And ye all are witnesses this day that Zeniff, who was made king over this people, he being overzealous to inherit the land of his fathers, therefore being deceived by the cunning and craftiness of king Laman, who, having entered into a treaty with king Zeniff, and having yielded up into his hands the possessions of a part of the land, or even the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom, and the land round about, and all this he did for the sole purpose of bringing this people into subjection or into bondage. ... And behold, we, at this time, do pay tribute to the king of the Lamanites, to the amount of one half of our corn, and our barley, and even all our grain of every kind, and one half of the increase of our flocks and our herds; and even one half of all we have or possess, the king of the Lamanites doth exact of us — or our lives.
And it came to pass that after king Limhi had made an end of speaking to his people — for he spake many things unto them, and only a few of them have I written in this book — he told his people all the things concerning their brethren who were in the land of Zarahemla. ... And he also rehearsed unto them the last words which king Benjamin had taught them, and explained them to the people of king Limhi so that they might understand all the words which he spake. ... And it came to pass that after he had done all this, that king Limhi dismissed the multitude and caused that they should return everyone unto his own house.
Now as soon as Ammon had read the record, the king inquired of him to know if he could interpret languages. ... And the king said unto him, Being grieved for the afflictions of my people, I caused that forty and three of my people should take a journey into the wilderness, that thereby they might find the land of Zarahemla, that we might appeal unto our brethren to deliver us out of bondage.
Now Ammon said unto him, I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look and translate all records that are of ancient date, and it is a gift from God. ... And behold, the king of the people who is in the land of Zarahemla is the man that is commanded to do these things, and who has this high gift from God. ... And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.
And now when Ammon had made an end of speaking these words, the king rejoiced exceedingly and gave thanks to God, saying, Doubtless a great mystery is contained within these plates; and these interpreters were doubtless prepared for the purpose of unfolding all such mysteries to the children of men.
And it came to pass that I went again with four of my men into the city, in unto the king, that I might know of the disposition of the king and that I might know if I might go in with my people and possess the land in peace. ... And I went in unto the king, and he covenanted with me that I might possess the land of Lehi-Nephi and the land of Shilom. ... Now it was the cunning and the craftiness of king Laman, to bring my people into bondage, that he yielded up the land that we might possess it.
Therefore it came to pass that after we had dwelt in the land for the space of twelve years, that king Laman began to grow uneasy, lest by any means my people should wax strong in the land, and that they could not overpower them and bring them into bondage.
Therefore it came to pass that king Laman began to stir up his people that they should contend with my people; therefore there began to be wars and contentions in the land.
And it came to pass that king Laman died, and his son began to reign in his stead.
For this very cause has king Laman — by his cunning, and lying craftiness, and his fair promises — deceived me, that I have brought this my people up into this land that they may destroy them.
Yea, and thus were they supported in their laziness, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people. ... Yea, and they also became idolatrous because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests, for they did speak flattering things unto them.
And it came to pass that king Noah built many elegant and spacious buildings, and he ornamented them with fine work of wood and of all manner of precious things, of gold, and of silver, and of iron, and of brass, and of ziff, and of copper.
And king Noah sent guards round about the land to keep them off, but he did not send a sufficient number, and the Lamanites come upon them, and killed them, and drive many of their flocks out of the land.
And it came to pass that king Noah sent his armies against them and they were driven back, or they drove them back for a time. ... And thus they did boast, and did delight in blood and the shedding of the blood of their brethren — and this because of the wickedness of their king and priests.
Now when king Noah had heard of the words which Abinadi had spake unto the people, he was also wroth, and he said, Who is Abinadi that I and my people should be judged of him? ... And king Noah hardened his heart against the word of the Lord, and he did not repent of his evil doings.
And it shall come to pass that the life of king Noah shall be valued even as a garment in a hot furnace, for he shall know that I am the Lord.
And it came to pass that they were angry with him; and they took him and carried him bound before the king, and said unto the king, Behold, we have brought a man before thee who has prophesied evil concerning thy people, and saith that God will destroy them.
And now, O king, what great evil hast thou done? ... And now, O king, behold, we are guiltless. ... And thou, O king, hast not sinned.
And it came to pass that king Noah caused that Abinadi should be cast into prison; and he commanded that the priests should gather themselves together, that he might hold a council with them what he should do with him. ... And it came to pass that they said unto the king, Bring him hither that we may question him. ... And the king commanded that he should be brought before them.
And now when the king had heard these words, he said unto his priests, Away with this fellow and slay him.
Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words that the people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the spirit of the Lord was upon him.
And now it came to pass that when Abinadi had finished these sayings, that the king commanded that the priests should take him and cause that he should be put to death. ... Therefore he began to plead with the king that he would not be angry with Abinadi, but suffer that he might depart in peace. ... But the king was more wroth, and caused that Alma should be cast out from among them, and sent his servants after him that they might slay him.
And it came to pass that the king caused that his guards should surround Abinadi and take him; and they bound him and cast him into prison.
And now king Noah was about to release him, for he feared his word; for he feared that the judgments of God would come upon him. ... But the priests lifted up their voices against him and began to accuse him, saying, He has reviled the king. ... Therefore the king was stirred up in anger against him, and he delivered him up that he might be slain.
And now it came to pass that Alma, who had fled from the servants of king Noah, repented of his sins and iniquities, and went about privately among the people, and began to teach the words of Abinadi — yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into Heaven. ... And as many as would hear his word he did teach; and he taught them privately, that it might not come to the knowledge of the king. ... And it came to pass that as many as did believe him did go forth to a place which was called Mormon, having received its name from the king, being in the borders of the land, having been infested by times or at seasons by wild beasts. ... Now there was in Mormon a fountain of pure water, and Alma resorted thither, there being near the water a thicket of small trees where he did hide himself in the daytime from the searches of the king.