THE BOOK OF ALMA, The Son of Alma
ALM 0:0 The account of Alma, who was the son of Alma the first, and Chief
Judge over the people of Nephi, and also the High Priest over the Church. An
account of the reign of the Judges, and the wars and contentions among the
people. And also an account of a war between the Nephites and the Lamanites,
according to the record of Alma, the first and chief Judge.
ALM 1:0 Nehor, an enemy of the church, slays Gideon, and is brought to
judgment and executed--Priestcraft and persecution--Improved
conditions--Priests and people equal.
ALM 1:1 Now it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of the judges
over the people of Nephi, from this time forward, king Mosiah having gone the
way of all the earth, having warred a good warfare, walking uprightly before
God, leaving none to reign in his stead; nevertheless he had established
laws, and they were acknowledged by the people; therefore they were obliged
to abide by the laws which he had made.
ALM 1:2 And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in
the judgment-seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who
was large, and was noted for his much strength.
ALM 1:3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which
he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring
unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and
they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported
by the people.
ALM 1:4 And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be
saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they
might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and
had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.
ALM 1:5 And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many
did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and
give him money.
ALM 1:6 And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear
very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the
manner of his preaching.
ALM 1:7 And it came to pass as he was going, to preach to those who believed
on his word, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, yea, even one of
their teachers; and he began to contend with him sharply, that he might lead
away the people of the church; but the man withstood him, admonishing him
with the words of God.
ALM 1:8 Now the name of the man was Gideon; and it was he who was an
instrument in the hands of God in delivering the people of Limhi out of
bondage.
ALM 1:9 Now, because Gideon withstood him with the words of God he was wroth
with Gideon, and drew his sword and began to smite him. Now Gideon being
stricken with many years, therefore he was not able to withstand his blows,
therefore he was slain by the sword.
ALM 1:10 And the man who slew him was taken by the people of the church, and
was brought before Alma, to be judged according to the crimes which he had
committed.
ALM 1:11 And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded for
himself with much boldness.
ALM 1:12 But Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that
priestcraft has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art not
only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by the sword;
and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their
entire destruction.
ALM 1:13 And thou hast shed the blood of a righteous man, yea, a man who has
done much good among this people; and were we to spare thee his blood would
come upon us for vengeance.
ALM 1:14 Therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law which has
been given us by Mosiah, our last king; and it has been acknowledged by this
people; therefore this people must abide by the law.
ALM 1:15 And it came to pass that they took him; and his name was Nehor; and
they carried him upon the top of the hill Manti, and there he was caused, or
rather did acknowledge, between the heavens and the earth, that what he had
taught to the people was contrary to the word of God; and there he suffered
an ignominious death.
ALM 1:16 Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of
priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things
of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they
did for the sake of riches and honor.
ALM 1:17 Nevertheless, they durst not lie, if it were known, for fear of the
law, for liars were punished; therefore they pretended to preach according to
their belief; and now the law could have no power on any man for his belief.
ALM 1:18 And they durst not steal, for fear of the law, for such were
punished; neither durst they rob, nor murder, for he that murdered was
punished unto death.
ALM 1:19 But it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church of
God began to persecute those that did belong to the church of God, and had
taken upon them the name of Christ.
ALM 1:20 Yea, they did persecute them, and afflict them with all manner of
words, and this because of their humility; because they were not proud in
their own eyes, and because they did impart the word of God, one with
another, without money and without price.
ALM 1:21 Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that
there should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those
that did not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution
among themselves.
ALM 1:22 Nevertheless, there were many among them who began to be proud, and
began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they
would smite one another with their fists.
ALM 1:23 Now this was in the second year of the reign of Alma, and it was a
cause of much affliction to the church; yea, it was the cause of much trial
with the church.
ALM 1:24 For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted
out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many
withdrew themselves from among them.
ALM 1:25 Now this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the
faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the
commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was
heaped upon them.
ALM 1:26 And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto
the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And
when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned
again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself
above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither
was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal,
and they did all labor, every man according to his strength.
ALM 1:27 And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that
which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted;
and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.
ALM 1:28 And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they
began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.
ALM 1:29 And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be
exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in
need--an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also
abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and
abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.
ALM 1:30 And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away
any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were
sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon
riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and
free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church,
having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.
ALM 1:31 And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who
did not belong to their church.
ALM 1:32 For those who did not belong to their church did indulge themselves
in sorceries, and in idolatry or idleness, and in babblings, and in envyings
and strife; wearing costly apparel; being lifted up in the pride of their own
eyes; persecuting, lying, thieving, robbing, committing whoredoms, and
murdering, and all manner of wickedness; nevertheless, the law was put in
force upon all those who did transgress it, inasmuch as it was possible.
ALM 1:33 And it came to pass that by thus exercising the law upon them, every
man suffering according to that which he had done, they became more still,
and durst not commit any wickedness if it were known; therefore, there was
much peace among the people of Nephi until the fifth year of the reign of the
judges.
ALM 2:0 Amlici seeks to become king--Rejected by the majority, but is made
king--He is defeated in battle--He joins the Lamanites--Alma slays Amlici and
routs his forces.
ALM 2:1 And it came to pass in the commencement of the fifth year of their
reign there began to be a contention among the people; for a certain man,
being called Amlici, he being a very cunning man, yea, a wise man as to the
wisdom of the world, he being after the order of the man that slew Gideon by
the sword, who was executed according to the law--
ALM 2:2 Now this Amlici had, by his cunning, drawn away much people after
him; even so much that they began to be very powerful; and they began to
endeavor to establish Amlici to be a king over the people.
ALM 2:3 Now this was alarming to the people of the church, and also to all
those who had not been drawn away after the persuasions of Amlici; for they
knew that according to their law that such things must be established by the
voice of the people.
ALM 2:4 Therefore, if it were possible that Amlici should gain the voice of
the people, he, being a wicked man, would deprive them of their rights and
privileges of the church; for it was his intent to destroy the church of God.
ALM 2:5 And it came to pass that the people assembled themselves together
throughout all the land, every man according to his mind, whether it were for
or against Amlici, in separate bodies, having much dispute and wonderful
contentions one with another.
ALM 2:6 And thus they did assemble themselves together to cast in their
voices concerning the matter; and they were laid before the judges.
ALM 2:7 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came against Amlici,
that he was not made king over the people.
ALM 2:8 Now this did cause much joy in the hearts of those who were against
him; but Amlici did stir up those who were in his favor to anger against
those who were not in his favor.
ALM 2:9 And it came to pass that they gathered themselves together, and did
consecrate Amlici to be their king.
ALM 2:10 Now when Amlici was made king over them he commanded them that they
should take up arms against their brethren; and this he did that he might
subject them to him.
ALM 2:11 Now the people of Amlici were distinguished by the name of Amlici,
being called Amlicites; and the remainder were called Nephites, or the people
of God.
ALM 2:12 Therefore the people of the Nephites were aware of the intent of the
Amlicites, and therefore they did prepare to meet them; yea, they did arm
themselves with swords, and with cimeters, and with bows, and with arrows,
and with stones, and with slings, and with all manner of weapons of war, of
every kind.
ALM 2:13 And thus they were prepared to meet the Amlicites at the time of
their coming. And there were appointed captains, and higher captains, and
chief captains, according to their numbers.
ALM 2:14 And it came to pass that Amlici did arm his men with all manner of
weapons of war of every kind; and he also appointed rulers and leaders over
his people, to lead them to war against their brethren.
ALM 2:15 And it came to pass that the Amlicites came upon the hill Amnihu,
which was east of the river Sidon, which ran by the land of Zarahemla, and
there they began to make war with the Nephites.
ALM 2:16 Now Alma, being the chief judge and the governor of the people of
Nephi, therefore he went up with his people, yea, with his captains, and
chief captains, yea, at the head of his armies, against the Amlicites to
battle.
ALM 2:17 And they began to slay the Amlicites upon the hill east of Sidon.
And the Amlicites did contend with the Nephites with great strength, insomuch
that many of the Nephites did fall before the Amlicites.
ALM 2:18 Nevertheless the Lord did strengthen the hand of the Nephites, that
they slew the Amlicites with great slaughter, that they began to flee before
them.
ALM 2:19 And it came to pass that the Nephites did pursue the Amlicites all
that day, and did slay them with much slaughter, insomuch that there were
slain of the Amlicites twelve thousand five hundred thirty and two souls; and
there were slain of the Nephites six thousand five hundred sixty and two
souls.
ALM 2:20 And it came to pass that when Alma could pursue the Amlicites no
longer he caused that his people should pitch their tents in the valley of
Gideon, the valley being called after that Gideon who was slain by the hand
of Nehor with the sword; and in this valley the Nephites did pitch their
tents for the night.
ALM 2:21 And Alma sent spies to follow the remnant of the Amlicites, that he
might know of their plans and their plots, whereby he might guard himself
against them, that he might preserve his people from being destroyed.
ALM 2:22 Now those whom he had sent out to watch the camp of the Amlicites
were called Zeram, and Amnor, and Manti, and Limher; these were they who went
out with their men to watch the camp of the Amlicites.
ALM 2:23 And it came to pass that on the morrow they returned into the camp
of the Nephites in great haste, being greatly astonished, and struck with
much fear, saying:
ALM 2:24 Behold, we followed the camp of the Amlicites, and to our great
astonishment, in the land of Minon, above the land of Zarahemla, in the
course of the land of Nephi, we saw a numerous host of the Lamanites; and
behold, the Amlicites have joined them;
ALM 2:25 And they are upon our brethren in that land; and they are fleeing
before them with their flocks, and their wives, and their children, towards
our city; and except we make haste they obtain possession of our city, and
our fathers, and our wives, and our children be slain.
ALM 2:26 And it came to pass that the people of Nephi took their tents, and
departed out of the valley of Gideon towards their city, which was the city
of Zarahemla.
ALM 2:27 And behold, as they were crossing the river Sidon, the Lamanites and
the Amlicites, being as numerous almost, as it were, as the sands of the sea,
came upon them to destroy them.
ALM 2:28 Nevertheless, the Nephites being strengthened by the hand of the
Lord, having prayed mightily to him that he would deliver them out of the
hands of their enemies, therefore the Lord did hear their cries, and did
strengthen them, and the Lamanites and the Amlicites did fall before them.
ALM 2:29 And it came to pass that Alma fought with Amlici with the sword,
face to face; and they did contend mightily, one with another.
ALM 2:30 And it came to pass that Alma, being a man of God, being exercised
with much faith, cried, saying: O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I
may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people.
ALM 2:31 Now when Alma had said these words he contended again with Amlici;
and he was strengthened, insomuch that he slew Amlici with the sword.
ALM 2:32 And he also contended with the king of the Lamanites; but the king
of the Lamanites fled back from before Alma and sent his guards to contend
with Alma.
ALM 2:33 But Alma, with his guards, contended with the guards of the king of
the Lamanites until he slew and drove them back.
ALM 2:34 And thus he cleared the ground, or rather the bank, which was on the
west of the river Sidon, throwing the bodies of the Lamanites who had been
slain into the waters of Sidon, that thereby his people might have room to
cross and contend with the Lamanites and the Amlicites on the west side of
the river Sidon.
ALM 2:35 And it came to pass that when they had all crossed the river Sidon
that the Lamanites and the Amlicites began to flee before them,
notwithstanding they were so numerous that they could not be numbered.
ALM 2:36 And they fled before the Nephites towards the wilderness which was
west and north, away beyond the borders of the land; and the Nephites did
pursue them with their might, and did slay them.
ALM 2:37 Yea, they were met on every hand, and slain and driven, until they
were scattered on the west, and on the north, until they had reached the
wilderness, which was called Hermounts; and it was that part of the
wilderness which was infested by wild and ravenous beasts.
ALM 2:38 And it came to pass that many died in the wilderness of their
wounds, and were devoured by those beasts and also the vultures of the air;
and their bones have been found, and have been heaped up on the earth.
ALM 3:0 The mark of the Amlicites, and the curse upon the Lamanites--Another
Nephite victory.
ALM 3:1 And it came to pass that the Nephites who were not slain by the
weapons of war, after having buried those who had been slain--now the number
of the slain were not numbered, because of the greatness of their
number--after they had finished burying their dead they all returned to their
lands, and to their houses, and their wives, and their children.
ALM 3:2 Now many women and children had been slain with the sword, and also
many of their flocks and their herds; and also many of their fields of grain
were destroyed, for they were trodden down by the hosts of men.
ALM 3:3 And now as many of the Lamanites and the Amlicites who had been slain
upon the bank of the river Sidon were cast into the waters of Sidon; and
behold their bones are in the depths of the sea, and they are many.
ALM 3:4 And the Amlicites were distinguished from the Nephites, for they had
marked themselves with red in their foreheads after the manner of the
Lamanites; nevertheless they had not shorn their heads like unto the
Lamanites.
ALM 3:5 Now the heads of the Lamanites were shorn; and they were naked, save
it were skin which was girded about their loins, and also their armor, which
was girded about them, and their bows, and their arrows, and their stones,
and their slings, and so forth.
ALM 3:6 And the skins of the Lamanites were dark, according to the mark which
was set upon their fathers, which was a curse upon them because of their
transgression and their rebellion against their brethren, who consisted of
Nephi, Jacob, and Joseph, and Sam, who were just and holy men.
ALM 3:7 And their brethren sought to destroy them, therefore they were
cursed; and the Lord God set a mark upon them, yea, upon Laman and Lemuel,
and also the sons of Ishmael, and Ishmaelitish women.
ALM 3:8 And this was done that their seed might be distinguished from the
seed of their brethren, that thereby the Lord God might preserve his people,
that they might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions which would prove
their destruction.
ALM 3:9 And it came to pass that whosoever did mingle his seed with that of
the Lamanites did bring the same curse upon his seed.
ALM 3:10 Therefore, whosoever suffered himself to be led away by the
Lamanites was called under that head, and there was a mark set upon him.
ALM 3:11 And it came to pass that whosoever would not believe in the
tradition of the Lamanites, but believed those records which were brought out
of the land of Jerusalem, and also in the tradition of their fathers, which
were correct, who believed in the commandments of God and kept them, were
called the Nephites, or the people of Nephi, from that time forth--
ALM 3:12 And it is they who have kept the records which are true of their
people, and also of the people of the Lamanites.
ALM 3:13 Now we will return again to the Amlicites, for they also had a mark
set upon them; yea, they set the mark upon themselves, yea, even a mark of
red upon their foreheads.
ALM 3:14 Thus the word of God is fulfilled, for these are the words which he
said to Nephi: Behold, the Lamanites have I cursed, and I will set a mark on
them that they and their seed may be separated from thee and thy seed, from
this time henceforth and forever, except they repent of their wickedness and
turn to me that I may have mercy upon them.
ALM 3:15 And again: I will set a mark upon him that mingleth his seed with
thy brethren, that they may be cursed also.
ALM 3:16 And again: I will set a mark upon him that fighteth against thee and
thy seed.
ALM 3:17 And again, I say he that departeth from thee shall no more be called
thy seed; and I will bless thee, and whomsoever shall be called thy seed,
henceforth and forever; and these were the promises of the Lord unto Nephi
and to his seed.
ALM 3:18 Now the Amlicites knew not that they were fulfilling the words of
God when they began to mark themselves in their foreheads; nevertheless they
had come out in open rebellion against God; therefore it was expedient that
the curse should fall upon them.
ALM 3:19 Now I would that ye should see that they brought upon themselves the
curse; and even so doth every man that is cursed bring upon himself his own
condemnation.
ALM 3:20 Now it came to pass that not many days after the battle which was
fought in the land of Zarahemla, by the Lamanites and the Amlicites, that
there was another army of the Lamanites came in upon the people of Nephi, in
the same place where the first army met the Amlicites.
ALM 3:21 And it came to pass that there was an army sent to drive them out of
their land.
ALM 3:22 Now Alma himself being afflicted with a wound did not go up to
battle at this time against the Lamanites;
ALM 3:23 But he sent up a numerous army against them; and they went up and
slew many of the Lamanites, and drove the remainder of them out of the
borders of their land.
ALM 3:24 And then they returned again and began to establish peace in the
land, being troubled no more for a time with their enemies.
ALM 3:25 Now all these things were done, yea, all these wars and contentions
were commenced and ended in the fifth year of the reign of the judges.
ALM 3:26 And in one year were thousands and tens of thousands of souls sent
to the eternal world, that they might reap their rewards according to their
works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal
happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to
obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one.
ALM 3:27 For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and
this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be
according to the truth. And thus endeth the fifth year of the reign of the
judges.
ALM 4:0 Growth of the church--Prosperity, pride, and iniquity--Nephihah made
chief judge.
ALM 4:1 Now it came to pass in the sixth year of the reign of the judges over
the people of Nephi, there were no contentions nor wars in the land of
Zarahemla;
ALM 4:2 But the people were afflicted, yea, greatly afflicted for the loss of
their brethren, and also for the loss of their flocks and herds, and also for
the loss of their fields of grain, which were trodden under foot and
destroyed by the Lamanites.
ALM 4:3 And so great were their afflictions that every soul had cause to
mourn; and they believed that it was the judgments of God sent upon them
because of their wickedness and their abominations; therefore they were
awakened to a remembrance of their duty.
ALM 4:4 And they began to establish the church more fully; yea, and many were
baptized in the waters of Sidon and were joined to the church of God; yea,
they were baptized by the hand of Alma, who had been consecrated the high
priest over the people of the church, by the hand of his father Alma.
ALM 4:5 And it came to pass in the seventh year of the reign of the judges
there were about three thousand five hundred souls that united themselves to
the church of God and were baptized. And thus ended the seventh year of the
reign of the judges over the people of Nephi; and there was continual peace
in all that time.
ALM 4:6 And it came to pass in the eighth year of the reign of the judges,
that the people of the church began to wax proud, because of their exceeding
riches, and their fine silks, and their fine-twined linen, and because of
their many flocks and herds, and their gold and their silver, and all manner
of precious things, which they had obtained by their industry; and in all
these things were they lifted up in the pride of their eyes, for they began
to wear very costly apparel.
ALM 4:7 Now this was the cause of much affliction to Alma, yea, and to many
of the people whom Alma had consecrated to be teachers, and priests, and
elders over the church; yea, many of them were sorely grieved for the
wickedness which they saw had begun to be among their people.
ALM 4:8 For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the
church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their
hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to
be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did
not believe according to their own will and pleasure.
ALM 4:9 And thus, in this eighth year of the reign of the judges, there began
to be great contentions among the people of the church; yea, there were
envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions, and pride, even to exceed
the pride of those who did not belong to the church of God.
ALM 4:10 And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the
wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did not
belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress.
ALM 4:11 And it came to pass in the commencement of the ninth year, Alma saw
the wickedness of the church, and he saw also that the example of the church
began to lead those who were unbelievers on from one piece of iniquity to
another, thus bringing on the destruction of the people.
ALM 4:12 Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting
themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon
the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were
athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted.
ALM 4:13 Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while
others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their
succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding
the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ's sake, who
should come according to the spirit of prophecy;
ALM 4:14 Looking forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of their
sins; being filled with great joy because of the resurrection of the dead,
according to the will and power and deliverance of Jesus Christ from the
bands of death.
ALM 4:15 And now it came to pass that Alma, having seen the afflictions of
the humble followers of God, and the persecutions which were heaped upon them
by the remainder of his people, and seeing all their inequality, began to be
very sorrowful; nevertheless the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him.
ALM 4:16 And he selected a wise man who was among the elders of the church,
and gave him power according to the voice of the people, that he might have
power to enact laws according to the laws which had been given, and to put
them in force according to the wickedness and the crimes of the people.
ALM 4:17 Now this man's name was Nephihah, and he was appointed chief judge;
and he sat in the judgment-seat to judge and to govern the people.
ALM 4:18 Now Alma did not grant unto him the office of being high priest over
the church, but he retained the office of high priest unto himself; but he
delivered the judgment-seat unto Nephihah.
ALM 4:19 And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or
among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to
stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by
the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which
were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were
in bearing down in pure testimony against them.
ALM 4:20 And thus in the commencement of the ninth year of the reign of the
judges over the people of Nephi, Alma delivered up the judgment-seat to
Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy
order of God, to the testimony of the word, according to the spirit of
revelation and prophecy.
ALM 5:0 The words which Alma, the High Priest according to the holy order of
God, delivered to the people in their cities and villages throughout the
land--He recounts the experience of the church--Denounces iniquity--Calls
upon the people to repent.
ALM 5:1 Now it came to pass that Alma began to deliver the word of God unto
the people, first in the land of Zarahemla, and from thence throughout all
the land.
ALM 5:2 And these are the words which he spake to the people in the church
which was established in the city of Zarahemla, according to his own record,
saying:
ALM 5:3 I, Alma, having been consecrated by my father, Alma, to be a high
priest over the church of God, he having power and authority from God to do
these things, behold, I say unto you that he began to establish a church in
the land which was in the borders of Nephi; yea, the land which was called
the land of Mormon; yea, and he did baptize his brethren in the waters of
Mormon.
ALM 5:4 And behold, I say unto you, they were delivered out of the hands of
the people of king Noah, by the mercy and power of God.
ALM 5:5 And behold, after that, they were brought into bondage by the hands
of the Lamanites in the wilderness; yea, I say unto you, they were in
captivity, and again the Lord did deliver them out of bondage by the power of
his word; and we were brought into this land, and here we began to establish
the church of God throughout this land also.
ALM 5:6 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, you that belong to this
church, have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your
fathers? Yea, and have you sufficiently retained in remembrance his mercy and
long-suffering towards them? And moreover, have ye sufficiently retained in
remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell?
ALM 5:7 Behold, he changed their hearts; yea, he awakened them out of a deep
sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they were in the midst of darkness;
nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting
word; yea, they were encircled about by the bands of death, and the chains of
hell, and an everlasting destruction did await them.
ALM 5:8 And now I ask of you, my brethren, were they destroyed? Behold, I say
unto you, Nay, they were not.
ALM 5:9 And again I ask, were the bands of death broken, and the chains of
hell which encircled them about, were they loosed? I say unto you, Yea, they
were loosed, and their souls did expand, and they did sing redeeming love.
And I say unto you that they are saved.
ALM 5:10 And now I ask of you on what conditions are they saved? Yea, what
grounds had they to hope for salvation? What is the cause of their being
loosed from the bands of death, yea, and also the chains of hell?
ALM 5:11 Behold, I can tell you--did not my father Alma believe in the words
which were delivered by the mouth of Abinadi? And was he not a holy prophet?
Did he not speak the words of God, and my father Alma believe them?
ALM 5:12 And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his
heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.
ALM 5:13 And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty
change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put
their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until
the end; therefore they were saved.
ALM 5:14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye
spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your
countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
ALM 5:15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do
you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in
immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God
to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?
ALM 5:16 I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice
of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for
behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the
earth?
ALM 5:17 Or do ye imagine to yourselves that ye can lie unto the Lord in that
day, and say--Lord, our works have been righteous works upon the face of the
earth--and that he will save you?
ALM 5:18 Or otherwise, can ye imagine yourselves brought before the tribunal
of God with your souls filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of
all your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a
remembrance that ye have set at defiance the commandments of God?
ALM 5:19 I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart
and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God
engraven upon your countenances?
ALM 5:20 I say unto you, can ye think of being saved when you have yielded
yourselves to become subjects to the devil?
ALM 5:21 I say unto you, ye will know at that day that ye cannot be saved;
for there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his
garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the
blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to
redeem his people from their sins.
ALM 5:22 And now I ask of you, my brethren, how will any of you feel, if ye
shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood
and all manner of filthiness? Behold, what will these things testify against
you?
ALM 5:23 Behold will they not testify that ye are murderers, yea, and also
that ye are guilty of all manner of wickedness?
ALM 5:24 Behold, my brethren, do ye suppose that such an one can have a place
to sit down in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob,
and also all the holy prophets, whose garments are cleansed and are spotless,
pure and white?
ALM 5:25 I say unto you, Nay; except ye make our Creator a liar from the
beginning, or suppose that he is a liar from the beginning, ye cannot suppose
that such can have place in the kingdom of heaven; but they shall be cast out
for they are the children of the kingdom of the devil.
ALM 5:26 And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren, if ye have experienced
a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I
would ask, can ye feel so now?
ALM 5:27 Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye
say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have
been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made
white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from
their sins?
ALM 5:28 Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye
are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom
of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life.
ALM 5:29 Behold, I say, is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? I
say unto you that such an one is not prepared; and I would that he should
prepare quickly, for the hour is close at hand, and he knoweth not when the
time shall come; for such an one is not found guiltless.
ALM 5:30 And again I say unto you, is there one among you that doth make a
mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions?
ALM 5:31 Wo unto such an one, for he is not prepared, and the time is at hand
that he must repent or he cannot be saved!
ALM 5:32 Yea, even wo unto all ye workers of iniquity; repent, repent, for
the Lord God hath spoken it!
ALM 5:33 Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy
are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.
ALM 5:34 Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the
tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life
freely;
ALM 5:35 Yea, come unto me and bring forth works of righteousness, and ye
shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire--
ALM 5:36 For behold, the time is at hand that whosoever bringeth forth not
good fruit, or whosoever doeth not the works of righteousness, the same have
cause to wail and mourn.
ALM 5:37 O ye workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the vain things
of the world, ye that have professed to have known the ways of righteousness
nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a
shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will
not hearken unto his voice!
ALM 5:38 Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea,
and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye
will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye
are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd.
ALM 5:39 And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold
are ye? Behold, I say unto you, that the devil is your shepherd, and ye are
of his fold; and now, who can deny this? Behold, I say unto you, whosoever
denieth this is a liar and a child of the devil.
ALM 5:40 For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God, and
whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.
ALM 5:41 Therefore, if a man bringeth forth good works he hearkeneth unto the
voice of the good shepherd, and he doth follow him; but whosoever bringeth
forth evil works, the same becometh a child of the devil, for he hearkeneth
unto his voice, and doth follow him.
ALM 5:42 And whosoever doeth this must receive his wages of him; therefore,
for his wages he receiveth death, as to things pertaining unto righteousness,
being dead unto all good works.
ALM 5:43 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should hear me, for I speak in
the energy of my soul; for behold, I have spoken unto you plainly that ye
cannot err, or have spoken according to the commandments of God.
ALM 5:44 For I am called to speak after this manner, according to the holy
order of God, which is in Christ Jesus; yea, I am commanded to stand and
testify unto this people the things which have been spoken by our fathers
concerning the things which are to come.
ALM 5:45 And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things
myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I
have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?
ALM 5:46 Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy
Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know
these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for
the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is
the spirit of revelation which is in me.
ALM 5:47 And moreover, I say unto you that it has thus been revealed unto me,
that the words which have been spoken by our fathers are true, even so
according to the spirit of prophecy which is in me, which is also by the
manifestation of the Spirit of God.
ALM 5:48 I say unto you, that I know of myself that whatsoever I shall say
unto you, concerning that which is to come, is true; and I say unto you, that
I know that Jesus Christ shall come, yea, the Son, the Only Begotten of the
Father, full of grace, and mercy, and truth. And behold, it is he that cometh
to take away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who
steadfastly believeth on his name.
ALM 5:49 And now I say unto you that this is the order after which I am
called, yea, to preach unto my beloved brethren, yea, and every one that
dwelleth in the land; yea, to preach unto all, both old and young, both bond
and free; yea, I say unto you the aged, and also the middle aged, and the
rising generation; yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born
again.
ALM 5:50 Yea, thus saith the Spirit: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, for
the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand; yea, the Son of God cometh in his
glory, in his might, majesty, power, and dominion. Yea, my beloved brethren,
I say unto you, that the Spirit saith: Behold the glory of the King of all
the earth; and also the King of heaven shall very soon shine forth among all
the children of men.
ALM 5:51 And also the Spirit saith unto me, yea, crieth unto me with a mighty
voice, saying: Go forth and say unto this people--Repent, for except ye
repent ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of heaven.
ALM 5:52 And again I say unto you, the Spirit saith: Behold, the ax is laid
at the root of the tree; therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good
fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire, yea, a fire which cannot be
consumed, even an unquenchable fire. Behold, and remember, the Holy One hath
spoken it.
ALM 5:53 And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye withstand these
sayings; yea, can ye lay aside these things, and trample the Holy One under
your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye
still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon
the vain things of the world, upon your riches?
ALM 5:54 Yea, will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than
another; yea, will ye persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble
themselves and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have been
brought into this church, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and they
do bring forth works which are meet for repentance--
ALM 5:55 Yea, and will you persist in turning your backs upon the poor, and
the needy, and in withholding your substance from them?
ALM 5:56 And finally, all ye that will persist in your wickedness, I say unto
you that these are they who shall be hewn down and cast into the fire except
they speedily repent.
ALM 5:57 And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the
voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate,
and touch not their unclean things; and behold, their names shall be blotted
out, that the names of the wicked shall not be numbered among the names of
the righteous, that the word of God may be fulfilled, which saith: The names
of the wicked shall not be mingled with the names of my people;
ALM 5:58 For the names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life,
and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right hand. And now, my
brethren, what have ye to say against this? I say unto you, if ye speak
against it, it matters not, for the word of God must be fulfilled.
ALM 5:59 For what shepherd is there among you having many sheep doth not
watch over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his flock? And behold,
if a wolf enter his flock doth he not drive him out? Yea, and at the last, if
he can, he will destroy him.
ALM 5:60 And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you;
and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and
ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to
enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed.
ALM 5:61 And now I, Alma, do command you in the language of him who hath
commanded me, that ye observe to do the words which I have spoken unto you.
ALM 5:62 I speak by way of command unto you that belong to the church; and
unto those who do not belong to the church I speak by way of invitation,
saying: Come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye also may be partakers
of the fruit of the tree of life.
ALM 6:0 The reform movement, begun in Zarahemla, is carried to the city of
Gideon.
ALM 6:1 And now it came to pass that after Alma had made an end of speaking
unto the people of the church, which was established in the city of
Zarahemla, he ordained priests and elders, by laying on his hands according
to the order of God, to preside and watch over the church.
ALM 6:2 And it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church who
repented of their sins were baptized unto repentance, and were received into
the church.
ALM 6:3 And it also came to pass that whosoever did belong to the church that
did not repent of their wickedness and humble themselves before God--I mean
those who were lifted up in the pride of their hearts--the same were
rejected, and their names were blotted out, that their names were not
numbered among those of the righteous.
ALM 6:4 And thus they began to establish the order of the church in the city
of Zarahemla.
ALM 6:5 Now I would that ye should understand that the word of God was
liberal unto all, that none were deprived of the privilege of assembling
themselves together to hear the word of God.
ALM 6:6 Nevertheless the children of God were commanded that they should
gather themselves together oft, and join in fasting and mighty prayer in
behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God.
ALM 6:7 And now it came to pass that when Alma had made these regulations he
departed from them, yea, from the church which was in the city of Zarahemla,
and went over upon the east of the river Sidon, into the valley of Gideon,
there having been a city built, which was called the city of Gideon, which
was in the valley that was called Gideon, being called after the man who was
slain by the hand of Nehor with the sword.
ALM 6:8 And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the church
which was established in the valley of Gideon, according to the revelation of
the truth of the word which had been spoken by his fathers, and according to
the spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to the testimony of Jesus
Christ, the Son of God, who should come to redeem his people from their sins,
and the holy order by which he was called. And thus it is written. Amen.
ALM 7:0 The words of Alma which he delivered to the people in Gideon,
according to his own record--His testimony of the Redeemer--he commends the
people for their righteousness.
ALM 7:1 Behold my beloved brethren, seeing that I have been permitted to come
unto you, therefore I attempt to address you in my language; yea, by my own
mouth, seeing that it is the first time that I have spoken unto you by the
words of my mouth, I having been wholly confined to the judgment-seat, having
had much business that I could not come unto you.
ALM 7:2 And even I could not have come now at this time were it not that the
judgment-seat hath been given to another, to reign in my stead; and the Lord
in much mercy hath granted that I should come unto you.
ALM 7:3 And behold, I have come having great hopes and much desire that I
should find that ye had humbled yourselves before God, and that ye had
continued in the supplicating of his grace, that I should find that ye were
blameless before him, that I should find that ye were not in the awful
dilemma that our brethren were in at Zarahemla.
ALM 7:4 But blessed be the name of God, that he hath given me to know, yea,
hath given unto me the exceedingly great joy of knowing that they are
established again in the way of his righteousness.
ALM 7:5 And I trust, according to the Spirit of God which is in me, that I
shall also have joy over you; nevertheless I do not desire that my joy over
you should come by the cause of so much afflictions and sorrow which I have
had for the brethren at Zarahemla, for behold, my joy cometh over them after
wading through much affliction and sorrow.
ALM 7:6 But behold, I trust that ye are not in a state of so much unbelief as
were your brethren; I trust that ye are not lifted up in the pride of your
hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not set your hearts upon riches and the
vain things of the world; yea, I trust that you do not worship idols, but
that ye do worship the true and the living God, and that ye look forward for
the remission of your sins, with an everlasting faith, which is to come.
ALM 7:7 For behold, I say unto you there be many things to come; and behold,
there is one thing which is of more importance than they all--for behold, the
time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people.
ALM 7:8 Behold, I do not say that he will come among us at the time of his
dwelling in his mortal tabernacle; for behold, the Spirit hath not said unto
me that this should be the case. Now as to this thing I do not know; but this
much I do know, that the Lord God hath power to do all things which are
according to his word.
ALM 7:9 But behold, the Spirit hath said this much unto me, saying: Cry unto
this people, saying--Repent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in
his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand,
and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth.
ALM 7:10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land
of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who
shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring
forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.
ALM 7:11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and
temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which
saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
ALM 7:12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of
death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities,
that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may
know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their
infirmities.
ALM 7:13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God
suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his
people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of
his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
ALM 7:14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the
Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of
heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed
from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away
the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all
unrighteousness.
ALM 7:15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin,
which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea,
come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of
your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and
witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.
ALM 7:16 And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from
thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will
remember that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal life, according to
the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me.
ALM 7:17 And now my beloved brethren, do you believe these things? Behold, I
say unto you, yea, I know that ye believe them; and the way that I know that
ye believe them is by the manifestation of the Spirit which is in me. And now
because your faith is strong concerning that, yea, concerning the things
which I have spoken, great is my joy.
ALM 7:18 For as I said unto you from the beginning, that I had much desire
that ye were not in the state of dilemma like your brethren, even so I have
found that my desires have been gratified.
ALM 7:19 For I perceive that ye are in the paths of righteousness; I perceive
that ye are in the path which leads to the kingdom of God; yea, I perceive
that ye are making his paths straight.
ALM 7:20 I perceive that it has been made known unto you, by the testimony of
his word, that he cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from
that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right
to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore,
his course is one eternal round.
ALM 7:21 And he doth not dwell in unholy temples; neither can filthiness or
anything which is unclean be received into the kingdom of God; therefore I
say unto you the time shall come, yea, and it shall be at the last day, that
he who is filthy shall remain in his filthiness.
ALM 7:22 And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto you that
I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless
before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have
been received.
ALM 7:23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and
gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being
temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at
all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and
temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do
receive.
ALM 7:24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will
always abound in good works.
ALM 7:25 And may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless, that ye
may at last be brought to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the
holy prophets who have been ever since the world began, having your garments
spotless even as their garments are spotless, in the kingdom of heaven to go
no more out.
ALM 7:26 And now my beloved brethren, I have spoken these words unto you
according to the Spirit which testifieth in me; and my soul doth exceedingly
rejoice, because of the exceeding diligence and heed which ye have given unto
my word.
ALM 7:27 And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses
and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, your
women and your children, according to your faith and good works, from this
time forth and forever. And thus I have spoken. Amen.
ALM 8:0 Alma's success in Melek--The people of Ammonihah cast him
out--Comforted by an angel, he returns--Amulek joins him in the
ministry--Great power given.
ALM 8:1 And now it came to pass that Alma returned from the land of Gideon,
after having taught the people of Gideon many things which cannot be written,
having established the order of the church, according as he had before done
in the land of Zarahemla, yea, he returned to his own house at Zarahemla to
rest himself from the labors which he had performed.
ALM 8:2 And thus ended the ninth year of the reign of the judges over the
people of Nephi.
ALM 8:3 And it came to pass in the commencement of the tenth year of the
reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, that Alma departed from thence
and took his journey over into the land of Melek, on the west of the river
Sidon, on the west by the borders of the wilderness.
ALM 8:4 And he began to teach the people in the land of Melek according to
the holy order of God, by which he had been called; and he began to teach the
people throughout all the land of Melek.
ALM 8:5 And it came to pass that the people came to him throughout all the
borders of the land which was by the wilderness side. And they were baptized
throughout all the land;
ALM 8:6 So that when he had finished his work at Melek he departed thence,
and traveled three days' journey on the north of the land of Melek; and he
came to a city which was called Ammonihah.
ALM 8:7 Now it was the custom of the people of Nephi to call their lands, and
their cities, and their villages, yea, even all their small villages, after
the name of him who first possessed them; and thus it was with the land of
Ammonihah.
ALM 8:8 And it came to pass that when Alma had come to the city of Ammonihah
he began to preach the word of God unto them.
ALM 8:9 Now Satan had gotten great hold upon the hearts of the people of the
city of Ammonihah; therefore they would not hearken unto the words of Alma.
ALM 8:10 Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in
mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in
the city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto
repentance.
ALM 8:11 Nevertheless, they hardened their hearts, saying unto him: Behold,
we know that thou art Alma; and we know that thou art high priest over the
church which thou hast established in many parts of the land, according to
your tradition; and we are not of thy church, and we do not believe in such
foolish traditions.
ALM 8:12 And now we know that because we are not of thy church we know that
thou hast no power over us; and thou hast delivered up the judgment-seat unto
Nephihah; therefore thou art not the chief judge over us.
ALM 8:13 Now when the people had said this, and withstood all his words, and
reviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that he should be cast out of
their city, he departed thence and took his journey towards the city which
was called Aaron.
ALM 8:14 And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being
weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of
soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of
Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow,
behold an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying:
ALM 8:15 Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for
thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the
commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message
from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you.
ALM 8:16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city
of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto
them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them.
ALM 8:17 For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the
liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the
statutes, and judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people.
ALM 8:18 Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from
the angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah. And he
entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the south of the
city of Ammonihah.
ALM 8:19 And as he entered the city he was an hungered, and he said to a man:
Will ye give to an humble servant of God something to eat?
ALM 8:20 And the man said unto him: I am a Nephite, and I know that thou art
a holy prophet of God, for thou art the man whom an angel said in a vision:
Thou shalt receive. Therefore, go with me into my house and I will impart
unto thee of my food; and I know that thou wilt be a blessing unto me and my
house.
ALM 8:21 And it came to pass that the man received him into his house; and
the man was called Amulek; and he brought forth bread and meat and set before
Alma.
ALM 8:22 And it came to pass that Alma ate bread and was filled; and he
blessed Amulek and his house, and he gave thanks unto God.
ALM 8:23 And after he had eaten and was filled he said unto Amulek: I am
Alma, and am the high priest over the church of God throughout the land.
ALM 8:24 And behold, I have been called to preach the word of God among all
this people, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy; and I was in
this land and they would not receive me, but they cast me out and I was about
to set my back towards this land forever.
ALM 8:25 But behold, I have been commanded that I should turn again and
prophesy unto this people, yea, and to testify against them concerning their
iniquities.
ALM 8:26 And now, Amulek, because thou hast fed me and taken me in, thou art
blessed; for I was an hungered, for I had fasted many days.
ALM 8:27 And Alma tarried many days with Amulek before he began to preach
unto the people.
ALM 8:28 And it came to pass that the people did wax more gross in their
iniquities.
ALM 8:29 And the word came to Alma, saying: Go; and also say unto my servant
Amulek, go forth and prophesy unto this people, saying--Repent ye, for thus
saith the Lord, except ye repent I will visit this people in mine anger; yea,
and I will not turn my fierce anger away.
ALM 8:30 And Alma went forth, and also Amulek, among the people, to declare
the words of God unto them; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost.
ALM 8:31 And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be
confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them;
nevertheless they did not exercise their power until they were bound in bands
and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his
power in them.
ALM 8:32 And it came to pass that they went forth and began to preach and to
prophesy unto the people, according to the spirit and power which the Lord
had given them.
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