For almost three years there was an unbroken peace among the Nephites, or from the beginning of the fifteenth year to nearly the end of the seventeenth year of the Reign of the Judges over that people.
Many of the scars inflicted on them during their recent conflict with the Lamanites were now healed. The great number of dead who were slain during that prolonged struggle were buried by the People of Zarahemla, who had driven the Lamanites out of their fair land. The dead of both the Nephites and the Lamanites were not counted because of their vast number.
Also, the People of Ammon, or the Christian Lamanites who had changed their name from Anti-Nephi-Lehies, were firmly established in their new home, the Land of Jershon, where they appeared to be safely ensconced.
Mormon comments that during this relatively short period of time "the people did observe to keep the commandments of the Lord." They were taught to abide strictly the laws and ordinances of the Gospel as provided in the Law of Moses until that time should come when it would be fulfilled with the coming of Christ. Thus the Nephites, a kindly and righteous people, passed away in peace the 75th and 74th years before the Savior's advent here upon the Earth.
But now it seems that the calm occasioned by their righteous behavior was disrupted by a form of priestcraft introduced by an eloquent propagandist who was violently Anti-Christ, "for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming of Christ."