Book of Mormon Studies (15 August 1929)

RELIEF SOCIETY

BOOK OF MORMON STUDIES

For the first lesson in September

The last great fratricidal struggle of the Nepliites with the Lamanites is not pleasant to contemplate, but it is history, it has its intersprinkling of doctrine, and it teaches many applicable moral lessons. Read Mormon, chapters 4 to 9, inclusive.

If the Book of Mormon student will let her mind turn baek to the beginning of Nephite and Lamanite encounters, she will be impressed with the fact that all through the centuries the Nepliites have fought, almost without exception, in defenee of their homes and their rights. They have seldom, if ever, begun strife, and have never taken the offensive except as their safety demanded it. For this and other reasons the Lord prospered their cause, and their armies had been victorious, except in such times as they needed ehastizement for evil doing.

Now, however, the tables turned, and the Nepliites did a disastrous thing—they undertook an aggressive war, a war of revenge upon the Lamanites. The Lord no longer prospered their cause, beeause their motive was unworthy. Both the help and the Spirit of God departed from them for their much wickedness, and they were left to be miserably exterminated in their sins. The letter of Mormon to his son Moroni telling him of this destruction is helplessly pathetic.

So much for the history. Now for the application. May we not learn from this that, whether in war or in just living from day today, however we may be justified in defending ourselves against unmerited attacks, we are never justified in going out of our way to stir up trouble or in taking the initiative in making a brother or sister uncomfortable?

QUESTIONS

1. Throughout Book of Mormon history what type of wars have the Nephites been engaged in? How was this changed in the last period? What were the results?
2. From the time Mormon first refused to lead the Nephites they were almost wholly unsuccessful. When he led them again the wickedness of the people caused them still to be unsuccessful. What does the first act indicate as to the power and responsibility of leadership? What does the second act indicate as to the nature and support of the followers for successful leadership?
3. What prophecies does Mormon make concerning the coming forth of the sacred records? How have they been fulfilled, at least in part?
4. The Spirit of God will not forever strive with men, said the Lord. How was this shown in the last Book of Mormon battle? Tell of the results.
5. How does Mormon show his greatness and his true love for mankind—even his enemies, the Lamanites?
6. What was to be the only worth of the sacred plates, according to the decree of God? Tell of Mormon’s warning to those who condemn the things of God.
7. Contrast Mormon 9:17-27, with the generally accepted religious doctrine of to-day.

R.L.E.