General Moroni continues his angry epistle.
After listing the sins Pahoran and the government had
committed against his men, he calls on them to repent and begin to send
provisions to his army as well as Helaman’s. Helaman needs the support to hold
the lands he had taken; Moroni needs the support to retake lost land and
cities.
If his requested is not granted, if the true spirit of
freedom is not shown, he will leave a part of his troops to hold the land,
leaving with them God’s blessings that no one can challenge them, he will march
his troops to Zarahemla. He will gather all those who desire freedom and stir
up rebellion against the government.
Moroni does not fear the power and authority of the
government. He fears God[1]
and it is because of his commandments he will take his sword and defend his
country. It is because of the government’s sin his army had suffered so many
casualties.
Now is the time for them to rush to defend your country and
your soldiers. He warns them the sword of justice hangs over their heads. Failure
to respond with assistance will lead to their destruction.
He awaits the necessary assistance from the government.
Unless they provide relief to the troops, he will march into the land of
Zarahemla and beat them with the sword. He will do this so they cannot impede
the freedom of the people.
The Lord will not allow them to be safe in their sin and
allow the righteous to be destroyed. Remember,
he tells them, the Lamanites hatred is based on the traditions of their fathers[2]
and that hatred has been strengthened by Nephite dissenters. Will the lord protect them because of their
desire for glory and things of the world?
No.
They know they are breaking God’s law, trampling them under
their feet. “Behold, the Lord saith unto
me: If those whom ye have appointed your governors do not repent of their sins
and iniquities, ye shall go up to battle against them” (Alma 60:33).
Moroni reminds them he is guided by the covenants he made
with God. He encouraged them to keep the
commandments and speedily send provisions.
If this isn’t done, he will immediately come as his army is on the verge
of perishing from hunger. The Lord will
give his troops their provisions.
He closes telling them he seeks neither power nor the honor
of the world. He desires to pull down
unrighteous power for the glory of God and the freedom and welfare of his
people.
With this, Moroni ended his epistle.
[1] “Then
came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are
standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the
officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest
they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high
priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not
teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine,
and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We
ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:25-29).
[2] “Thus
they were a very indolent people, many of whom did worship idols, and the curse
of God had fallen upon them because of the traditions of their fathers;
notwithstanding the promises of the Lord were extended unto them on the
conditions of repentance” (Alma 17:15).
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