King Lamoni’s Reaction

And it came to pass that king Lamoni caused that his servants should stand forth and testify to all the things which they had seen concerning the matter. And when they had all testified to the things which they had seen, and he had learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving his flocks, and also of his great power in contending against those who sought to slay him, he was astonished exceedingly, and said:

“Surely, this is more than a man.
behold, is not this the Great Spirit who doth send such great punishments upon this people, because of their murders?”

Now this was the tradition of Lamoni, which he had received from his father, that there was a Great Spirit. Notwithstanding they believed in a Great Spirit they supposed that whatsoever they did was right; nevertheless, Lamoni began to fear exceedingly, with fear lest he had done wrong in slaying his servants;

And they answered the king, and said:

“Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter the king’s flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain.”

And now, when the king heard these words, he said unto them:

“Now I know that it is the Great Spirit; and he has come down at this time to preserve your lives, that I might not slay you as I did your brethren. Now this is the Great Spirit of whom our fathers have spoken.”

And it came to pass that king Lamoni inquired of his servants, saying:

“Where is this man that has such great power?”

And they said unto him:

“Behold, he is feeding thy horses.

Now the king had commanded his servants, previous to the time of the watering of their flocks, that they should prepare his horses and chariots, and conduct him forth to the land of Nephi; for there had been a great feast appointed at the land of Nephi, by the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.”

Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying:

“Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.

“Now I surely know that this is the Great Spirit, and I would desire him that he come in unto me, but I durst not.”