“Secret Signs and Secret Words to Commit All Manner of Wickedness”

Brant Gardner

In Mormon’s first introduction of the Gadianton conspiracy (Hel. 2), he described the practices as part of his narrative. For example, the gang members entered into a covenant (Hel. 2:3), had secret signs of recognition (Hel. 2:7), and engaged in robbing, plundering, and political murders. (See commentary accompanying Alma 17:14, 50:21, and Helaman 6:17.) Here Mormon presents a highly condensed version of this information as a reminder of the Gadiantons’ sinister purposes and operations.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 5

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