3 Nephi 4

In follow up with yesterday's blog, again I want to return to what happens to people that begin to be unrighteous and self-reliant and begin to depend on the resources of others. In this chapter we learn the fate of the Gadiantion robbers who did plunder, rob, live, and depend on the resources of others for the Nephites, being lead by prophets of God, began to gather for protection. Upon doing so, the -

"...armies of robbers had prepared for battle, and began to come down and to sally forth from the hills, and out of the mountains, and the wilderness, and their strongholds, and their secret places, and began to take possession of the lands, both which were in the land south and which were in the land north, and began to take possession of all the lands which had been deserted by the Nephites, and the cities which had been left desolate." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 4:1)

But as they did -

"...there were no wild beasts nor game in those lands which had been deserted by the Nephites, and there was no game for the robbers save it were in the wilderness.
3 And the robbers could not exist save it were in the wilderness, for the want of food..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 4:2 - 3)

Isn't it interesting that robbing, taking, over taxing, re-distributing of resources seems to work fine until resources become unavailable for -

"...there was no chance for the robbers to plunder and to obtain food, save it were to come up in open battle against the Nephites..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 4:4)

This type of motives ended up becoming the end of the robbers. This does not mean there was no death or affliction amongst the Nephites in defending themselve, but it did mean the temporary end of the robbers. Upon doing so, the righteous declared -

"...May the Lord preserve his people in righteousness and in holiness of heart, that they may cause to be felled to the earth all who shall seek to slay them because of power and secret combinations, even as this man hath been felled to the earth.
30 And they did rejoice and cry again with one voice, saying: May the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, protect this people in righteousness, so long as they shall call on the name of their God for protection.
31 And it came to pass that they did break forth, all as one, in singing, and praising their God for the great thing which he had done for them, in preserving them from falling into the hands of their enemies.
32 Yea, they did cry: Hosanna to the Most High God. And they did cry: Blessed be the name of the Lord God Almighty, the Most High God.
33 And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 4:29 - 33)

For, with emphasis -

"...they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 4:33)

3 Nephi 3

We are herein introduce to the, Giddianhi, "governor" of the wicked band of Gadianton robbers. You can sense that this leader has a gift of flattery as he writes Lachoneus, the governor of the Nephites writing -

"...I write this epistle unto you, and do give unto you exceedingly great praise because of your firmness, and also the firmness of your people, in maintaining that which ye suppose to be your right and liberty; yea, ye do stand well, as if ye were supported by the hand of a god, in the defence of your liberty, and your property, and your country, or that which ye do call so." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 3:2)

You can sense that he is trying to sound nice but his claims are ridiculous. Gaddianhi continues then to suggest that Lachoneus -

"...should be so foolish and vain as to suppose that ye can stand against so many brave men who are at my command, who do now at this time stand in their arms, and do await with great anxiety for the word—Go down upon the Nephites and destroy them.
4 And I, knowing of their unconquerable spirit, having proved them in the field of battle, and knowing of their everlasting hatred towards you because of the many wrongs which ye have done unto them, therefore if they should come down against you they would visit you with utter destruction." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 3:3 - 4)

And somehow tries again to justify -

"...that this my people may recover their rights and government, who have dissented away from you because of your wickedness in retaining from them their rights of government..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 3:10)

We almost seem to see the same language today regarding groups that feel they have been oppressed. Just because past generations have been oppressed does not suggest the present generation deserves some form of compenation.

And then comes the most ridiculous request -

"...yield yourselves up unto us, and unite with us and become acquainted with our secret works, and become our brethren that ye may be like unto us—not our slaves, but our brethren and partners of all our substance." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 3:7)

It is this group that plunders, robs and murders. It is obvious, that this would be absolutely unsustainable, if all people became idol, lazy, and robbers. Eventually, you run out of resources. We see this much today with similar language to give those in power more and more resources to help the lazy and idol. The day comes when you run out of resources. It is obvious that this cannot be sustained. We learn alot of motives and false doctrine as we study the scriptures.

3 Nephi 2

Samuel the Lamanite prophecied that at he birth of the Savior -

"...there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.
4 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 14:3 - 4)

And sure enough -

"...it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.
20 And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 1:19 - 20)

The people surely witnessed this event. There was no question in their mind that the prophecies had been filled. Even though this would not stop the agency of the wicked -

"...the more part of the people did believe, and were converted unto the Lord." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 1:22)

But even then, we see a continual pattern that as time passes -

"...the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen—" (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 2:1)

The Savior taught -

"...An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign..." (New Testament | Matthew 12:39)

Again we see that signs -

"...are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 46:9)

It seems no matter what sign a wicked generation receives they will continue to be less impressed, even -

"Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 2:2)

So that they can -

"...wax strong in wickedness and abominations..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 2:3)

Even as many believe today -

"...they did not believe that there should be any more signs or wonders given..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 2:3)

And I would add to that, how could there be prophets in our day. They are just reserved for old days of ignorant people. There is a pattern that first they believe, then they tend to justify or explain off the event, and finally they choose not to believe no matter what. What a wicked and perverse generation that continues to follow this pattern.

3 Nephi 1

After Samuel the Lamanite had prophecied concerning the birth of the Savior -

"...there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.
6 And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 1:5 - 6)

In our day, we look forward to the coming of Christ. But even though we are not sure when, there seems to be a growing mockery from those that think this is foolishness...even though there are signs of the times. But the unbelievers in the day of Nephi could not leave it alone -

"...that they did make a great uproar throughout the land..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 1:7)

It's one thing to mock and dispute a belief, but when Satan gets into the hearts of men, again, the opposition increases for we learn in Nephi's day that -

"...it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 1:9)

That was serious! Yet the believers or -

"...the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 1:7)

But the fact that they may have been disappointed with the events of there day, for even -

"...when Nephi, the son of Nephi, saw this wickedness of his people, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 1:10)

But we also see that even being sorrowful or disappointed -

"...they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 1:8)

This is the demonstration of faith, is that we continue to watch and pray with steadfastness no matter what happens.

Helaman 16

After having delivered the message that the Lord desired of him, being protected from the stones and arrows of the Nephites, Samuel the Lamanite is able to escape and return to preaching amongst his own people. There are some that believe his words and there are many that don't. Mormon records of those that did believe that -

"...there were great signs given unto the people, and wonders; and the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled.
14 And angels did appear unto men, wise men, and did declare unto them glad tidings of great joy..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 16:13 - 14)

I think that the scriptures in both continents reflect that those that were "wise" were those that believed and kept the commandments of God...thus they were wise and angels did appear unto them.

But Satan seem to have power over those that they that did not believe seemed to begin to justify their behavior -

"...And they began to reason and to contend among themselves, saying:
18 That it is not reasonable that such a being as a Christ shall come; if so, and he be the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, as it has been spoken, why will he not show himself unto us as well as unto them who shall be at Jerusalem?
19 Yea, why will he not show himself in this land as well as in the land of Jerusalem?
20 But behold, we know that this is a wicked tradition, which has been handed down unto us by our fathers, to cause us that we should believe in some great and marvelous thing which should come to pass, but not among us, but in a land which is far distant, a land which we know not; therefore they can keep us in ignorance, for we cannot witness with our own eyes that they are true.
21 And they will, by the cunning and the mysterious arts of the evil one, work some great mystery which we cannot understand, which will keep us down to be servants to their words, and also servants unto them, for we depend upon them to teach us the word; and thus will they keep us in ignorance if we will yield ourselves unto them, all the days of our lives.
22 And many more things did the people imagine up in their hearts, which were foolish and vain; and they were much disturbed, for Satan did stir them up to do iniquity continually; yea, he did go about spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, that he might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good and against that which should come." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 16:17 - 22)

For -

"...Satan did get great hold upon the hearts of the people..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 16:23)

May we be wise.

Helaman 15

We learn a pattern of true conversion as Samuel the Lamanite speaks of his own people as -

"...salvation hath come unto them through the preaching of the Nephites; and for this intent hath the Lord prolonged their days.
5 And I would that ye should behold that the more part of them are in the path of their duty, and they do walk circumspectly before God, and they do observe to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments according to the law of Moses." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 15:4 - 5)

And -

"...the more part of them are doing this, and they are striving with unwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth; therefore there are many who do add to their numbers daily." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 15:6)

"...for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth, and to know of the wicked and abominable traditions of their fathers, and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them—
8 Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 15:7 - 8)

That is conversion means repentance, having a change of heart, keeping the commandments, sharing the gospel, studying and followinging the scriptures and words of the living prophets, and remaining firm, steadfast, and immovable. They even remove from their lives and "natural man" temptations that may allow them to return to inquity as the Lamanites -

"...buried their weapons of war, and they fear to take them up lest by any means they should sin..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 15:9)

In summary -

"And now, because of their steadfastness when they do believe in that thing which they do believe, for because of their firmness when they are once enlightened, behold, the Lord shall bless them and prolong their days..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 15:10)

Helaman 14

I think it is interesting that Mormon mentions -

"...that Samuel, the Lamanite, did prophesy a great many more things which cannot be written." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 14:1)

I wonder if many of these prophecies were much like John the Revelator's prophecies of the last days. we know that these prophecies were reserved for John. Maybe, just maybe, Samuel's were a little bit more plain and clear.

But even though Samuel prophecied concerning the signs and wonders of the birth and death of the Savior, I think the words of greatest importance is his teachings of spiritual death and the "second death". First, speaking of physical death or "first death", referring to the Savior -

"...he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord.
16 Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first death—that spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 14:15 - 16)

So we know that there is a "first death", both physical (temporal)as well as a spiritual death because of the fall of Adam. Thus we are cut off from the presence of God. The only way we can overcome this first death is because of the atonement of Jesus Christ which first death is overcome by all men -

"...even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 14:17)

The first death is satisfied by the antonement of the Savior. But there is the potential of a second death that can be avoided on -

"...condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness.
19 Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation, and ye are brought down unto this second death." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 14:18 - 19)

Of those that suffer this condemnation we learn in modern revelation -

"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:16 - 18)

This second death is forever (not necessarily the punishment), but death from the presence of God. But we don't have to experience this if we repent. We have our agency or our own choice for -

"...this to the intent that whosoever will believe might be saved, and that whosoever will not believe, a righteous judgment might come upon them; and also if they are condemned they bring upon themselves their own condemnation.
30 And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.
31 He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 14:29 - 31)

Helaman 13

As the prophet Samuel, the Lamanite, spoke the truth to the materialistic people at Zarahemls, I wonder if he is not talking to us in our day of economic troubles. I believe Samuel is teaching the Lord's way of economic prosperity and failure even though so called "wise economists" of our day may disagree. Samuel told them -

"...a curse shall come upon the land, saith the Lord of Hosts, because of the peoples' sake who are upon the land, yea, because of their wickedness and their abominations." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:17)

What is this curse?

"...saith the Lord of Hosts, yea, our great and true God, that whoso shall hide up treasures in the earth shall find them again no more, because of the great curse of the land, save he be a righteous man and shall hide it up unto the Lord." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:18)

This is -

"...because they have set their hearts upon riches; and because they have set their hearts upon their riches..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:20)

In that -

:...ye are cursed because of your riches, and also are your riches cursed because ye have set your hearts upon them, and have not hearkened unto the words of him who gave them unto you." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:21)

For -

"Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things with which he hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your riches, not to thank the Lord your God for them; yea, your hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell with great pride, unto boasting, and unto great swelling, envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions, and murders, and all manner of iniquities.
23 For this cause hath the Lord God caused that a curse should come upon the land, and also upon your riches, and this because of your iniquities." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:22 - 23)

The Lord does not say that riches and prosperity is bad or evil. It is what we do with these blessings and acknowledging from whom all blessings flow -

"... for none hideth up their treasures unto me save it be the righteous; and he that hideth not up his treasures unto me, cursed is he..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:19)

It is interesting that -

"...if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil.
27 But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet.
28 Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:26 - 28)

Samuel provided this warning which is as applicable today -

O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light?
30 Yea, behold, the anger of the Lord is already kindled against you; behold, he hath cursed the land because of your iniquity.
31 And behold, the time cometh that he curseth your riches, that they become slippery, that ye cannot hold them; and in the days of your poverty ye cannot retain them.
32 And in the days of your poverty ye shall cry unto the Lord; and in vain shall ye cry, for your desolation is already come upon you, and your destruction is made sure; and then shall ye weep and howl in that day, saith the Lord of Hosts. And then shall ye lament, and say:
33 O that I had repented, and had not killed the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out. Yea, in that day ye shall say: O that we had remembered the Lord our God in the day that he gave us our riches, and then they would not have become slippery that we should lose them; for behold, our riches are gone from us.
34 Behold, we lay a tool here and on the morrow it is gone; and behold, our swords are taken from us in the day we have sought them for battle.
35 Yea, we have hid up our treasures and they have slipped away from us, because of the curse of the land." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:29 - 35)

Samuel even warns the wicked -

"...if it were not for the righteous who are in this great city, behold, I would cause that fire should come down out of heaven and destroy it.
14 But behold, it is for the righteous' sake that it is spared. But behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:13 - 14)

Though many may consider that I am foolish, I believe the teachings of Samuel are true. But even so, Samuel warns that if we do not repent the day may come in that -

"...your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head.
39 O ye people of the land, that ye would hear my words!" (Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:38 - 39)

Helaman 12

As we see that again after being blessed with prosperity, the Nephites and Lamanites in such a short time, begin to turn to those same old problems of power and pride, materialism, and immorality. Mormon, in his great wisdom, then comments -

"...thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.
4 O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain things of the world!
5 Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom's paths!" (Book of Mormon | Helaman 12:3 - 5)

Why?

"...they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 12:6)

The next few verses (8-18) substantiates my personal believe (don't anyone accept this as accepted Church doctrine)that this earth has an eternal purpose and is a living (spiritally and physically) entity as the earth is an obedient and faithful entity to anything commanded of it.

Mormon than makes it clear that the Lord will be merciful and will forgive all men -

"...for it shall be unto him that will do iniquity, and he cannot be saved; therefore, for this cause, that men might be saved, hath repentance been declared.
23 Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.
24 And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 12:22 - 24)

For Mormon desires and admits -

"...I would that all men might be saved. But we read that in the great and last day there are some who shall be cast out, yea, who shall be cast off from the presence of the Lord;
26 Yea, who shall be consigned to a state of endless misery, fulfilling the words which say: They that have done good shall have everlasting life; and they that have done evil shall have everlasting damnation. And thus it is." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 12:25 - 26)

Helaman 11

As I read this chapter, I kept asking myself, "why did Mormon share this part of the history with us" or, in other words, "what is it the Lord would have me understand". There is no question that we notice how quickly a person can repent and come to the truth and then how quickly upon "propering" return to pride and power, materialism, and immorality and then to apostasy.

Knowing that Nephi had been promised -

"...I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 10:5)

And that the only way the Lord at times can get the attention of the people in that he does -

"...smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the wickedness of this people." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 10:6)

...seems to answer the question why the Lord allows such events to happen to the habitants of the earth. We find this condition of wickedness again after Nephi and Lehi had spent so much time calling the people to repentance for -

"...Lehi, his brother, was not a whit behind him as to things pertaining to righteousness." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 11:19)

After doing all they could -

"...Nephi did cry unto the Lord, saying:
4 O Lord, do not suffer that this people shall be destroyed by the sword; but O Lord, rather let there be a famine in the land, to stir them up in remembrance of the Lord their God, and perhaps they will repent and turn unto thee.
5 And so it was done, according to the words of Nephi. And there was a great famine upon the land, among all the people of Nephi." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 11:3 - 5)

I like Nephi's acknowledgment of "perhaps" they will repent suggesting that Nephi fully understood the importance of agency. Things were done according to Nephi's words. And as the famine continued -

"...this work of destruction did also continue in the seventy and fifth year. For the earth was smitten that it was dry, and did not yield forth grain in the season of grain; and the whole earth was smitten, even among the Lamanites as well as among the Nephites, so that they were smitten that they did perish by thousands in the more wicked parts of the land." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 11:6)

Now as you would expect -

"...the people saw that they were about to perish by famine, and they began to remember the Lord their God; and they began to remember the words of Nephi." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 11:7)

It is obvious, whether they would never admit it or not -

"...the people began to plead with their chief judges and their leaders, that they would say unto Nephi: Behold, we know that thou art a man of God, and therefore cry unto the Lord our God that he turn away from us this famine, lest all the words which thou hast spoken concerning our destruction be fulfilled." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 11:8)

I believe even today, even though people may not acknowledge it, when they become desperate, they really know who to turn to. And -

"...when Nephi saw that the people had repented and did humble themselves in sackcloth, he cried again unto the Lord, saying:
10 O Lord, behold this people repenteth; and they have swept away the band of Gadianton from amongst them insomuch that they have become extinct, and they have concealed their secret plans in the earth.
11 Now, O Lord, because of this their humility wilt thou turn away thine anger, and let thine anger be appeased in the destruction of those wicked men whom thou hast already destroyed.
12 O Lord, wilt thou turn away thine anger, yea, thy fierce anger, and cause that this famine may cease in this land.
13 O Lord, wilt thou hearken unto me, and cause that it may be done according to my words, and send forth rain upon the face of the earth, that she may bring forth her fruit, and her grain in the season of grain.
14 O Lord, thou didst hearken unto my words when I said, Let there be a famine, that the pestilence of the sword might cease; and I know that thou wilt, even at this time, hearken unto my words, for thou saidst that: If this people repent I will spare them.
15 Yea, O Lord, and thou seest that they have repented, because of the famine and the pestilence and destruction which has come unto them.
16 And now, O Lord, wilt thou turn away thine anger, and try again if they will serve thee? And if so, O Lord, thou canst bless them according to thy words which thou hast said." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 11:9 - 16)

And as promised -

"...the Lord did turn away his anger from the people, and caused that rain should fall upon the earth, insomuch that it did bring forth her fruit in the season of her fruit. And it came to pass that it did bring forth her grain in the season of her grain.
18 And behold, the people did rejoice and glorify God, and the whole face of the land was filled with rejoicing; and they did no more seek to destroy Nephi, but they did esteem him as a great prophet, and a man of God, having great power and authority given unto him from God." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 11:17 - 18)

Is there any wonder the Lord allows destruction to take place? But even so, after hearing of repentance and propsperity, we fear again where the natural man goes.

Helaman 10

Knowing Nephi's great faithful, while being discouraged, the voice of the Lord came saying -

"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
5 And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 10:4 - 5)

The blessing was -

"...I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 10:5)

It is important to understand that with this great promised blessing, the Lord knew that Nephi would not do anything that the Lord would not have him do. This would suggest that Nephi had progressed to the point that he preceived a greater purpose and the ways of the Lord -

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Old Testament | Isaiah 55:8 - 9)

In other words, Nephi understand when his power should be done, especially with the wicked in general with famine, pestilence, and destruction. But even of a greater blessing, Nephi received the "sealing" power much like Peter where -

"...I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 10:7)

Nephi, knowing the will of the Lord, did not yet exercise this power of calamnity but called all people to repentance even to the point -

"...the power of God was with him, and they could not take him to cast him into prison, for he was taken by the Spirit and conveyed away out of the midst of them." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 10:16)

Knowing that the Lord had given him this power the Lord knew he would not exercise that power contrary to His will. This becomes evident at the point that it seemed the people were nearly ripe in inquity, Nephi did not immediately on his own accord exercise this power but instead prayed -

"O Lord, do not suffer that this people shall be destroyed by the sword; but O Lord, rather let there be a famine in the land, to stir them up in remembrance of the Lord their God, and perhaps they will repent and turn unto thee." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 11:4)

This is an important principle. Even though Nephi posessed this priesthood power, he chose to pray for guidance to know the Lord's will. This is a pattern that should be followed by all who hold the priesthood.

Helaman 8

As Nephi related the prophecies and testimony of many of the ancient prophets concerning the coming of Christ, he also teaches concerning Christ -

"...he is God, and he is with them, and he did manifest himself unto them, that they were redeemed by him; and they gave unto him glory, because of that which is to come." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 8:23)

I have always believed that we have this earth is an integral part of the plan of salvation of those that live on the earth. I personally believe that this world was created spiritually for our residence as spiritual offspring in a pre-mortal existence in vision, President Joseph F. Smith saw that -

"Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 138:56)

I believe than when Adam and Eve fell, so did this earth. I believe Satan being cast down was in this world and is part of the world of spirits described as "outer darkness" for Jacob taught -

"...For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.
9 And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:8 - 9)

And Alma taught that the wicked upon death -

"...shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil." (Book of Mormon | Alma 40:13)

...or in other words, spirit prison in the world of spirits. I believe paradise and the world of spirits remains here for Alma suggested that upon death -

"...whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life." (Book of Mormon | Alma 40:11)

Home in my mind is where we have always been, home here on this earth. I also believe -

"...that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory." (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:10)

...and that this earth will be the home of Celestial Glory. We also know that at the time of the Savior's death -

"...there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality;
13 And who had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of God, and had suffered tribulation in their Redeemer's name.
14 All these had departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a glorious resurrection, through the grace of God the Father and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
15 I beheld that they were filled with joy and gladness, and were rejoicing together because the day of their deliverance was at hand.
16 They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world, to declare their redemption from the bands of death." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 138:12 - 16)

While as He did -

"...he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of mankind from the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance.
20 But unto the wicked he did not go, and among the ungodly and the unrepentant who had defiled themselves while in the flesh, his voice was not raised;
21 Neither did the rebellious who rejected the testimonies and the warnings of the ancient prophets behold his presence, nor look upon his face.
22 Where these were, darkness reigned, but among the righteous there was peace;
23 And the saints rejoiced in their redemption, and bowed the knee and acknowledged the Son of God as their Redeemer and Deliverer from death and the chains of hell." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 138:19 - 23)

I guess what I am leading to is the words of Nephi that the Savior must have visited the ancient prophets after their deaths saying -

"..he is with them, and he did manifest himself unto them, that they were redeemed by him; and they gave unto him glory, because of that which is to come." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 8:23)

Again suggesting that he did before visit the spirits in paradise more than once.

Helaman 7

As Nephi returned from preaching the gospel in the land northwared, he returned -

"...seeing the people in a state of such awful wickedness, and those Gadianton robbers filling the judgment-seats—having usurped the power and authority of the land; laying aside the commandments of God, and not in the least aright before him; doing no justice unto the children of men;
5 Condemning the righteous because of their righteousness; letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money; and moreover to be held in office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the world, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills—
6 Now this great iniquity had come upon the Nephites, in the space of not many year..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 7:4 - 6)

Again, their fall was related to power and gain, materialism, and immorality. Of course, Nephi's heart was swollen with sorrow. Later as a large group gathers, which appears in an attitude of mocking, as Nephi prayed in his garden, Nephi bolding calls them to repentance. Again, those that seek power just as in our day, try to stir up the people to mock righteousness. Some even mocked much like they do today a living prophet. But then Nephi recounts -

"...have ye not read that God gave power unto one man, even Moses, to smite upon the waters of the Red Sea, and they parted hither and thither, insomuch that the Israelites, who were our fathers, came through upon dry ground, and the waters closed upon the armies of the Egyptians and swallowed them up?
12 And now behold, if God gave unto this man such power, then why should ye dispute among yourselves, and say that he hath given unto me no power whereby I may know concerning the judgments that shall come upon you except ye repent?" (Book of Mormon | Helaman 8:11 - 12)

He reasons of those ancient prophets -

"...behold, ye not only deny my words, but ye also deny all the words which have been spoken by our fathers, and also the words which were spoken by this man, Moses, who had such great power given unto him, yea, the words which he hath spoken concerning the coming of the Messiah." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 8:13)

And then he also recounts the symbolism of Moses and the brazen serpent -

"...did he not bear record that the Son of God should come? And as he lifted up the brazen serpent in the wilderness, even so shall he be lifted up who should come.
15 And as many as should look upon that serpent should live, even so as many as should look upon the Son of God with faith, having a contrite spirit, might live, even unto that life which is eternal.
16 And now behold, Moses did not only testify of these things, but also all the holy prophets, from his days even to the days of Abraham." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 8:14 - 16)

We know that there were many that would not look and perished. We see this same analogy and symbolism as Nephi and Lehi were in prison as Aminadab -

"...turned him about, and behold, he saw through the cloud of darkness the faces of Nephi and Lehi; and behold, they did shine exceedingly, even as the faces of angels. And he beheld that they did lift their eyes to heaven; and they were in the attitude as if talking or lifting their voices to some being whom they beheld.
37 And it came to pass that this man did cry unto the multitude, that they might turn and look. And behold, there was power given unto them that they did turn and look; and they did behold the faces of Nephi and Lehi.
38 And they said unto the man: Behold, what do all these things mean..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:36 - 38)

Again we must look to the Savior, for Aminadab answered -

"...You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ..." "Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:41)

This is what even modern day prophets would declare..."look to Christ".

Helaman 6

Even though Mormon records how often the Nephites and Lamanite return to their wickedness -

"...like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 7:8)

He also records how dissenters, apostates, and sinners repent and return to the fold for we even read -

"...the Lamanites did come down into the land of Zarahemla, and did declare unto the people of the Nephites the manner of their conversion, and did exhort them to faith and repentance.
5 Yea, and many did preach with exceedingly great power and authority, unto the bringing down many of them into the depths of humility, to be the humble followers of God and the Lamb." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 6:4 - 5)

And even while there were still many that continued in wickedness -

"...the people of the church did have great joy because of the conversion of the Lamanites, yea, because of the church of God, which had been established among them. And they did fellowship one with another, and did rejoice one with another, and did have great joy." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 6:3)

This conversion again came about as they preached "with exceedingly great power and authority". This is priesthood authority and power and the power of the Holy Ghost.

We see that many of the wicked Nephites and Lamanites began to join the band of Gadiantion robbers. With this group that would lie, deceive, rob, plunder and murder, and live immoral, we find -

"...that when the Lamanites found that there were robbers among them they were exceedingly sorrowful; and they did use every means in their power to destroy them off the face of the earth." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 6:20)

But again, we learn the most effective way from the Lamanites at this time -

"...we see that the Lord began to pour out his Spirit upon the Lamanites, because of their easiness and willingness to believe in his words." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 6:36)

And so what did they do that was so successful?

"...the Lamanites did hunt the band of robbers of Gadianton; and they did preach the word of God among the more wicked part of them, insomuch that this band of robbers was utterly destroyed from among the Lamanites." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 6:37)

Helaman 5

We learn a great deal with the ministry of Nephi and Lehi where Nephi gave up the judgement seat to preach the word because the laws had become so corrupt. And as they did -

"...they did preach with great power, insomuch that they did confound many of those dissenters who had gone over from the Nephites, insomuch that they came forth and did confess their sins and were baptized unto repentance, and immediately returned to the Nephites to endeavor to repair unto them the wrongs which they had done." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:17)

I noticed that it was the preaching the word with such grat power that even those that had gone inactive or did apostatize did repent and provide restituion. And not only them -

"...Nephi and Lehi did preach unto the Lamanites with such great power and authority, for they had power and authority given unto them that they might speak, and they also had what they should speak given unto them—
19 Therefore they did speak unto the great astonishment of the Lamanites, to the convincing them, insomuch that there were eight thousand of the Lamanites who were in the land of Zarahemla and round about baptized unto repentance, and were convinced of the wickedness of the traditions of their fathers." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:18 - 19)

They even continued to preach in the Land of Nephi where they were cast into prison. I believe at this time that Nephi and Lehi might of thought that this was the end for -

"...after they had been cast into prison many days without food, behold, they went forth into the prison to take them that they might slay them." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:22)

I believe that they thought this because that -

"...it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if by fire, even insomuch that they durst not lay their hands upon them for fear lest they should be burned. Nevertheless, Nephi and Lehi were not burned; and they were as standing in the midst of fire and were not burned.
24 And when they saw that they were encircled about with a pillar of fire, and that it burned them not, their hearts did take courage." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:23 - 24)

In my mind, Nephi and Lehi might have been surprised as they realized they were encompassed in fire. They realized this because -

"...the Lamanites durst not lay their hands upon them; neither durst they come near unto them, but stood as if they were struck dumb with amazement." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:25)

Mormon records what happened next and how these Lamanites and dissenters (those taught by Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom)were converted to the Lord. What struck me was the communication they received by the Holy Ghost for -

"...there came a voice as if it were above the cloud of darkness, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings.
30 And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul—" (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:29 - 30)

What a great definition was that it was "as if it had been a whisper". It was definitely discernible as Alma taught. Mormon suggested it was hard to explain saying -

"...they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory."
(Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:44)

I also note what happened to these Lamanites as they repented -

"...many as were convinced did lay down their weapons of war, and also their hatred and the tradition of their fathers.
52 And it came to pass that they did yield up unto the Nephites the lands of their possession." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:51 - 52)

Restitution is a part of repentance.

Helaman 5

I'm sure as Mormon searched the records of Helaman, amongst all the counsel that Helaman gave to his sons Nephi and Lehi for -

"...he did teach them many things which are not written, and also many things which are written," (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:13)

...that Mormon stressed Helaman's charge to "remember".

It was in remembering that Helaman reminded his sons, which taught pure doctrines of repentance -

"O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:9)

But then he follows with the conditions of salvation -

"...remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.
11 And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:10 - 11)

I specifically note the doctrine that the Savior "hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance". That is why He cannot save them in the sins. The "Father" requires the condition of repentance -

"...remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:12)

Don't be fooled when the natural man suggests that confession is all that is required. The truth is, man must repent to receive redemption.

Helaman 4

As Mormon writes the history of the church and the democracy of the Nephites, he teaches the consequence of their actions -

"Now this great loss of the Nephites, and the great slaughter which was among them, would not have happened had it not been for their wickedness and their abomination which was among them; yea, and it was among those also who professed to belong to the church of God.
12 And it was because of the pride of their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, yea, it was because of their oppression to the poor, withholding their food from the hungry, withholding their clothing from the naked, and smiting their humble brethren upon the cheek, making a mock of that which was sacred, denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation, murdering, plundering, lying, stealing, committing adultery, rising up in great contentions, and deserting away into the land of Nephi, among the Lamanites—
13 And because of this their great wickedness, and their boastings in their own strength, they were left in their own strength; therefore they did not prosper, but were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 4:11 - 13)

Now having lost their democracy, freedoms and land, the Nephites then -

"...saw that they had been a stiffnecked people, and that they had set at naught the commandments of God..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 4:21)

This is a great warning to our day for -

"...they had altered and trampled under their feet the laws of Mosiah, or that which the Lord commanded him to give unto the people; and they saw that their laws had become corrupted, and that they had become a wicked people..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 4:22)

Note that the laws of Mosiah were the laws of God much like I believe the constitution of the United States at one time was according to the laws of God for -

"According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;
78 That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
79 Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.
80 And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:77 - 80)

And because the Nephites had corrupted thier law to justify their carnal desires for wickednes (power, materialism, immorality) -

"...because of their iniquity the church had begun to dwindle; and they began to disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of revelation; and the judgments of God did stare them in the face.
24 And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples—
25 Therefore the Lord did cease to preserve them by his miraculous and matchless power, for they had fallen into a state of unbelief and awful wickedness..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 4:23 - 25)

"...thus had they fallen into this great transgression; yea, thus had they become weak, because of their transgression..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 4:26)

What a important warning to us in our day!

Helaman 3

Mormon records in the days of Helaman, son of Helaman who sat on the judgement seat, that even though there was much contention in the land that -

"...there was exceedingly great prosperity in the church, insomuch that there were thousands who did join themselves unto the church and were baptized unto repentance." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 3:24)

Even -

"...so great was the prosperity of the church, and so many the blessings which were poured out upon the people, that even the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 3:25)

For -

"...the work of the Lord did prosper unto the baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many souls, yea, even tens of thousands." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 3:26)

I believe the same great success is taking place today in preparation to the second coming of the Savior. Mormon concludes -

"Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 3:27)

And -

"...thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.
29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—
30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 3:28 - 30)

Helaman 2

Again, Mormon provides a warning in our day. As Helaman is appointed to fill the judgement seat as the chief judge -

"...Kishkumen, who had murdered Pahoran, did lay wait to destroy Helaman also; and he was upheld by his band, who had entered into a covenant that no one should know his wickedness." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 2:3)

What was the motive of this band of wickeness. we learn -

"...there was one Gadianton, who was exceedingly expert in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and of robbery; therefore he became the leader of the band of Kishkumen." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 2:4)

It seems that wickedness is always the consequence of lust for power, materialism, and immorality. It seems the natural man can be easily persuaded in these matters as Gadianton -

"...did flatter them, and also Kishkumen, that if they would place him in the judgment-seat he would grant unto those who belonged to his band that they should be placed in power and authority among the people; therefore Kishkumen sought to destroy Helaman." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 2:5)

In our day, we are counseled to live righteously and in regards to those that lead us we are told -

"...I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free.
9 Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:8 - 10)

Helaman 1

As Mormon abridged the records of the Nephites, he was inspired to provide that which would be of greatest benefit to us in our day. Following what Nephi taught -

"...I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:23)

Even though the Nephites enjoyed freedom for many years, we find that they are continually defending that freedom from those who would have power to justify their wicked ways. Even after the voice of the people had elected Pahoran be the chief judge. Paachi and his wicked followers could not handle this loss for -

...Paanchi, and that part of the people that were desirous that he should be their governor, was exceedingly wroth; therefore, he was about to flatter away those people to rise up in rebellion against their brethren." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 1:7)

We find even today, many that speak flattering words and provide supporting promises that lead many to give up their freedoms. For his rebellion, Paanchi was sentenced to death -

"...Now when those people who were desirous that he should be their governor saw that he was condemned unto death, therefore they were angry, and behold, they sent forth one Kishkumen, even to the judgment-seat of Pahoran, and murdered Pahoran as he sat upon the judgment-seat." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 1:9)

But what happens next is what I consider the greatest threat in our day -

"And he went unto those that sent him, and they all entered into a covenant, yea, swearing by their everlasting Maker, that they would tell no man that Kishkumen had murdered Pahoran.
12 Therefore, Kishkumen was not known among the people of Nephi, for he was in disguise at the time that he murdered Pahoran. And Kishkumen and his band, who had covenanted with him, did mingle themselves among the people, in a manner that they all could not be found..." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 1:11 - 12)

I have feelings that this type of secret covenants and oaths are taking place in higher political places now in our day.

Alma 63

As we come to the conclusion of the book of Alma, we learn that Helaman passes away, and also Moroni. We learn that there is a great migration northward by land and by sea. We learn that Corianton heads north to assist with provisions and Shiblon takes responsibility for the records. Shiblen must have become quite ill in that he conferred the records to Helaman's son, Helaman. While Helaman, the son of Helaman, begins to possess the records we learn something interesting in that -

"...all those engravings which were in the possession of Helaman were written and sent forth among the children of men throughout all the land, save it were those parts which had been commanded by Alma should not go forth." (Book of Mormon | Alma 63:12)

This must have been no small work to have all the engravings "written" or in my mind, copied to paper or parchment. It seems that many copies were distributed throughout the land, much like we read the sons of Mosiah and many others had written copies. Then as now, we need to the written word for just as the sons of Mosiah -

"...they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God." (Book of Mormon | Alma 17:2 - 3)

True knowledge is power.