16 And it came to pass that they came many times against us, the Nephites, to battle.
17 But our kings and our leaders were mighty men in the faith of the Lord; and they taught the people the ways of the Lord;
18 Wherefore, we withstood the Lamanites, and swept them away, out of our lands, and began to fortify our cities, or whatsoever place of our inheritance.
19 And we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the face of the land, and became exceeding rich in gold, and in silver, and in precious things, and in fine workmanship of wood, in buildings, and in machinery, and also in iron, and copper, and brass, and steel, making all manner of tools of every kind to till the ground, and weapons of war;
20 Yea, the sharp pointed arrow, and the quiver, and the dart, and the javelin, and all preparations for war;
21 And thus being prepared to meet the Lamanites, they did not prosper against us.
22 But the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying, That inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land.
23 And it came to pass that the prophets of the Lord did threaten the people of Nephi, according to the word of God, that if they did not keep the commandments, but should fall into transgression, they should be destroyed from off the face of the land;
24 Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long suffering, the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given;
25 Persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come, as though he already was.
