MosiahChapter27
And now it came to pass that the persecutions which were inflicted on the church by the unbelievers became so great that the church began to murmur, and complain to their leaders concerning the matter; and they did complain to Alma. And Alma laid the case before their king, Mosiah. And Mosiah consulted with his priests.
And it came to pass that king Mosiah sent a proclamation throughout the land round about that there should not any unbeliever persecute any of those who belonged to the church of God.
And there was a strict command throughout all the churches that there should be no persecutions among them, that there should be an equality among all men;
That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their peace; that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, laboring with their own hands for their support.
Yea, and all their priests and teachers should labor with their own hands for their support, in all cases save it were in sickness, or in much want; and doing these things, they did abound in the grace of God.
And there began to be much peace again in the land; and the people began to be very numerous, and began to scatter abroad upon the face of the earth, yea, on the north and on the south, on the east and on the west, building large cities and villages in all quarters of the land.
And the Lord did visit them and prosper them, and they became a large and wealthy people.
Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.
And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them.
And now it came to pass that while he was going about to destroy the church of God, for he did go about secretly with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church, and to lead astray the people of the Lord, contrary to the commandments of God, or even the king—
And as I said unto you, as they were going about rebelling against God, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood;
And so great was their astonishment, that they fell to the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto them.
Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.
And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.
And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also behold me before you? And I am sent from God.
Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.
And now it came to pass that these were the last words which the angel spake unto Alma, and he departed.
And now Alma and those that were with him fell again to the earth, for great was their astonishment; for with their own eyes they had beheld an angel of the Lord; and his voice was as thunder, which shook the earth; and they knew that there was nothing save the power of God that could shake the earth and cause it to tremble as though it would part asunder.
And now the astonishment of Alma was so great that he became dumb, that he could not open his mouth; yea, and he became weak, even that he could not move his hands; therefore he was taken by those that were with him, and carried helpless, even until he was laid before his father.
And they rehearsed unto his father all that had happened unto them; and his father rejoiced, for he knew that it was the power of God.
And he caused that a multitude should be gathered together that they might witness what the Lord had done for his son, and also for those that were with him.
And he caused that the priests should assemble themselves together; and they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength—that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.
And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort:
For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.
And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;
And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.
I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know, because I was like to be cast off.
Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulations, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.
My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.
I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all.
Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.
And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to teach the people, and those who were with Alma at the time the angel appeared unto them, traveling round about through all the land, publishing to all the people the things which they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God in much tribulation, being greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being smitten by many of them.
But notwithstanding all this, they did impart much consolation to the church, confirming their faith, and exhorting them with long-suffering and much travail to keep the commandments of God.
And four of them were the sons of Mosiah; and their names were Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni; these were the names of the sons of Mosiah.
And they traveled throughout all the lands of Zarahemla, and among all the people who were under the reign of king Mosiah, zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, and publishing all the things which they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired to hear them.
And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer.
And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.
The persecutions the unbelievers inflicted on the church grew so great that the church began grumbling and complaining to its leaders about it. They complained to Alma, and Alma laid the case before their king, Mosiah. And Mosiah consulted with his priests.
So he sent a proclamation throughout the land that no unbeliever should persecute anyone who belonged to the church of God. And a strict command went out through all the churches that there should be no persecution among them, and that all people should be equal. They were to let no pride or arrogance disturb their peace, and everyone was to value their neighbor as themselves, working with their own hands to support themselves. All their priests and teachers were to work with their own hands to support themselves as well, except in cases of sickness or great need. And by doing this, they had the grace of God in abundance.
And there was much peace in the land again, and the people grew very numerous and started spreading out over the face of the earth, north and south, east and west, building large cities and villages in every part of the land. The Lord visited them and made them prosper, and they became a large and wealthy people.
Now the sons of Mosiah were counted among the unbelievers, and so was one of Alma's sons, called Alma after his father. Even so, he became a very wicked and idolatrous man. He was a man of many words, and he spoke a lot of flattery to the people, so he led many of them into his own sinful ways. He became a great obstacle to the prosperity of the church of God, stealing away the hearts of the people, causing much division among them, and giving the enemy of God a chance to use his power over them.
Now he was going around trying to destroy the church of God. He went about in secret with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to destroy the church and lead the people of the Lord astray, against the commandments of God and even the king's.
And as I told you, while they were going around rebelling against God, the angel of the Lord appeared to them. He came down in what looked like a cloud, and he spoke with a voice like thunder that shook the ground they were standing on. They were so astonished that they fell to the ground and didn't understand what he said to them.
Even so, he called out again: Alma, stand up and come forward. Why do you persecute the church of God? For the Lord has said, "This is my church, and I will establish it, and nothing shall overthrow it except the transgression of my people."
And again the angel said: The Lord has heard the prayers of his people, and also of his servant Alma, who is your father, for he has prayed with great faith that you might be brought to a knowledge of the truth. That is why I have come: to convince you of the power and authority of God, so that the prayers of his servants may be answered according to their faith.
Now, can you dispute the power of God? For does not my voice shake the earth? And can you not see me standing in front of you? And I am sent from God.
Now I say to you: Go, and remember the captivity of your fathers in the land of Helam and the land of Nephi. Remember what great things he has done for them, for they were in slavery, and he has delivered them. And now I say to you, Alma, go your way, and seek to destroy the church no more, so that their prayers may be answered, even if you yourself choose to be cast off.
These were the angel's last words to Alma, and then he left.
Alma and those who were with him fell to the ground again because they were so astonished. With their own eyes they had seen an angel of the Lord, and his voice was like thunder that shook the earth. They knew that nothing but the power of God could shake the earth and make it tremble until it seemed about to split apart. Alma was so astonished that he was struck mute and couldn't open his mouth. He grew so weak that he couldn't move his hands, so those who were with him picked him up and carried him, helpless, and laid him before his father.
They told his father everything that had happened to them, and his father rejoiced because he knew it was the power of God. He had a large crowd gather so they could witness what the Lord had done for his son and for those who were with him. He had the priests assemble, and they began fasting and praying to the Lord their God that he would open Alma's mouth so he could speak, and that his limbs would get their strength back, so that the eyes of the people would be opened to see and know the goodness and glory of God.
After they had fasted and prayed for two days and two nights, Alma's limbs got their strength back, and he stood up and spoke to them, telling them to take comfort:
I have repented of my sins and have been redeemed by the Lord. I am born of the Spirit.
And the Lord said to me: "Do not be amazed that all people, both men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, must be born again, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state to a state of righteousness, redeemed by God, becoming his sons and daughters. And so they become new creatures. Unless they do this, they can in no way inherit the kingdom of God."
I say to you, unless this is the case, they must be cast off. And I know this because I was close to being cast off myself. Even so, after wading through much tribulation and repenting nearly to the point of death, the Lord in his mercy has seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.
My soul has been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and the bonds of sin. I was in the darkest abyss, but now I see the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment, but I have been snatched away, and my soul is pained no more.
I rejected my Redeemer and denied what our fathers had spoken. But now, so that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembers every creature he has created, he will make himself known to all. Every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Even at the last day, when all people will stand to be judged by him, then they will confess that he is God. Then those who live without God in the world will confess that the judgment of everlasting punishment is just upon them, and they will quake, tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.
From this time forward, Alma began teaching the people, and so did those who had been with him when the angel appeared to them. They traveled all through the land, telling all the people what they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God through great hardship, badly persecuted by the unbelievers and beaten by many of them. But in spite of all this, they gave the church a great deal of comfort, strengthening their faith and urging them with patience and much effort to keep the commandments of God.
Four of them were the sons of Mosiah: Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni. They traveled through all the lands of Zarahemla and among all the people under the reign of King Mosiah, eagerly trying to repair all the harm they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, telling everything they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to everyone who wanted to hear them.
And so they were instruments in the hands of God, bringing many to a knowledge of the truth, indeed to a knowledge of their Redeemer. And how blessed they are! For they published peace; they published good tidings of good; and they declared to the people that the Lord reigns.
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And now it came to pass that the persecutions which were inflicted on the church by the unbelievers became so great that the church began to murmur, and complain to their leaders concerning the matter; and they did complain to Alma. And Alma laid the case before their king, Mosiah. And Mosiah consulted with his priests.
The persecutions the unbelievers inflicted on the church grew so great that the church began grumbling and complaining to its leaders about it. They complained to Alma, and Alma laid the case before their king, Mosiah. And Mosiah consulted with his priests.
And it came to pass that king Mosiah sent a proclamation throughout the land round about that there should not any unbeliever persecute any of those who belonged to the church of God.
So he sent a proclamation throughout the land that no unbeliever should persecute anyone who belonged to the church of God.
And there was a strict command throughout all the churches that there should be no persecutions among them, that there should be an equality among all men;
And a strict command went out through all the churches that there should be no persecution among them, and that all people should be equal.
That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their peace; that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, laboring with their own hands for their support.
They were to let no pride or arrogance disturb their peace, and everyone was to value their neighbor as themselves, working with their own hands to support themselves.
Yea, and all their priests and teachers should labor with their own hands for their support, in all cases save it were in sickness, or in much want; and doing these things, they did abound in the grace of God.
All their priests and teachers were to work with their own hands to support themselves as well, except in cases of sickness or great need. And by doing this, they had the grace of God in abundance.
And there began to be much peace again in the land; and the people began to be very numerous, and began to scatter abroad upon the face of the earth, yea, on the north and on the south, on the east and on the west, building large cities and villages in all quarters of the land.
And there was much peace in the land again, and the people grew very numerous and started spreading out over the face of the earth, north and south, east and west, building large cities and villages in every part of the land.
And the Lord did visit them and prosper them, and they became a large and wealthy people.
The Lord visited them and made them prosper, and they became a large and wealthy people.
Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.
Now the sons of Mosiah were counted among the unbelievers, and so was one of Alma's sons, called Alma after his father. Even so, he became a very wicked and idolatrous man. He was a man of many words, and he spoke a lot of flattery to the people, so he led many of them into his own sinful ways.
And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them.
He became a great obstacle to the prosperity of the church of God, stealing away the hearts of the people, causing much division among them, and giving the enemy of God a chance to use his power over them.
And now it came to pass that while he was going about to destroy the church of God, for he did go about secretly with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church, and to lead astray the people of the Lord, contrary to the commandments of God, or even the king—
Now he was going around trying to destroy the church of God. He went about in secret with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to destroy the church and lead the people of the Lord astray, against the commandments of God and even the king's.
And as I said unto you, as they were going about rebelling against God, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood;
And as I told you, while they were going around rebelling against God, the angel of the Lord appeared to them. He came down in what looked like a cloud, and he spoke with a voice like thunder that shook the ground they were standing on.
And so great was their astonishment, that they fell to the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto them.
They were so astonished that they fell to the ground and didn't understand what he said to them.
Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.
Even so, he called out again: Alma, stand up and come forward. Why do you persecute the church of God? For the Lord has said, "This is my church, and I will establish it, and nothing shall overthrow it except the transgression of my people."
And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.
And again the angel said: The Lord has heard the prayers of his people, and also of his servant Alma, who is your father, for he has prayed with great faith that you might be brought to a knowledge of the truth. That is why I have come: to convince you of the power and authority of God, so that the prayers of his servants may be answered according to their faith.
And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also behold me before you? And I am sent from God.
Now, can you dispute the power of God? For does not my voice shake the earth? And can you not see me standing in front of you? And I am sent from God.
Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.
Now I say to you: Go, and remember the captivity of your fathers in the land of Helam and the land of Nephi. Remember what great things he has done for them, for they were in slavery, and he has delivered them. And now I say to you, Alma, go your way, and seek to destroy the church no more, so that their prayers may be answered, even if you yourself choose to be cast off.
And now it came to pass that these were the last words which the angel spake unto Alma, and he departed.
These were the angel's last words to Alma, and then he left.
And now Alma and those that were with him fell again to the earth, for great was their astonishment; for with their own eyes they had beheld an angel of the Lord; and his voice was as thunder, which shook the earth; and they knew that there was nothing save the power of God that could shake the earth and cause it to tremble as though it would part asunder.
Alma and those who were with him fell to the ground again because they were so astonished. With their own eyes they had seen an angel of the Lord, and his voice was like thunder that shook the earth. They knew that nothing but the power of God could shake the earth and make it tremble until it seemed about to split apart.
And now the astonishment of Alma was so great that he became dumb, that he could not open his mouth; yea, and he became weak, even that he could not move his hands; therefore he was taken by those that were with him, and carried helpless, even until he was laid before his father.
Alma was so astonished that he was struck mute and couldn't open his mouth. He grew so weak that he couldn't move his hands, so those who were with him picked him up and carried him, helpless, and laid him before his father.
And they rehearsed unto his father all that had happened unto them; and his father rejoiced, for he knew that it was the power of God.
They told his father everything that had happened to them, and his father rejoiced because he knew it was the power of God.
And he caused that a multitude should be gathered together that they might witness what the Lord had done for his son, and also for those that were with him.
He had a large crowd gather so they could witness what the Lord had done for his son and for those who were with him.
And he caused that the priests should assemble themselves together; and they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength—that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.
He had the priests assemble, and they began fasting and praying to the Lord their God that he would open Alma's mouth so he could speak, and that his limbs would get their strength back, so that the eyes of the people would be opened to see and know the goodness and glory of God.
And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort:
After they had fasted and prayed for two days and two nights, Alma's limbs got their strength back, and he stood up and spoke to them, telling them to take comfort:
For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.
I have repented of my sins and have been redeemed by the Lord. I am born of the Spirit.
And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;
And the Lord said to me: "Do not be amazed that all people, both men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, must be born again, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state to a state of righteousness, redeemed by God, becoming his sons and daughters.
And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.
And so they become new creatures. Unless they do this, they can in no way inherit the kingdom of God."
I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know, because I was like to be cast off.
I say to you, unless this is the case, they must be cast off. And I know this because I was close to being cast off myself.
Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulations, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.
Even so, after wading through much tribulation and repenting nearly to the point of death, the Lord in his mercy has seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.
My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.
My soul has been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and the bonds of sin. I was in the darkest abyss, but now I see the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment, but I have been snatched away, and my soul is pained no more.
I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all.
I rejected my Redeemer and denied what our fathers had spoken. But now, so that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembers every creature he has created, he will make himself known to all.
Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.
Every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Even at the last day, when all people will stand to be judged by him, then they will confess that he is God. Then those who live without God in the world will confess that the judgment of everlasting punishment is just upon them, and they will quake, tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.
And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to teach the people, and those who were with Alma at the time the angel appeared unto them, traveling round about through all the land, publishing to all the people the things which they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God in much tribulation, being greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being smitten by many of them.
From this time forward, Alma began teaching the people, and so did those who had been with him when the angel appeared to them. They traveled all through the land, telling all the people what they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God through great hardship, badly persecuted by the unbelievers and beaten by many of them.
But notwithstanding all this, they did impart much consolation to the church, confirming their faith, and exhorting them with long-suffering and much travail to keep the commandments of God.
But in spite of all this, they gave the church a great deal of comfort, strengthening their faith and urging them with patience and much effort to keep the commandments of God.
And four of them were the sons of Mosiah; and their names were Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni; these were the names of the sons of Mosiah.
Four of them were the sons of Mosiah: Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni.
And they traveled throughout all the lands of Zarahemla, and among all the people who were under the reign of king Mosiah, zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, and publishing all the things which they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired to hear them.
They traveled through all the lands of Zarahemla and among all the people under the reign of King Mosiah, eagerly trying to repair all the harm they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, telling everything they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to everyone who wanted to hear them.
And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer.
And so they were instruments in the hands of God, bringing many to a knowledge of the truth, indeed to a knowledge of their Redeemer.
And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.
And how blessed they are! For they published peace; they published good tidings of good; and they declared to the people that the Lord reigns.
And now it came to pass that the persecutions which were inflicted on the church by the unbelievers became so great that the church began to murmur, and complain to their leaders concerning the matter; and they did complain to Alma. And Alma laid the case before their king, Mosiah. And Mosiah consulted with his priests.
The persecutions the unbelievers inflicted on the church grew so great that the church began grumbling and complaining to its leaders about it. They complained to Alma, and Alma laid the case before their king, Mosiah. And Mosiah consulted with his priests.
And it came to pass that king Mosiah sent a proclamation throughout the land round about that there should not any unbeliever persecute any of those who belonged to the church of God.
So he sent a proclamation throughout the land that no unbeliever should persecute anyone who belonged to the church of God.
And there was a strict command throughout all the churches that there should be no persecutions among them, that there should be an equality among all men;
And a strict command went out through all the churches that there should be no persecution among them, and that all people should be equal.
That they should let no pride nor haughtiness disturb their peace; that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, laboring with their own hands for their support.
They were to let no pride or arrogance disturb their peace, and everyone was to value their neighbor as themselves, working with their own hands to support themselves.
Yea, and all their priests and teachers should labor with their own hands for their support, in all cases save it were in sickness, or in much want; and doing these things, they did abound in the grace of God.
All their priests and teachers were to work with their own hands to support themselves as well, except in cases of sickness or great need. And by doing this, they had the grace of God in abundance.
And there began to be much peace again in the land; and the people began to be very numerous, and began to scatter abroad upon the face of the earth, yea, on the north and on the south, on the east and on the west, building large cities and villages in all quarters of the land.
And there was much peace in the land again, and the people grew very numerous and started spreading out over the face of the earth, north and south, east and west, building large cities and villages in every part of the land.
And the Lord did visit them and prosper them, and they became a large and wealthy people.
The Lord visited them and made them prosper, and they became a large and wealthy people.
Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.
Now the sons of Mosiah were counted among the unbelievers, and so was one of Alma's sons, called Alma after his father. Even so, he became a very wicked and idolatrous man. He was a man of many words, and he spoke a lot of flattery to the people, so he led many of them into his own sinful ways.
And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them.
He became a great obstacle to the prosperity of the church of God, stealing away the hearts of the people, causing much division among them, and giving the enemy of God a chance to use his power over them.
And now it came to pass that while he was going about to destroy the church of God, for he did go about secretly with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church, and to lead astray the people of the Lord, contrary to the commandments of God, or even the king—
Now he was going around trying to destroy the church of God. He went about in secret with the sons of Mosiah, seeking to destroy the church and lead the people of the Lord astray, against the commandments of God and even the king's.
And as I said unto you, as they were going about rebelling against God, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud; and he spake as it were with a voice of thunder, which caused the earth to shake upon which they stood;
And as I told you, while they were going around rebelling against God, the angel of the Lord appeared to them. He came down in what looked like a cloud, and he spoke with a voice like thunder that shook the ground they were standing on.
And so great was their astonishment, that they fell to the earth, and understood not the words which he spake unto them.
They were so astonished that they fell to the ground and didn't understand what he said to them.
Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.
Even so, he called out again: Alma, stand up and come forward. Why do you persecute the church of God? For the Lord has said, "This is my church, and I will establish it, and nothing shall overthrow it except the transgression of my people."
And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.
And again the angel said: The Lord has heard the prayers of his people, and also of his servant Alma, who is your father, for he has prayed with great faith that you might be brought to a knowledge of the truth. That is why I have come: to convince you of the power and authority of God, so that the prayers of his servants may be answered according to their faith.
And now behold, can ye dispute the power of God? For behold, doth not my voice shake the earth? And can ye not also behold me before you? And I am sent from God.
Now, can you dispute the power of God? For does not my voice shake the earth? And can you not see me standing in front of you? And I am sent from God.
Now I say unto thee: Go, and remember the captivity of thy fathers in the land of Helam, and in the land of Nephi; and remember how great things he has done for them; for they were in bondage, and he has delivered them. And now I say unto thee, Alma, go thy way, and seek to destroy the church no more, that their prayers may be answered, and this even if thou wilt of thyself be cast off.
Now I say to you: Go, and remember the captivity of your fathers in the land of Helam and the land of Nephi. Remember what great things he has done for them, for they were in slavery, and he has delivered them. And now I say to you, Alma, go your way, and seek to destroy the church no more, so that their prayers may be answered, even if you yourself choose to be cast off.
And now it came to pass that these were the last words which the angel spake unto Alma, and he departed.
These were the angel's last words to Alma, and then he left.
And now Alma and those that were with him fell again to the earth, for great was their astonishment; for with their own eyes they had beheld an angel of the Lord; and his voice was as thunder, which shook the earth; and they knew that there was nothing save the power of God that could shake the earth and cause it to tremble as though it would part asunder.
Alma and those who were with him fell to the ground again because they were so astonished. With their own eyes they had seen an angel of the Lord, and his voice was like thunder that shook the earth. They knew that nothing but the power of God could shake the earth and make it tremble until it seemed about to split apart.
And now the astonishment of Alma was so great that he became dumb, that he could not open his mouth; yea, and he became weak, even that he could not move his hands; therefore he was taken by those that were with him, and carried helpless, even until he was laid before his father.
Alma was so astonished that he was struck mute and couldn't open his mouth. He grew so weak that he couldn't move his hands, so those who were with him picked him up and carried him, helpless, and laid him before his father.
And they rehearsed unto his father all that had happened unto them; and his father rejoiced, for he knew that it was the power of God.
They told his father everything that had happened to them, and his father rejoiced because he knew it was the power of God.
And he caused that a multitude should be gathered together that they might witness what the Lord had done for his son, and also for those that were with him.
He had a large crowd gather so they could witness what the Lord had done for his son and for those who were with him.
And he caused that the priests should assemble themselves together; and they began to fast, and to pray to the Lord their God that he would open the mouth of Alma, that he might speak, and also that his limbs might receive their strength—that the eyes of the people might be opened to see and know of the goodness and glory of God.
He had the priests assemble, and they began fasting and praying to the Lord their God that he would open Alma's mouth so he could speak, and that his limbs would get their strength back, so that the eyes of the people would be opened to see and know the goodness and glory of God.
And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort:
After they had fasted and prayed for two days and two nights, Alma's limbs got their strength back, and he stood up and spoke to them, telling them to take comfort:
For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.
I have repented of my sins and have been redeemed by the Lord. I am born of the Spirit.
And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;
And the Lord said to me: "Do not be amazed that all people, both men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, must be born again, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state to a state of righteousness, redeemed by God, becoming his sons and daughters.
And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.
And so they become new creatures. Unless they do this, they can in no way inherit the kingdom of God."
I say unto you, unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know, because I was like to be cast off.
I say to you, unless this is the case, they must be cast off. And I know this because I was close to being cast off myself.
Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulations, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.
Even so, after wading through much tribulation and repenting nearly to the point of death, the Lord in his mercy has seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.
My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.
My soul has been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and the bonds of sin. I was in the darkest abyss, but now I see the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment, but I have been snatched away, and my soul is pained no more.
I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all.
I rejected my Redeemer and denied what our fathers had spoken. But now, so that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembers every creature he has created, he will make himself known to all.
Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.
Every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Even at the last day, when all people will stand to be judged by him, then they will confess that he is God. Then those who live without God in the world will confess that the judgment of everlasting punishment is just upon them, and they will quake, tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.
And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to teach the people, and those who were with Alma at the time the angel appeared unto them, traveling round about through all the land, publishing to all the people the things which they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God in much tribulation, being greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being smitten by many of them.
From this time forward, Alma began teaching the people, and so did those who had been with him when the angel appeared to them. They traveled all through the land, telling all the people what they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God through great hardship, badly persecuted by the unbelievers and beaten by many of them.
But notwithstanding all this, they did impart much consolation to the church, confirming their faith, and exhorting them with long-suffering and much travail to keep the commandments of God.
But in spite of all this, they gave the church a great deal of comfort, strengthening their faith and urging them with patience and much effort to keep the commandments of God.
And four of them were the sons of Mosiah; and their names were Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni; these were the names of the sons of Mosiah.
Four of them were the sons of Mosiah: Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni.
And they traveled throughout all the lands of Zarahemla, and among all the people who were under the reign of king Mosiah, zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, and publishing all the things which they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired to hear them.
They traveled through all the lands of Zarahemla and among all the people under the reign of King Mosiah, eagerly trying to repair all the harm they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, telling everything they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to everyone who wanted to hear them.
And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer.
And so they were instruments in the hands of God, bringing many to a knowledge of the truth, indeed to a knowledge of their Redeemer.
And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.
And how blessed they are! For they published peace; they published good tidings of good; and they declared to the people that the Lord reigns.