sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled
the temple.
2. And above it stood the seraphims ; each one had six wings ;
with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his
feet, and with twain he did fly.
3. And one cried unto another, and said. Holy, holy,
holy, is the Lord of Hosts; the Vhole earth is full of his
glory.
4. And the posts of the door moved at the voi<;e of him
that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5. Then said I, wo is unto me ! for I am undone ; because
I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a
people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King,
the Lord of Hosts.
6. Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live
coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from
off the altar;
7. And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this has
touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy
sin purged.
8. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall
I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, here am I;
send me.
9. And he said, Go, and tell this people, ''hear ye indeed,
but they understood not; and see ye indeed, but they
perceived not.
10. Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears
heavy, and shut their eyes ; lest they see with their eyes, and
hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be
converted and be healed.
11. Then said I, Lord, how long? And he said, *until the
cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without
man, and the land be utterly desolate;
12. And the Lord have removed men ^far away, for there
shall be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.
13. But yet there shall be a tenth, and they shall return,
and shall be eaten; as a teil-tree, and as an oak whose
substance is in them when they cast their leaves; so the
^holy seed shall be the substance thereof.
a, ver. 5. i. Kings 22: 19. John 12:41. b, Ps. 72:19. c, Matt. 13; 14, 15. Jdm
12: 40. d, Mic. 3: 12. e, ii. Kings 25: 21. /, Ezra 9: 2.
94 n. NBPHI. [chap. XVII.
CHAPTER 17. {See Isaiah 7.)
1. And it came to pass in the days of °Ahaz the son of
Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin, king
of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remalia, king of Israel went
up towards Jerusalem to war against it, but could not pre-
vail against it.
2. And it was told the house of David, saying, Syria is
confederate with Ephriam. And his heart was moved, and
the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved
with the wind.
3. Then said the Lord unto Isaiah, Go forth now to
meet Ahaz thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of
the ^conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's
field ;
4. And say unto him. Take heed, and be quiet; fear not,
neither be faint-hearted for the two tails of these smoking
fire-brands, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of
the son of Remalia.
5. Because Syria, Ephriam, and the son of Remalia, have
taken evil counsel against thee, saying,
6. Let us go up against Judah and vex it, and let us make
a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, yea,
the son of Tabeal;
7. Thus saith the Lord God, *It shall not stand, neither shall
it come to pass.
8. For '^the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of
Damascus, Rezin; and within three score and five years shall
Ephriam be broken, that it be not a people.
9. And the head of Ephriam is Samaria, and the head of
Samaria is Remalia's son. *If ye will not believe, surely ye
shall not be established.
10. Moreover, the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying,
11. ^Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God; ask it either
in the depths, or in the heights above.
12. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt
the Lord.
13. And he said. Hear ye now, O house of David; is it a
small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God
also?
14. Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign;
Behold, a ^virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and
shall call his name ^Immanuel.
15. Butter and honey shall h© eat, that he may know to
refuse the eril, and to choose the good.
16. For ^before the child shall know to refuse the evil
a, II. Kings 16: 5. ii. Chron. 28:5, 6. 6, li. Kings 18: 17. Isa. 36: 2. c, Prov.
21; 30. Isa, 8: 10. d, ii. Sam. 8: 6. e, ii. Chron. 20: 20. /, Judg. 6: 36—40. Matt.
12:38—40. fir, Matt. 1 : 23. Luke 1:31, 34. See /, Alma 7. ft, Isa. 8: 8. i, Isa.
8:4.
CHAP. XVIII.] II. NEPHI. 95
and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be
forsaken of ^both her kings.
17. *The Lord shall bring upon thee, and upon thy people,
and upon thy father's iiouse, days that have not come, from
the day that ^Ephriam departed from Judah, the king of
Assyria.
18. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord
shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of Egypt,
and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.
19. And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in
the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon
all thorns, and upon all bushes.
20. In the same day shall the Lord shave with a "*razor
that is hired, by them beyond the river, by the king of.
Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet; and it shall also
consume the beard.
21. And it shall come to pass in that day, a man shall
nourish a young cow and two sheep;
22. And it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk
they shall give, he shall eat butter : for butter and honey
shall every one eat that is left in the land.
23. And it shall come to pass in that day, every place shall
be, where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silverlings,
which shall be for "briers and thorns.
24. With arrows and with bows shall men come thither,
because all the land shall become briers and thorns.
25. And all hills that shall be digged with the mattock,
there shall not come thither the fear of briers and thorns;
but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and the treading
of lesser cattle.
CHAPTER 18. (See Isaiah 8.)
1. Moreover, the word of the Lord said unto me, Take
thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen, "con-
cerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz.
2. And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah
the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.
3. And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived and
bear a son. Then said the Lord to me. Call his name,
Maher-shalal-hash-baz.
4. ''For behold, the child shall not have knowledge to cry,
my father, and my mother, before "the riches of Damascus
and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king
of Assyria.
5. The Lord spake also unto me again, saying,
6. Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of <*Shi-
;, II. Kind's 15: 30. 16: 9. k, ii. Chron. 28: 19—21. l, I. Kings 12: 16—19.
m, II. Kings 16: 7, 8. ii. Chron. 28: 20, 21. n, see d, ii. Nep. 15.
a, ver. 3. 6 Isa. 7: 16. c, ii. Kings 15: 29, 30. d, Neh. 3: 15. John 9:7.
96 n. NEPHi. fcHAP. xvm,
loah that go softly, and rejoice in «Rezin and Remalia's
son ;
7. Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them
the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king ^of
Assyria and all his glory; and he shall come up over all his
channels, and go over all his banks,
8. And he shall pass through Judah ; he shall overflow
and go over, ^he shall reach even to the neck ; and the
stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land,
O ''Immanuel.
9. ^Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken
in pieces, and give ear all ye of far countries; gird your-
selves, and ye shall be broken in pieces : gird yourselves, and
ye- shall be broken in pieces.
10. Take counsel together, and it shall come to naught ;
speak the word, and it shall not stand; for God is with
us.
11. For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand,
and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this
people, saying,
12. Say ye not, a confederacy, to all to whom this people
shall say, a confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be
afraid.
13. Sanctify the Lord of Hosts himself, and let him be
your fear, and let him be your dread.
14. And he shall be for a sanctuary ; but for a ^stone of
stumbling, and for a rock of offence to both the houses of
Israel, for a gin and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
15. And many among them shall /^stumble and fall, and
be broken, and be snared, and be taken.
16. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my
disciples.
17. And I will wait upon the Lord, that *hideth his face
from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
18. Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given
me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of
Hosts, which dwelleth in Mount Zion.
19. And when they shall say unto you, **geek unto them
that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and
mutter; should not a people "seek unto their God? for the
living to hear from the dead?
20. To "the law and to the testimony; and if they speak
not according to this word, it is because there is no light in
them.
21. And they shall pass through it hardly bestead and
hungry, and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be
hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and
their God, and look upward.
e, Isa. 7? 1—6. /, Isa. 10: li! g, Isa. 30: 28. 7i, Isa. 7:14. i, Joel 3:9— 14.,
j, Isa. 28: 16. Luke 2: 34. Rom. 9: 33. i. Pet. 2: 8. k. Matt. 21* 44. Luke 20: 18.
Rom. 9: 32. I, Isa. 54: 8. m, i. Sam. 28:8. Isai 19:3. W, Isa. 29. See c, II. Heo,
2:7. 0, Luke 16:29—31.
CHAP. XIX.] II. NEPHI. 97
22. And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble,
and darkness, ^dimness of anguish, and shall be driven to
darkness.
CHAPTER 19. (See Isaiah 9.)
1. Nevertheless the "dimness shall not be such as was
in her vexation, when at first he li-htly afflicted the "^land of
Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, and afterwards did more
grievously afflict by the way of the Red Sea beyond Jordan
in Galilee of the nations.
2. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great
light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of deaths
upon them hath the light shined.
3. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and increased the joy :
they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as
men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4. For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the
staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor.
5. For every battle of the warrior with confused noise, and
garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and
fuel of fire.
6. For ^unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given;
and the ''government shall be upon his shoulder; and his
name shall be called. Wonderful Counsellor, The ^Mighty
God, The Everlasting Father, ^The Prince of Peace.
7. Of the increase of government and peace ^there is no
end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order
it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from
henceforth, even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts
will perform this.
8. The Lord sent his word unto Jacob and it hath lighted
upon Israel.
9. And all the people shall know, even Ephriam and the
inhabitants of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness
of heart,
10. The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with
hewn stones; the sycamores are cut down, but we will change
thera into cedars.
11. Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries of Rezin
against him, and join his enemies together;
12. The Syrians before and the Philistines behind ; and
they shall devour Israel with open mouth. ''For all this his
anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
13. For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth
them, neither do they seek the Lord of Hosts.
p, Isa. 5:30. 9:1.
a, Isa. 8: 22. 6, Matt. 4: 15, 16. c. Isa. 7: 14. Luke 2: 11. rf, Matt. 2S: 1^
I. Cor. 15: 25—28. e. Tit. 2: 13, see 26. Mos. 7. f, Eph. 2: 14—17. g, Dan. 2: 44.
/i, vers. 17, 21. Isa. 5:25. 10:4. Jer. 4:8.
98 II. NEPHI. [CHAP. XX.
14. Therefore will the liord cut off from Israel *head and
tail, branch and rush ^in one day.
15. ^'The ancient, he is the head ; and the prophet that
teacheth lies, he is the tail.
16. ^For the leaders of this people cause them to err ; and
they that are led of them are destroyed.
17. Therefore the Lord shall have no *"joy in. their young
men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and
widovv's ; for "every one of them is a hypocrite and an evil-
doer, and every month j^peaketh folly. ''For all this his
anger is not turned av^^ay, but his hand stretcheth out
still.
18. For wickedness ^burneth as the fire; it shall devour
the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the
forests, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of
smoke.
19. Through the wrath of the Lord of Hosts is the «land
darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire; ""no
man shall spare his brother.
20. *And he shall snatch on the right hand and be
hungry ; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall
not be satisfied; they shall eat every man the fiesh of his
own arm :
21. Manasseh, Ephriam ; and Ephriam, Manasseh ; they
together shall be against Judah. 'For all this his anger is
not turned away, but his hand stretched out still.
CHAPTER 20. (See Isaiah 10.)
1. Wo unto them that "decree unrighteous decrees, and
that write grievousness which they have prescribed ;
2. To turn away the needy from judgment, and to take
away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may
be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless !
3. And *what will ye do in *^the day of visitation, and in
the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye
flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?
4. Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners,
and they shall fall under the slain. '^For all this his anger is
not turned away, but his hand stretched out still.
5. O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in
their hand is their indignation.
6. I w^ill send him against a ^hypocritical nation, and
i, ver. 15. j. Isa. 10: 17. k, ver. R l, Isa. 3: 12. m, Ps. 147: 10. 11. n, Mic:
7:2,3. o.seeh. p, Isa. 10: 17. MaL4:l. «, Isa. 8: 22. r.Mic. 7:2—6. s. Lev.
26:26. ^, see^.
a, Ps. 58: 2, 94: 20. 6, Job 31: 14. c, Hos. 9:7. d, see A, i. Nep. 19. e.
Jer. 34:22.
CHAP. XX.] 11. NEPHI. 99
against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge to
take the spoil, and to take Liie prey, and to tread them df^wn
like the mire of the streets.
7. Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think
so: but in his heart it is ^to destroy and cut otf nations not
a few.
8. For he saith, ^Are not my princes altogether kings?
9. Is not ^Calno as ^Carchemish? Is not Hamath as
Arpad? Is not Samaria *as Damascus?
10. As my hand hath founded the kingdoms of the idols,
and whose graven images did excel them of Jerusal-3m and
of Samaria ;
11. Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols,
so do to Jerusalem and to her idols?
12. Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord
hath performed his whole work •'upon Mount Zion and upon
Jerusalem, '^I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the
king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.
13. For he saith, 'By the strength of my hand and by my
wisdom I have done these things ; for I am prudent ; and I
have moved the borders of the people, and I have robbed their
treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant
man ;
14. And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the
people ; and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I
gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the
wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.
15. Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth
therewith? Shall the saw magnify itself against him that
shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them
that lift it up, or as if the stafiE should lift up itself as if it
were no wood.
16. Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of Hosts, send among
his fat ones, leanness ; and under his glory he shall kindle
a burning like the burning of a fire.
17. And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy
One for a flame, and '"shall burn and shall devour his thorns
and his briers in one day ;
18. And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his
fruitful field, both soul and body; and they shall be as when
a standard-bearer fainteth.
19. And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few,
that a child may write them.
20. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the
remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of
Jacob, "shall no more again stay upon him that smote them,
but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in
truth.
f, II. Kings 18: 33— 35. 19:10—13. g'. Amos 6:2. ^, ii. Chron. 35:20. i, ii.
Kings 16: 9. ;. ii. Kings 19: 31. k, Jer. 50: 18. Z, Jsa. 37; 24—38. m, Isa. 9: 18
19. 37:36. n, li. Kings 16:7—9. ii. Chron. 28. 20, 21.
100 II. NEPHI. [CHAP. XXI.
21. "The remnant shall return, yea, even the remnant of
Jacob, unto the mighty God.
22. For ^though thy people Israel be as the sand of the
sea, *yet a remnant of them shall return ; the 'consumption
decreed shall overflow with righteousMess.
23. For the Lord God of Hosts shall make a consumption,
even determined in all the land.
24. Therefore, thus saith the Lord God of Hosts, O my
people that dwellest in Zion, *be not afraid of the Assyrian;
he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff
against thee, *after the manner of Egypt.
25. For yet a very little while, and the "indignation shall
cease, and mine anger in their destruction.
26. And the Lord of Hosts shall ''stir up a scourge for
him according to the slaughter of "'Midian at the rock of
Oreb; and -^as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up
after the manner of Egypt.
27. And it shall come to pass in that day, that ^his burden
shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from
off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the
^anointing.
28. He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at
Michmash he hath laid up his carriages;
29. They are ^''gone over the passage ; they have taken
np their lodging at Geba; Ramath is afraid; ^''Gibeah of
Saul is fled.
30. Lift up the voice, O daughter of ^''Gallim ; cause it to
be heard unto ^'^Laish, O poor ^'^Anathoth.
31. ^^Madmenah is removed ; the inhabitants of Gebim gather
themselves to flee.
32. As yet shall he remain at ^^'Nob that day ; he shall
^''shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion,
the hill of Jerusalem.
33. Behold, the Lord, the Lord of Hosts shall lop the
bough with terror ; and ^Hhe high ones of stature shall be
hewn down ; and the haughty shall be humbled.
34. And he shall cut down the thickets of the forests
with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a mighty one.
CHAPTER 21. (See Isaiah 11.)
1. And "there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of
.Tesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots;
0, Isa. 7: 3—9. p, Horn. 9: 27. q, Isa. C: 13. r, Isa. 28: 22. .9, Tsa. 37: 6, 7^
t, Ex. 14. w, Dan. 11: 36. V, ii. Kings 19: 35. w, Judg. 7: 25. Isa. 9:4. x, Ex.
14: 26, 27. y, Isa. 14: 25. z, Psalmif 105; 15. 2a, i. Sam. 13: 23. 2b, i. Sam. 11:
4. 2c, I. Sam. 25: 44. 2d, Jr.dg. 18: 7. 2e, Josh. 21: 18. 2f, Josh. 15: 31. 2g, u
Sam.21:l. 22:19. Neh. 11:32. 2/i, 1st. 13: 2. 2i, Amos2:9.
a, rer. 10. Tsa. 53; 2. Acts 13: 23. Rev. 5: 5. Jer. 23: 5, 6.
CHAP. XXI.] n. NEPHI. 101
2. *And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the
spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel
and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the
Lord ;
3. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear
of the Lord ; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes,
neither reprove after the hearing of his ears :
4. But *with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and
reprove with equity for the meek of the earth ; and he shall
''smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the
breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
5. And ^righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and
faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
6. ''The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the
leopard shall lie down with the kid ; and the calf and the
young lion and fatling together.; and a little child shall lead
them.
7. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones
shall lie down together ; and the lion shall eat straw like
the ox.
8. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's
den.
9. ^They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy
mountain : for ^the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the
Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
30. And in that day *there shall be a root of Jesse, which
shall ^stand for an ensign of the people ; to it *shall the
Gentiles seek : and his rest shall be glorious.
11. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord
shall set his hand again ^the second time to recover the
remnant of his people, which shall be left *"from Assyria,
and froDj Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from
Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the
islands of the sea.
12. And he shall "set up an ensign for the nations, and
shall assemble the "outcasts of Israel, and ^gather together
the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
13. ^The envy of Ephriam also shall depart, and the adver-
saries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephriam shall not envy
Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephriam.
14. But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines
towards the west; they shall spoil them of the east together;
they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab : and the
children of Ammon shall obey them.
6, Tsa. 61: 1-:^. c, Ps. 72: 2, 4. Rev. 10: 11. d, Job 4:9. Mai 4-
6. II. Thes. 2:8. Rev. 1:16. 2:16. 19:15. e, Eph. 6: 14. /, Isa.
65:25. Ezek. 34:25. Hos. 2: 18. (7, Job 5:23. Isa. 2:4. 35:9
K Hab. 2: 14. i, ver. 1. Rom. 15; 12. .?, ver. 12. See v, ii. Nep. 15.
k. Doc. k Gov. 45:9, 10. I, ree i, ii. Nep. 6. m, Zeeh. 10: 10. n, see
p, II. Nep. 15. 0, see p, in. Nep. 15. p, see e, l. Nep. 15. q, Jer.
102 II. NEPHI. [CHAPS. XXII.^ XXIIL
15. And the Lord ''shall utterly destroy the tongue of the
Egyptian sea ; and with his mighty wind he shall shake his
hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams,
and 'make men go over dry shod.
16. *And there shall be a highway for the remnant of his
people, which shall be left, from Assyria, "like as it was to
Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.
CHAPTER 22. {See Isaiah 12.)
1. And °in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise
thee ; though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned
away, and thou comfortedest me.
2. Behold, God is my salvation ; I will trust, and not be
afraid : for the Lord, ^JEHOVAH is my ''strength and my
song ; he also has become my salvation.
3. Therefore, with joy shall ye ''draw water out of the
wells of salvation.
4. And in that day shall ye say, Upraise the Lord, call
upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make
mention that his name is exalted.
5. Sing unto the Lord ; ^for he hath done excellent things :
this is known in all the earth.
6. ^Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Sion ; for great
is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
CHAPTER 23. (See Isaiah 13.)
1. The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amos
did see.
2. "Lift ye up a banner upon the high mountain, exalt
the voice unto then), ^shake the hand, that they may go into
the gates of the nobles.
3. I have commanded ''my sancdfied ones, I have also called
my mighty ones, for mine anger is not upon them that rejoice
in my highness.
4. The noise of the multitude in the mountains like as of
a great people : a tumultuous noise of '^the kingdoms of nations
gathered together: the Lord of Hosts mustereth the hosts
of the battle.
r, Zech. 10: 11. s, Rev. 16: 12. f, Doc. & Cov. 133: 27. Zedi. 10:
11. Isa. 35: 8—10. u, Ex. 14: 29. Isa. 51: 10. 63: 12, 13.
a, Isa. 2:11. 6, Ps.83:18. c, Ex. 15:2. Ps. 118:14. </, John
4: 10, 14. 7: 37, 38. e, i. Chron. 16: 8. Ps. 105: 1—5. 145: 4—6.
/,Ps. 68:32— 35. 98. gr, Isa.154: 1. Zeph. 3. 14-20. Zech. 2: 10— 13.
a, see p, ii. Nep. 15. 6, Isa. 10: 32. c, Joel 3: 11. d, Joel 3:9—14.
Zeph. 3: 8. Zeoh. 12: 2v-9. 14: 2, 3,
CHx\P. XXIII.] 11. NEPHI. 103
5. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven^
yea, *the Lord, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy
the whole land.
6. Howl ye; for the ^day of the Lord is at hand: it shall
come as a destruction from the Almighty.
7. Therefore ^hall all hands be faint, every man's heart
shall melt;
8. And they shall be afraid; pangs and sorrows shall take
hold of them ; they shall be amazed one at another ; their
faces shall be as flames :
9. Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with
wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate : and he shall
destroy the sinners thereof out of it.
10. ^For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof
shall not give their light ; the sun shall be darkened in her
going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.
11. ''And I will punish the world for evil, and the wicked
for their iniquity; I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to
cease, and will lay down the haughtiness of the terrible.
12. I will *make a man more precious than fine gold ; even
a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. '
13. Therefore, I will ^shake the heavens, and the earth shall
remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of Hosts,,
and in the day of his fierce anger.
14. And it shall be as the chased roe, and as a sheep that
no man taketh up ; and they shall ''every man turn to his
own people, and flee every one into his own land.
15. Every one that is proud shall be thrust through; yea,.
and every one that is joined to the wicked, shall fall by the
sword.
16. Their children also shall be 'dashed to pieces before
their eyes; their bouses shall be spoiled, and their wives
ravished.
17. Behold, I will *"stir up the Medes against them, which
shall not regard silver and gold, nor they shall not delight
in it.
18. Their bows shall also dash the young men to pieces;
and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb ; their
eyes shall not spare children.
19. "And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the
Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew "Sodom
and Gomorrah.
20. ^It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt
in from generation to generation : neither shall the Arabian
pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their
fold there;
e. Joel 3: 11. Zeph. 3: 8. Zech. 12: 4, 8, 9. 14: 3, 5. 9. f. ver. 91.
Zeph. 1: 14—18. Zech. 14: 1, 5. <7. Isa. 24: 23. Ezek. 32: 7. 8. Joel 2: 3U
3:15. Matt. 24:29. Mark 13:24. Luke 21:25. Rev. 6:12. h. ha,
2: 17. 24: 6. Mai. 4: 1. i, Tsa. 4: 1—4. j, Isa. 24: 17—20. Har. 2: fi. 7.
See c. III. Nep. 26. k, Jer. 50: 10. 51:9. I, Ps. n7: 8. 9. Nnh. 3r
10. m. Tsa. 21:2. r?, Isa. 14:4— 27. o. O'^n. 19: 24, 25. Dent. 29:
23. Jer. 49: 18. 50: 40. p, Jer. 50: 3, 39. 51 : 29, 62.
104 n. NEPHI. [chap. XXIV.
21. «But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their
houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell
there, and satyrs shall dance there,
22. And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their
desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces : and
•"her time is near to come, and her day shall not be prolonged,
l^^or I will destroy her speedily ; yea, for I will be merciful
tinto my people: but the wicked shall perish.
CHAPTER 24. {See Isaiah 14.)
1. For the Lord "will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet
choose Israel, and set them in their own land : and the
^strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave
to the house of Jacob.
2. And the people shall take them, and bring them to
their place ; yea, from far unto the ends of the earth ; and
they shall return to their lands of promise. And the house
of Israel shall possess them, and the land of the Lord shall
be ''for servants and handmaids ; and they shall take . them
captives unto whom they were captives ; and they shall rule
over their oppressors.
3. And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord
shall give thee rest, from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and
from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve.
4. And it shall come to pass in that day, that thou **shalt
take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say.
How hath the oppressor ceased, the golden city ceased !
5. The Lord hath broken ^the staff of the wicked, the
sceptres of the rulers.
6. He who smote the people in wrath with a continual
stroke, he that ruleth the nations in anger, is persecuted,
and none hindereth.
7. The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break
forth into singing.
8. Yea, 'the fir-trees- rejoice at thee, and also the cedars
of Lebanon, saying, Since thou art laid down, no feller is
come up against us.
9. ^Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee
at thy coming : it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the
chief ones of the earth : it hath raised up from their thrones
all the kings of the nations.
10. All they shall speak and say unto thee. Art thou also
become weak as we? Art; thou become like unto us?
11. Thy pomp is brought down to the grave; tiie noise of
S, Isa. 34: 11— 15. Rev. 18:2. r,Jer. 51:33.
a, Zedi. 1: 17. 2; 12. 6, Isa. 60: 4, 5. 10. c, Isa. 60: 10—12, 14.
61 : 5. d, Isa. 13: 19. Hab. 2: 6-8. Rev. 18: 15-17. e Vs. 125: 3.
/, Isa. 55: 12, 13. Ezek. 31: 16. g, Ezek. 32: 21.
CHAP. XXIV.] II. NEPHI. 105
thy viols is not heard ; the worm is spread under thee, and
the worms cover thee.
12. ''How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of
the morning! Art thou cut down to the ground, which did
weaken the nations !
13. For thou hast said in thy heart, I will ascend inta
heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God : I will
sit also upon the mount of the congregation, *in the sides
of the north;
14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; 'I will
be like the Most High.
15. Yet thou shalt be brought down '^to hell, to the sides
of the pit.
16. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and
shall consider thee, and shall say. Is this the man that made
the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms,
17. And made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed
the cities thereof, and opened not the house of his prisoners?
18. All the kings of the nations, yea, all of them, lie in
glory, every one of them in his own house.
19. But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable
branch, and the remnant of those that are slain, thrust through
with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a
carcass trodden under feet.
20. Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because
thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people ; 'the seed
of evil-doers shall never be renowned.
21. Prepare slaughter for his children *^for the iniquities
of their fathers : that they do not rise, nor possess the land,
nor fill the face of the world with cities.
22. For I will rise up against them, saith the Lord of Hosts,
and cut off from Babylon ^the name, and remnant, "and
son, and nephew saith the Lord.
23. ^I will also make it a possession for the bittern, and
pools of water : and I vill sweep it with the besom of destruc-
tion, saith the Lord of Hosts.
24. The Lord of Hosts* hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have
thought, so shall it come to pass ; and as I have purposed,
so shall it stand:
25. That I will bring the Assyrian in my land, and upon
my mountains tread him under foot; then shall «his yoke
depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their
shoulders.
26. This is the purpose that is ^'purposed upon the whole
earth : and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all
nations.
'27. For the Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall
h. Doc. & Cov. 76: 26. r, Ps. 48: 2. j, Isa. 47: 8. it. Thes. 2: 4.
k, ver. 9. /, Job 18: 16—21. Ps. 21: 10. 37: 28. 109: 13. m. Ex. 20: 5.
Matt. 23: 35. n, Prov. 10: 7. Jer. 51: 62. o, Job 18: 19. p, Isa. 34: 11—15.
q, Isa. 10: 27. r, Isa. 13: 4—13.
^^ n. NEPHI. [CHAP. XXV.
disannul? And his hand stretched out, and who shall turn
It back?
28. In the year that 'king Ahaz died was this burden.
29. Rejoice not thou, whole Pales tina, 'because the rod of
iiim that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root
shall come forth a cockatrice, and "his fruit shall be a fiery
£ying serpent.
30. And the first-born of the poor shall feed, and the needy
shall lie down iu safety : and I will kill thy root with famine,
and he shall slay thy remnant.
31. Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, art
dissolved : for there shall come from the north a smoke, and
none shall be alone in his appointed times.
32. What shall then answer *the messengers of the nations?
That '^the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of bis
people shall trust in it.
CHAPTER 25.
1. Now I, Nephi, do speak somewhat concerning the
"words which I have written, which have been spoken by the
mouth of Isaiah. For behold, Isaiah spake many things
w^hich were "hard for many of my people to understand; for
they know not concerning the manner of prophesying among
the Jews.
2. For I, Nephi, have not taught them many things
-concerning the manner of the Jaws; for their works were
works of darkness, and their doings were doings of
abominations.
3. Wherefore, I w^rite unto my people, unto all those that
shall receive hereafter these things which I write, that they
may know the judgments of God, that they come upon all
nations, according to the word whicph he hath spoken.
4. Wherefore hearken, O my people, which are of the
house of Israel, and give ear unto my words : for because the
words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are
plain unto all those that are filled with the Spirit of
prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to tho
Spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according
to the 'plainness which hath been with me from the time that
I came out from Jerusalem with my father: for behold,
my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they
may learn:
5. Yea, and my soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah, ,
for I came out from Jerusalem, and mine eyes hath beheld
s, IT. Kings 16: 20. I, II. Cliron. 26; 6. n, it. Kings 18: 8. V, the
ttissionaiies or servants of God. w, Ps. 87: 1—6, 6. 102: 16. Zeph,
3. 12. Zech. 11: 11.
4, Jacob 4: 14. b, vers. 7* 8. Jacob 4:13.
CHAP. XXV.] II. NZPHI. " 107
the things of the Jews, and I know that the Jews do under-
stand the things of the prophets, and there is none other
people that understand the things which were spoken unto
the Jev/s, like unto them, save it be that they are taught
after the manner of the things of the Jews.
6 But behold I, Nephi, have not taught my children after
the manner of the Jews; but behold, I, of myself, have dwelt
at Jerusalem, wherefore I know concerning the regions round
about; and I have made mention unto my children concernmg
the judgments of God, which hath come to pass among the
Jews, unto my children, according to all that which Isaiah
hath spoken, and I do not write them.
7. But behold, I proceed with mine own prophecy, according
to my plainness ; in the which, I know that no man can err ;
nevertheless, in the days that the prophecies of Isaiah shall be
fulfilled, men shall know of a surety, at the times when they
shall come to pass; ^ ^. i^^a c
8. Wherefore, they are of worth unto the children ot
men, and he that supposeth that they are not, unto them
will I speak particularly, and confine the words unto mine
own people: for I know that they shall be of great worth
unto them in the last days: for in that day shall they
understand them: wherefore, for their good have I written
9. And as one generation hath been destroyed among the
Jews, because of iniquity, even so have they been destroyed,
from generation to generation, according to their iniquities;
and never hath any of them been destroyed save it were fore-
told them by the prophets of the Lord.
10. Wherefore, it hath been told them concerning the
destruction which should come upon them, immediately
after my father left Jerusalem; nevertheless, they hardened
their hearts; and according to my prophecy, they have been
destroyed, save it be those which are "carried away captive
into Babylon. « , ^ . .^ , . t •
11. And now this I speak because of the Spirit which is
. in me. And notwithstanding they have been carried away,
they shall return again, and possess the land of Jerusalem;
wherefore they shall be restored again to the land of their
inheritance. , ^
12. But, behold, they shall have wars, and rumors of wars;
and when the day cometh that the Only Begotten of the
Father, yea, even the Father of heaven and of earth, shall
manifest himself unto them in the flesh, behold, they will
reject him, because of their iniquities, and the hardness of their
hearts, and the stiffness of their necks. . , .^ .
13. Behold, they will crucify him^ and after he is laid m
a sepulchre for the space of three days, he shall rise from
the dead, with healing in his wings, and all those who shall
believe on his name, shall be saved in the kingdom of
c. I. Nep. 1 : 13. 10: 3. See g, i. Nep. 7.
108 n. NBPHJL [chap. XXV.
God : wherefore my soul delighteth to prophesy concerning him,
for I have **seen his day, and my heart aocii magnify his holy
name.
14. And behold it shall come to pass, that after the Messiah
hath risen from the dead, and hath manifested himself unto
his people, unto as many as will believe on his name, behold,
Jerusalem shall be destroyed again : for wo unto them that
fight against God and the people of his church.
15. Wherefore, the Jews shall be ^scattered among all na-
tions ; yea, and also Babylon shall be destroyed ; wherefore,
the Jews shall be scattered by other nations ;
16. And after they have been scattered, and the Lord
God hath scourged them by other nations, for the space of
many generations, yea, even down from generation to
generation, until they shall be persuaded to '^believe in Christ,
the Son of God, and the ^atonement, which is infinite for
all mankind ; and when that day shall come, that they shall
believe in Christ, and worship ithe Father in his name, with
pure hearts and clean hands, and look not forward any more
for another ^Messiah, then, at that time, the day will come
that it must needs be expedient that they should believe these
things,
17. And the Lord will set his hand again the ^second time
to restore his people from their lost and fallen state. Where-
fore, he will proceed to do a ^marvellous work and a wonder
among the children of men.
18. Wherefore, he shall bring forth ^his words unto
them, which words shall judge them at the last day, for
they shall be given them for the purpose of ''convincing
them of the true Messiah, who was rejected by them ; and
unto the convincing of them that they need not look forward
any more for a Messiah to come, for there should not any
come, save it should be a false Messiah, which should deceive
the people : for there is save one Messiah spoken of by the
prophets, and that Messiah is he who should be rejected of
the Jews.
19. For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah
Cometh in 'six hundred years from the time that my father
left Jerusalem, and according to the words of the prophets,
and also the word of the angel of God, his name shall be Jesus
Christ, the Son of God.
20. And now, my brethren, I have spoken *"plain, that
ye cannot err : and as the Lord God liveth that brought
Israel up out of the land of Egypt, and gave unto Moses
d, I. Nep. 11: 13— 34. e, T. Nep. 10: 12. 19: 13, 14. 22:5. ii. Nep.
10:6. /. I. Nep. 10: 14. 19:15—17. ii. Nep. 6: 11, 14. 10: V— 9. 25:
18. 26:12. 30:7. iii. Nep. 5: 26. 20:30. Mor. 3:21. 5:14. g, see
f, II. Nep. 2. h, II. Nep. 6: 14. 21: 11. 29: 1. Jacob 6:2. i, i. Nep.
14:7. I. Nep. 22:8. ii. Nep. 27:26. 29:1. iii. Nep. 21:9. 28:31—33.
Mor. 8; 34. ;. i. Nep. 13: 34, a5, 39, 40. n. Nep. 27: 6—26. in. Nep
16: 4. Mor. 8: 14—16, 25—34. A', i. Nep. 13: 39—42. ii. Nep. 25: IG— 18.
26: 12. Mor. 3: 21. 6: 12—15. I, see b, i. Nep. 10. m, see b.
CHAP. XXV.] II. NEPHI. 109
power that he should heal the nations, after they had been
bitten by the poisouous serpents, if they would cast their
eyes unto the serpent which he did raise up before them,
and also gave him power that he should smite the rock, and
"the water should come foi'th; yea, behold I say unto you,
that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth,
there is none other name given under heaven, save it be this
Jesus Christ of which I have spoken, whereby man can be
saved.
21. Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised
•unto me that these things which I write, shall be kept and
preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation
to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph,
that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should
stand.
22. Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to
generation as long as the earth shall stand ; and they shall
go according to the will and pleasure of God ; and the nations
who shall possess them, shall be "judged of them according to
the words which are written ;
23. For we labour diligently to write, to persuade our chil-
dren, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be
reconciled to God ; for we know that it is by grace that we
are saved, after all we can do.
24. And "notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the
law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ,
until the law shall be fulfilled;
25. For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law
hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ,
because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the
commandments ;
26. And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach
of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to
our prophecies, that our children may know to what spurce
they may look for a remission of their sins.
27. Wherefore, we speak concerning the law, that our chil-
dren may know the deadness of the law ; and they, by knowing
the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life
which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was
given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need
not harden their hearts against him, when the law ought to
be done away*
28. And now behold, my people, ye are a stiffnecked
people: wherefore, I have spoken plain unto you, that ye
cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken,
shall stand as a testimony against you: for they are sufficient
to teach any man the right way : for the right way is to
n. ver. 18. IT. Nep. 33: 10—15. iii. Nep. 27:23—27. 29:34. Ethef
4:8—10. o. vers. 25— 30 i. Nep^5:9. ii. Nep. 5: 10. 26:1. Jacob
4: i 5. Jarom 1 . 5. Mob. 2: 3. 3: 14—16. 12: 28, 29, 31—37. 13: 27—35.
16:14,35. Alma 25: 14—16. 30:3. 31:9. 34:13,14. Hela.l5:5. III.
N«p. 1:24, 25. 9: 17—19. 12: 17 i'* 15-2-10.
110 II. NEPHl. [CHAP. XXVL
believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him, ye
also deny the prophets and the law.
29. And now behold I say unto you, That the right way
is to believe in Christ, and deny him not ; and Christ is the
Holy One of Israel : wherefore ye must bow down before
him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength^
and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in no wise be
cast out.
30. And, inasmuch as it shall be expedient, ye must keep
the performances and ordinances of God, until the law shall
be fulfilled which was given unto Moses.
CHAPTER 2G..
1. And after Christ shall have risen from the dead, he shall
"show himself unto you, my children, and my beloved brethren;
and the words which he shall speak unto you shall be the law
which ye shall do.
2.. For behold, I say unto you, That I have beheld that
many generations shall pass away, and there shall be great
wars and contentions among my people.
3. And after the Messiah shall come, there chall be ^signs
given unto my people of his birth, and also or his death and
resurrection ; and great and terrible shall that day be unto
the wicked; for they shall perish; and they perish because
they cast out the prophets, and the saints, and stone them,
and slay them : wherefore the ''cry of the blood of the saints
shall ascend up to God from the ground against them.
4. Wherefore all those who are proud, and that do wickedly,
the day that cometh shall barn them up, saith the Lord of
HostS, for they shall be as stubble;
5. And they that kill the prophets, and the saints, the depths
of the earth shall swallow them up, saith the Lord of Hosts;
and mountains shall cover them, and whirlwinds shall carry
them away, and buildings shall fall upon them, and crush
them to pieces and grind them to powder;
6. And they shall be visited with thunderings, and lightnings,
and earthquakes, and all manner of destructions, for tho fire
of the anger of the Lord shall be kindled against them, and
they shall be as stubble, and the day that cometh shall consume
them, saith the Lord of Hosts.
7. O the pain, and the anguish of my soul for the loss of
the slain of my people ! For I, Nephi, have seen it, and it
well nigh ccnsumeth me before the presence of the Lord ; but
I must cry unto my God, thy ways are just.
8. But behold, the righteous, that hearken unto the
words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look
a, ver. 9. I. Nep. 11: 7. 12: 6. See 5, i. Nep. 12. 5, see a, I. Nep.
12. c, see a, l. Nep. 12. iii. Nep. 6: 23, 25. 7: 10, 14. 19.
CHAP. XXVI.] 11. NEPKI. Ill
forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which
are given, notwithstanding all persecution; behold they are
they which shall ''not perish.
9. But the Son of righteousness shall *appear unto
them ; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace
with him, until three generations shall have passed away, and
many of the 'fourth generation shall have passed away in
righteousness.
10. And when these things have passed away, a speedy
destruction cometh unto my people ; for, notwithstanding the
pains of my soul, I have seen it ; wherefore, I know that it
shall come to pass; and they sell themselves for naught: for,
for the reward of their pride, and their foolishness, they shall
reap destruction ; for because they yield unto the devil, and
choose works of darkness rather than light; therefore they
must go down to hell ;
11. For the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with
man. And when the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man, then,
cometh speedy destruction, and this grieveth my soul.
12. And as I spake concerning the ^convincing of the Jews,
that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the
Gentiles ''be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the
eternal God ;
13. And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who-
believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost ; • yea, unto
every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty
miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men,
according to their faith.
14. But behold, I prophesy unto you concerning the last
days ; concerning the days when the Lord God *shall bring
these things forth unto the children of men.
15. After my seed and the seed of my brethren ^shall
have dwindled in unbelief, and shall have been smitten by
the Gentiles; yea, after "the Lord God shall have camped
against them round about, and shall have laid siege against
them with a mount, and raised forts against them ; and
after they shall have been brought down low in the dust,,
even that they are not, yet the words of the righteous shall
be written, and the prayers of the faithful shall be heard,
and all those who have dwindled in unbelief, shall not be
forgotten ;
16. For those who shall be destroyed shall ^speak unto
them out of the ground, and their speech shall be low out of
the dust, and their voice shall be as one that hath a familiar
spirit; for the Lord God will give unto him power, that he
may whisper concerning them, even as it were out of the
ground ; and their speech shall whisper out of the dust.
d, III. Nep. 9: 13. 10: 12, 13. e, see 6, i. Nep. 12. f. T. Nep. 12: 12.
Alma 45: 10, 12. Hela. 13: 5, 9, 10. III. Nep. 27: 32. Mnr. 6: 5-22. g, seft
f. II. Nep. 25. h, see s, i. Nep. 13. See I. Nep. 13:34—38, 42. 14: 1—3.
Mor. 3: 21. i, see j, II. Nep. 25. X I. Nep. 12: 22, 23. 8: 14» 31. Mor.
5:15. 20. fc, Isa. 29:3. I, Isa. 29:4.
112 II. NEPHI. [chap. XXVI.
17. For thus saith the Lord God : They shall write the
things which shall be done among them, and they shall be
written and sealed up in a book, and those who have dwindled
in unbelief, shall "*not have them, for they seek to destroy the
^ things of God :
• 18. Wherefore, as those who have been destroyed, have
been destroyed speedily; and the "multitude of their terrible
ones, shall be as chaff that passeth away. Yea, thus saith
the Lord God: It shall be at an instant, suddenly.
19. And it shall come to pass, that those who have
■"dwindled in unbelief, shall be smitten by the hand of the
Gentiles.
20. And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes,
and have ^stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling
block, that they have built up «many churches; nevertheless,
they put down the ''power and miracles of God, and preach
up unto themselves their own wisdom, and their *own learn-
ing, that they may get *gain, and grind upon the face of the
poor ;
21. And there are many churches built up which cause
€nvyings, and strifes, and malice ;
22. And there are also "secret combinations, even as in
times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for
he is the foundation of all these things ; yea, the foundation
of murder, and works of darkness ; yea, and he leadeth them
by the neck v/ith a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with
his strong cords forever.
23. For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you. That
the Lord God worketh not in darkness.
24. He doeth not anything, save it be for the benefit of
the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down
bis own life, that he may ''draw all men unto him. Where-
fore he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his
salvation.
25. Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying. Depart from me?
Behold, I say unto you. Nay ; but he saith. Come unto me all
ye ends of the earth, ^buy milk and honey, without money
and without price.
26. Behold, hath he commanded any that they should depart
out of the synagogues, or out of the houses of worship ? Behold,
I say unto you. Nay.
27. Hath he commanded any that they should not partake
of his salvation? Behold I say unto you. Nay; but he hath
given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people
that they should persuade all men to repentance.
28. Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they
m, Enos 1: 14. Mor. 6: 6. n. Isa. 29:5. Mor. 6: 6—15. o, see j,
p, I. Nep. 13.-29. 34. 14:1—3. g', i. Nep. 14:9, 10. 22:23. II. Nep. 28.
Mor. 8:25— 41. r. II. Nep. 28: 5. 6. Mor. 8:26. 9:7—26. Moro. 7-33— 38.
s, II. Nep. 28: 4. t, I. Nep. 22: 23. II. Nep. 28: 12. 13. Mof. 8: 28, 32.
33, 36—39. t^. see i II. Nep. 10. v, see c, u. Nep. 9. w, Isa.
65:1.
CHAP. XXVII.] II. NEPHI. 113
should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you,
^'ay ; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other,
^nd none are forbidden.
29. He commandeth that there shall be no priest-crafts ; for,
tehold, Spriest-crafts are that men preach and set themselves
up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain, and
praise of the world : but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
30. Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing ; where-
fore, the Lord God hath given a commandment, that all men
should have charity, which ^charity is love. And except
they should have charity they vv-ere nothing : wherefore, if
they should have charity they would not suffer the labourer
in Zion to perish.
31. But the labourer in Zion, shall labour for Zion; for if
they labour for money, they shall perish.
32. And again, the Lord God hath commanded that men
should not murder ; that they should not lie ; that they should
not steal ; that they should not take the name of the .Lord
their God in vain ; that they should not envy ; that they
should not have malice ; that they should not contend one
with another ; that they should not commit whoredoms ; and
that they should do none of these things ; for whoso doeth
them, shall perish ;
33. For none of these iniquities come of the Lord ; for he
doeth that which is good among the children of men ; and
he doeth nothing save it be ^plain unto the children of men ;
and he inviteth them all to come unto him, and partake of
his goodness ; and he denieth none that come unto him, black
jind white, bond and free, male and female ; and he remem-
bereth the heathen, and all are alike unto God, both Jew and
Gentile.
CHAPTER 27.
1. But, behold, in the iast days, or in the days of the Gen-
tiles ; yea, behold all the nations of the Gentiles, and also
the Jews, both those who shall come upon this land, and those
who shall be upon other lands ; yea, even upon all the lands of
the earth ; behold, they will be "drunken with iniquity, and all
manner of abominations ;
2. And when that day shall come, they shall be ^visited
of the Lord of Hosts, with thunder, and with earthquake,
and with a great noise, and with storm, and with tempest, and
with the flame of devouring fire :
3. And all the nations that fight against Zion, and that
distress her. shall be as a dream of a night vision : yea, it
X, ITT. Nep. 21: 19—21. 29: 4—9. 30 ch. y, Moro. 7; 47, 48. 8: 26*
2, vera. 23, 24.
a, Isa. 29 : 9. 6 . Isa. 29 : 6—10.
114 ' II. NEPHI. [chap. XXVII.
shall be unto them, even as unto a hungry man, which
dreameth, and behold he eateth, but he awakelh and his
soul is empty ; or like unto a thirsty man, which dreameth,
and behold he drinketh, but he awaketh, and behold he is
faint, and his soul hath appetite : yea, even so shall the
multituHe of all the nations be that tight against Mount
Zion :
4. For behold, all ye that do iniquity, stay yourselves and
wonder, for ye shall cry out, and cry ; yea, ye shall be
drunken, but not with wine, ye shall stagger, but not with
strong drink :
5. For behold, the Lerd hath poured out upon you the
spirit of deep sleep. For behold, ye have closed your eyes,
and ye have rejected the prophets ; and your rulers, and the
seers hath he covered because of your iniquity.
6.,-xVnd it shall come to pass, that the Lord God shall bring
forth unto you the words of a ''book, and they shall be the
words of them which have slumbered.
7. And behold the book shall be "sealed : and in the book
shall be a ^revelation from God, from the beginning of the
world to the ending thereof.
8. Wherefore, because of the things which are sealed up,
the things which are sealed shall not be delivered in the ^day
ot the wickedness and abominations of the people. Wherefore
the book shall be kept from them.
9. But the book shall be delivered unto a 'man, and he
shall deliver the words of the book, which are the words
of those who have slumbered in the dust ; and he shall deliver
these words unto "another ;
10. But the words which are sealed he shall not deliver,
neither shall he deliver the book. For the book* shall be
sealed by the power of God, and the revelation \\'4iich was
sealed shall be kept in the book until the own Mue time
of the Lord, that they may come forth : for behold, they
^reveal all things fr«m the foundation of the world unto the
end thereof.
11. And the day cometh that the words of the book which
were sealed shall be read upon the house tops ; and they
shall be read by the power of Christ : and all things shall
be ''revealed unto the children of men which ever have been
among the children of men, and which ever will be, even unto
th3 end of the earth.
12. Wherefore, at that day when the book shall be
delivered unto the 'man of whom I have spoken, the book
shall be hid from the eyes of the woaid, that the eyes of
none shall behold it save it be that "^three witnesses shall
behold it^, by the power of God, besides him to whom the
c, I. Nep. 13: 34, 35, 39—42. ii. Nep. 3: 6—23. 2C: 16, 17. 29: 11.
Enos 1: 13—18. Mor. 5: 12, 13. 8: 14—16. 25—32. d, Isa. 29: 11*. c. Ether
4: 1—7. /, Ether 4: 6, 7. g, Joseph Smit.^.fjr. h, Martin Harris. i, Ether
4:7, 15. % Ether 4: 15. k, Ether i%, 7, 13—17. U Joseph Smith, Jr.
m, see c, ii. Nep. 11.
CHAP. XXVII.] II. NEPHI. 115
book shall be delivered ; and they shall testify to the truth
of the book and the things therein.
13. And there is none other which shall view it, save it
be a "few according to the will of God, to bear testimony of
his word unto the children of men : for the Lord God hatli
said, That the words of the faithful should speak as if it
were from the "dead.
14. Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to bring forth
the words of the book ; and in the mo,uth of as ^many wit-
nesses as seemeth him good, will he establish his word ; and wo
be unto him that ^rejecteth the word of God.
15. But behold, it shall come to pass that the Lord God
shall say unto '"him to whom he shall deliver the boqk, Take
these words which are not sealed and deliver them to ^another,
that he may shew them 'unto the learned, saying, "Read this,
I pray thee. And the learned shall say, Bring hither the book,
and I will read them :
16. And now, because of the glory of the world, and to
get gain will they say this, and not for the glory of God.
17. And the man shall say, I cannot bring the book, for
it is sealed.
18. Then shall the learned say, I cannot read it.
19. Wherefore it shall c«>me to pass, that the Lord God
will deliver again the book and the words thereof to *'him
that is not learned ; and the man that is not learned shall
say, 1 am not learned.
20. Then shall the Lord God say unto him, The learned
shall not read them, for they have rejected them, and I am
able to do mine own work ; wherefore thou shalt read the words
which I shall give unto thee.
21. "^Touch not the things which are sealed, for I will
bring them forth in mine own due time : for I will shew
unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own
work.
22. Wherefore, when thou hast read the words which I
have commanded thee, and obtained the ""witnesses which I
have promised unto thee, then shalt thou seal up the book
again, and hide it up unto me, that I may preserve the
words which thou hast not read, until I shall see fit in mine
own wisdom, ^to reveal all things unto the children of men.
23. For behold, I am God ; and I am a God of miracles :
and I will shew unto the world that t am the same yester-
day, to-day, and for ever; and I work not among the children
of men, save it be according to their faith.
24. And again it shall come to pass, that the Lord shall
n. Book of Mor. p. v. o, n. Nep. 3: 19, 20. 26: 16, 17. 27: 6. 33:
13—15. Mor. 9: 30. Moro. 10:27. Isa. 29:4. p, see c, ii. Nep. 11.
^, II. Nep. 28:29, 30. 33: 13—15. Ether 4:8. r, Joseph Smith, Jr. s, Mar-
tin Harris. t. Prof. Anthon of New York Citv. u, Isa. 29: 11. V, Joseph
Smith, Jr. w. Ether 5: 1. x, see c, ii. Nep. 11. y, ii. Nep, 27:?, 8. Ether
4: 6, 7.
116 II. NEPHI. [chap. XXVII.
say unto *him that shall read the words that shall be
delivered him,
25. ^''Forasmuch as this people draw near unto me with their
mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed
their hearts far from me, and their- fear towards me is taught
by the precepts of men,
26. Therefore, I will proceed to ^Mo a marvellous work
among this people, yea, a marvellous work and a wonder : for
the wisdom of their *wise and learned shall perish, and the
understanding of their prudent shall be hid.
27. And wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel
from the Lord. And their works are in the dark; and they
say, Who seeth us, and who knoweth us? And they also
say, Surely, your turning of things upside down shall be
esteemed as the potter's clay. But behold, I will shew unto
them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that I know all their works.
For shall the work say of him that made it. He made me not?
Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it. He had
no understanding?
28. But behold, saith the Lord of Hosts, I will shew unto
the children of men that it is yet a very little while and
Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field; and the fruitful
field shall be esteemed as a forest.
29. ^''And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of
the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity
and out of darkness,
30. And the meek also shall increase, and their joy shall be
in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy
One of Israel.
31. ^'^For assuredly as the Lord liveth they shall see that
the terrible one is brought to naught, and the scorner is con-
sumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off;
32. And they that make a man an offender for a word, and
lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside
the just for a thing of naught.
33. Therefore thus saith the Lord, who redeemed Abra-
ham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall -''not now be
ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.
34. But when he seeth his children, the work of my
hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name,
and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God
of Israel.
35. ^^They also that erred in spirit shall come to under-
standing, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
z, Joseph Smith, Jr. 2a, Isn. 29: 13—24. 2&. see i, ii. Nep. 25. 2c,
see c. 2d, see ;• i. Nep. 22. 2e, see e, i. Nep. 15. 2/. i. Nep. 13: 35— 38,
14: 1—3.
CHAP. XXVIII.] II. NEPHI. 117
CHAPTER 28.
1. And now, behold, my brethren, I have spoken unto
you, according as the Spirit hath constrained me; wherefore,
1 know that they must surely come to pass.
2. The things which shall be written out of the "book
snail be of great worth unto the children of men, and
especially unto our seed, which is a remnant of the house of
Israel.
3. For it shall come to pass in that day, that the ^churches
wh'ch are built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one
shall say unto the other. Behold, I, I am the Lord's ; and
the others shall say, I, I am the Lord's. And thus shall
every one say that hath built up churches, and not unto the
Lord ;
4. And they shall contend one with another; and their
priests shall contend one with another, and they shall teach
with their ''learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth
utterance.
5. And they deny the '^power of God, the Holy One of
Israel ; and they say unto the people. Hearken unto us, and
hear ye our precept ; for behold there is no God to-day, for
the Lord and the Redeemer hath done his work, and he hath
given his power unto men.
6. Behold, hearken ye unto my precept ; if they shall say,
There is a miracle wrought, by the hand of the Lord, believe
it not ; for this day he is not a God of miracles ; he hath
done his work.
7. Yea, and there shall be many which shall say. Eat, drink,
and be merry, for to-morrow we die ; and it shall be well
with us.
8. And there shall also be many which shall say, Eat,
drink, and be merry ; nevertheless, fear God, he will ^justify
in committing a little sin ; yea, lie a little, take the advantage
of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor ;
there is no harm in this. And do all these things, for to-
morrow we die : and if it so be that we are guilty, God will
beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in
the kingdom of God.
9. Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after
this manner, false, and vain, and foolish doctrines, and shall
be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide
their counsels from the Lord ; and their works shall be in the
dark ;
10. And the ^blood of the saints shall cry from the
ground against them.
a, see c, ii. Nep. 27. h, see q, ti. Nep. 26. c, it. Nep. 26: 20. d, spe
r, II. Nep. 26. e, vers. 21, 25, 26. Mor. 8: 31. f, i. Nep. 14: 13. 22:
14. II. Nen. 5: 16. Mor. 8: 27, 40, 41. Ether 8: 22—24. Doc. & Gov.
58:53. 63:28—31. Rev. 18:24. 19:2.
^^^ n. NEPHI. [chap. XXVIII.
11. Yea, they have all gone out of the way; they have
become corrupted.
12. Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and
raise doctrine, their ^churches have become corrupted, and
cheir churches are lifted up ; because of pride they are
putted up. ''
13. They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries;
they rob the ■:)oor because of their fine clothing; and they
persecute the u^sek, and the poor in heart; because in their
pride they are puffed up.
14. They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and be-
cause of pride- aiid wickedness, and abominations, and whore-
aoms, they have all gone astray, save it be a few, who are
tne Qumoie followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led,
tnat in many instances they do err, because they are ''tauglit
by the precepts of men.^
15. O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are
puft'ed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who
preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms,
and pervert the right way of the Lord ; *wo, wo, wo be unto
them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust
down to hell.
16. Wo unto them that ^turn aside the just for a thing
of naught and revile against that which is good, and say.
That is of no worth; for the day shall come that the Lord
Ood will speedily visit the inhabitants of the earth ; and in
that day that they are *fully ripe in iniquity, they shall
perish.
17. But behold, if the inhabitants of the earth shall repent
of their wickedness and abominations, they shall not be de-
stroyed, saith the Lord of Hosts.
18. But behold, that great and abominable church, the whore
of all the earth, must ^tumble to the earth, and great must be
the fall thereof ;
19. For the kingdom of the devil *"must shake, and they
w^hich belong to it must needs be stirred up unto repentance,
or the devil will grasp them with his everlasting chains, and
they be stirred up to anger, and perish ;
20. For behold, at that day shall he "rage in the hearts
of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against
that which is good ;
21. And others will he "pacify, and lull them away into
■carnal security, that they will say. All is well in Zion ; yea,
Zion prospereth, all is well ; and thus the devil cheateth their
souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
22. And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth
g, see q, ii. Nep. 26. h, H. Nep, 27: 35. i, i. Nep. 22: 23. Ii. Nep.
26:20—22,32. Alma 39: 5. iil. Nep. 29:4— 9. Mor. 8:41. 9:26. ;, ii.
Nep. 27: 32. fc, I. Nep. 22: 16—23. Ether 2: 8— 11. Mcr. 8: 41. I, i. Nep.
14: 3, 4, 6, 7, 15—17. See k, i. Nep. 14. m, i, Nep. 22: 22. 23. II. Nep. 28;
20—32. n, ver. 28. O, li. Nep. 26: 29. 28: 7—14. Mor. 8: 31.
CHAP. XXVin.] II. NEPHL 119
them there is no hell ; and he saith unto them, I am no
devil, for there is none ; and thus he whispereth in their ears,
until he grasps them with his awfui ^'chains, from whence
there is no deliverance.
23. Yea, they are ^grasped with death, and hell ; and death,
and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith,
must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according
to their works, from whence they must go into the place pre-
pared for them, even a '"lake of fire and brimstone, which is
endless torment.
24. Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion.
25. Wo be unto him that crieth, All is well ;
26. Yea, wo be unto him that *hearkeneth unto the precepts
of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the
Holy Ghost.
27. Yea, wo be unto him that saith, We have received, and
we *need no more.
28. And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and
are "angry because of the truth of God. For behold, he
that is built upon the rock, receiveth it with gladness; and
he that is built upon a sandy foundation, trembleth lest he
shall fall.
29. Wo be unto him that shall say, We have received the
word of God, and we ''need no more of the word of God, for
we have enough.
30. For behold, thus saith the Lord God; I will give
unto the children of men ^line upon line, precept upon
precept, here a little and there a little ; and blessed are those
who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my
counsel, for they shall learn wisdom ; ^for unto him that
receiveth, I will give more ; and from them that shall say.
We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that
w^hich they have.
31. Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh
flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the ^precepts of men,
save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy
Ghost.
32. ^Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of
Hosts ; for notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm
unto them from day to day, they will deny me; never-
theless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God,
if they will repent and come unto me ; for - mine arm is
lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of
Hosts.
V, II. Nep. 1: 13, 23. 9: 45. ver. 19. Alma 12: 11, 17. 36: 18. q, see
j, 11. Nep. 9. r, see k, i. Nep. 15. s, see r, ii. Nep. 26. ii. Nep. 28: 31.
t, vers. 29, 30. Alma 12: 10, 11. iii.Nep. 26:9, 10. Ether 4:8. u, ver. 20.
V, ver. 27. Also see t. w, Isa. 28: 10. x, Alma 12: 10, 11. y, vers. 3—14.
u. Nep. 27: 25, z, see d, i. Nep. 14.
120 II. NEPHI. [CHAP. XXIX.
CHAPTER 29.
1. But behold, there shall be many at that day, when
I shall proceed to do a "marvellous work among them, that^
I may remember my covenants which I have made unto
the children of men, that I may set my hand again the
"second time to recover my people, which are of the house
of Israel;
2. And also, that I may remember the promises which
I have made unto thee, Nephi, and also unto thy father, that
1 would remember your seed ; and that the 'words of your
seed should proceed forth out of my mouth unto your seed.
And my words shall ''hiss forth unto the ends of the earth,
for a ^standard unto my people, which are of the house of
Israel.
3. And because my words shall hiss forth, many of the
Gentiles shall say, A ^Bible ! A Bible ! We have got a Bible,
and there cannot be any more Bible.
4. But thus saith the Lord God : O fools, they shall have
a Bible ; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient
covenant people. And what thank they the Jews for the
Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gen-
tiles mean? Do they remember the travels, and the labouis.
and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in
bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?
5. O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient:
covenant people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have
hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold,
I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I
the Lord hath not forgotten my people.
6. Thou ^fool, that shall say, A Bible, we have got a Bible,
and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible, save
it were by the Jews?
7. Know ye not that there are more nations than one?
Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men,
and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the
sea ; and that I rule in the heavens above, and in the earth
beneath ; and I bring forth my word unto the children of
men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
8. Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive
more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two
nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember
one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same
words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two
nations shall run together, the testimony of the ^two nations
shall run together also.
a, see i, ii. Nep. 25. b, see i, ii. Nep. 6. c, ii. Nep. 3: 21. See I
II. Nep. 26: 16. d, Isa. 5: 26. Iloro. 10: 28. e, Isa. 5: 26. 18: 3. 19: 22i
62: 10. Doc. & Gov. 45:9. 64:42. /, vers. 4, 6—14. g, ver. 3. h, ii. I.'ep. 3: 12,
Ezek. 37:15— 20.
CHAP. XXX.] II. NEPHI. 121
9. And I do this that I may prove unto many, that I am
the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever ; and that I speak
forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because
that I have spoken one word, ye need not suppose that I cannot
speak another ; for my work is not yet finished ; neither shall
it be, until the end of man; neither from that time henceforth
and for ever.
10. Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible, ye need not
suppose that it contains all my words ; neither need ye suppose
that I have not caused more to be written :
11. For I command all men, both in the east and in the
west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands
of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak
unto them : for out of the *books which shall be written, I
will ^judge the world, every man according to their works,
according to that which is written.
12. For behold, I shall speak unto the '^Jews, and they
shall write it ; and I shall also speak unto the 'Nephites,
and they shall write it ; and I shall also ""speak unto the
other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away,
and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto "all
nations of the earth, and they shall write it.
13. And it shall come to pass ''that the Jews shall have
the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the
words of the .Tews ; and the Nephites and the Jews shall
have the words of the lost tribes of Israel ; and the lost
tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the
Jews.
14. And it shall come to pass that my people which are
of the house of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the lands
of their possessions; and my word also shall be ^gathered in
one. And I will shew unto them that fight against my
word and against my people, who are of the house of Israel,
that I am God, and that I covenanted with Abraham, that I
would remember his seed for ever.
CHAPTER 30.
1. And now behold, my beloved brethren, I would speak
unto you : for I, Nephi, would not suffer that ye should sup-
pose that ye are more righteous than the Gentiles shall be.
For behold, except ye shall keep the commandments of God
ye shall all likewise perish ; and because of the words which
have been spoken ye need not suppose that the Gentiles are
utterly destroyed.
I, see c, II. Nep. 27. ;. it. Nep. 25: 18, 22. 29: 12—14. in. Nep. 27;
23—26. Rev. 20: 12. k, i. Nep. 13: 23—29. ii. Nep. 3: 12. I, i. Nepi
13:39—42. ii. Nep. 3: 12, 18— 21. 26:16,17. 27:6—26. w. in. Nep.
13: 1—3. 17: 4. n, vers. 7—11. ii. Nep. 26: 33. o, n. Nep. 3: 12. 29: 8.
Mor. 5: 13, 14. p, see 0,
122 II. NEPHI. [chap. XXX.
2. For behold, I say unto you, That as many of the
Gentiles as will repent, are the covenant people of the Lord ;
and as many of the Jews as will not repent, shall be cast oft" ;
for the Lord covenanteth with none, save it be with tliFin
that repent and believe in his Son, who is the Holy One oi
Israel.
3. And now, I would prophesy somewhat more concerning
the Jews and the Gentiles. For after the "book of which 1
have spoken shall come forth, and be written unto the Gentiles,
and sealed up again unto the Lord, there shall be "many
which shall believe the words which are written ; and they
shall carry them forth unto the '^remnant of our seed.
4. And then shall the remnant of our seed know concerning
ns, how that we came out from Jerusalem, and that they are
descendants of the Jews.
5. And the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be de-
clared %mong them ; wherefore, they shall be restored
unto the ^knowledge of their fathers, and also to the
knowledge of Jesus Christ, which was had among their
fathers.
6. And then shall they rejoice; for they shall know that
it is a blessing unto them from the hand of God; and their
scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes : and
many generations shall not pass away among them, save they
shall be a ''white and delightsome people.
7. And it shall come to pass that the Jews which are
scattered, also shall ^begin to believe in Christ ; and they
shall begin to gather in upon the face of the land ; and as
many as shall believe in Christ, shall also become a delight-
some people.
8. And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall
commence his work, among all nations, kindreds, tongues,
and people, to bring about the ''restoration of his people
upon the earth.
9. *And with righteousness shall the Lord God judge the
poor, and reprove with equity, for the meek of the earth.
And he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth ;
and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked;
10. For the time speedily cometh, that the Lord God shall
cause a ^great division among the people ; and the wicked
will he destroy: and he will spare his people, yea, even if it
so be that he must destroy the vricked by fire.
11. ''And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and
faithfulness the girdle of his reins.
12. And then shall the wolf dwell w^ith the lamb, and the
o. see c, II. Nep. 27. b, I. Nep. 13: 34—42. 14: 1, 2, 5, 12—14. 22: 8, 9.
III. Nep. 16: 6, 10, 11. 26: 8. c, i. Nep. 15: 13—18. 22: 8—12. in. Nep.
16: 6—13, d, I. Nep. 13: 38—42. 15: 13—18. in. Nep. 16: 11. 12. 21:
3—7, 24—26. Mor. 5: 15. e, i. Nep. 15: 14. ii. Nep. 3: 12. Mor. 7: 1,
9. 10. /, II. Nep. 5: 21. See d, i. Nop. 11. Alma 23: 18. in. Nep. 2:
14—16. g, see /, n. Nep. 25. h, see e, I. Nep. 15. i, Isa. 11:4. j, i.
Nep. 14:7. 22: 16, 17. k, Isa. 11:5—9.
CHAP. XXXI.] II. NEPHI. 123
leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf, and the
young lion, and the fatling, together; and a little child shall
lead them.
13. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones
shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like
the ox.
14. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's
den.
15. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain ;
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as
the waters cover the sea.
16. ^Wherefore, the things of all nations shall be made
known; yea, all things shall be made known unto the children
of men.
17. There is nothing which is secret, save it shall be re-
vealed; there is no work of darkness, save it shall be made
manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is "^sealed
upon the earth, save it shall be loosed.
18. Wherefore, all things which have been revealed unto
the children of men, shall at that day be revealed ; and Satan
shall have power over tlie hearts of the children of men "jno»
more, for a long time. And now, my beloved brethren, I must
make an end of my sayings.
CHAPTER 31.
1. And now I, Nephi, make an end of my prophesying unto
you, my beloved brethren. And I cannot write but a few
things, which I know must surely come to pass : neither can
I write but a few of the words of my brother Jacob.
2. Wherefore, the things which I have written, sufficeth
me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the
doctrine of Christ ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly,
according to the plainness of my prophesying.
3. For my soul delighteth in "plainness; for after this
manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men.
For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding : for
he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their
understanding.
(T" 4. Wherefore, I would that ye should remember that I have
spoken unto you, concerning ^that prophet which the Lord
showed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, which
should take away the sins of the world.
5. And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should
have need to be baptized by water, to ^fulfil all righteousness,
I, II. Nep. 29:6—14. Ether 4: 6, 7, 13—17. m, I. Nep. 14 26. n, i.
Nep. 22: 15. 26. Jacob 5: 76. Ether 8: 26.
6, II. Nep. 25. b, see f, l. Nep. 10. c, vers. 6, 7.
124 II. NEPHI. [chap. XXXI.
O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be
I baptized, yea, even by water.
6. And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren,
wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being
baptized by water?
7. Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding
he being holy, he sheweth unto the children of men, that
according to the flesh, he humbleth himself before the Father,
and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient
unto him in keeping his commandments.
8. Wherefore, after he was baptized with water, the Holy
Ghost descended upon him in the "^form of a dove.
9. And again : it showeth unto the children of men the
*straightness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate,
by which they should enter, he having set the example before
them.
10. And he said unto the children of men, Follow thou
me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus,
save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the
Father?
11. And the Father said, Repent ye, repent ye, and be
^baptized in the name of my beloved Son.
12. And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying,
He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give
the Holy Ghost, like unto me ; wherefore, follow me, and do
the things which ye have seen me do.
13. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall
follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy
and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting
of your sins, witnessing unto the Father, that ye are willing
to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism : yea, by
following your Lord and your Saviour down into the water,
according to his word ; behold, then shall ye receive the Holy
Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy
Ghost ; and then can ye speak with the ^'tongue of angels, and
shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.
14. But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice
of the Son unto me, saying, After ye have repented of your
sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to
keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have
received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can
speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels,
and after this should deny me, it would have been better for
you, that ye had ''not known me.
15. And I heard a voice from the Father, saying. Yea,
the words of my beloved are true and faithful. He that
endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
16. And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this, that
unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the
d, I. Nep. ll!27, e, see 2a, ii. Nep. 9. f, see u, ii. Nep. 9. g, ver. 14.
II. Nep. 32: 2, 3. h, vers. 15, 16. Jacob 6: 7—11. Mos. 5: 11. 15 : 26, 27.
Alma 24: 30. 39: 6. Iii. Nep. 27: 17. Mor. 1: 16, 17.
CHAP^ XXXII.] II. NEPHI, 125
example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be
saved ;
17. Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I
have seen, that your Lord and your Redeemer should do :
for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye
might know the *gate by which ye should enter. For the
gate by which ye should enter, is repentance, and baptism
by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire,
and by the Hol^ Ghost.
18. And then are ye in this straight and narrow path
which leads to eternal life ; yea, ye have entered in by the
gate : ye have done according to the commandments of the
Father and the Son ; and ye have received the Holy Ghost,
which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfill-
ing of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in
by the way, ye should receive.
19. And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten
into this straight and narrow path, I would ask. If all is
done? Behold, I say unto you. Nay; for ye have not come
thus far, save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken
faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is
mighty to save ;
20. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a stadfast-
ness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a
love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press
forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the
end, behold, thus saith the Father, Ye shall have eternal
life.
21. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the ^way ;
and there is none other way nor name given under heaven,
whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now,
behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true
doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost, which is ''one God, without end. Amen.
CHAPTER 32.
1. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that
ye ponder somewhat in your hearts, concerning that which
ye should do, after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold,
why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?
2. Do ye not remember that I said unto you, That after ye
had received the Holy Ghost, ye could speak with the tongue
of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the "tongue
of angels, save it were by the Holy Ghost?
3. Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost ;
i, see e. j, see e. k, Alma 11: 44. iii. Nep. 11: 27, 28, 36. 28: 10.
Mor. 7:7.
a, see g, ii. Nep. 31.
126 II. NEPHI. [CHAP. SKXIII.
wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said
unto you, Feast upon the words of Christ : for behold, the
words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.
4. Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye
cannot understand them, it will be because ye ask not, neither
do ye knock ; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light,
but must perish in the dark.
5. For behold, again I say unto you. That if ye will enter
in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it. will shew unto
you "all things what ye should do.
6. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will
be no more doctrine given, until after he shall manifest himself
unto you ''in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself
unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you,
shall ye observe to do.
7. And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth
mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief,
and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiff-neckedness
of men : for they will not search knowledge, nor understand
great knowledge, when it is given unto them in ''plainness,
even as plain as word can be.
8. And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder
still in your hearts ; and it grieveth me that I must speak
concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the
Spirit which teacheth a man to ^pray, ye would know that ye
must pray : for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but
teacheth him that he must not pray.
9. But behold, I say unto you. That ye must pray always,
and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the
Lord, save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father
in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance
unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of
thy soul.
CHAPTER 33.
1. And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things
which were taught among my people; neither am I ''mighty
6. T. Nep. 10: 17—19. 13: 37. ii. Nep. 31: 13. Jarom 1:4. Alma
5:46—48. in. Nep. 12: 1. 2. 16:6. 30 ch. Ether 4: 11, 12. Moro. 10:
4—7. c, I. Nep. 12: 6. See 6, i. Nep. 12. d, see b, li. Nep. 25. e, i.
Nep. 1:5. 6:21. 8:8. 15:8—11. 17:7. 18:3,21. ii. Nep. 4: 23, 24,
28—35. Jacob 7: 22. Enos 1:4, 11. 15— 18. Mos. 3:4. 4:1—3,11,19—22.
5:17—18. 21:14. 26:39. Alma 6: 6. 17:3. 18:41—43. 19:14—16.
22:16. 27:11,12. 31:10,26—35. 33:4—11. 34:39. 38:8. 43:49,
50. 45:1. 46:13,16. 58:10. 62:51. Hela. 11:3, 4, 10— 16. in.
Nep. 1:11— 14. 13:5—13. 14:7—11. 17:3,15—17.21. 18:15—24,30.
19: 6—10. 17—36. 20: 1. 27: 1, 2, 7. 9, 28, 29. 28: 1—9, 30. Mor. 9:6.
21. 28, 36, 37. Ether 1: 34—43. 2: 14, 15, 18—22. 3: 1—5. Moro. 6: 4,
5,9. 7:6—10,26,48. 8:3,26. 10:4,5.
a. Ether 12: 23-27.
CHAP. XXXIII. J II. NEPHI. 127
in writing, like unto speaking : for when a man speaketh by
the power of the Holy Ghost the power of, the Holy Ghost
carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.
2. But behold, there are many that harden their hearts
against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them ; Where-
fore, they cast many things away which are w^ritten, and
esteem them as things of naught.
3. But I, Nephi, have written what I have written ; and
I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people.
For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water
my pillow by night, because of them ; and I cry unto my God
in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry;
4. And I know that the Lord God will consecrate my
prayers, for the gain of my people. And the words which
I have written in weakness, will be made strong unto them ;
for it persuadeth them to do good ; it maketh known unto
them of Hheir fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and per-
suadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end,
which is life eternal.
5. And it speaketh ''harsh against sin, according to the
plainness of the truth ; wherefore, no man will be angry at
the words which I have written, save he shall be of the spirit
of the devil,
6. I glory in '^plainness ; I glory in truth ; I glory in my
Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from ^hell.
7. I have charity for my people, and great faith in
Christ, that I shall meet many souls spotless at his judgment
seat.
8. I have charity for the Jew : I say Jew, because I mean
them from whence I came.
9. I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for
none of these can I hope, except they shall be reconciled unto
Christ, and enter into the ^narrow gate, and walk in the
straight path, which leads to life, and continue in the path
until the end of the day of probation.
10. And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all
ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words, and believe
in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words, believe in
Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ, ye will believe in
these words: for they are the words of Christ, and he hath
given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should
do good.
11. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye :
for Christ will show unto you, ^with power and great glo-ry,
that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall
stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I
have been commanded of him to write these things, notwith-
standing my weakness :
6, see g, rr. Nep. 3. Also see c, ii. Nep. 30. c, i. Nep. 16: 1—3. 17: 48.
IT. Nsp. 1: 25—27. Enos 1 : 23. Jarom 1 : 12. Words of Mor. 1 : 17. Moro.
9: 4. d, see 5, ii. Nep. 25. e, see k, i. Nep. 15. f, see 2a, II. Nep. 9.
fi'. Ether 4:8—10. 5:4—6. Moro. 7:35. 10:27.
128 BOOK OF JACOB. [CHAP. i;
12. And I pray the Father in the name of Christ, that
many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom, at that
great and last day.
13. And now, my beloved brethren, all those who are of
the house of Israel, and all ye ends of the earth, I speak unto
3'ou, as the voice of one ''crying from the dust : farewell until
that great day shall come ;
14. And you that will not partake of the goodness of God,
and respect the words of the Jews, and also my words, and
the words which shall proceed forth out of the mouth of the
Lamb of God, behold, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for
*these words shall condemn you at the last day ;
15. For what I ^seal on earth, shall be brought against you
at the judgment bar ; for thus hath the Lord commanded me,
and I must obey. Amen.
THE BOOK OF JACOB,
THE BROTHER OF KEPHI.
The words of his preaching unto his brethren. He confoundeth
a man who sceketh to overthroiv the doctrine of Christ. A
few words concerning the history of the people of Nephi.
CHAPTER L
1. For behold, it came to pass that fifty and five years
had passed away, from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem:
wherefore, Nephi gave me, Jacob, a commandment concern-
ing the "small plates, upon which these things are en-
graven.
2. And he gave me, Jacob, a commandment that I should
write upon these plates, a few of the things which I con-
sidered to be most precious : that I should not touch, save
it were lightly, concerning the history of the people which are
called the people of Nephi.
3. For he said that the history of his people should be
engraven upon his ^other plates, and that I shouM preserve
these plates and hand them down unto my seed, from genera-
tion to generation.
4. And if there were preaching which was sacred, or
h, see I, II. Nep. 26. i, see q, u. Nep. 27. ;, Hela. 10:5—11. See g,
II. Nep. 27.
a, see b, I. Nep. 6, 6, see /, I. Nep. 1,
CHAP. I.] BOOK OF JACOB. 129
revelation which was great, or prophesying, that I should
engraven the heads of them upon ''these plates, and touch
upon them as much as it were possible, for Christ's sake,
and for the sake of our people ;
5. For because of faith and great anxietj% it truly had
been made manifest unto us concerning our people, '^what
things should happen unto them.
6. And we also had many revelations, and the Spirit of
much prophecy ; wherefore, we knew of Christ and his kingdom,
which should come.
7. Wherefore we laboured diligently among our people,
that we might persuade them to come unto Christ, and
partake of the goodness of God, that they might enter into
his rest, lest by any means he should swear in his wrath
they should not enter in, as in the provocation in the days
of temptation, while the children of Israel were in the
wilderness.
8. Wherefore, we would to God that we could persuade
all men not to rebel against God, to provoke him to anger»
but that all men would believe in Christ, and view his death,
and suffer his cross and bear the shame of the world ; where-
fore, I, Jacob, take it upon me to fulfil *the commandment
of my brother Nephi.
9. Now Nephi began to be old, and he saw that he must
soon die; wherefore, he annointed a man to be king and a
ruler over his people now, according to the reigns of the
kings.
10. The people having loved Nephi exceedingly, he having
been a great pi'otector for them, having wielded the sword
of Laban in their defence, and having laboured in all his days
for their welfare ;
11. Wherefore, the people were desirous to retain in
remembrance his name. And whoso should reign in
his stead, were called by the people, ''second Nephi, third Nephi,
&c., according to the reigns of the kings ; and thus they
were called by the people, let them, be of whatever name
they would.
12. AVid it came to pass that Nephi died.
13. Now the people which were not Lamanites, were
Nephites ; nevertheless, they were called Nephites, Jacob-
ites, Josephites, Zoramites, Lamanites, Lemuelites, and
Ishmaelites.
14. But I, Jacob, shall not hereafter distinguish them by
these names, but I shall call them Lamanites that seek to
destroy the people of Nephi, and those who are friendly to
Nephi, I shall call Nephites, or the people of Nephi, according
to the reigns of the kings.
15. And now it came to pass that the people of Nephi,
c, small plates. See &, T. Nep. 6. d, i. Nep. 12 ch. 13 ch. 14 ch. 15r
1—18. 19:10-17. 22:7,8. ii. Nep. 1:5— 12. 2:3. 3 ch. 4:
1-11. 10 ch. 25 ch. 26 ch. 27 ch. 29:11—14. 30:1—6. e, vers. 1—4. U
vers. 9, 14, 15. ii. Nep. 5; 18,
130 BOOK OF JACOB. [CHAP. IL
imder the reign of the ^second king, began to grow hard in
their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked
practices, such as like unto David of old, desiring many wives
and concubines, and also Solomon, his son :
10. Yea, and they also began to search much gold and
silver, and began to be lifted up somewhat in pride ;
17. Wherefore I, Jacob, gave unto them these words as I
taught them in the ''temple, having firstly obtained mine errand
from the Lord.
18. For I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph, *had been con-
secrated priests, and teachers of this people, by the hand of
A'ephi.
19. And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking
upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people
upon our own heads, if we did not teach them the word of
God with all diligence ; w^herefore, by labouring with our
mights, their ^ blood might not come upon our garments ;
otherwise, their blood would come upon our garments, and
we would not be found spotless at the last day.
CHAPTER 2.
1. The words which Jacob, the brother of Nephi, spake unto
the people of Nephi, after the death of Nephi :
2. Now, my beloved brethren, I, Jacob, according to the
responsibility which I am under to God, to magnify mine office
with soberness, and that I might "rid my garments of your
sins, I come up into the temple this day, that I might declare
unto you the word of God ;
3. And ye yourselves know, that I have hitherto been dili-
gent in the office of my calling ; but I this day am weighed
down with much more desire and anxiety for the welfare of
your souls than I have hitherto been.
4. For behold, as yet, ye have been obedient unto the word
of the Lord, which I have given unto you.
5. But behold, hearken ye unto me, and know that by
the help of the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth, I
can tell you concerning your thoughts, how that ye are begin-
ning to labour in sin, which sin appeareth very abominable
unto me; yea, and abominable unto God.
6. Yea, it grieveth my soul and causeth me to shrink with
shame before the presence of my Maker, that I might testify
unto you concerning the wickedness of your hearts ;
7. And also it grieveth me that I must use so much
boldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and
your children, many of whose ^feelings are exceeding tender
g, ver. 11. h, see h, ii. Nep. 5. i, ii. Nep. 5: 26. ;', ii. Nep. 9: 44.
Jacob 2: 2.
a, see J, Jacob 1. &, vers. 9, 28, 33, 35. Jacob 3: 7. Moro. 9: 9, 10.
CHAP. II.] BOOK OP JACOB. 131
and chaste, and delicate before God, which thing is pleasing
unto God ;
8. And it supposeth me that they have come up hither
to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth
the wounded soul.
9. Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul, that I should be con-
strained because of the strict commandment which I have
received from God, to admonish you according to your crimes,
to enlarge the wounds of those who are already wounded,
instead of consoling and healing their wounds ; and those who
have not been wounded, instead of feasting upon the pleasing
word of God, have daggers placed to pierce their souls, and
wound their delicate minds.
10. But, notwithstanding the greatness of the task, I must
do according to the strict commands of God, and tell you
concerning your wickedness and abominations, in the presence
of the pure in heart, and the broken heart, and under the
glance of the ''piercing eye of the Almighty God.
11. Wherefore, I must tell you the truth according to the
**plainness of the word of God. For behold, as I enquired of
the Lord, thus came the word unto me, saying, Jacob, get thou
up into the temple on the morrow, and declare the word
which I shall give thee unto this people.
12. And now behold, my brethren, this is the word
which I declare unto you, that many of you have begun
to search for gold, and for silver, and all manner of
precious ores, in the which this land, which is a ^land of
promise unto you, and to your seed, doth ^abound most
plentifully.
13. And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you
most pleasingly, that you have obtained many riches ; and
because some of you have obtained more abundantly than
that of your brethren, ye are lifted up in the pride of your
hearts, and ''wear stiff necks and high heads, because of the
costliness of your apparel and persecute your brethren, because
ye suppose that ye are better than they.
14. And now, my brethren, do ye suppose that God justifieth
you in this thing? Behold, I say unto you. Nay. But he
condemneth you, and if ye persist in these things, his judg-
ments must speedily come unto you.
15. O that he would shew you that he can pierce you,
and with one *glance of his eye, he can smite you to the
dust.
16. O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomi-
nation. And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his
commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your
souls.
17. Think of your brethren, like unto yourselves, and be
c, TT. Nep. 9: 44. Jacob 2: 15. Mos. 27: 31. d, see c, ii. Nep. 33. c, see
ft, II. Nep. 5. /, I. Nep. 2: 20. 4: 14. 5: 22. 12: 1, 4. 13: 12, 14, 30.
17: 13, 14. 18: 8, 23, 25. g, see g, ii. Nep. 5. ft, li. Nep. 28; 14. Mor.
8: 36—40. i, see c.
i.
132 BOOK OF JACOB. [CHAP. II.
familiar with all, and free with your substance, that Uhey
may be rich like unto you.
18. But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom
of God.
19. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ, ye shall
obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them, for the
intent to do good ; to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry,
and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick,
and the afflicted.
20. And now, my brethren, I have spoken unto you con-
cerning pride; and those of you which have afflicted your
neighoour, and persecuted him because ye were proud in your
hearts, of the things which God hath given you, what say ye
of it?
21. Do ye not suppose that such things are abominable unto
him who created all flesh? And the one being is as precious
in his sight as the other. And all flesh is of the dust; and
for the self-same end hath he created them, that they should
keep his commandments, and glorify him for ever.
22. And now I make an end of speaking unto you con-
cerning this pride. And were it not that I must speak unto
you concerning a grosser crime, my heart would rejoice ex-
ceedingly, because of you.
23. But the word of God burthens me because of your
grosser crimes. For behold, thus saith the Lord, This people
begin to wax in iniquity ; they understand not the scriptures ;
for they seek to excuse themselves in committing whoredoms,
because of the things which were written concerning David,
and Solomon his son.
24. Behold, David and Solomon truly had *^many wives and
concubines, which thing w^as 'abominable before me, saith the
Lord ;
25. Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people
forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm,
that I might raise up unto me a "^righteous branch from the
fruit of the loins of Joseph.
26. Wherefore, I the Lord God, will not suffer that this
people shall do like unto them of old.
27. Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to
the word of the Lord; for there shall not any man among?
you have save it be "one wife ; and concubines he shall have
none ;
28. For I, the Lord God, delighteth in the chastity of
women. And "whoredoms are an abomination before me ; thus
saith the Lord of Hosts.
29. Wherefore, this people shall keep my command-
j, Mos. 4: 16, 22, 26. Alma 1:26—30. iv. Nep. 3:24—26. k, i. Kings
11:1—13. Deut. 17:14— 17. ii. Sara. 3: 2— 5, 14. 5:13. 11:26,27.
12:7—12,24. lo: 16. 16:21,22. 19:5. 20:3. i. Kings 1 : 1—4. I, Jl
Kings 11: 1—11. Deut. 7: 1—4. Ezra 9: 1, 2. Nehemiah 13:23—27. Dcut.
17: 14—17. m, H. Nep. 3: 5. n, ver. 34. Jacob 3: 5—7. o, see i, ii.
Nep. 28.
CHAP. II.] BOOK OF JACOB. 133
ments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or ^cursed he the land
for their sakes.
30. For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed
unto me, I «will command my people ; otherwise they shall
hearken unto ^these things.
81. For behold, I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and
heard the mourning of the daughters of my people in the
land of Jerusalem ; yea, and in all the lands of my people,
because of the wickedness and abominations of *their
husbands.
32. And I will not suffer, saith the Lord of Hosts, that
the cries of the fair daughters of this people, w^hich I have
led out of the land of Jerusalem, shall come up unto me,
against the men of my people, saith the Lord of Hosts;
33. For they shall not lead away captive the daughters
of my people, because of their tenderness, save I shall visit
them with a 'sore curse, even unto destruction : for they
shall not commit "whoredoms, like unto them of old, saith
the Lord of Hosts.
34. And now behold, my brethren, ye know that these
commandments were ^'given to our father, Lehi ; wherefore
ye have known them before ; and ye have come unto great
condemnation ; for ye have done these things, which ye ought
not to have done.
35. Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than
the Lamanites, our brethren. Ye have broken the hearts
of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your
children, because of your bad examples before them ; and
the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you.
And because of the ^strictness of the word of God, which
Cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with
deep wounds.
CHAPTER 3.
1. But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are
pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and
^'pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will con-
sole you in your afflictions and he will plead your cause,
and send down justice upon those who seek your de-
struction.
2. O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and
receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for
ye may, if your minds are firm, for ever.
3. But wo, wo, unto you that are not pure in heart ; that
p, Jacob 3: 3. Alma 45: 16. Ether 2: 7—12. g, See Rev. on marriage,
given in 1843. Doc. & Cov. 132. r, the law t^iven to Lehi. See vers. 27, 34.
Jacob 3: 5. s, Eek. 16: 22—43. t, see p. u, see i, ii. Nep. 28. v, I. Nep.
1 : 16, 17. 6: 1. w, Jacob 2: 27, 34. 3: 5.
o, see e, ii. Nep. 32.
ilL
134 BOOK OF JACOB. [CHAP. III.
are filthy this day before God; for except ye repent, the land
is ^cursed for your sakes ; and the Lamanites, which are not
filthy like unto you, (nevertheless, ''they are cursed with a
sore cursing) shall scourge you even unto destruction.
4. And the time speedily cometh, that except ye repent,
they shall ''possess the land of your inheritance, and the Lord
God will lead away the righteous out from among you.
5. Behold, the Lamanites your brethren, whom ye hate,
because of their tilthiness and the ^cursings which hath
come upon their skins, are more righteous than you ; for
they have not forgotten the commandment of the Lord,
which was given unto our fathers, that they should have,
save it were 'one wife ; and concubines they should have
none ; and there should not be whoredoms committed among
them.
6. And now this commandment they observe to keep ; where-
fore, because of this observance, in keeping this command-
ment, the Lord God will not destroy them, but will be merciful
unto them; and one day they shall ^become a blessed
people.
7. Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives
love their husbands ; and their husbands and their wives love
their children ; and their unbelief and their hatred towards
you, is because of the iniquity of their fathers ; wherefore,
how much better are you than they, in the sight of your great
Creator ?
8. O my brethren, I fear, that unless ye shall repent of
your sins, that their skins will be whiter than yours, when
ye shall be brought with them before the throne of God.
9. Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, which is
the word of God, that ye revile no more against them, because
of the Markness of their skins ; neither shall ye revile against
them because of their filthiness; but ye shall remember your
own filthiness, and remember that their filthiness came because
of their fathers.
10. Wherefore, ye shall remember your children, how that
ye have grieved their hearts because of the example that
ye have set before them ; and also, remember that ye may,
because of your filthiness, bring your children unto de-
struction, and their sins be heaped upon your heads at the
last day.
11. O my brethren, hearken unto my word ; arouse the
faculties of your soul ; shake yourselves, that ye may awake
from the slumber of death ; and loose yourselves from the
pains of hell, that ye may not become *angels to the devil,
to be cast into that lake of ■'fire and brimstone which is the
second death.
12. And now I, Jacob, spake many more things unto the
6, see p, Jacob 2. c, see d, I. Nep. 2. d, Omni 1 : 5 — 7, 12, 13. e, ser^
d, I. Nep. 2. /, see n, Jacob 2. g, I. Nep. 15: 13—18. 22 r 8. See
i, II. Nep. 3. h, see d, i. Nep. 2. i, see i, ii. Nep. 9. j, see k, i. Nepi
15.
CHAP. IV.] • BOOK OF JACOB. 135
people of Nephi, warning them against fornication andl
lasciviousness, and every kind of sin, telling them the awful
consequences of them ;
13. And a hundredth part of the proceedings of this people^
which now began to be numerous, cannot be written upon
''these plates ; but many of their proceedings are written upon
the larger plates, and their wars, and their contentions, and
the reigns of their kings.
14. These plates are called the plates of Jacob, and they
were made by the "'hand of Nephi. And I make an end of
speaking these words.
CHAPTER 4.
1. Now behold, it came to pass that I, Jacob, having min-
istered much unto my people in word, (and I cannot write
but a little of my words, because of the "difficulty of engraving
our words upon plates,) and we know that the things which
we write upon plates must remain ;
2. But whatsoever things we write upon any thing, save
it be upon plates, must perish and vanish away; but we can
write a few words upon plates, which will give our children,
and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge
concerning us, or concerning their fathers.
3. Now in this thing we do rejoice ; and we labour diligently
to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved
brethren, and our children, will receive them with thankful
hearts, and look upon them that they may learn with joy
and not with sorrow, neither with contempt, concerning their
first parents :
4. For, for this intent have we written these things, that
they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope
of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not
only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the
holy prophets which were before us.
5. Behold, they believed in Christ and worshipped the Father
in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And
for this intent we ''keep the law of Moses, it pointing our
souls to him ; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for
righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the
wilderness, to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering
up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his only
begotten Son.
6. Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have
many revelations, and the Spirit of prophecy; and having
all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh
k, small plates. See 6, l. Nep. 6. I, see /, i. Nep. 1. m, i. Nep. 19: 2, 3.
II. Nep. 5: 30—32.
a, Ether 12: 23—26. 6, see o, ii. Nep. 25.
136 BOOK OF JACOB. [CHAP. IV.
unshaken, insomuch that we truly "^can command in the
name of Jesus, and the very trees obey us, or the moun-
tains, or the waves of the sea :
7. Nevertheless, the Lord God sheweth us our weakness,
that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great
condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power
to do these things.
8. Behold, great and marvellous are the works of the Lord.
How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him ;
and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways.
And no man knoweth of his ways, save it be revealed unto
him ; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of
God.
9. For behold, by the '^power of his word, man came
upon the face of the earth ! which earth was created by the
power of his word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak,
and the world was, and to speak, and' man was created,
O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workman-
ship of his hands' upon the face of it, according to his wiR
and pleasure?
10. Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but
to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves
know that he counselleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in
great mercy, over all his works ;
11. Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him
through the ^atonement of Christ, his only begotten Son, and
ye may obtain a ''resurrection, according to the power of the
resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the
^first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained
a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself
in the flesh.
12. And now, beloved, marvel not that I tell you these
things ; for why not speak of the ''atonement of Christ, and
attain to a perfect knowledge of him, as to attain to the
knowledge of a h-esurrection and the world to come?
13. Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him
prophesy to the understanding of men ; for the Spirit
speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of
things as they really are, and of things as they really will
be ; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us ^plainly,
for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not wit-
nesses alone in these things ; for God also spake them unto
prophets of old.
14. But behold, the Jews were a fstififnecked people;
and they despised the words of plainness, and killed the
prophets, and sought for things that they could not under-
c, I. Nep. 7: 17 18. 17: 48, 50, 53—55. Jacob 7: 13—19. Mos. 13: 3—6.
Alma 14: 26— 29. Hela. 10:5— 11. iii. Nep. 28: 19-22. Mor. 8:24. Ether
12: 30. d, II. Nep. 2: 14, 15. Mor. 9: 17. Mos. 2: 25. e, see /, ii. Nep 2.
f, see d, IT. Nep. 2. g, Mos. 15: 21—23. Alma 40: 16—21. Hela. 14: 25.
III. Nep. 23:9— 13. /i, see /, ii. Nep. 2, i, see d, II. Nep. 2. i, see 6, IL
Nep. 25. k, II. Nep. 25: 2. Jacob 6: 4.
CHAP, v.] BOOK OF JACOB. 137
Stand. • Wherefore, because of their blindness, which
blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs;
fall : for God hath taken away his 'plainness from them,
and delivered unto them many things which they cannot under-
stand, because they desired it. And because they desired it,
God hath done it, that they may stumble.
15. And now I, Jacob, am led on by the Spirit unto
prophesying: for I perceive by the workings of the Spirit
which is in me, that by the stumbling of the Jews, they
will "^reject the stone upon which they might build, and have
safe foundation.
16. But behold, according to the "scriptures, this stone shall
become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation,,
upon which the Jews can build.
17. And now, my beloved, how is it possible that these,
after having rejected the sure foundation, can ever build upon,
it, that it may become the *'head of their corner?
18. Behold, my beloved brethren, I will unfold this mystery
unto you ; if I do not, by any means, get shaken from my
firmness in the Spirit, and stumble because of my over anxiety
for you.
. ('
CHAPTER 5.
1. Behold, my brethren, do ye not remember to have read
the words of the prophet "Zenos, which he spake unto the
house of Israel, saying :
2. Hearken, O ye house of Israel, and hear the w^ords of
me, a prophet of the Lord ;
3. For behold, thus saith the Lord, I w^ill liken thee, O
house of Israel, like unto a ''tame olive tree, which a man
took and nourished in his vineyard ; and it grew, and waxed
old, and began to decay.
4. And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard
went forth, and he saw that his olive tree began to decay;
and he said, I will prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it,
that perhaps it may shoot forth young and tender branches,
. and it perish not.
5. And it came to pass that he pruned it, and digged about
it, and nourished it according to his w^ord.
6. And it came to pass that after many days, it began to
put forth somewhat a little, young and tender branches ; but
behold, the maintop thereof began to perish.
7. And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard
saw it, and he said unto his servant, It grieveth me that I
I, see 6, IT. Nep. 25. m, li. Nep. 18. Isa. 8: 14, 15. n. Psalm 118: 22, 23.
o. Psalm 118: 22, 23.
a, see h, i. Nep. 19. 6, I. Nep. 10: 12, 14. 15: 7, 12, 13, 16. ii. Nep.
3: 5. Jacob 6: 1—7.
138 BOOK OF JACOB. [CHAP. V.
should lose this tree; wherefore, go and pluck the 'branches
from a ''wild olive tree, and bring them hither unto me ; and
we will pluck off those main branches which are beginning
to wither away, and we will cast them into the fire, that
they may be burned.
8. And behold, saith the Lord of the vineyard, I take away
many of these ''young and tender branches, and I will graft
them whithersoever I will ; and it mattereth not that if it
so be, that the root of this tree will perish, I may preserve
tne fruit thereof unto myself; wherefore, I will take these
young and tender branches, and I will graft them whithersoever
1 will.
9. Take thou the branches of the ®wild olive tree, and graft
them in, in the stead thereof ; and these which I have plucked
off, I will cast into the fire, and burn them, that they may not
cumber the ground of my vineyard.
10. And it came to pass that the servant of the Lord of
the vineyard, did according to the word of the Lord of the
vineyard, and grafted in the branches of the 'wild olive
tree.
11. And the Lord of the vineyard caused that it should
be digged about, and pruned, and nourished, saying unto his
servant. It grieveth me that I should lose this tree ; wherefore,
that perhaps I might preserve the roots thereof that they
perish not, that I might preserve them unto myself, I have
done this thing.
12. Wherefore, go thy way; watch the tree, and nourish it,
according to my words.
13. And ^these v»^ill I place in the nethermost part of my
vineyard, whithersoever I will, it mattereth not unto thee;
and I do it that I might preserve unto myself the natural
branches of the tree ; and also, that I may lay up fruit thereof,
against the season, unto myself : for it grieveth me that I
should lose this tree and the fruit thereof.
14. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard
went his way, and hid the natural branches of the tame
olive tree in the ''nethermost parts of the vineyard; some in
one, and some in another, according to his will and
pleasure.
15. And it came to pass that a *long time passed away,
and the Lord of the vineyard said unto his servant. Come,
let us go down into the vineyard, that we may labour in the
vineyard.
16. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard, and
also the servant, went down into the vineyard to labour. And
it came to pass that the servant said unto his master. Behold,
look here ; behold the tree.
17. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard
c, vers. 9, 10, 17, 18, 30—37, 46, 57, 65, 73. Rom. 11: 17, 24. <f. vers. 5.
13, 14, 19—27, 38—40, 43—46, 52, 54, 67, 68. e, see c. f, see c. g, see d,
vpon isles distant from Palestine. h, ten tribes in the North. ^ Some of Judah
and Joseph in America. Others, upon isles. l, 6 or 7 centu-
ries.
CHAP, v.] BOOK OF JACOB. 139
looked and beheld the tree, in which the wild olive
branches had been grafted ; and it had sprung forth and ^began
to bear fruit. And he beheld that it was good ; and the fruit
thereof was like unto the natural fruit.
18. And he said unto the servant, Behold, the branches
of the ^wrld tree hath taken hold of the moisture of the root
thereof, that the root thereof hath brought forth much
strength ; and because of the much strength of the root
thereof, the wild branches hath brought forth tame fruit:
now, if we had not grafted in these branches, the tree
thereof would have perished. And now, behold, I shall lay
up much fruit, which the tree thereof hath brought forth; and
the fruit thereof I shall lay up, against the season, unto mine
own self.
19. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard
said unto the servant, Come, let us go to the nethermost
part of the vineyard, and behold if the natural branches of
the tree hath not brought forth much fruit also, that I may
lay up of the fruit thereof, against the season, unto mine
own self.
20. And it came to pass that they went forth whither the
master had hid the natural branches of the tree, and he said
unto the servant. Behold these : and he beheld the first
that it had brought forth much fruit; and he beheld also,
that it was good. And he said unto the servant, Take of the
fruit thereof, and lay it up, against the season, that I may
preserve it unto mine own self; for behold, said he, this
long time have I nourished it, and it hath brought forth
much fruit.
21. And it came to pass that the servant said unto his
master, Hov/ comest thou hither to plant this tree, or this
branch of the tree? for behold, it was the poorest ^spot in all
the land of the vineyard.
22. And the Lord of the vineyard said unto him, Counsel
me not : I knew that it was a poor spot of ground ; where-
fore, I said unto thee, I have nourished it this long
time, and thou beholdest that it hath brought forth much
fruit.
23. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard
said unto his servant. Look hither; behold I have planted
another branch of the tree also ; and thou knowest that ''^this
spot of ground was poorer than the first. But, behold the
tree : I have nourished it this long time, and it hath brought
forth much fruit; therefore, gather it, and lay it up, against
the season, that I may preserve it unto mine own self.
24. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard
said again unto his servant, Look hither, and behold "another
branch also, which I have planted: behold that, I have nour-
ished it also, and it hath brought forth fruit.
j. The Gentiles in the Apostles' days. fc, see C. I, Place unknown,
m Place unknown. n, Place unknown.
140 BOOK OP JACOB. [chap. V.
25. And he said unto the servant, Look hither and
behold the last : behold, this have I planted in a "good spot
of ground ; and 1 have nourished it this long time, and only
a ''part of the tree hath brought -forth tame fruit; and the
'other part of the tree hath brought forth wild fruit; behold,
I have nourished this tree like unto the others.
26. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said
unto the servant, Pluck off ''the branches that have not brought
forth good fruit, and cast them into the fire.
27. But behold, the servant said unto him, Let us prune
it, and dig about it, and nourish it a little longer, that perhaps
it may bring forth good fruit unto thee, that thou canst lay
it up against the season.
28. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard, and
the servant of the Lord of the vineyard, did nourish all the
fruit of the vineyard.
29. And it came to pass that a *long time had passed away,
and the Lord of the vineyard said unto his 'servant. Come,
let us go down into the vineyard, that we may labour again
in the vineyard. For behold, the time draweth near, and the
*'end soon cometh ; w^herefore, I must lay up fruit, against the
season, unto mine ow^n self.
30. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard, and
the servant, went down into the vineyard ; and they came
to the tree whose natural branches had been broken off, and
the wild branches had been grafted in : and behold all *"sorts
of fruit did cumber the tree.
31. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard did
taste of the fruit, every sort according to its number. And
the Lord of the vineyard said. Behold, this long time have
we nourished this tree, and I have laid up unto myself against
the season much fruit.
32. But behold, this time it hath brought forth much fruit,
and there is ^'none of it which is good. And behold there are
'all kinds of bad fruit; and it profiteth me nothing, notwith-
standing all our labour : and now it grieveth me that I should
lose this tree.
33. And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servant.
What shall we do unto the tree, that I may preserve again good
fruit thereof unto mine own self?
34. And the servant said unto his master. Behold, be-
cause thou didst graft in the branches of the wild olive tree,
they have nourished the roots that they are alive, and they
have not perished; wherefore thou beholdest that they are
yet good.
35. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard
said unto his servant, The tree profiteth me nothing ; iind
0, America. p, Nephites. q, Lamanites. r, Lamanites. s. About
18 Centuries U Joseph Smith. u, i. Nep. 22: 15—26. ii. Nep. 27: 1—3.
30: vers. 10, 47, 62—64, 69, 71. 75, 76. 6: 2. in. Nep. 29: 4. Mor.
8: 41. Ether 4: 16. v, Sects of Christendom. w, vers. 35, 37, 42, 46.
X, see w.
CHAP, v.] BOOK OP JACOB. 141
the roots thereof profiteth me nothing, so long as it shall
bring forth evil fruit.
36. Nevertheless I know that the roots are good ; and for
mine own purpose I have preserved them ; and because of their
much strength, they have hitherto brought forth from the
I'wild branches, good fruit.
37. But behold, the wild branches have grown, and have
overran the roots thereof; and because that the wild
branches have overcome the roots thereof, it hath brought
forth ^much evil fruit ; and because that it hath brought
forth so much evil fruit, thou beholdest that it beginneth to
perish : and it will soon become ripened, that it may be cast
into the fire, except we should do something for it to
preserve it.
38. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard said
unto his servant. Let us go down into the ^"nethermost parts
of the vineyard, and behold if the natural branches have also
brought forth evil fruit.
39. And it came to pass that they went down into the
nethermost parts of the vineyard. And it came to pass that
they beheld that the fruit of the natural branches had become
corrupt also; yea, the ^^first, and the ^''second and also the
^''last; and they had all become corrupt.
40. And the ^^wild fruit of the last had overcome that
^^part of the tree which brought forth good fruit, even that the
branch had withered away and died.
41. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard
^^wept, and said unto the servant. What could I have done
more for my vineyard?
42. Behold, I knew that all the fruit of the vineyard,
save it were these, had become corrupted. And now these
which have once brought forth good fruit, have also become
corrupted ; and now all the trees of my vineyard are good for
^'•nothing, save it be to be hewn down and cast into the
fire.
43. And behold this last, whose ^*branch hath withered
away, I did plant in a ^■'good spot of ground ; yea, even that
which was choice unto me, above all other parts of the land
of my vineyard.
44. And thou beheldest that I als^o cut down that which
^''cumbered this spot of ground, that I might plant this tree
in the stead thereof ; ,
45. And thou beheldest that a ^'part thereof brought forth
good fruit, and a ^"'part thereof brought forth wild fruit ; and
because that I plucked not the branches thereof, and cast them
into the fire, behold they have overcome the good branch that
it hath withered away.
46. And now, behold, notwithstanding all the care which
y, see c. z, see w. 2a, distant isles. 26, ver. 20. 2c, ver. 23.
2cf, ver. 25. 2e, Lamanites. 2/, Nephites. 2g, Isa. 5; 4. 2h, see
V). 2i, Nephites. 2;, America. 2k, Jaredites. 21, Nephites.
2m, Lamanites.
142 BOOK OP JACOB. [chap. V.
we have taken of my vineyard, the trees thereof hath
become corrupted, that they bring forth ^'^no good fruit ; and
these I had hoped to preserve, to have laid up fruit thereoL
against the season, unto mine own self. But, behold, they
have become like unto the wild olive tree, and they are of
^"no worth but to be hewn down anU cast into the fire ; and
it grieveth me that I should lose them.
47. But what could I have done ^^more in my vineyard?
have I slackened mine hand, that I have not nourished it?
Nay, I have nourished it, and I have digged about it, and I
have pruned it, and 1 have dunged it; and I have stretched
forth mine hand almost all the day long, and the ^^end
draweth nigh. And it grieveth me that I should hew down
all the trees of my vineyard, and cast them into the fire that
they should be burned. Who is it that has corrupted my
vineyard ?
48. And it came to pass that the servant said unto his
master. Is it not the loftiness of thy vineyard? have not the
branches thereof overcome the roots wiiich are good? And
because the branches have overcome the roots thereof,
behold they grew faster than the strength of the roots,
taking strength unto themselves. Behold, I say, is not this
the cause that the trees of thy vineyard have become cqr-
rupited?
49. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard
said unto the servant, Let us go to and hew down the trees
of the vineyard, and cast them into the fire, that they shall
not cumber the ground of my vineyard, for I have done all ;
what could I have done -'more for my vineyard?
50. But, behold, the servant said unto the Lord of the vine*
yard. Spare it a little longer.
51. And the Lord said. Yea, I will spare it a little longer,
for it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my vine-
yard.
52. Wherefore let us take of the ^* branches of these which
I have planted in the nethermost parts of my vineyard, and
let us graft them into the ^'tree from w^hence they came;
and let us pluck from the tree those ^"branches whose fruit is
most bitter, and graft in the natural branches of the tree ia
the stead thereof.
53. And this will I do, that the tree may not perish, that,
perhaps, I may preserve unto . myself the roots thereof for
mine own purpose.
54. And, behold, the '^''roots of the natural branches of
the tree which 'jft planted withersoever I would, are yet
alive : wherefore, that I may preserve them also^ for mine
own purpose, I will take of the ^""branches of this tree, and
I will graff them in unto """them. Yea, I will graft in unto
2w, see W. 2o, Present condition of the Indians. 2p, vers. 41, ^9.
2(/, see u. 2r, vers. 41, 49. 2s, see d. 2t, see 6; 2n, The mere
vicked portions of the Gentiles. 2v, The scattered^'branches of Israel. 2w, ihe
believing Gentiles. 2x, Scattered Israel.
CHAP, v.] BOOK OP JACOB. 143
them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve
the ^^roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be
sufficiently strong, i>erhaps they may bring forth good fruit
unto me, and I may yet have glory in the fruit of my vine-
yard.
55. And it came to pass that they '^^took from the natural
trpe which had become wild, and grafted in unto the natural
trees, which also had become wild ;
5G. And they also ^"took of the natural trees which had
become wild, and grafted into their mother tree.
57. And the Lord of the vineyard said unto the servants
Pluck not the wild branches from the trees, save it be those
which are ^''most bitter; and in them ye shall graft according
to that which I have said.
58. And we will nourish again the trees of the vineyard,
and w^e will trim up the branches thereof ; and we will pluck
from the trees those branches which ^''are ripened, that must
perish, and cast them into the fire.
59. And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may
take strength because of their goodness; and because of the
change of the branches, that the good may overoome the
evil ;
60. And because that I have preserved the natural branches!
and the roots thereof, and that I have grafted in the natural
branches again into their mother tree, and have preserved the
roots of their mother tree, that, perhaps, the trees of my
vineyard may bring forth again good fruit ; and that I may
have joy again in the fruit of my vineyard, and, perhaps, that
1 may rejoice exceedingly that I have preserved the ^"^roots
and the branches of the first fruit.
61. Wherefore, go to, and call ^^servants, that we may
labour diligently with our mights in the vineyard, that we
may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the
natural fruit, which natural fruit is good, and the most precious
above all other fruit.
62. Wherefore, let us go to and labour with our mights
this ^''last time, for behold the end draweth nigh, and this
is for the last time that I shall prune my vineyard.
63. Graft in the branches, begin at the ^''last that they
may be first, and that the ^"first may be last, and dig about
the trees, both old and young, the first and the last, and the
last and the first, that all may be nourished once again for the
^*last time.
64. Wherefore, dig about them, and prune them, and
dung them once more, for the last time, for the end draweth
nigh. And if it be so that these last grafts shall grow, and
2y, Scattered Israel. 2z, The believing Gentiles numbered with the believ-
ing of scattered Israel. 3a, The believing of scattered Israel numbered among
the believing of the Gentiles. 36, Those ripened for destruction. vers. 58,
65, 66, 73, 74. 3c, see 3&. 3d, see 2v. Se, vers, 70, 72, 74, 75. Jacob
6: 2. 3/, see u. Zg, Gentiles, 3h, Israel. I. Nep. 13: 42. 3i»
■ee u.
144 BOOK OF JACOB. [CHAP. V.
bring forth the natural fruit, then shall ye prepare the way
for them, that they may grow ;
65. And as they begin to grow, ye shall clear away the
branches which bring forth ^•'bitter fruit, according to the
strength of the good and the size thereof : and ye shall not
clear away the bad thereof all at once, lest the roots thereof
should be too strong for the graft, and the graft thereof shall
perish, and I lose the trees of my vineyard.
6G. For it grieveth me that I should lose the trees of my
vineyard ; wherefore ye shall clear away the bad, according
as the good shall grow, that the root and the top may be
equal in strength, until the good shall overcome the bad, and
the bad be hewn down and cast into the fire, that they cumber
not the ground of my vineyard ; and thus will I sweep away
the bad out of my vineyard ;
67. And the ^''branches of the natural tree will I graft in
again into the natural tree :
68. And the ^'branches of the natural tree will I graft into
the natural branches of the tree; and thus will I bring them
together again, that they shall bring forth the natural fruit,
and they shall be ^'"one.
69. And the bad shall be cast away, yea, even out ^"of all
the land of my vineyard: for behold, only this once will I
prune my vinejard.
70. And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard
sent his ^"servant ; and the servant went and did as the Lord
bad commanded him, and brought ^^other servants ; and they
were ^«few.
71. And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them, Go to,
and ^''labour in the vineyard, with your mights. For behold,
this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard : for
the ^""end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh ;
and if ye labour with your mights with me, ye shall have
^'joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself, against the
time which will soon come.
72. And it came to pass that the ^"servants did go, and
labour with their mights ; and the Lord of the vineyard laboured
also with them : and they did obey the commandments of the
Lord of the vineyard, in all things.
73. And there began to be the natural fruit again in
the vineyard ; and the natural branches began to grow and
thrive exceedingly ; and the wild branches began to be
plucked off, and to be ^'^cast away ; and they did keep the
root and the top thereof, ^"' equal, according to the strength
thereof.
74. And thus they laboured, with all diligence, according
3;, see 3&. 3fc, ver. 56. 3?, ver. 55. 3m, vers. 66, 73, 74. 3n. vers.
63, 74, 75. I. Nep. 22: 15—17, 19—26. ii. Nep. 30:9, 10. So, Joseph Smith.
Sp, Those called throuerh Joseph Smith. See Doc. & Cov. Bg, i. Nep. 14: 12.
3r, Doc. & Cov. 31: 4, 5. 33: 3, 4. 39: 17. 43: 28. 6: 3, 4. 24: 19.
11:3. 21 : 9. Zs, see u. St, ver. 75. I. Nep. 13: 37, 38. Jacob 6: 3.
3u, see Sp. ov, see Sb. Sw, see 3m.
€HAP. VI.] BOOK OP JACOB. 145
to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even
until the ^""bad had been cast away out of the vineyard,
and the Lord had preserved unto himself, that the trees
had become again the natural fruit; and they became like
"unto ^^one body ; and the fruit were equal ; and the Lord of
the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural
fruit, which was most precious unto him from the
beginning.
75. And it came to pass that when the Lord of the
vineyard saw that his fruit was good, and that his vineyard
was ^^no more corrupt, he called up his servants, and said
unto them. Behold, for this last time have we nourished my
vineyard ; and thou beholdest that I have done according to
my will ; and I have preserved the natural fruit, that it is
good, even like as it was in the beginning; and blessed art
thou. For because ye have been diligent in labouring with
me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and
have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vine-
yard is no more corrupted, and the ^''bad is cast away, behold
ye shall have ''''joy wih me, because of the fruit of my vine-
yard.
7G. For behold, for a ^'^long time will I lay up of the fruit
of my vineyard unto mine own self, against the season,
which speedily cometh ; and for the **^last time have I
nourished my vineyard, and pruned it, and dug about it,
and dunged it; wherefore I will lay up unto mine own self
of the fruit, for a long time, according to that which I have
spoken.
77. And w^hen the time cometh that evil fruit shall *®again
come into my vineyard, then will I cause the good and the
bad to be gathered ; and the good will I preserve unto myself ;
and the bad will I cast away into its own place. x\nd then
cometh the season and the end ; and my vineyard will I cause
to be ^^burned with fire.
CHAPTER 6.
1. And now, behold, my brethren, as I said unto you that
I would prophesy, behold, this is my prophecy : That the
things which this prophet °Zenos spake, concerning the house
of Israel, in the w^hich he likened them unto a ''tame olive
tree, must surely come to pass.
2. And in the day that he shall set his hand again
the ''second time to recover his people, is the day, yea, even
Zx, see 3n. 3y, see 3m. 3z, see Zn. 4a, see Zn. 46, see 3^. 4c, one
thousand years. i. Nep, 22: 26. See n, ii. Nep. 30. 4rf, see u. ie, Rev. 20;
7. 8. 4/. Rev. 20: 11. Jacob 6: 3. iii. Nep. 26: 3, 4.
». see h, I. Nep. 19. b, see b, Jacob 5. c, see i, ii. Nep. 6.
146 BOOK OP JACOB. [CHAP. VI.
the **last time, that the servants of the Lord shall go forth in
his ^power, to nourish and prune his vineyard ; and after that,
the ^end soon cometh.
3. And how blessed are "they who have laboured
diligently in his vineyard : and how "cursed are they who
shall be cast out into their own place ! And the world shall
be *burned with fire.
4. And how merciful is our God unto us : for he re-
membereth the house of Israel, both roots and branches; and
he stretches forth his hands unto them, all the day long ;
and they are a •'stiffnecked and a gainsaying people : but as
many as will not harden their hearts, shall be saved in the
kingdom of God.
5. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words
of soberness, that ye would repent, and come with full purpose
of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And
while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of
the day, harden not your hearts.
6. Yea, to-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your
hearts: for why will ye die?
7. For behold, after ye have been nourished by the
good word of God all the day long, will ye bring forth
evil fruit, that ye must be hewn down and cast into
the fire?
8. Behold, will ye reject these words? Will ye reject the
words of the prophets? and will ye reject all the words which
have been spoken concerning Christ, after so many have spoken
concerning him ; and deny the good word of Christ, and the
power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the
Holy Spirit? and make a mock of the great plan of redemption,
which hath been laid for you?
9. Know ye not that if ye will do ^these things, that the
power of the redemption and the resurrection which is in
Christ, will bring you to stand with shame and awful guilt
before the bar of God?
10. And according to the power of justice ; for justice can-
not be denied, ye must go away into that Hake of fire and
brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke
ascendeth up for ever and ever, which lake of fire and brim-
stone, is "^endless torment.
11. O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at
the "straight gate, and continue in the way which is narrow,
until ye shall obtain eternal life.
12. O be wise: what can I say more?
13. Finally, I bid you farewell, until I shall meet you
<f, see u, Jacob 5. e, see t, i. Nep. 13. f, see u, Jacob 5. g, see t i.
Nep. 13. h, vers. 7—10. Doc. & Gov. 41: 1. i, Jacob 5: 77. III. Nep. 2ti: 3.
j, see k, Jacob 4. k, Jacob 7: 19. Mos. 15: 26. Alma 39: 5, 6. in. Nep.
29: 7. I, see k, i. Nep. 15. m. Doc. & Gov. 19 :10— 12. Mos. 3: 25, 27.
28: 3. II. Nep. 9: 16, 19, 26. 28:23. I. Nep. 15: 29, 30. 35. Alma 12: 17.
.III. Nep. 27: 11, 17. 29: 7. Moro. 8: 21. n, see 2a, ii.
Nep. 9.
CHAP. VII.] BOOK OP JACOB. 147
before the "pleasing bar of God, which bar striketh 'the
wicked with awful dread and fear. Amen.
CHAPTER 7.
1. And now it came to pass after some years had passed
away, there came a man among the people of Nephi, whose
name was Sherem.
2. And it came to pass that he began to preach among the
people, and to declare unto them that there should be no
Christ. And he preached many things which were flattering
unto the people ; and this he did that he might overthrow
the doctrine of Christ.
3. And he laboured diligently that he might lead away the
hearts of the people, insomuch that he did lead away many
hearts ; and he knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ
who should come, he sought much opportunity that he might
come unto me.
4. And he was learned, that he had a perfect knowledge
of the language of the people ; wherefore, he could use much
flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power
of the devil.
5. And he had hope to shake me from the faith, not-
withstanding the many revelations, and the many things which
I had seen concerning these things : for I truly had
"seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also,
I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in
very word, from time to time ; wherefore, I could not be
shaken.
6. And it came to pass that he came unto me; and on
this wise did he speak unto me, saying : Brother Jacob, I
have sought much opportunity that I might speak unto you :
for I have heard and also know, that thou goest about much,
preaching that which ye call the gospel, or the doctrine of
Christ ;
7. And ye have led away much of this people, that they
pervert the right way of God, and keep not the law of
Moses, which is the right way : and convert the law of
Moses into the worship of a being, which ye say shall come
many hundred years hence. And now behold, I, Sherem,
declare unto you, that this is blasphemy ; for no man
knoweth of such things ; for he cannot tell of things
to come. And after this manner did Sherem contend
against me.
8. But behold, the Lord God poured in his Spirit into
my soul, insomuch that I did confound him in all his words.
0, Moro. 10: 34.
a, II. Nep. 2: 3, 4. 10: 3. 11: 3. Jacob 1: 17. 2: 11. 7: 12.
148 BOOK OP JACOB. [CHAP. VII.
9. And I said unto him, Deniest thou the Christ who
should come? And he said, If there should be a Christ, I
would not deny him ; but 1 know that there is no Christ,
neither has been, nor ever will be.
10. And I said unto him, Believest thou the scriptures ? '
And he said. Yea.
11. And I said unto him. Then ye do not understand thera ;
for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you. That
none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they
have spoken concerning this Christ.
12. And this is not all : it has been made manifest unto
me, for I have heard and seen ; and it also has been made
manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore,
I know if there should be no ^atonement made, all mankind
must be lost.
13. And it came to pass that he said unto me. Shew me
a sign by this power of the Holy Ghost, in the which ye know
so much.
14. And I said unto • him. What am I that I should
tempt God to shew unto thee a sign in the thing which
thou knovvest to be true? Yet thou wilt deny it, because
thou ''art of the devil. Nevertheless, not my will be done;
but if God shall smite thee, let that be a sign unto thee
that he has power, both in heaven and in earth ; and also,
that Christ shall come. x\nd thy will, O Lord, be done, and
not mine.
15. And it came to pass that when I, Jacob, '^had
spoken these words, the power of the Lord came
upon him, insomuch, that he fell to the earth. And it-
came to p£;es that he was nourished for the space of many
days.
16. And it came to pass that he said unto the people.
Gather together on the morrow, *for I shall die ; wherefore,
I desire to speak unto the people before I shall die.
17. And it came to pass that on the morrow the multitude
were gathered together ; and he spake plainly unto them and
denied the things whicn he had taught them ; and confessed ^
the Christ, and the power of the Holy Ghost, and the minis-
tering of angels.
18. And he spake plainly unto them, that he had been
deceived by the ''power of the devil. And he spake of ^hell,
and of eternity, and of ''eternal punishment.
19. And he said, I fear lest I have committed the *un-
pardonable sin, for I have lied unto God : for I denied the
Christ, and said that I believed the scriptures ; and they
truly testify of him. And because I have thus lied unto God,
I greatly fear lest my case shall be awful ; but I confess unto
God.
b, see f. II. Nep. 2. c, vers. 4, 18. d, see c, Jacob 4. e, ver. 20.
f, vers. 4, 14. g, see k, I. Nep. 15. h, see m, Jacob 6. i, see K
jacob 6.
CHAP. VII.] BOOK OF JACOB. 149
20. And it came to pass that when he had said these words,
he could say no more, and he ^gave up the ghost.
21. And when the '^multitude had witnessed that he spake
these things as he was about to give up the ghost, they were
astonished exceedingly ; insomuch that the power of God came
down upon them, and they were overcome, that they fell to the
earth.
22. Now, this thing was pleasing unto me, Jacob, for I
had requested it of my 1^'atlier who was in heaven : for he
had heard my cry and answered my prayer.
23. And it came to pass that peace and the love of God
was restored again among the people ; and they searched the
^scriptures, and hearkened no more to the words of this wicked
man.
24. And it came to pass that many means were devised
to "^reclaim and restore the Lamanites to the knowledge of the
truth ; but it all were vain, for they delighted in wars and
bloodshed, and they had an eternal '^hatred against us, their
brethren. And they sought by the power of their arms to
destroy us continually ;
25. Wherefore, the people of Nephi did fortify against them
with their armies, and with all their might, trusting in the
God and rock of their salvation ; wherefore, they became as
yet, conquerors of their enemies.
26. And it came to pass that I, Jacob, began to be old;
and the record of this people being kept on the "other plates
of Nephi, wherefore, I conclude this record, declaring that I
have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying,
that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed
away like as it were unto us a dream, we being a lonesome
and a soleimn people, wanderers, cast out from Jerusalem ;
born in tribulation, in a wilderness, and ^hated of our breth-
ren, which caused wars and contentions ; wherefore, we did
mourn out our days.
27. And I, Jacob, saw that I must soon go down to my
grave ; wherefore, I said unto my son Enos, Take these 'plates.
And I told him the '"things which my brother Nephi had com-
manded me, and he promised obedience unto the commands.
And I make an end of my writing upon *these plates, which
writing has been small ; and to the reader I bid farewell,
hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Breth-
ren, adieu.
j, ver. 16. k, ver. 17. I, Probably copies made from the Brass Plates.
Alma 63: 12. m, Enos 1: 14, 20. n, ver. 26. Enos 1: 14, 20. Jarom 1: 6.
Mos. 10: 11—18. 28: 2. Alma 26: 23—25. o, see /, I. Nep. 1. p, see n.
q, see 6, i. Nep. 6. r Jp.cob 1 : 1—4. s, see b, i. Nep. 6.
150 BOOK OF ENOS. [CHAP. I.
THE BOOK OF ENOS.
CHAPTER 1.
1. Behold, it came to pass that I, °Enos, knowing my
father that he was a just man : for he taught me in his
language, and also in th? nurture and admonition of the Lord.
And blessed be the name Ox my God for it.
2. And I will tell you oi the wrestle which I had before
God, before I received a remission of my sins :
3. Behold, 1 went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the
words which I had often heard my father speak concerning
eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my
heart.
4. And my soul hungered ; and 1 kneeled down before my
Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and suppli-
cation for mine own soul ; and all the day long did I cry unto
him; yea, anld when the night came, I did still raise my voice
high that it reached the heavens.
5. And there came a voice unto me, saying, Enos, thy sins
are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed.
6. And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie, wherefore,
my guilt was swept away.
7. And I said, Lord, how is it done?
8. And he said unto me, Because of thy faith m Christ,
whom thou hast never before heard nor seen. And many years
pass away, before he shall manifest himself in the flesh;
wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole.
9. Now, it came to pass, that when I had heard these
words, I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren,
tne Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto
God for them.
10. And while I was thus struggling in the Spirit, behold,
the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, saying, I
will visit thy brethren, according to their diligence in keeping
my commandments. I have ^given unto them this land ; and
it is a holy land : and I curse it not, save it be for the cause
of iniquity ; wherefore, I will visit thy brethren, according as
I have said ; and their transgressions will I bring down w^'th
sorrow upon their own heads.
11. And after I, Enos, had heard these words, my faith
began to be unshaken in the Lord; and I prayed unto him
with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites.
12. And it came to pass, that after I had prayed, and
laboured with all diligence, the Lord said unto me, I will
grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy
faith.
a, Jacob 7: 27. 6, see a, i. Nep. 2.
CHAP, l] book of enos. 151
13. And now behold, this was the desire which I desired
of him : That if it should so be, that my people, the
Nephites, should fall into transgression, and by any means
be destroyed, and the Lamanites should not be destroyed, that
the L<yd God would *^preserve a record of my people, the
Nephites; even if it so be, by the power of his holy arm,
that it might be brought forth at some future day unto
the Lamanites, that, perhaps, they might be brought unto
salvation :
14. For at the present, our strugglings were ^vain in re-
storing them to the true faith. And they swore in their wrath,
that if it were possible, they would destroy our records and
us; and, also, all the traditions of our fathers.
15. Wherefore, I knowing that the Lord God was able to
preserve our records, I cried unto him continually, for he had
said unto me, Whatsoever thing ye shall ask in faith, believing
that ye shall receive in the name of Christ, ye shall re-
ceive it.
16. And I had faith, and I did cry unto God that he
would ^preserve the records ; and he covenanted with me that
he would ''bring them forth unto the Lamanites in his own
due time.
17. And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant
which he had made ; wherefore my soul did rest.
18. And the Lord said unto me. Thy fathers have also re-
quired of me this thing; and it shall be done unto them accord-
ing to their faith ; for their faith was like unto thine.
19. And now it came to pass that I, Enos, went about
among the people of Nephi, prophesying of things to come,
and testifying of the things which I had heard and seen.
20. And I bear record that the people of Nephi did seek
diligently to ^restore the Lamanites unto the true faith in
God. But our labours were vain; their hatred was fixed,
and they were led by their evil nature that they became
wild, and ferocious, and a bloodthirsty people ; full of idolatry
and filthiness : feeding upon beasts of prey ; dwelling in tents,
and wandering about in the wilderness with a short skin
girdle about their loins and their heads shaven : and their
skill was in the bow, and in the cimeter, and the axe. And
many of them did eat nothing save it was raw meat; and
they were continually seeking to destroy us.
21. And it came to pass that the people of Nephi did till
the land, and *raise all manner of grain, and of fruit, and
flocks of herds, and flocks of all manner of cattle of every
kind, and goats, and wild goats, and also many horses.
22. And there were exceeding many prophets among us.
And the people were a stifCnecked people, hard to under-
stand.
23. And there was nothing save it was ^exceeding
c, vers. 15—18. See c ii. Nep. 27. d, ver. 20. Jacob 7: 24. e, ver.
13. /, see c, ii. Nep. 27. g, ver. 14. Jacob 7: 24. h, see n Jacob 7.
i, I. Nep. 18: 25. j, see a, l. Nep. 16.
152 BOOK OF JAROM. LCHAP. I.
harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and con-
tentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them
of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgments
and the power of God ; and all these things stirring them up
continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I sa^ there
was nothing short of these things ; and exceeding great '
plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily j
to destruction. And after this manner do I write concerning *
them.
24. And I saw wars between the Nephites and Lamanites i^
in the course of my days. *
25. And it came to pass that I began to be old, and an
hundred and seventy and nine years had passed away from the
time that our father Lehi ''left Jerusalem.
26. And as I saw that I must soon go down to my grave,
having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must
preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word
according to the truth which is in Christ. And I have de-
clared it, in all my days, and have rejoiced in it, above that
of the world.
27. And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with
my Redeemer ; for I know that in him I shall rest : and I
rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on 'immor-
tality, and shall stand before him : then shall I see his face
with pleasure, and he will say unto me, come unto me, ye
blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the ^"mansions
of my Father. Amen.
THE BOOK OF JAROM.
CHAPTER 1.
1. Now behold, I, Jarom, write a few words, according to
the commandment of my father, Enos, that our genealogy
may be kept.
2. And as "these plates are small, and as these things
are written for the intent of the benefit of our brethren the
"Lamanites, wherefore, it must needs be that I write a little ;
but I shall not write the things of my prophesying, nor of
my revelations. For what could I write more than my fathers
have written? For have not they revealed the plan of salva-
tion? I say unto you. Yea; and this sufficeth me.
3. Behold, it is expedient that much should be done
among this people, '^because of the hardness of their hearts,
k, I. Nep. 1:4. 2: 2, 3. I, see d, ii. Nep. 2. m, Ether 12: 32—34.
a, see 6, I. Nep. 6. &, see c, ii. Nep. 27. c, Enos 1 : 23.
CHAP. I.] BOOK OP JAROM. 153
and the deafness of their ears, and the blindness of their
minds, and the stiffness of their necks ; nevertheless, God is
exceeding merciful unto them, and has not as yet swept them
off from the face of the land.
4. And there are many among us who have many revela-
tions : for they are not all stiffnecked. And as many as are
not stiffnecked and have faith, have communion with the
Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the children of men,
according to their faith.
5. And now, behold two hundred years had passed away,
and the people of Nephi had waxed strong in the land.
They observed to '^keep the law of Moses and the Sabbath
day holy unto the Lord. And they profaned not ; neither
did they blaspheme. And the laws of the land were exceeding
strict.
6. And they were scattered upon much of the face of the
land ; and the Lamanites also. And they were exceeding more
numerous than were they of the Nephites ; and they ^loved
murder and w^ould drink the blood of beasts.
7. And it came to pass that they came many times
against us, the Nephites, to battle. But our kings and our
leaders were mighty men in the faith of the Lord : and they
taught the people the ways of the Lord ; wherefore, we . with-
stood the Lamanites, and swept them away out of our lands,
and began to fortify our cities, or whatsoever place of our
inheritance.
8. And we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the
face of the land, and became exceeding ''rich in gold, and in
silver, and in precious things, and in fine workmanship of
wood, in buildings, and in machinery, and also in iron and
copper, and brass and steel, making all manner of tools of
every kind to till the ground, and weapons of war ; yea, the
sharp pointed arrow, and the quiver, and the dart, and the
javelin, and all preparations for war ;
9. And thus being prepared to meet the Lamanites, they
did not prosper against us. But the word of the Lord was
Terified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying, That ^in-
asmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper
in the land.
10. And it came to pass that the prophets of the Lord
did threaten the people of Nephi, according to the word of
God, that if they did not keep the commandments, but should
fall into transgression, they should be ''destroyed from off
the face of the land ;
11. Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the
teachers, did labour diligently, exhorting with all long
suffering, the people to diligence ; teaching the *law of
Moses, and the intent for w^hich it was given ; persuading
d, see 0, it. Nep. 25. e, Enos 1: 14, 20. Jacob 7: 24. See n, Jacob 7.
/ see n, i. Nep. 18. g. see h, ii. Nep. 1. /?.. i. Nep. 12: 19, 20. Alma 45:
10—14. Hela. 13:5—10. iii. Nep. 27:32. Mor. 6. i, see o, ii. Nep. 25.
154 BOOK OF OMNI. [CHAr. I.
them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him
to come as though he already was. And after this manner
did they teach them.
12. And it came to pass, that by so doing they kept them
from being destroyed upon the face of the land : for they
did prick their hearts with the word, continually stirring
them up unto repentance.
13. And it came to pass that two hundred and thirty and
eight years had passed away after the manner of wars, and
contentions, and dissensions, for the space of much of the
time.
14. And I, Jarom, do not write more, for the plates are
small. But behold, my brethren, ye can go to the ^'other
plates of Nephi ; for behold, upon them the record of our wars
are engraven, according to the writings of the kings, or those
which they caused to be written.
15. And I deliver these plates into the hands of my son
Omni, that they may be kept according to the commandments
of my fathers.
THE BOOK OF OMNI.
CHAPTER 1.
1. Behold, it came to pass that I, Omni, being commanded
by my father, Jarom, that I should write somewhat upon
"these plates, to preserve our genealogy ;
2. Wherefore, in my days, I would that ye should know
that I fought much with the sword to preserve my people,
the Nephites, from falling into the hands of their enemies,
the Lamanites. But behold, I, of myself am a wicked man,
and I have not kept the statutes and the commandments of
the Lord as I ought to have done.
3. And it came to pass that two hundred and seventy and
six years had passed away, and we had many seasons of peace ;
and we had many seasons of serious war and bloodshed. Yea.
and in fine, two hundred and eighty and two years had passed
away, and I had kept these plates according to the ''com-
mandments of my fathers; and I conferred them upon my son
Amaron. And I make an end.
4. And now I, Amaron, write the things whatsoever I write,
which are few, in the book of my father.
5. Behold, it came to pass that three hundred and twenty
years had passed away, and the ''more wicked part of the
Nephites were destroyed ;
j, see b, I. Nep. 6. See f, I. Nep. 1.
a, see 6, I. Nep. 6. &, Jacob 1: 1—4. 7: 27. Jarom 1: 1, 2, 15. c, see
h, Jarom 1.
CHAP. I.] BOOK OF OMNI. 155
G. For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them
out of the land of Jerusalem, and kept and preserved them
from falling into the hands of their enemies ; yea, he would
not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he
spake unto our fathers, saying, That ^inasmuch as ye
will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the
land.
7. Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment;
nevertheless, he did spare the righteous, that they should
not perish, but did deliver them out of the hands of their
enemies.
8. And it came to pass that I did deliver the plates unto
m^" brother Chemish.
9. Now I, Chemish, write what few things I write, *in
the same book with my brother : for behold, I saw the last
which he wrote, that he wrote it with his own hand ; and
he wrote it in the day that he delivered them unto me.
And after this manner we keep the ^records, for it is ac-
cording to the commandments of our fathers. And I make
an end.
10. Behold, I, Abinadom, am the son of Chemish. Behold,
it came to pass that I saw much war and contention between
my people, the Nephites, and the Lamanites ; and I, with my
own sword, have taken the lives of many of the Lamanites in
the defence of my brethren.
11. And behold, the record of this people is engraven upon
plates which is had by the kings, according to the genera-
tions; and I know of no revelation, save that which has been
written; neither prophecy; wherefore, that which is sufficient
is written. And I make an end.
12. Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom. Behold,
I will speak unto you somew^hat concerning Mosiah, who was
made king over the land of Zarahemla : for behold, he being
w^arned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of
'Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the
Lord, should also depart out of the land with him, into the
wilderness.
13. And it came to pass that he did according as the
Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the
land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto
the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preach-
ings and prophesyings. And they were admonished con-
tinually by the word of God ; and they were led by the
power of his arm, through the wilderness, until they came
down into the land which is called the land of ''Zara-
hemla.
14. And they discovered a people, who were called
d, see /i, ii. Nep. 1. e, see h. f, see f, i. Nep. 1. g, see b, ii
Nep. 5. The land Nephi is supposed to have been in or near Ecuador, South
America. h. The land of Zarahemla is supposed to have been north of the
head waters of the river Magdalena, its northern boundary being a few days'
journey south of the isthmus.
156 BOOK OF OMNI. [CHAP. I.
the *people of Zarahemla. Now, there was great rejoicing
among the people of Zarahemla ; and also Zarahemla did
rejoice exceedingly, because the Lord had sent the people of
Mosiah with the ^plates of brass which contained the record
of the Jews.
15. Behold, it came to pass that Mosiah discovered that
the people of Zarahemla came out from Jerusalem at the
*time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive
into Babylon.
16. And they journeyed in the wilderness, and were brought
by the hand of the Lord, across the great waters, into the
land where Mosiah 'discovered them ; and they had dwelt there
from that time forth.
17. And at the time that Mosiah discovered them, they
had become exceeding numerous. Nevertheless, they had had
many wars and serious contentions, and had fallen by the
sword from time to time ; and their language had become '"cor-
rupted ; and they had brought no records with them ; and they
denied the being of their Creator ; and Mosiah, nor the people
of Mosiah, could understand them.
18. But it came to pass that Mosiah caused that they
should be taught in his language. And it came to pass
that after they were taught in the language of Mosiah,
Zarahemla gave a genealogy of his fathers, according to
his memory; and they are written, but "not in these
plates.
19. And it came to pass that the people of Zarahemla, and
of Mosiah, did unite together; and Mosiah was appointed to
be "their king.
20. And it came to pass in the days of Mosiah, there was
a large stone brought unto him ^with engravings on it; and
he did ^interpret the engravings by the gift and power of
God.
21. And they gave an account of one 'Coriantumr, and the
slain of his people. And Coriantumr was 'discovered by the
'people of Zarahemla; and he dwelt with them for the space
of nine moons.
22. It also spake a few words concerning his fathers.
And his first parents came out from the "tower, at the time
the Lord confounded the language of the people; and the
severity of the Lord fell upon them according to his judgments,
which are just ; . and their *'bones lay scattered in thje land
northward.
23. Behold, I, Amaleki, was born in the days of Mosiah ;
and I have lived to see his death; and Benjamin, his son,
reigneth in his stead.
t, vers. 15— 19. Mos. 25:2— 4. Alma 22: 30— 32. Hela. 6: 10. 8:21.
j, see a, i. Nep. 3. fc, 11 years after Lehi left Jerusalem. See i. I, ver. 14.
m, ver. 18. n, most probably written upon the larger plates, kept by the kings,
o, ver. 12. p, ver. 21. q, Mos. 8; 13—18. r, Ether 12: 1—3. 13: 1, 2,
13—31. 14 eh. 15 ch. s, Ether 13: 21. 11:20,21. ^. see i. tt. Mos.
28: 17. Ether 1: 1—6. v, Mos. 8:8—12. See q.
CHAP. I.] BOOK OF OMNI. 157
24. And behold I have seen, in the days of king
Benjamin, a serious war, and much bloodshed, between the
Nephites and the Lamanites. But behold, the Nephites did
obtain much advantage over them ; yea, insomuch that
king Benjamin did drive them out of the ^'land of Zara-
hemla.
25. And it came to pass that I began to be old; and,
having no seed, and knowing king Benjamin to be a just
man before the Lord, wherefore, I shall deliver up '^these
plates unto him, exhorting all men to come unto God, the
Holy One of Israel, and believe in prophesying, and in revela-
tions, and in the ministering of angels, and in the gift of
speaking with tongues, and in the gift of interpreting lan-
guages, and in all things which are good : for there is nothing
which is good, save it comes from the Lord; and that which
is evil, cometh from the devil.
26. And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye
should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and
partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption.
Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an
offering unto him, and continue in fasting and ^'praying,
and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth, ye will be
saved.
27. And now I would speak somewhat concerning a
certain number who went up into the wilderness, to return
to the land of ^Nephi ; for there was a large number who
were desirous to possess the land of their inheritance ;
28. Wherefore, they went up into the wilderness. And
their leader being a strong and mighty man, and a stiff-
necked man, wherefore he caused a contention among them ;
and ^"they were all slain, save fifty, in the wilderness,
and they returned again to the ^^land of Zarahemla.
29. And it came to pass that they also took ^''others to
a considerable number, and took their journey again into
the wilderness.
30. And I, Amaleki, had a brother, who also went with
them ; and I have not since known concerning them. And
I am about to lie down in mv grave; and these plates
are ^'^full. And I make an end of my speaking.
w, see 7i% X, see 5, i. Nep. 6. y, see e, ii. Nep. 32. z, see 6 ii.
Nep. 5. 2a, Mos. 9: 1, 2, 4. 2b, see h. 2c, Mos. 9: 3, 4. 2d, The record
on the small plates embraces a brief history of only about four centuries, and closes with
the words of Amaleki.
I
158 WORDS OF MORMON. [CHAP. L
THE WORDS OF MORMON.
CHAPTER 1.
1. And now I, Mormon, being about to deliver up
the "record which I have been making, into the hands of
my son Moroni, behold I have witnessed almost all the
destruction of my people, the Nephites.
2. And it is "many hundred years after the coming of
Christ that I deliver these records into the ''hands of my son ;
and it supposeth me that he will witness the entire
destruction of my people. But may God grant that he may
survive them, that '^he may write somewhat concerning
them, and somewhat concerning Christ, that perhaps some
day it may profit them.
3. And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I
have written ; for after I had made an ^abridgment from
the ''plates of Nephi, down to the ^reign of this king
Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among
the '^records which had been delivered into my hands, and I
found *these plates, which contained this small account of
the ^prophets, from Jacob, down to the reign of this king
Benjamin; and also ^many of the words of Nephi.
4. And the things which are upon these plates pleasing
me, because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ ; and
my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled ;
yea, and I also know that as many things as have been
prophesied concerning us down to this day, have been
fulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day, must surely
come to pass ;
5. Wherefore, I choose ^these things, to finish my record
upon them, which remainder of my "^record I shall take from
the "plates of Nephi ; and I cannot write the "hundredth
part of the things of my peoples
6. But behold, I shall take ^these plates, whiclj contain
these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the
remainder of my 'record, for they are choice unto me ; and I
know they will be choice unto my brethren.
a. III. Nep. 5: 10. Mor. 1: 1—4. 2: 17. 18. 5:9. 6: i; 6. 8: 1. 4,
5, 14—16. 9:32—36. Moro. 9:23, 24. 10: 1—5. 6. Mor. 6:5. C, Mor.
6: 6. d, Mor. 8: 1—8. 6, Mor. 5; 9. f, The larger plates of Nephi. See
f, I. Nep. 1. g, Omni 1: 23— 25. h, Mor. 4: 23. i, see 6, i. Nep. 6. j,
Enos Jarom, Omni, Amaron, Chemish, Abinadom, and Amaleki. k, see i. and ii.
Nephi. I, small plates. m, iii. Nep. 5; 14—18. Mor. 1:1. n, The large
plates. See ver. 3; also see f, i. Nep. 1. 0, ver. 3. iii. Nep. 5:8 — 11. 26:
6 — 12. Mor. 5:9. p, Small plates. q. Mormon's abridgment.
CHAP. I.] WORDS OF MORMON. 159
7. And I Co this for a '^wise purpose ; for thus it whispereth
me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which
is in me. And now, I do not know all things ; but the Lord
knoweth all things which are to come ; wherefore, he worketh
in me to do according to his will.
8. And my prayer to God is concerning my 'brethren, that
they may once again come to the knowledge of God ; yea, the
redemption of Christ ; that they may once again be a 'de-
lightsome people.
9. And now I, Mormon, proceed to finish out my "record,
which I take from the plates of Nephi ; and I make it ac-
cording to the knowledge and the understanding which God
has given me.
10. Wherefore it came to pass %that after Amaleki had
delivered up '^these plates into the hands of king Benjamin,
he took them and put them with the ^other plates, which
contained records which had been handed down by the
kings, from generation to generation, until the days of king
Benjamin ;
11. And they were handed down from king Benjamin, from
generation to generation, until they have fallen into ^my
hands. And I, Mormon, pray to God that they may be pre-
served, from this time henceforth. And I know that they will
be preserved ; for there are great things written upon them, out
of which ^my people and ""their brethren, shall be ^"judged
at the great and last day, according to the word of God which
is written.
12. And now, concerning this king Benjamin : He had
somewhat contentions among his own people.
13. And it came to pass also, that the armies of the
Lamanites came down out of the ^''land of Nephi, to battle
against his people. But behold, king Benjamin gathered
together his armies, and he did stand against them ; and he
did fight with the strength of his own arm, with the ^''sword
of Laban ;
14. And in the strength of the Lord they did contend
against their enemies, until they had slain many thousands
of the Lamanites. And it came to pass that they did contend
against the Lamanites, until they had driven them out of all
the lands of their inheritance.
15. And it came to pass that after there had been false
Christs, ai)d their mouths had been shut, and they punished
according to their crimes;
16. And after there had been false prophets, and false
r. The prophet Joseph Smith translated the first part of Mormon's abridgment,
and the manuscripts were stolen; after which, he translated the small plates of Nephi
which supplied their place.. See Doc. & Gov., 3 ch. 10 ch. s, The Lam-
anites. t, II. Nep. 30: 6. u, Mormon's abridgment. v, small plates.
w, large plates. X, iii. Nep. 5:8—11. Mor. 4:23. ?/, The Nephites.
z. The Lamanites. 2a, ii. Nep. 25: 18. 29: 11. 33: 11. 14, 15. iii.
Nep. 27: 23—27. Ether 4: 8—10. 5: 4. 26, see b, ii. Nep. 5. 2c,
see a, i. Nep. 4.
160 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. I.
teachers and preachers among the people, and all these
having been punished according to their crimes; and after
there having been much contentions and many dissensions
away unto the Lamanites, behold, it came to pass that king
Benjamin, with the assistance of the holy prophets who were
among his people —
^ 17. For behold, king Benjamin was a holy man, and he
did reign over his people in righteousness; and there were
many holy men in the land; and they did speak the word of
God with power and with authority ; and they did use
much ^dgharpness because of the stifCneckedness of the
people —
18. Wherefore, with the help of these, king Benjamin, by
labouring with all the might of his body and the faculty of
his whole soul, and also the prophets, did once more establish
peace in the land.
THE BOOK OF MOSIAH.
CHAPTER 1.
1. And now there was no more contention in all the "land
of Zarahemla, among all the people who belonged to king
Benjamin, so that king Benjamin had continual peace all the
remainder of his days.
2. And it came to pass that he had three sons; and he
called their names Mosiah, and Helorum, and Helaman.
And he caused that they should be taught in ''all the
language of his fathers, that thereby they might become
men of understanding; and that they might know con-
cerning the prophecies which had been spoken by the
mouths of their fathers, which were delivered them by the
hand of the Lord.
3. And he also taught them concerning the records which
'Were engraven on the plates of ''brass, saying. My sons, I
would that ye should remember, that were it not for these
plates, which contain these records and these commandments,
we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time,
not knowing the mysteries of God ;
4. For it were not possible that our father, Lehi, could
have remembered all these things, to have taught them to
his children, except it were for the help of these plates : for
he having been '^taught in the language of the Egyptians,
2d, see a, i. Nep. 16.
a, see h Omni 1. b, ver. 4. i. Nep. 1: 2. Mor. 9: 32. c, see a, L
Nep. 3. d, see b.
CHAP. I.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 101
therefore he could read these engravings, and teach them
to his children, that thereby they could teach them to their
children, and so fulfilling the commandments of God, even
down to this present time.
5. I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things,
which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God,
that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and
have his commandments always before our eyes, that even
our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should
have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know
nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them
when they are taught them, because of the ^traditions of their
fathers, which are not correct.
6. O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these
sayings are true; and also, that these records are true. And
behold, also the plates of Nephi, which contain the records
and the sayings of our fathers from the time they left Jerusa-
lem until now; and they are true; and we can know of their
surety, because we have them before our eyes.
7. And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to
search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby ; and I would
that ye should keep the commandments of God, that ye may
prosper in the land according to the ^promises which the
Lord made unto our fathers.
8. And many more things did king Benjamin teach his
sons, which are not written in this book.
9. And it came to pass that after king Benjamin had made
an end of teaching his sons, that he waxed old, and he saw
that he must very soon go the way of all the earth; therefore,
he thought it expedient that he should confer the kingdom
upon one of his sons.
10. Therefore, he had Mosiah brought before him ; and these
are the words which he spake unto him, saying : My son,
I would that ye should make a proclamation throughout all
this land among all this people, or the ^'people of Zarahemla,
and the '^people of Mosiah who dwell in the land, that thereby
they may be gathered together : for on the morrow I shall
proclaim unto this my people out of mine own mouth, that
*thou art a king and a ruler over this people, whom the Lord
our God hath given us.
11. And moreover, I shall give this people a ^name, that
thereby they may be distinguished above all the people which
the Lord God hath brought out of the land of Jerusalem; and
this I do, because they have been a diligent people in keeping
the commandments of the Lord.
12. And I give unto them a name that never shall be
blotted out, except it be through transgression.
13. Yea, and moreover I say unto you, that if this
highly favoured people of the Lord should fall into trans-
e, see n, Jacob 7. /, see /i, ii. Nep. 1. ^, see i, Omni 1 ft, The Nephiteu.
t. Mos. 2: 30. 6: 3. 4. j, ver. 12. Mos. 5: 11.
162
BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. H.
gression, and become a wicked and an adulterous people,
that the Lord will deliver them up, that thereby they become
weak, like unto their brethren ; and he will no more preserve
them, by his matchless and marvellous power, as he has
hitherto preserved our fathers.
14. For I say unto you, that if he had not extended his
arm in the preservation of our fathers, they must have fallen
into the hands of the Lamanites, and become victims to their
hatred.
15. And it came to pass that after king Benjamin had made
an end of these sayings to his son, that he gave him charge
concerning all the affairs of the kingdom.
16. And moreover, he also gave him charge concerning
the records which were engraven on the ''plates of brass;
and also ^the plates of Nephi ; and also, the "*sword of
Laban, and the "ball or director, which led our fathers
through the wilderness, which was prepared by the hand of
the Lord, that thereby they might be led, every one
according to the heed and diligence which they gave
unto him.
17. Therefore, as they were unfaithful, they did not prosper
nor progress in their journey, but were ''driven back, and
incurred the displeasure of God upon them ; and therefore, thev
were smitten with famine and sore afflictions, to stir them up in
remembrance of their duty.
18. And now, it came to pass that Mosiah went and did
as his father ^had commanded him, and proclaimed unto
all the people who were in the «land of Zarahemla, that
thereby they might gather themselves together, to go up to
the ''temple to hear the words which his father should speak
unto them.
CHAPTER 2.
1. And it came to pass that after Mosiah had done as his
father "had commanded him, and had made a proclamation
throughout all the land, that the people gathered themselves
together throughout all the land, that they might go up to
the ^temple to hear the words which king Benjamin should
speak unto them.
2. And there were a great number, even so many that
they did not number them; for they had multiplied exceed-
ingly, and waxed great in the land.
3. And they also took of the firstlings of their flocks, that
they might offer sacrifice and burnt offerings, according to
the ''law of Moses;
k, see a, I. Nep. 3. I, see f, I. Nep. 1. m, see a, i. Nep. 4. n, see d.
i. Nep. 16. 0, I. Nep. 18: 12, 13. p, ver. 10. Mos. 2: 1. q, see h, Omni 1.
/• see /i, II. Nep. 5.
a Mos. 1: 10. 18. b, see h, ii. Nep. 5. c, see o, ii. Nep. 25.
CHAP. II.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 163
4. And also, that they might give thanks to the Lord
their God, who had brought them out of the land of Jerusa-
lem, and who had delivered them out of the hands of their
enemies, and had appointed just men to be their teachers; and
also a just man to be their king, who had established peace
in the '^land of Zarahemla, and who had taught them to
keep the commandments of God, that they might rejoice, and
be filled with love towards God and all men.
5. And it came to pass that when they came up to the
^temple, they pitched their tents round about, every man
according to his family, consisting of his wife, and his sons,
and his daughters, and their sons, and their daughters, from
the eldest down to the youngest, every family being separate
one from another;
6. And they pitched their tents round about the ^temple,
every man having his tent with the door thereof towards the
temple,- that thereby they might remain in their tents, and
hear the words which king Benjamin should speak unto
them ;
7. For the multitude being so great, that king Benjamin
could not teach them all within the walls of the temple ;
therefore he caused a ^tower to be erected, that thereby his
people might hear the words which he should speak unto
them.
8. And it came to pass that he began to speak to his
people from the tower; and they could not all hear his words,
because of the greatness of the multitude ; therefore he caused
that the words which he spake, should be written and sent
forth among those that were not under the sound of his
voice, that they might also receive his words.
9. And these are the words which he spake and caused to
be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have as-
sembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which
I shall speak unto you this day : for 1 have not commanded
you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall
speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your
ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may under-
stand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be un-
folded to your view.
10. I have not commanded you to come up hither that ye
should fear me, or that ye should think that I, of myself, am
more than a mortal man;
11. But I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of
infirmities in body and mind ; yet as I have been chosen by
this people, and consecrated by ''my father, and was suffered
by the hand of the Lord that I should be a rulrr and a king
over this people ; and have been kept and preserved by his
matchless power, to *serve thee with all the might, mind
f.nd strength which the Lord hath granted unto me;
dt see h, Omni 1. e, see h, it. Nep. 5. f, see h, ii. Nep. 5. g, ver. 8.
h, Omni 1: 23. 24. i, vers. 14, 16—19.
164 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. II,
12. I say unto you, that as I have been suffered to spend
my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not
sought gold nor silver, nor any manner of riches of you ;
13. Neither have I suffered that ye should be confined in
dungeons, nor that ye should make slaves one of another, or
that ye should murder, or plunder, or steal, or commit adultery,
or even I have not suffered that ye should commit any manner
of wickedness, and have taught you that ye should keep the
commandments of the Lord, in all things which he hath com-
manded you ;
14. And even I, myself, have laboured with mine own hands,
that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with
taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was
grevious to be borne ; and of all these things which I have
spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day.
15. Yet, my brethren, I have not done these things that
I might boast, neither do I tell these things that thereby I
might accuse you ; but I tell you these things, that ye may
know that I can answer a clear conscience before God this
day.
16. Behold, I say unto you, that because I said unto you
that I had spent my days in your ^service, I do not desire to
boast, for I have only been in the service of God.
17. And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn
wisdom ; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service
of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.
18. Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom
ye call your king, do labour to serve you, then had not ye
ought to labour to serve one another?
19. And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, w^ho
has spent his days in ''your service, and yet has been in
the service of God, doth merit any thanks from you, O how
you ought to thank your heavenly King !
20. I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should
render all the thanks and praise which your whole souls
has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and
has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should
rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with
another ;
21. I say unto you, that if ye should serve him who has
created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from
day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and
move, and do according to your own will, and even sup-
porting you from one moment to another; I say, if ye should
serve him with all your whole souls, yet ye would be un-
profitable servants.
22. And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep
his commandments; and he has 'promised you, that if ye
would keep his commandments, ye should prosper in the
land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath
i, vers. 11. 17—19. k, vers. 11, 16—18. Z, see h, ii. Nep. 1.
CHAP. II.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 165
said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments, he doth
bless you and prosper you.
23. And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and
granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto
him.
24. And secondly : He doth require that ye should do as
he hath commanded you ; for which if ye do, he doth imme-
diately bless you ; and therefore, he hath paid you. And ye
are still indebted unto him ; and are, and will be, for ever
and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?
25. And now I ask, can ye say ought of yourselves? I
answer you. Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much
as the dust of the earth : yet ye were created of the "*dust of
the earth : but behold, it Jbelongeth to him who created you.
26. And I, even I, whom ye call your king, am no better
than ye yourselves are; for I am also of the dust. And ye
behold that I am old, and am about to yield up this mortal
frame to its mother earth ;
27. Therefore, as I said unto you that I had **served you,
walking with a clear conscience before God, even so I at this
time have caused that ye should assemble yourselves together,
that I might be found blameless, and that your blood should
not come upon me, when I shall stand to be judged of God
of the things whereof he hath commanded me concerning
you.
28. I say unto you, that I have caused that ye should
assemble yourselves together, that I might rid my garments
of your blood, at this period of time when I am about to go
down to my grave, that I might go down in peace, and my
immortal spirit may join the "choirs above in singing the
praises of a just God.
29. And moreover, I say unto you, that I have caused that
ye should assemble yourselves together, that I might declare
unto you that I can no longer be your teacher, nor your
king ;
30. For even at this time, my whole frame doth tremble
exceedingly, while attempting to speak unto you ; but the
Lord God doth support me, and hath suffered me that I should
speak unto you, and hath commanded me that I should declare
unto you this day, that my son Mosiah is a ^king and a ruler
over you.
31. And now, my brethren, I would that ye should do
as ye have hitherto done. As ye have kept my command-
ments, and also the commandments of my father, and have
prospered, and have been kept from falling into the hands
of your enemies, even so if ye shall k^ep the commandments
of my son, or the commandments of God, which shall be
m II. Nep. 2:15. 29:7. Jacob 4:9. Mos. 4:21. 7:27. 28:17.
Alma 18: 28, 34, 36. 22:10—13. 42:2. Mor. 6: 15. 9:11,12,17. Ether
3: 15, 16. Moro. 10:3. n vers. 11, 12, 14—19. o, Mor. 7:7. p. Mos.
1:10. 6:3,4.
166 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. II.
delivered unto you by him ye shall prosper in the land,
and your enemies shall have no power over you.
32. But, O my people, beware lest there shall arise conten-
tions among you, and ye list to obey the ^evil spirit, which was
spoken of by my father Mosiah.
33. For behold, there is a wo pronounced upon him who
listeth to obey that spirit; for if he listeth to obey him, and
remaineth and dieth in his sins, the same drinketh damnation
to his own soul ; for he receiveth for his wages an ''everlasting
punishment, having transgressed the law of God, contrary to
his own knowledge.
34. I say unto you, that there are not any among you,
except it be your little children, that have not been taught
concerning these things ; but what knoweth that ye are eternally
indebted to your heavenly Father, to render to him all that
you have and are, and also have been taught, concerning the
'records which contain the prophecies which have been spoken
by the holy prophets, even down to the time our father, Lehi,
left Jerusalem ;
35. And also, all that has been spoken by our fathers
until now. And behold, also, they spake that which was
commanded them of the Lord; therefore, they are just and
true.
36. And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after
ye have known and have been taught all these things,
if ye should transgress, and go contrary to that which has
been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit
of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in
wisdom's paths, that ye may be blessed, prospered, and pre-
served.
37. I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the
same cometh out in open rebellion against God ; therefore
he listeth to obey the *evil spirit, and becometh an enemy
to all righteousness ; therefore, the Lord has no place in him,
for he dwelleth not in unholy temples.
38. Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth
and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice
doth awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own
guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of
the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and
anguish, which is "like an unquenchable fire, whose flame
ascendeth up for ever and ever.
39. And now I say unto you, that mercy hath no claim
on that man; therefore, his final doom is to endure a ^'never-
ending torment.
40. O, all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you
little children, who can understand my words, (for I have
a, see t, ii. Nep. 2: 37. 9: 39. 18: 19. 28: 20—22. 32: 8. Mos. 3: 6.
4:14. 16:3. Alma 3: 26, 27. 5:20,39—42. 30:42,53. 34:34,35,39.
40: 13 14. Hela. 7: 15, 16. 13: 37. iii. Nep. 27: 11, 32. Mor. 1: 19. 5: 18.
Moro. 7: 11—14, 17. 10: 30. r, see m, Jacob 6. s, The brass plates. t, see
q. u, see m, Jacob 6. v, see m, Jacob 6.
CHAP. III. J BOOK or MOSIAH. 167
spoken plain unto you, that ye might understand,) I pray
that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation
of those that have fallen into transgression :
41. And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider
on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the com-
mandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things,,
both temporal and spiritual ; and if they hold out faithful
to the end, they are received into heaven, that thereby they
may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O
remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord
God hath spoken it.
CHAPTER 3.
1. And again my brethren, I would call your attention,
for I have somewhat more to speak unto you ; for behold, I
have things to tell you concerning that which is to come ;
2. And the things which I shall tell you are made known
unto me, by an angel from God. And he said unto me, Awake;
and I awoke, and behold he stood before me.
3. And he said unto me. Awake, and hear the words which
I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto you
the glad tidings of great joy.
4. For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath
judged of thy righteousness, and hath sent me to declare
unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest
declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with
joy.
5. For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant,
that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who
was, and "is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come
down from heaven, among the children of men, and shall
dwell in a ''tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst
men, working ''mighty miracles, such as healing the sick,
raising the dead, causing the lame to walk,, the blind to
receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all
manner of diseases ;
6. And he shall cast out devils, or the "^evil spirits which
dwell in the hearts of the children of men.
7. And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and *pain of body,,
hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer,,
except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every
pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the
abominations of his people.
a, II. Nep. 19: 6. 26: 12. Mos. 15: 1—5. Alma 11: 38, 39, 44. 13: 7—9,
Hela. 14:12. Moro. 7:22. 8:18. Doc. & Gov. 39 1. 29:33. 76:4.
5. I. Nep. 9: 18— 21. ii. Nep. 2:4. 6:9. 9:5. 25:12. 32:6. Mos. 7t
27. 15:1—7. Alma 7:9—13. 19:13. Hela. 14:4. iii. Nep. 1: 14. 9:15,16;
10: 18. 19, 11—28. Mor. 3: 21. c, i. Nep. 11: 31. II. Nep. 10: 4. 26: 13*
Alma 7: 11. d, see g, Mos. 2. e, see s, ii. Nep. 9.
168 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. III.
8. And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things,
from the beginning; and his mother shall be called /"Mary.
9. And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might
come unto the children of men, even through faith on his
name; and even after all this, they shall consider him a
man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him,
and shall ^crucify him.
10. And he shall rise the '^third day from the de^d; and
behold, he standeth to judge the world ; and behold, all these
things are done, that a righteous judgment might come upon
the children of men.
11. For behold, and also his blood *atoneth for the sins
of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, wiio
have died, not knowing the will of God concerning them, or
who have ^ignorantly sinned.
12. But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth
against God ; for salvation cometh to none such, except it be
through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
13. And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets
among all the children of men, to declare these things to
every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoevor
should believe that Christ should come, the same might
receive remission of their sins, and rejoice vdth exceeding
great joy, even as though he had already come among
them.
14. Yet the Lord God saw that his people were a stiffnecked
people, and he appointed unto them a law, even the ^'law of
Moses.
15. And many signs, and wonders, and types, and
shadows shewed he unto them, concerning his coming; and
also holy prophets spake unto them concerning his coming;
and yet they hardened their hearts, and understood not that
the law of Moses availeth nothing, except it were through
the ^atonement of his blood;
16. And even if it were possible that little children could
sin, they could not be saved ; but I say unto you they are
blessed ; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature they fall, even
so the blood of Christ atoneth for *"their sins.
17. And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no
other name given, nor any other way nor means whereby sal-
vation can come unto the children of men, only in and through
the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.
18. For behold he judgeth, and his judgment is just;
and the "infant perisheth not that dieth in his infancy;
but men drink damnation to their own souls, except they
f. Alma 7: 10. a, T. Nep. 11: 33. 19: 10, 13. ii. Nep. 6: 9. 10: 3.
25: 13. Mos. 15: 7. iii. Nep. 11: 14, 15. h, i. Nep. 19: 10. ii Nep. 25: 13.
Heia. 14: 20. 27. iii. Nep. 10:9. i, see f, ii. Nep. 2. j, ii. Nep. 9: 25. 26.
Mo6. 3: 20-22, 15: 24, 25. Alma 9: 15. 16. 29: 5. 42: 21. Hela. 15:
14. 15. Moro. 8: 22. k, see o, u. Nep. 25. I, see /, II. Nep. 2. m, vew.
18. 19. Mos. 15: 25. Moro. 8: 8, 12, 22. n. see m.
CHAP. III.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 169^
humble themselves and become as little children, and believe
that salvation was, and is, and is to come, in and through
the "atoning blood of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent;
19. For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been
from the fall of Adam, and will be, for ever and ever; but
if he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth
off the natural man, and becometh a saint, through the atone-
ment of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive^
meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all
things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even
as a child doth submit to his father.
20. And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come,
when the knowledge of a Saviour shall spread throughout
every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
21. And behold, when that time cometh, none shall be found
blameless before God, except it be ^little children, only through
repentance and faith on the name of the Lord God Omnipo-
tent ;
22. And even at this time, when thou shalt have taught
thy people the things which the Lord thy God hath com-
manded thee, even then are they found no more blameless in
the sight of God, only according to the words which I have
spoken unto thee.
23. And now I have spoken the words which the Lord God
hath commanded me.
24. And thus saith the Lord : They shall stand as a bright
testimony against this people, at the judgment day ; whereof
they shall be judged, every man according to his works, whether
they be good, or whether they be evil ;
25. And if they be evil, they are consigned to an awful
view of their own guilt and abominations, which doth cause
them to shrink from the presence of the Lord, into a state
of misery and '^endless torment, from whence they can no
more return : therefore they have drunk damnation to their
own souls.
26. Therefore, they have drunk out of the cup of the wrath
of God, which justice could no more deny unto them, than
it could deny that Adam should fall, because of his partaking
of the forbidden fruit ; therefore, mercy could have claim
on them no more for ever.
27. And their torment is 'as a lake of fire and brim-
stone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke
ascendeth up for ever and ever. Thus hath the Lord com-
manded me. Amen.
o, see /, n. Nep. 2. p, see m. q, see m, Jacob 6. r, see m,
Jacob 6.
170 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. IV.
CHAPTER 4.
1. And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin
had made an end of speaking the words which had been
delivered unto him by the "angel of the Lord, that he cast
his eyes round about on the multitude, and behold they had
fallen to the earth, for the fear of the Lord had come upon
them ;
2. And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal
state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all
cried aloud with one voice, saying, O have mercy, and apply
the ^'atoning blood of Christ, that we may receive forgive-
ness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we
believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven
and earth, and all things ; who shall come down among the
children of men.
3. And it came to pass that after they had spoken these
words, the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they
were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins,
and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding
faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, ac-
cording to the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto
them.
4. And king Benjamin again opened his mouth, and began
to speak unto them, saying. My friends and my brethren,
my kindred and my people, I would again call your attention,
that ye may hear and understand the remainder of my words
which I shall speak unto you ;
5. For behold, if the knowledge of the goodness of God at
this time has awakened you to a sense of your nothingness,
and your worthless and fallen state ;
6. I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the
goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom,
and his patience, and his long suffering towards the children
of men, and also, the ''atonement which has been prepared
from the '^foundation of the world, that thereby salvation
might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord,
and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and
continue in the faith even unto the end of his life; I mean
the life of the mortal body ;
7. I say, that this is the man who receiveth salvation,
through the ^atonement which was prepared from the founda-
tion of the world for all mankind, which ever were ever
since the fall of Adam, or who are, or who ever shall be, even
unto the end of the world ;
8. x\nd this is the means whereby salvation ^ cometh.
And there is none other salvation, save this which hath
o, Mos. 3:2. & see f. Ii. Nep. 2. c, see f, ii. Nep. 2. d, ver. 7. Mos
18:13. Alma 12: 25, 30. 13:3.5,7,8. 18:39. 22:13. 42:26. Hela,
5: 47. III. Nep. 1: U. 26; 5. Ether 3: 14. e, see f, ii. Nep. 2.
CHAP. IV.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 171
been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby
man can be saved, except the conditions which I have told
you.
9. Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created
all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has
all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth;
believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which
the Lord can comprehend.
10. And again: Believe that ye must repent of your
sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God;
and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and
now, if you believe all these things see that ye do
them.
11. And again I say unto you as I have said before, that
as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if
ye have known of his goodness, and have tasted of his love,
and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth
such exceeding great joy in your souls, even so I would that
ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the
greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his good-
ness and long suffering towards you, unworthy creatures,
and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling
on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the
faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the
mouth of the 'angel;
12. And behold, I say unto you, that if ye do this, ye
shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and
always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in
the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the
knowledge of that which is just and true.
13. And ye will not have a mind to injure one another,
but to live peaceably,^ and to render to every man according
to that which is his due.
14. And ye will not suffer your children, that they go
hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress
the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and
serve the ^devil, who is the master of sin, or who is tlie evil
spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers; he being
an enem:s to all righteousness;
15. But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth
and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and
to serve one another;
16. And also, ye yourselves will succour those that stand
in need of your succour ; ye will administer of your sub-
stance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer
that the ''beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and
turn him out to perish.
17. Perhaps thou shalt say, the man has brought upon
himself his misery, therefore I will stay my hand, and will
not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my
/, see o. g, see q, Mos. 2. h, vers. 19, 20, 22—25.
172 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. IV*
gubstance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are
just.
18. But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this, the
same hath great cause to repent ; and except he repenteth of
that which he hath done, he perishethi for ever, and hath no-
interest in the kingdom of God.
19. For behold, are we not all ^beggars? Do we not all
depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance
which we have; for both food and raiment, and for gold, and
for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every
kind?
20. And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling
on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And
has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has
poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your
hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your
mouths should be stopped, that ye could tlkjC find utterance,
so exceeding great was your joy.
21. And now, if God, who has created you, on whom you
are dependent for your lives, and for all that ye have and
are, doth grant unto you ^whatsoever ye ask that is right, in
faith, believing that ye shall receive, O then, how ye
ought to impart of the substance that ye have one to
another.
22. And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition
to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn
him, how much more just will be your condemnation for
withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you
but to God, to whom also your life belongeth ; and yet ye
put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast
done.
23. I say unto you. Wo be unto that man, for his sub-
stance shall perish with him; and now, I say these things
unto those who are rich, as pertaining to the things of this
world.
24. And again, I say unto the poor. Ye who have not and
yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to day ; I mean
all you who Meny the beggar, because ye have not ; I would
that ye say in your hearts, that I give not because I have not ;
but if I had, I would give.
25. And now, if ye say this in your hearts, ye remain
guiltless, otherwise ye are condemned, and your condemnation
is just; for ye covet that which ye have not received.
26. And now, for the sake of these things which I have
spoken unto you; that is, for the sake of retaining a re-
mission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk
guiltless before God, I would that ye should impart of your
substance to the poor, every man according to that which he
hath, such 'as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked,
i, see h. j, see e, ii. Nep. 32. k, see h. I, ii. Nop. 20: 30. Jacob
2:19. Mos. 18: 27— 29, 21:17. Alma 1:27, 30. 4:12.13. 34:28,29.
III. Nep. 12:42. 13:1-4. rv. Nep. 1:3. Mor.8:37, 39. Moro. 7:6-8.
CHAP, v.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 173
visiting the sick, and administering to their relief, both spirit-
ually and temporally, according to their wants;
27. And see that all these things are done in wisdom and
order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster
than he hns strength. And again: It is expedient that he
should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; there-
fore, all things must be done in order.
28. And I would that ye should remember, that whoso-
ever among you that *"borroweth of his neighbor, should return
the thing that he borroweth, according as he doth agree, or
else thou shalt commit sin, and perhaps thou shalt cause thy
neighbor to commit sin also.
29. And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye
may commit sin ; for there are divers ways and means, even
fio many, that I cannot number them. *
30. But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch
yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds,
and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the
faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our
Xiord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And
now, O man, remember, and perish not.
CHAPTER 5.
1. And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin
liad thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring
to know of his people, if they believed the words which he
"had spoken unto them.
2. And they all cried with one voice, saying. Yea, we
t)elieve all the words which thou hast spoken unto us ; and
also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit
of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change
in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to
•do evil, but to do good continually.
3. And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of
God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views
of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could
prophesy of all things.
4. And it is the faith which we have had on the things
"which our king has spoken unto us, that has brought us to
this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such exceed-
ing great joy ;
5. And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our
•God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments
in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder
of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a
m, III. Nep. 12: 42.
174 BOOK or MOSiAH. [chap. v.
never "ending torment, as has been spoken by the "angel,
that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.
6. And now, these are the words which king Benjamin
desired of them ; and therefore he said unto them, Ye have
spoken the words that I desired ; and the covenant which ye
have made is a righteous covenant.
7. And now, because of the covenant which ye have
made, ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and
his daughters ; for behold, this day he hath spiritually
begotten you ; for ye say that your hearts are changed
through faith on his name ; therefore, ye are '^born of him,
and have become his sons and his daughters.
8. And under this head, ye are made free, and there is no
other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no **other
name given whereby salvation cometh ; therefore, I would
that ye should ^take upon you the name of Christ, all you
that have entered into the covenant with God, that ye
should be obedient unto the end of your lives.
9. And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this,
shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know
the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by
the ^name of Christ.
10. And now it shall come to pass, that w^hosoever shall
not take upon them the name of Christ, must be called by
some other name ; therefore, he findeth himself on the left
hand of God.
11. And I would that ye should remember also, that this
is the name that I said I should give unto you that ^never
should be blotted out, except it be through transgression;
therefore, take heed that ye do not transgress, that the name
be not blotted out of your hearts.
12. I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to
retain the "name written always in your hearts, that ye are
not found on the *left hand of God, but that ye hear and
know the voice by w^hich ye shall be called, and also, the
name by which he shall call you ;
13. For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not
served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the
thoughts and intents of his heart?
14. And again : Doth a man take an ass which belongeth
to his neighbour, and keep him? I say unto you, Nay; he
will not even suffer that he shall feed among his flocks, but
will drive him away, and cast him out. I say unto you, that
even so shall it be among you, if ye know not the ■'name
by which ye are called.
15. Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and
a, see m, Jacob 6. b, :Mos. 3: 2, 3. 4: 1. c, Mos. 27: 24—27. Alma.
5: 14. 49. 22: 15. 36: 23, 26. 38: 6. d, i. Nep. 10: 6. ii. Nep. 2: 8.
11:6. 25:20. 31:21. Mos. 4:8. 13:28. 15:19. 16:4. Alma 21:9.
34:9. 38:9. e, vers. 9— 14. Mos. 26: 18, 24. Alma 5: 38. 34:38. in.
Nep. 27: 5—9. Mor. 8: 38. f, see e. g, Mos. 1: 11, 12. h, see e. i, ver.
10. j, see e.
CHAP. VI.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 175
immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ*
the ''Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may
be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation
and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice,,
and mercy of him, who ^created all things, in heaven and ia
earth, who is God above all. Amen.
CHAPTEPw 6.
1. And now king Benjamin thought it was expedient, after
having finished speaking to the "people, that he should take
the names of all those who had entered into a covenant with
God, to keep his commandments.
2. And it came to pass that there was not one soul, except
it were little children, but who had entered into the covenant,
and had taken upon them the "name of Christ.
3. And again : It came to pass that when king Benjamim
had made an end of all these things, and had ''consecrated
his son Mosiah, to be a ruler and a king over his people*
and had given him all the charges, concerning the kingdom*
and also had appointed ^'priests to teach the people, that
thereby they might hear and know the commandments of
God, and to stir them, up in remembrance of the '^oath which
they had made, he dismissed the multitude, and they re-
turned, every one according to their families, to their own
houses.
4. And Mosiah began to *reign in his father's stead. And
he began to reign in the thirtieth year of his age, making in.
the whole, about four hundred and seventy-six years fronk
the ^time that Lehi left Jerusalem.
5. And king Benjamin lived three years and he died.
6. And it came to pass that king Mosiah did walk in th^ ways;
of the Lord, and did observe his judgments, and his statutes*
and did keep his commandments in all things whatsoever he?
commanded him.
7. And king Mosiah did cause his people that they should
till the earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth, that
thereby he might not become burdensome to his people, that
he might do according to that which his father had done in
all things. And there was no contention among all his people
for the space of three years.
k, Mos. 3: 5. 17, 18, 21. I, Mos. 3: 8. 4: 2. Alma 11: 39. in. Nep.
9:15. Mor. 9:17. Ether 3: 14— 16. 4:7.
a, see e, Mos. 5. 5, see i, Mos. 1. c, see 0, ii. Nep. 5. Mos. 18: 18^
24,28. 21:33. 23:16,17. 25:19,21. 26:7. 27:1.5,22. 29:42.
Alma 1: 3, 26. 4: 7. 16, 18, 20. 5:3. 6: 1. 8. 8: 11, 23. 13: 1—20. 15r
13. 16:5,18. 18:34. 23:4,16. 24:7. 29:13. 30:20—23,29,31. 43:2..
46:38. 49:30. in. Nep. 6: 21, 22, 27. 11:21,22. 12:1. 18:36,37. iv.
Nep. 1 : 14. More. 2: 1—3. 3 ch. 4 ch. 6: 1, 7. 7: 2. 8: 1, 2, 2&
d, vers. 1, 2. Mos. 5: 5—7. e, Mos. 1; 10, 15. /, I. Nep. 1: 4. 2: 4.
176 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. VH,
CHAPTER 7.
1. And now, it came to pass that after king Mosiah had
had continual peace, for the space of three years, he was
desirous to know concerning the people who went up to
•dwell in the land of ''Lehi-^^ephi, or in the city of Lehi-Nephi ;
for his people had heard nothing from them, from the time
they left the land of ^Zarahemla; therefore, they wearied
him with their teasings.
2. And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted that six-
teen of their strong men might go up to the ^land of Lehi-
Kephi, to inquire concerning their brethren.
3. And it came to pass that on the morrow they started
to go up, having with them one Ammon, he being a strong
and mighty man, and a ''descendant of Zarahemla ; and he
was also their leader.
4. And now, they knew not the course they should travel
in the wilderness, to go up to the *land of Lehi-Nephi ; there-
fore they wandered many days in the wilderness, even forty
days did they wander.
5. And when they had wandered forty days they came to
a hill, which is north of the land of ^Shilom, and there they
pitched their tents.
G. And Ammon took three of his brethren, and their names
were Amaleki, Helem, and Hem, and they went down into
the ''land of Nephi ;
7. And behold, they met the king of the neople, who was
in the land of Nephi, and in the land of Shilom; and they
were surrounded by the king's guard, and were taken, and
"Were bound, and were committed to prison.
8. And it came to pass when they had been in prison
two days, they were again brought before the king, and their
hand^ were loosed ; and they stood before the king, and were
permitted, or rather commanded that they should answer the
•questions which he should ask them.
9. And he said unto them, '^Behold, I am Limhi, the son
of Noah, who was the son of Zenifif, who came up out of the
*land of Zarahemla to inherit this land, w^hich was the land
of their fathers, who was made a king by the -^ voice of the
people.
10. And now, I desire to know the cause whereby ye were
so *bold as to come near the w^alls of the city, when I, myself,
was with my guards, without the gate?
11. And now, for this cause have I suffered that ye
should be preserved, that I might inquire of you, or else I
a, see h, li. Nep. 5. 6, see h, Omni 1. c. see 6. ii. Nep. 5, d, Omni 1: 14.
e, see rf, II. Nep. 5. f, vers. 7, 16, 21. Mos. 9: 6, 8, 14. 10: 8. 11: 12, 13.
22: 8, 11. 24: 1. Alma 23: 12. g, see 6, ii. Nep. 5. h, Mos, 11: 1. 19: 16.
i, see h, Omni 1. j, Mos. 19: 26. k, Mos. 21: 23, 24.
CHAP. VII.] BOOK OF MOeiAH, ' 177
shouM have caused that my guards should have *put you to
death. Ye are permitted to speak.
12. And now, when Ammon saw that he was permitted to
speak, he went forth and "*bowed himself before the king ;
and rising again he said, O king, I am very thankful before
God this day, that I am yet alive, and am permitted to speak ;
and r will endeavour to speak with boldness,
13. For I am assured that if ye had known me, ye would
not have suffered that I should have worn these bands. For
I am xlmmon, and am a "descendant of Zarahemla, and have
come up out of the "land of Zarahemla, to inquire concern-
ing our brethren, whom ^Zenif^ brought up out of that
land.
14. And now, it came to pass that after Limhi had heard
the words of Ammon, he was exceeding glad, and said. Now,
I know of a surety that my brethren who were in the land of
Zarahemla *are yet alive. And now, I will rejoice ; and on
the morrow, I will cause that my people shall rejoice also.
15. For behold, we are in bondage to the Lamanites, and
'are taxed with a tax which is grievous to be borne. And
now, behold, out brethren will deliver us out of our bondage,
or out of the hands of the Lamanites, and we will be their
slaves ; for it is better that we be slaves to the Nephites, than
to pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites.
16. And now, king Limhi commanded his guards that they
should no more bind Ammon, nor his brethren, but caused
that they should go to the 'hill which was north of Shilom,
and bring their brethren into the city, that thereby they
might eat, and drink, and rest themselves from the labours
of their journey ; for they 4iad suffered many things ; they
had suff'ered hunger, thirst, and fatigue.
17. And now, it came to pass on the morrow, that king
Limhi sent a proclamation among all his people, that
thereby they might gather themselves together to the
•temple, to hear the words which he should speak unto
them.
18. And it came to pass that when they had gathered
themselves together, that he spake unto them in this wise,
saying, O ye^ my people, lift up your heads and be com-
forted ; for behold, the time is at hand, or is not far distant,
when we shall no longer be in subjection to our enemies,
notwithstanding our many strugglings, which have been in
vain; yet I trust there remaineth an effectual struggle to
be made.
19. Therefore, lift up your heads, and rejoice, and put
your trust in God, in that God who was the God of
Abraham, and Isaac, and .Tacob ; and also, that God who
brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, and
caused that they should walk through the Red Sea on dry
I, Mos. 21: 23. m. Alma 47: 22, 23. n, Omni 1: 14. o, see h, Omni 1.
p. Mos. 9:1. g. Mos. 21:25, 2G. r, ver. 22. Mos. 19: 15. s, ver. 5. i, ver.
4. u, see h, li. Nep. 5.
178 ' BOOK OP MOSIAH. [ CHAP. VII.
ground, and fed them with manna, that they might not
perish in the wilderness ; and many more things did he do
for them.
20. And again : That same God has brought our fathers
out of the land of Jerusalem, and has kept and preserved
his people, even until now ; and behold, it is because of
our iniquities and abominations that he has brought us into
bondage.
21. And ye all are witnesses this day, that "Zeniff, who
was made king over this people, he being "'^ over-zealous to
inherit the land of his fathers, therefore being deceived by
the cunning and craftiness of king Laman, who having entered
into a treaty with king Zenifif, and having yielded up into
his hands the possessions of a part of the land, or even the
city of -^Lehi-Nephi, and the city of ''Shilom ; and the land
round about :
22. And all this he did, for the sole purpose of bringing
this people into subjection or into bondage. And behold, we
at this time do pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites, to
the ^amount of one half of our corn, and our barley, and
even all oin* grain of every kind, and one half of. the increase
of our flocks and our her 1:- ; and even one half of all we have
or possess, the king of tlie Lamanites doth exact of us, or our
lives.
23. And now, is not this grievous to be borne? And is
not this, our affliction, great? Now behold, how great reason
we have to mourn.
24. Yea, I say unto you, great are the reasons which we
have to mourn ; for behold, how many of our brethren have
been slain, and their blood has been spilt in vain, and all
because of iniquity.
25. For if this people had not fallen into ttansgression,
the Lord would not have suffered that this great evil should
come upon them. But behold, they would not hearken unto
his words ; but there arose contentions among them, even so
much that they did shed blood among themselves.
26. And a ^''prophet of the Lord have they slain ; yea, a
chosen man of God, who told them of their wickedness and
abominations, and prophesied of many things which are to
come, yea, even the coming of Christ.
27. And because he said unto them, That Christ ^*was
the God, the Father of all things, and said that he should
take upon him the image of man, and it should be the image
after which man was ^''created in the beginning; or in other
words, he said that man was created after the image of God,
and that God should come down among the children of men.
V, Mos. 9: 1. w, Mos. 9: 3. x, see b, ii. Nep. 5. y, see /. z. see r.
2a, Mos. 17: 12—20. 2b, i. Nep. 19: 7, 10. ii. Nep. 2: 14, 15. 10: 3. 2.5: 12.
26: 12. Mos. 3: 5, 8. 15: 1—5. 16: 15. 27: 30, 31. Alma 11: 38. 39.
III. Nep. 9: 15. 11: 14. Mor. 3: 21. 9: 11, 12. Ether 4: 7. 2c, Alma
18: 34. Ether 3: 15. 16.
CHAP. VIII.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 179
and "'take upon him flesh and blood, and go forth upon the
face of the earth ;
28. And now, because he said this, they did ^^put him to
death ; and many more things did they do, which brought
down the wrath of God upon them. Therefore, who wondereth
that they are in bondage, and that they are smitten with sore
afflictions?
29. For behold, the Lord hath said, I will not succour
my people in the day of their transgression : but I will hedge
up their ways, that they prosper not ; and their doings shall
be as a stumbling block before them.
30. And again, he saith. If my people shall sow filthiness^
they shall reap the chafO thereof in the whirlwind ; and the
effects thereof is poison.
31. And again he saith, If my people shall sow filthiness,
they shall reap the '''east wind, which bringeth immediate
destruction.
32. And now, behold, the promise of the Lord is fulfilled;
and ye are smitten and afflicted.
33. But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of
heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all
diligence of mind ; if ye do this, he will, according to his
own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.
CHAPTER 8.
1. And it came to pass that after king Limhi had made
an end of speaking to his people, for he spake many things
unto them, and only a few of them have I written in this
book, he told his people all the things concerning their
brethren who were in the "land of Zarahemla ;
2. And he caused that Ammon should stand up before
the multitude, and rehearse unto them all that had happened
unto their brethren from the time that ''Zeniff went up out
of the land, even until the time that he ""himself came up
out of the land.
3. And he also rehearsed unto them the ''last words which
king Benjamin had taught them, and explained them to the
people of king Limhi, so that they might understand ail the
words which he spake.
4. And it came to pass that after he had done all this,
that king Limhi dismissed the multitude, and caused that they
should return, every one unto his own house.
5. And it came to pass that he caused that the ''plates
which contained the record of his people, from the time that
2c?, see 6. Mos. 3. 2e, see 2a. 2f, Mos. 12: 6.
a, see h, Omni 1. b, see p, Mos. 7. c, Mos. 7:3. d, Mos. 3 ch. 4 ch.
5 ch. e, see Record of Zeniff, Mos. 9.
180 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. vm.
they left the ^land of Zarahemla, should be brought before
Ammon, that he might read them.
6. Now, as soon as Ammon had read the record, the king
inquired of him to know if he could interpret languages, and
Ammon told him that he could not^
7. And the king said unto him, Being grieved for the
afflictions of my people, I caused that ''forty and three of my
people should take a journey into the wilderness, that
thereby they might find the ''land of Zarahemla, that we
might appeal unto our brethren to deliver us out of
bondage ;
8. And they were lost in the wilderness for the space of
many days, yet they were diligent, and found not the land of
Zarahemla, but returned to this land, having travelled in a
land among *many waters ; having discovered a land which
was covered with %ones of men, and of beasts, &c., and was
also covered with ruins of buildings of every kind ; having
discovered a land which had been p op led with a people who
w^ere as numerous as the hosts of Israel.
9. And for a testimony that the things that they have
said are true, they have brought ''twenty-four plates which
are filled with engravings, and they are of pure gold.
10. And behold, also, they have brought 'breast-plates, which
are large, and they are of ""brass and of copper, and are perfectly
sound.
11. And again, they have brought swords, the hilts thereof
have perished, and the blades thereof were cankered with rust ;
and there is no one in the land that is able to interpret the
language or the engravings that are on the plates. Therefore
I said unto thee. Canst thou translate?
12. And I say unto thee again, Knowest thou of any one
that can translate? for I am desirous that these records
should be translated into our language ; for, perhaps, they
will give us a knowledge of a remnant of the people, who
have been destroyed, from whence these records came ; or,
perhaps, they will give us a knowledge of this very people
who have been destroyed ; and I am desirous to know the
cause of their destruction.
13. Now Ammon said unto him, I can assuredly tell thee,
O king, of a man that can translate the records ; for he has
wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that
are of ancient date ; and it is a gift from God. And the
things are called "interpreters, and no man can look in them,
■except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought
not, and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to
look in them, the same is called seer.
/, see h, Omni 1. g, Mos. 21: 25. h, see h, Omni 1. i, Alma 50: 29.
Hela. 3: 3, 4. Mor. 6: 4. j, Mos. 21: 26, 27. Hela. 3: 3—12. See B. of Ether.
k Mos. 21 : 27. 28: 11. Alma 37: 21—31. Hela. 6: 26. Ether 1 : 1—5.
15: 33. I, Ether 15: 15, 24. m. Ether 10: 23. n, vers. 14—19. Omni 1:
20—22. Mos. 21:27, 28. 28:11—19. Alma 10: 2. 37:21—26. Ether 3'.
23,28. 4:5. Doc. & Gov. 17: 1.
CHAP. IX.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 181
14. And behold, the king of the people who is in the
land of Zarahemla, is the "man that is commanded to do these
things, and who has this high gift from God.
lo. And the king said, that a seer is ^greater than a
prophet.
16. And Ammon said, that a seer is a revelator and a
prophet also ; and a gift which is greater can no man have,
except he should possess the power of God, which no man
can ; yet a man may have great power given him from God.
17. But a seer can know of things which have past, and
also of things which are to come, and by them shall all
things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made
manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things
which are not known shall be made known by them ; and
also things shall be made known by them which otherwise
could not be known.
18. Thus God has -nrovided a means that man, through
faith, might work mighty miracles ; therefore he becometh a
great benefit to his fellow-beings.
19. And now, when Ammon had made an end of speaking
these words, the king rejoiced exceedingly, and gave thanks
to God, saying, doubtless a 'great mystery is contained within
these plates, and these interpreters were doubtless prepared
for the purpose of unfolding all such mysteries to the children
of men.
2u. O how marvellous are the works of the Lord, and
how long doth he suffer with his people ; yea, and how blind
and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of
men ; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire
that she should rule over them.
21. Yea, they are as a wild flock which fleeth from the
shepherd, and scattereth, and are driven, and are devoured
by the beasts of the forest.
The Record of Zeniff. — An account of his people, from^
the time they left the land of Zarahemla, until the
time that they were delivered out of the hands of the
Lamanites.
CHAPTER 9.
1. I, Zeniff, having been taught in all the language of
the Nephites, and having had a knowledge of the "land
of Nephi, or of the land of our fathers' first inheritance, and
having been sent as a spy among the Lamanites, that I
might spy out their forces, that our army might come upon
them and destroy them ; but when I saw that which was-
0, Mos. 21: 28. 28: 17. p, vers. 16—19. Doc. & Cov. 21: 1. q, Ethesr
3: 21—28. 4: 1—8. ii. Nep. 27: 7, 8, 10, 11. Ether 5- 1.
o, see 6, ii. Nep. 5.
182 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. IX.
good among them, I was desirous that they should not be
destroyed ;
2. Therefore I contended with my brethren in the wilder-
ness, for I would that our ruler should make a treaty with
them ; but he being an austere and a blood-thirsty man, com-
manded that I should be slain; but I was rescued by the
shedding of much blood ; for father fought against father,
and brother against brother, until the ''greatest number of
our army was destroyed in the wilderness; and we returned,
those of us that were spared, to the land of Zarahemla, to
relate that tale to their wives and their children.
3. And yet, I being ''over-zealous to inherit the land of
our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to
possess the land, and started again on our journey into the
wilderness, to go up to the land; but we were smitten with
famine and sore afflictions; for we w^ere slow to remember
the Lord our God.
4. Nevertheless, after many days* wandering in the
wilderness, we pitched our tents in the place where our
brethren '^were slain, which was near to the *land of our
fathers.
5. And it came to pass that I went again with four of
my men into the city, in unto the king, that I might know
of the disposition of the king, and that I might know if I
might go in with my people and possess the land in peace.
6. And I went in unto the king, and he covenanted with
me that I might possess the land of 'Lehi-Nephi, and the land of
*Shilom.
7. And he also commanded that his people should depart
out of the land, and I and my people went into the land that
we might possess it.
8. And we began to build buildings, and to repair the walls
of the city, yea, even the walls of the city of Lehi-Nephi, and
the city of Shilom.
9. And we began to till the ground, yea, even with '^all
manner of seeds, with seeds of corn, and of wheat, and of
barley, and with *neas, and with ^sheum, and with seeds of
all manner of fruits ; and we did begin to multiply and prosper
in the land.
10. Now it was the *cunning and the craftiness of king
Laman, to bring my people into bondage, that he yielded up
the land that we might possess it.
11. Therefore it came to pass, that after we had dwelt in
the land for the space of twelve years, that king Laman
began to grow uneasy, lest by any means my people should
wax strong in the land, and that they could *not overpower
them and bring them into bondage.
12. Now they were a "*lazy and an idolatrous people;
6, Omni 1 : 28. C, Mos. 7: 21. Omni 1 : 29. d, ver. 2. Omni 1 : 28.
«, see &, II, Nep. 5. /, see &, ii. Nep. 5. g, see /, Mos. 7. h, i. Nep. 8: 1.
18:24. Eno8l:2l. i, unknown. j, unknown. /:. vera. II, 12, Mob. 7:
22. 10: 18. 19: 26. 28. 21: 3, 13. Z, see k, m, Enoa 1: 20.
CHAP. X.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 183
therefore they were desirous to bring ua into "bondage,
that they might glut themselves with the labours of our hands ;
yea, that they might feast themselves upon the flocks of our
fields.
IS. Therefore it came to pass that King Laman began to
stir up his people, that they should contend with my people;
therefore there began to be wars and contentions in the
. land ;
14. For, in the thirteenth year of my reign in the land of
Nephi, away on the south of the land of *Shilom, when my
people were watering and feeding their flocks, and tilling
their lands, a numerous host of Lamanites came upon thorn
and began to slay them, and to take off their flocks, and the
corn of their fields.
15. Yea, and it came to pass that they fled, all that were
not overtaken, even into the ^city of Nephi, and did call
upon me for protection.
16. And it came to pass that I did arm them with bows,
and with arrows, with swords, and with cimeters, and with
clubs, and with slings, and with all manner of weapons
which we could invent, and I and my people did go forth
against the Lamanites to battle;
17. Yea, in the strength of the Lord did we go forth to
battle against the Lamanites; for I and my people did cry
mightily to the Lord that he would deliver us out of the
hands of our enemies, for we were awakened to a remem-
brance of the deliverance of our fathers.
18. And God did hear our cries and did answer our prayers ;
and we did go forth in his might ; yea, we did go forth against
the Lamanites, and in one day and a night, we did slay three
thousand and forty-three: we did slay them, even until we
had driven them out of our land.
19. And I, myself, with mine own hands, did help to
bury their dead. And behold, to our great sorrow and lamen-
tation, two hundred and seventy-nine of our brethren were
slain.
CHAPTER 10.
1. And it came to pass that we again began to establish
the kingdom and we again began to possess the land in
peace. And I caused that there should be weapons of war
made of every kind, that thereby I might have weapons for
my people, against the time the Lamanites should come up
again to war against my people.
2. And I set guards round about the land, that the
Lamanites might not come upon us again unawares and
destroy us; and thus I did guard my people and my flocks,
and keep them from falling into the hands of our enemies.
n, see fc. o, see /, Mos. 7. V, see b, u. Nep. 5.
184 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. X.
3. And it came to pass that we did inherit the "land of
our fathers, for many years, yea, for the space of twenty
and two years;
4. And I did cause that the men should till the ground,
and raise ''all manner of grain, and all manner of fruit of
every kind.
5. And I did cause that the women should spin, and
toil, and work, and work ''all manner of fine linen; yea,
and cloth of every kind, that we might clothe our naked-
ness ; and thus we did prosper in the land — thus we did
have continual peace in the land for the space of twenty and
two years.
6. And it came to pass that king Laman died, and his
son began to reign in his stead. And he began to stir
his people up in rebellion against my people ; therefore they
^''fbegah to prepare for war, and to come up to battle against
my people.
7. But I had sent my spies out round about the land
of '^Shemlon, that I might discover their preparations, that
1 might guard against them, that they might not come upon
my people and destroy them.
8. And it came to pass that they came up upon the
north of the land of ^Shilom, with their numerous hosts,
men ''armed with bows, and with arrows, and with swords,
and with cimeters, and with stones, and with slings ; and
they had their heads shaved, that they were naked : and
they were girded with a leathern girdle about their loins.
9. And it came to pass that I caused that the women and
children of my people should be hid in the wilderness: and
I also caused that all my old men that could bear arms, and
also all my young men that were able to bear arms, should
gather themselves together to go to battle against the Laman-
ites; and I did place them in their ranks, every man according
to his age.
10. And it came to pass that we did go up to battle
against the Lamanites; and I, even I, in my old age, did go
up to battle against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that
we did go up in the strength of the Lord to battle.
11. Now, the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord,
nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon
their own strength. Yet they were a strong people, as to
the strength of men.
12. They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty
people, believing in the ^'tradition of their fathers, which
is this :• — Believing that they were driven out of the land
of Jerusalem, because of the iniquities of their fathers,
and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their
brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing
the sea.
a, see h, ii. Nep. 5. 6, see h, Mos. 9. c. Alma 1:29. Hela. 6: 13. d,
Mos. 11:12. 19:6. 20:1. 24:1. Alma 23: 12. e, see /, Mos. 7. f , Eno»
1 : 20. Alma 3: 4, 5. 17: 14, 15. 43: 18—21. g, see n, Jacob 7.
CHAP. XI.] BOOK OF MOSIAS. 185
13. And again : That they were wronged while in the
land of their '^first inheritance, after they had crossed the
sea, and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in
keeping the commandments of the Lord ; therefore he waa
A favoured of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and
"answered them, and *he took the lead of their journey in the
' wilderness.
14. And his brethren were wroth with him, because they
- understood not the dealings of the Lord ; they were also
wroth with him upon the waters, because they hardened their .
hearts against the Lord.
15. And again: they were wroth with him when they had
arriven to the promised land, because they said that he had
taken the ^ruling of the people out of their hands; and they
€Ought to kill him.
16. And again : they were wroth with him, because he
departed into the wilderness as the Lord had commanded him,
and ''took the records which were engraven on the plates of
brass, for they said that he robbed them.
iL And thus they have taught their children, that they
should hate them, and that they should murder them, and
that they should rob and plunder them, and do all they could
to destroy them : therefore they have an 'eternal hatred
towards the children of Nephi.
18. For this very cause has king Laman, by his "*cunning,
and lying craftiness, and his fair promises, deceived me, that
I have brought this my people up into this land, that they
may destroy them ; yea, and we have suffered this many years
In the land.
19. And now I, Zeniff, after having told all these things
unto my people concerning the Lamanites, I did stimulate
them to go to battle with their might, putting their trust in
the Lord; therefore, we did contend with them, face to face.
20. And it came to pass that we did drive them again out
of our land; and we slew them with a great slaughter, even
€0 many that we did not number them.
21. And it came to pass that we returned again to our
own land, and my people again "began to tend their flocks,
and to till their ground.
22. And now I, being old, did confer the kingdom upon
^one of my sons; therefore, I say no more. And may the
Xord bless my people. Amen.
CHAPTER 11.
1. And now it came to pass that Zeniff conferred the
kingdom upon Noah, one of his sons: therefore Noah began
h, I. Nep. 18: 23. i, ii. Nep. 5: 5—9. j, ii, Nep. 5: 1—4. jfc, ii. Nep.
ft: 12. Z, Bee n, Jacob 7. m, see ^, Mos. 9. nMos. 9:9, 14.
186 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [ CHAP. XI.
to reign in his stead; and he did not walk in the ways of hi;?
father.
2. For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God,
but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And
he had "many wives and concubines. And he did cause hi^
people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in
the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit ''whoredoms
and all manner of wickedness.
3. And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all they possessed :
a tifth part of their gold and of their silver, and a fifth part
of their ''zifiE, and of their copper, and of their brass and
their iron ; and a fifth part of their fatlings ; and also a fifth
part of all their grain.
4. And all this did he take to support himself, and his
wives, and his concubines ; and also his priests, and *^their
wives, and their concubines; thus he had changed the affairs
of the kingdom.
5. For he put down all the ^priests that had been
consecrated by his father ; and consecrated new ^ones in
their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their
hearts.
6. Yea, and thus they were supported in their laziness,
and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the ^'taxea
which king Noah had put upon his people ; thus did the people
labour exceedingly to support iniquity.
7. Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were
deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and
"priests ; for they did speak flattering things unto them.
8. And it came to pass that king Noah built many elegant
and spacious buildings ; and he ornamented them with fine
work of wood, and of all manner of precious things, of gold,
and of silver, and of iron, and of brass, and of *ziff, and
of copper ;
9. And he also built him a spacious palace, and a throne
in the midst thereof, all of which was of fine wood, and
was ornamented with gold and silver, and with precious
things.
10. And he also caused that his workmen should work all
manner of fine work within the walls of the ^temple, of fine
wood, and of copper, and of brass ;
11. And the seats which were set apart for the *high
priests, which were above all the other seats, he did ornament
with pure gold : and he caused a breastwork to be buHt
before them, that they might rest their bodies and their
arms upon, while they should speak lying and vain words
to his people.
CL see n, Jacob 2. b, see i, li. Nep. 28. c, unknown. ver. 8. d, see
n. Jacob 2. e, see c, Mos. 6. /, vers. 7, 11, 14. Mos. 12:17, 25. 13:1.
17: 1. 6, 12—18. 19: 21, 23 20: 3. 18, 23, 21: 20, 23. 23:9, 12, 31—35 39.
24:1—6.8—11. Alma 21:2, 3,4. 23:14. 24:l,28r-30. 25:7—12. Alma
43: 13, 14. g, ver. 3. h, see /. i, unknown. ver. 3. ;, see h, ii.
Nep. 5. kt see /.
CHAP. XI.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 187
12. And it came to pass that he built a 'tower near
the '"temple; yea, a very high tower, even so high that he
could stand upon the top thereof and overlook the land of
•^Shilom, and also the land of *'ShemIon, which was possessed
by the Lamanites; and he could even look over all the land
round about.
13. And it came to pass that he caused many buildings
to be built in the land Shilom ; and he caused a ^great
tower to be built on the hill north of the land Shilom, which
had been a resort for the children of Nephi, at the time they
^fled out of the land ; and thus he did do with the riches which
he obtained by the taxation of his people.
14. And it came to pass that he placed his heart upon his
riches, and he spent his time in riotous living with ''his
wives and his concubines ; and so did also his ^priests spend
their time with harlots.
15. And it came to pass that he planted vineyards round
about in the land ; and he built wine presses, and made wine
in abundance; and therefore he became a wine bibber, and
also his people.
16. And it came to pass that the Lamanites began to
come in upon his people, upon small numbers, and to slay
thera in their fields, and while they were tending their
flocks.
17. And king Noah sent guards round about the land to
keep them off: but he did not send a sufficient number, and
the Lamanites came upon them and killed them, and drove
many of their flocks out of the land : thus the Lamanites
began to destroy them, and to exercise their hatred upon
them.
18. And it came to pass that king Noah sent his armies
against them, and they were driven back, or they drove them
back for a time; therefore, they returned rejoicing in their
spoil.
19. And now, because of this great victory, they were
lifted up in the pride of their hearts : they did boast in their
own strength, saying, that their fifty could stand against
thousands of the Lamanites; and thus they did boast, and
did delight in blood, and the shedding of the blood of their
brethren, and this because of the wickedness of their king
and 'priests.
20. And it came to pass that there was a man among
them whose name was Abinadi ; and he went forth among
them, and began to prophesy, saying. Behold, thus saith the
Lord, and thus hath he commanded me, saying, Go forth,
and say unto this people, thus saith the Lord r Wo be unto
this people, for I have seen their abominations, and their
wickedness, and" their whoredoms ; and except they repent,
I will visit them in mine anger.
I, Mos; 19: 5, 6. m, see h, tt. Nep. 5. n, see f, Mos. 7. o, see d, Mos.
10. p. Mos. 7:5. g, Omni 1:12, 13. r, see n, Jacob 2. s, see /.
<,aee/.
188 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [chap. XII.
21. And except they repent, and turn to the Lord their
<jrod, behold, I will deliver them into the hands of their
enemies : yea, and they shall be brought into "bondage ; and
they shall be afflicted by the hand of their enemies.
22. And it shall come to pass that they shall know that I
am the Lord their God, and am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquities of my people.
23. xVnd it shall come to pass that except this people
repent, and turn unto the Lord their God, they shall be
brought infto ''bondage : and none shall deliver them, except
it be the Lord the Almighty God.
24. Yea, and it shall come to pass that when they shall
cry un'to me, I will be ^'slow to hear their cries ; yea, and I
will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies.
25. And except they repent in sackcloth and ashes, and
cry mightily to the Lord their God, I will not hear their
prayers, neither will I deliver them out of their afflictions ;
and thus saith the Lord, and thus hath he commanded me.
26. Now it came to pass that w^hen Abinadi had spoken
these words unto them, they w^ere wroth with him, and
eought to take away his life ; but the Lord delivered him
out of their hands.
27. Now w^hen king Noah had heard of the words which
Abinadi had spoken unto the people, he was also wroth ;
and he said. Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should
he judged of him? or who is the Lord, that shall bring upon
my people such great affliction?
28. I command you to bring Abinadi hither, that I may
flay him : for he has said these things that he might stir up
my people to anger one with another, and to raise contentions
among my people; therefore I will slay him.
29. Now the eyes of the people were blinded : therefore
they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and
they sought from that time forward to take him. And king
Noah hardened his henrt a,<rainst the word of the Lord, and
lie did not repent of his evil doings.
CHAPTER 12.
1. And it came to pass that after the space of two years,
that Abinadi came among them in disguise, that they knew
him not, and began to prophesy among them, saying, Thus
has the Lord commanded me, saying : Abinadi, go and
prophesy unto this my people, for they have hardened their
hearts against my words : they have repented not of their
-evil doings ; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea,
in my fierce anger will I visit them in their iniquities and
abominations •
w, ver. 23. See k, Mos. 9. 12: 2. i\ see w. w, ver. 25. Mos. 21:
14. 15.
CHAP. XII.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 189
2. Yea, wo be unto this generation. And the Lord said
unto me, Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy, saying. Thus
saith the Lord : it shall come to pass that this generation,
because of their iniquities, shall be brought into "bondage,
and shall be smitten "on the cheek ; yea, and shall be
driven *^by men, and shall be slain ; and the vultures of the
air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their
flesh.
3. And it shall come to pass that the life of king Noah
shall be valued even as a ''garment in a hot furnace; for he
shall know that I am the Lord.
4. And it shall come to pass that I will smite this my
people with sore afflictions; yea, with famine and with
pestilence; and I will cause that they shall *howl all the
day long.
I 5. Yea, and I will cause that they shall have burdens
flashed upon their backs; and they shall be driven before like
a dumb ass.
6. And it shall come to pass that I wiU send forth hail
among them, and it shall smite them ; and they shall also be
smitten with the ''east wind; and insects shall pester their
land also, and devour their grain.
7. And they shall be smitten with a great pestilence : and
all this will I do because of their iniquities and abomina-
tions.
8. And it shall come to pass that except they repent, I
will '^utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth ;
yet they shall *leave a record behind them, and I will pre-
serve them for Mother nations which shall possess the land ;
yea, even this will I do that I may discover the abominations
of this people to other nations. And many things did Abinadi
prophesy against this people.
9. And it came to pass that they were angry with him ;
and they took him and carried him bound before the king,
and said unto the king, Behold, we have brought a man
before thee who has prophesied evil concerning thy people,
and saith that God will destroy them.
10. And he also prophesieth evil concerning thy life, and
saith that thy life shall be as a '^garment in a furnace of fire.
11. And again, he saith, That thou shalt be as a stalk,
even as a dry stalk of the field, which is ran over by the
beasts and trodden under foot.
12. And again, he saith, Thou shalt be as the blossoms of
a thistle, which, when it is fully ripe, if the wind bloweth, it
is driven forth upon the face of the land; and he pretendeth
the Lord hath spoken it. And he saith all this shall come
a, see u, Mos. 11, 6, Mos. 21: 3. c, ver. 5. Mos. 21: 3, 4, 13. d, Mos.
19: 20. e, Mos. 21: 1—15. I Mos. 21: 3. g, Mos. 7: 31. h, i. Nep. 12: 1».
II. Nep. 26: 10. 11. Alma 45: 9—14. Hela 13: 5. 6. in. Nep. 27: 32.
Mor. 6. i, Mor. 8: 14—16. See c, II. Nep. 27. i, see s i. Nep. 13.
*, ver. 3. .
190 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. XII.
upon thee except thou repent ; and this because of thine
iniquities.
13. And now, O king, what great evil hast thou done, or
what great sins have thy people committed, that we. should
be condemned of God or judged of this man?
14. And now, O king, behold, we are guiltless, and thou,
O king, hast not sinned ; therefore, this man has lied concerning
jou, and he has prophesied in vain.
15. And behold, we are strong, we shall not come into
bondage, or be taken captive by our enemies : yea, and thou
hast prospered in the land, and thou shalt also prosper.
16. Behold, here is the man, we deliver him into thy hands;
thou mayest do with him as seemeth thee good.
17. And it came to pass that king Noah caused that Abinadi
should be cast into prison ; and he commanded that the
'priests should gather themselves together, that he might hold
a council with them what he should do with him.
18. And it came to pass that they said unto the king,
Bring him hither that we may question him ; and the king
commanded that he should be brought before them.
19. And they began to question him, that they might cross
him, that thereby they might have wherewith to accuse him ;
but he answered them boldly, and withstood all their ques-
tions, yea, to their astonishment : for he did withstand them
in all their questions, and did confound them in all their
■woras.
20. And it came to pass that one of them said unto him.
What meaneth the words which are written, and which have
been taught by our fathers, saying :
21. "*How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of
him that bringeth good tidings ; that publisheth peace ; that
bringeth good tidings of good ; that publisheth salvation ; that
saith unto Zion, thy God reigneth ;
22. Thy watchman shall lift up the voice ; with the voice
together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye when
the Lord shall bring again Zion.
23. Break forth into joy; sing together ye waste places of
Jerusalem : for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath
redeemed Jerusalem.
24. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes
of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the
salvation of our God.
25. And now Abinadi said unto them. Are you "priests,
and pratend to teach this people, and to understand the Spirit
of prophesying, and yet desire to know of me what these
things mean?
26. I say unto you. Wo be unto you for perverting the
ways of the Lord. For if ye understand these things ye
have not taught them : therefore, ye have perverted the ways
of the Lord.
/, see f, Mos. ll. m, Isa. 52: 7—10. n, see /, Mos. 11.
CHAP. XIII.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 191
27. Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding ;
therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye
this people?
28. And they said. We teach the law of Moses.
29. And again he said unto them. If ye teach the "law
of Moses why do ye not keep it? Why do ye set your hearts
upon riches? Why do ye commit ^whoredoms and spend
your strength with harlots, yea, and cause this people to
commit sin, that the Lord has cause to send me to prophesy
against this people, yea, even a great evil against this
people ?
30. Know ye not that I speak the truth? Yea, ye know
that I speak the truth; and you ought to tremble before
God.
31. And it shall come to pass that ye shall be smitten for
your iniquities : for ye have said that ye teach the law of
Moses. And what know ye concerning the law of Moses?
Doth salvation come by the law of Moses? Wliat say ye?
32. And they answered and said, that salvation did come
by the 'law of Moses.
33. But now Abinadi said unto them, I know if ye keep
the commandments of God ye shall be saved; yea, if ye keep
the commandments which the Lord delivered unto Moses in
the mount of Sinai, saying,
,34. *■! am the Lord thy God, who hast brought thee out
of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
35. Thou shalt have no other God before me.
36. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or
any likeness of any thing in heaven above, or things which
are in the earth beneath.
37. Now Abinadi said unto them, Have ye done all this?
I say unto you, Nay, ye have not. And have ye taught this
people that they should do all these things? I say unto you.
Nay, ye have not.
CHAPTER 13.
1. And now when the king had heard these words, he said
unto "his priests, Away with this fellow, and slay him : for
what have we to do with him, for he is mad.
2. And they stood forth and attempted to lay their hands
on him; but he withstood them, and said unto them,
3. Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your
hands upon me, for I have not delivered the message which
the Lord sent me to deliver; neither have I told you that
which ''ye requested that I should tell ; therefore, God will
not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time.
o. see 0, II. Nep. 25. p, see i, li. Nep. 28. q, see II. Nep. 25. r, Ey»
odus 20: 2—4.
O, see /, Mos. 11; &, Mos. 12:20— 24.
192 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. XIIL
4. But I must fulfil the commandments wherewith God
has commanded me, and because I have told you the truth,
ye are angry with me. And again, because I have spoken
the word of God, ye have judged me that I am ^mad.
5. Now it came to pass after xVbinadi had spoken
these words, that the people of king Noah durst not lay
their hands on him, for the Spirit of the Lord was upon
him ; and his face shone with exceeding lustre, even as
**Moses' did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with
the Lord.
6. And he spake with power and authority from God; and
he continued his words, saying,
7. Ye see that ye have not power to slay me, therefore I
finish my message. Yea, and I perceive that it cuts you to
your hearts, because I tell you the truth concerning your
iniquities ;
8. Yea, and my words fill you with wonder and amazement,
and with anger.
9. But I finish my message ; and then it matters not whither
I go, if it so be that I am saved.
10. But this much I tell you ; what you do with me, after
this, shall be as a ^type and a shadow of things which are to
come.
11. And now I read unto you the remainder of the com-
mandments of God, for I perceive that they are not written in
your hearts; I perceive that ye have studied and taught
iniquity the most part of your lives.
12. And now, ye remember that I ^said unto you. Thou
shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness
of things which are in heaven above, or which are in the earth
beneath, or which are in the water under the earth.
13. And again; ^thou shalt not bow down thyself janto
them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am,., a jealous
God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers updn the children,
unto the third and fourth generations of them that hate me ;
14. And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love
me and keep my commandments.
15. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in
vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his
name in vain.
16. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
17. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work;
18. But the seventh day, the sabbath of the Lord thy
God, thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son^ nor thy
daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy
cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
19. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and
the sea, and all that in them is; wherefore the Lord blessed
the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
c, ver. 1. rf. Exodus 34: 29—35. e. Mos. 17:13— 19. 19:20. Alma
25: 7—12. /, Mob. 12: 36. g. Exodus ^0: 5—17.
CHAP. XIII.] BOOK GP MOSIAH. 195
20. Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy day©
may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth
thee.
21. Thou shalt not kill.
22. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not
steal.
23. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy
neighbour.
24. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt
not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor hi»
maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is-
thy neighbour's.
25. And it came to pass that after Abinadi had made aa
end of these sayings, that he said unto them, Have ye taught
this people that they should observe to do all these things?
for to keep these commandments?
26. I say unto you, Nay; for if ye had, the Lord would
not have caused me to come forth and to prophesy evil con-
cerning this people.
27. And now ye have said that salvation cometh by the-
law of Moses. I say unto you that it is expedient that ye-
should ''keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you,
that the time shall come when it shall *no more be expedient
to keep the law of Moses.
28. And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth
not come by the law alone ; and were it not for the ^atone-
ment, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities,
of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwith-
standing the law of Moses.
29. And now I say unto you, that it was expedient that
there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea,
even a very strict law; for they were a stiff-necked people;
quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their
God ;
30. Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a ''law of
performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to
observe strictly, from day to day, to keep them in remembrance
of God, and their duty towards him.
31. But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were
types of things to come.
32. And now, did they understand the law? I say unto»
you. Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this
because of the hardness of their hearts ; for they understood
not that there could not any man be saved, except it were
through the redemption of God.
33. For behold, • did not Moses prophesy unto them con-
cerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should
redeem his people, yea, and even all the prophets who have
prophesied ever since the world began? Have they not
spoken more or less concerning these things?
h, see o, ii. Nep. 25. l, III. Nep. 9: 19, 20. 15: 2—10. j, see f, ii.
Nep. 2. kt see o, ii. Nep. 25.
194 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. XIV.
34. Have' Uiey not said that *God himself should come
down among the children of men, and take upon him the
form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of
the earth?
35. Yea, and have they not said also, that he should
bwng to pass the "^resurrection of the dead, and that he, him-
self, should be oppressed and afflicted?
CHAPTER 14. {See Isaiah 53.)
1. Yea, even doth not Isaiah say, Who hath believed our
report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
2. For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and
as a root out of dry ground ; he hath no form nor comeliness ;
and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should
desire him.
3. He is despised and rejected of men ; a man of sorrows,
and acquainted with grief ; and we hid as it were our face
from him ; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4. Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sor-
rows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and
afflicted.
5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was
bruised for our iniquities ; the chastisement of our peace was
upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed.
6. All we, like sheep, have gone astray ; we have turned
every one to his own way ; and the Lord hath laid on him
the iniquities of us all.
7. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened
not his mouth ; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened
not his mouth.
8. He was taken from prison and from judgment; and
who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of
the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people
"was he stricken.
9. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the
rich in his death ; because he had done no evil, neither was
any deceit in his mouth.
10. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put
him to grief; when thou shalt make his soul an offering for
sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the
pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be
satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify
many ; for he shall bear their iniquities.
12. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he
I, see 6, Mos. 3. m, see d, ii. Nep. 2.
CHAP. XV.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 195
hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered
with the transgressors; and he bare the sins of many, and
made intercession for the transgressors.
CHAPTER 15.
1. And now Abinadi said unto them, I would that ye should
understand that "God himself shall come down among the
children of men, and shall redeem his people ;
2. And because he Mwelleth in flesh, he shall be called
the Son of God : and having subjected the flesh to the will
of the Father, being the Father and the Son ;
3. The Father, because he was ''conceived by the power
of God ; and the Son, '^because of the flesh ; thus becoming
the Father and Son:
4. And they are ^one God, yea, the very ^eternal Father
of heaven and of earth ;
5. And thus the flesh becoming ^'subject to the Spirit, or
the Son to the Father, being ''one God, *suffereth temptation,
and yieldeth not to the temptation, but sufifereth himself to
be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his
people.
6. And after all this, after working many ^mighty miracles
among the children of men, he shall be led, yea, even as
Isaiah said, ''As a sheep before the shearer is dumb, so he
opened not his mouth;
7. Yea, even so he shall be led, ^crucified, and slain, the
flesh "^becoming subject, even unto death, the will of the
Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father;
8. And thus God breaketh the '^bands of death, having gained
the victory over death ; giving the Son power to make "inter-
cession for the children of men :
9. Having ascended into heaven; having the bowels of
mercy ; being filled with compassion towards the children of
men ; standing betwixt them and justice ; having ''broken the
bands of death, taken upon ^himself their iniquity and their
transgressions : Having redeemed them, and satisfied the de-
mands of justice.
10. And now I say unto you, Who shall 'declare his genera-
tion? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been
made an ^offering for sin, he shall see his seed. And now what
say ye? And who shall be *his seed?
11. Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the
a, see 2b, Mos. 7. b, see b, Mos. 3. c, i. Nep. 11: 13—21. Mos. 3: 8, 9.
Alma 7: 10. 19: 13. iii. Nep. 1: 14. Mor. 9: 12. d, see b, Mos. 3. e, see
fe, II. Nep. 31. /, see a, Mos. 3. g, xer. 2. /i, see A:, ii. Nep. 31. i, see
s, II. Nep. 9. 3, see c, Mos. 3. k, Mos. 14: 7. Isa. 53: 7. I, see flr.
Mos. 3. m, vers. 2, 6. n, see g and j, ii. Nep. 9. o, see e, ii. Nep. 2.
t), see a and j, ii. Nep. 9. q, Mos. 14; 5— 8, U, 12. r, Mos. 14; 8. s, Mos.
14: 10. t, vers. 11—13.
196 BOOK UP MOeSIAK. [chap. XV.
words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets, who have
prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord; I say unto
you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and
believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have
looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins; I
say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of
the kingdom of God :
12. For these are they whose sins he "has borne; these
are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their
transgressions. And now, are they not his seed?
13. Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has
opened his mouth to prophesy, that has ilot fallen into trans-
gression; I mean all the holy prophets ever since the world
began? I say unto you that they are his seed;
14. And these are ^they who have published peace, who
have brought good tidings of good, who have published salva-
tion ; and said unto Zion, Thy God reigneth !
15. And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their
feet!
16. And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the
feet of those that are still publishing peace!
17. And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the
feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this
time henceforth and for ever !
18. And behold, I say unto you, this is not all: For O
how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that
bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace: yea, even
the Lord, who has redeemed his people: yea, him who has
granted salvation unto his people:
19. For were it not for the redemption which he hath
made for his people, which was prepared from the '^founda-
tion of the world ; I say unto you, were it not for this, *all
mankind must have perished.
20. But behold, the bands of death ^shall be broken, and
the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead ; therefore,
he bringeth to pass the ^resurrection of the dead.
21. And there cometh a resurrection, even a ^"first resurrec-
tion; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and
who are, and who shall be, even until the resurirection of Christ :
for so shall he be called.
22. And now, the resurrection of all the prophets, and
all those that have believed in their words, or all those that
have kept the commandments of God, shall come forth
in the first resurrection ; therefore, they are the first
resurrection.
23. They are raised to dwell with God who has redeemed
them: thus they have eternal life through Christ, who has
broken the bands of death.
24. And these are those who have part in the. first
u, Mos. 14: 12. v, Mos. 12: 21—24. Isa. 52; 7—10. w, see d, Mosiah 4.
X, see e and g, ii. Nep. 9. y, see g and j, ii. Nep. 9. z, see d, li. Nep. 2.
2a, see g, Jacob 4.
CHAP. XVI.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 197
resurrection ; and these are they that have died before
Christ came '^''in their ignorance, not having salvation
declared unto them. And thus the Lord bringeth about the
r<^storation of these ; and they have a part in the first
resurrection, or have eternal life, being redeemed by the
Lord.
25. And little children *^also have eternal life.
26. But behold, and fear, and tremble before God; for ye
ought to tremble: for the Lord redeemeth none such that
rebel against him, and die in their sins ; yea, even all those
that have perished in their sins ever since the world began,
that have ^''wilfully rebelled against God, that have known
the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these
are they that have ^^no part in the first resurrection.
27. Therefore had ye not ought to tremble? For sal-
vation Cometh to none such; for the Lord hath redeemed
none such ; yea, neither can the Lord redeem such ; for he
cannot deny himself; for he cannot ^^deny justice when it
has its claim.
28. And now I say unto you, that the time shall come
that the salvation of the Lord shall be declared to every
nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
29. Yea, Lord, ^^thy watchmen shall lift up their voice;
with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see
eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.
30. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places
of Jerusalem : for the Lord hath comforted his people, he
hath redeemed Jerusalem.
31. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of
all the nations: and all the ends of the earth shall see the
salvation of our God.
CHAPTER 16.
1. And now it came to pass that after Abinadi had
spoken these words, he stretched forth his hand and said. The
time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord;
**when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, shall see
eye to eye and shall confess before God that his judgments are
just;
2. And then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall
have ^cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their
teeth; and this because they would not hearken unto the voice
of the Lord ; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not,
3. For they are carnal and devilish, and the devil ''has
power over them; yea, even that ''old serpent that did
2b, see j, Mos. 3. 2c, see m, Mos. 3. 2d, see k, Jacob 6. 2e, ver. 24;
2/, Alma 42: 1—26. 2g, Isa. 52: 8—10. Mos. 12: 22—24.
a, Mos. 3: 20, 21. 15; 28, 31. 6, see k, i. Nep. 15. c. see i, ii. Nep. 9;
4» see i, II. iNep. 2.
198 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. XVI.
beguile our first parents, which was the cause of their fall;
which was the cause of all mankind becoming carnal, sensual,
devilish, knowing evil from good, subjecting themselves to the
devil.
4. Thus ^all mankind were lost; and behold, they would
have been endlessly lost, were it not that God redeemed his
people from their lost and fallen state.
5. But remember, that he that persists in his own carnal
nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against
God, remaineth in his fallen state, and the devil hath ^all
power over him. Therefore he is as though there was no
redemption made ; being an enemy to God ; and also is the devil
an enemy of God.
6. And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking
of things to come, as though they had already come, there
could have been no redemption.
7. And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have
"broken the bands of death, that the grave should have '^no
victory, and that death should have *no sting, there could
have been no resurrection.
8. But there is a ^resurrection, therefore the grave
hath *^no victory, and the *sting of death is swallowed up in
Ciirist :
9. He is the *"light and the life of the world; yea, a light
that is endless, that can never be darkened ; yea, and also a
life which is endless, that there can be no more death.
10. Even '^this mortal shall put on immortality, and this
corruption shall put on incorruption, and shall be brought
to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him according
to their works, whether they be good or whether they be
evil.
11. If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and
happiness, and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless
damnation ; being delivered up ^to the devil, who hath sub-
jected them, which is damnation :
12. Having gone according to their own carnal wills and
desires ; having never called upon the Lord while the arms
of mercy were extended towards them ; for the arms of mercy
were extended towards them ; and they would not ; they being
warned of their iniquities, and yet they would not depart from
them ; and they were commanded to repent, and yet they would
not repent.
13. And now had ye not ought to tremble and repent of
your sins, and remember only in and through Christ ye can
be saved?
14. Therefore, if ye teach the ^law of Moses, also teach
that it is a shadow of those things which are to come;
e, see e and g, ii. Nep. 9. /, see i, ll. Nep. 9. g, see g and j, Mos. 15.
ti, Mos. 15: 8, 20. Alma 22: 14. 27: 28. i, ver. 8. Alma 22: 14. 24: 23.
Mot. 7:5. j, see d, ii. Nep. 11. ^, ver. 7. i, ver. 7. m, Alma 38:9.
III. Nep. 9: 18. 15: 9. 18: 16. 24. Ether 3: 14. 4: 12. Moro. 7: 18.
«, see d, II. Nep. 2. Also ; and m, ii. Nep. 9. o, see i, ii. Nep. 9. p, see 0,
II. Nep. 25.
CHAP. XVII.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 199
15. Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ
the Lord, who is the '^very eternal Father. Amen.
CHAPTER 17.
1. And now it came to pass that when Abinadi had
finished these sayings, that the king commanded that
the "priests should take him and cause that he should be put
to death.
2. But there was one among them whose name was Alma,
he also being a descendant of Nephi. And he was a young
man, and he believed the words which Abinadi had spoken,,
for he knew concerning the iniquity which Abinadi had testi-
fied against them; therefore he began to plead with the kin^
that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he
might depart in peace.
3. But the king was more wroth, and caused that Alma
should be cast out from among them, and sent his servants,
after him that they might slay him.
4. But he fled from before them, and hid himself that they
found him not. And he being concealed for many days, did
write all the words which Abinadi had spoken.
5. And it came to pass that the king caused that his guards
should surround Abinadi, and take him; and they bound him
and cast him into prison.
6. And after three days, having counselled with his
''priests, he caused that he should again be brought
before him.
7. And he said unto him, Abinadi, we have found an accusa-
tion against thee, and thou art worthy of death.
8. For thou hast said that ''God himself should come
down among the children of men; and now, for this cause
thou shalt be put to death, unless thou wilt recall all the
words which thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my
people.
9. Now Abinadi said unto him : I say unto you, I will
not recall the words which I have spoken unto you con-
cerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know
of their surety, I have suffered myself that I have fallen into
your hands.
10. Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not
recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against
you. And if ye slay me, ye will shed innocent blood, and
this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last
day.
11. And now king Noah was about to release him, for
q, see a, Mos; S.
a, see /, Mos. 11. 6, see f, Mos. 11. c, Mos. 7: 27. 13: 34„
200 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. XVIIL
he feared his word; for he feared that the judgments of God
would come upon him.
12. But the '^priests lifted up their voices against him,
and began to accuse him, saying : He has reviled the king.
. Therefore the king was stirred up in anger against him, and
.. he delivered him up, that he might be slain.
13. And it came to pass that they took him, and bound him,
: and scourged his skin with faggots, yea, even unto ^death.
^ 14. And now when the flames began to scorch him, he cried
J^ tin to them, saying :
15. Behold even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come
to pass that ^thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer,
^ven the pains ©f death by fire ; and this because they believe
in the salvation of the Lord their God.
16. And' it will come to pass that ye shall be afflicted
with all manner of diseases because of your iniquities.
17. Yea, and ye shall be smitten on every hand, and shall
be driven and scattered to and fro, even as a wild flock is
driven by wild and ferocious beasts.
♦ 18. And in that day ye shall be ^hunted, and ye shall be
taken by the hand of your enemies, and then ye shall suffer,
as I suffer, the pains of death by fire.
19. Thus God executeth vengeance upon those that destroy
his people. O God, receive my soul.
20. And now when Abinadi had said these words, he fell,
having suffered ''death by fire ; yea, having been put to death
because he would not deny the commandments of God : having
sealed the truth of his words by his death.
CHAPTER 18.
1. And now it came to pass that Alma, who had fled
from the servants of king Noah, repented of his sins and
iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and
began to teach the words of Abinadi ;
2. Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also con-
<!erning the "resurrection of the dead, and the redemption,
of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the
power, and sufferings, and death 'of Christ, and his resurrec-
tion and ascension into heaven.
3. And as many as would hear his word he did teach.
And he taught them privately, that it might not come to
the knowledge of the king. And many did believe his
words.
4. And it came to pass that as many as did believe him,
did go forth to a place which was called ^Mormon, having
d, see /. Mos. 11. e, vers. 18—20. Mos. 7: 28. /. Mos. 13: 10. Alma
25; 7—12. gf, Alma 25: 8, 9. h, see e.
a, see d, ii. Nep. 2. b, vers. 5, 8, 16, 30. III. Nep. 5: 12. Mor. 1:5.
CHAP. XVIII.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 201
received its name from the king, being in the borders of the
land having been infested, by times, or at seasons, by wild
beasts.
5. Now there was in "Mormon a fountain of pure water^
and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket
of small trees, where he did hide himself in the daytime, from
the searches of the king.
6. And it came to pass that as many as believed him, went
thither to hear his words.
7. And it came to pass after many days, there were a
goodly number gathered together to the place of Mormon, to»
hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together
that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach
them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption,
and faith on the Lord.
8. And it came to pass that he said unto them, behold^
here are the '^waters of Mormon ; for thus were they called-
And now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God,
and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's
burdens, that they may be light;
9. Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that
mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort,
and to stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in ali
thmes, and in all places that ye may be in, even until
death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered
with those of the ^first resurrection, that ye may have eternal
life.
10. Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your
hearts, wnat have you against being ''baptized in the name
of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered
into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep
his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more
abundantly upon you?
11. And now when the people had heard these words, they
clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed, This is the desire
of our hearts.
12. And now it came to pass that Alma took Helam, he
being one of the first, and went and stood forth in the
water, and cried, saying, O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon
thv servant, that he may do- this work with holiness of
heart.
13. And when he had said these words, the Spirit of
the Lord was upon him, and he saia, Helam, I baptize
thee, ^having authority from the Almighty God, as a testi-
mony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve hini
until you are dead, as to the mortal body; and may the
Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he
grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of
Christ, whom he has prepared from the '^foundation of the
world.
c, ver. 4. d, ver. 5. e, see g, Jacob 4. f, see W, il. Nep. 9. g, Alnit
5: 3. III. Nep. U: 25. h^ see d, Mos. 4.
202 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. XVIII.
14. And after Alma had said these words, both Alma
and Helam were buried in the water ; and they arose and
came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the
Spir>.
15. And again, Alma took another, and went forth a second
time in^to the water, and baptized him according to the first,
only he did not bury himself again in the water.
10. xind after this manner he did baptize every one that
went forth to the *place of Mormon: and they were in num-
ber about two hundred and four souls; yea, and they were
baptized in the ^waters of Mormon, and were filled with tlje
grace of God;
17. And they were called the church of God, or the church
of Christ, from that time forward. And it came to pass that
whosoever was '^baptized by the power and authority of God,
was added to his church.
18. And it came to pass that Alma, having authority
from God, 'ordained priests ; even one priest to every fifty of
their number did he ordain to preach unto them, and to teach
them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of
-God.
19. And he commanded them that they should teach nothing
save it were the things which he had taught, and which had
been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets.
20. Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach
nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who
3iad redeemed his people.
21. And he commanded them that there should be no
contention one with another, but that they should look
forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism ;
having their hearts knit together in imity and in love, one
towards another.
22. And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they
became the children of God.
23. And he commanded them that they should observe the
*"sabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should
give thanks to the Lord their God.
24. And he also commanded them that the *^riests whom
lie had ordained should labour with their °own hands for their
support ;
25. And there was ^one day in every week that was set
apart that they should gather themselves together to teach
the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also,
as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves
together.
26. And the priests were not to depend upon i^e people
for «their support; but for their labour they were to receive
the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit,
i, see b. j, vers. 5, 8, k, see u, ii. Nep. 9. I, see c» Mos. 6. m,
Qdos. 13: 16—19. n. see c, Mos. 6. o, ver. 26, 28. p. Alma 32: 11.
t, vec. 24.
CHAP. XIX.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 205.
having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with
power and authority from God.
27. And again Alma commanded that the people of the
church should impart of their substance, *"every one according
to that which he had ; if he have more abundantly he should
impart more abundantly ; and he that had but little, but little
should be required; and to him that had not should be
given.
28. And thus they should impart of their substance, of
their own free will and good desires towards God, and to
those priests that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked
soul.
29. And this he said unto them, having been commanded
of God; and they did walk uprightly before God, imparting
to one another, both temporally and spiritually, according
to their needs and their wants.
30. And now it came to pass that all this was done in
'Mormon; yea, by the * waters of Mormon, in the "forest that
was near the waters of Mormon ; yea, the place of Mormon,
the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon, how beautiful
are they to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge
of their Redeemer ; yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall
sing to his praise for ever.
81. And these things were done in the "borders of the
land, that they might not come to the knowledge of the
king.
82. But behold, it came to pass that the king having dis-
covered a movement among the people, sent his servants to
watch them. Therefore uu the day that they were assembling
themselves together to hear the word of the Lord, they were
discovered unto the king.
33. And now the king said that Alma was stirring up the
people to rebellion against him ; therefore he sent his army to
destroy them.
34. And it came to pass that Alma and the people of the
Lord were ^apprised of the coming of the king's army ;
therefore they took their tents and their families, and de-
parted into the wilderness.
35. And they were in number about four hundred and fifty
souls.
CHAPTER 19.
1. And it came to pass that the 'army of the king
returned, having searched in vain for the people of the
Lord.
2. And now behold, the forces of the king were small,
r, Bee j, Jacob 2, S, see b, Mos. 18. <. vera. 5, 8. Mos. 26: 15. u, ver.
6. V, ver. 4. w, Mos. 23: 1.
o. Mos. 18; 33. 34.
204 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. XIX,
having been reduced, and there began to be a division among
the remainder of the people.
3. And the lesser part began to breathe out threatenings
against the king, and there began to be a great contention
among them.
4. And now there was a man among them whose name was
Gideon, and he being a strong man, and an enemy to the
king, therefore he drew his sword, and swore in his wrath
that he would slay the king.
5. And it came to pass that he fought with the king;
and when the king saw that he was about to overpower him,
he fled and ran and got upon the ''tower which was near
the ''temple.
6. And Gideon pursued after him and was about to get
upon the tower to slay the king, and the king cast his eyes
round about towards the land of '^Shemlon, and behold, the
army of the Lamauites were within the borders of the land.
7. And now the king cried out in the anguish of his soul,
saying, Gideon, spare me, for the Lamanites are upon us,
and they will destroy us ; yea, they will destroy my
people.
8. And now the king was not so much concerned about
his people, as he was about his own life; nevertheless, Gideon
did spare his life.
9. x\nd the king commanded the people that they should
flee before the Lamanites, and he himself did go before them,
and they did flee into the wilderness, with their women and
their children.
10. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did pursue
them, and did overtake them, and began to slay them.
11. Now it came to pass that the king commanded them
that all the men should *leave their wives and their children,
and flee before the Lamanites.
12. Now there were many that would not leave them, but
had rather stay and perish with them. And the rest left their
wives and their children and fled.
13. And it came to pass that those who tarried with their
wives and their children, caused that their ^fair daughters
should stand forth and plead with the Lamanites, that they
would not slay them.
14. And it came to pass that the Lamanites had com-
passion on them, for they were charmed with the ^beauty of
their women;
15. Therefore the Lamanites did spare their lives, and
took them captives, and carried them back to the Mand of
Nephi, and granted unto them that they might possess the
land, under the conditions that they would deliver up king
Noah into the hands of the Lamanites, and deliver up their
property, even *one half of all they possessed ; one half of
b, Mos. 11: 12. c, see h, ii. Nep. 5. d. Bee d, Mos. 10. e, vera. 19, 21.
/. ver. 14. ff, ver. 13. h, see b, ii. Nep. 5. i, eee k, Mos. 9.
CHAP. XIX.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 205
their gold, and their silver, and all their precious things,
and thus they should pay tribute to the king of the
Lamanites, from year to year.
16. And now there was one of the sons of the king
among those that were taken captive, whose name
"Was •'Limhi.
17. And now Limhi was desirous that his father should
Dot be destroyed ; nevertheless, Limhi was not ignorant of
the iniquities of his father, he himself being a just man,
18. And it came to pass that Gideon sent men into the
wilderness secretly, to search for the king, and those that
were with him. And it came to pass that they met the
people in the wilderness, all save the king and his ^priests.
19. Now they had sworn in their hearts that they would
return to the land of Nephi, and if Hheir wives and their
children were slain, and also "*those that had tarried with
them, that they would seek revenge, and also perish with
them.
20. And the king commanded them that they should not
return; and they were angry with the king, and caused that
he should suffer, even unto death "by fire.
21. And they were about to take the **priests also and
put them to death, and they fled before them.
22. And it came to pass that they were about to return
to the land of Nephi, and they met the men of Gideon. And
the men of Gideon told them of all that had ^happened to
their wives and their children; and that the Lamanites had
granted unto them that they might possess the land, by
paying a tribute to the Lamanites of ^'one half of all they
possessed.
23. And the people told the men of Gideon that they
had *"slain the king, and 'his priests had fled from them
farther into the wilderness.
24. And it came to pass that after they had ended the
ceremony, that they returned to the land of Nephi, rejoicing,
because *their wives and their children were not slain; and
they told Gideon what they had "done to the king.
25. And it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites
made an oath unto them, that his people should not slay
them.
26. And also Limhi, being the son of the king, having
the kingdom conferred upon him by the people, made oath
unto the king of the Lamanites, that his people should pay
tribute unto him, •'even one half of all they possessed.
27. And it came to pass that Limhi began to establish
the kingdom, and to establish peace among his people.
28. And the king of the Lamanites set '^guards round
about the lauJ, that he might keep the people of Limhi in
i, see h, Mos. 7. fc, see f, Mos. 11. I, vers. 11, 12. m, ver. 12. n,
Mos. 12: 3, 10—12. 0. see /, Moa. 11. p, vers. 14, 15. q, see K Mos. 9.
r, ver. 20. «, see /. Mos. 11. t, vers. 14, 15, 19, 22. u, vers. 20, 23.
o, see K Moi. 9. w, Mos. 21 : 5. 22: 6—10.
206 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. XX.
the land, that they might not depart into the wilderness;
and he did support his guards out of the 'tribute which he
did receive from the Nephites.
29. And now king Limhi did have continual peace in his
kingdom, for the space of two years, that the Lamanites did
not molest them nor seek to destroy them.
CHAPTER 20.
1. Now there was a place in *Shemlon, where the
daughters of the Lamanites did gather themselves together
to sing, and to dance, and to make themselves merry.
2. And it came to pass that there was one day a small
number of them gathered together to sing and to dance.
3. And now the ^priests of king Noah, being
ashamed to return to the ''city of Nephi, yea, ^nd also
fearing that the people would ''slay them, therefore they
durst not return to their wives and their children.
4. And having tarried in the wilderness, and having
discovered the daughters of the Lamanites, they laid and
watched them ;
5. And when there were but few of them gathered
together to dance, they came forth oit of their secret places,
and took them and carried them into the wilderness ; yea,
twenty and four of the ^daughters of the Lamanites they
carried into the wilderness.
6. And it came to pass that when the Lamanites found
that their daughters had been missing, they were angry with
the people of Limhi; for they thought it was the people of
Limhi.
7. Therefore they sent their armies forth; yea, even the
king himself went before his people ; and they went up to
the land of Nephi, to destroy the people of Limhi.
8. And now Limhi had discovered them from the ^tower,
even all their preparations for war did he discover ; therefore
he gathered his people together, and laid wait for them in
the fields, and in the forests.
9. And it came to pass that when the Lamanites had
come up, that the people of Limhi began to fall upon them
from their waiting places, and began to slay them.
10. And it came to pass that the battle became exceeding
sore, for they fought like lions for their prey.
11. And it came to pass that the people of Limhi began
to drive the Lamanites before them; yet they were not half
so numerous as the Lamanites. But they fought for thteir
J, Bee k, Mos. 9.
o, see d, Mos. 10. b, see /. Mos. 11. c, sec 6. II. Nep. 5. d, Mos. 19; 21.
e. vera. 6, 7. 15. 23. Mos. 23: 30—35. /. Mos. 11; 12.
CHAP. ZZ.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 207
lives, and for their wives, and for their children ; therefore
they exerted themselves, and like dragons did they fight.
12. And it came to pass that they found the king of the-
Lamanites among the number of their dead; yet he was not
dead, having been wounded and left upon the ground, so
speedy was the flight of his people.
13. And they took him and bound up his wounds, and
brought him before Limhi, and said, behold, here is the king
of the Lamanites; he having received a wound, has fallen
among their dead, and they have left him ; and behold, we
have brought him before you; and now let us slay him.
14. But Limhi said unto them, ye shall not slay him, but
bring him hither, that I may see him. And they brought
him. And Limhi said unto him. What cause have ye to
come up to war against my people? Behold, my people
have ''not broken the oath that I made unto you; therefore^
why should ye break the oath which ye made unto my people?
15. And now the king said, I have broken the oath»
because thy people did ''carry away the daughters of my
people; therefore, in my anger I did cause my people to come
up to war against thy people.
16. Now Limhi had heard nothing concerning this
^ matter; therefore he said, I will search among my people
and whosoever has done this thing shall perish. Therefore
he caused a search to be made amoug his people.
17. Now when Gideon had heard these things, he being
the king's captain, he went forth and said unto the king, I
pray thee forbear, and do not search this people, and lay not
this thing to their charge.
18. For do ye not remember the *priests of thy father^
whom this people sought to destroy? And are they not in
the wilderness? And are not they the ones who have 'stolen
the daughters of the Lamanites?
19. And now behold, and tell the king of these things^
that he may tell his people that they may be pacified towards
us: for behold they are already preparing to come against
us; and behold also, there are but few of us.
20. And behold, they come with their numerous hosts;
and except the king doth pacify them towards us, we must
perish.
21. For are not the words of Abinadi ''fulfilled, which
he prophesied against us? and all this because we would
not hearken unto the words of the Lord, and turn from our
iniquities.
22. And now let us pacify the king, and we fulfil
the *oath which we have made unto him : for it is better that
we should be in bondage, than that we should lose our lives;
therefore, let us put a stop to the shedding of so much blood.
23. And now Limhi told the king all the things concern-
^ a. Mob. 19:25, 26. h, vera. 1—6. i, see /, Mos. 11. j, ver. 5. k, Moi.
12:1-8. i.Mo^ 19:26.
^208 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. XXI,
3ng his father, and the "^priests that had fled into the wilder-
ness, and attributed the carrying away of their "daughters
to them.
24. And it came to pass that the king was pacified
towards his people : and he said unto them, Let us go forth
to meet my people, without arms; and I swear unto you
with an oath, that my people shall not slay thy people.
25. And it came to pass that they followed the king, and
"Went forth without arms to meet the Lamanites. And it
•came to pass that they did meet the Lamanites; and the
king of the Lamanites did bow himself down before them,
and did plead in behalf of the people of Limhi.
26. And when the Lamanites saw the people of Limhi,
that they were without arms, they had compassion on them,
a,nd were pacified towards them, and returned with their
king in peace to their own land.
CHAPTER 21.
1. And it came to pass that Limhi and his people
returned to the city of Nephi, and began to dwell in the land
again in peace.
2. And it came to pass that after many days, the Laman-
ites began again to be stirred up in anger against the
Nephites, and they began to come into the borders of the
land round about.
3. Now they durst not slay them, because of the <*oath
whicn their king had made unto Limhi ; but they would
smite them on ''their cheeks, and exercise authority over
them ; and began to put ''heavy burdens upon their backs,
and '^drive them as they would a dumb ass :
4. Yea, all this was done that the word of the Lord
anight be ^fulfilled.
5. And now the afflictions of the Nephites were great,
and there was no way that they could deliver themselves
out of their hands, for the Lamanites had ^surrounded them
on every side.
6. And it came to pass that the people began to murmur
with the king, because of their afflictions ; and they began
to be desirous to go against them to battle. And they did
afflict the king sorely with their complaints; therefore he
granted unto them that they should do according to their
desires.
7. And they gathered themselves together again, and
put on their armour, and .went forth against the Lamanites
to drive them out of their land.
m, see /, Mos. 11. n, ver. 5.
O.Mos. 19:25. 6, ver. 3. Mos. 12:2. c, ver. 13. Mos. 12:5. d, ver
13. Mo6. 12:5. e, Mos. 12:2—7. 20:21. /. see w. Mob. 19.
CHAP. XXr.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 209
8. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did beat them,
and drove them back, and slew many of them.
9. And now there was a great mourning and lamentation
among the people of Limhi : the widow mourning for her
husband; the son and the daughter mourning for their
father, and the brothers for their brethren.
10. Now there were a great many widows in the land,
and they did cry mightily from day to day, tor a great fear
of the Lamanites had come upon them.
11. And it came to pass that their continual cries did
stir up the remainder of the people of Limhi to anger against
the Lamanites; and they went again to battle, but they
were driven back again, suffering much loss.
12. Yea, they went again even the third time, and
suffered in the like manner; and those that were not
slain returned again to the city of Nephi.
13. And they did humble themselves even to the dust,
subjecting themselves to the *yoke of bondage, submitting
themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and
burdened, according to the desires of their enemies.
14. And they did humble themselves even in the depths
of humility ; and they did cry mightily to God ; yea, even
all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would
deliver them out of their afflictions.
15. And now the Lord was ''slow to hear their cry,
because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear
their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites,
that they began to ease their- burdens : yet the Lord did not
see fit to deliver them out of bondage.
16. And it came to pass that they began to prosper by de-
grees in the land, and began fb raise grain more abundantly,
and flocks, and herds, that they did not suffer with hunger.
17. Now there was a great number of women, *more
than there was of men ; therefore king Limhi commanded
that •'every man should impart to the support of the widows
and their children, that they might not perish with hunger :
and this they did because of the greatness of their number
that had been slain.
18. Now the people of Limhi kept together in a body as
much as it was possible, and secured their grain and their
flocks ;
19. And the king himself did not trust his person with-
out the walls of the city, unless he *took his guards with
him, fearing that he might by some means fall into the
hands of the Lamanites.
20. And he caused that his people should watch the
land round about, that by some means they might take
those ^priests that fled into the wilderness, who had stolen
the ""daughters of the Lamanites, and that had caused
such a great destruction to come upon them :
g, Mos. 12- 2—8. h, Mos. 11: 24, 25. i, vers. 10, 11. ;, see j, Jacob 2.
.k, Mos. 7:7, 10. i, see f, Mos. 11. m, Mos. 20r5.
210 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. XXI.
21. For they were desirous to take them, that they
might "punish them ; for they had come into the land of
Nephi by night, and carried off their grain, and many of
their precious things ; therefore they laid wait for them.
22. And it came to pass that there was no more disturb-
ance between the Lamanites and the people of Limhi, even
until the "time that Ammon and his brethren came into
the land.
23. And the king having been without the gates of the
city with his guard, discovered Ammon and his brethren;
and supposing them to be priests of Noah, therefore he
caused that they should be taken, and bound, and cast into
prison. And had they been the priests of Noah, he would
have caused that they should be put to death ;
24. But when he found that they were not, but that they
were his brethren, and had come ^from the land of Zara-
hemla, he w^as filled with ^exceeding great joy.
25. Now king Limhi had sent, j^revious to the coming of
Ammon, a 'small number of men to search for the land of
Zarahemla ; but they could not find it, and they were *lost
in the wilderness.
2(3. Nevertheless they did find a land which had been
peopled ; yea, a land which was 'covered with dry bones ;
yea, a land which had been peopled, and w^iich had been
destroyed ; and they having "supposed it to be the land of
Zarahemla, returned to the land of Nephi, having arrived
in the borders of the land not many days before the ^coming
of Ammon.
27. x\nd they brought a "'record with them, even a record
of the people whose bones t|jey had found : and they were
engraven on plates of ore.
28. And now Limhi was again filled wuth joy on learn-
ing from the mouth of Ammon that king Mosiah had a .'gift
from God, whereby he could interpret such engravings; yea,
and Ammon also did rejoice.
29. Yet Ammon and his brethren were filled with sorrow
because so many of their brethren had been slain ;
80. And also that king Noah and ^his priests had caused
the people to commit so many sins and iniquities against
God ; and they also did mourn for the ^death of Abinadi ;
and also for the -"departure of Alma and the people that
went with him, who had formed a church of God through
the strength and power of God, an*' vaith on the words
which had been spoken by Abinadi;
31. Yea, they did mourn for their departure, for they
knew not w^hither they had fled. Now they would have
gladly joined with them, for they themselves had entered
n, ver. 23. Mos. 7: 7—11. o, Mos. 7: 6—13. p, see ft, Omni 1. q,
Mos. 7: 14. r, Mos. 8: 7. s, Mos. 8: 8. U Mos. 8: 7—11. w, Mos. 8:
7, 8. V, Mos. 7: 6—11. w, see k, Mos. 8. X, see n, Mos. 8. y, see /,
Mos. 11. z, Mos. 17: 12—20. 2a, Mos. 18: 34, 35.
CHAP. XXn.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 211
into a covenant with God, to serve him and keep his com-
mandments.
32. And now since the coming of Ammon king Limhi
had also entered into a covenant with God, and also manj
of his people, to serve him and keep his commandments.
33. And it came to pass that king Limhi and many of his
people were desirous to be baptized ; but there was none in
the land that had ^''authority from God. And Amman
declined doing this thing, considering himself an unworthy
servant ;
34. Therefore they did not at that time form themselves?
into a church, ^^waiting upon the Spirit of the Lord. Now
they were desirous to become even as Alma and his
brethren, who had fled into the wilderness.
35. They were desirous to be ^"baptized, as a witness and
a testimony that they were willing to serve God with alt
their hearts ; nevertheless they did prolong the time : and
an account of their baptism shall be ^^given hereafter;
36. And now all the study of Ammon and '^^his people,
and King Limhi and his people, was to deliver themselves
out of the hands of the Lamanites, and from '^''bondage.
CHAPTER 22.
1. Akd now it came to pass that Ammon and king
Limhi began to consult with the people how they should
deliver themselves out of bondage ; and even they did cause
that all the people should gather themselves .together : and
this they did that they might have the voice of the people
concerning the matter.
2. And it came to pass that they could find no way to
deliver themselves out of bondage, except it were to take
their women and children, and their flocks, and their herds,
and their tents, rnd depart into the wilderness; for the
Lamanites being so numerous that it was impossible for the
people of Limhi to contend with them, thinking to deliver
themselves out of bondage by the sword.
3. Now it came to pass that "Gideon went forth and
stood before the king, and said unto him, Now O king, thou
hast hitherto hearkened unto my words many times when
we have been contending with our brethren, the Lamanitesu
4. And now O king, if thou hast not found me to be an
unprofitable servant, or if thou hast hitherto listened to my
words in any degree, and they have been of ''service to thee^
even so I desire that thou wouldst listen to my words at this
time, and I will be thy servant, and deliver this people out
of bondage.
26, Mos. 18: 13, 17. m. Nep. 11 : 25. 2r, ver. 35. 2rf, see u, ii. Nep. ft.
2e. iMos. 25; 17, 18. 2f, Mos. 7: 2, 3. 2g, Mos. 21: 13.
a, Mos. 20: 17. b, Mos. 20: 17—22.
212 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [GHAP. XXII.
5. And the king granted unto him that he might speak.
And Gideon said unto him,
6. Behold the ''back pass, through the back wall, on the
back side of the city. The Lamanites, or the guards of the
Lamanites, by night, are drunken ; therefore let us send a
proclamation among all this people, that they gather to-
gether their flocks and herds, that they may drive them into
the wilderness by night.
7. And I will go according to thy command, and pay '^the
last tribute of wine to the Lamanites, and they will
be ^drunken ; and we will pass through the ''secret pass
on the left of the camp, when they are drunken and asleep :
8. Thus we will depart with our women and our chil-
dren, our flocks, and our herds into the wilderness; and we
will travel ^around the land of Shilom.
9. And it came to pass that the king hearkened unto the
words of Gideon.
10. And king Limhi caused that his people should gather
their flocks together ; and he sent the ''tribute of wine to the
Lamanites ; and he also sent more wine, as a present unto
them: and they did drink *freely of the wine which king
Limhi did send unto them.
11. And it came to pass that the people of king Limhi
did depart by night into the wilderness with their flocks
and their herds, and they went ^ round about the land of
Shilom in the wilderness, and bent their course towards
the ^land of Zarahemla, being led by Ammon and 'his
brethren.
12. And they had taken all their gold, and silver, and
the'v precious things, which they could carry; and also
their provisions with them, into the wilderness ; and they
pursued their journey.
13. And after being many days in the wilderness, they
arrived in the *"Iand of Zarahemla, and joined his people, and
became his subjects.
14. And it came to pass that Mosiah received them
with joy; and he also received their "records, and also
the "records which had been found by the people of Limhi.
15. And now it came to pass when the Lamanites had
found that the people of Limhi had departed out of the land
by night, that they sent an ^army into the wilderness to
pursue them ;
16. And after they had pursued them two days, they
could no longer follow their tracks ; therefore they were 'lost
in the wilderness.
c, ver. 7. d, Mos. 19: 26, e, vers. 6—10. f, ver. 6. g, ver. 11, see f,
Mos. 7. h, ver. 7. i, vers. 6, 7. ;, ver. 8, see f, Mos. 7. A;, see h, Omni
1. Z, Mos. 7:2, 3. m, see ft, Omni 1. n, Record of Zeniff, Mos. 9. o, see fc,
Mos. 8. p. Mos. 23: 30—39. q, Mos. 23: 30, 36, 37.
ICHAP. XXm.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 215
An account of Alma and the people of the Lord, who were
driven into the wilderness hy the people of king Noah.
CHAPTER 23.
1. Now Alma, having been ^warned of the Lord that
the ^armies of king Noah would come upon them, and had
made it known to his people ; therefore they gathered to-
gether their flocks, and took of their grain, and departed
into the wilderness before the armies of king Noah.
2. And the Lord did strengthen them, that the people of
king Noah could not overtake them, to destroy them.
3. And they fled ''eight days' journey into the wilderness.
4. And they came to a land, yea, even a very beautiful
and pleasant land ; a land of pure water.
5. And they pitched their tents, and began to till the
ground, and began to build buildings, &c. ; yea, they were
industrious, and did labour exceedingly.
6. And the people were desirous that Alma should be
their king, for he was beloved by his people.
7. But he said unto them, Behold, it is not expedient
that we should have a king ; for thus saith the Lord : Ye
shall '^not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall
not think himself above another : therefore I say unto you,
it is not expedient that ye should have a king.
8. Nevertheless, if it were possible that ye could always
have just men to be your kings, it would be well for you to
have a king.
9. But remember the ^iniquity of king Noah and his
priests : and I myself was ''caught in a snare, and did many
things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord,
which caused me ^'sore repentance ;
10. Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did
hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made
me an instrument in his hands, in bringing ''so many of you
to a knowledge of his truth.
11. Nevertheless, in this I. do not glory, for I am un-
worthy to glory of myself.
12. And now I say unto you, ye have been oppressed by
king Noah, and have been in ^bondage to him and his priests,,
and have been brought into iniquity by them : therefore ye
were bound with the bands of iniquity.
13. And now as ye have been delivered by the power of
Ood out of these bonds ; yea, even out of the ^hands of king
Noah and his people, and also from the bonds of iniquity^
even so I desire that ye should stand fast in this liberty
a, Mos. 18: 34. 35. b, Mos. 18: 33, 34. 19: 1. c, Eight days' journey
from Mormon, on the borders of Nephi, d, vers. 8— 15. Mos. 18:21— 29. 27:
3—5. See;, Jacob 2. e, Mos. 11 : 1—15. A Mos. 17: 1—4. 24:8—12.
g, Mos, IS; 1. h, Mos. 1-8: 35. i, Mos. 11 : 2—15. ;, vew. 1—3. Mos. 18
34, 35,
214 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. XXIII.
wherewith ye have been made free, and .that ye trust *^no
man to be a king over you ;
14. And also trusting 'no one to be your teacher nor your
minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways
and keeping his commandments.
15. Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man
should love his neighbour "'as himself: that there should be
no contention among them.
10. And now Alma was their '^high priest, he being the
founder of their church.
17- And it came to pass that none received authority to
preach or to teach, except it were by him from God. There-
fore he consecrated all their priests, and all their teachers,
and none were consecrated except they were just men.
18. Therefore they did watch over their people, and did
nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness.
19. And it came to pass that they began to prosper
exceedingly in the land ; and they called the land ''Helam.
20. And it came to pass that they did multiply and pros-
per exceedingly in the land of Helam ; and they built a city,
which they called the city of Helam.
21. Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people;
yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.
22. Nevertheless, whosoever putteth his trust in him,
the same shall be ^lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus
it was with this people.
23. For behold, I will shew unto you that they vv^ere
l)rought into bondage, and none could deliver them but the
Lord their God ; yea, even the God of Auraham and Isaac,,
and of Jacob.
24. And it came to pass that he did deliver them, and he
did shew forth his mighty power unto them, and great were
their rejoicings.
25. For behold, it came to pass that while they w^ere in
the land of Helam, yea, in the city of «Helam, while tilling
the l^d round about, behold an army of the Lamanites
were in the borders of the land.
26. Now it came to pass that the brethren of Alma fled
from their fields, and gathered themselves together in the
(City of Helam ; and they were much frightened because of the
^appearance of the Lamanites.
27. But Alma went forth and stood among them, and
exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but that
they should remember the Lord their God, and he would
deliver them ;
28. Therefore they hushed their fears, and began to cry
unto the Lord, that he would soften the hearts of the
Lamanites, that they would spare them, and their wives,
and their children. ^
fc, vers. 6—9. Mos. 29: 5—36. l Mos. 18: 1&— 29. m, Mos. 18: 21.
III. Nep. 14: 12. w, Mos. 18: 18. See c, Mos. C. o» vers. 20. 25, 26, 29, 35,
38,39. 27:16. Alma 24:1. p, i. Nep. 13: 37. \6:2. Alma 26; 7. 26:28.
38:5. III. Nep. 15: 1. 27:14,15,22. Mor. 2:19 Ether 4: 19. q. see o.
CHAP. XXIV.] BOCIi Cr TvICSIAH. 215
29. And it came to pass that tHe Lord did soften the
hearts of the Lainanites. And Alma and his brethren went
forth and delivered themselves up into their hands ; and the
Lamanites took possession of the '^land of Helam.
30. Now the armies of the Lamanites which had followed
after the people of king Limhi, had been 'lost in the wilder-
ness for many days.
31. And behold, they had found those *priests of king
Noah, in a place which they called "Amulon ; and they had
begun to possess the land of Amulon, and had begun to till
the ground.
32. Now the name of the leader of those priests was
Amulon.
33. And it came to pass that Amulon did plead with the
Lamanites; and he ailso sent forth their wives, who were
the ''daughters of the Lamanites, to plead with their
brethren, that they should not destroy their husbands.
34. And the Lamnnites had compassion on Amulon and
his brethren, and did not destroy them, because of ^ their
wives.
35. And Amulon and his brethren did join the Laman-
ites, and they were travelling in the wilderness in search of
the land of Nephi, when they discovered the land of ^Helam,
which was possessed by Alma and his brethren.
36. And it came to pass that the Lamanites promised
unto Alma and his brethren, that if they would shew them
the way which led to the ^land of Nephi, that they would
grant unto them their lives and their liberty.
37. But after Alma had shewn them the way that led to •
the land of Nephi, the Lamanites would not keep their
promise; but they set ''guards round about the land of
Helam, over Alma and his brethren.
38. And the remainder of them went to the land of
Nephi ; and a part of them returned to the land of Helam,
and also brought with them the wives and the children of
the guards who had been left in the land.
39. And the king of the Lamanites had granted
unto =^"Amulon that he should be a king and a ruler over his
people, who were in the land of Helam ; nevertheless he
should have no power to do anything contrary to the will of
the king of the Lamanites.
CHAPTER 24.
1. And it came to pass that Amulon did gain favour in
the eyes of the king of the Lamanites ; therefore, the king of
r, see o. s, Mos. 22: 16. t, see f, Mos. 11. u, vers. 32, 35, 39. Mos.
24: 1. 4. 5. 8—11. 25: 12. Alma 21: 2—4. 23: 14. 24: 1, 28—30. 25:
4—12. 43: 13, 14, v, I'im. 20: 5, 6, 18. W, ver. 33. X, see o. y, see 6.
II. Nep. 5. s, ver. 38. 2a, see u.
216 eOOE OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. ZZI7*
the Lamanites granted unto him and his brethren, that they
should be appointed "teachers over his people ; yea, even
over the people v^ho were in the land of ^Shemlon, and in
the land of ''Shilom, and in the land of ** Amnion;
2. For the Lamanites had taken possession of all these
lands; therefore, the king of the Lamanites had appointed
kings over all these lands.
3. And now the name of the king of the Lamanites
was ^Laman, being called after the name of his father; and
therefore he was called king Laman. And he was king over
a numerous people ;
4. And he appointed ^teachers of the brethren of
Amnion, in every land which was possessed by his people :
and thus the ^language of Nephi began to be taught among
all the people of the Lamanites.
5. And they were a people friendly one with another ;
nevertheless they knew not God ; neither did the ''brethren
of Amnion teach them anything concerning the Lord their
God, neither the law of Moses ; nor did they teach them the
words of Abinadi ;
6. But they taught them that they should keep Hheir
record, and that they might ^write one to another.
7. And thus the Lamanites began to increase in riches,
and began to trade one with another, and wax great, and
began to be a cunning and a wise people, as to the wisdom
of the world ; yea, a very cunning people ; delighting in all
manner of wickedness and plunder, except it were among
their own brethren.
8. And now it came to pass that ^Amnion began to
exercise authority over Alma and his brethren, and began to
persecute him, and cause that his children should persecute
their children :
9. For Amnion knew Alma, that he had been ^one of the
king's priests, and that it was he that believed the words of
Abinadi, and was driven out before the king; and therefore
he was wroth with him, for he was subject to king Laman;
yet he exercised authority over them, and put tasks upon
them, and put task-masters over them.
10. And it came to pass that so great were their afflic-
tions, that they began to cry mightily to God.
11. And Amnion commanded them that they should stop
their cries ; and he put guards over them to watch them,
that whosoever should be found calling upon God, should be
put to death.
12. And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to-
o, vers. 4—6. 6, see d, Mos. 10. c, see f, Mos. 7. d, see u, Mos. 23.
c, Mos. 9: 10, 11. 10:6. f, ver. 1. (/, About 470 years had elapsed
since the Nephites and Lamanites were separated, during which the Nephite lan-
guage, among the Lamanites, had become corrupted. h, see /, Mos. 11. i, the
Lamanite History. ;, in the Nephite characters. k, Mos. 23.- 32. I, Mos.
17:2-4.
CHAP. XXIV.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 217
the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him;
and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.
13. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came
to them in their afflictions, saying, Lift up your heads and be
of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have
made unto me ; and I will covenant with my people, and
deliver them out of bondage.
14. And I will also ""ease the burdens which are put
upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon
your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I '
do, that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and
that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit
my people in their afflictions.
15. And now it came to pass that the burdens which
were laid upon Alma and his brethren, were made "light; •
yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up
their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and
with patience to all the will of the Lord.
16. And it came to pass that so great was their faith and
their patience, that the voice of the Lord came unto them "
again, saying. Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will
deliver you out of bondage.
17. And he said unto Alma, Thou shalt go before this
people, and I will go with thee, and deliver this people out
of "bondage.
18. Now it came to pass that Alma and his people in the
night time, gathered their flocks together, and also of their
grain; yea, even all the night time were they gathering
their flocks together.
19. And in the morning the Lord caused a ^deep sleep to
come upon the Lamanites, yea, and all their task-masters
were in a profound sleep.
20. And Alma and his people departed into the wilder-
ness; and when they had travelled all day, they pitched
their tents in a valley, and they caUed the valley Alma,
because he led their way in the wilderness ;
21. Yea, and in the valley of Alma they poured out their
thanks to God, because he had been merciful unto them,
and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out
of "^bondage ; for they were in bondage, nnd none could
-deliver them, except it were the Lord their God.
22. And they gave thanks to God, yea, all their men,
and all their women, and all their children, that could
speak, lifted their voices in the praises of their God.
23. And now the Lord said unto Alma, Haste thee and
^et thou and this people out of this land, for the Lamanites
liave *"awoke and do pursue thee ; therefore get thee out of
this land, and I will stop the Lamanites in this *valley, that
they come no further in pursuit of this people.
m, vers. 9, 15. n, vers. 9, 14. o, vers. 13, 21. Mos. 25: 10. 27: 16. Alma
S;5, 6. 29: 11, 12. 36:2, 29. p, ver. 23. a» see 0, r, ver. 19. s, vers. 20, 2L
218 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. XXV.
24. And it came to pass that they departed out of the
valley, and took their journey into the wilderness.
25. And after they had been in the wilderness 'twelve
days, they arrived to the "land of Zarahemla; and king
Mosiah did *also receive them with joy.
CHAPTER 25.
1. And now king Mosiah caused that all the people
should be gathered together.
2. Now there were not so many of the children of Nephi,
or so many of those who were descendants of Nephi, as there
were of the people of Zarahemla, who was a "descendant of
Mulek, and those who came with him into the wilderness :
3. And there were not so many of the people of Nephi
and of the people of Zarahemla as there were of the Laman-
ites : yea, they were not half so numerous.
4. And now all the people of Nephi were assembled
together, and also all the people of Zarahemla, and Hhey
were gathered together in two bodies.
5. And it came to pass that Mosiah did read, and caused
to be read, the ''records of Zeniff to his people; yea, he read
the records of the people of Zeniff, from the time they '^left
the land of Zarahemla until they ^returned again.
6. And he also read the account of Alma and his brethren,
and all their aflaictions, from the time they Heft the land of
Zarahemla, until the time they ^returned again.
7. And now when Mosiah had made an end of reading the
records, his people who tarried in the land were struck with
wonder and amazement,
8. For they knew not what to think : for when they beheld
those that had, been delivered ''out of bondage, they were filled
with exceeding great joy.
9. And again, when they thought of their brethren who had
been slain by the Lamanites, they were filled with sorrow, and
even shed many tears of sorrow.
10. And again, when they thought of the immediate goodness
of God, and his power in ^delivering Alma and his brethren
out of the hands of the Lamanites, and of bondage, they did
raise their voices, and give thanks to God.
11. And again, when they thought upon the Lamanites,
who were their brethren, of their sinful and polluted state,
t, Twelve days' journey from the valley of Alma. From flelam to the valley
of Alma was one day's journey. See c, Mos. 23. Hence from the city of Nephi
to Zarahemla was about 22 days* journey. U, see h, Omni 1. V, Mos. 22;
14.
a, see i, Omni 1. 6, ver. 13. c, see the heading of Mos. 9. d, Mos.
9: 3. 4. e. Mos. 22: 13. /, Mos. 9: 3, 4. g, Mos. 24, 25. h, Mos. 22:
11—13. i, Mos. 24: 16—25.
CHAP. XXV.] BOOK OF MOSIAH. 219
they were filled with pain and anguish, for the welfare of
their souls.
12. And it came to pass that those who ^'were the children
of Amulon and his brethren, who had taken to wife the
^daughters of the Lamanites, were displeased with the conduct
of their fathers, and they would no longer be called by the*
names of their fathers, therefore they took upon themselves
the name of Nephi, that they might be called the children
of Nephi, and be numbered among those who were called
Nephites.
13. And now ^all the people of Zarahemla were numbered
with the Nephites, and this because the kingdom had been
conferred upon none but those who were descendants of
Nephi.
14. And now it came to pass that when Mosiah had made
an end of speaking and '"reading to the people, he desired that
Alma should also speak to the people.
15. And Alma did speak unto them, when they were
assembled together in large bodies, and he went from one
body to another, preaching unto the people repentance and
faith on the Lord.
16. And he did exhort the people of Limhi and bis
brethren, all those that had been Melivered out of bondage^
that they should remember that it was the Lord that did
deliver them.
17. And it came to pass that after Alma had taught the
people many things, and had made an end of speaking to
them, that king Limhi was desirous that he might be baptized;
and all his people were desirous that they might be baptized
also.
18. Therefore Alma did go forth into the water, and did
baptize them ; yea, he did "baptize them after the manner
he did his ^brethren in the waters of Mormon ; yea, and as
many as he did baptize did belong to the church of God; and
this because of their belief on the words of Alma.
19. And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted tmto
Alma, that he might establish churches throughout all the
land of Zarahemla ; and gave him power to ^ordain priests
and teachers over every church.
20. Now this was done because there were so many people
that they could not all be governed by one teacher;; neither
could they all hear the word of God in one assembly;
21. Therefore they did assemble themselves together in
different bodies, being called churches; every church hsaving:
their priests and their teachers, and every priest preaiching-
the word according as it was delivered to him by the mouth
of Alma.
j, Mos, 20: 3—5, Jc, Mos. 20: 5. 23: 33. I, Omni 1 : 19. m, vera.
5—7. n, Mos. 22: 11—13. 24: 16—25. o, see v^ li. Nep, % Mos. 21:
32—35. p, Mos. 18; 8— 17. ^, see c, Mos. 6.
220 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP, XXVI.
22. And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches,
they were all one church ; yea, even the church of God ; for
there was nothing prea«hed in all the churches except it were
repentance and faith in God.
23. And now there were seven churches in the land of Zara-
hernia. And it came to pass that whosoever were desirous
to take upon them the ""name of Christ, or of God, they did
join the churches of God ;
24. And they were called the people of God. And the Lord
did pour out his Spirit upon them, and they were blessed, and
prospered in the land.
CHAPTER 26.
1. Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising
generation that could not understand the "words of king
Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his
people; and they did not believe the tradition of their
fathers.
2. They did not believe what had been said concerning
the ^resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe con-
cerning the coming of Christ.
3. And now because of their unbelief they could not
understand the word of God; and their hearts were
hardened.
4. And they would not be ^^baptized ; neither would they
''join the church. And they were a separate people as to
their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal
and sinful state ; for they would not call upon the Lord their
God.
5. And now in the reign of Mosiah, they were not half
so numerous as the people of God ; but because of the
dissensions among the brethren, they became more nu-
merous.
6. And it came to pass that they did deceive many with
their flattering words, who were in the church, and did cause
them to ^commit many sins ; therefore it became expedient
that those who committed sin that were in the church, should
be admonished by the church.
7. And it came to pass that they were brought before the
priests, and delivered up unto the ^priests bv the teachers:
and the priests brought them before Alma, who was the "high
priest.
r, see e, Mos. 5.
a, Mos. 2—5 ch. 6, see d, ll. Nep. 2. c, see u, ii. Nep. 9. d, Mos. 18; 17.
25: 18—23. Alma 4: 4, 5. in. Nep. 26: 21. e. vers. 7—13, 19. 25—36. Alma
5 : 57, 58. 6: 3. /, see c, Mos. 6. g, Mos. 23: 16. 29 : 42. Alma 4 : 4.
18,20. 5:3.44,49. 6:8. 8:11,23. 13:1—20. 16:5. 30:21,22,23.
29. 43:2. 46:6,38. 49:30. Hela.3:25.
CHAP. XXVI.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 221
8. Now king Mosiah had given Alma the authority over the
church.
9. And it came to pass that Alma did not know concern-
ing them, for there were many witnesses against them ; yea,
the people stood and testified of their iniquity in abun-
dance.
10. Now there had not any such thing happened before in
the church ; therefore Alma was troubled in his spirit, and
he caused that they should be brought before the king.
11. And he said unto the king. Behold, here are many,
whom we have brought before thee, who are accused of their
brethren; yea, and they have been taken in divers iniquities.
And they do not repent of their iniquities ; therefore ~we have
brought them before thee, that thou mayst judge them accord-
ing to their crimes.
12. But king Mosiah said unto Alma, Behold, I judge
them not; therefore I deliver them into thy hands to be
judged.
13. And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and
lie went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concern-
ing this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the
sight of God.
14. And it came to pass that after he had poured out his
whole soul to God, the voice of the Lord came to him,
saying,
15. Blessed art thou, Alma\ and blessed are they who
were ''baptized in the ^waters of Mormon. Thou art blessed
because of thy exceeding faith in the words alone of my
servant Abinadi. \
16. And blessed are they, because of their exceeding faith
in the words alone which thou hast spoken unto them.
17. And blessed art thou because thou hast established a
^church among this people ; and they shall be established, and
they shall be my people.
18. Yea, blessed is this people, who are willing to bear
my ''name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are
mine.
19. And because thou hast inquired of me, concerning the
^transgressor, thou art blessed.
20. Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee, that
thou shalt have eternal life ; and thou shalt serve me, and go
forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep.
21. And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep;
and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also
receive.
22. For behold, this is my *"church : whosoever is *^bap-
tized, shall be baptized unto repentance. And whosoever ye
receive shall believe in my name ; and him will I freely
forgive ;
h, see u, IT. Nep. 9. i, see t, Mos. 18. ;, Mos. 25: 19—24. k, see e,
Mos. 5. i5, see e. m, see d. n, see u, ii. Nep. 9.
222 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. XXVI.
23. For it is I that taketh upon me the sins of the world ;
for it is I that hath ''created them ; and it is I that granteth
unto him that believeth unto the end, a place at my right
hand.
24. For behold, in ^my name are they called; and if they
tnow me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally
at my right hand.
25. And it shall come to pass that when the second trump
shall sound, then shall they that never knew me come forth
and shall stand before me ;
26. And then shall they know that I am the Lord their
God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be
redeemed.
27. And then I will confess unto them that I never knew
them ; and they shall depart into 'everlasting jfire, prepared
for the devil and his^ angels.
28. Therefore I say unto you, that he that will not hear
my voice, the same shall ye *"not receive into my church, for
him I will not receive at the last day ;
29. Therefore I say unto you. Go ; and whosoever *trans-
gresseth against me, him shall ye judge according to the sins
which he has committed ; and if he confess his sins before
thee and me, and repenteth in the sincerity of his heart, him
shall ye forgive, and I will forgive him also ;
30. Yea, and as often as my people repent, will I forgive
them their trespasses against me.
31. And ye shall also forgive *one another your trespasses ;
for verily I say unto you, He that forgiveth not his neighbour's
trespasses, when he says that he repents, the same hath brought
himself under condemnation.
32. Now I say unto you. Go; and whosoever will not
repent of his sins, the same shall "not be numbered among
my people; and this shall be observed from this time for-
ward.
33. And it came to pass when Alma had heard these words,
lie wrote them down that he might have them, and that he
might judge the people of that church, according to the
^commandments of God.
34. And it came to pass that Alma went and judged those
that had been taken in iniquity, according to the word of
the Lord.
35. And whosoever repented of their sins and did '^con-
fess them, them he did number among the people of the
church ;
36. And those that would not confess their sins and
repent of their iniquity, the same were *not numbered
among the people of the church, and their names were
blotted out.
0, see I, Mos. 5. p, see e, Mos. 5. q, see fc, i. Nep. 15. r, see d. s, see
€. t, III. Nep. 13: 14. 15. u, vers. 34—36. v, vers. 28—32. w, vers. 29, 30.
X, ver. 32.
CHAP. XXVII.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 223
87. And it came to pass that Alma did regulate all the
affairs of the church ; and they began again to have peace
and to prosper exceedingly in the affairs of the church ;
walking circumspectly before God ; receiving many, and ^'bap-
tizing many.
38. And now all these things did Alma and his fellow
labourers do who were over the church ; walking in all dili-
gence; teaching the word of God in all things; suffering all
manner of afflictions ; being persecuted by all those who did
not belong to the church of God.
39. And they did admonish their brethren; and they were
also admonished, every one by the word of God, according
to his sins, or to the sins which he had committed, being
commanded of God to ''pray without ceasing, and to give
thanks in all things.
CHAPTER 27.
1. And now it came to pass that the persecutions which
were inflicted on the church by the unbelievers became so
great, that the church began to murmur, and complain to
their leaders concerning the matter ; and they did complain
to Alma. And ^ Alma laid the case before their king, Mosiah.
And Mosiah consulted with his priests.
2. And it came to pass that king Mosiah sent a proclama-
tion throughout the land round about, that there should not
any unbeliever persecute any of those who belonged to the
church of God;
3. And there was a strict command throughout all the
churches, that there should be no persecutions among them,
that there should be an "equality among all men ;
4. That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb
their peace ; that every man should esteem his neighbour ^as
himself, labouring with their own hands for their support;
5. Yea, and all their "priests and teachers should labour
with their '^own hands for their support, in all cases save it
were in sickness, or in much want; and doing these things,
they did abound in the grace of God.
6. And there began to be much peace again in the land;
and the people began to be very numerous, and began to
scatter abroad upon the face of the earth, yea, on the north
and on the south, on the east and on the west, building large
cities and villages in all quarters of the land.
7. And the Lord did visit them and prosper them, and they
became a large and wealthy people.
y, see u, ii. Nep. 9. z, see e, ii. Nep. 32.
a, see j, Jacob 2. b, see I. Mo3. 4. c, see c, Mos. 6. d, Mos. 18:
24. 26.
224 BOOK OJP mosiah; [chap. xxvn.
8. Now the *sons of Mosiah were numbered among the
unbelievers ; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered
among them, he being called Alma, after his father ; never-
theless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man.
And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery
to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after
the manner of his iniquities.
9. And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity
of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the
people ; causing much dissension among the people ; giving
a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over
them.
10. And now it came to pass, that while he was going
about to destroy the church of God ; for he did go about
secretly with the sons of Mosiah, ^seeking to destroy the
church, and to lead astray the people of the Lord, contrary
to the commandments of God, or even the king ;
11. And as I said unto you, as they were going about
rebelling against God, behold, the angel of the Lord ^appeared
unto them ; and he descended as it were in a cloud ; and he
6pake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the
*earth to shake upon which they stood ;
12. And so great was their astonishment, that they fell to,
the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto
them.
13. Nevertheless he cried again, saying, Ahna, arise and
stand forth, for why persecuteth thou the church of God?
For the Lord hath said, *This is my church, and I will
establish it ; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the
transgression of my people.
14. And again, the angel said, Behold, the Lord hath heard
the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant.
Alma, who is thy father : for he has prayed with much
faith concerning thee, that thou mightest be brought to the
knowledge of the truth ; therefore, for this purpose have I
come to convince thee of the power and authority of God,
that the prayers of his servants might be answered according
to their faith.
15. And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God?
For behold, doth not my voice ^shake the earth? And can
ye not also ''behold me before you? And I am sent from
God.
16. Now I say unto thee. Go, and remember the captivity
of thy fathers in the land of ^Helam, and in the "^land of
Nephi ; and remember how great things he has done for
them : for they were in bondage, and he has "delivered
them. And now I say unto thee. Alma, go thy way, and
e, vers. 10, 34. /, Mos. 28: 3, 4. .\lma 26: 17, 18. 36: 6, 9, 11. 38:
7. g, vers. 15, 18. Alma 36:5—11. 38:7. h, vers. 15, 18. Alma 36:7
38: 7. i, Mos. 26: 22. j, see h. k, see'g. I, see 0, Mos. 23. m, see b
II. Nep. 5. n, Mos. 24: 17—21. 18. 34. 23: 1—4.
CHAP. XXVn.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 225
seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may-
be answered; and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast
off.
17. And now it came to pass that these were the last words;
which the angel spake unto Alma, and he departed.
18. And now Alma, and those that were with him, felll
"again to the earth, for great was their astonishment: for
with their own eyes they had ^beheld an angel of the Lord;
and his voice was as thunder, which ^shook the earth ; and!
they knew that there was nothing save the power of God
that could shake the earth and cause it to tremble, as though,
it would part asunder.
19. And now the astonishment of Alma was so great,
that he became ""dumb, that he could not open his mouth ;
yea, and he became weak, even that he could not move his
hands; therefore he was taken by those that were with him,,
and carried helpless, even until he was laid before his
father.
20. And they rehearsed unto his father all that had hap-
pened unto them ; and his father rejoiced, for he knew that
it was the power of God.
21. And he caused that a multitude should be gathered
together, that they might witness what the Lord had done
for his son, and also for those that were with him.
22. And he caused that the ''priests should assemble them-
selves together; and they began to 'fast, and to pray to the
Jjord their God, that he would "open the mouth of Alma„
that he might speak ; and also that his ^limbs might receive
their strength, that the eyes of the people might be opened to
see and know of the goodness and glory of God.
23. And it came to pass after they had "" fasted and prayed
for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma
received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak
unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort;
24. For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have
been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am ^born of the Spirit.
25. And the Lord said unto me. Marvel not that all man-
kind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues
and people, must be ^born again; yea, born of God, changed
from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteous-
ness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and
daughters ;
26. And thus they become new creatures; and unless
they do this, they can in no wise inherit the kingdom of
God.
27. I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be
cast off : and this I know, because I was like to be cast off.
o, ver. 12. p, see g, q, see h. r, ver. 22. s, see c, Mos. 6. t, ver.
23. Alma 5: 46. 6:6. 8:26. 10:7. 17:3,9. 28:6. 30:2. Hela. 3:35.
HI. Nep. 13: 16—18. 27: 1. iv. Nep. 1: 12. Moro. 6:5. u, vers. 19,
23, V, vers. 19, 23. w, v?r. 22. • See t. x, see c, Mos. 5. y, see c,
Mos. 5.
226 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP, XXVII.
28. Nevertheless, after wandering through much tribulation,
repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit
to snatch me out of an ^everlasting burning, and I am born
of God:
29. My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitter-
ness and bonds of iniquity. 1 was in the darkest abyss ; but
now I behold the marvellous light of God. My soul was
racked with ^''eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my
soul is pained no more.
30. I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had
been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may
foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every
creature of his creating, and he will make himself manifest
unto all ;
31. Yea, ^^every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess
before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall
stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is
God ; then shall they confess, who live without God in the
world, that the judgment of an ^^everlasting punishment is
just upon them : and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink
beneath the ^''glance of his all-searching eye.
32. And now it came to pass that Alma began from this
time forward, to teach the people, and those who were with
Alma at the time the angel appeared unto them : travelling
round about through all the land, publishing to all the people
the things which they had heard and seen, and preaching the
word of God in much tribulation, being greatly persecuted
hy those who were unbelievers, being smitten by many of
them ;
33. But notwithstanding all this, they did impart much
•consolation to the church, confirming their faith, and ex-
horting them with long suffering and much travail, to keep
the commandments of God.
34. And ^^four of them were the sons of Mosiah ; and their
"names were Ammon and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni :
these were the names of the sons of Mosiah.
35. And they travelled throughout all the ^Hand of Zara-
liemJa, and among all the people who were under the reign
of king Mosiah, zealously striving to repair all the injuries
which they had done to the church : confessing all their sins,
and publishing all the ^^things which they had seen, and
explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired
to hear them ;
36. And thus they were instruments in the hands of God,
in bringing many to the knowledge of the trutn, yea, to the
knowledge of their Redeemer.
37. And how blessed are they ! For they did ^'•publish peace :
they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare
unto the people that the Lord reigneth.
s, see k, I. Nep. 15. 2a, see m, Jacob 6. 26, Mos. 16: 1, 2. Doc. and
Gov. 88: 104. 2c, see m, Jacob 6. 2(i, see c, Jacob 2. 2e, ver. 10. 2/, see h,
Omni 1. 2g, vers. 10—17. 2h, Mos. 15: 14—17.
CHAP. XXVIII.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 227
CHAPTER 28.
1. Now it came to pass that after the "sons of Mosiah
had done all these things, they took a small number with
them, and returned to their father, the king, and desired of
him that he would grant unto them, that they might, with
these whom they had selected, go up to the ^land of Nephi,
that they might preach the things which they had heard,
and that they might impart the word of God to their brethren,
the Lamanites;
2. That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge
of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity
of their fathers ; and that perhaps they might cure them of
their '^hatred towards the Nephites, that they might also
be brought to rejoice in the Lord their God, that they might
become friendly to one another, and that there should be no
more contentions in all the land which the Lord their God
had given them.
3. Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared
to every creature, for they could not bear that any human
soul should perish ; yea, even the very thoughts that any
soul should endure '^endless torment, did cause them to quake
and tremble.
4. And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them,
for they were the ^very vilest of sinners. And the Lord saw
fit in his infinite mercy to spare them ; nevertheless they
suffered much anguish of soul, because of their iniquities;
and suffering much, fearing that they should be cast off for
ever.
5. And it came to pass that they did plead with their
father many days that they might go up to the ''land of
Nephi.
6. And king Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord, if
he would let his sons go up among the Lamanites to preach
the word.
7. And the Lord said unto Mosiah, Let them go up, for
many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal
life; and I will ''deliver thy sons out of the hands of the
Lamanites.
8. And it came to pass that Mosiah granted that they might
go, and do according to their request ;
9. And they took their journey into the wilderness, to go
up to preach the word among the Lamanites: and I shall give
an ''account of their proceedings hereafter.
10. Now king Mosiah had no one to confer the kingdom
upon, for there was not any of his sons who would accept of
the kingdom ;
11. Therefore he took the records which were engraven
a, Mos. 27: 34. 6, see 6. ii. Nep. 5. c, see n, Jacob 7. d, see m, Jacob
6. e, Mos. 27: 8—11. f, see 6, li. Nep. 5. g, Alma 17: 3o. 19 .22, 23.
h. Alma 17—28 chapters.
228 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. XXVIir.
on the plates of *brass, and also the ^plates of Nephi, and all
the things which he had kept and preserved, according ta
the commandments of God, after having translated and
caused to be written the records which were on the ''plates
of gold, which had been found by the people of Limhi, which
were delivered to him by the hand of Limhi;
12. And this he did because of the great anxiety of his
people, for they were desirous beyond measure, to know con-
cerning those people *who had been destroyed.
13. And now he translated them by the means of those^
•"two stones which were fastened into the two rims of a
bow.
14. Now these things were prepared from the beginning,,
and were handed down from generation to generation, for
the purpose of 'interpreting languages ;
15. And they have been kept and preserved by the hand
of the Lord, that he should discover to every creature who
should possess the land, the iniquities and abominations of
his people :
16. And whosoever has these things, is called "seer, after
the manner of old times.
17. Now after Mosiah had finished translating these records,,
behold, it gave an account of the people *'who were destroyed,
from the time that they were destroyed, back to the building
of the ^great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the
language of the people ; and they were scattered abroad upon
the «face of all the earth, yea, and even from that time until
the *"creation of Adam.
18. Now this account did cause the people of Mosiah to
mourn exceedingly, yea, they were filled with sorrow : never-
theless it gave them much knowledge, in the which they did
rejoice.
19. And this account shall be ^written hereafter : for
behold, it is expedient that all people should know the things
which are written in this account.
20. And now, as I said unto you, that after king Mosiah
had done these things, he took the Opiates of brass, and all
the things which he had kept, and conferred them upon Alma,
who was the son of Alma ; yea, "all the records, and also
the ^interpreters, and conferred them upon him, and com-
manded him that he should keep and preserve them, and also
keep a record of the people, handing them down from one
generation to another, even as they had been handed down
from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem.
i, see a, i. Nep. 3. ;, see /, i. Nep. 1. k, see fc, Mos. 8. I, see j^
Mos. 8. m, see n, Mos, 8. n, Mos. 8: 13—18. o, see ;, Mos. 8. p.
Tower of Babel. Omni 1 : 20—22. Ether 1 ; 1—5. q. Ether 1 : 33. r, see
m, Mos. 2. s, Book of Ether. t, see a, i. Nep. 3. u. The two sets of
plates of Nephi, sword of Laban, miraculous ball, twenty-four plates of gold,
the prass plates, &c, V, see n, Mos. 8.
CHAP. XXIX.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. ^ 229
CHAPTER 29.
1. Now when Mosiah had done this, he sent out throughout
all the land, among all the people, desiring to know their will
concerning who should be their king.
2. And it came to pass that the voice of the people came,
saying. We are desirous that Aaron thy son should be our
king, and our ruler.
3. Now Aaron had gone up to the "land of Nephi, there-
fore the king could not confer the kingdom upon him ; neither
would Aaron take upon him the kingdom ; neither were any
of the ''sons of Mosiah willing to take upon them the
kingdom,
4. Therefore king Mosiah sent again among the people :
yea, even a written word sent he among the people. And
these were the words that were written : — saying,
5. Behold, O ye my people, or my brethren, for I esteem
you as such ; for I desire that ye should consider the cause
which ye are called to consider; for ye are desirous to have a
king.
6. Now I declare unto you, that he to whom the kingdom
doth ''rightly belong, has declined, and will not take upon him
the kingdom.
7. And now if there should be another appointed in his
stead, behold I fear there would rise contentions among you;
and who knoweth but what my son, to whom the kingdom
*^doth belong, should turn to be angry, and draw away a part
of this people after him, which would cause wars and conten-
tions among you ; which would be the cause of shedding much
blood, and perverting the way of the Lord; yea, and destroy
the souls of many people.
8. Now I say unto you, Ijet us be wise and consider these
things, for we have no right to destroy my son, neither should
we have a right to destroy another, if he should be appointed
in his stead.
9. And if my son should turn again to his pride and vain
things, he would recall the things which he had said, and
claim his right to the kingdom, which would cause him and
also this people to commit much sin.
10. And now let us be wise and look forward to these
things, and do that which will make for the peace of this
people.
11. Therefore I will be your king the remainder of my
days; nevertheless, let ^us appoint judges, to judge this
people according to our law, and we will newly arrange the
affairs of this people, for we will appoint wise men to be
a, see b, ii. Nep. 5. 6, Mos. 27: 34. c, vers. 2, 3, 7, 9. d, vers. 2, 3, 6,
9. e, vers. 25—27. 34, 38, 39, 41. Alma 2:3—7. 4: 16. 17. 50:39. Hela.
1:3—5,13. 2:2. 3:37. 5:1,2,4. 6:15.19,39. 7:4. 8:27,28.
9ch. III. Nep. 1:1. 3:1. 6:19.21-30. 7:1-3.
230 BOOK OF MOSIAH. [CHAP. XXIX*
judges, that will judge this people according to the command-
ments of God.
12. Now it is better that a man should be judged of God
than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but
the judgments of man are not always just;
m. Therefore if it were possible that you could have just
men to be your kings, who would establish the laws of God,,
and judge this people according to his commandments ; yea,
if ye could have men for your kings, who would do even a.^
my father ^Benjamin did for this people : I say unto j^ou, if
this could always be the case, then it would be expedient that
ye should always have kings to rule over you.
14. And even I myself have laboured with all the power
of faculties which I have possessed, to teach you the com-
mandments of God, and to establish peace throughout the
land, that there should be no wars nor contentions, no
stealing, nor plundering, nor murdering, nor any manner of
iniquity :
15. And whosoever has committed iniquity, hira have I pun-
ished accord-ing to the law which has been given to us by our
fathers.
16. Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just,,
it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule
over you.
17. For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king
cause to be committed ! yea, and what great destruction !
18. Yea, remember ^king Noah, his wickedness and his
abominations : and also the wickedness and abominations of
his people. Behold what great destruction did come upon
them; and also because of their iniquities, they were brought
*into bondage.
19. And were it not for the interposition of their all-wise
Creator, and this because of their sincere repentance, they
must unavoidably remain in bondage until now.
20. But behold, he did deliver them because *they did
humble themselves before him ; and because they cried mightily
unto him, he did deliver them out of bondage : and thus doth
the Lord work with his power in all cases anions the children
of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put
their trust in him.
21. And behold, now I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone
an iniquitous king, save it be through much contention, and
the shedding of much blood.
22. For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he
keepeth his guards about him : and he teareth up the laws of
those who have reigned in righteousness before him : and he
trampleth under his feet the commandments of God ;
23. And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among
his people; yea, laws after the manner of his own wicked-
f, Omni 1:23— 25. Words of Mormon, vers. 3, 10— 18. Mos. 1— 6 oh
g, Mos. 11 : 1—15. 12: 17—19. 17; 1—20. h, Mos. 12: 2—8. i, Mos. 21:
14. 22- 5—14.
CHAP. XXIX.] BOOK OP MOSIAH. 231
ness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws, he causeth tO'
be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him, he will
send his armies against them- to war, and if he can, he will
destroy them : and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert
the ways of all righteousness.
24. And now behold I say unto you, it is not expedient that
such abominations should come upon you ;
25. Therefore choose you by the •'voice of this people, judges^
that ye may be judged according to the laws which have been
given you by our fathers, which are correct, and which were-
given them by the hand of the Lord.
2(J. Now it is not common that the voice of the people
desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it i»
common for the lesser part of the people to desire that
which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe, and
make it your law to do your business by the voice of the
people.
27. And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth
^choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God
will come upon you, yea, then is the time he will visit you
with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited thisi
land.
28. And now if ye have judges, and they do not judge you
according to the law which has been given, ye can cause that
they may be judged of a higher judge :
29. If your higher judges do not judge righteous judgments^
ye shall cause that a small number of your lower judges-
should be gathered together, and they shall judge your higher
judges, according to the 'voice of the people.
30. And I command you to do these things in the f'\ar of
the Lord : and I command you to do these things, and that
ye have no king : that if those people commit sins and iniqui-
ties, they shall be answered upon their own heads.
31. For behold I say unto you, the sins of many people
have been caused by the iniquities of their kings ; therefore
their iniquities are answered upon the heads of their kings.
32. And now I desire that this .inequality should be no-
more in this land, especially among this my people ; but I
desire that this land be a ""land of liberty, and every man
may enjoy his rights and privileges alike, so long as the
Lord sees fit, that we may live and inherit the land : yea,
even as long as any of our posterity remains upon the face
of the land.
33. And many more things did king Mosiah write unto-
them, unfolding unto them all the trials and troubles of a
righteous king; yea, all the travails of soul for their people,
and also all the murmurings of the people to their king ; and he
explained it all unto them.
34. And he told them that these things ought not to be;
j, see e. k, Alma 2: 3—7. 10: 10. Hela. 5: 2. 6:38—40. I, see e?,
m, 11. Nep. 1:7. Alma 46: 10-28, 34-36.
232 BOOK OP MOSIAH. [CHAP. XXIX.
but that the burden should come upon "all the people, that
every man might bear his part.
35. And he also unfolded unto them all the disadvantages
they laboured under, by havmg an unrighteous king to rule
over them ;
36. Yea, all his iniquities and abominations, and all the
wars, and contentious, and bloodshed, and the stealing, and
the plundering, and the committing of whoredoms, and all
manner of iniquities which cannot be enumerated ; telling
them that these things ought not to be; that they were
expressly repugnant to the commandments of God.
37. And now it came to pass, after king Mosiah had sent
these things forth among the people, they were convinced of
the truth of his words;
38. Therefore they relinquished their desijce^ for a king,
and became exceedingly anxious that every man should
have an ''equal chance throughout all the land; yea, and
€very man expressed a willingness to answer for his own
sins.
39. Therefore, it came to pass that they assembled them-
selves together in bodies throughout the land, to cast in
their voices concerning who should be their judges, to judge
them, according to the law which had been given them ; and
they were exceedingly rejoiced, because of the ^liberty which
had been granted unto them.
40. And they did wax strong in love towards Mosiah; yea,
they did esteem him more than any other man; for they did
not look upon him as a tyrant, who was seeking for gain,
yea, for that lucre which doth corrupt the soul ; for he had
not exacted riches of them, neither had he delighted in the
shedding of blood; but he had established peace in the land,
and he had granted unto his people that they should be
delivered from all manner of bondage ; therefore they did esteem
him, yea, exceedingly beyond measure.
41. And it came to pass that they did ^appoint judges to
Tule over them, or to judge them according to the law ; and
this they did throughout all the land.
42. And it came to pass that Alma was appointed to be
the first chief judge ; he being also the *"high priest ; his father
having conferred the ofl5ce upon him, and had given him
the charge concerning all the affairs of the church.
43. And now it came to pass that Alma did walk in the
ways of the Lord, and he did keep his commandments, and
he did judge righteous judgments; and there was continual
peace through the land :
44. And thus commenced the *reign of the judges through-
out all the *land of Zarahemla, among all the people who
were called the Nephites : and Alma was the first and chief
judge.
n, see e. o, see e. p, see m. q, see e. r, see g, Mos. 26. s, see e.
i, see h, Omni 1.
CHAP. I.] BOOK OF ALMA. 233
45. And now it came to pass that his father died, being
eighty and two years old, having lived to fulfil the command-
ments of God.
46. And it came to pass that Mosiah died also, in the thirty
and third year of his reign, being "sixty and three years old;
making in the vv^hole, five hundred and nine years from the
time Lehi left Jerusalem ;
47. And thus ended the ^reign of the kings over the people
of Nephi : and thus '"ended the days of Alma, who was the
founder of their church.
THE BOOK OF ALMA,
THE SON OF ALMA.
The account of Alma, who was the son of Alma the flrsfp
and Chief Judge over the people of Nephi, and also the
High Priest over the Church. An account of the reign of
the Judges, and the wars and contentions among the people.
And also an account of a war between the Nephites and
the Lamanites, according to the record of Alma the first
and Chief Judge.
CHAPTER 1.
1. Now it came to pass that in the first year of the reign
of the judges over the people of Nephi, from this time forward,
king Mosiah having "gone the way of all the earth, having
warred a good warfare, walking uprightly before God, leaving^
none to reign in his stead ; nevertheless he established laws,
and they w^ere acknowledged by the people ; therefore
they were obliged to "abide by the laws which he had
made.
2. And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign
of Alma in the judgment seat, there was a ''man brought
before him to be judged ; a man who was large, and was
noted for his much strength ;
3. And he had gone about among the people, preaching ta
them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down
against the church ; declaring nnto the people that every priest
and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought '^not to-
labour with their hands, but that they ought to be supported
by the people ;
4. And he also testified unto the people that ®all man-
kind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not
u, Mos. 6:4. V, vers. 41, 42. w, ver. 45.
a, Mos. 29:46. b, vers. 14, 18. C, ver. 15. d, Moe. 18:24, 26. 275
3—5 e. Alma 15: 15. 21:6.
234 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. I.
fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads
and rejoice : for the Lord had created all men, and had also
redeemed all men ; and in the end, all men should have
eternal life.
5. And it came to pass that he did teach these things so
much, that many did believe on his words, even so many that
they began to support him and give him money ;
6. And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart,
and to wear very costly apparel ; yea, and even began to
establish a church, after the manner of his preaching.
7. And it came to pass as he was going to preach to those
who believed on his word, he met a man who belonged to the
•church of God, yea, even one of their teachers; and he began
to contend with him sharply, that he might lead away the
people of the church ; but the man withstood him, admonishing
him with the words of God.
8. Now the name of the man was Gideon ; and it was he
who was an instrument in the hands of God ^in delivering
the people of Limhi out of bondage.
9. Now, because Gideon withstood him with the words of
■God, he was wroth with Gideon, and drew his sword and
l)egan to smite him. Now Gideon being stricken with many
jears, therefore he was not able to withstand his blows,
therefore he was slain by the sword ;
10. x\nd the man who slew him was taken by the people
of the church, and was brought before Alma, to be judged
according to the crimes which he had committed.
11. And it came to pass that he stood before Alma, and
pleaded for himself with much boldness.
12. But Alma said unto him, Behold, this is the first
time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people.
And behold, thou art not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast
•endeavoured to enforce it by the sword ; and were priestcraft
to be enforced among this people, it would prove their entire
destruction.
13. And thou hast shed the blood of a ^'righteous man,
yea, a man who has done much good among this people;
and were we to spare thee, his blood would come upon us
for vengeance ;
14. Therefore, thou art ''condemned to die, according to
the law which has been given us by Mosiah, our last king;
and they have been acknowledged by this people; therefore,
this people must abide by the law.
15. And it came to pass that they took him; and his name
was *Nehor ; and they carried him upon the top of the hill
Manti, and there he was caused, or rather did acknowledge,
between the heavens and the enrth, that what he had taught
to the people was contrary to the word of God ; and there he
suffered an ignominious death.
/, Mos. 22: 3—16. g, ver. 9. h, vers. 1. 18. i. Alma 2: 1, 20. 16;
11. 24:28—30.
CHAP. I.] BOOK OF ALMA. 235
16. Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading
of ^priestcraft through the land : for there were many who
loved the vain things of the world, and they weiic forth
preaching false doctrines ; and this they did for the 'sake of
riches and honour.
17. Nevertheless, they durst not lie, if it were known, for
fear of the law, for liars were punished ; therefore they pre-
tended to preach according to their belief : and now the law
could have no power on any man for 'his belief.
18. And they '"durst not steal, for fear of the law ; for
such were punished ; neither durst they rob, nor murder : for
he that murdered was punished unto death.
19. But it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to
the church of God, began to persecute those that; did belong
to the church of God, and had taken upon theni t.ie "name
•of Christ ;
20. Yea, they did persecute them, and afflict them with all
manner of words, and this because of their humility ; b(^cause
they were not proud in their own ej^es, and because they did
impart the word of God, one with r.nother, without money
and without price.
21. Now there was a strict law among the people of the
church, that there should not any man, belonging to the
church, arise and "persecute those that did not belong to the
church, and that there should be no persecution among them-
selves.
22. Nevertheless, there were many among them who began
to be proud, and began to contend warmJy with their adver-
saries, even unto blows ; yea, they would ^smite one another
with their fists.
23. Now, this was in the second year of the reign of Alma, .
and it was a cause of much affliction to the church ; yea, it was
the cause of much trial with the church ;
24. For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names
were ^blotted out, that they were remembered no more among
the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from
among them.
25. Now this was a great trial to those that did stand
fast in the fr'>h; nevertheless, they were steadfast and im-
moveable in keeping the commandments of God, and they
bore Wiith patience the persecution which was heaped upon
them.
26. And when the 'priests left their ^labour, to impart the
word of God unto the people, the people also left their labours
to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted
unto them the word of God, they all returned again dili-
gently unto their labours; and the priest, not esteeming him-
self above his hearers; for the preacher was no better than
the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the
j vers. 5, 6, 12. k, vers. 5. 6. I, Alma 20:7—12. m, Alma 30: 10.
71, see e, Mos. 5. o, vers. 22—25. p, vers. 21, 23, q, Mos, 26:32, 36. r,
see c; Mos. 6. S, Mos. 18: 24, 26. 27: 4, 5.
236 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP IL
learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labour^
every man according to his strength ;
27. And they did impart of their substance every man
'according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy,,
and the sick, and the afflicted ; and they did not wear costly
apparel, yet they were neat and comely ;
28. And thus they did establish the affairs of the church;
and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwith-
standing all their persecutions.
29. And now because of the steadiness of the church, they-
began to be exceeding rich : having abundance of all things
whatsoever they stood in need ; and abundance of flocks and
herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of
grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things ; and
abundance of "silk and fine twined linen, and all manner of
good homely cloth.
30. And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did
not send away ^any who were naked, or that were hungry^
or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not beea
nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches;
therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both
bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the
church, or in the church, having no respect to persons as to
those who stood in need ;
31. And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy^
than those who did not belong to their church.
32. For those who did not belong to their church, did in-
dulge themselves in sorceries, and in idolatry or idleness,
and in babblings, and in envyings and strife; wearing costly
apparel ; being lifted up in the pride of their own eyes ; lying,,
thieving, robbing, committing whoredoms, and murdering, and
all manner of wickedness; nevertheless, the ^law was put in
force upon all those who did transgress it, inasmuch as it
were possible.
33. And it came to pass that by thus exercising the law
upon them, every man suffering according to that which he
had done, they became more still, and durst not commit any
wickedness if it were known ; therefore, there was much peace
among the people of Nephi, until the fifth year of the reign
of the judges.
CHAPTER 2.
1. And it came to pass in the commencement of the fifth
year of their reign, there began to be a contention
among the people ; for a certain man, being called Amlici ;
he being a very cunning man, yea, a wise man, as to the
t, see';, Jacob 2. u, Mos. 10: 5. Alma. 4: 6. Hela. 6: 13. v, see ;",
Jacob 2. Wf vers. 14, 17, 18, 33. Mos, 29: 15, 41.
CHAP. II. j BOOK OF ALMA. 237
'wisdom of the world ; he being after the order of the "man
that slew ^Gideon by the sword, who was ""executed according
to the law.
2. Now this Amlici had, by his cunning, drawn away much
people after him ; even so much that they began to be very
powerful ; and they began to endeavour to establish Amlici
to be a king over the people.
3. Now this was alarming to the people of the church, and
also to all those who had not been drawn away after the
persuasions of Amlici ; for they knew, that according to their
law, that such things must be established by the **voice of the
people :
4. Therefore, if it were possible that Amlici should gain the
voice of the people, he, being a wicked man, would deprive
them of their rights and privileges of the church, &c. ; for
it was his intent to destroy the church of God.
5. And it came to pass that the people assembled themselves
together throughout all the land, every man according to his
mind, whether it were for or against Amlici, in separate bodies,
having much dispute and wonderful contentions one with an-
other ;
6. And thus they did assemble themselves together to cast
iin their voices concerning the matter; and they were laid be-
fore the judges.
7. And it came to pass that the ^voice of the people came
against Amlici, that he was not made king over the people.
8. Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those
-who were against him ; but Amlici did stir up those who were
in his favour, to anger against those who were not in his
favour.
9. And it came to pass that they gathered themselves to-
gether, and did consecrate Amlici to be their king.
10. Now when Amlici was made king over them, he
commanded them that they should take up arms against their
brethren; and this he did, that he might subject them to
him.
11. Now the people of Amlici were distinguished by the
name of Amlici, being called Amlicites ; and the remainder were
-called Nephites, or the people of God;
12. Therefore the people of the Nephites were aware of
the intent of the Amlicites, and therefore they did prepare to
meet them ; yea, they did ^arm themselves with swords, and
with cimeters, and with bows, and with arrows, and wifh
stones, and with slings, and with all manner of weapons of
war, of every kind ;
13. And thus they were prepared to meet the Amlicites
at the time of their coming. And there were appointed
a. Alma 1: 15. 6, Alma 1:9. c, Alma 1: 15. d, see e, Mos, 29. e, see
e, Mos. 29. /, II. Nep. 5: 14. Enos 1:20. Jarom 1:8. Mos. 10:8. Alma
3:5. 43:18—20. Heia. 1:14. in. Nep. 3: 26. Mor. 6:9.
238 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP II.
captains, and higher captains, and chief captains, according
to their numbers.
14. And it came to pass that Amlici did arm his men
with all manner of weapons of war, of every kind ; and he
also appointed rulers and leaders over his people, to lead them
to war against their brethren.
35. And it came to pass that the Amlicites came upon the
hill Amnihu, which was the east of the ^river Sidon, which
ran by the ''land Zarahemla, and there they began to make
"War with the Nephites.
16. Now Alma, being the *chief judge, and the governor
of the people of Nephi, therefore he went up with his people,
yea, with %is captains, and chief captains, yea, at the head
of his armies, against the Amlicites to battle ;
17. And they began to slay the Amlicites upon the '^hill east
of ^ Sidon. And the Amlicites did contend with the Nephites
with great strength, insomuch that many of the Nephites did
fall before the Amlicites ;
18. Nevertheless the Lord did strengthen the hand of the
Nephites, that they slew the Amlicites with great slaughter,
that they began to flee before them.
19. And it came to pass that the Nephites did pursue the
Amlicites all that day, and did slay them with much
slaughter, insomuch that there was slain of the Amlicites
twelve thousand five hundred thirty and two souls ; and there
was slain of the Nephites, six thousand five "Tiundred sixty and
two souls.
20. And it came to pass that when Alma could pursue the
Amlicites no longer, he caused that his people should pitch
their tents, in the *"valley of Gideon, the valley being called
after that Gideon who was slain by the hand of "Nehor with
the sword ; and in this valley the Nephites did pitch their tents
for the night.
21. And Alma sent spies to follow the remnant of the
Amlicites, that he might know of their plans and their plots,
whereby he might guard himself against them, that he might
preserve his peop-le from being destroyed.
22. Now those whom he had sent out to watch the camp
of the Amlicites were called Zeram, and Amnor, and Manti,
and Limher ; these were they who went out with their men
to watch the camp of the Amlicites.
23. And it came to pass that on the morrow they returned
i^ito the camp of the Nephites in great haste,, being greatly
astonished, and struck with much fear, saying,
24. Behold, we followed the camp of the Amlicites, and
to our great astonishment, in the land of ^Minon, above
a, SuDposed to be Mapdnlena. vers. 17, 27, 34, 35. Alma 3:3. 4:4.
6:7. 8:3. 16:6.7. 43:22,27,32,35,39—41.50—53. 44:22. 50:11. 56:25.
h, see h, Omni 1. i, Mos. 29: 42. j, vers. 13, 14. ^^ ver. 15.
l,s-^.g. m, ver. 26. Mos. 22: 3— 16. Alma 1:8,9. 6:7. 8:1. n, see
i. Alma 1. 0, .\bout two days' jouiney south of the city Zarahemla,
CHAP. II. J BOOK OF ALMA. 23^
the ^land of Zarahemla, in the course of the «land of Nephi,
we saw a numerous host of the Lamanites ; and behold, the
Amiicites have joined them,
25. And they are upon our brethren in that land ; and they
are fleeing before them with their flocks, and their wives,
and their children, towards '"our city ; and except we make
haste, they obtain possession of our city ; and our fathers,
and our wives, and our children be slain.
20. And it came to pass that the people of Nephi took their
tents, and departed out of the ''valley of Gideon towards
their city, which was the city of Zarahemla.
27. And behold, as they were crossing the *river Sidon„
the Lamanites and the Amiicites, being as numerous almost,.
as it were, as the sands of the sea, came upon them to destroy
them ;
28. Nevertheless, the Nephites being- strengthened by
the hand of the Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he
would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies ;
therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did strengthen
them, and the Lamanites and the Amiicites did fail before
them.
29. And it came to pass that Alma fought with Amlici with
the sword, face to face; and they did contend mightily, one
with another.
30. And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God,
being exercised with much faith, cried, saying, O Lord, have
mercy and spare my lifr, that I may be an instrument in thj^
hands to save and preserve this people.
31. Now when Alma had said these words, he contended
again with Amlici ; and he was strengthened, insomuch that he
slew Amlici with the sword.
32. And he also contended with the king of the Lamanites ;
but the king of the Lamanites fled back from before Alma,
and sent his guards to contend with Alma.
33. But Alma, with his guards, contended with the guards
of the king of the Lamanites, until he slew and drove them
back ;
34. And thus he cleared the ground, or rather the bank,
which was on the west of the "river Sidon, throwing the bodies
of the Lamanites who had been slain into the waters of Sidon,
that thereby his people might have room to cross and contend
with the Lamanites and the Amiicites, on the west side of the
river Sidon.
35. And it came to pass that when they had all crossed
the river Sidon, that the Lamanites and the Amiicites began to
flee before them, notwithstanding they were so numerous that
they could not be numbered ;
36. And they fled before the Nephites towards th^ wil-
derness which was west and north, away beyond the
p. see h, Omni 1. §, see 6, ii. Nep. 5. r, Zaraliemia. s, see ?::, t, see
g. u, see g.
240 BOOK OF ALMA. [CIIAP. III.
t)orders of the land ; and the Nephites did pursue them
with their might, and did slay them ;
37. Yea, they were met on every hand, and slain, and driven,
until they were scattered on the west, and on the north, until
«they had reached the wilderness, which was called Hermounts;
'•and it was that part of the wilderness which was infested by
wild and ravenous beasts.
38. And it came to pass that many died in the wiWertiess
of their wounds, and were devoured by those beasts, and also
ithe vultures of the air ; and their bones have been found, and
have been heaped up on the earth.
CHAPTER 3.
1. And it came to pass that the Nephites who were not
tslain by the weapons of war, after having buried those
*who had been slain, — now the number of the slain were not
numbered, because of the greatness of their number ; — after
i;hey had finished burying their dead, they all returned to
their lands, and to their houses, and their wives, and their
■children.
2. Now many women and children had been slain with
the sword, and also many of their flocks and their herds ;
:and also many of their fields of grain were destroyed, for they
were trodden down by the hosts of men.
3. And now as many of the Lamanites and the Amlicites
who had been slain upon the "bank of the river Sidon, were
'Cast into the ^waters of Sidon ; and behold their bones are
in the depths of the ''sea, and they are many.
4. xVnd the Amlicites were distinguished from the
Nephites, for they had marked themselves with ''red in
their foreheads, after the manner of the Lamanites; never-
theless they had not ^shorn their heads like unto the
Xiamanites.
5. Now the heads of the Lamanites were shorn; and they
•were ^naked, save it were skin, which was girded about their
loins, and also their ^armour, which was girded about them,
-and their bows, and their arrows, and their stones, and their
slings, &c.
6. And the skins of the Lamanites Vv^ere Mark, according
to the mark which was set upon their fathers, which was a
•curse upon them because of their transgression and their
rebellion against their brethren, who consisted of Nephi, Jacob,
and Joseph, and Sam, who were just and holy men.
7. And their brethren sought to destroy them, therefore
they were cursed; and the Lord God set a *mark upon them,
a, West bank, Alma ^: 34. 6, see gf, Alma 2. c, Caribbean Sea. rf, vers.
.13. 15, 16, 18, 19. e, ver. 5. Enos 1 : 20. A Enos 1: 20. Alma 43: 20. g, see
,f, Alma 2. K seed, J. N^. 2. i, see d, i. Nep. 2.
CHAP. III.] BOOK OF ALMA. 241
yea, upon Laman and Lemuel, and also the sons of Ishmael,
and Ishmaelitish women ;
8. And this was done that their seed might be distinguished
from the seed of their brethren, that thereby the Lord
Crod might preserve his people, that they might not mix and
believe in incorrect traditions which would prove their de-
struction.
9. And it came to pass that whosoever did mingle his seed
•with that of the Lamanites, did bring the same curse upon his
seed ;
10. Therefore, whomsoever suffered himself to be led away
by the Lamanites were called under that head, and there was
:a mark set upon him.
11. And it came to pass that whosoever would not be-
lieve in the tradition of the Lamanites, but believed those
records which were brought out of the land of Jerusalem,
and also in the tradition of their fathers, which were correct,
who believed in the commandments of God, and kept them,
•were called the Nephites, or the people of Nephi, from that
time forth ;
12. iiLud it is they who have kept the ^records which are
true of their people, and also of the people of the Laman-
ites.
13. Now we will return again to the Amlicites, for they
also had a mark net upon them; yea, they set the mark
upon themselves, yea, even a '^mark of red upon their fore-
Leads.
14. Thus the word of God is fulfilled, for these are the
words which he said to Nephi — Behold, the Lamanites have
I cursed, and I will set a mark on them, that they and their
seed may be separated from thee and thy seed, from this
time henceforth and for ever, except they repent of their
wickedness and turn to me, that I may have mercy upon
them.
15. And again : I will set a mark upon him that min-
gleth his seed with thy brethren, that they may be cursed
also.
16. And again, I will set a *mark upon him that fighteth
against thee and thy seed.
17. And again I say, he that departeth from thee, shall
:no more be called thy seed; and I will bless thee, &c., and
whomsoever shall be called thy seed, henceforth and for ever;
and these Were the promises of the Lord unto Nephi and to
Ms seed.
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 rebel-
lion against God ; therefore it was expedient that the curse
should fall upon them.
19. Now I would that ye should see that they brought
j, see /, I. Nep. 1. k, see d. I, see d. m, ver. 4.
242 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. IV.
upon themselves the curse ; and even so doth every man
that is cursed, bring upon himself his own condemnation.
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 w^as another army of the Laman-
ites came in upon the people of Nephi, in the "^same place
where the first army met the Amlicites.
21. And it came to pass that there was an army sent to-
drive them out of their land.
22. Now Alma himself being afflicted with a wound, did not
go up to battle at this time against the Lamanites ;
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;
24. And then they returned again, and began to establish
peace in the land, being troubled no more for a time with their
enemies.
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;
26. And in one year were thousands and tens of thou-
sands of souls sent to the eternal w^orl3, that they might
reap their rewards, according to their works, whether they
w^ere 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;
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.
CHAPTER 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;
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 Laman-
ites ;
3. And so great were their afflictions, that every soul had
cause to mourn ; and they believed that it was the. judg-
ments of God sent upon them, because of their wickedness
and their abominations; therefore they were awakened
to a remembrance of their duty.
n, Alma 2: 24. o, see m, Jacob 6. p, see q, Mos. 2.
a, see h, Omni 1. &, Alma 2: 19. 3: 1, 26. c. Alma 3: 2.
CHAP. IV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 243
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.
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. x\nd thus endeth the seventh year of the reiga
of the Judges over the people of Nephi ; and there was con-
tinual peace in all that time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10. And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the
Judges; and the wickedness of the church was a great stum-
bling-block to those who did not belong to the church ; and thus
the church began to fail in its progress.
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 ;
12. Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some
lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others,
turning their back s "upon the needy, and the naked, and
d, see u, ii. Nep. 9. e, see g. Alma 2. f, see d, Mos. 26. g, see g.
Mo6. 26. h, see u, ii. Nep. 9. i, see u. Alma 1. j, see c, Mos. », A, vers,
6, 9—12. I, see k. m, see k. n, see ;, Jacob. 2.
244 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. IV.
those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and
those who^ere sick and afflicted.
13. Now this was a great cause for lamentations among
the people, while others were abasing themselves, succour-
^ ing those who stood in need of their succour, *'such as im-
^ parting 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 ;
14. Looking forward to that day, thus retaining a remis-
sion 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.
15. And now it came to pass that Alma, having seen the
afflictions of the humble followers of God, and the persecu-
tions 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.
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.
17. Now this man's name was Nephihah, and he was ap-
pointed Chief Judge; and he sat in the judgment seat, to judge
a.nd to govern the people.
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
INephihah ;
19. And this he did, that he himself might go forth among
liis people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might
preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in re-
membrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the
ivord of God, all the pride and craftiness, and all the conten-
tions which were among his people, seeing no way that he
-might reclaim them, save it were in bearing down in pure
testimony against them.
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.
0, see j, Jacob 2. p, see d, it. Nep. 2. q, see g and ;. it. Nep. 9. r, vers.
^_12. s, ver. 7. t, see e, Mos. 29. u, Alma 1:1, 14, 18. v, see g, Mos.
26. * w, vers. 17, 18. X, see g, Mos. 26.
CHAP, v.] BOOK OF ALMA. 245
CHAPTER 5.
The words which Alma, the High Priest, according to the
holy order of God, delivered to the people in their citieff
and villages throughout the land,
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.
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:
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 brethreni
in the waters of Mormon.
4. And behold, I say unto you, they were ^delivered out
of the hands of the people of king Noah, by - the mercy and
power of God.
5. And behold, after that, they were brought into-
bondage by the hands of the Lamanites *in the wilderness ;
yea, I say unto you, they were in captivity, and again the
Lord did ''deliver them out of bondage by the power of his-
word ; and we were brought into this land,, and here we-
began to establish the church of God throughout *this land
also.
(). And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, you that
belong to this church, have you sufficiently retained in remem-
brance 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?
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.
8. And now I ask of you, my brethren, were they de-
stroyed? Behold, I say unto you, nay, they were not.
a, see h, Omni 1. b, see g, Mos. 26. c, see g, Mos. 18. d, see h, Mos.
18. e, see u, ii. Nep. 9. /, Mos. 23: 1—3. g, Mos. 23: 37—39. 24: 8—15.
h, Mos. 24: 17—25. i, Zarahemla. j, see f and g. k, see k, I. Nep. 15,
I, see g and j, n. Nep. 9. m, see p, ii. Nep. 28.
246 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. V.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
14. And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the
church, have ye spiritually been "born of God? Have ye re-
ceived his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced
this mighty change in your hearts?
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 cor-
ruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God, to be judged
according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal
body?
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?
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?
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 remem-
brance that ve have set at defiance the commandments of
God?
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
n, see g and j, li. Nep. 9. o, see p, ii. Nep. 28. p. see g and j, tt. Nep,
D q, see p, ii. Nep. 28. r, Mos. 17: 2— 4. s, Mos. 18: 1—31. t, see h,
ai. Nep. 31. u, see c. Mos. 5. v, see I, Mos. 5. w, see d, ii. Nep. 2. Also
•J and m, II. Nep. 9. X, see n, ii. Nep. 9.
CHAP, v.] BOOK OF ALMA. 247
you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your
countenances?
20. I say unto you, can ye think of being saved, • when
you have yielded yourselves to become ^'subjects to the
devil?
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.
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?
23. Behold will they not testify that ye are murderers,
yea, and also that ye are guilty of all manner of wicked-
ness ?
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?
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.
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?
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? '
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.
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.
30. And again I say unto you, is there one among you
y, see q, Mos. 2. z, see /, ii. Nep. 2. 2a, see i, ii. Nep. 9. 26, sec
f, II. Nep. 2.
248 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. V.
that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon
him persecutions?
31. Woe unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the
time is at hand that he must repent, or he cannot be saved;
32. Yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent,
repent, for the Lord God hath spoken it.
33. Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men ; for the
arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith, Re-
pent, and I will receive you ;
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 ;
35. Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righte-
ousness, and ye shall not be hewn down and ^'^cast into the
fire :
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.
37. Oh ! ye workers of iniquity ; ye that are puffed up in
the vain things of the world ; ye that have professed to have
known the w^ays of righteousness ; nevertheless have gone
astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a shep-
herd hath called after you, and is still calling after you,
but ye will not hearken unto his voice.
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.
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 :
40. For I say unto you, ^''that whatsoever is good,
Cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil, cometh from the
devil ;
, 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.
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.
— »
2c, see b, I. Nep. 8. 2d, see k, l. Nep. 15. 2e, vers. 39, 41, 57, 59,
60. Mos. 3: 14. Hela. 7: 18. iii. Nep. 16—24. 2f, see 2€. 2g, see i,
H. Nep. 9. 2h, Omni 1: 25. Ether 4: 12. Moro. 7: 12—19. 10: 6.
2i, III. Nep. 14: 16—20. 2;. see 2e. 2k, III. Nep. 14: 16—20. 21, see
i, II. Nep. 9. 2m, see c, ii. Nep. 2.
CHAP, v.] BOOK 07 ALMA. 249
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
!?poken unto you plainly, that ye cannot err, or have spoken
according to the commandments of God.
44. For I am called tt> speak after this manner, according
to the ^"holy order of God, wUich 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.
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?
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.
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.
48. I say unto you, that I know of myself that whatso-
ever 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.
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
imto all, both old and young, both bond and free ; yea, I say
vinto 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 ;
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 ;
51. And als6 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.
2n, see g, Mos. 26. 2o, see t, Mos. 27. 2p, see /, ii. Nep. 2. 2g, see
C Mos. 26. 2ri see c, Mos. 5.
250 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. V.
52. And again I say unto you, the Spirit saith, Behold,
the axe is laid at the root of the tree ; therefore every tree
that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be ^*hewn down and
cast into the fire ; yea, a fire which cannot be consumed ; even
an unquenchable fire. Behold, and remember, the Holy One
bath spoken it.
53. And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye
withstand these sayings : j^ea, 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 ;
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 w^alk after
the holy ord^ 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 ;
55. Yea, and will you persist in turning your ^"backs upon
the poor, and the needy, and in withholding your substance
from them ?
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.
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.
58. For the names of the righteous shall be written in the
book of life : and unto them will I grant an inheritance at mv
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.
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 last, if he can,
he will destroy him.
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 com-
mandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous w^olf to enter among
you, that ye may not be destroyed.
61. And now I, Alma, do command you in the language
2s, vers. 35, 56. Jacob 6:7. iii. Nep. 27: 11. 12. 2t, it. Nep. 2^.:
11—14. Mor. 8: 36—39. 2u, see j, Jacob 2. 2v, see 2s. 2w see 2e.
2x, Mos. 26: 32—36. 2y, see 2e.
CHAP. VI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 251
of him who hath commanded me, that ye observe to do the
words which I have spoken unto you.
62. I speak by way of command unto you that belong to
the church ; and unto those who do not belong to the churchy
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.
CHAPTER 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.
2. And it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the
church who repented of their sins, were ^'baptized unto re-
pentance, and were received into the church.
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 t,heir names were not num-
bered among those of the righteous ;
4. And thus they began to establish the order of the church
in the city of "^Zarahemla.
5. Now I would that ye should understand that the word
of God was liberal unto all ; that none were deprived of the
privilege of assembling themselves together to hear the word
of God ; •
6. 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.
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.
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
22", see u, ii. Nep. 9. 3a, see b, i. Nep. 8.
a, see c, Mos. 6, 5, see u, II. Nep. 9. c, Mos. 26: 32—36. Alma 5:
67, 58. d, see h, Omni 1. e, see t, Mos. 27. /, see g. Alma Z.
g, see m. Alma 2. h. Alma 1:9, 15. i. Alma 1: 15. j, see m, Alma 2.
252 BOOK OF ALMA, [CHAP. VIL
Spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to the testi-
mony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who should come to
redeem his people from their sins, and the *holy order by
which he was called. And thus it is written. Amen.
CHAPTER 7.
The words of Alma which he delivered to the people in Gideon^
according to his own record.
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;
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.
3. And behold, I have come having great hopes and much
desire that I should find that ye had humbled yourselves before
Ood, and that ye had continued in the supplicating of his
grace, that I should find that ye were blameless before hira ;
that I should find that ye were not in the awful dilemma that
our brethren were in at Zarahemla ;
4. But blessed be the name of God, that he hath given
me to know, yea, hath given unto me the exceeding great joy
of knowing that they are established again in the way of his
righteousness.
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.
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
liave 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 ever-
lasting faith which is to come.
k, see g, Mos. 26.
a, Mos. 29: 42. 6, Alma 4: 16—18. c, see h, Omni 1. d, see 2t,
Alma5.
CHAP. VII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 25$
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 hi»
people.
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.
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, whick
are straight : for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at
hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the-
earth.
10. And behold, he shall be born of *Mary, at Jerusalem,,
which is in 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;
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 ;
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 succour his people according to their
infirmities.
13. Now the Spirit %noweth * 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.
14. Now I say unto you, that ye must repent, and be '^borni
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 ;
15. Yea, I say unto you, come and fear not, and lay aside
every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind
you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and shew
e, Mos 3: 8. A i. Nep. 11: 13—21. Mos. 3: 8. Alma 7: 10. g, Mos.
14: 3—5. h, see fl', and j, ii. Nep. 9. i, see r, ii. Nep. 9. % Mos. 14
6, 8, 12. &, see c, Mos. 5. ?, see W, II. Nep. 9. m, see /, li. Nep. 2
254 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. VII.
tunto 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 ;
IG. And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the command-
ments of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that
I say unto him, yea, he will remember that I have said unto
liim, he shall have eternal life, according to the testimony of
the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me.
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.
38. For as I said unto you from the beginning, that I
bad 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.
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
«traight ;
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,
Tiis course is ^one eternal round.
21. And he doth not dwell in *"unholy temples ; neither can
filthiness, or anything which is unclean be received into the
Tiingdom of God ; therefore^ I say unto you, the time shall come,
jea, and it shall be at the last day, that he who is filthy *shall
Temain in his filthiness.
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
^'alk after the holy order of God, after which ye have been
received.
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 dili-
, gent 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;
24. And see that ye "have faith, hope, and charity, and
then ye will always abound in good works ;
n, see u, ii. Ne^.,9. o, vers. 3—6. p, see 2a, ii. Nep. 9. q, i. Nep
10: 19. Alma a? :12L r, Mos. 2: 37. Alma 34: 36. Hela. 4: 24. s, see
^, II. Nep. 9. I, see^, II. Nep. 32. u, Alma 13: 29. Ether 12: 31—34.
Moro. 7.
CHAP. VIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 255
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.
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.
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, ac-
cording to your faith and good works, from this time forth
and for ever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.
CHAPTER 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 labours which he had
performed.
2. And thus ended the ninth year of the reign of the Judges
over the people of Nephi.
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 ;
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
Hand of Melek.
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,
C). So that when he had finished his work at ''Melek, he
departed thence, and travelled three days' journey on the north
of the land of Melek ; and he came to a city which was
called *Ammonihah.
a, see m. Alma 2. 5, see h, Omni 1. c, vers. 4, 5, 6. Alma 31: 6
35: 13. 45: 18. d, see g. Alma 2. e, see g, Mos. 26. /, seo c
g see u, li. Nep. 9. h, see c. i, vers. 7—9, 14, 16. 18, 19. Alma 9: 1
14: 23. 15; 1, 15, 16. 16: 2, 3, 9, 11. 25: 2. 49: 1. 3, 10, 11. 14, 15. Hela. 5:10
256 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. VIII.
7. Now it was the custom of the people of Nephi, to call
their lands, and their cities, and their villages, yea, eveix
all their small villages, after the name of him who first
possessed them ; and thus it was with the land of ^ Am-
monihah.
8. And it came to pass that when /_lma had come to the
city of Ammonihah, he began to preach the word of God unto-
them.
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.
10. Nevertheless Alma laboured much in the Spirit,,
wrestling with God in ^mighty prayer, that he w^ould pour
out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city ; that h^
would also grant that he might ^baptize them unto repent-
ance ;
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 tra-
dition ; and we are not of thy church, and v/e do not believe
in such foolish traditions.
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 soat unto Nephihah ; there-
fore thou art not the chief judge over us.
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 towaids the city which was called
Aaron.
14. And it came to pass that while he Wfs journeying:
thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through
much tribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wick-
edness 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, say-
15. Blessed art thou, Alma ; therefore, lift up thy head
and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice : for thoui
hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God froni
the time which thou received thy first message from him.
Behold I am he that ^delivered it unto you ;
16. And behold I am sent to command thee that thou retur'i
to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the peop'?"
of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them,
except they repent, the Lord God will ^destroy them.
17. For behold, they do study at this time that they mnv
destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord,)
j, see i. k, see e, li. Nep. 32. I, see u, ii. Nep. 9. m, see g, Mos,
26. n, Alma 4: 16, 17. o, see i. p, Mos. 27; 11-16. q, ver. 29.
Alma 9: 4, 12. 18. 24. 10: 19, 23, 27. 16: 2, 3, 9—11.
CHAP. VIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 257
which is contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and com-
mandments which he has given unto his people.
18. Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his;
message from th'e 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.
19. And as he entered the city he was an hungered, andi
he said to a man, Will ye give to an humble servant of Go(2
something to eat?
20. And the man said unto him, I aip a Nephite, and I •
know that thou art an holy prophet of God, for thou art the
man whom an *angel said in a vision, thou shalt receive r
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.
21. And it came to pass that the man received him into
his house ; and the man was called Amulek ; and he brought
forth bread and meat, and sat before Alma.
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.
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.
24. And behold, I have been called to preach the word of
God among all this people, according to the Spirit of revela-
tion 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 for ever.
25. But behold, I have been commanded that I should turn
again and ^prophesy urto^ this people, yea, and to testify
against them concerning their iniquities.
26. And now Amulek, because thou hast fed me and took
me in, thou art '^blessed; for I was an hungered, for I had
''fasted many days.
27. And Alma tarried many days with Amulek before he
began to preach unto the people.
28. And it came to pass that the people did wax more gross
in their iniquities.
29. And the word came to Alma, saying, Go; and also say
unto my servant Amulek, go forth and prophesy unto this
people, saying, Re^'^nt 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.
30. And Alma went forth, and also Amulek, among the
people, to deci'^^e the words of God unto them; and they
were filled with the Holy Ghost ;
r, see i, S. Alma 10:7—9. t, vers. 22, 26. Alma 10:7, 11. u, see
g, Mos. 26. V, ver. 13. W, ver. 16. x, ver. 20. See t, y, see t, Mos,
27. z, sef^ g.
258 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. IX.
31. And fhey 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.
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.
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 de-
livered hy the miraculous power of God which was in them,
^according to the record of Alma.
CHAPTER 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,
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?
3. Now they understood not the words which they spake;
for they knew not that the earth should pass away.
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.
5. Now they knew not that God could do such marvellous
-works, for they were a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people.
G. And they said, Who is God, that sendeth no more au-
thority than one man among this people, to declare unto them
the truth of such great and marvellous things?
7. And they stood forth to lay their hands on me; but
"behold, they did not. And I stood with boldness to declare
nnto them, yea, I did boldly testify unto them, saying :
8. Behold, O ye wicked and perverse generation, how have
ye forgotten the tradition of your fathers ; yea, how soon ye
Lave forgotten the commandments of God.
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?
10. And have ye forgotten so soon how many times he
delivered our fathers out of the hands of their enemies, and
2a, Alma 14: 17—29.
€t. Alma 8: 29. b, see i, Alma 8. c, Alma 16 9, 10.
<3HAP, IX. 1 BOOK OF ALMA. 259
preserved them from being destroyed, even by the hands of
their own brethren?
11. Yea, and if it had not been for his matchless power,
and his mercy, and his long suffering towards us, we should
unavoidably have been cut off from the face of the earth,
long before this period of time, and perhaps been consigned
to a state of '^endless misery and wo.
12. Behold, now I say unto you, that he commandeth
you to repent; and except ye repent, ye can in no wise
inherit the kingdom of God. But behold, this is not all :
he 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.
13. Behold, do ye not remember the words which he
«pake 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 keen my
commandments, ye shall be cut ofO from the presence of the
Lord.
14. Now I would that ye should remember, that inas-
much as the Lamanites have not kept the commandments
of God, they have been cut off from the presence of the
liOrd. 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.
15. Nevertheless I say unto you, that it shall be more toler-
able 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,
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; there-
fore the Lord will be merciful unto them, and ^prolong their
existence in the land.
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.
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 ;
d, see m, Jacob 6. e. see q. Alma 8. /, Alma 8: 29. g, II. Nep.
1\9. 4:4. See 6. i. Nep. 2. h, see h, i. Nep. 2. i, Mos. 10: 11—17.
0, see c, Enos 1. Also see c, ii. Nep. 27. Hela. 15: 10—16. k, Alma 16:
% 3, 9—11. h Alma 8; 29. 9; 12.
260 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. IX*
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 ;
20. Yea, after having been such a highly favoured people
of the Lord ; yea, after having been favoured 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;
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 *
22. Yea, and after having been delivered of God out of the
land of Jerusalem, by the hand of the Lord ; having been
saved from famine, and from sickness, and all manner of
diseases of every kind; and they having been waxed strong
in battle, that they might not bQ 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.
23. And now behold I say unto you, that if thi^ 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 toler-
able for the Lamanites than for them.
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?
25. And now for this cause, that ye may not be destroyed,
the Lord has sent his angel to visit many of his people, de-
claring 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;
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.
m, I. Nep. 12: 15, 19, 20. 15: 5. Alma 45: 10—14. Hela. 13: 5-10.
15: 17. Mor. 6. n, Omni 1: 20— 22. Mos. 8: 13—19. 28: 11—17-
0, Mos. 22: 11—13. 24: 17—20. p, see j. q. see m.
CKAP. X.] BOOK OF ALMA. 261
27. And behold, he cometh to redeem those who will be
•"baptized unto repentance, through faith on his name ;
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.
29. Now behold, this is the voice of the angel, crying unto
the people.
30. And now, my beloved brethren, for ye are my brethren,
and ye had ought to be beloved, and ye had ought to bring
forth works which are meet for repentance, seeing that your
hearts have been grossly hardened against the word of God, ^
and seeing that ye are a *lost and fallen people.
31. Now J it came to pass that when I, Alma, had spoken
these words, behold, the people were wroth with me, because
I said unto them that they were a "hard-hearted and a stiff-
necked people ;
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 ;
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.
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.
CHAPTER 10.
1. Now these are the words which Amulek preached unto
the people who were in the "land of Ammonihah, say-
ing :
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.
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.
r see U ii. Nep. 9. s, see i, ii. Nep. 9. t, ver. 32. Alma 12: 22.
U, ver. 5. V, ver. 30.
a, see i, Alma 8.
i.
262 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. X»
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 ;
5. Nevertheless, after all this, I never have known much of
the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvellous power.
I said I never had known much of these things ; but behold,
I mistake, for I have seen much of his mysteries and his
marvellous power; yea, even in the preservation of the lives
of this people ;
6. Nevertheless I did harden my heart, for I was called
many times, and I would not hear ; therefore I knew concern-
ing these things, yet I would not know ; therefore I went on re-
belling 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.
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.
8. And it came to pass that I obeyed the ^voice of the angeU
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.
9. And the angel said unto me. He is a '^holy man ; where-
fore I know he is a holy man, because it was said by an angel
of God.
10. And again, I know that the things whereof he hath testi-
fied 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 tiath *dwelt at
my house :
11. For behold, he hath ^blessed mine house, he hath blessed
me, and my women, and my children, and my father and my
kinsfolks ; yea, even all my kindred hath he blessed, and the
blessing of the Lord hath rested upon us according to the words
which he spake.
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 w^ere to come, according to the
Spirit of prophecy which was in them ;
6, ver. 11. Alma 15: 16. c, vers. 8, 9. Alma 8: 20. d, see t, Mos. 27.
€, see t, Alma 8. /, Alma 8: 20. g, Alma 8: 20. h, ver. 7. i Alm«
8: 27. j, see t. Alma 8. k, Alma 9: 6.
CHAP. X.] BOOK OF ALMA. 263
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.
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.
15. Now these lawyers were leprned in all the arts and cun-
ning of the people ; and this was to enable them that they might
be skilful in their profession.
16. And it came to pass that they began to question Amulek,
that thereby they might make him cross his words, or con-
tradict the words which he should speak.
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 hypo-
crites ; for ye are laying the foundations of the devil ;
for ye are laying traps and snares to catch the holy ones of
God;
18. Ye are laying plans to pervert the w^ays of the righteous,
and to bring down the wrath of God upon your heads, evea
to the utter destruction of this people ;
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 gov-
erned 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 destruc-
tion.
20. And now I say unto you, that well doth the Lord judge
of your iniquities; well doth he cry unto his people, by the*
voice of his angels. Repent ye, repent, for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand.
21. Yea, well doth he cry, by the voice of his angels, that
I will come down among my people, with equity and justice i»
my hands.
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 thfe days of
Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the
sword.
I, vers. 15—18, 24, 27, 29-32. Alma 11: 20-37. 14; 18, 23—28. m, see T;
fl.Mos. 29:27.
264 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XL
23. But it is by the "prayers of the righteous that ye arft
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.
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
Ave have selected.
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? •
26. For behold, have I testified against your law? Ye do
not understand ; ye say that I nave spoken against your law ;
but I have not, but I have spoken in favour of your law, to
your condemnation.
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.
28. And now" it came to pass, that when Amulek had spoken
these words, the people cried out against him, saying, Now we
inow 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.
29. And again: he has reviled against our lawyers, and our
judges, &c.
30. And it came to pass that the lawyers put it into their
hearts, that they should remember these things against him.
31. And there was one among them whose name was Zeezrom.
Kow 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.
32. Now the object of these lawyers was to *get gain : and
they got gain "according to their employ.
cha:pter 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 w^ages "according to the time which
0, see e, ii. Nep. 32. p, see g, Alma 8. q, see I. r, see g, Alma 8.
«, see Z. U Alma 11: 20. u, Alma 11: 3. 20.
O, Ters. 3, 20. Alma 10 :31, 32.
CHAP. XI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 265
they laboured to judge those who were brought before them to
be judged.
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 accord-
ing 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.
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.
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.
5. Now the reckoning is thus : a ^senine of gold, a seon of
gold, a shum of gold, and a limnah of gold.
6. A ^'senum of silver, an amnor of silver, an ezrom of silver,,
and an onti of silver.
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.
8. Now the amount of a seon of gold, was twice the value
of a senine;
9. And a shum of gold was twice the value of a seon ;
10. And a limnah of gold was the value of them all;
11. And an amnor of silver was as great as two senums ;
12. And an ezrom of silver was as great as four senums;
13. And an *onti was as great as them all.
14. Now this is the value of the lesser numbers of their
* reckoning ;
15. A shiblon is half of a senum : therefore, a shiblon for
half a measure of barley ;
16. And a shiblum is a half of a shiblon ;
17. And a leah is the half of a shiblum.
18. Now this is their number, according to their reckon*
ing.
19. Now an antion of gold is equal to three shublons.
20. Now, it was for the sole purpose to get gain, because
they received their wagps ^according to their employ; there-
fore, they did stir up the people to riotings, and all manner
6, ver. 20. Alma 10: 31, 32. C, vers. 5, 7, 8. Alma 30: 33. in. Nep.
12: 26. d, vers. 6, 7, 11, 12, 15. e, Mos. 20. /, see c. g, see d.
h, vcr. 3. i, vers. 6, 22, 25. j, vers. 1, 3. Alma 10: 32.
266 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XI.
of disturbances and wickedness, that they might have more
employ ; that they might get money according to the suits
which w^ere brought before them : therefore they did stir up
the people against Alma and Amulek.
21. And this Zeezrom began to question Amulek, saying:
Will ye answer me a few questions which I shall ask you?
^ow Zeezrom was a man who was expert in the devices of
the devil, that he might destroy that which was good ; there-
fore, he said unto Amulek, Will ye answer the questions which
I shall put unto you?
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 su-
preme Being.
23. Now Amulek said, O thou child of hell, why tempt ye
me? Knowest thou that the righteous yieldeth to no such
temptations?
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.
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 had it in thy heart to retain
them from me; and it was only thy desire that I should deny
the true and living God, that thou mightest have cause to
destroy me. And now behold, for this great evil thou shalt
have thy reward.
26. And Zeezrom said unto him, Thou sayest there is a true
and living God?
27. And Amulek said, Yea, there is a true and living
God.
28. Now Zeezrom said. Is there niore than one God?
29. And he answered, No.
30. Now Zeezrom said unto him again. How knowest thou
these things?
31. And he said, An ***angel hath made them known unto
me.
32. And Zeezrom said again, Who is he that shall come? Is
it the Son of God?
33. And he said unto him. Yea.
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.
35. Now Zeezrom said unto the people, See that ye remem-
ber 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.
k see i. i, see i. m. Alma 10: 10. n, vers.- 37, 38. Hela. 5: 10, 11.
o, ver. 36.
CHAP. XI.] EOOK OF ALMA. 267
36. Now Amnlek 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.
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 unclea"n thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven ;
therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the king-
dom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your
sins.
. 38. Now Zeezrom saith again unto him, Is the Son of God
the Pvery eternal Father?
39. And Amulek said unto him. Yea, he is the very eternal
Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in
them is; he is the beginning and the end, the first and the
last;
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 ;
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.
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 ;
43. The spirit and the body shall be r«-united again in its
perfect form ; *both limb and joint shall be restored to its
proper frame, even as we now are at this time ; and we shall
be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now,
and have a "bright recollection of all our guilt.
44. Now this ^'I'estoration shall come to all, both old and
young, both bond and free, both m^le and female, both the
wicked and the righteous ; and even there shall not so much as
a hair of their heads be lost ; but all things shall be restored
to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be
brought and be arraigned bciore 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.
45. Now, behold, I have spoken unto you, concerning the
death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrec-
tion of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal
l3ody is ^raised to an immortal body ; that^^is from death ;
even from the first death unto life, that tflfy can Mie no
p, ver. 39. See a, Mos. 3. q, Mos. 14: 5, 8. r, see g and j, ii.
Nep. 9. s, see g and ;, ii. Nep. 9. t, sre d, ii. Nep. 2. u, see n, ii.
Nep. 9. V, see d, ii. Nep. 2. W see k, II. Nep. 3L X, see d, ii,
Nep. 2, 2/. Alma 12: 18. 2a
268 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XII.
•nore; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be
divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that
f.hey can no more see corruption.
46. Now, when Amulek had finished these words, the people*
began again to be astonished, ar.d also Zeezrom began to
tremble. And thus ended the words of Amulfek, or this is all
that I have written.
CHAPTER 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 be-
gan to ^tremble under a consciousness of his guilt, he opened
his mou^h 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.
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 :
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;
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.
5. Now this was a plan of thine adversary, and he hath
exercised his power in thee. Now I would that ye should re-
member that what I say unto thee, I say unto all.
6. And behold I say unto you all, that this was a snare of
the adversary, which he lias 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.
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 con-
vinced 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.
8. And Zeezrom began to enquire of them diligently,
that he might know more concerning the kingdom of God.
a. Alma 11- 20—38. 6, Alma 11: 46. c, see r, ii. Nep. 9. d, Alms
11 : 20—38. e, see p, ii. Nep. 28. /, see m, .Jacob 6. g, ver. 3.
CHAP. Xn.] BOOK OF ALMA. 269
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 jusi: and the unjust, and are
brought to stand before God, to be judged according to their
works?
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 ;
10. And therefore he that will harden bis 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 ;
11. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is
given the lesser portion of the word, until they know noth-
ing concerning his mysteries ; and then they are taken
^captive by the devil, and led by his will down to de-
struction. Now this is what is meant by the ""chains of
hell;
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 accord-
ing to our works.
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 ;
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.
15. But this cannot be ; we must come forth and stand be-
fore 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.
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,
h, see d, II. Nep. 2. i, iii. Nep. 26: 6—11. Ether 4. 1—7. ;, see i.
k, see i. I, see i, ii. Nep. 9. m. see p, ii. Nep. 28. n, Alma 11:
41—45. o, see d, ii. Nep. 2. p, ver. 32. Alma 13: 30. See o, ii. Nep. 9.
Also see k, I. Nep. 15. Jacob 3: 11.
270 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. ZH.
shall also die a spiritual death ; yea, he shall 'die as to things
pertaining unto righteousness;
17. Then is the time when their torments shall be as a 'lake
of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up for ever 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.
18. Then I say unto you, they shall be as though there had
been no redemption made ; for they cannot be redeemed accord-
ing to God's justice; and they 'cannot die, seeing there is no
more corruption.
19. ]Sow it came to pass that when Alma had made an end
of speaking these words, the people began to be more as-
tonished ;
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?
21. What does the scripture mean, which saith that "God
placed cherubims and a flaming sword on the east of the garden
of Eden, lest our first parents should enter and partake of
the fruit of the tree of life, and live for ever? And thus we
see that there was no possible chance that they should live for
ever.
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.
23. And now behold, I say unto you, that if it had been
possible for Adam to have *par taken 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.
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.
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
q, ver. 32. I. Nep. 15: 33. Alma 40: 26. Hela. 14: 18. r, see m,
Jacob 6. s, see p, ii. Nep. 28. t, ver. 20. Alma 11: 45. u, vers.
12—18. r, Gen. 3: 24. w. Alma 9: 30, 32. See e and g, il. Nep. 9.
X, ver. 26. Alma 42; 2—9. y. Gen. 2: 17. S, Alma 11: 41—45.
2a, Alma 34: 32—35. 42: 4. 13. 2b, see d, ii. Nep. 3.
CHAP. XII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 27l
of redemption laid, which shall bring to pass the '''resurrection
of the dead, of which has been spoken.
20. 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 for ever 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.
27. But behold, it was not so; but it was appointed unto
man that they must die ; and after death, they must come to
judgment ; even that same judgment of which we have spoken^
which is the end.
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 ;
29. Therefore he sent angels '®to converse with them, who
caused men to behold of his glory.
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 ^^froms
the foundation of the world; and this he made known unto
them according to their faith and repentance, and their holy
works ;
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 2*according to their wills and pleasures, whether to do
evil or to do good ;
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 pertain-
ing unto righteousness ; for on such the plan of redemption
could have no power, for the works of ^'"justice could not be
destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God.
33. But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this
being the plan of redemption which was laid,) saying,
Mf ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, then
will I have mercy upon you, through mine only begotten
Son ;
34. Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his
heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine only be-
botten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter
into my rest.
2c. see d. ii. Nep. 2. 2c?. ver. 23. Alma 42: 2—9. 2e, Doc. & Gov. II. Lee, 23. 24.
New Translation. Pearl of Great Price, p. 20:6. 2f, Pearl of Great Price, p. 19:4, 5.
2g, see d, Mos. 4. 2h, The law of the forbidden fruit. 2i, ii. Nep. 2: 16. 2;, Pearl oi
Great Price, p. 19: 4—7. 2k, vers, 16, 36. Jacob 3: 11. Alma 13: 30. See o, ii.
Nep. 9. See k, i. Nep, 15. 21, see q. 2m, Mos. 15: 27. Alma 34: 15, 16. 42: 13—25.
2n, Pearl of Great Price, p. 19.
S72 BOOK or ALMA. [CHAP. 2III.
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.
36. And now, my brethren, behold I say unto you, that if
je 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,
jea, according to his word in the ^^last provocation, as well
as the first, to the ^''everlasting destruction of your souls ; there-
fore, according to his word, unto the ^*last death, as well as
the =»*first.
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
tis in these his -"second commandments which he has given
unto us; but let us enter into the ^^rest of God, which is pre-
pared according to his word.
CHAPTER 13.
1. And again : My brethren, I would cite your minds forward
to the time when the Lord God gave these commandments
Tunto 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 ;
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.
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 exceeding great faith, are called with a holy calling,
yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and ac-
cording to, a preparatory redemption for such ;
4. And thus they have been called to this ^holy calling on
account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of
<jod on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness
of their minds, while, if it had not been for this, they might
liave had as great privilege as their brethren.
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
2o, Pearl of Great Price, p. 17. 2p, ver. 31. 2q, ver. 35. 2r, see 2k.
2s, see 2k. 2'. ver. 23. 2w, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 10, 12, 16, 17. 2v, vers.
34, 35. Alma 13: 6, 12, 13, 16, 29. 16: 17.
fl, Peari of Great Price, pp. 27, 28. Doc. & Gov. 84: 6—28, 107. 6, Pearl of
Crreat Price, pp. 27, 28, 29. See a. c, see d, Mos. 4. d, ver. 7. e, ii.
Ucp. 2: 16. Alma 12: bi. /, see a. g, see d, Mos. 4.
€HAPo XIIL] book OF ALMA. 273
would not harden their hearts, being in and through
the '•atonement of the only begotten Son, who was pre-
pared ;
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 :
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.
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 :
9. Thus they become '"High Priests for ever, 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.
10. Now as I said concerning the holy order of this 'High
Priesthood : there were many who were ordained and became
"High Priests of God ; and it was on account of their ex-
ceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before
God, they cUoosing to repent and work righteousness, rather
than to perish;
11. Therefore they were called after this holy order, and
were sanctified, and their garments were washed white, through
the ^blood of the Lamb.
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 ab-
horrence; and there were many, exceeding? great many, who
were made pure, and entered into the ""rest of the Lord their
God.
13. And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble
yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repent-
ance, that ye may also enter into that rest;
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 ^'for ever.
15. And it was the same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid
tithes : yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of *one-tenth
part of all he possessed.
h, see f, n. Nep. 2. t, see g, Mos. 26. j, see 2v, Alma 12. fc, see g, Mos.
26. I, see d, Mos. 4. m. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 51, 52. n, see a, Mos. 3.
Pearl of Great Price, pp. 51, 52. o, ver. 3, see r, ii. Nep. 9. p, see g, Mos. 26.
q, Pearl of Great Price, pp. 51, 52. see a, Mos. 3. r, see g, Mos. 26. s, see a, Mos.
3. Pearl of Great Price, pp. 51, 52; t, see g, Mos. 26. u. Doc. & Gov. 107: 40—
55. 84. 6—22 v, see f, it. Nep. 2. W, see 2v, Alma 12. x, vers. 15—18.
y, vers. 7—9, see m. 5, Gen. 14* 20.
274 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XIIl.
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.
17. Now this JMelchizedek was a king over the land of Salem ;
and his people had waxed strong in iniquity and abominations ;
yea, they had all gone astray: they were full of all manner of
wickedness :
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.
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.
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.
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 re-
pent, for the day of salvation draweth nigh;
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.
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 favoured, for we have these glad tidings declared
unto us in all parts of our vineyard.
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.
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.
26. And it shall be made known unto just and holy
men, by the '''mouth of angels, at the time of his coming,
2a, see 2v, Alma 12. 26, see g, Mos. 20. 2c, Doc. & Gov. 107: 40—55.
2d, Doc. & Gov. 84: &~22. 2c, Alma 14: 1, 8. 14. 2/. ver. 24. Mos. 3: 2—27.
Alma 8: 14—17, 20. 10: 7—10. 20. 11; 31. 2g, see &. n, Nep. 25. 2ft,
Hela. 13: 7. 14: 26, 28. in. Nep. 7: 18.
CHAP. XIV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 275
that the words of our fathers may be fulfilled, according to that
which they have spoken concarning him, which was according
to the Spirit of prophecy which was in them.
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 procras-
tinate the aay of your repentance;
28. But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord,
and call on his holy name, and watch and ^*pray contin-
ually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye
can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming hum-
ble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long suffer-
ing;
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;
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.
31. And Alma spake many more words unto the people, which
ere not written in this book.
CHAPTER 14.
1. And it came to pass after he had made an end of speak-
ing unto the people, many of them did believe on his words,
and began to repent, and to search the "^Scriptures ;
2. But the more part of them were desirous that they
might destroy Alma and Amuiek : 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.
3. And they were also angry with Alma and Amuiek : and
because they had testified so plainly against their wickedness,
they sought to put them away privily.
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.
5. And the people went forth and witnessed against them,
'testifying that they had reviled against the law, and
their lawyers apd Judges of the land, and also of all the
people that were in the land; and also testified that there
2l, see e, ll. Nep. 32. 2j, see u. Alma 7. 2k, see p, Mos. 23. 21, see 2v,
Akna 12. 2m, see p, ii. Nep. 28. 2n, see p, Alma 12.
a. vera. 8, 14, Alma 13: 20. b. Alma 12: 3—7. c, Alma 10; 24—32. (t
Ter. 2.
276 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XIV.
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.
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.
7. And it came to pass that he began to cry unto the people,
saying: Behold, I am guilty, and these men are spotless be-
fore 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
12. Now Amulek said unto Alma, Behold, perhaps they will
burn us also.
13. And Alma said, Be it according to the will of the Lord.
But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us
cot.
e. Alma 11: 33— 37. /, Alma 10: 31. 11: 21— 38. g. Alma 15: 1. h, vers.
9—15. Alma 15; 2. i, vers. 1, 14. Alma 13: 20. ;, see h. A, vers.
26—29. Alma 8? 30, 31. ^ vers. 26— 29. Alma 16: 2, 3. 9— 11.
CHAP. XIV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 277
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?
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 your-
selves?
16. Now this Judge was after the order and faith of 'Nehor,
who *slew Gideon.
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.
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.
19. And it came to pass that the Judge stood before them,
and iaid. Why do ye not answer the words of this people?
Know ye not that I have power to deliver ye up unto
the flames? And he commanded them to speak; but they an-
swered nothing.
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?
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?
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.
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
m, see h. n, see i. o, vers. 15, 17, 20. 24, 25. p, Alma 12: 17.
q, see o. r, Alma 1: 15. s. Alma 1; 7—14. 2:20. t, see o.
u. Alma 1: 15. V, see o. w, vers. 2, 5. x, ver. 24. y, vers. 4, 23, 26.
Alma 8: 31.
278 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XV.
of Ammonihah, and many of their teachers and their lawyers,
went in unto the prison where Alma and Amulek were bound
with cords.
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 be-
lieve that the Lord will destroy this people according to your
words.
25. xind 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 ^"poiver of God was
upon Alma and Amulek, and they rose and stood upon their
feet ;
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.
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.
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.
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.
CHAPTER 15.
1. And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek were
commanded to depart out of that city; and they departed,
z, ver. 20. 2a, Alma 8: 30, 31. 26, see y. 2c, ver. 27. 2d, ver. 2a
2e, ver. 26. 2/, ver. 27. 2g, ver. 27. 2h, vers. 27, 28.
CHAP. XV.] BOOK OP ALMA. 279
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/»
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.
3. And also Zeezrom lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever,
which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind,, on ac-
count of ^his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and
Amulek were no more ; and he supposed that they had been
slain, by the cause of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his
many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become ex-
ceeding sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be
scorched with a burning heat.
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.
5. And it came to pass that they went immediately, obeying
the message which he had sent unto them ; and they went in
unto the house unto Zeezrom ; and they found him upon his
bed sick, being ^very low with a burning fever ; and his mind
also was ''exceeding sore because of his iniquities ; and when
he saw them, he stretched forth his hand, and besought them
that they would heal him.
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 ?
7. And he answered and said, Yea, I believe all the words
that thou hast taught.
8. And Alma said. If thou believest in the redemption of
Christ, thou canst be healed.
9. And he said. Yea, I believe according to thy words.
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.
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.
12. And Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord ; and he be-
gan from that time forth to preach unto the people.
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 bap-
tized.
a, vers. 3, 4, 11, 13, 14. 17. 6. Alma 14:7. c, Alma 14: 8—14. d. Alma
14:26—29. e, Alma 10:31. 11:21—38. 14:6. 7. f, see a. g. ver. 3.
h, ver. 3. Alma 14: 6. i, see a. j, see u. ii. Nep. 9. k, see a. I, see
C» Mos. 6.
280 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XVI.
14. And it came to pass that they were many ; for they did
flock in from all the region round about Sidom, and were
^"baptized ;
15. But as to the people that were in the "land of Ammo-
nihah, 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.
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;
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 them-
selves 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 destruc-
tion.
18. Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things, there-
fore 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.
19. And thus ended the tenth year of the reign of the Judges
over the people of Nephi.
CHAPTER 16.
1. And it came to pass in the eleventh year of the reigo
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;
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.
3. And now it came to pass before the Nephites could
raise a sufficient army to drive them out of the land, they
m, see u, ii. Nep. 9. n, see i. Alma 8. o. Alma 14; 26—29. p»
Alma 1: 2— 15. 2: 20. q. Alma 10; 4. r, A!ma 10: 4, 11. s. see o.
<. Alma 16: 13. 21:6. 22:7. 23:2. Hela. 3:9, 14. u. eee
h, Omni 1.
a. see ft, Omni 1. &. see t. Alma 8.
CHAP. XVI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 281
bad "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.
4. Now it came to pass that the Nephites were desirous to
obtain those who had been carried away captive into the wilder-
ness ;
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, there-
fore they went unto him and desired of him to know whether
the Lord would that they should go into the wilderness in
search of their brethren, who had been taken ^captive by the
Lamanites.
6. And it came to pass that Alma inquired of the Lord con-
cerning 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.
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
w^as on the east side of the river Sidon.
8. And they came upon the armies of the Lamanites,
and the Lamanites were scattered and driven into the
wilderness; that they took their brethren who had been
taken captive by the Lamanites, and there was not one soul
of them who had been lost, that were taken "captive. And
they were brought by their brethren to possess their "own
lands.
9. And thus ended the eleventh year of the Judges, the
Lamanites having been driven out of the land, and the ^peo-
ple of Ammonihah were destroyed ; yea, every living soul of
the Ammonihah ites were destroyed, and also their great city,
which they said God could ^'not destroy, because of its great-
ness.
10. But behold, in one day it was left desolate; and the
carcases were mangled by dogs and wild beasts of the wilder-
ness ;
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
c, vers. 9—11. Alma 9; 18. 25: 2. d. Alma 49: 12—15. e, see g,
Mos. 26. f. vers. 3, 4. g, see g Alma 2. h, ver. 7. Alma 17: 1. 22:27
43: 22, 24, 25, 42. 56: 14. 57: 22. 58: 1. 13, 25—28. 39. 59: 6. i, see g.
Alma 2. j, vers. 3, 4. k, ver. 5. I, see g. Alma 2. m, see h. n, vera.
3—6. o, ver. 3. p, vers. 2, 3. Alma 9: 18. q, Alma 9: 4, 5.
282 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XVI.
of '"Nehors ; for they were of the profession of Nehor who were
slain ; and their lands remained desolate.
12. And the Lamanites did not come again to war against,
the Nephites until the fourteenth year of the reign Ol the
Judges over the people of Nephi. And thus for three years did
the people of Nephi have continual peace in all the land.
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.
14. And as many as would hear their words, unto them they
did impart the word of God, without any respect of persons,,
continually.
15. And thus did Alma and Amulek go forth, and also many
more who had been chosen for the work, to preach the word
throughout all the land. And the establishment of the church
became general throughout the land, in all the region round
about, among all the people of the Nephites.
16. 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,
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.
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, robbings
plundering, murdering, committing adultery, and all manner
of lasciviousness, crying that these things ought not so to-
be;
19. Holding forth things which must shortly come ; yea, hold-
ing forth the coming of the Son of God, his sufferings and death,,
and also the ^"resurrection of the dead.
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.
21. And now after the church having 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. ___^_^
r. Alma 1:2 — 15. s, see h, ii. Nep. 5. t, see t. Alma 15. u, Alm»
21: 4, 5, 11, 16, 20. 23: 2, 4. 26: 29. 31: 12, 13. 32: 1, 2, 5, 9—12. 33: 2.
Hela. 3: 9, 14. in. Nep. 13: 2, 5. v, u. Nep. 5: 16. w, Mos. 18: 19—29.
23: 15. 27:4. iv. Nep. 1:3. x, see 2v, Alma 12. y. dee c, Mos. 6. See
g, Mos. 26. Zt III. Nep. 30. 2a, s^e d, ii. Nep. 2. 2b, see (►.
I. Nep. 12.
CHAP. XVII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 283
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 suf-
ferings and deliverance^ according to the record of
Alma,
CHAPTER 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.
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.
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.
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 rhany 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.
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 labour in the Spirit.
6. Now these were their journeyings : Having taken leave
of their ''father, Mosiah, in the first year of the Judges ; hav-
ing *refused the kingdom which their father was desirous
to confer upon them ; and also this was the minds of the
people ;
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 wilder-
ness,
8. And thus they departed into the wilderness with their
numbers which they had ''selected, to go up to the Mand of
Nephi, to preach the word of God unto the Lamanites.
a, see m. Alma 2. 6, see h. Alma 16. c, Mos. 27: 34. d, see h, Omni 1.
e, Mos. 27: 11—17. f, Alma 63: 12. g, see e, ii. Nep. 32. See t, Mos. 27.
h, Mos. 28: 1, 5—9. 29: 41—44, i, Mos. 29: 3. j, see h, Omni 1. k, Mos.
28:1. I, see h, ii. Nep. 5.
284 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP, XVII.
9. And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in
the wilderness, and they "'fasted much that the Lord would
grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and
abide with them, that they might be an 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.
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.
11. And the Lord said unto them also, ^Go forth among the
Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word ; yet ye shall
be patient in long suffering and afflictions, that ye may shew
forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an in-
strument of thee in my hands, unto the salvation of many
souls.
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.
13. And it came to pass when they had arrived in the borders
of the land of the Lamanites, that they separated them-
selves, and departed one from another, trusting in the Lord
that they should meet again at the close of their harvest ; lor
they supposed that «great was the work which they had under-
taken.
14. And assuredly it was great, for they had undertaken to
preach the word of God *"to a wild and a hardened, and a fero-
cious 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 plun-
dering, that they might not labour for them with their own
hands ;
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 ; notwithstand-
ing, the promises of the Lord were 'extended unto them on
the conditions of repentance ;
16. Therefore this was the cause for which the sons of
Mosiah had undertaken the "work, that perhaps they might
bring them unto repentance; that perhaps they might bring
them to know of the plan of redemption ;
17. Therefore they "separated themselves one from another,
and went forth among them, every man alone, accord-
ing to the word and power of God which was given unto
him.
18. Now Ammon being the chief among them, or rather
m, see t, Mos. 27. n, see n, Jacob 7. 0, ver. 12. Alma 26: 27. p.
Alma 26: 27. q, vers. 14—16. r, see n, Jacob 7. s, see d, i. Nep. 2. t, see
3, Alma 9. u, see q. v, ver. 13.
CHAP. XVII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 285
be did administer nnto them : and he departed from them, after
having blessed them according to their several stations, hav-
ing imparted the word of God unto them, or administered unto
them before his departure ; and thus they took their several
journeys throughout the land.
19. And Ammon went to the land of ^Ishmael, the land
being called after the ^sons of Ishmael, w^ho also became
Lamanites.
20. And as Ammon entered the land of Ishmael, the Laman-
ites 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 ;
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.
22. And the king inquired of Ammon if it were his desire
to dwell in the land among the Lamanites, or among his
people?
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.
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.
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.
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) ;
27. Therefore as Ammon and the servants of the king were
driving forth their flocks to this place of water, behold, a cer-
tain 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.
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 bv the wickedness of these men. And
they began to weep exceedingly, saying, Behold, our flocks are
scattered already.
W>, vers. 20. 21. Alma 20: 14, 15. 21:18,20. 22:1,4. 23:9. 24:5.
25: 13. X, see c, i. Nen. 7. y. see w. z, see c. i. Nep. 7. 2a, ver. 2a
26. ver. 34. Alma 18: 7. 19: 20. 21. 2r, vers. 29, 31—33, 35, 39. Alma
18-3. 19:20.21. 2d. Alma 18: 4— 7. 19:20.
286 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XVII.
29. Now they wept because of the fear of being slain. Now
when Ammon saw this, his heart was swollen within him
with joy ; for, said he, I will shew forth my power unto these
my fellow-servants, or the power which is in me, in restor-
ing 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.
30. Now these were the thoughts of Ammon, when he saw
the affliction of those whom he termed to be his brethren.
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.
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.
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.
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 w^ere in number not * a
few;
35. Therefore they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed
that one of their men could slay him according to their pleas-
ure, for they knew not that the Lord had promised Mosiah
that he would -Meliver 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.
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 ; there-
fore, seeing that they could not hit him with their stones, they
came forth with clubs to slay him.
37. But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Am-
mon, he smote off ^Hheir 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.
2e, ver. 32. 2f, vers. 27. 35. 2g, see 2&. 2h, Mos. 28:7. Alma 19: 23.
2i, vers. 27. 33. 2;, ver. 38. Alma 18: 16. 20. 2k, vers. 38. 39. Alma
18: 16, 20.
CHAP. XVIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. ^ 287
38. Now s?x 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.
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, '^"'hesiTmg the
arms which had been smote off by the sword of Ammon, of
those who sought to slay him ; and they were carried in unto
the king for a testimony of the things which they >iad
done.
CHAPTER 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.
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 con-
tending against those who sought to slay him, he was as-
tonished 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?
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 scatt' r the king's flocks when he is with
us, because of his experlness 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.
4. And now that when the king heard these words, he said
nnto 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.
5. Now this was the tradition of Lamoni, which he had re-
ceived from his father, that there was a Great Spirit. Not-
withstanding they believed in a ''Great Spirit, they supposed
that whatsoever they did, was right; nevertheless, Lamoni be-
gan to fear exceedingly, with fear lest he had done wrong in
rslaying his servants :
6. For he had slain ''many of them, because their brethren
had scattered their flocks at the place of wate.^: and thus
because they had had their flocks scattered, they -w ire slain.
21, vers. 34, 38. 2m, vers. 37, 38. Alma 18: 16, 20.
a, Alma 17: 31—38. h, vers. 3—5, 11. 18. 26—28. Alma 22:9—11; c.
Alma 17: 34—38. d, see &, e, vers. 5, 6. Alma 17: 28, 31. /, see 6. ff, see 6i
288 ^ BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XVIII.
7. Now is was the practice of the Lamanites to stand by
the ''waters of Sebus, to scatter the flocks of the people, that
thereby they might drive away many that were scattered
unto their own land, it being a practice of plunder among
them.
8. And it came to pass that king Lamoni inquired of his
servants, saying, Where is this man that has such great
power?
And they said unto him, Behold, he is feeding thy *horsfes.
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 ail
the land.
10. Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was pre-
paring 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.
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.
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;
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, Rab-
banah, the king desireth thee to stay ;
14. Therefore Ammon turned himself unto the king, and said
unto him, What wilt thou that I should do for thee, Oh king?
And the king answered him not for the space of an ^hour, ac-
cording to their time, for he knew not what he should say unto
him.
15. And it came to pass that Ammon said unto him again.
What desirest thou of me? But the king answered him
not.
16. And it came to pass that Ammon, being filled with th-?
Spirit of God, therefore he perceived the thoughts of th-^
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 marvel-
lings?
h, see 26, Alma 17. i, vers. 9, 10. See m, i. Nep. 18. j, see 5, II.
Nep. 5. A, Alma 20: 9. 12. I, vers. 9, 12. Alma 20: 6. in. Nep. 3: 22.
m, ver. 9. n, see 6. o, see m, i. Nep. 18. o, see I, q, in. Nep. 8: 19.
r. Alma 17: 31-38.
CHAP. XVIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 289
17. I say nnto you, what is it, that thy marvellings are so
great? Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore,
whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do.
18. Now when the king had heard these words, he marvelled
again, for he beheld that Ammon could discern his thoughts;
but notwithstanding this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, smd
said unto him, Who are thou? Art thou that *Great Spirit,,
who knows all things?
19. Ammon answered and said unto him, I am not.
20. And the king said. How knowest thou the thoughts
of my heart? Thou mayest speak boldly, and tell me concern-
ing these things; and also tell me by *what power ye slew
and smote ofiE the arms of my brethren that scattered my
flocks.
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 : neverthe-
less, whatsoever thou desirest of me, I will grant it unto
thee.
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.
23. And the king answered him, and said. Yea, I will believe
all thy words; and thus he was caught with guile.
24. And Ammon began to speak unto him with boldness,,
and said unto him, Believest thou that there is a God?
25. And he answered, and said unto him, I do not know what
that meaneth.
26. And then Ammon said, Believest thou that there is a
Great Spirit?
27. And he said. Yea.
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?
29. And he said. Yea, I believe that he created all things
which are in the earth; but I do not know the heavens.
30. And Ammon said unto him, the heavens is a place where
God dwells and all his holy angels.
31. And king Lamoni said, Is it above the earth ?
32. And Ammon said, Yea, and he looketh down upon all
the children of men ; and he knows all the thoughts and in-
tents of the heart: for by his hand were they all created from
the beginning.
33. And king Lamoni said, I believe all these things whichi
thou hast spoken. Art thou sent from God?
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
s, see 6. t, Alma 17; 31—38. u, ver. 32. Ether 3: 13—16.
290 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XIX.
people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which
is just and true ;
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.
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 ;
37. And he also rehearsed unto them, (for it w^as unto the
ting and to his servants,) all the ^journeyings of their fathers
in the wilderness, and all their sufferings with hunger and
thirst, and their travel, &c.
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;
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 w^orks of the Lord did he •
make known unto them.
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.
41. And he began to cry unto the Lord, saying : O Lord,
Lave mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou
hast had upon the people of Nephi, have upon me, and my
people.
42. And now, when he had said this, he fell unto the earth,
'^as if he w^ere dead.
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 w^ere 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.
CHAPTER 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
V. see m, Mos. 2. w, copies from the Brass Plates. Aim? 63: 12. x, i.
Nep. ' y, copies from the Plates of Nephi. z, see d, Mos. 4. 2a, ver. 23. 26,
ver. 43. Ahna 19: 1, 5—12. 2c, Alma 19: 4, 9. 2d, Alma 19: 1, 5.
a. ver. 5. Alma 18:43.
CHAP. XIX.] BOOK OF ALMA. 291
f?epulchre which they had made for the purpose of burying their
dead.
2. Now the queen having heard of the fame of Ammon,
therefore she sent and desired that he should come in unto
her.
3. And it came to pass that Ammon did as he was com-
manded, and went in unto the queen, and desired to know what
she would that he should do.
4. And she said unto him, The ^servants of my husband
have made it known unto me that thou are a prophet of a
holy God, and that thou hast power to do many mighty works
in his name ;
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.
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 marvellous 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;
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.
8. And he said unto the queen. He is not dead, but he sleep-
eth in God, and on the morrow he ''shall rise again; therefore
bury him not.
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.
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.
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.
12. And it came to pass that he arose, "according to the
words of Ammoii ; and as he arose, he stretched forth his hand
unto the woman, and said, Blessed be the name of God, and
blessed nrt thou;
&. ver. 9. Alma 18:43. c, ver. 1. Alma 18: 43. d, ver. 1. e, Alma
18:42. /, vers. 11, 12. f7, ver. 8.
292 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XIX.
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.
14. Now Ammon seeing the Spirit of the Lord poured
out according to his prayers upon the Lamanites, his brethren,
w4io 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.
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.
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 ;
17. Thus having been converted to the Lord, never had
made it known ; therefore when she saw that all the servants
of Lamoni had fallen to the earth, and also her mistress,
the queen, and the king, and Ammon lay prostrate upon the
earth, she knew that it was the power of God : and supposing
that this opportunity, by making known unto the people what
had happened among them, that by beholding this scene, it
would cause them to believe in the power of God, therefore
she ran forth from h9use to house, making it known unto the
people ;
18. And they began to assemble themselves together unto
the house of the king. And there came a multitude, and to
their astonishment, they beheld the king, and the queen, and
their servants prostrate upon the earth, and they all lay there
as though they were dead; and they also saw Ammon, and
behold, he was a Nephite.
19. 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.
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 ;
h, see d, i. Nep. 11. i. Alma 18: 1, 2. % vers. 17, 28, 29. k, Alma
17: 22, 23. /, see 2d, Alma 17. m, see 26, Alma 17.
CHAP. XIX.] BOOK OF ALMA. 293
21. And they were also rebuked by tho^e 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.
22. Now, one of them, whose brother had been slain with
the *'sword of Ammon, being exceeding angry with Ammon,
drew his sword and went forth that he might let it fall upon
Ammon, to slay him; and as he lifted the sword to smite him,
behold, he fell dead.
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.
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.
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;
26. But others rebuked them all, saying, that he was a
monster, who had been sent from the Nephites to torment
us;
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 ;
28. And thus the contention began to be exceeding 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 exceeding sorrowful, even unto
tears.
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.
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 thf king,
n, Alma 17: 27. 18: 7. 0, Alma 17: 38. p, Mos. 28: 7. Alma 17:
35. q, ver. 22. r, see b, Alma 18. s, vers. 16, 17, 29. t, see *,
I. Nep. 15.
294 BOOK OF ALMA. [CIIAP. XX.
Lamoni, by the hand, and behold he arose and stood upon
his feet.
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 Am-
mon ; and as many as heard his words, believed, and wera
converted unto the Lord.
32. But there , were many among them who would not hear
his words ; therefore they went their way.
33. And it came to pass that when Ammon arose, he also
administered unto them, and also did all the servants of
Lamoni ; and they did all declare unto the people the self-
same thing: that their hearts had been changed; that they
had no more desire to do evil.
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 righteous-
ness.
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 ;
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.
CHAPTER 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.
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.
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.
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
u, Alma 18- 36—39. v, see u, ii. Nep. 9.
a, see 5, ii. Nep. 5. &, vers. 3—7, 14, 15, 28, 30. Alma 21: 12, 13, 18
22: 1, 3. 23: 10. C. vers. 3—7. 13, 15, 22, 24, 26—30. Alma 21: 13—15.
22: 2. d, see c. e, see b.
CHAP. XX.] BOOK OF ALMA. 295
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?
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.
6. Now when Lamoni had heard this, he caused that his
servants should make ready ''his horses, and his ^chariots.
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.
8. And it came to pass that as Ammon and Lamoni were
journeying thither, that they met the father of Lamoni, who*
was king '•'over all the land.
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?
10. And he also said, Whither art thou going with this
Nephite, who is one of the children of a liar?
11. And it came to pass that Lamoni rehearsed unto him
whither he was going, for he feared to offend him.
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.
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.
14. Now the father of Lamoni commanded him that he
should slay Ammon with the sword. And he also com-
manded him that he should not go to the ^land of Middoni,
but that he should return with him to the «land of
Ishmael.
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.
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.
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
f, see C. g, ver. 2. h, see m, i. Nep. 18. t, see I, Alma 18.
j, see b. k, Alma 22: 1. I, see k. Alma 18. m, see k, Alma 18.
n, vers. 4 7. o, see n, Jacob 7. p, see b. q, see w, Alma 17,
r, see n.
296 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XX.
his sins; but if thou shouldst fall at this time, in thine anger,
thy soul could not be saved.
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.
19. Now when Ammon had said these words unto him, he
answered him, saying, I know that if I should slay my son,
that I should shed innocent blood; for it is thou that hast
sought to destroy him :
20. 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.
21. Now when the king saw that Ammon could slay
him, he began to plead with Ammon, that he would spare
his life.
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.
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.
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.
25. Now when Ammon had said thes^ words, the king began
to rejoice because of his life.
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 for ever; and I will
govern him ^'no more.
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.
28. And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni
s, vers. 24, 26, 27. t, see s. u, ver. 26. Alma 21: 21, 22. 22: 1.
V, ver. 27. Alma 22: 2. w, Alma 21: 21, 22. 22: 1. X, ver. 26.
CHAP. XXI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 297
proceeded on their journey towards the "land of Middoni.
And Lamoni found favour in the eyes of the king of the
land ; therefore the brethren of Ammon were ^brought forth
out of prison.
29. And when Ammon did meet them, he was exceeding-
sorrowful, for behold they were naked, and their skins were
worn exceedingly, because of being bound with ^''strong-
cords. And they also had ^^suffered hunger, thirst, and all
kinds of afflictions; nevertheless they were patient in all their
sufferings.
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 ar riven to the ^''land of Middoni ; and there they
were taken and cast into prison, and bound with ^''strong cords^
and kept in prison for many days, and were delivered by
Lamoni and Ammon.
An account of the preaching of Aaron, and Muloki, and
their brethren, to the Lamanites.
CHAPTER 21.
1. Now when Ammon and his brethren '^separated them-
selves 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 father's nativity ; and it was away joining the ''borders
of Mormon.
2. Now the Lamanites, and the Amalekites, and the
''people of Amnion had built a great city, which was called
^Jerusalem.
3. Now the Lamanites of themselves were sufficiently hard-
ened, but the Amalekites, and the ^Amulonites, were stilJ
harder ; therefore they did cause the Lamanites that they
should harden their hearts, that they should wax strong in
wickedness and their abominations. '
4. And it came to pass that Aaron came to the city of
"Jerusalem, and firstly began to preach to the Amalekites.
And he began to preach to them in their ''synagogues, for
they had built synagogues after the *order of the Nehors ;
for many of the Amalekites and the Amulonites were after
the order of the Nehors.
^mi
y, see h. z, vers. 4, 7. 2a, ver. 30. 2&, Alma 21:'14. 2c, see &-
2d, ver. 29.
a, Alma 17: 13. 6, vers. 2, 4. Alma 24: 1. iii. Nep. 9 7. c, see &,
Mos. 18. d, see w, Mos. 23. e vers. 1, 4. /, see u, Mos. 23. g, vers. 1, 2.
ft. see u. Alma 16, % Alma 1-2—15.
298 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXI.
5. Therefore, as Aaron entered into one of their ^syna-
:gogiies to prea.h 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
HP? Behold are not this people as good as thy people?
6. Thou also sayest, except we repent, we shall perish.
How knowest thou the thought and intent of our heart?
How knowest thou that we have cause to repent? How
inowest 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.
7. Now Aaron said unto him, Believest thou that the Son
-of God shall come to redeem mankind from their sins?
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.
9. Now Aaron began to open the Scriptures unto them con-
cerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the "resur-
rection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption
ior mankind, save it were through the death and sufferings
of Christ, and the ''atonement of his blood.
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 ;
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
^nd his brethren. And they contended with many about the
word.
12. And it carre 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 ijnto many, and few believed on the words which they
taught.
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.
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.
j, see u. Alma 16. k, Mos. 27: 10—16, 34. I, see t, Alma 15. m, Alma
1:4. 15: 15. n, see d, ii. Nep. 2. o, see f, ii. Nep. 2. p, see u, Alma 16.
v^. vers. 13, 14. Alma 20: 2, 3, 28—30. r, see b, Alma 20. s, vers. 14, 15.
.Alma 20: 26—30.
CHAP. XXII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 299
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.
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
Ijamanites where they could be admitted.
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.
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.
19. And king Lamoni would ^not suffer that Ammon should
serve him, or be his servant ;
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 them-
selves together.
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.
22. And he also declared unto them, that they might
have the liberty of worshipping the Lord their God, accord-
ing to their desires, in whatsoever place they were in, if
it were in the land w^hich was iTnder the reign of king
Lamoni.
23. And Ammon did preach unto the people of king La-
moni ; 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 com-
snandments of God.
CHAPTER 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.
t, see u. Alma 16. u. see n, Jacob 7. v. see h, Alma 20. w, see w.
Alma 17. X, Alma 17: 25. y, see u. Alma 16. z. Alma 20: 24, 28.
22: 1.
a, see &, Alma 20. 6. see 6, II. Nep. 5. c, Alma 20: 8. d, see w, Alma 17.
fi. Alma 20: 8, 9.
300 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXII.
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.
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 admin-
ister 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.
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.
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.
6. And also, what is this that Ammon said — *If ye will re-
pent ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye. shall be
cast off at the last day?
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 th^y may
assemble themselves together to worship him. And if now
thou sayest there is a God, behold I will believe.
8. And now when Aaron heard this, his heart began to
rejoice, and he said, Behqld, assuredly as thou livest, O king,
there is a God.
9. And the king said, Is God that *"Great Spirit that brought
our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem?
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?
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.
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.
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,
A Alma 20: 26, 27. g, Alma 20: 26. h, see h. Alma 20. i, see w, Alma
17. j, ver. 4. k. Alma 20: 17, 18. I, see t, Alma 15. m, see b, Alma 18. n, ver.
13. See m, Mos. 2. o, copy from the Brass Plates. Alma 63: 12. p, see d, Mos. 4.
CHAP. XXII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 301'
through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his
name.
14. And since man had fallen, he could not merit any-
thing of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ,
"^atoneth for their sins, through faith and repentance, &c. ;
and that he "^breaketh the bands of death, that the grave
shall have *no victory, and that the *sting of death should be
s\rallowed up in the hopes of glory : and Aaron did expound
all these things unto the king.
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 has 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.
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.
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,
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.
19. And it came to pass that his servants ran and told the
<5iueen all that had happened unto the king. And she came
in unto the king ; and when she saw him lying 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.
20. Now the servants had seen the cause of the king's fall,
therefore they durst not lay their hands on Aaron and his
brethren; and they plead with the queen saying. Why com-
mandest thou that we should slay these men, when behold
one of them is mightier than us all? Therefore we shall fall
before them.
21. Now when the queen saw the fear of the servants, she
q, see f, II. Nep. 2. r. see g and ;, ii. Nep. 9. s, see h, Mos. 1&
t see i, Mos. 16. W, see c, Mos. 6. , v, see q, Mos. 2. W, vers. 17, 18
X, see e, ii. Nep. 32. V, ver. 16. z, see e, ii. Nep. 32. 2a, ver. 19.
26 ver. 18.
ii02 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXII.
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 Aaroo
and his brethren.
22. Now when Aaron saw the determination of the queen,,
and he also knowing the hardness of the hearts of the people,,
feared lest that a multitude should assemble themselves to-
gether, and there should be a great contention, and a dis-
turbance among them ; therefore he put forth his hand and
raised the king from the earth, and said unto him, Stand :
and he stood upon his feet, receiving his strength.
23. Now this was done in the presence of the queen and
many of the servants. And when they saw it, they greatly
marvelled, and began to fear. And the king stood forth, and
began to minister unto them. And he did minister unto them^
insomuch that his ^'^whole household were converted unto the
Lord.
24. Now there was a '^multitude gathered together be-
cause of the commandment of the queen, and there began to be
great murmurings among them, because of Aaron and his
brethren.
25. But the king stood forth among them, and administered
unto them. And they were pacified towards Aaron, and those
who were with him.
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.
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 sea-
shore, and the borders of the wilderness which was on the
north, by the land of Zarahemla, through the ^''borders of
Manti, by the head of the ^*river Sidon, running from the east
towards the west : and thus were the Lamanites and the
Nephites divided.
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.
29. And also there were many Lamanites on the east by
2c, ver. 24. 2d, Alma 23: 3. 2€, ver. 21. 2/, Alma 23: 1—4.
2g, see h, Omni 1. 2h, see h, Alma 16. 2i, see g, Alma 2. 2j, see b,
II. Nep. 5.
CHAP. XXII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 303
the seashore, whither the Nephites had driven them. And thus
the Nephites were nearly surrounded by the Lamanites: never-
theless the Nephites had taken possession of all the northerm
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 ; an the north, even until they came to the
land which they called ^'^'Bountiful.
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 land-
ing.
31. And they came from there ^^up into the south wilder-
ness. Thus the land on the northward was called ^'"Desola-
tion, 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.
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 sur-
rounded by water ; there being a small ^''neck of land between
the land northward and the land southward.
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 ancl
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 ;
34. Therefore the Lamanites could have no more pos-
sessions 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.
35. And now I, after having said this, return again to*
the account of Ammon and Aaron, Omner and Himni, and
their brethren.
2Jfc, vers. 31—33. Alma 50: 32. 51: 28, 30, 32. 52:9, 15, 17, 18. 27. 39.
53.3,4. 55:26. 63:5. Hela. 1 : 23, 28, 29. 4:5,6. 5:14. in. Nep-
3: 23. 11:1. 2Z, vers. 31, 32. Alma 46: 17. 50: 34. 63: 5. in. Nep. 3: 23-
Mor. 3: 5, 7. 4: 1—3, 8, 13, 19. 2m, Book of Ether. 2n, Mos. 8: 7—12..
21:25—28. 28:11—19. Book of Ether. 2o, Omni 1 : 20— 22. 2p, vers.
3132. Omni 1:14— 22. Hela. 6: 10. 8:21,22. 2^^, Into Bountiful and
Zarahemla, South America being called Lehi, and North America, Mulek. See Hela.,
6-. 10. 2r, see 27, Also Hela. 3: 5, 6. 2s, see 2k. 2t, see m, i. Nep. 18.
2u. Hela. 4:7, 2t;, Alma 50: 34. 52:9, 63:5, Hela. 4:7. Mor.
2:20. 3:6.
304 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXIII,
CHAPTER 23.
1. Behold, now it came to pass that the king of the La-
manites 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 ;
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 nouses, and also their ''temples, and
their '^sanctuaries ;
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
<3onvinced concerning the ^'wicked traditions of their fathers,
and that they might be convinced that they w^ere 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.
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 thenj ; and thus they
began to have great success.
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 w^ere handed down, even to the present
time;
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,
7. For they became a righteous people : they did lay down
a, vers. 2 — 4. Alma 22: 27. b see u. Alma 16. c, see h, ii. Nep. 5.
d, see t, Alma 15. e, Alma 22; 23. /. see a. g, see n, Jacob 7. h, see a,
i, see u, Alma 16. See h, ii. Nep. 5. See t. Alma 15. j, see c, Mos. 6.
Jc, Copies from the Plates of Brass, Plates of Nephi, &c. I, Alma 27; 27. Hela.
15; 6— 16.
CHAP. XXIV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 305
the weapons oi their rebellion, that they did not fight against
God any more, neither against any of their brethren.
8. Now, these are they who were converted unto the Lord ;
9. The people of the Lamanites who were in the "4and of
Ishmael,
10. And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in
the '^land of Middoni,
11. And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in
the "city of Nephi,
12. And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in
the Pland of Shilom, and who were in the land of «Shemlon,
and in the city of Lemuel, and in the city of Shimnilon.
13. And these are the names of the cities of the Lamanites
w^hich 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.
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;
15. Therefore, we have named all tho cities of the Lamanites
in which they did repent and come to the knowledge of the
truth, and were converted.
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.
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.
18. And they began to be a very industrious people : yea,
and they were friendlv witli the Nephites ; therefore, they
did open a correspondence with them, and the "curse of God
did no more follow them.
CHAPTER 24.
1. And it came to pass that the Amalekites, pnd the
•Amulonites, and the Lamanites who were in the land of
Amnion, and also in the ''land of Helam, and who were in
m see w. Alma 17. n, see 6, Alma 20. o, see 6 ii. Nep. 5. p, 8*»e /,
Mus. 7. q, see d, Mos. 10. r, see u Mos. 23. s, see c, Mos. 6. t. Alma
24: 1—3. 5. 20. 25: 1, 13. 27:2, 21, 25. 43: 11. li, see d, i. Nep. 2. ii. Nep. 30: 6.
III. Nep. 2:14— 16.
a, see u, Mos. 23. b, see o, Mos. 23.
306 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXIV.
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 ;
2. And their hatred became exceeding sore against them,
even insomuch that they began to rebel against their king,
insomuch that they would not that he should be their king;
therefore, they took up arms against the people of Anti-Nephi-
Lehi.
3. Now the king conferred the kingdom upon his son, and
he called his name Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
4. And the king died in that self same year that the
Lamanites began to make preparations for war against the
people of God.
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.
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.
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.
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 Ne-
phites ;
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;
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
muraers which we have committed, and took away the guilt
from our hearts, through the merits of his Son.
11. And now behold, my brethren, since it has been all
that we could do, (as we wen* the most lost of all mankind.)
to repent of all our sins Ana the many murders which we
have committed, and to get God to take them away from our
C see b, Alma 21. d, see t, A 'ma 23. e, see w. Alma 17. /, see t, Alma
23. g. see n, Jacob 7. h, Alir- "8: 18
CHAP. XXIV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 307
hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently vetove
God, that he would take away our stain.
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.
13. Behold, I say unto you, nay, let us retain our swords,
that they be not stained with the blood of r jr brethsren : 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.
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.
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, pr 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 words unto us, and has made us clean thereby.
16. And now, my brethren, if our brethren seek to destroy
us, behold, we will hide away our swords, yea, even we wUl
bury them ""deep in the earth, that they may be kept bright,
as a testimony that we have never used them, at the last day;
and if our brethren destroy us, behold, we shall go to our
God and shall be saved.
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 ;
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 cheir 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 labour abundantly with their hands;
19. And thus we see that when these Lamanites were
brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm,
I, vers. 6, 13, 15—19. j, see f. it. Nep. 2. k, sec i. 1, vors. 17-
19. Alma 25: 14. 26: 32. 53: 10, 11. 56: G-8. m, see I. n, vera.
16, 21—27.
308 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXTV.
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.
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.
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 ;
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.
23. Now when the Lamanites saw that their brethren would
not flee from the sword, neither would they turn aside to
the right hand or to the left, but that they would lie down
and perish, and praised God even in the very act of perishing
under the sword ;
24. 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.
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.
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.
27. And there was not a wicked man slain among them;
but there were more than a thousand brought to the knowl-
edge of the truth ; thus we see that the Lord worketh in many
Avays to the salvation of his people.
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.
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 de-
scendants of Laman and Lemuel ;
o, see n. p, see t, Alraa 23. q. Alma 1: 2—15. r, see u, Mos. 23. s
Alma 1:2—15.
CHAP. XXV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 309
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.
CHAPTER 25.
lo And behold, now it came to pass that those Lamanites
were more angry, because they had slain their brethren ; there-
fore they swore vengeance upon the Nephites ; and they did
no more attempt to slay the people of "Anti-Nephi-Lehi at
that time ;
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.
8. And after that, they had many battles with the Nephites,
in the which they were driven and slain :
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 ;
5. And the remainder having fled into the east wilderness,
and hp.ving usurped the power and authority over the Laman-
ites, caused that many of the Lamanites should ^perish by
fire because of their belief ; /
6. For many of them, after having suffered much loss and
so many afflictions, began to be stirred up in remem-
brance of the ^words which Aaron and his brethren had
preached to them in their land ; therefore they began to dis-
believe 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 wilder-
ness.
7. And it came to pass that those rulers who were the
remnant of the ''children of -Amnion, caused that they
should be *put to death, yea, all those that believed in these
things.
8. Now this martyrdom caused that many of their brethren
should be stirred up to anger ; and there began to be conten-
tion in the wilderness ; and the Lamanites began to hunt
the ^seed of Amulon ar^d his brethren, and began to slay them,
and they fled into the east wilderness.
t, vers. 1, 28. 29. Alma 21: 3—11. 23: 14. 47: 36.
a. see t. Alma 23. 6, see €, Alma 8. c< Alma 16: 2, 3, 9 — 11. d, see w,
Mos. 23. e, see f, Mos. 17. t Alma 17—23.. g, see n, Jacob 7. h, see u.
Mos. 23. i, see f. Mos. 17 see zi Mos- 23.
310 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXV.
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.
10. For he said unto them, 'What ye shall do unto me, shall
be a type of things to come.
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 snould suffer death by fire, "according as
he had suffered.
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,
«ven 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.
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 ;
14. And they did also 'bury their weapons of war, ac-
cording 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,
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, con-
sidering that the law of Moses was a type of his coming,
and believing that they must keep those outward perform-
ances, until the time that he should be revealed unto
them.
16. Now they did not suppose that salvation came by the
law of Moses ; but the law of JNIoses 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 proph-
ecy, which spake of those things to come.
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.
k, Mos. 17: 15—20. I, Mos. 13: 10. m. Mos. 17: 13—20, n, vers. 5—7.
o, vers. 8, 9. Mos. 17: 18. p, see w. Alma 17. q, see 6, ii. Nep. 5.
r« see t. Alma 23. s, see U Alma 24. ^, see 0, II. Nep. 25. u, see e,
II. Nep. 32.
CHAP. XXVI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 311
CHAPTER 26.
1. And now, these are the words of Ammon to his breth-
ren, which say thus : My brothers and my brethren, behold
I say unto you, how great reason have we to rejoice ; for
"COttld we have supposed, when we "started from the ^land of
tZarahemla, that God would have granted unto us such great
blessings?
2. And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed
upon us? Can ye tell?
3. Behold, I answer for you, for our brethren, the Laman-
ites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss ; but
behold, how ''many of them are brought to behold the marvel-
lous 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.
4. Behold, ''thousands of them do rejoice, and have been
brought into the fold of God.
5. Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye
did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your mights, yea,
all the day long did ye labour; and behold the number of your
sheaves, and they shall be gathered into the garners, that they
are not wasted ;
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 gath-
ered 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.
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.
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 for ever.
9. For if we had not come up out of the Mand of *Zara-
hemla, these our dearly beloved brethren, who have so dearly
beloved us, would still have been *racked with hatred against
ns, yea, and they would also have been strangers to God.
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 ;
11. But Ammon said unto him, I do not boast in my own
strength, or in my own wisdom ; but behold, my joy is full,
yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God ;
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
a, U^s. 28:9. Alma 17:6—9. h, see h, Omni 1. c, Alma 23:8—13.
d. Alma 23: 5. e, Hela. 5: 12. III. Nep. 14: 26, 27. /, see i, II. Nep. Sli
0, see p, Mos. 23. i^, see h, Omni 1. i, see n, Jacob 7,
312 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXVI*
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 for ever.
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?
14. Yea, we have reason to praise him for ever, for he is
the most high God, and has loosed our brethren from the
'^chains of hell.
15. Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting dark-
ness 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 marvellous work ;
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 for ever. 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.
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?
18. Behold, we went forth even in wrath, with mighty
threatenings to ^destroy his church.
19. O then, why did he not consign us to an awful destruc-
tion? yea, why did he not let the sword of his justice fall upon
us, and doom us to "^eternal despair?
20. O my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought.
Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his
great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting "gulf of
death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.
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 ;
22. Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bring-
eth forth good works, and "prayeth continually without ceas-
ing : 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.
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?
i, see p, II. Nep. 28. k, see p, il. Nep. 28. I, Mos. 27: 10, 34. m. see
m, Jacob 6. n, see i, I. Nep. 15. o, see e, ii. Nep. 32.
CHAP. XXVI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 313
24. For they said unto us, Do ye suppose that ye can
bring the Laraanitei to the knowledge of the truth? Do ye
suppose that ye can convince the Lamanites of the ^incorrect-
ness of the traditions of their fathers, as stiffnecked a people
^ as they are ; whose hearts delight in the shedding of blood ;
I whose days have been spent in the grossest iniquity ; whose
' ways have been the ways of a transgressor from the begin-
ning? Now my brethren, ye remember that this was their
language.
25. And moreover they did say, Let us take up arms against -
them, that we destroy them and their iniquity out of the land,
lest they overrun us and destroy us.
26. 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.
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.
28. And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst
them; and we have been 'patient in our sufferings, and we
have suffered every privation ; yea, we have travelled from
house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world ; not
upon the mercies of the world alone, but upon the mercies
of God.
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 ;
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.
31. Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of
our labors; iand 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.
32. For behold, they had rather ^sacrifice their lives, than
even to take the life of their enemy ; and they have ^"buried
p, see n, Jacob 7. q, Alma 17:9—12. r, ver. 28. Alma 17: 11. s, see
r. t, see h, II. Nep. 5. u, see u, Alma 16. v, Alma 20: 29, 30. 21: 11.
W, Aima 20: -9, 30. x, ver. 26. y, Alma 23: 8—13. Alma 26: 4. z, Alma
24: 20—24. 2a, see I, Alma 24.
314 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXVU.
their weapons of war deep in the earth, because of their love
towards their brethren.
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.
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 the^ have gone to their God, because ,of their
love, and ol their natred to sin. ; ,
35. Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto
you, there lever were men that had so great reason to re-
joice as we since the world began ; yea, and my joy is carried
away, everi unto the boasting in my God ; for he has all
power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he compre-
hendeth ^''all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto
salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his
name.
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 redemp-
tion from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God,
v/ho 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.
37. Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every
people, in whatsoever land they may be in ; yea, he number-
eth 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 for ever. Amen.
CHAPTER 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.
2. And it came to pass that the Amalekites, because of
their loss, were exceeding angry. And when they saw that
they could not seek revenge from the Nephites, they began
to stir up the people in anger against their brethren, the people
of ''Anti-Nephi-Lehi ; therefore they began again to destroy
them.
3. Now this people again refused to take their arms, and
2b, Alma 24: 22. 2c, see r, ii. Nep. 9. 2d, see 5, Jacob 5. 2e, Jacob
6: 25, 40, 43—45. 2/, Jacob 7: 26.
a. Alma 25: 2, 3. b, see &, ii. Nep. 5. c, see t. Alma 23.
CHAP. XXVII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 315
they suffered themselves to be slain according to the desires
of their enemies.
4. Now when Ammon and his brethren saw this work of
destruction among those who 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,
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.
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.
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?
8. iVnd 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 sin»
which we have committed against them.
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.
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.
11. And it came to pass that Ammon went and inquired of
the Lord, and the Lord said unto him,
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.
13. And now it came to pass that Ammon went and told
the king all the words which the Lord had ''said unto him.
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.
15. And it came to pass that Ammon said unto them, Be-
hold, I and my brethren will go forth into the land of Zara-
hemla, 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,
d, see h, Omni 1. e, Mos. 29; 32, 38, 40. f, ver. 11. g, vers. 2, 3. h, ver. 12. .
316 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXVH.
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.
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 %gain to the
earth.
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.
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.
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 "*Ghief Judge all the things
that had happened unto them in the "land of Nephi, among
their brethren, the Lamanites.
21. And it came to pass that the Chief Judge sent a proc-
lamation throughout all the land, desiring the ''voice of the
people concerning the admitting their brethren, who were the
people of ^Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
22. And it came to pass that the voice of the people came,
saying, Behold, we will give up the «land o2 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.
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.
24. And now behold, this will we do unto our brethren, that
they may inherit the land Jersohn; and we will guard them
from their enemies with our armies, on 'conditions they will
give us a portion of their substance to assist us, that we may
maintain our armies.
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, whence they had pitched
their tents, and made known unto them all these things.
i. Alma 17: 1—4. ;. Alma 19: 14. 17.
m. Alma 4. 16—18. n, see b, ii. Nep. 5.
Alma 23. q. vers. 23, 24. 26. Alma 28:
1, 2. 6. 8, 13, 14. 43: 4, 15, 18, 22, 25.
. 43: 13. t, see t. Alma 23.
see h, 'Omni 1.
I AWa 15: 18.
0, see e, Mos. 29.
,f , see t.
;. 30: 1. 19.
31 a 35:
r, see 2k, Alma 22.
• 41ma
CHAP. XXVIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 317
And Alma also related unto them his "conversion with Ammon,
and Aaron, and his brethren.
26. And it came to pass that it did cause great joy among
them. And they went down into the *'land of Jershon, and
took possession of the land of Jershon; and they were called
by the Nephites the people of Ammon: therefore, they were
distinguished by that name ever after.
27. 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 Christy
*^even unto the end.
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 ; there-
fore, death was swallowed up to them by the "victory of Christ
over it;
29. Therefore, they would suffer *death in the most aggra-
vating and distressing manner which could be inflicted by
their brethren, before they would take the sword or cimeter to
smite them.
30. And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a
highly favoured people of the Lord.
CHAPTER 28.
1. And now it came to pass, that after the "people of Am-
mon 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.
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.
3. Yea, and also there was a tremendous slaughter
among the people of Nephi; nevertheless, the Lamanites
u, Mos. 27: 10—17. V, see q. w, see I, Alma 23 x, see d, n. Nep. 11.
y, see h, Mos. 16. z, Alma 24: 20—23. 27: 3.
a, Alma 27: 26. 6, see q. Alma 27. c, see h, Omni 1. d, i. Nep. 2:
2. 3.
318 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXVIH,
were driven and scattered, and the people of Nephi returned
again to their land.
4. And now this was a time that there was a great mourn-
ing and lamentation heard throughout all the land, among all
the people of Nephi ;
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 every one of them : mourn-
ing for their kindred who had been slain.
6. And now surely this was a sorrowful day ; yea, a time of
solemnity, and a time of much ^fasting and prayer ;
7. And thus endeth the fifteenth year of the reign of the
Judges over the people of Nephi ;
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 for ever.
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;
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 ;
11. And the bodies of many thousands are laid low in
the earth, while the bodies of many thousands are *moulder-
ing in heaps upon the face of the earth ; yea, and many
thousands are mourning for the loss of their kindred, be-
<3ause they have reason to fear, according to the promises
of the Lord, that they are consigned to a state of endless
wo;
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;
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 ;
14. And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to
-^labour 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.
e, see t, Mos. 27. f. Alma 26. 27: 16—19. g, see g, Alma 27; h, Alma
1—28. i. Alma 16: 11. j, Jacob 5.
CHAP. XXIX.] BOOK OF ALMA. « 319
CHAPTER 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;
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.
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 al-
lotted unto me.
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 ac-
cording to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto
life ; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, according to
their will ; whether they be unto salvation or unto destruc-
tion.
5. Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before
all mep,; or he that "knoweth not good from evil is blameless;
but he that ^knoweth good and evil, to him it is given accord-
ing to his desires ; whether he desireth good or evil, life or
death, joy or remorse of conscience.
6. Now seeing that I know these things, why should I de-
sire more than to perform the work to which I have been
called?
7. Why should T "desire that I was an angel, that I could
speak unto all the ends of the earth?
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.
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-
10. And behold, when T 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;
11. Yea, and I also remember the captivity of my fathers:
for I surely do know that the Lord did deliver them out of
a, see j, Mos. 3. 6. see l, n. Nep. 2. c, ver. 1. d. Alma 12: 9—11;
6, Alma 26: 12. f, Mos. 27: 11—31.
320 • BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXX.
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;
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 ;
13. Yea, and that same God did establish his church among
them ; yea, and that same God hath called me by a ''holy call-
ing, to preach the word unto this people, and hath given me
much success, in the which my joy is full ;
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.
15. Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have
brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their
reward.
16. Now when I think of the success of these my brethren,
my soul is carried a,way, even to the separation of it from the
body, as it were, so great is my joy.
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 for ever. And may
God grant that it may be done according to my words, even as I
have spoken. Amen.
CHAPTER 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,
their dead were buried by the people of the land.
2. Now their dead were not numbered because of the ''great-
ness of their numbers ; neither were the dead of the Nephites
numbered. But it came to pass after th^y had buried their
dead, and also after the days of ^fasting, and mournings
and prayer, (and it was in the sixteenth year of the reign of
the Judges over the people of Nephi,) there began to be con-
tinual peace throughout all the land.
3. Yea, and the people did observe to keep the command-
ments 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 ful-
filled ;
4. And thus the people did have no disturbance in all the
g, Mos. 24: 16—22. h. Alma 5: 3. f, Alma 17: 8. ;, see 6,
II. Nep. 5.
a. Alma 27; 26. . 6, see q. Alma 27. c, Alma 28: 2, 3. d, see c. e, eee
t. Mos. 27. /, see o, il. Nep. 25.
CHAP. XXX.] BOOK OF ALMA.. 321-
sixteenth year of the reign of the Judges over the people of
Nephi.
5. And it came to pass in the seventeenth year of the
reign of the Judges, there was continual peace.
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, concern-
ing the coming of Christ.
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.
8v For thus saith the scripture, ''Choose ye this day, whom
ye will serve.
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.
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 ;
11. For there was a law, that men should be judged ac-
cording 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.
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 man-
ner did he preach, saying :
13. O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain
hope, why do yf yoke yourselves with such foolish things?
Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of any
thing which is to come.
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.
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.
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 becautse of the tradi-
tions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of
things which are not so.
17. And many more such things did he say unto them^
<7.. vers. 9, 11. h, Joshua 24: 15. t, ven. 7, 9. j, ver. 7. Mos. 27: 3
29:32.
'322 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXX.
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 ac-
cording to his strength ; and whatsoever a man did was no
crime.
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.
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.
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
7people.
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.
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?
23. Now the High Priest's name was Giddonah. And
Korihor said unto him, Because I do not teach the foolish tradi-
tions of your fathers, and because I do not teach this people
to bind themselves aown under the foolish ordinances and per-
formances 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 he brought down
according to thy words.
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.
25. Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people,
hecause of the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that
-a child is not guilty because of its parents.
26. And ye also say that Christ shall come. But be-
hold, 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 ;
27. And thus ye lead away this people after the foolish
k, see g. Alma 27, 2. Alma 27: 26. m, see g, Mos. 26. n, see m, Alma 2.
o, see g, Mos. 26.
€HAP. XXX.] BOOK OF ALMA, 323
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 ;
28. Yea, they durst not make use of that which is their own,
lest they should offend their priests, who do yoke them ac-
cording 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.
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 be-
fore Alma, and the Chief Judge, who was governor over all the
land.
30. And it came to pass that when he was brought before
Alma and the Chief Judge, he did go on in the «same man-
ner as he did in the land of Gideon; yea, he went on to
blaspheme.
31. And he did rise up in great swelling words before Alma,
and did revile against the '"priests and teachers, accusing
them of leading away the people after the silly traditions of
their fathers, for the sake of glutting in the labors of the
people.
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 manv travels
round about the land to declare the word of God unto my
people.
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.
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?
35. Then why sayest thou that we preach unto this peo-
ple to ^'get gain, when thou, of thyself, knowest that we
p, «ee h, Omni 1. q, vers. 23—28. r, see c, Mos. 6. s, Mos. 18: 24
27:5. t, see c, Alma 11. u, Alma 11: 1, 3, 20. v, ver. 27
324 BOOK OF A.LMA. [CHAP. XXX#
receive no gain? And now, believest thou that we deceive this
people, that causes such joy in their hearts?
36. And Korihor answered him, Yea.
37. And then Alma said unto him, Believest thou that there
is a God?
38. And he answered, '"Nay.
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.
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.
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
tl^ou that these things are true?
42. Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art pos-
sessed 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.
43. And now Korihor said unto Alma, If thou wilt shew
me a ^'sign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea,
shew unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced
of the truth of thy words.
44. But Alma said unto him. Thou hast had signs enough ;
will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Shew unto me a sign,
when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also
all the holy prophets? The ^scriptures are laid before thee,
yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the
earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea,
and ^its motion ; yea, and also all tho planets which move
in their regular form, doth witness that there is a Supreme
Creator ;
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 the^se witnesses? And he said. Yea, I will
deny, ?xcept ye shall ^^shew me a sign.
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.
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
w, vers. 28, 29, 48. x, ver. 28. y, vers. 45, 48, 49, 50. 2, copies from
metallic Plates. Alma 63: 12. 2a, Hela. 12: 11—15. 2b, see y. 2c, vers.
49. 50, 52.
CHAP. XXX.] BOOK OF ALMA. 325
never open thy mouth any more, that thou shalt not deceive this
people any more.
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
'''shew me a sign, I will not believe.
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.
50. Now when Alma had said these words, Korihor was
struck dumb, that he could not have utterance, according to the
words of Alma.
51. And now when the Chief Judge saw this, he put forth
bis hand and wrote unto Korihor, saying; Art thou convinced
of the power of God? In whom did ye desire that Alma
should shew forth his sign? Would ye that he should afflict
others, to shew unto thee a sign? Behold, he has showed unto
you a sign; and now will ye dispute more?
52. And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: I
know that I am dumb, for I cannot speak ; and I know that
nothing save it were the power of God, could bring this upon
me ; yea, and I also ^%new that there was a God.
53. But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he ^''ap-
peared 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 pleas-
ing 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.
54. Now when he had said this, he besought that Alma
should pray unto God, that the ^''curse might be taken from
him.
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.
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.
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.
2d, see y. 2e, vers. 47, 50. 2f, vers. 41, 42. 2g, ii. Nep. 9; 9. 2^. ver.
56. 2i, ver. 58.
326 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXXI*
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 ivorihor did go about from house to
house, begging food for his support. ^
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
amojigst them, behold, he was run upon and tuodden down,
even until he was dead ;
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.
CHAPTER 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, &c., his heart again began to sicken, because of the in-
iquity of the people ;
2. For it was the cause of great sorrow to Alma to know
of iniquity among his people; therefore his heart was exceed-
ing sorrowful, because of the separation of the Zoramites from
the Nephites.
3. Now the Zoramites had gathered themselves together in a
land which they called ^\ntionum, which was east of the-
*^land of Zarahemla, which lay nearly bordering upon the sea
shore, which was south of the ''land of Jershon, which also-
bordered upon the wilderness south, which wilderness was full
of the Lamanites.
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.
5. And now as the preaching of the word had a great ten- .
dency 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 any thing else, which had happened unto them ;
therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should
try the virtue of the word of God.
6. Therefore he took Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner;
and Himni he did leave in the church in 'Zarahemla ; but
^2; Alma 31:1—4, 7—12. 35:2, 3, 7—11, 13, 14. 38:3. 39:2, 11. 43r
4-6. 13, 20. 44. 52: 20, 33. 2k, see k, i. Nep. 15.
a, see 2j, Alma 30. 6, Alma 43: 5, 15, 22. c, see ft, Omni 1. d. see ^
Alma 27. e, see 2j, Alma 30. /, see h, Omni 1.
CHAP. XXXI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 32T
the former three he took with him, and also Amulek and
Zeezrom, who were at *'Melek ; and he also took two of his^
sons.
7. Now the eldest of his sons he took not with him ; and
his name was Helamau, 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, ta-
preach unto them the word.
8. Now the Zoramites were dissenters from the Ne-
phites; therefore they had the word of God preached unto
them.
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;
10. Neither would they observe the performances of the*
church, to continue in 'prayer and supplication to God daily*
that they might not enter into temptation ;
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.
12. Now when they had come into the land, behold, ta
their astonishment, they found that the Zoramites had built
•"synagogues, and that they did gather themselves together on
one day of the week, which day they did call the day of the-
Lord ; and they did worship after a manner which Alma and
his brethren had never beheld ;
13. For they had a place built up in the center of their
synagogue, a "place for standing, which was high above the^
head ; and the top thereof would only admit one person.
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, say-
ing:
15. Holy, holy God; we believe that thou art God, and'
we believe that thou art holy, and that thou wast a spirit,.
and that thou art a spirit, and that thou wilt be a spirit for-
ever.
16. Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from
our brethren ; and we do not believe in the tradition of our
brethren, which was handed down to them by the childishness-
of their fathers; but we believe that thou hast elected us to be
thy holy children; and also thou hast made it known unto us-^
that there shall be no Christ;
17. But thou art the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever;
and thou hast elected us, that we shall be saved, whilst all
around us are elected to be cast by thy w^rath down to
hell ; for the which holiness, O God, we thank thee ; and we
^, s-e c, Alma 8. h, Alma 38. i, Alma 39—42. j, see 2j, Alma 30..
k. Bee o, II. Nep. 25. i, see e, ii. Nep. 32. m, see u. Alma 16. n vers*
21. 23.
328 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXXI.
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.
18. And again ; We thank thee, U God, that we are a chosen
and a holy people. Amen.
19. Now. it came to pass that after Alma and his brethren,
, and his sons, had heard these prayers, they were astonished be-
■ yond all measure.
20. For behold, every man did go forth and offer up the same
prayers.
21. Now the place was called by them Rameumptom, which
being interpreted, is the Holy Stand.
22. Now from this stand they did offer up, every man, the
self same prayer unto God, thanking their God that they were
''chosen of him, and that he did not lead them away after the
^tradition of their brethren ; and that their hearts were not
stolen away to believe in things to come, which they knew noth-
ing about.
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.
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.
25. Yea, and he also saw that their hearts were lifted up
unto great boasting, in their pride.
26. And he lifted up his voice to heaven, and cried, saying:
Oh, 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.
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 great-
ness, with the vain things of the world.
28. Behold, O my God, their costly apparel, and their ring-
lets, 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.
29. Yea, and they say that thou hast made it *known unto
them, that there shall be no Christ.
30. O Lord God, how long wilt thou suffer that -such
"Wickedness and iniquity shall be among this people? O Lord,
wilt thou give me strength, that I may bear with mine
o, vers. 16, 17. p, ver. 16. q, vers. 13, 21. r, ver. 18. s, ver.
36.
CHAP. XXXII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 329»
infirmities? for I am infirm, and such wickedness among this
people doth pain my soul.
31. O Lord, my heart is exceeding sorrowful ; wilt thou com-
fort 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?
32. O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul, and give unto me
success, and also my fellow-labourers who are with me : yea,.
Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and also Amulek and Zeez-
rom, and also my *two sons; yea, even all these wilt thou
comfort, O Lord? Yea, wilt thou comfort their souls in
Christ?
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?
34. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have suc-
cess in bringing them again unto t;hee in Christ?
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.
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.
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.
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 ac-
cording to the prayer of Alma ; and this because he 'prayed
in faith.
CHAPTER 32.
1. And it came to pass that they did go forth, and bep^^n
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.
2. And it came to pass that after much labour among
them, they began to have success among the poor class of
t, ver. 7. u, III. Nep. 18: 37. v, in. Ne: . 13: 25—34. w, ver. 32.
X, vers. 26—35.
a, see u, Alma 16.
330 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXXII.
people; for behold, they were cast out of the synagogues, be-
cause of the coarseness of their apparel ;
3. Therefore they were not permitted to enter into their
synagogues to worship God, being esteemed as filthiness , there-
fore 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.
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.
5. And they came unto Alma; and the one who was Ine
most foremost among them, said unto him. Behold, what shall
these my brethren do, for they are despised of all men be-
•cause 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?
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 hum-
ialed them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the
word;
7. Therefore he did say no more to the other multitude ;
but he stretched forth his hand, and cried unto those whom
J^e beheld, who were truly penitent, and said unto them,
8. I behold that ye are lowly in heart; and if so, blessed
-are ye.
9. Behold thy brother hath said, ^What shall we do? for
we are cast out of our synagogues, that we cannot worship
•our God.
10. Behold I say unto you. Do ye suppose that ye cannot
worship God, save it be in your ^synagogues only?
11. And moreover, I would ask. Do ye suppose that ye must
mot w^orship God only once in a ''week?
12. I say unto you. It is T7ell 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.
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
b, vers. 4, 5, 12. Alma 34: 40. c, see u, Alma 16. d, see b. e, vers.
112—16. /. ver. 5. g, see u. Alma 16. h, Mos. 18: 25. i, see u, Alma 16.
J, vers. 3—5. k, vers. 12, 14—16.
CHAP. XXni.] BOOK OF ALMA. 331
repenteth, shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and
'endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.
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 be-
cause of the word?
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 ;
16. Therefore blessed are they who humble themselves with-
out 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.
17. Yea, there are many who do say. If thou wilt shew unto
us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then
we shall believe.
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.
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 transgres-
sion?
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.
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.
22. And now, beholdf, T 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.
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.
24. And now, my belbved brethren, as ye have desired
to know of me '"what ye shall do because ye are afilicted
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;
25. For I do not mean that ye all of you have been 'com-
pelled to humble yourselves; for I verily believe that there ^
I, see h, II. Nep. 31. m, see k. n, see h, it. Nep. 31. o, see k. p.
Doc. & Gov. 41; 1. q, vers. 17—19. r, ver. 5. s, see k.
332 BOOK OP ALMA. [CHAP. XXXir.
are some among you who would humble themselves, let them
be in whatsoever circumstances they might.
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.
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.
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 be-
ginneth to be delicious to me.
29. Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say
unto you. Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect
knowledge.
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.
31. And now behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed?
I say unto you, Yea ; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own
likeness ;
32. Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it
groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast
away.
33. And now, behold, because ye have tried the experi-
ment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and
beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is
good.
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.
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 dis-
cernable, therefore ye must know that it is good ; and now
behold, after ye have tasted this light, is your knowledge
perfect?
36. Behold I say unto you. Nay, neither must ye lay aside
your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the
€HAP. XXXIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 333
seed, that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was
good.
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.
] 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.
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.
40. And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking for-
ward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never
pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.
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.
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.
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.
CHAPTER 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?
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
t, see b I. Nep. 8.
a, Alma 32: 5. h, see u. Alma 16.
334 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. X XX II I,
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.
3. Do ye remember to have read what ''Zenos, the prophet
of old, has said concerning Sprayer or worship?
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 ;
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.
6. And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou
didst hear me in my prayer.
7. And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed
unto thee, thou didst hear me ;
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 ;
9. Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard
my cries in the midst of thy congregations;
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 destruc-
tion.
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
nil mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned
thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son.
12. And now Alma said unto them. Do ye believe those
^scriptures which have been written by them of old?
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.'
14. Now behold, my brethren, I would ask if ye have '^read
the scriptures? If ye have, how can ye disbelieve on. the Son
of God?
15. For it is not written that *Zenos alone spake of these
things, but ^Zenock also spake of these things ;
IC). For behold, he said, Thou art angry, O Lord, with this
people, because they will not understand of thy mercies which
thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son.
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.
c, Copies from the Brass Plates. Alma 63: 12. d, see h, I. Nep. 19. e, see
€, II. Nep. 32. f see c. g, see h, i. Nep, 19. k, see c. i, see h, I. Nep.
19. j, see g, i. Nep. 19.
CHAP. XXXIV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 335
18. But behold, this is not all; these are not the only ones
who have spoken concerning the Son of God.
19. Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and be-
hold a type was '^raised up in the wilderness, that whoso-
ever would look upon it might live. And many did look and
live.
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.
21. O my brethren, if ye could be healed by merely casting
about your eyes, that ye might be healed, would ye not behold
quickly, or would ye rather harden your hearts in unbelief,
and be slothful, that ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye
might perish?
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.
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.
CHAPTER 34.
1. And now it came to pass that after Alma had spoken
these words unto them, he sat down upon the ground, and
Aniulek arose and began to teach them, saying;
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.
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
k. The Brazen Serpent. I, see /, it. Nep. 2. m, see d, ii. Nep. 2.
a. Alma 32:5.
236 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXXIV.
to prepare your minds; yea, and he hath exhorted you unto
faith and to patience;
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;
5. And we have beheld that the great question which is in
^our minds, is whether the word be in the Son of God, or
•^whether there shall be no Christ.
6. And ye also beheld that my brother has proven unto
you, in many instances, that the word is in Christ unto salva-
tion.
7. My brother has called upon the words of '^Zenos, that
redemption cometh through the Son of God, and also upon the
w^ords of ^Zenoch; and also he has appealed unto ^Moses, to
prove that these things are true.
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 ;
9. For it is expedient that an atonement should b? made;
for according to the great plan of the eternal God, there must
bo an atonement made, or else '^all mankind must unavoid-
ably perish ; yea, all are hardened ; yea, all are fallen and are
lost, and must perish except it be through the *atonement
Tvhich it is expedient should be made;
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 hu-
man sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacri-
fice.
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
liis brother? I say unto you. Nay.
12. But the law requireth the life of him who hath mur-
dered; therefore there can be nothing which is short of
an ^infinite atonement, which will suffice for the sins of the
world ;
13. Therefore it is expedient that there should be a great
and *last sacrifice; and then shall there be, or it is expe-
dient 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.
l4 And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law;
b, Alma 33: 23. C, Alma 31: 16. d, Alma 33: 3. See h, i. Nep. 19.
e. Alma 33: 15. See g, i. Nep. 19. f. Alma 33: 19. g. see /, ii. Nep. 2.
h, see e and g, ii. Nep. 9. i, see f. ii. Nep. 2. ;, vers. 10, 14. k, vers. 14,
15. I, III. Nep. 9: 19. m, see o, ii. Nep. 25.
CHAP. XXXrV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 337
every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice ; and
that great and ""last sacrifice will be the Son of God : yea, "in-
finite and eternal ;
15. And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall
believe on his name ; this being the intent of this ^last sacri-
fice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth
justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may
have faith unto repentance.
16. And th^s mercy can ^satisfy the demands of justice, and
encircles them iii 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.
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;
^18. Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to
save;
19. Yea, humble yourselves, and '"continue in prayer unto
him;
20. Cry unto him when ye are in your fields; yea, over all
your flocks ;
21. Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your house-
hold, both morning, mid-day, and evening;
22. Yea, cry unto him against the power of your ene-
mies ; /
23. Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy
to all righteousness.
24. Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye
may prosper in them ;
25. Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may in-
crease.
26. But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in
your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness;
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.
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 denv
the faith ;
29. Therefore, if ye do not remember to be charitable, ye
n, vers. 13, 15. o, ver. 10. p, vers. 13. 14. q, see 2m, Alma 12. r, see
e. II. Neo. 32. 5, see I Mos. 4. t, Moro. 7: 6—8.
338 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXXIV.
are as dross, which the refiners do cast out, (it being of no
worth,) and is trodden underfoot of men.
30. And now, my brethren, I would that after ye have re-
ceived so many witnesses, seeing that the holy "scriptures
testify of these things, come forth and bring fruit unto re-
pentance ;
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 re-
demption be brought about unto you.
32. For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to
meet God f yea, behold the day of this life is the *'day for men
to perform their labors.
33. And now as I said unto you before, as ye have had so
many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you, that ye do not
procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end ; for
after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity,
behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then
cometh the night of darkness, wherein there can be no labor
performed.
34. 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.
35. For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your re-
pentance, 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.
36. And this I kno\v, because the Lord hath said, He
dwelleth not in ^unholy temples, but in the hearts of the right-
eous doth he dwell ; yea, and he has also said. That the right-
eous shall sit down in his kingdom, to go no more out : but
their garments should be made white, through the blood of the
Lamb.
37. And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should
remember these things, and that ye should work out your sal-
vation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny
the coming of Christ;
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 ;
u, upon the Brass and other metallic plates. V, see 2a, Alma 12. w, see t,
II. Nep. 9. X, see r, Alma 7. . y, see e, Mos. 5.
CHAP. XXXV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 339
and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies
and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.
39. Yea, and I also exhort you, my brethren, that ye be
watchful unto Sprayer continually, that ye may not be led
away by the temptation of the devil, that he may not over-
power you, that ye may not become his subjects at the last
day : for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing.
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 be-
cause of your ^"exceeding poverty, lest ye become sinners like
unto them ;
41. But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions,
with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflic-
tions.
CHAPTER 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 ;
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
7. And it came to pass that Alma and his brethren did
minister unto them.
8. Now the people of the Zoramites were angry witb
the '^people of Ammon who were in Jershon, and the chief
2, see e, II. Nep. 32. 2a, Alma 32: 3—5.
o, 3ee g. Alma 27. h, see 2% Alma 30. c, see g. Alma 27. rf. Alma
S7:26.
340 BOOK OF ALMA. [CKAP. XXX7.
ruler of the *Zoramites being a very wicked man, sent over
unto the people of Ammon desiring them that they should cast
out ol their land all those ^who came over from them into
their land.
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.
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;
11. And thus the *Zoramites and the Lamanites began to
make preparations for war against the people of Ammon, and
also against the Nephites.
12. And thus ended the seventeenth year of the reign of the
Judges over the people of Nephi.
13. And the ^people of Amnion departed out of the ^land
of Jershon, and came over into the 'land of ^lelek, 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.
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 bring-
ing 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 Jer-
shon, and they have taken up arms to defend themselves, and
their wives, and children, and their lands.
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 w^ax hard, and
that they began to be offended because of the strictness of the
^vord, his heart was exceeding sorrowful ;
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.
€, see 2;, Alma 30. f, ver. 6. g, Alma 27: 26. ft, see ?, Mo8. 4. i, see
j. Alma 30. j, Alma 27: 20. k, nee g. Alma 27. I, see c. Alma 8. m. Alma
43, 44. di. n, Alma 31: 7. o, see A, Omni 1. p. see 2j, Ahna 30. q, ver. 6.
r, «ee g. Alma 27.
CHAP. XXXVl.] BOOK OF ALMA. — 34l
The Commandments of Alma to his son Helaman,
CHAPTER 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.
2. I would that ye should do as I have done, in remember-
ing the captivity of our fathers ; for they were in ''bondage,
and none could deliver them except it was the God of Abra-
ham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ; and he
surely did deliver them in their afflictions.
3. And now, O my son Ilelaman, 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 ;
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.
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,
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.
7. xVnd 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.
8. But behold, the voice said unto me, Arise. And I *arose
and stood up, and beheld the angel.
9. And he said unto me, If thou wilt of thyself be ^destroyed,
seek no more to destroy the church of God.
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.
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
a, see h, ii. Nep. 1. 6, Mos. 23: 23. 24: 17—21. c, see p. Mos. 23.
d, see c, Mos. 5. e, Mos. 27: 11—17. f, Mos. 27: 10. g, see e. h, Mos.
27: 11. i, Mos. 27: 13. 15. .?, Mos. 27: 16. k, Mos. 27: 18. I, ver. 16...
Mos. 27- 19—23. m. Mos. 27: 16.
342 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXXVL
should be destroyed, that 1 fell to the earth, and I did hear no
more;
12. But I was racked with "eternal torment, for my soul
was harrowed up to the greatest degree, and racked with all
my sins.
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 ;
14. Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather
led them away unto destruction ; yea, and in fine so great had
been my iniquities, that the very thoughts of coming into the
presence of my God, did rack my soul with inexpressible
horror.
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.
16. And now, for "three days and for three nights was I
racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.
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.
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
'Jby the everlasting 'chains of death.
19. And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remem-
ber my pains no more ; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory
of my sins no more.
20. And oh, what joy, and what marvellous light I did
behold ; yea, my soul w^as filled with joy as exceeding as was
my pain ;
21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be noth-
ing so exquisite and so bitter, as was my pains. Yea, and
again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can
be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy;
22. Yea, me thought I saw, even as our *"father Lehi saw,
God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless con-
courses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their
God ; yea, and my soul did long to be there.
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;
24. Yea, and from that time, even until now, I have
n, see m, Jacob 6. o, ver. 10. Mos. 27 r 19—23. p, see /, li. Nep. 2.
q, see p, ii. Nep. 28. r, I. Nep. 1:8. s, Mos. 27: 23. t, see c.
Mos. 5.
CHAP. XXXVII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 343
labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repent-
ance ; 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.
25. Yea, and now behold, O my son, the Lord doth give me
exceeding great joy in the fruit of my labors ;
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.
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;
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 for
ever, 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 ;
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 cap-
tivity.
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 com-
mandments of God ye shall prosper in the land ; and ye ought
to know also, that inasmuch as ye will not keep the command-
ments of God, ye shall be cut off from his presence. Now this
is according to his word.
CHAPTER 37.
1. And now my son Helaman, I command you that ye take
the records which have been "entrusted with me;
2. And I also command you that ye keep a record of
this people, according as I have done, upon the plates of
u, vers. 20—22. v, see c, Mos. 5. w, i. Nep. 10: 17—19. ii, Nep. 31 :
13, 14. 17, 18. 32:2, 5. Alma 31: 36. 34: 38. Hela. 5: 45. III. Nep 9:
20. 11:35.36. 12:1.2. 18:37. 19:13.14. 30. iv. Nep. 1:1. «• <»»
«c, Mos. 5. y, Alma 14: 26—29. 2, see p, Mos. 23. 2a, see h, II. Nep. L
a. IIoB. 28; 20. b, see /. i. Nep.T
344 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXXVII.
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;
3. And these plates of ''brass which contain these engrav-
ings, which have the records of the holy scriptures upon them,
which have the ^genealogy of our forefathers, even from the
beginning.
4. And 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 con-
tained thereon.
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.
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 in-
stances, doth confound the wise.
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 salva-
tion of many souls.
8. And now, it has hitherto been wnsdom 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.
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 re-
pentance; that is, they brought them to the knowledge of the
Lord their God, and to rejoice in Jesus Christ their Re-
deemer.
10. And who knoweth but what they will be the means of
bringing many thousands of them, yea, and also many thou-
sands of our stiffnecked brethren, the Nephites, who are now
hardening their hearts in sin ard iniquities, to the knowledge
of their Redeemer?
11. Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto-
me; therefore I shall forbear.
12. And it may suffice, if I only say, they are preserved
for a *wise purpose, which purpose is known unto God ;
c, vers. 12, 14, 18. Enos 1: 13—18. Words of Mormon 1- 6—11. d, see
a, I. Nep. 3. - e, see d, i. Nep. 5. /, i. Nep. 5 16—19. g^ i. Nep, 5: 19.
k. Doc. and Gov. 64: 33. i, Mos. 1; 3—5. j, Alma 18: 36. 22; 12. 13.
k, seec.
CHAP. XXXVII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 345
for he doth counsel in wisdom over all his works, and his
paths *are straight, and his course is *"one eternal round.
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 pres-
ence.
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 pur- '
pose in him, that he may shew forth his power unto future
generations.
15. And now ^behold, I tell you by the Spirit of prophecy,
that if ye transgress the commandments of God, beholi, 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.
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 ;
17. For he will fulfill all his promises which he shall make
unto you, for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made
unto our fathers.
18. For he promised unto them that he would reserve these
things for a wise purpose in him, that he might shew forth
his power unto ^future generations.
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 shewn forth his
power in them, and he will also still shew forth his power in
them unto 'future generations; therefore they shall be pre-
served ;
20. Therefore I command you, my son Helaman, that ye
be diligent in fulfilling all my words, and that ye be dili-
gent in keeping the commandments of God, as they are
written.
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 "directors.
I, see 2a, ii. Nep. 9. m. i. Nep. 10 19. Alma 7: 20. n, see h, ii.
Nep. 1. o, vers. 2. 1^. 18. See c. p, ver. 19. q. Alma 23:5—13.
r, ver. 18. s, see k, Mos. 8 t, see i. n. Nep. 10. w, vers. 23—26. See
n, Mos. 8.
346 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXXVIL.
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.
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 wicked-
ness and abominations.
24. And now my son, these 'directors were prepared,,
that the word of God might be fulfilled, which he spake,,
saying :
25. I will bring forth out of darkness unto light, all
their ^secret works and their abominations: and except
they repent, I will ^Mestroy them from off the face of the-
earth ; and I will bring to light all their secrets and abomi-
nations, unto every nation that shall hereafter possess th&
land.
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.
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 retain from this people, that they know them not,
lest peradvanture they should fall into darkness also, and be
destroyed.
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 de-
stroyed.
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.
30. For behold, they murdered all the prophets of the
Lord who came among them to declare unto them concern-
ing 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 judg-
V, see i, il. Nep. 10. w, see j, Mos. 8. * x, see n, Mos. 8. y, see i, ll.
Nep. 10. z, see n, Mos. 8. 2a, see i, ii. Nep. 10. 2b, see j, Mos. 8. 2c, The
iaredites, see j, Mos. 8. 2d, see i, ii. Nep, 10.
CHAP. XXXVII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 347
ments of God did come upon these workers of darkness and
secret combinations ;
31. Yea, and **cursed be the land for ever and ever unto
those workers of darkness and secret combinations, even
unto destruction, except they repent before they are fully
ripe.
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; -^
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 ;
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.
35. Oh, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy
youth: yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments
of God;
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 thy thoughts be directed
unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed
upon the Lord for ever;
37. Counsel 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,
38. And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning
the thing which our fathers call a ^'^ball, or director; for our
fathers called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a com-
pass; and the Lord prepared it.
39. And behold, there cannot any man work after the man-
ner of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared
to shew unto our fathers the course which they should travel
in the wilderness;
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;
41. Nevertheless, because those miracles were worked by
small means, it did shew unto them marvellous works.
They were slothful, and forgot to exercise their faith and
26, ver. 28. Alma 45:16. 2f, see e, ii. Nep. 32. 2g, see p, Mos. 23.
2h. see d, i, Nep. 16.
348 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXXVIII.
diligence and then those marvellous works ceased, and they
did not progress in their journey ;
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.
43. And now my son, I w^ould 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.
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.
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 fol-
lowing 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.
46. O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easi-
ness 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 for ever.
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, fare-
well.
CHAPTER 38.
The Commandments of Alma to his son ShiUon.
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 cast off from his presence.
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.
2i, see 2a, ii. Nep. 9. 2j, ver. 38, see d, i. Nep. 16, 2k. see a,
I. Nep. 2.
O, lee A, n. N^. 1. 6, see A ii. Nep. 31«
CHAP. X.XXVIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 349
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.
4. For I know that thou wast in bonds; yea, and I also
knew that thou wast stoned for the word's sake; and thou
didst bear all these things with patience, because the Lord was
with thee ; and now thou knowest that the , Lord did deliver
thee.
5. And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should re-
member 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 :
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;
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.
14. Do not say, O God, T thank tl^ee that we are better
than our brethren; but rather say, O Lord, forgive my
c, see 2?, Alma 3Q d. see p, Mos. 23. e, see c, Mos. 5. f, Mos. 27: H—
17. g, Mos. 27: 19—23. Alma 36: 10, 16. h, see d, Mos. 5. i, see m, Mas
16. ;, see 2;, Alma 30.
350 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XXXIX.
unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy ; yea,
acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times.
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
eon, farewell.
The Commandments of Alma to his son Corianton,
CHAPTER 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? Be-
hold, has he not set a good example for thee?
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.
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 ;
4. Yea, sh^ 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.
5. Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomina-
tion in the sight of the Lord; yea, ^ost abominable above
all sins, save it be the shedding of innocent blood, or denying
the Holy Ghost?
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 forgive-
. ness.
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.
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.
9. Now my son, I would that ye should repent and for-
O, see 2j, Alma 30. 6, vers. 7. 11. See i, II. Nep. 28. C. Moro. .S: 28i
d, ver. 5.
CHAP. XXXIX.] BOOK OP ALMA. 351
sake 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 nowse inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remem-
ber, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these
things.
10. And I command you to take it upon you to counsel
your elder brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou
art in thy youth, and ye stand in need to be nourished by your
brothers. And give heed to their counsel;
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 thoc,e ''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.
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 ;
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 acknowl-
edge your faults, and retain that wrong which ye have
done ;
14. Seek not after riches, nor the vain things of this world,
for behold, you cannot carry them with you.
15. And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you con-
cerning 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.
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.
17. And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this sub-
ject. 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? ^ , . , ,,
18. Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should
be made known unto this people, as well as unto their chil-
dren?
19. It is 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?
e, III. Nep. 12: 30. /. vers. 3, 7—9, g, Mos, 3: 2—27. 27: 11—17. Ainu*
11:31. 13:24.
352 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XL.
CHAPTER 40.
1. Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto
thee; for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the
the "resurrection of the dead.
2. Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection ; or,
I would say, in other words, that Hhis mortal does not put
on immortality; this corruption does not put on incorruption,
until after the coming of Christ.
3. Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the
dead. But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now
I unfold unto you a mystery ; nevertheless, there are many
mysteries, which are kept, that no one knoweth them, save
God himself. But I shew unto you one thing, which I have
inquired diligently of God, that I might know ; that is con-
cerning the resurrection.
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 know^eth the time which is appointed.
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 tho dead.
6. Now there must needs bo a space betwixt the time of
death, and the time of the resurrection.
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?
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 ;
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.
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.
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 spiris of ''all men,
whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God
who gave them life.
a, see d, ii. Nep. 2. b, Mos. 16: 10. See d, II. Nep. 2, Also ; and m,
II. Nep. 9. c, vers. 15, 17. Eccle. 12: 7.
CHAP. XL.] BOOK OF ALMA. 35?
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 ail care,,
and sorrow, &c.
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 ;
end these shall be cast out into outer darkness; 'there shall
be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and this be-
cause of their own iniquity; being led captive by the will of
the devil.
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.
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.
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.
17. Now we do not suppose that this first resurrection
which is spoken of in this manner, can be the resurrection *0f
the souls, and their consignation to happiness or misery. Ye
cannot suppose that this is what it meaneth.
18. Behold, I say unto you Nay ; but it meaneth the , *re-
uniting of the soul with the body of those '**from the days of
Adam, down to the resurrection of Christ.
19. Now whether the souls and the bodies of those of whom
have been spoken, shall all be re-united at once, the wicked
as well as the righteous, I do not say; let it suffice, that I
say that they all come forth ; or in other words, their resurrec-
tion cometh to pass "before the resurrection of those who die
after the resurrection of Christ.
20. Now my son, I do not say that their resurrection
^'^meth at the resurrection of Chris^t : but behold, I give it as
my opinion, that the souls and th^ bodies are '^re-united, of
the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension
into heaven.
d, see I, n, Nep. 9. e, see i, it. Nep. 9. f, Mos. 16- 2. See k, i. Nep.
15. j7, ver. 13. A, see Z, ii. Nep. 9. i, see c. ;, see g, Jacob 4. k, see c.
I, see d, II. Nep, 2. m, vers. 19, 20. n, vers. 16, 18, 20. o, see fi.
Jacob 4.
354 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XLI.
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 ap-
pointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be re-united,
both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and
be judged according to their works ;
22. Yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those
things of which have been spoken by the mouths of the
prophets.
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.
24. And now my son, this is the restoration of which has
been spoken by the mouths of the prophets :
25. And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom
of God.
26. But behold, an awful 'death cometh upon the wicked ;
for they die as to things pertaining to things of righteous-
ness ; 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.
CHAPTER 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 be-
cause of this thing. And I perceive that thy mind has been
worried also, concerning this thing. But behold, I will explain
it unto thee.
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 resur-
rection 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. .
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
p vers. 6, 9, 11-15. q. Alma 11: 41—45. 41: 2, See d, ii. Nep. 2.
r. Bee q. Alma 12. s, Alma 11: 37.
a, see q. Alma 40. 6. vers. 6. 7, 14.
CHAP. XLI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 355
were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored
unto that which is good ;
4. And 'if their works are evil, they shall be restored
unto him for evil ; therefore, all things shall be restored to
their proper order; everything to its natural frame; mor-
tality ''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 ;
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
<iesired to do evil all the day long, even so shall he have his
reward of evil when the night cometh.
6. And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of hia
sins, and ^desired righteousness until the end of his days, even
80 he shall be rewarded unto righteousness.
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.
8. Now, the decrees of God are ^unalterable; therefore, the
way is prepared, that whosoever will, may walk therein and
be saved.
9. And now behold, my son, do not risk one more offence
against your God upon those points of doctrine, which ye have
bitherto risked to commit sin.
10. Do not suppose, because it has been spoken con-
cerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to
happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness *never was
happiness.
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.
12. And now behold, is the meaning of the word restora-
tion, 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?
13. O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of
the word "^restoration, is tj 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 ;
14. Therefore, my son, see that ye are merciful unto your
C, vers. 10—13, 15. d, Mos. 16: 10. See d, ll. Nep. 2. e, see m, Jacob 6.
f, see 6. g, see c. A see &. i, see m, Jacob 6. j, Mor. 9: 19. fc, veif.
ll, 12. I, vers. 10, 12. m, see c. w, sec 6.
356 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XLII.
brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good con-
tinually ; 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 ;
15. For that which ye do send out shall return unto
you again, and be restored ; therefore, the word restora-
tion ''mo-e fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him
not at all.
CHAPTER 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.
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 k'eep the tree of
life.
3. Now we see that the man had become as God, know-
ing good and evil ; and lest he should put forth his hand,
and take also of the tree of life, and eat and live for ever,
the Lord God placed Cherubim and the flaming sword, that
he should not partake of the fruit ;
4. And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man
to repent, j'ea, a ^probationary time, a time to repent and
serve God.
5. For behold, if Adam had put forth his hand imme-
diately, and partook of the tree of life, he would have ''lived
for ever, according to the word of God, having no space for
repentance; yea, and alsb the word of God would have
been '^void, and the great plan of salvation would have been
frustrated.
6. But behold, it was appointed unto man to die ; there-
fore 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 ^for
ever; yea, they became fallen man.
7. And now we see by this, that our first parents were
cut off both ^temporally and ''spiritually, from the presence
0, Alma 42: 28.
a, see m, Mos. 2. 5, see 2a, Alma 12. c, ver. 3. d, vers. 6, 8. Alma
12: 23, 26. e, see w, Alma 12. /, see b, ii. Nep. 2. g, see c,
n. Nep. 2.
CHAP. XLII.] BOOK OF ALMA. .357
of the Lord; and thus we see thej^ became subjects to follow
after their ''own will.
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 ;
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 ;
10. Therefore as they had become carnal, sensual, and devil-
ish, by nature, this "^probationary state became a state for
them to prepare; it became a preparatory state.
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.
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; •
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.
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 *for ever to be cut off from his
presence.
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.
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.
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?
h, see I, II. Nep. 2. i, see d. j, ver. 11. Never be dissolved, or its parts
foe separated, so as to disorganize the spiritual personage. &, see C, II. Nep. 2.
I, see b, II. Nep. 2. m, see 2a, Alma 12. n, as soon as their bodies were dead.
o, their spirits. p, see 2a, Alma 12. q, see 2m, Alma 12. r, see f, ii. Nep.
II. s, see e and g, ii. Nep. 9. t, see w, Alma 12. u, see f, ii. Nep. 2.
V, see 2m, Alma 12. w, see m, Jacob 6. x, the life of the soul has no end.
Tera. 8. 9. See e and g, ii. Nep. 9.
35S BOOK OP ALMA. [CHAP. XLII.
18. Now there was a punishment aflSxed, and a just law
given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
19. Now n there was no law given, — if a man murdered
he should die, would be be afraid he would die if he should
murder?
20. And also, if there was no law given against sin, men
would not be afraid to sin.
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?
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.
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 ;
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.
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.
26. And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal pur-
poses, 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 ;
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.
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.
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 re-
pentance.
30. O my son, I desire '*that ye should deny the justice
of God no more. Do not endeavour to excuse yourself in the
y, see j, Mos. 3. z, see 2m, Alma 12. 2a, see /, n. Nep: 9j 26, see f,
U. Nep. 2. 2c, see d, ii. Nep. 2. 2d, Alma 40: 21—26. 2e. see f,
II. Nep. 11. 2/, see d, Mos. 4. ?j?, Alma 41 : 15. 2A, see C, Ahna 4L
a, ver. 1.
CHAP. XLIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 359
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 ; but let it
bring you down to the dust in humility.
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.
CHAPTER 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.
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.
3. And now I return to an account of the wars between
the Nephitcs and the Lamanites, in the eighteenth year of the
reign of the Judges.
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.
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.
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 the Amalekites and
'Zoramites.
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;
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 bond-
age, &c.
a, see <7, Mos. 26. b, see 2j, Alma 30. c, see q. Alma 27. d, see b. Alma
81. e. Alma 31: 3. f, see 2j, Alma 30. g, see n, Jacob 7.
360 BOOK OF ALMA. L^HAP. XLIU.
9. And DOW the design of the Nephites was to support
their lands, and their houses, and their wives, and their chil-
dren, 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;
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;
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 4nto
a covenant and they would not break it; therefore, if they
should fall into the hands of the Lamanites they would be
destroyed.
12. And the Nephites would not suffer *"that they should
be destroyed; therefore they gave them "lands for their in-
heritance.
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 dis-
sented from the Nephites, who were Amalekites and ^Zoram-
ites, and the descendants of the ^priests ol Noah.
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.
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.
16. Now the leaJer 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;
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
iNephites.
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.
19. And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the
h, see m, Mos. 29. i, Alma 27: 2. j, see t, Alma 23. fe. Alma 27: 26.
Z, Alma 24: 16-1^. m, Alma 27: 23, 24. n, Alma 27: 22. o, Alma 27: 24.
y), see 2j, Alma 30. q, see /. Mos. 11. r, see 6, Alma 31. s, see q, A\ir^ 27.
i, see q, Alma 27. u, see /, Alma 2.
CHAP. XLIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 361
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.
20. Now the army of Zerahemnah was not prepared with
any such thing. They had only their swords and their cime-
ters, their bows and their arrows, their stones and their slings ;
but they were naked, *'save it were a skin which was girded
about their loins ; yea, all were naked, save it were the Zoram-
ites and the Amalekites.
21. But 'they were not armed with breast-plates, nor shields ;
therefore they were exceeding afraid of the armies of the
Nephites, because of their armour, notwithstanding their num-
ber being so much greater than the Nephites.
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 oJ the land; for
they did not suppose that the armies of Moroni would know-
whither they had gone.
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 prophe-
cies 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
La man ites.
24. And it came to pass that the word of the Lord came
unto Alma, and Alma informed the messengers of Moroni
that the armies of the Lamanites were marching round about
in the wilderness, that they might come over into the *°land
of Manti, that they might commence an attack upon the more
weak part of the people. And those messengers went and
delivered the message unto Moroni.
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
remainder part of his army and marched over into the '''land
of Manti.
26. And he caused that all the people in that quarter of
the land should gather themselves together to battle, against
ihe 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.
27. And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his army
should be secreted in the valley which was near the bank of
V, ver. 37. Enos 1 : 20. Alma 3: 4, 5. w, see q. Alma 27. x, see b,
iilma 31. y, see g, Alraa 2. s, see h, Alma 16, 2a, see h. Alma 16. 26, see
C. Alma 27. 2c, see h, Alma 16.
362 BOOK OF ALMA. tCHAP. XLIIL
the '"river Sidon, which was on the west of the river Sidon
in the wilderness.
28. And Moroni placed spies round about, that he might
know when the camp of the Lamanites should come.
29. And now as Moroni knew the intention of the La-
manites, 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 ;
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.
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 ;
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.
33. And thus having placed his army according to his desire,
he was prepared to meet them.
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.
35. And as the Lamanites had passed the ''hill Riplah,
and come into the valley, and began to cross the "^river
Sidon, the army which was concealed on the south of the
bill, which was led by a man whose name was Lehi ; and he
led his army forth and encircled the Lamanites about on the
«ast in their rear.
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 ;
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 ;
38. While on the other hand there was now and then a
man fell among the Nephites, by their swords and the loss of
blood ; they being shielded from the more vital parts of the
body, or the more vital parts of the body being shielded from
the- strokes of the Lamanites, '^by their breast-plates, and
their arm-shields, and their head-plates: and thus the
2d, see g, Alma 2. 2e, vers. 8, 10. 2f, vers. 9, 45 48, 49. Alma 44: 5.
;See m. Mos. 29. Alma 46: 12—20. 48: 10—16. 2g, vers. 23, 28. 2h
vers. 34, 35. 2t, see g, Alma 2. 2j, see h, Alma 16. 2k, vers. 31, 35. 21
vers. 31, 34. 2m, see g, Alma 2. 2n, ver. 20. See v. 2o, ver. 18. 2p
vers. 19, 21, 44. Alma 44:9. 46: 13. 49: 6. 24. Hela. 1 14 Mor.
€:9.
CHAP. XLin.] BOOK OF ALMA. 363
Nephites did carry on the work of death among the Laman-
ites.
39. And it came to pass that the Lamanites became fright-
ened, because of the great destruction among them, even until
they began to flee towards the ^«river Sidon.
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.
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.
42. And the Lamanites did flee again before them, ^"towards
the land of Manti ; and they were met again by the armies of
Moroni.
43. Now in this case the Lamanites did fight exceedingly;
yea, never had the Lamanites been known to fight with such
exceeding great strength and courage, no, not even from the
beginning ;
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 ^n two **^many of their head-plates, and they
did t)ierce many of their breast-plates, and they did smite
off many of their arms ; and thus the Lamanites did smite in
their fierce anger.
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;
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 imto their fathers, That ^^'inasmuch as
ye are not guilty of the first offence, neither the second, ye
shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your
enemies.
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, ?nd their families, and their lands, their country,
and their rights, and their religion.
48. And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni
2q, see g. Alma 2. 2r east bank. 2s, ver. 32, 2t, west s de, ver.
32. 2w, down near the west bank, northward, ver. 32. 2v, ver. 6. 2w, see 2p.
2x, vers. 30, 47. Alma 44; 5, 2y, Doc. and Gov. 98: 23—48. Alma 48: 14—16.
2z, see 2f.
364 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XLIV.
saw the '"fierceness and the anger of the Lamanites, they
were about to shrink and flee from them. And Moroni per-
ceiving their intent, sent forth and inspired their hearts with
these thoughts — yea, the ^ thoughts of their lands, their lib-
erty, yea, their freedom from bondage.
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 bond-
age.
50. And they began to stand against the Lamanites with
power: and in that self-same hour that they cried unto the
Lord for their freedom, the Lamanites began to flee before
them; and they fled even to the ^'^waters of Sidon.
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 ;
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 ;
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.
54. Now Moroni, when he saw their terror, commanded his
men that they should stop shedding their bloo^.
CHAPTER 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.
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.
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.
3a, ver. 44. 36, see 2f. 3c, see 2/. 3d, see g. Alma 2. 3e, ver. 32.
3f, west bank, ver. 32.
a, Alma 43; 8. 6, Alma 43: 49, 50.
CHAP. XLIV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 365
4. Now ye see that this i» 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.
5. And now, Zerahemnah, I command you, in the name
of that all-powerful God, who has strengthened our arms
that v/e 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;
6. Yea, and this is not all ; I coommand 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.
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.
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, and we will not suffer
ourselves to ^take an oath unto you, which we know that
we shall break, and also our children ; but take our weapons
of war, and suffer that we may depart into the wilderness ;
otherwise we will retain our swords, and we will perish or
•conquer.
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 breast-plates, and your shields that has
preserved you.
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.
11. Now I cannot retain the words which I have spoken,
therefore as the Lord liveth, ye shall not depart, ''except ye
depart with an oath that ye will not return again against us
to war. Now as ye are in our hands, we will spill your
c, see h, II. Nep. 1. d, see 2/, Alma 43. e. Alma 43: 20. /. vers. 6, 11,
15. 19. 20. g, see 2p. Alma 43. h, see f.
366 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP, XLIV.
blood upon the ground, or ye shall submit to the conditions
to which I have proposed.
12. And now when Moroni had said these words, Zera-
hemnah retained his sword, and he was angry with Moroni,
and he rushed forward that he might slay Moroni; but as
he raised bis 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.
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,
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 *cove-
nant of peace.
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
thoy suffered to depart into the wilderness.
IG. Now it came to pass that Zerahemnah was exceeding
wroth, and he did stir up the remainder of his soldiers to
anger, to contend more powerfully against the Nephites.
17. And now Moroni was angry, because of the stubbornness
of the Lamanites ; therefore he commanded his people that
they should fall upon them and slay them. And it came to
pass that they began to slay them : yea, and the Lamanites
did contend with their swords and their mights.
18. But behold, their "naked skins and their bare heads
were exposed to the sharp swords of the Nephites: yea, be-
hold they were pierced and smitten; yea, and did fall ex-
ceeding fast before the swords of the Nephites ; and they
began to be swept down, even as the ''soldier of Moroni had
prophesied.
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.
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.
i, vers. 13—15. j, ver. 18. k see f. I, see i. m see f. n, see v,.
Alma 43. o, ver. 14. p, see /. q, see /.
CHAP. XLV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 367
21. Now the number of their dead were not numbered, be-
cause of the greatness of the number ; yea, the number of their
dead were exceeding great, both on the Nephites and on the
Lamanites*
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.
23? And the armies of the Nephites, or of Moroni, returned
and came to their houses and their lands.
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.
The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dts-
sensionSf in the days of tielaman, according to the record
of Helaman, which he kept in his days.
CHAPTER 45.
1. Behold, now it came to pass that the people of Nephi
were exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had again de-
livered 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
exceeding great joy.
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?
3. And Helaman said unto him, Yea, I believe.
4. And Aima said again, Believest thou in Jesus Christ, who
shall come?
5. And he said, Yea, I believe all the words which thou hast
spoken.
6. And Alma said unto him again. Will ye keep my com-
mandments?
7. And he said. Yea, I will keep thy commandments with
all my heart.
8. Then Alma said unto him, Blessed art tnou; and the
Lord shall prosper thee in this land.
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.
r, see g. Alma 2, s, see /, i. Nep. 1.
a, see t, Mos. 27. b, see e, ii. Nep. 32. c, Alma 37.
36S BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XLV.
10. And these are the words: Behold, I perceive that this
very people, the Nephites, according to the Spirit of revela-
tion which is in me, in ''four hundred years from the time that
Jesus Christ shall manifest himself unto them, shall ^dwindle
^in unbelief;
I 11. Yea, and then shall they see wars and pestilences, yea,
famines and bloodshed, even until the people of Nephi shall
become ^extinct ;
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 Jjnowledge ; yea, I say
unto you, that from that day, even the ^fourth genera-
tion shall not all pass away, before this great iniquity shall
come ;
13. And when that great ^ay 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 ;
14. But whosoever remaineth, and is not destroyed in that
great and dreadful day, shall be ''numbered among the La-
manites, 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.
15. And now it came to pass that after Alma had said
these things to Helaman, he blessed h4tn, and also his other
sons ; and he also blessed the earth for the righteous' sake ;
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.
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:
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.
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
d, see d, I. Nep. 12. c, Moro. 9. f, ii. Nep. 26: 10. Mor. 6. g, see d,
I. Nep. 12. h, Moro. 9: 24. I. Nep. 13; 31. i, More. 1 : 1—3. ;, see d.
II. Nep. 1. k,Geeh Omni 1. I, see c. Alma 8.
CHAP, XLVi,j BOOK OF ALMA. 369
In the Spirit, unto himself: therefore, for this cause, we know
nothing concerning his death and burial.
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 Helam^p went forth among the people to declare
the w(M^ unto them.
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 regula-
tion should be made throughout the church ;
22. Therefore Helaman and his brethren went forth to estab-
lish the church again, in all the land, yea, in every city through-
out all the land which was possessed by the people of Nephi.
And it came to pass that they did appoint "^priests and teach-
ers throughout all the land, over all the churches.
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 ;
24. But they grew proud, being lifted up in their hearts, be-
cause of their exceeding great riches ; therefore they grew rich
an their own eyes, and would not give heed to their words, to
walk uprightly before God.
CHAPTER 46.
1. And it came to pass that as many as would not hearken
to the words of Helaman and his brethren, were gathered to-
gether against their brethren.
2. And now behold, they were exceeding wroth, insomuch
that they were determirted to slay them.
3. Now the leader of those who were wroth against their
brethren, was a large and a strong man; and his name was
Amalickiah.
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.
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.
6. Thus they were led away by Amalickiah to dissensions,
notwithstanding the preaching of Helaman and his brethren;
yea, notwithstandiqg their exceeding great care over the church,
for they were "High Priests over the church.
m, see c, Mos. 6.
a, see g, Mos. 26.
370 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XL VI.
7. And there were many in the churcn 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 exceeding precarious and dangerous, notwithstanding
their ^great victory which they had had q^er the Lamanites,
and their great rejoicings which they had had, because of their
deliverance by the hands of the Lord.
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 ;
9. Yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very
wicked man can cause to take place among the children of
men ;
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 ^'founda-
tion of liberty w^hich God had granted unto them, of which
blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the right-
eous' sake.
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.
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 childreij ; and he fastened it upon the end of a pole
thereof.
13. And he ^'fastened on his head-plate, and his breast-plate,
and his shields, and girded on bis armour about his loins ; and
he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat,
(and he called it the Hitle of liberty,) and he bowed him-
self 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 ;
14. For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who be-
longed to the church of God, called by those who did not belong
to the church;
15. And those who did belong to the church were faith-
ful; 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;
16. And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause
of the Christians, and the 'freedom of the land might be
favored.
6, Alma 43, 44. C, see m, Mos. 29. d, Alma 43: 16. e, versj 13, 21—27.
f, see 2/ . Alma 43. g, see 2p, Alma 43. h, see 2/, Alma 43. i, see e,
II. Nep. 32. j, see 2/, Alma ^" k. vers. 14—16. Alma 48: 10. I, see 2f,
tdxna, 43.
CHAP. ji^iaVl,] BOOK OF ALMA. 371
17. And it came to pass that when he had *"poured out
his soul to God, he gave all the land which was "south of
. the ''land Desolation : yea, and in fine, all the land, both ''on
the north and on the south, a chosen land, and the «land of
liberty.
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.
19. And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth
among the people, waving the srent 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,
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.
21. And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed
these words, behold, the people came running together with
their armours girded about their loins, ^rending their gar-
ments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake
the Lord their God, or, in other words, if they should trans-
gress 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.
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 eneuiies, even as we have
cast our garments at thy feet, to be trodden under foot, if we
shall fall into transgression.
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 :
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's hath
been preserved, so shall a remnant of the seed of my son's be
preserved by the hand of God, and be taken unto himself^
m, see e, ii. Nep. 32. n, South America. o, see 26, Alma 22. p. North
America. q, see 2f, Alma 43. r, see e, Mos. 5. s, see e. t, ver. 12.
U, Bee 2f, Alma 43. V, see e. w, see e, Mos. 5. x, see v. y, the destruc-
tion of the Jaredites in North America. See Ether. z, Gen. 37: 31 — 33. 2a
flee 2/ Alma 43. 26, written on the Brass Plates.
372 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XLVI.
'while the remainder of the seed of Joseph shall perish, even as
the remnant of his garment.
25. Now behold, this giveth my soul sorrow : nevertheless, my
soul hath joy in my son, because that part of his seed which
shall be taken unto God.
\ 26. Now behold, this was the language of Jacob,
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 us, if we do
not stand fast in the faith of Christ.
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.
29. And it came to pass that when Amalickiah saw that
the people of Moroni were more numerous than the Amalickiah-
ites; and he also saw that his people w^ere doubtful concerning
the justice of the cause in which they had undertaken : there-
fore, fearing that he should not gain the point, he took those
of his people who would, and departed into the ^''land of
Nephi.
30. Now Moroni thought it was not expedient that the
Xamanites 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 ;
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 into the wilderness, to cut off the course of Amalickiah in
the wilderness.
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.
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.
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.
.35. And it came to pass that whomsoever of the Ama-
lickiahites that would not enter into a covenant to support
3c. see 2/, Alma 43. 2d, see 6, ii. Nep. 5. 2e, see e, Mos. 29.
CHAP. XLVII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 373
the ^^cause of freedom, that they might F^aintain a free gov-
ermnent, he caused to be put to death ; aua there was but few
who denied the covenant of freedom.
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 Ne-
phites.
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.
38. And Helaman and the ^''High Priests did also main-
tain order in the church; yea, even for the space of four
years did they have much peace and rejoicing in the
church.
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.
40. And there were some who died with fevers, which at
some seasons of the year was very frequent in the land; but
not so much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities
of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to re-
move the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the
nature of the climate.
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.
CHAPTER 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 through-
out all his land, among all his people, that they should
gather themselves toegther again, to go to battle against the
Nephites.
2. And it came to pass that when the proclamation had
gone forth among them, they were exceeding 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.
2A see 2f, Alma 43. 2g, vers. 12, 13. 2h, see g, Mos. 25.
a. Alma 46: 33. b, see 6, ii. Nep. 5.
374 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XLVII.
3. And now it came to pass that the king was wroth because
of their disobedience; therefore he gave Amalickiah the com-
mand 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.
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.
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.
6. And they had appointed a man to be a king and a leader
over them, being fixed in their minds with a determined resolu-
tion that they would not be subjected to go against the
2s[ephites.
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.
8. Now it was not Amalickiah's intention to give them bat-
tle, according to the commandments of the king, but be-
hold, 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 king-
dom.
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.
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
lie desired to speak with him.
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 x\.m.alickiah 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.
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.
13. And it came to pass that when Lehoiiti had come
down with his guards to Amalickiah, that Amalickiah de-
c, vers. 8, 16, 35. d, vers. 4, 16 35 e vers. 7. 10.
CHAP. XLVII.] BOOK OF ALMA. ' 375
sired 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.
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.
15. And it came to pass that vvlien 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 Ama-
lickiah desired.
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.
17. Now it was the custom among the Lamanite^, if their
chief leader was killed, to appoint the ''second leader to be
their chief leader.
18. And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of
his servants should administer poison by degrees to Lehonti,
that he died.
19. Now when Lehonti was dead, the Lamanites ap-
pointed Amalickiah to be their leader ana their *chief com-
mander.
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.
21. And the king came out to meet him with his guards, for
lie supposed that Amalickiah had ''fulfilled his commands, and
that Amalickiah had gathered together so great an army to go
against the Nephites to battle.
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 rever-
ence him, because of his greatness.
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.
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.
25. Now the servants of the king fled ; and the servants of
Amalickiah raised a cry, saying,
26. Behold, the servants of the king have stabbed him
f.-ver; 3. g vers. 4, S, 55. A, ver. 13. t, vers. 13, 17. ;, see 6, ii.
Nep. 5. k, ver. 3. I, Mos. 7: 12.
376 BOOK OP ALMA. [CHAP. XLVH.
to the heart, and he has fallen and they have fled ; behold, come
and see.
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 con>e to the spot, and found
the king lying in his ^ore, Amalickiah pretended to be wroth,
and said whosoever loved the king, let him go forth, and
pursue his servants that they may be slain.
28. And it came to pass that when all they w^ho loved the-
king, when they heard these words, came forth and pursued;
after the servants of the king.
29. Now wh'en the servants of the king saw an army pur-
suing after them, they were frighted again and fled into the
wilderness, and came over in the *"land of Zarahemla and
joined the "people of Amnion ;
30. And the army which pursued after them, returned, hav-
ing pursued after them in vain ; and thus Amalickiah, by hia
fraud, gained the hearts of the people.
31. And it came to pass on the morrow, he entered the
*city Nephi with his armies, and took possession 6f the
city.
32. And now it came to pass that the queen, when she had
heard that the king was slain, for Amalickiah had sent an em-
bassy 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.
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 shoiil(l
come in unto her; and she also desired him that he shoiiki
bring witnesses with him, to testify concerning the death of the
king.
34. And it came to pass that Amalickiah took the ^same
servant that slew the king, and all ^they who were with him,
and went in unto the queen, unto the place where she sat ; and
they 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 con-
cerning the death of the king.
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
Lemuel ites. and the Ishma elites, and all the dissenters of
the Nephites, from the reign of Nephi down to the present
time.
36. Now these dissenters having the same instruction
m. see h, Omni 1. n, Alma 27:26. O, ver. 20. p\ ver; 24: q, ver. 2?.
r, vers. 4, 8, 16.
CHAP. XLVin.5 BOOK OF A.LMA. 377
and the same miormation 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 be-
came more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked
and ferocious than the Lamanites; drinking in with the tradi-
tions of the Lamanites; giving way to indolence, and all
manner of lasciviousness ; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their
<Jod.
CHAPTER 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
Xiamanites against ' the people of Nephi ; yea, he did appoint
anen to speak unto the Lamanites from their towers, against the
I^ephites ;
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
jpeople who were in. the land, the Nephites as well as the
Lamanites,
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.
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;
5. And thus he did appoint chief captains of the "Zoramites,
they being the most acquainted with the strength of the Ne-
phites, and their places of resort, and the weakest parts of
their cities ; therefore he appointed them to be 'chief captains
over his armies.
6. And it came to pass that they took their camp, and
anoved forth towards the ®!and of Zarahemla in the wilder-
ness.
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 ;
8. Yea, he had been strengthening the armies of the
Nephites, and erecting small 'forts, or places of resort;
fi, see t. Alma 24: 80.
o, see 27, Alma 30. 6, see h, Omni 1. c Alma 49: 13, 18—24. 50:
1—6,10. 51:23,27. 52:2,17. 53. 55:25,26.33. 56:15,20,21.
57:4. 23. 58. 62:20—24. Hela. 1:20, 21. 2?. '^' 4:7. ill. Nep.
3:14. Uar,2:4,21. 3:6.
378 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XLVIII^
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;
9. And in their weakest fortiiScations, he did place the
greater number of men; and thus he did fortify and strengthen
the land which was possessed by the Nephites.
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.
11. And Moroni w^as 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 ;
12. Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to
his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he be-
stowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for
the welfare and safety of his people;
13. Yea, and he vras 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.
14. Now the Nephites were Haught to defend themselves
against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood, if it
were necessary ; yea, and they were also taught never to
give an offence; yea, and never to raise the sword, except it
were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their
lives ;
15. And this w^as their faith, that by so doing, God would
prosper them in the land ; or in other w^ords, *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 pre-
pare for war, »according to their danger ;
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.
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 for ever ; yea, the
devil would *never have power over the hearts of the children
of men.
tf, see 2/, Alma 43. c, see A;, Alma 46. /, see 2/, Alma 43. g, see 2^
Alma 43. h, see 2y, Alma 43. i, see k, xi. Nep. 1. ;, Alma 16: 5—8. 43:
23, 24. III. Nep. 3: 18—21. k, i. Nep. 22: 26.
CHAP. XLIX.] BOOK OF ALMA. 379'
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.
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.
20. And thus they went forth, and the people did humble-
themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were
highly favoured of the Lord, and thus they were free from war»
and contentions among themselves; yea, even for the space?
of four years:
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;
22. Yea, and in fine, their wars never did cease for the space-
of many years with the Lamanites, notwithstanding their much
reluctance.
23. Now they were sorry to take up arms against the Laman-
ites, 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.
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;
25. Yea, they could not bear that their brethren should re-
joice 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.
CHAPTER 49.
1. And dow it came to pass, in the eleventh inonth of th»-
nineteenth year, on the tenth day of the month, the armies of
the Lamanites were seen approaching towards the °land of
Ammonihah.
2. And behold, the city had been re-built, and Moroni had
stationed an army by the borders of the city, and they haff
*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.
I, see u, II. Nep. 9. m, ver. 2. n, see h, ii. Nep. 1.
a, see I, Alma 8. 6, see c. Alma 48.
380 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. XLIX.
3. Behold, I said that the city of Ammonihah had been re-
built. I say unto you, yea, that it was in part re-built, and
because the Lamanites had destroyed it *^once because of the
iniquity of the people, they supposed that it would again become
4in easy prey for them.
4. But behold, how great was their disappointment: for be-
hold, 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.
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.
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
bitherto done ; yea, and they had also prepared themselves *with
shields, and with breast-plates ; and they had also prepared
themselves with garments of skins; yea, very thick garments
to cover their nakedness.
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 pleas-
ure.
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 instruc-
tions of Moroni.
9. And it came to pass that the Lamanites, or the Amalickiah-
ites, were exceedingly astonished at their manner of preparation
for war.
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.
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.
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 ;
c. Alma 16: 2, 3, 9—11 rf, see c, Alma 48. e, see 2p. Alma 43. U
usee c, Alma 48. flr, eee 0, H. Nep. 5. ^ /iee i. Alma S. i» vers. 13—15.
Alma 16; 3.
CHAP. XLIX.] BOOK OP ALMA. 381
13. For they knew not that Moroni had 'fortified or had
built forts of security for every city in all the land roundi
about; therefore, they marched forward to the land of Noah,
with a firm determination; yea, their chief captains came for-^
ward, and took an oath that they would destroy the peonle of
that city.
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.
15. And now behold, this was wisdom in Moroni; for he had
supposed that they would be frightened at the city Am*
monihah; 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.
16. And behold, Moroni had appointed Lehi to be chief cap-
tain 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.
17. And now behol J it came to pass, that when the Laman-
ites 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.
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.
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.
20. Thus they were prepared ; yea, a body of their most strong-
men, with their swords and their slings, to smite down all
who should attempt to come into their place of security by the
place of 'entrance: and thus were they prepared to defend
themselves against the Lamanites.
21. And it came to pass that the captains of the Laman-
ites 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.
22. Now Vv^hen 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
j, see c, Alma 48. k, see i. I, see i, Alma 8. m, see i. n, Alma
43: 35. 0, see g. Alma 2. p, ver. 13. g, see c. Alma 48. r, vers. 4, 18, 21,
24. s, see r. t, see c, Alma 43. v^
S82 BOOK or ALMA. [CHAP. L,
atones and arrows which were thrown at them : and instead
of filling up their ditches by pulling down the banks of
^arth, they were filled up in a measure, with their dead and
wounded bodies.
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 otlier
hand, there was not a single soul of the Nephites which was
slain.
24. Thera 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
l)reast-plates, and their head-plates, insomuch that their
wounds were upon their legs, many of which were very
severe.
25. And it came to pass, that when <-he Lamanites saw
that their ''chief captains were all slain, they fled into tho
wilderness. And it came to pass that they returned to the
**land of Nephi, to inform their king, Amalickiah, who was a
I^ephite by birth, concerning their great loss.
26. And it came to pass that he was exceeding angry with
liis people, because he had not obtained his desire over the
Nephites; he had not subjected them to the yoke of bond-
age;
27. Yea, he was exceeding wroth, and he did curse God, and
«.lso Moroni, and swearing with an *oath that he would drink
his blood; and this because Moroni had kept the command-
ments of God in preparing for the safety of his people.
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 ot their
^enemies.
29. And thus ended the nineteenth year of the reign of the
-Judges over the people of Nephi ;
80. Yoa, and there was continual peace among them, and
exceeding great prosperity in the church because of their heed
and diligence which they gave unto the word of God, which
was declared unto them by Helaman, and Shiblon, and Corian-
ton, and Ammon and his brethren, &c. : 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, &c.
CHAPTER 50.
1. And now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop
making preparations for war, or to defend his people against
u. Alma 48: 5. v, see r. w, see 2p, Alma 43. X, Alma 48: 5. y, see 6,
ai. Nep. 5. z. Alma 51: 9, 10. 2a, see g, Mos. 26.
OHAP. L.] BOOK OF ALMA. 383
the Lamanites ; for he caused that his armies should commence
in the ^jommencement of the twentieth year of the reign of the
Judges, that they should commence in digging up **heaps of
<^arth round about ail the cities, throughout all the land which
was possessed by the Nephites ;
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.
3. And he caused that upon those w^orks of timbers, there
should be a frame of pickets built upon the timbers round
<about ; and they were strong and high ;
4. And he caused towers to be erected that overlooked those
^vorks of pickets, and he caused places of security to be built
upon those towers, that the stones and the arrows of the
Ijamanites could not hurt them.
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.
6. Thus Moroni did prepare strong holds against the com-
ing of their enemies, round about every city in all the
land.
7. And it came te 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 wilder-
ness into their own lands, which were south of the ''land of
Zarahemla ;
8. And the *^land of Nephi did run in a straight course from
the east sea to the west.
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 wilder-
aiess, even to the borders by the sea shore, and possess the
land.
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
iands of their enemies.
11. And thus he cut off all the strong holds of the Laman-
ites, in the east wilderness ; yea, and also on the west, fortify-
ing the ^line between the N'^phites and the Lamanites, be-
tween the ''land of Zarahemla and the ^land of Ner>hi : 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 w^as northward of the ^land Bountiful, accord-
ing to their ple^tsure.
a, see C, Alma 48. b, see h, Omni 1. c, see b, ii. Nep 5. d, see c,
Alma 48. e, ver. 8. f, see h, Omni 1. g, see b, ii. Nep. 5. h, see g. Alma
2. i, North America. ;, see 2k, Alma 22.
384 BOOK OF ALMAv [CHAP. L.
12. Thus Moroni, with his armies, which, drd' increase daily
because of the assurance of protection which his works didS
bring forth unto them ; therefore they did seek to cut* off the
strength and the power of the Lamanites, from off the lands ol
their possessions, that they should have no power upon the-
lands of their possession.
13. And it came to pass that the Nephites began the founda-
tion 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.
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.
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?
eea shore.
16. And thus ended the twentieth year.
17. And in these prosperous circumstances were the peo-
ple of Nephi in the commencement of the twenty and*
first year of the reign of the Judges over the people of
Nephi.
18. And they did prosper exceedingly, and they became ex-
ceeding rich ; yea, and they did multiply, and: were strong iit
the land.
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, say-
ing,
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.
21. And we see that these promises have been verified '
the people of Nephi ; for it has been their quarrellings ana
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.
22. And those who were faithful in keeping the command-
ments of the Lord, were delivered at all times, whilst thousand??
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.
23. But behold there never w^as a happier time among:
fc, ver. 14. Alma 41:22—24. 59:5. 62:32.34. m. Nep. 8:9. 9:4..
I. Alma 51: 24— 26. 59: 5, 7—11. 62: 14. 18. 26, 30. m. vers. 25— 28» 3a.
Alma 51 : 1. 24, 26. 59: 5. 62: 3Q. n, see K ll- Nep. li.
CHAP. L.] BOOK OF ALMA. 385
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.
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.
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 concern-
ing 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 sea shore.
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 hj the sword to slay
them.
27. But behold the people who possessed the *land of Lehi^
fled to the camp of Moroni, and appealed unto him for assist-
ance; for behold they were not in the wrong.
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 IMoroni', they
were exceeding fearful lest the army of Moroni should come
upon them and destroy them ;
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.
30. And behold, they would have carried this plan into ef-
fect, (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 upoa
her and beat her much.
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.
32. Now behold, the people who were in the land Bountiful^
or rather Moroni, feared that they would hearken to the word?;-
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 *'over-
throw of their liberty;
33. Therefore Moroni sent an army, with theiij camp, to»
0, seem. p, vers. 26, 28. 36. 51:26. 55- ^X 59:5; Qi Bee p,
f.^see m. s, see m. t. North America. u, Mos. 8:8. Hel&i 3t4^ Mok.
6* 4. V, see m, Mos. 29.
S86 BOOK OF ALMA. [CIIAP. LI.
3iead the people of Morianton, to stop their flight into the laud
northward.
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,
4ind on the east.
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.
36. And thus was the people of Morianton brought back.
And upon their covenanting to keep the peace, they were re-
istored to the ^land of Morianton, and a union took place be-
tween them and the people of *Lehi : and they were also re-
stored to their lands.
37. And it came to pass tha^ 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 ;
38. Nevertheless, he had refused Alma to take possession of
'■^Hhose records and those things which were esteemed by xA.lma
•and his fathers to be most sacred : therefore Alma had conferred
them upon his son Helaman.
39. Behold, it came to pass that the son of Nephihah was
^appointed to fill the judgment seat, in the stead of his father;
Tea, he was appointed Chief Judge and Governor over the
ipeople, 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
liis days, and to bring the wicked to justice, according to their
kcrime.
40. Now behold, his name was Pahoran. And Pahoran did
till the seat of his father, and did commence his reign in the
■end of the twenty and fourth year, over the people of
Nephi.
CHAPTER 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
10, sf^e 21, Alma 22. X, see 2v, Alma 22. y, see p. s, see m. 2a,
Alma 4. 16—18. 26, Alma 37. 2c, see m, Mos. 29.
CHAP. LI.] EOOK OF ALMA. 387
people of °Lelii and the people of ^iMorianton, concerning
their lands, and having commenced the twenty and fifth year
in peace ;
2. Nevertheless, they did not long maintain an entire peace
in the land, for there began to be a contention among the peo-
ple concerning the ^Chief Judge, Pahoran ; for behold there
were a part of the people v^ho desired that a few "^particular
points of the law should be altered.
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 aUering
of the law:
4. Therefore, those who were desirous that the law should
be altered, were angry with him, and desired that he should
DO longer be Chief Judge over the land : therefore there arose
a warm dispute concerning the matter; but not unto blood-
shed.
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.
6. And those who were desirous that Pahoran should re-
main 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 govern-
ment.
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 favour 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.
8. Now those who were in favour of kings were those of high
birth ; and they sought to be kings ; and they were sup-
ported by tTiose who sought power and authority over the
people.
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 to-
gether soldiers, from all parts of his land, and arming them,
and preparing for war, with all diligence; for he had sworn to
klrink the blood of Moroni.
10. But behold, we shall see that his promise which he
a, see m, Alma SO. 6, see p. Alma 50. c. Alma 50: 40. d, vers. 3, 5.
e, vers. 7, 8, 13, 17—21. /, ver. 7. g, see m, Mos. 29. h, ver. 6. i, see m.
Mo3. 29. ;, see e. k, see m, Mos. 29. L Alma 49: 27.
888 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LL
made was rash; nevertheless, he did prepare himself and his
armies to come to battle against the Nephites.
11. Now his armies were not so great as they had hitherto
been, because of the many tliousands who had been slain by
the hand of the Nephites; but notwithstanding their great
loss, Amalickiah had gathered together a wonderful great
army, insomuch that he feared not to come down to the land of
Zarahemla.
12. Yea, even Amalickiah did himself come down, at the
head of the Lamanites. And it was in the twenty and fiftlf
year of the reign of the Judges; and it was at the same t'uv.e
that they had begun to settle the affairs of their contentions:,
"^concerning the Chief Judge Pahoran.
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 arras ; 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.
14. And it came to pass that when Moroni saw this, and
also saw that the Lamanites were coming into the borders of
the land, he was exceeding wroth, because of the stubborness
of those people, whom he had labored with so much diligence
to preserve; yea, he was exceeding wroth; his soul was filled
with anger against them.
15. And it came to pn«;s 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 com-
pel those dissenters to defend their country, or to put them to.
death :
^ 16. For it was his first care to put an end to such conten-
tions, 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.
.17. And it came to pass that Moroni commanded that hiss
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.
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 thpy did lift their weapons of war
to fight against the men of Moroni, they were hewn down and
leveled to the earth.
19. And it came to pass that there were four thousand of
those dissenters who were hewn down by the sword ; and thos^-
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 ;
m, vers. 2 — 8. n, see e. o, see m, Mos. 2$. p, see e, Mos. 2^.
q, see e.
CHAP. LI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 389
20. And the remainder of those dissenters, rather than be
smitten down to the earth by the sword, yielded to the stand-
ard 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.
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.
22. Behold, it came to pass that while Moroni was thus
breaking down the wars and contentions among his own peo-
ple, and subjecting them to peace and civilization, and mak-
ing regulations to prepare for war against the Lamanites, be-
hold, the Lamanites had come into the "land of Moroni, which
was in the borders by the sea shore.
23. And it came to pass that the Nephites were not suflS-
ciently 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 fortifica-
tions.
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
Ijehi gathered themselves together, and made preparations, and
were ready to receive the Lamanites to battle.
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 sea shore, leaving men in every city
to maintain and defend it :
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 sea shore.
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.
28. ^^And it came to pass that they marched to the borders
of the land Bountiful, driving the Nephites before them, and
slaying many.
29. But it came to pass that they were met by Teancum,
r, Alma 46: 12, 13. s, see e. t, see m, Mos. 29. u, see k.
Alma 50. v, see k. Alma 50. w, see I, Alma 50. x, see m, Alma
50. y, see I, Alma 50. z, see I, Alma 50. 2a, see m, Alma 50. 26,
eae p, Alma 50. 2c, Alma 55; 7, 16. 25, 26. Hela. 5: 15. 2d, Alma
52: 2, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 26, 28, 34. 53: 2, 6. 2e, see c, Alma 48. 2/, see
2k, Alma 22.
390 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LII.
who had '^slain Morianton, and had headed his people in his
flight.
30. And it came to pass that he headed Amalickiah also,
and he was marching forth with his numerous army, that
he might take possession of the ^"land Bountiful, and also the
land ^^northward.
81. But behold he met with a disappointment, by being re-
pulsed 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.
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 sea shore, and after
this manner were they driven.
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.
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.
35. And he returned again privily to his own camp, and be-
hold, his men were asleep, and he awoke them and told them
all the things that he had done.
36. And he caused that his armies should stand in readi-
ness, lest the Lamanites had awoke, and should come upon
them.
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.
CHAPTER 52.
1. And now :t came to pass in the twenty and sixth year
of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, behold,
when the Lamanites avN^oke 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.
2. And now when the Lamanites saw this, thpy werf»
affrighted; and they abandoned their design in marching
2^. Alma 50: 35. 27?. see 2k, Alma 22. 2i, North America. 2j, see 2k,
Alma 22. 2fc, heat of the torrid zone.
CHAP. LII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 391
into the "land northward, and retreated with all their armjr
into the ^city of Mulek, and sought protection in their '^forti-
fications.
3. And it came to pass that the brother of Amalickiah wasi
appointed king over the people ; and his name was Ammoron ;
thus king Ammoron, the brother of king Amalickiah, was ap-
pointed to reign in his stead.
4. And it came to pass that he did command that his people?
should maintain those cities which they had taken by the shed-
ding of blood; for they had not taken any cities, save they
had lost much blood.
5. And now Teancum saw that the Lamanites were de-
termined 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 im
their forts ;
6. But he kept his men round about, as if making prepara-
tions for war ; yea, and truly he was preparing to defend him-
self against them, by '^casting up walls round about, and pre-
paring places of resort.
7. And it came to pass that he kept thus preparing for war,,
until Moroni had sent a large number of men to strengthen hist
army;
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 whont
the Lamanites had taken.
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 e very-
side.
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 Laman-
ites 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 Laman-
ites.
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.
12. Now the king (Ammoron) had departed out of the *lan(IJ
a, North America. b, see 2d, Alma 51. c, see c, Alma 48. d, see c
Alma 48. e, see 2k, Alma 22. /.see 2v, Alma 22. g, North America. fu
see c. Alma 48. i, see h, Omiu 1.
^^2 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LH-
<)f Zarathemla, aaad iiad made known unto the queen concern-
ing the death of his brother, and had gathered together a
large number of men, and had marched forth against the
JNephites, on the borders by the west sea;
13. And thus he was endeavouring to harass the Ne-
phites, 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.
14. And thus were the Nephites in those dangerous circum-
stances, in the ending of the twenty and sixth year of the
Teign of the Judges over the people of Nephi.
15. But behold, it came to pass in the twenty and seventh
year of the reign of the Judges, that (Teancum, by the com-
imand of) Moroni, who had established armies to protect the
-south and the west borders of the land, had begun his march
towards the ^land Bountiful, that he might assist Teancum
^ith his men, in retaking the cities which they had lost.
16. And it came to pass that Teancum had received orders
•to make an attack upon the *city of Mulek, and retake it if
Jt were possible.
17. And it came to pass that Teancum made preparations
to make an attack upon the city of Mulek, and march ftrth
wath his army against the Lamanites; but he saw that it
'was impossible that he could overpower them while they
^ere in their ^fortifications ; therefore he abandoned his de-
•signs. and returned again to the *"city Bountiful, to wait
for the coming of Moroni, that he might receive strength to
^his army.
18. And it came to pass that Moroni did arrive with his
army to the land of Bountiful, in the latter end of the
twenty and seventh year of the reign of the Judges over the
people of Nephi.
19. And in the commencement of the twenty and eighth
■year, Moroni and Teancum, and many of the chief captains,
iield a council of war, what they should do to cause the
Xamanites to come out against them to battle ; or that they
might by some means flatter them out of their strong holds,
that they might gain advantage over them and take again
the "city of Mulek.
20. And it came to pass they sent embassies to the army
of the Lamanitfs, which protected the city of Mulek. to
their leader, whose name was Jacob, desirins: him that
lie would come out with his armies to meet them upon the
■plains, between the two cities. But behold, Jacob, who was
j, see 2fc, Alma 22. k see 2d, Alma 51. ?, see c, Alma 48. m, see 2k
Alma 22. n, see 2d, Alma 51.
CHAP. LII.J BOOK OF ALMA. 393
a "Zoramite, would not come out with his army to meet
them upon the plains.
21. And it came to pass that Moroni, having no hopes
of meeting them upon fair grounds, therefore, he resolved
upon a plan that he might decoy the Lamanites out of their
strong holds.
22. Therefore he caused that Teancum should take a small
number of men, and march down near the sea shore ; 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.
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 smailness of his numbers.
And as Teancum saw the armies of the Lamanites coming:
out against him, he began to retreat down by the sea shore^
northward.
24. And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw-
that he began to flee, they took courage and pursued thems
with vigor. And while Teancum was thus leading away th'?
Lamanites who were pursuing them in vain, behold, Mo-
roni commanded that a part of his army who were with
him, should march forth into the city, and take possession
of it.
25. And thus they did, and slew all those who had beent
left to protect the city; yea, all those who would not yield
up their weapons of war.
26. And thus Moroni had obtained possession of the 'citjr
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.
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.
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.
29. Now the Lamanites did not know that Moroni haa
been in their rear with his army; and all they feared was?
Lehi and his men.
30. Now Lehi was not desirous to overtake them, till they
should meet Moroni and his army.
31. And it came to pass that before tho Tvamanites had
retreated far, they were surrounded by the Nephites; by the-
0, see 2;, Alma 30. j), see 2d, Alma 51. q, see 2c?, Alma 51. r, see 2fe
A.lma 22. s, see 2d, Alma 51.
S94 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LIII.
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
Liamanites were wearied, because* of their long march.,
32. And Moroni commanded his men that they should fall
upon them, until thej^ had given up their weapons of war.
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
xigainst Moroni.
34. Moroni being in their course of march, therefore Jacob
TV'as determined to slay them, and cut his v/ay through to
the "city of Mulek. But behold, Moroni and his men were
more powerful ; therefore they did not give way before the
Xamanites.
35. And it cam.e to pass that they fought on both hands
with exceeding fury ; and there were many slain on both sides ;
j-ea, and Moroni was wounded and Jacob was killed.
36. And Lehi pressed upon their rear with such fury, with
liis strong men, that the Lamanites in the rear delivered up
their weapons of war ; and the remainder of them being much
confused, knew not whether to go or to strike.
37. Now Moroni seeing their confusion, he said unto them,
Tf ye will bring forth your weapons of war, and deliver
them up, behold we will forbear shedding your blood.
38. And it came to pass that Vhen 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 theKsame;
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 Mand Bountiful.
40. And now the num^ber of prisoners who were taken, ex-
«ceeded more than the number of thos^ who had been slain;
^ea, more than those who had been slain on both sides.
CHAPTER 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.
2. And Moroni went to the ''city of Mulek with Lehi, and
t, see 2j, Alma 30. u, see 2d, Alma 51. v, see 2k, Alma 22.
O. eee 2d, Alma 51.
CHAP. LIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 395
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 tli^^^^ rejoiced in each other's safety; yea, they
were beloved by each other, and also beloved by all the people
of Nephi.
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 Tean-
cum, by the orders of Moroni, caused that they should com-
mence laboring in ''digging a ditch round about the land, or
the city Bountiful ;
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.
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 com-
pelled 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.
6. And it came to pass that Moroni had thus gained a
victory over one of the greatest of the armies of the Laman-
ites. 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 strong hold
to retain his prisoners.
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 pro-
viding food for their armies.
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 ob-
tained possession of a number of their cities in that part of
the land;
9. And thus because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea,
because of dissensions and intrigue among themselves, they
were placed in the most dangerous circumstances.
10. And now behold, I have somewhat to say concern-
ing the ^people of Ammon, who, in the beginning, were
6, see 2k, Alma 22. c, see c, Alma 48. d, see 2k, Alma 22. e, see 2d,
Alma 51. /, see c, Alma 48. g, Alma 27: 26.
396 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. Llir.
Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren, or rather hv
the power and word of God, they had been '^converted unto
the Lord : and they had been brought down into the Maud
of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected by the
Nephites ;
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 ac-
cording 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 ex-
ceeding love which Ammon and his brethren had had for
them.
12. And for this cause, they were brought down into the
land of Zarahemla; and they ever had been protected by the
Nephites.
Yd. But it came to pass that when they saw the danger,
and the many afflictions and tribulations w^hich the Nephites
bore for them, they were moved with compassion, and v/ere
desirous to take up arms in the defence of their country.
14. But behold, as they were about to take their wenpouf?
of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Hela-
man and his brethren, for they were about to ''break the oath
which they had made ;
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.
16. But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, who-
had not entered into a covenant thnt they would not take
their weapons of w^ar to defend themselves against their ene-
mies; therefore they did assemble themselves together at thi?^
time, as many as were able to take up arms ; and they called
themselves Nephites ;
17. And they entered into a covenant to fight for the
Miberty 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.
18. Now behold, there were two thousand of those youn<r
men who entered into this covenant, and took their weapons;
of war to defend their country.
19. And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a
disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at thi'?^
period of time also a great support; for they took their
weapons of war, and they would that Helaman should be
their leader.
h. Alma 23: 8—13. i, see h, Omni 1. ;. Alma 24: 17—19. k, Alma 2^
17—19. I, see m, Mos. 29.
CHAP. LIV.] BOOK OF ALMA. 397
20. And they were all young men, and they were exceed-
ing 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 ;
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.
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.
23. And thus ended the twenty and eighth year of the
reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, &c.
CHAPTER 54.
1. And now it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year of
the Judges, that Ammoron sent unto Moroni, desiring that he
would exchange prisoners.
2. And it came to pass that Moroni felt to rejoice exceed-
ingly 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.
3. Now the Lamanites had taken many women and chil-
dren, 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 ;
4. Therefore he wrote an epistle, and sent it by the ser-
vant of Ammoron, the same who had brought an epistle to
Moroni. Now these are the words which he wrote unto
Ammoron, saying,
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.
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 lands of your possessions, which is
the "land of Nephi;
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 with-
a. see 6, ii. Nep. 5. h, see k, i. Nep. 15. c, Alma 47: 18, 22—34.
398 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LIV,
draw your murderous purposes, and return with your armies
to your own lands ;
8. But as ye have rejected these things, and have fought
against the people of the Lord, even so I may expect you
will do it again.
9. And now behold, we are prepared to receive you ; yea,
and except you withdraw your purposes, behold, ye will pul)
down the wrath of that God whom you have rejected upon you,
even to your utter destruction;
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.
11. But behold, it supposeth me that I talk to you con-
cerning these things in vam ; or it supposeth me that thou
art a child of hell ; therefore I will close my epistle by tell-
ing you that I will not exchange prisoners, save it be on con-
ditions 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.
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.
13. Behold, I am in my anger, and also my people; ye have
sought to murder us, and we have only sought to defend our-
selves. But behold, if ye seek to destroy us more, we will
seek to destroy you ; yea, and we will seek ^our land of our
first inheritance.
14. Now I close my epistle. I am Moroni; I am a leader
of the people of the Nephites.
15. Now it came to pass that Ammoron, when he had
received this epistle, he was angry; and he wrote another
epistle unto Moroni, and these are the words which he wrote,
saying,
16. I am Ammoron. the king of the Lamanites; I am th*^
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 ;
17. For behold your fathers did wrong their brethren, inso-
much that they did rob them of their '^right to the government,
when it rightly belonged unto them.
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
d, ver. 3. c, see h, II. Nep. 5. f, see 6, II. Nep. 5. g. Alma 51: 34,
ft. U. Neo. 5: 1—4. See n, Jacob 7.
CHAP. LV.] BOOK CF ALMA. 399
people shall lay down their weapons, and shall be at war no
more.
19. Behold, ye have breathed out many threatenings against
me and my people; but behold we fear not your threat-
enings ;
20. Nevertheless, I will grant to exchange prisoners accord-
ing 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.
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 snch a being, we know not but
that he hath made us as well as you ;
22. And if it so be that there is a devil and a hell, beholdi
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 mattereth
not.
23. I am Ammoron, and a descendant of ''Zoram, whom
your fathers pressed and brought out of Jerusalem.
24. And behold, now, I am a bold Lamanite; behold thisi
war hath been waged to avenge their wrongs, and to main-
tain, and to obtain their 'rights to the government; and I
close my epistle to Moroni.
CHAPTER 55.
1. Now it came to pass that when Moroni had received
this epistle, he was more angry, because he knew that Am-
moron 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.
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.
3. Behold, I know the place whero the Lamanites doth 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 amon^
them, until they shall sue for peace.
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 de-
scendant of Laman among them.
^, ver. 9. j, Alma 52: 3. k, i. Nep. 4: 35. I, see k.
a. Alma 54: 6, 13.
400 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LV.
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.
0. Now Moroni caused that Laman and a small number of
tiis men, should go forth unto the guards who were over the Ne-
phites.
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.
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; be-
liold, I am a Lamanite. Behold, we have escaped from the
^Nephites, and they sleepeth ; and behold we have took of their
"wine, and brought with us.
9. Now when the Lamanites heard these words, they re-
ceived 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.
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;
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.
12. And Laman said unto them, you may do according to
your desires.
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.
14. And it came to pass they did drink and were merry,
and by and by they were all drunken.
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.
16. And now this was according to the design of Moroni.
And Moroni had prepared his men with weapons of war;
and he sent to the ''city Gid, while the Lamanites were in a
deep sleep, and drunken, and cast in the weapons of war in
unto the prisoners, in<=omnch that they were all armed ;
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
liad armed all those prisoners; and all those things were done
in a profound silence.
18. But had thpv f^woke th*^ Lamanites, behold they were
drunken, and th<^ N^-nhites could have slain them.
19. But behold thi« was not the dosire 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
b, Alma 47: 29. c, see 2c, .Uma 51. d, see 2c, Alma 51.
CHAP. LV.] BOOK OP ALMA. 401
might not bring upon him injustice, he would not fall upon
the Lamanites ani destroy them in their drunkenness.
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 ;
21. And then he caused the men who were with him, to
withdraw a pace from them, and surround the armies of the
Ijamanites.
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.
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.
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.
25. And it came to pass that he did cause the Lamanites,
whom he had taken prisoners, that they should commence a
labour in strengthening the ^fortifications round about the
city Gid.
26. And it came to pass that when he had fortified the ''city
Oid, according to his desires, he caused that his prisoners
should be taken to the ^city Bountiful ; and he also guarded
that city with an exceeding strong force.
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.
28. And it came to pass that the Nephites began again
to be victorious, and to reclaim their rights and their privi-
leges.
29. Many times did the Lamanites attempt to encircle them
about by night, but in these attempts they did lose many
prisoners.
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.
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 par-
take of their wine, save they had first given to some of the
Lamanite prisoners.
6, see c, Alma 48. /, see 2c, Alma 51. g, see 2k, Alma 22.
402 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LVI.
32. And they were thus cautious that no pioson 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.
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 labours, ^fortified
the city . Morianton until it had become an exceeding strong
hold ;
34. And they were continually bringing new forces into that
city, and also new supplies of provisions.
35. And thus ended the twenty nnd ninth year of the reign
of the Judges over the people of Nephi.
CHAPTER 56.
1. And now it came to pass in the commencement of the
thirtieth year of the reign of the Judges, in the second day,
on the first month, Moroni received an epistle from Hela-
raan, stating the affairs of the people in "that quarter of the
land.
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.
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.
4. Now I need not rehearse unto you concerning their "tra-
ditions or their unbelief, for thou knowest concerning all these
things ;
5. Therefore it sufficeth me that I tell you that ^two thou-
sand 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.
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.
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.
8. But I would not suffer them that they should break
h, see p. Alma 50. i, see c, Alma 48.
«. Alma 53: 8, 22. 5, vers. 5. 10. Alma 53: 22. c. see 6, II. Nep. 5.
d. see n, Jacob 7. e, see 6. f. Alma 24: 17—19. 53: 13—15.
CHAP. LVI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 403
this covenant which they had made, supposing that God
would strengthen us, insomuch that we should not cutter
more because of the fulfilling the oath which they had
taken.
9. But behold, here is one thing in w^hich 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.
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.
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.
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.
13. And now these are the cities which the Lamanites have
obtained possession by the shedding of the blood of so many "of
our valiant men : —
14. The '^la-nd of Manti, or the city of Manti, and the
city of Zeezrom, and the 'city of Cumeni, and the '"city of
Antiparah.
15. And these are the cities which they possessed when
I arrived at the "city of Judea; and I found Antipus and his
men toiling with their mights to "fortify the city;
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.
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.
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.
19. And thus were we favoured of the Lor^i : for had they
come upon us in this our weakness, they might have perhaps
destroyed our little army; but thus were we preserved.
g, Alma 53: 22. K vers, 15, 18, 57. Alma 57: 11. i, see 6. ;', see
6, II. iNep. 5. fc, see h. Alma 16. I, Alma 57: 7, 8, 12, 23, 31, 34. m,
vers. 31, 33, 34. Alma 57: 1—4. n, see h. o, see c, Alma 48. p, ver.
10. q, see h.
404 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LVI.
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 our-
selves for defence.
21. Now we were desirous that the Lamanites should come
upon us; for we were not desirous to make an attack upon
them in their strong holds.
22. And it came to pass that we kept spies out round about,
to w^atch 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;
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.
24. They durst not pass by us with their whole army,
neither durst they with a part, lest they should not be suf-
ficiently strong, and they should fall.
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.
26. And thus, with their forces, they were determined to
maintain those cities which they had taken.
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.
28. And also there was sent two thousand men unto us
from the ^land of Zarahemla. And thus w^e were prepared
with ten thousand men. and provisions for them, and also for
their wives and their children.
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.
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 neighbouring
city, as if we were carrying provisions to a neighbouring
city.
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
sea shore.
32. And it came to pass that we did march forth, as if with
our provisions, to go to that city.
r, see h, Omni 1. s, see g. Alma 2. t. This is not the city referred to by
letter J, Alma 50. u, Alma 27: 26. V, ver. 10. w, see h, Omni 1. X,
see m.
CHAP. LVI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 405
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 of
Antiparah.
34. And now in the *'city of Antiparah, were stationed the
strongest army of the Lamanites; yea, the most numer-
ous.
35. And it came to pass that when they had been in-
formed by their spies, they came forth with their army, and
marched against us.
36. And it came to pass that we did flee before them, north-
ward. And thus we did lead away the most powerful army of
the Lamanites;
37. Yea, even to a considerable distance, insomuch that
when they saw the army of Antipus pursuing them, wit\
their mights, they did not turn to the right nor to the lef^,
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 sur-
rounded by our people.
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 ; there-
fore we did camp for the night.
39. And it came to pass that before the dawn of the morn-
ing, 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.
40. Now they durst not turn to the right nor to the left,
lest they should be surrounded ; neither would I turn to the
right or to the left, lest they should overtake me, and we
could not stand against them, but be slain, and they would
make their escape; and thus we did flee all that day into
the wilderness, even until it was dark.
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.
42. But it came to pass that they did not pursue us far.
before they halted; and it was in the morning of the third
day, on the seventh month.
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;
44. Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them
to battle?
45. And now I say unto you my beloved brother Moroni,
y, see m.
406 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LVL
that never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst
all the Nephites.
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
sliouid fall ; then lee 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.
47. Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death ;
and they did think more upon the liberty of their ^"fathers
than they did upon their lives : yea, they had been taught by
their mothers, ^''that if they did not doubt, that God would
deliver them.
48. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers,
saying. We do not doubt our mothers knew it.
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.
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 pur-
pose ;
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.
52. And it came to pnss that the Lamanites tsook courage,
and began to pursue them; and thus were the Lamanites
pursuing them with great vigour, when Helaman came upon
their rear with his ^''two thousand, and began to slay them
exceedingly, ineomuch that the whole army of the Lamanites
halted, and turned upon Helaman.
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.
54. And now it came to pass that we, the people of Nephi,
the people of Antipus, and I with my two thousand, did sur-
round 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.
55. And now it came to pass that when they had sur-
rendered themselves up unto us, behold I numbered those young
men who had fought with me, fearing lest there were many
of them slain.
56. But behold, to my great joy, there had ^'^not one
soul of them fallen to the earth ; yea, and they had fought
z, vers. 10, 17, 27, 30, 39. 2a, Alma 27; 26. 26, Ahna 57: 21. 2c, see &|
2d, Alma 57: 25.
CHAP. LVIL] book of ALMA. 407
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.
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 ^^iand of Zara-
iiemla, 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.
CHAPTER 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 *'eity of Antiparah unto us. ■
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.
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.
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.
5. And thus ended the twenty and eighth year of the reign
of the Judges.
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 Zara-
hemla, 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 a plenty of provisions brought unto us.
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.
8. And now behold, I will shew unto you that we soon
2e, see h, Omni 1. 2f, Alma 27: 26. 2g, see h.
o, see m, Alma 56, b, see m, Alma 56. c, see c, Alma 48. (2, see /^
Omni 1. e. Alma 27: 26. /, see I. Alma 56.
408 BOOK OP ALMA. [CHAP. LVIT.
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.
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.
10. At length their provisions did arri^, 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.
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 ''.Tudea, and our
prisoners to the *land of Zarahemla.
12. And it came to pass that not many days had passed
away before the Lamanites began to lose all hopes of succour :
therefore they yielded up the city into our hands ; and
thus we had accomplished our designs, in obtaining the ^city
Cumeni.
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.
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 sur-
rendered themselves prisoners of war ;
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, notwith-
standing that which we had taken from the Lamanites.
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 Innd of Zarnhpmla.
17. But it came to rtass that on the morrow they did
return. And now bpholrl, wp did not inquire of them con-
cerning 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
g, see I, Alma 56. h^ see h^ Alma 56. i, see h^ Omni 1. 7, see L kt
Bee ht Omni 1.
CHAP. LVII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 409
support a new supply of provisions, and also a numerous
army of men.
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.
19. But behold, my little band of ""two thousand and sixty,
fought most desperately ; yea, they were firm before the La-
manites, and did administer death unto all those who opposed
them :
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 ;
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.
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.
23. And we retained our «city Cumeni, and were not all
destroyed by the sword ; nevertheless, we had suffered great
loss.
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.
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
Ood, and to our great astonishment, and also the foes of
our whole army, there was ""not one soul of them who did
perish ; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who
had not received many wounds.
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 marvellous
power.
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.
28. And now it came to pass that after we had thus taken
I, ves. 16. m, ver. 6. Spp h. Alma HQ. n, ver. 26. Alma 56: 47. 48.
0, vers. 16, 18. p. see h, Alma 16. q, see I, Alma 56. r, Alma 56: 56.
s, see 71.
410 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LVIH.
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.
29. Now Gid was the chief captain over the band who
was appointed to guard them down to the land.
30. And now, these are the words which Gid said unto
me, Behold, we did start to go down to the "land of Zara-
hemla with our prisoners. And it came to pass that we did
meet the spies of our armies, wLj had been sent out to w^atch
the camp of the Lamanites.
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.
82. 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.
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 re-
mainder of them broke through and fled from us.
34. And behold, when they had fled, and we could not
overtake them, we took our march with speed towards the
*"city of Cumeni ; and behold, we did arrive in time that we
might assist our brethren in preserving the city.
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.
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.
CHAPTER 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 hither-
to done; therefore we could not decoy them away from their
strongholds ;
2. And they v/ere so much more numerous than was our
t, ver. 16. u, see h, Omni 1. v, see I, Alma 56. w, see I, Ahna 56.
a, see h, Alma 16.
CHAP. LVIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. -*!!
army, that we durst not go forth and attack them in their
strongholds.
3. Yea, and it became expedient that we should employ
our men, to the maintaining those parts of the land, of the
which we had retained of our possessions ; therefore it be-
came expedient that we should wait, that we might receive
more strength from the 4and of Zarahemla, and also a new
supply of provisions.
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 Zara-
hemla.
5. But behold, this did not profit us but little; for the
Lamanites were also receiving great strength, from day to
day, and also many provisions; and thus were our circum-
stances at this period of time.
6. And the Lamanites were sallying forth against us, from
time to time, resolving by stratagem, to destroy us ; never-
thelelss we could not come to battle with them, because of their
retreats and their strongholds.
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.
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.
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 o'lr
land, to our overthrow and utter destruction.
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.
11. Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did
visit us with assurances, that he would deliver us ; yea, inso-
much 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.
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.
6. see h, Omni 1. c, see e. it. Nep. 32. d, see m, Mos. 29.
412 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP, LVIH.
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.
14. And it came to pass that on the morrow, that when
the Lamanites saw that we were in the borders by the wilder-
ness 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.
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.
16. And when we saw that they were making preparations
to come out against us, behold, I caused that Gid, with a small
number of men, should secrete himself in the wilderness, and
also that Teomner should, with a small number of men, secrete
themselves also in the wilderness.
17. Now Gid and his men were on the right, and the
others on the left; and when they had thus secreted them-
selves, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
23. And it came to pass that Gid and Teomner by this
e, see h. Alma 16. /, vers. 16, 17, 20, 23.
CHAP. LVIII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 413
means had obtained possession of their strongholds. And
it came to pass that we took our course, after having travelled
much in the wilderness, towards the ^land of Zarahemla.
24. And when the Lamanites saw that they were march- '
ing towards the land of Zarahemla, they were exceeding
fraid, lest there was a plan laid to lead them on to destruc-
tion ; therefore they began to retreat into the wilderness
again, yea, even back by the same way which they had
come.
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.
26. Now it came to pass that when it was night, that I
caused that my men should not sleep, but that they should
march forward by another way towards the land of ^lanti.
27. And beca.use of this our march in the night time, behold,
on the morrow we were beyond the Lamanites, insomuch that
we did arrive before them to the city of Manti.
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.
29. And it came to pass that when the armies of the La-
manites did arrive near the city, and saw that we were pre-
pared to meet them, they were astonished exceedingly and
struck with great fear, insomuch that they did flee into the
wilderness.
30. Yea, and it came to pass that the armies of the La-
manites 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.
31. And those cities which had been taken by the La-
manites, 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 La-
manites.
32. But behold, our armies are small to maintain so great
a number of cities, and so great posspssions.
33. But behold, we trust that our God who has given us
victory over those lands, insomuch that we have obtained those
cities and those lands, which were our own.
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
strensrth.
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.
g, see h, Omni 1. h, see h, Alma 16. i, see ft, Alma 16. j, ver. 8.
414 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LIX.
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.
37. But, behold, it mattereth not: we trust God will deliver
us, notwithstanding the weakness of our armies, yea, and
deliver us out of the hands of our enemies.
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.
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.
40. But behold, they have received many wounds : never-
theless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has
made them free; and they are strict to remember the Lord
their God, from day to day; yea, they do observe to keep
his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments con-
tinually : and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning
that which is to come.
41. And now, my beloved brother Moroni, that the Lord
our God, wiio has redeemed us and made us free, may keep
you continually in his presence : yea, and that he may favour
this people, even that ye may have success in obtaining the
possession of all that which the Lamanites have taken from
us, which was for our support. And now, behold, I close mine
epistle. I am Helaman, the son of Alma.
CHAPTER 59.
1. Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year of th<^ 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 ;
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.
^* 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
Jfc, Alma 61. I, see 6, II. Nep. 5. m. Alma 27: 26. n, see ft, Alma 16.
9, Alma 56: 56. 57: 25.
a, 56-58. 5, Alma 50: 40.
CHAP. LX.] BOOK OF ALMA. 415
part of the land which he had been so miraculously prospered
iu retaining.
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.
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;
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 Lamarfites in this part of the land;
7. And thus being exceeding numerous, yea, and re-
ceiving strength from day to day, by the command of
Ammoron they came forth against the people of *Nephihah,
and they did begin to slay them with an exceeding great
slaughter.
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.
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;
10. Therefore he retained all his force to maintain those
places which he had recovered.
11. And now when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah
was lost, he was exceeding sorrowful, and began to doubt,
because of the wickedness of the people, whether they should
not fall into the hands of their brethren.
12. Now this was the case with all his chief captains. They
•doubted and marvelled also, because of the wickedness of the
people; and this because of the success of the Lamanites over
them.
13. And it came to pass that Moroni was angry with the
government, because of their indifference concerning the '^free-
dom of their country.
CHAPTER 60.
1. And it came to pass that he wrote again to the
governor of the land, "who was Pahoran, and these are the
C, see h, Omni 1. d, see I, Alma 50. e, see k, Alma 50. f, see m, Alma
SO. g, see v. Alma 50. h, see h, Alma 16. 58: 29. 30. i, see I, Alima 5a
j, see I, Alma 50. k, see m, Mos. 29.
a. Alma 50: 40.
416 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LX,
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 ;
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.
3. And now behold, I say unto ^ou that myself, and also
my men, and also Helaman and his men, have suffered ex-
ceeding great sufferings ; yea, even hunger, thirst, and fatigue,
and all manner of afilictions of every kind.
4. But behold, were this all we had suffered, we would not
murmur nor complain ;
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 succour for them. Yea, great has been
your neglect towards us.
6. And now behold, we desire to know the cause of this
exceeding great neglect; yea, we desire to know the cause of
your thoughtless state.
7. Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of
thoughtless stupor, w^hile your enemies are spreading the work
of death around you? Yea, while they are murdering thousands
of your brethren ;
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.
9. But behold, this is not all, ye have withheld your pro-
visions from them, insomuch that many have fought and bled
out their lives because of their great desires which they had
for the welfare of this people; yea, and this they have done
when they were about to perish with hunger, because of your
exceeding great neglect towards them.
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 suf-
ferings. ,, .^
11. Behold, could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your
thrones and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye
b, see h, Omni 1. c, see f, Alma 2. d, see e, Mos. 29.
CHAP. LX.] BOOK OF ALMA. 417
could do nothing, and he would deliver you? Behold, if ye
have supposed this, ye have supposed in vain.
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 :
13. For the Lord sufiPereth the ^righteous to be slain that:
his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; there-
fore 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.
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 sloth-^
fulness of our government, and their exceeding great neglect
towards their brethren, yea, towards those who have been
slain :
15. For were it not for the wickedness which first com-^
menced at our head, we could have withstood our enemies,,
that they could have gained no power over us ;
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-rnen
had over us ; had they been true to the cause of our freedom,,
and united with us, and gone forth against our enemies, in-
stead 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
according to the ^fulfilling of his word.
17. But behold, now the Lamanites are coming upon us^
and they are murdering our people with the sword : yea, our
women and our children : taking possession of our lands, and
also carrying them away captive ; causing them that they should
sufiCer 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.
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?
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?
e, Mos. 17: 10. ^ Alma 14: 11. f, see 2v, Alma 12. g, Alma 51: 13—27.
h, see e, Alma 51. i, see h, il. Nep. 1. j, see e, Alma 51.
418 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LX.
20. Have ye forgot the commandments of the Lord your
God? Yea, have ye forgot the captivity of our fathers? Have
ye forgot the many times we have been delivered out of
the hands of our enemies?
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?
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?
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.
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 retained, 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 ;
25. And except ye grant mine epistle, and come out and
shew unto me a ^true spirit of freedom, and strive to
strengthen and fortify our armies, and grant unto them food
for their support, behold 1 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 ;
26. And this because of their exceeding faith, and their
patience in their tribulations :
27. And I will come unto j^ou, 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.
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.
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.
30. Behold, I wait for assistance from you, and, except
A, ver. 11. Z, ver. 24. m, see 2/, Alma 43. n, see 2/, Alma 43.
CHAP. LXI.] BOOK OF ALMA. 419
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 ^f reedom ;
81. For behold, the Lord will not suffer that ye shall live
and wax strong in your iniquities to destroy his righteous
people.
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?
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.
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.
35. And behold, if ye will not do this I come unto you
speedily; for behold, God will not suffer that we should
perisa 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.
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.
CHAPTER 61.
1. Behold, now it came to pass that soon after Moroni
had sent his epistle unto the Chief Governor, he received an
0T)istle from ^'Paboran, the Chief Governor. And these a;re
the words which he received : —
2. I. Pahoran, who am the Chief Governor of this land, do
send these words unto Moroni, the chief captain over the
army, behold. I say unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy in
your great afflictions ; yea, it grieves my soul.
3. But behold, there are those who do joy in your afflic-
tions; yea, insomuch that they have risen up in rebellion
0, see /i, Omni 1. p, see 2f, Alma 43. q, see n, Jacob 7. r, ver. 33.
«, see 2f, Alma 43.
a. Alma 50: 40.
420 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LXI.
against me, and also those of my people who are "freemen, yea,
and those who have risen up are exceeding numerous ;
4. And it is those who have sought to take away the judg-
ment seat from me, that have been the cause of this great
iniquity, for they have used great flattery, and they have led
away the hearts of many people, which will be the cause of
sore afliiction among us ; they have withheld our provisions,
and have daunted our freemen that they have not come unto
you.
5. And behold, they have driven me out before them, and I
have fled to the ''land of Gideon, with as many men as it were
possible that I could get.
6. And behold I have sent a proclamation throughout this
part of the land ; and behold they are flocking to us daily, to
their arms, in the defence of their country and their ''freedom,
and to avenge our wrongs.
7. And they have come unto us, insomuch that those who
have ris^n up in rebellion against us are set at defiance, yea,
insomuch :hat they do fear us, and durst not come out against
us to battle.
8. They have got possession of the land, or the ''city of
Zarahemla ; they have appointed a king over them, and he
hath written unto the king of the Lamanites, in the which
he hath joined an alliance with him ; in the which alliance
he hath agreed to maintain the city of Zarahemla, which
maintenance he supposeth will enable the Lamanites to con-
quer the remainder of the land, and he shall be placed king
over this people, when they shall be conquered under the
Lamanites.
9. And now in your epistle you have censured me, but it
mattereth not, I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness
of your heart. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only
to retain my judgment seat, that I may preserve the rights
and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that
liberty, in the which God hath made us free.
10. And now, behold, we will resist wickedness even unto
bloodshed. We would not shed the blood of the Lamanites
if they would stay in their own land.
11. We would not shed the blood of our brethren, if they
would not rise up in rebellion and take the sword against us.
12. We would subject ourselves to the yoke of bondage, if it
were requisite with the justice of God, or if he should com-
mand us so to do.
13. But behold he doth not command us that we shall sub-
ject ourselves to our enemies, but that we should put our trust
in him, and he will deliver us;
14. Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist
evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words,
yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them
b, see m, Mos. 29. c, see m, Alma 2. d, see m, Mos. 29. e, see h, Omni 1»
/, see w, Mos. 29.
CHAP. LXII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 421
with our swords, that we may retain our freedom, that we
may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the
cause of our Redeemer and our God.
15. Therefore, come unto me speedily with a few of your
men, and leave the remainder in the charge of Lehi and
Teancum ; give unto them power to conduct the war in that
part of the land, according to the Spirit of God, which is also
the spirit of freedom which is in them.
16. Behold I have sent a few provisions unto them, that
they may not perish until ye can come unto me.
17. Gather together whatsoever force ye can upon your
march hither, and we will go speedily against those dissenters
in the strength of our God, according to the faith which is in
us.
18. And we will take possession of the ''city of Zarahemla,
that we may obtain more food to send forth unto Lehi and
Teancum ; yea, we will go forth against them in the
strength of the Lord, and we will put an end to this great
iniquity.
19. And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle,
for I was somewhat worried concerning what we should
do, whether it should be just in us to go against our
brethren.
20. But ye have said, Except they repent, the Lord ''hath
also commanded you that ye should go against them.
21. See that ye strengthen Lehi and Teancum in the Lord:
tell them to fear not, for God will deliver them ; yea, and also
all those who stand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath
made them free. x\nd now I close mine epistle to my beloved
brother Moroni.
CHAPTER 62.
1. And now it came to pass that when Moroni had received
this epistle, his heart did take courage, and was filled with
exceeding great joy, because of the faithfulness of Pahoran,
that he was not also a traitor to the freedom and cause of
ihis country.
2. But he did also mourn exceedingly, because of the iniquity
of those who had driven Pahoran from the judgment seat;
yea, in fine because of those who had rebelled against their
■country and also their God.
3. And it came to pass that Moroni took a small number
•of men, according to the desire of Pahoran, and gave Lehi and
Teancum command over the remainder of his army, and took
liis march towards the "land of Gideon.
4. And he did raise the ''standard of liberty in whatso-
g, see h, Omni 1. h, Alma 60: 33.
•a. see m, Alma 2. 5, Alma 46: 12, 13. 36.
422 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LXH,
ever place he did enter, and gained whatsoever force he could
in all his march towards the *^^land of Gideon.
5. And it came to pass that thousands did flock unto his
standard, and did take up their swords in the defence of their
''freedom, that they might not come into bondage;
6. And thus when Moroni had gathered together what-
soever men he could in all his march, he came to the ^land
of Gideon; and uniting his forces with that of Pahoran, they
became exceeding strong, even stronger than the men of
Pachus, who was the king of those dissenters who had driven
out the ^freemen out of the land of Zarahemla, and had taken
possession of the iand.
7. And it came to pass that ^loroni and Pahoran went
down with their armies into the ^land of Zarahemla, and went
forth against the city, and did meet the men of Pachus, inso-
much that they did come to battle.
8. And behold Pachus was slain, and his men were taken
prisoners, and Pahoran was restored to his judgment seat.
9. And the men of Pachus received their trial, accord-
ing to the law, and also those '^king-men who had been
taken and *cast into prison; and they were executed ac-
cording to the law ; yea, those men of Pachus and those
king-men, w^hosoever would not take up arms in the defence
of their country, but would fight against it, were put to
death ;
10. And thus it became expedient that this law should be
strictly observed for the safety of their country ; yea, and who-
soever was found denying their freedom, was speedily executed
according to the law.
11. And thus ended the thirtieth year of the reign of the
Judges over the people of Nephi ; Moroni and Pahoran having
restored peace to the ^"land of Zarahemla, among their own
people, having inflicted death upon all those who were not true
to the '^cause of freedom.
12. And it came to pass in the commencement of the thirty
and first year of the reign of the Judcres over the people
of Nephi, Moroni immediately caused that provisions should
be sent, and also an army of six thousand men should be sent
unto Helaman to assist him in preserving that part of the
land;
l.S. And he also caused that an army of six thousand men,
with a sufficient quantity of food, should be sent to the armies
of Lehi and Teancum. And it came to pass that this was
done to fortify the land against the Lamanites.
14. And it came to pass that Moroni and Pahoran, leaving
a large body of men in the ^and of Zarahemla, took their
march with a large body of men towards the '^land of
c, see m, Alma 2. d, see m, Mos. 29. e, see m, Alma 2. f, Alma 51
6, 7. 61: 4. g, see h, Omni 1. h, vers. 6, 10, 11. Alma 51: 5, 7, 17, 21.
60: 16. 61: 8. i, Alma 51 : 19. ;, see h, Omni 1. k. Alma 46: 12 U 36.
I, see h, Omni 1. m, see I, Alma 50.
CHAP. LXII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 423
Nephihah, being determined to overthrow the Lamanites ire
that city.
15. And it came to pass that as they were marching towards;
the land, they took a large body of men of the Lamanites,,
and slew many of them, and took their provisions and their
weapons of war.
16. And it came to pass after they had taken them, they
caused them to enter into a covenant that they would no more
take up their weapons of war against the Nephites.
17. And when they had entered into this covenant, they
sent them to dwell with the "people of Ammon, and they
were in number about four thousand, who had not been
slain.
18. And it came to pass that when they had sent themt
away they pursued their march towards the "land of Nephihah.
And it came to pass tliat when they had come to the city of
Nephihah, they did pitch their tents in the plains of Nephihah^
which is near the city of Nephihah.
19. Now Moroni was desirous that the Lamanites should
come out to battle against them, upon the plains : but the-
Lamanites knowing of their exceeding great courage, and be-
holding the greatness of their numbers, therefore they durst
not come out agd-inst them ; therefore they did not come to bat-
tle in that day.
20. And when the night came, Moroni went forth in the dark-
ness of the night, and came upon the top of the wall to spy-
out in what part of the city the Lamanites did camp with their
army.
2i. And it came to pass that they were on the east, by the
entrance; and they were all asleep. Arid now Moroni returned
to his army, and caused that they should prepare in haste
strong Pcords and ladders, to be let down from the top of the
wall into the inner part of the wall.
22. And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his men
should march forth and come upon the top of the wall, and
let themselves down into that part of the city, yea, even on
the west, where the Lamanites did not camp with their
armies.
23. And it cam.e to pass that they were all let down into
the city by night, by the means of their strong cords and
their ladders ; thus when the morning came, they were all with-
in the walls of the city.
24. And now when the Lamanites awoke, and saw th^t
the armies of Moroni were within the walls, they werf- af-
frighted exceedingly, insomuch that they did flee out by the
pass.
2.5. And now when Moroni saw that they were fleeinor b'^-
fore him, he did cause that his men should march forth again«^
them, and slew many, and surroundpd many others, and
took them prisoners; and the remainder of them fled into
n, Alma 27: 26. o, see I Alma 50. p, ver. 23.
424 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LXII,
the «land of Moroni, which was in the borders, by the sea
shore.
26. Thus had Moroni and Pahoran obtained the posses-
sion of the '^city of Nephihah, without the loss of one
soul ; and there were many of the Lamanites who were
slain.
27. Now it came to pass that many of the Lamanites that
were prisoners, were desirous to join the ^people of Ammon,
and become a free people.
28. And it came to pass that as many as were desirous, unto
them it was granted, according to their desires ;
29. Therefore, all the prisoners of the Lamanites did join
the people of Ammon, and did begin to labour exceedingly,
tilling the ground, raising all manner of grain, and flocks, and
herds of every kind ; and thus were the Nephites relieved from
a great burthen ; yea, insomuch that they were relieved from
all the prisoners of the Lamanites.
30. Now it came to pass that Moroni, after he had ob-
tained possession of the *city of Nephihah, having taken
many prisoners, which did reduce the armies of the La-
manites exceedingly, and having retained many of the
Nephites who had been taken prisoners, which did
strengthen the army of Moroni exceedingly ; therefore Moroni
went forth from the land of Nephihah to the "land of
Lehi.
31. And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that
Moroni was coming against them, they were again frightened,
and fled before the army of Moroni.
32. And it came to pass that Moroni and his army did pursue
them from city to city, until they were met by Lehi and
Teancum ; and the Lamanites fled from Lehi and Teancum,
even down upon the borders by the sea shore, until they came
to the ^land of Moroni.
33. And the armies of the Lamanites were all gathered to-
gether, insomuch that they were all in one body, in the land of
Moroni. Now Ammoron, the king of the Lamanites, was also
with them.
34. And it came to pass that Moroni, and Lehi, and Tean-
>cum, did encamp with their armies round about in the
'borders of the land of Moroni, insomuch that the Lamanites
were encircled about in the borders by the wilderness, on
the south, and in the borders by the wilderness, on the
«ast;
35. And thus they did encamp for the night. For be-
hold, the Nephites and the Lamanites also, were weary
ibecause of the greatness of the march ; therefore they did not
resolve upon any stratagem in the night time, save it were
'Teancum ; for he was exceeding angry with Ammoron, inso-
much that he considered that Ammoron, and Amalickiah
q, see k. Alma 50. r, see I, Alma 50. s, Alma 27: 26. t, see I, Alma 50.
«„ see m, Alma 50. v, see k. Alma 50.
CHAP. LXII.] BOOK OF ALMA. 425
his brother, had been the cause of this great and lasting'
war between them and the Lamanites, which had been
the cause of so much war and bloodshed, yea, and so muck
famine.
36. And it came to pass that Teancum in his anger did
go forth into the camp of the Lamanites, and did let himself
down over the walls of the city. And he went forth with ai
cord, from place to place, insomuch, that he did find the king;;
and he did cast a "'javelin at him, which did pierce him near
the heart. But behold, the king did awake his servant before-
he died, insomuch that they did pursue Teancum, and slew
him.
37. Now it came to pass that when Lehi and Moroni knew^
that Teancum was dead, they were exceeding sorrowful : for
behold he had been a man who had fought valiantly for his
country, yea, a true friend to 'liberty ; and he had suffered
very many exceeding sore afflictions. But behold, he was dead,,
and had gone the way of all the earth.
38. Now it came to pass that Moroni marched forth on the
morrow, and came upon the Lamanites, insomuch that they
did slay them with a great slaughter; and they did drive-
them out of the land; and they did flee, even that they did'
not return at that time against the Nephites.
39. And thus ended the thirty and first year of the reign
of the Judges over the people of Nephi ; and thus they had
had wars, and bloodsheds, and famine, and affliction, for the-
space of many years.
40. And there had been murders, and contentions, and dis-
sensions, and all manner of iniquity, among the people of
Nephi ; nevertheless for the righteous' sake, yea, because of the
Sprayers of the righteous, they were spared.
41. But behold, because of the exceeding great length of
the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites, many had
become hardened, because of the exceeding great length of
the war; and many were softened, because of their afflictions,
insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in.
the depth of humility.
42. And it came to pass that after Moroni had 'fortified
those parts of the land which were most exposed to the Laman-
ites, until they were sufficiently strong, he returned to the
*°city of Zarahemla, and also Helaman returned to the place-
of his inheritance; and there was once more peace established
among the people of Nenhi.
43. And Moroni yielded up the command of his armies into
the hands of his son, whose name was Moronihah ; and he
retired to his own house that he might spend the remainder of
his days in peace.
44. And Pahoran did return to his judgment seat; and
Helaman did take upon him again to preach unto the people
W. Alma 51 : 34. x. Alma 46: 12, 13, 36. y, see e, II. Nep. 32. 2, see C,
Alma 48. 2a, see h, Omni 1.
426 BOOK OF ALMA. [CHAP. LXIIL
the word of God : fof because of so many wars and contentions,
it had become expedient that a regulation should be made
again in the church :
45. Therefore Helaman and his brethren went forth, and
did declare the word of God with much power, unto the con-
vincing of many people of their wickedness, which did cause
them to repent of their sins, and to be ^''baptized unto the
Lrord their God.
46. And it came to pass that they did establish again the
church of God, throughout all the land ;
47. Yea, and regulations were made concerning the
law. ^''And their Judges, and their Chief Judges were
chosen.
48. And the people of Nephi began to prosper again in
the land, and began to multiply and to wax exceeding strong
again in the land. And they began to grow exceeding
rich ;
49. But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength,
or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of
their eyes; neither were they slow to remember the Lord
their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before
him ;
50. Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord
had done for them, that he had delivered them from death,
and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner of
afflictions ; and he had delivered them out of the hands of their
enemies.
51. And they did ''^pray unto the Lord their God con-
tinually, insomuch that the Lord did bless them, according
to his word, so that they did wax strong, and prosper in the
land.
52. And it came to pass that all these things were done. And
Helaman died, in the thirty and fifth year of the reign of the
Judges over the people of Nephi.
CHAPTER 63.
1. And it came to pasf^ in the commencement of the thirty
and sixth year of the reign of the Judges over the
people of Nephi, that ^Shiblon took possession of those
^sacred things which had been deliveiad unto Helaman by
Alma;
2, And he was a just man, and he did walk uprightly
before God; and he did observe to do good continually, to keep
the commandments of the Lord his God; and also did his
*^brother.
2b, see M, n. Nep. 9. 2c, Mos. 29: 39. 2d, see e, ii. Nep. 32.
Ja, Alma 38. 5, Alma 37. c, see heading to 39.
CHAP. LXm.] BOOK OF ALMA. . 427
3. And it came to pass that Moroni died also. And
thus ended the thirty and sixth year of the reign of the
Judges.
4. And it came to pass that in the thirty and seventh year
of the reign of the Judges, there was a large company of
men, even to the amount of five thousand and four hundred
men, with their wives and their children, departed out
of the ''land of Zarahemla, into the land which was ^north-
ward.
5. And it came to pass that Hagoth, he being an exceed-
ing curious man, therefore he went forth and built him an
'exceeding large ship, on the borders of the ^land Bountiful,
by the ''land Desolation, and launched it forth into the
west sea, by the ^narrow neck which led into the ^land north-
ward.
6. And behold, there were many of the Nephites who did
enter therein and did sail forth with much provisions, and
also many women and children ; and they took their
course northward. And thus ended the thirty and seventh
year.
7. And in the thirty and eighth year, this man built ^other
ships. And the first ship did also return, and many more
people did enter into it ; and they also took much provisions,
and set out again to the land northward.
8. And it came to pass that they were never heard of
more. And we suppose that they were drowned up in the
depths of the sea. And it came to pass that one other ship
also did sail forth ; and whither she did go, we know not.
9. And it came to pass that in this year, there were many
people who went forth into the land northward. And thus
ended the thirty and eighth year.
10. And it came to pass in the thirty and ninth year of
the reign of the Judges, 'Shiblon died also, and '"Corianton
had gone forth to the land northward, in a "ship, to carry
forth provisions unto the people who had gone forth into that
land ;
11. Therefore it became expedient for Shiblon to confer
those "sacred things, before his death, upon the son of Hela-
man, who was called Helaman, being called after the name of
his father.
12. Now behold, all those engravings which were in the
possession of Helaman, ^were written and sent forth among
the children of men throughout all the land, save it were
those parts which had been commanded by Alma should --^ot
go forth.
13. Nevertheless, these things were to be kept sacred,
d, see h, Omni 1. e, North America. f, vers. 6—10. Hela. 3: 10, 14.
g, see 2fc, Alma 22. h, see 21, Alma 22. i, see 2v, Alma 22. j, North America.
k, see f. I, see a. m, see c. n, see f. o. Alma 37. p, these numerous
copies of sacred books were unHoiibtedly transcribed dirertlv from, or compared with,
the records on the original metallic plates. q, Alma 37: 27—32.
428 • BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. I.
and handed down from '^one generation to another ; there^
fore, in this year, they had been "conferred upon Helaman, be-
fore the *death of Shiblon.
14. And it came to pass also in this year, that there
were some dissenters who had gone forth unto the Laman-
ites; and they were stirred up again to anger against the
Nephites.
15. And also in this same year, they came down with a
numerous army to war against the people of "Moronihah, or
against the army of Moronihah, in the which they were beaten,
and driven back again to their own lands, suffering great
loss.
16. And thus ended the thirty and ninth year of the reign
of the Judges over the people of Nephi.
17. And thus ended the account of Alma, and Helaman hi»
son, and also Shiblon, who was his son.
THE BOOK OF HELAMAN.
An account of the Nephites. Their wars and contentions^
and their dissensions. And also the prophecies of many
holy prophets, before the coming of Christ, according to
the records of Helaman, who was the son of Helaman,
and also according to the records of his sons, even down
to the coming of Christ. And also many of the Lamanites
are converted. An account of their conversion. An ac-
count of the righteousness of the Lamanites, and the
wickedness and abominations of the Nephites, according
to the record of Helaman and his sons, even down to the
coming of Christ, which is called the book of Helaman,
dc.
CHAPTER 1.
1. And now behold, it came to pass in the commencement
of the fortieth year of the reign of the Judges over the people
of Nephi, there began to be a serious diflSculty among the peo-
ple of the Nephites.
2. For behold, "Pahoran had died, and gone the way of all
the earth; therefore there began to be a serious contention
concerning who should have the judgment seat among the
brethren, who were the sons of Pahoran.
3. Now these are their names who did contend for the
r. Alma 37: 4. s, ver. 11. i, ver. 10. u, Alma 62: 43.
a. Alma 50: 40.
CHAP. I.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 429
judgment seat, who did also cause the people to contend:
Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni.
4. Now these are not all the sons of Pahoran, (for he had
many,) but these are they who did contend for the judgment
seat ; therefore, they did cause three divisions among the
people.
5. Nevertheless, it came to pass that Pahoran was appointed
by the voice of the people to be Chief Judge and a Governor
over the people of Nephi.
6. And it came to pass that Pacumeni, when he saw that he
<jould not obtain the judgment seat, he did unite with the voice
of the people.
7. But behold, Paanchi, and that part of the people that were
desirous that he should be their governor, was exceeding wroth ;
therefore, he was about to flatter away those people to rise up
in rebellion against their brethren.
8. And it came to pass as he was about to do this, behold,
he was taken, and was tried according to the H-oice of the
people, and condemned unto death ; for he had raised up in re-
bellion, and sought to destroy the liberty of the people.
9. Now when those people who were desirous that he should
be their governor, saw that he was condemned unto death,
therefore they were angry, and behold, they sent forth one
Kishkumen, even to the judgment seat of Pahoran, and mur-
dered Pahoran as he sat upon the judgment seat.
10. And he was pursued by the servants of Pahoran ; but
behold, so speedy was the flight of Kishkumen, that no man
could overtake him.
11. And he went unto those that sent him, and they all en-
tered into a covenant, yea, swearing by their everlasting Maker,
that they would tell no man that Kishkumen had murdered
Pahoran ;
12. Therefore, Kishkumen was not known among the people
of Nephi, for he was in disguise at the time that he murdered
Pahoran. And Kishkumen and his band, who had covenanted
with him, did mingle themselves among the people, in a man-
ner that they all could not be found; but as many as were
found, were condemned unto death.
13. And now behold, Pacumeni was appointed, according to
the ^voice of the people, to be a Chief Judge and a Governor
over the people, to reign in the stead of his brother Pahoran ;
and it was according to his right. And all this was done in
the fortieth year of the reign of the Judges; and it had an
end.
14. And it came to pass in the forty and first year of the
reign of the Judges, that the Lamanites had gathered together
an innumerable army of men. and '*armed them with swords,
and with cimeters and with bows, and with arrows, and with
head-plates, and with breast-plates, and with all manner of
shields of every kind ;
b, see c, Mos. 29. c, see c, Mos. 29. d, see 2p Alma 43.
430 BOOK OP HELAMAN. [CHAF* !►
15. And they came down again, that they might pitch battle
against the Nephites. And they were led by a man whose
name was Goriantumr ; and he was a descendant of Zarahemla :
and he was a dissenter from among the Nephites; and he was
a large and a mighty man ;
IG. Therefore, the king of the Lamanites, whose name was
Tiibaloth, who was the son of Ammoron, supposing that Gorian-
tumr, being a mighty man, could stand against the Nephites,
insomuch with his strength, and also with his great wisdom,,
that by sending him forth, he should gain power over the
Nephites ;
17. Therefore he did stir them up to anger, and he did
gather together his armies, and he did appoint Goriantumr
to be their leader, and did cause that they should march
down to the *'land of Zarahemla, to battle against the
Nephites.
18. And it came to pass that because of so much con-
tention and so much difficulty in the government, that they
had not kept sufficient guards in the land of Zarahemla;
for they had supposed that the Lamanites durst not come
into the heart of their lands to attack that great city Zara-
hemla.
19. But it came to pass that Goriantumr did march forth
at the head of his numerous host, and came upon the inhabi-
tants of the city, and their march was with such exceeding
great speed, that there was no time for the Nephites to gather
together their armies ;
20. Therefore Goriantumr did cut down the watch by the
entrance of the city, and did march forth with his whole
army into the city, and they did slay every one who did oppose
l;hem, insomuch that they did take possession of the whole
city.
21. And it came to pass that Pacumeni, who was the Ghief
Judge, did flee before Goriantumr, even to the walls of the
city. And it came to pass that Goriantumr did smite him
against the wall, insomuch that he died. And thus ended the
days of Pacumeni.
22. And now when Goriantumr saw that he was in posses-
sion of the city Zarahemla, and saw that the Nephites
had fled before them, and were slain, and were taken, and
were cast into prison, and that he had obtained the
possession of the strongest hold in all the land, his heart took
courage, insomuch that he was about to go forth against all
the land.
23. And now he did not tarry in the land of Zarahemla, but
he did march forth with a large army, even towards the ^city
of Bountiful ; for it was his determination to go forth and
cut his way through with the sword, that he might obtain the
north parts of the land ;
24. And supposing that their greatest strength was in
e, see h» Omni 1. /, see 2k, Alma 22.
CHAP. I.J BOOK OF HELAMAN. 431
the centre of the land, therefore he did march forth, giving
them no time to assemble themselves together, save it were
in small bodies : and in this manner they did fall upon them and
cut them down to the earth.
25. But behold, this march of Coriantumr through the centre
of the land, gave Moronihah great advantages over them,
notwithstanding the greatness of the number of the Nephites
who were slain;
26. For behold, Moronihah had supposed that the Laman-
ites durst not come into the centre of the land, but that
they would attack the cities round about in the borders as
they had hitherto done; therefore Moronihah had caused that
their strong armies should maintain those parts round about
by the borders.
27. But behold, the Lamanites were not frightened accord-
ing to his desire, but they had come into the centre of the
land, and had taken the capital city which was the city of
Zarahemla, and were marching through the most capital parts
of the land, slaying the people with a great slaughter, both
men, women, and children, taking possession of many cities
and of many strong holds.
28. But when Moronihah had discovered this, he im-
mediately sent forth Lehi with an army round about
to head them, before they should come to the ^land Boun-
tiful.
29. And thus he did; and he did head them ,before they
came to the land Bountiful, and gave unto thipra battlo, inso-
much that they began to retreat back towards the land of
Zarahemla.
30. And it came to pass that Moronihah did head them in
their retreat, and did give unto them battle, insomuch that
it became an exceeding bloody battle ; yea, many were slain,
and among the number who were slain, Coriantumr was also
found,
31. And now behold the Lamanites could not retreat either
way; neither on the north, nor on the south, nor on the east,
nor on the west, for they were surrounded on every hand by
the Nephites:
32. And thus had Coriantumr plunged the Lamanites into
the midst of the Nephites, insomuch that they were in the
power of the Nephites, and he himself was slain, and the
Lamanites did yield themselves into the hands of the Neph-
ites.
33. And it came to pass that Moronihah took possession
of the ^city of Zarahemla again, and caused that the Laman-
ites who had been taken prisoners should depart out of the land
in peace.
34. And thus ended the forty and first year of the reign of
the Judges.
0. Bee 2k, Alma 22. h, see h. Omni 1.
432 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. II,
CHAPTER 2.
1. AlW) it came to pass in the forty and second year of
the reign of the Judges, after Moronihah had established again
peace between the Nephites and the Lamanites, behold there
was no one to fill the judgment seat; therefore there began
to be a contention again among the people concerning who
should fill the judgment seat.
2. And it came to pass that Helaman, who was the son of
Helaman, was appointed to fill the judgment seat, by the
*voice of the people;
3. But behold, Kishkumen, who had ^murdered Pahoran»
did lay wait to destroy Helaman also ; and he was upheld by
his band, who had entered into a covenant that no one should
know his wickedness ;
4. For there was one Gadianton who was exceeding expert
in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the ''secret
work of murder and of robbery ; therefore he became the
leader of the band of Kishkumen;
5. Therefore he did flatter them, and also Kishkumen, that
if they would place him in the judgment seat, he would grant
unto those who belonged to his band that they should be
placed in power and authority among the people; therefore
Kishkumen sought to '^destroy Helaman.
6. And it came to pass as he went forth towards the judg-
ment seat, to destroy Helaman, behold one of the servants of
Helaman, having been out by night, and having obtained,
through disguise, a knowledge of those plans which had been
laid by this band to ^destroy Helaman.
7. And it came to pass that he met Kishkumen, and he gave
unto him a sign; therefore Kishkumen made known unto
him the object of his desire, desiring that he would con-
duct him to the judgment seat, that he might murder Hela-
man.
8. And when the servant of Helaman had known all the
heart of Kishkumen, and how that it was his object to mur-
der, and also that it was the object of all those who belonged
to his band, to murder, and to rob, and to gain power, (and
this was their ''secret plan, and their combination), the
servant of Helaman saith unto Kishkumen, let us go forth
unto the judgment seat.
9. Now this did please Kishkumen exceedingly, for he did
suppose that he should accomplish his design ; but behold,
the servant of Helaman, as they were going forth unto the
judgment seat, did stab Kishkumen, even to the heart,
that he fell dead without a groan. And he ran and told
Helaman all the things which he had seen, and heard, and
done.
a, eee c, Mos. 29. 6, Hela. 1:9. c, see i, n. Nep. 10. d, vers. 3, 6, 9.
4t. see d. f. see i. II. NeD. 10.
CHAP, in.] BOOK OP HELAMAN, 433
10. And it came to pass that Helaman did send forth to
take this band of ''robbers and secret murderers, that they
might be executed according to the law.
11. But behold, when Gadianton had found that Kishkumen
did not return, he feared lest that he should be destroyed ;
therefore he caused that his band should follow him. And
they took their flight out of the land, by a secret way, into the
wilderness; and thus when Helaman sent forth to take them,
they could no where be found.
12. And more of this Gadianton, shall be spoken hereafter.
And thus ended the forty and second year of the reign of the
Judges over the people of Nephi.
13. And behold, in the end of this book, ye shall see that
this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire
destruction of the people of Nephi.
14. Behold I do not mean the end of the book of Helaman,
but I mean the end of the ''book of Nephi, from which I have
taken all the account which I have written.
CHAPTER 3.
1. And now it came to pass in the forty and third year
of the reign of the Judges, there was no contention among
the people of Nephi, save it were a little pride which was in
the church, which did cause some little dissensions among the
people, which afiOairs were settled in the ending of the forty
and third year.
2. And there was no contention among the people in the forty
and fourth year; neither was there much contention in the
forty and fifth year.
3. And it came to pass in the forty and sixth, yea, there
■was much contention and many dissensions ; in the which there
•were an exceeding great many who departed out of the "land
of Zarahemla, and went forth unto the ''land northward, to
inherit the land;
4. Ana they did travel to an exceeding great distance, inso-
much that they came to ''large bodies of water, and many
rivers ;
5. Yea, and even they did spread forth into all parts of the
land, into whatever parts it had not been rendered desolate,
and without timber, because of the **many inhabitants who
had before inherited the land.
6. And now no part of the land was desolate, save it
were for timber, &c. ; but because of the greatness of the
g, see t, li. Ncp. 10. A, see /, i. Nep. 1.
a, see h, Omni L iK, Harik Ameraca. <C. £ee i. Moi. 8: d» MO j^
Mos. &
434 BOOK OF HELAMAK. [CHAP. IIJL
destruction of the people who had before inhabited the land it
was called ^desolate.
7. And there being but little timber upon the face of the
land, nevertheless the people who went forth, became exceed-
ing expert in the working of cement; therefore they did build
houses of 'cement, in the which they did dwell.
8. And it came to pass that they did multiply and spread,
and did go forth from the land ''southward to the land '^north-
ward, and did spread insomuch that they began to cover
the face of the whole earth, from the sea *south, to the sea
•'north, from the sea ''west, to the sea 'east.
9. And the people who were in the land *"northward, did
dwell in tents, and in houses of "cement, and they did suffer
whatsoever tree should spring up upon the face of the land,
that it should grow up, that in time they might have timber to
build their houses, yea, their cities, and their "temples, and
their ''synagogues, and their 'sanctuaries, and all manner of
their buildings.
10. And it came to pass as timber was exceeding 'scarce in
the land northward, they did send forth much by the way of
•shipping ;
11. And thus they did enable the people in the land 'north-
ward, that they might build many cities, both of wood and of
"cement.
12. And it came to pass that there were many of the ^peo-
pie of Ammon, who were Lamanites by birth, did also go forth
into this land.
13. And now there are many '^ records kept of the proceed-
ings of this people, by many of this people, which are particu-
lar and very large, concerning them ;
14. But behold a 'hundredth part of the proceedings of this
people, yea, the account of the Lamanites, and of the Nephites,
and their wars, and contentions, and dissensions, and their
preaching, and their prophecies, and their ^shipping, and
their building of ships, and their building of ^temples,
and of ^''synagogues, and their ^^sanctuaries, and their
righteousness, and their wickedness, and their murders,
and their robbings, and their plundering, and all manner of
abominations and whoredoms, cannot be contained in this
work :
15. But behold, there '''are many books and many recoras
of every kind, and they have been kept chiefly by the Ne-
phites ;
16. And they have been ^''handed down from one gene-
e. see 21, Alma 22. /, vera. 9, 11. g. South America. h, North America.
i, Atiantic, south of Cape Horn. j, Arctic, north of North America, k. Pacific.
i, Atlantic. m. North America. n, see /. o, see h, ii. Nep. 5. p, see
u. Alma 16. q, see t. Alma 15. r, vers. 5, 9. s, see /, Alma 63. t. North
America. u, see /. v, Alma 27: 26. w. ver. 15. x, iii. Nep. 26: 6—11.
V» SM /, Alma 63. z, see h, ii. Nep. 5. 2a, see u. Alma 16. 2b, see t, Alm»
16. 2c. ver. 13. 2d, i. Nep. 5: 16—19. Alma 37:4.
CHAP. III.] BOOK or HELAMAN. 435
ration to another by the Nephites, even until they have
fallen into transgression and have been murdered, plun-
dered, and hunted, and driven forth, and slain, and scattered
upon the face of the earth, and mixed with the Lamanites
until they are ^^no more called the Nephites, becoming
wicked, and wild, and ferocious, yea, even becon^ng La-
manites.
17. And now I return again to mine account; therefore
what I have spoken had passed after there had been great
contentions, and disturbances, and wars, and dissensions, among
the people of Nephi.
18. The forty and sixth year of the reign of the Judges
ended.
19. And it came to pass that there was still great conten-
tions in the land, yea, even in the forty and seventh year, and
also in the forty and eighth year;
20. Nevertheless, ^^Helaman did fill the judgment seat with
justice and equity; yea, he did observe to. keep the statutes,
and the judgments, and the commandments of God ; and he
did do that which was right in the sight of God continually;
and he did walk after the ways of his father, insomuch that
he did prosper in the land.
21. And it came to pass that he had two sons. He gave
unto the eldest the name of Nephi, and unto the youngest,
the name of Lehi. And they began to grow up unto the
Lord.
22. And it came to pass that the wars and contentions began
to cease, in a small degree, among the people of the Nephites,
in the latter end of the forty and eighth year of the reign
of the Judges over the people of Nephi.
23. And it came to pass in the forty and ninth year of the
reign of the Judges, there was continual peace established in
the land, all save it were the '^^secret combinations which
Gadianton the robber had established, in the more settled parts
of the land, which at that time were not known unto those
who were at the head of government; therefore they were not
destroyed out of the land.
24. And it came to pass that in this same year there was
exceeding great prosperity in the church, insomuch that there
were thousands who did join themselves unto the church, and
were "^baptized unto repentance;
25. And so great was the prosperity of the church, and so
many the blessings which were poured out upon the people,
that even the **high priests and the teachers were themselves-
astonished beyond measure.
26. And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did
prosper unto the *%aptizing and uniting to the church of God,
many souls; yea, even ten^ of thousands.
27. Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all
2e. Alma 45: 12—14. 2f, HeU. 2: 2. 2g, see i, II. Ncp. IQ. 2h, see u.
a. Nep. 9„ 2i. see g, Mos. 26. 2j, see u, II. Nep. 9.
436 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. III.
who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy
name;
28. Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto
all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ,
who is the Son of God ;
29. Yea, we see that whosoever will lay hold upon the
word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide
asunder all the cunning, and the snares, and the wiles of the
devil, and lead the man of Christ in a ^'^straight and narrow
course across that everlasting ^'gulf of misery which is pre-
pared to engulf the wicked,
30. And land their souls, yea, their ^"'immortal souls, at
the right hand of God, in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down
with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our
holy fathers, to go no more out.
31. And in this year there was continual rejoicing in the
**land of Zarahemla, and in all the regions round about, even
in all the land which was possessed by the Nephites.
32. And it came to pass that there was peace and exceeding
great joy in the remainder of the forty and ninth year :
jea, and also there was continual peace and great joy in the
iiftieth year of the reign of the Judges.
33. And in the fifty and first year of the reign of the Judges
there was peace also, save it were the pride which began to
€nter into the church ; not into the church of God, but into
the hearts of the people who professed to belong to the church
of God;
34. And they were lifted up in pride, even to the perse-
cution of many of their brethren. Now this was a great
€vil, which did cause the more humble part of the people to
suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much afflic-
tion ;
35. Nevertheless they did ^°fast and pray oft, and did wax
stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer
in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy
and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctifica-
tion of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of
their yielding their hearts unto God.
36. And it came to pass that the fifty and second year ended
in peace also, save it were the exceeding great pride which
liad gotten into the hearts of the people ; and it was because
of their exceeding great riches and their prosperity in the
land; and it did grow upon them from day to day.
37. And it came to pass in the fifty and third year of the
reign of the Judges, ^^Helaman died, and his eldest son
Nephi began to reign in his stead. And it came to pass that
he did fill the judgment seat with justice and equity ; yea, he
did keep the commandments of God, and did walk in the
ways of his father.
2*, see e, II. Nep. 31. 2Z, see i, i. Nep. 15. 2m, Alma 42:9, 11. See <
12. 2n, see h, Omni 1. 2o. aee t, Mos. 27. 2p, Hela. 2: 2.
CHAP. IV.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 437
CHAPTER 4.
1. And it came to pass in the fifty and fourth year there
were many dissensions in the church, and there was also a
contention among the people, insomuch that there was much
bloodshed ;
2. And the rebellious part were slain and driven out of the
land, and they did go unto the king of t^he Lamanites.
3. And it came to pass that they did endeavour to stir up
the Lamanites to war against the Nephites ; but behold, the
Lamanites were exceeding fraid, insomuch that they would
not hearken to the words of those dissenters.
4. But it came to pass in the fifty and sixth year of the
reign of the Judges, there were dissenters who went up
from the Nephites unto the Lamanites; and they succeeded
with those others in stirring them up to anger against
the Nephites; and they were all that year preparing for
war.
5. And in the fifty and seventh year, they did come down
against the Nephites to battle, and they did commence the
work of death; yea, insomuch that in the fifty and eighth
year of the reign of the Jud<?es, they succeeded in obtaining
possession of the "land of Zarahemla; yea, and also all the
lands, even unto the land which was near the ''land Boun-
tiful ;
6. And the Nephites, and the armies of Moronihah, were
driven even into the land of Bountiful;
7. And there they did '^fortify against the Lamanites, from
the west sea, even unto the east; it being a May's journey
for a Nephite, on the line which they had ^fortified and sta-
tioned their armies to defend their north country.
. 8. And thus those dissenters of the Nephites, with the help
of a numerous army of the Lamanites, had obtained all the
possession of the Nephites which was in the land southward.
And all this was done in the fifty and eighth and ninth years
of the reign of the Judges.
9. And it came to pass in the sixtieth year of the reign of
the Judges, Moronihah did succeed with his armies, in obtain-
ing many parts of the land; yea, they retained many cities
which had fallen into the hands of the Lamanites.
10. And it came to pass in the sixty and first year of the
reiscn of the Judges, they succeeded in retaining even the half
of all their possessions.
11. Now this great loss of the Nephites, and the great
slaughter which was among them, would not have happened,,
had it not been for their wickedness and their abomination
which was among them : yea, and it was among those also who>
professed to belong to the church of God ;
a, see h, Omni 1. 6, see 2k, Alma 22. c, see c. Alma 48. d, Alma 22: 32.
B. see c, Alma 48.
438 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. IV.
12. And it was because of the pride of their hearts, be-
cause of their exceeding riches, yea, it was because of their
oppression to the poor, withholding their food ^from the
hungry, withholding their clothing from the naked, and
smiting their humble brethren upon the cheek, making a
mock of that which was sacred, denying the Spirit of
prophecy and of revelation, murdering, plundering, lying,
stealing, committing fi^dultery, rising up in great contentions,
-and deserting away ' into the ^land of Nephi, among the
Ijamanites ;
13. And because of this their great wickedness, and their
boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own
strength ; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted
^nd smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had
iost possession of almost all their lands.
14. But behold, Moronihah did preach many things unto the
people because of their iniquity, an^ also Nephi and Lehi,
who were the sons of Helaman, did preach many things unto
the people; yea, and did prophesy many things unto them con-
cerning their iniquities, and what should come unto them if
they did not repent of their sins.
15. And it came to pass that they did repent, and inasmucb
as they did repent they did begin to prosper ;
16. For when Moronihah saw that they did repent, he did
Tenture to lead them forth from place to place, and from city
to city, even until they had retained the ''one-half of their
property, and the one-half of all their lands.
17. And thus ended the sixty and first year of the reign of
the Judges.
18. And it came to pass in the sixty and second year of the
reign of the Judges, that Moronihah could obtain no more
possessions over the Lamanites;
19. Therefore they did abandon their design to obtain the
remainder of their lands, for so numerous were the Laman-
ites that it became impossible for the Nephites to obtain
more power over them ; therefore Moronihah did employ
all his armies in maintaining those parts which he had
taken.
20. And it came to pass because of the greatness of the
number of the Lamanites, the Nephites were in great fear, lest
they should be overpowered, and trodden down, and slain, and
destroyed ;
21. Yea, they began to remember the prophecies of Alma,
and also the *words of Mosiah ; and they saw that they had
been a stiffnecked people, and that they had set at nought the
commandments of God ;
22. And that they had altered and trampled under their
feet the ^laws of Mosiah, or that which the Lord commanded
him to give unto the people; and thus seeing that their
f. see I, Mos. 4. g, see b, ii. Nep. 5. h, ver. 10. i. Mos. 29;27» ^
Alma 1. L
OHAP. v.] boob: of helaman. 439
laws had become corrupted, and that they had become a wicked
people, insomuch that they were wicked even like unto the
Lamanites.
23. And because of their iniquity, the church had begun
to dwindle ; and they began to disbelieve in the ''Spirit of
prophecy, and in the Spirit of revelation; and the judgments
of God did stare them in the face.
24. And they saw that they had become weak, like unto
their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord
did no more preserve them ; yea, it had withdrawn from
them because the Spirit of the Lord doth ^not dwell in unholy
temples;
25. Therefore the Lord did cease to preserve them by his
miraculous and matchless power, for they had fallen into a
state of unbelief and awful wickedness; and they saw that
the Lamanites were more exceeding numerous than they, and
except they should cleave unto the Lord their God, they must
unavoidably perish.
26. For behold, they saw that the strength of the Laman-
ites was as great as their strength, even man for man. And
thus had they fallen into this great transgression ; yea, thus
bad they become weak, because of their transgression, in the
space of not many years.
CHAPTER 5.
1. And it came to pass that in this same year, behold, Nephi
'^delivered up the judgment seat to a man whose name was
Cezoram.
2. For as their ^laws and their governments were estab-
lished by the voice of the people, and they who chose evil
were more numerous' than they who chose good, therefore
they were ripening for destruction, for the laws had become
corrupted ;
3. Yea, and this was not all ; they were a stififnecked people,
insomuch that they could not be governed by the law nor justice,
save it were to their destruction.
4. And it came to pass that Nephi had become weary, be-
cause of their iniquity; and he yielded up the judgment seat,
and took it upon him to preach the word of God all the re-
mainder of his days, and his brother Lehi also, all the re-
mainder of his days;
5. For they remembered the words which their father Hela-
man spake unto them. And these are the words which he
RDflke *
6. Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to
k, ver. 12. I, see r. Alma 7.
aHela. 3:37. 6. Mos. 29:27.
440 BOOK OP HELAMAN. [CHAP. V.
keep the commandments of God; and I would that ye should
declare unto the people these words, behold, I have given
unto you the names of our first parents, who came out of
the land of Jerusalem ; and this I have done, that when you
remember your names, . that ye may remember them : and
when ye remember them, ye may remember their works; and
when ye remember their works, ye may know how that it is.
said, and also written, that they were good;
7. Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which
is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as
it has been said and written of them.
8. And now my sons, behold I have somewhat more to de-
sire of you, which desire is, that ye may not do these things
that ye may boast, but that ye may do these things to lay up
for yourselves a ''treasure in heaven, yea, which is eternal,
and which fadeth not away ; yea, that ye may have that
''precious gift of eternal life, which we have reason to suppose
hath been given to our fathers.
9. O remember, remember, my sons, the *words which king
Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there
is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only
through the ^atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come :
yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.
10. And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto
Zeezrom, in the "city of Ammonihah ; for he said unto him,,
that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people ; but
that he should ^not come to redeem them in their sins, but to
redeem them from their sins.
11. And he hath power given unto him from the Father, to
redeem them from their sins, because of repentance ; therefore
he hath *sent his angels to declare the tidings of the condi-
tions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Re-
deemer, unto the salvation of their souls.
12. And now% my sons, remember, remember that it is upon
the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God.
that ye must build your foundation, that when the devil shall
^send forth his mighty winds ; yea, his shafts in the whirlwind ;
yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon
you, it shall have no power over you, to drag you down to the
gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which
ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon
if men build, they cannot fall.
13. And it came to pass that these were the words which
Ilelaman taught to his sons ; yea, he did teach them many
things which are not written, and also many things w^hich are
written.
14. And they did remember his words; and therefore
they went forth, keeping the commandments of God, to
c, Hela. 8: 25. III. Nep. 13: 19—21. d, i. Nep. 15: 36. e, Mos. 2—5.
/. Mos. 3: 17. See /, ii. Nep. 2. g, see i. Alma 8. h. Alma 11: 33—37. i.
Alma 13: 24, 25. 39: 19. j. see e, Alma 26.
CHAP, v.] BOOK OF HEIAMAN. 441
teach the word of God among all the people of Nephi, beginning
at the ''city Bountiful ;
15. And from thenceforth to the 'city of Gid ; and from the
city of Gid to the ""city of Mulek;
16. And even from one city to another, until they had gone
forth among all the people of Nephi, who were in the "land
southward ; and from thence into the ''land of Zarahemla,
'among the Lamanites.
17. And it came to pass that they did preach with great
power, insomuch that they did confound many of «those dis-
senters who had gone over from the Nephites, insomuch that
they came forth and did confess their sins, and were ^'baptized
unto repentance, and immediately returned to the Nephites,
to endeavour to repair unto them the wrongs which they had
done.
18. And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did preach
unto the Lamanites with such great power and authority, for
they had power and authority given unto them that they might
speak : and they also had what they should speak given unto
them ;
19. Therefore they did speak unto the great astonishment
of the Lamanites, to the convincing them, insomuch that there
were eight thousand of the Lamanites who were in the *land
of Zarahemla and round about 'baptized unto repentance,
and were convinced of the wickedness of the "traditions of
their fathers.
20. And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did proceed
from thence to go to the ^'larid of Nephi.
21. And it came to pass that they were taken by an army
of the Lamanites and cast into prison ; yea, even in that
same prison '"in which Ammon and his brethren were cast by
the servants of Limhi.
22. And after they had been cast into prison many days
without food, behold, they went forth into the prison to take
them that they might slay them.
23. And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were en-
circled about as if by fire, even insomuch that *they durst
not lay their hands upon them, for fear lest they should be
burned. Nevertheless, Nephi and Lehi were not burned:
and they were as standing in the midst of fire, and were not
burned.
24. And when they saw that they were encircled about with
a pillar of fire, and that it burned them not, their hearts did
take courage.
25. For they saw that the Lamanites durst not lay their
hands upon them ; xieither durst they come near unto them,
but stood as If they were struck dumb with amazement.
k, see 2k, Alma 22. h see 2c, Alma 51. m, see 2c?, Alma 51. n, South
America. o, see h, Omni 1. p. Hela. 4: 5. q, Hela. 4: 2, 4. r, see u,
II. Nep. 9. s, see h, Omni 1. t, see u, ii. Nep. 9. w, see n, Jacob 7. V,
see 6. II. Nep. 5. w, Mos. 7: 6—8. 21: 22— 24. x, ver. 25.
442 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. V,
26. And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did stand
forth, and began to speak unto them, saying. Fear not, for
behold, it is God that has shewn unto you this marvelous
thing, in the which is shewn unto you that ye cannot lay your
hands on us to slay us.
27. And behold, when they had said these words, the earth
shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison did shake, as
if they were about to tumble to the earth ; but behold they
did not fall. And behold they that were in the prison were
Lamanites and Nephites who were dissenters.
28. And it came to pass that they were overshadowed with
a cloud of darkness, and an awful solemn fear came upon
them.
29. And it came to pass that there came a voice as if it were
above the cloud of darkness, saying. Repent ye, repent ye, and
seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto
you to declare good tidings.
30. And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and be-
held that it was not a voice of thunder; neither was it a voice
of a great tumultuous noise ; but behold, ^it was a still voice
of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did
pierce even to the very soul.
31. And notwithstanding the mildness of the voice, behold
the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison trem;^
bled again, as if it were about to tumble to the earth ; and
behold the cloud of darkness, which had overshadowed them,
did not disperse.
32. And behold the voice came again, saying, Repent ye,
repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand : and seek no
more to destroy my servants. And it came to pass that the
earth shook again, and the walls trembled ;
33. And also again the third time the voice came, and did
speak unto them marvellous words which cannot be uttered
by man; and the walls did tremble again, and the earth shook
as if it were about to divide asunder.
34. And it came to pass that the Lamanites could not flee
because of the cloud of darkness which did overshadow them ,
yea, and also they were immoveable because of the fear which
did come upon them.
35. Now there was one among them who wa«5 a Nephite
by birth, who had once belonged to the church of God, but
had dissented from them.
36. And it came to pass that he turned him about, and be-
hold he saw through the cloud of darkness the faces of Nephi
and Lehi ; and behold they did shine exceedingly, eveE .
as the faces of angels. And he beheld that they did lift
their eyes to heaven ; and they were in the attitude as if
talking or lifting their voices to some being whom they be-
held.
37. And it came to pass that this man did cry unto the
y, III. Nep. 11:3.
CHAP, v.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 443
multitude, that they might turn and look. And behold, there
was power given unto them, that they did turn and look;
and they did behold the faces of Nephi and Lehi.
38. And they said unto the man. Behold, what do all
these things mean? and who is it with whom these men do»
converse?
39. iNow the man's name was Aminadab. And Amin-
adab said unto them. They do converse with the angels of
God.
40. And it came to pass that the Lamanites said unto him„
What shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed
from overshadowing us?
41. And Aminadab said unto them, You must repent, and
cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christy
who was taught unto you by Alma, and Amulek, and Zeez-
rom; and then it shall be removed from overshadowing^
you.
42. And it came to pass that they all did begin to cry unto
the voice of him who had shaKen me earth ; yea, they did cry
even until the cloud of darkness was dispersed.
43. And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about^
and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from over-
shadowing them, and behold, they saw that they were encircled
about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire.
44. And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them;
yea, they were encircled about ; yea, they were as if in the
midst of a flaming fire, yet it did harm them not, neither
did it take hold upon fhe walls of the prison; and they
were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of
glory.
45. And behold the 'Holy Spirit of God did come down
from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were
filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvellous
words.
46. And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them,,
yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying,
47. Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in
my well Beloved, who was from the ^'^foundation of the
world.
48. And now when they heard this, they cast up their
eyes as if to behold from whence the voice came; and behold,
they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of
heaven, and ministered unto them.
49. And there were about three hundred souls who saw
and heard these things; and they were bid to go forth and
marvel not, neither should they doubt.
50. And it came to pass that they did go forth, and did
minister unto the people, declaring throughout all the
regions round about, all thf things which they had heard
and seen, insomuch that the more part of the Lamanites?
Z, III. Nep. 9: 20. Ether 12: 14. 2a. see d, Mos. 4.
444 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. VI.
were convinced of them, because of the greatness of the evi-
dences which they had received;
51. And as many as were convinced did lay down their
weapons of war, and also their "''hatred, and the tradition of
their fathers.
52. And it came to pass that they did '''yield up unto the
I*Jephites, the lands of their possession.
CHAPTER a
1. And it came to pass that when the sixty and second year
of the reign of the Judges had ended, all these things had
happened, and the Lamanites had become, the more part of
them, a righteous people, insomuch that their righteousness
did exceed that of the Nephites, because of their firmness
and their steadiness in the faith.
2. For behold, there were many of the Nephites who had
become hardened, and impenitent, and grossly wicked, inso-
much that they did reject the word of God, and all the preach-
ing and prophesying which did come among them.
3. Nevertheless the people of the church did have great joy,
because of the conversion of the Lamanites ; yea, because of the
church of God, which had been established among them. And
they did fellowship one with another, and did rejoice one with
another, and did have great joy.
4. And it came to pass that many of the Lamanites did
come down into the "land of Zarahemla, and did declare unto
the people of the Nephites the manner of their conversion, and
did exhort them to faith and repentance ;
5. Yea, and many did preach with exceeding great power
and authority, unto the bringing down many of them into the
depths of humility, to be the humble followers of God and the
Lamb.
6. And it came to pass that many of the Lamanites did go
into the *land northward; and also Nephi and Lehi went into
the land northward, to preach unto the people. And thus
•ended the sixty and third year.
7. And behold, there was peace in all the land, inso-
much that the Nephites did go into whatsoever part of
the land they would, whether among the Nephites or the
Lamanites.
8. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did also go
whithersoever they would, whether it were among the Laman-
ites or among the Nephites; and thus they did have free inter-
course one with another, to buy and to sell, and to get gain,
according to their desire.
25, see n, Jacob 7. 2c. Hela. 4: 5, 9, 10, 18, 19.
a, see h, Omni 1. 6, North America.
i
CHAP, v.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 445
• 9. And it came, to pass that they became exceeding rich^
both the Lamanites and the Nephites; and they did have-
an ^exceeding plenty of gold, and silver, and of all manner
of precious metals, both in the **land south, and in the *landi
north.
10. Now the land south was ^called Lehi, and the land north
was ^called Mulek, which was after the ^sons of Zedekiah :
for the Lord did bring *Mulek into the land north, and ^Lehi
into the land south.
11. And behold, there was '^all manner of gold in both
these lands, and of silver, and of precious ore of every kind ;
and there were also curious workmen, who did work all
kinds of ore, and did refine it; and thus they did become
rich.
12. They did raise grain in abundance, both in the north
and in the south ; and they did flourish exceedingly, both in
the north and in the south. And they did multiply and wax
exceeding strong in the land. And they did raise many flocks;
and herds, yea, many fatlings.
13. Behold their women 'did toil and spin, and did make
all manner of cloth, of fine twined linen, and cloth of every
kind, to clothe their nakedness. And thus the sixty and fourth
year did pass away in peace.
14. And in the sixty and fifth year they did also have great
joy and peace; yea, much preaching and many prophecies con-
cerning that which was to come. And thus passed away the
sixty and fifth year.
15. And it came to pass that in the sixty and sixth year of
the reign of the Judges, behold, "^Cezoram was murdered by
an unknown hand as he sat upon the judgment seat. And' it
came to pass that in the same year, that his son, who hadl
been appointed by the people in his stead, was also murdered.
And thus ended the sixty and sixth year.
16. And in the commencement of the sixty and seventh year^
the people began to grow exceeding wicked again.
17. For behold, the Lord had blessed them so long with the
riches of the world, that they had not been stirred up to anger,
to wars, nor to bloodshed; therefore they began to set their
hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain^
that they might be lifted up one above another ; therefore they
began to "commit secret murders, and to rob and to plunder,,
that they might get gain.
18. And now behold, those murderers and plunderers were
a band who had been formed by Kishkumen and Gadianton.
And now it had come to pass that there were many, even
among the Nephites, of "Gadianton's band. But behold,
c, see n, i. Nep. 18. d, South America. c, North America. f, South
America, called Lehi. g. North America, called Mulek. h, see 2, Omni 1. U
Miilek into North America. j, Lehi into South America. k see n. i. Nep 18
r ^e c, Mos. 10. m, Hela. 5: 1. w, see i, ii. Nep. 10. o, Hela. 2: 12, 13
416 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. VI.
they were more numerous among the more wicked part of
the Lamanites. And they were called Gadianton's robbers a&d
murderers ;
19. And it was they who did murder the ^Chief Judge
Cezoram, and «his son, while in the judgment seat; and be-
hold, they were not found.
20. And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites found
that there were robbers among them, they were exceeding sor-
rowful ; and they did use every means in their power, to
destroy them olf the face of the earth.
21. But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more
parts of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those
•"bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants, and their
oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another, in
whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that
they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings,
and their stealings.
22. And it came to pass that they did have their signs,
yea, their *secret signs, and their secret words; and this
that they might distinguish a brother who had entered into
the covenant, that whatsoever wickedness his brother should
do, he should not be injured by his brother, nor by
those who did belong to his band, who had taken this
covenant ;
23. And thus they might murder, and plunder, and steal,
and commit whoredoms, and all manner of wickedness, con-
trary to the laws of their country and also the laws of their
<3^od;
24. And whosoever of those who belonged to their band,
should reveal unto the world of their wickedness and their
abominations, should be tried, not according to the laws of
their country, but according to the laws of their wickedness,
'which had been given by Gadianton and Kishkumen.
25. Now behold, it is these ^secret oaths and covenants,
-which Alma commanded his son should not go forth unto the
-world, lest they should be a means of bringing down the people
tunto destruction.
26. Now behold, those secret oaths and covenants did not
come forth unto Gadianton from the records which were de-
livered unto Helaman ; but behold, they were put into the
heart of Gadianton, by that "same being who did entice our
first parents to partake of the forbidden fruit.
27. Yea, that same being who did plot w^ith Cain, that if
he would murder his brother Abel, it should not be known unto
the world. And he did ^plot with Cain and his followers from
that time forth.
28. And also it is that same being who put it into the
hearts of the people to "" build a tower sufficiently high that
p, ver. 15. 5, ver. 15. r, see i, ii. Nep. 10. s. Alma 37: 27. t. Alma
37: 27—32. u. Pearl of great price, p. 7. V, see Doc. & Gov. p. 11; or II. and
III. Gen. Inspired Translation by Joseph Smith, Jun. w, see Ether 1.
CHAP. VI.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 447
they might get to heaven. And it was that same being who
led on the people who came from that tower ''into this land ;
who spread the works of darkness and abominations over all
the face of the land, until he dragged the people down to an
^'entire destruction, and to an '^everlasting hell;
29. Yea, it is that same being who put it into the heart of
'"Gadianton, to still carry on the work of darkness, and of
secret murder; and he has brought it forth from the beginning
of man, even down to this time.
30. And behold, it is he who is the author of all sin. And
behold, he doth carry on his works of darkness and secret
murder, and doth hand down their plots, and their oaths, and
their covenants, and their plans of awful wickedness, from
generation to generation, according as he can get hold upon
the hearts of the children of men.
31. And now behold, he had got great hold upon the hearts
of the Nephites ; yea, insomuch that they had become ex-
ceeding wicked ; yea, the more part of them had turned out
of the way of righteousness, and did trample under their feet
the commandments of God, and did turn unto their own ways,
and did build up unto themselves idols of their gold and
their silver.
32. And it came to pass that all these iniquities did come
unto them, in the space of not many years, insomuch that
a more part of it had come unto them in the sixty and
seventh year of the reign of the Judges over the people of
Nephi.
33. And they did grow in their iniquities, in the sixty and
eighth year also, to the great sorrow and lamentation of the
righteous.
34. And thus we see that the Nephites did bedn to dwindle
in unbelief, and grow in wickedness and abominations, while
the Lamanites began to grow exceedingly in the knowledge
of their God; yea, they did begin to keep his statutes and
commandments, and to walk in truth and uprightness before
him.
35. And thus we see that the Spirit of the Lord be^^nn to
withdraw from the Nephites, because of the wickedness and
the hardness of their hearts.
8f). And thus we see that the Lord began to pr ur out his
Spirit upon the Lamanites, because of their easinf s and will-
ingness to believe in his T\'t)rds.
37. And it came to pass that the Larnanites did hunt the
'^band of robbers of Gadianton : and thev did preach the
word of God among the more wicked pnrt of them, insomuch
that this band of robbers was utterly destroyed from among
the Lamanites.
38. And it came to pass on the othpr hand, that the
Nephites did build them up and support them, beginning at
!
X, Book of Ether. y, see latter part of the Book of Ether. z, see k, I. Nep,
15. 2a, Hela. 2; 10—15. 26. see i, ii. Nep. 10.
448 BOOK OP HELAMAN. [CHAP. VTL
the more wicked part of them, until they had overspread all
the land of the Nephites and had seduced the more part of
the righteous until they had come down to believe in their
works, and partake of their spoils, and to join with them ia
their secret murders and combinations.
39. And thus they did obtain the sole management of the
government, insomuch that they did trample under their feet,
and smite, and rend, and turn their backs upon the poor,
and the meek, and the humble followers of God.
40. And thus we see that they were in an awful state, and
ripening for an everlasting destruction.
41. And it came to pass that thus ended the sixty and
eighth year of the reign of the Judges over the people of
Nephi.
The Prophecy of Nephi, the son of Helaman. — God
threatens the people of Nephi, that he will visit them in
his angeVy to their utter destruction, except they repent
of their wickedness, God smiteth the people of Nephi
with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel^
a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.
CHAPTER 7.
1. Behold, now it came to pass in the sixty and ninth
year of the reign of the Judges over the people of the Nephites,
that Nephi, the son of Helaman returned to the "land of Zara-
hemla, from the ''land northward;
2. For he had been forth among the i)eople who were in
the land northward, and did preach the word of God unto
them, and did prophesy many things unto them ;
3. And they did reject all his words, insomuch that he could
not stay among them, but returned again unto the land of his
nativity :
4. And seeing the people in a state of such awful wicked-
ness, and those ''Gadianton robbers filling the judgment
seats ; having usurped the power and authority of the land ;
laying aside the commandments of God, and not in the least
aright before him; doing no justice unto the children of
men;
5. Condemning the righteous because of their righteousness:
letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunished, because of
their money ; and moreover to be held in office at the head
of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that
they might get gain and glory of the world; and moreover
that they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and
kill, and do according to their own wills.
6. Now this great iniquity had come upon the Nephites, in
the space of not many years; and when Nephi saw it, his
a, see h, Omni 1. b, North America. c, see i, ii. Nep. IQ.
CHAP. VII.] ^OOK OF HELAMAN. 449
heart was swollen with sorrow within his breast; and he did
exclaim in the agony of his soul,
7. Oh, that I could have had my days in the days when
my father Nephi first came out of the land of Jerusalem,,
that I could have joyed with him in the '^promised land;
then were his people easy to be entreated, firm to keep the-
commandments of God, and slow to be led to do iniquity;
and they were quick to hearken unto the words of the?
Lord ;
8. Yea, if my days could have been in them days, then
would my soul have had joy in the righteousness of my
brethren.
9. But behold, I am consigned that these are my days, and
that my soul shall be filled with sorrow, because of this the
wickedness of my brethren.
10. And behold, now it came tft pass that it was upon a
tower, which was in the garden of Nephi, which was by the
highway which led to the chief market,, which was in the ^city
of Zarahemla ; therefore Nephi had bowe-i himself upon the
tower which was in his garden, which tower was also near unto
the garden gate which led by the highway.
11. And it came to pass that there were certain men pass-
ing by and saw Nephi as he was pouring out his soul unto
Gdd upon the tower, and they ran and told the people what
they had seen, and the people came together in multitudes that
they might know the cause of so great mourning for the wicked-
ness of the people.
12. And now when Nephi arose, he beheld the multitudes of
people who had gathered together.
13. And it came to pass that he opened his month and sai^
unto them. Behold, why have ye gathered yourselves together?
That I may tell you of your iniquities?
14. Yea, because I have got upon my tower, that T might
pour out my soul unto my God, because of the exceeding sor-
row of my heart, which is because of your iniquities?
15. And because of my mourning and lamentation, ye have
gathered yourselves together, and do marvel ; yea, and ye have
great need to marvel ; yea, ye ought to marvel, because
ye are given away that the devil has got so great hold upon
your hearts;
16. Yea, how could you have given way to the enticing of
him who is seeking to hurl away your souls down to ^ever-
lasting misery and endless wo :
17. O repent ve, repent ye! why will ye die? Turn ye,,
turn ye unto the Lord your God. Why has he forsaken you?
18. It is because you have hardened your hearts; yea, ye will
not hearken unto the voice of the "good shepherd; yea, ye
have provoked him to anger against you.
d, see o, l. Nep. 2. e, see h, Omni 1. /, see m, Jacob 6. g, see 2ev
Alma 5.
450 BOOK OF HELAMAN'. [CHAP. VII.
19. And behold instead of gathering you, except ye will
repent, behold he shall scatter you forth that ye shall become
ixneat for dogs and wild beasts.
?0. Oh ! how could you have forgotten your God in the
^ery day that he has delivered you?
21. But behold, it is to get gain, to be praised of men; yea,
sand that ye might get gold and silver. And ye have set your
iiearts upon the riches and the vain things of this world, for
the w^hich ye do murder, and plunder, and steal, and bear
false witness against your neighbour, and do all manner of
iniquity;
22. And for this cause wo stall* come unto you except ye
shall repent. For if ye will not repent, behold this great city,
and also all those great cities which are round about, which
are in the land of our possession, shall be taken away, that
ye shall have no place in them; for behold, the Lord will not
grsLUt unto you strength, as he has hitherto done, to with-
stand against your enemies.
23. For behold, thus saith the Lord, I will not shew unto^
the wicked of my strength, to one more than the other, save*
it be unto those who repent of their sins, and hearken unto
my words ; now therefore I would that ye should behold, my
brethren, that it shall be better for the Lamanites than for
jou, except ye shall repent;
24. For behold, they are more righteous than you, for they
have not sinned against that great knowledge which ye have re-
ceived ; therefore the Lord will be merciful unto them ; yea,
!he will '^lengthen out their days and increase their seed, even
•when thou shalt be *utterly destroyed, except thou shalt
xepent ;
25. Yq^, wo be unto you because of that great abomination
-which has come among you ; and ye have united yourselves unto
it; yea, to that ■'secret band wnich was established by Gadian-
ton;
26. Yea, wo shall come unto you because of that pride which
je have suffered to enter your hearts, which has lifted you
up beyond that which is good because of your exceeding great
Tiches ;
27. Yea, wo be unto you because of your wickedness and
abominations.
28. And except ye repent ye shall perish; yea, even your
lands shall be takeii from you, and ye shall be ^destroyed from
off the face of the earth.
29. Behold now I do not say that these things shall be, of
myself, because it is not of myself that I know these things,
1t)ut behold I know that these things are true, because the Lord
•God has made them known unto me, therefore I testify that
they shall be.
h, see 3, Alma S. €, see m, Alma 9. j, see i, II, I^ep. 10. k, see m,
Alma 9.
CHAP. VIII.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 451
CHAPTER 8.
L And now it came to pass that when Nephi bad said
these words, beliold there were men who were Judges, who also
belonged to the "secret band of Gadianton, and they were
angry, and they cried out against him, saying unto the people,
Why do ye not seize upon this man and bring him forth, that
he may be condemned according to the crime which he has
done ?
2. Why seest this man, and hearest him revile against this
people and against our law?
3. For behold, Nephi had spoken unto them concerning the
corruptness of their law ; yea, many things did Nephi speak
which cannot be written ; and nothing did he speak which was
contrary to the commandments of God.
4. And those Judges were an.sry with him because he spake
plain unto them concerning their '^secret works of darkness;
nevertheless they durst not lay their own hands upon hi^,
for they feared the people lest they should cry out against
them;
5. Therefore they did cry unto the people, saying, W^hy do
you suffer this man to revile against us? For behold he doth
condemn all this people, even unto destruction ; yea, and also
that these our "^great cities shall be taken from us, that we
shall have no place in them.
6. And now we know that this is impossible, for behold, we
are powerful, and our cities great, therefore our enemies can
have no power over us.
7. And it came to pass that thus they did stir up the people
to anger against Nephi, and raised contentions among them ;
for there were some who did cry out, let this man alone, for
he is a good man, and those things which he saith will surely
come to pass except we repent;
8. Yea, behold all the judgments will come upon us which
he has testified unto us ; for we know that he has testified
aright unto us concerning our iniquities. And behold they
are many, and he knoweth as ^ell all things which shall befall
us as he knoweth of our iniquities ;
9. Yea, and behold if he had not been a prophet, he could
not have testified concerning those things.
10. And it came to pass that those people who sought to
destroy Nephi, were compelled because of their fear, that they
did not lay their hands on him ; therefore he began again to
speak unto them, seeing that he had gained favour in the
eyes of some, insomuch that the remainder of them did fear ;
11. Therefore he was constrained to speak more unto them
saying. Behold my brethren, have ye not read that God gave
power unto one man, even Moses, to srnite upon the
waters of the Red Sea, and they parted hither and thither.
a. see 1 IL IJen. 10. ft. see i. it. Nep. 10. c, Hela. 7: 22.
452 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. vTlI.
insomuch chat the Israelites, who were our fathers, came
through upon dry ground, and the waters closed upon the
armies of the Egyptians and swallowed them up?
12. And now behold, if God gave unto this man such
power then why should ye dispute among yourselves and say
that he hath given unto me no power whereby I may ''know
concerning the judgments that shall come upon you except ye
repent?
13. But, behold, ye not only deny my words, but ye also
deny all the words which hath been spoken by our fathers,
and also the words which were spoken by this man,
Moses, who had such great power given unto him ; yea, the
words which he hath spoken concerning the coming of the
Messiah.
14. Yea, did he not bear record, that the Son of God
should come? And as he •lifted up the brazen serpent in
the wilderness, even so shall he be lifted up who should
come.
15. And as many as should look upon that serpent should
live, even so, as many as should look upon the Son of God
with faith, having a contrite spirit,, might live, even unto that
life which is eternal.
16. And now behold, Moses did not only testify cf these
things, but also all the holy prophets, from his days, even to
the days of Abraham.
17. Yea, and behold, Abraham saw of his coming, and was
filled with gladness and did rejoice.
18. Yea, and behold I say unto you, that Abraham not only
knew of these things, but there were many before the
days of Abraham who were called by the ^order of God ;
yea, even after the order of his Son; and this that it should be
shewn unto the people a great many thousand years be-
fore his coming, that even redemption should come unto
them.
19. And now I would that ye should know, that even since
the days of Abraham, there have been many prophets
that have testified these things; yea, behold, the pro-
phet ^Zenos did testify boldly; for the which he was
slain.
20. And behold, also '^Zenock, and also *Ezias, and als^
Isaiah, and Jeremiah, (.Teremiah being that same prophet
who testified of the destruction of Jerusalem.) And now
we know that Jerusalem was destroyed according to the words
of Jeremiah. O then why not the Son of God come, accord-
ing to his prophecy?
21. And now will you dispute that Jerusalem was de-
stroyed? Will ye say that the sons of Zedekiah were not
d, Hela. 7: 28. 29. e, Alma 33: 19—22. /, see g, Mos. 26. Alma 13:
19. Doc. and Gov. 84: 6—16. g, see h, l. Nep. 19. h, see g, i. Nep. 19.
i, Ezias may have been identical with Esaias who lived cotemporary with Abraham. See
Doc. and Gov. 84: 11—13.
CHAP. IX.] BOOK OP HELAMAN. 453
slain, all except it were 'Mulek? Yea, and do ye not behold
that the seed of Zedekiah are with us, and they were driven
out of the land of Jerusalem? But behold, this is not
all.
22. Our father Lehi was driven out o'f Jerusalem, because
he testified of these things. Nephi also testified of these
things, and also almost all of our fathers, even down to this
time; yea, they have testified of the coming of Christ, and
have looked forward, and have rejoiced in his day which is to
come.
23. And behold, he is God, and he is with them, and he
did manifest himself unto them, that they were, redeemed by
him ; and they gave unto him glory, because of that which is
to come.
24. And now seeing ye know these things, and cannot
deny them, except ye shall lie, therefore in this ye have
sinned, for ye have rejected all these things, notwithstanding
so many evidences which ye have received; yea, even ye
have received all things, both things in heaven, and all
things which are in the earth, as a witness that they are
true.
25. But behold, ye have rejected the truth, and rebelled
against your holy God ; and even at this time, instead of
laying up for yourselves *treasures in heaven, where nothing
doth corrupt, and wheane nothing can come which is unclean,
ye are heaping up for yourselves wrath against the day of
judjrment ;
26. Yea, even at this time ye are ripening, because of your
murders, and your fornication and wickedness, for everlasting
destruction ; yea, and except ye repent, it will come unto you
soon;
27. Yea, l>ehoM it is now even at your doors; yea, go ye
in unto the judgment seat, and search ; and behold, your Judge
is muTdpred, and he lieth in his blood; and he hath been
murdered 'by his brother, who seeketh to sit in the judg-
28. And behold, they both belong to your *"secret band,
whose author is Gadianton and the evil one who seeketh to
destroy the souls of men.
CHAPTER 9.
1. Behold now it came to pass that when Nephi had spoken
these words, certain men who were amoncr them ran to the
judarment seat: yea. even tVipre werp "five who went, and they
said amonsr themselves, as they went,
;, Hela. 6: 10. See h, Omni 1. Ezekiel 17: 22. 13. See i, Omni 1. k
see c, Hela. 5. I, Hela. 9: 6, 2&-38. m, see i, ii. Nep. 10.
a. vers. 7—9. 12—18.
454 ' BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. IX.
2. Behold, now we will know of a surety, whether this
man be a prophet, and God hath commanded him to pro-
phesy such marvellous things unto us. Behold, we do not
believe that he hath ; yea, we do not believe that he is a
prophet; nevertheless, if this thing which he has said con-
cerning the Chief Judge be true, that he be dead, then will
we believe that the other words which he has spoken are
true.
3. And it came to pass that they ran in their might, and
came in unto the judgment seat; and behold the Chief Judge
had fallen to the earth, and did ^lie in his blood.
4. And now behold, when they saw this, they were aston-
ished exceedingly, insomuch that they fell to the earth; for
they had not believed the words which Nephi had spoken con-
cerning the Chief Judge ;
5. But now when they saw they believed, and fear came
upon them, lest all the judgments which Nephi had spoken
should come upon the people ; therefore they did quake, and
had fallen to the earth.
6. Now immediately when the Judge had been murdered; he
being stabbed by ''his brother by a garb of secrecy; and he
fled, and the servants ran and told the people, raising the
cry of murder among them.
7. And behold the people did gather themselves together
unto the place of the judgment seat ; and behold, to their as-
tonishment they saw those '^five men who had fallen to the
earth.
8. And now behold, the people knew nothing concerning the
multitude who had gathered together at the ^garden of Nephi;
therefore they said among themselves, ^These men are thev
who have murdered the Judge, and God has smitten them that
they could not flee from us.
9. And it came to pass that they laid hold on them, and
bound them, and cast them into prison. And there was a
proclamation sent abroad that the Judge was slain, and
that the murderers had been taken, and were cast into
prison.
10. And it came to pass that on the morrow, the people did
assemble themselves together to mourn and to ^fast, at the
burial of the great Chief Judge who had been slain.
11. And thus were also those Judges who were at the garden
of Nephi, and heard his words, were also gathered together
at the burial.
12. And it came to pass that they inquired among the peo-
ple, saying, Where are the ''five who were sent to inquire con-
cerning the Chief Judge whether he was dead? And they an-
swered and said, Concerning this five wiiom ye say ye have
sent, we know not; but there are five who are the murderers,
whom we have cast into prison,
6. Hela. 8: 27. c, see I, Hela. 8. d, see a. e, Hela. 7: 10, 11, 14. /. sea O.
Ot see t, Mos. 27. h, see a.
CHAP. IX.] BOOK OP HELAMAN. 455
13. And it came to pass that the Judges desired that they
should be brought; and they were brought, and behold they
were the *tive who were sent; and beiioiU tiie judges inquiredB
of them to know concerning the matter, and they told them
all that they had done, saying,
14. We ran and came to the place of the judgment, and
when we saw all things, even as Nephi had testitied, we-
were astonished, insomuch that we fell to the earth ; and w^hen.
we iwere recovered from our astonishment, behold they ^cast
us into prison.
15. Now as for the murder of this man, we know not who
has done it, and only this much we know, we ran and came
according as ye desired, and behold he was '^dead according:
to the words of Nephi,
16. And now it came to pass, that the Judges did expound
the matter unto the people, and did' cry out against Nephi^
saying. Behold we know that this Nephi must have agreed
with some one to slay the Judge, and then he might declare-
unto us, that he might convert us unto his faith, that he
might raise himself to be a great man, chosen of God, and a.
prophet.
17. And now behold we will detect this man, and he shall
confess his fault and make known unto us the true murderer of
this Judge.
18. And it came to pass that the *five were liberated on the
day of the burial. Nevertheless, they did rebuke the Judges in
the words which they had spoken against Nephi, and did con-
tend with them one by one, insomuch that they did confound
them.
19. Nevertheless, they caused that Nephi should be taken
and bound and brought before the multitude, and they began
to question him in divers ways, that they might cross him, that
they might accuse him to death : '
20. Saying unto him. Thou art confederate; who is this
man that hath done this murder? Now tell us, and acknowl-
edge thy fault, saying. Behold here is money; and also v^e
will grant unto thee thy life if thou wilt tell us, and
acknowledge the agreement which thou hast made withi
him.
21. But Nephi said unto them, O ye fools, ye uncircumcised
of heart, ve blind, and ye stiff-necked people, do ye know how
long the Lord your God will suffer you that ye shall go on
in this your way of sin?
22. O ye had ought to begin to howl and mourn, because
of the great destruction at this time which doth await you, ex-
cept ye shall repent. , . , , ,.
23. Behold ye say that I have agreed with a man, that he
should murder Seezoram, our Chief Judge. But behold, I
say unto you, that this is because I have testified unto you„
that ye might know concerning this thing; yea, even for a
<, see a. j, ver. 9. k, Hela. 8: 27. I, see a.
456 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. IX".
witness unto you, that I did know of the wickedness and
abominations which are among you.
24. And because I have done this, ye say that I have agreed
with a man that he should do this thing ; yea, because 1 shewed
unto you this sign, ye are angry with me, and seek to destroy
my life. '
25. And now behold, I will shew unto you another sign,
and see if ye will in this thing seek to destroy me.
26. Behold I say unto you, Go to the house of Seantum,
who is the ""brother of Seezoram, and say unto him,
27. Has Nephi, the pretended prophet, who doth pro-
phesy so much evil concerning this people, agreed with
thee, in the which ye have murdered Seezoram, who is
your brother?
28. And behold, he shall say unto you, Nay.
29. And ye shall say unto him, Have ye murdered your
brother?
30. And he shall stand with fear, and wist not what to
say. And behold, he shall deny unto you ; and he shall make
as if he were astonished ; nevertheless, he shall declare unto you
that he is innocent.
31. But behold, ye shall examine him, and ye shall iSnd blood
upon the skirts of his cloak.
32. And when ye have seen this, ye shall say, From whence
<cometh this blood? Do we not know that this is the blood
<of your brother?
33. And then shall he tremble, and shall look pale, even as
if death had come upon him.
34. And then shall ye say. Because of this fear and this
paleness which has come upon your face, behold, we know that
thou art guilty.
35. And then shall greater fear come upon him; and then
shall he confess unto you, and deny no more that he has done
this murder.
36. And then shall he say unto you, that I, Nephi, know
nothing concerning the matter, save it were given unto me by
the power of God. And then shall ye know that I am an
ionest man, and thnt I am sent unto you from God.
37. And it en me to pass that they went and did, even
according as Nephi had said unto them. And behold, the
words which he had snid, were true: for according to th^
words, he did deny; and also according to the words he did
confess.
38. And he was brought to prove that he himself was the
'very murderer, insomuch that the five were set at liberty ; and
also was Nephi.
39. Ar)(\ there were some of the Nephites who believed on
the words of Nephi; and there were some also, who believed,
l)ecause of the testimony of the "five, for they had been con-
Terted while they were in prison.
m, see I, Hela. 8.' n. see a.
CHAP. X.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 457
40. And now there were some among the people, who said
that Nephi was a prophet;
41. And there were others who said, behold, he is a God,,
for except he was a God, he could not know of all things.
For behold, he has told us the thoughts of our hearts, and
also has told us things ; and even he has brought unto our
knowledge the true murderer of our Chief Judge.
CHAPTER 10.
1. And it came to pass that there arose a division among
the people, insomuch that they divided hither and thither,,
and went their ways, leaving Nephi alone, as he was stand-
ing in the midst of them.
2. And it came to pass that Nephi went his way towards;
his own house, pondering upon the things which the Lord had
shewn unto him.
3. And it came to pass as he was thus pondering, — being-
much cast down because of the wickedness of the people of
the^ Nephites, their "secret works of darkness, and their mur-
derings, and their plunderings, and all manner of iniquities —
and it came^ to pass as he was thus pondering in his heart,,
behold, a voice came unto him saying,
4. Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thoir
hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unweary-
ingness declared the word which I have given unto thee, unto
^his people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not
sought thine own life, but have sought my will, and to keep
my commandments.
5. And now because thou hast done this with such un-
wearyingness, behold, I will bless thee for ever: nnd I will
make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works :
yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to
thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to
my will.
6. Behold, thou art Nephi, and T am God. Behold, I de-
clare it unto thee in the presence of mine angrels, that ye shall
have power over this neople, and shall smite the earth with
'^famine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the
wickedness of this people.
7. Behold, I give unto yon power, that whRtsoever ye
shall seal on earth, shall be sealed in heaven : and whatso-
ever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven; and
thus shall ye liave power among this people.
8. And thus, if ye shall say unto this temple, it shall b&
rent in twain, it shall be done.
9. And if ye shall say <'unto this mountain. Be thou cast
dowi^ and become smooth, it shall be done.
a, £66 i, II. Nep. 10. b, Hela. 11: 4— la C. Ether 12: 30. See c, Jacob dl
468 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. XI.
10. And behold, if ye shall say, that God shall smite this
people, it shall come to pass.
11. And now behold, 1 command you, that ye shall go and
declare unto this people, that thus saith the Lord God, who
is the Almighty, Except ye repent ye shall be smitten, '^even
unto destruction.
12. And behold, now it came to pass that when the Lord
had spoken these words unto Nephi, he did stop, and did not
^o unto his own house, but did return unto the multitudes
who were . scattered about upon the face of the land, and
began to declare unto them the word of the Lord which had
been spoken unto him concerning their destruction, if they
did not repent.
13. Now behold, notwithstanding that great miracle which
Nephi had done in telling them ^concerning the death of the
Ohief Judge, they did harden their hearts, and did not hearken
unto the words of the Lord;
14. Therefore Nephi did declare unto them the word of
the Lord, saying. Except ye repent, thus saith the Lord, ye
shall be ''smitten even unto destruction.
15. And it came to pass that when Nephi had declared
unto them the word, behold, they did still harden their hearts,
and would not hearken unto his words ; therefore they did
revile against him, and did seek to lay their hands upon him,
that they might cast him into prison.
16. But behold, the power of God was with him, and
they could not take him to cast him into prison, for he was
taken by the Spirit, and ^'conveyed away out of the midst of
them.
17. And it came to pass that thus he did go forth '^in the
Spirit, from multitude to multitude, declaring the word of God,
■even until he had declared it unto them all, or sent it forth
among all the people.
18. And it came to pass that they would not hearken unto
fiis words ; and there began to be contentions, insomuch that
they were divided against themselves, and began to slay one
another with the sword.
19. And thus ended the seventy and first year of the reign
of the Judges over the people of Nephi.
CHAPTER 11.
1. Attd now it came to pass in the seventy and second
year of the reign of the Judges, that the contentions did
Increase, insomuch that there were wars throughout all the
land among all the people of Nephi.
d, vera, 12—14. e, Hela. 8: 27. 9; 26—38. /, ver. 11. g. Acts 8; 39, 40.
ft, ver. 16.
CHAP. XL] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 459
2. And it was this "secret band of robbers who did carry
on this work of destruction and wickedness. And this war
did last all that year. And in the seventy and third year it
did also last.
3. And it came to pass that in this year, Nephi did cry unto
the Lord, saying,
4. O Lord do not suffer that this people shall be destroyed
by the sword; but O Lord, rather let there be a ^famine in
the land, to stir them up in remembrance of the Lord their
God, and perhaps they Vv^ill repent and turn unto thee ;
5. And so it was done, according to the words of Nephi.
And there was a great famine upon the land, among all the
people of Nephi. And thus in the seventy and fourth year
the famine did continue, and the work of destruction did cease
by the sword, but became sore by famine.
6. And this work of destruction did also continue in the
seventy and fifth year. For the earth was smitten that it
was dry, and did not yield forth grain in the season of grain ;
and the whole earth was smitten, even among the Lamanites
as well as among the Nephites, so that they were smitten
that they did perish by thousands in the more wicked parts of
the land.
7. And it came to pass that the people saw that they
were about to perish by famine, and they be^j^an to remember
the Lord their God; and they began to remember the words
of Nephi.
8. And the people began to plead with their Chief Judges
and their leaders, that they would say unto Nephi, Behold,
we know that thou art a man of God, and therefore cry unto
the Lord our God, that he turn away from us this famine lest
all the words which thou hast spoken ^concerning our de-
struction be fulfilled.
9. And it came to pass that the Judges did say unto Nephi,
according to the words which had been desired. And it came
to pass that when Nephi saw that the people had repented,
and did humble themselves in sackcloth, he cried again unto
tne Lord, saying,
10. O Lord, behold this people repenteth; and they have
swept away the **band of Gadianton from amongst them, inso-
much that they have become extinct, and they have concealed
their secret plans in the earth.
11. Now, O Lord, because of this their humility, wilt thou
turn away thine anger, and let thine anger be appeased in
the destruction of those wicked men whom thou hast already
destroyed ?
12. O Lord, wilt thou turn awnv thine anger, yea, thy
fierce anger, and cause that this famine may cease in this
land?
13. O Lord, wilt thou hearken unto me, and cause that it
a, see i, ii. Ncp. 10. 6, see b, Hela. 10. c, Hela. 10: 11—14. d, see <,
II. Nep. 10.
460 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. XI.
may be done according to my words, and send forth rain upon
the face of the earth, that she may bring forth her fruit and
her grain, in the season of grain V
14. O Lord, thou didst hearken unto my words when I
said, Let there be a ^famine, that the pestilence of the sword
might cease; and I know that thou wilt, even at this time,
hearken unto my words, for thou saidst, that if this people
repent, I will spare them ;
15. Yea, O Lord, and thou seest that they have repented,
because of the famine, and the pestilence and destruction
which has come unto them.
16. And now, O Lord, wilt thou turn away thine anger,
and try again if they will serve thee? And if so, O Lord,
thou canst bless them according to thy words which thou
hast said.
17. And it came to pass that in the seventy and sixth
year, the Lord did turn away his anger from the people, and
caused that rain should fall upon the earth, insomuch that it
did bring forth her fruit in the season of her fruit. And it
came to pass that it did bring forth her grain in the season of
her grain.
18. And behold, the people did rejoice and glorify God, and
the whole face of the land was filled with rejoicing; and
they did no more seek to destroy Nephi, but they did esteem
him as a great prophet, and a man of God, having ^great
power and authority given unto him from God.
19. And behold, Lehi, his brother, was not a whit behind
him as to things pertaining to righteousness.
20. And thus it did come to pass that the people of Nephi
began to prosper again in the land, and began to build up
their waste places, and began to multiply and spread, even
until they did cover the whole face of the land, both on the
^northward and on the '^southward, from the sea west to the
sea east.
21. And it came to pass that the seventy and sixth year
did end in peace. And the seventy and seventh year began
in peace ; and the church did spread throughout the face of
all the land: and the more part of the people, both the Ne-
phites and the Lamanites, did belong to the churcli ; and they
did have exceeding great peace in the land, and thus ended
the seventy and seventh year.
22. And also they had peace in the seventy and eighth year,
save it were a few contentions concerning the points of doc-
trine which had been laid down by the prophets.
23. And in the seventy and ninth year, there began to be
much strife. But it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi, and
many of their brethren, who knew concerning the true
points of doctrine, having many revelations daily, therefore
e, see 6, Hela. 10. /, Hela. 10: 5—11. g, North Amerka. h Soutk
America.
CHAP, XI.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 461
they did preach unto the people, insomuch that they did put
an end to their strife in that same year.
24. And it came to pass that in the eightieth year of the
reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, there were a
certain number of the dissenters from the people of Nephi,
"Who had some years before gone over unto the Lamanites,
and took upon themselves the name of Lamanites; and also
a certain number w^ho were real descendants of the La-
manites, being stirred up to anger by them, or by those dis-
senters, therefore they commenced a war with their
brethren.
25. And they did commit murder and plunder; and then
they would retreat back into the mountains, and into the
wilderness and secret places, hiding themselves that they could
not be discovered, receiving daily an addition to their num'
hers, inasmuch as there were dissenters that went forth unto
them;
26. And thus in time, yea, even in the space of not many
years, they became an exceeding great band of robbers ; and
they did search out all the *secret plans of Gadianton ; and
thus they became robbers of Gadianton.
27. Now behold, these robbers did make great havoc, yea,
€ven great destruction among the people of Nephi, and also
among the people of the Lamanites.
28. And it came to pass that it was expedient that there
ehould be a stop put to this work of destruction ; therefore
they sent an army of strong men into the wilderness, and
upon the ^mountains to search out this band of robbers, and
to destroy them.
29. But behold, it came to pass that in that same year,
they were driven back even into their own lands. And thus
ended tiie eightieth year of the reign of the Judges over the
I>eople of Nephi.
30. And it came to pass in the commencement of the eighty
and first year, they did go forth again against this band of
robbers, and did destroy many ; and they were also visited with
much destruction;
31. And they were again obliged to return out of the
wilderness, and out of the mountains, unto their own lands,
because of the exceeding greatness of the numbers of
those robbers who infested the mountains and the wilder-
ness.
32. And it came to pass that thus ended this year. And
the robbers did still increase and wax stronsr, insomuch that
they did defy the whole armies of the Nephites, and also of
the Lamanites; and they did cause great fear to come unto
the people, upon all the face of the land;
33. Yea, for they did visit many parts of the land, and
did do great destruction unto them ; yea, did kill many.
i. tee i. n. Nep. 10. j, ver. 25.
462 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. XII.
and did carry away others captive into the wilderness; yea,
and more especially their women and their children.
34. Now this great evil, which came unto the people because
of their iniquity, did stir them up again in remembrance of
the Lord their God.
35. And thus ended the eighty and first year of the reign
of the Judges.
36. And in the eighty and second year, they began again
to forget the Lord their God. And in the eighty and thii*d
year they began to wax strong in iniquity. And in the
eighty and fourth year, they did not mend their ways.
37. And it came to pass in the eighty and fifth year,
they did wax stronger and stronger in their pride, and in
their wickedness ; and thus they were ripening again for de-
struction.
38. And thus ended the eighty and fifty year.
CHAPTER 12.
1. And thus we can behold how false, and also the un-
steadiness of the hearts of the children of men : yea, we can
see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness, doth bless and
prosper those who put their trust in him;
2. Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth
prosper his people; yea, in the increase of their fields, their
flocks, • and their herds, and in "gold, and in silver, and in
all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing
their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their
enemies ; softening the hearts of their enemies, th&^ they
should not declare wars against them ; yea, and^ in fine,
doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people;
yea. then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and
do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet
the Holy One; yea, and this because of their ease, and their
exceeding great prosperity.
3. And thus we see, that except the Lord doth chasten
his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit
them with death, and with terror, and with famine and
with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember
him.
4. O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish,
and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are
the children of men ; yea, how quick to hearken unto the
words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain
things of the world :
5. Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how
quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity;
and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and
a. see n, i. Nep. 18.
CHAP. XU.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 463
to give ear unto his counsels ; yea, how slow to walk in
wisdom's paths !
6. Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who
hath created them, should rule and reign over them, notwith-
standing his great goodness and his mercy towards them ; they
do set at nought his counsels, and they will not that he should
be their guide.
7. O how great is the nothingness of the children of men;
yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth.
8. For behold, the dust of the earth moveth hither and
thither, to the dividing asunder, at the command of our great
and everlasting God;
9. Yea, behold at his voice doth the hills and the mountains
tremble and quake;
10. And by the power of his voice they are broken up, and
become smooth, yea, even like unto a valley ;
11. Yea, by the power of his voice doth the whole earth
shake ;
12. Yea, by the power of his voice, doth the foundations
rock, even to the very centre;
13. Yea, and if he say unto the earth. Move, it is moved;
14. Yea, if he say unto the earth, Thou shalt go back, that
it ^lengthen out the day for many hours, it is done;
15. And thus according to his word, the earth goeth back„
and it appeareth unto man that the sun standeth still ; yea,
and behold, this is so; for sure it is the earth that moveth,
and not the sun.
16. And behold, also, if he say unto the waters of the
great deep, ''Be thou dried up, it is done.
17. Behold, if he say r.nto this mountain, Be thou raised
up, and ''come over and fall upon that city, that it be buried
up, behold it is done.
18. And behold, if a man hide up a treasure in the earth,
and the Lord shall say, ^Let it be accursed, because of the
iniquity of him who hath hid it up, behold, it shall be
accursed ;
19. And if the Lord shall say, Be thou accursed, that no
man shall find thee from this time henceforth and for ever,
behold, no man getteth it henceforth and for ever.
20. And behold, if the Lord shall say unto a man, Because
of thine iniquities, thou shalt be ^accursed for ever, it shaU
be done.
21. And if the Lord shall say. Because of thme iniquities;
thou shalt be cut off *from my presence, he will cause that
it shall be so. , , „ , . ^ .
22. And wo unto him to whom he shall say this, for it
shall be unto him that will do iniquity, and he cannot be
6 Joshua 10: 12—14. it. Kinjrs 20: 8—11. Isaiah 38- 7. 8. See 2a. Aimft
30. ' c. Isaiah 44: 27. 51: 10. d, in. Nep. 8: 10. 25. 9:5. 6 8. e. ver. 19.
Hela 13- 17—23. 30—37. Mor. 1 : 17—19. 2: 10—14. Ether 14: 1, 2, /.see
k, Jacob 6. g, vera. 25. 26. See 6. i. Nep. 2.
464 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. XIU
saved ; therefore, for this cause, that men might be saved,
iiath repentance been declared.
23. Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken
unto the voice of the Lord their God ; for these are they that
■shall be saved.
24. And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men
might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they
might be restored unto grace, for grace, according to their
works.
25. And I would that all men might be saved. But we read
that in the great and last day, there are some who shall
be cast out; yea, who shall be cast off *from the presence
of the Lord;
26. Yea, who shall be consigned to a state of *endless
misery, fulfilling the words which say, They that have done
good, shall have everlasting life; and they that have done
«vil, shall have ^everlasting damnation. And thus it is.
Amen.
The Prophecy of Samuel^ the Lamanite, to the Nephitea.
CHAPTER 13.
1. And now it came to pass in the eighty and sixth year,
the Nephites did still remain in wickedness, yea, in great
wickedness, while the Lamanites did observe strictly to keep
the commandments of God, according to the "law of Moses.
2. And it came to pass that in this year, there was one
Samuel, a Lamanite, came into the ^land of Zarahemla, and
began to preach unto the people. And it came to pass that
lie did preach many days, repentance unto the people, and
they did cast him out, and he was about to return to his own
land.
3. But behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, that
he should return again, and prophesy unto the people what-
soever things should come into his heart.
4. And it came to pass that they would not suffer that
lie should enter into the city ; therefore he went and got upon
the wall thereof, and stretched forth his hand and cried with
a loud voice, and prophesied unto the people whatsoever things
th<^ Lord put into his heart;
5. And he said unto them, Behold, I, Samuel, a Lamanite,
do speak the words of the Lord which he doth put into my
lieart; and behold he hath put it into my heart to say unto
this people, that the swords of justice hangeth over this people ;
and *four hundred years passeth not away save the sword
©f justice falleth upon this people;
/•,, see g. 1, see m, Jacob 6. j, see m, Jacob 6.
#|,«Be«o, Jl. Nep. 25. b, see h, Omni 1. c, see d, i. Nep. 12.
CHAP. XIII.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 465
6. Yea, heavy destruction awaiteth this people, and it
surely cometh unto this people, and nothing- can save this peo-
ple, save it be repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ,
who surely shall come into the world, and shall suffer many
things, and shall be slain for his people.
7. And behold, an angel of the Lord hath declared it
unto me, and he did bring glad tidings to my soul. And
behold, I was sent unto you to declare it unto you also, that
ye might have glad tidings ; but behold ye *^would not receive
me;
8. Therefore thus saith the Lord, Because of the hard-
ness of the hearts of the people of the Nephites, except they
repent, I will take away my word from them, and I will
withdraw my Spirit from them, and I will suffer them no
longer, and I will turn the hearts of their brethren against
them ;
9. And ^four hundred years shall not pass away, before I
Trill cause that they shall be smitten; yea, I wiU visit them
^ith the sword and with famine, and with pestilence ;
10. Yea, I will visit them in my fierce anger, and there shall
l)e those of the fourth generation, who shall live, of your
enemies, to behold your utter destruction : and this shall surely
come, except ye repent, saith the Lord ; and those of the fourth
generation shall visit your destruction.
11. But if ye will repent and return unto the Lord your
God, I will turn away mine anger, saith the Lord; yea, thus
«aith the Lord, Blessed are they who will repent and turn unto
me, but wo unto him that repenteth not ;
12. Yea, ''wo unto this great city of Zarahemla; for behold
it is because of those who are righteous, that it is saved ; yea,
•wo unto this great city, for I perceive, saith the Lord, that
there iire many, yea, even the more part of this great city
that will harden their hearts against me, saith the Lord.
13. But blessed are they who will repent, for them will I
spare. But behold if it were not for the righteous who are in
this great city, behold I would cause that fire should come
down out of heaven, and destroy it.
14. But behold, it is for the righteous' sake, that it is
spared. But behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that
■when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then
shall ye be ripe for destruction; yea, wo be unto this great
city, because of the wickedness and abominations which are
in her;
15. Yea, and wo be nnto the ^city of Gideon, for the wick-
edness and abominations which are in her;
16. Yea, and wo be unto all the cities which are in the
land round about, which are possessed by the Nephites,
because of the wickedness and abominations which are in
them:
rf. ver. 2. e, see d, I. Nep. 12. f, iii. Nep. 8: 8. 24. 9: 3. (7. see m
Alma 2.
466 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. XIII.
17. And behold, a '^curse shall come upon the land, saith
the Lord of Hosts, because of the people's sake who are
upon the land; yea, because of their wickedness and their
abominations.
18. And it shall come to pass, saith the Lord of Hosts,
yea, our great and true God, that whoso shall hide up treasures
in the earth, shall find tbem again no more, because of the
great curse of the land, save he be a righteous man, and shali
hide it up unto the Lord ;
19. For I will, saith the Lord, that they shall hide up
their treasures unto me ; and cursed be they who hide not up
their treasures unto rne ; for none hideth up their treasures
unto me save it be the righteous ; and he that hideth not up
his treasures unto me, *cnrsed is he, and also the treasure,
and none shall redeem it because of the curse of the land.
20. And the day shall come that they shall hide up their
treasures, because they have set their hearts upon riches;
and because they have set their hearts upon their riches, I
will hide up their treasures when they shall flee before their
enemies, because they will not hide them up unto me; cursed
be they, and also their treasures; and in that day shall they
be smitten, saith the Lord.
21. Behold ye, the people of this great city, and hearken
unto my words; yea, hearken unto the words which the Lord
saith; for behold, he saith that ye are cursed because of your
riches, and also are your riches cursed because ye have
set your hearts upon them, and have not hearkened unto the
words of him w^ho gave them unto you.
22. Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things
which he hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your
riches, not to thank the Lord your God for them; yea, your
hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell
with great pride, unto boasting, and unto great swelling, envy-
ings, strifes, malice, persecutions, and murders, and all manner
of iniquities.
23. For this cause, hath the Lord God caused that a curse
should come upon the land, and also upon your riches; and this
because of your iniquities;
24. Yea, wo unto this people, because of this time which
has arrived, that ye do ^cast out the prophets, and do mock
them, and cast stones at them, and do slay them, and do all
manner of iniquity unto them, even as they did of old time.
25. And now when ye talk, ye say. If our days had been
in the days of our fathers of old, we would not have slain the
pror>hets : we would not have stoned them, and cast them out.
26. Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord
liveth, if a prophet come among you, and declareth unto you
the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and
Iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out, and seek
all manner of ways to destroy him ; yea, you will say that he
h, see e, Hela. 12. i, see e, Hela. 12. j, ver. 26. Hela. 16: 6.
CHAP. XIII.] BOCK OF HELAAIAN. 467
is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil,
because he testifieth that your deeds are evil.
27. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall
say, Do thife, and there is no iniquity ; do that and ye shall
not suffer; yea, he will say, Wnlk after the pride of your ov^n
hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do what-
soever your hearts desireth ; and if a man shall come among
you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a
prophet ;
28. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of
your substance ; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of
your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel ; and
because he speaketh flattering words unto you, land he saith
that all is well, then ye w^ill not find fault with him.
29. O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened
and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the
Lord will suffer you? yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves
to be led by foolish and blind guides? yea, how long will ye
choose darkness rather than light?
30. Yea, behold the anger of the Lord is already kindled
against you; behold, he hath '^cursed the land, because of your
iniquity ;
31. And behold the time cometh that he will curse your
riches, that they shall become ^slippery, that ye cannot hold
them; and in the days of your poverty ye cannot retain them^^
32. And in the days of your poverty ye shall cry unto' the
Lord ; and in vain shall ye cry, 'for your desolation is already
come upon you, and your destruction is made sure ; and then
shall ye weep and howl in that day, saith the Lord of Hosts.
And then shall ye lament, and say,
33. "*0 that I had repented, and had not killed the prophets,
and stoned them, and cast them out,; yea, in that day ye
shall say, O that we had remembered the Lord our God, in the
day that he gave us our riches, and then they would not have
become slippery, that we should lose them ; for behold, our
riches are gone from us.
34. Behold, we lay a tool here, and on the morrow it is
gone ; and behold, our swords are taken from us in the day
we have sought them for battle.
35. Yea, we have hid up our treasures, and they have
slipped away from us, because of the curse of the land.
36. O that we had repented in the day that the word of
the Lord came unto ns; for behold the land is cursed, and "all
things are become slippery, and we cannot hold them.
37. Behold, we are surrounded bv "demons, yea, ^-e are
encircled about by the angels of him who hath sought to
destroy our souls. Behold, our- iniquities are great. O Lord,
canst thou not turn away thine anger from us? And this
shall be your language in those days.
k, see e. Hela. 12. I, vers. 33—37. Mor. 1: 17— 19. See e, Hela. 12.
m, Mor. 2: 10—15. n, see I. o, Mor. 2: 10.
468 BOOK OF IIELAMAN. [CHAP. XTT,
38. But behold, your Mays of probation are past;, ye have
procrastinated the day of yoi.r salvation, untiU it is; everlas-t-
ingly too late, and your ^destruction is matie suir&; jea^ far
ye have sought all the days of your lives for that wMch ye
could not obtain ; and ye have sought for happiupss in doing
iniquity, which thing is '"contrary to the nataie^ oi thait rigjiit-
eousness which is in our great and eternal Head.
39. O ye people of the land, that ye would hear' my wortfe.
And I pray that the anger of the Lord be turned away from
you, and that ye would repent and be saved.
CHAPTER 14.
1. And now it came to pass that Samuel^ the Lamanite,
did prophesy a great many more things whichi cannot be
written.
2. And behold, he said unto them. Behold, I give unto
you a sign ; for ''five years more cometh, and behold, then
Cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe
on his name.
3. And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the
time of his coming ; for behold, there shall be great lights in
heaven, insomuch that in tjie night before he cometh there
shall be ^no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man
as if it was day.
4. Therefore there shall be one day and a night, and a
day, as if it were one day, and there were no night; and this
shall be unto you for a sign : for ye shall know of the rising
of the sun, nnd also of its setting; therefore they shall know
of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; never-
theless the night shall not be darkened ; and it shall be the
night before he is born.
5. And behold there shall a ^new star arise, such an one
as ye never have beheld ; and this also shall be a sign unto
you.
6. And behold this is not all, there shall be '^many signs
and wonders in heaven.
7. And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed,
and wonder, insomuch that ye shall ^fall to the earth.
8. And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe
on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life.
9. And behold, thus hath the Lord ^commanded me. by his
angel, that I should come and tell this thing unto you ; yea,
he hath commanded that I should prophesy these things unto
p, Mor. 2: 13—15. q, Mor. 2: 15. r. Alma 41 : 10—12.
a, III. Nep. 1:5— 21. 6, ver. 4. iii. Nep. 1 : 8, 13— 20. c, iii. Nep.
I: 21. d. III. Nep. 1:20 2: 1—3. e. in. Nep. 1: 16. 17. /, Hela.
U: 3, 7.
CHAP, SW..^ BOOK OF HELAMAN. 469
yoo; yea^ Ire !fealth said unto me, Cry unto this people, repent
and pr^uire ithe way of the Lord.
10. Amd TKow "because I am a Lamanite, and have spoken
unto joTi :t3be wcxrds which the Lord hath commanded me, and
because it w.a« ikai'd against you, ye are angry with me and do
seek to destroy me, and have ^cast me out from among you.
H. And ye *thall hear my words, for, for this intent I have
come up "upon the walls of this city, that ye might hear and
know of the judgments of God which do await you because
of your iTii(yni.tieB, and also that ye might know the conditions
of reijentjince.
12. And also Hiait ye might know of the coming of Jesus
Christ, the Soti 'of *God, the ^Father of heaven and of earth,
the Creator of all things, from the beginning ; and that ye
might know of tlie signs of his coming, to the intent that ye
might believe oa his name.
13. And if ye ■believe on his name, ye will repent of all
your sin^, that tiexeby ye may have a remission of them
through bis merits,
14. And behold, again another sign I give unto you ; yea,
a sign of his death;
15. For bphoM, he surely must die, that salvation may
come ; yea, it ;behovtetla him, and becometh expedient that he
dieth, to bring to pass the -^resurrection of the dead, that
thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord ;
16. Yea, behold this death bringeth to pass the resurrection,
rand redeemeth *all mankind from the first death — that spir-
itual death ; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam, being cut
f©ff from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead,
*both as to things temporal and to things spiritual.
17. But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth man-
kind, yea, even "all mankind, and bringeth them back into
the presence of the Lord ;
1^ Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance,
that whosoever reponteth. the f^ame is not he'^n down and
/cast wcito the fire ; but whosoever repenteth not, is hewn down
.and cast into the fire, and there cometh upon them "again
ja spiriiual doath, yea, a second death, for they are cut off
•*:a,gain as to things pertaining to righteousness ;
19. Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these
tli^i^'igs an(? not doing them, ye shall suffer yourselves to come
tn^te" conck^mnation, and ye are brought down unto this ^second
death-
20. But Ik^hOld. as I said unto you ^concerning another
Sign, -a sign of his death, behold, in that day that he shall
suffer .d-eath, 'the sun shall be darkened and refuse to give
hi« liglit unto >^ou ; and also the moon, and the stars ; and
g. Hf49> 13: % h, Hda. 13: 4. i, Mos. 3: 8. 15: 4. Alma 11 : 39 in
Neo. 9: 15. Ether 4: 7. ;, see d, ii. Nep. 2. k, s-r j, it. Nep. 9. 7. ppo b
and c. II, Nep. 2. m, see ^, u. Nep. 9. n, see p, Alma 12. o, see a, Alma
12. p,8mp, Alma 12. q, yer. 14. r, see i, i. Nep. 19.
i70 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. XIV.
there shall be no light upon the face of this land, even from
the time that he shall sutler death, for the space of three days,
to the time that he shall rise again from the dead ;
21. Yea, at the tiuie that he shall yield up the ghost,
there 'shall be thunderings and lightnings for the space of
many hours, and the earth shall shake and tremble, and
the 'rocks which are upon the face of this earth; which are
both above the earth and beneath, which ye know at this
time are solid, or the more part of it is one solid mass, shall
be broken up ;
22. Yea, they shall be rent in twain, and shall ever after
be "found in seams and in cracks, and in broken fragments
upon the face of the whole earth ; yea, both above the earth
and beneath.
23. And behold there shall be great "tempests, and there
shall be many mountains "^laid low, like unto a valley, and
there shall be many places, which are now called valleys,
which shall become mountains, whose height thereof is
great.
24. And many 'highways shall be broken up, and *'many
cities shall become desolate,
25. And *many graves shall be opened, and shall yield
up many of their dead; and '"many saints shall appear unto
many.
26. And behold thus hath the angel spoken unto me; for
he said unto me, that there ^"should be thunderings and light*
nings for the space of many hours :
27. And he said unto me that while the thunder and the
lightning lasted, and the tempest, that these things should
be, and that darkness should cover the face of the whole earth
for the space of '^three days.
28. And the angel said unto me, that many shall see greater
things than these, to the intent that they might believe that
these signs and these wonders should come to pass, upon all
the face of this land; to the intent that there should be no
cause for unbelief among the children of men ;
29. And this to the intent that whosoever will believe,
might be saved, and that whosoever will not believe, a
righteous judgment might come upon them; and also if they
are condemned, they bring upon themselves their own condem-
nation.
30. And now remember, remember, my brethren, that
whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whoso-
ever doeth iniquity, doeth. it unto himself; for behold, ye
ere '"free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for
s, vers. 26, 27. I. Nep. 12: 4. 19; 11. 12. in. Nep. 8: 5—7. 19. t, I.
Nep. 12: 4. 19: 12. in. Nep. 8: 18. 10:9. u, in. Nep. 8: 18. v, i. Nep.
19:11. III. Nep. 8: 6, 12, 19. 10:14. w, i. Nep. 12: 4. 19:11. in. Nep.
8: 10—19. X, III. Nep. 8: 13. y, i: Nep. 12: 4. in; Nep. 8: 8—10. 14, 24, 25.
9: 3—12. lOt 7. z, see g, Jacob 4. 2a, iv. Nep. 23: 7—13. 26, see s..
2c. see t, i. Nep. 19. 2d, see I, ii. Nep. 2.
CHAP. XV.] BOOK OP HELAMAN. 471
behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge, and he hath
made you free ;
31. He hath given unto you that ye might know good
from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose
life or death, and ye can do good and be ^^restored unto that
which is good, or have that which is good restored unto
you ; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored
unto you.
CHAPTER 15.
1. And now, my beloved brethren, behold, I declare unto
you that except ye shall repent, your "houses shall be left
unto you desolate;
2. Yea, except ye repent, your women shall have great
cause to mourn in the day that they shall give suck; for ye
ehall attempt to flee, and there shall be no place for refuge ;
yea, and wo unto them which are with child, for they shall
be heavy, and cannot flee ; therefore, they shall be trodden
down, and shall be left to perish;
3. Yea, wo unto this people who are called the people of
Nephi, except they shall repent when they shall see all these
ei^rns and wonders which shall be showed unto them ; for
behold, they have been a chosen people of the Lord ; yea,
the people of Nephi hath he loved, and also hath he chastened
them ; yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he chastened
them, because he loveth them.
4. But behold my brethren, the Lamanites hath he hated,
because their deeds have been evil continually; and this be-
cause of the iniquity of the ^tradition of their fathers. But
behold, salvation hath come unto them, through the preaching
of the Nephites; and for this intent hath the Lord prolonged
their days.
5. And I would that ye should behold that the more part
of them are in the path of their duty, and they do walk
circumspectly before God, and they do observe to keep his
commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments according
to the ^law of Moses.
6. Yea, I say unto you, that the more part of them are
doing this, and they are striving with unwearied diligence, that
they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowl-
edge of the truth; therefore there are many who do add to
their numbers daily.
7. And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have
witnessed it. that as manv of them as are brought to the
knowledge of the truth, and to know of the ''wicked and
2e, Alma 41.
«, see y, Hek. 14. 6, see n, Jacob 7. c, see o, ii.'Nep. 25. d,seen,
Jacob 7
472 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. XVT,
abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe
the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets,
which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord,
and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a
change of heart unto them;
8. Therefore as many as have come to this, ye know of
yourselves, are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the
thing wherewith they have been made free.
9. And ye know also that they have ^buried their
weapons of war, and they fear to take them up, lest by any
means they should sin ; yea, ye can see that they fear to
sin ; for behold they will suffer themselves that they be trod-
den down and ^slain by their enemies, and will not lift their
swords against them ; and this because of their faith in
Christ.
10. And now because of their steadfastness when they do
believe in that thing which they do believe; for because of
their firmness when they are once enlightened, behold the
Lord shall bless them and prolong their days, notwithstanding
their iniquity ;
11. Yea, even it they should dwindle in unbelief, the Lord
shall ''prolong their days until the time shall come which
hath been spoken of by our fathers, and also by the prophet
*Zenos, and many other prophets, concerning the restoration
of our brethren, the Lamanites, again, to the knowledge ol'
the truth;
12. Yea, I say unto you, that in the latter times, the *prom-
ises of the Lord hath been extended to our brethren, the
Lamanites; and notwithstanding the many aOictions which
they shall have, and •'notwithstanding they sball be drivf-'i
to and fro upon the face of the earth, and be hunted, and
ehall be smitten and scattered abroad, having no place for
refuge, the Lord shall be merciful unto them;
13. And this is according to the prophecy, that they shall
be brought to the true knowledge, which is the knowledge of
their Redeemer, and their great and *true Shepherd, and be
numbered among his sheep.
14. Therefore I say unto you, it shall be better for them
than for you, except ye repent.
15. For behold, had the mighty works been she'v^-n unto
them which have been shewn unto you ; yea, unto them who
have dwindled in unbelief because of the traditions of their
fathers, ye can see of yourselves, that they never would again
have dwindled in unbelief;
16. Therefore, saith the Lord. I will not utterly destroy
them, but I will cause that in the dav of. my wisdom, they
shall ^return again unto me, saith the Lord.
e. Alma 24: 17—19. f. Alma 24: 21—23. g, see c, Enos 1. Also see
c, II. Nep. 27. h, see ft, I. Nep. 19. i, see c, Enos 1. ' Also see C, li. Nep.
27. ;, Mor. 5: 15. k, see 2e, Alma 5. I, see c, Enos 1. Also c, ii. Nep.
27.
CHAP. XVI.] BOOK OF HELAMAN. 473
17. And now behold, saith the Lord, concerning the people
of the Nephites, if they will not repent, and observe to do
iny will, I will "^utterly destroy them, saith the Lord, because
of their unbelief, notwithstanding the many mighty works
which I have done among them ; and as surely as the Lord
liveth, shall these things be, saith the Lord.
CHAPTER 16.
1. And now it came to pass that there were many who
heard the words of Samuel, the Lamanite, which he spake
upon the "walls of the city. And as many as believed on
his word, went forth and sought for Nephi ; and when they ,
had come forth and found him, they confessed unto him their
sins and denied not, desiring that they might be ^baptized
Tinto the Lord.
2. But as many as there were who did not believe in the
Tvords of Samuel, were angry with him; and they cast stones
at him upon the wall, and also many shot arrows at him, as
he stood upon the wall ; but the Spirit of the Lord was with
liim, insomuch that they could not hit him with their stones,
neither with their arrows.
3. Now when they saw this, that they could not hit him,
there were many more who did believe on his words, insomuch
that they went away unto Nephi to be baptized.
4. For behold, Nephi was baptizing, and prophesying, and
preaching, crying repentance unto the people; shewing signs
and wonders; working miracles among the people, that they
mie^ht know that the Christ must shortly come;
5. Telling them of things which must shortly come, that
they might know and remember at the time of their coming
that they had been made known unto them beforehand, to
the intent that they might believe; therefore as many as
believed on the words of Samuel, went forth unto him
to be baptized, for they came repenting and confessing their
sins.
6. But the more part of them did not believe in the
words of Samuel ; therefore when they saw that they could
*not hit him with their stones and their arrows, they cried
unto their captains, saying, Take this fellow and bind him,
for behold he hath a devil ; and because of the power of the
devil which is in him, we cannot hit him with our stones
and our arrows; therefore take him and bind him, anrf away
with him.
7. And as they went forth to lay their hands on him,
behold he did cast himself down from the **wall, and did flee
m, ree m. Alma 9.
a, Hela. 13: 4. 6, see u, ii. Nep. 9. c, ver. 2. d, Hela. 13: 4.
474 BOOK OF HELAMAN. [CHAP. XVI,
out of their lands, yea, even unto his own country, and
began to preach and to prophesy among his own people.
8. And behold, he was never heard of more among the
Nephites; and thus were the affairs of the people.
9. And thus ended the eighty and sixth year of the reign
of the Judges over the people of Nephi.
10. And thus ended, also, the eighty and seventh year of
the reign of the Judges, the more part of the people remaining
in their pride and wickedness, and the lesser part walking
more circumspectly before God.
11. And these were the conditions also, in the eighty and
eighth year of the reign of the Judges.
12. And there was but little alteration in the affairs of the
people, save it were the people began to be more hardened in
iniquity, and do more and more of that which was contrary to
the commandments of God, in the eighty and ninth year of
the reign of the Judges.
13. But it came to pass in the ninetieth year of the reign
of the Judges, there were great signs given untO' the people,
and wonders ; and the words of the prophets began to be
fulfilled ;
14. And *angels did appear unto men,, wise men, and did
declare unto them glad tidings of great joy ; thus in tkis year
the scriptures began to be fulfilled.
15. Nevertheless, the people began to harden their hearts,.
all save it were the most believing part of them, both of the
Nephites, and also of the Lamanites, and began to depend upon
their own strength, and upon their own wisdom, saying,
16. Some things they may have guessed right, among so
many ; but behold, we know that all these great and marvellous
works cannot come to pass, of which has been spoken.
17. And they began to reason and to contend among them-
selves, saying,
18. That it is not reasonable that such a being as a Christ
shall come ; if so, and he be the Son of God, 'the Father of
heaven and of earth, as it has been spoken, why will he not
shew himself unto us as well as unto them who shall be at
Jerusalem?
19. Yea, why will he not shew himself in this land, as well
as in the land of Jerusalem?
20. But behold, we know that this is a wicked tradition,
which has been handed down unto us by our fathers, to cause
us that we should believe in some great and marvellous thing
which should come to pass, but not among us, but in a land
which is far distant, a land which we know not; therefore
they can keep us in ignorance, for we cannot witness with
our own eyes that they are true.
21. And they will, by the cunning and the myst'^rious.
arts of the evil one, work some great mystery, which we
cannot understand, which will koep us down to be servants
e. Alma 13: 26. /, see a, Mos. iii.
CHAP. I.] III. NEPHI. '475
to their words, and also servants onto them, for we depend
upon them to teach us the word ; and thus will they keep us
in ignorance, if we will yield ourselves unto them all the days
or our lives.
22. And many more things did the people imagine up in
their hearts, which were foolish and vain; and they were
much disturbed, for Satan did stir them up to do iniquity
continually ; yea, he did go about spreading rumours and
contentions upon all the face of the land, that he might
harden the hearts of the people against that which was
good, and against that which should come ;
23. And ^notwithstanding the signs and the wonders which
were wrought among the people of the Lord, and the many
miracles which they did, Satan did get great hold upon the
hearts of the people, upon all the face of the land.
24. And thus ended the ninetieth year of the reign of the
Judsres over the peonle of Nephi.
25. And thus ended the book of Helaman, according to the
tecord of Helaman and his sons.
III. NEPHI.
THE BOOK OF NEPHI,
THE SON OF NEPHI, WHO WAS THE SON OF HELAMAN.
And Helaman was the son of Helaman, who tens the son of
Alma, who was the son of Alma, heing a descendant of
"Nephi who was the son of Lehi, who came out of Jerusa-
lem in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, the king of
Judah,
CHAPTER 1.
1. Now it came to pass that the ninety and first year
had passed away and it was **six hundred years from the
time that Lehi left JeT-nsal^m : and it was in the year that
Lachoneus was the Chief Judge and the Governor over the
land.
2. And Nephi the son of Helaman, had departed out of
the land of ^Zarahemla, giving charge unto his son Nephi,
who was his eldest son, concerning the ''plates of brasa,
and all the records which had been kept, and "all those
g, ver. 13.
a, I. Nep. 10: 4. b, see h, Omni 1. c, see a, i. Nep. 3. d. Alma 37.
4/6 III. NEPHI. [CHAP. I.
things which had been kept sacred, from the departure of
Lehi out of Jerusalem.
3. Then he departed out of the land, and ^whither he went,
no man knoweth ; and his son Nephi did keep the records in
his stead, yea, the record of this people.
4. And it came to pass that in the commencement of the
ninety and second year, behold, the prophecies of the prophets
began to be fulfilled more fully ; for there began to be ''greater
Bigns and greater miracles wrought among the people.
5. But there were some who began to say that the time was
past for the words to be fulfilled, which were ^spoken by
Samuel, the Lamanite.
6. And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying,
Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not
fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this
thing, hath been vain.
7. And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar
throughout the land ; and the people who believed, began to
be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had
been spoken might not come to pass.
8. But behold, they did watch steadfastly *for that day,
and that night, and that day, which shall be as one day, as
if there were no night, that they might know that their faith
had not been vain.
9. Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by
the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions
*should be put to death, except the ^sign should come to pass
which had been given by Samuel the prophet.
30. Now it came to pass that when Nephi, the son of
Kephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceed-
ing sorrowful.
11. And it came to pass that he went out and bowed
himself down upon the earth, and cried mightily to his God,
in behalf of his people; yea, those who were about *to be
destroyed because of their faith in the tradition of their
fathers.
12. And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the
Lord, all the day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came
unto him, saying,
13.^ Lift up your head and be of good cheer, for behold,
the time is at hand, and on 'this night shall the sign be given,
end on the morrow come I into the world, to shew unto the
world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be
spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.
14. Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things
which I have made known unto the children of men, ""from
the foundation of the world, and do the will, both of the
Father, and of the Son ; "of the Father, because of me,
e. III. Nen. 2:9. f, Hela. 16: 13, 23. g, Hela. 14: 2—7. U, Hela. 14:
8, 4. 2, vers. 11, 16. j, Hela. 14:2—7. fc. vers. 9. 16. I, ver. 8. - Hela.
14; 3, 4. m^ eee d, Mos. 4. n, see c, Mos. 15.
CHAP. I.] III. NEPHI, 477
and "of the Son, because of my flesh. And behold, the time
is at hand, and *'this night shall the sign be given.
15. And it came to pass that the* words which came unto
Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken ; for
behold ^'at the going down of the sun, there was no darkness ;
and the people began to be astonished, because there was no
darkness when the night came.
16. And there were many, who had not believed the words
of the prophets, ""fell to the earth and became as if they
were dead, for they knew that the great 'plan of destruction
which they had laid for those who believed in the words of
the prophets, had been frustrated ; for the signal which had
been given was already at hand;
17. And they began to know that the Son of God must
rhortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of
the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land
. 'north and in the land "south, were so exceedingly astonished,
that they "fell to the earth;
18. For they knew that the prophets had testified of these
things for many years, and that the sign which had been
given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of
their iniquity and their unbelief.
19. And it came to pass that there was ^no darkness in
all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day.
And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning
again, according to its proper order ; and they knew that it
was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the
sign which had been given.
20. And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit,
according to the words of the prophets.
21. And it came to pass also, that a ^new star did appear,
according to the word.
22. And it came to pnss that from this time forth, there
began to be lyings sent forth among the people, by Satan, to
harden their hearts to the intent that they mijrht not beli^^ve
in those signs and wonders which they had seen ; but notwith-
standing these lyings and deceivings, the more part of the
people did believe, and were converted unto the Lord.
23. And it came to pass that Nephi went forth among the
p<^ople. and also many others, ''baDtizing unto repent'^nce, i^
the which, there was a great remission of sins. And thus the
people began again to have peace in the land ;
24. And there were no contentions, save it were a fe^^^
that began to preach, endeavouring to prove by ^he scrip-
tures, that it was no more expedient to observp the law of
Moses. Now in this thing they did err, having not under-
stood the scriptures.
0, see b, Mos. 3. p, Hela. 14: 3, 4. Q, Hela. 14: 3, 4. r, ver. 17. Hela.
14: 7. s, vers. 9, 11. t, North America. w, South America. V, ver. 16
Hela. 14: 7. W, Hela. 14: 3, 4. x, Hela. 14: 5. y, sec U
II. Nep. 9.
478 m. NEPHi. [chap. II.
25. But it came to pass that they soon became converted,
and were convinced of the error which they were in, for it
was made known unto them that the 'law was not yet ful-
tilled, and that it must be fultilied in every whit; yea, the
word came unto them that it must be fulfilled ; yea, that one
jot nor tittle should not pass away till it should all be ful-
filled : therefore in this same year, were they brought to a
knowledge of their error, and did confess their faults.
2(5. And thus the ninety and second year did pass away,
bringing glad tidings unto the people because of the signs which
did come to pass, according to the words of the prophecy of
all the holy prophets.
27. And it came to pass that the ninety and third year did
also pass away in peace, save it were for the ^"Gadianton
robbers, who dwelt upon the mountains, who did infest the
land; for so strong were their holds, and their secret places,
that the people could not overpower them ; therefore they
did commit many murders, and did do much slaughter among
the people.
28. And it came to pass that in the ninety and fourth year,
they began to increase in a great degree, because there were
many dissenters of the Nephites who did flee unto them, which
did cause much sorrow unto those Nephites who did remain in
the land ;
29. And there was also a cause of much sorrow among the
Lamanites ; for behold, they had many children who did grow
up and began to wax strong in years, that they became for
themselves, and were led away by some who were Zoramites,
by their lyings and their flattering words, to join those Gadian-
ton robbers;
30 And thus were the Lamanites afflicted also, and began
to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, because of the
wickedness of the rising generation.
CHAPTER 2.
1. And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety
and fifth year also, and the people began to forget "those signs
and wonders w^hich they had heard, and began to be less
and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, inso-
much that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind
in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had
heard and seen,
2. Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it
was wrought by men, and by the power of the devil, to lead
away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did
2, see 0, II. Nep. 25. 2a, Hela. 2: 11—13.
a, Hela. 14: 3-7. in. Nep. 1 : 8, 13-21.
CHAP, n.] III. NEPHI. 479
Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, inso-
much that he did blind their eyes, and lead them away to
believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain
thing.
3. And it came to pass that the people began to wax strong
in wickedness and abominations ; and they did not believe that
there should be any more signs or wonders given; and Satan
did go about, leading away the hearts of the people, tempting
them and causing them that they should do great wickedness
in the land.
4. And thus did pass away the ninety and sixth year; and
also the ninety and seventh year; and also the ninety and
eighth year ; and also the ninety and ninth year ;
5. And also, an hundred years had passed away, since the
days of ^Mosiah, who was king over the people of the Ne-
phites.
6. And six hundred and nine years had passed away, since
Lehi left Jerusalem;
7. And nine years had passed away, from the time when the
*sign was given, which was spoken of by the prophets, that
Christ should come into the world.
8. Now the Nephites began to ^reckon their time from
this period when the sign was given, or from the coming of
Christ: therefore, nine years had passed away,
9. And Nephi, who was the father of Nephi, who had the
charge of the records, *did not return to the land of ''Zara-
bemla, and could no where be found in all the land.
10. And it came to pass that the people did still remain
in wickedness, notwithstanding the much preaching and
prophesying w^hich was sent among them; and thus passed
away the tenth year also; and the eleventh year also passed
away in iniquity.
11. And it came to pass in the thirteenth year, there
began to be wars and contentions throughout all the land;
for the ^Gadianton robbers had become so numerous, and did
islay so many of the people, and did lay waste so many cities,
and did spread so much death and carnage throughout the
land, that it became expedient that all the people, both the
Nephites, and the Lamanites, should take up arms against
them ;
12. Therefore all the Lamanites who had become converted
unto the Lord, did unite with their brethren, the Nephites,
and were compelled, for the safety of their lives, and their
women and their children, to take up arms against those
Oadianton robbers; yea, and '^also to maintain their rights,
and their privileges of their church, and of their worship,
and their freedom, and their liberty.
13. And it came to pass that before this thirter^th year
had passed away, the Nephites were threatened with utter
6, Mos. 29: 46, 47. c, see a. d, ver. 7. e, in. Nep. 1: 2, 3. f, see K
Omni 1. 9, Hela. 2: 11—13. h, see m, Mos. 29.
480 III. NEPHI. [chap. III.
destruction, because of this war, which had become exceeding
sore.
34. And it came to pass that those Lamanites who had
united with the Nephites, were numbered among the
Nephites ;
15. And *their curse was taken from them, and their skin
became ^ white like unto the Nephites;
16. And their young men and their daughters became
exceeding fair, and they were numbered among the Nephites,
and were called Nephites. And thus ended the thirteenth
year.
17. And it came to pass in the commencement of the four-
teenth year, the war between the ^'robbers and the people of
Nephi did continue, and did become exceeding sore ; never-
theless, the people of Nephi did gain some advantage of the
robbers, insomuch, that they did drive them back out of their
lands into the mountains, and into their secret places.
18. And thus ended the fourteenth year. And in the fif-
teenth year they did come forth against the people of Nephi;
and because of the wickedness of the people of Nephi, and
their many contentions and dissensions, the Gadianton robbers
did gain many advantages over them.
19. And thus ended the fifteenth year, and thus were the
people in a state of many afflictions ; and the sword of destruc-
tion did hang over them, insomuch that they were about to
be smitten down by it, and this because of their iniquity.
CHAPTER 3.
1. And now it came to pass that in the sixteenth year from
the coming of Christ, "Lachoneus, the Governor of the land/
received an epistle from the leader and the governor of this
band of robbers ; and these were the words which were written,,
saying,
2. Lachoneus, most noble and Chief Governor of the
land, behold, I write this epistle unto you, and do give unto
you exceeding great praise because of your firmness, and
also the firmness of your people, in maintaining that which
ye suppose to be your ''right and liberty ; yea, ye do stand
well, as if ye were supported by the hand of a God, in the
defence of your liberty, and your property, and your country,
or that which ye do call so.
3. And it seemeth a pity unto me. most noble Lacho-
neus, that ye should be so foolish and vain as to suppose
that ye can stand against so many brave men, who are at my
command, who do now at this time stand in their arms, and
t, see d, I. Nep. 2. ;, see /, ii. Nep. 30. k, Hela. 2: U-
a, III. Nep. 1:1. b, see m, Mos. 29.
CHAP. III.] III. NEPHI. 481
do await with great anxiety, for the word, Go down upon
the Nephites, and destroy them.
4. And I, knowing of their unconquerable spirit, having
proved them in the field of battle, and knowing of their
everlasting hatred towards you, because of the many wrongs
which ye have done unto them, therefore if they should
come down against you, they would visit you with utter
destruction ;
5. Therefore I have written this epistle, sealing it with
mine own hand, feeling for your welfare, because of your
firmness in that which ye believe to be right, and your noble
spirit in the field of battle ;
6. Therefore I write unto you desiring that ye would yield
up unto this my people, your cities, your lands, and your
possessions, rather than that they should visit you with the
sword, and that destruction should come upon you ;
7. Or in other words, yield yourselves up unto us, and
unite with us, and become acquainted with our *^secret
works, and become our brethren, that ye may be like unto
us; not our slaves, but our brethren, and partners of all our
substance.
8. And behold, I swear unto you, if ye will do this, with
an oath, ye shall not be destroyed; but if ye will not do this,
I swear unto you with an oath, that on the morrow month,
I will command that my armies shall come down against you,
and they shall not stay their hand, and shall spare not, but
shall slay you, and shall let fall the sword upon you, even
until ye shall become extinct.
9. And behold, I am Giddianhi; and I am the governor
of this the ''secret society of Gadianton; which society, and
the works thereof, I know to be good : and they are of ancient
date, and they have been handed down unto us.
10. And I write this epistle unto you, Lachoneus, and I
hope that ye will deliver up your lands, and your possessions,
without the shedding of blood, that this my people may recover
their rights and government who have dissented away from
you, because of your wickedness in retaining from them their
rights of government, and except ye do this, I will avenge their
wrongs. I am Giddianhi.
11. And now it came to pass when Lachoneus received
this epistle, he was exceedingly astonished, because of the bold-
ness of Giddianhi demanding the possession of the land of the
Nephites, and also of threatening the people and avengin?
the wrongs of those that had received no wrong, save it were
they had wronged themselves, by dissenting away unto those
wicked and abominable robbers.
12. Now behold, this Lachoneus. the Governor, was a just
man, and could not be frightened by the demands and the
threatenings of a robber: therefore he did not hearken to
the epistle of Giddianhi, the governor of the robbers, but he
c, see i, II. Nod. 10. d, see i, IT. Nep. 10,
^S2 TIT. NEPHI. [CHAP. III.
did cause that his people should cry unto the Lord for
tstrength against the time that the robbers should come down
;agamst them ;
13. Yea, he sent ^ proclamation among all the people, that
they should ^gather together their women, and their children,
their flocks and their herds, and all their substance, save it
were their land, unto one place.
14. And he caused that ''fortifications should be built
round about them, and the strength thereof should be exceed-
ing great. And he caused that there should be armies; both
of the Nephites and of the Lamanites or of all them who were
numbered among the Nephites, should be placed as guards round
about to watch them, and to guard them from the robbers,
day and night;
15. Yea, he said unto them, As the Lord liveth, except ye
a-epent of all your iniquities, and cry unto the Lord, that they
would in no wise be delivered out of the hands of those "Gadi-
anton robbers.
16. And so great and marvellous were the words and prophe-
cies of Lachoneus, that they did cause fear to come upon all
the people, and they did exert themselves in their might, to do
according to the words of Lachoneus.
17. And it came to pass that Lachoneus did appoint chief
captains over all the armies of the Nephites, to command
them at the time that the robbers should come down out of
the wilderness against them.
18. Now the chiefest among all the captains, and the great
commander of all the armies of the Nephites, was appointed,
and his name was '^Gidgiddoni.
19. Now it was the custom among all the Nephites, to ap-
point for their chief captains, save it were in their times of
•wickedness, some one that had the Spirit of revelation, and
also prophecy; therefore this Gidgiddoni was a great prophet
among them, and also was the Chief Judge.
20. Now the people said unto Gidgiddoni, Pray unto the
Lord, and let us go up upon the mountains, and into the wilder-
ness, that we may fall upon the robbers and destroy them in
their own lands.
21. But Gidgiddoni saith unto them, The Lord forbid-
for if we should go up against them, the Lord would deliver
US into their hands; therefore we will prepare ourselves in
the centre of our lands, and we will gather all our armies
together, and we will not go against them, but we will
wait till they shall come against us; therefore as the Lord
liveth, if we do this, he will deliver them into our
bands.
22. And it came to pass in the seventeenth year, in the
latter end of the year, the proclamation of *Lachonens had
gone forth throughout all the face of the land, and they had
e, vers. 22—24- f, see c. Alma 48. g, Hela. 2: 11—13. h, vers. 20 21 20l
£11. Nep. 4: 13, 24," 26. i, in. Nep. 1: 1.
CHAP. IV.] ' in. NEPHI. 483
taken their ^horses, and their '^chariots, and their cattle, and
all their flocks, and their herds, and their grain, and all
their substance, and did march fo^'th by thousands, and by
tens of thousands, until they had all gone forth to the
place which *had been appointed, that they should gather
themselves together to defend themselves against their
enemies.
23. And the lp,nd which was appointed was the "*land of
Zarahemla and the "land Bountiful ; yea, to the line which
was between the land Bountiful and the land "Desolation ;
24. And there were a great many thousand people, who
were called Nephites, who did gather themselves together in
this land. Now Lachoneus did cause that they should gather
themselves together in the land ^southward, because of the
great curse which was upon the «land northward;
25. And they did ^fortify themselves against their enemies;
and they did dwell in one land, and in one body, and they
did fear the words which had been spoken by Lachoneus, in-
somuch that they did repent of all their sins ; and they did
put up their prayers unto the Lord their God, that he would
deliver them in the time that their enemies should come down
against them to battle.
26. And they were exceeding sorrowful because of their
enemy. And ''Gidgiddoni did cause that they should make
weapons of war of 'every kind, and they should be strong
with armour, and with shields, and with bucklers, after the
manner of his instruction.
CHAPTER 4.
1. And it came to pass that in the latter end of the eight-
eenth year, those "armies of robbers had prepared for battle,
and began to come down and to sally forth from the hills, and
out of the mountains, and the wilderness, and their strongholds,
and their secret places, and began to take possession of the
lands, both which was in the land ^south, and which was
in the land *^north, and began to take nossession of all the
lands which had been *^deserted by the Nephites, and the cities
which had been left desolate.
2. But behold there were no wild beasts nor game in
those lands which had been deserted by the Nephites, and
there was no game for the robbers "save it were in the
wilderness ;
j, see m, i. Nen. 18. fc, see I, /vlma 18. I, vers. 13, 23, 24. m, see h
Omni 1. n, see 2k, Alma 22. o, see 21, Alma 22. p, South America. q. North
America, r, see c. Alma 48. s, see h. t, see 2p, Alma 43.
a. HpIa. 2: 11—13. h. South America. c, North America. d, HI. Nep. 3:
13, 14, 22—24. e. see m, i. Nep. 18.
484 III. NEPHi. ♦ [chap. IV.
3. And the robbers could not exist, save it were in the
wilderness, for the want of food; for the Nephites had left
their lands desolate, and had gathered their flocks, and
their herds, and all their substance, and they wore in ''one
body;
4. Therefore there was no chance for the robbers to
plunder and to obtain food, save it were to come up in open
battle against the Nephites; and the Nephites being in one
body, and having so great a number, and having ^reserved
for themselves provisions, and *horses, and cattle, and flocks
of every kind, that they might subsist for the space of seven
years, in the which time they did hope to destroy the robbers
from off the face of the land. And thus the eighteenth year did
pass away.
5. And it came to pass that in the nineteenth year Gid-
dianhi found that it was expedient that he should go up to
battle against the Nephites, for there was no way that
they could subsist, save it were to plunder, and rob, and
murder.
6. And they durst not spread themselves upon the face
of the land, insomuch that they could raise grain, lest the
Nephites should come upon them and slay them; therefore
Giddianhi gave commandment unto his armies, that in this
year they should go up to battle against the Nephites.
7. And it came to pass that they did come up to battle;
and it was in the sixth month ; and behold, great and terrible
was the day that they did come up to battle ; and they were
girded about after the manner of robbers; and they had a
lamb-skin about their loins, and they were dyed in blood,
and their heads were shorn, and they had head-plates upon
them : and great and terrible was the appearance of the armies
of Giddianhi, because of their armour, and because of their
being dyed in blood.
8. And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites,
when they saw the appearance of the army of Giddianhi,
had all fallen to the earth, and did lift their cries to the
Lord their God, that he would spare them, and deliver them out
of the hands of their enemies.
9. And it came to pass that when the armies of Giddianhi
saw this, they began to shout with a loud voice, because of
their joy, for they had supposed that the Nephites had fallen
with fear, because of the terror of their armies;
10. But in this thing they were disappointed, for the Ne-
phites did not fear them, but they did fear their God, and
did supplicate him for protection ; therefore when the armies
of Giddianhi did rush upon them, they were prepared to
meet them ; yea, in the strength of the Lord they did receive
them.
11. And the battle commenced in this the sixth month;
/, see d, 9, vers. 16—18. h, see m, i. Nep. 18.
CHAP. IV.] III. NEPHI. 485
and great and terrible was the battle thereof, yea, great
and terrible was the slaughter thereof, insomuch that there
never was known so great a slaughter among all the people
of Lehi since he left Jerusalem.
12. And notwithstanding the *threatenings and the oaths
which Giddianhi had made, behold, the Nephites did beat
them, insomuch that they did fall back from before them.
13. And it came to pass that ^Gidgiddoni commanded
that his armies should pursue them as far as the borders of
the wilderness, and that they should not spare any that
should fall into their hands by the way; and thus they did
pursue them, and did slay them, to the borders or
the wilderness, even until they had fulfilled the commandment
of Gidgiddoni.
14. And it came to pass that Giddianhi, who had stood
and fought with boldness, was pursued as he fled; and being
weary because of his much fighting, he was overtaken and
slain. And thus was the end of Giddianhi the robber.
15. And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites
did return again to their place of security. And it came
to pass that this nineteenth year did pass away, and the
robbers did not come again to battle ; neither did they come
again in the twentieth year;
10. And in the twenty and first year they did not come
up to battle, but they came up on all sides to lay siege round
about the people of Nephi ; for they did suppose that if they
should cut off the people of Nephi from their lands, and
should hem them in on every side, and if they should cut
them off from all Iheir outward privileges, that they could
cause them to yield themselves up according to their wishes.
17. Now they had appointed unto themselves another
leader, whose name was Zemnarihah; therefore it was
Zemnarihah that did cause that this siege should take
place.
18. But behold, this was an advantage to the Nephites; for
it was impossible for the robbers to lay siege sufficiently long
to have any effect upon the Nephites, because of *their much
provision which they had laid up in store.
19. Because of the scantiness of provisions among the
robbers; for behold, they had nothing save it were meat
for their subsistence, which meat they did obtain in the
wilderness.
20. And it came to pass that the wild game became scarce
In the wilderness, insomuch that the robbers were about to
perish with hunger.
21. And the Nephites were continually marching out by day
jind by night, and falling upon their armies, and cutting them
off by thousands and by tens of thousands.
22. And thus it became the desire of the people of Zem-
narihah to withdraw from their design, because of the
i, III. Nep. 3: 4—10. j. see h, iii. Nep. 3. k, ver. 4.
486 III. NEPH' [chap. IV.
great destruction which came upon them by night and by
day.
23. And it came to pass that Zemnarihah did give com-
mand unto the people that they should withdraw themselves
from the siege, and march into the furthermost parts of the
land 'northward.
24. And now, Gidgiddoni being aware of their design, and
knowing of their weakness because of the want of food, and
the great slaughter which had been made among thein, there-
fore he did send out his armies in the night time, and did
cut ol; the way of their retreat, and did place his armies in
the way of their retreat ;
25. And this did they do in tha night time, and got on
their march beyond the robbers, so that on the morrow, when
the robbers began their march, they were met by the armies
of the Nephites, both in their front and in their rear.
2t). And the robbers who were on the south were also
cut off in their places of retreat. And all these things were
done by command of Gidgiddoni.
27. And there were many thousands who did yield them-
selves up prisoners unto the Nephites, and the remainder of
them Vv^ere slain;
28. And their leader, Zemnarihah, was taken and hanged
upon a tree, yea, even upon the top thereof until he was
dead. And when they had hanged him until he was dead,
they did fall the tree to the earth, and did cry with a loud
voice, saying,
29. May the Lord preserve his people in righteousness and
in holiness of heart, that they may cause to be fell to the
earth all who shall seek to slay them because of power
and ""secret combinations, even as this man hath been fell to
the earth.
30. And they did rejoice and cry again with one voice,
saying, May the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and
the God of Jacob, protect this people in righteousness, so
long as they shall call on the name of their God for pro-
tection.
31. And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as
one, in singing, and praising their God for the great thing
which he had done for them, in preserving -them from falling
into the hands of their enemies;
32. Yea, they did cry, Hosanna to the Most High God;
and they did cry, Blessed be the name of the Lord God Al-
mighty, the Most High God.
33. And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the
gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of
God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies ;
and they knew it v/as because of their repentance and their
humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting
destruction.
Z, North America. m, see i, ii. Nep. 10.
CHAP, v.] ni. NEPHI. *87
CHAPTER 5.
1. And now behold there was not a living soul among all
the people of the Nephites, who did doubt in the least cbe-
words of all the holy prophets who had spoken; for they
knew that it must needs be that they must be fulfilled;
2. And they knew that it must be expedient that Christ
had come, because of the many signs which had been given,
according to the words of the prophets, and because of the^
things which had come to pass already, they knew that it
must needs be that ail things should come to pass according-
to that which had been spoken ;
3. Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their
abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with
all diligence day and night.
4. And now it came to pass that when they had taken all
the robbers prisoners, insomuch that none did escape who
were not slain, they did cast their prisoners into prison, and
did cause the word of God to be preached unto them; and as
many as would repent of their sins and enter into a covenant
that they would murder no more, were set at liberty;
5. But as many as there were who did not enter into a cove-
nant, and who did still continue to have those "secret murders
in their hearts ; yea, as many as were found breathing out
threatenings against their brethren, were condemned and pun-
ished according to the law.
6. And thus they did put an end to all those wicked, and
secret, and abominable combinations, in the which there was
' so much wickedness, and so many murders committed.
7. And thus had the twenty and second year passed away,
and the twenty and third year also, and the twenty and fourth,
and the twenty and fifth; and thus had ^twenty and five?
years passed away,
8. And there had many things transpired which, in tho
eyes of some, would be great and marvellous; nevertheless,,
they cannot all be written in this book; yea, ''this book can-
not contain even^ a hundredth part of what was done among-
so many people, in the space of twenty and five years;
9. But behold there are '^records which do contain all the-
proceedings of this people ; and a more short but a true account
was given by Nephi ;
10. Therefore I have made my record of these things accord-
ing to the ^record of Nephi, which was engraven on the plates?,
which were called the 'plates of Nephi.
11. And behold T do make the record on ''plates which I
have made with mine own hands.
a, see i, IT. Nep. 10. b. tit. Nep. 2: 8. c, vers. 10. 11. Words of Mor,
1:5—7, 9. Hela. 3: 14. d, Hela. 3: 13. 15, 16. e, Hela. 2: 14. f see f,
I. Nep. 1. g, vers. 14—18. Words of Mor. 1: 1 -11. Hela. 3 ; 13—17. ' Mo*
l?l. 3:16—22. 5:9,12,13. 7:8—10. 8:5.12—16.
488 III. NEPHi. [chap. v.
12. And behold, I am called the Mormon, being called after
the "land of Mormon, the land in which *Alma did estab-
lish the church among the people ; yea, the first church
which was established among them after their transgres-
sion.
13. Behold I am a ^disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
I have been called of him to declare his word among his people,
that they might have everlasting life.
14. And it hath become expedient that I, according to the
will of God, that the prayers of those who have gone hence,
who were the holy ones, should be fulfilled according to their
faith, should make a record of these things which have been
done;
15. Yea, a *small record of that which hath taken place
from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem, even down until the
present time ;
16. Therefore I do make my record from the accounts which
liave been given by those who were before me, until the com-
mencement of my day ;
17. And then I do make a ^record of the things which I
liave seen with mine own eyes.
18. And I know tbe record which I make to be a just and
a, true record ; nevertheless there are many things which, ac-
cording to our language, we are not able to write.
19. And now I make an end of my saying, which is of
myself, and proceed to give my account of the things which
liave been before me.
20. I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi. I have
reason to bless my God and my Saviour Jesus Christ, that he
brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem, (and no one
inew it save it were himself and those whom he brought out
of that land,) and that he hath given me and my people so
iQuch know^ledge unto the salvation of our souls.
21. Surely ' he hath blessed the house of Jacob, and hath
been merciful unto the seed of Joseph.
22. And "^insomuch as the children of Lehi have kept his
commandments, he hath blessed them and prospered them ac-
cording to his word;
28. Yea. and surely shall he again bring a "remnant of the
seed of Joseph to the knowledge of the Lord their God;
24. And surely as the Lord liveth will he gather in from
the four quarters of the earth, "all the remnant of the seed
of Jacob, who are scattered abroad upon all the face of the
«arth ;
25. And as he hath covenanted with all the house of
Jacob, even so shall the covenant wherewith he hath cove-
nanted with the house of Jacob, be fulfilled in his own due
time, unto the restoring all the house of .Jacob unto the
h, see h, Mos. 18. i, Mos. 18. j, Probably one of the successors of the
Twelve Disciples among the Nephites. k, see g. I, Mor. 1 — 7. m, see h, ii.
Hep. 1. n, see ff, ii. Nep. 3. o, see e, i. Nep. 15.
CHAP. VI.] III. NEPHI. 489^
knowledge of tne covenant that he hath covenanted with,
them;
26. And then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus
Christ, the Son of God; and then shall they be gathered
in from the four quarters of the earth, unto their own lands,
from whence they have been dispersed; yea, as the Lord livethn
so shall it be. Amen.
CHAPTER 6.
1. And now it came to pass that the people of the Ne-
phites did all return to their own lands, in the twenty and
sixth year, every man, with his family, his flocks and his-
herds, his "horses and his cattle, and all things whatsoever
did belong unto them.
2. And it came to pass that they had not eaten up all
their provisions ; therefore they did take with them all that;
they had not devoured, of all their grain of every kind, and
♦their gold, and their silver, and all their precious things, and
they did return to their own lands and their possessions, both,
on the north and on the south, both on the ^land northward
and on the ''land southward.
3. And they granted unto those robbers who had ''entered
into a covenant to keep the peace, of the band who were de-
sirous to remain Lamanites, lands, according to their num-
bers, that they might have, with their labors, wherewith ta
subsist upon ; and thus they did establish peace in all the
land.
4. And they began again to prosper and to wax great; and
the twenty and sixth and seventh years passed away, and there
was great order in the land ; and they had formed their law"&
according to equity and justice.
5. And now there was nothing in all the land, to hinder
the people from prospering continually, except they should fall
into transgression.
6. And now it was ^Gidgiddoni, and the Mudge Lachoneus,.
and those who had been appointed leaders, who had established
this great peace in the land.
7. And it came to pass th^t there were many cities built
anew, and there were many old cities repaired ;
8. And there were ^many highways cast up, and many roads
made, which led from city to city, and from land to land, and
from place to place.
9. And thus passed away the twenty and eighth year, and
th'^ neonle hnd continual peace.
10. But it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year, there
a, see m, i. Nep. 18. 6, North America. c, Scuth America. a. III. Nep.
5: 4. e, see h, iii. Nep. 3. /, iii.*Nep. 1:1. 3: 1. g, Hela. 14: 24. iii.
Nep. 8: 13.
490 III. NEPHI. [CHAP. VI.
began to be some disputings among the people; and some
were lifted up into pride and boastings, because of their ex-
ceeding great riches, yea, even unto great persecutions ;
11. For there were manj^ ''merchants in the land, and also
many * lawyers, and many officers.
12. And the people began to be distinguished by ranks; ac-
cording to their riches, and their chances for learning ; yea,
some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did
receive great learning because of their riches;
13. Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceeding
Lumble ; some did return railing for railing, while others would
receive railing and persecution, and all manner of afflictions,
and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and
penUent before God;
14. And thus there became a great inequality in all the
land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up ; yea,
iuoomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken
up in all the land, save it were among a few of the Lamanites,
who were converted unto the true faith ; and they would not
depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and im-
moveable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments
of the Lord.
15. Now the cause of this iniquity of the people, w^as this,
Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people
to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with
pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and
riches, and the vain things of the world.
16. And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people,
to do all manner of iniquity : therefore they had not enjoyed
peace but a few years.
17. And thus in the commencement of the -^thirtieth year,
the people having been delivered up for the space of a long
time to be carried about by the temptations of the devil
whithersoever he desired to carry them, and to do whatso-
ever iniquity he desired they should ; and thus in the com-
mencement of this, the thirtieth year, they were in a state
of awful wickedness.
18. Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will
of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them ;
therefore they did wilfully rebel against God.
19. And now it was in the days of Lachoneus, the son of
^Lachoneus, for Lachoneus did fill the seat of his father and
did govern the people that yeSr.
20. And there began to be men inspired from heaven, and
sent forth standing among the people in all the land, preach-
ing and testifying boldly of the sins and iniquities of the
ppople, and testifying unto them concerning the redemption
which the Lord would make for his people ; or in other
k, Hela. 6: 8. i. vers. 21. 22, 27. Alma 10: 14, 15, 17, 27, 32. 14: 5. 18,
23, 27. j. III. Nep. 2: 8. k, in. Nep. 1: 1.
CHAP. VI.] ni. NEPHI. 491
words, the resurrection of Christ ; and they did testify boldly
of his death and sutterings.
21. Now there were many of the people who were ex-
ceeding angry, because of those who testified of these things;
and those who were angry, were chietiy the Chief Judges,
and they who had been 'High Priests and *"lawyers; yea,
all those who were lawyers, were angry with those who testi-
iied of these things.
22. Now there wag no '^lawyer, nor Judge, nor "High
Priest, that could have power to condemn any one to death,
save their condemnation was signed by the ^Governor of the
Sand.- 1
23. Now there were many of those who testified of the
things pertaining to Christ, who testified boldly, who were
taken and put to death secretly by the Judges, that the
knowledge of their death came not unto the ^Governor of the
land, until after their death.
24. Now behold, this was contrary to the laws of the land,
that any man should be put to death, except they had power
from the Governor of the land ;
25. Therefore a complaint came up unto the land of ""Zara-
hemla, to the Governor of the land, against these Judges who
had condemned the prophets of the Lord unto death, not ac-
cording to the law.
26. Now it came to pass that they were taken and brought
--p before the Judge, to be judged of the crime which they
had done, according to the law which had been given by the
•people.
27. Now it came to pass that those Judges had many friends
and kindreds : and the remainder, yea, even almost all the
'lawyers and the "High Priests, did gather themselves together,
and unite with the kindreds of those Judges who were to be
tried according to the law;
28. And they did enter into a covenant one with another,
yea, even into that covenant which was given by them of old,
which covenant w^as given and administered by the devil, to
combine against all righteousness ;
29. Therefore they did combine against the people of the
Lord, and enter into a covenant to destroy them, and ta
deliver those who were guilty of murder from the grasp of
justice, which was about to be administered according to the
law.
30. And they did set at defiance the law and the rights
of their country; and they did covenant one with another,
td destroy the Governor, and to establish a king over the
land, that the land should no more be at ^liberty, but should
be subject unto kings.
I, see g, Mo8. 26. m, see i. n, see i. o, see g, Mos. 26. p, ver. 19.
q, ver. 19. r, see h, Omni 1. s, see e, Mos. 29. t, see i. u, see g Mos. 26.
V, see m, Mos. 20.
492 III. NEPHi. [chap. vn.
CHAPTER 7.
1. Now, behold, I will shew unto you that they did not
establish a king over the land ; but in this same year, yea,
the thirtieth year, they did destroy upon the judgment seat,
yea, did murder the Chief Judge of the land.
2. And the people were divided one against another; and
tney did separate one from another, into tribes, every man
according to his family, and his kindred, and friends ; and
thus they did destroy the government of the land.
8. And every tribe did appoint a chief, or a leader over
them ; and thus they became tribes and leaders of tribes.
4. Now behold, there was no man among them, savo he
had much family and many kindreds and friends ; therefore
their tribes became exceeding great.
5. Now all this was done and there were no wars as yet
among them ; and all this iniquity had come upon the peo-
ple, because they did yield themselves unto the power of
Satan ;
6. And the regulations of the government were destroyed,
because of the "secret combination of the friends and kindreds
of those who murdered the prophets.
7. And they did cause a great contention in the land, inso-
much that the more righteous part of the people had nearly all
become wicked ; yea, there were but few righteous men among
them.
8. And thus *'six years had not passed away, since the
more part of the people had turned from their righteousness,
like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing
in the mire.
9. Now this "secret combination which had brought so great
iniquity upon the people, did gather themselves together,
and did place at their head, a man whom they did call
Jacob ;
10. And they did call him their king; therefore he be-
came a king over this wicked band ; and ho was one of the
chiefest who had given his voice against the prophets who
testified of Jesus.
11. And it came to pass that they were not so strong in
number as the tribes of the people who were united together,
save it were their leaders did establish their laws, every one
according to his tribe ; nevertheless they were enemies, not-
withstanding they were not a righteous people; yet they
were united in the hatred of those who had entered into a.
covenant to destrov the governrppnt ;
12. Therefore Jacob seeing that their enemies were more
numerous than thev, he being the king of the band, there-
f'^^e he comr^anded his people that thev should take their
flight into the northernmost part of the land, and there
a, see i, II. Nep. 10. 6, iii. Nep. 5: 7. c, see i, ii. Xep. 10.
CHAP. VII.] III. NEPHI. 493
build up unto themselves a kingdom, until they were joined
by dissenters, (for he flattered them that there would be
many dissenters,) and they become sufficiently strong to con-
tend with the tribes of the people, and they did so ;
13. And so speedy was their march, that it could not be
impeded, until they had gone forth out of the reach of the
people. And thus ended the thirtieth year: and thus w^ere the
affairs of the people of Nephi.
14. And it came to pass in the thirty and first year,,
that they were divided into tribes, every man according to
liis fauaily, kindred and friendy ; nevertheless they had come
. to an agreement that they would not go to war one with
another; but they were not united as to their laws, and their
manner of government, for they were established according
to the minds of those who were their chiefs and their leaders.
But they did establish very strict laws that one tribe should
not trespass against another, insomuch that in some degree
they had peace in the land ; nevertheless, their hearts were
turned from the Lord their God, and they did ^stone the
prophets, and did cast them out from among them.
15. And it came to pass that Nephi, having been visited
by angels, and also the voice of the Lord, therefore having
seen angels, and being eye witness, and having had power
given unto him that he might know concerning the ministry-
of Christ, and also being eye witness to their ^quick return
from righteousness unto their wickedness and abomina-
tions ;
10. Therefore, being grieved for the hardness of their
hearts, and the blindness of their minds, went forth among
them in that same year, and began to testify boldly, repent-
ance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus
Christ.
17. And he did minister many things unto them; and all
of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not
suffice; therefore they are not written in this book. And
Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.
18. And it came to pass that they were angry with him,
€ven because he had greater power than they, for it were not
possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was
iis faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, that ^angels did minister
unto him daily :
19. And in the name of Jesus did he cast out devils and,
unclean spirits; and even his ^brother did h^^ raise from the
dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the
people ;
20. And the people saw it, and did witness of it, and
were angry with him. because of his power: and he did also
do many inore miracles, in the sight of the people, in the
name of Jesus.
d, ver. 19. iii. Nep. 6: 23—25. e, ver. 8. f, ver. 15. g, iii. Nep;
19:4.
494 III. NEPHi. [chap. vm.
21. And it came to pass that the thirty aod first year
did pass away, and there were but few who were converted
unto the Lord ; but as many as were converted, did truly
signify unto the people that they had been visited by the
power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ, in
whom they believed.
22. And as many as had "devils cast out from them, and
were healed of their sicknesses and their iniirmities, did
truly manifest unto the people that they had been wrought
upon by the Spirit of God, and had been healed ; and they
did shew forth signs also, and did do some miracles among
the people.
28. Thus passed away the thirty and second year also. And
Nephi did cry ujito the people in the commencement of the
thirty and third year ; and he did preach unto them repentance
and remission of sins.
24. Now I would have you to remember also, that there
were none who were brought unto repentance, who were not
^baptized with water;
25. Therefore there were ordained of Nephi, men unto this
ministry, that all such as should come unto them, should be
baptized with water, and this as a witness and a testimony
before God, and unto the people, that they had repented and
received a remission of their sins.
26. And there were many in the commencement of this
year, that were ^baptized unto repentance; and thus the more
part of the year did pass away.
CHAPTER 8.
1. And now it came to pass that according to our record,
and we know our record to be true, for behold, it was a "just
man who did keep the record ; for he truly did *many miracles
in the name of Jesus; and there was not any man who could
do a miracle in the name of Jesus, save he were cleansed
every whit from his iniquity.
2. And now it came to pass, if there was no mistake mad'^
by this man in the reckoning of our time, the "thirty and tliir :
year had passed away,
3. And the people began to look with great earnestness
for the sign which had been given by the prophet Samuel.
the Lamanite ; yea, for the time that there should be ''dark-
ness for the space of three days over the face of the land.
4. And there began to be great doubtings and disputa-
h, ver. 19. i, see u, ii. Nep. 9. j, see u, ii. Nep. 9.
a. III. Nep. 23: 7, 12. 6, in. Nep. 7: 19, 20. c. in. Nep. 2: 8. d, ▼er. 23.
I. Nep. 19; 10. Hela. 14; 20, 27. in. Nep. 10: 9.
CHAP. VIII.] III. NEPHI. 495
tions among the people, notwithstanding so many signs had
been given.
5. And it came to pass in the ^thirty and fourth year, in
the first month, in the fourth day of the month, there arose
a great storm, such an one as never had been know^n in all
the land ;
6. And there was also a ^great and terrible tempest ; and
there was ^terrible thunder, insomuch, that it did shake the
whole earth as if it was about to divide asunder;
7. And there were exceeding ''sharp lightnings, such as
never had been known in all the land.
8. And the *city of Zarahemla did take fire;
9. And the^^city of Moroni did sink into the depths of the
sea, and the inhabitants thereof were drowned;
10. And the earth was carried up upon the '^city of Mo-
ronihah, that in the place of the city thereof, there became a
great mountain;
11. And there was a great and terrible destruction in the
land 'southward.
12. But behold, there was a more great and terrible de-
struction in the land *"northward : for behold, the whole face
of the land was changed, because of the "tempest, and the
''whirlwinds, and the ^thunderings, and the ^lightnings, and
the exceeding great quaking of the whole earth;
13. And the '"highways were broken up, and the level roads
were spoiled, and many smooth places ''became rough,
14. And many great and notable cities were *sunk, and
many were "burned, and many were shook till the buildings
thereof had ^'fallen to the earth, and the inhabitants thereof
were slain, and the places were left desolate ;
15. And there were some cities which remained ; but the
damage thereof was exceeding great, and there were many
in them who were slain ;
16. And there were some who were carried away in the
"'whirlwind ; and whither they went, no man knoweth, save
they know that they were carried away ;
17. And thus the face of the whole earth became deformed,,
because of the ^tempests, and the *'thunderings, and the
*^lightnings, and the quaking of the earth.
18. And behold, the ^''ro<"ks were r^nt in twain; thev were
broken up unon the f^<^e of the whole earth, insomuch, that
they were found in ^''broken fragments, and in seams, and
n cracks, upon all the face of the land.
19. And it came to pass that when the '''thunderings„
e, TIT. Nep. 2: 8. f, see v, Hela. 14. (j, see S, Hela. 14. h, see k. r.
Nfp. 19. t, see h, ©mni 1. j, see k. Alma 50. fc, ver. 25. Hela. 12: 17.
III. Nep. 9:5. I, South America. m. North America. n, see v, Hela. 14.
0, ver. 16. m. Nep. 10: '3, 14. p, see $, Hela. 14. q, see k, i. Nep. 19'.
y. see g, in. Nep. 6. s, i. Nep. 12: 4. t, i. Nep. 12: 4. u, i. Nen. 12: 4.
IP, I. Nep. 12:4. w, ver. 12. x, see v, Hela. 14. y, see .<?, Hela. 14.
Z see fc, I. Nep. 19. 2a, see t, Hela. 14. 26, Hela. 14: 22. 2c, see s, Hela. 14,
496 III. NEPHL [chap. IX.
and the *'*lightnings, and the ^^storm, and the ^^tempest,
and the quakings of the earth did cease — for behold, they
did last for about the space of ^^three hours ; and it was said
by some that the time was greater ; nevertheless, all these
great and terrible things were done in about the space of
three hours ; and ^''then behold, there was darkness upon the
iace of the land.
20. And it came to pass that there was thick darkness
upon all the face of the land, insomuch, that the inhabitants
thereof who had not fallen, could ^*feel the vapour of dark-
ness ;
21. And there could be no light, because of the darkness;
neither candles, neither torches ; neither could there be fire
iindled with their fine and exceeding dry wood, so that there
-could not be any light at all ;
22. And there w^as not any light seen, neither fire, nor glim-
mer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so
great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face
of the land.
23. And it came to pass that it did last for the space of
*Hhree days, that there was no light seen; and there was great
mourning, and howling, and weeping among all the people
continually ; yea, great were the groanings of the people, be-
cause of the darkness and the great destruction which had
come upon them.
24. And in one place they were heard to cry, saying, O
that w^e had repented before this great and terrible day, and
then would our brethren have been spared, and they would
not have been ^''burned in that great city Zarahemla.
25. And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn,
saying, O that we had repented before this great and terrible
day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast
them out : then w^ould our mothers and our fair daughters, and
our children have been spared, and not have been buried up
in that great *'city Moronihah ; and thus were the bowlings
of the people great and terrible.
CHAPTER 9.
1. And it came to pass that there was a '^voice heard among
'All the inhabitants of the earth, upon all the face of this land,
crying,
2. Wo, w^o, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitaAts
of the whole earth, except they shall repent, for ^the devil
2d, see k, I. Nep. 19. 2e, ver. 5. 2f, see v, Hela. 14. ^ 2g, the time of
the crucifixion. 2h, darkness commenced when Jesus expired. 2i, vers. 3, 22, 23.
I. Nep. 12: 5. 19: 11. Hela. 14: 20, 27. iii. Nep. 10: 9. 2j, see i, i. Nep.
19. 2k, ver. 8. Hela. 13: 12—14. 21, see k,
a, I. Nep. 19: 11.*
CHAP. IX.] III. N3PHI. 497
laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the
fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of
their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen.
3. Behold that "great city Zarahemla have I ''burned with
fire, and the inhabitants thereof.
4. And behold, that great "city Moroni have I caused to
be *sunk in the depths of the sea, and the inhabitants thereof
to be drowned.
5. And behold, that great ^city Moronihah have I covered
with earth, and the .inhabitants thereof, to hide their iniquities
and their abomiliations from before my face, that the blood
of the prophets and the saints shall not come any more unto
me against them.
6. And behold, the city of Gilgal have I caused to be sunk,
and the inhabitants thereof to be buried up in the depths of
the earth ;
7. Yea, and the city of Onihah, and the inhabitants thereof,
and the city of Mocum, and the inhabitants thereof, and the
^city of Jerusalem, and the inhabitants thereof, and waters
have I caused to come up in the stead thereof, to hide their
wickedness and abominations from before my face, that the
blood of the prophets and the saints shall not come up any
more unto me against them.
8. And behold, the city of Gadiandi, and the city of Gadiom-
nah, and the city of Jacob, and the city of Gimgimno, all these
have I caused to be sunk, and made ''hills and valleys in
the places thereof, and the inhabitants thereof have I buried
np in the depths of the earth, to hide their wickedness and
abominations from before my face, that the blood of the
prophets and the saints should not come up any more unto
me against them.
9. And behold, that great city Jacobugath, which was
inhabited by the people of the king of Jacob, have I caused
to be *burned with fire, because of their sins and their
wickedness, which was above all the wickedness of the whole
earth, because of their ^secret murders and combinations ;
for it was they that did destroy the *peace of my people
and the government of the land : therefore I did cause them
to be burned, to destroy thpm from before my f?;ce, that the
'blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up unto
me any more against them.
10; And behold the city of Laman, and the city of
Josh, and the city of Gad, and the city of Kishkumen,
have I caused to be "*burned with fire, and the inhabitants
thereof, because of their wickedness \n casting out the
prophets, and stoning those whom I did send to declare
6, see h, Omni 1. C, ill. Nep. 8: 8. d. see fc, Alma 50. c, ill. Nep.
?:9. /, see fc, ni. Nep. 8. g, see 6, Alma 21. h, i. Nep. 19: 11. Hela
12:17. 14:23. iii. Nep. 8: 10. 10:13,14. i. ver. 10. i. Nep. 12: 4.
III. Nep. 8: 14 j, see i, ii. Nep. 10. k ni. Nep. 7:9—13. I, ill. Nep. 6:
23—25- 7: 10. m, see 1
498 in. NEPHL [chap. ix.
urto them concerning their wickedness and their abomina-
tions ;
11. And because they did cast theui ail out, that there
were none righteous among .hem, I did send down "fire and
destroy them, that their wioliedness and abominations might
be hid from before my face, that the blood of the prophets
and the saints whom I sent among them, might not cry unto
me from the ground against them ;
12. And many great destructions have I caused to come
upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wicked-
ness and their abominations.
13. O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous
tlian they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your
sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?
14. Yea, verily I say unt^ you, if ye will come unto me
ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is
extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I
receive ; and blessed are those who come unto me.
15. Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I "created
the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are.
I was with the Father from the beginning. ^^I am in the
Father, and the Father in me; and «in me hath the Father
glorified his name.
16. I came unto 'my own, and my own received me not.
And the scriptures "concerning my coming are fulfilled.
17. And as many as have received me, to them have I 'given
to become the Sons of G^; and even so will I to as many as
shall believe on my name, for behold, by me "redemption
cometh, and ''in me is the law of Moses fulfilled.
18. I "'am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha
and Omega, the beginning and the end.
19. And ye shall offer up unto me *no more the shedding of
blood ; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be
done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your
burnt offerings;
20. And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken
heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me
with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I bap-
tize "with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Laman-
ites, because of their faith in me at the time of *their conver-
sion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and
they knew it not.
n, see i. o, Mos. 3: 8. 4: 2. See i. Hela. 14. p, iii. Nep. 11: 27.
19: 23, 2^, Ether 3: 14. q, in. Nep. 11: 7, 11. r. John 1: 11. s. III. Nep.
15: 4. 5. t, John 1: 12. u, ver. 21. ii. Nep. 31: 21. Mos. 3: 17. 4: 7, 8.
See d, Mos. 5. v, in. Nep. 15: 2—8. w, see w» Mos. 16. x, lii. Nep. 15:
2—8. y, I. Nep. 10: 17, 19, 22. 13: 37. ir. Nep. 31: 11—14. 17, 18. 32:
2—5. 33:1.2. Jacob 6: 8. 7:12. Alma 13: 28. 34:38. 36:24.
Hela. 5:45. in. Nep. 7:21. 11:35,36. 12:1,2. 15:23. 16:4,6. 18:37.
19:9, 13. 14, 20—22. 26: 17. 28: U, 18. 30: 2. IV. Nep. 1: 1, 3, 48. Mor. 1: 14.
7:10. Ether 5: 4. 12:14.23.41. Moro. 2. 3:4. 4:3. 5:2. 6:4,9.
7:32. 36. 8: 7, 9. 23, 26. 10: 4-7, 9—19. z, Hela. 5: 45. Ether 12: 14.
CHAP. X.] III. NEPHI. 499
'21. Behold, I have come unto the world to bring '"re-
demption unto the world, to save the world from sin :
22. Therefore whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a
^*little child, him will I receive: for of such is the kingdom
of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have
taken it up again ; therefore repent, and come unto me ye
ends of the earth, and be saved.
CHAPTER 10.
1. And now behold, it came to pass that all the people of
the land did "hear these sayings, and did witness of it. And
after these sayings there was silence in the land for the space
of many hours ;
2. For so great was the astonishment of the people that
they did cease lamenting and howling for the loss of their
kindred which had been slain; therefore there was silence in
all the land for the space of many hours.
3. And it came to pass that there came a voice again unto
the people, and all the people did hear, and did witness of it,
saying,
4. O ye people of these ''great cities which have fallen, who
are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel,
how oft have I gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens
under her wings, and have nourished you.
5. And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen
gathereth her chickens under her wings ; yea, O ye people of
the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the
house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have
fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen
gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.
6. O ye house of Israel whom I have "spared, how oft will I
gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if
ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.
7. But if not, O house of Israel, the places of your dwellings
shall become desolate until the *^time of the fulfilling of the
covenant to your fathers.
8. And now it came to pass that after the people had heard
these words, behold they began to weep and howl again be-
cause of the loss of their kindred and friends.
9. And it came to pass that thus did the *three days
pass away. And it was in the ^morning, and the dark-
2a, see u, 26, in. Nep. 11 : 37, 38.
a, I. Nep. 19: 11. b, ni. Nep. 8: 8—16, 24, 25. 9: 3—12. c, vers. 12;
13. III. Nep. 9: 13. d, see e. i. Nep. 15. e, see i, I. Nep. 19. f, Making
as allowance of 7^ hours for the difference of longitude between Jerusalem and the land
Bountiful, south of the Isthmus, the three days of darkness at the latter place must have
commenced and ended at 7 hours 30 minutes in the mominf?, the beeinnine of dark-
ness being the time in Bountiful when Jesus expired. III. Nep. 8: 19—23.
500 in. NEPHi. [chap. X.
ness dispersed from off the face of the land, and the earth
did cease to tremble, and the ^'rocks did cease to rend, and
the dreadful groanings did cease, and all the tumultuous noises
aid pass away,
10. And the earth did cleave together again, that it
stood, and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wail-
ing of the people who were spared alive, did cease ; and
their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations
into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ,
tiieir Redeemer.
11. And thus far were the '^scriptures fulfilled which had
been spoken by the prophets.
12. And it was the *more righteous part of the people who
were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and
stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood
of the saints, w ho were spared ;
13. And they were spared and were ^not sunk and buried
up in the earth ; and they were ''not drowned in the depths
of the sea; and they were 'not burned by fire, neither were
they fallen upon and crushed to death ; and they were not
carried away in the *"whirlwind ; neither were they over-
powered by the **vapour of smoke and of darkness.
14. And now, whoso readeth, let him understand ; he that
hath the scriptures, let him "search them, and see and behold
if all these deaths and destructions by ^fire, and by «smoke,
and by '"tempests, and by ^whirlwinds, and by the 'opening of
the earth to receive them, and all these things are not unto
the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets.
15. Behold I say unto you, yea, many have testified of
these things at the coming of Christ, and were slain because
they testified of these things ;
16. Yea, the prophet "Zenos did testify of these things, and
also "Zenock spake concerning these 'things, because they tes-
tified particularly concerning us, who are the remnant of their
seed.
17. Behold, our father Jacob also testified ^'concerning a
Temnant of the seed of Joseph. And behold, are not we a
remnant of the seed of Joseph? And these things which
testify of us, are they not written upon the Opiates of brass
which our father Lehi brought out of Jerusalem?
18. And !t came to pass that in the ending of the thirty
and fourtli year, behold, I will shew unto you that the people
of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been
icalled Lamanites, who had been spared, did have great
favours shewn unto them, and great blessings poured out
g, see U Htia. 14. h, i. Nep. 12: 4, 5. 19: 10-12. Hela. 14: 20-28.
1, ver. 13. III. Nep. 9.' 13. j, iii. Nep. 8:9. 9: 4—8. k, in. Nep. 8: 9.
h 4, 7. % HI. N^ 8: 8, 24. 9: 3. 9. 10. m, ver. 14. in. Nep. 8; 16.
fi, see 2i, 111. Nepu 8. o, see h. p, see I. q, see 2i, iii. Nep. 8. r,
see V, Hela. 14. «, see m. t, see h, in. Nep. 9. «, see h, I. Nep. 19. V,
3ee g, i. Nep. 19. iP, Alma 46: 24—26. ill. Nep. 20; 22. X, see a, X.
:^ep. 3.
CHAP. XI.] III. NEPHI. 501
upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the ascension of
Christ into heaven, he did truly manifest himself unto
them ;
19. ''Shewing his body unto them, and ministering unto
them ; and an account of his ministry shall be *given
hereafter. Therefore for this time I make an end of my
sayings.
CHAPTER 11.
Jesus Christ sheweth himself unto the ^ people of Nephi, as
the multitude were gathered together in the land Bountiful,
and did minister unto them; and on this wise did he shew
himself unto them,
1. And now it came to pass that there were a great mul-
titude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about
the **temple which was in the "land Bountiful; and they
were marvelling and wondering one with another, and were
shewing one to another the "great and marvellous change
which had taken place ;
2. And they were also conversing about this Jesus
Christ, of whom the ^'sign had been given concerning his
death.
3. And it came to pass that while they were thus con-
versing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came
out of heaven ; and they cast their eyes round about, for
they understood not the voice which they heard ; and it was
not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice ; nevertheless,
and notwithstanding it being a *small voice, it did pierce
them that did hear to the centre, insomuch , that there was
no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea,
it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts
to burn.
4. And it came to pass that again they heard the voice,
and they understood it not;
5. And again the third time they did hear the voice, and
did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards
the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards
heaven, from whence the sound came;
6. And behold the third time they did understand the voice
which they heard ; and it said unto them,
7. Behold my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in
whom I ^have glorified my name : hear ye him.
8. And it came to pass as they understood, they cast
y, see 6, I. Nep. 12. z, in. Nep. 11—30. *
a, see h, II. Nen. 5. 5, see 2k. Alma 22. C. rni Nep: 8:11— I4j d, He!«i;
U: 20-27. III. Nep. 8: 5—25. 9: 10. e, Hela. 5: 30, 31, 46, 47. f, vcr. It
II. Nep. 9: 15.
502 in. NEPHi. [chap, xl
their eyes up again towards heaven ; and behold, they saw
a "man descending out of lieaven ; and lie was clothed in a
white robe, and he came down and stood in the midst of
them, and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon
him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another,
and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel
that had appeared unto them.
9. And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand
and spake unto the people, saying,
10. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testi-
fied shall come into the world ;
11. And behold, "I am the light and the life of the world ;
and I have drunk out of that *bitter cup which the Father
liath given me, and have ^glorified the Father in taking
upon me the ^sins of the world, in the which I have
suffered the will of the Father in all things from the
beginning.
12. And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken
these words, the whole multitude fell to the earth, for they
remembered that it had been 'prophesied among them that
Christ should shew himself unto them after his ascension
into heaven.
13. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them
saying,
14. Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may "*thrust
your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints
of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know
that I am the God of Israel, and the "God of the whole
earth, and have been slain for the "sins of the world.
15. And it came to pass that the multitude went forth,
and ''thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the
prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they
did do, going forth one by one, until they had all gone forth,
find did see with their eyes, and did feel with their hands,
and did know of a surety, and did bear record, that it was
he of whom it was written by the <^prophets that should
come.
16. And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed
for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying,
17. Hosanna! blessed be the name of the 'Most High God!
And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship
tiim.
18. And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for
^Nephi was among the multitude,) and he commanded him
that he should come forth.
19. And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself
before the Lord, and he did *kiss his feet.
g, see 6, i. Nep. 12. h, see m, Mos. 16. i, John 18: 11. ;, ver. 7. iii,
Nep. 9: 15. k, ver. 14. iii. Nep. 9:21. I, see b, i. Nep. 12. m. ver. 15.
n see 26, Mos. 7. o, see k. p, ver. 14. q, ver. 10. r, see 2b, Mos. 7.
? ui. Nep. 1.2, 3, 10. 7: 15, 20, 23—26. t, in. Nep. 17: 10.
CHAP. XL] ni. NEPHI. S03
20. And the Lord commanded him that he should arise.
And he arose and stood before him.
r* 21. And the Lord said unto him, I give unto you "power
that ye shall *'baptize this people when 1 am *^ again ascended
into heaven.
22. And again the Lord called others, and said unto them
likewise; and he gave unto them 'power to baptize. And he
said unto them, On this wise shall ye baptize ; and there shall
be *'no disputations among you.
23. Verily 1 say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his
sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my
name, on this wise shall ye baptize them : behold, ye shall
go down and ^stand in the water, and in my name shall ye
baptize them.
24. And now behold, these are the words which ye shall
say, calling them by name, saying,
25. Having ^''authority given me of Jesus Christ, ^^I bap-
tize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Amen.
26. And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come
forth again out of the water.
27. And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name,
for behold, verily I say unto you, ^^'that the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; ^'^and I am in the Father,
I and the Father in me, and the Father and I are **one.
28. And according as I have commanded you ^''thus shall
ye baptize. And there shall be ^^no disputations among you,
as there hath hitherto been ; neither shall there be disputa-
tions among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as
there hath hitherto been ;
29. For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the
spirit of ^'^contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is
the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of
men to contend with anger, one with another.
30. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts
of men with anger, one against another; but this is my
doctrine, that ^*such things should be done away.
31. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare
unto yon my doctrine.
32. And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which
the Father hath civen unto me; ^^and I bear record of the
Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy
Ghost beareth record of the Father and me, and I bear record
that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent
and believe in me;
33. And w^hoso believeth in me, and is **baptized, the
u, see g, Mob. IS. v, see u, it. ^px). 9. w, in. T?ep: »:39. x, see ff,
Mos. 18. y, vers. 28—30. in. Nep. 18:34. z, Mos. 18:12. in. Nep.
19: 10—13. 2a, see g, Mos. 18. 26, «e t«, n. Nep. 9. 2c, see k, n. Nep.
m. 2d, see p, in. Nen. 9. 2e, see fc, i?. Npd. 3t, 2/, vera. 25, 26. 2g, vers.
^?. 29. 30. 2h, vprs. 22, 28, 3(L 2i. vers. 22. 28, 29. 2j, vers. 35, 36. in.
Nep. 28: 11. Ether 5: 4. 2k. see tt, n. Nep. 9.
504 III. NEPHI. [chap. XII.
same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the
kingdom of God.
84. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized,
shall be damned.
35. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doc-
trine, ^'and I bear record of it from the Father; and ^"*whoso
believeth in me, believeth in the Father also, and unto him
will the Father ^"bear record of me; for he will visit him
^"with fire, and with the Holy Ghost.
36. And thus will the Father ^^bear record of me, and
the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and
me; ^^'for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.
37. And again I say unto you, Ye must repent, and be-
come as a little child, and be ^"^baptized in my name, or ye
can in nowise receive these things.
38. And again 1 say unto you. Ye must repent, and be
baptized in my name, and become as a ^*little child, or ye
can in no wise inherit the kingdom of God.
39. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doc-
trine, and whoso buildeth upon this, buildeth upon my rock,
and ^'the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.
40. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and
establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is
not built upon my rock, but he buildeth upon a ^"sandy foun-
dation, and the gates of hell standeth open to receive such,
when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.
41. Therefore go forth unto this people, and declare the
words which I have spoken unto the ends of the earth.
CHAPTER 12. (See Matthew 5.)
1. And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these
words unto "Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now
the number of them who had been called, and received *'power
and authority to baptize, were ^'twelve,) and behold he
stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto
them, saying, Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the
words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among yon
to minister unto you, and to be your servants: and unto
them I have ''given power, that they mav baptize you with
water; and after that ye are baptized with wat^r, behold I
2?, vers. 32, 36. 2m, Ether 4: 12. 2n, vers. 22, 36. 2o, see y, iii. Nep. 9.
2p, see 2j. 2q, see k, ii. Nep. 31. 2r, see ?/, ii. Nep. 9. 2s, see 2b, iii.
Nep. 9. 2t, Matthew 16: 18. Iii. Nep. 18: 12, 13. 2m. Matthew 7: 24—27.
III. Nep. 14:24— 27. 18:12,13.
a, see s. III. Nep. 11. 6, see g, Mos. 18. C, lii. Nep. 13:25. 15: 11.
18:1—17,26—39. 19:4—36. 20:1—6. 22:10. 26:17. 27.28. iv.
Nep. 1: 1, 5, 13, 14, 30—33, 37, 44, 46. Mor. 1 : 13. 3: 19 8-. 10. 11. 9: 22.
35. Ether 12: 17. Moro. 2, 3. d, see g. Mob. 18.
CHAP. XII.] III. NEPHI. 505
will baptize you ^with fire and with the Holy Ghost; there-
fore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me, and be baptized
after that ye have seen me and know that I am.
Z. And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in
your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen
me, and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who
shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths
of humility and be 'baptized, for they shall be visited 'with
fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission
of their sins.
3. Yea, blessed are the *poor in spirit who come unto me,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they
shall be comforted.
5. And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the
earth.
6. And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after
righteousness, for they shall be *filled with the Holy Ghost.
7. And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain
mercy.
8. And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see
God.
9. And blessed are all the peace-makers, for they shall be
called the children of God.
10. And blessed are all they who are ^persecuted for my
name's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11. And blessed are y6 when men shall revile you, and
persecute and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely,
for my sake,
12. For ye shall have *great joy and be exceeding glad, for
great shall be your reward in heaven ; for so persecuted they
the prophets who were before you.
13. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be
the salt of the earth ; but if the salt shall lose its savor,
w^herewith ^shall the earth be salted? The salt shall be
thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be
trodden under foot of men.
14. Verily, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be
the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot
be hid.
15. Behold, do men light a candle and put it under a
bushel? Nay, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light to all
that are in the house;
16. Therefore let your lisrht so shine before this people,
that they rrnv see your good works and glorify your Father
who is in heaven.
17. Think not that T am come to destroy the law or the
prophets. I am not come to destroy but to fulfil;
e, see y, iii. Nep. 9. f, see w, ii. Nep. 9. g, see y, itt. Nep. 9. ft,
Matt, 5:3. i, Matt. 5: 6. ;, Matt. 5: 10. k. Matt. 5:12. I, Matt.
6:13.
506 • III. NEPHI. [chap. XII.
18. For verily I say unto you, one jot nor one tittle *~hath
not passed away from the law, but in me it hath all been
fulfilled.
19. And behold I have given you the law and the command-
ments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that
ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a "broken
heart and a contrite spirit. Behold, ye have the command-
ments before you, and the "law is fulfilled ;
20. Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily
I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my ^'commandments,
which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no
case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21. Ye have heard tiiat it hath been said by them of old
time, and it is also written before you, that thou shalt not
kill ; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the 'judg-
ment of God.
22. But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his
brother, shall be in danger of '"his judgment. Aud whosoever
shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the coun-
cil ; and whosoever shall say thou fool, shall be in danger of
hell fire ;
23. Therefore, if ye shall come unto me, or shall 'desire
to come unto me, and rememberest that thy brother hath
ought against thee,
24. Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled
to thy brother, and then come unto me with full purpose of
heart, and I will receive you.
25. Agree with thine adversary quickly while thou art in
the way with him, lest at any time he shall get thee, and thou
shalt be cast into prison.
26. Verily, verily I say unto thee, thou shalt by no means
come out thence, until thou hast paid the uttermost 'senine.
And while ye are in prison, can ye pay even one senine?
Verily, verily I say unto you. Nay.
27. Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou
shall not commit adultery ;
28. But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman,
to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his
heart.
29. Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer
•none of these thincrs to enter into vour heart;
80. For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these
things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that y*
should be cast into hell.
31. It hath been ^written, that whosoever shall put away
his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement.
32. Verily, verily I say unto you, that whosoever ^shall
m. Mfttt.^: 18. n, in. Nep. 9: 20. o. vers. 18, 46. in. Nep. 9: 17
15:4^-10.' p. ver. 19. in. Nep. 15:10. q. Matt. 5:21. r Matt. 5:22.
s, Matt. 5: 23, 24. f, see c. Alma 11. u. Doc. and Gov. 42: 23. 43: 16. 1..
fiee i, II. Nep. 28. v. Matt. 5: 32. Mark 10: 11, 12. Luke 16: 18.
CHAP. XIII.] III. NEPHI. 507
put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication^
causeth her to commit adultery ; and whoso shall marry her
who is divorced, committeth adultery.
33. And again it is written, thou shalt not forswear thyself,,
but shall perform unto the Lord thine oaths.
34. But verily, verily I say unto you, swear not at all;
neither by heaven, for it is God's throne;
35. Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool;
36. Neither shalt thou swear by the head, because thou
canst not make one hair black or white;
37. But let your communication be yea, yea; nay, nay;
for whatsoever cometh of more than these are evil.
38. And behold, it is written, an eye for an eye, and a
tooth for a tooth.
39. But I say unto you, that ye shall not resist evil, but
whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him
the other also.
40. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away
thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go-
with him twain.
42. Give to him that asketh thee, and to him that would
borrow of thee turn thou not away.
43. And behold it is written also, that thou shalt love thy
neighbour and hate thy enemy;
44. But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless
them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, an^
pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute
you:
45. That ye may be the children of your Father who is in
heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the
good ;
46. Therefore those things which were of old time, which
were under the law in me, are *'all fulfilled.
47. Old things *are done away, and all things have become
new ;
48. Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even "aa
I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.
CHAPTER 13. (See Matthew 6.)
1. Verily, verily, T say that I would that ye should do-
alms unto the poor; but take heed that ye do not your alm«
before men, to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward
of your Father who is in heaven.
2. Therefore, when ye shall do your alms, do not sound a
w, see o. X, ni. Nep. 15: 2, 3. y, Matt. 5: 48. in. Nep. 19: 25—29.
27:27.
508 III. NEPHI. [chap. XIII.
trumpet before you, as will hypocrites do in the "synagogues,
and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I
say unto you, they have their reward.
3. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know
what thy rig^ht hand doeth ;
4. That thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father who
seeth in secret, himself shall reward thee openly.
5. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not do as the hypo-
crites, for they love to pray, standing in the synagogues, and
in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.
Verily, I say unto you, they have their reward.
6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and
when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in
secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward
thee openly.
7. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the
heathen, for they think that they shall be heard for their
much speaking.
8. Be not ye therefore like unto them, for your Father
knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him.
9. After this manner therefore pray ye. Our Father who
art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
10. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
11. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
12. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from
evil.
13. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the
glory, for ever. Amen.
14. For, if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly
Father will also forgive you ;
15. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will
your Father forgive your trespasses.
16. Moreover, when ye "fast, be not as the hypocrites, of
a sad countenance, for they disfigure their faces, that th'ey
may appear unto men to fast. Verily, I say unto you, they
have their reward.
17. But thou, when thoti fastest, anoint thy head, and wash
thy face;
18. That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy
Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who seeth in secret,
shall reward thee openly.
19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where
moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and
steal.
20. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
TiPither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not
break through nor steal.
21. For where your treasure is. there will your heart be also.
22. The light of the body is the eve, if therefore thine eye
be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
a, see w, Alma 16. &, see t, Mos. 27.
CHAP. XIV.] III. NEPHI. 509
23. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full
of darkness. If, therefore, the light that is in thee be dark-
ness, how great is that darkness!
24. No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate
the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and
despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon.
25. And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken
these words, he looked upon the twelve whom he had chosen,
and said unto them, Remember the words which I have
spoken. For behold, *'ye are they whom I have chosen to
minister unto this people. Therefore I say unto you, take no
thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall
drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not
the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26. Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither
do they reap, nor gather into barns ; yet your heavenly Father
feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27. Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unta
his stature?
28. And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the
lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do
they spin ;
29. And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his
glory, was not arrayed like one of these.
30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which
to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, even so will
he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith.
31. Therefore take no thought, saying. What shall we eat?
or, what shall we drink? or wherewithal shall we be
clothed?
32. For you heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need
of all these things.
33. But seek ye first the kingdom of Ood and his right-
eousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
34. Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the
morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient
is the day unto the evil thereof.
CHAPTER 14. {See Matthew 7.)
1. And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spokeir
these words, he turned again to the multitude, and did open
his mouth unto them again, saying. Verily, verily, I say unto
you, judge not, that ye be not judged.
2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged;
and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you
again.
3. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy
c, Matt. 6; 25, ^
610 m. NEPHI. [chap. XIV.
brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine
own eye ?
4. Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull the
mote out of thine eye; and behoia, a beam is in thiue own
eye V
5. Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own
eye : and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of
thy brother's eye.
6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast
ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under
their feet, and turn again and rend you.
7. °Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,
8. For every one that asketh, receiveth ; and he that
seeketh, findeth ; and to him that knocketh, it shall be
opened.
9. Or what man is there of you, whom, if his son ask
fcread, will give him a stone?
10. Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11. If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts
unto your children, how much more shall your Father who
is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye w^ould that men
should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law
and the prophets.
13. Enter ye in at the ^straight gate: for wide is the
;gate, and broad is the way, which leadeth to destruction, and
many there be who go in thereat ;
14. Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the
^ay, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that
•find it.
15. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16. Ye shall know them by their fruits : Do men gather
^grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but
-a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a
<;orrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn
•down, and cast into the fire.
20. Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.
21. Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven : but he that doeth the will
of my Father who is in heaven.
•f^ 22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we
not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name havp cast out
"devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23. And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you,
depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
a. III. Nep. 27: 29. 6» see 2a, ii. Nep. 9. iii. Nep. 27: 33.
CHAP. XV.] III. NEPHI. 511
24. Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine, and
doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his
house upon a rock,
25. And the ''rain descended, and the floods came, and the
winds blew, and beat upon that house ; and it fell not ; for it
was founded upon a rock.
26. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and
doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who
built his house upon the sand,
27. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the
winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great
was the fall of it.
L^ —
CHAPTER 15.
1. And now it came to pass that when Jesus had ended
these sayings, he cast his eyes round about on the multitude,
and said unto them. Behold, ye have heard the things which
I have "taught before I ascended to my Father; therefore
w^hoso remembereth these sayings of mine, and doeth them,
him will I ''raise up at the last day.
2. And it came to pass that when Jesus had said these
words, he perceived that there were some among them who
marvelled, and wondered what he would concerning the "law
of Moses; for they understood not the **saying that old
things had passed away, and that all things had become
new.
3. And he said unto them, Marvel not that I said unto
you, that old things had passed away, and that all things had
become new.
4. Behold I say unto you, that the ''law is fulfilled that was
given unto Moses.
5. Behold, ^I am he that gave the law, and I am he who
covenanted with my people Israel: therefore, the ^law in me
IS fulfilled, for I have come to fulfil the law; therefore it
hath an end.
6. Behold, I do *not destroy tbe prophets, for as many
as have not been fulfilled in me, verily I say unto you, shall
all be fulfilled.
7. And because I said unto you, that *old things hath
passed away, I do not destroy that which hath been spoken
concerning things which are to come.
8. For behold, the ^covenant which I have made with my
T>eot)le is not all fulfilled ; but the Maw which was given nnto
Moses, hath an end in me.
c, see e, Alma 26.
a, Matt. 5—7. 6, see p. Mos. 23. c. see o, it. Nep. 25. d, in. Nen:
12: 46, 47. C, III. Nep. 9: 17. f, i. Corinth. 10: 4. g, in. Nep. 12: 46, 47.
h. vpre. 7. 8. III. Nep. 20: 11. 12. 23: 1—3. i, in. Nep. 12: 46, 47. ;, in.
Nep. 5: 24—26. 16: 5. See e, i. Nep. 15. k, see o, ii. Nep. 25.
512 m. NEPHI. [OHAP. XV.
9. Behold, I am the law, and the 4i^ht; look unto me, and
endure to the end, and ye shall live, for unto him that
•*endureth to the end, will 1 give eternal life.
10. Behold, I have given unto you the commandments;
therefore keep my commandments. And this is the law and
the prophets, for they truly testihed of me.
11. And now it came to pass that when Jesus had
spoken these words, he said unto "those twelve whom he had
chosen,
12. Ye are my disciples ; and ye are a light unto this
people, who are a remnant of the house of Joseph.
13. And behold, ''this is the land of your inheritance ; and
the Father hath given it unto you.
14. And not at any time hath the Father given me com-
mandment that I should tell it unto your brethren at
Jerusalem ;
15. Neither at any time hath the Father given me com*
mandment, that I should tell unto them concerning the ''other
tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away
out of the land.
16. This much did the Father command me, that I should
tell unto them,
17. That «other sheep I have, which are not of this fold;
them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice ; and
there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
18. And now because of stiffneckedness and unbelief,
they understood not my word ; therefore I was commanded
to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto
them.
19. But, verily, I say unto you, that the Father hath
commanded me, and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated
from among them because of their iniquity ; therefore it is
because of their iniquity, that they know not of you.
20. And verily, I say unto you again, that the 'other
tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because
of their iniquity, that they know not of them.
21. And verily, I say unto you, that *ye are they of whom
I said, other sheep I have which are not of this fold ; them
also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there
shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
22. And they understood me not, for they supposed it
had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the
Gentiles should be 'converted through their preaching;
23. And they understood me not that I said they shall
hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles
should not at any time hear my voice; that I should not
manifest myself unto them, •'save it were by the Holy
Ghost.
I, see m, Mos. 16. m, see ii. Nep. 31. n, in. Nep. 12: 1. o. North
end South America. See k, i. Nep. 18. in. Nep. 15; 13. p, ver. 20. The
Ten Tribes. ii. Nep. 21: 12. in. Nep. 16: 1—4. 17: 4. q, vers. 21—24.
John 10: 16. r. eec p. 5. ver. 17. t. Acta 10: 34—43. u, Acts 10:
41.48.
CHAP. XVI.] III. NEPHI. 515
24. But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen
me; and ye are my *'sheep, and ye are numbered among
those whom the Father hath given me.
CHAPTER 16.
1. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that I have "other
Bheep, which are not of this land ; neither of the land of
Jerusalem; neither in any parts of that land round about,,
whither I have been to minister.
2. For they of whom I speak, are they who have ''not as;
yet heard my voice ; neither have I at any time manifested
myself unto them.
3. But I have received a commandment of the Father,,
that I shall go unto them, and that they shall ''hear my voice,,
and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be
one fold, and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself
unto them.
4. And I command you that ye shall write these sayings,,
after I am gone, that if it so be that my people at Jerusalem,,
they who have seen me, and been with me in my ministry^
do not ask the Father in my name, that they may receive a.
knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost, and also of the *other
tribes whom they know not of, that these sayings which j&
shall write, shall be kept, and shall be manifested "unto the-
Gentiles, that through the ^fulness of the Gentiles, the rem-
nant of their seed who shall be scattered fo^^th upon the fac&
of the earth, because of their unbelief, may be brought in, or
may be brought to a knowledge of me, their Redeemer.
5. And ''then will I gather them in from the four quartern
of the earth ; and then will I fulfil the ^covenant which the-
Father hath made unto all the people of the house of Israel.
6. And blessed are the Gentiles, because of their belief
in me, in and *of the Holy Ghost, which witness unto them, ^of
me and of the Father.
7. Behold, because of their belief in me, saith the Father,,
and because of the unbelief of you, O house of Israel, ia
the ^latter day shall the truth come unto the Gentiles, that
the fulness of these things shall be made known unto them.
8. But 'wo, saith the Father, unto the unbelieving of the
Gentiles, for notwithstanding they have come forth uponi
the face of this land, and have scattered my people, who are*
of the house of Israel ; and my people who are of the house^
V, vers. 17, 21.
sec p. IIT. Nep. 15. ft, ttt. Nph. 15:17, 21. 23, 24. c, see ft. d, see
III. Nep. 15. €, see c, ii. Nep. 27. f, i. Nep. 10: 14. See r, it. Nep.
^7, see e, I. Nep. 15. h, sec j, iiT. Nep. 15. i, sec u, iii. Nen. 15«
1 TIT. Nep. 11 : 32. 35 36. fe. see C. II. Nep. 27. I, n. Nep. 28: 32. See d,
IT. Nep. 14.
^.
514 III. NEPHI. [chap. XVI.
of Israel, have been cast out from among them, and have
Ibeen trodden under feet by tnem ;
9. And because of the mercies of the Father unto the
<jJentiles, and also the judgments of the Father upon my
people, who are of the house of Israel, verily, verily, I say
Ainto you, that *"after all this, and I have caused my people
who are of the house of Israel, to be smitten, and to be
ajiiicted, and to be slain, and to be cast out from among
them, and to become hated by them, and to become a hiss
;and a bye-word among them.
10. And thus commandeth the Father that I should say
ainto you at that day when the Gentiles shall sin against
any "gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts
^bove "all nations, and above all the people of the whole
«earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of
deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and
murders, and ^priestcrafts, and ^'whoredoms, and of ''secret
abominations ; and if they shall do all those things, and shall
reject the 'fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father,
I will 'bring the fulness of my gospel from among them ;
11. And then I will remember my covenant which I have
made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my
.gospel unto "them ;
12. And I will shew unto thee, O house of Israel, that the
■Gentiles shall not have power over you, but I will remember
any ^'covenant unto you, O house of Israel, and ye shall come
%ihto the ^knowledge of the fulness of my gospel.
13. Rut if the Gentiles will repent, and return unto me,
tsaith the Father, behold they shall be 'numbered among my
people, O house of Israel ;
14. And I will not suffer my people, who are of the house
of Israel, to go through among them, and tread them down,
sait> the Father.
1! . But if they will not turn unto me, and hearken unto
■my voice, I will suffer them yea, I will suffer my people, O
liouse of Israel, that they shall go through among them,
and Lhall tread them down, and they shall be as *'salt that
liath lost its savor, which is thenceforth good for nothing,
ttnt to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of my people,
O house of Israel.
16. Verily, verily, I say unto you, thus hnth the Father
-rorpmanded me, that *I should give unto this people this
larirl for their inheritance.
17. And when the words of the prophet Isaiah shall be
fill ^ lied, which say,
18. ^".Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice
m, see j, II. Nep. 26. n, revealed in the Book of Mormon. o, Mor. 8: 35— '
41. p, II. Nep. 26: 29. q, see i, ii. Nep. 28. r, see i, li. Nep. 10. s, see n.
i,_ fulBlled when the Saints left the States and came to Utah. u, unto the Lamanites
•of Indians. V, see j, ill. Nep. 15. W, now brine fulfilled. x, li. Nep. 10:
18. 19. III. Nep. 21: 22—25. 30. y, in. Nep. 12: 13. z, see o, m.
INep. 15. 2a, Isaiah 52:9, 10.
CHAP. XVII.] III. NEPHI. 515
together shall they sing, for they shall see eye to eye, when
the Lord shall bring again Zion.
19. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places
of Jerusalem, for the Lord hath comforted his people, he
hath redeemed Jerusalem.
20. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of
all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the
salvation of God.
CHAPTER 17.
1. Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken
these words, he looked round about again on the multitude,
and he said unto them, behold my time is at hand.
2. I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand
all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak
unto you at this time ;
3. Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the
things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name,
that ye may understand and prepare your minds for the mor-
row, and I come unto you again;
4. But now I ''go unto the Father, and also to shew myself
unto the ^lost tribes of Israel, for they are not lost unto the
Father, for he knoweth whither he hath taken them.
5. And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken,
he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld
they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him, as if
they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them.
6. And he said unto them. Behold, my bowels are filled
with compassion towards you ;
7. ''Have ye any that are sick among you, bring them hither.
Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or
leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are
afflicted in any manner? bring them hither and I will heal
them, for I have compassion upon you ; my bowels are filled
with mercy ;
8. For I perceive that ye desire that I should shew
unto you what I have done unto your brethren at Jprusa-
lem, for I see that your faith is *^sufl5cient that I should heal
you.
9. And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all
the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick,
and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and
with their dumb, and with all they that wev<^ afflicted in any
m.anner; and he did *heal them every one as they' were brought
forth unto him,
10. And they did all, both they who had been hle&led and
they who were whole, bow down at his foet, and did worship
a. III. Nep. IS: 39. h, see p, IIT. Nen. 15. c, vers. 9, 10. d, ii. Nep.
27:23. Ether 12:12. e, iii. Nep. 26: 15.
516 III. NEPHI. [chap. XVII.
him ; and as many as could come for the multitude did ''kiss
his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their
tears.
11. And it came to pass that he commanded that their
^little children should be brought.
12. So they brought their little children and sat them down
upon the ground round about him, and Jesus stood in the
midst ; and the multitude gave way till they had all been
brought unto him.
13. And it came to pass that when they had all been
brought, and Jesus stood in the midst, he commanded the
multitude that they should ''kneel down upon the ground.
14. And it came to pass that w^hen they had knelt upon
the ground, Jesus groaned within himself, and saith, Father,
1 am *troubled because of the wickedness of the people of the
house of Israel.
15. And w^hen he had said these words, he himself also
^knelt upon the earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father,
and the things which he prayed cannot be written, and the
multitude did bear record who heard him.
16. And after this manner do they bear record: *the eye
hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great
and marvellous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto
the Father;
17. And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written
by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great
and marvellous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak ;
and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls
at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.
18. And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an
end of praying unto the Father, he arose ; but so great was
the joy of the multitude that they were overcome.
19. And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and
bade them arise.
20. And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them.
Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy
is full.
21. And when he had said these words, he wept, and the
multitude bear record of it, and ^he took their little children,
one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for
them.
22. And when he had done this he wept again,
23. And he spake unto the multitude, and saith unto them,
behold your little ones.
24. And as they looked to behold, they cast their eyes
towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and fhey
saw angels descending: out of heaven, as it were in the midst
of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones
;, III. Nep. 11: 19. g, vers. 12, 21, 23, 24. m. Nep. 26: 14, 16. h, iir.
Nep. 19: 6, 16, 17. i, in. Nep. 27: 32. ;, in. Nep. 19: 19. 27. k, in. Nep.
19:32—34. i, see fir.
CHAP, xvm.] in. NEPHi. 517
about, and they *"were encircled about with fire; and the
angels did minister unto them,
25. And the multitude did see and hear and bear record ;
and they know that their record is true, for they all of them
did see and hear, every man for himself ; and they were in
number about two thousand and five hundred souls; and
they did consist of men, women, and children.
CHAPTER 18.
t"
1. And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his *dis-
ciples that they should bring forth ^some bread and wine unto
him.
2. And while they were gone for bread and wine, he com-
manded the multitude that they should sit themselves down
upon the earth.
3. And when the disciples had come with bread and wine,
he took of the bread, and brake and blessed it; and he gave
unto the disciples, and commanded that they should eat.
4. And when they had eaten, and were filled, he commanded
that they should give unto the multitude.
5. And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he
said unto the disciples, behold there shall one be "ordained
among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break
bread, and bless it, and give it unto the people of my church,
unto all those who shall believe and "^be baptized in my name.
6. And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have
done, even as I have broken bread, and blessed it, and given
it unto you.
7. And this shall ye do in ^remembrance of my body,
which I have shewn unto you. And it shall be a testimony
unto the Father, that ye do always remember me. And if ye
do ^always remember me, ye shall have my Spirit to be with
you.
8. And it came to pass that when he said these words, he
commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of
the cup, and drink of it, and that they should also give unto
the multitude, that they might drink of it.
9. And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of
it, and were filled ; and they gave unto the multitude, and they
did drink, and they were filled.
10. And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto
them. Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for
this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness
m, see g.
a, see c, ill. Nep. 12. 6, vera. 2—14, 28—34. iii. Nep. 20: 3—9. 26: 13.
IV. Nep. 1: 27. Mor. 9: 29. Moro. 4: 5. C, IV. Nep. 1: 14. See g, Mos. 18.
Moro. 3. 4. rf, see u, ii. Nep. 9. e, ver. 11. III. Nep. 20: 8. Mora
4: 3. 5- 2. f. ver. 11. Moro. 4: 3. 5: 2.
518 III. NEPHI. [chap. XVIII.
unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which 1 have
commanded you.
11. And this shall ye always do to those who repent and
are ^'baptized in my name; and ye shall do ic in "rememDraiKO
of my blood, which I have shed for you, that ye may witness
unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye
do *always remember me, ye shall have my Spirit to be with
I you.
^~ 12. And I give unto you a commandment that ye shall do
these things. And if ye shall always do these things, blessed
are ye, for ye are built upon my rock.
13. But whoso among you shall do more or less than_these
^are not built upon my rock, but are built upon a sandy foun-
dation ; and when the rain descends, and the floods come, and
the winds blow, and beat upon them, they shall fall, and the
gates of hell are ready open to receive them ;
14. Therefore blessed are ye if ye shall keep my command-
ments, which the Father hath commanded me that I should
give unto you.
15. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye must watch and *pray
always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye are led away
captive by him.
IG. And as I have prayed among you, even so shall ye
pray in my church, among my people who do repent and are
baptized in my name. Behold *I am the light; I have set an
example for you.
17. And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these
words unto his disciples, he turned again unto the multitude,
and said unto them,
18. Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch
and "*pray* always, lest ye enter into temptation ; for Satan
desireth to have you ; that he may sift you as wheat ;
19. Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in mf
name ;
20. And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name,
which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall
be given unto you.
21. "Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my
name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.
22. And behold, ye shall meet together oft, and ye shall
not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet
together, but suffer them that they may come unto you, and
forbid them not ;
23. But ye shall pray for them, and shall not cast them
out ; and if it so be that they come unto you oft, ye shall
pray for them unto the Father, in my name ;
24. Therefore hold up your liirht that it may shine unto
the world. Behold I am the "light which ye shall hold up —
g, see w, li. Nep. 9. h, see e. <, tee f, j, see e, Alma 26. k, see e,
II. Nep. 32. I, see tn, Mos. 16. m, sec e, II. Nep. 32. n. Aljia 34: 21.
See e, II. Nep. 32. o, see m. Mos. 16:9.
CHAP. XVIII.] III. NKPHI. 519
that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have
prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed ;
25. And ye see that I have commanded that *'none of yon
should go away, but rather have commanded that ye should
come unto me, that ye might «feel and see ; even so shall ye do»
unto the world ; and whosoever breaketh this commandment^
suffereth himself to be led into temptation.
26. And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken
these words, he turned his eyes again upon the *"disciples whom,
he had chosen, and said unto them,
27. Behold verily, verily I say unto you, I give unto yon
another commandment, and then I must go unto my Father^
that I may fulfil 'other commandments which he hath giverc
me.
28. And now behold, this is the commandment which E
give unto you, that ye shall not suffer any one knowingly,,
to 'partake of my flesh and blood unworthily, when ye shali
minister it ;
29. For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood un-
worthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul ; therefore?
if ye know that a man is unworthy to eat and drink of my
flesh and blood, ye shall forbid him ;
30. Nevertheless ye shall not cast him out from among^
you, but ye shall minister unto him, and shall pray for
him unto the Father, in my name, and if it so be that he?
repenteth, and is "baptized in my name, then shall ye re-
ceive him, and shall minister unto him of my flesh and
blood ;
31. But if he repent not, he shall not be numbered amonj^
my people, that he may not destroy my people, for behold I
''know my sheep, and they are numbered ;
32. Nevertheless, ye shall not east him out of your '^syna-
gogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye
continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will
return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of
heart, and I shall heal them, and ye shall be the means of
bringing salvation unto them.
33. Therefore keep these sayings which I have commanded
you, that ye come not under conde^jination, for wo unto him
whom the Father condemneth.
34. And I give you these commandments, because of the
disputations which have been among you. And blessed are
ye if ye have 'no disputations among you.
35. And "now I go unto the Father, because it is expedient
that I should go unto the Father, for your sakes.
36. And it came to pass that when Jesus had made am
end of these sayings, he touched with his hand the disciples
p, vers. 22, 23. q, ttt. Nep. 11 : 14. 16. r, see e, iii. Nep. 12. s, iir.
Nep. 16:3. f, vers. 29, 30. in. Npp. 20:8. Mor. 9:29. 7^ see k, ii. Nep.
9. v, I. Nep. 22:25. ly. see w, Alma 16. z, in. Nep. 11: 28— 30. 1/, iir.
Nep. 17:4.
61iU III. NEPHI. [chap. XIX.
whom he had chosen, one by one, even until he had touched
them all, and spake unto them as he touched them ;
37. And the multitude heard not the words which he
spake, therefore they did not bear record; but the disciples
bear record that he gave them 'power to give the ^"Holy
<jhost. And I will shew unto you ^''hereafter that this record
is true.
38. And it came to pass that when Jesus had touched
them all, there came a cloud and overshadowed the multi-
tiude, that they could not see Jesus.
39. And while they were overshadowed, he departed from
them, and ascended into heaven. And the '''disciples saw
And did bear record that he ascended again into heaven.
CHAPTER 19.
1. Anb now it came to pass that when Jesus has "ascended
iinto heaven, the multitude did disperse, and every man did
take his wife and his children, and did return to his own
liome.
2. And it was noised abroad among the people imme-
diately, before it was yet dark, that the multitude had seen
Jesus, and that he had ministered unto them, and that he
would also show himself on the ^morrow imto the multi-
tude ;
3. Yea, and even all the night it was noised abroad con-
cerning Jesus; and insomuch did they send forth unto the
people, that there were many, yea, an exceeding great number
did labour exceedingly all that night, that they might be on
the morrow in the place where Jesus should shew himself unto
the multitude.
4. And it came to pass that on the morrow, when the
multitude was gathered together, behold, Nephi and *his
brother whom he had raised from the dead, whose name
was Timothy, and also his son, whose name was Jonas, and
5ilso Mathoni, and Mathonihah, his brother, and Kumen,
and Kumenonhi, and Jeremiah, and Shemnon, and Jonas,
and Zedekiah, and Isaiah ; now these w^ere the names of
the ''disciples whom Jesus had chosen. And it came to pass
that they went forth and stood in the midst of the multi-
tude.
5. And behold, the multitude w^as so great, that they did
cause that they should be separated into twelve bodies.
6. And the twelve did teach the multitude; and behold,
they did cause that the multitude should *kneel dow^n upon
2, Moro. 2. 2a, see y, lii. Nep. 9. 26, Moro. 2. 2c, see c, III. Nep. 12.
a, III. Nep. 18: 39. 6, III. Nep. 17: 3. c, in. Nep. 7: 19. d, see c, lit
Nep. 12. e^ see h, iii. Nep. 17.
CHAP. XIX.] III. NEPHI. 521
the face of the earth, and should pray unto the Father in
the name of Jesus.
7. And the disciples did pray unto the Father also, in
the name of Jesus. And it came to pass that they arose anci
ministered unto the people.
8. And when they had ministered those same words which
Jesus had spoken — nothing ''varying from the words which
Jesus had spoken — behold, they knelt again and prayed to the
Father in the name of Jesus ;
9. And they did pray for that which they most desired ;
and they desired that the "Holy Ghost should be given unto
them.
10. And when they had thus prayed, they went down unto
the water's edge, and the multitude followed them.
11. And it came to pass that Nephi went down into the-
water, and was baptized.
12. And he came up out of the water and began to
baptize. And he baptized all those whom Jesus had
chosen.
13. And it came to pass when they were '^all baptized,,
and had come up out of the water, the *Holy Ghost did fall
upon them, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and
with fire.
14. And behold, they were ^encircled about as if it were
fire ; and it came down '^f rom heaven, and the multitude did
witness it, and do bear record ; and angels did come down
out of heaven, and did minister unto them.
15. And it came to pass that while the angels were min»
islering unto the disciples, behold, Jesus came and stood in th«
midst, and ministered unto them.
16. And it came to pass that he spake unto the multi-
tude, and commanded them that they should 'kneel down
again upon the earth, and also that his disciples should kneel
down upon the earth.
17. And it came to pass that when they had all knelt down
upon the earth, he commanded his disciples that "*they shoulci
pray.
18. And behold, they began to pray ; and they did pray
unto Jesus, calling him their Lord and their God.
39. And it came to pass that Jesus departed out of the midst
of them, and went a little way off from them and bowed him-
self to the earth, and he said,
20. Father, I thank thee that thou hast "given the
Holy Ghost unto these whom I have chosen ; and it is be-
cause of their belief in me, that I have "chosen them out of
the world.
21. Father, I pray thee that thou wilt ''give the Holy
Ghost unto all them that shall believe in their words.
/, III. Nep. 11—18. g, see y, in. Nep. 9. h, see u, it. Nep. 9. i see y»
III. Nep. 9. ;, Hela. 5: 23. 24, 36, 43—45. ni. Nep. 17: 24. fc, HelaV 5: 45.
I, see ft, III. Nep. 17. m, soe e, ii. Nep 32. n, see y, iii. Nep. 9. o, see c.
HI. Nep. 12. p, see y, in. Nep. 9.
522 III. NEPHI. [CHAP. XIX.
22. Father, thou hast given them the Holy Ghost, because
they believe in me, and thou seest that they believe in me,
4)ecause thou hearest them, and they pray unto me ; and they
pray unto me because 1 am with them.
23. And now Father, I pray unto thee for them, and also
for all those who shall believe on their words, that they may
(believe in me, that «I may be in them as thou, Father, art
in me, that we may be '^onc.
24. And it came to pass, that when Jesus had thus
prayed unto the Father, he came unto his disciples, and
behold, they did still continue, without ceasing, to pray unto
3iim ; and they did not multiply many words, for it was given
unto them *what they should pray, and they were filled with
desire.
25. And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them, as they
did pray unto him, and his countenance did smile upon them,
iind the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and
toehold they were as white as the countenance, and also the
.garments of Jesus ; and behold the whiteness thereof *did
•exceed all the whiteness, yea, even there could be nothing upon
ct.rth so white as the whiteness thereof.
26. And Jesus said unto them. Pray on, nevertheless they
did not cease to pray.
27. And he turned from them again, and went a little way
oR, and bowed himself to the earth; and he prayed again unto
the Father, saying,
28. Father, I thank thee that thou hast purified those whom
I have chosen, because of their faith, and I pray for them,
and also for them who shall believe on their words, that they
may be purified in me, through faith o ^ their words, even as
they are purified in me.
29. Father, I pray not for the world, but for those whom
thou hast given me out of the world, because of their faith,
tbat they may be purified in me, that I may be "in them as
thou. Father, art in me, that we may be one, that I may be
glorified in them.
30. And when Jesus had spoken these words, he came
again unto his disciples, and behold they did pray stead-
fastly, without ceasing, unto him : and he did smile upon them
again ; and behold they were *'white, even as Jesus.
31. And it came to pass that he went again a little way
off and prayed unto the Father;
32. And *^ tongue cannot speaK the words which he prayed,
•neither can be written by man the words which he
prayed.
33. And the multitude did hear, and do bear record, and
their hearts were open, and they did understand in their.
lieartG the words which he prayed.
q, see p, iii. Nep. 9. r, see k, ii. Nep. 31. s, ver. 9. t, ver. 30.
u, see p, III. Nep. 9. a?, ver. 25. w, iii. Nep. 17:16, 17. 26: 14. 28:
14. 16.
CHAP. XX.] III. NEPHI. 523
34. Nevertheless, so great and marvellous were the vrords
which he prayed, that they cannot be v^^ritten, neither can
they be uttered by man.
35. And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an
end of praying, he came again to the disciples, and said unto
them, So great fnith have 1 never seen among all the Jews;
wherefore I could not shew unto them so *great miracles,
because of their unbelief.
36. Verily I say unto you, there are none of them that
have seen so great things as ye have seen ; neither have they
heard so great things as ye have heard.
CHAPTER 20.
1. And it came to pass that he commanded the multi-
tude that they should cease to pray, and also his disciples.
And he commanded them that they should not cease to pray
in their hearts.
2. And he commanded them that they Fhonld arise and stand
up upon their feet. And they arose up and stood upon their
feet.
3. And it came to pass that he "brake bread again, and
blessed it, and gave to the disciples to eat.
4. And when they had eaten, he commanded them that they
should break bread, and give unto the multitude.
5. And when they had given unto the multitude, he also
gave them wine to drink, and commanded them that they
should give unto the multitude.
6. Now there had been no bread, neither wine, brought by
the disciples, neither by the multitude ;
7. But he truly gave unto them bread to eat, and also wine
to drink ;
8. And he said unto them. He that eateth this brend, eateth
of *my body to his soul, and he that drinketh of this wine,
drinketh of ray blood to his soul, and his soul shall never
hunger nor thirst, but shall be filled.
9. Now when the multitude had all eaten and drunk, be-
hold they were '^filled with the Spirit, and they did cry out
with one voice, and gave glory to Jesus, whom they both
saw and heard.
10. And it came to pass that when they had all given
jrlory unto Jesus, he saith unto them, Behold now I finish
the commandment which the Father hath commanded me
concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of
Israel.
11. Ye remember that I spake unto you, and said
X, see d, III. Nep. 17.
o. see 6, iii. Nep. 18. Q, see !^ nc Nep. la e, fice y, m. Nep. 9.
524 III. NEPHI. .[CHAP. XX.
that "when the words of Isaiah should be fulfilled, behold
they are written, ye have them before you, therefore search
them.
12. And verily, verily, I say unto you, that when they
shall be fulfilled, then is the fulfilling of the ^covenant
which the Father hath made unto his people, O house of
Israel.
13. And then shall the remnants which shall be scattered
abroad upon the face of the earth, be ^gathered in from the
east, and from the west, and from the south, and from the
north ; and they shall be brought to the knowledge of the
Lord their God, who hath redeemed them.
14. And the Father hath commanded me that I should give
unto ^you this land, for your inheritance.
15. And I say unto yon, that if the Gentiles do '^not repent,
after the "^blessing which they shall receive, after they have
scattered "my people,
16. Then shall ''ye who are a remnant of the house of
Jacob, go forth among them ; and ye shall be in the midst of
them, who shall be many ; and ye shall be among them, as a
lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion
among the flocks of sheep, w^ho, if he goeth through, both
treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
17. Thy hand shall be lifted up upon thine adversaries, and
all thine enemies shall be cut off.
18. And I will ^'gather my people together, as a man gath-
ereth his sheaves into the floor,
19. For I will make my people with whom the Father hath
covenanted, yea, I will make thy horn iron, and I will make
thy hoofs brass. And thou shalt beat in pieces many people;
and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their
substance unto the Lord of the whole earth. And behold, I
am he who doeth it.
20. And it shall come to pass, saith the Father, th^t the
sword of my justice shall hang over them at that day; and
except they repent, it shall fall upon them, saith the Father,
yea, even upon ^all the nations of the Gentiles.
21. And it shall come to pass that I will establish my
people, O house of Israel.
22. And behold, this people will I establish 'in this land,
unto the fulfilling of the 'covenant which I made with your
father Jacob; and it shall be a *New Jerusalem. And the
"powers of heaven shall be in the midst of this people; yea,
even ^I will be in the midst of you.
23. Behold, I am he of whom Moses spake, saying, *'A
d, in. Nep. 16: 17. Isaiah 52:9, 10. c. see ;, in. Nep. 15. f, see e,
I. Nep. 15. g, sec o, iii. Nep. 15. h, see I, in. Nep. 16. m, see c, li. Nep.
27. n, the Indians. o, in. Nep. 10: 14, 15. 21:11—21. Mor. 5:22— 24.
Micah 5: 8— 15. Micah 4: 12, 13. p, Micah 4: 12. 13. q, see j, i. Nep. 14.
r, see III. Nep. 15. s, Gen. 49: 22— 26. /, in. Nep. 21: 23, 24. Ether
13: 1—12. u. III. Nep. 21: 25. v, in. Nep. 21: 25. u?, see m, i. Nep. 22c
Deut. 18: 15. 18, 19. Act£ 2: 19—26.
CHAP. XX.] III. NEPHI. 525
prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your
brethren, like unto me, him shall ye hear in all things what-
soever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that
every soul who will not hear that prophet, shall be cut off
from among the people.
24. Verily, I say unto you, yea : and 'all the prophets from
Samuel, and those that follow after, as many as have spoken,
have testified of me.
25. And behold, ye are the children of the prophets; and
ye are of the house of Israel: and ye are of the covenant which
the Father made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham,
And ^in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be
blessed;
26. The Father having raised me up unto you first, and
sent me to bless you, in turning away every one of you from
his iniquities; and this because ye are the children of the
covenant.
27. And after that ye were blessed, then fulfilleth the
Father the covenant which he made with Abraham, say-
ing, 'In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed,
unto the pouring out of the ^"Holy Ghost through me upon
the Gentiles, which blessing upon the Gentiles ^"shall make
them mighty above all, unto the scattering of my people, O
house of Israel ;
28. And thoy shall be a ^^scourge unto the people of this
land. Nevertheless, when they shall have received the ^'^ful-
ness of my gospel, then if they shall harden their hearts
against me, I will ^^return their iniquities upon their own
heads, saith the Father.
29. And I will remember the ^^covenant which I "have
made with my people, and I have covenanted with them,
that I would ^gather them together in mine own due time;
that I would give unto them again the land of their fathers,
for their inheritance, which is the land of Jerusalem,
which is the promised land unto them for ever, saith the
Father.
30. And it shall come to pass that the time cometh,
when the fulness of my gospel shall be ^''preached unto
them, ^, .
31. And they shall believe in me, that I am Jesus Christ,
the Son of God, and shall pray unto the Father in my
name.
32. Then shall "their watchmen lift up their voice, and
with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see
eye to eye.
33. Then will the Father ''^gather them together again.
X. Acts 3: 19—26. y, ver. 27. Gen. 22: 18. Acts 3: 25. z, see V.
2a, III. Nep. 15: 23. Acts 10: 44—48. 26. t. Nep. 13: 11—15. 2c. I. Nep. 13:
11, 14. III. Nep. 16:8, 9. 2d. in. Nep. 16: 10. 2e, in. Nep. 16: 15. 20:
15—20. 2f, see ;, in. Nep. 15. 2g. see e. i. Nep. 15. 2h, see /, ii. Nep. 25.
2i. Isaiah 52: 9. 10. ill. Nep. 16: 18—20. 2j, see e. i. Nep. 15
626 III. KEPHI. [chap. X2'^
and give unto them Jerusalem for the land of their inheri-
tance.
34. Then shall they break forth into joy — sing together, ye
waste places of Jerusalem ; for the Father hath comforted his
people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.
35. The Father hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes
cf all the nations ; and all the ends of the earth shall see the
salvation of the Father, and the Father and I ^'^are one.
36. And then shall be brought to pass that which is written,
'*Awake, awake again, and put on thy strength, O Zion; put
on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city, for
henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircum-
cised and the unclean.
37. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jeru-
salem; loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive
daughter of Zion.
38. For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for
nought ; and ye shall be redeemed without money.
39. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that my people shall
know my name ; yea, in that day they shall know that I am
lie that doth speak.
40. And then shall they say, *"*How beautiful upon the
mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings
unto them that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings,
unto them of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto
Zion, Thy God reigneth !
41. And then shall a cry go forth, '"Depart ye, depart ye,
go ye out from thence, touch not that which is unclean : go
ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels
of the Lord.
42. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor by flight; for
the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel shall be
your rearward.
43. Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be
exalted and extolled, and be very high.
44. As many were astonished at thee; (his visage was so
marred, more than any man, and his form more than the sons
of men,)
45. So shall he sprinkle many nations : the kings shall
*"shut their mouths at him, for that which had not been
told them they shall see; and that which they had not heard
shall they consider.
46. Verily, verily, I say unto you, all these things shall
surely come, even as the Father hath commanded me. Then
??hall ^Pthis covenant which the Father hath covenanted
with his people, be fulfilled; and '«then shall Jerusalem be
inhabited again with my people, and it shall be the land of
their inheritance.
2k, see k, 11. Nep. 31. 21 Isaiah 52: 1—3, 6. 2m, Isaiah 52: 7. 2n.
Isaiah 52: 11—16. 2o, lU. Nep. 21: 8. '<ip, see ;, III. iNep. 15. 2q. see e
I. Nep. 15.
CHAP. XXI.] III. NEPHI. 527
CHAPTER 21.
1. And, verily, I say unto you, I give unto you a "signs^
that ye may know the time when these things shall be about
to take place, that I shall "gather in from their long dis-
persion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish
again among them my Zion.
2. And behold, this is the thing which I will give
unto you for a ''sign, for verily I say unto you, that wheni
these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall,
declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the ''power of
the Holy Ghost, which shall be given unto you of the Father,,
shall be made "known unto the Gentiles, that they may
know concerning ^this people who are a remnant of the house
of Jacob, and concerning this my people who ^'shall be scat-
tered by them.
3. Verily, verily, I say unto you, when these things shall
be made known unto them of the Father, and shall come
forth of the Father, *f rom them unto you ;
4. For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be
established in this land, and be set up as a *free people by
the power of the Father, that these things might come forth
from them ^unto a remnant of your seed, that the "covenant
of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with
his people, O house of Israel ;
5. Therefore, when these works, and the works which shall
be wrought among you hereafter, shall come forth from the
Gentiles, 'unto your seed, which shall "^dwindle in unbelief
because of iniquity;
6. For thus it behoveth the Father that it should come
forth from the Gentiles, that he may shew forth his "power
unto the Gentiles, for this cause, that the Gentiles, if they
will not harden their hearts, that they may repent and come
unto me, and be "baptized in my name, and know of the true
points of my doctrine, that they may be 'numbered among:
mj' people, O house of Israel ;
7. And when these things come to pass, that thy seed
shall «begin to know these things, it shall be a •'sign unto*
them, that they may know that the work of the Father
hath 'already commenced unto the fulfilling of fhe covenant
which he hath made unto the people who are of the house
of Israel.
8. And when that day shall come, it shall come to pass;
that 'kings shall shut their mouths ; for that which had not
o, vers. 2, 7. Isaiah 66: 19. 6, see c, i. Nep. 15. c, see a. d. see y^
III. Nep. 9. C, see C, II. Nep. 27. /, the Indians. a, see 2c, ill. Nep. 20.
h, see b, II. Nep. 30. i, l. Nep. 13: 17—19. See /, li. Nep. 10. ;, see b,.
II. Nep. 30. k, see i, iii. Nep. 15. I, see b, ii. Nep. 30. m, see g and /i„
I. Nep. 12. n, see i, i. Nep. 14. o, see u, ii. Nep. 9. p, see x, in. Nep.
16. q. III. Nep. 16; 10—13. r. see a. », vera. 2fr— 29. t, iii. N«pw
20:45.
^28 III. NEPHI. [CHAP. XXI.
f
been told them shall they see; and that which they had not
lieard shall they consider.
9. For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a
work, which shall be a "great and marvellous work among
them ; and there shall be among them who will not believe
it, although a man shall declare it unto them.
10. But behold, the life of my "servant shall be in my
ihand; therefore they shall not hurt him, although he shall
be *"marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will
shew unto them that my wisdom is greater than the 'cunning
of the devil.
11. Therefore it shall come to pass, that whosoever will
not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, whom the
Father shall cause »'him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and
shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth
lunto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as *Moses said,) they
•shall be cut ofiE from among my people who are of the cove-
nant.
12. And ^''my people who are a remnant of Jacob, shall
he among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them as a lion
^among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the
flocks of sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth down -
and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver,
13. Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries,
and all their enemies shall be cut off.
14. Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles, except they repent, for
it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will
<rut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy
thy chariots,
15. And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw
down all thy strongholds;
16. And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy hand, and thou
shalt have no more soothsayers ;
17. Thy graven images I will also cut off, and thy standing
images out of the midst of thee, and thou shalt no more worship
the works of thy hands ;
18. And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of
thee ; so will I destroy thy cities.
19. And it shall come to pass that all ^''lyings, and deceiv-
fngs, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whore-
doms, shall be done away.
20. For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at
that day whosoever will not repent and come unto my beloved
Son, them will I ''^cut off from among my people, O house of
Israel :
21. And I will execute ***vengeance and fury upon them,
even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.
u, see i, IT. Nep. 25. V. ver. 11. tit. Nep. 20:43, 45. w, ttt. Nep.
20: 44. X, r>oc. and Gov. 10: 43. ?/. s«» e, ii. Nep. 3. z, see w, iti. Nep. 20.
2n. spp o, Eii. Nen. 20. 2h, vers. 11, 20. 21. III. Nep. 29:4, 9. 30. Mor.
»:21. 4L 2c„seew, in. Nep. 20, 2d, sec 26.
CHAP, xxn.] m. NEPHi. 529
22. But if they will repent, and hearken unto my words,
and harden not their hearts, I will establish **'my church
s,mong them, and they shall come in unto the ^^covenant, and
bfc '"numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom
1 have given ^''this land for their inheritance,
23. And they shall '^assist my people, the remnant of
Jacob, and also, as many of the house of Israel as shall come,
that they may build a city, which shall be ^^ called the New
Jerusalem ;
24. And then shall ^''they assist ^'my people that they
may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the
land, in unto the ^""New Jerusalem.
25. And then shall the '''power of heaven come down among
them; and I ^"also will be in the midst;
26. And then shall the work of the Father commence at
that day, even '^when this gospel shall be preached among
the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that
<lay shall the work of the Father commence among all the
dispersed of my people ; yea, '^even the tribes which have
been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem.
27. Yea, the work shall commence among all the dis-
g^ersed of my people, with the Father, to prepare the way
whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the
Father in my name;
28. Yea, and then shall the work commence, with the
Father, among all nations, in preparing the way whereby
'*"his people may be gathered home to the land of their in-
heritance.
29. And they shall go out from all nations: and they "'shall
not go out in haste, nor go by flight, for I will go before them,
eaith the Father, and I will be their rearward.
CHAPTER 22. {See Isaiah 54.)
1. And then shall that which is written come to pass : Sing,
O "barren, thou that didst not bear: break forth into singing,
end cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child ; for more
are the children of the Mesolate than the children of the
^married wife, saith the Lord.
2. ''Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch
forth the curtains of thy habitations; spare not, lengthen
thy cords and strengthen thy stakes;
^ 2e, I. Nep. 14: 12, 14. 2f, see j, lll. Nep. 15. 2g, see x, iii. Nep. 16,
2h, see in. Nep. 15. 22, Ether 13: 10. 2j, vers. 24, 25. Til. Nep. 20: 22.
Ether 13: 1—12. 2fc. the believing Gentiles. 21, the Lamanites. 2m, see 2j.
2n, III. Nep. 20: 22. 2o, in. Nep. 20:22. 2p, see &, ii. Nep. 30. 2q, see
p, III. Nep. 15. 2r. see e, i. Nep. 15. 2s, iii. Nep. 20: 42. Isaiah 52;
11—15.
a, Israel. 6, Ijaiah 49:21. c, the Gentiles. d, Isaiah 49: 19 20,
530 III. NEPHI. [chap. XXII.
3. For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on
the left, and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the
desolate cities to be inhabited.
4. Fear not, for thou shalt not be ashamed ; neither be
thou confounded, for thou shalt not be put to shame; for
thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remem-
ber the reproach of thy youth, and shalt not remember the
reproach of thy widowhood any more.
5. For thy maker, thy husband, the Lord of Hosts is his
name ; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel ; the God of
the whole earth shall he be called.
6. For the Lord hath called ''thee as a woman forsaken
and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast
refused, saith thy God.
7. For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with
great mercies will I '"gather thee.
8. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment,
but with everlasting kindness will I haye mercy on thee, saith
the Lord thy Redeemer.
9. For this, the waters of Noah unto me, for as I have
sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the
earth, so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with
thee.
10. For the '^mountains shall depart and the hills be re-
moved, but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither
shall the ''covenant of my people be removed, saith the Lord
that hath mercy on thee.
11. O thou afflicted, ^tossed with tempest, and not com-
forted ! behold, I ^will lay thy stones with fair colours, and
lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12. And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates
of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.
13. And *all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and
great shall be the peace of thy children.
14. In righteousness shalt thou be established, thou shalt
be far from oppression, for thou shalt not fear, and from
terror, for it shall not come near thee.
15. Behold, they shall surely gather together against thee,
not by me ; whosoever shall gather together 'against thee shall
fall for thy sake.
16. Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals
in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work ;
and I have created the waster to destroy.
17. No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper;
and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment
thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants
of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the
Lord.
e, Israel. f, see e, l. Nep. 15. g, Hela. 12: 8—12. Isaiah 40: 4, 5. ft.
eee ? iii Nep. 15. i, Isaiah 49:21. j, the custliness and grandeur of their holy
cities. k, Isaiah 60: 21. Jer. 31: 33, 34. /, see ;, I. Nep. 22.
CHAP. XXIU.] III. NEPHI. 531
CHAPTER 23.
1. And now behold I say unto you, that ye had ought to
search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you,
that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words
of Isaiah.
2. For surely he spake as touching all things concern-
ing my people which are of the house of Israel; there-
fore it must needs be that he must speak also to the
Gentiles.
3. And all things that he spake hath been and shall be,
even "according to the words which he spake.
4. Therefore give heed to my words, write the things which
I have told you ; and according to the time and the will of the
I'ather, "they shall go forth unto the Gentiles.
5. And whosoever will hearken unto my words and
repenteth, and is ^baptized, the same shall be saved. Search
the prophets, for many there be that testify of these
things.
6. And now it came to pass that when Jesus had said these
words, he said unto them again, after he had expounded all
the scriptures unto them which they had received, he said
unto them, Behold, other scriptures I would that ye should
write, that ye have not.
7. And it came to pass that he said unto '^Nephi, Bring forth
the record which ye have kept.
8. And when Nephi had brought forth the records, and laid
them before him, he cast his eyes upon them and said,
9. Verily I say unto you, I commanded my servant
Samuel, the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this
people, that at the day that the Father should glorify his
name in me, that there were ^many saints who should arise
from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should
minister unto thenu And he said unto them, Were it
not so?
10. And his disciples answered him and said, Yea, Lord,
Samuel did prophesy according to thy words, and they were
all fulfilled.
11. And Jesus said unto them, How be it that ye have not
written this thing, that many saints did arise and appear unto
many, and did minister unto them?
12. And it came to pass that Nephi remembered that this
thing had not been written.
13. And it came to pass that Jesus commanded that it
should be written ; therefore it was written according as he
commanded.
14. And now it came to pass that when Jesus had ex-
a, II. Pet. 1: 19—21. b, see c, ii. Nep. 27. c, see u, ii. Nep. 9. d, ii:.
2J«p. 8: 1, 2. e, see g, Jacob 4. Hela. 14: 25, 26.
532 in. NEPHi. [chap. xxtv.
pounded all the scriptures in one, which they had written,
he commanded them that they should teach the things which
he had expounded unto them.
CHAPTER 24. {See Malachi 3.)
1. And it came to pass that he commanded them that they
Bhould write the words which the Father had given unto
Malachi, which he should tell unto them. And it came to pass
that after they were written, he expounded them. And these
are the words which he di(i tell unto them, saying, Thus said
the Father unto Malachi, *^Behold, I will send my messenger,
and he shall prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom
ye seek shall "suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger
of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, he shall come,
saith the Lord of Hosts.
2. But who may "abide the day of his coming? and who
shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire,
and like fuller's soap.
3. And he shall sit as a refirer and purifier of silver: and
he shall purify the **sons of Levi, a^d purge them as gold
and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in
righteousness.
4. Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleas-
ant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former
years.
5. And I will come ^near to you to judgment; and I ^will
be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the
adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that
oppress the hireling in his wages, the wio<)w and the fatherless,
and that turn .aside the stranger, and fear not me, saith the
Lord of Hosts.
6. For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons o£
Jacob are not consumed.
7. Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from
mine ordinances, and have not kept th(?m. Return unto me
and I will return unto you, saith the Lc»rd of Hosts. But ye
said. Wherein shall we return?
8. Will a man rob God? Yet ye h^we robbed me. But
ye say. Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and
offerings.
9. Ye are cursed witb a curse, for ye have robbed me, even
this whole nation.
10. Bring ye ''all the tithes into the storehouse, that
a. Doc. and Gov. 45:9. Isaiah 66: 6. 40: 3—5, 9—11. 59: 20, 21. &.
Isaiah 2: 2—4. Micah 4: 1—4. iii. Nep. 20: 22. 21; 25. c, m. Nep. 25
tf, Doc. and Gov S4: 31—34. e, Ezekiel 43: 1. 2, 4—7. /, UI. Nep. 25: 1. 3, ftj
Bee W, III. Nep. 20. g. Doc. and Gov. G4: 23. 119: 120.
CHAP. XXV.] III. NEPHI. 533
there may be meat in my house; and prove me now here-
with, saith the Lord of Hosts, if 1 will not open you the
windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there
shall not be room enough to receive it.
11. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and
he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall
your vine cast her fruit before the time in the fields, saith
the Lord of Hosts.
12. And all nations shall call you blessed, for ye shall be a
delightsome land, saith the Lord of Hosts.
18. Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord.
Yet ye say. What have we spoken against thee?
14. Y e have said, It is vain to serve God, and what doth
it profit that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have
Walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts?
15. And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work
wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even
delivered.
16. Then they that feared the Lord spake *often one to
another, and the Lord hearkened and heard; and a *book of
remembrance was written before him for them that feared
the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in
that day when I ^make up my jewels; and I will spare them,
as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18. Then shall ye return and discern between the righteoua
and the wicked, between him that serveth God, and him that
serveth him not.
CHAPTER 25. (See Malachi 4.)
1. For behold, the day cometh that shall "burn as an
oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall
be stubble : and the day that cometh shall burn them up,
saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root
nor branch.
2. But unto you that *fear my name, shall the Son of
Righteousness arise with healing in his wings ; and ye shall
go forth and grow up as ^calves in the stall.
3. And ye shall tread down the wicked ; for they shall be
''ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do
this, saith the Lord of Hosts.
4. Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I
commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the
statutes and judgments.
ft. Moro. 6: 5. 6. i, ni. N<«). 27: 25, 26. j. Doc and Gov. 101 : 3.
a, ver. 3. I. Nep. 22: 15, 17, 18, 23. ii. Nep. 27: 2. 30: 10. Jacob 6: 8i
Uaiah 24: 6. 66: 16. b, ver. 13. c, i. Nep. 22: 24. d, ver. 1.
534 III. NEPHI. [chap. XXVI.
5. Behold, I will send you *EIijah the prophet before the
^coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord ;
6. And he shall ''turn the heart of the fathers to the children,
and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and
smite the earth with a curse.
CHAPTER 26.
1. And now it came to pass that when Jesus had
told these things, he expounded them unto the multitude,
and he did expound all things unto them, both great an4
small.
2. And he saith, "These scriptures which ye had not with
you, the Father commanded that I should give unto you, for
it was wisdom in him that they should be given unto future
generations.
3. And he did expound all things, even from the beginning
until the time that he should "come in his glory ; yea, even
all things which should come upon the face of the earth, even
until the "elements should melt with fervent heat, and the
earth should be wrapt together as a scroll, and the heavens
and the earth should pass away;
4. And even unto the great and last day, *when all people,
and all kindreds, and all nations and tongues shall stand before
God, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or
whether they be evil;
5. If they be good, to the ^resurrection of everlasting life;
and if they be evil, to the resurrection of damnation, being
on a parallel, the one on the one hand, and the other on the
other hand, according to the mercy, and the justice, and the
holiness which is in Christ, who was 'before the world
began.
6. And how there cannot be written in this ^'book even a
hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach
unto the people;
7. But behold the 'plates' of Nephi do contain the more
part of the things which he taught the people ;
8. And these things have' I written, which are a *lesser
part of the things which he taught the people; and I have
written them to the intent that they may be brought again
c, Doc. and Gov. 110: 13. Appeared to Joseph Smith in theKirtland Temple.
/, The day of the second comiig of Christ. ni. Nep. 25: 3. g. Doc. and Gov.
98: 16. 17.
a ni. Nep. 24. 25. 6, see f . m. Nep. 25. c. Mor. 5: 23. ii. Peter
1: 10, 12. Isaiah 24: 17—20. 24: 1-4. Rev. 20: 11. tf, Mos. 16: 1.
2. 10. Alma 12: 12. 40: 21. III. Nep. 27: 14, 15. Mor. 9: 13, 14.
€, Mos. 16: 11. See d, ii. Nep. 2. f, see d Mos. 4« g Words of Mor? 1:5.
Hela. 3: 14. iii. Nep. 5, S. Ether 15: 33. /t, see /. l- Nep. U
i. see g.
CHAP. XXVI.] III. NEPHI. 535
unto this people, 'from the Gentiles, according to the words
Tvhich Jesus hath spoken.
9. And when they shall have received this, which is ex-
pedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if
it shall so be that they shall believe *these things, then shall
the ^greater things be made manifest unto them.
10. And if it so be that they will not believe these things,
then shall the greater things "*be withheld from them, unto
their condemnation.
11. Behold, I was about to write them '^all which was
engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it,
saying, I will "try the faith of my people ;
12. Therefore I, Mormon, do write the things which have
been commanded me of the Lord. And now I, Mormon, make
an end of my sayings, and proceed to write the things which
have been commanded me ;
13. Therefore I would that ye should behold that the Lord
truly did teach the people, for the space of three days ; and
after that^ he did shew himself unto them oft, and did "break
bread oft, and bless it, and give it unto them.
14. And it came to pass that he did teach and minister
tmto the ^children of the multitude of whom hath been spoken,
and he did loose their tongues, and they did speak unto their
fathers *"great and marvellous things, even greater than he had
revealed unto the people, and loosed their tongues that they
could utter.
15. And it came to pass that after he had ascended into
heaven the second time that he shewed himself unto them,
and had gone unto the Father, after having ""healed all their
sick, and their lame, and opened the eyes of their blind and
unstopped the ears of the deaf, and even had done all manner
of cures among them, and raised a man from the dead, and
had shewn forth his power unto them, and had ascended unto
the Father,
16. Behold, *: came to pass on the morrow, that the mul-
titude gathered themselves together, and they both saw and
heard these children ; yea, 'even babes did open their mouths,
and utter marvellous things ; and the things which they did
ntter were forbidden, that there should not any man write
them.
17. And it came to pass that the "disciples whom Jesus
had chosen, began from that time forth to ^baptize and to
teach as many as did come unto them ; and as many as were
baptized in the name of Jesus, were '^ filled with the Holy
Ohost.
18. And many of them saw and heard unspeakable things,
which are 'not lawful to be written :
j, see 6, II. Nep. 30. k, the lesser part. I, all on the plates of Nerfii;
Ether 4: 6—8, 13. m, Ether 4: 8—10. n, ver. 7. o. Ether 11; 6. p, see
6, III. Nep. 18. q, see g, iii. Nep. 17. r, see w, iii. Nep. 19. s, iii. Nep;
17:7—10. t, see w, iii. Nep. 19. u, see c, iii. Nep. 12. v, iv. Nep. l:U
iSee w, ii. Nqj, 9, w, see y, iii. Nep. 9. z, see w, iii. Nep. 19.
536 III. NEPHi. [chap. XXVIt.
19. And they taught, and did minister one to another; and
they had *'all thin^ common among them, e^^ery man dealing
justly, one with another.
20. And it came to pass that they did do all things, even
as Jesus had commanded them.
21. And they who were ^baptized in the name of Jesus,
*"were called the Church of Christ.
CHAPTER 27.
1. And it came to pass that as the "disciples of Jesus
were journeying and were preaching the things which they
had both heard and seen, and were baptizing in the name of
Jesus, it came to pass that the disciples were gathered to-
gether, and were united in mighty 'grayer and ^'fasting.
2. And Jesus again shewed himself unto them, for they
were praying unto the Father, in his name; and Jesus came
and stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, What
will ye that I shall give unto you?
3. And they said unto him. Lord, we will that thou
wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church;
for there are disputations among the people concerning this
matter.
4. And the Lord said unto them. Verily, verily I say unto
you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute
because of this thing?
5. Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must
take upon you the <^name of Christ, which is my name? for
by this name shall ye be called at the last day;
6. And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to
the end, the same shall be saved at the last day ;
7. Therefore whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my
name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and
ye shall call upon the Father in my name, that he will bless
the church for my sake;
8. And how be it my church, save it be called in my
name? for if a church be called in Moses' name, then it be
Moses' church ; or if it be called in the name of a man, then
it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my namo^
then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my
gospel.
9. Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel:
therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my
name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church,,
if it be in my name, the Father will hear you ;
y, IV. Nep. 1: 2, 3, 25, 26. 0, see M, ii. Nep. 9. 2a, see d, Mos, 26.
a, see c. III. Nep. 12. 6, see c, n. Nep. 32. C Bee t, Moa 27. d» vmm
8—10. See e. Mos. &
CHAP. XXVII.] III. NEPHI. 537
10. And if it so bo that the church is built upon my gospel,
then will the Father shew forth his own works in it ;
11. But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built
upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily
1 say unto you, they have joy in their works for a season, and
by and by the end come th, and they are ^hewn down and cast
into the lire, from whence there is no return;
12. For their works do follow them, for it is because of
their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the
things that I have told you.
13. Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is
the gospel which I have given unto you, that I came into
the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father
sent me ;
14. And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon
the cross; and after that I had 'been lifted up upon the cross,
that I might draw all men unto me ; that as I have been
lifted up by men, even so should men ''be lifted up by the
Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether
they be good or whether they be evil;
15. And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore,
according to the power of the Father, I will draw all men
unto me, that they may be judged according to their
works.
16. And it shall come to pass, that whOso repenteth and
is '^baptized in my name, shall be filled; and if he *endureth
to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father,
at that day when 1 shall stand to judge the world.
17. And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is
he that is also ^hewn down and cast into the fire, from
whence they can no more return, because of the justice of the
Father ;
18. And this is the word which he hath given unto the
children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words
which he hath given, and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his
-words ;
19. And *no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom;
therefore nothing entereth into his rest, save it be those who
have washed their garments in my blood, because of their
faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithful-
ness unto the *end.
20. Now this is the commandment, Repent, all ye ends of the
•earth, and come unto me and be "^baptized in my name, that ye
may be sanctified by the "reception of the Holy Ghost, that
je may stand spotless before me at the last day.
21. Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and
ye know the things that ye must do in my cnurch; for the
e, see fc, i. Nep. 15. f, ver. 15. i. Nep. 19: 10. ni. Nep. 28: 6. g^
jaised from the grave. h, see u, ii. Nep. 9. i, see ft, II. Nep. 31. j, see fc,
I. Nep. 15. k. Alma 11 : 37. See r. Alma 7. I, see A. II. Nep. 31. m, see
14, II. Nep. 9. n, see y, iii. Nep. 9.
538 III. NEPHI. [chap. XXVII.
works which ye have seen me do, that shall ye also do ; for
that which ye have seen me do, even that shall ye do;
22. Therefore if ye do these things, blessed are ye, for ye
shall be ''lifted up at the last day.
23. Write the things which ye have seen and heard, save
it be those ^which are forbidden ;
24. Write the works of this people, which shall be, even as
hath been written, of that which hath been;
25. For behold, ^'out of the books which have been
written, and which shall be written, shall this people ""be
judged, for by them shall their works be known unto
men.
26. And behold, all things are 'written by the Father;
therefore *out of the books which shall be written, shall the
world be judged.
27. And know ye that "ye shall be judges of this people,
according to the judgment which I shall give unto you, which
shall be just; therefore what manner of men had ye ought to
be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.
28. And now I go unto the Father. And verily I say unto
you, whatsoever things ye shall ask the Father, in my name,
it shall be given unto you;
29. Therefore, *'ask, and ye shall receive ; knock, and it shall
be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth, and unto
him that knocketh, it shall be opened.
30. And now behold, my joy is great, even unto fulness,
because of you, and also this generation ; yea, and even the
Father rejoiceth, and also all the holy angels, because of y&a
and this generation; for none of them are lost.
31. Behold, I would that ye should understand ; for I mean
them who are now alive of this generation; and none of them
are lost ; and in them I have fulness of joy.
32. But behold, it sorroweth me because of the *^ fourth
generation from this generation, for they are led away captive
by him, even as was the *son of perdition; for they will sell
me for silver, and for gold, and for that which I'moth doth
corrupt, and which thieves can break through and steal. And
in that day will I visit them, even in ^turning their works
upon their own heads.
33. And it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these
sayings, he saith unto his disciples, ^Enter ye in at the
straight gate; for straight is the gate, and narrow is the way
that leads to life, and few there be that find it, but wide is
the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many
there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein
no man can work.
o, see p, Mos. 23. p, iii. Nep. 26: 16, 18. q, ver. 26. See c, ll. Nep. 27.
r, see j, ii. Nep. 29. s, iii. Nep. 24: 16. t, ver. 25. See c, li. Nep. 27.
tt, I. Nep. 12: 9. 10. Mor. 3: 19. , v, iii. Nep. 14: 7. 8. w, see d, i. Nep. 12.
X, III. Nep. 29: 7. y, in. Nep. 13: 19—21. z, M«. b, 2a, m. Nep. 14«
1Z» 14. ^"e 2a. tt. Nep. 9.
CHAP. XXVIII. 1 III. NEPHI. 539
CHAPTER 28.
1. And it came to pass when Jesus had said these
words, he spake unto his disciples, one by one, saying unto
them, What is it that ye desire of me, after that I am gone to
the Father?
2. And they all spake, save it were three, We desire that
after we have lived unto the age of man, that our ministry,
wherein thou hast called us, may have an end, that we may
speedily come unto thee, in thy kingdom.
8. And he said unto them. Blessed are ye, because ye desired
this thing of me; therefore after that ye are "seventy and
two years old, ye shall come unto me in my kingdom, and with
, me ye shall find rest.
4. And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself
unto the three, and said unto them, What will ye that I should
do unto you, when I am gone unto the Father?
5. And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not
speak unto him the thing which they desired.
6. And he said unto them. Behold, I know your thoughts,
and ye have desired the thing which *John, my beloved, who
was with me in my ministry, before that I was ''lifted up by
the Jews, desired of me ;
7. Therefore more blessed are ye, for ye shall '^never taste
of death, but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the
Father, unto the children of men, even until all things shall
be fulfilled, according to the will of the Father, when I shall
•come in my glory, with the powers of hea^/en;
8. And ye shall never ^endure the pains of death ; but when
I shall come in my glory, ye shall be ^changed in the twinkling
of an eye from mortality to immortality : and then shall ye
be blessed in the kingdom of my Father.
9. And again, ye shall not have ''pain while ye shall dwell
in the flesh, neither sorrow, *save it be for the sins of the
world : and all this will I do because of the thing which ye
have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring
the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand ;
10. And for this cause ye shall have fulness of joy; and ye
shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea. your joy
shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fulness of joy;
and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father;
and the Father and I are ^one;
11. And the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and
me ; and the Father ^giveth the Holy Ghost unto the children
of men, because of me.
12. And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these
a, IV. Nep. 1: 14. 6, Doc. and Gov. 7. c, see f, iii. Nep. 27. d, vers.
8, 9, 19—22, 25, 37—40. iv. Nep. 1: 14. 37. Mor. 8: 10—12. Ether 12: 17.
e, III. Nep, 20: 22. 21: 25. f, see d. g, vers. 15, 17, 36—40. h, ces d,
i, IV. Nep. 1:44. Mor. 8: 10. ;, see /c, ii. Nep. 31. k,Bcey,
III. Nep. 9.
540 III. NEPHi. [chap, xxvin.
words, he touched every one of them with his finger, save it
were the three who were to tarry, and then he departed.
13. And behold, the heavens were opened, and 'they
were caught up into heaven, and saw and heard unspeakable
things.
14. And it was "^forbidden them that they should utter;
neither was it given unto them power that they could utter
the things which they saw and heard;
15. And whether they were in the body or out of the body,
they could not tell ; for it did seem unto them like a trans-
figuration of them, that they were changed from this body
of flesh into an immortal state, that they could behold the
things of God.
16. But it came to pass that they did again minister upon
the face of the earth ; nevertheless they did not minister of the
things which they had heard and seen, because of the "com-
mandment which was given them in heaven.
17. x\nd now "whether they were mortal or immortal, from
the day of their transfiguration, I know not ;
18. But this much I know, according' to the record which
hath been given, they did go forth upon the face of the land,
and did minister unto all the people, uniting as many to the
church as would believe in their preaching; ^baptizing them;
and as many as were baptized, did 'receive the Holy Ghost ;
19. And they were cast into prison by them who did not
belong to the church. And the "^prisons could not hold them,
for they were rent in twain.
20. And they were cast down into the earth. But they
did smite the earth with the word of God, insomuch that by
his power they were delivered out of the depths of the earth;
and therefore they could not dig pits suflScient to hold
them.
21. And thrice thej^ were cast into a furnace, and received
no harm.
22. And twice were they cast into a den of wild beasts ; and
behold they did play with the beasts, as a child with a suckling
lamb, and received no harm.
23. And it came to pass that thus they did go forth
among all the people of Nephi, and did preach the gospel of
Christ unto all people upon the face of the land ; and they
were converted unto the Lord, and were united unto the church
of Christ, and thus the people of *that generation were blessed,
according to the word of Jesus.
24. And now I, Mormon, make an end of speaking concern-
ing these things for a time.
25. Behold, I was about to write the 'names of those who
were never to taste of death ; but the Lord forbade, there-
fore I write them not, for they are hid from the world.
I the three. m. see W, ni. Nep. 19. n. ver. 14. o. vers. 36 — 40. p.
Bee u, II. Nep. 9. q, see y, ill. Nep. 9. r, iv. Nep. 1:5, 30—33. Mor. 8:24.
s, III. Nep. 27: 30, 31. «, iii. Nep. 19: 4.
CHAP. XXVin.] III. NEPHI. 541
26. But behold "I have seen them, and they have ministered
unto me;
27. And behold they will be among the Gentiles, and the
Gentiles knoweth them not.
28. They vrill also be among the Jews, and the Jews shall
know them not.
29. And it shall come to pass, when the Lord seeth fit in
his wisdom, that they shall minister unto all the scattered
tribes of Israel, and unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and
people, and shall bring out of them unto Jesus many souls,
that their ^'desire may be fulfilled, and also because of the
•'convincing power of God which is in them ;
30. And they are as the angels of God, and if they shall
pray unto the Father in the name of Jesus, they can shew
themselves unto whatsoever man it seemeth them good;
31. Therefore 'great and marvellous works shall be
wrought by them, before the great and coming day, when
all people must surely stand before the judgment seat of
Christ ;
32. Yea even among the Gentiles shall there be a great
and marvellous work wrought by them, before that judgment
day.
33. And if ye had I'all the scriptures which give an
account of all the marvellous works of Christ, ye would, ac-
cording to the words of Christ, know that these things must
surely come.
34. And wo be unto him that that will *not hearken unto the
words of Jesus, and also to them whom he hath chosen and
sent among them, for whoso receiveth not the words of
Jesus and the words of those whom he hath sent, receiveth
not him ; and therefore he will not receive them at the last
day;
35. And it would be better for them if they had not been
born. For do ye suppose that ye can get rid. of the justice
of an offended God, who hath been trampled under feet of m^n,
that thereby salvation might come?
36. And now behold, as I spake concerning those whom
the Lord hath chosen, yea, even three "who were ^"caught up
into the heaven, that I knew not "''whether they were cleansed
from mortality to immortality.
37. But behold, since I wrote, I have inquired of the Lord,
and he hath made it manifest unto pie, that there must needs
be a change wrought upon their bodies, or *^else it needs be
that they must taste of death ; ,
38. Therefore that they might not taste of death, there
was a change wrought upon their bodies, that they
might *'^not suffer pain nor sorrow, save it were for the sins
of the world.
u, Mor. 8: 11. V, ver. 9. w, vers. 30—33. x, see w. y, in. Nep:
26:6—12. 2, Ether 4:8—12. 2a, vers. 13— 16. 26. ver. 17. 2c,Bii6di,
2d, ver. 9.
542 III. NEPHI. [chap. XXIX.
39. Now this change was not equal to that which should
take place at the last day ; but there was a change wrought
upon them, insomuch that Satan could have no power over
them, that he could not tempt them, and they were sanctified
in the flesh, that they were holy, and that the **powers of the
earth could not hold them ;
40. And in this state they were to remain until the judg-
ment day of Christ ; and at that day they were to receive
a ^^greater change, and to be received into the kingdom of
the Father to go no more out, but to dwell with God eternally
in the heavens.
CHAPTER 29.
1. And now behold, I say unto you, that when the Lord
fihall see fit, in his wisdom, that these sayings shall ''come
unto the Gentiles, according to his word, then ye may know
that the ^covenant which the Father hath made with the chil-
dren of Israel, concerning their restoration to the lands of
their inheritance, is already beginning to be fulfilled;
2. And ye may know that the words of the Lord, which
have been spoken by the holy prophets, shall all be fulfilled ;
and ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the
children of Israel ;
3. And ye need not imagine in your hearts that the words
which have been spoken are vain, for behold, the Lord will
remember his covenant which he hath made unto his people
of the house of Israel.
4. And ''when ye shall see these sayings coming forth among
you, then ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the
Lord, for the sword of his justice is in his right hand, and
behold at that day, if ye shall spurn at his doings, he will
cause that '^it shall soon overtake you.
5. Wo unto him that spurneth at the doings of the
Lord; yea, wo unto him that sha?I deny the Christ and his
works ;
6. Yea, *wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of
the Lord, and that shall say. The Lord no longer worketh by
revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by
healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost;
7. Yea, and wo unto him that shall say at that day, to
get gain, that there can be no miracle wrought by Jesus
Christ; for he that doeth this, shall become like unto the
^son of perdition, for whom there was no mercy, according
to the word of Christ.
8. Yea, and ye need not any longer hiss, nor spurn, nor
2e, ver. 20. 2f, ver. 8.
a, see c, ii. Nep. 27. b, see 2;, iii. Nep. 15. c, see ;. iii. Nep. 15. d,
see 26. iii. Nep. 21. e. Mor. 9: 7—11, 15—26. Moro. 7: 35—38. 10; 19—29.
/.III. Nep. 27:32.
CHAP. XXX.— I.] IV. NEPHI. 543
make game of the Jews, nor any of the remnant of the
house of Israel, for behold the Lord remembereth his ^cove-
nant unto them, and he will do unto them according to that
which he hath sworn ;
9. Therefore ye need not suppose that ye can turn the
right hand of the Lord unto the left, that he may not ''execute
judgment unto the fulfilling of the ^covenant which he hath
made unto the house of Israel.
CHAPTER 30.
1. Hearken, O ye Gentiles, and hear the words of Jesus
Christ, the Son of the living God, which he hath commanded
*me that I should speak concerning you, for, behold he com-
mandeth me that I should write saying,
2. Turn, all ye Gentiles from your wicked ways, and
repent of your evil doings, of your ''lyings and deceivings,
and of your '^whoredoms, and of your *^secret abominations,
and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your Spriest-
crafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all
your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and
be ^baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission
of your sins, and be ^filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye
may be Numbered with - v people, who are of the house of
Isi^el. '
IV. KEPHI.
THE BOOK OF NEPHI,
^HO IS THE SON OF NEPHI, ONE OF THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS
CHRIST.
CHAPTER 1.
An account of the people of 'Nephi, according to his record.
1. And it came to pass that the "thirty and fourth year
passed away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold
the Misciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all
the lands round about. And as many as did come unto
them, and did truly repent of their sins, were "baptized
g, see ;, iii. Nep. 15. K see 2&, iii. Nep. 21. i, see j, iii. Nep. 15.
a. Mormon. 6, m. Nep. 21: 19—21. c, see y, ii. Nep. 9. d, see t,
II. Nep. 10. e, see x, ii. Nep. 26. /, see u, ii. Nep. 9. g, see y, iii. Nep. d.
h, see X, III. Nep. 16.
a. III. Nep- 2: Q—S. b, see c, iii. Nep, 12. c, see u, ii. Nep. 9.
544 IV. NEPHI. " [chap. I.
in the name of Jesus; and they did also ''receive the Holy
Ghost.
2. And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the
people were all converted nnto the Lord, upon all the face of
the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no
contentions and disputations among them, and every man did
deal justly one with another;
3. And they had ®all things common among them, there-
fore they were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were
all made free, and partakers of the 'heavenly gift.
4. And it came^to pass that the thirty and seventh year
passed away also, and there still continued to be peace in
the land.
5. And there were great and marvellous works ^wrought
by the disciples of Jesus, insomuch that they did heal the
sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and
the blind to receive sidit, and the deaf to hear; and all
manner of miracles did they work among the children of men ;
and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the
name of Jesus. '
6. And thus did the thirty and eighth year pass away„
and also the thirty and ninth, and forty and first, and tlm
forty and second; yea, even until forty and nine years hnc)
passed away, and also the fifty and first, and the fifty an-;
second ; yea, and even until fifty and nine years had passed
away ;
7. And the Lord did prosper them exceedingly in the land ;
yea, insomuch that they did fill cities again where there had
been cities burned;
8. Yea, even that great '^city Zarahemla did they cause
to be built again.
9. *But there were many cities which had *been sunk, and
waters came up in the stead thereof; therefore these cities
could not be renewed.
10. And now behold it came to pass that the people of
Nephi did wax strong, and did multiply exceeding fast, and
became an exceeding fair and delightsome people.
11. And they were married, and given in marriage, and were
blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the
Lord had made unto them.
12. And they did not walk any more after the perform-
ances and ordinances of the ^law of Moses, but they did
walk after the commandments which they had received from
their Lord and their God, continuing in ''fasting and prayer,
and in ^meeting together oft, both to "*pray and to hear the
word of the Lord.
13. And it came to pass th;it there was no contention
d, see y, iii. Nep. 9. e, see y, iii. Nep. 26. f, see y, iii. Nep. 9. g, see
r. III. Nep. 28. h, see h, Omni i. in. Nep. 8: 8. 24. 9:3. i, in. Nep.
8:9. 9: 4, 7. j, see o, ii. Nep. 25. in. Nep. 9: 19. 16; 2—8. k, see t
Mos 27. I, III. Nep. 24: 16. m, see e, ii. Nep. 32.
CHAP. I.J IV. NEPHI. 545
among all the people, in all the land, but there were "mighty
miracles wrought among the disciples of Jesus.
14. And it came to pass that the seventy and first year
passed away, and also the seventy and second year; yea, and
in fine, till the seventy and ninth year had passed away; yea,
even an hundred years had passed away, and the disciples of
Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all gone to the "paradise of
God, save it were the *three who should tarry ; and there were
«other disciples ordained in their stead; and also many of that
generation which had passed away.
15. And it came to pass that there was no contention in the
land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts
of the people.
16. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults,
nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of
lasciviousness ; and surely there could not be a happier peo-
ple among all the people who had been created by the hand
of God ;
17. There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there-
Lamanites, nor any manner of ites; but they were in one, the
children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God;
18. And how blessed were they, for the Lord did bless thera
in all their doings ; yea, even they were blessed and prospered^
until an hundred and ten years had passed away; and the first
generation from Christ had passed away, and there v/as no-
contention in all the land.
19. And it came to pass that 'Nephi, he that kept thia
last record, (and he kept it upon the Opiates of Nephi,) died»
and his son Amos kept it in his stead ; and he kept it upon the
plates of Nephi also ;
20. And he kept it eighty and four years, and there was
still peace in the land, save it were a small part of the people
who had revolted from the church, and took upon them the
name of Lamanites ; therefore there began to be Lamanites
again in the land.
21. And it came to pass that Amos died also, (and it was
an hundred and ninety and four years from the coming of
Christ,) and his son Amos kept the record in his stead; and
lie also kept it upon the plates of Nephi; and it was alsa'
written in the book of Nephi, which is this book.
22. And it came to pass that two hundred years had passed
away, and the second generation had all passed away save it
were a few.
23. And now I, Mormon, would that ye should know that
the people had multiplied, insomuch that they were spread
upon all the face of the land, and that they had become ex-
ceeding rich, because of their prosperity in Christ.
n, see r, iii. Nep. 28. o, see ?, ii. Nep. 9. p, see d, iii. Nep. 28. q, nine
others, as successors. r, Nephi' s father was one of the twelve. 8, see /» I»
Nep. 1:17.
546 IV. NEPHi. [chap. I.
24. And now in this two hundred and first year, there
began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride,
such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine
pearls, and of the fine things of the world.
25. And from that time forth they did have their goods and
their substance *no more common among them,
26. And they began to be divided into classes, and they
began to build up churches unto themselves, to get gain, and
began to deny the true church of Christ.
27. And it came to pass that when two hundred and ten
years had passed away there were many churches in the
land ; yea, there were many churches which professed to
know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of
his gospel, insomuch that ^ they did receive all manner of
wickedness, and did administer that which was sacred unto
him to whom it had *'been forbidden, because of unworthi-
. ness.
28. And this church did multiply exceedingly, because of
iniquity, and because of the power of Satan who did get hold
upon their hearts.
29. And again, there was another church which denied the
Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, be-
cause of their humility, and their belief in Christ; and they
did despise them, because of the many miracles which were
wrought among them;
30. Therefore they did exercise power and authority over
the ^disciples of Jesus who did tarry with them, and they diij
cast them into prison : but by the power of the word of God,
which was in them, the "'prisons were rent in twain, and they
went forth doing mighty miracles among them.
31. Nevertheless, and notwithstanding all these miracles, the
people did harden their hearts, and did seek to kill them, even
as the Jews at Jerusalem sought to kill Jesus, according to
his word;
32. And they did cast them into ^furnaces of fire, and they
came forth receiving no harm ;
33. And they also cast them into ^dens of wild beasts,
and they did play with the wild beasts even as a child with
a lamb ; and they did come forth from among them, receiving
no harm.
34. Nevertheless, the people did harden their hearts, for they
were led by many priests and false prophets to build up many
churches, and to do all manner of iniquity. And they did
smite upon the people of Jesus: but the people of Jesus did not
smite again. And thus they did dwindle in unbelief and wick*
edness, from year to year, even until two hundred and thirty
years had passed away.
35. And now it came to pass in this year, yea, in the two
t see y, in. Nep. 26; u, in. Npn. 1«: 28, 29. v, the three. See d,
TTT Nep. 28. w, ver. 5. m. Nep. 28; 19. x, in, Nep. 28; 21. y, iii. Nep.
38:22.
CHAP. I.] IV. NEPHI. 547 ,
hundred and thirty and first year, there was a great division
among the peopJe.
36. And it came to pass that in this year there arose a
people who were called the Nephites, and they were true
believers in Christ; and among them there were those who
were called by the Lamanites, Jacobites, and Josephites, and
Zoramites ;
37. Therefore the true believers in Christ, and the true
worshippers of Christ, (among whom were the *three disciples
of Jesus who should tarry.) were called Nephites, and Jacob-
ites, and Josephites, and Zoramites.
38. And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel,
were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and
they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did ^"wilfully rebel
against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children
that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the
beginning, did dwindle.
39. And it was because of the wickedness and abomina-
tion of their fathers, even as it was in the beginning. And
they were taught to hate the children of God, even as the
Lamanites were taught to ^''hate the children of Nephi, from
the beginning.
40. And it came to pass that two hundred and forty and
four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the
people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax
strong, and became exceeding more numerous than were the
people of God.
41. And they did still continue to build up churches unto
themselves, and adorn them with all manner of precious things.
And thus did two hundred and fifty years pass away, and also
two hundred and sixty years.
42. And it came to pass that the wicked part of the people
began again to build up the ^"secret oaths and combinations of
Gadianton.
43. And also the people who were called the people of Nephi,
began to be proud in their hearts, because of their exceed-
ing riches, and become vain, like unto their brethren, the
Lamanites.
44. And from this time, the ''^disciples began to sorrow for
the sins of the world.
45. And it came to pass that when three hundred years had
passed away, both the people of Nephi and the Lamanites had
become exceeding wicked one like unto another.
46. And it came to pass that the ^^robbers of Gadianton
did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none
that were righteous, save it were the disciples of Jesus.
And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance,
and did traffic in all manner of traffic.
z, see d. III. Nep. 28. 2a, iii. Nep. 27; 32. Mor. 1: 16. 26, see
n, Jacob 7. 2c, se^ ^, II. Nep. 10. Hela. 2; 3—14. 2d, in. Nep. 28:9.
2e, see 2c.
648 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP. I.
47. And it came to pass that after three hundred and five
years had passed away, (and the people did still remain in
wickedness,) Amos died, and his brother Ammaron, did keep
the record in his stead.
48. And it came to pass that when three hundred and
twenty years had passed away, Ammaron, being constrained
by the Holy Ghost, did hide up the records which were sacred ;
yea, even '^11 the sacred records which had been handed
down from generation to generation, which were sacred even
until the three hundred and twentieth year from the coming
of Christ.
49. And he did hide them up unto the Lord, that they
might come again ^^unto the remnant of the house of Jacob,
according to the prophecies and the promises of the Lord, And
thus is the end of the record of Ammaron.
THE BOOK OF MORMON.
CHAPTER 1.
1. And now I, Mormon, make a record of the things
which I have both seen and heard, and call it the **Book of
Mormon.
2. And about the time that ^Ammaron hid up the records
unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of
age; and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner
of the learning of my people,) and Ammaron said unto me,
I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to
observe ;
3. Therefore when ye are about twenty and four years
old, I would that ye should remember the things that ye
have observed concerning this people ; and when ye are of that
age, go to the land ''Antum, unto a hill, which shall be called
•^Shim ; and there have I ^deposited unto the Lord, all the
Bacred engravings concerning this people.
4. And behold, ye shall take the ^plates of Nephi unto
yourself, and the remainder shall ye leave in the place wher^^
they are; and ye shall engrave on the plates of Nephi, "all
the things that ye have observed concerning this people.
5. And I, Mormon, being a descendant of '^Nephi, (and my
2f, Alma 37. Hela. 3: 13, 15, 16. 2g, in the latter days.
o, consisting of nine chapters in its abridged form. Mor. 2:17, 18. 5:9
6, IV. Nep. 1: 47—49. c, Mor. 2: 17. d, Mor. 4: 23. Ether 9: 3. e, iv
Nep. 1 : 48. /, see /, I. Nep. 1. 9» Mor. 2: 18. h, ill. Nep. 6; 12, 20
See &. Mos. 18.
CHAP. I.] BOOK OP MORMON, 549
father's name was Mormon,) I remembered the things which
Ammaron commanded me.
6. And it came to pass that I, being eleven years old, was
carried by my father into the *land southward, even to the
^land of Zarahemla ;
7. The whole face of the land having become covered with
buildings, and the people were as numerous almost, as it were
the sand of the sea.
8. And it came to pass in this year, there began to be a war
between the Nephites, who consisted of the Nephites, and the
Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites; and this war
was between the Nephites and the Lamanites, and the Lemuel-
ites, and the Ishmaelites.
9. Now the Lamanites, and the Lemuelites, and the Ish-
maelites, were called Lamanites, and the two parties were
Nephites and Lamanites™
10. And it came to pas3 that the war began to be among
them in the borders of Zarahemla, by the ^waters of Sidon.
11. And it came to pass that the Nephites had gathered
together a great number of men, even to exceed the number
of thirty thousand. And it came to pass that they did
have in this same year a number of battles, in which the
Nephites did beat the Lamanites, and did slay many of
them.
V 12. And it came to pass that the Lamanites withdrew their
design, and there was peace settled in the land, and peace
did remain for the space of about four years, that there was
no blood shed.
13. But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole
land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his 'beloved dis-
ciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease,
because of the iniquity of the people.
14. And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy
Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and
unbelief.
15. And I being fifteen years of age, and being somewhat
of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted,
and knew of the goodness of Jesus.
16. And I did endeavour to preach unto this people, but my
mouth was shut, and I was forbidden that I should preach
unto them ; for behold they had "^wilfully rebelled against their
God, and the **beloved disciples were taken away out of the
land, because of their iniquity.
17. But I did remain among them, but I was forbidden to
preach unto them, because of * the hardness of their hearts;
and because of the hardness of their hearts, the land was
*cursed for their sake.
18. And these ^Gadianton robbers, who were among the
i. South America. j, see /i, Omni 1. k, see g. Alma 2. I, the three,
Irho were not to taste of death. See rf, iii. Nep. 28. m, see 2a IV. Nep. 1. n
«ee L 0, see d, II. Nep, 1. p, see 2e, iv, Nep. 1.
550 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP II.
Lamanites, did infest the land, insomuch that the inhabit-
ants thereof began to hide up their treasures in the earth ;
and they became slippery, because the Lord had ^cursed the
land, that they could not hold them, nor retain them again.
19. And it came to pass that there weie sorceries, and
witchcrafts, and magics : and the power oi the evil one was
wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling
of all the ""words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite.
CHAPTER 2.
1. And it came to pass in that "same year, there began to
be a war again between the Nephites and the Lamanites. And
notwithstanding I being young, was large in stature, therefore
the people of Nephi appointed me that I should be their leader,
or the leader of their armies.
2. Therefore it came to pass that in my sixteenth year I
did go forth at the head of an army of the Nephites, against
the Lamanites; therefore three hundred and twenty^ and six
years ''had passed away.
3. And it came to pass that in the three hundred and
twenty and seventh year, the Lamanites did come upon us with
exceeding great power, insomuch that they did frighten my
armies; therefore they would not fight, and they began to
retreat towards the ''north countries.
4. And it came to pass that we did come to the city of
Angola, and we did take possession of the city, and make
preparations to defend ourselves against the Lamanites. And
it came to pass that we did '^fortify the city with our mights ;
but notwithstanding all our fortifications the Lamanites did
come upon us, and did drive us out of the city.
5. And they did also drive us forth out of the land of
David.
6. And we marched forth and came to the land of Joshua,
which was in the borders west by the sea shore.
7. And it came to pass that we did gather in our people
as fast as it were possible, that we might get them together
in one body.
8. But behold, the land was filled with *robbers and
with Lamanites; and notwithstanding the great destruction
which hung over my people, they did not repent of their
evil doings; therefore there was blood and carnage spread
throughout all the face of the .land, both on the part of the
Nephites, and also on the part of the Lamanites; and it was
one complete revolution throughout all the face of the land.
q, see d, ll. Nep. 1. r. Hela. 13; 18—23. 30—37. Mor. 2: 10—15.
a, Mor. 1 : 12, 15. 6, m. Nep. 2: 7, 8. c, towards North America. d, sci
C, Alma 48. e, see 2, IV. Nep. 1.
CHAP. II.] BOOK OF MORMON. 551
9. And now the Lamanites had a king, and his name
"was 'Aaron ; and he came against us with an army of forty
and four thousand. And behold, I withstood him with
forty and two thousand. And it came to pass that I beat
him with my army, that he fled before me. And behold, all
this was done, and three hundred and thirty years had passed
away.
10. And it came to pass that the Nephites began to re-
pent of their iniquity, and began to cry even as had been
prophesied by ^'Samuel the prophet; for behold no man could
keep that which was his own, for the thieves, and the robbers,
and the murderers, and the magic art, and the witchcraft which
was in the land.
11. Thus there began to be a mourniijg and a lamentation
in all the land because of these things ; and more especially
among the people of Nephi.
12. And it came to pass that when I, Mormon, saw their
lamentation, and their mourning and their sorrow before the
I/ord, my heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the
mercies and the longsuffering of the Lord, therefore suDposing
that he would be merciful unto them, that they would again
become a righteous people.
13. But behold this my joy was vain, for their sorrowing
was not unto repentance, because of the goodness of God,,
but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned, because the
Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness ia
sin.
14. And they did not come unto Jesus with broken hearts
and contrite spirits, but they did curse God, and wish to
die. Nevertheless they would struggle with the sword for their
lives.
15. And it came to pass that my sorrow did return unto
me again, and I saw that the day of grace was passed with
them, both temporally and spiritually, for I saw thousands
of them hewn down in open rebellion against their God,
and heaped up as dung upon the face of the land. And
thus three hundred and forty and four years had passed
away.
16. And it came to pass that in the three hundred and
forty and fifth year, the Nephites did begin to flee before the
Lamanites, and they were pursued until they came even to
the land of Jashon, before it was possible to stop them in
their retreat.
17. And now the *city of Jashon was near the land where
Ammaron had *deposited the records unto the Lord, that
they might not be destroyed. And behold I had gone accord-
ing to the word of Ammaron, and taken the ^plates of
Nephi, and did make a record according to the words of
Ammaron,
f, Moro. 9; 17. g, see r, Mor. 1. h, Mor. 1:3. 4; 23. U IV. Ncp. 1: I8lb
49. j. Mor. 1: 4. See /, i. Nep. 1.
552 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP. II.
18. And upon the plates of Nephi, I did make a *fuli
account of all the wickedness and abominations; but
upon 'these plates I did forbear to make a full account of
their wickedness and abominations, for behold, a continual
scene of wickedness and abominations has been before mine
eyes ever since I have been sufficient to behold the ways of
man.
19. And wo is me, because of their wickedness, for my
iieart has been filled with sorrow because of their wickedness,
all my days ; nevertheless, I know that I shall be "^lifted up
at the last day.
20. And it came to pass that in this year the people of Nephi
again were hunted and driven. And it came to pass that we
were driven forth un'til we had come northward to the land
which was called Shem.
21. And it came to pass that we did "fortify the city of
Shem, and we did gather in our people as much as it were
possible, that perhaps we might save them from destruc-
tion.
22. And it came to pass in the three hundred and forty
and sixth yoar, they began to come upon us again.
23. And it came to pass that I did speak unto my people,
and did urge them with great energy, that they would stand
boldly before the Lamanites and fight for their wives, and
their children, and their houses, and their homes.
24. And my words did arouse them somewhat to vigour, inso-
much that they did not flee from before the Lamanites, but
did stand -with boldness against them.
25. And it came to pass that we did contend with an army
of thirty thousand, against an army of fifty thousand. And it
came to pass that we did stand before them with such firmness,
that they did flee from before us.
26. And it came to pass that when they had fled, we did
pursue them with our armies, and did meet them again, and
did beat them ; nevertheless the strength of the Lord was not
with us ; yea, we were left to ourselves, that the Spirit of the
Lord did not abide in us; therefore we had become weak like
unto our brethren.
27. And my heart did sorrow because of this the great
calamity of my i>eople ; because of their wickedness and their
»abominations. Bnt behold we did go forth against the Laman-
ites, and the "robbers of Gadianton, until we had again taken
possession of the lands of our inheritance.
28. And the three hundred and forty and ninth year had
passed away. And in the three hundred and fiftieth year,
we made a treaty with the Lamanites and the robbers of Gad-
ianton, in which we did get the lands of our inheritance
divided.
29. And the Lamanites did give unto us the "land north-
k, Mor. 1:4. I, see g, iii. Nep. 5. m, see p, Mos. 23. n, see C. Alma 48.
0» see 2c, iv. Nep, 1. j?, North America.
CHAP. III.] BOOK OF MORMON. 553
ward; yea, even to the 'Darrow passage which led into
the *'land southward. And we did give unto the Lamanites
all the land southward.
CHAPTER 3.
1. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did not come*
to battle again until ten years more had passed away. And
behold, I had employed my people, the Nephites, in pre-
paring their lands and their arms against the time ©f
battle.
2. And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me,
Cry unto this people, repent ye, and come unto me, and h&
ye "baptized, and build up again my church, and ye shall be^
spared.
3. And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain, and
they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared
them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And
behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their
God.
4. And it came to pass that after this tenth year had
passed away, making, in the whole, three hundred and
sixty years from the coming of Christ, the king of the
Lamanites sent an epistle unto me, which gave unto m&
to know that they were preparing to come^ again to battle-
against us.
5. And it came to pass that I did cause my people that
they should gather themselves together at the *land Desolation^
to a city which was in the borders, by the ^narrow pass which*
led into the **land southward.
6. And there we did place our armies, that we might stop-
the armies of the Lamanites, that they might not get possession
of any of our lands; therefore we did ^fortify against them<
with all our force.
7. And it came to pass that in the three hundred and sixty
and first year, the Lamanites did come down to the ^city of
Desolation to battle, against us ; and it came to pass that in
that year, we did beat them, insomuch that they did return to»
their own lands again.
8. And in the three hundred and sixty and second year, they
did come down again to battle. And we did beat them again,
and did slay a great number of them, and their dead were cast
into the sea.
9. And now because of this great thing which my people,
the Nephites, had done, they began to boast in their own
strength, and began to swear before the heavens, that they
q, see 2v, Alma 22, r. South America.
o, see u, II. Nep. 9. b, see 21, Alma 22. c, see 2v, Alma 22, d, South
America. e, see c, Alma 48. * see 21, Alma 22.
554 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP. III.
"would avenge themselves of the blood of their brethren who
!had been slain by their enemies.
10. And they did sw^ear by the heavens, and also by the
throne of God, that they would go up to battle against their
"enemies, and would cut them off from the face of the land.
11. And it came to pass that I, Mormon, did utterly
refuse from this time forth, to be a commander and a leader
of this people, because of their wickedness and abomina-
tion.
12. Behold, I had led them, notwithstanding their wick-
edness, I had ■ led them many times to battle, and had
loved them, according to the love of God which was in me,
with all my heart; and my soul had been poured out in
prayer unto my God all the day long, for them; neverthe-
less, it was without faith, because of the hardness of their
hearts.
13. And 'thrice have I delivered them out of the hands of
their enemies, and they have repented not of their sins.
14. And when they had "sworn by all that^had been for-
bidden them, by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that they
would go up unto their enemies to battle, and avenge them-
selves of the blood of their brethren, behold the voice of the
Lord came unto me, saying,
15. Vengeance is mine, and I will repay; and because j:his
people repented not after I had delivered them, behold, they
shall be *cut off from the face of the earth.
16. And it came to pass that I utterly refused to go up
against mine enemies; and I did even as the Lord had com-
manded me ; and I did stand as an idle witness to manifest
-unto the world the things which I saw and heard, according
to the manifestations of the Spirit which had testified of things
to come.
17. Therefore I ^write unto you. Gentiles, and also unto
you, house of Israel, when the work shall ^commence, that ye
:shall be about to prepare to return to the land of your in-
heritance ;
18. Yea, behold, I write unto all the ends of the earth; yea,
unto you, twelve tribes of Israel, who shall be judged according
to your works, 'by the Twelve whom Jesus chose to be his
•disciples in the land of Jerusalem.
19. And I write also unto the remnant of this people, who
3?hall also be judged "*by the Twelve whom Jesus chose in this
land ; and "they shall be judged by the other Twelve whom
Jesns chose in the land of Jerusalem.
20. And these things do the Spirit manifest unto me ;
therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write
unto you, that ye may know that ye must "all stand before
the judgment seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to
g, vers. 7, 8. Mor. 2: 27—29. h, vers. 9, 10. i, Mor. 6. j, see c, ii.
INep. 27. k, see 6, I. Nep. 15. I, i. Nep. 12:9. m, i. Nep. 12; 10. un
2^ep. 27: 27. n,l, Nep. 12: 9. o, ie« d, in. Nep. 26.
CHAP. IV.] BOOK OF MORMON. 555
the whole human family of Adam ; and ye must stand to be
judged of your works, whether they be good or evil ;
21. And also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ,
which ye shall ^have among you; and also that the Jews, the
covenant people of the Lord, shall have «other witness besides
him whom they saw and heard, that Jesus whom they slew, was
the very Christ, and the ""very God ;
22. And I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the
earth to repent and prepare to stand before the judgment seat
of Christ.
CHAPTER 4.
1. And now it came to pass that in the three hundred
and sixty and third year, the Nephites did go up with their
armies to battle against the Lamanites, out of the "land
Desolation.
2. And it came to pass that the armies of the Nephites
were driven back again to the land of Desolation. And
while they were yet weary, a fresh army of the Lamanites
did come upon them ; and they had a sore battle, insomuch
that the Lamanites did take possession of the ^city Desola-
tion, and did slay many of the Nephites, and did take many
prisoners ;
3. And the remainder did flee and join the inhabitants
of the ''city Teancum. Now the city Teancum lay in the
borders by the sea shore; and it was also near the ''city
Desolation.
4. And it was because the armies of the Nephites went
lip unto the Lamanites, that they began to be smitten; for
were it not for that, the Lamanites could have had nq power
over them.
5. But, behold, the judgments of God will overtake the
wicked ; and it is by the wicked, that the wicked are punished :
for it is the wicked that stir up the hearts of the children of
men unto bloodshed.
6. And it came to pass that the Lamanitc^ did make
preparations to come against the city Teancum.
7. And it came to pass in the three hundred and sixty
and fourth year, the Lamanites did come against the •city
Teancum, that they might take possession of the city Tean-
cum also.
8. And it came to pass that they were repulsed and
driven back by the Nephites. And when the Nephites saw
that they had driven the Lamanites, they did ^again boast
p, I. Ncp. 13: 20— 29, 41, 42. q, ate *, ii. Nep. 25. r, ii. Nep. 28: 11.
8m &, Moi. 3.
a. ice 2(. Alma 22. b. gee 21. Alma 22. c. ▼«■. Or 7r 14r d, Me 21. Alow
22. e, ■€€ c. f , Mor. 3: 9.
656 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP. IV.
of their strength; and they went forth in their own might,,
and took possession again of the <'city Desolation.
9. And now all these things had been done, and there
had been thousands slain on both sides, both the Nephites^
and the Lamanites.
10. And it came to pass that the three hundred and sixty
and sixth year had passed away, and the Lamanites came
again upon the Nephites to battle; and yet the Nephites re-
pented not of the evil they had done, but persisted in their
wickedness continually.
11. And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or
for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene
of the blood and carnage which was among the people; both
of the Nephites and of the Lamanites; and every heart waa-^
hardened, so that they delighted in the shedding of blood'
continually.
12. And there never had been so great wickedness among^^
all the children of Lehi, nor even among all the houso o0
Israel, according to the words of the Lord, as were among^
this people.
13. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did take pos-
session of the *city Desolation, and this because their number
did exceed the number of the Nephites.
14. And they did also march forward against the *city
Teancum, and did drive the inhabitants forth out of her, and
did take many prisoners both women and children, and did
offer ^them up as sacrifices unto their idol gods.
, 15. And it came to pass that in the three hundred and
sixty and seventh year, the Nephites being angry because
the Lamanites had ^sacrificed their women and their children,
that they did go up against the Lamanites with exceeding great
anger, insomuch that they did beat again the Lamanites, and
drive them out of their lands;
16. And the Lamanites did not come again against the
Nephites, until the three hundred and seventy and fifth
year.
17. And in this year they did come down against the
Nephites with all their powers; and they were not numbered
because of the greatness of their number.
18. And from this time forth did the Nephites gain no
power over the Lamanites, but began to be swept off by them
even as a dew before the sun.
19. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come down
against the 'city Desolation; and there was an exceeding sore
battle fought in the land Desolation, in the which they did
beat the Nephites.
20. And they fled again from before them, and they came
to the city Boaz ; rnd there they did stand against the
Lamanites with exceeding boldness, insomuch that the
g, see 21, Alma 22. h, see 21, Alma 22. t, see c. j, vert. 15, 21. k,9»
j. I, see 21, Alma 22.
<:hap. v.] book of mormon. 557
Liamanites did not beat them until they had come again the
second time.
21. And when they had come the second time, the Ne-
phites were driven and slaughtered with an exceeding great
slaughter; their women and their children were "*again sacri-
^ced unto idols.
22. And it came to pass that the Nephites did again flee
from before them, taking all the inhabitants with them, both
in towns and villages.
23. And now I, Mormon, seeing that the Lamanites were
«.bout to overthrow the land, therefore I did go to the hill
«Shim, and did take up all the records which Ammaron had
*hid up unto the Lord.
CHAPTER 5.
1. And it came to pass that I did go forth among the
Nephites, and did repent of the "oath which I had made that
I would no more assist them ; and they gave me command
again of their armies; for they looked upon me as though I
could deliver them from their afflictions.
2. But behold, I was without hopes, for I knew the
judgments of the Lord which should come upon them ; for
they repented not of their iniquities, but did struggle for
their lives, without calling upon that Being who created
them.
3. And it came to pass that the Lamanites did come
jjcrainst us as we had fled to the city of Jordon ; but behold,
they were driven back that they did not take the city at that
time. .
4. And it came to pass that they came against us again,
and we did maintain the city. And there were also other
<-ities which were maintained by the Nephites, which strong
holds did cut them off that they could not get into the
country which lay before us to destroy the inhabitants of our
land.
5. But it came to pass that whatsoever lands we had
passed by, and tne inhabitants thereof were not gathered in,
were destroyed by the Lamanites, and their towns, and villages,
and cities were burned with fire; and thus the three hundred
and seventy and nine years passed away.
6. And it came to pass that in the three hundred and
•eightieth year, the Lamanites did come again against us to
battle, and we did stand against them boldly; but it was all
in vain, for so great were their numbers that they did tread
the people of the Nephites under their feet.
7. And it came to pass that we did again take to flight,
m, see 3, n, Mop. 1 : 3. Ether 9: 3. o, see 2/, iv; Nep. 1.
558 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP. V»
and those whose flight was swifter than the Lamanites* did
escape, and those whose flight did not exceed the Lamanites*
were swept down and destroyed.
8. And now behold, I, Mormon, do not desire to harrow
up the souls of men in casting before them such an awful
scene of blood and carnage as was laid before mine eyes, but.
1 knowing that Hhese things must surely be made known,,
and that all things which are hid <^must be revealed upon the
house tops,
9. And also that a knowledge of these things must come
unto the remnant of these people, and also unto the Gentiles,
which the Lord hath said should ''scatter this people, and
this people should be counted as nought among them, there-
fore I write a ^small abridgment, daring not to give a full '
account of the things which I have seen, because of the com-
mandment which 1 have received, and also that ye might
not have too great sorrow because of the wickedness of this^
people.
10. And now behold, this I speak unto ''their seed, and
also to the Gentiles, who have care for the house of Israel, that
realize and know from whence their blessings come.
11. For I know that such will sorrow for the calamity of
the house of Israel ; yea, they will sorrow for the destruction
of this people; they will sorrow that this people had not re-
pented, that they might have been clasped in the arms of Jesus.
12. Now these things are written unto the remnant of the
house of Jacob ; and they are written after this manner, be-
cause it is known of God that wickedness will not bring them
forth unto them; and they are to be *hid up unto the Lord^
that they may come forth in his own due time.
13. And this is the commandment which I have received ;
and behold they shall "come forth according to the command-
ment of the Lord, when he shall see fit, in his wisdom.
14. And behold they shall go unto the unbelieving of the
Jews ; and for this intent shall they go ; that they may
be ^persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living-
God; that the Father may bring about, through his most
beloved, his great and eternal purpose, in ^restoring the Jews,.
or all the house of Israel, to the land of their inheritance,
which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfilling
of his covenant,
15. And also that the *seed of this people may more fully
believe his 'gospel, which shall go forth unto them from the
Gentiles ; for this people shall be *"scattered, and shall "be-
come a dark, a filthy, and a loathsome people, beyond the
description of that which ever hath been amongst us; yea,.
b, vers. 9—15. c, see c, ii. Nep. 27. d, vers. 19, 20. i. Nep. 13: 14^
22: 7. II. Nep. 1: 11, 12. 10: 18. 26; 19. ill. Nep. 16: 8. 9. 20: 27.
28. C, see a, Mor. 1. ^ /, thp Lamanites. fif, Mor. 8: 4, 13, 14. Moro. 10: 2 .
h, see C, II. Nep. 27. i, see /, ii. Nep. 25. j, see e, i. Nep. 15: k, In
dians. I, i. Nep. 13: 20—29. 38—41. Mor. 7: 8, 9. m, see d. n, see rf,
I. Nep. 2.
CHAP. VI.] BOOK OF MORMON. 559'
even that which hath been among the Lamanites; and this^
because of their unbelief and "idolatry.
16. For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased
to strive with their fathers, and they are without Christ
and God in the world, and they are driven about as chaff before
the wind.
17. They were once a delightsome people, and they had
Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the-
I'ather.
18. But now, behold, they are led about by Satan, even as
chaff is driven before the wind, or as a vessel is tossed about
upon the waves, without sail or anchor, or without anything:
wherewith to steer her; and even as she is, so are they.
19. And behold, the Lord hath reserved their blessings, which
they might have received in the land, for the Gentiles ''who>
shall possess the land.
20. But behold, it shall come to pass that they shall Le
'driven and scattered by the Gentiles, and after they have been
driven and scattered by the Gentiles, behold, ''then will the
Lord remember the covenant which he made unto Abraham,
and unto all the house of Israel.
21. And also the Lord will remember the 'prayers of the^
righteous, which have been put up unto him for them.
22. And then, O ye Gentiles, how can ye stand before the
power of God, except ye shall repent and turn from your evil
ways!
23. Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? know
ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the;
*earth shall be rolled together as a scroll?
24. Therefore repent ye, and humble yourselves before him^
lest he shall come out in justice against you ; lest a "remnant
of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and
tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver.
CHAPTER 6.
1. And now I finish my record concerning the destructioni
of my people, the Nephites. And it came to pass that we did
march forth before the Lamanites.
2. And I, Mormon, wrote an epistle unto the king of
the Lamanites, and desired of him that he would grant
unto us that we might gather together our people unto
the "land of Cumorah, by a hill which was called Cumorah.
and there we could give them battle.
0, see j, Mor. 4. p, i. Nep. 13: 12—19. ii. Nep. 1: 11. 10: 10—14, IS,
19. 26:19,20. 30:3. q, see d. r, iii. Nep. 16: 8— 12. 21:1—11.
s, Enos 1: 12—18. Mor. 8: 24—20. Mor. 9: 36, 37. <, see c, in. Nep. 26..
u, see o. III. Nep. 20.
a, vers. 4—6, 11. Mor. 8: 2. The hill Cumorah is in Manchester, Ontario Co.
N. York.
S60 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP. VI.
3. And it came to pass that the king of the Lamanites
did grant unto me the thing which I desired.
4. And it came to pass that we did march forth to the
land of Cumorah, and we did pitch out tents round about
the hill Cumorah ; and it was in a land of many waters,
a-ivers, and fountains; and here we had hope to gain advan-
tage over the Lamanites.
5. And when "three hundred and eighty and four years
had passed away, we had gathered in all the remainder of
our people unto the land Cumorah.
6. And it came to pass that when we had gathered in
all our people in one to the land of Cumorah, behold I,
IMormon, ''began to be old ; and knowing it to be the last
'Struggle of my people, and having been commanded or the
Lord that I should not suffer that the '^records which had
been handed down by our fathers, which w^ere sacred, to fall
into the hands of the Lamanites, (for the Lamanites would
■destroy them,) therefore I made *this record out of the ^plates
of Nephi, and *'hid up in the ''hill Cumorah, *all the records
which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord,
^«ave it were ^ these few plates which I gave unto my son
.Moroni.
7. And it came to pass that my people, with their wives
«nd their children, did now behold the armies of the Lamanites
marching towards them ; and with that awful fear of death
which fills the breasts of all the wicked, did they await to
rective them.
8. And it came to pass that they come to battle against us,
and every soul was filled with terror, because of the greatness
of their numbers.
9. And it came to pass that they did fall upon my
people *with the sword, and with the bow, and with the
arrow, and with the axe, and with all manner of weapons
of war.
10. And it came to pass that my men were hewn down, yea,
even my ten thousand who were with me, and I fell wounded
in the midst; and they passed by me that they did not put
;an end to my life.
11. And when they had gone through and hewn down all
1. y people save it were twenty and four of us, ( among whom
was my son Moroni,) and we having survived the dead of
•our people, did behold on the morrow, when the Lamanites
had returned unto their camps, from the top of the *hill
Cumorah, the ten thousand of my people who were hewn
down, being led in the front by me;
12. And we also beheld the ten thousand of my people who
were led by my son Moroni.
6, III. Nep. 2: 7, 8. C, 74 years old. iv. Nep. 1: 48. Mor. 1:2. d, see
2/, IV. Nep. 1. e, see a, Mor. 1. /, see /, i. Nep. 1. g, see u, Mor. 5. i,
aee a. i, see 2/, iv. Nep. 1. j, see a, Mor. 1. k» tee 2p. Alma 43. U
see a.
CHAP. VII.] BOOK OF MORMON. 561
13. And behold, the ten thousand of Gidgiddonah had fallen,
and he also in the midst;
14. And Lamah had fallen with his ten thousand ; and
Gilgal had fallen with his ten thousand ; and Limhah had
fallen with his ten thousand ; and Joneam had fallen with
Ills ten thousand ; and Camenihah, and Moronihah, and Anti-
onum, and Shiblom, and Shem, and Josh, had fallen with their
ten thousand each.
15. And it came to pass that there were ten more who
did fall by the sword, with their ten thousand each ; yea, even
all my people, save it were "^those twenty and four who were
with me, and also a "few who had escaped into the south
countries, and a few who had "dissented over unto the Laman-
ites, had fallen, and their flesh, and bones, and blood lay
wpon the face of the earth, being left by the hands of those
who slew them, to moulder upon the land, and to crumble and
to return to their mother earth.
16. And my soul was rent with anguish, because of the
slain of my people, and I cried,
17. O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the
•ways of the Lord ! O ye fair ones, how coald you have
rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive
you!
18. Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have
fallen. But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss.
19. O ye fair sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers,
ye. husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could
tiave fallen!
20. But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring
your return ;
21. And the day soon cometh that your mortal must put
on immortality, and these bodies which are now ^mouldering
in corruption must soon become incorruptible bodies; and then
ye must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, to be
judged according to your works ; and if it so be that ye are
righteous, then are ye blessed with your fathers who have
gone before you.
22. O that ye had rep^^nted before this great destruction
had come upon you. But behold, ye are gone, and the Father,
yea, the eternal Father of heaven, knoweth your state; and
he doeth with you according to his justice and mercy.
CHAPTER 7.
1. And now behold, I would speak somewhat unto
the ""remnant of this people who are spared, if it so be that
m, ver. 11. n, Mor. 8: 2. o, see h, Alma 45. j>, see d, ii. Nep. 2.
a, Lamanites or Indians.
562 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP. VII.
God may give unto them my words, that they may know
of the things of their fathers; yea, I speak unto you, ye
remnant of the house of Israel ; and these are the words
which I speak,
2. Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel.
3. Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye can-
not be saved.
4. Know ye that ye must lay down your weapons of
war, and delight no more in the shedding of blood, and
take them not again, save it be that God shall command
you.
5. Know ye that ye must come to the ^knowledge of
your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and
believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that
he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father
he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the ^i;ictory
over the grave ; and also in him is the ^sting of death swal-
lowed up.
6. And he bringeth to pass the ^resurrection of the dead,
whereby man must be raised to stand before his judgment
seat.
7. And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world,
whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judg-
ment day, hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence
of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the
'choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto
the Holy Ghost, which are *'one God, in a state of happiness
which hath no end.
8. Therefore repent, and be ^baptized in the name
of Jesus, and lay hold upon the gospel of Christ, which
shall be set before you, not only in *this record, but also
in the record which shall come unto the Gentiles ^from
the Jews, which record shall come from the Gentiles unto
you.
9. For behold, *this is written for the intent that ye may
believe ^that ; and if ye believe that, ye will believe this
also; and if ye believe this, ye will ""know concerning your
fathers, and also the marvellous works which were wrought
by the power of God among them ;
10. And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the
seed of Jacob; therefore ye are numbered among the people
of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in
Christ, and are "baptized, first with water, then "with fire
and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our
Saviour, according lo that which he hath commanded us, it
shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen.
b, see g, ii, Nep. 3. c, sec h, Mos. 16. d, see i, Mos. 16. e, Bee d,
II. Nep. 2. /, Mos. ll: 28. g, see k, ii. Nep. 31. h, see u, il. Nep. 9.
i, see a, M«r. 1. j, see I, Mor. 5. k, see a, Mor. 1. I, see I, Mor. 5.
m. see g, ii. Nep. 3. n, see u, ii. Nep. 9. o, see y, iii. Nep. 9.
CHAP. VIII.] BOOK OF MORMON. 563
CHAPTER 8.
1. Behold I, ''Moroni, do finish the record of my father.
Mormon. Behold, I have but few things to write, which
things I have been commanded by my father.
2. And now it came to pass that after the *great and
tremendous battle at ''Cumorah, behold, the Nephites who
had '^escaped into the country southward, were hunted by
the Lamanites, until they were all destroyed;
3. And my father also was killed by them, and I, even
remain alone to write the sad tale of the destruction of my
people. But behold, they are gone, and I fulfil the command-
ment of my father. And whether they will slay me, I know
not;
4. Therefore I will write and *hide up the records in the
earth, and whither I go it mattereth not.
5. Behold, my father hath ^made this record, and he
hath written the intent thereof. And behold, I would write
it also, if 1 had room upon the ^'plates ; but I have not ; and
ore I have none, for I am alone; my father hath been ''slain
in battle, and all my kinsfolks, and I have not friends nor
whither to go; and *how long the Lord will suffer that I
may live, I know not.
6. Behold, four hundred years have passed away since the
coming of our Lord and Saviour.
7. And behold, the Lamanites have hunted my people, the
Nephites, down from city to city, and from place to place,
even until they are ^no more ; and great has been their fall ;
yea, great and marvellous is the destruction of my people, the
Nephites.
8. And behold, it is the hand of the Lord which hath
done it. And behold also, the Lamanites are at war one
with another; and the whole face of this land is one continual
round of murder and bloodshed; and no one knoweth the
*end of the war.
9. And now beholdj I say no more concerning them, for
there are none, save it be the Lamanites and 'robbers, that
do exist upon the face of the land;
10. And there are none that do know the true God, save
it be the *"disciples of Jesus, who did tarry in the land until
the wickedness of the peopls was so great, that the Lord
would not suffer them to "remain with the people; and
whether they be upon the face of the land no man knoweth.
11. But behold, my "father and I have seen them, and
they have ministered unto us.
o, Mor. 6: 6. Moro. 9; 24. b, Mor. 6: 8—15. c, aee o, Mor. 6. d, Mor.
5: 15. e, see g, Mor. 5. /, see a, Mor. 1. a. Mormon's few plates made out
of the plates of Nephi. Mor. 6: 6. h, ver. 3. i, Moro. 1. 10: 1, 2. ;, see
i, I. Nep. 12. k, Z. Nep. 12: 20—23. i, see 2c, iv. Ncp. 1. m, the three
who were to tarry. See d, in- Nep. 28. n, Mor. 1: 16. o, in. Nep.
28:26.
664 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP. VIII.
12. And whoso receiveth ^this record, and shall not con-
demn it because of the imperfections which are in it, the
same shall know of ^greater things than these. Behold, I
am Moroni ; and were it possible, I would make all things
known unto you.
13. Behold, I make an end of speaking concerning this
people. I am the son of Mormon, and my father was a de-
scendant of Nephi ;
14. And I am the same who *hideth up this record unto
the Lord ; the plates thereof are of no worth, because of the
commandment of the Lord. For he truly saith, that no one
shall have them to get gain; but the record thereof is of
great worth; and whoso shall bring it to light, *him will the
Lord bless.
15. For none can have power to bring it to light, save it
be given him of God; for God will that it shall be done with
an eye single to his glory, or the welfare of the ancient and
long dispersed covenant people of the Lord.
16. And blessed be "him that shall bring this thing to
light; for it shall be brought out of darkness unto light,
according to the word of God ; yea, it shall be brought ^'out
of the earth, and it shall shine forth out of darkness, and
come unto the knowl'^dge of the people ; and it shall be done
by the power of God;
17. And if there be faults, they be the "'faults of a man.
But behold, we know no fault. Nevertheless God knoweth
all things; therefore he that "^condemneth, let him be aware
lest he shall be in danger of hell fire.
18. And he that saith, shew unto me, or ye shall be
^smitten, let him beware lest he commandeth that which is
forbidden of the Lord.
19. For behold, the .sfijce that judgeth rashly, shall be
judged rashly again ; for according to his works shall his
wages be ; therefore, he that smiteth, shall be smitten again
of the Lord.
20. Behold what the scripture says, man shall not smite,
neither shall he judge ; for judgment is mine, saith the Lord ;
and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay.
21. Apd he that shall breathe out wrath and strifes
against the work of the Lord, and against the covenant
^ people of the Lord, who are in the house of Israel, and shall
" say. We will destroy the work of the Lord, and the Lord
will not remember his covenant which he hath made unto
the house of Israel, the same is in danger t© be *hewn down
and cast into the fire ;
p, III. Nep. 5: 8—11, 13—18. See a, Mor. 1 q, iii. Nep. 26: 6—11.
Ether 4: 8, 13. r. III. Nep. 5: 20. s, see s, i. Nep. 13. Moro. 10: 1, 2. t,
see e, ii. Nep. 3. u, see e, ii. Nep. 3. v, see c, ii. Nep. 27. w, see Title-
page. Mor. 9: 31. 3.3. Ether 12-22—28. 35. x. see Title-page. Vers. 19.
21. ir. Nep. 28: 29. HO. iii. Nep. 29. Ether 4-8—10. y, vers. 19, 20.
Z, see X.
CHAP. VIII.] BOOK OF MORMON. 565
22. For the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on,
until all his promises shall be fulfilled.
23. Search the prophecies of Isaiah. Behold, I cannot
write them. Yea, behold I say unto you, that those saints
who have gone before me, who have possessed this land^
shall cry; yea, even from the ^"dust will they cry unto the
Lord; and as the Lord liveth, he will remember the covenant
which he hath made with them.
24. And he knoweth their prayers, that they were in
behalf of their brethren. And he knoweth their faith; for
in ^''his name could they remove mountains; and in his name
could they cause the earth to shake ; and by the power of
his word did they cause prisons to tumble to the earth; yea,
even the fiery furnace could not harm them ; neither wild
beasts nor poisonous serpents, because of the power of his
word.
25. And behold ^''their prayers were also in behalf
or *^him that the Lord should suffer to bring these things
forth.
26. And no one need say. They shall not come, for they
surely shall, for the Lord hath spoken it; for ^^out of the
earth shall they come, by the hand of the Lord, and none
can stay it; and it shall come in a day when it shall be said
that *^miracles are done away; and it shall come even as
if '''one should speak from the dead.
27. And it shall come in a day when the ^''blood of saints
shall cry unto the Lord, because of ^*secret combinations and
the works of darkness;
28. Yea, it shall cone in a day when the power of God
shall be ^^denied, and churches ^'''become defiled, and shall
be lifted up in the pride of their hearts ; yea, even in a day
when leaders of churches, and teachers, shall rise in the pride
of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to
their churches ;
29. Yea, it shall come in a day when *^ there shall be
heard of fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign
lands ;
30. And there shall also be 2"*heard of wars, rumours of
wars, and ^"earthquakes in divers places;
31. Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great
pollutions upon the face of the earth; there ^''shall be
murders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whore-
doms, and all manner of abominations ; when there shall be
many who will say, do this, or do that, and it mattereth not,
for the Lord will uphold such at the last day. But wo unto
2a, see s, Mor. 5. 26, see c, Jacob 4. 2c, see s, Mor. 5. 2d, see c»
II. Nep. 3. 2e, see c, ii. Nep. 27. 2f, ii. Nep. 28: 4—6. in. Nep. 29:7.
Mor. 8: 28. 9: 15—26. See r. ii. Nep. 26. 2^', ii. Nep. 26: 15, 16. 33:
13. Mor. 9; 30. Moro. 10:27. 2h, see /, II. Nep. 28. 2i, see i. ii. Nep. 10.
2j, see 2/. 2k, vers. 32—38. See q, ii. Nep. 26. 21, i. Nep. 22: 18. ii.
Nep. 27: 1—3. 2m, i. Nep. 14: 15—17. 22: 13—15. Isaiah 66: 15, 16. 2n.
II. Nep. 27:2. 2o, in. Nep. 16: 10. 21: 19. • 30.
666 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP. Vlllr
such, for they are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds
of iniquity.
32. Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches
built up that shall say. Come unto me, and for your money
you shall be forgiven of your sins.
33. O ye wicked and perverse, and stiffnecked people, '^why
have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why
have ye ^^transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might
bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the
'•"revelations of God. For behold, the time cometh at that day
when all these things must be fulfilled.
34. Behold, the Lord hath shewn unto me ''great and
marvellous things, concerning that which must shortly^ come
at that day when these things shall come forth among you.
35. Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and
yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shewn you unto
me, and I know your doing;
36. And I know that ye do walk in the "pride of your
hearts ; and there are none, save a '"few only, who do not
lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the
wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and
malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and
your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted be-
cause of the pride of your hearts.
37. For behold, ye do love money, and your substances,
and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches,
more than ye '*love the poor and the needy, the sick and the
afflicted.
38. O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell
yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted
the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon
you the ''^name of Christ? Why do you not think that
greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery
which never dies, because of the praise of the world?
39. Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath
no life, and yet ''suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the
naked, and the sick, and the afflicted to pass by you, and
notice them not?
40. Yea, why do you build up your '^'secret abominations
to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the
Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord; and also
the '^blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto
the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads?
41. Behold, the ^""sword of vengeance hangeth over you;
and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the ^''blood of the
saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries aay longer.
2p, see 2k, 2q, i. Nep. 13; 20—29. 32, 34, 35. 40, 41. 2r. i. Nep. 14: 18—27.
'Ether 4: 16. 2s, see t, ii. Nep. 25. 21, n. Nep. 28. iii. Nep. 16; 10. 2m,
II. Nep. 28: 14. 2v, see I, Mos. 4. 2w, see e, Mos. 5. 2a;. see I, Mos. 4.
2?/, see i. ii. Nep. 10. 22, see f, li. Nep. 28. 3a, see k, i. .ep. \A. 3&, sro /.
ii. Nep. 28.
/
CHAP. IX.] BOOK OF MORMON. 567
CHAPTER 9.
1. And now, I speak also concerning those who do not
believe in Christ.
2. Behold, will ye believe in the day of your visitation,
behold, when the Lord shall come; yea, even that great day
when the <*earth shall be rolled together as a scroll, and the
elements shall melt with fervent heat ; yea, in that great day
when ye shall be brought to stand before the Lamb of God,
then will ye say that there is no God<^v
3. Then will ye longer deny the Christ, or can ye behold
the Lamb of God? Do ye suppose that ye shall dwell with
him under a consciousness of your guilt? Do ye suppose that
ye could be happy to dwell with that holy Being, when your
souls are racked with a consciousness of guilt that ye have
ever abused his laws?
4. Behold, I say unto you, that ye would be more miserable
to dwell with a holy and just God, under a consciousness of
your filthiness before him, than ye would to dwell with the
damned souls in hell!
5. For behold, when ye shall be brought to see your naked-
ness before God, and also, the glory of God, and the holiness
of Jesus Christ, it will kindle a flame of unquenchable fire
upon you.
6. O then ye nnbelieving, turn ye unto the Lord; cry
mightily unto the Father in the name of Jesus, that perhaps
ye may be found spotless, pure, fair, and white, having
been cleansed by the ''blood of the Lamb, at that great and
last day.
7. And again I speak unto you, who deny the revelations
of God, and say that they are done away, that there ''are no
revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking
with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.
8. Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things,
knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the
scriptures; if so, he does not understand them.
9. For do we not read that God is the *^same yesterday, to-
day, and for ever; and in him there is no variableness neither
shadow of changing? .
10. And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god
who doth vary, and in him there is shadow of changing, then
have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God
of miracles.
11. But behold, I will shew unto you a God of miracles,
even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God
of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens
and the earth, and all things that in them are.
a, see c, iii. Nep. 26, 5, see /, ii. Nep. 2. c, see e, iii. Nep. 29. See
2f, Mor. 8. d, vers. 10, 19. i. Nep. 10: 18, 19. Alma 7; 20. Moro.
S: 18.
568 BOOK OF MORMON. [CHAP. IX.
12. Behold, he ^created Adam, and by ''Adam came the fall
of man. And because of the fall of man, came Jesus Christ
even the "Father and the '*Son; and because of Jesus Christ
came the redemption of man.
13. And because of the redemption of man, which came
by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of
the Lord; yea, this is wherein *all men ar^ redeemed, because
the death of Christ bringeth to pass the ^resurrection, which
bringeth' to pass a redemption from an '^endless sleep, fromi
which sleep all men shall be awoke by the power of God whea
the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both smaB
and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeeme(3
and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a
temporal death;
14. And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon
them, and then cometh the time that he that is ^filthy shall
be filthy still ; and he that is righteous, shall be righteous
still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is
unhappy, shall be unhappy still.
15. And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto your-
, selves a god who can do "*no miracles, I would ask of you,
have all these things past, of which I have spoken? Has the
end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has
not ceased to be a God of miracles.
16. Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought^
marvellous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the
marvellous works of God?
17. Who shall say that it was not a miracle, that by
his word the heaven and the earth should be ; and by the
power of his word, man was created of the "dust of the
earth ; and by the power of his word, hath miracles been
wrought?
18. And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many
mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles
wrought by the hands of the Apostles.
19. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God
ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable
Being? And behold I say unto you he "changeth not; if so-
he would ''cease to be God : and he ceaseth not to be God, and
is a God of miracles.
20. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among-
the children of men, is ^'because that they dwindle in unbelief^
and depart from the right way, and know not the God in
whom they should trust.
21. Behold I say unto you, that whoso believeth in Christ,
doubting nothing, •'whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the
e, see m, Mos. 2. f, ii. Nep. 2: 18, 19, 21. 9: 6—9. Mos. 3: 26. 16r,
3—5. Alma 12: 22, 26. Hela. 14: 16. Ether 3: 13. Moro. 8: 8. g, see c,
Mos. 15. h, see 6, Mos. 3. i, see j, ii. Nep. 9. j, see d, ii. Nep. 2. k^
Bee g, II. Nep. 9. I, see o, ii. Nep. 9. m, see c. n, see m, Mos. 2. o, se©
d. p, see /, II. Nep. 11. q, see d, iii. Nep. 17. See c. r, iii. Nep.
18: 20.
CHAP. IX,] mOOK DP MORMON. 569
•name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is
unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.
22. For behold thus saith Jesus Ghrist, the Son of God,
unto his disciples 'who should tarry ; yea, and also to *all his
<lisciples, in the hearing of the multitude, Go ye into all the
world, and preach the gospel to every creature,
23. And he that believeth and is "baptized, shall be saved,
but he that believeth not, shall be damned.
24. And *these signs shall follow them that believe; in my
name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new
tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any
deadly thing, it «hall not hurt them ; they shall lay hands on
the sick and they shall recover;
25. And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting
nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the
•ends of the earth.
26. And now behold, who can stand against the works of
the Lord? Who can deny his sayings? Who will rise up
against the almighty power of the Lord? Who will despise the
■works of the Lord? Who will despise the children of Ghrist?
Behold, all ye w5io are despisers of the works of the Lord,
ifor ye shall *°wonder and perish.
27. O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto
the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of
Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt
mot, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come
unto the Lord with all your ^heart, and work out your own
:5ialvation with fear and trembling before him.
28. Be wise in the days of your probation; strip your-
sselves of all uncleanness ; ask not, that ye may consume it
on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will
yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and
living God.
29. See that 3^ ^are ncft 'baptized unworthily ; see that ye
partake not of the sacrament of Christ ^unworthily; but see
uthat ye do all things in worthiness, and do it in the name of
Jesus Christ, the son of the living God : and if ye do this, and
*endure to the end, ye will in no wise be cast out.
30. Behold, I speak unto you as though I spake **from
the dead^; for I know that ye shall hear my words.
31. Condemn me not because of mine imperfection:
-.neither my father, because of his imperfection; neither
them who have written before him, but rather give thanks
unto God that he hath made manifest unto you '''our imper-
fections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have
been.
32. And now behold, we have written this record accord-
s, the Three. See d, iii. Nep. 28. t, the Twelve. See C, in. Nep. 12.
m, see le, n. Nep. 9. v, see c, also Mark 16: 17, 18. w, ver. 27. x, see u,
aiL Nop. 9. y, see t, iii. Nep. 18. z, see A, 11. Nep. 31. 2a, see 2g, Mor. 8.
126. see w, Mor. 8.
570 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. I.
ing to our knowledge in the characters, which are called
among us the ^^ reformed Egyptian, being handed down and
altered by us, according to our manner of speech.
33. And if ^''our plates had been sufficiently large, we-
should have written in Hebrew ; but the Hebrew hath
been ^^altered by us also; and if we could have written in
Hebrew, behold, ye would have had ^''no imperfection in our
record.
34. But the Lord knoweth the things which we have writ-
ten, and also that none other people knoweth our language,
therefore he hath prepared ^^means for the interpretation
thereof. ,
35. And these things are written, that we may rid our
garments of the blood of our brethren who have ^Mwindled im
unbelief.
36. And behold, these things which we have desired con-
cerning our brethren, yea, even their restoration to the knowl-
edge of Christ, is ^*according to the prayers of all the saints
who have dwelt in the land.
37. And may the Lord Jesus Christ grant that their
prayers may be answered according to their faith ; and may
God the Father remember the ^^ covenant which he hath made
with the house of Israel; and may he bless them for ever^
through faith on the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
THE BOOK OF ETHER.
CHAPTER 1.
1. And now I, Moroni, proceed to give an account of those-
ancient inhabitants who were destroyed by the hand of the
Lord upon the face of this ''north country.
2. And I take mine account from the ^twenty and four
plates which were found by the people of Limhi, which is called
the book of Ether.
3. And as I suppose that the first part of this record,
which speaks ''concerning the creation of the world, and alsa
of Adam, and an account from that time even to the ''great
2c, see a, i. Nep. 1. 2d, see a, Mor. 1. See g, Mor. 8. 2e, 1000 year»
make great changes in language not printed or preserved by books, 2/, see w, Mor. 8.
2g, Mos. 8: 13—18. Ether 3: 23, 28. Doc. and Gov. 17: 1. 2h, see d, i. Nep. 2.
2i, see s, Mor. 5. 2;\ see j, iii. Nep. 15.
a. North America. 6, see fc, Mos. 8. c, Mos. 28: 17. d, vers. 5. 33-
Omni 1: 20—22. Mos. 28: 17.
CHAP. I.] BOOK OF ETHER. 571-
tower, and whatsoever things transpired among the childrett^
of men until that time, is had among the Jews;
4. Therefore I do not write those things which transpire(J
from the days of Adam until that time ; but they are had upon
the plates; and whoso findeth them, the same will have power
that he may get the full account.
5. But behold, I give not the full account, but a *part of
the account I give, from the 'tower down until they were
destroyed.
6. And on this wise do I give the account. He that
wrote this record was Ether, and he was a descendant of
Coriantor ;
7. Coriantor was the son of Moron;
8. And Moron was the son of Ethem;
9. And Ethem was the son of Ahah;
10. And Ahah was the son of Seth;
11. And Seth was the son of Shiblon;
12. And Shiblon was the son of Com ;
13. And Com was the son of Coriantum ;
14. And Coriantum was the son of Amnigaddah ;
15. And Amnigaddah was the son of Aaron;
16. And Aaron was a descendant of Heth, who was the soa^
of Hearthom;
17. And Hearthom was the son of Lib;
18. And Lib was the son of Kish;
19. And Kish was the son of Corum;
20. And Corum was the son of Levi;
21. And Levi was the son of Kim;
22. And Kim was the son of Morianton ;
23. And Morianton was a descendant of Riplakish;
24. And Riplakish was the son of Shez;
25. And Shez was the son of Heth;
26. And Heth was the son of Com;
27. And Com was the son of Coriantum;
28. And Coriantum was the son of Emer;
29. And Emer was the son of Omer;
30. And Omer was the son of Shule ;
31. And Shule was the son of Kib;
32. And Kib was the son of Orihah, who was the son of
33. Which Jared came forth with his brother and
their families, with some others and their families, from
the ''great Tower, at the time the Lord '^confounded the
language of the people, and swore in his wrath that
*they should be scattered upon all the face of the earth;
and according to the word of the Lord the people were
scattered.
34. And the brother of Jared being a large and mighty
e, Ether 3: 17. 15: 33. f, see d. g, see d. h, vers. 34—37. Gen^
11:7, 9. Omni 1:22. Mos. 28: 17. i, vers. 38—43. Omni 1:22. Mob. 28:r
17. Gen. 11:8. 9.
572 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. I,
man, nnd being a man highly favoured of the Lord; for*
Jared hu brother said unto him, cry unto the Lord, that he
will ^not confound us that we may not understand our
words.
35. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did cry
VLHto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon Jared;
therefore he did not confound the language of Jared; and
Jared and his brother were not confounded.
36. Then Jared said unto his brother, Cry again unto
the Lord, and it may be that he will turn away his anger
from them who are our friends, that he confound not their
language.
37. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did
cry unto the Lord, and the Lord had compassion upon their
friends, and their families also, that they *were not con-
founded.
38. And it came to pass that Jared spake again i^to his
brother, saying. Go and inquire of the Lord whetner he
will 'drive us out of the land, and if he will drive us out of
the land, cry unto him whither we shall go. And who
knoweth but the Lord will carry us forth into a land which
is choice above all the earth. And if it so be, let us be
faithful unto the Lord, that we may receive it for our
inheritance.
39. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did
cry unto the Lord according to that which had been spoken
by the mouth of Jared.
40. And it came to pass that the Lord did hear the brother
of Jared, and had compassion upon him, and said unto
him,
41. Go to and gather together thy flocks, both male and
female, of every kind ; and also of the seed of the earth of
every kind, and ""thy families; and also Jared thy brother
and his family ; and '^also thy friends, and their families,
.and the friends of Jared and their families.
42. And when thou hast done this, thou shalt go
iit the head of them down into the valley, which is
northward. And there will I rrieet thee, and I will go before
thee ''into a land which is choice above all the land of the
earth.
43. And there will I bless thee and thy seed, and raise
lip unto me of thy seed, and of the seed of thy brother, and
they who shall go with thee, a great nation. And there
shall be none ^'greater than the nation which I will raise up
imto me of thy seed, upon all the fnce of the earth. xVnd
thus I will do unto thee because this long time ye have cried
unto me.
j, see h. k, see h. I, see i. in. From this verse it is seen that the
brother of Jared had a plurality of families. Ether 6: 20. n. Ether 6: 16. o.
The Lord brought them upon the western coast of North America. p, Ether
15:2.
CHAP, il] book of ether. 573
CHAPTER 2.
1. And it came to pass that Jared, and his brother, and
their families, and also the friends of Jared and his brother
and their families went down into the valley which '^was
northward, (and the name of the valley was Nimrod, being
called after the mighty hunter,) with their flocks which they
had gathered together, male and female, of *every kind.
2. And they did also lay snares and catch fowls of thc^
air, and they did also prepare a vessel, in which they did
carry with them the fish of the waters;
3. And they did also carry with them Deseret, which, by
interpretation, is a honey bee; and thus they did carry with
them swarms of bees, and all manner of that which was uport
the face of the land, "seeds of every kind.
4. And it came to pass that when they had come down?
into the '^valley of Nimrod, the Lord came 'down and talked
with the brother of Jared; and he was in a ''cloud, and the
brother of Jared saw him not.
5. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded them
that they should go forth into the wilderness, yea, into that
quarter where there never had man been. And it came to»
pass that the Lord did go ^'before them, and did talk with
them as he stood in a cloud, and gave directions whither they
should travel.
6. And it came to pass that they did travel in the wilder-
ness, and did build barges, in which they did cross ^manjr
waters, being directed continually by the hand of the Lord.
7. And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop*
beyond the sea in the wilderness, but he would that they
should come forth even unto the *land of promise, which was^
choice above all other lands, which the Lord God had preserved^
for a righteous people;
8. And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of
Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise from?
that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true*
and only God, or they should be swept off when the fulness^
of his wrath should come upon them.
9. And now we can behold the 'decrees of God concern-
ing this land, that it is a land of promise, and whatsoever
nation shall posses it, shall serve God, or they shall be swept
off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And
the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are
ripened in iniquity;
10. For behold, this is a land which is choice above all
other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve
a. Ether 1 : 42. b. Ether 1-41. 6: 4. 9: 18, 19. c. Ether 1 : 41; d
ver. 1. e, Ether 1 : 42. f, vers. 5, 14. g, Ether 1 42. h, the inland seas o^
Asia. i, vers, 8: 12—15. See o, Ether 1 Also see d, ii. Nep. 1. j, vers. 10^
U. See i.
\
^74 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. II.
Ood, or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of
God. And it is not until the fulness of iniquity among the
children of the land, that they are swept off.
11. And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may
know the decrees of God, that ye may repent, and not con-
tinue in your iniquities until the fulness come, that ye may
not bring down the fulness of the wrath of God upon you,
-as the inhabitants of the land hath hitherto done.
12. Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation
shall possess it, shall be "free from bondage, and from cap-
tivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will
but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath
been manifested by the things which we have written.
13. And now I proceed with my record; for behold it came
to pass that the Lord did bring Jared and his brethren
forth even to that great sea which divideth the lands. And
as they came to the sea, they pitched their tents; and they
called the name of the place Moriancumer; and they dwelt
in tents: and dwelt in tents upon the sea shore for the space
of four years.
14. And it came to pass at the end of four years that the
liord came again unto the brother of Jared, and stood 4n a
cloud and talked with him. And for the space of three
hours did the Lord talk with the brother of Jared, and
chastened him because he remembered not to call upon the
jiame of the Lord.
15. And the brother of Jared repented of the evil which
lie had done, and did call upon the name of the Lord for his
brethren who were with him. And the Lord said unto him,
I will forgive thee and thy brethren of their sins; but thou
;shalt not sin any more, for ye shall remember that my Spirit
will not always strive with man ; wherefore, if ye will sin
until ye are fully ripe, ye shall be cut off from the presence
-of the Lord. And these ""are my thoughts upon the land
which I shall give you for your inheritance; for it shall be a
land choice above all other lands.
16. And the Lord said, Go to work and build, after the
manner of barges which ye have "hitherto built. And it
-came to pass that the brother of Jared did go to work, and
4also his brethren, and built barges after the manner which
they had built, according to the instructions of the Lord.
And they were small, and they were light upon the water,
even like unto the lightness of a fowl upon the water;
. 17. And they were built after a manner that they were
•exceeding ''tight, even that they would hold water like unto
a dish ; and the bottom thereof was tight like unto a dish ;
and the sides thereof were tight like unto a dish; and the
ends thereof were peaked ; and the top thereof was tight
like unto a dish ; and the length thereof was the ^length of a
k,i. Nep. 13:19. ii. Nep. 1:7. 10:10—14. I, see f. m, see i. n,
12, ver. 6. 0, Ether 6:7. p, Isaiah 65:22.
CHAP, m.] BOOK OP ETHER. 675
tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight,
'like unto a dish.
18. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared cried
unto the Lord, saying, O Lord I have performed the work
which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges
according as thou hast directed me.
19. And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light, whither
shall we steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we
<:annot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore
we shall perish.
20. And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared, behold,
thou shalt make a hole in the top .thereof, and also in the
^bottom thereof; and when thou!,.,l^alt suffer for air, thou
«halt unstop the hole thereof, and receive air. And if it be
«o that the water come in upon thee, behold ye shall stop the
hole thereof, that ye may not perish in the flood.
21. And it came to pass that the brother of Jared did so,
according as the Lord had commanded.
22. And he cried again unto the Lord saying, O Lord, be-
liold I have done even as thou hast commanded me ; and I
'have prepared the vessels for niy people, and behold there is no
light in them. Behold, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall
<?ross this great water in darkness?
23. And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared, What
will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your
vessels? For behold, ye cannot have windows, for they will
ibe dashed in pieces; neither shall ye take fire with you, for
ye shall not go by the light of fire;
24. For behold, ye shall be as a whale *"in the midst of
the sea; for the mountain waves shall dash upon you. Never-
theless, I will bring you up again out of the depths of the
isea; for the winds have gone forth out of my mouth, and also
the rains and the floods have I sent forth.
25. And behold, I prepare you against these things; for
liowbeit, ye cannot cross this great deep, save I prepare you
against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone
forth, and the floods which shall come. Therefore what will
ye that I should prepare for you that ye may have light when
ye are swallowed up in the depths of the sea?
CHAPTER 3.
1. And it came to pass that tM 'brother of Jared, (now
the number of the vessels which had been prepared was
eight,) went forth unto the mount, which they called the
q, vera. 24, 25. Both of these air-holes, when stopped., were w&ter;rtight. Some-
"times th3 vessels were under water; sometimes they may have turned bottona upwards;
when riding upon the surface, the uppermost air-hole, at times, coutd, with safety be
opened. Ether 6- 6, 7. 10. r. ver. 25. Ether 6- 6 7 10. '
576 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. III.
mount Shelem, because of its exceeding^ height, and didli
'' — moulten out of a rock sixteen small stones ; and they were^
white and clear, even as "transparent glass ; and he did carry
them in his hands upon the top of the mount, and cried agairt.
unto the Lord, saying,
2. O Lord, thou hast said ^that we must be encompassed
about by the floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be
angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee :
for we know that thou art holy, and dwellest in the heavens;
and that we are unworthy before thee ; because of ''the fall,
our natures have become evil continually ; nevertheless, (>
Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call
upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our*
desires.
3. Behold, O Lord, thou hast smitten us because of our
-- iniquity, and hath driven us forth, and for this many years.
we have been in the wilderness ; nevertheless, thou hast:
been merciful unto us. O Lord, look upon me in pity, andi
turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not
that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness,.,
but behold these *^things which I have moulten out of the-
rock.
4. And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, andi
can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man ; there-
fore touch these stones, O Lord, with ^thy finger, and pre-
pare them that they may shine forth in darkness ; and they
shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared^,
that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.
5. Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thowi
— --are able to shew forth great power, which looks small unto the-
understanding of men.
6. And it came to pass that when the brother of Jaredi
had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his;
hand and touched the stones, one by one with his finger; andi
the ^vail was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared,^
and he ^saw the finger of the Lord ; and it was as the finger-
of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jaredi
• fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear.
7. And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen.
to the earth; and the Lord said unto him. Arise, why hast
thou fallen?
8. And he saith unto the Lord, I saw the finger of the
Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not
that the Lord had flesh and blood.
9. And the Lord said unto- him, Because of thy faith
thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood ;
and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith
a, from this it is evident that the art of making glass^ was known at that early period:
b. Ether 2: 24, 25. c, see /. Mor. 9. d, vers. 1, 4, 6. Ether 6: 2, 3, 10,.
€, vers. 6—9, 19. Ether 12: 19—21. /. ver. 19. 20. Ether 12: 19, 21^
g, see e.
• CHAP. III.] BOOK OF ETHER. 577
as thou hast ; for were it not so, ye could not have seen my -
finger. Sawest thou more than this?
10. And he answered, Nay ; Lord, shew thyself unto me.
11. And the Lord said unto him. Belie vest thou the words
which I shall speak?
12. And he answered, Yea, Lord, I know that thou
speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst
not lie.
13. And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord
shewed himself unto him, and said. Because thou knowest
these things, ye are redeemed *f rom the fall ; therefore ye -
are brought back into my presence; therefore I shew myself _
unto you.
14. Behold, I am he who was prepared *from the foun-
dation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am
Jesus Christ. I am ^the Father and the *Son. In me shall
all mankind have light, and that eternally, even they who
shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons
and my daughters.
15. And ^never have I shewed myself unto man whom I
have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast.
Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea^
even "*all men were created in the beginning, after mine own
image.
IG. Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the "body -
of my spirit; and "man have I created after the body of my
spirit ; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit, will
I appear unto my people in the flesh.
17. And now, as I Moroni, said I could ''not make a full
account of these things which are written, therefore it suf-
ficeth me to say, that Jesus shewed himself unto this man irk
the spirit, even after the manner and in the 'likeness of the
same body, even as he shewed himself unto the Nephites;
18. And he ministered unto him, even as he ministered unto
the Nephites; and all this, that this man might know that he
was God, because^ of the many great works which the Lord
had shewed unto him.
19. And because of the knowledge of this man, he could
not be kept from beholding •"within the vail; and he *saw
the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he 'fell with fear;
for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had
faith no longer, for he krew, nothing doubting;
20. Wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he
h. Ether 12: 19, 21. i, see d, Mos. 4. ;, see c, Mos, 15. k, see b,
Mos. 3. I, When the Lord appeared unto Adam and the righteous, and unto Enoch
and the people of ancient Zion, it was probably by vision, and not by a full view of hia
personage, as was given to the brother of Jared. See Doc. and Gov. 107:54. m
ver. 16. Mos. 7:27. Alma 18:34. n, i. Nep. 11:11. The brother of Jared
saw the pre-existent spirit of Jesus, which afterwards was enclosed in a tabernacle of
flesh and bones. o, see m. p, see e. Ether 1, q, the spiritual body b«ing ia
%he likeness of the temporal body. r. see /. s, see e. t, ver. 6.
<^"8 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. ly.
•could not be kept "from within the vail; therefore he saw-
Jesus, and he did ''minister unto him.
21. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto the brother
•of Jared, Behold, thou shalt not suffer these things which
-ye have 6een and heard, to go forth unto the world, until the
*'time Cometh that I shall glorify my name in the flesh;
wherefore, ye shall treasure up the things which ye have seen
and heard, and shew it to no man.
22. And behold, when ye shall come unto me, ye shall
-'write them and shall seal them up> that no one can interpret
them ; for ye shall write them in a language that they cannot
he read.
23. And behold, these *'two stones will I give unto thee,
xind ye shall seal them up also, with the things which ye
shall write.
24. For behold, the ^language which ye shall write I have
^"confounded ; wherefore I will cause in my own due time
that these stones shall ^^magnify to the eyes of men, these
things which ye shall write.
25. And when the Lord had said these words, he ^''shewed
tinto the brother of Jared all the inhabitants of the earth
which had been, and also all that would be ; and he with-
held them not from his sight, even unto the ends of the
•earth ;
26. For he had said unto him in times before, that if he
would believe in him, that he could shew unto him all things —
it should be shown unto him ; therefore the Lord could not
withhold anything from him, for he knew that the Lord could
:shew him all things.
27. And the Lord said unto him. Write these things and
'^''seal them up, and I will shew them in mine own due time
iunto the children of men.
28. And it came to pass that the Lord commanded him
that he should ^^seal up the two stones which he had received,
and shew them not, \intil the Lord should shew them unto the
^children of men.
CHAPTER 4.
1. And the Lord commanded the brother of Jared to go
down out of the ''mount from the presence of the Lord, and
write the things which he had seen; and they were *for-
t)idden to come unto the children of men, until after that he
should be lifted up upon the cross; and for this cause did
u, see /. V, ver. 18. W, Ether 4: 1, 2. X, ver. 27. y, see n, Mos. 8.
:z, ver. 22. 2a, see h. Ether 1. 2b, see n, Mos. 8. 2c, ver. 26. Ether
4- 4. 2d, II. Nep. 27: 6—23. Mos. 28: 11—20. Alma 37: 21—31. 2c, see n.
CMoB. 8.
o, Ether 3:1. 6, Ether 3: 21.
CHAP. IV.] BOOK OF ETHER. , ^79
king ^Mosiah keep them, that they should not come unto the
world until after Christ should shew himself unto his people.
2. And after Christ truly had shewed himself unto his
people, he commanded that they should be made manifest.
3. And now, after that, they have all dwindled in unbelief,
and there is none, save it be the Lamanites, and they have
rejected the gospel of Christ; therefore I am commanded that
I should **hide them up again in the earth.
4. Behold, I have written upon these plates the ^very things
which the brother of Jared saw ; and there never was greater
things made manifest, than that which was made manifest
unto the brother of J- red;
5. Wherefore the Lord hath commanded me to write them ;
and I have written them. And he commanded me that I
should seal them up; and he also hath commanded that I
should seal up the interpretation thereof ; wherefore I have
sealed up the ^interpreters, according to the commandment
of the Lord.
6. For the Lord said unto me, They shall not go forth unto
the Gentiles ^until the day that they shall repent of their
iniquity, and become clean before the Lord;
7. And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me,
saith the Lord, ''even as the brother of Jared did, that they
may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them
the things which the brother of Jared saw, even to the unfold-
ing unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son
of God, *the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all
things that in them are.
8. And he that will contend against the word of the
Lord, ^let him be accursed; and he that shall deny these
things, let him be accursed : for unto them will I shew *no
greater things, saith Jesus Christ; for I am he who
speaketh ;
9. And at my command the heavens are opened and are
shut; and at my word, 'the earth shall shake; and at my
command, the inhabitants thereof shall pass away, even so
as "*by fire :
10. And he that believeth not my words, believeth not my
disciples; and if it so be that I do not speak, judge ye; for
ye shall know that it is I that speaketh, at the last day.
11. But he that believeth these things which I have spoken,
him will I visit with the ♦'manifestations of my Spirit,
and he shall know and bear record. For because of my
Spirit, he shall know that these things are true; for it
persuadeth men to do good :
c, Mog. 28: 11—20. d, see s, i. Nep. 13. Mor. 8: 14. Moro. 10: 1, 2.
<g, vers. 5—7. 13—16. ii. Nep. 27: 6—11, 15. 17, 21, 22. Ether 5: 1. /, see
n, Mos. 8. g, vers. 7—16. ii. Nep. 27: 7, 8, 11, 21. h. Ether 3. i, see
<iMo8. 3. Mos. 3:8. 4:2. 7:27. Hela. 16:18. ;, ii. Nep. 27: 14.
28: 29, 30. 33: 11—15. k, vers. 13—16. iii. Nep. 26: fr-12. I, Hela.
12: 8—18. III. Nep. 26: 3. Mor. 5: 23. 9:2. m, see a, m. Nep. 25w
n, Ether 5: 4. Moro. 10: 4 5.
580 BOOK OP ETHEK. [CHAP. V.
12. And whatsoever thing ''persuadeth men to do good, is
of me; for good cometh of none, save it be of me. I am the
same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe
my words, will *not believe me, that 1 am ; and he that will
not believe me, will not believe the Father who sent me. For
behold, I am «the Father, I '"am the light, and the life, and the
truth of the world.
13. Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will shew unto you
the 'greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because
of unbelief.
14. Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be
made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath
laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it
hath not come unto you, because of unbelief.
15. Behold, when ye shall rend that vail of unbelief which
doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness
and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the
^great and marvellous things which have been hid up from
the "foundation of the world from you : yea, when ye shall call
upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a con-
trite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered
the ^covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of
Israel ;
16. And then shall my revelations which I have caused
to be written by my servant "'John, be unfolded in the eyes
of all the people. Remember, when ye see these things, ye
shall know that the time is at hand that they shall be made
manifest in very deed;
17. Therefore *when ye rhall receive this record, ye may
know that the work of the Father has commenced upon all
the face of the land.
18. Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto
me, and believe in my gospel, and be ^baptized in my name ;
for he that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved ; but he
that believeth not, shall be damned ; and ^signs shall follow them
that believe in my name.
19. And blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name,
at the last day, for he shall be ^lifted up to dwell in the king-
dom prepared for him ^''from the foundation of the world. And
behold it is I that hath spoken it. Amen.
CHAPTER 5.
1. Am) now I, Moroni, have written the words which
were commanded me, according to my memory; and I have
o, Moro. 7:5—22. 10: 6, 7. p, ver. 10. in. Nep. 28: 34, 35. q. see
C, Mos. 15. r, see m, Mos. 16. s, see k. t, see i, ii. Nep. 25. u. see
d, Mos. 4. v, see j iii. Nep. 15. w, i. Nep. 14: 18—28. x, iii. Nep. 21:
1—11. 26—29. y, see u, ii. Nep. 9. z, see e, in. Nep. 29. See 2f, Mor. S,
2a, see p. Mos, 23. 2b, see d, Mos. 4.
CHAP. VI.] BOOK OF ETHER. 581
told "you the things which I have ^sealed up; therefore
touch them not, in order that ^'ye may translate; for that
thine: is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom
in God.
2. And behold, ye may be privileged that ye may shew
the plates unto ''those who shall assist to bring forth this
work;
3. And unto *three shall they be shewn by the power of
<jod; wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things
are true.
4. And in the mouth of 'three witnesses shall these things
be established ; and the testimony of three, and this work, in
the which shall be shewn forth the ^power of God, and also his
word, "of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost
beareth record; and all this shall stand as a testimony against
the world at the last day.
5. And if it so be that they repent and come unto the Father
in the name of Jesus, they shall be received into the kingdom
of God.
6. And now, if I have no authority for these things,
judge ye, for ye shall know that I have authority *when ye
shall see me, and we shall stand before God at the last day.
Amen.
CHAPTER 6.
1. And now I, Moroni, proceed to give the record of Jared
and his brother.
2. For it came to pass after the Lord had prepared "the
stones which the brother of Jared had carried up into the
mount, the brother of Jared came down out of the mount,
and he did put forth the stones into the Vessels which were
prepared, one in each end thereof; and behold, they did give
light unto the vessels thereof.
3. And thus the Lord caused ''stones to shine in darkness, to
give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not
cross the great waters in darkness.
4. And it came to nass that when they had prepared all
manner of food, that therebv they might subsist upon the
water, and also food for their '^flocks and herds, and what-
soever beast, or animal, or fowl that they should carry
with them. And it came to pass that when they had done '
all these things, they got aboard of their vessels or barges,
a, Joseph Smith, Junr. h, see e, F'her 4. c, Joseph Smith, Junr. d, see
the testimony of eight witnesses, following the title-page. See d, il. Nep. 11. c,
ver. 4. See c, ii. Nep. 11. f» see e. g, see t i. Nep. 13. See e, iii.
Kep. 29. See 2f, Mor. 8. h, m. Nep. 11: 32—36. i, see g, ii. Nop.
a, see d, Ether 3. 6, Ether 3. c, see rf, Ether 3. d, see &,
Ether 2.
582 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. VI.
and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the
Lord their God.
5. And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that
there should be a '^furious wind blow upon the face of the
waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed
upon the waves of the sea before the wind.
G. And it came to pass that they were many times buried
in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which
broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests
which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.
7. And it came to pass that when they were buried in
the deep, there was no water that could hurt them, their
vessels being ^tight like unto a dish, and also they were
tight like unto the ark of Noah ; therefore when they were
encompassed about by many waters, they did cry unto the
Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the
waters.
8. And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to
blow towards the promised land, while they were upon
the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the
wind ;
9. And they did sing praises unto the Lord ; yea, the brother
of Jared did sing praises unto the Lord, and he did thank
and praise the Lord all the day long ; and when the night came,
they did not cease to praise the Lord.
10. And thus they were driven forth ; and no monster of
the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them ;
and they did have ^light continually, whether it was above the
water or under the water.
11. And thus they were driven forth, three hundred and forty
and four days upon the water;
12. And they did land upon the '^shore of the promised land.
And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the
promised land, they bowed themselves down upon the face of
the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did
shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of
his tender mercies over them.
13. And it came to pass that they went forth upon the face
of the land, and began to till the earth.
14. And Jared had four sons ; and they were called Jacom,
and Gilgah, and Mahah, and Orihah.
15. And the brother of Jared also begat sons and
daughters.
16. And the friends of Jared and his brother, were in
number about twenty and two souls; and they also begat
sons and daughters, before they came to the promised land ;
and therefore they began to be many.
6, ver. 6. Ether 2: 24, 25. f, Ether 2: 17. 20. g see d. Ether 3.
ft, on the Western coast, and probably Touth of the Gulf of California, and North of the
lard of Desolation, which was North of tho Isthmus. Ether 7:6. Alma 22:
29—34.
CHAP. VI.] BOOK OF ETHilR. 583
17. And they were taught to walk humbly before the Lord;
and they were also taught from on high.
18. And it came to pass that they began to spread upoa
the face of the land, and to multiply and to till the earth;
and they did wax strong in the land.
19. And the brother of Jared began to be old, and saw
that he must soon go down to the grave ; wherefore he saicB
unto Jared, let us gather together our people that we may-
number them, that we may know of them what they will
*desire of us before we go down to our graves.
20. And accordingly the people were gathered together. Now
the number of the sons and the daughters of the brother
of Jared ^'were twenty and two souls; and the num-
ber of sons and daughters of Jared were twelve, he having
four sons.
21. And it came to pass that they did number their people;
and after that they had nun-bered them, they did desire of
them the things which they would that they should do before
they went down to their graves.
22. And it came to pass that the people Mesired of thena
that they should anoint one of their sons to be a king over
them.
23. And now behold, this was grievous unto them. But
the brother of Jared said unto them, Surely this thing ^eadeth
into captivity.
24. But Jared said unto his brother. Suffer them that
they may have a king; and therefore he said unto them,.
Choose ye out from among our sons a king, even whom ye?
will.
25. And it came to pass that they chose even the firstborns
of the brother of Jared ; and his name was Pagag. And it
came to pass that he refused and would not be their king.
And the people would that his father should constrain him r
but his father would not; and he commanded them that they
should constrain no man to be their king.
26. And it came to pass that they chose all the brothers of
Pagag, and they would not.
27. And it came to pass that neither would the sons of
Jared, even all, save it were one; and "*Orihah was anointecJ
to be king over the people.
28. And he began to reign, and the people began to prosper;
and they became exceeding rich.
29. And it came to pass **that Jared died, and his brother
•also.
30. And it came to pass that Orihah did walk humbly
before the Lord, and did remember how great things the
Lord had done for his father, and also taught his people
how great things the Lord had done for their fathers.
i, vers. 21, 22. j. Ether 1: 41. A plurality of families. fe, vers. 19,
21. «, Ether 7:5. m. vers. 14, 30. Ether 1:32. 7:L fi,
ver. 19.
584 BOOK OF ETHEE. [CHAP. VII.
CHAPTER 7.
1. Ak© it came to pass that Orihah did execute judgment;
upon the land in righteousness all his days, whose days were
exceeding many.
2. And he begat sons and daughters; yea, he begat "thirty
and one, among whom were twenty and three sons.
3. And it came to pass that he also begat ^Kib in his old
age. And it came to pass that Kib reigned in his stead; and
Kib begat ''Corihor.
4. And when Corihor was thirty and two years old, he
rebelled against his father, and went over and dwelt in the
*^land of Nehor ; and he begat sons and daughters ; and they
became exceeding fair; wherefore Corihor drew away many
people after him.
5. And when he had gathered together an army, he came
up unto the land of ^Moron where the king dwelt, and took
him captive, which brought to pass the saying of the brother
of Jared, that they would be '^brought into captivity.
6. Now the land of ^Moron where the king dwelt, was near
the land which is called "Desolation by the Nephites.
7. And it came to pass that Kib dwelt in captivity, and his
people under Corihor his son, until he became exceeding old;
Kievertheless Kib begat Shule in his old age, while he was yet
in captivity.
8. And it came to pass that Shule was angry with his
brother; and Shule waxed strong, and became mighty, as to
the strength of a man ; and he was also mighty in judg-
ment.
9. Wherefore he came to the hill Ephraim, and he did
moulten out of the hill, and made swords out of *steel for
those whom he had drawn away with him; and after he
bad armed them with swords, he returned to the ^city Nehor
and gave battle unto his brother Corihor, by which means
he obtained the kingdom, and restored it unto his father
Kib.
10. And now because of the thing which Shule had done,
bis father bestowed upon him the kingdom ; therefore he began
to reign in the stead of his father.
11. And it came to pass that he did execute judgment in
righteousness; and he did spread his kingdom upon all the
face of the land, for the people had become exceeding
numerous.
12. And it came to pass that Shule also begat many sons
and daughters.
13. And Corihor repented of the many evils which he
bad done; wherefore Shule gave him power in his kingdom.
a, he was probably a polygamist. b, vers. 3—10. Ether 1 : 31, 32. c, vers.
3—15. d, ver. 9. 6, vers. 6, 16, 17. Ether 14: 6, 11. f. Ether 6; 23. g.
Bee e. h, see 21, Alma 22. i, see e, i. Nep. 16. ;, ver. 4.
CHAP. VII.] BOOK OF ETHER. 589
14. And it came to pass that Corihor had many sons and
daughters. And among the sons of Corihor there was one whose
name was Noah.
15. And it came to pass that Noah rebelled against Shule,
the king, and also his father Corihor, and drew away Cohor
his brother, and also all his brethren and many of the people.
16. And he gave battle unto Shule, the king, in which he
did obtain the land of their '^first inheritance; and he became
a king over that part of the land.
17. And it came to pass that he gave battle again unto
Shule, the king; and he took Shule the king, and carried him
away captive into 'Moron.
18. And it came to pass as he was about to put him to
death, the sons of Shule crept into the house of Noah by
night and slew him, and broke down the door of the prisoa
and brought out their father, and placed him upon his throne
in his own kingdom;
19. Wherefore the son of Noah did build up his kingdom
in his stead ; nevertheless they did not gain power any more
over Shule the king, and the people who were under the
reign of Shule the king, did prosper exceedingly and wax
great.
20. And the country was divided : and there were two king'-
doms, the kingdom of Shule, and the kingdom of Cohor, the
son of Noah.
21. And Cohor, the son of Noah, caused that liis people
should give battle unto Shule, in which Shule did beat thenn
and did slay Cohor.
22. And now Cohor had a son who was called Nimrod:
and Nimrod gave up the kingdom of Cohor unto Shule, and
he did gain favour in the eyes of Shule ; wherefore Shule did
bestow great favours upon him, and he did do in the kingdomi
of Shule according to his desires ;
23. And also in the reign of Shule there *^came prophets
among the people, who were sent from the Lord, prophesying-
that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing-
a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed, if they
did not repent.
24. And it came to pass that the people did revile against
the prophets, and did mock them. And it came to pass that kingr
Shule did execute judgment against all those who did revile
against the prophets ;
25. And he did execute a law throughout all the land, which
gave power unto the pronhets that they should go whithersoever
they would ; and by this cause the people were brought unto
repentance.
26. And because the people did repent of their iniquities
and idolatries, the Lord did spare them, and they began to
prosper again in the land. And it came to pass that Shule
begat sons and daughters in his old age.
k, ver. 17. See e. I. see k. m. vers. 24— 2G.
586 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP, VIII,
27. And there were no more wars in the days of. Shule;
and he remembered the great things that the Lord had done
for his fathers in bringing them '^across the great deep into
the promised land ; wherefore he did execute judgment in
righteousness all his days.
CHAPTER 8.
1. And it came to pass that he begat Omer, and Omer
reigned in his stead. And Omer begat Jared ; and Jared begat
sons and daughters.
2. And Jared rebelled against his father, and came and
dwelt in the land of Heth. And it came to pass that he did
flatter many people, because of his cunning words, until he
Lad gained the half of the kingdom.
3. And when he had gained the half of the kingdom, he gave
battle unto his father, and he did carry away his father into
captivity, and did make him serve in captivity.
4. And now in the days of the reign of Omer, he was in
captivity the half of his days. And it came to pass that he
begat sons and daughters, among whom were Esrom and
Coriantumr ;
5. And they were exceeding angry because of the doings
of Jared their brother, insomuch that they did raise an army,
and gave battle unto Jared. And it came to pass that they
did give battle unto him by night.
6. And it came to pass that when they had slain the army
of Jared, they were about to slay him also ; and he plead with
them that they would not slay him, and he would give up the
kingdom unto his father. xVnd it came to pass that they did
grant unto him his life.
7. And now Jared became exceeding sorrowful because of
the loss of the kingdom, for he had set his heart upon the
kingdom, and upon the glory of the world.
8. Now the daughter of Jared being exceeding expert, and
seeing the sorrows of her father, thought to devise a plan
-whereby she could redeem the kingdom unto her father.
9. Now the daughter of Jared was exceeding fair. And
it came to pass that she did talk with her father, and saM
unto him, whereby hath my father so much sorrow? Hath
he not read the "record which our fathers brought across the
great deep? Behold, is there not an account concerning them
of old, that thpv by their ''secret plans did obtain kingdoms
and great glory?
n. Ether 6: 1—12.
a, A copy of the scriptures from the creation to the Tower of Babel. b, ver.
15. These secret plans originated in tiie days of Cain. Pearl of Great Price, p. 11.
<See inspired translation of the Scriptures, by Joseph Smith, li. and III. ,Gen.) Hela.
€>: 27. See i, li> Nep, 10.
CHAP. Vm.] BOOK OF ETHER. 587
30. And now, therefore, let my father send for Akish, the
son of Kimnor; and behold, I am fair, and I will dance before
him, and I will please him, that he will desire me to wife;
wherefore if he shall desire of thee that ye shall give unto
him me to wife, then shall ye say, I will give her if ye will
bring unto me the head of my father, the king.
11. And now Omer was a friend to Akish, wherefore when
Jared had sent for Akish, the daughter of Jared danced before
him, that she pleased him, insomuch that he desired her to
wife. And it came to pass that he said unto Jared, give her
unto me to wife.
12. And Jared said unto him, I will give her unto you, if
ye will bring unto me the head of my father, the king.
13. And it came to pass that Akish gathered in unta the
house of Jared all his kinsfolks, and said unto them, Will ye
swear unto me that ye will be faithful unto me in the thing
wnich I shall desire of you?
14. And it came to pass that they all ^swear unto him, by
the God of heaven, and also by the heavens, and also by the
earth, and by their heads, that whoso should vary from the
assistance which Akish desired, should lose his head ; and whoso
should divulge whatsoever thing Akish made known unto them,
the same should lose his life.
15. And it came to pass that thus they did agree with Akish.
And Akish did administer unto them the oaths which were
given by '^them of old, who also sought power, which had
been handed down even from Cain, who was a murderer from
the beginning.
16. And they were kept up by the power of the devil to
administer these oaths unto the people, to keep them in dark-
ness, to help such as sought power, to gain power, and to
murder, and to plunder, and to lie, and to commit all manner
of wickedness and whoredoms.
17. And it was the daughter of Jared who put it into his
heart, to search up these things of old; and Jared put it into
the heart of Akish; wherefore Akish administered it unto his
kindreds and friends, leading them away by fair promises to
do whatsoever thing he desired.
18. And it came to pass that they formed a ^secret com-
bination, even as they of old; which combination is most
abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God;
19. For ^he Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither
doth he will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath
forbidden it, from the beginning of man.
20. And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their
oaths, and combinations, -for it hath been made known unto
me that they are had among all people, and they are had ^
among the Lamanites,
21. And they have caused the destruction of this people
of whom T am now speaking, and also the destruction of the
people of Nephi :
c, see i, ii. Nep. 10. d, see h. c, see i ii. Nep. 10.
588 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. IX.
22. And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret com-
binations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over
the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed, for the Lord will
not suffer that the ^blood af his saints, which shall be shed
by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for
vengeance upon them, and yet he avenge them not ;
23. Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these
things should be shewn unto you, that thereby ye may repent
of your sins, and suffer not that these ^murderous combi-
nations shall get above you, which are built up to get
power and gain, and the work, yea, even the work of destruc-
tion come upon you, yea, even the '^sword of the justice of the
eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and de-
struction, if ye shall suffer these things to be ;
24. Wherefore the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall
Bee these things come among you, that ye shall awake to a
sense of your awful situation, because of this *secret combi-
nation which shall be among you, or wo be unto it, because
of the ^blood of them who have been slain ; for they cry
from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who
build it up.
25. For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up, seeketh
to ^overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and coun-
tries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people^
for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies ;
even that same liar who beguiled our first parents ; yea,
even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder
from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts or men,
that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and
cast them out from the beginning.
26. Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these
things, that evil may be done away, and that the time may
come that ^ Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the
children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good
continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all
righteousness and be saved.
CHAPTER 9.
1. And now I, Moroni, proceed with my record. There-
fore behold, it came to pass that because of the ''secret com-
binations of Akish and his friends, behold they did overthrow
the kingdom of Omer.
2. Nevertheless, the Lord was merciful unto Omer, and
/, see f, II. Nep. 28. ff, see i, ii. Nep. 10. h, see k, i. Nep. 14. i,
tee i, II. Nep. 10. j, see /. ii. Nep. 28. k, vers. 21, 22. I, see n, ii.
Nep. 30.
a, see i, II. Nep. 10.
CHAP. IX. j BOOK OF ETHER. 589
also to his sons and to his daughters, who did not seek his
destruction.
3. And the Lord warned Omer in a dream that he should
depart out of the land ; wherefore Omer departed out of the
land with his family, and travelled many days, and came
over and passed by the ^hill of Shim, and came over by the
place where the Nephites ''were destroyed, and from thence
eastward, and came to a place which was called ''Ablom, by
the sea shore, and there he pitched his tent, and also his sons
and his daughters, and all his household, save it were Jared
and his family.
4. And it came to pass that Jared was anointed king over
the people, by the hand of wickedness; and he gave unto
Akish his daughter to wife.
5. And it came to pass that Akish sought the life of his
father-in-law; and he applied unto those whom he had sworn
by the ^oath of the ancients, and they obtained the head of
his father-in-law, as he sat upon his throne, giving audience
to his people.
6. For so great had been the spreading of this wicked and
secret society, that it had corrupted the hearts of all the people ;
therefore Jared was murdered upon his throne, and Akish
reigned in his stead.
7. And it came to pass that Akish began to be jealous of his
son, therefore he shut him up in prison, and kept him upon
little or no food until he had suffered death.
8. And now the brother of him that suffered death, (and
his name was Nimrah,) was angry with his father, because o.f
that which his father had done unto his brother.
9. And it came to pass that Nimrah gathered together a
small number of men, and fled out of the land, and came over
and dwelt ^with Omer.
10. And it came to pass that Akish begat other sons, and
they won the hearts of the people, notwithstanding they had
sworn unto him to do all manner of iniquity, according to
that which he desired.
11. Now the people of Akish were desirous for gain, even
as Akish was desirous for power; wherefore the sons of Akish
did offer them money, by which means they drew away the
more part of the people after them ;
12. And there began to be a war between the sons of Akish
and Akish, which lasted for the space of many years; yea,
unto the destruction of nearly all the people of the kingdom;
yea, even all, save it were thirty souls, and they who fled
with the house of Omer;
13. Wherefore Omer was restored again to the ^land of his
inheritance. *
14. And it came to pass that Omer began to be old,
6, see d, Mor. 1. c, Mor, 6: 1 — 15. d, probably on the shore of the New
England States, e, see i, ii. Nep. 10. /, ver. 3. g, see e. Ether 7.
590 BOOK OF ETHEE. [CHAP. IX.
nevertheless, in his old age he begat Emer; and he anointed
Emer to be king to reign in his stead.
15. And after that he had anointed Emer to be king, he
saw peace in the land for the space of two years, and he died,
having seen exceeding many days, which were full of sorrow.
And it came to pass that Emer did reign in his stead, and
did fill the steps of his father.
16. And the Lord began again to take the curse from off
the land, and the house of Emer did prosper exceedingly under
the reign of Emer; and m the space of sixty^-and two years,
they had become exceeding strong, insomuch tti^t they became
exceeding rich,
17. Having ''all manner of fruit, and of grain, *and of
silks, and of fine linen, ^and of gold, and of silver, and of
precious things,
18. And also *^all manner of cattle, of oxen, and cows,
and of sheep, and of swine, and of goats, and also many
other kind of animals which were useful for the food of
man;
19. And they also had ^horses, and asses, and there were
elephants and cureloms, and cumoms ; all of which were useful
unto man, and more especially the elephants, and cureloms,
and cumoms.
20. And thus the Lord did pour out his blessings upon
this land, which was "^choice above all other lands; and he
commanded that whoso should possess the land, should posses:;
it unto the Lord, or they should be "destroyed when they were
ripened in iniquity; for upon such, saith the Lord, I will
pour out the fulness of my wrath.
21. And Emer did execute judgment in righteousness all his
days, and he begat many sons and daughters ; and he
begat Coriantum ; and he anointed Coriantum to reign in
his stead.
22. And after he had anointed Coriantum to reign in his
stead, he lived four years, and he saw peace in the land ;
yea, and he even saw the Son of Righteousness, and did rejoice
and glory in his day ; and he died in peace.
23. And it came to pass that Coriantum did walk in the
steps of his father, and did build many mighty cities, and
did administer that which was good unto his people, in all his
days. And it came to pass that he had no children, even until
he was exceeding old.
24. And it came to pass that his wife died, being an hundred
and two years old. And it came to pass that Coriantum took
to wife, in his old age, a young maid, and begat sons and
daughters; wherefore he lived until he was an hundred and
forty and two years old.
25. And it came to pass that he begat Com, and Com
Ji, Ether 1: 41, i. Ether 10: 24. ;, Ether 10: 12, 23. Jt, vers. 31.
34. Ether 10: 12, 19, 20, 26. /, see m, i. Nep, 18. Jn, see i. Ether 2.
?i, Ether 2:8— 11.
CHAP. IX.] BOOK or ETHER, 591
reigned in his stead ; and he reigned forty and nine years,
and he begat Heth; and he also begat other sons and
daughters.
20. And the people had spread again over all the face of
the land, and there began again to be an exceeding great
wickedness upon the face of the land, and Heth began to
embrace the ''secret plans again of old, to destroy his father.
27. And it came to pass that he did dethrone his father;
for he slew him with his own sword ; and he did reign in his
stead.
28. And there came prophets in the land ^again, crying:
repentance unto them ; that they must prepare the .way of
the Lord, or there should come a curse upon the face of the
land; yea, even there should be a ^great famine, in which they
should be destroyed if they did not repent.
29. But the people believed not the words of the prophets,
but they cast tfiem out ; and some of them they cast into
pits, and left them to perish. And it came to pass that they
did all these things according to the commandment of the
king Heth.
30. And it came to pass that there began to be a great
dearth upon the land, and the inhabitants began to be destroyed
exceeding fast, because of the dearth, for there was no rain
upon the face of the en rth :
31. And there came forth *"poisonous serpents also upon the
face of the land, and did poison many people. And it came
to pass that their flocks began to flee before the poisonous
serpents, towards the land ^southward, which was called by
the Nephites *Zarahemla,
32. And it came to pass that there were many of them
which did perish by the way ; nevertheless, there were some
which fled into the land southward.
33. And it carae to pass that the Lord did cause the ser-
pents that they should pursue them no more, but that they
should hedge up the way, that the people could not pass;
that whosoever should attempt to pass, might fall by the poison-
ous serpents.
34. And it came to pass that the people did follow the
course of the beasts, and did devour the carcasses of them
which fell by the way, until they had devoured them all. Now
when the people saw that they must perish, they began to
i-epent of their iniquities, and cry unto the Lord.
35. And it came to pass that when they had humbled
themselves sufficiently before the Lord, he did send rain
upon the face of the earth, and the people began to' revive
again, and there began to be fruit in the north countries,
and in all the countries round about. And the Lord did
shew forth his power unto them, in preserving them from
famine.
0, see I, IT. Nep. 10. p, vp^. 29. Ether 7: 23. 11: 1, 12, 20. q, vers.
30—35. r. vers. 32—34. Ether 10: 19. s, South America. t, see h^
Omni 1.
S&2 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. X.
CHAPTER 10.
1. And it came to pass that Shez, who was a descendant
of Heth, for Heth had perished by the famine, and all his
fcousehold, save it were Shez ; wherefore Shez began to build up
again a broken people.
2. And it came to pass that Shez did remember the
destruction of his fathers, and he did build up a righteous
kingdom, for he remembered w^hat the. Lord had done in
bringing Jared and his brother "across the deep ; and he
•did walk in the ways of the Lord, and he begat sons and
daughters.
3. And his eldest son, whose name was Shez, did rebel
against him ; nevertheless, Shez was smitten by the hand of
a robber, because of his exceeding riches, which brought peace
again unto his father.
4. And it came to pass that his father did* build up many
cities upon the face of the land, and the people began again to
spread over ail the face of the land. And Shez did live to an
exceeding old age ; and he begat Riplakish, and he died. And
Riplakish reigned in his stead.
5. And it came to pa^s that Riplakish did not do that which
w^as right in the sight of the Lord, for he did have ''many
wives and concubines, and did lay that upon men's shoulders
which was grievous to be borne ; yea, he did tax them with
heavy taxes; and with the taxes he did build many spacious
buildings.
6. And he did erect him an exceeding beautiful throne,
and he did build many prisons, and whoso would not be
subject unto taxes, he did cast into prison; and whoso
was not able to pay taxes he did cast into prison; and he
did cause that they should labor continually for their sup-
port; and whoso refused to labor, he did cause to be put to
death ;
7. Wherefore he did obtain all his fine work; yea, even
his fine gold he did cause to be refined in prison ; and all
manner of fine workmanship he did cause to be wrought in
prison. And it came to pass that he did afflict the people
with his ^whoredoms and abominations ;
8. And when he had reigned for the space of forty aaid
two years, the people did raise up in rebellion against him,
and there began to be war again in the land, insomuch that
2Riplakish was killed, and his descendants were driven out of
the land.
9. And it came to pass after the space of many years,
Horianton, (he being a descendant of Riplakish,) gathered
together an army of outcasts, and went forth and gave
battle unto the people; and he gained power over many
a. Ether 6: 1—12. 7: 27. b, see k, I, and q, Jacob 2.
Nsp. 28.
CHAP. X.] BOOK OF ETHER. 593
cities; and the war became exceeding sore, and did last for
the space of many years, and he did gain power over all the
land, and did establish himself king over all the land.
10. And after that he had established himself king, he did
ease the burden of the people, by which he did gain favor in
the eyes of the people, and they did anoint him to be their
king.
11. And he did do justice imt»o the people, bnt not unto him-
self, because of his ''many whoredoms ; wherefore he was cut '
off from the presence of the Lord,
12. And it came to pass that Morianton built up many
cities, and the people became exceeding rich under his reign,
both in buildings, and in ®gold and silver, and in raising grain,
and in '"flocks, and herds, and such things which had been
restored unto them.
13. And Morianton did live to an exceeding great age, and
then he begat Kim ; and Kim did reign in the stead of his
father; and he did reign eight years, and his father died. And
it came to pass that Kim did not reign in righteousness, where-
fore he was not favored of the Lord.
14. And his brother did raise up in rebellion against him,
by which he did bring him into captivity; and he did
remain in captivity all his days ; and he begat sons and
daughters in captivity; and in his old age he begat Levi, and
he died.
15. And it came to pass that Levi did serve in captivity
after the death of his father, for the space of forty and two
years. And he did make war against the king of the land,
by which he did obtain unto himself the kingdom.
16. And after he had obtained unto himself the kingdom,
be did that which was right in the sight of the Lord ; and
the people did prosper in the land, and he did live to a good
old age, and begat sons and daughters; and he also begat
Corom, whom he anointed king in his stead.
17. And it came to pass that Corom did that which was
good in the sight of the Lord, all his days ; and he begat many
sons and daughters ; and after he had seen many days, he did
pass away, even like unto the rest of the earth; and Kish
reigned in his stead.
18. And it came to pass that Kish passed away also, and
Lib reigned in his stead.
10. And it came to pass that Lib also did that which was
good in the sight of the Lord. And in the days of Lib the
^poisonous serpents were destroyed ; wherefore they did go
into the land ''southward, to hunt food for the people of the
land, for the land was covered with *animals of the forest.
And Lib also himself became a great hunter.
20. And they built a great city by the narrow neck of
land, by the place where the sea divides the land.
d, see c. e, see ;*, Ether 9. f, see k. Ether 9. g, see r, Ether 9. h, South
America. i. Ether 9: 32.
59^ BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. X
21. And they did preserve the land ^southward for a wilder-
ness, to get game. And the whole face of the Mand northward
was covered with inhabitants;
22. And they were exceeding industrious, and they did buy
and sell, and traffic one with another, that they might get
gain.
23. And they did work in all ^manner of ore, and they did
make gold, and silver, and iron, and brass, and all manner of
metals ; and they did dig it out of the earth ; wherefore they
did cast up *"mighty heaps of earth to get ore, of gold, and of
silver, and of iron, and of copper. And they did work all
manner of fine work.
24» And they did "have silks, and fine twined linen; and
they did work all manner of cloth, that they ipight clothe
themselves from their nakedness.
25. And they did make all manner of ""tools to till the
earth, both to plough and to sow, to reap and to hoe, and also
to thrash.
20. And they did make all manner of tools with which
they did work their beasts.
27. And they did make all manner of weapons of war. And
they did work all manner of work of exceeding curious work-
manship.
28. And never could be a people more blessed than were
they, and more prospered by the hand of the Lord. And they
were in a land that was ^'choice above all lands, for the Lord
had spoken it.
29. And it came to pass that Lib did live many
years, and begat sons and daughters; and he also begat
Hearthom.
30. And it ciame to pass that Hearthom reigned in the stead
of his father. And when Hearthom had reigned twenty and
four years, behold the kingdom was taken away from him.
And he served many years in captivity ; yea, even all the re-
mainder of his days.
31. And he begat Heth, and Heth lived in captivity all his
days. And Heth begat Aaron, and Aaron dwelt in captivity
all his days; and he begat Amnigaddah, and Amnigaddah
also dwelt in captivity all his days ; and he begat Coriantum,
and Coriantum dwelt in captivity all his days; and he begat
Com.
32. And it came to pass that Com drew away the half 9f
the kingdom. And he reigned over the half of the kingdom
forty and two years; and he went to battle against the king
Amgid, and fought for the space of many years, during which
time Com gained power over Amgid, and obtained power over
the remainder of the kingdom.
33. And in the days of Com there began to be robbers in
the land: and they adopted the old plans, and adminis-
j. South America. k. North America. I, see j, Ether 9. m, see I. n.
Ether 9: 1/. o. Agricultural machinery. p, see i, Ether 2.
CHAP. XI.] BOOK OF ETHER. 595
tered «oaths after the manner of the ancients, and sought
again to destroy the kingdorA.
34. Now Com did fight against them much ; nevertheless, he
did not prevail against them.
CHAPTER 11.
1. And there came also in the days of Com "many prophets,
and prophesied of tho destruction of that great people, except
they should repent and turn unto the Lord, and forsake their
murders and wickedness.
2. And it came to i^ass that the prophets were rejected by
the people, and they fled unto Com for protection, for the
people sought to destroy them ;
3. And they prophesied unto Com many things; and he
was blessed in all the remainder of his days.
4. And he lived to a good old age, and begat Sbiblom ; and
Shiblom reigned in his stead. And the brother of Shiblom
rebelled against him ; and there began to be an exceeding great
war in all the land.
5. And it came to pass that the brother of Shiblom caused
that "all the prophets who prophesied of the destruction of
the people, should be put to death,
6. And there was great calamity in all the land, for they
had testified that a greater curse should come upon the land,
and also upon the people, and that there should be a great de-
struction among them, such an one as never had been upon
the face of the earth ; and their bones should become as ''heaps
of earth upon the face of the land, except they should repent
of their wickedness.
7. And they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord,
because of their ''wicked combinations ; wherefore there
began to be wars and contentions in all the land, and also
many famines and pestilences, insomuch that there was a
great destruction, such an one as never had been known upon
the face of the earth, and all this came to pass in the days of
Shiblom.
8. And the people began to repent of their iniquity; and
inasmuch as they did, the Lord did have mercy on them.
9. And it came to pass that Shiblom was slain, and Seth
was brought into captivity, and did dwell in captivity all his
days.
10. And it came to pass that Ahah, his son, did obtain the
kingdom; and he did reign over the people all his days. And
he did do all manner of iniquity in his days, by which he did
cause the shedding of much blood ; and few were his days.
q, see i, li. Nep. 10.
a, see p, Ether 9. 6, ver. 1. c, The ancient mounds of North America. d,»et
i, II. Nep. 10.
596 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. XII.
11. And Ethem, being a descendant of Ahah, did obtain
the kingdom; and he also did do that which was wicked in
his days.
12. And it came to pass in the days of Ethem, there
came ^many prophets, and prophesied again unto the people;
yea, they did prophesy that the Lord would utterly destroy
them from off the face of the earth, except they repented of
tneir iniquities.
13. And it came to pass that the people hardened their
hearts, and would not hearken unto their word; and the
prophets mourned and withdrew from among the people.
14. And it came to pass that Ethem did execute judgment
in wickedness all his days; and he begat Moron. And it came
to pass that Moron did reign in his stead: and Moron did that
which was wicked before the Lord.
15. And it came to pass that there arose a rebellion among
the people, because of that '"secret combination which was
built up to get power and gain; and there arose a mighty man
among them in iniquity, and gave battle unto Moron, in which
he did overthrow the half of the kingdom ; and he did maintain
the half of the kingdom for many years.
IG. And it came to pass that Moron did overthrow him, and
did obtain the kingdom again.
17. And it came to pass that there arose another mighty
man ; and he was a descendant of the brother of Jared.
18. And it came to pass that he did overthrow Moron and
obtain the kingdom ; wherefore Moron dwelt in captivity all
the remainder of his days; and he begat Coriantor.
19. And it came to pass that Coriantor dwelt in captivity
all his days.
20. And in the days of Coriantor there ^also came many
prophets, and prophesied of great and marvellous things, and
cried repentance unto the people, and except they should re-
pent, the Lord God would execute judgment against them to
their utter destruction;
21. And that the Lord God would send or bring forth
"another people to possess the land, by his power, after the
manner which he brought their fathers.
22. And they did reject all the words of the prophets, because
of their ^secret society and wicked abominations.
23. And it came to pass that Coriantor begat Ether, and he
died, having dwelt in captivity all his days.
CHAPTER 12.
1. AxD it came to pass that the days of Ether were in
the days of Coriantumr-; and Coriantumr was king over all
the land.
e, see p. Ether 9. f. see i, it. Nep. 10. g, see p, Ether 9. h, A imaU
colony from Jerusalem. Ether 13: 20, 21. i, see i, ii. Nep. 10.
CHAP. XII.] BOOK OF ETHER. 597
2. And Ether was a prophet of the Lord : wherefore Ether
came forth in the days of Coriantumr, and began to prophesy
unto the people, for he could not be restrained because of the
Spirit of the Lord which was in him ;
3. For he did cry from the morning, even until the going
down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe in God unto
repentance, lest they "should be destroyed, saying unto them,
that by faith all things are fulfilled;
4. Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with ^surety
hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand
of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the
Fouls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, al-
ways abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
5. And it came to pass that Ether did prophesy great and
marvellous things iintoJ:he people, which they did not believe,
because they saw thpiuniot.
6. And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning
these things : I would shew unto the world that faith is things
w^hich are hoped for and not seen ; wherefore, dispute not be-
cause ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the
trial of your faith ;
7. For it was by faith that Christ shewed himself unto
our fathers, after he had risen from the dead : and he shewed
not himself unto them, until after they had faith in him ;
wherefore it must needs be that some had faith in him, for
he shewed himself not unto the world.
8. But because of the faith of men, he has shewn him-
self unto the world and crlorified the name of the Father, and
prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of
the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which
they have not seen ;
9. Wherefore ye may also have hope, and be partakers of
the gift, if ye vill but have faith.
10. Behold it was by faith that they of old were called
"after the holy order of God :
11. W^^refore, by faith, was the law of Moses given. But
in the gift of his Son, hath God prepared a more excellent way ;
and it is by faith that it hath been fulfilled :
12. For if there be no faith among the children of men, God
c<^n do "^no miracle among them ; wherefore he shewed not
himself until after their fnith.
13. Behold, it wps the fnith of Alma and Amulek that caused
the ^prison to tumble to the earth.
«14. Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi, that
''wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were bap-
tized with fire and with the Holy Ghost.
15. Behold, it was the ^faith of Ammon and his brethren,
which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites :
a, Efher 11 : 12, 20—22. b, vers. 6, 8, 9, 32. Moro. 7: 40-44. 8: 26.
10: 20—22. c, see g, Mos. 2b. d, see d, iit. Nep. 17. e, Alma 14; 26—29.
f, Hela. 5: 20—52. Ill, Nep, 9; 20, ] g, Alma 17: 29—39.
598 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. XII.
16. Yea, and even all they who wrought miracles, wrought
them by faith, even those who were before Christ, and also
them who were after.
17. And it was by faith that the three disciples obtained
a promise tha c they should ''not taste of death ; and they ob-
tained not the promise until after their faith.
18. And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until
after their faith ; wherefore they first believed in the Son of
God.
19. And there were many whose faith was so exceeding
strong even before Christ came who could not be kept
from *within the vail, but truly saw with their eyes the things
which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were
glad.
20. And behold, we have seen in this record, that one
of these was the brother of Jared : fo# so great was his faith
in God, that when God put ^ forth his finger, he could not
hide it from the sight of the brother of Jared, because of his
word which he had spoken unto him, which word he had
obtained by faith.
21. And after the brother of Jared had beheld the finger
of the Lord, because of the ''promise which the brother of
Jared had obtained by faith, the Lord could 'not withhold
any thing from his sight; wherefore he shewed him all things,
for he could '"no longer be kept without the vail.
22. And it is by faith that my fathers have obtained the
"promise that these things should come unto their brethren
through the Gentiles; therefore the Lord hath commanded me,
yea, even Jesus Christ.
23. And I said unto him, Lord, the Gentiles will "mock
at these things, because of our weakness in writing ; for Lord
thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast
not made us mighty in writing; for thou hast made all this
people that they could speak much, because of the Holy Ghost
which thou hast given them ;
24. And thou hast made us that we could write but little,
because of the ^awkwardness of our hands. Behold, thou hast
not made us mighty in writing like unto the brother of Jared,
for thou madest him that the things ''which he wrote, were
mighty even as thou art, unto the overpowering of man to
read them.
25. Thou hast also made our words powerful and great,
even that we '"cannot write them ; wherefore, when we
h, see d. III. Nep. 28. i, see /, Ether 3. ;, see e. Ether 3. /:, Ether
3: 26. /, Ether 3: 25, 26. m, see /, Ether 3. n, see c, Enos 1. o. ven.
26—28. See w, Mor. 8. p, awkwardness in writing or engraving upon platea,
in Egyptian hieroglyphics or characters. q. Ether 3: 27. 4; 1. No doubt
the language, in which the brother of Jared wrote, was more perfect than any of the
languages confounded at Babel. See Ether 3: 22—24. r, A spoken languagf
may be powerful, embracing every shade of idea; ;but its written representative may b«
very imperfect, especially if symbols and hieroglyphics are used.
CHAP. XII.] BOOK OF ETHER. 699
write, we behold our weakness, and stumble because of the
placing of our words; and I fear lest the Gentiles shall 'mock
at our words.
26. And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me,
saying. Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is
sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your
weakness ;
27. And if men come unto me, I will shew unto them their
weakness. I give unto men weakness, that they may be
humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble
themselves before me ; for if they humble themselves before
me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things be-
come strong unto them.
28. Behold, I will shew unto the Gentiles their weakness,
and I will shew unto them that faith, hope, and charity,
bringeth unto me — the^fountain of all righteousness.
29. And I, Moroni, * having heard these words, was com-
forted, and said, O Lord, thy righteous will be done, for I know
that thou workest unto the children of men according to their
faith ;
30. For the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin,
remove, and 4t was removed. And if he had not had faith.
It would not have moved; wherefore thou workest after men
have faith ;
31. For thus didst thou manifest thyself unto thy disciples.
For after they had faith, and did speak in thy name, thou
didst shew thyself unto them in great power;
32. And I also remember that thou hast said that thou
hast prepared a house for man; yea, even among the "man-
sions of thy Father, in which man might have a more excellent
*hope ; wherefore man must hope, or he cannot receive an
inheritance in the place which thou hast prepared.
33. And again I remember that thou hast said that thou
hast loved the world, even unto the laying down of thy life for
the world, that thou mightest take it again to prepare a place
for the children of men.
34. And now I know that this love which thou hast had
for the children of men, is charity ; wherefore, except men
shall have ^^ charity, they cannot inherit that place which thou
hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father.
35. Wherefore, I know by this thing which thou hast said,
that if the Gentiles have not charity, because of our weak-
ness, that thou wilt prove them, and take away their talent,
yea, even that which they have received, and give unto them
who shall have more abundantly.
36. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that
he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have
charity.
37. And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me, If
s, vera. 23, 27. t, see c, Jacob 4. u, vers. 33, 34, 37. See m, Enof 1.
V, see b. w, vers. 35—37.
600 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. XIII.
they have not charity, it mattereth not unto thee, thou hastt
been faithful ; wherefore thy garments shall be made clean^
And because thou hast 'seen thy weakness, thou shalt be made-
strong, even unto the sitting down in the place which I have
prepared in the ^mansions of my Father.
38. And now I, Moroni, bid farewell unto the Gentiles, yea,,
and also unto my brethren whom I love, until we shall meet
before the judgment seat of Christ, where all men shall knov;-
that my garments are not spotted with your blood;
39. And then shall ye know that I have seen Jesus, andl
that he hath talked with me face to face, and that he toldi
me in plain humility, even as a man telleth another in mine
own language, concerning these things ;
40. And only a ^few have I written, because of my weak-
ness in writing.
41. And now I would commend you to seek this Jesus of
whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace
of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the
Holy Ghost, which beareth ^''record of them, may be, and
abide in you for ever. Amen.
CHAPTER 13.
1. And now I, Moroni, proceed to finish my record con-
cerning the destruction of the people of whom I have been
writing.
2. For behold, they rejected all the words of Ether; for
he truly told them of all things, from the beginning of man ;
and that after the waters had receded from off the face of
this land, it became a choice land above all other lands, a
chosen land of the Lord; wherefore the Lord would have
that all men should serve him who dwell upon the face
thereof ;
3. And that it was the **place of the New Jerusalem,
which should ^come down out of heaven, and the Holy
Sanctuary of the Lord.
4. Behold, Ether saw the days of Christ, and he spake
concerning a ^'New Jerusalem upon this land ;
5. And he spake also concerning the house of Israel, and
the Jerusalem from whence '^Lehi should come; after it should
be destroyed, it should be built up again a ^'holy city unto the
Lord, wherefore it could not be a New Jerusalem, for it had
been in a time of old, but it should be built up again, and
become a holy city of the Lord; and it should be built unto
the house of Israel;
X, vers. 2&— 28, 35, 40. i/, see u. 2, see e, Ether 1. 2a, iii. Nep. 11;
32, 36.
o, see U in. Nep. 20. 6, ver. 10. Rev. 3: 12. 21: 2. C. see U ni. Nep*
20. d, I. Nep. 1—18. c, ver. 11. Rev. 21:10-27.
CHAP. XIII.] BOOK OF ETHER. 601
6. And that a 'New Jerusalem should be built up upon this
land, unto the remnant of the seed of Joseph, for which things
there has been a type ;
7. For as Joseph brought his father down into the land
of Egypt, even so he died there ; wherefore the Lord brought
a remnant of the seed of Joseph out of the land of Jerusalem,
that he might be merciful unto the seed of Joseph, that ^they
should perish not, even as he was merciful unto the father of
Joseph, that he should perish not;
8. Wherefore the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be
built upon this land ; and it shall be a land of ''their inheri-
tance ; and they shall build up a *holy city unto the Lord, like
iinto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be con-
founded, until the end come, when the earth shall pass
away.
9. ^And there shall be a new heaven and a new earth; and
they shall be like unto the old, save the old have passed away,
and all things have become new.
10. And '^then cometh the New Jerusalem ; and blessed are
they who dwell therein, for it is they whose garments are
-white through the blood of the Lamb ; and they are they who
:are ^numbered among the remnant of the seedsof Joseph, w'ho
were of the house of Israel.
11. And *"then also cometh the Jerusalem of old ; and the
Inhabitants thereof, blessed are they, for they have been washed
in the blood of the Lamb ; and they are they who v/ere
scattered and gathered in from the four quarters of the earth,
and from the "north countries, and are partakers of the ful-
filling of the covenant which God made witJi their father
Abraham.
12. And when these things come, bringeth to pass the
rscripture which saith, *There are they who were first, who
shall be last; and there are they who were last, who shall be
first.
13. And I was about to write more, but I am forbidden ;
.but great and marvellous were the prophecies of Ether, but
thev esteemed him as nought, and cast him out, and he hid
himself in the ^cavity of a rock by day, and by «night he
went forth viewing the things which should come upon the
people.
14. And as he dwelt in the cavity of a rock, he made the
'remainder of this record, viewing the destructions which came
upon the people by night.
15. And it came to pass that in that same year which he
was cast out from among the people, there began to be a
.great war among the people, for there were many who rose
up who were mighty men, and sought to destroy Coriantumr
f, see t, III. Nep. 20. g, n. Nep. 3: 5—24. Alma 46: 24—26. h, see
*o. III. Nep. 15. t, see t, iii. Nep. 20. ;, Rev. 21: 1. • A:, see 6. I, see x,
-jii. Nep. 16. m, see e. n, the ten tribes. o, i. Nep. 13: 42. p, vers. 14,
18, 22. q, ver. 14. Ether 15: 13. r, Ether 15: 33.
602 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP. XIII.
bj^ their 'secret p.ans ot wickedness, of which *hath been
spoken.
IG. And now Coriantumr, having studied himself in all the
arts of war, and all the cunning of the world, wherefore he gave
battle unto ttiem vv no sought to destroy him ;
17. But he repented not, neither his fair sons nor daugh-
ters ; neither the fair sons and daughters of Oohor ; neither
the fair sons and daughters of Corihor ; and in hne, there was
none of the fair sons and daughters upon the face of the whole
earth, who repented of their sjhs ;
18. Wherefore, it came to pass that in the first year that
Ether dweit in the 'cavity of a rock, there were many people
who were slain by the sword of those "secret combinations
fighting against Coriantumr, that they might obtain the
kingdom.
19. And it came to pass that the sons of Coriantumr fought
much and bled much.
20. And in the second year, the word of the Lord came to
Ether, that he should .r^o and prophesy unto Coriantumr, that
if he would repent, and all his household, the Lord would give
unto him his kingdom, and spare the people,
21. Otherwise they should be destroyed, and all his house-
hold, save it were himself, and he should only live to see the
fulfilling of the prophecies which had been spoken concerning
^another people receiving the land for their inheritance ; and
Coriantumr should receive a burial by them ; and every soul
should be ^destroyed save it were Coriantumr.
22. And it came to pass that Coriantumr repented not,
neither his household, neither the people ; and the wars ceased
not; and they sought to kill Ether, but he fled from before
them, and hid again in the "^cavity of the rock.
23. And it came to pass that there arose up Shared, and
he also gave battle unto Coriantumr; and he did beat him,
insomuch that in the third year he did bring him into cap-
tivity.
24. And the sons of Coriantumr, in the fourth year, did
beat Shared, and did obtain the kingdom again unto their
father.
25. Now there began to be a war upon all the face of the
land, every man with his band fighting for that which he
desired.
26. And there were robbers, and in fine, all manner of wicked-
ness upon the face of the land.
27. And it came to pass that Coriantumr was exceeding
angry with Shared, and he went against him with his armies
to battle ; and they did meet in , great anger, and they did
meet him in the valley of Gilgal ; and the battle became
exceeding sore.
28. And it came to pass that Shared fought against him
s, Bee 1, II. Nep. 10. t, see p. u, see l, li. Nep. 10. v, see s, Omni 1.
«>, Ether 15; 29— 32. X, see p.
CHAP. XIV.] BOOK OF ETHER. 603
for the space of three days. And it came to pass that Corian-
tumr beat him, and did pursue him until he came to the plains
of Heshlon.
29. And it came to pass that Shared gave him battle again
upon the plains ; and behold, he did beat Coriantumr, and drove
him back again to the valley of Gilgal.
30. And Coriantumr gave Shared battle again in the valley
of Gilgal, in which he beat Shared, and slev^ him.
31. And Shared wounded Coriantumr in his thigh, that he
did not go to battle again for the space of two years, in which
time all the people upon all the face of the land weTe shedding
blood, and there was none to restrain them.
CHAPTER 14.
1. And now there began to be a great *curse upon all the
land, because of the iniquity of the people, in which, if a
man should lay his tool or his sword upon his shelf, or upon
the place whither he would keep it, and behold, upon the
morrow, he could not find it, so great was the curse upon the
land.
2. Wherefore every man did cleave unto that which was his
own, with his hands, and would not borrow, neither would
he lend; and every man kept the hilt of his sword thereof, in
liis right hand, in the defence of his property and his own life,
and of his wives and children.
3. And now after the space of two years, and after the
death of Shared, behold, there arose the brother of Shared
and he gave battle unto Coriantumr, in which Coriantumr did
beat him, and did pursue him to the wilderness of Akish.
4. And it came to pass that the brother of Shared did
give battle unto him in the wilderness of Akish ; and the battle
became exceeding sore, and many thousands fell by the
sword.
5. And it came to pass that Coriantumr did lay siege to
the wilderness, and the brother of Shared did march forth
out of the wilderness by night, and slew a part of the army
of Coriantumr, as they were drunken.
6. And he came forth to the *land of Moron, and placed
himself upon the throne of Coriantumr.
7. And it came to pass that Coriantumr dwelt with his
army in the wilderness, for the space of two years, in which
he did receive great strength to his army.
8. Now the brother of Shared, whose name was Gilead, also
received great strength to his army, because c'! <^secret com-
binations.
9. And it came to pass that his High Priest murdered
him as he sat upon his throne.
a, see I. Hela. 13. h, see c. Ether 7. c, see i, it. Nen. 10.
604 BOOK OP ETHER. [CHAP. XIV.
10. And it came to pass that one of the secret combina-
tions murdered him in a secret pass, and obtained unto
himself the kingdom ; and his name was Lib ; and Lib was
a man of great stature, more than any other man among all
the people.
11. And it came to pass that in the first year of Lib,
Coriantumr came up unto the "land of Moron, and gave battle
unto Lib.
12. And it came to pass that he fought with Lib, in which
Lib did smite upon his arm that he was wounded; never-
theless, the army of Coriantumr did press forward upon Lib,
that he fled to the borders upon the sea shore,
13. And it came to pass that Coriantumr pursued him; and
Lib gave battle unto him upon the sea shore.
14. And it came to pass that Lib did smite the army of
Coriantumr, that they fled again to the wilderness of
Akish.
15. And it came to pass that Lib did pursue him until he
came to the plains of Agosh. And Coriantumr had taken all
the people with him, as he fled before Lib in that quarter of
the land whither he fled.
16. And w hen he had come to the plains of Agosh, he gave
battle unto Lib, and he smote upon him until he died; never-
theless, the brother of Lib dii come against Coriantumr in the
stead thereof, and the battle became exceeding sore, in the
which Coriantumr fled again before the army of the brother
of Lib.
17. Now the name of the brother of Lib was called Shiz.
And it came to pass that Shiz pursued after Coriantumr, and
he did overthrow many cities, and he did slay both women and
children, and he did burn the cities thereof ;
18. And there went a fear of Shiz throughout all the land;
yea, a cry went forth throughout the land, Who can stand
before the army of Shiz? Behold, he sweepeth the earth before
him I
19. And it came to pass that the people began to flock to-
gether in armies, throughout all the face of the land.
20. And they were divided, and a part of them fled to the
army of Shiz, and a part of them fled to the army of Corian-
tumr.
21. And so great and lasting had been the war, and so
long had been the scene of bloodshed and carnage, that the
whole face of the land was covered with the bodies of the
dead ;
22. And so swift and speedy was the war, that there
was none left to bury the dead, but they did march forth
from the shedding of blood to the shedding of blood, leaving
the bodies of both men, women, and children, strewed upon
the face of the land, to become a prey to the worms of the
flesh;
d, see e, Ether 7.
CHAP, XV.] BOOK OF ETHER, 605
23. And the scent thereof went forth upon the face of the
land, even upon all the face of the land ; wherefore the people
became troubled by day and by night, because of the scent
tbereof ;
24. Nevertheless, Shiz did not cease to pursue Coriantumr,
for he had sworn to avenge himself upon Coriautumr of the
*blood of his brother, who had been slain, and the word of the
Lord which came to Ether, that Coriantumr should 'not fall
by the sword.
25. And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the
fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations,
had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction.
26. And it came to pass that Shiz did pursue Coriantumr
eastward, even to the borders of the sea-shore, and there he gave
battle unto Shiz for the space of three days;
27. And so terrible was the destruction among the armies
of Shiz, that the people began to be frightened, and began
to flee before the armies of Coriantumr; and they fled to the
land of Corihor, and swept off the inhabitants before them, all
they that would not join them ;
28. And they pitched their tents in the valley of Corihor.
And Coriantumr pitched his tents in the valley of Shurr.
Now the valley of Shurr was near the hill Comnor; where-
fore Coriantumr did gather his armies together, upon the
hill Comnor, and did sound a trumpet unto the armies of
Shiz, to invite them forth to battle.
29. And it came to pass that they came forth, but were
driven again ; and they came the second time ; and they were
driven again the second time. And it came to pass that they
came again the third time, and the battle became exceeding
sore.
30. And it came to pass that Shiz smote upon Coriantumr
that he gave him many deep wounds, and Coriantumr having
lost his blood, fainted, and was carried away as though he
were dead.
31. Now the loss of men, women, and children, on both
sides, was so great that Shiz commanded his people that they
should not pursue the armies of Coriantumr; wherefore they
returned to their camp.
CHAPTER 15.
1. And it came to pass when Coriantumr had recovered of
his wounds, he began to remember the "words which Ether
had spoken unto him.
2. He saw that there had been slain by the sword already
6, ver. 16. f. Ether 13:21,
a. Ether 13:20, 21,
606 BOOK OF ETHER. [CHAP XV.
nearly two millions of his people, and he began to sorrow
in his heart; yea, there had been slain "two millions of mighty
men, and also their wives and their children.
3. He began to repent of the evil which he had done ; ^e
began to remember the words which had been spoken by the
mouth of all the prophets, and he saw them that they were
fulfilled thus far, every whit; and his soul mourned, and re-
fused to be comforted.
4. And it came to pass that he wrote an epistle unto
Shiz, desiring that he would spare the people, and he would
givt- up the kingdom for the sake of the lives of the
people.
5. And it came to pass that when Shiz had received his
epistle, he wrote an epistle unto Coriantumr, that if he would
give himself up, that he might slay him with his own sword,
that he would spare the lives of the people.
6. And it came to pass that the people repented not of
their iniquity; and the people of Coriantumr were stirred
up to anger against the people of Shiz ; and the people of
Shiz w^ere stirred up to anger against the people of Coriantumr ;
wherefore the people of Shiz did give battle unto the people
of Coriantumr.
7. And when Coriantumr saw that he was about to fall,
he fled again before the people of Shiz.
8. And it came to pass that he came to the ^'waters of
ilipliancum, which, by- interpretation, is large, or to exceed
all ; w^herefore, when they came to these waters, they pitched
their tents ; and Shiz also pitched his tents near unto them ;
and therefore on the morrow they did come to battle.
9. And it came to pass that they fought an exceeding sore
battle, in which Coriantumr was wounded again, and he
fainted with the loss of blood.
10. And it came to pass that the armies of Coriantumr did
press upon the armies of Shiz, that they beat them, that
they caused them to flee before them ; and they did flee ''south-
ward, and did pitch their tents in a place which was called
Ogath.
11. And it came to pass that the army of Coriantumr did
pitch th^ir tents by the *hill Ramah ; and it was that same
hill where my father Mormon did ''hide up the records unto
the Lord, which were sacred.
12. And it came to pass that they did gather together all
the people, upon all the face of the land, who had not been
slain, save it was Ether.
13. And it came to pass that Ether "did behold all the
doings of the people; and he beheld that the people who
b, including wives and children, the numbers, very probably, must have been from
ten to fifteen millions. c< supposed to be Lake Ontario. d, southward, brought
them into the region, near the hill, called by the Nephites, Gumorah. e, Kamah was
the hill Cumorah. f Mor. 6: 6. g, Ether 13? 14.
<3HAP. XY.] BOOK OF ETHER. 607
were for Coriantumr, were gathered together to the army of
Coriantumr ; and the people who were tor Shiz, were gathered
together to the army of Shiz ;
14. Wherefore they were for the space of four years, gath-
ering together the people, that they might get all who were
upon the face of the land, and that they might receive all the
strength which it was possible that they could receive.
15. And it came to pass that when they were all gathered
together, every one to the army which he would, with their
-wives and their children ; both men, women, and children
being ''armed with weapons of war, having shields, and breast-
plates, and head-plates, and being clothed after the manner
of war, they did march forth one against another, to battle;
and they fought all that day, and conquered not.
16. And it came to pass that when it was night they were
weary, and retired to their camps; and after they had retired
to their camps, they *took up a howling and a lamentation
for the loss of the slain of their people ; and so great were their
cries, their bowlings and lamentations, that it did rend the
air exceedingly.
17. And it came to pass that on the morrow they did go
again to battle, and great and terrible was thht day; never-
theless they conquered not, and when the night came again,
they did ^rend the air with their cries, and their bowlings, and
their mournings, for the loss of the slain of their people.
18. And it came to pass that Coriantumr wrote ''again an
•epistle unto Shiz, desiring that he would not come again to
ibattle, but that he would take the kingdom, and spare the
lives of the people.
19. But behold, the Spirit of the Lord had ceased striving
with them, and Satan had full power over the hearts of the
people, for they were given up unto the hardness of their
hearts, and the blindness of their minds that they might be
-destroyed; wherefore they went again to battle.
20. And it came to pass that they fought all that day, and
when the night came they slept upon their swords ;
21. «And on the morrow they fought even until the night
came ;
i:z. And when the night came they were drunken with anger,
even as a man who is drunken with wine; and they slept
again upon their swords;
23. And on the morrow they fought again; and when the
night came they had all fallen by the sword save it were fifty
and two of the people of Coriantumr, and sixty and nine of the
people of Shiz.
24. And it came to pass that they slept upon their swords
that night, and on the morrow they fought again, and they
contended in their mights with their swords, and with their
•shields, all that day;
25. And when the night came there were thirty and two
h. Ether 10: 27. i, ver. 17. ;, ver. 16. k, ver. 4.
608 BOOK OP MORONI. [CHAP. I.
of the people of Shiz, and twenty and seven of the people of
Ooriantumr.
26. And it came to pass that they ate and slept, and pre-
pared for death on the morrow. And they were large and
mighty men, as to the strength of men.
27. And it came to pass that they fought for the space of
three hours, and they fainted with the loss of blood.
28. And it came to pass that when the men of Coriantumr
had received suflScient strength, that they could walk, they
were about to flee for their Hves, but behold, Shiz arose, and
also his men, and he swore in his wrath that he would slay
Coriantumr, or he would perish by the sword;
29. Wherefore he did pursue them, and on the morrow
he did overtake them ; and they fought again with the sword.
And it came to pass that when they had all fallen by the
sword, save it were Coriantumr and Shiz, behold Shiz had
fainted with the loss of blood.
30. And it came to pass that when Coriantumr had leaned
upon his sword, that he rested a little, he smote off the head
of Shiz.
31. And it came to pass that after he had smote off the
bead of Shiz, that Shiz raised upon his hands and fell; and
after that he had struggled for breath, he died.
32. And it came to pass that ^Coriantumr fell to the earth,
and became as if he had no life.
33. And the Lord spake unto Ether, and said unto him.
Go forth. And he went forth, and beheld that the words of
the Lord had all been fulfilled; and he "^finished his record;
(and the "hundredth part I have not written,) and he hid
them in a manner that the "people of Limhi did find them.
34. Now the last words which are written by Ether, are
these. Whether the Lord will that I be translated, or that I
suffer the will of the Lord in the flesh, it mattereth not, if it
so be that I am saved in the kingdom of God. Amen.
THE BOOK OF MORONI.
CHAPTER 1.
1. Now I, Moroni, after having made an end of "abridg-
ing the account of the people of Jared, I had supposed not
to have written more, but I have not as yet perished; and
1 make not myself known to the Lamanites, lest they should
destroy me.
I, Omni 1 : 20—22. m. Ether 13: 14. n, see e. Ether 1. o, see k,
Mos.8.
a, see Book of Ether.
CHAPS. II., III.] BOOK OF MORONI. 609
2. For behold, their wars are ^exceeding fierce among them-
selves ; and because of their hatred, they put to death every
Nephite that will not deny the Christ.
3. And I, Moroni, will not deny the Christ; wherefore,
I wander whithersoever I can, for the safety of mine own
life.
4. Wherefore I write a few more things, contrary to that
which I had supposed ; for I had supposed not to have
written any more; but I write a few more things, that
perhaps they may be of ^worth unto my brethren, the
Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the
Lord.
CHAPTER 2.
1. The words of Christ, which he spake unto his "dis-
ciples, the Twelve whom he had chosen, as he laid his hands
upon them.
2. And he called them by name, saying, Ye shall call on
the Father in my name, in mighty prayer ; and after ye have
done this, ye shall have power that on him whom ye shall
lay your hands, "ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my
name shall ye give it, for thus do mine apostles.
3. Now Christ spake these words unto them at the time
of his first appearing; and the multitude ''heard it not, but
the disciples heard it; and on as many as they *^laid their
hands, fell the Holy Ghost.
CHAPTER 3.
1. The manner which the "disciples, who were called the
Elders of the church, "ordained Priests and Teachers.
2. After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of
Christ, they laid their hands upon them, and said,
3. In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a
Priest; (or, if he be a Teacher,) I ordain you to be a Teacher,
to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus
Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end.
Amen.
4. And after this manner did they ordain Priests and
Teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto
6, 1. Nep. 12:20-23. Mor.5:15. c, li. Nep. 3: 7, 11, 12, 19-21. S^
c, II. Nep. 27.
a, see c. ill. Nep. 12: 1. 6, ver. 3. iii. Nep. 18: 37. c, ill. Nep. 18; 37.
^, see 6.
a, see c, iii. Nep. 12: 1. &, vers. 2—4. See c, Mos. 6.
610 BOOK OF MORONI. [ CHAPS. IV., V., VI.
men; and they ordained them by the ''power of the Holy
Ohost, which was in them.
- CHAPTER 4.
1. The manner of their "Elders and Priests administering
the *'flesh and blood of Christ unto the church. And they
administered it according to the commandments of Christ;
wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the Elder
or Priest did minister it.
2. And they did ^kneel down with the church, and pray
to the Father in the name qt Christ, saying,
3. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name
of thy Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to
the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in
remembrance of the ''body of thy Son, and witness unto
thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to
take upon them the ^name of thy Son, and always remem-
ber him, and keep his commandments which he hath given
them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them.
Amen.
CHAPTER 5.
1. The manner of administering the wine. Behold, they took
the cup, and said,
2. O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name
of thy Son Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to
the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in
remembrance of the "blood of thy Son, which was shed for
them, that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal
Father, that they do always remember him, that they may
have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
CHAPTER 6.
r=
1. And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, "El-
ders, ^Priests, and Teachers were baptized; and they were
not ^'baptized, save they brought forth fruit meet that they
L^were worthy of it;
c, I. Nep. 13: 37. Moro. 6: 9.
a, ver. 1. Moro. 3: 1. h, see t, iii. Nep. 18. c, Doc. and Gov. 20: Tfl.
d, see t^ III. Nep. 18. e, see e, Mos. 5.
a, see t, in. Nep. 18. Doc. and Gov. 20:79. 27: 2—4.
C
a, Moro. 3: 1. h, see c. Mos. 6. c, see U, II. Nep. 9.
CHAP. VII.] BOOK OF MORONI. 611
2. Neither did they receive any unto baptism, save they
came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and
witnessed unto the Church that they truly repented of all
their sins.
3. And none were received unto baptism, save they took
mpon them the '^name of Christ, having a determination to
tierve him to the end.
4. And after they had been received unto baptism, and
were wrought upon and cleansed by the ®power of the Holy
Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the Church
of Christ, and their names were taken, that they might be
remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep
them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful
unto 'prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who
was the author and the finisher of their faith.
5. And the Church did meet together oft, to ^fast and to
pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare
of their souls;
6. And they did meet together oft to '^partake of bread
and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus;
7. And they were strict to observe that there should be
no iniquity among them ; and whoso was found to commit
iniquity, and *three witnesses of the Church did condemn them
before the elders; and if they repented not, and confessed
not, their names were blotted out, and they were not numbered
among the people of Christ ;
8. But as ^oft as they repented, and sought forgiveness,
with real intent, they were forgiven.
9. And their meetings were conducted by the Church, after
the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power
of the Holy Ghost; for as the *power of the Holy Ghost led
them whether to preach, or exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate,
or to sing, even so it was done.
CHAPTER 7.
1. And now I, Moroni, write a few of the words of my
father Mormon, which he spake "concerning Faith, Hope, and
Charity; for after this manner did he speak unto the people,
as he taught them in the ''synagogue which they had built
for the place of worship.
2. And now I, Mormon, speak unto you, my beloved breth-
ren ; and it is by the grace of God, the Father, and our
Lord Jesus Christ, and his holy will, because of the ''gift of
d, see e, Mos. 5. e, see y, iii. Nep. 9. f, see e, it Nep. 32. g, see
t Mos. 27. h, see 6, in. Nep. 18. i. Doc. and Gov. 42: 80, 81. j, Mos. 26:
31. k, see c, Moro. 3,
a, ver. 21—39. 40—44. 45—48. Ether 12- 3—37. Moro. 8: 14, 26. 10:
20—23. 6, see 1^ Alma 16. c, in. Nep. 5: 13. See j. III. Nep. 5. See g,
IV. Nep. 1.
g22 »OOK OF MORONI. [CHAP. VIL
bffi calling unto me, that I am permitted to speak unto you
at this time.
3. Wherefore I would speak unto you that are of the
Church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that
have obtained a sufficient hope, by which ye can enter into
the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth, until ye shall
rest with him in heaven.
4. And now my brethren, I judge these things of you be-
cause of your peaceable walk with the children of men ;
5. For I remember the word of God, which saith, "^By their
works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then
they are good also.
6. For behold, God hath said, A man being evil cannot do
that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto
God, except he shall do it with real intent, it profiteth him
nothing.
7. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteous-
ness.
8. For behold, if a man being evil, giveth a gift, he doeth
it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as
if he had retained the gift ; wherefore he is counted evil before
God.
9. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he
shall pray, and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it
profiteth him nothing ; for God receiveth none such ;
10. Wherefore, a man being evil, cannot do that which is
good; neither will he give a good gift.
11. For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good
water ; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water ;
wherefore a man being a servant of the devil, cannot follow
Christ; and if he follow Christ, he cannot be a servant of
the devil.
12. W^herefore, ^all things which are good, cometh of God ;
and that which is evil, cometh of the devil ; for the devil
is an enemy unto God, and- fighteth against him continually,
and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil
continually.
13. But behold, that which is of God, inviteth and enticeth
to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth
and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is
inspired of God.
14. Wherefore take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do
^not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is
good and of God, to be of the devil.
15. For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge,
that ye may know good from evil ; and the way to judge is as
plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the day-
light is from the dark night.
16. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man,
d, ITT. Nep. 14: 15—20. e, see o. Ether 4. /, ver. 18. iii. Nep. 14: 2.
Mor. 8: 19.
CHAP. VII.] BOOK OF MORONI. 613
that they may know good from evil ; wherefore I shew unto
you the way t-o judge ; for ^every thing which inviteth to do
good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the
power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a
perfect knowledge it is of God,
17. But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and
believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then
ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil, for
after this manner doth the devil wcM'k, for he persuadeth no
man to do good, no, not one : neither doth his angels ; neither
do they who subject themselves unto him.
18. And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light
by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see
that ye do not ^judge wrongfully ; for with that same judgment
which ye judge, ye shall also be judgea.
19. Wherefore I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should
search diligently in the light of Christ, that ye may know
good from evil ; and if ye will lay hold upon every good
thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of
Christ.
20. And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can
lay hold upon every good thing?
21. And now I come to that *Faitb, of which I said I
would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may
lay hold on every good thing.
22. For behold, God ^knowing all things, *being from
everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister
unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the
coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every
good thing.
23. And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth,
that Christ should come.
24. And behold, there were divers ways that he did
manifest things unto the children of men, which were good;
and all things which are good, cometh of Christ, otherwise
men were fallen, and there could 'no good thing come unto
them.
25. Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every
word which proceeded forth out of th(! mouth of God, men
began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by "*faith, they
did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the
coming of Christ.
26. And after that he came, men also were saved by faith
in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And
as sure as Christ liveth. he spake these words unto our fathers,
saying, "Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my
name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive,
behold, it shall be done unto you.
27. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, hath miracles
g, see o. Ether 4. h, see f. i, see a. j, see r, ii. Nep. 9. fc, see O,
Mos. 3. I, see b and c, ii. Nep. 2. m, see a. n, iii. Nep. 18: 20.
614 BOOK OF MORONI. [CHAP. VII.
ceased, because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and*
hath set down on the right hand of God, to "claim of the
Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children
of men?
28. For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he
claimeth all those who have ^faith in him, and they who have
faith in him, will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore
he %dvocateth the cause of the children of men ; and he
dwelleth eternally in the heavens.
29. And because he hath done this, / my beloved brethren,
'"hath miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you. Nay; neither
have angels 'ceased to minister unto the children of men.
30. For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister
according to the word of his command, shewing themselves
unto them of strong faith and a firm mind, in every form of
godliness.
81. And the office of their ministry is, to call men unto
repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants
of the Father which he hath made unto the children of men,
to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring
the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that
they may bear testimony of him;
32. And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way
that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the
*Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the
power thereof : and after this manner bringeth to pass the
Father, the "covenants whic^ he hath made unto the children
of men.
33. And Christ hath said. If ye will have faith in me, ye
shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.
34. And he hath said, ^Repent all ye ends of the earth, and
come unto me and be ^baptized in my name, and have faith
in me that ye may be saved.
35. And now^ my beloved brethren, if this be the case that
these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and
God will shew unto you 'with power and great glory at the
last day, that they are true ; and if they are true, has the
»'day of miracles ceased?
36. Or have angels ^ceased to appear unto the children of
men? — or has he ^"withheld the power of the Holy Ghost
from them? or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth
shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof
to be saved?
37. Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by ^''faith that
miracles are wrought ; and it is by faith that ^""angels appear
and minister unto men ; wherefore if these things have
o, see c, II. Nep. 2. p, see a. q, see e, ii. Nep. 2. r, see r, il. Nep.
26. s, vers. 30—32, 36, 37. t, see y, ni. Nep. 9. w, see ;', ill. Nep. 15.
u, III. Nep. 27:20. Ether 4: 18. uj, see w, ii. Nep. 9. x, see f?, ii. Nep.
33. V, see r, ii. Nep. 26. z, see s. 2a, i. Nep. 10: 17--19. II. Nep. 28: 4-
Moro. 10: 4, 5, 7, 19, 24—27. 26, see a. 2c, see s.
CHAP. VII.] BOOK OF MORONI. 615
ceased, wo be unto the children of men, for it is ^'^becamse
of unbelief, and all is vain ;
38. For no man can be saved, according to the words of
Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if
these things have ceased, then has ^^faith ceased also; and
awful is the state of man; for they are as though there had
been no redemption made.
39. But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things
^ of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of
your meekness: for if ye have not faith in him, then ye are
not fit to be numbered among the people of his church.
40. And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto
you concerning ^^Hope. How is' it that ye can attain unto
faith, save ye shall have hope?
41. And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say
unto you, that ye shall have hope through the ^^atonement
of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be ^''raised
unto life eternal ; and this because of your faith in him ac-
cording to the promise ;
42. Wherefore, if a man have faith, he must needs have
hope ; for without faith there cannot be any hope.
43. And again, behold I say unto you, that he cannot have
faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart;
44. If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable
before God, save the meek and lowly in heart, and if a man
be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the
Holy Ghost, that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have
**charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore
he must needs have charity.
45. And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth
not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily
provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity, but
rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things^
hopeth all things, endureth all things;
46. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity,,
ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave
unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must
fail;
47. But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth
for ever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day,
it shall be well with them.
48. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the
Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled
with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are
true followers of his Son . Jesus Christ, that ye may become
the sons of God, that when he shall appear, we shall ^^be like
him ; for we shall see him as he is, that we may have this
hope, that we may be purified, ^'^even as he is pure. Amen.
2d, ver. 38. Moro. 10: 19, 23—27. 2e, ver. 37. See Id. 2f, see a.
2g, see /. ii. Nep. 2. 2h, see d, ii. Nep. 2. 2i, see a. 21, iii. Nep. 27: 27.
2*. III. Nep. 19:28, 29.
616 BOOK OF MORONI, [CnAP. Vllt.
CHAPTER a
r 1. Ax epistle of my father Mormon, written to me
Moroni ; and it was written unto me soon after my calling
to the ministry. And on this wise did he write unto me,
saying,
2. My beloved son, Moroni, I rejoice exceedingly that your
Lord Jesus Christ hath been mindful of you, and hath called
you to his ministry, and to his holy work.
3. I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually
praying unto God the Father in the name of his holy child
Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will
keep you through the "endurance of faith on his name to the
end.
4. And now my sou I speak unto you concerning that
which grieveth me exceedingly ; for it grieveth me that there
should disputations rise among you.
5. For if I have learned the truth, there has been disputa-
tions among you concerning the ''baptism of your little chil-
dren.
6. And now my son, I desire that ye should labor diligently,
that this gross error should be removed from among you; for,
I for this intent I have written this epistle.
7. For immediately after 1 had learned these things of
you I inquired of the Lord concerning the matter. And the
word of the Lord came to me by the ''power of the Holy
Ghost, saying,
f 8. Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord
and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call
the righteous, but sinners to repentance : the w^hole need no
physician, but they that are sick ; wherefore little children
are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin ; where-
fore the curse of Adam is ''taken from them in me, that it
liath no power over them ; and the ''law of circumcision is
done away in me.
9. And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest
the word of God unto me ; wherefore my beloved son, I know
that it is ^solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize
little children.
10. Behold I say unto you, that this thing shall ye teach,
repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and
capable of committing sin ; yea, teach parents that they
must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their
little children, and they shall all be saved with their little
children.
11. And their little children need no repentance, neither
baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the ful-
filling the commandments unto ^the remission of sins.
a, see h, II. Nep. 31. h, vers 9— 20. c, see c, Moro. 3. d, see m,
Mos. 3. e, Gea. 17;9— 14. /, vera. 14, 23. tJee 6. i?, in. Kep. 12:2.
30:2.
I
CHAP. VIII.] BOOK OF MORONI. 617
12. But little children are alive in Christ, even ''from the
foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and
also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how
many little children have died w^ithout baptism.
18. Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without
baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell.
. 14. Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that
little children need baptism, is in the gall of bitterness, and m
the bonds of iniquity; for he hath ^neither faith, hope, nor
charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought^
he must go down to ■'hell.
15. For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth
one child because of baptism, and the other must perish
because he hath no baptism.
16. Wo be unto him that shall pervert the ways of the
Lord after this manner, for they shall perish, except they
repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from
God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love
casteth out all fear;
17. And I am filled with charity, which is e\erlasting love;
wherefore all children are alike unto me ; wherefore I love
little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and
"partakers of salvation.
18. For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a
changeable Being; but he is ^unchangeable from ""all eternity
to all eternity.
19. Little children cannot repent; wherefore it is awful
wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for
they are "all alive in him because of his "mercy.
20. And he that saith, that little children need baptism,
denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at nought the ^atone-
ment of him and the power of his redemption.
21. Wo unto such, for they are in danger of death, '^helU
and an endless torment. I speak it boldly, God hath com-
manded me. Listen unto them and give heed, or they stand
against you at the judgment seat of Christ.
22. For behold that all little children are 'alive in Christ,
and also all *they that are without the law. For the power of
redemption cometh on all them that have no law ; wherefore,
he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation,
cannot repent; and unto such baptism availeth nothing.
23. But it is 'mockery before God, denying the "mercies
of Christ, and the power of his Holy Spirit, and putting trust
in dead works.
24. Behold, my son, this thing ought not to be; for re-
pentance is unto them that are under condemnation and under
the curse of a broken law.
h, see d, Mos. 4. i, see a, Moro. 7. ;, see k, i. Nep. 15. k, seem,
Mos. 3. Z, see d, Mor. 9. m, see a, Mos. 3. n, ver. 22. o, vers, 20, 23.
p, see f, II. Nep. 2. q, see k, i. Nep. 15. r, ver. 19. s, see j, Mos. 3. t,
•ee /. u, vers, 19, 20, 23.
6iS BOOK OF MORONI. [CHAP. IX.
25. And the first fruits of repentance is baptism ; and
baptism cometh by faith, unto the fulfilling the command-
ments; and the ^'fulfilling the commandments bringeth re-
inission of sins;
26. And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and low-
liness of heart, and because of meekness and lowliness of heart,
cometh the "'visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter
fiUeth ^with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by
diligence unto Sprayer, until the end shall come, when all the
saints shall dwell with God.
27. Behold, my son, I will write unto you again, if I go
not out soon against the Lamanites. Behold, the pride of this
nation, or the people of the Nephites, hath proven their destruc-
tion, except they should repent.
28. Pray for them, my son, that repentance may come unto
them. But behold, I fear lest the Spirit hath ceased striving
with them ; and in this part of the land they are also seeking
to put down all power and authority, which cometh from
•God ; and they are ^denying the Holy Ghost.
29. And after rejecting so great a knowledge, my son, they
must perish soon, unto the fulfilling of the prophecies which
were ^"spoken by the prophets, as well as the words of our
Saviour himself.
30. Farewell, my son, until I shall write unto you, or shall
meet you again. Amen.
CHAPTER 9.
The Second Epistle of Mormon to his Son Moroni.
1. My beloved son, I write unto you again, that ye may
know that I am yet alive; but I write somewhat that which
as grievous.
2. For behold, I have had a sore battle with the Lamanites,
in which we did not conquer; and Archeantus has fallen by
the sword, and also Luram and Emron ; yea, and we have lost
s. great number of our choice men.
3. And now behoLl, my son. I fear lest the Lamanites shall
"destroy this people, for they do not repent, and Satan stirreth
them up continually to anger, one with another.
4. Behold, I am laboring with them continually; and when
I speak the word of God with ^sharpness, they tremble and
anger against me ; and when I use no sharpness, they harden
their hearts against it ; wherefore I fear ''lest the Spirit of the
Lord hath ceased striving with them.
V, see g. w, see y, iii. Nep. 9. x, see a, Moro. 7. y, see e, li. Nep. 32.
^, Alma 39: 5, 6. 2a, see d, i. Nep. 12.
a, see d, i. Nep, 12* &, see a, l. Nep. 16. c, Moro. 8: 28.
CHAP. IX.] BOOK OF MORONI. 619
5. For so exceedingly do they anger, that it seemeth me
that they have no fear of death ; and they have lost their love,
one towards another; and they '^thirst after blood and revenge
continually.
6. And now my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness,
let us labor diligently ; for if we should cease to labor, we
should be wrought under condemnation ; for w^e have a labor
to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may
conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in
the kingdom of God.
7. And now I write somewhat concerning the ^ sufferings
of this people. For according to the knowledge which I have
received from Amoron, behold, the Lamanites have many pris-
oners, which they took from the tower of Sherrizah; and
there w^ere men, women, and children.
8. And the husbands and fathers of those women and
children they have slain : and they feed the women upon
the flesh of their husbands, and the children upon the flesh
of their fathers; and no water, save a little, do they give
unto them.
9. And notwithstanding this great abomination of the La-
manites. it doth not exceed that of our people in Morian-
tum. For behold, many of the daughters . of the Lamanites
have they taken prisoners ; and after depriving them of that
which was most dear and precious above all things, which is
chastity and virtue;
10. And after they had done this thing, they did murder
them in a most cruel manner, torturing their bodies even
unto death ; and after they have done this, they devour their
flesh like unto the wild beasts, because of the hardness of their
hearts ; and they do it for a token of bravery.
11. O my beloved son, how can a people like this, that are
without civilization ;
12. (And only a few years have passed away, and they
were a civil and a delightsome people;)
13. But O my son, how can a people like this, whose delight
is in so much abomination,
14. How can we expect that God will stay his hand in
judgment against us?
15. Behold, my heart cries. Wo unto this people. Come
out in judgment, O God, and hide their sins, and wickedness,
and abominations from before thy face.
16. And again, my son, there are many widows and their
daughters who remain in Sherrizah ; and that part of the
provisions which the Lamanites did not carry away, behold,
the army of Zenephi has carried away, and left them to wander
whithersoever they can for food ; and many old women do faint
by the way and die.
17. And the army which is with me is weak ; and the
(JU Mor. 4: U. 12.
620 BOOK OF MORONI. [CHAP. IX*.
armies of the Lamanites are betwixt Sherrizah and me ; and
as many as have tied to tlie army of *Aaron, have fallen
victims of their awful brutality.
18. O the depravity of my people ! they are without order
and without mercy. Behold, I am but a man, and I have but
the strength of a man, and I cannot any longer enforce my
commands ;
19. And they have become strong in their perversion; and
they are alike brutal, sparing none, neither old nor young ;
and they delight in everything save that which is good ; and
the sufferings of our women and our chrldren upon all the
face ©f this land, doth exceed everything ; yea, tongue cannot
tell, neither can it be written.
20. And now, my son, I dwell no longer upon this horrible
scene. Behold, thou knowest the wickedness of this people ;
thou knowest that they are without principle, and past
feeling; and their wickedness doth exceed that of the
Lamanites.
21. Behold, my son, I cannot recommend them unto God
lest he should smite me.
22. But behold, my son, I recommend thee unto God, and
I trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved; and I pray unto
God that he would ''spare thy life, to witness the return of
his people unto him, or their utter destruction ; for I know
that they must perish, except they repent and return unto
him ;
23. And if they perish, it \y^U be ^'like unto the Jaredites,
because of the wilfulness of their hearts, seeking ''for blood
and revenge.
24. x\nd if it so be that they perish, we know that many
of our brethren have ^dissented over unto the Lamanites,
and many more will also dissent over unto them ; where-
fore, write somewhat a few^ things, if thou are spared ; and
I shall perish and not see thee ; but I trust that I may see
thee soon ; for I have sacred records that I would -^deliver up
unto thee.
25. My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the
things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thed
dowm unto death, but may Christ lift thee up, and may
his sufferings and death, and the shewing his body unta
our fathers and his mercy and long suffering, and the
hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind for
ever.
26. And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne
is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who
sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall
become subject unto him, be, and abide with you for ever.
Amen.
e, Mor. 3:9. /, Mor. 8: 3. g, Ether 13—15. h, ver. 5. Mor. 4: 11. 12
i, I. Nep. 13: 31. Alma 45: 14. j, Mor. 6: 6.
CHAP. X.] BOOK OF MORONI. 621
CHAPTER lO;
1. Now I, Moroni, write somewhat as seemeth me good ;
and I write unto my brethren, the Lamanites ; and I would
that they should know that more than four hundred and
twenty years have passed away since the "sign was given of
the coming of Christ.
2. And I seal up Hhese records, after I have spoken a few
words by way of exhortation unto you.
3. Behold I would exhort you that when ye shall read these
things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them,
that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been
unto the children of men, from the ""creation of Adam, even
down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and
ponder it in your hearts.
4. And when ye shall receive these things, I would ex-
hort you that ye would ask God, the eternal Father, in the
name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall
ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in
Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, '^by the
power of the Holy Ghost;
5. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the
truth of all things. .
6. And whatsoever thing is good, is just and true ; wherefore,
nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth
that he is.
7. And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy
Ghost ; wherefore I would exhort you, that ye deny ''not the
pov/er of God ; for he worketh by power, ''according to the
faith of the children of men, the ^same to-day and to-morrow,
and for ever.
8. And again I exhort you, my brethren, that ye ''deny
not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from
the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts
are administered ; but it is the same God who worketh all
in all ; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit
of God unto men, to profit them.
9. *For behold, to one is given by the Spirit of God, that
lie may teach the word of wisdom ;
10. And to another, that he may teach the word of knowledge
by the same Spirit;
11. And to another, exceeding great faith ; and to another,
the gifts of healing by the same Spirit.
12. And again, to another, that he may work mighty
miracles ;
a, III. Nep. 2: 8. 5, Mor. 6:0. c, see m, Mos. 2. d, vers. 5, 7. See
c, Moro. 3. e, see r, ii. Nep. 26. /, see d, iii. Nep. 17. g, see d, Mor.
9. h, see e, m. Nep. 29. i, see e, iii. Nep. 29. i. Corinth, 12: 8—11.
622 BOOK OF MORONI. [CHAP. X,
13. And again, to another that he may prophesy concerning
all things;
14. And again, to another, the beholding of angels and
ministering spirits ;
15. And again, to another, all kinds of tongues;
16. And again, to another, the interpretation of languages
and of divers kinds of tongues.
17. And all these gifts come by the Spirit of Christ;
and they come unto every man severally, according as he
will.
18. And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye
remember that ^' every good gift cometh of Christ.
19. And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that
ye remember that he is the *same yesterday, to-day, and for
ever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which
are spiritual, 'never will be done away, even as long as the
world shall stand, only according to the unbeiief of the children
of men.
20. ""Wherefore, there must be faith ; and if there must be
faith, there must also be hope ; and if there must be hope,
there must also be charity ;
21. And except ye have charity, ye can in no wise be saved
in the kingdom of God ; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom
of God, if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no
hope ;
22. And if ye have no hope, ye must needs be in despair;
and despair cometh because of iniquity.
23. And Christ truly said unto our fathers, "If ye have
faith, ye can do all things which is expedient unto me.
24. And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth, "That
if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be
done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief.
25. And w^o be unto the children of men, if this be the
case; for there shall be none that doeth good among you, no
not one. For if there be one among you that doeth good, he
shall work by the power and gifts of God.
26. And wo unto them who shall do these things away and
die, for they die in their sins, and they cannot be saved in
the kingdom of God ; and I speak it according to the w^ords of
Christ, and I lie not.
27. And I exhort you to remember these things; for the
time speedily cometh that ye shall ^know that I lie not, for
ye shall see me at the bar of God, and the Lord God will say
unto you, did I not declare my words unto you, which were
written by this man, like as one 'crying from the dead? yea,
even as one speaketh out of the dust?
28. I declare these things unto the fulfilling of the pro-
phecies. And behold, they shall proceed forth out of the
j, see o, Ether 4. k, see d, Mor, 9. I, see 2d, Moro. 7. m, see a, Mora.
7. n, Moro. 7: 33. o, see 2d, Moro. 7- p, see g, ll. Nep. 33. q, eee 8,
Mor. 5.
CHAP. X.J BOOK OF MORONI. 623
mouth of the everlasting God; and his word shall ''hiss forth
from generation to generation.
29. And God shall *shew unto you, that that which I have
written is true.
30. And again I would exhort you, that ye would come
unto Christ, and lay hold upon every *good gift, and "touch
not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing.
31. And awake, and *'arise from the dust, O Jerusalem ;
yea, and put on thy beautiful garments, O daughter of Zion,
and strengthen thy stakes and enlarge thy borders for ever^
that thou mayest ^no more be confounded, that the 'cove-
nants of the eternal Father which he hath made unto thee,.
O house of Israel, may be fulfilled.
32. Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and
deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and if ye shall deny
yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your
might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for
you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by
the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in "no wiset
deny the power of God.
33. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in
Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in
Christ by the grace of God, through the ^shedding of the
blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father,
unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy without
spot.
34. And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to
rest in the ^"paradise of God, until my spirit and body
shall again ^^e-unite, and I am brought forth triumphant
through the air, to meet you before the ^"pleasing bar of
the great Jehovah, the eternal Judge of both quick and
dead. Amen.
r, see d, ii. Nep. 29. s, see g, ii. Nep. 33. t, see o, Ether 4. «, it.
Nep. 18: 19. %\ Isaiah 52: 1. 2. w, Ether 13: 8. X, see j, iii. Nep. 15. y,
see e, iii. Nep. 29. z, see /, ii. Nep. 2. 2a, see I, ii. Nep. 9. 26, see d.
II. Nep,2. 2c, Jacob 6: 13.
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