Continued Preaching

And Alma went forth, and also Amulek, among the people, to declare the words of God unto them; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost. And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power until they were bound in bands and cast into prison.

Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his power in them. And it came to pass that they went forth and began to preach and to prophesy unto the people, according to the spirit and power which the Lord had given them.

And again, I, Alma, having been commanded of God that I should take Amulek and go forth and preach again unto this people, or the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass as I began to preach unto them, they began to contend with me, saying:

“Who art thou?
Suppose ye that we shall believe
the testimony of one man,
although he should preach unto us
that the earth should pass away?”

Now they understood not the words which they spake; for they knew not that the earth should pass away.

And they said also:

“We will not believe thy words
if thou shouldst prophesy
that this great city
should be destroyed in one day.”

Now they knew not that God could do such marvelous works, for they were a hard–hearted and a stiffnecked people.

And they said:

“Who is God,
that sendeth no more authority
than one man among this people,
to declare unto them the truth
of such great and marvelous things?”

And they stood forth to lay their hands on me; but behold, they did not. And I stood with boldness to declare unto them, yea, I did boldly testify unto them, saying:

• Forgotten God
• God’s mercy
• Repent
• Remember Lehi
• Lamanite proof
• Lamanite ignorance
• Impending destruction
• Sinning against greater knowledge
• A favored people
• A history of blessings
• Strength and prosperity
• Knowingly sinning
• Consequences of rebellion
• Repent and prepare
• The coming of Christ
• Prepare
• Bring forth good works

Now it came to pass that when I, Alma, had spoken these words, behold, the people were wroth with me because I said unto them that they were a hard–hearted and a stiffnecked people.

And also because I said unto them that they were a lost and a fallen people they were angry with me, and sought to lay their hands upon me, that they might cast me into prison. But it came to pass that the Lord did not suffer them that they should take me at that time and cast me into prison.

And it came to pass that Amulek went and stood forth, and began to preach unto them also. And now the words of Amulek are not all written, nevertheless a part of his words are written in this book.

Now these are the words which Amulek preached unto the people who were in the land of Ammonihah, saying:

• Amulek’s family
• Amulek’s ancestry
• Amulek’s social status
• Amulek’s spirituality
• Amulek’s past stubbornness
• Amulek’s call
• Meeting Alma
• Testimony
• Blessings

And now, when Amulek had spoken these words the people began to be astonished, seeing there was more than one witness who testified of the things whereof they were accused, and also of the things which were to come, according to the spirit of prophecy which was in them.

Nevertheless, there were some among them who thought to question them, that by their cunning devices they might catch them in their words, that they might find witness against them, that they might deliver them to their judges that they might be judged according to the law, and that they might be slain or cast into prison, according to the crime which they could make appear or witness against them.

Now it was those men who sought to destroy them, who were lawyers, who were hired or appointed by the people to administer the law at their times of trials, or at the trials of the crimes of the people before the judges.

Now these lawyers were learned in all the arts and cunning of the people; and this was to enable them that they might be skilful in their profession. And it came to pass that they began to question Amulek, that thereby they might make him cross his words, or contradict the words which he should speak.

Now they knew not that Amulek could know of their designs. But it came to pass as they began to question him, he perceived their thoughts, and he said unto them:

• Reproof
• Bringing down the wrath of God
• Mosiah was right
• Call to repentance
• Prayers of the righteous
• Repent

And now it came to pass that the people were more angry with Amulek, and they cried out, saying:

“This man doth revile against our laws which are just,
and our wise lawyers whom we have selected.”

But Amulek stretched forth his hand, and cried the mightier unto them, saying:

“O ye wicked and perverse generation, why hath Satan got such great hold upon your hearts? Why will ye yield yourselves unto him that he may have power over you, to blind your eyes, that ye will not understand the words which are spoken, according to their truth?

“For behold, have I testified against your law? Ye do not understand; ye say that I have spoken against your law; but I have not, but I have spoken in favor of your law, to your condemnation.

“And now behold, I say unto you, that the foundation of the destruction of this people is beginning to be laid by the unrighteousness of your lawyers and your judges.”

And now it came to pass that when Amulek had spoken these words the people cried out against him, saying:

“Now we know that this man is a child of the devil, for he hath lied unto us; for he hath spoken against our law. And now he says that he has not spoken against it. And again, he has reviled against our lawyers, and our judges.”

And it came to pass that the lawyers put it into their hearts that they should remember these things against him. And there was one among them whose name was Zeezrom. Now he was the foremost to accuse Amulek and Alma, he being one of the most expert among them, having much business to do among the people.

Now the object of these lawyers was to get gain; and they got gain according to their employ.

Now, it was for the sole purpose to get gain, because they received their wages according to their employ, therefore, they did stir up the people to riotings, and all manner of disturbances and wickedness, that they might have more employ, that they might get money according to the suits which were brought before them; therefore they did stir up the people against Alma and Amulek.