Samuel’s message is one of love—despite the spirit of chastening he projects. Samuel has previously confirmed to the people the love of the Lord: “For behold, they have been a chosen people of the Lord; yea, the people of Nephi hath he loved, and also hath he chastened them; yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he chastened them because he loveth them” (Helaman 15:3; compare Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6). Now, in conclusion, Samuel implores the people to emulate the far more righteous Lamanites and to remember the multiple witnesses they have received of the truth of the gospel. In the wake of these pronouncements, some believe Samuel and are baptized, while others harden their hearts and attempt to kill him. This is in accordance with the agency of man, as Elder Bruce R. McConkie confirms: “Cursings as well as blessings attend the preaching of the gospel. Those who believe and obey are blessed eternally; those who harden their hearts, reject the truth, and continue to walk in worldly ways shall be damned” (The Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, 4 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1979–1981], 3:105).