AlmaChapter1

v1.10

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded for himself with much boldness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.

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.

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.

And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who did not belong to their church.

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.

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.

In the first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, and from this time forward, king Mosiah had died. He had fought a good fight and walked uprightly before God, and he left no one to reign in his place. Even so, he had established laws, and the people accepted them, so they were bound to live by the laws he had made.

In that same first year, while Alma sat on the judgment seat, a man was brought before him to be judged, a large man known for his great strength. He had been going around among the people, preaching what he called the word of God and attacking the church. He told them that every priest and teacher ought to become popular, and that they shouldn't work with their hands but should be supported by the people. He also testified to them that everyone would be saved at the last day, that they didn't need to fear or tremble but could lift up their heads and rejoice, because the Lord had created all people and had also redeemed all people, and in the end everyone would have eternal life.

He taught this so much that many believed what he said, so many that they began supporting him and giving him money. He grew proud, started wearing expensive clothes, and even began setting up a church modeled on his preaching.

One day, as he was on his way to preach to those who believed him, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, one of their teachers. He argued sharply with him, trying to lead the church members away, but the man stood up to him and corrected him with the words of God. The man's name was Gideon, and he was the one who had been an instrument in God's hands in freeing the people of Limhi from slavery. Because Gideon stood up to him with the words of God, the man grew angry, drew his sword, and started striking him. Gideon was an old man and couldn't hold off the blows, so he was killed with the sword.

The people of the church seized the man who had killed him and brought him before Alma to be judged for the crimes he had committed. He stood before Alma and pleaded his own case very boldly.

But Alma said to him, "This is the first time priestcraft has been introduced among this nation. And you're not only guilty of priestcraft, you have tried to enforce it with the sword. If it were enforced here, it would mean this nation's complete destruction. You have shed the blood of a righteous man, a man who has done a great deal of good among us. If we were to spare you, his blood would come upon us for vengeance. So you're condemned to die, under the law Mosiah, our last king, gave us. This nation has accepted that law, and it must live by it."

So they took him. His name was Nehor. They carried him to the top of the hill Manti, and there, between the heavens and the earth, he was made to acknowledge, or rather did acknowledge, that what he had taught the people was contrary to the word of God. And there he suffered a shameful death.

Still, this didn't put an end to the spread of priestcraft through the land, because many loved the empty things of the world, and they went out preaching false doctrines. They did it for the sake of riches and honor. Even so, they didn't dare lie where it might be found out, for fear of the law, because liars were punished. So they pretended to preach according to their belief, and the law had no power over anyone for what they believed. They didn't dare steal, for fear of the law, because thieves were punished. And they didn't dare rob or murder, because a murderer was put to death.

But those who didn't belong to the church of God began persecuting those who did and had taken the name of Christ upon them. They persecuted them and attacked them with all kinds of words, and all this because of their humility: they weren't proud in their own eyes, and they shared the word of God with one another without money and without price.

Now there was a strict law among the people of the church that no member should rise up and persecute those who didn't belong to it, and that there should be no persecution among themselves. Even so, many among them grew proud and argued hotly with their opponents, even to the point of blows. They would strike one another with their fists. This was in the second year of Alma's reign, and it brought the church a great deal of suffering and hardship. This was because many hearts were hardened, and their names were blotted out, so that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And many others withdrew from among them.

This was a great trial to those who stood fast in the faith. Even so, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they patiently bore the persecution heaped on them.

When the priests left their work to share the word of God with the people, the people also left their work to hear it. After the priest had shared it with them, they all returned diligently to their work. The priest didn't set himself above his listeners, because the preacher was no better than the hearer, and the teacher no better than the learner. And so they were all equal, and they all worked, each according to their own strength. They shared what they owned with the poor, the needy, the sick, and the afflicted, each giving according to what they had. And they didn't wear expensive clothes, but they were neat and attractive.

In this way they set the affairs of the church in order, and they came to have continual peace again, in spite of all their persecutions. Now because of the steadiness of the church, they grew very rich, having plenty of everything they needed: an abundance of flocks, herds, and fatlings of every kind, plenty of grain, gold, silver, and precious things, and plenty of silk, expensive linen, and all kinds of good homespun cloth. And so, in their prosperity, they didn't send away anyone who was naked, hungry, thirsty, sick, or in need of food. They didn't set their hearts on riches, so they were generous to everyone, old and young, slave and free, male and female, whether outside the church or in it, showing no partiality among those in need. And so they prospered and became far wealthier than those who didn't belong to their church.

That was because those who didn't belong to their church indulged in sorceries, idolatry or idleness, babbling, envy, and strife. They wore expensive clothes, they were proud in their own eyes, and they went about persecuting, lying, stealing, robbing, committing sexual immorality, murdering, and every kind of wickedness. Even so, the law was enforced on everyone who broke it, as much as was possible. By enforcing the law on them this way, with each person suffering according to what they had done, they grew quieter and didn't dare commit any wickedness that might be found out. So there was much peace among the people of Nephi until the fifth year of the reign of the judges.

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OriginalModern English

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.

In the first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, and from this time forward, king Mosiah had died. He had fought a good fight and walked uprightly before God, and he left no one to reign in his place. Even so, he had established laws, and the people accepted them, so they were bound to live by the laws he had made.

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.

In that same first year, while Alma sat on the judgment seat, a man was brought before him to be judged, a large man known for his great strength.

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.

He had been going around among the people, preaching what he called the word of God and attacking the church. He told them that every priest and teacher ought to become popular, and that they shouldn't work with their hands but should be supported by the people.

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.

He also testified to them that everyone would be saved at the last day, that they didn't need to fear or tremble but could lift up their heads and rejoice, because the Lord had created all people and had also redeemed all people, and in the end everyone would have eternal life.

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.

He taught this so much that many believed what he said, so many that they began supporting him and giving him money.

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.

He grew proud, started wearing expensive clothes, and even began setting up a church modeled on his preaching.

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.

One day, as he was on his way to preach to those who believed him, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, one of their teachers. He argued sharply with him, trying to lead the church members away, but the man stood up to him and corrected him with the words of God.

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.

The man's name was Gideon, and he was the one who had been an instrument in God's hands in freeing the people of Limhi from slavery.

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.

Because Gideon stood up to him with the words of God, the man grew angry, drew his sword, and started striking him. Gideon was an old man and couldn't hold off the blows, so he was killed with the sword.

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.

The people of the church seized the man who had killed him and brought him before Alma to be judged for the crimes he had committed.

And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded for himself with much boldness.

He stood before Alma and pleaded his own case very boldly.

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.

But Alma said to him, "This is the first time priestcraft has been introduced among this nation. And you're not only guilty of priestcraft, you have tried to enforce it with the sword. If it were enforced here, it would mean this nation's complete destruction.

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.

You have shed the blood of a righteous man, a man who has done a great deal of good among us. If we were to spare you, his blood would come upon us for vengeance.

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.

So you're condemned to die, under the law Mosiah, our last king, gave us. This nation has accepted that law, and it must live by it."

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.

So they took him. His name was Nehor. They carried him to the top of the hill Manti, and there, between the heavens and the earth, he was made to acknowledge, or rather did acknowledge, that what he had taught the people was contrary to the word of God. And there he suffered a shameful death.

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.

Still, this didn't put an end to the spread of priestcraft through the land, because many loved the empty things of the world, and they went out preaching false doctrines. They did it for the sake of riches and honor.

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.

Even so, they didn't dare lie where it might be found out, for fear of the law, because liars were punished. So they pretended to preach according to their belief, and the law had no power over anyone for what they believed.

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.

They didn't dare steal, for fear of the law, because thieves were punished. And they didn't dare rob or murder, because a murderer was put to death.

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.

But those who didn't belong to the church of God began persecuting those who did and had taken the name of Christ upon them.

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.

They persecuted them and attacked them with all kinds of words, and all this because of their humility: they weren't proud in their own eyes, and they shared the word of God with one another without money and without price.

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.

Now there was a strict law among the people of the church that no member should rise up and persecute those who didn't belong to it, and that there should be no persecution among themselves.

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.

Even so, many among them grew proud and argued hotly with their opponents, even to the point of blows. They would strike one another with their fists.

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.

This was in the second year of Alma's reign, and it brought the church a great deal of suffering and hardship.

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.

This was because many hearts were hardened, and their names were blotted out, so that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And many others withdrew from among them.

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.

This was a great trial to those who stood fast in the faith. Even so, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they patiently bore the persecution heaped on them.

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.

When the priests left their work to share the word of God with the people, the people also left their work to hear it. After the priest had shared it with them, they all returned diligently to their work. The priest didn't set himself above his listeners, because the preacher was no better than the hearer, and the teacher no better than the learner. And so they were all equal, and they all worked, each according to their own strength.

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.

They shared what they owned with the poor, the needy, the sick, and the afflicted, each giving according to what they had. And they didn't wear expensive clothes, but they were neat and attractive.

And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.

In this way they set the affairs of the church in order, and they came to have continual peace again, in spite of all their persecutions.

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.

Now because of the steadiness of the church, they grew very rich, having plenty of everything they needed: an abundance of flocks, herds, and fatlings of every kind, plenty of grain, gold, silver, and precious things, and plenty of silk, expensive linen, and all kinds of good homespun cloth.

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.

And so, in their prosperity, they didn't send away anyone who was naked, hungry, thirsty, sick, or in need of food. They didn't set their hearts on riches, so they were generous to everyone, old and young, slave and free, male and female, whether outside the church or in it, showing no partiality among those in need.

And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who did not belong to their church.

And so they prospered and became far wealthier than those who didn't belong to their church.

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.

That was because those who didn't belong to their church indulged in sorceries, idolatry or idleness, babbling, envy, and strife. They wore expensive clothes, they were proud in their own eyes, and they went about persecuting, lying, stealing, robbing, committing sexual immorality, murdering, and every kind of wickedness. Even so, the law was enforced on everyone who broke it, as much as was possible.

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.

By enforcing the law on them this way, with each person suffering according to what they had done, they grew quieter and didn't dare commit any wickedness that might be found out. So there was much peace among the people of Nephi until the fifth year of the reign of the judges.

OriginalModern English
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.
In the first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, and from this time forward, king Mosiah had died. He had fought a good fight and walked uprightly before God, and he left no one to reign in his place. Even so, he had established laws, and the people accepted them, so they were bound to live by the laws he had made.
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. 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. 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.
In that same first year, while Alma sat on the judgment seat, a man was brought before him to be judged, a large man known for his great strength. He had been going around among the people, preaching what he called the word of God and attacking the church. He told them that every priest and teacher ought to become popular, and that they shouldn't work with their hands but should be supported by the people. He also testified to them that everyone would be saved at the last day, that they didn't need to fear or tremble but could lift up their heads and rejoice, because the Lord had created all people and had also redeemed all people, and in the end everyone would have eternal life.
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. 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.
He taught this so much that many believed what he said, so many that they began supporting him and giving him money. He grew proud, started wearing expensive clothes, and even began setting up a church modeled on his preaching.
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. 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. 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.
One day, as he was on his way to preach to those who believed him, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, one of their teachers. He argued sharply with him, trying to lead the church members away, but the man stood up to him and corrected him with the words of God. The man's name was Gideon, and he was the one who had been an instrument in God's hands in freeing the people of Limhi from slavery. Because Gideon stood up to him with the words of God, the man grew angry, drew his sword, and started striking him. Gideon was an old man and couldn't hold off the blows, so he was killed with the sword.
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. And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded for himself with much boldness.
The people of the church seized the man who had killed him and brought him before Alma to be judged for the crimes he had committed. He stood before Alma and pleaded his own case very boldly.
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. 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. 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.
But Alma said to him, "This is the first time priestcraft has been introduced among this nation. And you're not only guilty of priestcraft, you have tried to enforce it with the sword. If it were enforced here, it would mean this nation's complete destruction. You have shed the blood of a righteous man, a man who has done a great deal of good among us. If we were to spare you, his blood would come upon us for vengeance. So you're condemned to die, under the law Mosiah, our last king, gave us. This nation has accepted that law, and it must live by it."
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.
So they took him. His name was Nehor. They carried him to the top of the hill Manti, and there, between the heavens and the earth, he was made to acknowledge, or rather did acknowledge, that what he had taught the people was contrary to the word of God. And there he suffered a shameful death.
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. 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. 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.
Still, this didn't put an end to the spread of priestcraft through the land, because many loved the empty things of the world, and they went out preaching false doctrines. They did it for the sake of riches and honor. Even so, they didn't dare lie where it might be found out, for fear of the law, because liars were punished. So they pretended to preach according to their belief, and the law had no power over anyone for what they believed. They didn't dare steal, for fear of the law, because thieves were punished. And they didn't dare rob or murder, because a murderer was put to death.
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. 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.
But those who didn't belong to the church of God began persecuting those who did and had taken the name of Christ upon them. They persecuted them and attacked them with all kinds of words, and all this because of their humility: they weren't proud in their own eyes, and they shared the word of God with one another without money and without price.
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. 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. 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. 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.
Now there was a strict law among the people of the church that no member should rise up and persecute those who didn't belong to it, and that there should be no persecution among themselves. Even so, many among them grew proud and argued hotly with their opponents, even to the point of blows. They would strike one another with their fists. This was in the second year of Alma's reign, and it brought the church a great deal of suffering and hardship. This was because many hearts were hardened, and their names were blotted out, so that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And many others withdrew from among them.
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.
This was a great trial to those who stood fast in the faith. Even so, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they patiently bore the persecution heaped on them.
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. 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.
When the priests left their work to share the word of God with the people, the people also left their work to hear it. After the priest had shared it with them, they all returned diligently to their work. The priest didn't set himself above his listeners, because the preacher was no better than the hearer, and the teacher no better than the learner. And so they were all equal, and they all worked, each according to their own strength. They shared what they owned with the poor, the needy, the sick, and the afflicted, each giving according to what they had. And they didn't wear expensive clothes, but they were neat and attractive.
And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions. 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. 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. And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who did not belong to their church.
In this way they set the affairs of the church in order, and they came to have continual peace again, in spite of all their persecutions. Now because of the steadiness of the church, they grew very rich, having plenty of everything they needed: an abundance of flocks, herds, and fatlings of every kind, plenty of grain, gold, silver, and precious things, and plenty of silk, expensive linen, and all kinds of good homespun cloth. And so, in their prosperity, they didn't send away anyone who was naked, hungry, thirsty, sick, or in need of food. They didn't set their hearts on riches, so they were generous to everyone, old and young, slave and free, male and female, whether outside the church or in it, showing no partiality among those in need. And so they prospered and became far wealthier than those who didn't belong to their church.
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. 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.
That was because those who didn't belong to their church indulged in sorceries, idolatry or idleness, babbling, envy, and strife. They wore expensive clothes, they were proud in their own eyes, and they went about persecuting, lying, stealing, robbing, committing sexual immorality, murdering, and every kind of wickedness. Even so, the law was enforced on everyone who broke it, as much as was possible. By enforcing the law on them this way, with each person suffering according to what they had done, they grew quieter and didn't dare commit any wickedness that might be found out. So there was much peace among the people of Nephi until the fifth year of the reign of the judges.

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.

In the first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, and from this time forward, king Mosiah had died. He had fought a good fight and walked uprightly before God, and he left no one to reign in his place. Even so, he had established laws, and the people accepted them, so they were bound to live by the laws he had made.

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.

In that same first year, while Alma sat on the judgment seat, a man was brought before him to be judged, a large man known for his great strength.

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.

He had been going around among the people, preaching what he called the word of God and attacking the church. He told them that every priest and teacher ought to become popular, and that they shouldn't work with their hands but should be supported by the people.

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.

He also testified to them that everyone would be saved at the last day, that they didn't need to fear or tremble but could lift up their heads and rejoice, because the Lord had created all people and had also redeemed all people, and in the end everyone would have eternal life.

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.

He taught this so much that many believed what he said, so many that they began supporting him and giving him money.

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.

He grew proud, started wearing expensive clothes, and even began setting up a church modeled on his preaching.

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.

One day, as he was on his way to preach to those who believed him, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, one of their teachers. He argued sharply with him, trying to lead the church members away, but the man stood up to him and corrected him with the words of God.

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.

The man's name was Gideon, and he was the one who had been an instrument in God's hands in freeing the people of Limhi from slavery.

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.

Because Gideon stood up to him with the words of God, the man grew angry, drew his sword, and started striking him. Gideon was an old man and couldn't hold off the blows, so he was killed with the sword.

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.

The people of the church seized the man who had killed him and brought him before Alma to be judged for the crimes he had committed.

And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded for himself with much boldness.

He stood before Alma and pleaded his own case very boldly.

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.

But Alma said to him, "This is the first time priestcraft has been introduced among this nation. And you're not only guilty of priestcraft, you have tried to enforce it with the sword. If it were enforced here, it would mean this nation's complete destruction.

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.

You have shed the blood of a righteous man, a man who has done a great deal of good among us. If we were to spare you, his blood would come upon us for vengeance.

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.

So you're condemned to die, under the law Mosiah, our last king, gave us. This nation has accepted that law, and it must live by it."

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.

So they took him. His name was Nehor. They carried him to the top of the hill Manti, and there, between the heavens and the earth, he was made to acknowledge, or rather did acknowledge, that what he had taught the people was contrary to the word of God. And there he suffered a shameful death.

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.

Still, this didn't put an end to the spread of priestcraft through the land, because many loved the empty things of the world, and they went out preaching false doctrines. They did it for the sake of riches and honor.

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.

Even so, they didn't dare lie where it might be found out, for fear of the law, because liars were punished. So they pretended to preach according to their belief, and the law had no power over anyone for what they believed.

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.

They didn't dare steal, for fear of the law, because thieves were punished. And they didn't dare rob or murder, because a murderer was put to death.

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.

But those who didn't belong to the church of God began persecuting those who did and had taken the name of Christ upon them.

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.

They persecuted them and attacked them with all kinds of words, and all this because of their humility: they weren't proud in their own eyes, and they shared the word of God with one another without money and without price.

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.

Now there was a strict law among the people of the church that no member should rise up and persecute those who didn't belong to it, and that there should be no persecution among themselves.

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.

Even so, many among them grew proud and argued hotly with their opponents, even to the point of blows. They would strike one another with their fists.

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.

This was in the second year of Alma's reign, and it brought the church a great deal of suffering and hardship.

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.

This was because many hearts were hardened, and their names were blotted out, so that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And many others withdrew from among them.

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.

This was a great trial to those who stood fast in the faith. Even so, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they patiently bore the persecution heaped on them.

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.

When the priests left their work to share the word of God with the people, the people also left their work to hear it. After the priest had shared it with them, they all returned diligently to their work. The priest didn't set himself above his listeners, because the preacher was no better than the hearer, and the teacher no better than the learner. And so they were all equal, and they all worked, each according to their own strength.

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.

They shared what they owned with the poor, the needy, the sick, and the afflicted, each giving according to what they had. And they didn't wear expensive clothes, but they were neat and attractive.

And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.

In this way they set the affairs of the church in order, and they came to have continual peace again, in spite of all their persecutions.

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.

Now because of the steadiness of the church, they grew very rich, having plenty of everything they needed: an abundance of flocks, herds, and fatlings of every kind, plenty of grain, gold, silver, and precious things, and plenty of silk, expensive linen, and all kinds of good homespun cloth.

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.

And so, in their prosperity, they didn't send away anyone who was naked, hungry, thirsty, sick, or in need of food. They didn't set their hearts on riches, so they were generous to everyone, old and young, slave and free, male and female, whether outside the church or in it, showing no partiality among those in need.

And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who did not belong to their church.

And so they prospered and became far wealthier than those who didn't belong to their church.

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.

That was because those who didn't belong to their church indulged in sorceries, idolatry or idleness, babbling, envy, and strife. They wore expensive clothes, they were proud in their own eyes, and they went about persecuting, lying, stealing, robbing, committing sexual immorality, murdering, and every kind of wickedness. Even so, the law was enforced on everyone who broke it, as much as was possible.

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.

By enforcing the law on them this way, with each person suffering according to what they had done, they grew quieter and didn't dare commit any wickedness that might be found out. So there was much peace among the people of Nephi until the fifth year of the reign of the judges.