Mormon had last mentioned the Lamanites to demonstrate their exemplary righteousness, which exceeded that of the Nephites (Hel. 7:23–24). Here he emphasizes the divisions among the Lamanites. Like the Nephites, the Lamanites have dissenters who become Gadiantons. Thus, Mormon presents the Gadiantons as the epitome of apostasy, both among the Nephites and the righteous Lamanites. His mention of Zoramites suggests that he sees the Gadiantons as following a religious order that at least favors the Zoramite heresy. (See commentary accompanying Helaman 5:41.)
Text: There is no chapter break at this point in the 1830 edition.