Book of Mosiah
[2] Royal Skousen, a professor of linguistics at Brigham Young University, said contextual evidence indicated that the beginning of the original Book of Mosiah was probably lost in the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript lost by Martin Harris, meaning what is now known as the first chapter of Mosiah was originally the third chapter.
He also had them learn the writings on the plates of brass which were taken from Laban, which were the only way the Nephites knew the commandments of God given to Moses.
Benjamin tells his sons that the plates are the only thing keeping the Nephites from dwindling in unbelief like the Lamanites.
He settled on Mosiah, and told his son to gather the people together at the temple so he could make the announcement.
King Benjamin's discourse in chapters two through five is considered by many readers to be a significant piece of the Book of Mormon.
He speaks of an angelic visitation and prophecies of Jesus Christ, his birth, identifying his mother as being named Mary, his ministry and miracles, his suffering, death and resurrection.
He speaks of Jesus as being the judge, of his atonement as the means to overcome sin and the tendencies of the natural man in order to become a holy person.
The Nephites wanted to know what had happened to some of them who had taken a trip back to the land of Nephi in an attempt to reclaim it.
Zeniff, whose original mission was to spy on the Lamanites, saw the good among them and desired that they not be destroyed.
He collects exorbitant taxes from his people to build a palace and he and his ministers live a life of comfort, ease and self-indulgence.
Abinadi is arrested and brought before King Noah where he gives what is considered a very important discourse in the Book of Mormon (chapters 12–16).
Abinadi then tells them that they ought to teach the Law of Moses, but rebukes them for not obeying it themselves, including the Ten Commandments, which he quotes to them.
Abinadi then continues to explain that the Law of Moses is a teaching method to prepare people for the coming of Jesus Christ.
One of King Noah's priests named Alma is stirred by Abinadi's words and pleas on his behalf.
After a period of sore repentance, Alma begins to preach the words of Abinadi and the doctrine of Christ to the people in secret.
He gains a sizable following and in chapter 18, Alma begins to baptize those who have accepted Christ.
Also, King Mosiah by the aid of God translates a set of records which were found by Limhi's people.
[citation needed] There are problems in the church as a group of the younger "rising generation" do not believe in the teachings.
Alma receives direction from the Lord on the matter and is told that excommunicating those who won't repent is the most severe punishment the church can bestow.
One day while they are out and about doing their destructive work, an angel comes to them and tells them to no longer seek to destroy the church.
The people accept this system, and the elections are held, and Alma the younger becomes the first "chief judge" a title designating the head of the government.
