RCE Verse Context

40 And thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, Insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing.

41 And it came to pass that the people began to wax strong in wickedness and abominations, And they did not believe that there should be any more signs or wonders given;

42 And Satan did go about leading away the hearts of the people, tempting them and causing them that they should do great wickedness in the land.

43 And thus did pass away the ninety and sixth year, And also the ninety and seventh year, And also the ninety and eighth year, And also the ninety and ninth year, And also an hundred years had passed away since the days of Mosiah, which was king over the people of the Nephites;

44 And six hundred and nine years had passed away since Lehi left Jerusalem; And nine years had passed away from the time which the sign was given, which was spoken of by the prophets that Christ should come into the world.

45 Now the Nephites began to reckon their time from this period which the sign was given, or from the coming of Christ;

46 Therefore, nine years had passed away, And Nephi, which was the father of Nephi which had the charge of the records, did not return to the Land of Zarahemla and could nowhere be found in all the land.

47 And it came to pass that the people did still remain in wickedness, notwithstanding the much preaching and prophesying which was sent among them; And thus passed away the tenth year also; And the eleventh year also passed away in iniquity.

48 And it came to pass in the thirteenth year there began to be wars and contentions throughout all the land; For the Gaddianton robbers had become so numerous and did slay so many of the people, and did lay waste so many cities, and did spread so much death and carnage throughout the land, That it became expedient that all the people, both the Nephites and the Lamanites, should take up arms against them;

49 Therefore, all the Lamanites which had become converted unto the Lord did unite with their brethren the Nephites, And were compelled for the safety of their lives and their women and their children to take up arms against those Gaddianton robbers,

50 Yea, and also to maintain their rights, and their privileges of their church, and of their worship, and their freedom and their liberty.