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Show BOOK 376 OF BOOK ALMA. not been for the pity and the exceeding love which Ammur and his brethren had had for them; and for this cause, they were brought down into the land of Zarahemla; and they ever had been protected by the Nephites. But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved with compassion, and were desirous West Sea. OF ALMA. 377 And thus ended the twenty and cigth year of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, &c. REPRE: RATT CHAPTER | XXV. =o y f A (GA V4 for qestget goog erat as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, Anp now it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year of the Judges, that Ammoron sent unto Moroni, desiring that he would exchange prisoners. And it came to pass that Morom felt to rejoice exceedingly at this request, for he desired the and Helaman feared lest by so doing, they should lose their provisions which was imparted for the support of the Laman- their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances, at this time. But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, which had not entered into a covenant that they would not take thei Now the Lamanites had taken many women and children ; and io take up arms in the defence of their country. for they were about to break But behold, the oath which they had made; souls; therefore all those which had entered into this covenant, were compelled to behold their brethren wade through weapons of war to defend themselves against their enemies; time, therefore they,.did assemble themselves together at this themcalled they and arms; up take to as many as were able ite prisoners, for the support of his own people; and he ,also desired his own people for the strengthening of his army.— there was not a woman nor a child among all the prisoners of Moroni, or the prisoners which Moroni had taken; therefore Moroni resolved upon a stratagem, to obtain as many prison- ers of the Nephites from the Lamanites, as it were possible ; therefore he wrote an epistle, and sent it by the servant oi Ammoron, the same who had brought an epistle to Moroni. selves Nephites; and they entered into a covenant, (0 figh unto for the liberty of the Nephites ; yea, to protect the land covena' they even yea, the laying down of their lives; that they never would give up their liberty, but they woul 10ll fight in all cases to protect the Nephites and themselves bondage. those young mer Now behold, there were two thousand of weapol’s ™ their took and which entered into this covenant, they neve? as behold, now And war to defend their country. cerning this war which ye have waged against my people, or rather which thy brother hath waged against them, and which ye are still determined to carry on after his death. Behold, | Would tell you something concerning the justice of God, and the sword of his Almighty wrath, which deth hang over you: Xeept ye repent and withdraw your armies into your Own lands, or the lands of your possessions, which is the land of for they ce now at this period of time also a great support; Nephi; yea, I would tell you these things, if ye were capable of hearkening unto them; yea, I would tell you concerning tney becai had hitherto been a disadvantage to the N ephites, snow’" their weapons of war, and they would that Helaman as men, and their leader. And they were all young for a” anc strength also and exceeding valiant for courage, men which i vity; but behold, this was not all : they were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were CT yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they bee an taught to keep the commandments of God, and to walk upris"* + iat th ly before him. And now it came to pass that Helaman did_march * +o to the supp?” she head of his two thousand stripling soldiers, the souts, 972 on land the of borders the in the peoplé Now these are the words which he wrote unto Ammoron, say- ing: Behold; Ammoron, | have wrote unto you somewhat con- that awful hell that awaits to receive such murderers as thou md thy brother hath been, except ye repent and withdraw your murderous purposes, and return with your armies to your own lands ; but as ye have rejected these things, and ,have ought against the people of the Lord, even so I may expect you will do it again. And now behold, we are prepared to receive you ; yea, and “xcept you withdraw your purposes, he Wrath of that God whom you behold, ye will pull down have rejected, / RV j s WY eS upon you, “Yen to your utter destruction ; but as the Lord liveth, our armes shall come upon you, except ye withdraw, and ye shalt EIS aes |
