21 For it is because of the traditions of their fathers that cause them to remain in their state of ignorance; therefore the Lord will be merciful unto them, and prolong their existence in the land.
22 And at some period of time they will be brought to believe in his word, and to know of the incorrectness of the traditions of their fathers;
23 And many of them will be saved, for the Lord will be merciful unto all who call on his name.
24 But behold, I say unto you, that if ye persist in your wickedness, that your days shall not be prolonged in the land, for the Lamanites shall be sent upon you;
25 And if ye repent not, they shall come in a time when you know not, and ye shall be visited with utter destruction;
26 And it shall be according to the fierce anger of the Lord; for he will not suffer you that ye shall live in your iniquities to destroy his people.
27 I say unto you, Nay; he would rather suffer that the Lamanites might destroy all this people who are called the people of Nephi, if it were possible that they could fall into sins and transgressions, after having had so much light and so much knowledge given unto them of the Lord their God;
28 Yea, after having been such a highly favored people of the Lord; yea, after having been favored above every other nation, kindred, tongue or people;
29 After having had all things made known unto them, according to their desires, and their faith, and prayers, of that which has been, and which is, and which is to come;
30 Having been visited by the Spirit of God; having conversed with angels, and having been spoken unto by the voice of the Lord;
31 And having the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and also many gifts; the gift of speaking with tongues, and the gift of preaching, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of translation:
