1:1 And now there was no more contention in all the land of Zarahemla,
among all the people who belonged to king Benjamin, so that king
Benjamin had continual peace all the remainder of his days.
1:2 And it came to pass that he had three sons; and he called their
names Mosiah, and Helorum, and Helaman. And he caused that they should
be taught in all the language of his fathers, that thereby they might
become men of understanding; and that they might know concerning the
prophecies which had been spoken by the mouths of their fathers, which
were delivered them by the hand of the Lord.
1:3 And he also taught them concerning the records which were engraven
on the plates of brass, saying: My sons, I would that ye should
remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records
and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at
this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God.
1:4 For it were not possible that our father, Lehi, could have
remembered all these things, to have taught them to his children,
except it were for the help of these plates; for he having been taught
in the language of the Egyptians therefore he could read these
engravings, and teach them to his children, that thereby they could
teach them to their children, and so fulfilling the commandments of
God, even down to this present time.
1:5 I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have
been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and
understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before
our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we
should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know
nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they
are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are
not correct.
1:6 O my sons, I would that ye should remember that these sayings are
true, and also that these records are true. And behold, also the plates
of Nephi, which contain the records and the sayings of our fathers from
the time they left Jerusalem until now, and they are true; and we can
know of their surety because we have them before our eyes.
1:7 And now, my sons, I would that ye should remember to search them
diligently, that ye may profit thereby; and I would that ye should keep
the commandments of God, that ye may prosper in the land according to
the promises which the Lord made unto our fathers.
1:8 And many more things did king Benjamin teach his sons, which are
not written in this book.
1:9 And it came to pass that after king Benjamin had made an end of
teaching his sons, that he waxed old, and he saw that he must very soon
go the way of all the earth; therefore, he thought it expedient that he
should confer the kingdom upon one of his sons.
1:10 Therefore, he had Mosiah brought before him; and these are the
words which he spake unto him, saying: My son, I would that ye should
make a proclamation throughout all this land among all this people, or
the people of Zarahemla, and the people of Mosiah who dwell in the
land, that thereby they may be gathered together; for on the morrow I
shall proclaim unto this my people out of mine own mouth that thou art
a king and a ruler over this people, whom the Lord our God hath given
us.
1:11 And moreover, I shall give this people a name, that thereby they
may be distinguished above all the people which the Lord God hath
brought out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I do because they have
been a diligent people in keeping the commandments of the Lord.
1:12 And I give unto them a name that never shall be blotted out,
except it be through transgression.
1:13 Yea, and moreover I say unto you, that if this highly favored
people of the Lord should fall into transgression, and become a wicked
and an adulterous people, that the Lord will deliver them up, that
thereby they become weak like unto their brethren; and he will no more
preserve them by his matchless and marvelous power, as he has hitherto
preserved our fathers.
1:14 For I say unto you, that if he had not extended his arm in the
preservation of our fathers they must have fallen into the hands of the
Lamanites, and become victims to their hatred.
1:15 And it came to pass that after king Benjamin had made an end of
these sayings to his son, that he gave him charge concerning all the
affairs of the kingdom.
1:16 And moreover, he also gave him charge concerning the records which
were engraven on the plates of brass; and also the plates of Nephi; and
also, the sword of Laban, and the ball or director, which led our
fathers through the wilderness, which was prepared by the hand of the
Lord that thereby they might be led, every one according to the heed
and diligence which they gave unto him.
1:17 Therefore, as they were unfaithful they did not prosper nor
progress in their journey, but were driven back, and incurred the
displeasure of God upon them; and therefore they were smitten with
famine and sore afflictions, to stir them up in remembrance of their
duty.
1:18 And now, it came to pass that Mosiah went and did as his father
had commanded him, and proclaimed unto all the people who were in the
land of Zarahemla that thereby they might gather themselves together,
to go up to the temple to hear the words which his father should speak
unto them.