Post by Lamoni’s Father
I fear for the safety of my people. Hate and anger fill so many hearts. Following the conversion of my entire household and after my proclamation for religious freedom throughout the land, seven of my cities came unto the Lord with great humility. In our desire to take upon ourselves a new identity as followers of Christ and to return to our roots as children of Lehi, and preferring to follow in the steps of Nephi rather than Laman and Lemuel, we are of Nephi and Lehi. We now call ourselves Anti-Nephi-Lehis.
I am conferring my kingdom upon my son who takes upon himself the name Anti-Nephi-Lehi.
As I now write my last testimony and declare my love and testify of my assurance that Jesus Christ is my Savior, my sons Anti-Nephi-Lehi and Lamoni, along with Ammon, Aaron and their brethren have gathered in the land of Ishmael in a council of war.
Those of my people who have rejected the words of Aaron and Ammon and their brethren, particularly the Amalakites and the Amulonites, have stirred up the remainder to hate and anger.
My heart aches for them. Our Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s are more industrious. They are kinder and more gentle. They care for the poor. They welcome all into the church and they persecute no one. There is not a single offense of which they can be accused.
I can conclude only one thing. When a people rejects God, they can’t let it alone. Those who have accepted the redeeming power of Christ’s sacrifice are happy and productive. They are a living reminder of the rejection. I believe the hate and anger then are founded on guilt. Those rejecting God know better. In their hearts, their God-given light continues to kindle enough that it fuels guilt. If allowed even in the tiniest degree, that guilt can become Godly Sorrow. But when it is not kindled properly, that guilt fuels anger, resentment, and hate.
My kingdom is divided, which I understand throughout our history in this promised land, is the pattern of the battle between good and evil.
I pray for my people, for my sons, and for the great sons of King Mosiah who have now dedicated some fourteen years to teaching and rescuing my people.
I love my Savior and His Father my very Father in Heaven, even the Great Spirit who we never understood.
Farewell.
