Once more Mormon contrasts the desires of the Lamanites and the Nephites (vv. 29–30). In doing so, he illustrates another principle of Captain Moroni’s leadership; “he thought it no sin that he should defend [the Nephites] by strategem” (v. 30). He was not using a common justification of our day, “the end justifies the means,” but was illustrating his concern for fair play, as will be illustrated when the war continues. An astute leader, he was governed by principle. Captain Moroni was relying on his mental powers as well as his physical ones.