The King Opens the Way for Preaching

The proclamation that the Lamanite king had sent among all his people told them not to harm Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Himni, or any of their brethren who preached the word of God. It was forbidden for anyone to bind them, imprison them, or hurt them in any way. They were to have free access to their houses, temples and sanctuaries so that God’s word could be preached throughout all the land.

Lamoni’s father, the Lamanite king, desired that all his people to be convinced of their forefathers’ wicked traditions. He wanted them to realize that they were all brethren, and that they should not murder, steal, commit adultery, or do any kind of wickedness. The king made this proclamation because he and his household had been converted to the Lord.

After this, Aaron and his brethren went from city to city, from one house of worship to another. They established churches and consecrated priests and teachers throughout the land among the Lamanites. They preached and taught God’s word with great success. Thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord and to believe in the Nephites’ traditions. They were taught about the records and prophecies that had been handed down, even to their present time.

Ammon and his brethren preached according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy, and by the power of God, which worked miracles among the Lamanites. And as sure as the Lord lives, all the Lamanites who were converted to the Lord never fell away. They became a righteous people. They laid down their weapons and did not fight against their brethren the Nephites, nor against God, anymore.

Now these are they who were converted to the Lord: The Lamanites in the land of Ishmael, Middoni, Shimlon, and Shemlon, and the Lamanites in the cities of Nephi, Lemuel and Shimnilom. All these Lamanites who were converted laid down all their weapons of war. Only one Amalekite was converted and no Amulonites were ever converted. They hardened their hearts, and also the hearts of the Lamanites who lived in their villages and cities.

The king and those who were converted wanted a name to distinguish themselves from those who did not believe. The king consulted with Aaron and many of their priests about the name they would take upon themselves. They decided no longer to call themselves Lamanites, but Anti-Nephi-Lehies. They began to be a very industrious people. They were friendly with the Nephites and openly communicated with them, and God’s curse no longer followed them.