THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL (THE LAMANITE)

While in his youth, Samuel, who is Samuel the Lamanite, wrote prior to his mission to Zarahemla the love story of his grandparents and their journey into the northeastern lands of Corianton and Isabel. About 35-40 B.C.

1I am Samuel, and behold, I am but a youth. Nevertheless, the Spirit of God has come upon me and I must write the things that the Lord doth reveal to me. I am the son of Corienta, who married Cumenca, the daughter of Shi-Tugo and Hementim, who came into the Land Northward with Hagoth in the days of Shiblon, the prophet of God. And behold, I am Nem and a servant of God. Yea, my mother did dedicate me to the service of God and the same has been my occupation all the days of my life.

2Behold, I begin my record while I am in my youth, for I know not into what land the Lord may drive me, only that it has been revealed unto me that He will send me into lands and people unknown to me. But behold, He has also revealed to me that He will send me unto my brethren in the Land of Zarahemla. Wherefore, I take this opportunity to write somewhat the things the Spirit does direct while I am yet safe and sound in my own country.

3Now, it seems me fitting that I should write somewhat concerning my grandfather Shi-Tugo and also my grandmother Hementim. For they were great in wisdom and in favor with the Lord, and not much is recorded concerning them. Wherefore, I will write a song unto them, that all of my people may remember them, and so that their story may come unto their descendents in latter times.

4The daughter of Hemen was a righteous and bold woman, and it is meet that her story be included among the writings of the Nem. Now, Hemen was one of the Lamanite healers who traveled with our father Hagoth from the Land Southward. He first fought against Moroni, that great captain, and his brother Cumenihah also, but when the armies of the Lamanites were defeated, and when Moroni took the covenant of those Lamanites who would swear never to take the sword again against the Nephites, these two were among the covenanters.

5These two brothers were Healers and very accomplished were they in their art. Wherefore, when Moroni offered to covenant with the armies of the Lamanites, these and many others did gladly enter into the covenant with him. Now, among all those who did covenant with Moroni were the Healers of the Lamanites who, as a whole body, were opposed to the shedding of blood. These did lay down their weapons of war and took their families and were joined with the people who were formerly known as the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, but who are now known as the Ammonites. Wherefore, these two brothers and their families were become not Lamanites but Ammonites. Nevertheless, all people of dark skin were called Lamanites in those days.

6Hemen and Cumenihah, who was also called Cumeni, took their families and departed into the Land Northward with Hagoth and it was they who took of the entrails of the great fish and made food and medicine, and the people were saved. Howbeit, it was also they who discovered the plants in the land that were at once good for food and for medicine alike. They also kept not this knowledge to themselves, though it might have brought them much gain, but taught their science to all people liberally. Wherefore, our whole people are Healers to this day because of the Twins. Wherefore they are listed among the heroes of the people and are much revered.

7Now, Cumeni had many sons and daughters and they took their journey with him when he followed Hagoth into the North Country. But Hemen had but one child, a daughter, whom he called

8Hementim was a woman tall and most fair, above all the women of the Ammonites. Yea, many of the men of the Ammonites desired her to wife, but she chose none of them, desiring to serve her father only. Hemen was dedicated to the craft and profession of her father, inasmuch as she had sworn herself to the healing of the sick and to the comforting of the afflicted.

9And there were many indeed, among the Ammonites who were in need of such assistance. For the wars had been severe and many of the Lamanites who covenanted with Moroni that they would never again take up the sword against the Nephites, and who had joined themselves with the Ammonites, had received many wounds and had suffered much privation. Wherefore, the Healers were employed every day in their care and comfort.

10Now, Hementim was the only issue (child) of Hemen, who was noted with renown as one of the greatest of the Healers. For he was both Teacher and Healer at once. She sat at her father's feet and listened as he taught the Healers. She did also stand at his side when he attended to the sick. Wherefore, she did learn all the art of her father and was exceedingly accomplished even at a young age.

11But this was not all. Hementim did also dedicate herself to the diligent study of the scriptures, insomuch that she was esteemed more learned than the learned and more wise than the wise. Wherefore, Hementim was a great help unto her father and, indeed, unto all of the Ammonites. Of all the people of the Ammonites, Hementim became the most sought after for her knowledge and her wisdom. Yea, she was evenly pursued by all, insomuch that even the prophet Shiblon did often consult with her, and he did teach her.

12Now when Hemen decided to take his journey with Hagoth, a great stir rose up among the Ammonites. For Hementim was determined to follow him. And some there were who believed that Hemen had constrained her, for she was a great help and a comfort to him. But she was so esteemed by the people that many thought to restrain her against her will, because that she was so great a help and a comfort to her people also. 13 Wherefore, some of the people went unto Hemen and Cried:

14Let not Hementim abandon her people! For there are many needy and sick among us. Nay! Let not the Mother of the People leave her children and go into a strange land!

15But Hemen knew the heart of his daughter and strove with them:

16Are there not many Healers among the Ammonites? Howbeit shall my daughter be esteemed above all the Healers of this people? And is she not free to decide for herself whether to journey or to tarry?

17But behold, they continued to contend with him, saying:

18Nay, she is become too precious to us! Therefore, Hemen, command her to remain here in safety. For who would condone a mother who leaves her suckling babes? Nay, this must not be done. She must stay and comfort her people!

19Now, Hemen loved his daughter, and desired that she should remain with him. But he also knew that she was a woman of strong will and character, and that no one could constrain her by word and will, but only by bonds could she be held against her will. Wherefore, he replied unto them:

20I will speak to Hementim to see where her will lies.

21But they were close to wrath with him:

22Nay! We know her will. She will go off with you to journey into unknown parts, perhaps to suffer death at the hands of some unknown enemy, or to be devoured by wild beasts in a wild land. Command her, therefore. For we know that she is a strong willed and an adamant woman, but she is also well versed in the commandments of God. Howbeit, she knows that the Lord hath commanded that a child honor his father and his mother. Wherefore, if you but command her, she may be constrained by the commandment. Therefore, do this thing, Hemen, for the good of the people.

23Therefore, Hemen went to Hementim and told her all that the people had said concerning her. And she considered all the words of the people. But behold, she was all the more convinced because of them to go into the Land Northward.

24Now this displeased the people, that she should hear and consider their concerns and still be anxious to leave them. But they were satisfied that Hemen had made their appeal to her, and they left off calling upon him to constrain his daughter.

25Yea, and some few were ashamed. For, in her response, Hementim showed forth the unsoundness of their desires toward her, and they begged her forgiveness.

26Yet, still others took some offense at her reaction, and they detained her until they could take their case before Shiblon, the prophet. And thus they did, saying:

27Let not Hementim leave her people, for she is become as a mother and a prophetess unto us, and where shall there be found any like unto her? Wherefore, is it right that she should leave her children alone and succorless? Can you not prevail upon the great woman to stay and not be lost in the wilderness?

28And Shiblon rebuked them and called them to repentance. For the Spirit came upon Shiblon and he was filled with a fury come from the Lord. Wherefore, he did straitly rebuke them, saying:

29Of a truth, Hementim is the greatest woman in all of our land. Yea, she surpasses the wisdom of the wise. She does far surpass you! Do you suppose that she is some piece of property that you treat her thus? Nay, she is a free woman and is guided from on high. Can you think to call yourselves children and know so little the character of your own mother? Nay! Leave off persecuting the righteous!

30Now, the people were exceedingly downcast at his words, and seeing that their earnestness was truly out of love for her, Shiblon counseled them:

31Do not shame your love for Hementim in this way. Ought you not to honor her instead. The mothers of the Ammonites have always been most faithful. Was it not by and through their teachings that a race of men such as the Sons of Helaman was raised up to the salvation and good of all? Let Hementim inspire the Ammonites. Yea, let every mother, daughter, sister and wife of the Ammonites aspire to become like unto her.

32It is good indeed to have one among us who is good, and kind, and wise, and learned, and strong willed in righteousness. Yea, who will not admit that the Ammonites have one great treasure and her name is Hementim! How great shall be your riches and your joy should all the women of the Ammonites strive to become so good, so kind, so wise, so learned, and so Adamant!

33And the saying pleased the people and their eyes were opened, and they saw how foolish and how selfish they had been. For bondage shall always turn great good into ashes, and they saw that their love for Hementim had almost caused them to commit great sin.

34Wherefore, Shiblon was pleased also, and smiled on them, and sent them home with an admonition to make peace with the great woman and her father. And they also determined to publish the admonition of Shiblon throughout all the lands of the Ammonites. And this they did to honor Hementim by establishing an order of women dedicated to her teachings and her ideals. And they released Hementim.