Book of Mormon

Covenant of Christ

 

 

Paragraph 1

1

62 And now it came to pass that when Moroni had received this epistle, his heart did take courage and was filled with exceeding great joy because of the faithfulness of Parhoron, that he was not also a traitor to the freedom and cause of his country. 2 But he did also mourn exceedingly because of the iniquity of those who had driven Parhoron from the judgment seat, yea, in fine, because of those who had rebelled against their country and also their God.

Paragraph 1

1

62 Now when Moroni received this letter, he was encouraged and filled with joy because of Parhoron’s faithfulness, learning he wasn’t a traitor to the freedom and cause of his country. On the other hand, he was also very sad for the iniquity of those who had driven Parhoron from the judgment seat who clearly had rebelled against their country and God.

Paragraph 2

2

3 And it came to pass that Moroni took a small number of men according to the desire of Parhoron, and gave Lehi and Teancum command over the remainder of his army, and took his march towards the land of Gideon. 4 And he did raise the standard of liberty in whatsoever place he did enter, and gained whatsoever force he could in all his march towards the land of Gideon.

Paragraph 2

2

Moroni took a small number of men, as Parhoron requested, and put Lehi and Teancum in command of the rest of his army and then marched to Gideon. He raised the Declaration of Liberty every place he went and recruited all the force he could during his march to Gideon.

Paragraph 3

3

5 And it came to pass that thousands did flock unto his standard and did take up their swords in the defense of their freedom, that they might not come into bondage. 6 And thus when Moroni had gathered together whatsoever men he could in all his march, he came to the land of Gideon; and uniting his forces with that of Parhoron’s, they became exceeding strong, even stronger than the men of Pachus, who was the king of those dissenters who had driven out the Freemen, out of the land of Zarahemla, and had taken possession of the land.

Paragraph 3

3

Thousands flocked to his banner and took up their swords in defense of their freedom, refusing to be slaves. After Moroni recruited all the men he could during his march, he arrived at Gideon. After combining his forces with Parhoron’s, they were very strong, clearly stronger than the men of Pachus, the defectors’ king. He was the one who chased away the freemen from Zarahemla and now ruled there.

Paragraph 4

4

7 And it came to pass that Moroni and Parhoron went down with their armies into the land of Zarahemla, and went forth against the city and did meet the men of Pachus, insomuch that they did come to battle. 8 And behold, Pachus was slain and his men were taken prisoners, and Parhoron was restored to his judgment seat. 9 And the men of Pachus received their trial according to the law, and also those Kingmen which had been taken and cast into prison, and they were executed according to the law; yea, those men of Pachus and those Kingmen — whosoever would not take up arms in the defense of their country, but would fight against it — were put to death. 10 And thus it became expedient that this law should be strictly observed for the safety of their country, yea, and whosoever was found a denying their freedom was speedily executed according to the law. 11 And thus ended the thirtieth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, Moroni and Parhoron having restored peace to the land of Zarahemla among their own people, having inflicted death upon all those who were not true to the cause of freedom.

Paragraph 4

4

So Moroni and Parhoron led their armies to Zarahemla and took the battle to the city and confronted Pachus’ followers. Then Pachus was killed and his men taken prisoners; and Parhoron was restored to his judgment seat. Pachus’ followers and any captured and imprisoned kingmen were tried under the law. Then they were executed according to the law. Not only Pachus’ men and the kingmen were put to death, but also anyone who refused to take up arms to defend their country and instead decided to fight against it. 10 It was absolutely necessary for this law to be enforced for the safety of their country. Anyone who was found denying the people’s freedom was quickly executed under the law. 11 That ended the 30th year of the judges’ rule over the Nephites, with Moroni and Parhoron having restored peace to Zarahemla among their own people, having imposed the death penalty on everyone unfaithful to the cause of freedom.

Paragraph 5

5

12 And it came to pass in the commencement of the thirty and first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, Moroni immediately caused that provisions should be sent, and also an army of six thousand men should be sent unto Helaman, to assist him in preserving that part of the land. 13 And he also caused that an army of six thousand men, with a sufficient quantity of food, should be sent to the armies of Lehi and Teancum. And it came to pass that this was done to fortify the land against the Lamanites.

Paragraph 5

5

12 At the start of the 31st year of the judges’ rule, Moroni immediately had supplies and an army of 6,000 men sent to Helaman to assist him in preserving that part of the land. 13 He also had an army of 6,000 men with enough food sent to the armies of Lehi and Teancum. This was done to fortify the land against the Lamanites.

Paragraph 6

6

14 And it came to pass that Moroni and Parhoron, leaving a large body of men in the land of Zarahemla, took their march with a large body of men towards the land of Nephihah, being determined to overthrow the Lamanites in that city.

Paragraph 6

6

14 Then Moroni and Parhoron left a large army in Zarahemla and marched with a large army to Nephihah. They were resolved to remove the Lamanites from that city.

Paragraph 7

7

15 And it came to pass that as they were marching towards the land, they took a large body of men of the Lamanites, and slew many of them, and took their provisions and their weapons of war. 16 And it came to pass, after they had taken them, they caused them to enter into a covenant that they would no more take up their weapons of war against the Nephites. 17 And when they had entered into this covenant, they sent them to dwell with the people of Ammon; and they were in number about four thousand who had not been slain.

Paragraph 7

7

15 As they marched to the land, they captured a large group of Lamanites after killing many of them and took their supplies and weapons. 16 After they had captured them, they had them covenant that they would never again take up weapons against the Nephites. 17 When they had made this covenant, they sent them to live with Ammon’s people. Those who hadn’t been killed numbered about 4,000.

Paragraph 8

8

18 And it came to pass that when they had sent them away, they pursued their march towards the land of Nephihah. And it came to pass that when they had come to the city Nephihah, they did pitch their tents in the plains of Nephihah, which is near the city Nephihah. 19 Now Moroni was desirous that the Lamanites should come out to battle against them upon the plains. But the Lamanites, knowing of their exceeding great courage and beholding the greatness of their numbers, therefore they durst not come out against them; therefore they did not come to battle in that day. 20 And when the night came, Moroni went forth in the darkness of the night and came up on the top of the wall to spy out in what part of the city the Lamanites did camp with their army.

Paragraph 8

8

18 After sending them away, they resumed the march to Nephihah. When they arrived at Nephihah, they camped in the plains of Nephihah near the city. 19 Now Moroni wanted the Lamanites to fight the battle on the plains. But the Lamanites knew how committed and fearless they were, and could see the size of their armed forces, so they didn’t dare come out against them; therefore the battle didn’t start that day. 20 When night came, Moroni went under the cover of darkness and climbed up the wall to observe the area where the Lamanites camped with their army.

Paragraph 9

9

21 And it came to pass that they were on the east, by the entrance, and they were all asleep. And now Moroni returned to his army and caused that they should prepare in haste strong cords and ladders to be let down from the top of the wall into the inner part of the wall.

Paragraph 9

9

21 They were all asleep by the east entrance. Then Moroni returned to his army and made them quickly assemble ropes and ladders to get over the wall and inside the city.

Paragraph 10

10

22 And it came to pass that Moroni caused that his men should march forth and come up upon the top of the wall, and let themselves down into that part of the city, yea, even on the west, where the Lamanites did not camp with their armies.

Paragraph 10

10

22 Moroni led his men over the wall into the west side of the city opposite to where the Lamanites’ army camped.

Paragraph 11

11

23 And it came to pass that they were all let down into the city by night, by the means of their strong cords and their ladders. Thus when the morning came, they were all within the walls of the city. 24 And now when the Lamanites awoke and saw that the armies of Moroni were within the walls, they were affrightened exceedingly, insomuch that they did flee out by the pass. 25 And now when Moroni saw that they were fleeing before him, he did cause that his men should march forth against them, and slew many, and surrounded many others and took them prisoners; and the remainder of them fled into the land of Moroni which was in the borders by the seashore. 26 Thus had Moroni and Parhoron obtained the possession of the city of Nephihah without the loss of one soul; and there were many of the Lamanites who were slain.

Paragraph 11

11

23 So they infiltrated the city at night using ropes and ladders to scale the wall. When morning came, they were all inside the city walls. 24 When the Lamanites woke up and saw Moroni’s armies inside the walls, they were extremely frightened, and they ran out through the gate. 25 When Moroni saw them running away, he had his men chase them, and they killed many and surrounded many others and took them prisoner. The rest escaped to the land of Moroni, by the seashore. 26 In this way, Moroni and Parhoron had taken the city of Nephihah without the loss of one life; but many of the Lamanites were killed.

Paragraph 12

12

27 Now it came to pass that as many of the Lamanites that were prisoners were desirous to join the people of Ammon and become a free people, 28 and it came to pass that as many as were desirous, unto them it was granted according to their desires. 29 Therefore, all the prisoners of the Lamanites did join the people of Ammon and did begin to labor exceedingly, tilling the ground, raising all manner of grain, and flocks, and herds of every kind. And thus were the Nephites relieved from a great burthen, yea, insomuch that they were relieved from all the prisoners of the Lamanites.

Paragraph 12

12

27 Now many of the Lamanite prisoners wanted to join Ammon’s people and become free, 28 and everyone who wanted to join them was allowed to do so, if they wished. 29 Therefore Lamanite prisoners joined Ammon’s people and started working extremely hard, tilling the ground and raising all kinds of grain, as well as flocks and herds of every kind. And so the Nephites were relieved of a great burden, and didn’t need to deal with the Lamanite prisoners.

Paragraph 13

13

30 Now it came to pass that Moroni, after he had obtained possession of the city of Nephihah, having taken many prisoners, which did reduce the armies of the Lamanites exceedingly, and having retained many of the Nephites who had been taken prisoners, which did strengthen the army of Moroni exceedingly, therefore Moroni went forth from the land of Nephihah to the land of Lehi.

Paragraph 13

13

30 Now Moroni had taken the city of Nephihah, and captured many prisoners. That substantially reduced the Lamanite armies. He also recovered many of the Nephite prisoners, which substantially strengthened Moroni’s army. Afterward, he left Nephihah to go to the land of Lehi.

Paragraph 14

14

31 And it came to pass that when the Lamanites saw that Moroni was a coming against them, they were again frightened, and fled before the army of Moroni. 32 And it came to pass that Moroni and his army did pursue them from city to city until they were met by Lehi and Teancum; and the Lamanites fled from Lehi and Teancum, even down upon the borders by the seashore until they came to the land of Moroni. 33 And the armies of the Lamanites were all gathered together, insomuch that they were all in one body in the land of Moroni. Now Ammoron, the king of the Lamanites, was also with them.

Paragraph 14

14

31 When the Lamanites saw Moroni was heading directly toward them, they were again frightened and ran away from Moroni’s army. 32 Moroni and his army chased them from city to city until they encountered Lehi and Teancum. And the Lamanites retreated from Lehi and Teancum, going all the way to the seashore and the land of Moroni. 33 There the Lamanite armies consolidated into one single, large body in the land of Moroni. Now Ammoron the Lamanite king was also there.

Paragraph 15

15

34 And it came to pass that Moroni, and Lehi, and Teancum did encamp with their armies round about in the borders of the land of Moroni, insomuch that the Lamanites were encircled about in the borders by the wilderness on the south and in the borders by the wilderness on the east; 35 and thus they did encamp for the night. For behold, the Nephites, and the Lamanites also, were weary because of the greatness of the march, therefore they did not resolve upon any stratagem in the nighttime, save it were Teancum. For he was exceeding angry with Ammoron, insomuch that he considered that Ammoron, and Amalickiah his brother, had been the cause of this great and lasting war between them and the Lamanites, which had been the cause of so much war and bloodshed, yea, and so much famine.

Paragraph 15

15

34 Moroni, Lehi, and Teancum camped with their armies surrounding the Lamanites at the land of Moroni, by the south and east borders of the wilderness. 35 And so they camped for the night, since both the Nephites and the Lamanites were tired from the long march. No conflict began that night, except for Teancum. He was bitterly angry with Ammoron, because he considered Ammoron and his brother Amalickiah to be responsible for this great unending war with the Lamanites, which resulted in so much fighting, slaughter, and hunger.

Paragraph 16

16

36 And it came to pass that Teancum, in his anger, did go forth into the camp of the Lamanites and did let himself down over the walls of the city. And he went forth with a cord from place to place, insomuch that he did find the king; and he did cast a javelin at him, which did pierce him near the heart. But behold, the king did awake his servant before he died, insomuch that he did pursue Teancum and slew him.

Paragraph 16

16

36 In his bitter anger, Teancum crept into the Lamanite camp and over the city walls. He climbed from place to place, until he found the king; and he threw a javelin at him, which pierced him near the heart. But the king woke up his servant before he died, and he chased Teancum and killed him.

Paragraph 17

17

37 Now it came to pass that when Lehi and Moroni knew that Teancum was dead, they were exceeding sorrowful; for behold, he had been a man who had fought valiantly for his country, yea, a true friend to liberty, and he had suffered very many exceeding sore afflictions. But behold, he was dead and had gone the way of all the earth.

Paragraph 17

17

37 When Lehi and Moroni learned Teancum was killed, they were heartbroken. He was a man who fought valiantly for his country — a true friend of liberty — and he had endured terrible hardships. But now he was dead, his life departing from this earth.

Paragraph 18

18

38 Now it came to pass that Moroni marched forth on the morrow and came upon the Lamanites, insomuch that they did slay them with a great slaughter and they did drive them out of the land. And they did flee, even that they did not return at that time against the Nephites. 39 And thus ended the thirty and first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. And thus they had had wars, and bloodsheds, and famine, and affliction, for the space of many years. 40 And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi. Nevertheless for the righteous’ sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared. 41 But behold, because of the exceeding great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites, many had become hardened because of the exceeding great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depths of humility.

Paragraph 18

18

38 On the following day, Moroni attacked the Lamanites with such fury that there was a great slaughter, and they retreated out of the land. They fled and didn’t return again to fight the Nephites. 39 And so ended the 31st year of the judges’ rule over the Nephites. They had endured wars, carnage, hunger, and hardships for many years. 40 There had been murders, conflicts, defections, and all kinds of iniquity among the Nephites. Nevertheless, because of the prayers of the righteous they were spared. 41 But because of the years of war between the Nephites and Lamanites, many had become coldhearted; and others were softened by their hardships and were deeply humbled before God.

Paragraph 19

19

42 And it came to pass that after Moroni had fortified those parts of the land which were most exposed to the Lamanites until they were sufficiently strong, he returned to the city of Zarahemla. And also Helaman returned to the place of his inheritance; and there was once more peace established among the people of Nephi. 43 And Moroni yielded up the command of his armies into the hands of his son whose name was Moronihah; and he retired to his own house, that he might spend the remainder of his days in peace. 44 And Parhoron did return to his judgment seat, and Helaman did take upon him again to preach unto the people the word of God; for because of so many wars and contentions, it had become expedient that a regulation should be made again in the church. 45 Therefore, Helaman and his brethren went forth and did declare the word of God with much power, unto the convincing of many people of their wickedness, which did cause them to repent of their sins and to be baptized unto the Lord their God.

Paragraph 19

19

42 After Moroni fortified the areas most exposed to the Lamanites with an adequate defense, he returned to the city of Zarahemla. Helaman also returned to his place. And peace returned to the Nephites. 43 Moroni turned over command of his armies to his son, named Moronihah. He retired to his house, to spend the rest of his days in peace. 44 Parhoron returned to his judgment seat. Helaman returned to preaching God’s word to the people. Indeed, because there had been so many wars and conflicts, the congregation needed to receive attention. 45 Therefore Helaman and his brothers traveled and taught God’s word with authority, convincing many people of their wickedness, which led them to repent of their sins and be baptized in the name of the Lord who is God.

Paragraph 20

20

46 And it came to pass that they did establish again the church of God throughout all the land. 47 Yea, and regulations were made concerning the law; and their judges and their chief judges were chosen. 48 And the people of Nephi began to prosper again in the land, and began to multiply and to wax exceeding strong again in the land. And they began to grow exceeding rich, 49 but notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes, neither were they slow to remember the Lord their God, but they did humble themselves exceedingly before him. 50 Yea, they did remember how great things the Lord had done for them, that he had delivered them from death, and from bonds, and from prisons, and from all manner of afflictions, and he had delivered them out of the hands of their enemies. 51 And they did pray unto the Lord their God continually, insomuch that the Lord did bless them according to his word so that they did wax strong and prosper in the land. 52 And it came to pass that all these things were done. And Helaman died in the thirty and fifth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

Paragraph 20

20

46 And so they once more established God’s congregation throughout the land. 47 The administration of their laws received attention, with new judges and chief judges being chosen. 48 And the Nephites began to flourish and increase in numbers and grow strong in the land once more, and they began to grow very rich. 49 But despite their wealth, strength, or prosperity, they weren’t prideful, and no one thought themselves better than another. They weren’t slow to remember the Lord their God, either, but they sincerely humbled themselves before Him. 50 They remembered how the Lord had done great things for them, He rescued them from death, chains, prisons, and from so many difficulties; He had rescued them from their enemies. 51 And they prayed to the Lord their God continually, and the Lord blessed them as He promised, and they grew strong and flourished in the land. 52 All this was accomplished before Helaman died, in the 35th year of the judges’ rule.