Post by Amnor – Nephite Spy
With the greatest disgust in my fellow Nephites, I share with you my eyewitness account of our great civil war which not only sent tens of thousands of our people to their deaths, and destroyed families and whole cities, but without direct intervention from a merciful Father in Heaven it would have led to our total destruction at the hands of our enemies the Lamanites.
This all happened in one year’s time. Alma had been our Chief Judge for four years and then in the fifth year, a man by the name of Amlici, who was just like Nehor the anti-Christ, used his great skill of speech and his cunning to convince thousands of our people to support him in replacing the reign of judges with a monarchy and of course, placing him as king.
Please remember that King Mosiah, Nephi and many others warned against kings, and we personally have experience with wicked kings, so how can the people be so blind when it comes to a man with flattering words to deceive so many? But he did. We’ve had five years now where the voice of people rule. We like it. Liberty is a precious gift from God. With that said, we will have no king if it is not by the voice of the people. So during this time, two sides mounted against each other. One side in favor of Amlici and the other side against him. The contention between these two sides was astonishing. Even families and neighbors siding against one another.
Finally the voice of the people against a king and against Amlici prevailed and he was not made king. Though most of us were filled with joy with the outcome of the people’s choice, the followers of Amlici were so angry they consecrated Amlici as their king. As soon as he was recognized as their king, he commanded his followers to take up arms so they could force the rest of us to be subject to him. How can once-reasonable people turn so quickly to tyranny. We enjoy liberty, we love our freedom, and yet at the promise of a cunning man, so many are willing to kill their neighbors to force them into bondage. They themselves are in bondage when they submit to such demands. But that is what started the great civil war. I found it interesting how easily a people feel they can force others to believe the way they do, and use their liberty to deny it of others.
The followers of Amlici – and I will not call him king Amlici, for he is no more than a liar and deceiver, call themselves Amlicites. They prepared for war, as did we. Led by our chief judge Alma himself, we prepared with all the weapons we were able to create. There were surprising numbers that followed Amlici. Just as Alma organized us with captains, higher captains, and chief captains, the Amlicites were well organized.
The Amlicites started their war on our people who lived on the east side of the River Sidon. Alma took us with him and met the Amlicites there. It became bloody quickly. Keep in mind these, our enemy were once our neighbors and friends. Now with a swing of a sword, we made their wives widows and their children fatherless. But that’s not all, the Amlicites slaughtered man woman and children. How can they think that is better than the peace we cherished under the reign of judges? Thousands of us fell. The slaughter was incomprehensible. The Amlicites didn’t have the Lord on their side and they fell with such a great slaughter they began to flee. We chased them until the day ended. Dead and bloody bodies covered the earth. Twelve thousand five hundred thirty two souls of the Amlicites lay dead. Because they marked themselves with red on their foreheads, we knew who of those were slain were Amlicites. Because we were supported by the hand of God only six thousand five hundred sixty two of our people were killed. But, those are my friends and family. So much sorrow, so needlessly.
Through all of this, several of us fought closely with Alma. When the rest of the army camped for the night, myself, Zeram, Manti and Limher and a few of our team left the camp to watch the camp of the Amlicites. We followed them through the night. When we reached the land of Minon we saw the Amlicites join with a massive army of Lamanites. They began attacking our people there who were fleeing with their flocks and families toward Zarahemla.
That was all we needed to see. As swiftly as possible we returned to Alma and our army who were camped in the valley of Gideon – yea, that Gideon. We were afraid the Lamanites and the Amlicites would beat us to Zarahemla and destroy our wives and children.
We broke camp and marched toward Zarahemla. When we reached the river Sidon and began to cross, we met this horde of Lamanites, accompanied by the very Amlicites who were as anxious for our destruction as were the Lamanites. Again, I wonder how quickly a people can become so devilish?
Now let me tell you a bit about Alma. He’s not a small guy to start with but fighting along side him, is the place to be, not just because he’s talented with a weapon, but he is accompanied by faith, prayer and love. Yes, Love for us, those seeking to follow the Lord. Led by him, we all prayed mightily for deliverance from the hands of our enemies. When this new clash of the sword began Alma cut through the masses and Alma came face to face with Amlici. I can’t describe the fury, the power and the determination both of these men exerted. The intensity was so great I am surprised I was not killed having my attention on the Alma and Amlici battle. I will never forget hearing Alma cry to the Lord in faith “O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people.” That was enough.
It was astounding how Alma received strength and with his sword struck Amlici dead.
But Alma wasn’t done! There he then stood face to face with the king of the Lamanites. Another story I will soon post.
