THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL (THE LAMANITE)

1Behold, the people of Hagoth were united in all things, yea, even their purpose for traveling into the Land Northward they had in common. For they were led out of the Land Southward by the Spirit, having foreseen that great wickedness and strife would shortly befall the people there because of their pride.

2Yea, and we see that their foreknowledge was true, for is it not written in another place how that the Nephites rejected the prophets and cast them out of their cities? And have we not also records of all the cities in the land that will be destroyed because of their wickedness when the Lord comes?

3Wherefore, we know that the people of Hagoth were conscious of the coming calamity and for this cause they took their flight into the wilderness of the Land Northward. And when the Councils met, they did often concern themselves with much debate over the news they received from the Land of our Fathers. And it often came to pass that they did call upon Hagoth and Hagmeni, Shi-Tugo and Hementim, yea, and Hemen, Cumeni, Seth, and many others of the wise, to instruct them. And the Councils acted not precipitously, but weighed matters out with great care.

4And the Councils saw to it that the people continued in peace and in unity, not by compulsion, but by sound policy and true doctrine. And the people also governed themselves and needed no compulsion. And they continued to have all things in common, wherefore, there was never any needy among them and all prospered exceedingly.

5Now, all you who receive these things, consider them in your hearts. Yea, weigh them in the balance. Is it better that a man be compelled by law to do that which is good, or is it better that he be left to act according to his own conscience? Behold, I say unto to you, It is better that he act according to the promptings of the Spirit. And if he do this, he shall have no need of compulsion.

6For men are want to lay aside their own reason, and also the responsibility that belongs to them. But remember, men and women are given a thing not offered to the lesser kingdoms. Yea, we may choose our own path. But shall a man choose his path and not be held accountable for it? I say unto you, Nay! Take away this responsibility and the Spirit is grieved. Wherefore, it is good that you who receive these things, and think in your hearts – We will make Councils by which we will govern the people – yea, it is good that you should consider the words of those who acted thus before you and did so in wisdom.

7And shall a man render to another the responsibility he alone carries for his choices? Nay! I say unto you again, take away this burden and the Spirit is grieved. And I ask you, of what worth, or of what value is it to meet in councils and to make laws, if in so doing you grieve the Spirit? Can your councils prosper? Behold, I declare this thing unto you, Nay!

8Behold, it is the inclination of man to seek his own good and, if needs be, to compel others to it. Without the guidance of the Spirit, the strong shall always compel the weak to their own wills. It is only the Spirit of God that strives with men to change their nature and become godly. Remove the guidance of the Spirit from the wisdom of men and you shall have burned the meal into ash and no goodness shall be found in it.

9This is the great counsel of Shi-Tugo and of Hementim. Seek you out of all the people those who are wise and gentle and kind. If this be their natural inclination, how much greater in these virtues shall they wax when they must seek the Spirit of God in all their doings? They shall be expanded in wisdom, knowledge, understanding, discernment, and justice. Thus shall rulers become the servants of the ruled and the people shall be

10For God compels no one, but saves all the works of His hands. Amen.