The greater portion of the people remain in their pride and wickedness, the lesser portion walking more circumspectly before God. 5 596 87 The people grow more hardened. 3 598 89 The words of the prophets begin to be fulfilled; signs and wonders appear, betokening the coming of the Savior; angels are seen by many; yet the people still harden their hearts. The Book of Helaman closes. 2 599 90 The Third Book of Nephi opens. Nephi departs out of the land, and is never again seen. Lachoneus, chief judge and governor. 1 600 91 A.C. The promised signs of the Redeemer's birth appear, to the joy of believers. The two days and one night of constant light; a new star appears. The majority of the people join the church. The Nephites reckon their time from the Messiah's advent. 1 601 92 The Gadianton robbers commit many murders; the people not strong enough to overpower them. 2 602 Dissensions increase, owing to many joining the robber bands, especially among the young. 3 603 Wickedness and unbelief greatly increase. 4 604 Evil continues to gain strength to this time. Gadianton bands grow so numerous that both Nephites and Lamanites take up arms against them. 13 613 The robbers driven into their secret fastnesses in the mountains and the wilderness. 14 614 Owing to dissensions, the robbers gain many advantages. 15 615 Giddianhi, the robber chief, writes an epistle to Lachoneus, calling upon the Nephites to surrender. Gidgiddoni chosen commander of the Nephite forces. Lachoneus decides to gather all the Nephites from both continents into the lands of Zarahemla and Bountiful, and fortify against the attacks of the robbers. 16 616 The people, with all their movable substance and seven years' provisions, gather at the appointed place. 17 617 In the latter part of the year the robbers leave their hiding places and occupy the lands deserted by the people. 18 618 The robbers, under Giddianhi, attack the Nephites. The slaughter more terrible than in any previous battle among the children of Lehi; Giddianhi is slain, the robbers are defeated and pursued to the wilderness. 19 619 The robbers do not venture to again attack the Nephites. Zemnarihah made chief of the robber bands. 20 620