CHAPTER 11.
The wicked King Noah and his priests — The prophet Abinadi denounces the prevailing wickedness — King Noah seeks his life.
1. And now it came to pass that Zeniff conferred the kingdom upon Noah, one of his sons; therefore Noah began to reign in his stead; and he did not walk in the ways of his father.
2. For behold, he did not keep the commandments of Godde, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of Heavenly Mother and Heavenly Father. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness.
3. And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all they possessed, a fifth part of their gold and of their silver, and a fifth part of their ziff, and of their copper, and of their brass and their iron; and a fifth part of their fatlings; and also a fifth part of all their grain.
4. And all this did he take to support himself, and his wives and his concubines; and also his priests, and their wives and their concubines; thus he had changed the affairs of the kingdom.
5. For he put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his father, and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their hearts.
6. Yea, and thus they were supported in their laziness, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people; thus did the people labor exceedingly to support iniquity.
7. Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did speak flattering things unto them.
8. And it came to pass that king Noah built many elegant and spacious buildings; and he ornamented them with fine work of wood, and of all manner of precious things, of gold, and of silver, and of iron, and of brass, and of ziff, and of copper;
9. And he also built him a spacious palace, and a throne in the midst thereof, all of which was of fine wood and was ornamented with gold and silver and with precious things.
10. And he also caused that his workers should work all manner of fine work within the walls of the temple, of fine wood, and of copper, and of brass.
11. And the seats which were set apart for the high priests, which were above all the other seats, he did ornament with pure gold; and he caused a breastwork to be built before them, that they might rest their bodies and their arms upon while they should speak lying and vain words to his people.
12. And it came to pass that he built a tower near the temple; yea, a very high tower, even so high that he could stand upon the top thereof and overlook the land of Shilom, and also the land of Shemlon, which was possessed by the Lamanites; and he could even look over all the land roundabout.
13. And it came to pass that he caused many buildings to be built in the land Shilom; and he caused a great tower to be built on the hill north of the land Shilom, which had been a resort for the children of Nephi at the time they fled out of the land; and thus he did do with the riches which he obtained by the taxation of his people.
14. And it came to pass that he placed his heart upon his riches, and he spent his time in riotous living with his wives and his concubines; and so did also his priests spend their time with harlots.
15. And it came to pass that he planted vineyards roundabout in the land; and he built wine presses, and made wine in abundance; and therefore he became a wine-bibber, and also his people.
16. And it came to pass that the Lamanites began to come in upon his people, upon small numbers, and to slay them in their fields, and while they were tending their flocks.
17. And king Noah sent guards round about the land to keep them off; but he did not send a sufficient number, and the Lamanites came upon them and killed them, and drove many of their flocks out of the land; thus the Lamanites began to destroy them, and to exercise their hatred upon them.
18. And it came to pass that king Noah sent his armies against them, and they were driven back, or they drove them back for a time; therefore, they returned rejoicing in their spoil.
19. And now, because of this great victory they were lifted up in the pride of their hearts; they did boast in their own strength, saying that their fifty could stand against thousands of the Lamanites; and thus they did boast, and did delight in blood, and the shedding of the blood of their kin, and this because of the wickedness of their king and priests.
20. And it came to pass that there was a man among them whose name was Abinadi; and he went forth among them, and began to prophesy, saying: Behold, thus saith the Divine Parents, and thus hath they commanded me, saying, Go forth, and say unto this people, thus saith the Divine Parents — Wo be unto this people, for we have seen their abominations, and their wickedness, and their whoredoms; and except they repent we will visit them in our anger.
21. And except they repent and turn to their Heavenly Parents, their Godde, behold, we will deliver them into the hands of their enemies; yea, and they shall be brought into bondage; and they shall be afflicted by the hand of their enemies.
22. And it shall come to pass that they shall know that we are the Eternal Godde, and are a jealous Godde, visiting the iniquities of our people.
23. And it shall come to pass that except this people repent and turn unto their Eternal Godde, they shall be brought into bondage; and none shall deliver them, except it be the Divine Parents, the Almighty Godde.
24. Yea, and it shall come to pass that when they shall cry unto us we will be slow to hear their cries; yea, and we will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies.
25. And except they repent in sackcloth and ashes, and cry mightily to their Eternal Godde, we will not hear their prayers, neither will we deliver them out of their afflictions; and thus saith our Godde, and thus hath they commanded me.
26. Now it came to pass that when Abinadi had spoken these words unto them they were wroth with him, and sought to take away his life; but Heavenly Mother and Father delivered him out of their hands.
27. Now when king Noah had heard of the words which Abinadi had spoken unto the people, he was also wroth; and he said; Who is Abinadi, that I and my people should be judged of him, or who are the Divine Parents, that shall bring upon my people such great affliction?
28. I command you to bring Abinadi hither, that I may slay him, for he has said these things that he might stir up my people to anger one with another, and to raise contentions among my people; therefore I will slay him.
29. Now the eyes of the people were blinded; therefore they hardened their hearts against the words of Abinadi, and they sought from that time forward to take him. And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of Godde, and he did not repent of his evil doings
CHAPTER 12.
Abinadi for denouncing evil-doers is cast into prison — The false priests sit in judgment upon him — They are confounded.
1. And it came to pass that after the space of two years that Abinadi came among them in disguise, that they knew him not, and began to prophesy among them, saying: Thus have the Divine Parents commanded me, saying — Abinadi, go and prophesy unto this my people, for they have hardened their hearts against my words; they have repented not of their evil doings; therefore, I will visit them in my anger, yea, in my fierce anger will I visit them in their iniquities and abominations.
2. Yea, wo be unto this generation! And our Heavenly Parents said unto me: Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy, saying: Thus saith our Godde, it shall come to pass that this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea, and shall be driven by taskmasters, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh.
3. And it shall come to pass that the life of king Noah shall be valued even as a garment in a hot furnace; for he shall know that we are the Eternal Godde.
4. And it shall come to pass that we will smite this our people with sore afflictions, yea, with famine and with pestilence; and we will cause that they shall howl all the day long.
5. Yea, and we will cause that they shall have burdens lashed upon their backs; and they shall be driven before like a dumb ass.
6. And it shall come to pass that we will send forth hail among them, and it shall smite them; and they shall also be smitten with the east wind; and insects shall pester their land also, and devour their grain.
7. And they shall be smitten with a great pestilence — and all this will we do because of their iniquities and abominations.
8. And it shall come to pass that except they repent we will utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth; yet they shall leave a record behind them, and we will preserve them for other nations which shall possess the land; yea, even this will we do that we may discover the abominations of this people to other nations. And many things did Abinadi prophesy against this people.
9. And it came to pass that they were angry with him; and they took him and carried him bound before the king, and said unto the king: Behold, we have brought a man before thee who has prophesied evil concerning thy people, and saith that Godde will destroy them.
10. And he also prophesieth evil concerning thy life, and saith that thy life shall be as a garment in a furnace of fire.
11. And again, he saith that thou shalt be as a stalk, even as a dry stalk of the field, which is run over by the beasts and trodden under foot.
12. And again, he saith thou shalt be as the blossoms of a thistle, which, when it is fully ripe, if the wind bloweth, it is driven forth upon the face of the land. And he pretendeth the Divine Parents hath spoken it. And he saith all this shall come upon thee except thou repent, and this because of thine iniquities.
13. And now, O king, what great evil hast thou done, or what great sins have thy people committed, that we should be condemned of Godde or judged of this man?
14. And now, O king, behold, we are guiltless, and thou, O king, hast not sinned; therefore, this man has lied concerning you, and he has prophesied in vain.
15. And behold, we are strong, we shall not come into bondage, or be taken captive by our enemies; yea, and thou hast prospered in the land, and thou shalt also prosper.
16. Behold, here is the man, we deliver him into thy hands; thou mayest do with him as seemeth thee good.
17. And it came to pass that king Noah caused that Abinadi should be cast into prison; and he commanded that the priests should gather themselves together that he might hold a council with them what he should do with him.
18. And it came to pass that they said unto the king: Bring him hither that we may question him; and the king commanded that he should be brought before them.
19. And they began to question him, that they might cross him, that thereby they might have wherewith to accuse him; but he answered them boldly, and withstood all their questions, yea, to their astonishment; for he did withstand them in all their questions, and did confound them in all their words.
20. And it came to pass that one of them said unto him: What meaneth the words which are written, and which have been taught by our mothers and fathers, saying;
21. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy Godde reigneth;
22. Thy watchmen and watchwomen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion;
23. Break forth into joy; sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem;
24. Our Heavenly Parents have made bare their holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our Godde?
25. And now Abinadi said unto them: Are you priests, and pretend to teach this people, and to understand the spirit of prophesying, and yet desire to know of me what these things mean?
26. I say unto you, wo be unto you for perverting the ways of Godde! For if ye understand these things ye have not taught them; therefore, ye have perverted the ways of Godde.
27. Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise. Therefore, what teach ye this people?
28. And they said: We teach the law of Moses.
29. And again he said unto them: If ye teach the law of Moses why do ye not keep it? Why do ye set your hearts upon riches? Why do ye commit whoredoms and spend your strength with harlots, yea, and cause this people to commit sin, that Godde has cause to send me to prophesy against this people, yea, even a great evil against this people?
30. Know ye not that I speak the truth? Yea, ye know that I speak the truth; and you ought to tremble before Godde.
31. And it shall come to pass that ye shall be smitten for your iniquities, for ye have said that ye teach the law of Moses. And what know ye concerning the law of Moses? Doth salvation come by the law of Moses? What say ye?
32. And they answered and said that salvation did come by the law of Moses.
33. But now Abinadi said unto them: I know if ye keep the commandments of Godde ye shall be saved; yea, if ye keep the commandments which Godde delivered unto Moses in the mount of Sinai, saying:
34. We are the Eternal Godde, who hath brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
35. Thou shalt have no other Godde before us.
36. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing in heaven above, or things which are in the earth beneath.
37. Now Abinadi said unto them, Have ye done all this? I say unto you, Nay, ye have not. And have ye taught this people that they should do all these things? I say unto you, Nay, ye have not.
CHAPTER 13.
Abinadi the prophet, protected by divine power, withstands the priests and cites the Law and the Gospel.
1. And now when the king had heard these words, he said unto his priests: Away with this fellow, and slay him; for what have we to do with him, for he is mad.
2. And they stood forth and attempted to lay their hands on him; but he withstood them, and said unto them:
3. Touch me not, for Godde shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, for I have not delivered the message which the Divine Parents sent me to deliver; neither have I told you that which ye requested that I should tell; therefore, Godde will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time.
4. But I must fulfill the commandments wherewith Godde the Eternal Father and Mother have commanded me; and because I have told you the truth ye are angry with me. And again, because I have spoken the word of Godde ye have judged me that I am mad.
5. Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words that the people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit of Godde was upon him; and his face shone with exceeding luster, even as Moses did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with Godde.
6. And he spake with power and authority from Godde; and he continued his words, saying:
7. Ye see that ye have not power to slay me, therefore I finish my message. Yea, and I perceive that it cuts you to your hearts because I tell you the truth concerning your iniquities.
8. Yea, and my words fill you with wonder and amazement, and with anger.
9. But I finish my message; and then it matters not whither I go, if it so be that I am saved.
10. But this much I tell you, what you do with me, after this, shall be as a type and a shadow of things which are to come.
11. And now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of Godde, for I perceive that they are not written in your hearts; I perceive that ye have studied and taught iniquity the most part of your lives.
12. And now, ye remember that I said unto you: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of things which are in heaven above, or which are in the earth beneath, or which are in the water under the earth.
13. And again: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for we the Eternal Godde are a jealous Godde, visiting the iniquities of the parents upon the children, unto the third and fourth generations of them that hate us;
14. And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love us and keep our commandments.
15. Thou shalt not take the name of the Eternal Godde in vain; for Godde will not hold them guiltless that taketh their name in vain.
16. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
17. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work;
18. But the seventh day, the sabbath of the Eternal Godde, thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates;
19. For in six days the Creator made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is; wherefore the Creator blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
20. Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Eternal Godde giveth thee.
21. Thou shalt not kill.
22. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal.
23. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
24. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s spouse, nor their man-servant, nor their maid-servant, nor their ox, nor their ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.
25. And it came to pass that after Abinadi had made an end of these sayings that he said unto them: Have ye taught this people that they should observe to do all these things for to keep these commandments?
26. I say unto you, Nay; for if ye had, the Divine Parents would not have caused me to come forth and to prophesy evil concerning this people.
27. And now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of Moses. I say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of Moses.
28. And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which Godde themself shall make for the sins and iniquities of their people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.
29. And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Eternal Godde.
30. Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of Godde and their duty towards the Eternal Mother and Father.
31. But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come.
32. And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any person be saved except it were through the redemption of Godde.
33. For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that Godde should redeem Godde’s people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began — have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?
34. Have they not said that Godde themself should come down among the children of humanity, and take on the form of a man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth?
35. Yea, and have they not said also that he should bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, and that he, himself, should be oppressed and afflicted?
CHAPTER 14.
Abinadi quotes Isaiah to the priests of king Noah — Compare Isaiah 58.
1. Yea, even doth not Isaiah say: Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of Godde revealed?
2. For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3. He is despised and rejected of men and women; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our face from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4. Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of Godde, and afflicted.
5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6. All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to their own way; and the Eternal Godde hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.
7. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth.
8. He was taken from prison and from judgment; and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgressions of my people was he stricken.
9. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no evil, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10. Yet it pleased Godde to bruise him; he hath put him to grief; when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Godde shall prosper in his hand.
11. He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
12. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
CHAPTER 15.
Abinadi’s prophecy — Godde to come down and redeem Godde’s people — Why Jesus Christ is called the Father, the Mother, and the Son.
1. And now Abinadi said unto them: I would that ye should understand that Godde themself shall come down among the children of humanity, and shall redeem their people.
2. And because Godde dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of Godde, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father and Mother, being the Father, Mother, and Son —
3. The Father, because he was conceived by the power of Godde; the Mother, because she bears us into joy and eternal life; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father, Mother, and Son —
4. And they are one Godde, yea, the very Eternal One of heaven and of earth.
5. And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Parents, being one Godde, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people.
6. And after all this, after working many mighty miracles among the children of humanity, he shall be led, yea, even as Isaiah said, as a sheep before the shearer is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.
7. Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father and Mother.
8. And thus Godde breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of humanity —
9. Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of humanity; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice.
10. And now I say unto you, who shall declare his generation? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. And now what say ye? And who shall be his seed?
11. Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets and prophetesses who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ — I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of Godde.
12. For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed?
13. Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his or her mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression, I mean all the holy prophets ever since the world began? I say unto you that they are his seed.
14. And these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy Godde reigneth!
15. And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!
16. And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!
17. And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!
18. And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people;
19. For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all humankind must have perished.
20. But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, he bringeth to pass the Resurrection of the dead.
21. And there cometh a resurrection, even a first resurrection; yea, even a resurrection of those that have been, and who are, and who shall be, even until the resurrection of Christ — for so shall he be called.
22. And now, the resurrection of all the prophets and prophetesses, and all those that have believed in their words, or all those that have kept the commandments of Godde, shall come forth in the first resurrection; therefore, they are the first resurrection.
23. They are raised to dwell with Godde who has redeemed them; thus they have eternal life through Christ, who has broken the bands of death.
24. And these are those who have part in the first resurrection; and these are they that have died before Christ came, in their ignorance, not having salvation declared unto them. And thus the Lord bringeth about the restoration of these; and they have a part in the first resurrection, or have eternal life, being redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ.
25. And little children also have eternal life.
26. But behold, and fear, and tremble before Godde, for ye ought to tremble; for the Lord Jesus Christ redeemeth none such that rebel against Godde and die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have willfully rebelled against Godde, that have known the commandments of Godde, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection.
27. Therefore, ought ye not to tremble? For salvation cometh to none such; for Godde hath redeemed none such; yea, neither can the Lord Jesus Christ redeem such; for he cannot deny himself; for Godde cannot deny justice when it has its claim.
28. And now I say unto you that the time shall come that the salvation of the Lord shall be declared to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.
29. Yea, Lord, thy watchmen and watchwomen shall lift up their voice; with their voices together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord Jesus Christ shall bring again Zion.
30. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.
31. Our Heavenly Parents have made bare their holy arms in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our Godde.
CHAPTER 16.
Abinadi continues his prophecy — Christ the only Redeemer — Resurrection and judgment.
1. And now, it came to pass that after Abinadi had spoken these words he stretched forth his hand and said: The time shall come when all shall see the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ; when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people shall see eye to eye and shall confess before Godde that Godde’s judgments are just.
2. And then shall the wicked be cast out, and they shall have cause to howl, and weep, and wail, and gnash their teeth; and this because they would not hearken unto the voice of Godde; therefore the Lord redeemeth them not.
3. For they are carnal and devilish, and the devil has power over them; yea, even that old serpent that did beguile our first parents, which was the cause of their fall; which was the cause of all humankind becoming carnal, sensual, devilish, knowing evil from good, subjecting themselves to the devil.
4. Thus all humankind were lost; and behold, they would have been endlessly lost were it not that Godde redeemed their people from their lost and fallen state.
5. But remember that those that persist in their own carnal nature, and go on in the ways of sin and rebellion against Godde, remaineth in their fallen state and the devil hath all power over them. Therefore, they are as though there was no redemption made, being enemies to Godde; and also is the devil an enemy to Godde.
6. And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking of things to come as though they had already come, there could have been no redemption.
7. And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.
8. But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.
9. He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.
10. Even this mortal shall put on immortality, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and shall be brought to stand before the bar of Godde, to be judged of them according to their works whether they be good or whether they be evil-
11. If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation, being delivered up to the devil, who hath subjected them, which is damnation-
12. Having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires; having never called upon the Lord Jesus Christ while the arms of mercy were extended towards them; for the arms of mercy were extended towards them, and they would not; they being warned of their iniquities and yet they would not depart from them; and they were commanded to repent and yet they would not repent.
13. And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved?
14. Therefore, if ye teach the law of Moses, also teach that it is a shadow of those things which are to come-
15. Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father and the very Eternal Mother. Amen.
CHAPTER 17.
Martyrdom of Abinadi — While suffering death by fire he predicts retribution upon his murderers — Conversion of Alma.
1. And now it came to pass that when Abinadi had finished these sayings, that the king commanded that the priests should take him and cause that he should be put to death.
2. But there was one among them whose name was Alma, he also being a descendant of Nephi. And he was a young man, and he believed the words which Abinadi had spoken, for he knew concerning the iniquity which Abinadi had testified against them; therefore he began to plead with the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he might depart in peace.
3. But the king was more wroth, and caused that Alma should be cast out from among them, and sent his servants after him that they might slay him.
4. But he fled from before them and hid himself that they found him not. And he being concealed for many days did write all the words which Abinadi had spoken.
5. And it came to pass that the king caused that his guards should surround Abinadi and take him; and they bound him and cast him into prison.
6. And after three days, having counseled with his priests, he caused that he should again be brought before him.
7. And he said unto him: Abinadi, we have found an accusation against thee, and thou art worthy of death.
8. For thou hast said that Godde themself should come down among the children of humanity; and now, for this cause thou shalt be put to death unless thou wilt recall all the words which thou hast spoken evil concerning me and my people.
9. Now Abinadi said unto him: I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands.
10. Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day.
11. And now king Noah was about to release him, for he feared his word; for he feared that the judgments of Godde would come upon him.
12. But the priests lifted up their voices against him, and began to accuse him, saying: He has reviled the king. Therefore the king was stirred up in anger against him, and he delivered him up that he might be slain.
I3. And it came to pass that they took him and bound him, and scourged his skin with faggots, yea, even unto death.
14. And now when the flames began to scorch him, he cried unto them, saying:
15. Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer even the pains of death by fire; and this because they believe in the salvation of the Lord their Godde.
16. And it will come to pass that ye shall be afflicted with all manner of diseases because of your iniquities.
17. Yea, and ye shall be smitten on every hand, and shall be driven and scattered to and fro, even as a wild flock is driven by wild and ferocious beasts.
18. And in that day ye shall be hunted, and ye shall be taken by the hand of your enemies, and then ye shall suffer, as I suffer, the pains of death by fire.
19. Thus Godde executeth vengeance upon those that destroy his people. O Godde, receive my soul.
20. And now, when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of Godde, having sealed the truth of his words by his death.
