6 And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land, took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division among them; for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights, and the privileges of their religion, by a free government.
7 And it came to pass that this matter of their contention was settled, by the voice of the people.
8 And it came to pass that the voice of the people came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained the judgment seat, which caused much rejoicing among the brethren of Pahoran, and also many of the people of liberty; who also put the king-men to silence, that they durst not oppose, but were obliged to maintain the cause of freedom.
9 Now those who were in favor of kings, were those of high birth; and they sought to be kings; and they were supported by those who sought power and authority over the people.
10 But behold, this was a critical time for such contentions to be among the people of Nephi; for behold, Amalickiah had again stirred up the hearts of the people of the Lamanites, against the people of the Nephites, and he was gathering together soldiers, from all parts of his land, and arming them, and preparing for war, with all diligence, for he had sworn to drink the blood of Moroni.
11 But behold, we shall see that his promise which he made, was rash; nevertheless, he did prepare himself and his armies, to come to battle against the Nephites.
12 Now his armies were not so great as they had hitherto been, because of the many thousands who had been slain by the hand of the Nephites;
13 But notwithstanding their great loss, Amalickiah had gathered together a wonderful great army, insomuch that he feared not to come down to the land of Zarahemla.
14 Yea, even Amalickiah did himself come down, at the head of the Lamanites.
15 And it was in the twenty and fifth year of the reign of the Judges; and it was at the same time that they had begun to settle the affairs of their contentions concerning the chief judge, Pahoran.
16 And it came to pass that when the men who were called king-men, had heard that the Lamanites were coming down to battle against them, they were glad in their hearts, and they refused to take up arms; for they were so wroth with the chief judge, and also with the people of liberty, that they would not take up arms to defend their country.
