Helaman’s righteous leadership brings about a change in many people, and they unite themselves with the Church by the “tens of thousands” (verse 26). While some are still lifted up in pride, many hold to the word of God, fast and pray, and are blessed. This period of time constitutes an oasis of reform and a flowering of righteousness across a landscape too often marred by the dislocations of rebellion and war. For a short while in history, the growth of an enlightened, and industrious civilization upheld by principles of liberty and abetted by the preservation of a just peace extends itself to all parts of the land. This is possible only because the seeds of pride, still quivering just below the surface in some quarters, are being held in check by the power of God and the receptiveness of the hearts of the righteous.