AlmaChapter30

Behold, now it came to pass that after the people of Ammon were established in the land of Jershon, yea, and also after the Lamanites were driven out of the land, and their dead were buried by the people of the land—

After the people of Ammon were established in the land of Jershon, and after the Lamanites had been driven out of the land, their dead were buried by the people of the land.

Now their dead were not numbered because of the greatness of their numbers; neither were the dead of the Nephites numbered—but it came to pass after they had buried their dead, and also after the days of fasting, and mourning, and prayer, (and it was in the sixteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi) there began to be continual peace throughout all the land.

Their dead were not counted, because there were so many of them; neither were the dead of the Nephites counted. But after they had buried their dead, and after the days of fasting and mourning and prayer, there began to be continual peace throughout the land. It was now the sixteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

Yea, and the people did observe to keep the commandments of the Lord; and they were strict in observing the ordinances of God, according to the law of Moses; for they were taught to keep the law of Moses until it should be fulfilled.

The people were careful to keep the commandments of the Lord, and they were strict in observing the ordinances of God according to the law of Moses, because they had been taught to keep the law of Moses until it was fulfilled.

And thus the people did have no disturbance in all the sixteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

And so the people had no disturbances in all the sixteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

And it came to pass that in the commencement of the seventeenth year of the reign of the judges, there was continual peace.

At the beginning of the seventeenth year of the reign of the judges, there was continual peace.

But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth year, there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming of Christ.

But near the end of the seventeenth year, a man came into the land of Zarahemla. He was an anti-Christ, because he began to preach to the people against the prophecies the prophets had spoken about the coming of Christ.

Now there was no law against a man’s belief; for it was strictly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring men on to unequal grounds.

Now there was no law against a person's belief, because it was strictly contrary to the commands of God for there to be a law that would put people on unequal ground.

For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.

The scripture itself says, "Choose this day whom you will serve."

Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.

If a person wanted to serve God, that was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God, it was his privilege to serve him. But if he did not believe in him, there was no law to punish him.

But if he murdered he was punished unto death; and if he robbed he was also punished; and if he stole he was also punished; and if he committed adultery he was also punished; yea, for all this wickedness they were punished.

Anyone who murdered, though, was punished with death; anyone who robbed was punished too; so was anyone who stole, and anyone who committed adultery. For all this wickedness, people were punished.

For there was a law that men should be judged according to their crimes. Nevertheless, there was no law against a man’s belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds.

There was a law that people should be judged according to their crimes. Still, there was no law against a person's belief; so people were punished only for the crimes they had committed. Everyone was on equal ground.

And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying:

And this anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor (and the law could not touch him), began to preach to the people that there would be no Christ. And this is how he preached:

O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come.

"You who are bound down under a foolish and empty hope — why do you yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do you look for a Christ? No one can know of anything that is yet to come.

Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your fathers.

"These things you call prophecies, which you say were handed down by holy prophets, are nothing but foolish traditions of your fathers.

How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ.

How can you be sure of them? You can't know things you don't see; so you can't know that there will be a Christ.

Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so.

"You look ahead and say that you see forgiveness of your sins. But that is the effect of a frenzied mind. This derangement of your minds comes from the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into believing things that are not so."

And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime.

And he said many more such things to them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for people's sins, but that everyone fared in this life according to how they managed themselves; that everyone prospered according to their own genius, and everyone conquered according to their own strength; and that whatever a person did was no crime.

And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness, yea, leading away many women, and also men, to commit whoredoms—telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof.

And so he preached to them, leading away the hearts of many and causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness. He led away many women, and men too, to commit sexual immorality, telling them that when a person died, that was the end of it.

Now this man went over to the land of Jershon also, to preach these things among the people of Ammon, who were once the people of the Lamanites.

Now this man went over to the land of Jershon as well, to preach these things among the people of Ammon, who had once been the people of the Lamanites.

But behold they were more wise than many of the Nephites; for they took him, and bound him, and carried him before Ammon, who was a high priest over that people.

But they were wiser than many of the Nephites: they took him, tied him up, and carried him before Ammon, the high priest over that people.

And it came to pass that he caused that he should be carried out of the land. And he came over into the land of Gideon, and began to preach unto them also; and here he did not have much success, for he was taken and bound and carried before the high priest, and also the chief judge over the land.

Ammon had him carried out of the land. Then Korihor came over into the land of Gideon and began to preach to them as well; and there he did not have much success, because he was taken and bound and carried before the high priest and the chief judge over the land.

And it came to pass that the high priest said unto him: Why do ye go about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye teach this people that there shall be no Christ, to interrupt their rejoicings? Why do ye speak against all the prophecies of the holy prophets?

And the high priest said to him, "Why do you go around perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do you teach this people that there will be no Christ, and interrupt their rejoicing? Why do you speak against all the prophecies of the holy prophets?"

Now the high priest’s name was Giddonah. And Korihor said unto him: Because I do not teach the foolish traditions of your fathers, and because I do not teach this people to bind themselves down under the foolish ordinances and performances which are laid down by ancient priests, to usurp power and authority over them, to keep them in ignorance, that they may not lift up their heads, but be brought down according to thy words.

Now the high priest's name was Giddonah. And Korihor said to him, "Because I don't teach the foolish traditions of your fathers, and because I don't teach this people to bind themselves down under the foolish ordinances and performances laid down by ancient priests to usurp power and authority over them, to keep them in ignorance, so that they won't lift up their heads but will be kept down according to your words.

Ye say that this people is a free people. Behold, I say they are in bondage. Ye say that those ancient prophecies are true. Behold, I say that ye do not know that they are true.

"You say that this people is a free people. I say they are in slavery. You say that those ancient prophecies are true. I say that you don't know they are true.

Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people, because of the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a child is not guilty because of its parents.

You say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people because of the transgression of a parent. I say that a child is not guilty because of its parents.

And ye also say that Christ shall come. But behold, I say that ye do not know that there shall be a Christ. And ye say also that he shall be slain for the sins of the world—

And you also say that Christ will come. But I say that you don't know there will be a Christ. And you say as well that he will be slain for the sins of the world—

And thus ye lead away this people after the foolish traditions of your fathers, and according to your own desires; and ye keep them down, even as it were in bondage, that ye may glut yourselves with the labors of their hands, that they durst not look up with boldness, and that they durst not enjoy their rights and privileges.

"And so you lead this people away after the foolish traditions of your fathers, for your own ends; and you keep them down, as if in slavery, so that you can gorge yourselves on the labors of their hands, so that they dare not look up with boldness, and dare not enjoy their rights and privileges.

Yea, they durst not make use of that which is their own lest they should offend their priests, who do yoke them according to their desires, and have brought them to believe, by their traditions and their dreams and their whims and their visions and their pretended mysteries, that they should, if they did not do according to their words, offend some unknown being, who they say is God—a being who never has been seen or known, who never was nor ever will be.

They dare not make use of what is their own, for fear of offending their priests. These priests yoke them as they please, and by their traditions and their dreams and their whims and their visions and their pretended mysteries, they have brought this people to believe that if they don't do what the priests say, they will offend some unknown being they call God — a being who has never been seen or known, who never was and never will be."

Now when the high priest and the chief judge saw the hardness of his heart, yea, when they saw that he would revile even against God, they would not make any reply to his words; but they caused that he should be bound; and they delivered him up into the hands of the officers, and sent him to the land of Zarahemla, that he might be brought before Alma, and the chief judge who was governor over all the land.

Now when the high priest and the chief judge saw the hardness of his heart, and saw that he would revile even God himself, they would not answer him at all. They had him bound and handed him over to the officers, and they sent him to the land of Zarahemla so that he could be brought before Alma, and before the chief judge who was governor over all the land.

And it came to pass that when he was brought before Alma and the chief judge, he did go on in the same manner as he did in the land of Gideon; yea, he went on to blaspheme.

When he was brought before Alma and the chief judge, he went on just as he had in the land of Gideon: he went on blaspheming.

And he did rise up in great swelling words before Alma, and did revile against the priests and teachers, accusing them of leading away the people after the silly traditions of their fathers, for the sake of glutting on the labors of the people.

He stood up before Alma and railed in swelling, arrogant words, reviling the priests and teachers, accusing them of leading the people away after the silly traditions of their fathers in order to gorge themselves on the labors of the people.

Now Alma said unto him: Thou knowest that we do not glut ourselves upon the labors of this people; for behold I have labored even from the commencement of the reign of the judges until now, with mine own hands for my support, notwithstanding my many travels round about the land to declare the word of God unto my people.

Now Alma said to him: "You know that we do not gorge ourselves on the labors of this people. From the very beginning of the reign of the judges until now, I have worked with my own hands for my own support, in spite of my many travels around the land to declare the word of God to my people.

And notwithstanding the many labors which I have performed in the church, I have never received so much as even one senine for my labor; neither has any of my brethren, save it were in the judgment-seat; and then we have received only according to law for our time.

And in spite of all the work I have done in the church, I have never received so much as one senine for my labor; neither has any of my brothers, except in the judgment seat; and even then, we have received only what the law allows for our time.

And now, if we do not receive anything for our labors in the church, what doth it profit us to labor in the church save it were to declare the truth, that we may have rejoicings in the joy of our brethren?

"And now, if we receive nothing for our labors in the church, what does it profit us to labor in the church, except to declare the truth, so that we may rejoice in the joy of our brothers?

Then why sayest thou that we preach unto this people to get gain, when thou, of thyself, knowest that we receive no gain? And now, believest thou that we deceive this people, that causes such joy in their hearts?

"Then why do you say that we preach to this people for gain, when you yourself know that we receive no gain? And now, do you believe that we deceive this people, and that this is what causes such joy in their hearts?"

And Korihor answered him, Yea.

And Korihor answered him, "Yes."

And then Alma said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?

Then Alma said to him, "Do you believe that there is a God?"

And he answered, Nay.

And he answered, "No."

Now Alma said unto him: Will ye deny again that there is a God, and also deny the Christ? For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come.

Now Alma said to him: "Will you deny again that there is a God, and deny the Christ as well? I tell you, I know there is a God, and I know that Christ will come.

And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only.

And now, what evidence do you have that there is no God, or that Christ will not come? I tell you that you have none, except your own word.

But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true; and will ye deny them? Believest thou that these things are true?

"But I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and you too have all things as a testimony that they are true. Will you deny them? Do you believe that these things are true?

Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God.

"I know that you believe, but you are possessed by a lying spirit. You have put off the Spirit of God, so that it can have no place in you; and the devil has power over you, and he carries you about, working his devices to destroy the children of God."

And now Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a sign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy words.

And Korihor said to Alma, "If you will show me a sign, so that I can be convinced that there is a God, and show me that he has power, then I will be convinced that your words are true."

But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.

But Alma said to him: "You have had signs enough. Will you test your God? Will you say, 'Show me a sign,' when you have the testimony of all these, your brothers, and also of all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid out before you, and all things denote there is a God. Yes, even the earth, and everything on the face of it, and its motion, and all the planets that move in their regular pattern — all witness that there is a Supreme Creator.

And yet do ye go about, leading away the hearts of this people, testifying unto them there is no God? And yet will ye deny against all these witnesses? And he said: Yea, I will deny, except ye shall show me a sign.

And yet you go about leading away the hearts of this people, testifying to them that there is no God. Will you still deny, in the face of all these witnesses?" And he said, "Yes, I will deny, unless you show me a sign."

And now it came to pass that Alma said unto him: Behold, I am grieved because of the hardness of your heart, yea, that ye will still resist the spirit of the truth, that thy soul may be destroyed.

Now Alma said to him: "I am grieved by the hardness of your heart, grieved that you will still resist the spirit of the truth, and let your own soul be destroyed.

But behold, it is better that thy soul should be lost than that thou shouldst be the means of bringing many souls down to destruction, by thy lying and by thy flattering words; therefore if thou shalt deny again, behold God shall smite thee, that thou shalt become dumb, that thou shalt never open thy mouth any more, that thou shalt not deceive this people any more.

But it is better that your soul be lost than that you should be the means of bringing many souls down to destruction by your lying and your flattering words. Therefore, if you deny again, God will strike you, and you will be made mute; you will never open your mouth again, and you will never deceive this people again."

Now Korihor said unto him: I do not deny the existence of a God, but I do not believe that there is a God; and I say also, that ye do not know that there is a God; and except ye show me a sign, I will not believe.

Now Korihor said to him, "I don't deny the existence of a God, but I don't believe there is one. And you don't know there is a God either. Unless you show me a sign, I will not believe."

Now Alma said unto him: This will I give unto thee for a sign, that thou shalt be struck dumb, according to my words; and I say, that in the name of God, ye shall be struck dumb, that ye shall no more have utterance.

Now Alma said to him, "This will be the sign to you: you will be struck mute, according to my words; and I say, in the name of God, you will be struck mute, and you will never speak again."

Now when Alma had said these words, Korihor was struck dumb, that he could not have utterance, according to the words of Alma.

And when Alma had said these words, Korihor was struck mute, and he could not speak, according to the words of Alma.

And now when the chief judge saw this, he put forth his hand and wrote unto Korihor, saying: Art thou convinced of the power of God? In whom did ye desire that Alma should show forth his sign? Would ye that he should afflict others, to show unto thee a sign? Behold, he has showed unto you a sign; and now will ye dispute more?

When the chief judge saw this, he put out his hand and wrote to Korihor: "Are you convinced of the power of God? On whom did you want Alma to show his sign? Did you want him to afflict others, to show you a sign? He has shown you a sign. Will you dispute any further?"

And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: I know that I am dumb, for I cannot speak; and I know that nothing save it were the power of God could bring this upon me; yea, and I always knew that there was a God.

And Korihor put out his hand and wrote: "I know that I am mute, because I cannot speak; and I know that nothing but the power of God could bring this upon me. And I always knew that there was a God.

But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is no God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind; and I taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I have brought this great curse upon me.

But the devil deceived me; he appeared to me in the form of an angel and said to me, 'Go and reclaim this people, because they have all gone astray after an unknown God.' And he said to me, 'There is no God.' He taught me what I should say, and I have taught his words. I taught them because they were pleasing to the carnal mind, and I taught them until I had much success, so much that I truly believed they were true. And that is why I resisted the truth, until I brought this great curse upon myself."

Now when he had said this, he besought that Alma should pray unto God, that the curse might be taken from him.

When he had said this, he begged Alma to pray to God, so that the curse might be taken from him.

But Alma said unto him: If this curse should be taken from thee thou wouldst again lead away the hearts of this people; therefore, it shall be unto thee even as the Lord will.

But Alma said to him, "If this curse were taken from you, you would again lead away the hearts of this people. Therefore, it will be with you just as the Lord wills."

And it came to pass that the curse was not taken off of Korihor; but he was cast out, and went about from house to house begging for his food.

And the curse was not taken off Korihor; instead, he was driven out, and he went from house to house, begging for his food.

Now the knowledge of what had happened unto Korihor was immediately published throughout all the land; yea, the proclamation was sent forth by the chief judge to all the people in the land, declaring unto those who had believed in the words of Korihor that they must speedily repent, lest the same judgments would come unto them.

Now the news of what had happened to Korihor was published immediately throughout the land; the chief judge sent a proclamation to all the people in the land, declaring to those who had believed Korihor's words that they must repent quickly, or the same judgments would come to them.

And it came to pass that they were all convinced of the wickedness of Korihor; therefore they were all converted again unto the Lord; and this put an end to the iniquity after the manner of Korihor. And Korihor did go about from house to house, begging food for his support.

And they were all convinced of Korihor's wickedness, and they were all converted again to the Lord; and this put an end to the kind of wickedness Korihor had practiced. And Korihor went from house to house, begging food for his support.

And it came to pass that as he went forth among the people, yea, among a people who had separated themselves from the Nephites and called themselves Zoramites, being led by a man whose name was Zoram—and as he went forth amongst them, behold, he was run upon and trodden down, even until he was dead.

As he went out among the people (among a people who had separated themselves from the Nephites and called themselves Zoramites, led by a man named Zoram), he was set upon and trampled underfoot, until he was dead.

And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.

And so we see the end of one who perverts the ways of the Lord; and so we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but quickly drags them down to hell.