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 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 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