DOCSLIB.ORG

May 2015 Ensign

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
May 2015 Ensign By Elder Michael T. Ringwood My Book of Mormon hero is a Of the Seventy perfect example of a wonderful and blessed soul who was truly good and without guile. Shiblon was one of the sons of Alma the Younger. We are more familiar with his brothers Helaman, Truly Good and who would follow his father as the keeper of the records and the prophet of God, and Corianton, who gained some notoriety as a missionary who without Guile needed some counsel from his father. To Helaman, Alma wrote 77 verses The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that the desires of our (see Alma 36–37). To Corianton, Alma hearts can be transformed and our motives can be educated and refined. dedicated 91 verses (see Alma 39–42). To Shiblon, his middle son, Alma wrote a mere 15 verses (see Alma 38). Yet his words in those 15 verses are powerful nfortunately, there was a time in In October, President Dieter F. and instructive. my life when I was motivated by Uchtdorf said: “Over the course of “And now, my son, I trust that I shall Utitles and authority. It really began my life, I have had the opportunity to have great joy in you, because of your innocently. As I was preparing to serve rub shoulders with some of the most steadiness and your faithfulness unto a full-time mission, my older brother competent and intelligent men and God; for as you have commenced in was made a zone leader in his mission. women this world has to offer. When I your youth to look to the Lord your I heard so many positive things said was younger, I was impressed by those God, even so I hope that you will con- about him that I couldn’t help but want who were educated, accomplished, tinue in keeping his commandments; for those things said about me. I hoped for successful, and applauded by the blessed is he that endureth to the end. and may have even prayed for a similar world. But over the years, I have come “I say unto you, my son, that I have position. to the realization that I am far more had great joy in thee already, because Thankfully, as I served my mission, I impressed by those wonderful and of thy faithfulness and thy diligence, learned a powerful lesson. Last confer- blessed souls who are truly good and and thy patience and thy long-suffering ence I was reminded of that lesson. without guile.” 1 among the people” (Alma 38:2–3). In addition to speaking to Shiblon, Alma also spoke about him to Corianton. Alma said: “Have ye not observed the steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God? Behold, has he not set a good example for thee?” (Alma 39:1).2 It appears that Shiblon was a son who wanted to please his father and went about doing what was right for right’s sake rather than for praise, position, power, accolades, or author- ity. Helaman must have known and respected this about his brother, for he gave Shiblon custody of the sacred MAY 2015 59 callings find ways to consistently serve and lift others. One brother shows up early for church to set up chairs and stays after to straighten up the chapel. One sister purposely selects a seat near a blind sister in her ward not only so she can greet her but also so she can sing the hymns loudly enough that the blind sister can hear the words and sing along. If you look closely in your ward or branch, you will find examples like these. There are always members who seem to know who needs help Woodbury, Minnesota, USA and when to offer it. Perhaps my first lesson about truly records he had received from his good Saints without guile was learned father. Surely Helaman trusted when I was a young missionary. I Shiblon because “he was a just moved into an area with an elder I man, and he did walk uprightly didn’t know. I had heard other mis- before God; and he did observe to sionaries talk about how he had never do good continually, to keep the received any leadership assignments commandments of the Lord his and how he struggled with the Korean God” (Alma 63:2). As seems truly language despite having been in the characteristic of Shiblon, there is country a long time. But as I got to not much recorded about him from know this elder, I found he was one of the time he took possession of the the most obedient and faithful mission- sacred records until he gave them aries I had known. He studied when it to Helaman’s son Helaman (see was time to study; he worked when it Alma 63:11). “more anxious to serve than to have was time to work. He left the apart- Shiblon was truly good and without dominion.” ment on time and returned on time. He guile. He was a person who sacrificed Today there are some who would was diligent in studying Korean even his time, talents, and effort to help and have us believe our search for rele- though the language was especially lift others because of a love for God vance can be satisfied only by obtain- difficult for him. and his fellowmen (see Alma 48:17–19; ing position and power. Yet, thankfully, When I realized the comments I 49:30). He is described perfectly by the there are many who are uninfluenced had heard were untrue, I felt like this words of President Spencer W. Kimball: by this perspective. They find relevance missionary was being misjudged as “Great women and men are always in seeking to be truly good and without unsuccessful. I wanted to tell the whole more anxious to serve than to have guile. I have found them in all walks of mission what I had discovered about dominion.” 3 life and in many faith traditions. And I this elder. I shared with my mission In a world where praise, position, find them in large numbers among the president my desire to correct this power, accolades, and authority are truly converted followers of Christ.4 misunderstanding. His response was, sought on every side, I honor those I honor those who selflessly serve “Heavenly Father knows this young wonderful and blessed souls who each week in wards and branches man is a successful missionary, and so are truly good and without guile, around the world by going above and do I.” He added, “And now you know those who are motivated by a love beyond in fulfilling callings. But callings too, so who else really matters?” This of God and their neighbors, those come and go. Even more impressive to wise mission president taught me what great women and men who are me are the many who without formal was important in service, and it wasn’t 60 SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION | APRIL 4, 2015 praise, position, power, honor, or the man who writes notes of encour- we begin the process of becoming authority. This was a great lesson for a agement to neighbors and the woman new creatures (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; young missionary who was too focused who doesn’t just mail Christmas cards Mosiah 27:26). Each time we renew the on titles. but hand delivers them to family mem- covenant of baptism by partaking of With this lesson in mind, I began bers and friends who need a visit. I the sacrament, we are one step closer to look back on my life and see how honor the brother who routinely took a to that ultimate goal.5 As we endure in often I had been influenced by men neighbor for a ride during that neigh- that covenant, we access the strength to and women who at the time held no bor’s dark days of Alzheimer’s—giving mourn with those who mourn and to great title or position. One of those both him and his wife a much-needed comfort those who need comfort (see Shiblon-like souls was my seminary change of pace. Mosiah 18:9). In that covenant, we find teacher during my junior year in high These things are not done for praise the grace that enables us to serve God school. This good man taught seminary or accolades. These men and women and keep His commandments, includ- for only two or three years, but he are not motivated by the possibility of ing loving God with all our hearts and opened my heart in a way that helped receiving titles or authority. They are dis- loving our neighbors as ourselves.6 In me gain a testimony. He may not have ciples of Christ, going about doing good that covenant, God and Christ succor been the most popular teacher at the continually, and like Shiblon, they are us so we can succor those who stand school, but he was always prepared trying to please their Father in Heaven. in need of our succor (see Mosiah 4:16; and his influence on me was powerful It saddens me when I hear of some see also verses 11–15). and lasting. One of the few times I saw who stop serving or even attending All I really want in life is to please this man in the 40 years since he taught church because they are released from a my fathers—both earthly and heavenly me was when he came to see me at my calling or feel overlooked for a position —and to be more like Shiblon.7 father’s funeral.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • “They Are of Ancient Date”: Jaredite Traditions and the Politics of Gadianton's Dissent
    Brigham Young University BYU ScholarsArchive Faculty Publications 2020-8 “They Are of Ancient Date”: Jaredite Traditions and the Politics of Gadianton’s Dissent Dan Belnap Brigham Young University, [email protected] Daniel L. Belnap Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub Part of the Mormon Studies Commons BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Belnap, Dan and Belnap, Daniel L., "“They Are of Ancient Date”: Jaredite Traditions and the Politics of Gadianton’s Dissent" (2020). Faculty Publications. 4479. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/4479 This Book Chapter is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. ILLUMINATING THE RECORDS Edited by Daniel L. Belnap Published by the Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, in cooper- ation with Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City. Visit us at rsc.byu.edu. © 2020 by Brigham Young University. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America by Sheridan Books, Inc. DESERET BOOK is a registered trademark of Deseret Book Company. Visit us at DeseretBook.com. Any uses of this material beyond those allowed by the exemptions in US copyright law, such as section 107, “Fair Use,” and section 108, “Library Copying,” require the written permission of the publisher, Religious Studies Center, 185 HGB, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah 84602. The views expressed herein are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of Brigham Young University or the Religious Studies Center.
    [Show full text]
  • King Benjamin and the Feast of Tabernacles
    King Benjamin and the Feast of Tabernacles John A. Tvedtnes A portion of the brass plates brought by Lehi to the New World contained the books of Moses (1 Nephi 5:10-13). Nephi and other Book of Mormon writers stressed that they obeyed the laws given therein: “And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things according to the law of Moses” (2 Nephi 5:10). But aside from sacrice2 and the Ten Commandments,3 we have few explicit details regarding the Nephite observance of the Mosaic code. One would expect, for example, some mention of the festivals which played such an important role in the religious observances of ancient Israel. Though the Book of Mormon mentions no religious festivals by name, it does detail many signicant Nephite assemblies. One of the more noteworthy of the Nephite ceremonies was the coronation of the second Mosiah by his father, Benjamin.4 Some years ago, Professor Hugh Nibley outlined the similarities between this Book of Mormon account and ancient Middle Eastern coronation rites.5 He pointed out that these rites took place at the annual New Year festival, when the people were placed under covenant of obedience to the monarch. My own research further explores the Israelite coronation/New Year rites, and aims to complement other scholarly studies of the ceremonial context of Benjamin’s speech. THE SABBATICAL FEASTS In the sacred calendar, the Israelite new year began with the month of Abib (later called Nisan), in the spring (end March/beginning April).6 This month encompassed the feasts of Passover (beginning at sundown on the fourteenth day) and Unleavened Bread (fourteenth through twenty-first days), and included “holy convocations,” analogous to the Latter-day Saint April general conference (Leviticus 23:4-8).
    [Show full text]
  • Joseph Smith and Diabolism in Early Mormonism 1815-1831
    Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 5-2021 "He Beheld the Prince of Darkness": Joseph Smith and Diabolism in Early Mormonism 1815-1831 Steven R. Hepworth Utah State University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd Part of the History of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Hepworth, Steven R., ""He Beheld the Prince of Darkness": Joseph Smith and Diabolism in Early Mormonism 1815-1831" (2021). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 8062. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/8062 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at DigitalCommons@USU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@USU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. "HE BEHELD THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS": JOSEPH SMITH AND DIABOLISM IN EARLY MORMONISM 1815-1831 by Steven R. Hepworth A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in History Approved: Patrick Mason, Ph.D. Kyle Bulthuis, Ph.D. Major Professor Committee Member Harrison Kleiner, Ph.D. D. Richard Cutler, Ph.D. Committee Member Interim Vice Provost of Graduate Studies UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Logan, Utah 2021 ii Copyright © 2021 Steven R. Hepworth All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT “He Beheld the Prince of Darkness”: Joseph Smith and Diabolism in Early Mormonism 1815-1831 by Steven R. Hepworth, Master of Arts Utah State University, 2021 Major Professor: Dr. Patrick Mason Department: History Joseph Smith published his first known recorded history in the preface to the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon.
    [Show full text]
  • A Third Jaredite Record: the Sealed Portion of the Gold Plates
    Journal of Book of Mormon Studies Volume 11 Number 1 Article 10 7-31-2002 A Third Jaredite Record: The Sealed Portion of the Gold Plates Valentin Arts Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Arts, Valentin (2002) "A Third Jaredite Record: The Sealed Portion of the Gold Plates," Journal of Book of Mormon Studies: Vol. 11 : No. 1 , Article 10. Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jbms/vol11/iss1/10 This Feature Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Book of Mormon Studies by an authorized editor of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Title A Third Jaredite Record: The Sealed Portion of the Gold Plates Author(s) Valentin Arts Reference Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 11/1 (2002): 50–59, 110–11. ISSN 1065-9366 (print), 2168-3158 (online) Abstract In the Book of Mormon, two records (a large engraved stone and twenty-four gold plates) contain the story of an ancient civilization known as the Jaredites. There appears to be evidence of an unpublished third record that provides more information on this people and on the history of the world. When the brother of Jared received a vision of Jesus Christ, he was taught many things but was instructed not to share them with the world until the time of his death. The author proposes that the brother of Jared did, in fact, write those things down shortly before his death and then buried them, along with the interpreting stones, to be revealed to the world according to the timing of the Lord.
    [Show full text]
  • Mini-Lesson 3. Helaman 13:24–33
    BOOK OF MORMON SEMINARY TEACHER MANUAL—LESSON 113 Mini-Lesson 3. Helaman 13:24–33 Invite a student to read Helaman 13:24–26 aloud. Ask the other students to follow along, looking for how the Nephites responded to the prophets whom the Lord sent to them. Then ask the following questions: • How did the Nephites respond to the prophets whom the Lord sent to them? • Why do you think some people become angry when a prophet encourages them to repent? Invite a student to read Helaman 13:27–28 aloud. Ask the other students to follow along, looking for the teachings the Nephites wanted to hear. • What teachings did the Nephites want to hear? • Why might these kinds of teachings appeal to people? • What are some examples of similar teachings and attitudes in our day? Invite a student to read Helaman 13:30–33 aloud. Ask the other students to follow along, looking for what the Nephites would experience if they rejected the words of the Lord’s prophets. • What principle can we learn from these verses about what will happen if we reject the words of the Lord’s prophets? (Help students identify the following principle: If we reject the words of the Lord’s prophets, we will experience regret and sorrow. Invite students to consider writing this principle in their scriptures near verses 30–33.) • How might rejecting a prophet’s counsel lead someone to experience regret and sorrow? Ask a student to read aloud the following statement by President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994): “How we respond to the words of a living prophet when he tells us what we need to know, but would rather not hear, is a test of our faithfulness” (Ezra Taft Benson, “ Fourteen Funda- mentals in Following the Prophet ” [Brigham Young University devotional, Feb.
    [Show full text]
  • Lead Student Lesson Plan L05: Helaman 1-9 Main Purposes
    Lead Student Lesson Plan L05: Helaman 1-9 Main Purposes • Learn a study skill and decide how to use it to better understand the scriptures. • Learn from and teach others gospel principles found in the Book of Mormon through a selected directed study activity. • Take deliberate action to develop Christ-like attributes. Student Preparation Students were asked to prepare for gathering by completing specific activities and/or pondering certain questions. Please refer to the gathering instructions in this week’s unit or lesson in the course. Lesson Outline As the Lead Student this week you will facilitate the Thursday Gathering. The times given for each activity are suggested times. The Gathering should not last more than 60 minutes. Try to make sure that the main purposes of the gathering are met each week. OPENING LED BY MISSIONARIES Announcements, Announcements Hymn, and Prayer Opening Hymn: Chosen by missionaries (10 minutes) Opening Prayer: By Invitation CLASS ACTIVITIES LED BY LEAD STUDENT Review and Lead Student to Class Introduction Follow-up from previous week: Begin with asking the following (10 minutes) question: Is there anyone who would like to share their successes or challenges in applying principles/concepts discussed during last week's gathering? Discuss this week's content: Next, share with the group what you learned this week as you studied and pondered the week's reading assignment in the scriptures and/or how you applied principles and concepts from the previous week. Ask questions: Prepare a few thoughtful questions which will encourage students to share new insights and thoughts that they gained through their scripture study this week.
    [Show full text]
  • “And He Was Anti-Christ”: the Significance of the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of the Judges, Part 2 Daniel Belnap
    Brigham Young University BYU ScholarsArchive Faculty Publications 2019 “And he was Anti-Christ”: The Significance of the Eighteenth earY of the Reign of the Judges, Part 2 Daniel Belnap [email protected] Daniel L. Belnap Daniel Belnap Dan Belnap Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Belnap, Daniel; Belnap, Daniel L.; Belnap, Daniel; and Belnap, Dan, "“And he was Anti-Christ”: The Significance of the Eighteenth earY of the Reign of the Judges, Part 2" (2019). Faculty Publications. 4482. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/4482 This Peer-Reviewed Article is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. “And he was Anti-Christ”: The Significance of the Eighteenth Year of the Reign of the Judges, Part 2 Daniel Belnap For the Nephites, the sixteenth year of the reign of the judges was tremendously difficult. The arrival of the people of Ammon, in itself an incredible disruption of Nephite society, precipitated a bat- tle, which Mormon describes as a “tremendous battle; yea, even such an one as never had been known among all the people in the land from the time Lehi left Jerusalem” (Alma 28:2). The dead, we are told, were not counted due to their enormous number. These events com- pounded the pre-existing struggles that resulted from the sociopolit- 1 ical fallout from the reforms of Mosiah2. Though Alma 30:5 suggests that all is well in Zarahemla during the seventeenth year of the reign of the judges, the events of the next year and half, the eighteenth year, belie this peace.
    [Show full text]
  • Charting the Book of Mormon, © 1999 Welch, Welch, FARMS Life Spans of Lehi’S Lineage
    Section 3 Chronology of the Book of Mormon Charts 26–40 Chronology Chart 26 Life Spans of Lehi’s Lineage Key Scripture 1 Nephi–Omni Explanation This chart shows the lineage of Lehi and approximate life spans of him and his descendants, from Nephi to Amaleki, who were re- sponsible for keeping the historical and doctrinal records of their people. Each bar on the chart represents an individual record keeper’s life. Although the Book of Mormon does not give the date of Nephi’s death, it makes good sense to assume that he was approximately seventy-five years old when he died. Source John W. Welch, “Longevity of Book of Mormon People and the ‘Age of Man,’” Journal of Collegium Aesculapium 3 (1985): 34–45. Charting the Book of Mormon, © 1999 Welch, Welch, FARMS Life Spans of Lehi’s Lineage Life span Lehi Life span with unknown date of death Nephi Jacob Enos Jarom Omni Amaron Chemish Abinadom Amaleki 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 YEARS B.C. Charting the Book of Mormon, © 1999 Welch, Welch, FARMS Chart 26 Chronology Chart 27 Life Spans of Mosiah’s Lineage Key Scripture Omni–Alma 27 Explanation Mosiah and his lineage did much to bring people to Jesus Christ. After being instructed by the Lord to lead the people of Nephi out of the land of Nephi, Mosiah preserved their lives and brought to the people of Zarahemla the brass plates and the Nephite records. He also taught the people of Zarahemla the gospel and the lan- guage of the Nephites, and he was made king over both Nephites and Mulekites.
    [Show full text]
  • Episode 20 Scripture Stories CHAPTERS 32–33 Captain Moroni
    Episode 20 Scripture Stories CHAPTERS 32–33 Captain Moroni, Book of Mormon Stories [BEGIN MUSIC: Scripture Power] Because I want to be like the Savior, and I can, I‟m reading His instructions, I‟m following His plan. Because I want the power His word will give to me, I‟m changing how I live, I‟m changing what I‟ll be. Scripture power keeps me safe from sin. Scripture power is the power to win. Scripture power! Ev‟ry day I need The power that I get each time I read. [END MUSIC] CHILDREN: Welcome to Scripture Stories! [BEGIN MUSIC: Scripture Power] I‟ll find the sword of truth in each scripture that I learn. I‟ll take the shield of faith from these pages that I turn. I‟ll wear each vital part of the armor of the Lord, And fight my daily battles, and win a great reward. Scripture power keeps me safe from sin. Scripture power is the power to win. Scripture power! Ev‟ry day I need The power that I get each time I read. [END MUSIC] HOST: Scripture Stories is a program for you—the children. As you listen, remember that these stories are about real people who lived long ago. Read along with us. You‟ll find these stories in the Scripture Stories books published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. Have your mother, father, teacher or a friend help you find the story and invite them to read along with you, too. [BEGIN MUSIC: Choose the Right Way] There‟s a right way to live and be happy; It is choosing the right ev‟ry day.
    [Show full text]
  • Helaman 7-16
    HELAMAN 7-16 Book of Mormon, Adult Institute Class, Monday, 22 February 2010 David A. LeFevre INTRODUCTION The main points of this lesson are that 1) The Lord is preparing his people who will listen for the coming of his Son; and, 2) Sadly, most of the people will not listen. These chapters cover twenty-two years of Nephite history, from 69-90 in the reign of the judges (RoJ). Nearly everything described happens in the city of Zarahemla. A simple outline of the chapters in this lesson is: Topic Reference 1830 chapter Nephi’s sermons Helaman 7-8 Nephi’s innocence proved Helaman 9 Helaman 3 A blessing for Nephi Helaman 10 Famine and robbers Helaman 11 Helaman 4 Mormon’s editorial Helaman 12 The words of Samuel Helaman 13-15 Helaman 5 Wickedness prevails Helaman 16 HELAMAN 7 NEPHI’S FIRST SERMON 1 from the land northward . Nephi and his brother Lehi went on a mission to the land northward along with many Lamanite missionaries, as recorded in Helaman 6:6. They left in 62 RoJ, and returned it was 69 RoJ, meaning they were on a mission for 7-8 years. 3 they did reject all his words . Sadly, it appears that his long mission had little impact, even to the point that “he could not stay among them.” Many missionaries today could take heart from this short mention. How many of today’s missionaries preach for 18-24 months and baptize only a few? Yet here was Nephi, one of the Lord’s great servants, who converted thousands of Lamanites, but who had no success among the people to the north after laboring with them for many years.
    [Show full text]
  • Remember and Perish Not Tle Itself, Doing All in Our Power to Resist Temptation and Avoid Sinning
    Remember and Perish Not tle itself, doing all in our power to resist temptation and avoid sinning. By Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy (Church Historian and Recorder) King Benjamin called for such active remembering Ensign, May 2007, 36–38 from his people: “And "nally, I cannot tell you all the things Remembering in the way God whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers intends is a fundamental and ways and means, even so many that I cannot num- saving principle of the gospel. ber them. I feel honored to follow Sister “But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not Parkin. Her service and teach- watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your ings as well as those of her words, and your deeds, and observe the command- counselors have blessed all of ments of God, and continue in the faith of what us. About this same hour 18 1/2 years ago, I was ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, standing near this pulpit waiting for the congrega- even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. tional singing to end, when I was to step forward And now, O man, remember, and perish not.” 2 and give my "rst general conference address. My anxiety at that moment must have been obvious. Realizing the vital role remembering is to play Elder L. Tom Perry, who was standing behind me, in our lives, what else ought we to remember? In leaned forward and, in his positive and enthusiastic response, assembled as we are today to remember way, whispered in my ear.
    [Show full text]
  • Helaman's Stripling Warriors and the Principles of Hypovolemic Shock
    Helaman's Stripling Warriors and the Principles of Hypovolemic Shock Robert Patterson THE STORY OF HELAMAN and his stripling warriors is well known to stu- dents of the Book of Mormon. In brief, around 75 B.C. the people of Ammon, who originally were Lamanites, converted to the Lord and went to live among the Nephites. They swore an oath to never again use weapons for the shedding of man's blood (Alma 24:17-19). When the Lamanites later engaged in a recurring war with the Nephites, the Am- monites wanted to help defend their adopted country, but were per- suaded by Helaman not to break their pacifist covenant. Instead, they sent their male offspring, who had not entered into the non-aggression pact, to battle. These two thousand sons of Helaman are described as "all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity" (Alma 53:20). Later they are described as "stripling warriors" (Alma 53:22) and "stripling Ammonites" (Alma 56:57). Helaman's army eventually engaged a Lamanite force, and after a bitter struggle prevailed. He then took stock of his casualties and discov- ered unexpected good fortune: "And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of my two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the foes of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds.
    [Show full text]