Latter Day Saints; United States -- Description and travel
Among those who were present, and heard Abinadi testify in reference to the
coming and power of Christ, was a young man by the name of Alma, whose
heart was touched by the words of the prophet. Though Abinadi perished in
the flames, his spirit lived in Alma, who now became not only a firm
believer, but a preacher of the doctrines which Abinadi taught. He, of
course, became obnoxious both to the king and priests of Lehi-Nephi.--He,
however, persevered in preaching, though he was obliged to do it in a
private way. His preaching was attended with great effect. And now it was,
that those who believed on him resorted to a place called MORMON for
baptism. The record thus states the matter. "As many as did believe him,
did go forth to a place which was called Mormon, having received its name
from the king, being in the borders of the land, having been infested, by
times, or at seasons, by wild beasts. Now there was in Mormon a fountain of
pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket
of small trees, where he did hide himself in the day-time from the searches
of the king." Here the people came secretly to hear him. And Alma
instructed them in the doctrines of Christ, and baptized them by immersion
in the waters of Mormon. About two hundred and four souls were thus
baptized. The record having recounted these facts, proceeds to say, "This
was done in Mormon: yea, by the waters of Mormon; yea, the place of Mormon,
the waters of Mormon, how beautiful are they to the eyes of them who there
came to the knowledge of their Redeemer; yea, how blessed are they, for
they shall sing to his praise for ever." It was from this place, and these
waters, that the individual took his name, from whom the sect of the
Mormons derives their appellation.
Alma and his operations at Mormon, however, soon became known, and created
a great sensation. He and his followers were denounced as rebels, and a
military force was sent out to cut them off. They had now increased to
nearly five hundred souls. Apprized of the designs of King Noah, they
immediately fled into the wilderness.
The Lord did not allow the wickedness of the people of Lehi-Nephi to go
unpunished. The Lamanites soon came upon them, and reduced them to a state
of vassalage.--They were still allowed, however, to keep up the shadow of a
government, and Limhi succeeded Noah in the kingdom. They were not only
made tributary to the Lamanites, but repeated efforts were made on the part
of the Lamanites to cut them off, and this led them to be always in a
warlike posture. They were also exposed to assaults continually from a
banditti that at times came up from the wilderness, and fell upon them.
When Ammon and his party were seized by the armed forces of Limhi they were
supposed to be one of these marauding bands. This explains the cause of the
treatment which they at first received.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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