Those who survived these terrible judgments, were favoured with the personal ministry of Christ. For after He arose from the dead--finished his ministry at Jerusalem, and ascended to heaven, he descended in the presence of the Nephites, who were assembled round about their temples in the northern parts of South America He exhibited to them his wounded hands, side, and feet--commanded the law of Moses to be abolished--introduced and established the Gospel in its stead--chose twelve disciples from among them to administer the same--instituted the sacrament--prayed for and blessed their little children--healed their sick, blind, lame, deaf, and those who were afflicted in any way--raised a man from the dead--showed forth his power in their midst--expounded the scriptures which had been given from the beginning down to that time, and made known unto them all things which should take place down until He should come in his glory, and from that time down to the end, when all people, nations, and languages shall stand before God to be judged, and the heaven, and the earth should pass away, and there should be a new heaven and new earth. These teachings of Jesus were engraved upon plates, some of which are contained in the book of Mormon; but the greater part are not revealed in that book, but are hereafter to be made manifest to the saints. After Jesus had finished ministering unto them, he ascended into heaven; and the twelve disciples whom he had chosen, went forth upon all the face of the land, preaching the gospel; baptizing those who repented, for the remission of sins, after which they laid their hands upon them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Mighty miracles were wrought by them, and also by many of the church. The Nephites and Lamanites were all converted unto the Lord, both in South and North America; and they dwelt in righteousness above three hundred years; but towards the close of the fourth century of the Christian era, they had so far apostatized from God, that he suffered great judgments to fall upon them. The Lamanites, at that time, dwelt in South America, and the Nephites in North America.