279 Alma 28 : 13–29 : 10 they are raised to dwell at the right for I know that he granteth unto men hand of God, in a state of never- according to their a desire, whether ending c happiness. it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, 13 And thus we see how great yea, decreeth unto them decrees the a inequality of man is because which are unalterable, according to of sin and b transgression, and the their b wills, whether they be unto power of the devil, which comes salvation or unto destruction. by the cunning c plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts 5 Yea, and I know that good and of men. evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is 14 And thus we see the great call a blameless; but he that b knoweth of a diligence of men to labor in the good and evil, to him it is given ac- vineyards of the Lord; and thus we cording to his desires, whether he see the great reason of sorrow, and desireth good or evil, life or death, also of rejoicing—sorrow because joy or remorse of c conscience. of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the b light 6 Now, seeing that I know these of Christ unto life. things, why should I desire more than to a perform the work to which Chapter 29 I have been called? Alma desires to cry repentance with an- gelic zeal—The Lord grants teachers for 7 Why should I desire that I were all nations—Alma glories in the Lord’s an angel, that I could speak unto work and in the success of Ammon and all the ends of the earth? his brethren. About 76 b.c. O that I were an angel, and could 8 For behold, the Lord doth a grant have the wish of mine heart, that I unto b all nations, of their own na- might go forth and speak with the tion and c tongue, to teach his word, a trump of God, with a voice to shake yea, in wisdom, all that he d seeth the earth, and cry repentance unto fit that they should have; therefore every people! we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which 2 Yea, I would declare unto every is just and true. soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemp- 9 I know that which the Lord hath tion, that they should repent and commanded me, and I glory in it. a come unto our God, that there I do a not b glory of myself, but I might not be more sorrow upon all glory in that which the Lord hath the face of the earth. commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an 3 But behold, I am a man, and do instrument in the hands of God to sin in my wish; for I ought to be bring some soul to repentance; and content with the things which the this is my joy. Lord hath allotted unto me. 10 And behold, when I see many 4 I ought not to harrow up in my of my brethren truly penitent, and desires the firm decree of a just God, coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember a what the Lord has done 12 c Alma 56:11. 4 a Ps. 21:2; 37:4. 6 a tg Stewardship. 13 a 1 Ne. 17:35. b tg Agency. 8 a 3 Ne. 26:8 (7–10); b tg Transgress. 5 a tg Accountability. c 2 Ne. 9:28. b Gen. 3:5; D&C 11:22. 14 a tg Diligence; b 2 Ne. 2:27; 29:12. Vineyard of the Lord. 2 Ne. 2:18 (18, 26); c D&C 90:11. 2 9 1 ab tg Light of Christ. Mosiah 16:3; d Alma 12:9 (9–11). Isa. 58:1; Moro. 7:16 (15–19). 9 a Alma 26:12. D&C 29:4. tg Discernment, b tg Glory. 2 a Omni 1:26 (25–26); Spiritual. 10 a Mosiah 27:14 (11–31). c Job 27:6. 3 Ne. 21:20. tg Conscience.
Alma 29 : 11–30 : 6 280 for me, yea, even that he hath heard Chapter 30 my prayer; yea, then do I remem- Korihor, the anti-Christ, ridicules Christ, ber his merciful arm which he ex- the Atonement, and the spirit of proph- tended towards me. ecy—He teaches that there is no God, no fall of man, no penalty for sin, and no 11 Yea, and I also remember the Christ—Alma testifies that Christ will captivity of my fathers; for I surely come and that all things denote there is do know that the a Lord did deliver a God—Korihor demands a sign and is them out of bondage, and by this struck dumb—The devil had appeared did establish his church; yea, the to Korihor as an angel and taught him Lord God, the God of Abraham, what to say—Korihor is trodden down the God of Isaac, and the God of and dies. About 76–74 b.c. Jacob, did deliver them out of Behold, now it came to pass that bondage. after the a people of Ammon were established in the land of Jershon, 12 Yea, I have always remembered yea, and also after the Lamanites the captivity of my fathers; and that were b driven out of the land, and same God who a delivered them out their dead were buried by the peo- of the hands of the Egyptians did ple of the land— deliver them out of b bondage. 2 Now their dead were not num- 13 Yea, and that same God did es- bered because of the greatness of tablish his church among them; yea, their numbers; neither were the dead and that same God hath called me of the Nephites numbered—but it by a a holy calling, to b preach the came to pass after they had buried word unto this people, and hath their dead, and also after the days of given me much success, in the which a fasting, and b mourning, and prayer, my joy is full. (and it was in the sixteenth year of the reign of the judges over the peo- 14 But I do not joy in my own ple of Nephi) there began to be con- a success alone, but my joy is more tinual peace throughout all the land. full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the 3 Yea, and the people did observe land of Nephi. to keep the commandments of the Lord; and they were strict in ob- 15 Behold, they have labored ex- serving the a ordinances of God, ceedingly, and have brought forth according to the law of Moses; for much fruit; and how great shall be they were taught to b keep the law their reward! of Moses until it should be fulfilled. 16 Now, when I think of the suc- 4 And thus the people did have cess of these my brethren my soul no disturbance in all the sixteenth is carried away, even to the separa- year of the reign of the judges over tion of it from the body, as it were, the people of Nephi. so great is my a joy. 5 And it came to pass that in the 17 And now may God grant unto commencement of the seventeenth these, my brethren, that they may year of the reign of the judges, there sit down in the kingdom of God; yea, was continual peace. and also all those who are the fruit of their labors that they may go no 6 But it came to pass in the latter more out, but that they may praise end of the seventeenth year, there him forever. And may God grant came a man into the land of that it may be done according to my words, even as I have spoken. Amen. 11 a Ex. 3:6; b tg Preaching. b tg Mourning. Alma 36:2. 14 a Alma 17:4 (1–4). 3 a tg Ordinance. 3 01 16 aa tg Joy. b 2 Ne. 25:24; 12 a Micah 6:4. Alma 27:26. b Alma 5:5 (5–6); b Alma 28:3 (2–3). Jarom 1:5; 2 a Alma 28:6. Mosiah 2:3; 36:29 (2, 29). Alma 34:14 (13–14). 13 a Alma 5:3.
281 Alma 30 : 7–20 Zarahemla, and he was aA nti-Christ, call prophecies, which ye say are for he began to preach unto the peo- handed down by holy prophets, ple b against the prophecies which behold, they are foolish traditions had been spoken by the prophets, of your fathers. concerning the coming of Christ. 15 How do ye know of their surety ? 7 Now there was no law against a Behold, ye cannot know of things a man’s b belief; for it was strictly con- which ye do not a see; therefore ye trary to the commands of God that cannot know that there shall be a there should be a law which should Christ. bring men on to unequal grounds. 16 Ye look forward and say that 8 For thus saith the scripture: ye see a remission of your sins. But a Choose ye this day, whom ye will behold, it is the effect of a a frenzied serve. mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the tradi- 9 Now if a man desired to serve tions of your fathers, which lead God, it was his privilege; or rather, you away into a belief of things if he believed in God it was his priv- which are not so. ilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to 17 And many more such things punish him. did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement 10 But if he a murdered he was made for the sins of men, but every punished unto b death; and if he man a fared in this life according to c robbed he was also punished; and the management of the creature; if he stole he was also punished; therefore every man prospered and if he committed d adultery he according to his genius, and that was also punished; yea, for all this every man conquered according wickedness they were punished. to his strength; and b whatsoever a man did was c no crime. 11 For there was a law that men should be judged according to their 18 And thus he did preach unto crimes. Nevertheless, there was no them, leading away the hearts of law against a man’s belief; therefore, many, causing them to lift up their a man was punished only for the heads in their wickedness, yea, lead- crimes which he had done; therefore ing away many women, and also all men were on a equal grounds. men, to commit whoredoms—telling them that when a man was dead, 12 And this a Anti-Christ, whose that was the end thereof. name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) be- 19 Now this man went over to the gan to preach unto the people that land of a Jershon also, to preach there should be b no Christ. And after these things among the people of this manner did he preach, saying: Ammon, who were once the people of the Lamanites. 13 O ye that are bound down un- der a a foolish and a vain hope, why 20 But behold they were more wise do ye yoke yourselves with such than many of the Nephites; for they foolish things? Why do ye look for took him, and bound him, and car- a Christ? For no man can b know of ried him before Ammon, who was anything which is to come. a a high priest over that people. 14 Behold, these things which ye 6 a tg Antichrist; c Alma 1:18. tg Spiritual Blindness. False Prophets. d tg Adulterer. 16 a Acts 26:24 (24–25). 11 a Mosiah 27:3; 29:32. 17 a Prov. 16:25; b tg False Doctrine; 12 a tg Antichrist. Prophets, Rejection of. b Jacob 7:2 (2, 9); 2 Ne. 28:7 (5–9). b Alma 18:5. 7 a Alma 1:17. Alma 31:16 (16, 29); 34:5. c Alma 1:4; b Acts 18:13. 13 a 1 Cor. 1:25 (18–25). 8 a Josh. 24:15. b Jacob 7:7. Morm. 8:31. 15 a Hel. 16:20; 19 a Alma 28:1 (1, 8); 31:3. tg Agency. 20 a Alma 46:38. 10 a tg Murder. Ether 12:5 (5–6, 19). b tg Capital Punishment.
Alma 30 : 21–32 282 21 And it came to pass that he down, even as it were in bondage, caused that he should be carried that ye may glut yourselves with out of the land. And he came over the labors of their hands, that they into the land of Gideon, and began durst not look up with boldness, to preach unto them also; and here and that they durst not enjoy their he did not have much success, for he rights and privileges. was taken and bound and carried before the high priest, and also the 28 Yea, they durst not make use chief judge over the land. of that which is their own lest they should offend their priests, who do 22 And it came to pass that the yoke them according to their desires, high priest said unto him: Why do and have brought them to believe, ye go about perverting the ways by their traditions and their dreams of the Lord? Why do ye teach this and their whims and their visions people that there shall be no Christ, and their pretended mysteries, to interrupt their rejoicings? Why that they should, if they did not do do ye speak against all the prophe according to their words, offend cies of the holy prophets? some unknown being, who they say is God—a being who a never has 23 Now the high priest’s name was been seen or known, who b never Giddonah. And Korihor said unto was nor ever will be. him: Because I do not teach the foolish traditions of your fathers, 29 Now when the high priest and and because I do not teach this peo- the a chief judge saw the hardness ple to bind themselves down under of his heart, yea, when they saw the foolish ordinances and perfor- that he would b revile even against mances which are laid down by God, they would not make any reply ancient priests, to usurp power and to his words; but they caused that authority over them, to keep them he should be bound; and they de- in ignorance, that they may not livered him up into the hands of lift up their heads, but be brought the officers, and sent him to the down according to thy words. land of Zarahemla, that he might be brought before Alma, and the 24 Ye say that this people is a chief judge who was governor over free people. Behold, I say they are all the land. in bondage. Ye say that those an- cient prophecies are true. Behold, 30 And it came to pass that when I say that ye do not know that they he was brought before Alma and are true. the chief judge, he did go on in the same manner as he did in the 25 Ye say that this people is a guilty land of Gideon; yea, he went on to and a fallen people, because of the a blaspheme. transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a child is not guilty be- 31 And he did rise up in great cause of its parents. a swelling words before Alma, and did revile against the b priests and 26 And ye also say that Christ teachers, accusing them of leading shall come. But behold, I say that away the people after the silly tradi- ye do not know that there shall be a tions of their fathers, for the sake of Christ. And ye say also that he shall glutting on the labors of the people. be slain for the a sins of the world— 32 Now Alma said unto him: Thou 27 And thus ye lead away this knowest that we do not glut our- people after the foolish traditions selves upon the labors of this people; of your fathers, and according to for behold I have a labored even from your own desires; and ye keep them 26 a Isa. 53:6 (4–12). b tg Reviling. b Alma 23:4. 28 a 2 Ne. 28:5. 30 a tg Blaspheme. 32 a tg Labor; b Alma 30:53. 31 a Hel. 13:22. 29 a Alma 4:17. Self-Sacrifice. tg Boast.
283 Alma 30 : 33–47 the commencement of the reign of Believest thou that these things the judges until now, with mine are true? b own hands for my support, notwith- standing my many travels round 42 Behold, I know that thou a be- about the land to declare the word lievest, but thou art possessed with of God unto my people. a b lying spirit, and ye have put c off the Spirit of God that it may 33 And notwithstanding the many have no place in you; but the devil labors which I have performed in has power over you, and he doth the church, I have never received carry you about, working devices so much as even one a senine for my that he may destroy the children labor; neither has any of my breth- of God. ren, save it were in the judgment- seat; and then we have received 43 And now Korihor said unto only according to law for our time. Alma: If thou wilt show me a a sign, that I may be convinced that there 34 And now, if we do not receive is a God, yea, show unto me that he anything for our labors in the hath power, and then will I be con- church, what doth it profit us to vinced of the truth of thy words. labor in the church save it were to declare the truth, that we may have 44 But Alma said unto him: Thou rejoicings in the a joy of our brethren? hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto 35 Then why sayest thou that we me a sign, when ye have the tes- preach unto this people to get gain, timony of a all these thy brethren, when thou, of thyself, knowest that and also all the holy prophets? The we receive no gain? And now, be- scriptures are laid before thee, yea, lievest thou that we deceive this and all things denote there is a people, that a causes such joy in God; yea, even the b earth, and c all their hearts? things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its d motion, yea, and also 36 And Korihor answered him, Yea. all the e planets which move in their 37 And then Alma said unto him: regular form do witness that there Believest thou that there is a God? is a Supreme Creator. 38 And he answered, Nay. 39 Now Alma said unto him: Will ye 45 And yet do ye go about, lead- deny again that there is a God, and ing away the hearts of this people, also deny the Christ? For behold, I testifying unto them there is no say unto you, I know there is a God, God? And yet will ye deny against and also that Christ shall come. all these a witnesses? And he said: 40 And now what evidence have ye Yea, I will deny, except ye shall show that there is no a God, or that Christ me a sign. cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only. 46 And now it came to pass that 41 But, behold, I have all things as Alma said unto him: Behold, I am a a testimony that these things are grieved because of the hardness of true; and ye also have all things your heart, yea, that ye will still re- as a testimony unto you that they sist the spirit of the truth, that thy are true; and will ye deny them? soul may be destroyed. 47 But behold, it is a better that thy 32 b Acts 20:34 (33–35); Mosiah 12:30; 44 a Mosiah 13:33 (33–34). 1 Thes. 2:9; Alma 30:52. b Job 12:8 (7–10). Mosiah 18:24. b Jer. 27:10; Rom. 3:3–4; tg Nature, Earth. 33 a Alma 11:3. Mosiah 2:32. c D&C 88:47. 34 a tg Joy. c 1 Sam. 16:14. d Hel. 12:15 (11–15). 35 a Matt. 7:16. 43 a John 6:30; e Moses 6:63. 40 a Ps. 14:1. Jacob 7:13 (13–21); 41 a tg Testimony. D&C 46:9 (8–9). tg Astronomy. 42 a Acts 26:27; tg Sign Seekers. 45 a tg Witness. 47 a 1 Ne. 4:13. Jacob 7:14;
Alma 30 : 48–59 284 soul should be b lost than that thou astray after an unknown God. And shouldst be the means of bringing he said unto me: There is d no God; many souls down to destruction, yea, and he taught me that which by thy lying and by thy flattering I should say. And I have taught his words; therefore if thou shalt deny words; and I taught them because again, behold God shall smite thee, they were pleasing unto the e car- that thou shalt become dumb, that nal mind; and I taught them, even thou shalt never open thy mouth until I had much success, insomuch any more, that thou shalt not de- that I verily believed that they were ceive this people any more. true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I have brought 48 Now Korihor said unto him: I do this great f curse upon me. not deny the existence of a God, but I do not believe that there is a God; 54 Now when he had said this, he and I say also, that ye do not know besought that Alma should pray that there is a God; and except ye unto God, that the a curse might be show me a sign, I will not believe. taken from him. 49 Now Alma said unto him: This 55 But Alma said unto him: If this will I give unto thee for a sign, that curse should be taken from thee thou thou shalt be a struck dumb, accord- wouldst again lead away the hearts ing to my words; and I say, that in of this people; therefore, it shall the name of God, ye shall be struck be unto thee even as the Lord will. dumb, that ye shall no more have utterance. 56 And it came to pass that the curse was not taken off of Kori- 50 Now when Alma had said these hor; but he was a cast out, and went words, Korihor was struck dumb, about from house to house begging that he could not have utterance, for his food. according to the words of Alma. 57 Now the knowledge of what 51 And now when the chief judge had happened unto Korihor was saw this, he put forth his hand and immediately published throughout wrote unto Korihor, saying: Art thou all the land; yea, the proclamation convinced of the power of God? was sent forth by the chief judge to In whom did ye desire that Alma all the people in the land, declar- should show forth his sign? Would ing unto those who had believed ye that he should afflict others, to in the words of Korihor that they show unto thee a sign? Behold, he must speedily repent, a lest the same has showed unto you a sign; and judgments would come unto them. now will ye dispute more? 58 And it came to pass that they 52 And Korihor put forth his hand were all convinced of the wicked- and wrote, saying: I know that I ness of Korihor; therefore they were am dumb, for I cannot speak; and all converted again unto the Lord; I know that nothing save it were and this put an end to the iniquity the a power of God could bring this after the manner of Korihor. And upon me; yea, and I always b knew Korihor did go about from house to that there was a God. house, begging food for his support. 53 But behold, the devil hath 59 And it came to pass that as he a deceived me; for he b appeared went forth among the people, yea, unto me in the c form of an angel, among a people who had separated and said unto me: Go and reclaim themselves from the Nephites and this people, for they have all gone called themselves a Zoramites, being 47 b Mosiah 27:16. b 2 Ne. 9:9. 54 a Num. 12:13 (9–15). 49 a Luke 1:20; c 2 Cor. 11:14. 56 a Dan. 5:21. d Ps. 10:4 (2–11); 57 a John 5:14. Acts 13:11 (8–12). 59 a Alma 31:7 (7–8). 52 a 2 Chr. 13:20. Alma 30:28. b Alma 30:42 (41–42). e tg Carnal Mind. 53 a Jacob 7:14 (14, 18). f tg Curse.
285 Alma 30 : 60–31 : 9 led by a man whose name was seashore, which was south of the land Zoram—and as he went forth of b Jershon, which also bordered amongst them, behold, he was run upon the wilderness south, which upon and trodden down, even until wilderness was full of the Lamanites. he was b dead. 4 Now the Nephites greatly feared 60 And thus we see the end of that the Zoramites would enter into him who a perverteth the ways of a a correspondence with the La- the Lord; and thus we see that the manites, and that it would be the devil will not b support his children means of great loss on the part of at the last day, but doth speedily the Nephites. drag them down to c hell. 5 And now, as the a preaching of Chapter 31 the b word had a great tendency to Alma heads a mission to reclaim the c lead the people to do that which apostate Zoramites—The Zoramites was just—yea, it had had more pow- deny Christ, believe in a false con- erful effect upon the minds of the cept of election, and worship with set people than the sword, or anything prayers—The missionaries are filled else, which had happened unto with the Holy Spirit—Their afflictions them—therefore Alma thought it are swallowed up in the joy of Christ. was expedient that they should try About 74 b.c. the virtue of the word of God. Now it came to pass that after the end of Korihor, Alma having received 6 Therefore he took Ammon, and tidings that the Zoramites were per- Aaron, and Omner; and Himni he verting the ways of the Lord, and did leave in the church in Zara- that Zoram, who was their leader, hemla; but the former three he was leading the hearts of the peo- took with him, and also aA mulek ple to a bow down to dumb b idols, and Zeezrom, who were at b Melek; his heart again began to c sicken be- and he also took two of his sons. cause of the iniquity of the people. 7 Now the eldest of his sons he 2 For it was the cause of great a sor- took not with him, and his name row to Alma to know of iniquity was Helaman; but the names of among his people; therefore his those whom he took with him were heart was exceedingly b sorrowful a Shiblon and b Corianton; and these because of the separation of the are the names of those who went Zoramites from the Nephites. with him among the c Zoramites, to preach unto them the word. 3 Now the Zoramites had gath- ered themselves together in a land 8 Now the Zoramites were a dis- which they called aA ntionum, which senters from the Nephites; there- was east of the land of Zarahemla, fore they had had the word of God which lay nearly bordering upon the preached unto them. 9 But they had a fallen into great errors, for they would not observe to keep the commandments of God, 59 b Jer. 28:16 (15–17); 3 Ne. 17:14; Moses 7:41. Alma 45:21; Jacob 7:20 (1–20). b Isa. 22:4. Hel. 5:51 (50–52); 60 a tg Lying. 3 a Alma 43:5 (5, 15, 22). D&C 11:2. b Alma 3:27 (26–27); b Alma 27:22. tg Gospel. 5:42 (41–42); 4 a tg Conspiracy. 6 a Hel. 5:41. D&C 29:45. 5 a Ex. 24:7; Jonah 3:5; b Alma 8:3; 35:13; 45:18. 3 1 1 ac tg Hell. 7 a Alma 31:32; 35:14. Ex. 20:5; Rom. 10:17; b Alma 39:1. Mosiah 13:13. Enos 1:23; c Alma 30:59; 38:3. b 2 Ne. 9:37. Alma 4:19. 8 a Alma 24:30; 53:8; tg Idolatry. tg Preaching. Hel. 1:15; c Alma 35:15. b 2 Kgs. 22:11; D&C 93:19. 2 a 1 Ne. 7:8; Heb. 4:12; Jacob 2:8; 9 a tg Apostasy of Mosiah 28:3; Alma 36:26. Individuals. c Jarom 1:12;
Alma 31 : 10–24 286 and his statutes, according to the 17 But thou art the same yesterday, law of Moses. today, and forever; and thou hast a elected us that we shall be saved, 10 Neither would they observe whilst all around us are elected to the a performances of the church, be cast by thy wrath down to hell; to continue in prayer and suppli- for the which holiness, O God, cation to God daily, that they might we thank thee; and we also thank not enter into temptation. thee that thou hast elected us, that we may not be led away after the 11 Yea, in fine, they did pervert foolish traditions of our brethren, the ways of the Lord in very many which doth b bind them down to a instances; therefore, for this cause, belief of Christ, which doth lead Alma and his brethren went into their hearts to wander far from thee, the land to preach the word unto our God. them. 18 And again we thank thee, O 12 Now, when they had come into God, that we are a chosen and a the land, behold, to their astonish- holy people. Amen. ment they found that the Zoram- ites had built synagogues, and that 19 Now it came to pass that after they did gather themselves together Alma and his brethren and his sons on one day of the week, which day had heard these prayers, they were they did call the day of the Lord; astonished beyond all measure. and they did a worship after a man- ner which Alma and his brethren 20 For behold, every man did had never beheld; go forth and offer up these same a prayers. 13 For they had a place built up in the center of their synagogue, a 21 Now the place was called by place for standing, which was high them Rameumptom, which, being above the head; and the top thereof interpreted, is the holy stand. would only admit one person. 22 Now, from this stand they did 14 Therefore, whosoever desired to offer up, every man, the selfsame a worship must go forth and stand prayer unto God, thanking their upon the top thereof, and stretch God that they were chosen of him, forth his hands towards heaven, and that he did not lead them away and cry with a loud voice, saying: after the tradition of their brethren, and that their hearts were not stolen 15 Holy, holy God; we believe that away to believe in things to come, thou art God, and we believe which they knew nothing about. that thou art holy, and that thou wast a a spirit, and that thou art a 23 Now, after the people had all spirit, and that thou wilt be a spirit offered up thanks after this man- forever. ner, they returned to their homes, a never speaking of their God again 16 Holy God, we believe that thou until they had assembled themselves hast separated us from our breth- together again to the holy stand, to ren; and we do not believe in the offer up thanks after their manner. tradition of our brethren, which was handed down to them by the 24 Now when Alma saw this his childishness of their fathers; but we heart was a grieved; for he saw that believe that thou hast a elected us they were a wicked and a perverse to be thy b holy children; and also people; yea, he saw that their hearts thou hast made it known unto us were set upon gold, and upon silver, that c there shall be d no Christ. and upon all manner of fine goods. 10 a tg Ordinance. b Isa. 65:5 (1–5). b tg False Doctrine. 12 a tg Worship. c Alma 34:5. 20 a Matt. 6:7. 14 a Matt. 6:5 (1–7). d Jacob 7:2 (2, 9); 23 a James 1:22 (21–25). 15 a Alma 18:4 (4–5). 24 a Gen. 6:6; 16 a Luke 18:11; Alma 30:12 (12, 22). 17 a tg Conceit; 1 Ne. 2:18. Alma 38:14 (13–14). Pride.
287 Alma 31 : 25–38 25 Yea, and he also saw that their 32 O Lord, wilt thou comfort my hearts were a lifted up unto great soul, and give unto me success, and boasting, in their pride. also my fellow laborers who are with me—yea, Ammon, and Aaron, and 26 And he lifted up his voice to Omner, and also aA mulek and Zeez- heaven, and a cried, saying: O, how rom, and also my b two sons—yea, long, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that even all these wilt thou comfort, O thy servants shall dwell here below Lord. Yea, wilt thou comfort their in the flesh, to behold such gross souls in Christ. wickedness among the children of men? 33 Wilt thou grant unto them that they may have strength, that they 27 Behold, O God, they a cry unto may a bear their afflictions which thee, and yet their hearts are swal- shall come upon them because of lowed up in their pride. Behold, O the iniquities of this people. God, they cry unto thee with their mouths, while they are b puffed up, 34 O Lord, wilt thou grant a unto us even to greatness, with the vain that we may have success in bring- things of the c world. ing them again unto thee in Christ. 28 Behold, O my God, their costly 35 Behold, O Lord, their a souls are apparel, and their ringlets, and their precious, and many of them are a bracelets, and their ornaments of our brethren; therefore, give unto gold, and all their precious things us, O Lord, power and wisdom that which they are ornamented with; we may bring these, our brethren, and behold, their hearts are set upon again unto thee. them, and yet they cry unto thee and say—We thank thee, O God, for 36 Now it came to pass that when we are a chosen people unto thee, Alma had said these words, that while others shall perish. he a clapped his b hands upon all them who were with him. And be- 29 Yea, and they say that thou hast hold, as he clapped his hands upon made it known unto them that there them, they were filled with the shall be no Christ. Holy Spirit. 30 O Lord God, how long wilt thou 37 And after that they did sepa- suffer that such wickedness and in- rate themselves one from another, fidelity shall be among this people? a taking no thought for themselves O Lord, wilt thou give me strength, what they should eat, or what they that I may a bear with mine infir- should drink, or what they should mities. For I am infirm, and such put on. wickedness among this people doth pain my soul. 38 And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, 31 O Lord, my heart is exceedingly neither should they thirst; yea, sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul and he also gave them strength, a in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant that they should suffer no manner unto me that I may have strength, of a afflictions, save it were swal- that I may suffer with patience lowed up in the joy of Christ. Now these b afflictions which shall come this was according to the prayer of upon me, because of the iniquity Alma; and this because he prayed of this people. in b faith. 25 a 2 Kgs. 14:10; 30 a Num. 11:14. 35 a tg Worth of Souls. Jacob 2:13; 31 a John 16:33. 36 a 3 Ne. 18:37. Alma 1:32. b tg Hands, Laying on of. tg Comfort; 37 a Matt. 6:25 (25–34); 26 a Moses 7:44 (41–58). Peace of God. 27 a Isa. 29:13. b tg Affliction. 3 Ne. 13:25 (25–34). 32 a Alma 8:21; 34:1. 38 a Matt. 5:10 (10–12); tg Hypocrisy. b Alma 31:7. b tg Pride; Selfishness. 33 a Rom. 15:1. Mosiah 24:15 (13–15); c tg Worldliness. 34 a 2 Ne. 26:33. Alma 33:23. 28 a Isa. 3:19 (16–24). b tg Faith.
Alma 32 : 1–12 288 Chapter 32 their poverty, yea, and more espe- Alma teaches the poor whose afflictions cially by our priests; for they have had humbled them—Faith is a hope in c cast us out of our synagogues which that which is not seen which is true— we have labored abundantly to build Alma testifies that angels minister to with our own hands; and they have men, women, and children—Alma com- cast us out because of our exceed- pares the word unto a seed—It must be ing poverty; and we have d no place planted and nourished—Then it grows to worship our God; and behold, into a tree from which the fruit of eter- e what shall we do? nal life is picked. About 74 b.c. And it came to pass that they did 6 And now when Alma heard go forth, and began to preach the this, he turned him about, his face word of God unto the people, enter- immediately towards him, and he ing into their synagogues, and into beheld with great joy; for he be- their houses; yea, and even they did held that their a afflictions had preach the word in their streets. truly b humbled them, and that they were in a c preparation to hear 2 And it came to pass that after the word. much labor among them, they be- gan to have success among the a poor 7 Therefore he did say no more to class of people; for behold, they the other multitude; but he stretched were cast out of the synagogues forth his hand, and cried unto those because of the coarseness of their whom he beheld, who were truly apparel— penitent, and said unto them: 3 Therefore they were not permit- 8 I behold that ye are a lowly in ted to enter into their synagogues heart; and if so, blessed are ye. to worship God, being esteemed as filthiness; therefore they were 9 Behold thy brother hath said, poor; yea, they were esteemed by What shall we do?—for we are cast their brethren as a dross; therefore out of our synagogues, that we can- they were b poor as to things of the not worship our God. world; and also they were poor in heart. 10 Behold I say unto you, do ye suppose that ye a cannot worship 4 Now, as Alma was teaching and God save it be in your synagogues speaking unto the people upon the only ? hill a Onidah, there came a great b multitude unto him, who were 11 And moreover, I would ask, do those of whom we have been speak- ye suppose that ye must not worship ing, of whom were c poor in heart, God only a once in a week? because of their poverty as to the things of the world. 12 I say unto you, it is well that ye are cast out of your synagogues, that 5 And they came unto Alma; and ye may be humble, and that ye may the one who was the foremost among learn a wisdom; for it is necessary them said unto him: Behold, a what that ye should learn wisdom; for shall these my brethren do, for they it is because that ye are cast out, are b despised of all men because of that ye are despised of your brethren because of your exceeding b poverty, that ye are brought to a lowliness of heart; for ye are necessarily brought to be humble. 32 2 a Luke 6:20; 7:22. b tg Oppression. Alma 16:16 (16–17); c Alma 33:10. D&C 101:8. tg Poor. d Alma 33:2. 8 a Matt. 5:5 (3–5). 3 a Luke 18:9. e Acts 2:37 (37–38); 10 a tg Worship. b Alma 34:40. 11 a Mosiah 18:25. 4 a Alma 47:5. Alma 34:3. 12 a Eccl. 4:13. b tg Assembly for 6 a tg Adversity. b Prov. 16:8; 28:11. b tg Humility; Worship. c tg Poor in Spirit. Teachable. 5 a Prov. 18:23. c Prov. 16:1;
289 Alma 32 : 13–27 13 And now, because ye are com- Behold, I say unto you, that it is on pelled to be humble blessed are ye; the one hand even as it is on the for a man sometimes, if he is com- other; and it shall be unto every pelled to be humble, seeketh a repen- man according to his work. tance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he 21 And now as I said concerning that findeth mercy and b endureth faith—a faith is not to have a per- to the end the same shall be saved. fect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye b hope for things 14 And now, as I said unto you, which are c not seen, which are true. that because ye were compelled to be a humble ye were blessed, do 22 And now, behold, I say unto ye not suppose that they are more you, and I would that ye should re- blessed who truly humble them- member, that God is a merciful unto selves because of the word? all who believe on his name; there- fore he desireth, in the first place, 15 Yea, he that truly humbleth that ye should believe, yea, even himself, and repenteth of his sins, on his word. and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much more 23 And now, he imparteth his word blessed than they who are com- by angels unto men, yea, a not only pelled to be humble because of men but women also. Now this is not their exceeding poverty. all; little b children do have words given unto them many times, which 16 Therefore, blessed are they who c confound the wise and the learned. a humble themselves without being b compelled to be humble; or rather, 24 And now, my beloved brethren, in other words, blessed is he that as ye have desired to know of me believeth in the word of God, and is what ye shall do because ye are af- baptized without c stubbornness of flicted and cast out—now I do not heart, yea, without being brought to desire that ye should suppose that know the word, or even compelled I mean to judge you only according to know, before they will believe. to that which is true— 17 Yea, there are many who do say: 25 For I do not mean that ye all of If thou wilt show unto us a a sign you have been compelled to hum- from heaven, then we shall know ble yourselves; for I verily believe of a surety; then we shall believe. that there are some among you who a would humble themselves, let them 18 Now I ask, is this faith? Behold, be in whatsoever circumstances I say unto you, Nay; for if a man they might. knoweth a thing he hath no cause to a believe, for he knoweth it. 26 Now, as I said concerning faith— that it was not a perfect knowl- 19 And now, how much a more edge—even so it is with my words. b cursed is he that c knoweth the Ye cannot know of their surety at d will of God and doeth it not, than first, unto perfection, any more he that only believeth, or only hath than faith is a perfect knowledge. cause to believe, and falleth into e transgression? 27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to 20 Now of this thing ye must judge. an experiment upon my words, and 13 a tg Objectives. 18 a Luke 16:30 (27–31); 22 a tg God, Mercy of. b Alma 38:2; Ether 12:12 (12, 18). 23 a Joel 2:29 (28–29). b Matt. 11:25; 3 Ne. 15:9; 27:6 (6–17). 19 a D&C 41:1. tg Perseverance; b tg Curse. Luke 10:21; Steadfastness. c John 15:24 (22–24). 3 Ne. 26:14 (14–16); 14 a 2 Kgs. 22:19. d tg God, Will of. D&C 128:18. 16 a tg Humility. e tg Transgress. c D&C 133:58. b tg Initiative. 21 a John 20:29; 25 a tg Initiative; c tg Stubbornness. Sincere. 17 a tg Signs; Heb. 11:1 (1–40). Sign Seekers. b tg Hope. c Ether 12:6.
Alma 32 : 28–39 290 exercise a particle of faith, yea, even and sprouteth, and beginneth to if ye can no more than a desire to grow, ye must needs know that the believe, let this desire work in you, seed is good. even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion 34 And now, behold, is your a knowl- of my words. edge b perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your 28 Now, we will compare the word c faith is dormant; and this because unto a a seed. Now, if ye give place, you know, for ye know that the that a b seed may be planted in your word hath swelled your souls, and c heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or ye also know that it hath sprouted a good seed, if ye do not cast it out up, that your understanding doth by your d unbelief, that ye will resist begin to be enlightened, and your the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will d mind doth begin to expand. begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swell- 35 O then, is not this real? I say ing motions, ye will begin to say unto you, Yea, because it is a light; within yourselves—It must needs be and whatsoever is light, is b good, that this is a good seed, or that the because it is discernible, therefore word is good, for it beginneth to en- ye must know that it is good; and large my soul; yea, it beginneth to now behold, after ye have tasted e enlighten my f understanding, yea, this light is your knowledge perfect? it beginneth to be delicious to me. 36 Behold I say unto you, Nay; nei- 29 Now behold, would not this in- ther must ye lay aside your faith, for crease your faith? I say unto you, ye have only exercised your faith Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown to plant the seed that ye might try up to a perfect knowledge. the experiment to know if the seed was good. 30 But behold, as the seed swell- eth, and sprouteth, and beginneth 37 And behold, as the tree begin- to grow, then you must needs say neth to grow, ye will say: Let us that the seed is good; for behold it nourish it with great care, that it swelleth, and sprouteth, and begin- may get root, that it may grow up, neth to grow. And now, behold, will and bring forth fruit unto us. And not this strengthen your faith? Yea, now behold, if ye nourish it with it will strengthen your faith: for ye much care it will get root, and grow will say I know that this is a good up, and bring forth fruit. seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow. 38 But if ye a neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, 31 And now, behold, are ye sure behold it will not get any root; and that this is a good seed? I say unto when the heat of the sun cometh you, Yea; for every seed bringeth and scorcheth it, because it hath no forth unto its own a likeness. root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out. 32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, be- 39 Now, this is not because the hold it is not good, therefore it is seed was not good, neither is it be- cast away. cause the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your 33 And now, behold, because ye a ground is b barren, and ye will not have tried the experiment, and nourish the tree, therefore ye can- planted the seed, and it swelleth not have the fruit thereof. 27 a tg Motivations; Spiritual; Edification. d tg Mind. Teachable. f tg Intelligence; Testi 35 a tg Light [noun]. b Gen. 1:4. 28 a Alma 33:1. mony; Understanding. 38 a tg Apostasy of b Luke 8:11 (11–15). 31 a Gen. 1:12 (11–12). c tg Heart. 34 a tg Knowledge. Individuals. d tg Doubt; Unbelief. b Ps. 19:7. 39 a Matt. 13:5 (3–8). e tg Discernment, c Ether 3:19. b tg Barren.
291 Alma 32 : 40–33 : 9 40 And thus, if ye will not nourish obtain this fruit of which he had the word, looking forward with an spoken, or b how they should plant eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye the c seed, or the word of which he can never pluck of the fruit of the had spoken, which he said must be a tree of life. planted in their hearts; or in what manner they should begin to exer- 41 But if ye will nourish the word, cise their faith. yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great 2 And Alma said unto them: Be- diligence, and with a patience, look- hold, ye have said that ye a could ing forward to the fruit thereof, it not b worship your God because ye shall take root; and behold it shall are cast out of your synagogues. But be a tree b springing up unto ever- behold, I say unto you, if ye suppose lasting life. that ye cannot worship God, ye do greatly err, and ye ought to search 42 And because of your a diligence the c scriptures; if ye suppose that and your faith and your patience they have taught you this, ye do not with the word in nourishing it, that understand them. it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the b fruit 3 Do ye remember to have read thereof, which is most precious, what a Zenos, the prophet of old, has which is sweet above all that is said concerning prayer or b worship? sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above 4 For he said: Thou art merciful, O all that is pure; and ye shall feast God, for thou hast heard my prayer, upon this fruit even until ye are even when I was a in the wilderness; filled, that ye hunger not, neither yea, thou wast merciful when I shall ye thirst. prayed concerning those who were mine b enemies, and thou didst turn 43 Then, my brethren, ye shall them to me. a reap the b rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, 5 Yea, O God, and thou wast mer- and long-suffering, waiting for the ciful unto me when I did cry unto tree to bring forth c fruit unto you. thee in my a field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and thou Chapter 33 didst hear me. Zenos taught that men should pray and worship in all places, and that judgments 6 And again, O God, when I did are turned away because of the Son— turn to my house thou didst hear Zenock taught that mercy is bestowed me in my prayer. because of the Son—Moses had lifted up in the wilderness a type of the Son 7 And when I did turn unto my of God. About 74 b.c. a closet, O Lord, and prayed unto Now after Alma had spoken these thee, thou didst hear me. words, they sent forth unto him de- siring to know whether they should 8 Yea, thou art merciful unto thy believe in a one God, that they might children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou a wilt hear them. 9 Yea, O God, thou hast been mer- ciful unto me, and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations. 40 a Gen. 2:9; 43 a tg Harvest. Alma 37:8 (3–10). 1 Ne. 15:36 (22, 28, 36). b tg Reward. tg Prayer. 3 3 1 ac Alma 33:23. 41 a tg Patience. 2 Ne. 31:21; 3 a Alma 34:7. b Alma 33:23; Mosiah 15:4; tg Scriptures, Lost. Alma 11:28 (28–35). D&C 63:23. b Alma 33:23. b tg Worship. 42 a tg Diligence. c Alma 32:28 (28–43). 4 a 1 Kgs. 8:47 (44–52). b Matt. 13:23; 2 a Alma 32:5. b Matt. 5:44. b tg Worship. 5 a Alma 34:20 (20–25). Col. 1:6; c Mosiah 2:34; 7 a Matt. 6:6 (5–6); 1 Ne. 8:10 (10–18); 3 Ne. 14:16; Alma 34:26 (17–27). D&C 52:34 (18, 34). 8 a tg God, Access to.
Alma 33 : 10–23 292 10 Yea, and thou hast also heard are not the only ones who have me when I have been a cast out and spoken concerning the Son of God. have been despised by mine en emies; yea, thou didst hear my cries, 19 Behold, he was spoken of by and wast angry with mine enemies, a Moses; yea, and behold a b type was and thou didst b visit them in thine c raised up in the wilderness, that anger with speedy destruction. whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live. 11 And thou didst hear me be- cause of mine afflictions and my 20 But few understood the mean- a sincerity; and it is because of thy ing of those things, and this because Son that thou hast been thus mer- of the hardness of their hearts. ciful unto me, therefore I will cry But there were many who were so unto thee in all mine b afflictions, hardened that they would not look, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast therefore they perished. Now the turned thy judgments away from reason they would not look is be- me, c because of thy Son. cause they did not believe that it would a heal them. 12 And now Alma said unto them: Do ye a believe those scriptures which 21 O my brethren, if ye could be have been written by them of old? healed by merely casting about your eyes that ye might be healed, 13 Behold, if ye do, ye must be- would ye not behold quickly, or lieve what a Zenos said; for, behold would ye rather harden your hearts he said: Thou hast turned away thy in a unbelief, and be b slothful, that judgments because of thy Son. ye would not cast about your eyes, that ye might perish? 14 Now behold, my brethren, I would ask if ye have read the scrip- 22 If so, wo shall come upon you; tures? If ye have, how can ye a dis- but if not so, then cast about your believe on the Son of God? eyes and a begin to believe in the Son of God, that he will come to re- 15 For it is a not written that Ze- deem his people, and that he shall nos alone spake of these things, but suffer and die to b atone for their b Zenock also spake of these things— sins; and that he shall c rise again from the dead, which shall bring 16 For behold, he said: Thou art to pass the d resurrection, that all angry, O Lord, with this people, be- men shall stand before him, to be cause they a will not understand thy e judged at the last and judgment mercies which thou hast bestowed day, according to their f works. upon them because of thy Son. 23 And now, my brethren, I desire 17 And now, my brethren, ye see that ye shall a plant this word in your that a second prophet of old has hearts, and as it beginneth to swell testified of the Son of God, and be- even so nourish it by your faith. And cause the people would not under- behold, it will become a tree, b spring- stand his words they a stoned him ing up in you unto c everlasting to death. 18 But behold, this is not all; these 10 a Alma 32:5. 17 a tg Martyrdom. 22 a Alma 25:16; b Ps. 3:7; 18:17. 19 a Deut. 18:15 (15, 18); 37:46 (45–46). 11 a tg Sincere. b tg Affliction. Alma 34:7. b 2 Ne. 2:10; c tg Jesus Christ, b Num. 21:9; Alma 22:14; 34:9 (8–16). Atonement through. 1 Ne. 17:41; c tg Jesus Christ, 12 a tg Scriptures, Value of. 2 Ne. 25:20. Resurrection. 13 a Jacob 6:1; Alma 34:7. tg Jesus Christ, Types 14 a John 5:39. of, in Anticipation; d Alma 11:44. 15 a Jacob 4:4; Symbolism. tg Resurrection. c John 3:14; Hel. 8:14. Mosiah 15:11 (11–13). 20 a Hosea 11:3; e tg Jesus Christ, Judge. b 1 Ne. 19:10; 1 Ne. 17:41 (40–41). f tg Good Works. 21 a tg Doubt; Unbelief. 23 a Alma 33:1; 34:4. Alma 34:7. b tg Apathy; Laziness. b Alma 32:41; 16 a 2 Pet. 3:5 (4–5). D&C 63:23. c Alma 32:43.
293 Alma 34 : 1–10 life. And then may God grant unto word in your hearts, that ye may you that your d burdens may be try the experiment of its goodness. light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye e will. 5 And we have beheld that the Amen. great question which is in your minds is whether the word be in the Chapter 34 Son of God, or whether there shall Amulek testifies that the word is in be a no Christ. Christ unto salvation—Unless an atonement is made, all mankind must 6 And ye also beheld that my perish—The whole law of Moses points brother has proved unto you, in toward the sacrifice of the Son of God— many instances, that the a word is The eternal plan of redemption is based in Christ unto salvation. on faith and repentance—Pray for tem- poral and spiritual blessings—This life 7 My brother has called upon the is the time for men to prepare to meet words of a Zenos, that redemption God—Work out your salvation with cometh through the Son of God, and fear before God. About 74 b.c. also upon the words of b Zenock; and And now it came to pass that after also he has appealed unto c Moses, Alma had spoken these words unto to prove that these things are true. them he sat down upon the ground, and aA mulek arose and began to 8 And now, behold, I will a testify teach them, saying: unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that 2 My brethren, I think that it is I do know that Christ shall come impossible that ye should be igno- among the children of men, to take rant of the things which have been upon him the b transgressions of his spoken concerning the coming of people, and that he shall c atone for Christ, who is taught by us to be the sins of the world; for the Lord the Son of God; yea, I know that God hath spoken it. a these things were taught unto you bountifully before your dissension 9 For it is expedient that an a atone- from among us. ment should be made; for according to the great b plan of the Eternal God 3 And as ye have desired of my be- there must be an atonement made, loved brother that he should make or else all mankind must unavoid- known unto you a what ye should ably perish; yea, all are hardened; do, because of your afflictions; and yea, all are c fallen and are lost, and he hath spoken somewhat unto you must perish except it be through to prepare your minds; yea, and he the atonement which it is expedient hath exhorted you unto faith and should be made. to patience— 10 For it is expedient that there 4 Yea, even that ye would have so should be a great and last a sacrifice; much faith as even to a plant the yea, not a b sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an c infinite and d eternal e sacrifice. 23 d Mosiah 24:15 (13–15); Hel. 8:19. b Alma 12:26 (22–33); Alma 31:38. b Alma 33:15; 42:8 (6–28); 3 4 1 ae tg Agency. Moses 6:62. Alma 8:21; 31:32. Hel. 8:20 (19–20). 2 a Alma 16:15 (13–21). c Alma 33:19. c tg Fall of Man. 3 a Alma 32:5. 8 a tg Testimony; 10 a 1 Chr. 6:49; 4 a Alma 33:23. 5 a Jacob 7:2 (2, 9); Witness. Moses 5:7 (6–7). Alma 30:12 (12, 22); b tg Jesus Christ, b tg Blood, 31:16 (16, 29). 6 a John 1:14 (1, 14). Redeemer. Symbolism of. 7 a Alma 33:13; c tg Jesus Christ, c 2 Ne. 9:7. d Isa. 45:17; Atonement through. 9 a 2 Ne. 2:10; 9:7 (7–9); Heb. 5:9. e tg Sacrifice. Alma 22:14; 33:22.
Alma 34 : 11–27 294 11 Now there is not any man that whole law of the demands of c jus- can sacrifice his own blood which tice; therefore only unto him that will atone for the sins of another. has faith unto repentance is brought Now, if a man murdereth, behold about the great and eternal d plan of will our law, which is a just, take e redemption. the life of his brother? I say unto you, Nay. 17 Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin 12 But the law requireth the a life to exercise your a faith unto repen- of him who hath b murdered; there- tance, that ye begin to b call upon fore there can be nothing which is his holy name, that he would have short of an infinite atonement which mercy upon you; will suffice for the sins of the world. 18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; 13 Therefore, it is expedient that for he is a mighty to save. there should be a great and last sacrifice, and then shall there be, 19 Yea, humble yourselves, and or it is expedient there should be, continue in a prayer unto him. a a stop to the shedding of b blood; then shall the c law of Moses be ful- 20 Cry unto him when ye are in filled; yea, it shall be all fulfilled, your a fields, yea, over all your flocks. every jot and tittle, and none shall have passed away. 21 a Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both 14 And behold, this is the whole morning, mid-day, and evening. a meaning of the b law, every whit c pointing to that great and last d sacri- 22 Yea, cry unto him against the fice; and that great and last e sacrifice power of your a enemies. will be the Son of God, yea, f infinite and eternal. 23 Yea, a cry unto him against the b devil, who is an enemy to all c righ- 15 And thus he shall bring a sal- teousness. vation to all those who shall be- lieve on his name; this being the 24 Cry unto him over the crops intent of this last sacrifice, to bring of your fields, that ye may prosper about the bowels of mercy, which in them. overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they 25 Cry over the flocks of your may have faith unto repentance. fields, that they may increase. 16 And thus a mercy can satisfy 26 But this is not all; ye must the demands of b justice, and en- a pour out your souls in your b clos- circles them in the arms of safety, ets, and your secret places, and in while he that exercises no faith your wilderness. unto repentance is exposed to the 27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your a hearts be b full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your c welfare, and also for the welfare of d those who are around you. 11 a Deut. 24:16; d Ex. 12:21 (1–30). 21 a Ps. 5:3 (1–3); Mosiah 29:25. e D&C 138:35. Dan. 6:10; f D&C 20:17 (17, 28). 3 Ne. 18:21. 12 a tg Blood, Shedding of; 15 a tg Salvation. Life, Sanctity of. 16 a tg Mercy. 22 a tg Enemies. b tg God, Justice of. 23 a 3 Ne. 18:15 (15, 18). b tg Capital Punishment; c Mosiah 15:27; b tg Devil. Murder. c tg Righteousness. Alma 12:32. 26 a 1 Sam. 1:15; 13 a 3 Ne. 9:19. d tg Salvation, Plan of. b tg Blood, Symbolism of. e tg Redemption. Enos 1:9. c 3 Ne. 1:24; 15:5. 17 a tg Faith. b Matt. 6:6 (5–6); 14 a 2 Ne. 25:24; b tg God, Access to; Alma 33:7 (4–11). Jarom 1:5; Prayer. 27 a tg Heart. Mosiah 2:3; 18 a Heb. 7:25 (24–25). b tg Meditation. Alma 30:3. 19 a tg Prayer. c 2 Ne. 32:9. b tg Law of Moses. 20 a Alma 33:5 (4–5). c tg Jesus Christ, Types tg Welfare. of, in Anticipation. d D&C 108:7.
295 Alma 34 : 28–37 28 And now behold, my beloved a witnesses, therefore, I beseech of brethren, I say unto you, do not sup- you that ye do not b procrastinate the pose that this is all; for after ye have day of your c repentance until the done all these things, if ye a turn end; for after this day of life, which away the b needy, and the c naked, is given us to prepare for eternity, and visit not the sick and afflicted, behold, if we do not improve our and d impart of your substance, if ye time while in this life, then cometh have, to those who stand in need—I the d night of e darkness wherein say unto you, if ye do not any of there can be no labor performed. these things, behold, your e prayer is f vain, and availeth you nothing, 34 Ye cannot say, when ye are and ye are as g hypocrites who do brought to that awful a crisis, that deny the faith. I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for 29 Therefore, if ye do not remem- that same spirit which doth b possess ber to be a charitable, ye are as dross, your bodies at the time that ye go which the refiners do cast out, (it out of this life, that same spirit will being of no worth) and is trodden have power to possess your body in under foot of men. that eternal world. 30 And now, my brethren, I would 35 For behold, if ye have procras- that, after ye have a received so tinated the day of your repentance many witnesses, seeing that the holy even until death, behold, ye have scriptures testify of these things, ye become a subjected to the spirit of come forth and bring b fruit unto the devil, and he doth b seal you his; repentance. therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no 31 Yea, I would that ye would come place in you, and the devil hath forth and a harden not your hearts all power over you; and this is the any longer; for behold, now is the final state of the wicked. time and the b day of your c salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and 36 And this I know, because the d harden not your hearts, immedi- Lord hath said he dwelleth not in ately shall the great plan of redemp- a unholy temples, but in the b hearts tion be brought about unto you. of the c righteous doth he dwell; yea, and he has also said that the righ- 32 For behold, this a life is the time teous shall sit down in his king- for men to b prepare to meet God; dom, to go no more out; but their yea, behold the day of c this life is garments should be made white the day for men to perform their through the d blood of the Lamb. d labors. 37 And now, my beloved brethren, 33 And now, as I said unto you I desire that ye should remember before, as ye have had so many 28 a tg Apathy. 3 Ne. 9:3; c tg Repent. b tg Poor. D&C 84:114. d Eccl. 9:10; c Ezek. 18:7 (5–9). d tg Hardheartedness. d tg Almsgiving; 32 a tg Mortality. John 9:4. b 2 Cor. 6:2; e tg Darkness, Spiritual. Good Works. 2 Ne. 2:21; 34 a Alma 40:14 (13–14); e Ezek. 33:31; Alma 12:24; 42:4 (4–6). tg Self-Mastery. Ether 9:34. Matt. 15:8 (7–8). c D&C 138:57. b Rom. 6:16 (14–18). f Isa. 58:3; d tg Good Works; 35 a 2 Ne. 28:19 (19–23). Industry. b 2 Ne. 9:9; Moro. 7:6 (6–8). 33 a tg Witness. g tg Hypocrisy. b Job 27:8; 3 Ne. 2:10. 29 a tg Charity; Hel. 13:38; tg Devil; Sealing. D&C 45:2. 36 a Mosiah 2:37; Generosity. tg Apathy; Alma 7:21; 30 a tg Witness. Idleness; Hel. 4:24. b Matt. 3:8; Procrastination. tg Cleanliness. b D&C 130:3. Alma 13:13. c tg Righteousness. 31 a tg Self-Mastery. d Rev. 12:11. b Rom. 13:12 (11–12). c Matt. 11:20;
Alma 34 : 38–35 : 9 296 these things, and that ye should words, they withdrew themselves a work out your salvation with fear from the multitude and came over before God, and that ye should no into the land of a Jershon. more deny the coming of Christ; 2 Yea, and the rest of the brethren, 38 That ye a contend no more after they had preached the word against the Holy Ghost, but that ye unto the a Zoramites, also came over receive it, and take upon you the into the land of Jershon. b name of Christ; that ye humble your- selves even to the dust, and c worship 3 And it came to pass that after God, in whatsoever place ye may be the more popular part of the Zor- in, in spirit and in truth; and that amites had consulted together con- ye live in d thanksgiving daily, for cerning the words which had been the many e mercies and blessings preached unto them, they were an- which he doth bestow upon you. gry because of the word, for it did destroy their a craft; therefore they 39 Yea, and I also a exhort you, my would not hearken unto the words. brethren, that ye be b watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not 4 And they sent and gathered be led away by the c temptations together throughout all the land of the devil, that he may not over- all the people, and consulted with power you, that ye may not become them concerning the words which his subjects at the last day; for be- had been spoken. hold, he rewardeth you d no good thing. 5 Now their rulers and their priests and their teachers did not let the 40 And now my beloved brethren, I people know concerning their would exhort you to have a patience, desires; therefore they found out and that ye bear with all manner privily the minds of all the people. of b afflictions; that ye do not c revile against those who do cast you out 6 And it came to pass that after because of your d exceeding pov- they had found out the minds of erty, lest ye become sinners like all the people, those who were in unto them; favor of the words which had been spoken by Alma and his brethren 41 But that ye have a patience, and were cast out of the land; and they bear with those b afflictions, with a were a many; and they came over firm hope that ye shall one day rest also into the land of Jershon. from all your afflictions. 7 And it came to pass that Alma Chapter 35 and his brethren did minister unto The preaching of the word destroys them. the craft of the Zoramites—They expel the converts, who then join the people 8 Now the people of the Zoram- of Ammon in Jershon—Alma sorrows ites were angry with the a people of because of the wickedness of the people. Ammon who were in Jershon, and About 74 b.c. the b chief ruler of the Zoramites, Now it came to pass that after being a very wicked man, sent over Amulek had made an end of these unto the people of Ammon desiring them that they should cast out of their land all those who came over from them into their land. 9 And he breathed out many 37 a Philip. 2:12 (12–16). e Gen. 32:10; c tg Reviling. 38 a tg Holy Ghost, Loss of. 1 Ne. 1:20; d Alma 32:3. b Mosiah 5:8; D&C 46:15. 41 a tg Patience. 3 5 1 ab Job 23:2 (2–5). Alma 5:38. 39 a Heb. 3:13. Alma 28:1. tg Jesus Christ, Taking b tg Watch. 2 a Alma 30:59. the Name of. c tg Temptation. 3 a tg Priestcraft. c tg Worship. d Alma 30:60. 6 a Alma 35:14. d Ps. 69:30 (30–31); 40 a tg Patience; 8 a Alma 27:26. D&C 46:7. b Alma 30:59. tg Thanksgiving. Steadfastness. b tg Affliction.
297 Alma 35 : 10–36 : 2 threatenings against them. And and their wives, and children, and now the people of Ammon did not their lands. fear their words; therefore they did not cast them out, but they did re- 15 Now Alma, being a grieved for ceive all the poor of the Zoramites the iniquity of his people, yea for the that came over unto them; and they wars, and the bloodsheds, and the did a nourish them, and did clothe contentions which were among them, and did give unto them lands them; and having been to declare for their inheritance; and they did the word, or sent to declare the word, administer unto them according to among all the people in every city; their wants. and seeing that the hearts of the people began to wax hard, and that 10 Now this did a stir up the Zoram they began to be b offended because ites to b anger against the people of of the strictness of the word, his Ammon, and they began to mix with heart was exceedingly sorrowful. the Lamanites and to stir them up also to anger against them. 16 Therefore, he caused that his sons should be gathered together, 11 And thus the Zoramites and the that he might give unto them every Lamanites began to make prepara- one his a charge, separately, con- tions for war against the people of Am- cerning the things pertaining unto mon, and also against the Nephites. righteousness. And we have an ac- count of his commandments, which 12 And thus ended the seventeenth he gave unto them according to year of the reign of the judges over his own record. the people of Nephi. The commandments of Alma to his 13 And the people of Ammon de- son Helaman. parted out of the land of Jershon, Comprising chapters 36 and 37. and came over into the land of Me- lek, and gave place in the land of Chapter 36 Jershon for the armies of the Neph- Alma testifies to Helaman of his conver- ites, that they might contend with sion after seeing an angel—He suffered the armies of the Lamanites and the the pains of a damned soul; he called upon armies of the Zoramites; and thus the name of Jesus, and was then born of commenced a war betwixt the La- God—Sweet joy filled his soul—He saw manites and the Nephites, in the concourses of angels praising God—Many eighteenth year of the reign of converts have tasted and seen as he has the judges; and an a account shall tasted and seen. About 74 b.c. be given of their wars hereafter. My a son, give ear to my words; for I swear unto you, that inasmuch as 14 And Alma, and Ammon, and ye shall keep the commandments their brethren, and also the a two of God ye shall prosper in the land. sons of Alma returned to the land of Zarahemla, after having been 2 I would that ye should do as instruments in the hands of God I have done, in remembering the of bringing b many of the c Zoram- captivity of our fathers; for they ites to repentance; and as many as were in a bondage, and none could were brought to repentance were driven out of their land; but they have lands for their inheritance in the land of Jershon, and they have taken up arms to defend themselves, 9 a Mosiah 4:26; 13 a Alma 43:3. 3 61 16 aa tg Stewardship. D&C 42:43. 14 a Alma 31:7. Hel. 5:13 (1–13); tg Nourish; b Alma 35:6. Moses 6:58. Welfare. c Alma 30:59. 2 a Mosiah 23:23; 15 a Alma 31:1. 24:17 (17–21). 10 a Alma 47:1; b tg Prophets, tg Israel, Bondage of, Hel. 1:17. in Egypt. Rejection of. b tg Anger; War.
Alma 36 : 3–17 298 b deliver them except it was the the earth; and it was for the space c God of Abraham, and the God of of a three days and three nights Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and that I could not open my mouth, he surely did deliver them in their neither had I the use of my limbs. afflictions. 11 And the angel spake more 3 And now, O my son Helaman, things unto me, which were heard behold, thou art in thy youth, and by my brethren, but I did a not hear therefore, I beseech of thee that them; for when I heard the words— thou wilt hear my words and learn If thou wilt be destroyed of thyself, of me; for I do know that whosoever seek no more to destroy the church shall put their a trust in God shall be of God—I was struck with such great supported in their b trials, and their fear and amazement lest perhaps I troubles, and their afflictions, and should be destroyed, that I fell to shall be c lifted up at the last day. the earth and I did hear no more. 4 And I would not that ye think 12 But I was racked with a eternal that I a know of myself—not of the b torment, for my soul was c harrowed temporal but of the spiritual, not of up to the greatest degree and racked the b carnal mind but of God. with all my sins. 5 Now, behold, I say unto you, if I 13 Yea, I did remember all my sins had not been a born of God I should and iniquities, for which I was a tor- b not have known these things; but mented with the b pains of hell; yea, God has, by the mouth of his holy I saw that I had c rebelled against c angel, made these things known my God, and that I had not kept his unto me, not of any d worthiness holy commandments. of myself; 14 Yea, and I had a murdered many 6 For I went about with the sons of his children, or rather led them of Mosiah, seeking to a destroy the away unto destruction; yea, and in church of God; but behold, God sent fine so great had been my iniqui- his holy angel to stop us by the way. ties, that the very thought of com- ing into the presence of my God 7 And behold, he spake unto us, did rack my soul with inexpressible as it were the voice of thunder, horror. and the whole earth did a tremble beneath our feet; and we all fell to 15 Oh, thought I, that I a could be the earth, for the b fear of the Lord banished and become extinct both came upon us. soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of 8 But behold, the voice said unto my God, to be judged of my b deeds. me: Arise. And I arose and stood up, and beheld the angel. 16 And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even 9 And he said unto me: If thou with the a pains of a b damned soul. wilt of thyself be destroyed, seek no more to destroy the church of God. 17 And it came to pass that as I was thus a racked with torment, while I 10 And it came to pass that I fell to 2 b Deut. 26:8. d tg Worthiness. Sorrow. c Ex. 3:6; 6 a Mosiah 27:10; 28:4 (3–4). 13 a tg Guilt. 7 a Isa. 6:4; b Moses 1:20. Alma 29:11. c tg Disobedience. 3 a tg Trust in God. Mosiah 27:18. 14 a Matt. 10:28. b Rom. 8:28. b Prov. 2:5. 15 a Rev. 6:16 (15–17); c Mosiah 23:22 (21–22). 4 a 1 Cor. 2:11; tg Fear of God. Alma 12:14. 10 a Mosiah 27:23 (19–23); b Isa. 59:18; Alma 5:45 (45–46). tg Knowledge. Alma 38:8. Alma 41:3 (2–5); 42:27; b tg Carnal Mind. 11 a Dan. 10:7; D&C 1:10 (9–10). 5 a tg Man, New, Spiritually 16 a tg Pain. Reborn. Acts 9:7 (3–7). b tg Damnation. b Alma 26:21 (21–22). 12 a D&C 19:11 (11–15). 17 a Ps. 119:67. c Mosiah 27:11 (11–18). b tg Despair. c tg Poor in Spirit; Repent;
299 Alma 36 : 18–28 was b harrowed up by the c memory unto the people that I had been of my many sins, behold, I d remem- b born of God. bered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concern- 24 Yea, and from that time even ing the coming of one Jesus Christ, until now, I have labored without a Son of God, to atone for the sins ceasing, that I might bring souls of the world. unto a repentance; that I might bring them to b taste of the exceeding joy 18 Now, as my mind caught hold of which I did taste; that they might upon this thought, I cried within also be c born of God, and be d filled my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, with the Holy Ghost. a have mercy on me, who am b in the c gall of bitterness, and am encircled 25 Yea, and now behold, O my about by the everlasting d chains of son, the Lord doth a give me exceed- e death. ingly great joy in the fruit of my b labors; 19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my a pains 26 For because of the a word which b no more; yea, I was harrowed up he has imparted unto me, behold, by the memory of my sins no more. many have been born of God, and have b tasted as I have tasted, and have 20 And oh, what a joy, and what seen eye to eye as I have seen; there- marvelous light I did behold; yea, fore they do know of these things of my soul was filled with joy as ex- which I have spoken, as I do know; ceeding as was my pain! and the knowledge which I have is of God. 21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite 27 And I have been supported un- and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, der trials and troubles of every kind, and again I say unto you, my son, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; that on the other hand, there can yea, God has a delivered me from be nothing so exquisite and sweet prison, and from bonds, and from as was my joy. death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still b deliver me. 22 Yea, methought I saw, even as our father a Lehi saw, God sitting 28 And I know that he will a raise upon his throne, surrounded with me up at the last day, to dwell with numberless concourses of angels, in him in b glory; yea, and I will c praise the attitude of singing and b prais- him forever, for he has d brought ing their God; yea, and my soul did our fathers out of Egypt, and he long to be there. has swallowed up the e Egyptians in the Red Sea; and he led them by his 23 But behold, my limbs did receive power into the promised land; yea, their a strength again, and I stood and he has delivered them out of upon my feet, and did manifest 17 b 2 Cor. 7:10 (8–11). 20 a Moses 5:11. Mission of. c Alma 11:43; tg Forgive; Joy. 25 a tg Reward. b tg Work, Value of. D&C 18:44. 22 a 1 Ne. 1:8. 26 a Prov. 10:11; d 1 Ne. 10:17 (17–19); tg God, Manifesta- tions of. Jacob 2:8; Enos 1:3. Alma 31:5; 18 a Matt. 15:22. b Isa. 6:3 (1–4). D&C 108:7. b ie in extreme remorse. 23 a Moses 1:10. b 1 Pet. 2:3 (1–3). c Jonah 2:2; b Alma 22:15; 38:6. 27 a Alma 14:28 (26–29). b Ps. 34:17. Acts 8:23. tg Conversion. 28 a Alma 26:7; d Prov. 5:22; 24 a Alma 19:29. 3 Ne. 15:1. b Ps. 34:8; b tg Exaltation. 2 Ne. 9:45; 28:22; c Ezra 3:11 (11–13); Alma 12:11 (10–11); 1 Ne. 8:12; 2 Ne. 9:49. Moses 7:26. Mosiah 4:11. d Mosiah 12:34; e tg Death, Spiritual, c tg Holy Ghost, D&C 103:16. First. Baptism of. e Ex. 14:27 (26–27). 19 a tg Peace of God. d 2 Ne. 32:2 (2, 5); b Jer. 31:34; 3 Ne. 9:20. D&C 19:16. tg Holy Ghost,
Alma 36 : 29–37 : 8 300 bondage and captivity from time sacred which I have kept, even as I to time. have kept them; for it is for a b wise purpose that they are kept. 29 Yea, and he has also brought our fathers out of the land of Jeru- 3 And these a plates of brass, which salem; and he has also, by his ever- contain these engravings, which lasting power, delivered them out of have the records of the holy scrip- a bondage and captivity, from time tures upon them, which have the to time even down to the present b genealogy of our forefathers, even day; and I have always retained in from the beginning— remembrance their captivity; yea, and ye also ought to retain in re- 4 Behold, it has been prophesied membrance, as I have done, their by our fathers, that they should be captivity. kept and a handed down from one generation to another, and be kept 30 But behold, my son, this is not and preserved by the hand of the all; for ye ought to know as I do Lord until they should go forth unto know, that a inasmuch as ye shall every nation, kindred, tongue, and keep the commandments of God ye people, that they shall know of the shall b prosper in the land; and ye b mysteries contained thereon. ought to know also, that inasmuch as ye will not keep the command- 5 And now behold, if they are ments of God ye shall be cut off from kept they must retain their bright- his presence. Now this is according ness; yea, and they will retain their to his word. brightness; yea, and also shall all the plates which do contain that Chapter 37 which is holy writ. The plates of brass and other scriptures are preserved to bring souls to salva- 6 Now ye may suppose that this is tion—The Jaredites were destroyed a foolishness in me; but behold I say because of their wickedness—Their unto you, that by b small and sim- secret oaths and covenants must be ple things are great things brought kept from the people—Counsel with to pass; and small means in many the Lord in all your doings—As the instances doth confound the wise. Liahona guided the Nephites, so the word of Christ leads men to eternal life. 7 And the Lord God doth work About 74 b.c. by a means to bring about his great And now, my son Helaman, I com- and eternal purposes; and by very mand you that ye take the a records b small means the Lord doth c con- which have been b entrusted with me; found the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls. 2 And I also command you that ye keep a a record of this people, accord- 8 And now, it has hitherto been ing as I have done, upon the plates wisdom in God that these things of Nephi, and keep all these things should be preserved; for behold, a they have b enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the c knowledge of 29 a Mosiah 24:17; Alma 37:12. D&C 64:33; 123:16. 25:10; 27:16; tg Restoration of the 7 a Isa. 55:8 (8–9); Alma 5:5 (5–6); Gospel. 29:12 (11–12). Alma 24:27. 30 a 2 Ne. 1:20. 3 a Mosiah 28:20; b 2 Kgs. 5:13; b Mosiah 1:7; Alma 63:12 (1, 11–14). Alma 37:13; 50:20. Alma 37:41. 37 1 a Alma 45:2 (2–8); b 1 Ne. 5:14. c 1 Cor. 1:27; 50:38; 63:1. 4 a 1 Ne. 5:19 (16–19); b Mosiah 28:20. D&C 133:58 (58–59). 2 a tg Record Keeping. Alma 63:13; 8 a Mosiah 2:34; b Enos 1:13 (13–18); Hel. 3:16. W of M 1:7 (6–11); b tg Mysteries of Alma 33:2. Godliness. b Mosiah 1:3 (3–5). 6 a 1 Cor. 2:14. c tg Education; b 1 Ne. 16:29; Scriptures, Value of.
301 Alma 37 : 9–21 their God unto the salvation of may show forth his power unto fu- their souls. ture generations. 9 Yea, I say unto you, a were it not 15 And now behold, I tell you by for these things that these records do the spirit of prophecy, that if ye contain, which are on these plates, transgress the commandments of Ammon and his brethren could not God, behold, these things which have b convinced so many thousands are sacred shall be taken away from of the Lamanites of the incorrect you by the power of God, and ye tradition of their fathers; yea, these shall be delivered up unto Satan, records and their c words brought that he may sift you as chaff before them unto repentance; that is, they the wind. brought them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice 16 But if ye keep the command- in Jesus Christ their Redeemer. ments of God, and do with these things which are sacred according 10 And who knoweth but what to that which the Lord doth com- they will be the a means of bringing mand you, (for you must appeal many thousands of them, yea, and unto the Lord for all things whatso- also many thousands of our b stiff- ever ye must do with them) behold, necked brethren, the Nephites, who no power of earth or hell can a take are now hardening their hearts in them from you, for God is powerful sin and iniquities, to the knowledge to the fulfilling of all his words. of their Redeemer? 17 For he will fulfil all his a prom- 11 Now these mysteries are not yet ises which he shall make unto you, fully made known unto me; there- for he has fulfilled his promises fore I shall forbear. which he has made unto our fathers. 12 And it may suffice if I only 18 For he promised unto them that say they are preserved for a a wise he would a preserve these things purpose, which purpose is known for a wise purpose in him, that he unto God; for he doth b counsel in might show forth his power unto wisdom over all his works, and his future generations. paths are straight, and his course is c one eternal round. 19 And now behold, one purpose hath he fulfilled, even to the res- 13 O remember, remember, my son toration of a many thousands of the Helaman, how a strict are the com- Lamanites to the knowledge of mandments of God. And he said: b If the truth; and he hath shown forth ye will keep my commandments ye his power in them, and he will also shall c prosper in the land—but if still show forth his power in them ye keep not his commandments ye unto b future generations; therefore shall be cut off from his presence. they shall be preserved. 14 And now remember, my son, 20 Therefore I command you, my that God has a entrusted you with son Helaman, that ye be diligent in these things, which are b sacred, fulfilling all my words, and that ye which he has kept sacred, and also be diligent in keeping the command- which he will keep and c preserve ments of God as they are written. for a d wise purpose in him, that he 21 And now, I will speak unto 9 a Mosiah 1:5. Alma 7:20. Preservation of. b Alma 18:36; 22:12. 13 a Luke 13:24 (22–30). d 1 Ne. 9:5 (3–6). c tg Gospel. b Alma 9:13 (13–14); 16 a JS—H 1:59. 10 a 2 Ne. 3:15. 17 a 2 Kgs. 10:10. b tg Stiffnecked. 3 Ne. 5:22. 12 a Alma 37:2. c Ps. 122:6; tg Promise. b Prov. 15:22; 18 a D&C 5:9. Mosiah 1:7; 19 a Alma 23:5 (5–13). 2 Ne. 9:28; Alma 36:30; 50:20. b 2 Ne. 3:15; Jacob 4:10. 14 a D&C 3:5. c 1 Ne. 10:19; b tg Sacred. Enos 1:13 (12–18); c tg Scriptures, Morm. 7:9 (8–10).
Alma 37 : 22–31 302 you concerning those a twenty-four yea, their a secret abominations have plates, that ye keep them, that the been brought out of darkness and b mysteries and the works of dark- made known unto us. ness, and their secret works, or the secret works of those people who 27 And now, my son, I command have been destroyed, may be made you that ye retain all their oaths, c manifest unto this people; yea, all and their covenants, and their agree- their murders, and robbings, and ments in their secret abominations; their plunderings, and all their yea, and all their a signs and their wickedness and abominations, may wonders ye shall b keep from this be made manifest unto this people; people, that they know them not, yea, and that ye preserve these d in- lest peradventure they should fall terpreters. into darkness also and be destroyed. 22 For behold, the Lord saw that 28 For behold, there is a a curse his people began to work in dark- upon all this land, that destruction ness, yea, work secret murders and shall come upon all those workers abominations; therefore the Lord of darkness, according to the power said, if they did not repent they of God, when they are fully ripe; should be destroyed from off the therefore I desire that this people face of the earth. might not be destroyed. 23 And the Lord said: I will prepare 29 Therefore ye shall keep these unto my servant Gazelem, a a stone, secret plans of their a oaths and which shall shine forth in darkness their covenants from this people, unto light, that I may b discover unto and only their wickedness and my people who serve me, that I their murders and their abomina- may discover unto them the works tions shall ye make known unto of their brethren, yea, their secret them; and ye shall teach them to works, their works of darkness, and b abhor such wickedness and abomi their wickedness and abominations. nations and murders; and ye shall also teach them that these people 24 And now, my son, these a inter- were destroyed on account of their preters were prepared that the word wickedness and abominations and of God might be fulfilled, which he their murders. spake, saying: 30 For behold, they a murdered all 25 I will a bring forth out of dark- the prophets of the Lord who came ness unto light all their secret works among them to declare unto them and their abominations; and except concerning their iniquities; and they repent I will b destroy them from the blood of those whom they mur- off the face of the earth; and I will dered did cry unto the Lord their bring to light all their secrets and God for vengeance upon those who abominations, unto every nation were their murderers; and thus the that shall hereafter possess the land. judgments of God did come upon these workers of darkness and se- 26 And now, my son, we see that cret b combinations. they did not repent; therefore they have been destroyed, and thus far 31 Yea, and a cursed be the land for- the word of God has been fulfilled; ever and ever unto those workers of 21 a Mosiah 8:9; 21:27; 28:11; 25 a Ps. 64:5 (4–6); b Deut. 32:19; Ether 1:2 (1–5); 15:33. D&C 88:108 (108–9). Alma 13:12. tg Hate. b tg Secret Combinations. b Mosiah 21:26. c Prov. 26:26; 26 a 2 Ne. 10:15. 30 a tg Prophets, 27 a Hel. 6:22. Rejection of. Alma 14:3 (2–3). d tg Urim and Thummim. tg Signs. b tg Secret Combinations. 23 a Mosiah 8:13. b Alma 63:12. 31 a Alma 45:16. b ie reveal, make known. 28 a Ether 2:8 (7–12). 24 a tg Urim and Thummim. 29 a Hel. 6:25. tg Earth, Curse of.
303 Alma 37 : 32–43 darkness and secret combinations, 38 And now, my son, I have even unto destruction, except they somewhat to say concerning the repent before they are fully b ripe. thing which our fathers call a ball, or director—or our fathers called 32 And now, my son, remember it a Liahona, which is, being inter- the words which I have spoken unto preted, a compass; and the Lord you; trust not those secret plans prepared it. unto this people, but teach them an everlasting a hatred against sin 39 And behold, there cannot any and iniquity. man work after the manner of so curious a workmanship. And be- 33 a Preach unto them repentance, hold, it was prepared to show unto and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; our fathers the course which they teach them to humble themselves should travel in the wilderness. and to be b meek and lowly in heart; teach them to c withstand every 40 And it did work for them d temptation of the devil, with their according to their a faith in God; faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. therefore, if they had faith to be- lieve that God could cause that 34 Teach them to never be weary those spindles should point the of good works, but to be meek and way they should go, behold, it was lowly in heart; for such shall find done; therefore they had this mira a rest to their souls. cle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day 35 O, remember, my son, and a learn by day. b wisdom in thy c youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the command- 41 Nevertheless, because those ments of God. miracles were worked by a small means it did show unto them mar- 36 Yea, and a cry unto God for all velous works. They were b slothful, thy support; yea, let all thy b do- and forgot to exercise their faith ings be unto the Lord, and whith- and diligence and then those mar- ersoever thou goest let it be in the velous works ceased, and they did Lord; yea, let all thy c thoughts be not progress in their journey; directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed 42 Therefore, they tarried in the upon the Lord forever. wilderness, or did a not travel a di- rect course, and were afflicted with 37 a Counsel with the Lord in all hunger and thirst, because of their thy doings, and he will direct thee transgressions. for b good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, 43 And now, my son, I would that that he may watch over you in your ye should understand that these sleep; and when thou risest in the things are not without a a shadow; c morning let thy heart be full of for as our fathers were slothful to thanks unto God; and if ye do these give heed to this compass (now things, ye shall be lifted up at the these things were temporal) they last day. 31 b Gen. 15:16; c Eccl. 12:1; c 1 Chr. 16:8 (7–36); Hel. 13:14; Lam. 3:27. Ps. 5:3; Ether 6:9; D&C 61:31; 101:11. D&C 46:32. 36 a tg Prayer. 32 a 2 Ne. 4:31; b Ps. 37:5 (4–7). 38 a 1 Ne. 16:10 (10, 16, 26); Alma 43:7. c D&C 6:36. 18:12 (12, 21); 2 Ne. 5:12; 33 a tg Mission of Early tg Motivations. D&C 17:1. Saints; Preaching. 37 a Josh. 9:14; 40 a 1 Ne. 16:28. b tg Meek. Ps. 34:4 (4, 6, 10); 41 a 1 Ne. 16:29; c tg Perseverance; Prov. 3:5 (5–6); Lam. 3:25; Alma 37:7 (6–8). Self-Mastery. Heb. 11:6; b tg Apathy; Laziness. d tg Temptation. Jacob 4:10; 42 a 1 Ne. 16:28. 34 a Matt. 11:29 (28–30). D&C 3:4. 43 a Col. 2:17; Heb. 8:5; 35 a tg Education; Learn. b tg Abundant Life. b tg Wisdom. Mosiah 3:15.
Alma 37 : 44–38 : 6 304 did not prosper; even so it is with is the life and the light of the world— things which are spiritual. Bridle all your passions. About 74 b.c. My a son, give ear to my words, for 44 For behold, it is as easy to give I say unto you, even as I said unto heed to the a word of Christ, which Helaman, that b inasmuch as ye shall will point to you a straight course to keep the commandments of God eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers ye shall prosper in the land; and to give heed to this compass, which inasmuch as ye will not keep the would point unto them a straight commandments of God ye shall be course to the promised land. c cut off from his d presence. 45 And now I say, is there not 2 And now, my son, I trust that I a a type in this thing? For just as shall have great joy in you, because surely as this director did bring our of your a steadiness and your faith- fathers, by following its course, to fulness unto God; for as you have the promised land, shall the words commenced in your youth to look of Christ, if we follow their course, to the Lord your God, even so I hope carry us beyond this vale of sorrow that you will continue in keeping into a far better land of promise. his commandments; for blessed is he that b endureth to the end. 46 O my son, do not let us be a slothful because of the b easiness 3 I say unto you, my son, that I of the c way; for so was it with our have had great joy in thee already, fathers; for so was it prepared for because of thy faithfulness and thy them, that if they would d look they diligence, and thy patience and might e live; even so it is with us. thy long-suffering among the peo- The way is prepared, and if we will ple of the a Zoramites. look we may live forever. 4 For I know that thou wast in 47 And now, my son, see that ye bonds; yea, and I also know that take a care of these sacred things, thou wast stoned for the word’s sake; yea, see that ye b look to God and and thou didst bear all these things live. Go unto this people and de- with a patience because the Lord was clare the word, and be sober. My b with thee; and now thou knowest son, farewell. that the Lord did deliver thee. The commandments of Alma to his 5 And now my son, Shiblon, I son Shiblon. would that ye should remember, that Comprising chapter 38. as much as ye shall put your a trust in God even so much ye shall be b de- Chapter 38 livered out of your trials, and your Shiblon was persecuted for righteous- c troubles, and your afflictions, and ness’ sake—Salvation is in Christ, who ye shall be lifted up at the last day. 6 Now, my son, I would not that ye should think that I know these 44 a Ps. 119:105. 47 a tg Scriptures, Alma 32:13 (13–15); 45 a tg Jesus Christ, Types Preservation of. 3 Ne. 15:9; 27:6 (6–17); b Amos 5:6; D&C 20:29; 53:7. of, in Anticipation. Ether 12:41. 46 a Luke 6:46 (46–49); 38 1 a Alma 31:7; 63:1. 3 a Alma 31:7; 39:2. b Alma 36:30. 4 a tg Patience. 1 Ne. 17:41 (40–41). c 1 Ne. 2:21; b Ex. 3:12; b Matt. 11:30. 2 Ne. 5:20 (20–24); c Ex. 33:13 (12–13); Alma 9:14 (13–15). 1 Ne. 17:55; d tg God, Presence of. Mosiah 24:17. 2 Ne. 9:41; 31:21 (17–21); 2 a tg Commitment. 5 a Ps. 50:15; D&C 132:22 (22, 25). b Matt. 10:22; D&C 100:17. d Alma 25:16; Mark 13:13; b Matt. 11:28 (28–30). 33:22 (19–23). 2 Ne. 31:16 (15–20); c Ps. 81:7; e John 11:25; Alma 9:17; Hel. 8:15; D&C 3:8. 3 Ne. 15:9.
305 Alma 38 : 7–39 : 2 things of myself, but it is the Spirit 13 Do not a pray as the Zoramites of God which is in me which mak do, for ye have seen that they pray to eth these things known unto me; be heard of men, and to be praised for if I had not been a born of God I for their wisdom. should not have known these things. 14 Do not say: O God, I thank thee 7 But behold, the Lord in his great that we are a better than our breth- mercy sent his a angel to declare ren; but rather say: O Lord, forgive unto me that I must stop the work my b unworthiness, and remember of b destruction among his people; my brethren in mercy—yea, ac- yea, and I have seen an angel face knowledge your unworthiness be- to face, and he spake with me, and fore God at all times. his voice was as thunder, and it shook the whole earth. 15 And may the Lord bless your soul, and receive you at the last day 8 And it came to pass that I was into his kingdom, to sit down in a three days and three nights in peace. Now go, my son, and teach the most bitter b pain and c anguish the word unto this people. Be a so- of soul; and never, until I did cry ber. My son, farewell. out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a d remission of The commandments of Alma to his my sins. But behold, I did cry unto son Corianton. him and I did find peace to my soul. Comprising chapters 39 through 42. 9 And now, my son, I have told Chapter 39 you this that ye may learn wis- Sexual sin is an abomination—Cori- dom, that ye may learn of me that anton’s sins kept the Zoramites from there is a no other way or means receiving the word—Christ’s redemption whereby man can be saved, only in is retroactive in saving the faithful who and through Christ. Behold, he is preceded it. About 74 b.c. the life and the b light of the world. And now, my a son, I have somewhat Behold, he is the word of truth and more to say unto thee than what I c righteousness. said unto thy brother; for behold, have ye not observed the steadiness 10 And now, as ye have begun to of thy brother, his faithfulness, and teach the word even so I would that his diligence in keeping the com- ye should continue to teach; and I mandments of God? Behold, has he would that ye would be diligent not set a good b example for thee? and a temperate in all things. 2 For thou didst not give so much 11 See that ye are not lifted up heed unto my words as did thy unto pride; yea, see that ye do not brother, among the people of the a boast in your own wisdom, nor of a Zoramites. Now this is what I have your much strength. against thee; thou didst go on unto 12 Use a boldness, but not overbear- ance; and also see that ye b bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness. 6 a Alma 36:23 (23, 26); 8 a Alma 36:10 (10, 16). Magnifying Callings D&C 5:16. b tg Pain. within; tg Holy Ghost, c tg Sorrow. Self-Mastery. Baptism of; d tg Remission of Sins. Man, Natural, Not 9 a Alma 21:9. 13 a tg Hypocrisy. Spiritually Reborn; b tg Jesus Christ, Light of 14 a Alma 31:16. Man, New, Spiritually b Luke 18:13 (10–14). Reborn. the World. c Ether 4:12. tg Ingratitude; 7 a Mosiah 27:11 (11–17). 10 a tg Temperance. Poor in Spirit. b Mosiah 28:4 (3–4); 11 a tg Boast; Pride. 15 a 1 Pet. 5:8. 12 a Alma 18:24. Alma 26:18 (17–18); b tg Priesthood, 39 1 a Alma 31:7. 36:6 (6–11). b tg Example. 2 a Alma 38:3.
Alma 39 : 3–14 306 boasting in thy strength and thy should repent and forsake your sins, wisdom. and go no more after the a lusts of your eyes, but b cross yourself in all 3 And this is not all, my son. Thou these things; for except ye do this ye didst do that which was grievous can in nowise inherit the kingdom unto me; for thou didst forsake the of God. Oh, remember, and take it ministry, and did go over into the upon you, and c cross yourself in land of Siron among the borders these things. of the Lamanites, after the a harlot Isabel. 10 And I command you to take it upon you to counsel with your elder 4 Yea, she did a steal away the brothers in your undertakings; for hearts of many; but this was no ex- behold, thou art in thy youth, and cuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst ye stand in need to be nourished have tended to the ministry where- by your brothers. And give heed to with thou wast entrusted. their counsel. 5 Know ye not, my son, that these 11 Suffer not yourself to be led things are an abomination in the away by any vain or foolish thing; sight of the Lord; yea, most a abomi suffer not the devil to lead away nable above all sins save it be the your heart again after those wicked shedding of innocent b blood or de- harlots. Behold, O my son, how nying the Holy Ghost? great a iniquity ye brought upon the b Zoramites; for when they saw your 6 For behold, if ye a deny the Holy c conduct they would not believe in Ghost when it once has had place my words. in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is 12 And now the Spirit of the Lord b unpardonable; yea, and whosoever doth say unto me: a Command thy murdereth against the light and children to do good, lest they b lead knowledge of God, it is not easy for away the hearts of many people to him to obtain c forgiveness; yea, I destruction; therefore I command say unto you, my son, that it is not you, my son, in the fear of God, that easy for him to obtain a forgiveness. ye c refrain from your iniquities; 7 And now, my son, I would to God 13 That ye turn to the Lord with that ye had not been a guilty of so all your mind, might, and strength; great a crime. I would not dwell that ye lead away the hearts of no upon your crimes, to harrow up more to do wickedly; but rather re- your soul, if it were not for your turn unto them, and a acknowledge good. your faults and that wrong which ye have done. 8 But behold, ye cannot a hide your crimes from God; and except ye re- 14 a Seek not after riches nor the pent they will stand as a testimony vain things of this world; for behold, against you at the last day. you cannot carry them with you. 9 Now my son, I would that ye 3 a 1 Sam. 2:22 (22–25); D&C 64:10. 1 Cor. 9:14 (13–14); Prov. 5:3. tg Forgive. 1 Ne. 21:6; tg Sensuality. 7 a tg Guilt. Alma 4:11; 8 a tg God, Omniscience of. D&C 103:9 (8–9). 4 a Prov. 7:18 (6–27). 9 a Prov. 5:8. tg Example. 5 a tg Adulterer; tg Carnal Mind; 12 a tg Commandments of Chastity; Covet; Lust. God; Teaching. Fornication; b tg Self-Mastery. b tg Peer Influence. Sexual Immorality. c 3 Ne. 12:30. c tg Abstain. b tg Life, Sanctity of. 11 a 1 Sam. 2:24 (22–25). 13 a Mosiah 27:35. 6 a Moro. 8:28; b Alma 35:14 (2–14); 14 a Matt. 6:33 (25–34); D&C 76:35. 43:4 (4–6, 13). Jacob 2:18 (18–19); tg Holy Ghost, Loss of. c 2 Sam. 12:14; D&C 6:7 (6–7); b tg Holy Ghost, Ezek. 5:5; 68:31 (31–32). Unpardonable Sin Rom. 2:21 (21–23); 14:13; tg Treasure. against. c Rom. 9:18;
307 Alma 39 : 15–40 : 8 15 And now, my son, I would say that thy mind is worried concern- somewhat unto you concerning the ing the resurrection of the dead. a coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall 2 Behold, I say unto you, that there come to take away the sins of the is no resurrection—or, I would say, world; yea, he cometh to declare glad in other words, that this mortal tidings of salvation unto his people. does not put on a immortality, this corruption does not b put on incor- 16 And now, my son, this was the ruption—c until after the coming of ministry unto which ye were called, Christ. to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds; 3 Behold, he bringeth to pass the or rather that salvation might come a resurrection of the dead. But be- unto them, that they may prepare hold, my son, the resurrection is not the minds of their a children to yet. Now, I unfold unto you a mys- hear the word at the time of his tery; nevertheless, there are many coming. b mysteries which are c kept, that no one knoweth them save God him- 17 And now I will ease your mind self. But I show unto you one thing somewhat on this subject. Behold, which I have inquired diligently you marvel why these things should of God that I might know—that is be known so long beforehand. Be- concerning the resurrection. hold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God 4 Behold, there is a time appointed as a soul will be at the time of his that all shall a come forth from the coming? dead. Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God knoweth the 18 Is it not as necessary that the time which is appointed. plan of redemption should be a made known unto this people as well as 5 Now, whether there shall be one unto their children? time, or a a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth 19 Is it not as easy at this time for from the dead, it mattereth not; the Lord to a send his angel to de- for God b knoweth all these things; clare these glad tidings unto us as and it sufficeth me to know that unto our children, or as after the this is the case—that there is a time time of his coming? appointed that all shall rise from the dead. Chapter 40 Christ brings to pass the resurrection 6 Now there must needs be a space of all men—The righteous dead go to betwixt the time of death and the paradise and the wicked to outer dark- time of the resurrection. ness to await the day of their resur- rection—All things will be restored to 7 And now I would inquire what their proper and perfect frame in the becometh of the a souls of men b from Resurrection. About 74 b.c. this time of death to the time ap- Now my son, here is somewhat more pointed for the resurrection? I would say unto thee; for I perceive 8 Now whether there is more than one a time appointed for men to rise it mattereth not; for all do not die at once, and this mattereth not; all is 15 a tg Jesus Christ, b 1 Cor. 15:53 (42–54). D&C 43:18; 76:85. Mission of. c 1 Cor. 15:20 (20–23). b tg God, Omniscience of. 16 a tg Family, Children, 3 a tg Resurrection. 7 a Alma 40:21; Responsibilities b tg Mysteries of toward. D&C 138. 18 a Jacob 4:4 (4–6). Godliness. tg Soul. 401 29 aa Mosiah 3:2 (2–3). c D&C 25:4; 121:26; 124:41. b tg Spirits, Disembodied. Mosiah 16:10 (10–13). 4 a John 5:29 (28–29). 8 a 2 Pet. 3:8. tg Immortality. 5 a 1 Thes. 4:16; tg Time. Mosiah 26:25 (24–25);
Alma 40 : 9–18 308 as one day with God, and time only the spirit of the b devil did enter into is measured unto men. them, and take possession of their house—and these shall be cast out 9 Therefore, there is a time ap- into c outer darkness; there shall be pointed unto men that they shall d weeping, and wailing, and gnashing rise from the dead; and there is a of teeth, and this because of their space between the time of death own iniquity, being led captive by and the resurrection. And now, the will of the devil. concerning this space of time, what becometh of the souls of men is the 14 Now this is the state of the thing which I have inquired dili a souls of the b wicked, yea, in dark- gently of the Lord to know; and ness, and a state of awful, c fearful this is the thing of which I do know. looking for the fiery d indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus 10 And when the time cometh they remain in this e state, as well when all shall rise, then shall they as the righteous in paradise, until know that God a knoweth all the the time of their resurrection. b times which are appointed unto man. 15 Now, there are some that have understood that this state of happi- 11 Now, concerning the a state of ness and this state of misery of the the soul between b death and the soul, before the resurrection, was resurrection—Behold, it has been a first resurrection. Yea, I admit it made known unto me by an angel, may be termed a resurrection, the that the spirits of all men, as soon a raising of the spirit or the soul and as they are departed from this mor- their consignation to happiness tal body, yea, the spirits of all men, or misery, according to the words whether they be good or evil, are which have been spoken. c taken d home to that God who gave them life. 16 And behold, again it hath been spoken, that there is a a first b resur- 12 And then shall it come to pass, rection, a resurrection of all those that the spirits of those who are who have been, or who are, or who righteous are received into a state shall be, down to the resurrection of a happiness, which is called of Christ from the dead. b paradise, a state of rest, a state of c peace, where they shall rest from 17 Now, we do not suppose that all their troubles and from all care, this first resurrection, which is spo- and sorrow. ken of in this manner, can be the resurrection of the souls and their 13 And then shall it come to pass, a consignation to happiness or mis- that the a spirits of the wicked, yea, ery. Ye cannot suppose that this is who are evil—for behold, they have what it meaneth. no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil 18 Behold, I say unto you, Nay; works rather than good; therefore but it meaneth the a reuniting of the 10 a tg God, Foreknowl- Luke 16:22; 14 a tg Spirits in Prison. edge of. D&C 138:15. b D&C 138:20. tg Happiness. c Jacob 6:13; b Acts 17:26. b tg Paradise. 11 a John 20:17. c 2 Kgs. 22:20; Moses 7:1. b Job 14:10; Alma 7:27; d tg God, Indignation of. D&C 45:46. e Alma 34:34. Luke 16:22 (22–26); tg Peace of God. 15 a Alma 40:11. 1 Ne. 15:31 (31–36); 13 a tg Spirits in Prison. 16 a Jacob 4:11; Alma 11:45; b tg Bondage, Spiritual. D&C 76:73 (71–74). c tg Damnation; Mosiah 15:21 (21–23); c Alma 40:15. Darkness, Spiritual; 18:9. d Eccl. 12:7; Hell. b tg Jesus Christ, 2 Ne. 9:38; d Matt. 8:12; Resurrection. Alma 24:16; Mosiah 16:2. 17 a D&C 76:17 (17, 32, 50). Hel. 8:23. tg Judgment, the Last. 12 a Isa. 51:11; 18 a Matt. 27:52.
309 Alma 40 : 19–41 : 2 soul with the body, of those from 24 And now, my son, this is the res- the days of Adam down to the res- toration of which has been a spoken urrection of Christ. by the mouths of the prophets— 19 Now, whether the souls and the 25 And then shall the a righteous bodies of those of whom has been shine forth in the kingdom of God. spoken shall all be reunited at once, the wicked as well as the righteous, 26 But behold, an awful a death I do not say; let it suffice, that I say cometh upon the wicked; for they that they all come forth; or in other die as to things pertaining to things words, their resurrection cometh of righteousness; for they are un- to pass a before the resurrection of clean, and b no unclean thing can those who die after the resurrec- inherit the kingdom of God; but tion of Christ. they are cast out, and consigned to partake of the fruits of their labors 20 Now, my son, I do not say that or their works, which have been their resurrection cometh at the res- evil; and they drink the dregs of a urrection of Christ; but behold, I give bitter c cup. it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are reunited, of the righ- Chapter 41 teous, at the resurrection of Christ, In the Resurrection men come forth to and his a ascension into heaven. a state of endless happiness or endless misery—Wickedness never was happi- 21 But whether it be at his resur- ness—Carnal men are without God in rection or after, I do not say; but this the world—Every person receives again much I say, that there is a a space in the Restoration the characteristics between death and the resurrection and attributes acquired in mortality. of the body, and a state of the soul About 74 b.c. in b happiness or in c misery until And now, my son, I have somewhat the time which is appointed of God to say concerning the restoration of that the dead shall come forth, and which has been spoken; for behold, be reunited, both soul and body, some have a wrested the scriptures, and be d brought to stand before and have gone far b astray because God, and be judged according to of this thing. And I perceive that their works. thy mind has been c worried also concerning this thing. But behold, 22 Yea, this bringeth about the I will explain it unto thee. restoration of those things of which has been spoken by the mouths of 2 I say unto thee, my son, that the the prophets. plan of restoration is requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite 23 The a soul shall be b restored to that all things should be restored the c body, and the body to the soul; to their proper order. Behold, it is yea, and every limb and joint shall requisite and just, according to the be restored to its body; yea, even a power and resurrection of Christ, d hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and e perfect frame. 19 a Mosiah 15:26. d Luke 21:18; D&C 29:41. 20 a tg Jesus Christ, Alma 41:2; tg Hell. D&C 29:25. b Eph. 5:5; Ascension of. Alma 11:37. 21 a Luke 23:43 (39–43). e Philip. 3:21. tg Uncleanness. b tg Paradise. tg Perfection. 4 1 1 ac Ps. 75:8. c tg Spirits in Prison. 2 Pet. 1:20; 3:16; d Alma 42:23. 24 a Isa. 26:19. Alma 13:20. 23 a Ezek. 37:14 (6–14); tg Resurrection. b tg Apostasy of Individuals. D&C 88:15 (15–17). 25 a Dan. 12:3; c tg Problem-Solving. tg Soul. Matt. 13:43. b 2 Ne. 9:13; Alma 11:45 (40–45). 26 a Ps. 94:3 (1–11); c tg Body, Sanctity of. 1 Cor. 6:9 (9–10); 1 Ne. 15:33; Alma 12:16;
Alma 41 : 3–13 310 that the soul of man should be re- that endless night of darkness; and stored to its body, and that every thus they stand or fall; for behold, a part of the body should be restored they are their own b judges, whether to itself. to do good or do evil. 3 And it is requisite with the a jus- 8 Now, the decrees of God are tice of God that men should be a unalterable; therefore, the way is b judged according to their c works; prepared that b whosoever will may and if their works were good in this c walk therein and be saved. life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at 9 And now behold, my son, do not the last day, be d restored unto that risk a one more offense against your which is good. God upon those points of doctrine, which ye have hitherto risked to 4 And if their works are evil they commit sin. shall be a restored unto them for evil. Therefore, all things shall be b re- 10 Do not suppose, because it has stored to their proper order, every been spoken concerning restoration, thing to its natural frame—c mortality that ye shall be restored from sin to raised to d immortality, e corruption happiness. Behold, I say unto you, to incorruption—raised to f endless a wickedness never was b happiness. happiness to g inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery to in- 11 And now, my son, all men that herit the kingdom of the devil, the are in a state of a nature, or I would one on one hand, the other on the say, in a b carnal state, are in the c gall other— of bitterness and in the d bonds of iniquity; they are e without God in 5 The one raised to a happiness ac- the world, and they have gone f con- cording to his desires of happiness, trary to the nature of God; there- or good according to his desires of fore, they are in a state contrary to good; and the other to evil according the nature of happiness. to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long 12 And now behold, is the meaning even so shall he have his reward of of the word restoration to take a evil when the night cometh. thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place 6 And so it is on the other hand. it in a state opposite to its nature? If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end 13 O, my son, this is not the case; of his days, even so he shall be re- but the meaning of the word resto- warded unto righteousness. ration is to bring back again a evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devil- 7 a These are they that are redeemed ish for devilish—good for that which of the Lord; yea, these are they that is good; righteous for that which is are taken out, that are delivered from righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful. 2 a Alma 40:23. f tg Eternal Life. b Alma 50:21; 3 a tg God, Justice of; g tg Exaltation. Morm. 2:13. 5 a tg Happiness. tg Happiness; Justice. 7 a D&C 76:65. Peace of God. b tg Accountability; b 2 Ne. 2:26; Alma 42:27; 11 a Mosiah 3:19. Judgment, the Last. Hel. 14:30. tg Man, Natural, Not c Isa. 59:18; tg Agency. Spiritually Reborn. 8 a Morm. 9:19. Alma 36:15; 42:27; b Alma 42:27. b tg Carnal Mind; D&C 1:10 (9–10). c tg Walking with God. Fall of Man. d Hel. 14:31. 9 a Prov. 26:11; 4 a Alma 42:28. Matt. 12:45 (43–45); c Acts 8:23; Morm. 8:31. b 2 Ne. 9:13 (10–13); D&C 42:26 (23–28). d tg Bondage, Spiritual. D&C 138:17. 10 a Ps. 32:10; Isa. 57:21; e Eph. 2:12; tg Resurrection. Hel. 13:38. c tg Mortality. tg Evil; Wickedness. Mosiah 27:31. d tg Immortality. f Hel. 13:38. e 1 Cor. 15:50 (50–53). 13 a Dan. 12:10; Rev. 22:12 (6–16).
311 Alma 41 : 14–42 : 8 14 Therefore, my son, see that you parents forth from the garden of are merciful unto your brethren; a Eden, to till the b ground, from deal a justly, b judge righteously, and whence they were taken—yea, he do c good continually; and if ye do drew out the man, and he placed at all these things then shall ye receive the east end of the garden of Eden, your d reward; yea, ye shall have c cherubim, and a flaming sword e mercy restored unto you again; which turned every way, to keep the ye shall have justice restored unto tree of life— you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; 3 Now, we see that the man had and ye shall have good rewarded become as God, knowing good and unto you again. evil; and lest he should put forth his hand, and take also of the tree 15 For that which ye do a send out of life, and eat and live forever, the shall return unto you again, and be Lord God placed a cherubim and the restored; therefore, the word res- flaming sword, that he should not toration more fully condemneth partake of the fruit— the sinner, and justifieth him not at all. 4 And thus we see, that there was a a time granted unto man to repent, Chapter 42 yea, a b probationary time, a time to Mortality is a probationary time to en- repent and serve God. able man to repent and serve God—The Fall brought temporal and spiritual 5 For behold, if Adam had put forth death upon all mankind—Redemption his hand immediately, and a par- comes through repentance—God Himself taken of the b tree of life, he would atones for the sins of the world—Mercy have lived forever, according to the is for those who repent—All others are word of God, having no space for subject to God’s justice—Mercy comes repentance; yea, and also the word because of the Atonement—Only the of God would have been void, and truly penitent are saved. About 74 b.c. the great plan of salvation would And now, my son, I perceive there have been frustrated. is somewhat more which doth worry your mind, which ye cannot 6 But behold, it was appointed understand—which is concerning unto man to a die—therefore, as the a justice of God in the b punish- they were cut off from the tree of ment of the sinner; for ye do try life they should be cut off from to suppose that it is c injustice that the face of the earth—and man be- the sinner should be consigned to came b lost forever, yea, they became a state of misery. c fallen man. 2 Now behold, my son, I will explain 7 And now, ye see by this that this thing unto thee. For behold, our first parents were a cut off both after the Lord God sent our first temporally and spiritually from the b presence of the Lord; and thus we see they became subjects to follow after their own c will. 8 Now behold, it was not expedient 14 a tg Honesty. tg Injustice. 5 a Alma 12:23; Moses 4:28. b Matt. 7:1 (1–5); 2 a tg Eden. b Gen. 2:9; 3:24 (22–24); D&C 11:12. b Jacob 2:21; c tg Benevolence. 1 Ne. 8:10 (10–12); d tg Reward. Mosiah 2:25; Moses 3:9. e tg Mercy. Morm. 9:17. 6 a tg Death. 15 a Prov. 19:17; c Gen. 3:24; b 2 Ne. 9:7; Eccl. 11:1; Alma 12:21; Mosiah 16:4 (4–7); Alma 42:27 (27–28). Moses 4:31. Alma 11:45; 12:36. 42 1 a Mosiah 15:27. 3 a tg Cherubim. c tg Fall of Man. tg God, Justice of. 4 a Jacob 5:27. 7 a 2 Ne. 2:5; 9:6 (6–15); b tg Punish. b Alma 34:32. Hel. 14:16 (15–18). c Rom. 3:5; 2 Ne. 26:7. tg Earth, Purpose of; b tg God, Presence of. Probation. c tg Agency.
Alma 42 : 9–22 312 that man should be reclaimed from the grasp of b justice; yea, the justice this a temporal death, for that would of God, which consigned them for- destroy the great b plan of happiness. ever to be cut off from his presence. 9 Therefore, as the soul could never 15 And now, the plan of mercy die, and the a fall had brought upon could not be brought about except all mankind a spiritual b death as an atonement should be made; well as a temporal, that is, they therefore God himself a atoneth for were cut off from the presence the sins of the world, to bring about of the Lord, it was expedient that the plan of b mercy, to appease the mankind should be reclaimed from demands of c justice, that God might this spiritual death. be a d perfect, just God, and a e mer- ciful God also. 10 Therefore, as they had become a carnal, sensual, and devilish, by 16 Now, repentance could not come b nature, this c probationary state be- unto men except there were a a pun- came a state for them to prepare; it ishment, which also was b eternal as became a preparatory state. the life of the soul should be, af- fixed c opposite to the plan of hap- 11 And now remember, my son, piness, which was as d eternal also if it were not for the plan of re- as the life of the soul. demption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls were 17 Now, how could a man repent a miserable, being cut off from the except he should a sin? How could presence of the Lord. he sin if there was no b law? How could there be a law save there was 12 And now, there was no means a punishment? to reclaim men from this fallen state, which a man had brought 18 Now, there was a punishment upon himself because of his own affixed, and a just law given, which b disobedience; brought remorse of a conscience unto man. 13 Therefore, according to justice, the a plan of b redemption could not 19 Now, if there was no law given— be brought about, only on condi- if a man a murdered he should b die— tions of repentance of men in this would he be afraid he would die if probationary state, yea, this prepar- he should murder? atory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not 20 And also, if there was no law take effect except it should destroy given against sin men would not the work of justice. Now the work be afraid to sin. of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would c cease to be God. 21 And if there was a no law given, if men sinned what could justice 14 And thus we see that all man- do, or mercy either, for they would kind were a fallen, and they were in have no claim upon the creature? 22 But there is a law given, and a 8 a Gen. 3:22 (22–24). b tg Redemption; d tg God, Perfection of. b Alma 12:26 (22–33); Repent. e tg God, Mercy of. 16 a tg Punish. 34:9 (8–16); c 2 Ne. 2:13 (13–14). b D&C 19:11 (10–12). Moses 6:62. 14 a Eph. 2:8 (8–9); c tg Opposition. 9 a tg Fall of Man. d tg Eternity. b Moses 5:4. Alma 22:14 (13–14). 17 a Rom. 7:8 (1–25). tg Death, Spiritual, b Rom. 7:5; First. tg Sin. 10 a tg Carnal Mind. 2 Ne. 2:5 (4–10); 25:23. b Rom. 4:15; 5:13; b tg Man, Natural, Not 15 a 2 Ne. 9:10; Spiritually Reborn. 2 Ne. 9:25. c tg Mortality; Probation. Mosiah 16:8 (7–8). 18 a tg Conscience. 11 a 2 Ne. 9:9 (7–9). tg Jesus Christ, 19 a tg Murder. 12 a 1 Cor. 15:22. Atonement through; b tg Blood, Shedding of. b tg Disobedience. Jesus Christ, Redeemer. 21 a 2 Ne. 9:26 (25–26); 13 a tg Salvation, Plan of. b tg Jesus Christ, Mission of. Mosiah 3:11; c Alma 12:32. Alma 9:16 (15–16). tg Justice.
313 Alma 42 : 23–31 a punishment affixed, and a b repen- in the last day it shall be b restored tance granted; which repentance, unto him according to his c deeds. mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth 28 If he has desired to do a evil, the c law, and the law inflicteth the and has not repented in his days, punishment; if not so, the works behold, evil shall be done unto him, of justice would be destroyed, and according to the restoration of God. God would cease to be God. 29 And now, my son, I desire that 23 But God ceaseth not to be God, ye should let these things a trouble and a mercy claimeth the penitent, you no more, and only let your and mercy cometh because of the sins trouble you, with that trouble b atonement; and the atonement which shall bring you down unto bringeth to pass the c resurrection of repentance. the dead; and the d resurrection of the dead bringeth e back men 30 O my son, I desire that ye should into the presence of God; and thus deny the a justice of God no more. Do they are restored into his presence, not endeavor to excuse yourself in to be f judged according to their the least point because of your sins, works, according to the law and by denying the justice of God; but justice. do you let the justice of God, and his b mercy, and his long-suffering 24 For behold, justice exerciseth have full sway in your heart; and all his demands, and also a mercy let it bring you down to the dust claimeth all which is her own; and in c humility. thus, none but the truly penitent are saved. 31 And now, O my son, ye are called of God to a preach the word 25 What, do ye suppose that a mercy unto this people. And now, my son, can rob b justice? I say unto you, go thy way, declare the word with Nay; not one whit. If so, God would truth and soberness, that thou may- cease to be God. est b bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may 26 And thus God bringeth about have claim upon them. And may his great and eternal a purposes, God grant unto you even according which were prepared b from the to my words. Amen. foundation of the world. And thus cometh about the salvation and the Chapter 43 redemption of men, and also their Alma and his sons preach the word— destruction and misery. The Zoramites and other Nephite dissenters become Lamanites—The 27 Therefore, O my son, a whoso- Lamanites come against the Neph- ever will come may come and par- ites in war—Moroni arms the Neph- take of the waters of life freely; ites with defensive armor—The Lord and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but 22 a tg Punish. f tg Jesus Christ, Judge. tg Agency. b tg Repent. 24 a tg God, Mercy of. b Alma 41:15. c Gal. 3:13; 25 a tg Mercy. c Isa. 59:18; b tg Justice. D&C 76:48. 26 a Matt. 5:48; Alma 36:15; 23 a tg God, Mercy of. D&C 1:10 (9–10). b tg Jesus Christ, Rom. 8:17 (14–21); 28 a Alma 41:4 (2–5). 2 Ne. 2:15 (14–30); 29 a 2 Cor. 7:10 (8–11); Atonement through. D&C 29:43 (42–44); Morm. 2:13. c 2 Ne. 2:8; Moses 1:39. 30 a tg Justice. tg Earth, Purpose of. b tg God, Mercy of. Alma 7:12; 12:25 (24–25). b Alma 13:3 (3, 5, 7–8); c tg Humility. d 2 Ne. 9:4; 3 Ne. 1:14. 31 a D&C 11:15. 27 a Alma 5:34; 41:7 (7–8); b tg Mission of Early Alma 11:41 (41–45); Hel. 14:30. Saints. Hel. 14:15 (15–18); Morm. 9:13. e Alma 40:21 (21–24).
Alma 43 : 1–12 314 reveals to Alma the strategy of the La- and they were all Amalekites and manites—The Nephites defend their c Zoramites. homes, liberties, families, and reli- gion—The armies of Moroni and Lehi 7 Now this he did that he might surround the Lamanites. About 74 b.c. preserve their a hatred towards the And now it came to pass that the Nephites, that he might bring them sons of Alma did go forth among into subjection to the accomplish- the people, to declare the word ment of his designs. unto them. And Alma, also, himself, could not a rest, and he also went 8 For behold, his a designs were forth. to b stir up the Lamanites to anger against the Nephites; this he did 2 Now a we shall say no more con- that he might usurp great power cerning their preaching, except over them, and also that he might that they preached the word, and gain power over the Nephites by the truth, according to the spirit bringing them into c bondage. of prophecy and revelation; and they preached after the b holy order 9 And now the design of the Neph- of God by which they were called. ites was to support their lands, and their houses, and their a wives, 3 And now a I return to an b account and their children, that they might of the wars between the Nephites preserve them from the hands of and the Lamanites, in the eighteenth their enemies; and also that they year of the reign of the judges. might preserve their b rights and their privileges, yea, and also their 4 For behold, it came to pass that c liberty, that they might worship the a Zoramites became Lamanites; God according to their desires. therefore, in the commencement of the eighteenth year the people of 10 For they knew that if they the Nephites saw that the Lamanites should fall into the hands of the were coming upon them; therefore Lamanites, that whosoever should they made preparations for war; a worship God in b spirit and in truth, yea, they gathered together their the true and the living God, the La- armies in the land of Jershon. manites would c destroy. 5 And it came to pass that the 11 Yea, and they also knew the Lamanites came with their thou- extreme hatred of the Lamanites sands; and they came into the land towards their a brethren, who were of aA ntionum, which is the land of the b people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, the Zoramites; and a man by the who were called the people of Am- name of b Zerahemnah was their mon—and they would not take up leader. arms, yea, they had entered into a covenant and they would not break 6 And now, as the aA malekites it—therefore, if they should fall were of a more wicked and mur- into the hands of the Lamanites derous disposition than the La- they would be destroyed. manites were, in and of themselves, therefore, Zerahemnah appointed 12 And the Nephites would not suf- chief b captains over the Lamanites, fer that they should be destroyed; therefore they gave them lands for their inheritance. 43 1 a Ether 12:2 (2–3). b Alma 44:1. b tg Citizenship. 6 a Alma 21:4 (2–16). c tg Liberty. 2 a W of M 1:9 (1–9). b Alma 48:5. 10 a tg Worship. b Alma 30:20 (20–23, 31); c Alma 43:44. b John 4:23 (23–24). 7 a Alma 37:32. c Dan. 6:7 (4–17). 46:38. 8 a Alma 43:29. 11 a Alma 23:17; tg Priesthood. b Alma 27:12; 47:1. 3 a Morm. 5:9. c Alma 44:2. 24:1 (1–3, 5, 20); b Alma 35:13. 9 a Alma 44:5; 46:12; 25:13 (1, 13); 4 a Alma 30:59; 35:14 (2–14); 27:2 (2, 21–26). 52:33 (20, 33). 48:10 (10, 24). b Alma 47:29. 5 a Alma 31:3.
315 Alma 43 : 13–24 13 And the people of Ammon did also they were dressed with thick give unto the Nephites a large por- clothing— tion of their substance to a support their armies; and thus the Nephites 20 Now the army of Zerahemnah were compelled, alone, to withstand was not prepared with any such against the Lamanites, who were a thing; they had only their a swords compound of Laman and Lemuel, and their cimeters, their bows and and the sons of Ishmael, and all their arrows, their b stones and their those who had dissented from the slings; and they were c naked, save Nephites, who were Amalekites and it were a skin which was girded Zoramites, and the b descendants of about their loins; yea, all were na- the priests of Noah. ked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites; 14 Now those descendants were as numerous, nearly, as were the 21 But they were not armed with Nephites; and thus the Nephites breastplates, nor shields—therefore, were obliged to contend with their they were exceedingly afraid of the brethren, even unto bloodshed. armies of the Nephites because of their armor, notwithstanding their 15 And it came to pass as the number being so much greater than armies of the Lamanites had gath- the Nephites. ered together in the land of Antio num, behold, the armies of the 22 Behold, now it came to pass Nephites were prepared to meet that they durst not come against them in the a land of Jershon. the Nephites in the borders of Jer- shon; therefore they departed out 16 Now, the leader of the Neph- of the land of Antionum into the ites, or the man who had been a ap- wilderness, and took their journey pointed to be the b chief captain round about in the wilderness, away over the Nephites—now the chief by the head of the river Sidon, that captain took the command of all they might come into the land of the armies of the Nephites—and a Manti and take possession of the his name was Moroni; land; for they did not suppose that the armies of Moroni would know 17 And Moroni took all the com- whither they had gone. mand, and the government of their wars. And he was only twenty 23 But it came to pass, as soon as and five years old when he was they had departed into the wilder- appointed chief captain over the ness Moroni sent spies into the wil- armies of the Nephites. derness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophe 18 And it came to pass that he met cies of Alma, sent certain men unto the Lamanites in the borders of Jer- him, desiring him that he should shon, and his people were armed a inquire of the Lord b whither the with swords, and with cimeters, armies of the Nephites should go and all manner of a weapons of war. to defend themselves against the Lamanites. 19 And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of 24 And it came to pass that the Nephi, or that Moroni, had a pre- a word of the Lord came unto Alma, pared his people with b breastplates and Alma informed the messengers and with arm-shields, yea, and also of Moroni, that the armies of the shields to defend their heads, and 13 a Alma 56:27. 20 a Mosiah 10:8; Mosiah 28:6. b Alma 25:4. Alma 3:5 (4–5); 44:8. b Alma 16:6 (5–8); 48:16; 15 a Alma 27:26. 16 a Alma 46:34. b 1 Ne. 16:15; 3 Ne. 3:20 (18–21). b Alma 46:11. Alma 49:2. 24 a Isa. 31:5; 18 a tg Weapon. 19 a tg Skill. c Enos 1:20. Alma 43:47; b Alma 49:24. 22 a Alma 22:27; 56:14. D&C 134:11. 23 a Ex. 18:15; tg Guidance, Divine. 2 Kgs. 6:12 (8–18);
Alma 43 : 25–38 316 Lamanites were marching round 31 Therefore, he divided his army about in the wilderness, that they and brought a part over into the might come over into the land of valley, and a concealed them on the Manti, that they might commence east, and on the south of the hill an attack upon the weaker part of Riplah; the people. And those messengers went and delivered the message 32 And the remainder he concealed unto Moroni. in the west a valley, on the west of the river Sidon, and so down into 25 Now Moroni, leaving a part of the borders of the land Manti. his army in the land of Jershon, lest by any means a part of the 33 And thus having placed his Lamanites should come into that army according to his desire, he land and take possession of the city, was prepared to meet them. took the remaining part of his army and marched over into the land 34 And it came to pass that the of Manti. Lamanites came up on the north of the hill, where a part of the army 26 And he caused that all the of Moroni was concealed. people in that quarter of the land should gather themselves together 35 And as the Lamanites had to battle against the Lamanites, to passed the hill Riplah, and came defend their lands and their coun- into the valley, and began to cross try, their rights and their liber- the river Sidon, the army which ties; therefore they were prepared was concealed on the south of the against the time of the coming of hill, which was led by a man whose the Lamanites. name was a Lehi, and he led his army forth and encircled the Lamanites 27 And it came to pass that Mo- about on the east in their rear. roni caused that his army should be secreted in the valley which was 36 And it came to pass that the La- near the bank of the river Sidon, manites, when they saw the Neph- which was on the west of the river ites coming upon them in their Sidon in the wilderness. rear, turned them about and began to contend with the army of Lehi. 28 And Moroni placed spies round about, that he might know when 37 And the work of death com- the camp of the Lamanites should menced on both sides, but it was come. more dreadful on the part of the Lamanites, for their a nakedness 29 And now, as Moroni knew the was exposed to the heavy blows a intention of the Lamanites, that it of the Nephites with their swords was their intention to destroy their and their cimeters, which brought brethren, or to b subject them and death almost at every stroke. bring them into bondage that they might establish a kingdom unto 38 While on the other hand, there themselves over all the land; was now and then a man fell among the Nephites, by their swords and 30 And he also knowing that it the loss of blood, they being shielded was the a only desire of the Nephites from the more vital parts of the to preserve their lands, and their body, or the more vital parts of b liberty, and their church, therefore the body being shielded from the he thought it no sin that he should strokes of the Lamanites, by their defend them by c stratagem; there- a breastplates, and their armshields, fore, he found by his spies which and their head-plates; and thus the course the Lamanites were to take. Nephites did carry on the work of death among the Lamanites. 29 a Alma 43:8. b Alma 46:35. 32 a Alma 43:41. b Alma 49:7. c Judg. 7:16 (15–25). 35 a Alma 49:16. 30 a Alma 44:5; 31 a Josh. 8:13; 37 a Alma 3:5. 38 a Alma 44:9. 46:12 (12–20); Alma 52:21 (21–31); 48:10 (10–16). 58:16 (15–21).
317 Alma 43 : 39–51 39 And it came to pass that the their wives and their children, and Lamanites became frightened, be- their all, yea, for their rites of wor- cause of the great destruction among ship and their church. them, even until they began to flee towards the river Sidon. 46 And they were doing that which they felt was the a duty which they 40 And they were pursued by Lehi owed to their God; for the Lord had and his men; and they were driven said unto them, and also unto their by Lehi into the waters of Sidon, fathers, that: b Inasmuch as ye are and they crossed the waters of Si- not guilty of the c first offense, nei- don. And Lehi retained his armies ther the second, ye shall not suffer upon the bank of the river Sidon yourselves to be slain by the hands that they should not cross. of your enemies. 41 And it came to pass that Moroni 47 And again, the Lord has said and his army met the Lamanites in that: Ye shall a defend your families the a valley, on the other side of the even unto b bloodshed. Therefore river Sidon, and began to fall upon for this cause were the Nephites them and to slay them. contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their fami- 42 And the Lamanites did flee lies, and their lands, their country, again before them, towards the land and their rights, and their religion. of Manti; and they were met again by the armies of Moroni. 48 And it came to pass that when the men of Moroni saw the fierce- 43 Now in this case the Lamanites ness and the anger of the Lamanites, did fight exceedingly; yea, never they were about to shrink and flee had the Lamanites been known to from them. And Moroni, perceiving fight with such exceedingly great their intent, sent forth and inspired strength and courage, no, not even their hearts with these thoughts— from the beginning. yea, the thoughts of their lands, their liberty, yea, their freedom 44 And they were inspired by the from bondage. a Zoramites and the Amalekites, who were their chief captains and lead- 49 And it came to pass that they ers, and by Zerahemnah, who was turned upon the Lamanites, and their chief captain, or their chief they a cried with one voice b unto leader and commander; yea, they did the Lord their God, for their c liberty fight like dragons, and many of the and their freedom from bondage. Nephites were slain by their hands, yea, for they did smite in two many 50 And they a began to stand of their head-plates, and they did against the Lamanites with power; pierce many of their breastplates, and in that selfsame hour that they and they did smite off many of their cried unto the Lord for their free- arms; and thus the Lamanites did dom, the Lamanites began to flee smite in their fierce anger. before them; and they fled even to the waters of Sidon. 45 Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a a better cause, for they 51 Now, the Lamanites were more were not b fighting for monarchy a numerous, yea, by more than nor power but they were fighting double the number of the Neph- for their homes and their c liberties, ites; nevertheless, they were driven 41 a Alma 43:32. c Luke 6:29; Responsibilities toward; 44 a Alma 43:6. 3 Ne. 3:21 (20–21); War. 45 a Alma 44:1. Morm. 3:10 (10–11); b Josh. 1:18. b Mosiah 20:11; D&C 98:23 (22–48). 49 a Ex. 2:23 (23–25); Mosiah 29:20. Alma 44:5. 47 a Isa. 31:5; b Ps. 59:1 (1–5). c tg Liberty. Alma 43:24; 61:14; c tg Liberty. 46 a tg Duty. Morm. 7:4; 50 a Ex. 17:11 (8–13). b Alma 48:14 (14–16); D&C 134:11. 51 a Alma 46:30. tg Family, Children, D&C 98:33 (23–36).
Alma 43 : 52–44 : 8 318 insomuch that they were gathered see that ye cannot destroy this together in one body in the valley, our faith. upon the bank by the river Sidon. 4 Now ye see that this is the true 52 Therefore the armies of Moroni faith of God; yea, ye see that God encircled them about, yea, even will support, and keep, and preserve on both sides of the river, for be- us, so long as we are a faithful unto hold, on the east were the men of him, and unto our faith, and our Lehi. religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed 53 Therefore when Zerahemnah except we should fall into trans- saw the men of Lehi on the east of gression and deny our faith. the river Sidon, and the armies of Moroni on the west of the river Si- 5 And now, Zerahemnah, I com- don, that they were encircled about mand you, in the name of that by the Nephites, they were struck all-powerful God, who has strength- with terror. ened our arms that we have gained power over you, a by our faith, by 54 Now Moroni, when he saw their our religion, and by our b rites of a terror, commanded his men that worship, and by our church, and by they should stop shedding their the sacred support which we owe blood. to our c wives and our children, by that d liberty which binds us to our Chapter 44 lands and our country; yea, and also Moroni commands the Lamanites to by the maintenance of the sacred make a covenant of peace or be de- word of God, to which we owe all stroyed—Zerahemnah rejects the offer, our happiness; and by all that is and the battle resumes—Moroni’s armies most dear unto us— defeat the Lamanites. About 74–73 b.c. And it came to pass that they did 6 Yea, and this is not all; I com- stop and withdrew a pace from mand you by all the desires which them. And Moroni said unto a Zera ye have for life, that ye a deliver up hemnah: Behold, Zerahemnah, that your weapons of war unto us, and we do b not desire to be men of blood. we will seek not your blood, but we Ye know that ye are in our hands, will b spare your lives, if ye will go yet we do not desire to slay you. your way and come not again to war against us. 2 Behold, we have not come out to battle against you that we might 7 And now, if ye do not this, be- shed your blood for power; neither hold, ye are in our hands, and I do we desire to bring any one to will command my men that they the a yoke of bondage. But this is shall fall upon you, and a inflict the the b very cause for which ye have wounds of death in your bodies, that come against us; yea, and ye are an- ye may become extinct; and then gry with us because of our religion. we will see who shall have power over this people; yea, we will see 3 But now, ye behold that the Lord who shall be brought into bondage. is with us; and ye behold that he has delivered you into our hands. 8 And now it came to pass that And now I would that ye should when Zerahemnah had heard these understand that this is done unto sayings he came forth and delivered us a because of our religion and up his a sword and his cimeter, and our faith in Christ. And now ye his bow into the hands of Moroni, and said unto him: Behold, here are 4 45 14 aa Alma 47:2. tg Protection, Divine. d tg Liberty. Alma 43:5. 4 a Mark 4:40 (35–41). 6 a Alma 52:25 (25, 32). b Alma 43:45. 5 a Alma 43:45 (9, 45); b tg Benevolence. 2 a tg Bondage, Physical. 7 a Alma 62:11. b Alma 43:8. 46:12 (12–20). 8 a Alma 43:20. 3 a Alma 38:1. b tg Ordinance. c Gen. 2:24 (23–24).
319 Alma 44 : 9–19 our weapons of war; we will deliver the hair, and laid it upon the point them up unto you, but we will not of his sword, and stretched it forth suffer ourselves to take an b oath unto them, saying unto them with unto you, which we know that we a loud voice: shall break, and also our children; but take our weapons of war, and 14 Even as this scalp has fallen suffer that we may depart into the to the earth, which is the scalp of wilderness; otherwise we will re- your chief, so shall ye fall to the tain our swords, and we will perish earth except ye will deliver up your or conquer. weapons of war and depart with a covenant of peace. 9 Behold, we are a not of your faith; we do not believe that it is God that 15 Now there were many, when has delivered us into your hands; but they heard these words and saw we believe that it is your cunning the scalp which was upon the that has preserved you from our sword, that were struck with fear; swords. Behold, it is your b breast- and many came forth and threw plates and your shields that have down their weapons of war at preserved you. the feet of Moroni, and entered into a a covenant of peace. And as 10 And now when Zerahemnah many as entered into a covenant had made an end of speaking these they suffered to b depart into the words, Moroni returned the sword wilderness. and the weapons of war, which he had received, unto Zerahemnah, 16 Now it came to pass that Zera saying: Behold, we will end the hemnah was exceedingly wroth, conflict. and he did stir up the remainder of his soldiers to anger, to con- 11 Now I cannot recall the words tend more powerfully against the which I have spoken, therefore Nephites. as the Lord liveth, ye shall not depart except ye depart with an 17 And now Moroni was angry, oath that ye will not return again because of the stubbornness of against us to war. Now as ye are in the Lamanites; therefore he com- our hands we will spill your blood manded his people that they should upon the ground, or ye shall sub- fall upon them and slay them. And mit to the conditions which I have it came to pass that they began to proposed. slay them; yea, and the Lamanites did contend with their swords and 12 And now when Moroni had said their might. these words, Zerahemnah retained his sword, and he was angry with 18 But behold, their naked skins Moroni, and he rushed forward and their bare heads were exposed that he might slay Moroni; but as to the sharp swords of the Nephites; he raised his sword, behold, one of yea, behold they were pierced and Moroni’s soldiers smote it even to smitten, yea, and did fall exceed- the earth, and it broke by the hilt; ingly fast before the swords of the and he also smote Zerahemnah that Nephites; and they began to be he took off his scalp and it fell to swept down, even as the soldier of the earth. And Zerahemnah with- Moroni had prophesied. drew from before them into the midst of his soldiers. 19 Now Zerahemnah, when he saw that they were all about to 13 And it came to pass that the be destroyed, cried mightily unto soldier who stood by, who smote Moroni, promising that he would off the scalp of Zerahemnah, took covenant and also his people with up the scalp from off the ground by them, if they would spare the re- mainder of their lives, that they 8 b tg Oath. b Alma 43:38; 46:13. Alma 50:36. 9 a tg Unbelief. 15 a 1 Ne. 4:37; b Hel. 1:33.
Alma 44 : 20–45 : 11 320 a never would come to war again people of Nephi were exceedingly against them. rejoiced, because the Lord had again a delivered them out of the hands of 20 And it came to pass that Moroni their enemies; therefore they gave caused that the work of death should thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, a cease again among the people. And and they did b fast much and pray he took the weapons of war from much, and they did worship God the Lamanites; and after they had with exceedingly great joy. entered into a b covenant with him of peace they were suffered to de- 2 And it came to pass in the nine- part into the wilderness. teenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, that Alma 21 Now the number of their dead came unto his son Helaman and was not numbered because of the said unto him: Believest thou the greatness of the number; yea, the words which I spake unto thee con- number of their dead was exceed- cerning those a records which have ingly great, both on the Nephites been kept? and on the Lamanites. 3 And Helaman said unto him: 22 And it came to pass that they Yea, I a believe. did cast their dead into the waters of Sidon, and they have gone forth 4 And Alma said again: Believest and are buried in the depths of thou in Jesus Christ, who shall come? the a sea. 5 And he said: Yea, I believe all 23 And the armies of the Nephites, the words which thou hast spoken. or of Moroni, returned and came to their houses and their lands. 6 And Alma said unto him again: Will ye a keep my commandments? 24 And thus ended the eighteenth year of the reign of the judges over 7 And he said: Yea, I will keep thy the people of Nephi. And thus ended commandments with all my heart. the record of Alma, which was writ- ten upon the plates of Nephi. 8 Then Alma said unto him: Blessed art thou; and the Lord shall a pros- The account of the people of Nephi, per thee in this land. and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to 9 But behold, I have somewhat the record of Helaman, which he to a prophesy unto thee; but what kept in his days. I prophesy unto thee ye shall not Comprising chapters 45 through 62. make known; yea, what I prophesy unto thee shall not be made known, Chapter 45 even until the prophecy is fulfilled; Helaman believes the words of Alma— therefore write the words which I Alma prophesies the destruction of the shall say. Nephites—He blesses and curses the land—Alma may have been taken up 10 And these are the words: Be- by the Spirit, even as Moses—Dissen- hold, I perceive that this very peo- sion grows in the Church. About 73 b.c. ple, the Nephites, according to the Behold, now it came to pass that the spirit of revelation which is in me, in a four hundred years from the time that Jesus Christ shall manifest himself unto them, shall dwindle in b unbelief. 11 Yea, and then shall they see wars and pestilences, yea, fam- ines and bloodshed, even until the 19 a Alma 47:6. 2 a Alma 37:1 (1–32); 50:38. 9 a tg Prophecy. 20 a Alma 46:7. 3 a 1 Ne. 11:5. 10 a 1 Ne. 12:12 (10–15); b Alma 55:28; 6 a tg Commandments 62:16 (16–17). Hel. 13:9; 4 52 12 aa Alma 3:3. of God; Morm. 8:6. tg Deliver. Obedience. b tg Apostasy of b tg Fast, Fasting. 8 a 1 Ne. 4:14; Individuals. Alma 48:15, 25.
321 Alma 45 : 12–22 people of Nephi shall become look upon sin with the d least degree a extinct— of allowance. 12 Yea, and this because they 17 And now, when Alma had said shall dwindle in unbelief and fall these words he blessed the a church, into the works of darkness, and yea, all those who should stand fast a lasciviousness, and all manner of in the faith from that time hence- iniquities; yea, I say unto you, that forth. because they shall sin against so great light and knowledge, yea, I say 18 And when Alma had done this unto you, that from that day, even he a departed out of the land of Zara the b fourth generation shall not all hemla, as if to go into the land of pass away before this great iniquity b Melek. And it came to pass that shall come. he was never heard of more; as to his death or burial we know not of. 13 And when that great day cometh, behold, the time very soon 19 Behold, this we know, that he cometh that those who are now, or was a righteous man; and the say- the seed of those who are now num- ing went abroad in the church that bered among the people of Nephi, he was taken up by the a Spirit, or shall a no more be numbered among b buried by the hand of the Lord, the people of Nephi. even as Moses. But behold, the scrip- tures saith the Lord took Moses unto 14 But whosoever remaineth, and himself; and we suppose that he is not destroyed in that great and has also received Alma in the spirit, dreadful day, shall be a numbered unto himself; therefore, for this among the b Lamanites, and shall cause we know nothing concerning become like unto them, all, save his death and burial. it be a few who shall be called the disciples of the Lord; and them 20 And now it came to pass in the shall the Lamanites pursue even commencement of the nineteenth c until they shall become extinct. year of the reign of the judges over And now, because of iniquity, this the people of Nephi, that Helaman prophecy shall be fulfilled. went forth among the people to de- clare the a word unto them. 15 And now it came to pass that after Alma had said these things to 21 For behold, because of their Helaman, he a blessed him, and also wars with the Lamanites and the his other sons; and he also blessed many little dissensions and distur- the earth for the b righteous’ sake. bances which had been among the people, it became expedient that the 16 And he said: Thus saith the Lord a word of God should be declared God—a Cursed shall be the land, among them, yea, and that a b regu- yea, this land, unto every nation, lation should be made throughout kindred, tongue, and people, unto the church. destruction, which do b wickedly, when they are fully ripe; and as I 22 Therefore, a Helaman and his have said so shall it be; for this is brethren went forth to establish the the cursing and the c blessing of God church again in all the land, yea, in upon the land, for the Lord cannot every city throughout all the land which was possessed by the people 11 a Jarom 1:10; Alma 8:22. 18 a 3 Ne. 1:3 (2–3). Hel. 13:6 (5–19). b Alma 46:10; 62:40. b Alma 35:13. 16 a 2 Ne. 1:7; 19 a 2 Kgs. 2:16. 12 a tg Lust. b Deut. 34:6 (5–6). b 2 Ne. 26:9; Alma 37:31; Morm. 1:17; tg Translated Beings. 3 Ne. 27:32. Ether 2:11 (8–12). 20 a Alma 46:1. 13 a Hel. 3:16. tg Earth, Curse of. 21 a Alma 31:5. 14 a Moro. 9:24. b Jer. 44:5 (5–6). b Alma 6:7; 62:44 (44–47). b 1 Ne. 13:30; c D&C 130:21. 22 a Alma 48:19. d D&C 1:31. D&C 3:17. 17 a tg Church. c Moro. 1:2 (1–3). 15 a Gen. 49:1 (1–27);
Alma 45 : 23–46 : 10 322 of Nephi. And it came to pass that he should be their king; and they they did appoint b priests and c teach- were the greater part of them the ers throughout all the land, over all lower b judges of the land, and they the churches. were seeking for power. 23 And now it came to pass that 5 And they had been led by the after Helaman and his brethren a flatteries of Amalickiah, that if they had appointed priests and teachers would support him and establish over the churches that there arose a him to be their king that he would a dissension among them, and they make them rulers over the people. would not give heed to the words of Helaman and his brethren; 6 Thus they were led away by Amalickiah to dissensions, notwith- 24 But they grew proud, being standing the preaching of Helaman lifted up in their hearts, because and his brethren, yea, notwith- of their exceedingly great a riches; standing their exceedingly great therefore they grew rich in their care over the church, for they were own eyes, and would not give heed a high priests over the church. to their words, to b walk uprightly before God. 7 And there were many in the church who believed in the a flat- Chapter 46 tering words of Amalickiah, there- Amalickiah conspires to be king—Mo- fore they b dissented even from the roni raises the title of liberty—He rallies church; and thus were the affairs the people to defend their religion— of the people of Nephi exceed- True believers are called Christians—A ingly precarious and dangerous, remnant of Joseph will be preserved— notwithstanding their great c vic- Amalickiah and the dissenters flee to tory which they had had over the the land of Nephi—Those who will not Lamanites, and their great rejoic- support the cause of freedom are put to ings which they had had because death. About 73–72 b.c. of their d deliverance by the hand of And it came to pass that as many the Lord. as would not hearken to the a words of Helaman and his brethren were 8 Thus we see how a quick the chil- gathered together against their dren of men do b forget the Lord their brethren. God, yea, how quick to do c iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one. 2 And now behold, they were ex- ceedingly wroth, insomuch that 9 Yea, and we also see the great they were determined to slay them. a wickedness one very wicked man can cause to take place among the 3 Now the leader of those who children of men. were wroth against their brethren was a large and a strong man; and 10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, his name was a Amalickiah. because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering 4 And Amalickiah was desirous to words, that he led away the hearts be a a king; and those people who of many people to do wickedly; yea, were wroth were also desirous that and to seek to a destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of b liberty which God had granted 22 b tg Church 5 a Prov. 29:5. Hel. 4:26; 6:32; Organization. 6 a Alma 46:38. 12:2 (2, 4–5). c tg Teacher. 7 a tg Flatter. b Deut. 6:12. 23 a 3 Ne. 11:29 (28–29). b Alma 1:24. c Mosiah 13:29. 24 a tg Treasure. c Alma 44:20. 9 a 2 Kgs. 10:29; b tg Pride; d Josh. 21:44; Mosiah 29:17 (17–18). Walking in Darkness. 10 a tg Tyranny. 46 1 a Alma 45:20. 1 Kgs. 5:3; b 2 Ne. 1:7; 3 a Alma 49:25. Mosiah 9:17. Mosiah 29:32. 4 a Alma 2:2. tg Deliver. tg Liberty. b Mosiah 29:11 (11–44). 8 a Ex. 32:8; Judg. 2:17;
323 Alma 46 : 11–21 unto them, or which blessing God Christians, and the a freedom of the had sent upon the face of the land land might be favored. for the c righteous’ sake. 17 And it came to pass that when 11 And now it came to pass that he had poured out his soul to God, when Moroni, who was the a chief he named all the land which was commander of the armies of the a south of the land b Desolation, yea, Nephites, had heard of these dis- and in fine, all the land, both on the sensions, he was angry with Amal- c north and on the south—A chosen ickiah. land, and the land of d liberty. 12 And it came to pass that he rent 18 And he said: Surely God shall his coat; and he took a piece thereof, not a suffer that we, who are despised and wrote upon it—a In memory of because we take upon us the name our God, our religion, and freedom, of Christ, shall be trodden down and and our peace, our wives, and our destroyed, until we bring it upon us children—and he fastened it upon by our own b transgressions. the end of a pole. 19 And when Moroni had said 13 And he fastened on his head- these words, he went forth among plate, and his a breastplate, and his the people, waving the a rent part of shields, and girded on his armor his garment in the air, that all might about his loins; and he took the pole, see the writing which he had writ- which had on the end thereof his ten upon the rent part, and crying rent coat, (and he called it the b title with a loud voice, saying: of liberty) and he c bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed might- 20 Behold, whosoever will main- ily unto his God for the blessings tain this title upon the land, let of liberty to rest upon his breth- them come forth in the strength ren, so long as there should a band of the Lord, and a enter into a cov- of d Christians remain to possess enant that they will b maintain their the land— rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them. 14 For thus were all the true be- lievers of Christ, who belonged 21 And it came to pass that when to the church of God, called by Moroni had proclaimed these words, those who did not belong to the behold, the people came running church. a together with their armor girded about their loins, b rending their gar- 15 And those who did belong to ments in token, or as a c covenant, the church were a faithful; yea, all that they would not forsake the those who were true believers in Lord their God; or, in other words, Christ b took upon them, gladly, the if they should transgress the com- name of Christ, or c Christians as mandments of God, or fall into they were called, because of their transgression, and be d ashamed to belief in Christ who should come. take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as 16 And therefore, at this time, they had rent their garments. Moroni prayed that the cause of the 10 c Alma 45:15 (15–16); Loyalty. b tg Transgress. 62:40. b tg Jesus Christ, Taking 19 a tg Ensign. 20 a Alma 48:13. 11 a Alma 43:16. the Name of. b tg Citizenship. 12 a 2 Sam. 10:12; c Acts 11:26. 21 a 2 Sam. 20:14 (11–14). 16 a Alma 51:13. b tg Rend. Neh. 4:14 (10–14); 17 a 3 Ne. 3:24; c tg Commitment. Alma 44:5; 48:10 (10, 24). d Jer. 17:13; 13 a Alma 44:9; 49:6 (6, 24). Morm. 3:5. b Alma 51:20. b Alma 22:30; 50:34. Rom. 1:16; tg Citizenship. c Alma 22:31; 63:4. 2 Tim. 1:8; c tg Reverence. d 2 Ne. 1:7; 1 Ne. 8:25; d Alma 48:10. Morm. 8:38. 15 a tg Faithful; Mosiah 29:32. 18 a tg Protection, Divine.
Alma 46 : 22–32 324 22 Now this was the covenant us? Yea, and even it shall be our- which they made, and they a cast selves if we do not stand fast in the their garments at the feet of Moroni, faith of Christ. saying: We b covenant with our God, that we shall be destroyed, even as 28 And now it came to pass that our brethren in the land northward, when Moroni had said these words if we shall fall into transgression; he went forth, and also sent forth yea, he may cast us at the feet of in all the parts of the land where our enemies, even as we have cast there were dissensions, and gathered our garments at thy feet to be trod- together all the people who were den under foot, if we shall fall into desirous to maintain their liberty, transgression. to stand against Amalickiah and those who had dissented, who were 23 Moroni said unto them: Behold, called Amalickiahites. we are a a remnant of the seed of Ja- cob; yea, we are a remnant of the 29 And it came to pass that when seed of b Joseph, whose c coat was rent Amalickiah saw that the people of by his brethren into many pieces; Moroni were more numerous than yea, and now behold, let us remem- the Amalickiahites—and he also ber to keep the commandments of saw that his people were a doubtful God, or our garments shall be rent concerning the justice of the cause by our brethren, and we be cast in which they had undertaken— into prison, or be sold, or be slain. therefore, fearing that he should not gain the point, he took those of 24 Yea, let us preserve our liberty his people who would and departed as a a remnant of Joseph; yea, let us into the b land of Nephi. remember the words of Jacob, be- fore his death, for behold, he saw 30 Now Moroni thought it was not that a b part of the c remnant of the expedient that the Lamanites should coat of Joseph was d preserved and have any more a strength; therefore had not decayed. And he said—Even he thought to cut off the people of as this remnant of garment of my Amalickiah, or to take them and son hath been preserved, so shall a bring them back, and put Amalick e remnant of the seed of my son be iah to death; yea, for he knew that preserved by the hand of God, and he would stir up the Lamanites to be taken unto himself, while the re- anger against them, and cause them mainder of the seed of Joseph shall to come to battle against them; perish, even as the remnant of his and this he knew that Amalickiah garment. would do that he might obtain his purposes. 25 Now behold, this giveth my soul sorrow; nevertheless, my soul hath 31 Therefore Moroni thought it joy in my son, because of that part was expedient that he should of his seed which shall be taken take his armies, who had gathered unto God. themselves together, and armed themselves, and entered into a cov- 26 Now behold, this was the lan- enant to keep the peace—and it guage of Jacob. came to pass that he took his army and marched out with his tents into 27 And now who knoweth but what the wilderness, to cut off the course the remnant of the seed of Joseph, of Amalickiah in the wilderness. which shall perish as his garment, are those who have dissented from 32 And it came to pass that he did 22 a Acts 7:58; 22:20. 24 a 2 Ne. 10:1; e Ether 13:6. b tg Commitment. Jacob 5:45 (43–45). 29 a tg Doubt. 23 a tg Israel, Remnant of. b Alma 47:20. b tg Israel, Joseph, b Gen. 44:28. 30 a Alma 43:51. c 3 Ne. 5:23 (23–24); 10:17. People of. d 2 Ne. 3:5 (5–24); 25:21; c Gen. 37:3 (3, 31–36). Ether 13:7.
325 Alma 46 : 33–47 : 3 according to his desires, and marched with fevers, which at some seasons forth into the wilderness, and of the year were very frequent in headed the armies of Amalickiah. the land—but not so much so with fevers, because of the excellent 33 And it came to pass that Amal- qualities of the many a plants and ickiah a fled with a small number of roots which God had prepared to re- his men, and the remainder were move the cause of b diseases, to which delivered up into the hands of Mo- men were subject by the nature of roni and were taken back into the the climate— land of Zarahemla. 41 But there were many who died 34 Now, Moroni being a man who with a old age; and those who died was a appointed by the chief judges in the faith of Christ are b happy in and the voice of the people, there- him, as we must needs suppose. fore he had power according to his will with the armies of the Neph- Chapter 47 ites, to establish and to exercise Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, authority over them. and intrigue to become king of the La- manites—The Nephite dissenters are 35 And it came to pass that whom- more wicked and ferocious than the soever of the Amalickiahites that Lamanites. About 72 b.c. would not enter into a covenant to Now we will return in our record support the a cause of freedom, that to Amalickiah and those who had they might maintain a free b govern- a fled with him into the wilderness; ment, he caused to be put to death; for, behold, he had taken those who and there were but few who denied went with him, and went up in the the covenant of freedom. b land of Nephi among the Laman- ites, and did c stir up the Lamanites 36 And it came to pass also, that to anger against the people of he caused the a title of liberty to be Nephi, insomuch that the king of hoisted upon every tower which was the Lamanites sent a proclamation in all the land, which was possessed throughout all his land, among all by the Nephites; and thus Moroni his people, that they should gather planted the standard of liberty themselves together again to go to among the Nephites. battle against the Nephites. 37 And they began to have peace 2 And it came to pass that when again in the land; and thus they did the proclamation had gone forth maintain peace in the land until among them they were exceedingly nearly the end of the nineteenth afraid; yea, they a feared to displease year of the reign of the judges. the king, and they also feared to go to battle against the Nephites lest 38 And Helaman and the a high they should lose their lives. And it priests did also maintain order in came to pass that they would not, the church; yea, even for the space or the more part of them would of four years did they have much not, obey the commandments of peace and rejoicing in the church. the king. 39 And it came to pass that there 3 And now it came to pass that were many who died, firmly a believ- ing 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 33 a Alma 47:1. 89:10. Omni 1:12; 34 a Alma 43:16. b Ezek. 47:12. Alma 49:10. 35 a Alma 43:30. tg Health; b tg Governments. Sickness. c Alma 27:12; 35:10; 43:8; 36 a Alma 62:4. 41 a tg Old Age. Hel. 1:17. 38 a Alma 43:2; 46:6; 49:30. 4 7 1 ab Rev. 14:13. tg Provoking. 39 a Moro. 7:41 (3, 41). Alma 46:33. 40 a D&C 59:17 (17–20); 2 a Alma 43:54 (49–54). b 2 Ne. 5:8;
Alma 47 : 4–16 326 the king was wroth because of that the leader of those who were their disobedience; therefore he upon the mount, whose name was gave Amalickiah the command of Lehonti, that he should come down that part of his army which was to the foot of the mount, for he de- obedient unto his commands, and sired to speak with him. commanded him that he should go forth and a compel them to arms. 11 And it came to pass that when Lehonti received the message he 4 Now behold, this was the desire durst not go down to the foot of of Amalickiah; for he being a very the mount. And it came to pass that a subtle man to do evil therefore he Amalickiah sent again the second laid the plan in his heart to b de- time, desiring him to come down. throne the king of the Lamanites. And it came to pass that Lehonti would not; and he sent again the 5 And now he had got the com- third time. mand of those parts of the Laman- ites who were in favor of the king; 12 And it came to pass that when and he sought to gain favor of those Amalickiah found that he could who were not obedient; therefore not get Lehonti to come down off he went forward to the place which from the mount, he went up into was called a Onidah, for thither had the mount, nearly to Lehonti’s camp; all the Lamanites fled; for they and he sent again the fourth time discovered the army coming, and, his message unto Lehonti, desiring supposing that they were coming to that he would come down, and that destroy them, therefore they fled to he would bring his guards with him. Onidah, to the place of arms. 13 And it came to pass that when 6 And they had appointed a man Lehonti had come down with his to be a king and a leader over them, guards to Amalickiah, that Amal- being fixed in their minds with ickiah desired him to come down a determined resolution that they with his army in the night-time, and would a not be subjected to go surround those men in their camps against the Nephites. over whom the king had given him command, and that he would deliver 7 And it came to pass that they them up into Lehonti’s hands, if he had gathered themselves together would make him (Amalickiah) a upon the top of the mount which second a leader over the whole army. was called Antipas, in preparation to battle. 14 And it came to pass that Lehonti came down with his men and sur- 8 Now it was not Amalickiah’s in- rounded the men of Amalickiah, so tention to give them battle accord- that before they awoke at the dawn ing to the commandments of the of day they were surrounded by the king; but behold, it was his inten- armies of Lehonti. tion to gain favor with the armies of the Lamanites, that he might place 15 And it came to pass that when himself at their head and dethrone they saw that they were surrounded, the king and take possession of the they pled with Amalickiah that he kingdom. would suffer them to fall in with their brethren, that they might not 9 And behold, it came to pass that be destroyed. Now this was the very he caused his army to pitch their thing which Amalickiah desired. tents in the valley which was near the mount Antipas. 16 And it came to pass that he delivered his men, a contrary to 10 And it came to pass that when it the commands of the king. Now was night he sent a secret embassy this was the thing that Amalickiah into the mount Antipas, desiring 3 a Alma 47:16 (16, 21). 5 a Alma 32:4. 16 a Alma 47:3. 4 a 2 Sam. 13:3 (3–14). 6 a Alma 44:19 (8, 19). b Alma 47:35 (8, 35). 13 a Alma 49:10.
327 Alma 47 : 17–34 desired, that he might accomplish Amalickiah commanded that his his designs in dethroning the king. armies should march forth and see what had happened to the king; and 17 Now it was the custom among when they had come to the spot, and the Lamanites, if their chief leader found the king lying in his gore, was killed, to appoint the second Amalickiah pretended to be wroth, leader to be their chief leader. and said: Whosoever loved the king, let him go forth, and pursue his ser- 18 And it came to pass that Amal- vants that they may be slain. ickiah caused that one of his ser- vants should administer a poison by 28 And it came to pass that all degrees to Lehonti, that he died. they who loved the king, when they heard these words, came forth 19 Now, when Lehonti was dead, and pursued after the servants of the Lamanites appointed Amalick the king. iah to be their leader and their chief commander. 29 Now when the a servants of the king saw an army pursuing after 20 And it came to pass that Amal- them, they were frightened again, ickiah marched with his armies (for and fled into the wilderness, and he had gained his desires) to the came over into the land of Zara- a land of Nephi, to the city of Nephi, hemla and joined the b people of which was the chief city. Ammon. 21 And the king came out to meet 30 And the army which pursued him with his guards, for he supposed after them returned, having pur- that Amalickiah had a fulfilled his sued after them in vain; and thus commands, and that Amalickiah Amalickiah, by his a fraud, gained had gathered together so great an the hearts of the people. army to go against the Nephites to battle. 31 And it came to pass on the mor- row he entered the city Nephi with 22 But behold, as the king came his armies, and took possession of out to meet him Amalickiah caused the city. that his servants should go forth to meet the king. And they went and 32 And now it came to pass that the a bowed themselves before the king, queen, when she had heard that as if to reverence him because of the king was slain—for Amalickiah his greatness. had sent an embassy to the queen informing her that the king had 23 And it came to pass that the been slain by his servants, that he king put forth his hand to raise had pursued them with his army, them, as was the custom with the La- but it was in vain, and they had manites, as a token of peace, which made their escape— custom they had taken from the Nephites. 33 Therefore, when the queen had received this message she sent unto 24 And it came to pass that when Amalickiah, desiring him that he he had raised the first from the would spare the people of the city; ground, behold he stabbed the king and she also desired him that he to the heart; and he fell to the earth. should come in unto her; and she also desired him that he should 25 Now the servants of the king bring a witnesses with him to testify fled; and the servants of Amalick- concerning the death of the king. iah raised a cry, saying: 34 And it came to pass that Amal- 26 Behold, the servants of the king ickiah took the same servant that have stabbed him to the heart, and slew the king, and all them who he has fallen and they have fled; behold, come and see. 27 And it came to pass that 18 a Alma 54:7. 22 a Mosiah 7:12. 30 a Alma 55:1. 20 a Alma 46:29. 29 a Alma 55:5. tg Fraud. 21 a Alma 47:3. b Alma 43:11; 62:17. 33 a tg Witness.
Alma 47 : 35–48 : 7 328 were with him, and went in unto And now it came to pass that, as the queen, unto the place where soon as aA malickiah had obtained she sat; and they all a testified unto the kingdom he began to b inspire the her that the king was slain by his hearts of the Lamanites against own servants; and they said also: the people of Nephi; yea, he did They have fled; does not this tes- appoint men to speak unto the La- tify against them? And thus they manites from their c towers, against satisfied the queen concerning the the Nephites. death of the king. 2 And thus he did inspire their 35 And it came to pass that Amal hearts against the Nephites, inso- ickiah sought the a favor of the much that in the latter end of the queen, and took her unto him to a nineteenth year of the reign of wife; and thus by his b fraud, and by the judges, he having accomplished the assistance of his cunning ser- his designs thus far, yea, having been vants, he c obtained the kingdom; yea, made king over the Lamanites, he he was acknowledged king through- b sought also to c reign over all the out all the land, among all the land, yea, and all the people who people of the Lamanites, who were were in the land, the Nephites as d composed of the Lamanites and well as the Lamanites. the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites, and all the dissenters of the Neph- 3 Therefore he had accomplished ites, from the reign of Nephi down his design, for he had hardened the to the present time. hearts of the Lamanites and blinded their minds, and stirred them up to 36 Now these a dissenters, having anger, insomuch that he had gath- the same instruction and the same ered together a numerous host to information of the Nephites, yea, go to battle against the Nephites. having been instructed in the same b knowledge of the Lord, neverthe- 4 For he was determined, because less, it is strange to relate, not long of the greatness of the number of his after their dissensions they became people, to a overpower the Nephites more hardened and c impenitent, and and to bring them into bondage. more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites—drinking in 5 And thus he did appoint a chief with the d traditions of the Laman- captains of the b Zoramites, they be- ites; giving way to e indolence, and ing the most acquainted with the all manner of lasciviousness; yea, en- strength of the Nephites, and their tirely forgetting the Lord their God. places of resort, and the weakest parts of their cities; therefore he Chapter 48 appointed them to be chief captains Amalickiah incites the Lamanites over his armies. against the Nephites—Moroni prepares his people to defend the cause of the 6 And it came to pass that they Christians—He rejoices in liberty and took their camp, and moved forth freedom and is a mighty man of God. toward the land of Zarahemla in About 72 b.c. the wilderness. 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 a preparing 34 a tg False; b Heb. 10:26 (26–27); b D&C 121:39. Lying. Alma 24:30. c Alma 54:24. c Jer. 8:12. 4 a tg Tyranny. 35 a Prov. 19:6 (6–7). d tg Peer Influence. 5 a Alma 43:6; b tg Conspiracy; 4 8 1 ae 3 Ne. 4:5. Alma 52:3 (1–3); 54:5. 49:5 (5, 23). Tyranny. b Alma 62:35. b Alma 52:20 (20, 33). c Alma 47:4. c Mosiah 2:8. 7 a Alma 49:8. d Jacob 1:13 (13–14). 36 a tg Apostasy of 2 a Alma 48:21. Individuals.
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