The Lamanites grow in righteousness, while the Nephites increase in iniquity. The Gadianton bands are utterly destroyed from among the Lamanites, but are so greatly encouraged by the Nephites that they obtain sole management of the government. 24 577 68 Chief Judge Seezoram assassinated by his brother, Seantum. Nephi, rejected in the north, returns to Zarahemla; he notifies the people of the murder of Seezoram, is arrested as an accessory, but afterwards released. The Lord makes a covenant with him, and directs him to continue his ministrations. 23 578 69 Nephi, preserved by the miraculous power of God, preaches from land to land. 22 579 70 Division, even to bloodshed, prevails among the Nephites. 21 580 71 Contentions and wars throughout all the land. 20 581 72 The internal wars, originating with the Gadianton robbers, still continue. To stay the bloodshed, Nephi prays for a famine; his prayer is answered. 19 582 73 The famine continues and spreads. 18 583 74 The whole land, both among the Nephites and Lamanites, smitten with the famine: thousands die of hunger and pestilence. The people, in their extremity repent; they exterminate the Gadianton bands. 17 584 75 The Lord sends rain; and the earth brings forth abundantly. Nephi is reverenced as a servant of God by all the people. 16 585 76 The people rapidly increase; the major part of both peoples belong to the church. 15 586 77 Slight contentions on doctrinal questions. 14 587 78 The controversies increase; Nephi and Lehi receive many revelations and put an end to the disputes. 13 588 79 Dissenters search out the ancient abominations, re-establish the Gadianton bands and commence war. 12 589 80 The robbers grow strong; defy the armies of the Nephites and Lamanites; commit depredations and carry off many prisoners. Great loss of life on both sides. 11 590 81 The Nephites again begin to forget the Lord. The Lamanites remain faithful. 10 591 82 The people wax strong in iniquity. 9 592 83 The people do not mend their ways. 8 593 84 The people grow in wickedness and ripen for destruction. 7 594 85 Samuel, the Lamanite, prophecies on the walls of Zarahemla; some attempt to kill him, others believe. The latter seek Nephi and are baptized. Samuel escapes to his own land. Nephi performs many miracles. 6 595 86