Mormon's people were so steeped in sin, and had become so hardened to sensibility that they were no longer able to choose between good and evil, let alone see the right when opposed by that which was wrong. They had the idea that whatsoever pleased the fancy or gratified the demands of their carnal selves would bring happiness. In this they were mistaken! Mormon says that they did not realize, nor did they bring into actual existence the fact that it was God alone Who spared them in times past. The loving-kindness of the Lord for His wayward children during their period of offense was made evident in His patience and endurance for them which countered every move of their enemies to destroy them. Notwithstanding the offer the Lord made to spare them, if they would repent, and save them from the adversary who sought to destroy them, "They did harden their hearts against the Lord their God."