Book of Mormon

329 Alma 48 : 8–19 the minds of the people to be faith- to defend themselves against their ful unto the Lord their God. enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and 8 Yea, he had been strengthening they were also taught a never to give the armies of the Nephites, and an offense, yea, and never to raise erecting small a forts, or places of the sword except it were against an resort; throwing up banks of earth enemy, except it were to preserve round about to enclose his armies, their lives. and also building b walls of stone to encircle them about, round about 15 And this was their a faith, that by their cities and the borders of their so doing God would b prosper them lands; yea, all round about the land. in the land, or in other words, if they were faithful in keeping the com- 9 And in their weakest fortifica- mandments of God that he would tions he did place the greater num- prosper them in the land; yea, warn ber of men; and thus he did fortify them to flee, or to prepare for war, and strengthen the land which was according to their danger; possessed by the Nephites. 16 And also, that God would make 10 And thus he was preparing to it known unto them a whither they a support their liberty, their lands, should go to defend themselves their wives, and their children, and against their enemies, and by so their peace, and that they might live doing, the Lord would deliver them; unto the Lord their God, and that and this was the faith of Moroni, they might maintain that which was and his heart did glory in it; b not called by their enemies the cause in the shedding of blood but in do- of b Christians. ing good, in preserving his people, yea, in keeping the commandments 11 And Moroni was a a strong and of God, yea, and resisting iniquity. a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect b understanding; yea, a man 17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, that did not delight in bloodshed; a if all men had been, and were, and man whose soul did joy in the lib- ever would be, like unto a Moroni, erty and the freedom of his coun- behold, the very powers of hell try, and his brethren from bondage would have been shaken forever; and slavery; yea, the b devil would never have power over the hearts of the children 12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell of men. with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which 18 Behold, he was a man like unto he bestowed upon his people; a man aA  mmon, the son of Mosiah, yea, who did labor exceedingly for the and even the other sons of Mosiah, a welfare and safety of his people. yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God. 13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and 19 Now behold, Helaman and his he had a sworn with an oath to de- brethren were no less a serviceable fend his people, his rights, and his unto the people than was Moroni; country, and his religion, even to for they did preach the word of the loss of his blood. God, and they did baptize unto 14 Now the Nephites were taught 8 a Alma 49:13 tg Dependability. tg Guidance, Divine. (2–13, 18–24). 14 a Alma 43:46 (46–47); b Alma 55:19. 17 a Alma 53:2. b Deut. 3:5. 3 Ne. 3:21 (20–21); b 1 Ne. 22:26; 10 a Alma 44:5; 46:12. Morm. 3:10 (10–11); b Alma 46:13. D&C 98:16. 3 Ne. 6:15; 11 a tg Strength. 15 a tg Steadfastness. D&C 35:24. b Alma 18:22. b Alma 45:8. 18 a Alma 28:8. 16 a Alma 16:6 (5–8); 19 a Alma 45:22. tg Understanding. 43:23 (23–24); 12 a tg Welfare. 3 Ne. 3:20 (18–21). 13 a Alma 46:20 (20–22).

Alma 48 : 20–49 : 6 330 repentance all men whosoever Chapter 49 would hearken unto their words. The invading Lamanites are unable to take the fortified cities of Ammoni­ 20 And thus they went forth, and hah and Noah—Amalickiah curses the people did a humble themselves God and swears to drink the blood of because of their b words, insomuch Moroni—Helaman and his brethren that they were highly c favored of continue to strengthen the Church. the Lord, and thus they were free About 72 b.c. from wars and contentions among And now it came to pass in the elev- themselves, yea, even for the space enth month of the nineteenth year, of four years. on the tenth day of the month, the armies of the Lamanites were seen 21 But, as I have said, in the a latter approaching towards the land of end of the nineteenth year, yea, not- aA  mmonihah. withstanding their peace amongst themselves, they were compelled 2 And behold, the city had been reluctantly to contend with their rebuilt, and Moroni had stationed brethren, the Lamanites. an army by the borders of the city, and they had a cast up dirt round 22 Yea, and in fine, their wars about to shield them from the ar- never did cease for the space of rows and the b stones of the Laman- many years with the Lamanites, ites; for behold, they fought with notwithstanding their much re- stones and with arrows. luctance. 3 Behold, I said that the city of 23 Now, they were a sorry to take aA  mmonihah had been rebuilt. I say up arms against the Lamanites, be- unto you, yea, that it was in part cause they did not delight in the rebuilt; and because the Laman- shedding of blood; yea, and this ites had destroyed it once because was not all—they were b sorry to of the iniquity of the people, they be the means of sending so many supposed that it would again be- of their brethren out of this world come an easy prey for them. into an eternal world, c unprepared to meet their God. 4 But behold, how great was their disappointment; for behold, the 24 Nevertheless, they could not Nephites had dug up a a ridge of suffer to lay down their lives, that earth round about them, which was their a wives and their children so high that the Lamanites could should be b massacred by the bar- not cast their stones and their ar- barous c cruelty of those who were rows at them that they might take once their brethren, yea, and had effect, neither could they come upon d dissented from their church, and them save it was by their place of had left them and had gone to de- b entrance. stroy them by joining the Lamanites. 5 Now at this time the chief a cap- 25 Yea, they could not bear that tains of the Lamanites were aston- their brethren should rejoice over ished exceedingly, because of the the blood of the Nephites, so long wisdom of the Nephites in prepar- as there were any who should keep ing their places of security. the commandments of God, for the promise of the Lord was, if they 6 Now the leaders of the Lamanites should keep his commandments they should a prosper in the land. 20 a tg Humility. c Amos 4:12; 49 1 a Alma 8:6. b 1 Ne. 15:20; Alma 20:17. 2 a Alma 48:8. Hel. 6:5. 24 a Alma 46:12. b 1 Ne. 16:15; c 1 Ne. 17:35. b tg Martyrdom. 21 a Alma 48:2. c tg Cruelty. Alma 43:20. 23 a Alma 28:11 (11–12); d tg Apostasy of 3 a Alma 16:2 (2–3, 9, 11). 4 a Alma 48:8; 50:1. D&C 42:45. Individuals. b Alma 49:20. b 3 Ne. 12:44. 25 a Alma 45:8. 5 a Alma 52:19.

331 Alma 49 : 7–18 had supposed, because of the great- and marched towards the land of ness of their numbers, yea, they a Noah, supposing that to be the supposed that they should be privi­ next best place for them to come leged to come upon them as they against the Nephites. had hitherto done; yea, and they had also prepared themselves with 13 For they knew not that Moroni shields, and with a breastplates; had fortified, or had built a forts and they had also prepared them- of security, for every city in all the selves with garments of skins, yea, land round about; therefore, they very thick garments to cover their marched forward to the land of nakedness. Noah with a firm determination; yea, their chief captains came for- 7 And being thus prepared they ward and took an b oath that they supposed that they should easily would destroy the people of that overpower and a subject their breth- city. ren to the yoke of bondage, or slay and massacre them according to 14 But behold, to their astonish- their pleasure. ment, the city of Noah, which had hitherto been a weak place, had 8 But behold, to their uttermost now, by the means of Moroni, be- astonishment, they were a prepared come strong, yea, even to exceed the for them, in a manner which never strength of the city Ammonihah. had been known among the chil- dren of Lehi. Now they were pre- 15 And now, behold, this was wis- pared for the Lamanites, to battle dom in Moroni; for he had supposed after the manner of the instructions that they would be frightened at of Moroni. the city Ammonihah; and as the city of Noah had hitherto been the 9 And it came to pass that the weakest part of the land, therefore Lamanites, or the Amalickiahites, they would march thither to bat- were exceedingly astonished at tle; and thus it was according to their manner of preparation for his desires. war. 16 And behold, Moroni had ap- 10 Now, if king Amalickiah had pointed Lehi to be chief captain come down out of the a land of Nephi, over the men of that city; and it was at the head of his army, perhaps that a same Lehi who fought with he would have caused the Laman- the Lamanites in the valley on the ites to have attacked the Nephites east of the river Sidon. at the city of Ammonihah; for be- hold, he did care not for the blood 17 And now behold it came to of his people. pass, that when the Lamanites had found that Lehi commanded the 11 But behold, Amalickiah did not city they were again disappointed, come down himself to battle. And for they feared Lehi exceedingly; behold, his chief captains durst nevertheless their chief captains not attack the Nephites at the city had a sworn with an oath to attack of Ammonihah, for Moroni had the city; therefore, they brought up altered the management of affairs their armies. among the Nephites, insomuch that the Lamanites were disappointed 18 Now behold, the Lamanites in their places of retreat and they could not get into their forts of could not come upon them. security by any other way save by the entrance, because of the high- 12 Therefore they retreated into ness of the bank which had been the wilderness, and took their camp thrown up, and the depth of the 6 a Alma 46:13; 10 a 2 Ne. 5:8; 13 a Alma 48:8; 50:10 (1–6, 10). Hel. 1:14. Omni 1:12; b Alma 49:17. Alma 47:1 (1, 13–24). 16 a Alma 43:35. 7 a Alma 43:29. 17 a Alma 49:13. 8 a Alma 48:7 (7–10). 12 a Alma 16:3.

Alma 49 : 19–30 332 ditch which had been dug round posed to the arrows of the Lamanites about, save it were by the entrance. through the pass, but they were shielded by their a shields, and their 19 And thus were the Nephites pre- breastplates, and their head-plates, pared to destroy all such as should insomuch that their wounds were attempt to climb up to enter the fort upon their legs, many of which were by any other way, by casting over very severe. stones and arrows at them. 25 And it came to pass, that when 20 Thus they were prepared, yea, the Lamanites saw that their chief a body of their strongest men, with captains were all slain they fled their swords and their slings, to into the wilderness. And it came to smite down all who should attempt pass that they returned to the land to come into their place of secu- of Nephi, to inform their king, rity by the place of a entrance; and Amalickiah, who was a a Nephite by thus were they prepared to defend birth, concerning their great b loss. themselves against the Lamanites. 26 And it came to pass that he was 21 And it came to pass that the exceedingly angry with his people, captains of the Lamanites brought because he had not obtained his up their armies before the place desire over the Nephites; he had of entrance, and began to contend not subjected them to the yoke of with the Nephites, to get into their bondage. place of security; but behold, they were driven back from time to time, 27 Yea, he was exceedingly wroth, insomuch that they were slain with and he did a curse God, and also Mo- an immense slaughter. roni, swearing with an b oath that he would drink his blood; and this 22 Now when they found that because Moroni had kept the com- they could not obtain power over mandments of God in preparing the Nephites by the pass, they be- for the safety of his people. gan to dig down their banks of earth that they might obtain a pass 28 And it came to pass, that on the to their armies, that they might other hand, the people of Nephi did have an equal chance to fight; but a thank the Lord their God, because behold, in these attempts they were of his matchless power in deliver- swept off by the stones and arrows ing them from the hands of their which were thrown at them; and enemies. instead of filling up their ditches by pulling down the banks of earth, 29 And thus ended the nineteenth they were filled up in a measure year of the reign of the judges over with their dead and wounded the people of Nephi. bodies. 30 Yea, and there was continual 23 Thus the Nephites had all power peace among them, and exceedingly over their enemies; and thus the La- great prosperity in the church be- manites did attempt to destroy the cause of their heed and diligence Nephites until their a chief captains which they gave unto the word of were all slain; yea, and more than God, which was declared unto them a thousand of the Lamanites were by Helaman, and Shiblon, and Cori- slain; while, on the other hand, anton, and Ammon and his breth- there was not a single soul of the ren, yea, and by all those who had Nephites which was slain. been ordained by the a holy order of God, being baptized unto re- 24 There were about fifty who pentance, and sent forth to preach were wounded, who had been ex- among the people. 20 a Alma 49:4 (4, 18, 21, 24). b Alma 51:11. 28 a tg Thanksgiving. 23 a Alma 48:5. 27 a tg Blaspheme. 30 a Alma 30:20 (20–23, 31); 24 a Alma 43:19. b Acts 23:12; 25 a Alma 46:3. 43:2; 46:38. Alma 51:9.

333 Alma 50 : 1–13 Chapter 50 forth into the east wilderness; yea, Moroni fortifies the lands of the Neph- and they went forth and drove all ites—They build many new cities—Wars the Lamanites who were in the east and destructions befell the Nephites in wilderness into their own lands, the days of their wickedness and abomi- which were a south of the land of nations—Morianton and his dissenters Zarahemla. are defeated by Teancum—Nephihah dies, and his son Pahoran fills the judg- 8 And the land of a Nephi did run ment seat. About 72–67 b.c. in a straight course from the east And now it came to pass that Moroni sea to the west. did not stop making preparations for war, or to defend his people against 9 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites; for he caused that Moroni had driven all the Laman- his armies should commence in the ites out of the east wilderness, commencement of the twentieth which was north of the lands of year of the reign of the judges, that their own possessions, he caused they should commence in digging that the inhabitants who were in up a heaps of earth round about the land of Zarahemla and in the all the cities, throughout all the land round about should go forth land which was possessed by the into the east wilderness, even to the Nephites. borders by the seashore, and possess the land. 2 And upon the top of these ridges of earth he caused that there should 10 And he also placed armies on be a timbers, yea, works of timbers the south, in the borders of their built up to the height of a man, possessions, and caused them to round about the cities. erect a fortifications that they might secure their armies and their people 3 And he caused that upon those from the hands of their enemies. works of timbers there should be a frame of pickets built upon the 11 And thus he cut off all the timbers round about; and they were strongholds of the Lamanites in strong and high. the east wilderness, yea, and also on the west, fortifying the line 4 And he caused towers to be between the Nephites and the La- erected that overlooked those works manites, between the land of Zara- of pickets, and he caused places of se- hemla and the land of Nephi, from curity to be built upon those a towers, the west sea, running by the head that the stones and the arrows of of the a river Sidon—the Nephites the Lamanites could not hurt them. possessing all the land b northward, yea, even all the land which was 5 And they were prepared that northward of the land Bountiful, they could cast stones from the top according to their pleasure. thereof, according to their pleasure and their strength, and slay him 12 Thus Moroni, with his armies, who should attempt to approach which did increase daily because of near the walls of the city. the assurance of protection which his works did bring forth unto them, 6 Thus Moroni did prepare strong- did seek to cut off the strength and holds against the coming of their the power of the Lamanites from off enemies, round about every city in the lands of their possessions, that all the land. they should have no power upon the lands of their possession. 7 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his armies should go 13 And it came to pass that the Nephites began the foundation of a 50 1 a Alma 48:8; 49:4; 52:6. 8 a 2 Ne. 5:8; 10 a Alma 49:13 (13, 18–24); Omni 1:12 (12, 27); 53:3 (3–7). 2 a Alma 53:4. Mosiah 7:6 (6–7); 4 a 2 Chr. 14:7 (7–8). 9:1 (1, 3–4, 14). 11 a Alma 2:15; 22:29. 7 a Alma 22:32. b Morm. 2:3.

Alma 50 : 14–27 334 city, and they called the name of plunderings, their idolatry, their the city a Moroni; and it was by the whoredoms, and their abomina- east sea; and it was on the south by tions, which were among them- the line of the possessions of the selves, which a brought upon them Lamanites. their wars and their destructions. 14 And they also began a foun- 22 And those who were faithful dation for a city between the city in keeping the commandments of of Moroni and the city of Aaron, the Lord were delivered at all times, joining the borders of Aaron and whilst thousands of their wicked Moroni; and they called the name brethren have been consigned to of the city, or the land, a Nephihah. bondage, or to perish by the sword, or to dwindle in unbelief, and min- 15 And they also began in that gle with the Lamanites. same year to build many cities on the north, one in a particular man- 23 But behold there never was a ner which they called a Lehi, which a happier time among the people of was in the north by the borders of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than the seashore. in the days of Moroni, yea, even at this time, in the twenty and first 16 And thus ended the twentieth year of the reign of the judges. year. 24 And it came to pass that the 17 And in these prosperous circum- twenty and second year of the reign stances were the people of Nephi in of the judges also ended in peace; the commencement of the twenty yea, and also the twenty and third and first year of the reign of the year. judges over the people of Nephi. 25 And it came to pass that in 18 And they did prosper a exceed- the commencement of the twenty ingly, and they became exceedingly and fourth year of the reign of the rich; yea, and they did multiply and judges, there would also have been wax strong in the land. peace among the people of Nephi had it not been for a a contention 19 And thus we see how merci- which took place among them con- ful and just are all the dealings of cerning the land of b Lehi, and the the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his land of c Morianton, which joined words unto the children of men; yea, upon the borders of Lehi; both of we can behold that his words are which were on the borders by the veri­fied, even at this time, which seashore. he spake unto Lehi, saying: 26 For behold, the people who 20 Blessed art thou and thy chil- possessed the land of Morianton dren; and they shall be blessed, did claim a part of the land of Lehi; inasmuch as they shall keep my therefore there began to be a warm a commandments they shall pros- a contention between them, inso- per in the land. But remember, in- much that the people of Morianton asmuch as they will not keep my took up arms against their breth- commandments they shall be b cut ren, and they were determined by off from the presence of the Lord. the sword to slay them. 21 And we see that these prom- 27 But behold, the people who pos- ises have been verified to the peo- sessed the land of Lehi fled to the ple of Nephi; for it has been their camp of Moroni, and appealed unto quarrelings and their contentions, yea, their murderings, and their 13 a Alma 51:22 (22–24); 18 a Alma 1:29. 23 a 2 Ne. 5:27; 62:32 (32, 34); 20 a Lev. 25:18 (18–19); Mosiah 2:41; 3 Ne. 8:9. 4 Ne. 1:16 (15–18). Ps. 1:3 (2–3); 14 a Alma 51:24 (24–26); Alma 37:13; 62:48. 25 a tg Contention. 59:5; 62:18 (14, 18, 26). b Ps. 37:2; b Hel. 6:10. D&C 1:14. c Alma 51:26. 15 a Alma 51:26 (24–26); 21 a Alma 41:10. 26 a 3 Ne. 11:29. 62:30.

335 Alma 50 : 28–39 him for assistance; for behold they come to the borders of the land were not in the wrong. b Desolation; and there they did head them, by the narrow pass 28 And it came to pass that when which led by the sea into the land the people of Morianton, who were northward, yea, by the sea, on the led by a man whose name was Mori- west and on the east. anton, found that the people of Lehi had fled to the camp of Moroni, 35 And it came to pass that the they were exceedingly fearful lest army which was sent by Moroni, the army of Moroni should come which was led by a man whose upon them and destroy them. name was Teancum, did meet the people of Morianton; and so stub- 29 Therefore, Morianton put it into born were the people of Morianton, their hearts that they should flee (being inspired by his wickedness to the land which was northward, and his a flattering words) that a which was covered with a large bod- battle commenced between them, ies of water, and take possession of in the which Teancum did b slay the land which was b northward. Morianton and defeat his army, and took them prisoners, and returned 30 And behold, they would have to the camp of Moroni. And thus carried this plan into effect, (which ended the twenty and fourth year would have been a cause to have of the reign of the judges over the been lamented) but behold, Mori- people of Nephi. anton being a man of much passion, therefore he was angry with one of 36 And thus were the people of his maid servants, and he fell upon Morianton brought back. And upon her and beat her much. their a covenanting to keep the peace they were restored to the land of 31 And it came to pass that she Morianton, and a union took place fled, and came over to the camp of between them and the people of Moroni, and told Moroni all things Lehi; and they were also restored concerning the matter, and also to their lands. concerning their intentions to flee into the land northward. 37 And it came to pass that in the same year that the people of Nephi 32 Now behold, the people who had peace restored unto them, that were in the land Bountiful, or rather Nephihah, the a second chief judge, Moroni, feared that they would died, having filled the judgment- hearken to the words of Morian- seat with b perfect uprightness be- ton and unite with his people, and fore God. thus he would obtain possession of those parts of the land, which 38 Nevertheless, he had refused would lay a foundation for serious Alma to take possession of those consequences among the people of a records and those things which Nephi, yea, which a consequences were esteemed by Alma and his would lead to the overthrow of their fathers to be most sacred; therefore b liberty. Alma had conferred b them upon his son, Helaman. 33 Therefore Moroni sent an army, with their camp, to head the people 39 Behold, it came to pass that the of Morianton, to stop their flight son of Nephihah was appointed to into the land northward. fill the judgment-seat, in the stead of his father; yea, he was appointed 34 And it came to pass that they did not a head them until they had 29 a Mosiah 8:8; b Alma 46:17; 37 a Alma 4:17 (16–18). Hel. 3:4 (3–4). Morm. 3:5 (5, 7). b tg Perfection. b Alma 22:31 (29–31); 51:30. 35 a Mosiah 27:8; 38 a Alma 37:1 (1–5); 32 a tg Contention; Hel. 1:7; 2:5. Division. b Alma 51:29. 45:2 (2–8). b tg Liberty. 36 a 1 Ne. 4:37; b 3 Ne. 1:2. 34 a Hel. 1:28 (28–30). Alma 44:15.

Alma 50 : 40–51 : 8 336 chief judge and a governor over the therefore, he did not hearken to people, with an b oath and sacred or- those who had sent in their voices dinance to judge righteously, and to with their petitions concerning the keep the peace and the c freedom of altering of the law. the people, and to grant unto them their sacred privileges to worship 4 Therefore, those who were de- the Lord their God, yea, to support sirous that the law should be al- and maintain the cause of God all tered were angry with him, and his days, and to bring the wicked desired that he should no longer be to justice according to their crime. chief judge over the land; therefore there arose a warm a dispute con- 40 Now behold, his name was a Pa- cerning the matter, but not unto horan. And Pahoran did fill the seat bloodshed. of his father, and did commence his reign in the end of the twenty 5 And it came to pass that those and fourth year, over the people who were desirous that Pahoran of Nephi. should be dethroned from the judgment-seat were called a king- Chapter 51 men, for they were desirous that the The king-men seek to change the law law should be altered in a manner to and set up a king—Pahoran and the overthrow the free government and freemen are supported by the voice of to establish a b king over the land. the people—Moroni compels the king- men to defend their country or be put 6 And those who were desirous to death—Amalickiah and the Laman- that Pahoran should remain chief ites capture many fortified cities—Te- judge over the land took upon them ancum repels the Lamanite invasion the name of  a freemen; and thus was and slays Amalickiah in his tent. About the b division among them, for the 67–66 b.c. freemen had sworn or c covenanted And now it came to pass in the to maintain their rights and the commencement of the twenty and privileges of their religion by a free fifth year of the reign of the judges government. over the people of Nephi, they hav- ing established peace between the 7 And it came to pass that this people of Lehi and the people of matter of their contention was set- Morianton concerning their lands, tled by the a voice of the people. and having commenced the twenty And it came to pass that the voice and fifth year in a peace; of the people came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained 2 Nevertheless, they did not long the judgment-seat, which caused maintain an entire peace in the land, much rejoicing among the breth- for there began to be a contention ren of Pahoran and also many of among the people concerning the the people of liberty, who also put chief judge Pahoran; for behold, the king-men to silence, that they there were a part of the people who durst not oppose but were obliged desired that a few particular points to maintain the cause of freedom. of the a law should be altered. 8 Now those who were in favor 3 But behold, Pahoran would not of kings were those of a high birth, alter nor suffer the law to be altered; and they sought to be b kings; and they were supported by those who sought power and authority over the people. 39 a Alma 60:1. 2 a Alma 1:1. b 1 Kgs. 16:21 (21–22). b tg Oath; Ordinance. 4 a tg Disputations. c Alma 48:13; c Alma 4:16 (16–17); 5 a Alma 60:16; 62:9. Hel. 1:5 (3–5, 13). 60:25 (25–27). 40 a Alma 59:3; 61:1; tg Kings, Earthly; 7 a Alma 4:16; Hel. 1:2. Unrighteous Dominion. 51 1 a tg Peacemakers. b 3 Ne. 6:30. Hel. 1:5. 6 a Alma 61:3 (3–4); 62:6. 8 a tg Haughtiness; Pride. b tg Tyranny.

337 Alma 51 : 9–20 9 But behold, this was a critical bornness of those people whom he time for such contentions to be had labored with so much diligence among the people of Nephi; for be- to preserve; yea, he was exceedingly hold, Amalickiah had again a stirred wroth; his soul was filled with an- up the hearts of the people of the ger against them. Lamanites against the people of the Nephites, and he was gathering 15 And it came to pass that he sent together soldiers from all parts of a petition, with the voice of the peo- his land, and arming them, and pre- ple, unto the governor of the land, paring for war with all diligence; for desiring that he should read it, and he had b sworn to drink the blood give him (Moroni) power to compel of Moroni. those dissenters to defend their country or to put them to death. 10 But behold, we shall see that his promise which he made was 16 For it was his first care to put a rash; nevertheless, he did prepare an end to such contentions and himself and his armies to come to dissensions among the people; for battle against the Nephites. behold, this had been hitherto a cause of all their destruction. And 11 Now his armies were not so it came to pass that it was granted great as they had hitherto been, be- according to the voice of the people. cause of the many thousands who had been a slain by the hand of the 17 And it came to pass that Moroni Nephites; but notwithstanding their commanded that his army should great loss, Amalickiah had gathered go against those king-men, to pull together a wonderfully great army, down their pride and their nobil- insomuch that he feared not to come ity and level them with the earth, down to the land of Zarahemla. or they should take up arms and support the cause of liberty. 12 Yea, even Amalickiah did him- self come down, at the head of the 18 And it came to pass that the Lamanites. And it was in the twenty armies did march forth against and fifth year of the reign of the them; and they did pull down their judges; and it was at the same time pride and their nobility, insomuch that they had begun to settle the that as they did lift their weapons affairs of their contentions con- of war to fight against the men of cerning the chief judge, Pahoran. Moroni they were hewn down and leveled to the earth. 13 And it came to pass that when the men who were called king- 19 And it came to pass that there men had heard that the Laman- were four thousand of those a dis- ites were coming down to battle senters who were hewn down by the against them, they were glad in their sword; and those of their leaders hearts; and they refused to take up who were not slain in battle were arms, for they were so wroth with taken and b cast into prison, for the chief judge, and also with the there was no time for their trials at a people of b liberty, that they would this period. not take up arms to defend their country. 20 And the remainder of those dissenters, rather than be smitten 14 And it came to pass that when down to the earth by the sword, Moroni saw this, and also saw that yielded to the standard of liberty, the Lamanites were coming into the and were compelled to hoist the borders of the land, he was exceed- a title of liberty upon their towers, ingly wroth because of the a stub- and in their cities, and to take up arms in defence of their country. 9 a Alma 63:14. 11 a Alma 49:25 (22–25). 19 a Alma 60:16. b Acts 23:12; 13 a Alma 46:16 (10–16). b Alma 62:9. b tg Liberty. 20 a Alma 46:13 (12–13). Alma 49:27 (26–27). 14 a tg Stubbornness. 10 a tg Rashness.

Alma 51 : 21–33 338 21 And thus Moroni put an end to which were on the east borders by those king-men, that there were not the seashore. any known by the appellation of king-men; and thus he put an end 27 And thus had the Lamanites to the stubbornness and the pride obtained, by the cunning of Amal- of those people who professed the ickiah, so many cities, by their blood of nobility; but they were numberless hosts, all of which were brought down to humble them- strongly fortified after the manner selves like unto their brethren, and of the a fortifications of Moroni; all to fight a valiantly for their freedom of which afforded strongholds for from bondage. the Lamanites. 22 Behold, it came to pass that 28 And it came to pass that they while Moroni was thus breaking marched to the a borders of the land down the wars and contentions Bountiful, driving the Nephites be- among his own people, and subject- fore them and slaying many. ing them to peace and civilization, and making regulations to prepare 29 But it came to pass that they for war against the Lamanites, be- were met by Teancum, who had hold, the Lamanites had come into a slain Morianton and had b headed the a land of Moroni, which was in his people in his flight. the borders by the seashore. 30 And it came to pass that he 23 And it came to pass that the headed Amalickiah also, as he was Nephites were not sufficiently marching forth with his numerous strong in the city of Moroni; there- army that he might take possession fore Amalickiah did drive them, of the land Bountiful, and also the slaying many. And it came to pass land a northward. that Amalickiah took possession of the city, yea, possession of all their 31 But behold he met with a dis- fortifications. appointment by being repulsed by Teancum and his men, for they 24 And those who fled out of the were great warriors; for every man a city of Moroni came to the city of of Teancum did exceed the La- Nephihah; and also the people of manites in their strength and in the city of Lehi gathered themselves their skill of war, insomuch that together, and made preparations they did gain advantage over the and were ready to receive the La- Lamanites. manites to battle. 32 And it came to pass that they 25 But it came to pass that Amalick­ did harass them, insomuch that iah would not suffer the Lamanites they did slay them even until it was to go against the city of Nephihah dark. And it came to pass that Te- to battle, but kept them down by ancum and his men did pitch their the seashore, leaving men in every tents in the borders of the land city to maintain and defend it. Bountiful; and Amalickiah did pitch his tents in the borders on 26 And thus he went on, taking the beach by the seashore, and after possession of a many cities, the city this manner were they driven. of b Nephihah, and the city of  c Lehi, and the city of d Morianton, and 33 And it came to pass that when the city of Omner, and the city of the night had come, Teancum and e Gid, and the city of f  Mulek, all of his servant stole forth and went out by night, and went into the camp of Amalickiah; and behold, sleep 21 a tg Courage. b Alma 50:14; 53:6 (2, 6). 22 a Alma 50:13; 62:18 (14, 18, 26). 27 a Alma 48:8 (8–9). 28 a Alma 52:12. 62:32 (32, 34); c Alma 50:15; 62:30. 29 a Alma 50:35. 3 Ne. 8:9. d Alma 50:25; 55:33. b Hel. 1:28 (28–30). 24 a Alma 50:14. e Alma 55:7. 30 a Alma 50:29; 52:9. 26 a Alma 58:31. f Alma 52:2 (2, 16, 22);

339 Alma 51 : 34–52 : 9 had overpowered them because 3 And it came to pass that the of their much fatigue, which was a brother of Amalickiah was ap- caused by the labors and heat of pointed king over the people; and the day. his name was bA  mmoron; thus king Ammoron, the brother of king Amal- 34 And it came to pass that Tean- ickiah, was appointed to reign in cum stole privily into the tent of his stead. the king, and a put a javelin to his heart; and he did cause the b death 4 And it came to pass that he did of the king immediately that he did command that his people should not awake his servants. maintain those cities, which they had taken by the shedding of blood; 35 And he returned again privily for they had not taken any cities to his own camp, and behold, his save they had lost much blood. men were asleep, and he awoke them and told them all the things 5 And now, Teancum saw that that he had done. the Lamanites were determined to maintain those cities which 36 And he caused that his armies they had taken, and those parts of should stand in a readiness, lest the land which they had obtained the Lamanites had awakened and possession of; and also seeing the should come upon them. enormity of their number, Teancum thought it was not expedient that 37 And thus endeth the twenty and he should attempt to attack them in fifth year of the reign of the judges their forts. over the people of Nephi; and thus endeth the days of Amalickiah. 6 But he kept his men round about, as if making preparations for war; Chapter 52 yea, and truly he was preparing to Ammoron succeeds Amalickiah as king defend himself against them, by of the Lamanites—Moroni, Teancum, a casting up walls round about and and Lehi lead the Nephites in a victo- preparing places of resort. rious war against the Lamanites—The city of Mulek is retaken, and Jacob the 7 And it came to pass that he kept Zoramite is slain. About 66–64 b.c. thus preparing for war until Moroni And now, it came to pass in the had sent a large number of men to twenty and sixth year of the reign of strengthen his army. the judges over the people of Nephi, behold, when the Lamanites awoke 8 And Moroni also sent orders unto on the first morning of the first him that he should retain all the month, behold, they found Amal- prisoners who fell into his hands; for ickiah was dead in his own tent; as the Lamanites had taken many and they also saw that Teancum prisoners, that he should retain all was a ready to give them battle on the prisoners of the Lamanites as that day. a a ransom for those whom the La- manites had taken. 2 And now, when the Lamanites saw this they were affrighted; and 9 And he also sent orders unto they abandoned their design in him that he should fortify the land marching into the land northward, a Bountiful, and secure the b narrow and retreated with all their army pass which led into the land c north- into the city of a Mulek, and sought ward, lest the Lamanites should protection in their fortifications. obtain that point and should have power to harass them on every side. 34 a Alma 62:36. b Alma 54:1; Hel. 1:23. b Alma 54:16. Hel. 1:16. b Alma 22:32; 5 23 16 aa Alma 52:1. Alma 51:36. 6 a Alma 50:1; 53:3. Morm. 2:29. 2 a Alma 51:26. 8 a Alma 54:2 (1–2). c Alma 51:30. 9 a Alma 22:29; 3 a Alma 48:1 (1–6); 54:5. 53:3 (3–4); 63:5;

Alma 52 : 10–21 340 10 And Moroni also sent unto him, towards the land Bountiful, that desiring him that he would be a faith- he might assist Teancum with his ful in maintaining that quarter of men in retaking the cities which the land, and that he would seek they had lost— every opportunity to scourge the Lamanites in that quarter, as much 16 And it came to pass that Tean- as was in his power, that perhaps he cum had received orders to make might take again by stratagem or an attack upon the city of Mulek, some other way those cities which and retake it if it were possible. had been taken out of their hands; and that he also would fortify and 17 And it came to pass that Tean- strengthen the cities round about, cum made preparations to make an which had not fallen into the hands attack upon the city of Mulek, and of the Lamanites. march forth with his army against the Lamanites; but he saw that it was 11 And he also said unto him, I impossible that he could overpower would come unto you, but behold, them while they were in their for- the Lamanites are upon us in the tifications; therefore he abandoned borders of the land by the west his designs and returned again to sea; and behold, I go against them, the city Bountiful, to wait for the therefore I cannot come unto you. coming of Moroni, that he might receive strength to his army. 12 Now, the king (Ammoron) had a departed out of the land of Zara- 18 And it came to pass that Mo- hemla, and had made known unto roni did arrive with his army at the queen concerning the death of the land of Bountiful, in the latter his brother, and had gathered to- end of the twenty and seventh year gether a large number of men, and of the reign of the judges over the had marched forth against the Neph- people of Nephi. ites on the borders by the west sea. 19 And in the commencement of 13 And thus he was endeavoring the twenty and eighth year, Mo- to harass the Nephites, and to draw roni and Teancum and many of the away a part of their forces to that chief a captains held a council of part of the land, while he had com- war—what they should do to cause manded those whom he had left the Lamanites to come out against to possess the cities which he had them to battle; or that they might taken, that they should also harass by some means flatter them out of the Nephites on the borders by the their strongholds, that they might east sea, and should take possession gain advantage over them and take of their lands as much as it was in again the city of Mulek. their power, according to the power of their armies. 20 And it came to pass they sent embassies to the army of the La- 14 And thus were the Nephites in manites, which protected the city those dangerous circumstances in of Mulek, to their leader, whose the ending of the twenty and sixth name was Jacob, desiring him that year of the reign of the judges over he would come out with his armies the people of Nephi. to meet them upon the plains be- tween the two cities. But behold, 15 But behold, it came to pass in Jacob, who was a a Zoramite, would the twenty and seventh year of the not come out with his army to meet reign of the judges, that Teancum, them upon the plains. by the command of Moroni—who had established armies to protect 21 And it came to pass that Moroni, the south and the west borders of having no hopes of meeting them the land, and had begun his march upon fair grounds, therefore, he re- solved upon a plan that he might 10 a tg Trustworthiness. 19 a Alma 49:5; 55:23. 12 a Alma 51:28. 20 a Alma 48:5.

341 Alma 52 : 22–37 a decoy the Lamanites out of their against them, they fled in much con- strongholds. fusion, lest perhaps they should not obtain the city Mulek before Lehi 22 Therefore he caused that Te- should overtake them; for they were ancum should take a small num- wearied because of their march, and ber of men and march down near the men of Lehi were fresh. the seashore; and Moroni and his army, by night, marched in the 29 Now the Lamanites did not wilderness, on the west of the city know that Moroni had been in their a Mulek; and thus, on the morrow, rear with his army; and all they when the guards of the Lamanites feared was Lehi and his men. had discovered Teancum, they ran and told it unto Jacob, their leader. 30 Now Lehi was not desirous to overtake them till they should meet 23 And it came to pass that the Moroni and his army. armies of the Lamanites did march forth against Teancum, supposing 31 And it came to pass that before by their numbers to overpower Te- the Lamanites had retreated far they ancum because of the smallness of were surrounded by the Nephites, his numbers. And as Teancum saw by the men of Moroni on one hand, the armies of the Lamanites coming and the men of Lehi on the other, out against him he began to retreat all of whom were fresh and full of down by the seashore, northward. strength; but the Lamanites were wearied because of their long march. 24  And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that he began 32 And Moroni commanded his to flee, they took courage and pur- men that they should fall upon sued them with vigor. And while them until they had given up their Teancum was thus leading away weapons of war. the Lamanites who were pursu- ing them in vain, behold, Moroni 33 And it came to pass that Jacob, commanded that a part of his army being their leader, being also a who were with him should march a Zoramite, and having an uncon- forth into the city, and take pos- querable spirit, he led the Laman- session of it. ites forth to battle with exceeding fury against Moroni. 25 And thus they did, and slew all those who had been left to pro- 34 Moroni being in their course of tect the city, yea, all those who march, therefore Jacob was deter- would not a yield up their weapons mined to slay them and cut his way of war. through to the city of Mulek. But behold, Moroni and his men were 26 And thus Moroni had obtained more powerful; therefore they did possession of the city Mulek with a not give way before the Lamanites. part of his army, while he marched with the remainder to meet the La- 35 And it came to pass that they manites when they should return fought on both hands with exceed- from the pursuit of Teancum. ing fury; and there were many slain on both sides; yea, and Moroni was 27 And it came to pass that the La- wounded and Jacob was killed. manites did pursue Teancum until they came near the city Bountiful, 36 And Lehi pressed upon their and then they were met by Lehi rear with such fury with his strong and a small army, which had been men, that the Lamanites in the rear left to protect the city Bountiful. delivered up their weapons of war; and the remainder of them, being 28 And now behold, when the much confused, knew not whither chief captains of the Lamanites had to go or to strike. beheld Lehi with his army coming 37 Now Moroni seeing their con­ fusion, he said unto them: If ye will 21 a Josh. 8:13; 56:30. 25 a Alma 44:6. Alma 43:31 (30–43); 22 a Alma 51:26; 53:6 (2, 6). 33 a Alma 30:59.

Alma 52 : 38–53 : 7 342 bring forth your weapons of war safety; yea, they were beloved by and deliver them up, behold we each other, and also beloved by all will forbear shedding your blood. the people of Nephi. 38 And it came to pass that when 3 And it came to pass that after the Lamanites had heard these the Lamanites had finished burying words, their chief captains, all those their dead and also the dead of the who were not slain, came forth and Nephites, they were marched back threw down their weapons of war into the land Bountiful; and Tean- a at the feet of Moroni, and also com- cum, by the orders of Moroni, caused manded their men that they should that they should commence laboring do the same. in a digging a ditch round about the land, or the city, b Bountiful. 39 But behold, there were many that would not; and those who 4 And he caused that they should would not deliver up their swords build a a breastwork of timbers upon were taken and bound, and their the inner bank of the ditch; and they weapons of war were taken from cast up dirt out of the ditch against them, and they were compelled to the breastwork of timbers; and thus march with their brethren forth they did cause the Lamanites to into the land Bountiful. labor until they had encircled the city of Bountiful round about with 40 And now the number of prison- a strong wall of timbers and earth, ers who were taken exceeded more to an exceeding height. than the number of those who had been slain, yea, more than those 5 And this city became an exceed- who had been slain on both sides. ing stronghold ever after; and in this city they did guard the prisoners of Chapter 53 the Lamanites; yea, even within a The Lamanite prisoners are used to wall which they had caused them to fortify the city Bountiful—Dissen- a build with their own hands. Now sions among the Nephites give rise to Moroni was compelled to cause the Lamanite victories—Helaman takes Lamanites to labor, because it was command of the two thousand strip- easy to guard them while at their ling sons of the people of Ammon. labor; and he desired all his forces About 64–63 b.c. when he should make an attack And it came to pass that they did upon the Lamanites. set guards over the prisoners of the Lamanites, and did compel them to 6 And it came to pass that Moroni go forth and bury their dead, yea, had thus gained a victory over one and also the dead of the Nephites of the greatest of the armies of the who were slain; and Moroni placed Lamanites, and had obtained pos- men over them to guard them session of the city of  a Mulek, which while they should perform their was one of the strongest holds of labors. the Lamanites in the land of Nephi; and thus he had also built a strong- 2 And Moroni went to the city of hold to retain his prisoners. Mulek with Lehi, and took com- mand of the city and gave it unto 7 And it came to pass that he did Lehi. Now behold, this Lehi was a no more attempt a battle with the man who had been with Moroni in Lamanites in that year, but he did the more part of all his battles; and employ his men in preparing for he was a man a like unto Moroni, war, yea, and in making fortifica- and they rejoiced in each other’s tions to guard against the Lamanites, yea, and also delivering their women and their children from famine and 533 28 aa Alma 55:23. b Alma 52:9 (9, 17, 27); 5 a Alma 55:25 (25–26). Alma 48:17. 63:5. 6 a Alma 51:26; 52:22. 3 a Alma 52:6. 4 a Alma 50:2 (2–3).

343 Alma 53 : 8–20 affliction, and providing food for were moved with compassion and their armies. were b desirous to take up arms in the defence of their country. 8 And now it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites, on the 14 But behold, as they were about west sea, south, while in the absence to take their weapons of war, they of Moroni on account of some in- were overpowered by the persua- trigue amongst the Nephites, which sions of Helaman and his brethren, caused a dissensions amongst them, for they were about to a break the had gained some ground over the b oath which they had made. Nephites, yea, insomuch that they had obtained possession of a num- 15 And Helaman feared lest by ber of their cities in that part of so doing they should lose their the land. souls; therefore all those who had entered into this covenant were 9 And thus because of a iniquity compelled to behold their brethren amongst themselves, yea, because wade through their afflictions, in of dissensions and intrigue among their dangerous circumstances at themselves they were placed in the this time. most dangerous circumstances. 16 But behold, it came to pass 10 And now behold, I have some- they had many a sons, who had not what to say concerning the a people entered into a covenant that they of Ammon, who, in the beginning, would not take their weapons of were Lamanites; but by Ammon war to defend themselves against and his brethren, or rather by the their enemies; therefore they did power and word of God, they had assemble themselves together at this been b converted unto the Lord; and time, as many as were able to take they had been brought down into up arms, and they called themselves the land of Zarahemla, and had Nephites. ever since been protected by the Nephites. 17 And they entered into a cov- enant to fight for the liberty of the 11 And because of their oath they Nephites, yea, to protect the land had been kept from taking up arms unto the a laying down of their lives; against their brethren; for they had yea, even they covenanted that they taken an oath that they a never would never would give up their b liberty, shed blood more; and according but they would fight in all cases to to their oath they would have per- protect the Nephites and themselves ished; yea, they would have suffered from bondage. themselves to have fallen into the hands of their brethren, had it not 18 Now behold, there were two been for the pity and the exceeding thousand of those young men, who love which Ammon and his breth- entered into this covenant and took ren had had for them. their weapons of war to defend their country. 12 And for this cause they were brought down into the land of 19 And now behold, as they never Zara­hemla; and they ever had been had hitherto been a disadvantage a protected by the Nephites. to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great 13 But it came to pass that when support; for they took their weap- they saw the danger, and the many ons of war, and they would that a afflictions and tribulations which Helaman should be their leader. the Nephites bore for them, they 20 And they were all young men, 8 a Alma 31:8; 12 a Alma 27:23. 16 a Alma 57:6. Hel. 1:15. 13 a tg Affliction; 17 a tg Self-Sacrifice. b Alma 56:47. 9 a Josh. 7:4. Tribulation. 10 a Alma 27:26. b Alma 24:18 (17–19); 56:7. tg Liberty. b Alma 23:13 (8–13). 14 a Num. 30:2. 11 a Alma 24:18 (17–19). b tg Oath.

Alma 53 : 21–54 : 10 344 and they were exceedingly valiant upon a stratagem to obtain as many for a courage, and also for strength prisoners of the Nephites from the and activity; but behold, this was Lamanites as it were possible. not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing 4 Therefore he wrote an epistle, they were entrusted. and sent it by the servant of Am- moron, the same who had brought 21 Yea, they were men of truth and an epistle to Moroni. Now these a soberness, for they had been taught are the words which he wrote unto to keep the commandments of God Ammoron, saying: and to b walk uprightly before him. 5 Behold, Ammoron, I have written 22 And now it came to pass that unto you somewhat concerning this Helaman did march at the head of war which ye have waged against his a two thousand stripling soldiers, my people, or rather which thy to the support of the people in the a brother hath waged against them, borders of the land on the south by and which ye are still determined the west sea. to carry on after his death. 23 And thus ended the twenty 6 Behold, I would tell you some- and eighth year of the reign of the what concerning the a justice of judges over the people of Nephi. God, and the sword of his almighty wrath, which doth hang over you Chapter 54 except ye repent and withdraw your Ammoron and Moroni negotiate for the armies into your own lands, or the exchange of prisoners—Moroni demands land of your possessions, which is that the Lamanites withdraw and cease the land of Nephi. their murderous attacks—Ammoron demands that the Nephites lay down 7 Yea, I would tell you these things their arms and become subject to the if ye were capable of hearkening Lamanites. About 63 b.c. unto them; yea, I would tell you And now it came to pass in the com- concerning that awful a hell that mencement of the twenty and ninth awaits to receive such b murderers year of the judges, that aA  mmoron as thou and thy brother have been, sent unto Moroni desiring that he except ye repent and withdraw would exchange prisoners. your murderous purposes, and return with your armies to your 2 And it came to pass that Moroni own lands. felt to a rejoice exceedingly at this request, for he desired the provi- 8 But as ye have once rejected these sions which were imparted for the things, and have fought against the support of the Lamanite prisoners people of the Lord, even so I may for the support of his own peo- expect you will do it again. ple; and he also desired his own people for the strengthening of 9 And now behold, we are prepared his army. to receive you; yea, and except you withdraw your purposes, behold, ye 3 Now the Lamanites had taken will pull down the a wrath of that many women and children, and God whom you have rejected upon there was not a woman nor a child you, even to your utter destruction. among all the prisoners of Moroni, or the prisoners whom Moroni had 10 But, as the Lord liveth, our taken; therefore Moroni resolved armies shall come upon you except ye withdraw, and ye shall soon be visited with a death, for we will re- tain our cities and our lands; yea, 20 a tg Courage; 54 1 a Alma 52:3. 7 a tg Hell. Dependability; b Alma 47:18 (18, 22–34). Integrity. 2 a Alma 52:8. 5 a Alma 48:1 (1–6); tg Murder. 21 a tg Sobriety. 9 a tg Punish. b tg Walking with God. 52:3 (1–3). 10 a Alma 43:47. 22 a Alma 56:3 (1–9). 6 a tg God, Indignation of; God, Justice of.

345 Alma 54 : 11–24 and we will maintain our religion that they did rob them of their and the cause of our God. a right to the b government when it rightly belonged unto them. 11 But behold, it supposeth me that I talk to you concerning these 18 And now behold, if ye will lay things in vain; or it supposeth me down your arms, and subject your- that thou art a a child of hell; there- selves to be governed by those to fore I will close my epistle by tell- whom the government doth rightly ing you that I will not exchange belong, then will I cause that my prisoners, save it be on conditions people shall lay down their weap- that ye will deliver up a man and ons and shall be at war no more. his wife and his children, for one prisoner; if this be the case that ye 19 Behold, ye have breathed out will do it, I will exchange. many threatenings against me and my people; but behold, we fear not 12 And behold, if ye do not this, your threatenings. I will come against you with my armies; yea, even I will arm my 20 Nevertheless, I will grant to ex- women and my children, and I will change prisoners according to your come against you, and I will follow request, gladly, that I may preserve you even into your own land, which my food for my men of war; and is the land of  a our first inheritance; we will wage a war which shall be yea, and it shall be blood for blood, eternal, either to the subjecting the yea, life for life; and I will give you Nephites to our authority or to their battle even until you are destroyed eternal extinction. from off the face of the earth. 21 And as concerning that God 13 Behold, I am in my anger, and whom ye say we have rejected, be- also my people; ye have sought to hold, we a know not such a being; nei- a murder us, and we have only sought ther do ye; but if it so be that there to defend ourselves. But behold, if is such a being, we know not but ye seek to destroy us more we will that he hath made us as well as you. seek to destroy you; yea, and we will seek our land, the land of our 22 And if it so be that there is a first inheritance. devil and a hell, behold will he not send you there to dwell with my 14 Now I close my epistle. I am brother whom ye have murdered, Moroni; I am a leader of the people whom ye have hinted that he hath of the Nephites. gone to such a place? But behold these things matter not. 15 Now it came to pass that Am- moron, when he had received this 23 I am Ammoron, and a de- epistle, was angry; and he wrote scendant of a Zoram, whom your another epistle unto Moroni, and fathers pressed and brought out of these are the words which he wrote, Jerusalem. saying: 24 And behold now, I am a bold 16 I am Ammoron, the king of the Lamanite; behold, this war hath Lamanites; I am the brother of Amal- been waged to avenge their wrongs, ickiah whom ye have a murdered. and a to maintain and to obtain their Behold, I will avenge his blood upon rights to the government; and I close you, yea, and I will come upon you my epistle to Moroni. with my armies for I fear not your threatenings. Chapter 55 Moroni refuses to exchange prison- 17 For behold, your fathers did ers—The Lamanite guards are enticed wrong their brethren, insomuch 11 a John 8:44 (43–44). 17 a 2 Ne. 5:3 (1–4); 23 a 1 Ne. 4:35; 12 a 2 Ne. 5:8 (5–8). Mosiah 10:15 (12–17). Jacob 1:13; 13 a Alma 55:2. 4 Ne. 1:36 (36–37). 16 a Alma 51:34. b tg Governments. 21 a tg Unbelief. 24 a Alma 48:2 (1–4).

Alma 55 : 1–17 346 to become drunk, and the Nephite pris- him coming and they hailed him; oners are freed—The city of Gid is taken but he saith unto them: Fear not; without bloodshed. About 63–62 b.c. behold, I am a Lamanite. Behold, Now it came to pass that when Mo- we have escaped from the Neph- roni had received this epistle he was ites, and they sleep; and behold more angry, because he knew that we have taken of their wine and Ammoron had a perfect knowledge brought with us. of his a fraud; yea, he knew that Am- moron knew that it was not a just 9 Now when the Lamanites heard cause that had caused him to wage these words they received him with a war against the people of Nephi. joy; and they said unto him: Give us of your wine, that we may drink; 2 And he said: Behold, I will not we are glad that ye have thus taken exchange prisoners with Ammoron wine with you for we are weary. save he will withdraw his a purpose, as I have stated in my epistle; for 10 But Laman said unto them: I will not grant unto him that he Let us keep of our wine till we go shall have any more power than against the Nephites to battle. But what he hath got. this saying only made them more desirous to drink of the wine; 3 Behold, I know the place where the Lamanites do guard my people 11 For, said they: We are weary, whom they have taken prisoners; therefore let us take of the wine, and and as Ammoron would not grant by and by we shall receive wine for unto me mine epistle, behold, I our rations, which will strengthen will give unto him according to my us to go against the Nephites. words; yea, I will seek death among them until they shall sue for peace. 12 And Laman said unto them: You may do according to your desires. 4 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had said these words, 13 And it came to pass that they he caused that a search should be did take of the wine freely; and it made among his men, that perhaps was pleasant to their taste, therefore he might find a man who was a de- they took of it more freely; and it scendant of Laman among them. was strong, having been prepared in its a strength. 5 And it came to pass that they found one, whose name was Laman; 14 And it came to pass they did and he was a one of the servants drink and were merry, and by and of the king who was murdered by by they were all a drunken. Amalickiah. 15 And now when Laman and his 6 Now Moroni caused that Laman men saw that they were all drunken, and a small number of his men and were in a a deep sleep, they re- should go forth unto the guards turned to Moroni and told him all who were over the Nephites. the things that had happened. 7 Now the Nephites were guarded 16 And now this was according to in the city of  a Gid; therefore Moroni the design of Moroni. And Moroni appointed Laman and caused that had prepared his men with weap- a small number of men should go ons of war; and he went to the city with him. Gid, while the Lamanites were in a deep sleep and drunken, and cast in 8 And when it was evening Laman a weapons of war unto the prisoners, went to the guards who were over insomuch that they were all armed; the Nephites, and behold, they saw 17 Yea, even to their women, and all those of their children, as many as were able to use a weapon of war, 55 1 a Neh. 6:8; 7 a Alma 51:26. 15 a 1 Sam. 26:12; 13 a Prov. 20:1. Mosiah 24:19. Alma 47:30 (12–35). 2 a Alma 54:13. tg Wine. 16 a Alma 62:22 (21–23). 5 a Alma 47:29. 14 a Mosiah 22:6 (6–11).

347 Alma 55 : 18–33 when Moroni had armed all those 25 And it came to pass that he did prisoners; and all those things were cause the Lamanites, whom he had done in a profound silence. taken prisoners, that they should commence a a labor in strengthen- 18 But had they awakened the La- ing the fortifications round about manites, behold they were drunken the city Gid. and the Nephites could have slain them. 26 And it came to pass that when he had fortified the city Gid, ac- 19 But behold, this was not the cording to his desires, he caused desire of Moroni; he did not a delight that his prisoners should be taken in murder or bloodshed, but he de- to the city Bountiful; and he also lighted in the saving of his people guarded that city with an exceed- from destruction; and for this cause ingly strong force. he might not bring upon him in- justice, he would not fall upon the 27 And it came to pass that they Lamanites and destroy them in their did, notwithstanding all the in- drunkenness. trigues of the Lamanites, keep and protect all the prisoners whom they 20 But he had obtained his desires; had taken, and also maintain all the for he had armed those prisoners of ground and the advantage which the Nephites who were within the they had retaken. wall of the city, and had given them power to gain possession of those 28 And it came to pass that the parts which were within the walls. Nephites began a again to be victo- rious, and to reclaim their rights 21 And then he caused the men and their privileges. who were with him to withdraw a pace from them, and surround the 29 Many times did the Lamanites armies of the Lamanites. attempt to encircle them about by night, but in these attempts they 22 Now behold this was done in did lose many prisoners. the night-time, so that when the Lamanites awoke in the morning 30 And many times did they at- they beheld that they were sur- tempt to administer of their wine rounded by the Nephites without, to the Nephites, that they might and that their prisoners were armed destroy them with poison or with within. drunkenness. 23 And thus they saw that the 31 But behold, the Nephites were Nephites had power over them; and not slow to a remember the Lord in these circumstances they found their God in this their time of af- that it was not expedient that they fliction. They could not be taken should fight with the Nephites; in their snares; yea, they would not therefore their chief a captains de- partake of their wine, save they had manded their weapons of war, and first given to some of the Lamanite they brought them forth and b cast prisoners. them at the feet of the Nephites, pleading for mercy. 32 And they were thus cautious that no poison should be admin- 24 Now behold, this was the desire istered among them; for if their of Moroni. He took them prisoners wine would poison a Lamanite it of war, and took possession of the would also poison a Nephite; and city, and caused that all the prison- thus they did try all their liquors. ers should be liberated, who were Nephites; and they did join the 33 And now it came to pass that it army of Moroni, and were a great was expedient for Moroni to make strength to his army. preparations to attack the city  a Mori­ anton; for behold, the Lamanites 19 a Alma 48:16; b Alma 52:38. 31 a Hosea 5:15; 55:30 (30–32). 25 a Alma 53:5 (3–5). Alma 62:49 (49–51). 28 a Alma 44:20 (12–23). 23 a Alma 52:19; 56:12. 33 a Alma 50:25; 51:26.

Alma 55 : 34–56 : 12 348 had, by their labors, fortified the weapons of war, and would that I city Morianton until it had become should be their leader; and we have an exceeding stronghold. come forth to defend our country. 34 And they were continually 6 And now ye also know con- bringing new forces into that city, cerning the a covenant which their and also new supplies of provisions. fathers made, that they would not take up their weapons of war against 35 And thus ended the twenty and their brethren to shed blood. ninth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. 7 But in the twenty and sixth year, when they saw our afflictions and Chapter 56 our tribulations for them, they were Helaman sends an epistle to Moroni, about to a break the covenant which recounting the state of the war with they had made and take up their the Lamanites—Antipus and Helaman weapons of war in our defence. gain a great victory over the Laman- ites—Helaman’s two thousand stripling 8 But I would not suffer them that sons fight with miraculous power, and they should break this a covenant none of them are slain. Verse 1, about which they had made, supposing 62 b.c.; verses 2–19, about 66 b.c.; and that God would strengthen us, in- verses 20–57, about 65–64 b.c. somuch that we should not suffer And now it came to pass in the more because of the fulfilling the commencement of the thirtieth b oath which they had taken. year of the reign of the judges, on the second day in the first month, 9 But behold, here is one thing in a Moroni received an b epistle from which we may have great joy. For Helaman, stating the affairs of the behold, in the twenty and sixth people in c that quarter of the land. year, I, Helaman, did march at the head of these a two thousand young 2 And these are the words which men to the city of b Judea, to assist he wrote, saying: My dearly beloved Antipus, whom ye had appointed a brother, Moroni, as well in the Lord leader over the people of that part as in the tribulations of our war- of the land. fare; behold, my beloved brother, I have somewhat to tell you con- 10 And I did join my two thou- cerning our warfare in this part of sand a sons, (for they are worthy to the land. be called sons) to the army of An- tipus, in which strength Antipus 3 Behold, a two thousand of the sons did rejoice exceedingly; for behold, of those men whom Ammon brought his army had been reduced by the down out of the land of Nephi—now Lamanites because their forces had ye have known that these were de- slain a vast number of our men, scendants of Laman, who was the for which cause we have to mourn. eldest son of our father Lehi; 11 Nevertheless, we may console 4 Now I need not rehearse unto ourselves in this point, that they you concerning their traditions or have died in the cause of their their unbelief, for thou knowest country and of their God, yea, and concerning all these things— they are a happy. 5 Therefore it sufficeth me that 12 And the Lamanites had also re- I tell you that two thousand of tained many prisoners, all of whom these young men have taken their are chief a captains, for none other have they spared alive. And we suppose that they are now at this 56 1 a Alma 58:35. 7 a Alma 24:18 (17–19); b Alma 57:11. 53:13 (13–15). 10 a Alma 56:17. b Alma 59:1. 11 a Alma 28:12. c Alma 53:22 (8, 22). 8 a tg Honesty. 12 a Alma 52:19. 3 a Alma 53:22. b tg Vow. 6 a tg Covenants. 9 a Alma 53:22.

349 Alma 56 : 13–30 time in the land of Nephi; it is so spies out round about, to watch the if they are not slain. movements of the Lamanites, that they might not pass us by night 13 And now these are the cities of nor by day to make an attack upon which the Lamanites have obtained our other cities which were on the possession by the shedding of the northward. blood of so many of our valiant men: 23 For we knew in those cities 14 The land of a Manti, or the city they were not sufficiently strong of Manti, and the city of Zeezrom, to meet them; therefore we were and the city of b Cumeni, and the desirous, if they should pass by us, city of Antiparah. to fall upon them in their rear, and thus bring them up in the rear at 15 And these are the cities which the same time they were met in the they possessed when I arrived at front. We supposed that we could the city of Judea; and I found Anti- overpower them; but behold, we pus and his men toiling with their were disappointed in this our desire. might to fortify the city. 24 They durst not pass by us with 16 Yea, and they were depressed their whole army, neither durst in body as well as in spirit, for they they with a part, lest they should had fought valiantly by day and not be sufficiently strong and they toiled by night to maintain their should fall. cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind. 25 Neither durst they march down against the city of Zarahemla; nei- 17 And now they were determined ther durst they cross the head of to conquer in this place or die; there- Sidon, over to the city of Nephihah. fore you may well suppose that this little force which I brought with 26 And thus, with their forces, me, yea, those a sons of mine, gave they were determined to maintain them great hopes and much joy. those cities which they had taken. 18 And now it came to pass that 27 And now it came to pass in the when the Lamanites saw that Anti- second month of this year, there was pus had received a greater strength brought unto us many provisions to his army, they were compelled from the fathers of those my two by the orders of Ammoron to not thousand sons. come against the city of Judea, or against us, to battle. 28 And also there were sent two thousand men unto us from the 19 And thus were we favored of land of Zarahemla. And thus we the Lord; for had they come upon were prepared with ten thousand us in this our weakness they might men, and provisions for them, have perhaps destroyed our little and also for their wives and their army; but thus were we preserved. children. 20 They were commanded by 29 And the Lamanites, thus seeing Ammoron to maintain those cities our forces increase daily, and pro- which they had taken. And thus visions arrive for our support, they ended the twenty and sixth year. began to be fearful, and began to And in the commencement of the sally forth, if it were possible to put twenty and seventh year we had an end to our receiving provisions prepared our city and ourselves for and strength. defence. 30 Now when we saw that the 21 Now we were desirous that Lamanites began to grow uneasy the Lamanites should come upon on this wise, we were desirous to us; for we were not desirous to bring a stratagem into effect upon make an attack upon them in their them; therefore Antipus ordered strongholds. that I should march forth with my 22 And it came to pass that we kept 14 a Alma 43:22. b Alma 57:7 (7–34). 17 a Alma 56:10.

Alma 56 : 31–47 350 little sons to a neighboring city, a as to contend with them; yea, I would if we were carrying provisions to a not suffer that my little sons should neighboring city. fall into their hands; therefore we did continue our march, and we 31 And we were to march near the took our march into the wilderness. city of Antiparah, as if we were go- ing to the city beyond, in the bor- 40 Now they durst not turn to the ders by the seashore. right nor to the left lest they should be surrounded; neither would I turn 32 And it came to pass that we did to the right nor to the left lest they march forth, as if with our provi- should overtake me, and we could sions, to go to that city. not stand against them, but be slain, and they would make their escape; 33 And it came to pass that Anti- and thus we did flee all that day pus did march forth with a part of into the wilderness, even until it his army, leaving the remainder to was dark. maintain the city. But he did not march forth until I had gone forth 41 And it came to pass that again, with my little army, and came near when the light of the morning came the city Antiparah. we saw the Lamanites upon us, and we did flee before them. 34 And now, in the city Antiparah were stationed the strongest army 42 But it came to pass that they of the Lamanites; yea, the most did not pursue us far before they numerous. halted; and it was in the morning of the third day of the seventh month. 35 And it came to pass that when they had been informed by their 43 And now, whether they were spies, they came forth with their overtaken by Antipus we knew not, army and marched against us. but I said unto my men: Behold, we know not but they have halted for 36 And it came to pass that we did the purpose that we should come flee before them, northward. And against them, that they might catch thus we did lead away the most us in their snare; powerful army of the Lamanites; 44 Therefore what say ye, my sons, 37 Yea, even to a considerable dis- will ye go against them to battle? tance, insomuch that when they saw the army of Antipus pursuing 45 And now I say unto you, my them, with their might, they did beloved brother Moroni, that never not turn to the right nor to the had I seen a so great b courage, nay, left, but pursued their march in a not amongst all the Nephites. straight course after us; and, as we suppose, it was their intent to slay 46 For as I had ever called them us before Antipus should overtake my sons (for they were all of them them, and this that they might not very young) even so they said unto be surrounded by our people. me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will a not suffer that we 38 And now Antipus, beholding should fall; then let us go forth; our danger, did speed the march of we would not slay our brethren if his army. But behold, it was night; they would let us alone; therefore therefore they did not overtake let us go, lest they should overpower us, neither did Antipus overtake the army of Antipus. them; therefore we did camp for the night. 47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and 39 And it came to pass that before they did think more upon the the dawn of the morning, behold, a liberty of their b fathers than they the Lamanites were pursuing us. did upon their lives; yea, they had Now we were not sufficiently strong 30 a Alma 52:21; 58:1. 46 a Alma 61:10 (10–11). b Alma 53:17 (15–18). 45 a Alma 19:10. 47 a tg Birthright; tg Honoring Father and b tg Courage. Mother. Liberty.

351 Alma 56 : 48–57 : 2 been taught by their c mothers, that and also themselves as prisoners if they did not doubt, God would of war. deliver them. 55 And now it came to pass that 48 And they rehearsed unto me when they had surrendered them- the words of their a mothers, say- selves up unto us, behold, I num- ing: We b do not doubt our mothers bered those young men who had knew it. fought with me, fearing lest there were many of them slain. 49 And it came to pass that I did re- turn with my two thousand against 56 But behold, to my great joy, these Lamanites who had pursued there had a not one soul of them us. And now behold, the armies of fallen to the earth; yea, and they Antipus had overtaken them, and had fought as if with the b strength a terrible battle had commenced. of God; yea, never were men known to have fought with such miracu- 50 The army of Antipus being lous strength; and with such mighty weary, because of their long march power did they fall upon the Laman- in so short a space of time, were ites, that they did frighten them; about to fall into the hands of the and for this cause did the Lamanites Lamanites; and had I not returned deliver themselves up as prisoners with my two thousand they would of war. have obtained their purpose. 57 And as we had no place for our 51 For Antipus had fallen by the prisoners, that we could guard them sword, and many of his leaders, be- to keep them from the armies of the cause of their weariness, which was Lamanites, therefore we sent them occasioned by the speed of their to the land of Zarahemla, and a part march—therefore the men of Anti- of those men who were not slain pus, being confused because of the of Antipus, with them; and the re- fall of their leaders, began to give mainder I took and joined them to way before the Lamanites. my stripling aA  mmonites, and took our march back to the city of Judea. 52 And it came to pass that the Lamanites took courage, and began Chapter 57 to pursue them; and thus were the Helaman recounts the taking of An- Lamanites pursuing them with great tiparah and the surrender and later vigor when a Helaman came upon the defense of Cumeni—His Ammon­ their rear with his two thousand, ite striplings fight valiantly; all are and began to slay them exceedingly, wounded, but none are slain—Gid insomuch that the whole army of reports the slaying and the escape of the Lamanites halted and turned the Lamanite prisoners. About 63 b.c. upon Helaman. And now it came to pass that I re- ceived an epistle from Ammoron, 53 Now when the people of An- the king, stating that if I would tipus saw that the Lamanites had deliver up those prisoners of war turned them about, they gathered whom we had taken that he would together their men and came again deliver up the city of Antiparah upon the rear of the Lamanites. unto us. 54 And now it came to pass 2 But I sent an epistle unto the that we, the people of Nephi, the king, that we were sure our forces people of Antipus, and I with my were sufficient to take the city of two thousand, did surround the Lamanites, and did slay them; yea, insomuch that they were compelled to deliver up their weapons of war 47 c Alma 57:21. 52 a Morm. 6:6. 56 a Alma 57:25; 58:39. tg Marriage, ie Mormon here b tg Strength. Motherhood. abridges some of the 57 a Alma 27:26. material in the letter of 48 a tg Family, Love within. Helaman. b D&C 46:14.

Alma 57 : 3–16 352 Antiparah by our force; and by de- arrive, and they were about to enter livering up the prisoners for that the city by night. And we, instead city we should suppose ourselves of being Lamanites, were Nephites; unwise, and that we would only de- therefore, we did take them and liver up our prisoners on exchange. their provisions. 3 And Ammoron refused mine 11 And notwithstanding the La- epistle, for he would not exchange manites being cut off from their prisoners; therefore we began to support after this manner, they were make preparations to go against still determined to maintain the the city of Antiparah. city; therefore it became expedient that we should take those provisions 4 But the people of Antiparah did and send them to a Judea, and our leave the city, and fled to their other prisoners to the land of Zarahemla. cities, which they had possession of, to fortify them; and thus the city 12 And it came to pass that not of Antiparah fell into our hands. many days had passed away before the Lamanites began to lose all hopes 5 And thus ended the twenty of succor; therefore they yielded up and eighth year of the reign of the city unto our hands; and thus the judges. we had accomplished our designs in obtaining the city Cumeni. 6 And it came to pass that in the commencement of the twenty and 13 But it came to pass that our ninth year, we received a supply prisoners were so numerous that, of provisions, and also an addition notwithstanding the enormity of to our army, from the land of Zara­ our numbers, we were obliged to hemla, and from the land round employ all our force to keep them, about, to the number of six thou- or to put them to death. sand men, besides sixty of the a sons of the Ammonites who had come to 14 For behold, they would break join their brethren, my little band out in great numbers, and would of two thousand. And now behold, fight with stones, and with clubs, we were strong, yea, and we had or whatsoever thing they could get also plenty of provisions brought into their hands, insomuch that we unto us. did slay upwards of two thousand of them after they had surrendered 7 And it came to pass that it was themselves prisoners of war. our desire to wage a battle with the army which was placed to protect 15 Therefore it became expedient the city a Cumeni. for us, that we should put an end to their lives, or guard them, sword 8 And now behold, I will show unto in hand, down to the land of Zara- you that we soon accomplished our hemla; and also our provisions were desire; yea, with our strong force, or not any more than sufficient for with a part of our strong force, we our own people, notwithstanding did surround, by night, the city that which we had taken from the Cumeni, a little before they were Lamanites. to receive a supply of provisions. 16 And now, in those critical cir- 9 And it came to pass that we did cumstances, it became a very seri- camp round about the city for many ous matter to determine concerning nights; but we did sleep upon our these prisoners of war; nevertheless, swords, and keep guards, that the we did resolve to send them down Lamanites could not come upon us to the land of Zarahemla; there- by night and slay us, which they at- fore we selected a part of our men, tempted many times; but as many and gave them charge over our times as they attempted this their prisoners to go down to the land of blood was spilt. Zarahemla. 10 At length their provisions did 57 6 a Alma 53:16. 7 a Alma 56:14. 11 a Alma 56:9.

353 Alma 57 : 17–30 17 But it came to pass that on the taken from among the dead, and morrow they did return. And now caused that their wounds should behold, we did not a inquire of them be dressed. concerning the prisoners; for be- hold, the Lamanites were upon us, 25 And it came to pass that there and they returned in season to save were two hundred, out of my two us from falling into their hands. thousand and sixty, who had fainted For behold, Ammoron had sent to because of the loss of blood; never- their support a new supply of pro- theless, according to the goodness of visions and also a numerous army God, and to our great astonishment, of men. and also the joy of our whole army, there was a not one soul of them who 18 And it came to pass that those did perish; yea, and neither was men whom we sent with the pris- there one soul among them who oners did arrive in season to check had not received many wounds. them, as they were about to over- power us. 26 And now, their a preservation was astonishing to our whole army, 19 But behold, my little band of yea, that they should be spared two thousand and sixty fought most while there was a thousand of our desperately; yea, they were firm brethren who were slain. And we before the Lamanites, and did a ad- do justly ascribe it to the miracu- minister death unto all those who lous b power of God, because of their opposed them. exceeding c faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that 20 And as the remainder of our there was a just God, and whoso- army were about to give way be- ever did not doubt, that they should fore the Lamanites, behold, those be preserved by his marvelous two thousand and sixty were firm power. and undaunted. 27 Now this was the a faith of these 21 Yea, and they did a obey and of whom I have spoken; they are observe to perform every word young, and their minds are b firm, of command with exactness; yea, and they do put their trust in God and even according to their faith it continually. was done unto them; and I did re- member the words which they said 28 And now it came to pass that unto me that their b mothers had after we had thus taken care of our taught them. wounded men, and had buried our dead and also the dead of the La- 22 And now behold, it was these manites, who were many, behold, my sons, and those men who had we did inquire of Gid concern- been selected to convey the prison- ing the a prisoners whom they had ers, to whom we owe this great vic- started to go down to the land of tory; for it was they who did beat Zarahemla with. the Lamanites; therefore they were driven back to the city of Manti. 29 Now Gid was the chief captain over the band who was appointed 23 And we retained our city Cu- to guard them down to the land. meni, and were not all destroyed by the sword; nevertheless, we had 30 And now, these are the words suffered great loss. which Gid said unto me: Behold, we did start to go down to the land 24 And it came to pass that after of Zarahemla with our prisoners. the Lamanites had fled, I imme- And it came to pass that we did diately gave orders that my men meet the spies of our armies, who who had been wounded should be 17 a Alma 57:28. 25 a Alma 56:56. 27 a Alma 58:40. 19 a Alma 62:11. 26 a 1 Chr. 5:20 (18–22). b Jacob 3:2. 21 a tg Trustworthiness. b tg God, Power of. 28 a Alma 57:17 (16–17). b Alma 56:47 (47–48). c tg Faith.

Alma 57 : 31–58 : 8 354 had been sent out to watch the camp And behold, now it came to pass of the Lamanites. that our next object was to obtain the city of Manti; but behold, there 31 And they cried unto us, say- was no way that we could lead them ing—Behold, the armies of the La- out of the city by our small bands. manites are marching towards the For behold, they remembered that city of Cumeni; and behold, they which we had hitherto done; there- will fall upon them, yea, and will fore we could not a decoy them away destroy our people. from their strongholds. 32 And it came to pass that our 2 And they were so much more prisoners did hear their cries, which numerous than was our army that caused them to take courage; and we durst not go forth and attack they did rise up in rebellion against them in their strongholds. us. 3 Yea, and it became expedient 33 And it came to pass because of that we should employ our men to their rebellion we did cause that the maintaining those parts of the our swords should come upon them. land which we had regained of our And it came to pass that they did possessions; therefore it became ex- in a body run upon our swords, in pedient that we should wait, that we the which, the greater number of might receive more strength from them were slain; and the remainder the land of Zarahemla and also a of them broke through and fled new supply of provisions. from us. 4 And it came to pass that I thus 34 And behold, when they had fled did send an embassy to the governor and we could not overtake them, we of our land, to acquaint him con- took our march with speed towards cerning the affairs of our people. the city Cumeni; and behold, we did And it came to pass that we did wait arrive in time that we might assist to receive provisions and strength our brethren in preserving the city. from the land of Zarahemla. 35 And behold, we are again de- 5 But behold, this did profit us but livered out of the hands of our en- little; for the Lamanites were also emies. And blessed is the name of receiving great strength from day our God; for behold, it is he that to day, and also many provisions; has delivered us; yea, that has done and thus were our circumstances this great thing for us. at this period of time. 36 Now it came to pass that when 6 And the Lamanites were sallying I, Helaman, had heard these words forth against us from time to time, of Gid, I was filled with exceeding resolving by stratagem to destroy us; joy because of the goodness of God nevertheless we could not come to in preserving us, that we might battle with them, because of their not all perish; yea, and I trust that a retreats and their strongholds. the souls of them who have been slain have a entered into the rest of 7 And it came to pass that we did their God. wait in these difficult circumstances for the space of many months, even Chapter 58 until we were about to a perish for Helaman, Gid, and Teomner take the the want of food. city of Manti by a stratagem—The Lamanites withdraw—The sons of the 8 But it came to pass that we did people of Ammon are preserved as they receive food, which was guarded to stand fast in defense of their liberty and us by an army of two thousand men faith. About 63–62 b.c. to our assistance; and this is all the assistance which we did receive, to defend ourselves and our country 583 16 aa Alma 12:34. 56:30. 6 a 1 Sam. 24:22; 7 a Alma 60:9. Alma 52:21; 3 Ne. 4:1.

355 Alma 58 : 9–20 from falling into the hands of our according to our numbers, and enemies, yea, to contend with an fearing that we should cut them enemy which was innumerable. off from their support except they should come out to battle against 9 And now the cause of these our us and kill us, and also supposing embarrassments, or the cause why that they could easily destroy us they did not send more strength unto with their numerous hosts, therefore us, we knew not; therefore we were they began to make preparations to grieved and also filled with fear, lest come out against us to battle. by any means the judgments of God should come upon our land, to our 16 And when we saw that they overthrow and utter destruction. were making preparations to come out against us, behold, I caused 10 Therefore we did pour out our that Gid, with a small number of souls in prayer to God, that he would men, should a secrete himself in the strengthen us and deliver us out of wilderness, and also that Teomner the hands of our enemies, yea, and and a small number of men should also give us strength that we might secrete themselves also in the retain our cities, and our lands, and wilderness. our possessions, for the support of our people. 17 Now Gid and his men were on the right and the others on the left; 11 Yea, and it came to pass that and when they had thus secreted the Lord our God did visit us with themselves, behold, I remained, assurances that he would deliver with the remainder of my army, in us; yea, insomuch that he did speak that same place where we had first peace to our souls, and did grant pitched our tents against the time unto us great faith, and did cause that the Lamanites should come us that we should hope for our out to battle. a deliverance in him. 18 And it came to pass that the 12 And we did take courage with Lamanites did come out with their our small force which we had re- numerous army against us. And ceived, and were fixed with a deter- when they had come and were about mination to conquer our enemies, to fall upon us with the sword, I and to a maintain our lands, and our caused that my men, those who possessions, and our wives, and were with me, should retreat into our children, and the cause of our the wilderness. b liberty. 19 And it came to pass that the 13 And thus we did go forth with Lamanites did follow after us with all our might against the Laman- great speed, for they were exceed- ites, who were in the city of Manti; ingly desirous to overtake us that and we did pitch our tents by the they might slay us; therefore they did wilderness side, which was near follow us into the wilderness; and we to the city. did pass by in the midst of Gid and Teomner, insomuch that they were 14 And it came to pass that on the not discovered by the Lamanites. morrow, that when the Lamanites saw that we were in the borders by 20 And it came to pass that when the wilderness which was near the the Lamanites had passed by, or city, that they sent out their spies when the army had passed by, Gid round about us that they might dis- and Teomner did rise up from their cover the number and the strength secret places, and did cut off the of our army. spies of the Lamanites that they should not return to the city. 15 And it came to pass that when they saw that we were not strong, 11 a tg Deliver. Morm. 2:23. Alma 43:31 (30–43); 12 a Alma 46:12; b tg Liberty. 52:21 (21–31). 16 a Josh. 8:13; 3 Ne. 2:12;

Alma 58 : 21–37 356 21 And it came to pass that when arrive near the city, and saw that they had cut them off, they ran to we were prepared to meet them, the city and fell upon the guards they were astonished exceedingly who were left to guard the city, in- and struck with great fear, inso- somuch that they did destroy them much that they did a flee into the and did take possession of the city. wilderness. 22 Now this was done because the 30 Yea, and it came to pass that Lamanites did suffer their whole the armies of the Lamanites did flee army, save a few guards only, to be out of all this quarter of the land. led away into the wilderness. But behold, they have carried with them many women and children 23 And it came to pass that Gid out of the land. and Teomner by this means had obtained possession of their strong- 31 And a those cities which had holds. And it came to pass that we been taken by the Lamanites, all of took our course, after having trav- them are at this period of time in eled much in the wilderness towards our possession; and our fathers and the land of Zarahemla. our women and our children are re- turning to their homes, all save it be 24 And when the Lamanites saw those who have been taken prisoners that they were marching towards and carried off by the Lamanites. the land of Zarahemla, they were exceedingly afraid, lest there was 32 But behold, our armies are small a plan laid to lead them on to de- to maintain so great a number of struction; therefore they began to cities and so great possessions. retreat into the wilderness again, yea, even back by the same way 33 But behold, we a trust in our God which they had come. who has given us victory over those lands, insomuch that we have ob- 25 And behold, it was night and tained those cities and those lands, they did pitch their tents, for the which were our own. chief a captains of the Lamanites had supposed that the Nephites 34 Now we do not know the a cause were weary because of their march; that the government does not grant and supposing that they had driven us more strength; neither do those their whole army therefore they men who came up unto us know took no thought concerning the why we have not received greater city of Manti. strength. 26 Now it came to pass that when 35 Behold, we do not know but it was night, I caused that my men what a ye are unsuccessful, and ye should not sleep, but that they have drawn away the forces into should march forward by another that quarter of the land; if so, we way towards the land of Manti. do not desire to murmur. 27 And because of this our march 36 And if it is not so, behold, we in the night-time, behold, on the fear that there is some a faction in morrow we were beyond the Laman- the government, that they do not ites, insomuch that we did arrive send more men to our assistance; before them at the city of Manti. for we know that they are more numerous than that which they 28 And thus it came to pass, that have sent. by this stratagem we did take pos- session of the city of Manti without 37 But, behold, it mattereth not— the shedding of blood. we trust God will a deliver us, not- withstanding the weakness of our 29 And it came to pass that when armies, yea, and deliver us out of the armies of the Lamanites did the hands of our enemies. 25 a Alma 59:12. 33 a tg Trust in God. 36 a Alma 61:3. 29 a Alma 59:6. 34 a Alma 59:13. 37 a 2 Kgs. 17:39. 31 a Alma 56:14; 59:1. 35 a Alma 56:1.

357 Alma 58 : 38–59 : 8 38 Behold, this is the twenty and the exceeding success which Hela- ninth year, in the latter end, and we man had had, in obtaining b those are in the possession of our lands; lands which were lost. and the Lamanites have fled to the land of Nephi. 2 Yea, and he did make it known unto all his people, in all the land 39 And those sons of the people round about in that part where he of Ammon, of whom I have so was, that they might rejoice also. highly spoken, are with me in the city of Manti; and the Lord has sup- 3 And it came to pass that he ported them, yea, and kept them immediately sent a an epistle to from falling by the sword, inso- b Pahoran, desiring that he should much that even a one soul has not cause men to be gathered together been slain. to strengthen Helaman, or the armies of Helaman, insomuch that 40 But behold, they have received he might with ease maintain many wounds; nevertheless they that part of the land which he had a stand fast in that b liberty where- been so miraculously prospered in with God has made them free; and regaining. they are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day; yea, they 4 And it came to pass when Mo- do observe to keep his statutes, and roni had sent this epistle to the his judgments, and his command- land of Zarahemla, he began again ments continually; and their faith to lay a plan that he might obtain is strong in the prophecies concern- the remainder of those possessions ing that which is to come. and cities which the Lamanites had taken from them. 41 And now, my beloved brother, Moroni, may the Lord our God, who 5 And it came to pass that while has redeemed us and made us free, Moroni was thus making prepara­ keep you continually in his pres- tions to go against the Lamanites ence; yea, and may he favor this to battle, behold, the people of people, even that ye may have suc- a Nephihah, who were gathered cess in obtaining the possession of together from the city of Moroni all that which the Lamanites have and the city of Lehi and the city taken from us, which was for our of Morianton, were attacked by the support. And now, behold, I close Lamanites. mine epistle. I am Helaman, the son of Alma. 6 Yea, even those who had been a compelled to flee from the land Chapter 59 of Manti, and from the land round Moroni asks Pahoran to strengthen the about, had come over and joined the forces of Helaman—The Lamanites Lamanites in this part of the land. take the city of Nephihah—Moroni is angry with the government. About 7 And thus being exceedingly nu- 62 b.c. merous, yea, and receiving strength Now it came to pass in the thirtieth from day to day, by the command of year of the reign of the judges over Ammoron they came forth against the people of Nephi, after Moroni the people of Nephihah, and they had received and had read Hela- did begin to slay them with an ex- man’s a epistle, he was exceedingly ceedingly great slaughter. rejoiced because of the welfare, yea, 8 And their armies were so nu- merous that the remainder of the people of  a Nephihah were b obliged to flee before them; and they came even and joined the army of Moroni. 39 a Alma 56:56. 59 1 a Alma 56:1. 5 a Alma 50:14. 40 a Alma 61:21. 6 a Alma 58:29 (29–30). b Alma 58:31 (31, 41). 8 a Alma 62:26. tg Trustworthiness. 3 a Alma 60:1 (1–3). b Alma 60:17. b tg Liberty. b Alma 50:40.

Alma 59 : 9–60 : 8 358 9 And now as Moroni had supposed those who have been chosen by this that there a should be men sent to people to govern and manage the the city of Nephihah, to the assis- affairs of this war. tance of the people to maintain that city, and knowing that it was easier 2 For behold, I have somewhat to to keep the city from falling into say unto them by the way of a con- the hands of the Lamanites than to demnation; for behold, ye yourselves retake it from them, he supposed know that ye have been appointed that they would easily maintain to gather together men, and arm that city. them with swords, and with cime- ters, and all manner of weapons of 10 Therefore he retained all his war of every kind, and send forth force to maintain those places which against the Lamanites, in whatso- he had recovered. ever parts they should come into our land. 11 And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was a lost 3 And now behold, I say unto you he was exceedingly sorrowful, and that myself, and also my men, and began to doubt, because of the wick- also Helaman and his men, have edness of the people, whether they suffered exceedingly great a suffer- should not fall into the hands of ings; yea, even hunger, thirst, and their brethren. fatigue, and all manner of afflic- tions of every kind. 12 Now this was the case with all his chief captains. They doubted 4 But behold, were this all we had and marveled also because of the suffered we would not murmur nor wickedness of the people, and this complain. because of the success of the La- manites over them. 5 But behold, great has been the slaughter among our people; yea, 13 And it came to pass that Mo- thousands have fallen by the sword, roni was angry with the govern- while it might have otherwise been ment, because of their a indifference if ye had rendered unto our armies concerning the freedom of their sufficient strength and succor for country. them. Yea, great has been your ne- glect towards us. Chapter 60 Moroni complains to Pahoran of the 6 And now behold, we desire to government’s neglect of the armies— know the cause of this exceedingly The Lord suffers the righteous to be great neglect; yea, we desire to slain—The Nephites must use all of their know the cause of your thought- power and means to deliver themselves less state. from their enemies—Moroni threat- ens to fight against the government 7 Can you think to sit upon your unless help is supplied to his armies. thrones in a state of thoughtless About 62 b.c. a stupor, while your enemies are And it came to pass that he wrote spreading the work of death around a again to the governor of the land, you? Yea, while they are murdering who was Pahoran, and these are thousands of your brethren— the words which he wrote, saying: Behold, I direct mine epistle to 8 Yea, even they who have looked Pahoran, in the city of Zarahemla, up to you for protection, yea, have who is the chief judge and the b gov- placed you in a situation that ye ernor over the land, and also to all might have succored them, yea, ye might have sent armies unto them, to have strengthened them, and have saved thousands of them from falling by the sword. 9 a Alma 60:15. 60 1 a Alma 59:3. 3 a Alma 61:2. 11 a Alma 62:14. 7 a tg Apathy. 13 a Alma 58:34; 61:3. b Alma 50:39. 2 a tg Reproof.

359 Alma 60 : 9–18 9 But behold, this is not all—ye slothfulness of our government, and have withheld your provisions from their exceedingly great neglect to- them, insomuch that many have wards their brethren, yea, towards fought and bled out their lives be- those who have been slain. cause of their great desires which they had for the welfare of this peo- 15 For were it not for the wick- ple; yea, and this they have done edness which first commenced at when they were about to a perish with our head, we a could have withstood hunger, because of your exceedingly our enemies that they could have great neglect towards them. gained no power over us. 10 And now, my beloved breth- 16 Yea, had it not been for the war ren—for ye ought to be beloved; yea, which broke out a among ourselves; and ye ought to have stirred your- yea, were it not for these b king-men, selves more diligently for the wel- who caused so much bloodshed fare and the freedom of this people; among ourselves; yea, at the time we but behold, ye have neglected them were contending among ourselves, insomuch that the blood of thou- if we had united our strength as we sands shall come upon your heads hitherto have done; yea, had it not for vengeance; yea, for a known been for the desire of power and au- unto God were all their cries, and thority which those king-men had all their sufferings— over us; had they been true to the cause of our freedom, and united 11 Behold, could ye suppose that with us, and gone forth against our ye could sit upon your thrones, and enemies, instead of taking up their because of the exceeding goodness swords against us, which was the of God ye could do nothing and he cause of so much bloodshed among would deliver you? Behold, if ye ourselves; yea, if we had gone forth have supposed this ye have sup- against them in the strength of the posed in vain. Lord, we should have dispersed our enemies, for it would have been 12 Do ye a suppose that, because so done, according to the c fulfilling many of your brethren have been of his word. killed it is because of their wicked- ness? I say unto you, if ye have sup- 17 But behold, now the Laman- posed this ye have supposed in vain; ites are coming upon us, taking for I say unto you, there are many a possession of our lands, and they who have fallen by the sword; and are murdering our people with the behold it is to your condemnation; sword, yea, our women and our children, and also carrying them 13 For the Lord suffereth the away captive, causing them that a righteous to be slain that his jus- they should suffer all manner of tice and b judgment may come upon afflictions, and this because of the the wicked; therefore ye need not great wickedness of those who are suppose that the righteous are lost seeking for power and authority, because they are slain; but behold, yea, even those king-men. they do enter into the rest of the Lord their God. 18 But why should I say much con- cerning this matter? For we know 14 And now behold, I say unto not but what ye yourselves are seek- you, I fear exceedingly that the ing for authority. We know not but judgments of God will come upon what ye are also a traitors to your this people, because of their ex- country. ceeding a slothfulness, yea, even the 9 a Alma 58:7 (7–9). D&C 42:46. 16 a Alma 51:19 (5–7, 13–27). 10 a Ex. 3:9; b Alma 14:11 (10–11); b Alma 62:9. c Alma 38:1. Ps. 9:12. D&C 103:3. 17 a Alma 59:8 (5–8). 12 a Luke 13:2 (1–2). 14 a tg Laziness. 18 a Alma 62:1. 13 a Lam. 4:13; 15 a Alma 59:9.

Alma 60 : 19–32 360 19 Or is it that ye have neglected strive to strengthen and fortify our us because ye are in the heart of our armies, and grant unto them food country and ye are a surrounded by for their support, behold I will leave security, that ye do not cause food a part of my freemen to maintain to be sent unto us, and also men to this part of our land, and I will strengthen our armies? leave the strength and the blessings of God upon them, that none other 20 Have ye forgotten the com- power can operate against them— mandments of the Lord your God? Yea, have ye forgotten the captivity 26 And this because of their ex- of our fathers? Have ye forgotten the ceeding faith, and their patience many times we have been delivered in their a tribulations— out of the hands of our enemies? 27 And I will come unto you, and 21 Or do ye suppose that the Lord if there be any among you that a will still deliver us, while we sit has a desire for freedom, yea, if upon our thrones and do not make there be even a spark of freedom use of the means which the Lord remaining, behold I will stir up in- has provided for us? surrections among you, even until those who have desires to usurp 22 Yea, will ye sit in idleness while power and authority shall become ye are surrounded with thousands extinct. of those, yea, and tens of thousands, who do also sit in idleness, while 28 Yea, behold I do not fear your there are thousands round about power nor your authority, but it in the borders of the land who are is my a God whom I fear; and it is falling by the sword, yea, wounded according to his commandments and bleeding? that I do take my sword to defend the cause of my country, and it is 23 Do ye suppose that God will because of your iniquity that we look upon you as guiltless while ye have suffered so much loss. sit still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay. Now 29 Behold it is time, yea, the time I would that ye should remember is now at hand, that except ye do that God has said that the a inward bestir yourselves in the defence of vessel shall be b cleansed first, your country and your little ones, and then shall the outer vessel be the a sword of justice doth hang over cleansed also. you; yea, and it shall fall upon you and visit you even to your utter 24 And now, except ye do repent destruction. of that which ye have done, and begin to be up and doing, and send 30 Behold, I wait for assistance forth food and men unto us, and also from you; and, except ye do ad- unto Helaman, that he may support minister unto our relief, behold, I those parts of our country which come unto you, even in the land of he has regained, and that we may Zarahemla, and smite you with the also recover the remainder of our sword, insomuch that ye can have no possessions in these parts, behold it more power to impede the progress will be expedient that we contend of this people in the cause of our no more with the Lamanites until freedom. we have first cleansed our inward vessel, yea, even the great head of 31 For behold, the Lord will not our government. suffer that ye shall live and wax strong in your iniquities to destroy 25 And except ye grant mine epis- his righteous people. tle, and come out and show unto me a true a spirit of freedom, and 32 Behold, can you suppose that the Lord will spare you and come 19 a tg Apathy. 25 a Alma 51:6 (6–7); 61:15. Hel. 13:5; 21 a 1 Ne. 17:23 (23–35). 26 a tg Tribulation. 3 Ne. 2:19. 23 a Matt. 23:26 (25–26). 28 a Acts 5:29 (26–29). b tg Purification. 29 a Isa. 1:20 (19–20);

361 Alma 60 : 33–61 : 7 out in judgment against the Laman- soon after Moroni had sent his ites, when it is the a tradition of their epistle unto the chief governor, he fathers that has caused their hatred, received an epistle from a Pahoran, yea, and it has been redoubled by the chief governor. And these are those who have dissented from us, the words which he received: while your iniquity is for the cause of your love of glory and the vain 2 I, Pahoran, who am the chief things of the world? governor of this land, do send these words unto Moroni, the chief cap- 33 Ye know that ye do transgress tain over the army. Behold, I say the laws of God, and ye do know that unto you, Moroni, that I do not joy ye do trample them under your feet. in your great a afflictions, yea, it Behold, the Lord saith unto me: If grieves my soul. those whom ye have appointed your governors do not repent of their sins 3 But behold, there are those who and a iniquities, ye shall b go up to do joy in your afflictions, yea, in- battle against them. somuch that they have risen up in a rebellion against me, and also those 34 And now behold, I, Moroni, am of my people who are b freemen, constrained, according to the cov- yea, and those who have risen up enant which I have made to keep the are exceedingly numerous. commandments of my God; there- fore I would that ye should adhere 4 And it is those who have sought to the word of God, and send speed- to take away the judgment-seat ily unto me of your provisions and from me that have been the cause of your men, and also to Helaman. of this great iniquity; for they have used great a flattery, and they have 35 And behold, if ye will not do this b led away the hearts of many peo- I come unto you speedily; for behold, ple, which will be the cause of God will not suffer that we should sore affliction among us; they have perish with hunger; therefore he withheld our provisions, and have will give unto us of your food, daunted our c freemen that they even if it must be by the sword. Now have not come unto you. see that ye fulfil the word of God. 5 And behold, they have driven 36 Behold, I am Moroni, your chief me out before them, and I have captain. I a seek not for power, but to fled to the land of Gideon, with as pull it down. I b seek not for honor many men as it were possible that of the world, but for the glory of I could get. my God, and the freedom and wel- fare of my country. And thus I close 6 And behold, I have sent a procla- mine epistle. mation throughout this part of the land; and behold, they are a flock- Chapter 61 ing to us b daily, to their arms, in Pahoran tells Moroni of the insurrection the defence of their country and and rebellion against the government— their c freedom, and to avenge our The king-men take Zarahemla and are d wrongs. in league with the Lamanites—Pahoran asks for military aid against the rebels. 7 And they have come unto us, in- About 62 b.c. somuch that those who have risen Behold, now it came to pass that up in rebellion against us are set at defiance, yea, insomuch that they do fear us and durst not come out against us to battle. 32 a Alma 17:15. 61 1 a Alma 50:40. c Alma 51:6 (6–7); 62:6. 33 a Alma 61:18. 6 a Alma 62:5. b Alma 61:20. 2 a Alma 60:3 (3–9). b Acts 2:47. 36 a Alma 61:9; 3 a Alma 58:36; 59:13. c tg Liberty. b Alma 51:6 (6–7). d tg Injustice. D&C 121:39. 4 a tg Flatter. b tg Motivations. b tg Peer Influence.

Alma 61 : 8–21 362 8 They have a got possession of the and dissensions, let us b resist them land, or the city, of Zarahemla; they with our swords, that we may retain have appointed a b king over them, our freedom, that we may rejoice in and he hath written unto the king the great privilege of our church, of the Lamanites, in the which he and in the cause of our Redeemer hath joined an alliance with him; in and our God. the which alliance he hath agreed to maintain the city of Zarahemla, 15 Therefore, come unto me speed- which maintenance he supposeth ily with a few of your men, and will enable the Lamanites to con- leave the remainder in the charge quer the remainder of the land, of Lehi and Teancum; give unto and he shall be placed king over them power to conduct the a war in this people when they shall be con- that part of the land, according to quered c under the Lamanites. the b Spirit of God, which is also the c spirit of freedom which is in them. 9 And now, in your epistle you have a censured me, but it mattereth 16 Behold I have sent a few provi- not; I am not angry, but do rejoice sions unto them, that they may not in the greatness of your heart. I, perish until ye can come unto me. Pahoran, do not b seek for power, save only to retain my judgment- 17 Gather together whatsoever seat that I may preserve the rights force ye can upon your march hither, and the liberty of my people. My and we will go speedily against soul standeth fast in that liberty in those dissenters, in the strength the which God hath made us c free. of our God according to the faith which is in us. 10 And now, behold, we will resist wickedness even unto bloodshed. 18 And we will a take possession of We would a not shed the blood of the city of Zarahemla, that we may the Lamanites if they would stay obtain more food to send forth unto in their own land. Lehi and Teancum; yea, we will go forth against them in the strength 11 We would not shed the blood of the Lord, and we will put an end of our brethren if they would not to this great iniquity. rise up in rebellion and take the sword against us. 19 And now, Moroni, I do joy in receiving your epistle, for I was 12 We would subject ourselves somewhat worried concerning what to the a yoke of bondage if it were we should do, whether it should be requisite with the justice of God, or just in us to go against our brethren. if he should command us so to do. 20 But ye have said, except they 13 But behold he doth not com- repent the Lord a hath commanded mand us that we shall subject our- you that ye should go against them. selves to our enemies, but that we should put our a trust in him, and 21 See that ye a strengthen Lehi and he will deliver us. Teancum in the Lord; tell them to fear not, for God will deliver them, 14 Therefore, my beloved brother, yea, and also all those who b stand Moroni, let us resist evil, and what- fast in that liberty wherewith God soever evil we cannot resist with hath made them free. And now I our a words, yea, such as rebellions close mine epistle to my beloved brother, Moroni. 8 a Alma 61:18. Gal. 5:1; b 2 Cor. 3:17. b Alma 62:6. D&C 88:86. tg God, Spirit of. 10 a Alma 56:46. tg Tyranny. 12 a tg Bondage, Physical; c Alma 60:25. c Mosiah 7:21. Submissiveness. 18 a Alma 61:8. 9 a D&C 101:5. 13 a tg Trust in God. 20 a Alma 60:33. 14 a tg Reproof. 21 a Zech. 10:12. tg Reproof. b Alma 43:47. b Alma 58:40. b Alma 60:36; 15 a tg War. D&C 121:39. c John 8:36;

363 Alma 62 : 1–13 Chapter 62 Pachus, who was the a king of those Moroni marches to the aid of Pahoran dissenters who had driven the in the land of Gideon—The king-men b freemen out of the land of Zara- who refuse to defend their country are hemla and had taken possession put to death—Pahoran and Moroni re- of the land. take Nephihah—Many Lamanites join the people of Ammon—Teancum slays 7 And it came to pass that Mo- Ammoron and is in turn slain—The roni and Pahoran went down with Lamanites are driven from the land, their armies into the land of Zara- and peace is established—Helaman hemla, and went forth against the returns to the ministry and builds up city, and did meet the men of Pa- the Church. About 62–57 b.c. chus, insomuch that they did come And now it came to pass that when to battle. Moroni had received this epistle his heart did take courage, and was 8 And behold, Pachus was slain filled with exceedingly great joy be- and his men were taken prisoners, cause of the faithfulness of Pahoran, and Pahoran was restored to his that he was not also a a traitor to the judgment-seat. freedom and cause of his country. 9 And the men of Pachus received 2 But he did also mourn exceed- their trial, according to the law, and ingly because of the iniquity of those also those king-men who had been who had driven Pahoran from the taken and a cast into prison; and judgment-seat, yea, in fine because they were b executed according to of those who had rebelled against the law; yea, those men of Pachus their country and also their God. and those c king-men, whosoever would not take up arms in the de- 3 And it came to pass that Moroni fence of their country, but would took a small number of men, ac- fight against it, were put to death. cording to the desire of Pahoran, and gave Lehi and Teancum com- 10 And thus it became expedient mand over the remainder of his that this law should be strictly ob- army, and took his march towards served for the safety of their coun- the land of Gideon. try; yea, and whosoever was found denying their freedom was speed- 4 And he did raise the a standard ily a executed according to the law. of b liberty in whatsoever place he did enter, and gained whatsoever 11 And thus ended the thirtieth force he could in all his march to- year of the reign of the judges over wards the land of Gideon. the people of Nephi; Moroni and Pahoran having restored peace to 5 And it came to pass that thou- the land of Zarahemla, among their sands did a flock unto his standard, own people, having a inflicted death and did take up their swords in the upon all those who were not true defence of their freedom, that they to the cause of freedom. might not come into bondage. 12 And it came to pass in the 6 And thus, when Moroni had commencement of the thirty and gathered together whatsoever men first year of the reign of the judges he could in all his march, he came over the people of Nephi, Moroni to the land of Gideon; and uniting immediately caused that provisions his forces with those of Pahoran should be sent, and also an army they became exceedingly strong, of six thousand men should be sent even stronger than the men of unto Helaman, to assist him in pre- serving that part of the land. 13 And he also caused that an 62 1 a Alma 60:18. 6 a Alma 61:8 (4–8). c Alma 51:5 (5, 17, 21); b Alma 51:6 (6–7). 60:16. 4 a Alma 46:36 (12–13, 36). 9 a Alma 51:19. b tg Liberty. b tg Capital Punishment. 10 a 1 Kgs. 2:46. 5 a Alma 61:6. 11 a Alma 44:7; 57:19.

Alma 62 : 14–29 364 army of six thousand men, with a part of the city the Lamanites did sufficient quantity of food, should camp with their army. be sent to the armies of Lehi and Teancum. And it came to pass that 21 And it came to pass that they this was done to fortify the land were on the east, by the entrance; against the Lamanites. and they were all asleep. And now Moroni returned to his army, and 14 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that they should prepare and Pahoran, leaving a large body of in haste strong cords and ladders, men in the land of Zarahemla, took to be let down from the top of the their march with a large body of a wall into the inner part of the wall. men towards the land of Nephihah, being determined to a overthrow the 22 And it came to pass that Moroni Lamanites in that city. caused that his men should march forth and come upon the top of the 15 And it came to pass that as they wall, and let a themselves down into were marching towards the land, that part of the city, yea, even on they took a large body of men of the west, where the Lamanites did the Lamanites, and slew many of not camp with their armies. them, and took their provisions and their weapons of war. 23 And it came to pass that they were all let down into the city by 16 And it came to pass after they night, by the means of their strong had taken them, they caused them cords and their ladders; thus when to enter into a a covenant that they the morning came they were all would no more take up their weap- within the walls of the city. ons of war against the Nephites. 24 And now, when the Lamanites 17 And when they had entered awoke and saw that the armies of into this covenant they sent them to Moroni were within the walls, they a dwell with the people of Ammon, were affrighted exceedingly, in- and they were in number about four somuch that they did flee out by thousand who had not been slain. the pass. 18 And it came to pass that when 25 And now when Moroni saw they had sent them away they pur- that they were fleeing before him, sued their march towards the land he did cause that his men should of a Nephihah. And it came to pass march forth against them, and slew that when they had come to the city many, and surrounded many oth- of Nephihah, they did pitch their ers, and took them prisoners; and tents in the plains of Nephihah, the remainder of them fled into the which is near the city of Nephihah. land of Moroni, which was in the borders by the seashore. 19 Now Moroni was desirous that the Lamanites should come out 26 Thus had Moroni and Pahoran to battle against them, upon the obtained the a possession of the city plains; but the Lamanites, knowing of Nephihah without the loss of one of their exceedingly great courage, soul; and there were many of the and beholding the greatness of Lamanites who were slain. their numbers, therefore they durst not come out against them; there- 27 Now it came to pass that many fore they did not come to battle in of the Lamanites that were prisoners that day. were desirous to a join the people of Ammon and become a free people. 20 And when the night came, Moroni went forth in the darkness 28 And it came to pass that as many of the night, and came upon the as were desirous, unto them it was top of the wall to spy out in what granted according to their desires. 29 Therefore, all the prisoners of 14 a Alma 59:11 (5–11). 17 a Alma 47:29. 22 a Alma 55:16. 16 a Alma 44:15, 20; 18 a Alma 50:14; 51:26 (24–26). 26 a Alma 59:8. 21 a Alma 49:13 (13, 18–24). 27 a Alma 24:26 (25–27). 3 Ne. 5:4.

365 Alma 62 : 30–40 the Lamanites did join the people weary because of the greatness of of Ammon, and did begin to labor the march; therefore they did not exceedingly, tilling the ground, rais- resolve upon any stratagem in the ing all manner of grain, and flocks night-time, save it were Teancum; and herds of every kind; and thus for he was exceedingly angry with were the Nephites relieved from a Ammoron, insomuch that he con- great burden; yea, insomuch that sidered that Ammoron, and Amal- they were relieved from all the ickiah his brother, had been the prisoners of the Lamanites. a cause of this great and lasting war between them and the Lamanites, 30 Now it came to pass that Moroni, which had been the cause of so much after he had obtained possession of war and bloodshed, yea, and so the city of Nephihah, having taken much famine. many prisoners, which did reduce the armies of the Lamanites exceed- 36 And it came to pass that Tean- ingly, and having regained many of cum in his anger did go forth into the Nephites who had been taken the camp of the Lamanites, and did prisoners, which did strengthen the let himself down over the walls of army of Moroni exceedingly; there- the city. And he went forth with a fore Moroni went forth from the land cord, from place to place, insomuch of Nephihah to the land of a Lehi. that he did find the king; and he did a cast a javelin at him, which 31 And it came to pass that when did pierce him near the heart. But the Lamanites saw that Moroni was behold, the king did awaken his coming against them, they were servants before he died, insomuch again frightened and fled before that they did pursue Teancum, and the army of Moroni. slew him. 32 And it came to pass that a Mo- 37 Now it came to pass that when roni and his army did pursue them Lehi and Moroni knew that Tean- from city to city, until they were cum was dead they were exceedingly met by Lehi and Teancum; and the sorrowful; for behold, he had been Lamanites fled from Lehi and Tean- a man who had a fought valiantly cum, even down upon the borders for his country, yea, a true friend by the seashore, until they came to to liberty; and he had suffered very the land of Moroni. many exceedingly sore afflictions. But behold, he was dead, and had 33 And the armies of the Laman- gone the way of all the earth. ites were all gathered together, in- somuch that they were all in one 38 Now it came to pass that Mo- body in the land of Moroni. Now roni marched forth on the morrow, Ammoron, the king of the Laman- and came upon the Lamanites, inso- ites, was also with them. much that they did slay them with a great slaughter; and they did drive 34 And it came to pass that Moroni them out of the land; and they did and Lehi and Teancum did encamp flee, even that they did not return with their armies round about in at that time against the Nephites. the borders of the land of Moroni, insomuch that the Lamanites were 39 And thus ended the thirty and encircled about in the borders by first year of the reign of the judges the wilderness on the south, and over the people of Nephi; and thus in the borders by the wilderness on they had had wars, and bloodsheds, the east. and famine, and affliction, for the space of many years. 35 And thus they did encamp for the night. For behold, the Neph- 40 And there had been murders, ites and the Lamanites also were 30 a Alma 50:15; 51:26 (24–26). 36 a Alma 51:34. Alma 50:35; 32 a Alma 50:13; 51:22 (22–23); 37 a ie throughout the 51:29–34; 52; 61; 62:3–37. 3 Ne. 8:9. Amalickiah-Ammoron 35 a Alma 48:1. wars.

Alma 62 : 41–52 366 and contentions, and dissensions, 46 And it came to pass that they and all manner of iniquity among did establish again the church of the people of Nephi; nevertheless God, throughout all the land. for the a righteous’ sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they 47 Yea, and regulations were made were spared. concerning the law. And their a judges, and their chief judges were 41 But behold, because of the ex- chosen. ceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the La- 48 And the people of Nephi be- manites many had become hard- gan to a prosper again in the land, ened, because of the exceedingly and began to multiply and to wax great length of the war; and many exceedingly strong again in the were softened because of their a af- land. And they began to grow ex- flictions, insomuch that they did ceedingly rich. humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility. 49 But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their 42 And it came to pass that after prosperity, they were not lifted up Moroni had fortified those parts of in the pride of their eyes; neither the land which were most exposed were they a slow to remember the to the Lamanites, until they were Lord their God; but they did humble sufficiently strong, he returned to themselves exceedingly before him. the city of Zarahemla; and also He- laman returned to the place of his 50 Yea, they did remember how inheritance; and there was once great things the Lord had done for more peace established among the them, that he had a delivered them people of Nephi. from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner 43 And Moroni yielded up the of b afflictions, and he had c deliv- a command of his armies into the ered them out of the hands of their hands of his son, whose name was enemies. b Moronihah; and he retired to his own house that he might spend the 51 And they did pray unto the remainder of his days in peace. Lord their God continually, inso- much that the Lord did bless them, 44 And Pahoran did return to his according to his word, so that they judgment-seat; and Helaman did did wax strong and a prosper in the take upon him again to preach unto land. the people the word of God; for because of so many wars and con- 52 And it came to pass that all tentions it had become expedient these things were done. And a He- that a a regulation should be made laman died, in the thirty and fifth again in the church. year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. 45 Therefore, Helaman and his brethren went forth, and did de- Chapter 63 clare the word of God with much Shiblon and later Helaman take pos- power unto the a convincing of many session of the sacred records—Many people of their wickedness, which Nephites travel to the land northward— did cause them to repent of their Hagoth builds ships, which sail forth sins and to be baptized unto the in the west sea—Moronihah defeats the Lord their God. Lamanites in battle. About 56–52 b.c. 40 a Alma 45:15 (15–16); 45 a Alma 21:17; c tg Deliver. 46:10. D&C 18:44. 51 a Gen. 26:22. 41 a tg Adversity; 47 a Mosiah 29:39. tg Prosper. Affliction. 48 a Alma 50:20. 52 a His great career spans 49 a Alma 55:31. 43 a Hel. 4:16 (10, 16). 50 a 2 Cor. 11:26 (24–33). Alma 31–62. b Alma 63:15. b tg Adversity. 44 a Alma 45:21.

367 Alma 63 : 1–14 And it came to pass in the com- many more people did enter into mencement of the thirty and sixth it; and they also took much provi- year of the reign of the judges over sions, and set out again to the land the people of Nephi, that a Shiblon northward. took possession of those b sacred things which had been delivered 8 And it came to pass that they unto Helaman by Alma. were never heard of more. And we suppose that they were drowned in 2 And he was a just man, and he the depths of the sea. And it came did walk uprightly before God; and to pass that one other ship also did he did observe to do good continu­ sail forth; and whither she did go ally, to keep the commandments we know not. of the Lord his God; and also did his brother. 9 And it came to pass that in this year there were many people who 3 And it came to pass that a Mo- went forth into the land a north- roni died also. And thus ended the ward. And thus ended the thirty thirty and sixth year of the reign and eighth year. of the judges. 10 And it came to pass in the thirty 4 And it came to pass that in the and ninth year of the reign of the thirty and seventh year of the reign judges, a Shiblon died also, and of the judges, there was a large com- Corianton had gone forth to the pany of men, even to the amount land northward in a ship, to carry of five thousand and four hundred forth provisions unto the people men, with their wives and their who had gone forth into that land. children, departed out of the land of Zarahemla into the land which 11 Therefore it became expedient was a northward. for a Shiblon to confer those sacred things, before his death, upon the 5 And it came to pass that Hagoth, son of b Helaman, who was called he being an a exceedingly curious c Helaman, being called after the man, therefore he went forth and name of his father. built him an exceedingly large ship, on the borders of the land b Boun- 12 Now behold, all those a engrav- tiful, by the land Desolation, and ings which were in the possession launched it forth into the west sea, of Helaman were written and sent by the c narrow neck which led into forth among the children of men the land northward. throughout all the land, save it were those parts which had been 6 And behold, there were many of commanded by Alma should b not the Nephites who did enter therein go forth. and did sail forth with much pro- visions, and also many women and 13 Nevertheless, these things were children; and they took their course to be kept sacred, and a handed northward. And thus ended the down from one generation to an- thirty and seventh year. other; therefore, in this year, they had been conferred upon Helaman, 7 And in the thirty and eighth year, before the death of Shiblon. this man built a other ships. And the first ship did also return, and 14 And it came to pass also in this year that there were some dissenters 63 1 a Alma 38:1 (1–2); 49:30. b Alma 53:3 (3–4); b See heading to the book Hel. 1:23. of Helaman. b Mosiah 1:3; Alma 37:1 (1–12). c Alma 22:32; c Hel. 3:37. tg Sacred. Morm. 2:29; 12 a Alma 18:36; Ether 10:20. 3 a See Alma 43–63 for his 3 Ne. 1:2. great contributions. 7 a Hel. 3:10. b Alma 37:27 (27–32). 9 a Hel. 3:12 (11–12); 6:6. 13 a Alma 37:4. 4 a Alma 22:31; 46:17; 10 a Alma 31:7. Hel. 3:3. 11 a Alma 63:1. 5 a Hel. 3:10 (10, 14).

Alma 63 : 15–Helaman 1 : 7 368 who had gone forth unto the La- beaten and driven back again to manites; and they were a stirred up their own lands, suffering great loss. again to anger against the Nephites. 16 And thus ended the thirty and 15 And also in this same year ninth year of the reign of the judges they came down with a numerous over the people of Nephi. army to war against the people of a Moronihah, or against the army of 17 And thus ended the account of Moronihah, in the which they were aA  lma, and Helaman his son, and also Shiblon, who was his son. The Book of Helaman An account of the Nephites. Their wars and contentions, and their dissensions. And also the prophecies of many holy prophets, before the coming of Christ, according to the records of Helaman, who was the son of Helaman, and also according to the records of his sons, even down to the coming of Christ. And also many of the Lamanites are converted. An account of their conversion. An account of the righteousness of the Lamanites, and the wickedness and abominations of the Nephites, according to the record of Helaman and his sons, even down to the coming of Christ, which is called the book of Helaman, and so forth. Chapter 1 did contend for the judgment-seat, Pahoran the second becomes chief judge who did also cause the people to and is murdered by Kishkumen—Pacu- contend: Pahoran, Paanchi, and meni fills the judgment seat—Corian- Pacumeni. tumr leads the Lamanite armies, takes Zarahemla, and slays Pacumeni—Mo- 4 Now these are not all the sons ronihah defeats the Lamanites and re- of Pahoran (for he had many), but takes Zarahemla, and Coriantumr is these are they who did contend for the judgment-seat; therefore, they Aslain. About 52–50 b.c. did cause three a divisions among nd now behold, it came to pass the people.    in the commencement of the    fortieth year of the reign of 5 Nevertheless, it came to pass the judges over the people of Nephi, that Pahoran was appointed by there began to be a serious difficulty the a voice of the people to be chief among the people of the Nephites. judge and a governor over the people of Nephi. 2 For behold, a Pahoran had died, and gone the way of all the earth; 6 And it came to pass that Pacu- therefore there began to be a serious meni, when he saw that he could contention concerning who should not obtain the judgment-seat, he have the judgment-seat among the did a unite with the voice of the brethren, who were the sons of people. Pahoran. 7 But behold, Paanchi, and that 3 Now these are their names who part of the people that were desir- ous that he should be their governor, was exceedingly wroth; therefore, 14 a Alma 51:9; [Helaman] 5 a Mosiah 29:11; Hel. 4:4. Alma 51:7; 1 2 a Alma 50:40. Hel. 5:2. 15 a Alma 62:43. 17 a Alma 1:2 (1–2). 4 a Matt. 12:25. 6 a tg Unity.

369 Helaman 1 : 8–19 he was about to a flatter away those and first year of the reign of the people to rise up in rebellion against judges, that the Lamanites had their brethren. gathered together an innumerable army of men, and a armed them with 8 And it came to pass as he was swords, and with cimeters and about to do this, behold, he was with bows, and with arrows, and with taken, and was tried according to head-plates, and with breastplates, the a voice of the people, and con- and with all manner of shields of demned unto death; for he had every kind. raised up in rebellion and sought to destroy the b liberty of the people. 15 And they came down again that they might pitch battle against the 9 Now when those people who Nephites. And they were led by a were desirous that he should be man whose name was a Coriantumr; their governor saw that he was and he was a descendant of Zara- condemned unto death, therefore hemla; and he was a b dissenter from they were angry, and behold, they among the Nephites; and he was a sent forth one a Kishkumen, even to large and a mighty man. the judgment-seat of Pahoran, and murdered Pahoran as he sat upon 16 Therefore, the king of the La- the judgment-seat. manites, whose name was Tubal- oth, who was the son of aA  mmoron, 10 And he was pursued by the supposing that Coriantumr, being servants of Pahoran; but behold, so a mighty man, could stand against speedy was the flight of Kishkumen the Nephites, with his strength and that no man could overtake him. also with his great b wisdom, inso- much that by sending him forth 11 And he went unto those that he should gain power over the sent him, and they all entered into Nephites— a covenant, yea, a swearing by their everlasting Maker, that they would 17 Therefore he did a stir them up tell no man that Kishkumen had to anger, and he did gather together murdered Pahoran. his armies, and he did appoint Co- riantumr to be their leader, and 12 Therefore, Kishkumen was not did cause that they should march known among the people of Nephi, down to the land of Zarahemla to for he was in disguise at the time battle against the Nephites. that he murdered Pahoran. And Kishkumen and his band, who had 18 And it came to pass that because covenanted with him, did mingle of so much contention and so much themselves among the people, in a difficulty in the government, that manner that they all could not be they had not kept sufficient guards found; but as many as were found in the land of Zarahemla; for they were condemned unto a death. had supposed that the Lamanites durst not come into the heart of 13 And now behold, Pacumeni was their lands to attack that great city appointed, according to the a voice Zarahemla. of the people, to be a chief judge and a governor over the people, to 19 But it came to pass that Corian­ reign in the stead of his brother tumr did march forth at the head Pahoran; and it was according to of his numerous host, and came his right. And all this was done in upon the inhabitants of the city, the fortieth year of the reign of the and their march was with such judges; and it had an end. exceedingly great speed that there 14 And it came to pass in the forty 7 a Mosiah 27:8; 9 a Hel. 2:3. 15 a Hel. 1:30. Alma 50:35; 11 a Gen. 24:3; b Alma 31:8; 53:8; Hel. 2:5; Ether 8:2. Ether 8:14 (13–14). Hel. 4:8. 12 a tg Capital Punishment. 16 a Alma 52:3. 8 a Alma 1:14 (10–15). 13 a Hel. 1:5; 2:2. b Ezek. 28:5 (4–5). b tg Liberty. 14 a Alma 2:12; 49:6 (6, 24). 17 a Alma 35:10; 47:1.

Helaman 1 : 20–32 370 was no time for the Nephites to supposed that the Lamanites durst gather together their armies. not come into the center of the land, but that they would attack the 20  Therefore Coriantumr did cut cities round about in the borders down the watch by the entrance as they had hitherto done; there- of the city, and did march forth fore Moronihah had caused that with his whole army into the city, their strong armies should main- and they did slay every one who tain those parts round about by the did oppose them, insomuch that borders. they did take possession of the whole city. 27 But behold, the Lamanites were not frightened according to his de- 21 And it came to pass that Pacu- sire, but they had come into the meni, who was the chief judge, did center of the land, and had taken flee before Coriantumr, even to the capital city which was the city the walls of the city. And it came of Zarahemla, and were marching to pass that Coriantumr did smite through the most capital parts of him against the wall, insomuch that the land, slaying the people with a he died. And thus ended the days great slaughter, both men, women, of Pacumeni. and children, taking possession of many cities and of many strongholds. 22 And now when Coriantumr saw that he was in possession of 28 But when Moronihah had dis- the city of Zarahemla, and saw that covered this, he immediately sent the Nephites had fled before them, forth Lehi with an army round about and were slain, and were taken, and to a head them before they should were cast into prison, and that he come to the land Bountiful. had obtained the possession of the strongest hold in all the land, his 29 And thus he did; and he did heart a took courage insomuch that head them before they came to the he was about to go forth against all land Bountiful, and gave unto them the land. battle, insomuch that they began to retreat back towards the land 23 And now he did not tarry in of Zarahemla. the land of Zarahemla, but he did march forth with a large army, even 30 And it came to pass that Moroni- towards the city of a Bountiful; for hah did head them in their retreat, it was his determination to go forth and did give unto them battle, in- and cut his way through with the somuch that it became an exceed- sword, that he might obtain the ingly bloody battle; yea, many were north parts of the land. slain, and among the number who were slain a Coriantumr was also 24 And, supposing that their great- found. est strength was in the center of the land, therefore he did march forth, 31 And now, behold, the Lamanites giving them no time to assemble could not retreat either way, neither themselves together save it were in on the north, nor on the south, nor on small bodies; and in this manner the east, nor on the west, for they they did fall upon them and cut were surrounded on every hand by them down to the earth. the Nephites. 25 But behold, this march of Co- 32 And thus had Coriantumr riantumr through the center of the plunged the Lamanites into the land gave Moronihah great advan- midst of the Nephites, insomuch tage over them, notwithstanding that they were in the power of the the greatness of the number of the Nephites, and he himself was slain, Nephites who were slain. and the Lamanites did a yield them- selves into the hands of the Nephites. 26 For behold, Moronihah had 22 a tg Pride. 28 a Alma 50:34; 51:29 (29–30). 32 a Hel. 4:3. 23 a Alma 22:29. 30 a Hel. 1:15.

371 Helaman 1 : 33–2 : 11 33 And it came to pass that Moroni- fore Kishkumen sought to destroy hah took possession of the city of Helaman. Zarahemla again, and caused that the Lamanites who had been taken 6 And it came to pass as he went prisoners should depart out of the forth towards the judgment-seat land in a peace. to destroy Helaman, behold one of the servants of Helaman, having 34 And thus ended the forty and been out by night, and having ob- first year of the reign of the judges. tained, through disguise, a knowl- edge of those plans which had Chapter 2 been laid by this band to destroy Helaman, the son of Helaman, becomes Helaman— chief judge—Gadianton leads the band of Kishkumen—Helaman’s servant 7 And it came to pass that he met slays Kishkumen, and the Gadianton Kishkumen, and he gave unto him band flees into the wilderness. About a sign; therefore Kishkumen made 50 – 49 b.c. known unto him the object of his And it came to pass in the forty desire, desiring that he would con- and second year of the reign of duct him to the judgment-seat that the judges, after Moronihah had he might murder Helaman. established again peace between the Nephites and the Lamanites, 8 And when the servant of He- behold there was no one to fill the laman had known all the heart of judgment-seat; therefore there be- Kishkumen, and how that it was his gan to be a contention again among a object to murder, and also that it the people concerning who should was the object of all those who be- fill the judgment-seat. longed to his band to murder, and to rob, and to gain power, (and this 2 And it came to pass that a Hela- was their b secret plan, and their man, who was the son of Helaman, combination) the servant of Hela- was appointed to fill the judgment- man said unto Kishkumen: Let us seat, by the b voice of the people. go forth unto the judgment-seat. 3 But behold, a Kishkumen, who 9 Now this did please Kishkumen had murdered Pahoran, did lay exceedingly, for he did suppose that wait to destroy Helaman also; and he should accomplish his design; he was upheld by his band, who but behold, the servant of Helaman, had entered into a covenant that no as they were going forth unto the one should know his wickedness. judgment-seat, did stab Kishkumen even to the heart, that he fell dead 4 For there was one a Gadianton, without a groan. And he ran and who was exceedingly expert in many told Helaman all the things which words, and also in his craft, to carry he had seen, and heard, and done. on the secret work of murder and of robbery; therefore he became the 10 And it came to pass that He- leader of the band of Kishkumen. laman did send forth to take this band of robbers and a secret mur- 5 Therefore he did a flatter them, derers, that they might be executed and also Kishkumen, that if they according to the law. would place him in the judgment- seat he would grant unto those 11 But behold, when Gadianton who belonged to his band that they had found that Kishkumen did not should be placed in power and au- return he feared lest that he should thority among the people; there- be destroyed; therefore he caused that his band should follow him. And they took their flight out of 23 32 aa Alma 44:15. 5 a Mosiah 27:8; 8 a tg Conspiracy. Hel. 3:20. Alma 50:35; b 2 Ne. 10:15; b Hel. 1:13. Hel. 1:7; 3 a Hel. 1:9. Ether 8:2. Moses 5:31 (18–31). 4 a Hel. 3:23; 6:18 (18, 29). tg Flatter. tg Secret Combinations. 10 a Hel. 3:23.

Helaman 2 : 12–3 : 10 372 the land, by a secret way, into the forth unto the land a northward to wilderness; and thus when Helaman inherit the land. sent forth to take them they could nowhere be found. 4 And they did travel to an ex- ceedingly great distance, insomuch 12 And more of this Gadianton that they came to a large bodies of shall be spoken hereafter. And thus water and many rivers. ended the forty and second year of the reign of the judges over the 5 Yea, and even they did spread people of Nephi. forth into all parts of the land, into whatever parts it had not been 13 And behold, in the end of this rendered desolate and without tim- book ye shall see that this a Gadian- ber, because of the many inhabi­ ton did prove the overthrow, yea, tants who had before inherited the almost the entire destruction of the land. people of Nephi. 6 And now no part of the land was 14 Behold I do not mean the end desolate, save it were for timber; of the a book of Helaman, but I but because of the greatness of the mean the end of the book of Nephi, a destruction of the people who had from which I have taken all the before inhabited the land it was account which I have written. called b desolate. Chapter 3 7 And there being but little timber Many Nephites migrate to the land upon the face of the land, never- northward—They build houses of ce- theless the people who went forth ment and keep many records—Tens became exceedingly a expert in the of thousands are converted and bap- working of cement; therefore they tized—The word of God leads men to did build houses of cement, in the salvation—Nephi the son of Helaman which they did dwell. fills the judgment seat. About 49–39 b.c. And now it came to pass in the forty 8 And it came to pass that they and third year of the reign of the did multiply and spread, and did judges, there was no contention go forth from the land southward among the people of Nephi save to the land northward, and did it were a little pride which was in spread insomuch that they began the church, which did cause some to cover the face of the whole earth, little dissensions among the people, from the sea south to the sea north, which affairs were settled in the from the a sea west to the sea east. ending of the forty and third year. 9 And the people who were in the 2 And there was no contention land northward did dwell in a tents, among the people in the forty and in houses of cement, and they and fourth year; neither was there did suffer whatsoever tree should much contention in the forty and spring up upon the face of the fifth year. land that it should grow up, that in time they might have timber to 3 And it came to pass in the forty build their houses, yea, their cities, and sixth, yea, there was much con- and their temples, and their b syna- tention and many dissensions; in the gogues, and their sanctuaries, and which there were an exceedingly all manner of their buildings. great many who departed out of the land of Zarahemla, and went 10 And it came to pass as timber was exceedingly scarce in the land northward, they did send forth much by the way of a shipping. 13 a Hel. 6:18; Alma 50:29; 8 a Alma 22:27 (27, 32–33); 3 Ne. 4:1. Morm. 6:4. Hel. 11:20. 14 a W of M 1:9; 6 a Mosiah 8:8; 3 Ne. 5:10. 21:26 (26–27). 9 a Gen. 25:27; 3 3 a Alma 63:4. b Alma 22:31. Ether 2:13. 4 a Mosiah 8:8; 7 a tg Skill. b Alma 16:13. 10 a Alma 63:7 (5–8).

373 Helaman 3 : 11–24 11 And thus they did enable the great contentions, and disturbances, people in the land northward that and wars, and dissensions, among they might build many cities, both the people of Nephi. of wood and of cement. 18 The forty and sixth year of the 12 And it came to pass that there reign of the judges ended; were many of the a people of Am- mon, who were Lamanites by birth, 19 And it came to pass that there did also go forth into this land. was still great contention in the land, yea, even in the forty and 13 And now there are many seventh year, and also in the forty a records kept of the proceedings of and eighth year. this people, by many of this people, which are particular and very large, 20 Nevertheless a Helaman did fill concerning them. the judgment-seat with justice and equity; yea, he did observe to keep 14 But behold, a a hundredth part the statutes, and the judgments, of the proceedings of this people, and the commandments of God; and yea, the account of the Laman- he did do that which was right in ites and of the Nephites, and their the sight of God continually; and wars, and contentions, and dissen- he did walk after the ways of his sions, and their preaching, and father, insomuch that he did pros- their prophecies, and their shipping per in the land. and their building of ships, and their building of b temples, and of 21 And it came to pass that he had synagogues and their c sanctuaries, two sons. He gave unto the eldest and their righteousness, and their the name of a Nephi, and unto the wickedness, and their murders, and youngest, the name of Lehi. And they their robbings, and their plundering, began to grow up unto the Lord. and all manner of abominations and whoredoms, cannot be contained 22 And it came to pass that the in this work. wars and contentions began to cease, in a small degree, among 15 But behold, there are many the people of the Nephites, in the books and many a records of every latter end of the forty and eighth kind, and they have been kept year of the reign of the judges over chiefly by the Nephites. the people of Nephi. 16 And they have been a handed 23 And it came to pass in the forty down from one generation to an- and ninth year of the reign of the other by the Nephites, even until judges, there was continual peace they have fallen into transgression established in the land, all save it and have been murdered, plun- were the a secret combinations which dered, and hunted, and driven forth, b Gadianton the robber had estab- and slain, and b scattered upon the lished in the more settled parts of face of the earth, and mixed with the land, which at that time were not the Lamanites until they are c no known unto those who were at the more called the Nephites, becoming head of government; therefore they wicked, and wild, and ferocious, yea, were not destroyed out of the land. even becoming Lamanites. 24 And it came to pass that in this 17 And now I return again to mine same year there was exceedingly account; therefore, what I have spo- great prosperity in the church, in- ken had passed after there had been somuch that there were thousands who did a join themselves unto the 12 a Alma 27:26; 63:9 (4–9); c Alma 23:2. 21 a Hel. 3:37; 4:14; 5:4–5; Hel. 6:6. 15 a 3 Ne. 5:9; 4 Ne. 1:48. 3 Ne. 1:2. 16 a 1 Ne. 5:18 (16–19); 13 a W of M 1:3 (1–11). 23 a 2 Ne. 10:15; 14 a 3 Ne. 5:8; 26:6 (6–11). Alma 37:4. Hel. 2:10 (8–10); b 2 Ne. 5:16; b Ezek. 36:19 (16–20). 7:25 (4–5, 21, 25). c Alma 45:13 (12–14). Jacob 1:17; 20 a Hel. 2:2. b Hel. 2:4; 6:18. 3 Ne. 11:1. 24 a Mosiah 25:23.

Helaman 3 : 25–37 374 church and were baptized unto and ninth year; yea, and also there repentance. was continual peace and great joy in the fiftieth year of the reign of 25 And so great was the prosper- the judges. ity of the church, and so many the blessings which were poured out 33 And in the fifty and first year upon the people, that even the high of the reign of the judges there priests and the teachers were them- was peace also, save it were the selves astonished beyond measure. pride which began to enter into the church—not into the church of God, 26 And it came to pass that the but into the hearts of the people work of the Lord did prosper unto who a professed to belong to the the baptizing and uniting to the church of God— church of God, many souls, yea, even tens of thousands. 34 And they were lifted up in a pride, even to the persecution of 27 Thus we may see that the Lord many of their brethren. Now this is merciful unto all who will, in the was a great evil, which did cause sincerity of their hearts, call upon the more humble part of the people his holy name. to suffer great persecutions, and to wade through much affliction. 28 Yea, thus we see that the a gate of heaven is open unto b all, even to 35 Nevertheless they did a fast and those who will believe on the name b pray oft, and did wax stronger and of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. stronger in their c humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of 29 Yea, we see that whosoever Christ, unto the filling their souls will may lay hold upon the a word with joy and consolation, yea, even of God, which is b quick and pow- to the d purifying and the e sanctifi- erful, which shall c divide asunder cation of their hearts, which sanc- all the cunning and the snares and tification cometh because of their the wiles of the devil, and lead the f yielding their hearts unto God. man of Christ in a strait and d nar- row course across that everlasting 36 And it came to pass that the e gulf of misery which is prepared fifty and second year ended in peace to engulf the wicked— also, save it were the exceedingly great pride which had gotten into 30 And land their souls, yea, their the hearts of the people; and it was immortal souls, at the a right hand because of their exceedingly great of God in the kingdom of heaven, a riches and their prosperity in the to sit down with Abraham, and land; and it did grow upon them Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all from day to day. our holy fathers, to go no more out. 37 And it came to pass in the fifty 31 And in this year there was con- and third year of the reign of the tinual rejoicing in the land of Zara- judges, a Helaman died, and his el- hemla, and in all the regions round dest son b Nephi began to reign in about, even in all the land which his stead. And it came to pass that was possessed by the Nephites. he did fill the judgment-seat with justice and equity; yea, he did keep 32 And it came to pass that there was peace and exceedingly great joy in the remainder of the forty 28 a Isa. 26:2. d 2 Ne. 9:41; 33:9. Purity. b Acts 10:28 (9–35, 44); e 1 Ne. 12:18; 15:28 (28–30). e tg Sanctification. 30 a Matt. 25:34 (31–46). f 2 Chr. 30:8; Rom. 2:11 (10–11). 33 a D&C 112:26. 29 a Micah 2:7; 34 a tg Pride. Rom. 6:13 (12–14). 35 a tg Fast, Fasting. tg Submissiveness; Jacob 2:8; b tg Prayer. Teachable. D&C 11:2; 33:1. c tg Humility. 36 a tg Treasure. tg Gospel. d tg Cleanliness; 37 a Alma 63:11; b Heb. 4:12; Hel. 16:25. D&C 27:1. Purification; b Hel. 3:21; 5:1. c D&C 6:2.

375 Helaman 4 : 1–12 the commandments of God, and of Moronihah were driven even into did walk in the ways of his father. the land of Bountiful; Chapter 4 7 And there they did fortify against Nephite dissenters and the Lamanites the Lamanites, from the west sea, join forces and take the land of Zara- even unto the east; it being a a day’s hemla—The Nephites’ defeats come be- journey for a Nephite, on the line cause of their wickedness—The Church which they had fortified and sta- dwindles, and the people become weak tioned their armies to defend their like the Lamanites. About 38–30 b.c. north country. And it came to pass in the fifty and fourth year there were many dis- 8 And thus those a dissenters of sensions in the church, and there the Nephites, with the help of a was also a a contention among the numerous army of the Lamanites, people, insomuch that there was had obtained all the possession of much bloodshed. the Nephites which was in the land southward. And all this was done 2 And the rebellious part were in the fifty and eighth and ninth slain and driven out of the land, years of the reign of the judges. and they did go unto the king of the Lamanites. 9 And it came to pass in the sixti- eth year of the reign of the judges, 3 And it came to pass that they did Moronihah did succeed with his endeavor to stir up the Lamanites armies in obtaining many parts of to a war against the Nephites; but the land; yea, they regained many behold, the Lamanites were b exceed- cities which had fallen into the ingly afraid, insomuch that they hands of the Lamanites. would not hearken to the words of those dissenters. 10 And it came to pass in the sixty and first year of the reign of the 4 But it came to pass in the fifty judges they succeeded in regaining and sixth year of the reign of the even the half of all their possessions. judges, there were a dissenters who went up from the Nephites unto the 11 Now this great loss of the Neph- Lamanites; and they succeeded with ites, and the great slaughter which those others in b stirring them up to was among them, a would not have anger against the Nephites; and they happened had it not been for their were all that year preparing for war. b wickedness and their abomination which was among them; yea, and it 5 And in the fifty and seventh was among those also who professed year they did come down against to belong to the church of God. the Nephites to battle, and they did commence the work of death; 12 And it was because of the a pride yea, insomuch that in the fifty and of their hearts, because of their ex- eighth year of the reign of the judges ceeding b riches, yea, it was because they succeeded in obtaining a pos- of their oppression to the c poor, session of the land of Zarahemla; withholding their food from the yea, and also all the lands, even unto hungry, withholding their clothing the land which was near the land from the naked, and smiting their Bountiful. humble brethren upon the cheek, making a d mock of that which 6 And the Nephites and the armies was sacred, denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation, mur- dering, plundering, lying, stealing, 4 1 a 3 Ne. 11:29. 8 a Hel. 1:15. 2 Ne. 9:42; 11 a D&C 82:10. 3 Ne. 6:12 (10–16). 3 a Hel. 11:24. b Mosiah 27:13. c Ezek. 18:12; b Hel. 1:32 (30–33). 12 a Obad. 1:3 (3–4); Zech. 7:10; 4 a Hel. 5:17. D&C 42:30 (30–39, 71). b Alma 63:14. 2 Ne. 20:33; d tg Mocking; 5 a Hel. 5:16, 52. D&C 101:42. Sacrilege. 7 a Alma 22:32. b 1 Tim. 6:17;

Helaman 4 : 13–26 376 committing adultery, rising up in armies in maintaining those parts great contentions, and deserting which he had taken. away into the land of Nephi, among the Lamanites— 20 And it came to pass, because of the greatness of the number of the 13 And because of this their great Lamanites the Nephites were in great wickedness, and their a boastings fear, lest they should be overpow- in their own strength, they were ered, and trodden down, and slain, left in their own strength; therefore and destroyed. they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven 21 Yea, they began to remember before the Lamanites, until they the a prophecies of Alma, and also the had lost possession of almost all b words of Mosiah; and they saw that their lands. they had been a c stiffnecked people, and that they had set at d naught the 14 But behold, Moronihah did commandments of God; a preach many things unto the peo- ple because of their iniquity, and 22 And that they had altered and also b Nephi and Lehi, who were trampled under their feet the a laws the sons of Helaman, did preach of Mosiah, or that which the Lord many things unto the people, yea, commanded him to give unto the and did prophesy many things unto people; and they saw that their laws them concerning their iniquities, had become corrupted, and that and what should come unto them they had become a wicked people, if they did not repent of their sins. insomuch that they were wicked even like unto the Lamanites. 15 And it came to pass that they did repent, and inasmuch as they 23 And because of their iniquity did repent they did begin to prosper. the church had begun to a dwindle; and they began to disbelieve in the 16 For when Moronihah saw that spirit of prophecy and in the spirit they did repent he did venture to of revelation; and the judgments of a lead them forth from place to place, God did stare them in the face. and from city to city, even until they had regained the one-half of 24 And they saw that they had be- their property and the one-half come a weak, like unto their brethren, of all their lands. the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; 17 And thus ended the sixty and yea, it had withdrawn from them first year of the reign of the judges. because the Spirit of the Lord doth not b dwell in c unholy d temples— 18 And it came to pass in the sixty and second year of the reign of the 25 Therefore the Lord did cease to judges, that Moronihah could ob- preserve them by his miraculous and tain no more possessions over the matchless power, for they had fallen Lamanites. into a state of a unbelief and awful wickedness; and they saw that the 19 Therefore they did abandon Lamanites were exceedingly more their design to obtain the remain- numerous than they, and except they der of their lands, for so numerous should b cleave unto the Lord their were the Lamanites that it became God they must unavoidably perish. impossible for the Nephites to ob- tain more power over them; there- 26 For behold, they saw that the fore Moronihah did employ all his strength of the Lamanites was as 13 a Ezek. 35:13. b Mosiah 29:27. b tg Holy Ghost, Loss of. tg Boast; c tg Stiffnecked. c Mosiah 2:37; Trust Not in the Arm d Prov. 1:25. of Flesh. 22 a Alma 1:1. Alma 7:21; 34:36. 23 a tg Apostasy of d tg Temple. 14 a Hel. 5:17 (14–20). 25 a tg Unbelief. b Hel. 3:21. Individuals. b Josh. 23:8; 16 a Alma 62:43. 24 a Jer. 46:15 (15–17); 21 a Alma 5:53 (1–62). Jacob 6:5; Mosiah 1:13. D&C 11:19.

377 Helaman 5 : 1–9 great as their strength, even man for 5 For they remembered the words man. And thus had they fallen into which their a father Helaman spake this great transgression; yea, thus unto them. And these are the words had they become a weak, because which he spake: of their transgression, in the space of b not many years. 6 Behold, my sons, I desire that ye should remember to keep the Chapter 5 commandments of God; and I Nephi and Lehi devote themselves to would that ye should declare unto preaching—Their names invite them to the people these words. Behold, I pattern their lives after their forebears— have given unto you the names of Christ redeems those who repent— our first a parents who came out Nephi and Lehi make many converts of the land of Jerusalem; and this and are imprisoned, and fire encircles I have done that when you remem- them—A cloud of darkness overshad- ber your names ye may remember ows three hundred people—The earth them; and when ye remember them shakes, and a voice commands men to ye may remember their works; and repent—Nephi and Lehi converse with when ye remember their works ye angels, and the multitude is encircled may know how that it is said, and by fire. About 30 b.c. also written, that they were b good. And it came to pass that in this same year, behold, a Nephi b delivered up 7 Therefore, my sons, I would that the judgment-seat to a man whose ye should do that which is good, name was c Cezoram. that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and 2 For as their laws and their gov- written of them. ernments were established by the a voice of the people, and they who 8 And now my sons, behold I have b chose evil were c more numerous somewhat more to desire of you, than they who chose good, therefore which desire is, that ye may not they were d ripening for destruction, do these things that ye may boast, for the laws had become corrupted. but that ye may do these things to lay up for yourselves a a treasure in 3 Yea, and this was not all; they heaven, yea, which is eternal, and were a a stiffnecked people, inso- which fadeth not away; yea, that much that they could not be gov- ye may have that b precious gift of erned by the law nor justice, save eternal life, which we have reason it were to their destruction. to suppose hath been given to our fathers. 4 And it came to pass that Nephi had become weary because of their 9 O remember, remember, my sons, iniquity; and he yielded up the the a words which king Benjamin judgment-seat, and took it upon spake unto his people; yea, remem- him to preach the word of God all ber that there is no other way nor the remainder of his days, and his means whereby man can be saved, brother Lehi also, all the remain- only through the b atoning blood der of his days; of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to c redeem the d world. 26 a Ezek. 19:8 (6–9). c 4 Ne. 1:40. tg Treasure. tg Weak. d Hel. 6:40; 10:11; b 1 Ne. 15:36. b Alma 46:8; 9 a Mosiah 2:9. Hel. 6:32; 7:6; 11:26; 12:2. D&C 18:6; 61:31. b Mosiah 3:18; 4:2. 5 1 a Hel. 3:37. 3 a tg Stiffnecked. b Alma 4:20 (15–20). 5 a Hel. 3:21 (21, 37). tg Jesus Christ, c Hel. 6:15. 6 a 1 Ne. 1:4 (1, 4). Atonement through. 2 a Mosiah 29:25 (25–27); b 2 Ne. 4:12; 33:3 (1–15); c tg Jesus Christ, Hel. 1:5 (3–5, 13). Redeemer. b Alma 10:19. Jacob 1:10 (9–12). d tg World. 8 a Hel. 8:25; 3 Ne. 13:20 (19–21).

Helaman 5 : 10–21 378 10 And remember also the words city of Gid; and from the city of which Amulek spake unto Zeez- Gid to the city of Mulek; rom, a in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord 16 And even from one city to an- surely should come to redeem his other, until they had gone forth people, but that he should not come a among all the people of Nephi to redeem them in their sins, but to who were in the land southward; redeem them from their sins. and from thence into the land of Zarahemla, among the Lamanites. 11 And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem 17 And it came to pass that they them from their sins because of re- did a preach with great b power, inso- pentance; therefore he hath a sent much that they did confound many his angels to declare the tidings of those c dissenters who had gone of the conditions of repentance, over from the Nephites, insomuch which bringeth unto the power of that they came forth and did con- the Redeemer, unto the salvation of fess their sins and were baptized their souls. unto repentance, and immediately returned to the Nephites to endeavor 12 And now, my sons, remember, to repair unto them the wrongs remember that it is upon the a rock which they had done. of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your 18 And it came to pass that Nephi b foundation; that when the devil and Lehi did preach unto the Laman- shall send forth his mighty winds, ites with such great power and author- yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, ity, for they had power and authority when all his hail and his mighty given unto them that they might c storm shall beat upon you, it shall a speak, and they also had what they have no power over you to drag you should speak given unto them— down to the gulf of misery and end- less wo, because of the rock upon 19 Therefore they did speak unto which ye are built, which is a sure the great astonishment of the La- foundation, a foundation whereon manites, to the convincing them, if men build they cannot fall. insomuch that there were eight thou- sand of the Lamanites who were in 13 And it came to pass that these the land of Zarahemla and round were the words which Helaman about a baptized unto repentance, a taught to his sons; yea, he did and were convinced of the b wick- teach them many things which are edness of the c traditions of their not written, and also many things fathers. which are written. 20 And it came to pass that Nephi 14 And they did remember his and Lehi did proceed from thence words; and therefore they went to go to the a land of Nephi. forth, keeping the commandments of God, to teach the word of God 21 And it came to pass that they among all the people of Nephi, be- were taken by an army of the La- ginning at the city Bountiful; manites and cast into a prison; yea, even in that same prison in which 15 And from thenceforth to the Ammon and his brethren were cast by the servants of Limhi. 10 a Alma 11:34. Jacob 4:16. c Hel. 4:4 (2, 4). 11 a Alma 13:24 (24–25); c Alma 26:6; 18 a D&C 24:6; 100:5 (5–8). 39:19. 3 Ne. 14:25 (25, 27). tg Prophets, Mission of. 12 a Ps. 71:3; 13 a Mosiah 1:4; 19 a tg Missionary Work. b Mal. 2:6. Matt. 7:24 (24–27); Alma 18:36; 36:1; c Hel. 15:4. D&C 6:34; Moses 6:58. 20 a Alma 22:1. Moses 7:53. 16 a Hel. 4:5. 21 a Mosiah 7:7 (6–8); tg Cornerstone; 17 a Hel. 4:14. Rock. b tg Teaching with the 21:23 (22–24). b Isa. 28:16 (14–17); Spirit.