Pride, we may conceive, is at first a small matter, but as it increases within us, our hearts are hardened, our efforts in establishing God's Kingdom upon the Earth are enfeebled, and our desires for the higher things of life are dulled. Only as we are firm, and steadfast, and immovable, and seek with all diligence to keep the Lord's commandments, can we thwart the plans of the evil one. Satan often begins his campaign of moral and mental, not forgetting physical, destruction by puffing up a people "with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world." And thus, with the Nephites of this period, all thoughts of God were crowded from their hearts, and thus, "Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity..." (verse 16) Mormon comments that "therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years."