The afflictions of war, terrible as they were, had some positive effects upon the people as well. There was great growth in the Church by many baptisms. Thirty-five hundred were baptized in the seventh year (vv. 3–5). This is a good illustration for what the Lord told Joseph Smith about his persecutions and false accusations: “All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7). Paul taught the Romans a similar principle: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, see also D&C 100:15).