Helaman 6

By the end of the sixty-second year, most of the Lamanites became good. Their goodness was greater than the Nephites. Many of the Nephites were wicked. They rejected the word of God. But the people of the Church had great joy because of the conversion of the Lamanites. They loved one another and had joy together.

Many of the Lamanites came to the land of Zarahemla to tell the Nephites their story of conversion. Many taught with great power and authority.

There was peace, so the people could travel to any part of the land, among the Nephites or the Lamanites. They traded with each other and became rich. They had lots of gold and silver.

The land south became known as Lehi and the land north was called Mulek. There was much gold, silver and precious metals. They raised much grain and many flocks and herds. Their women made all kinds of fine cloth.

But in the sixty-seventh year, the people began to grow wicked again. The Lord had blessed them so long with the riches of the world they began to put their hearts on riches. They tried to be better than each other. They began to commit secret murders and rob to get more riches.

The gang who was formed by Gadianton had many followers. They were called Gadianton’s robbers. Most of the Nephites joined this gang. They made secret promises to protect each other. They had secret signs and secret words. They did this so they could murder and steal.

The Nephites grew wicked, while the Lamanites began to grow great in the knowledge of their God. The Lord gave his Spirit to the Lamanites because of their easy willingness to believe in his words.

The Lamanites drove the Gadianton robbers away. But the Nephites built the robbers up so the gang took control of the government. They trampled upon the poor and the meek and the humble followers of God.