THE FIRST BOOK OF SHI-TUGO

The Ammonites engage in frequent expressions of praise and gratitude, integrating worship into daily life. Their enthusiastic celebrations differ from Nephite traditions, sometimes causing misunderstandings.

1Behold, the Ammonite people are a happy and delightsome people, walking uprightly before the Lord in all things. Yea, they did rejoice in the Lord in all things. Rather than fail to acknowledge the Lord’s hand in all things, they did raise the hands and sing and dance in rejoicing and praise at every instance or occasion. Yea, I observed them in their homes and they did lift up their voices to the Lord. And also I did observe them in their shops and their conversation was ever filled with praise and honor to the Lord. And I did work with them in their fields, and again, their discourse was one of courtesy toward one another and praise toward their God. Would I that such things might be seen among the Nephites.

2Yea, so oft were the people of Ammon want to break into the praise of their Lord that the Nephites were often of two minds concerning them. Either they wondered at them for their spiritual excess and praised them, or they distrusted them, thinking their constant praise of God but feigned and a counterfeit. This caused some division in feeling toward them, some Nephites being drawn by the power of their customs, and others being repulsed by them.

3But behold, I testify to you that these customs, celebrations, ceremonies and ordinances of the Ammonites are good and righteous, notwithstanding they be different somewhat than the ways of the more sober Nephites. For, I have lived among both the Nephites and the Ammonites and I see the truth in the ways and customs of both.

4And there is no wrong in that the Nephites and the Ammonites both worship the same God, yet in different manner. Yea, the Nephites worship in a spirit of stately and formal reverence, even as the fathers did before them. And this thing is good and brings about much good among them, yea, and the Lord is with them and does bless them. And the Ammonites does He also approve and bless, though they worship in a tumultuous, spiritual abandon.

5Wherefore, judge not either people right or wrong because they worship differently, but search out the motive and intent of a thing. For, I believe that all things that create good must be inspired of the Spirit that fills the Universe and moves upon all matter for good.

6And would it not be very like unto the denial of the Spirit to declare my works for good an evil thing because they be different than yours? Be instructed by the Spirit then, and judge not good for evil and evil for good.

7For such judgment is not sound, but is more like to pride than to wisdom. And if man’s judgment turns to pride, then it were far better that men refrain and leave off judgment altogether. For pride is but vanity and if judgment turn to pride, then wisdom is become vanity also.

8But that which is sown and yields well must be adjudged good and some is kept back to be sown again. Behold, this is held by all husbandmen to be a wise practice, and none there be that contend with it because the fruit derived from its exercise is proof ample enough to impeach all argument. Even so the smith does temper the iron, for experience has proven that the sword so tempered keeps its edge in battle.

9Howbeit, the youth upon whom the village heaps gifts just because he has reached an age when he must begin to earn his own keep, yea, and for no great occasion, is so moved upon by the custom that he turns again and gives back much of what he received? Some look upon this custom as folly. But I say it is not so. For, here is a youth who, as a man, will look differently upon riches than his fellow in Zarahemla who, lacking such a wanton custom, learns to esteem riches above all things. And here is a youth who learns to honor the giving as much as the getting. Yea, here is a youth who, seeing poverty and want, will readily and freely give of his substance and think nothing of the loss to himself.

10And again, shall the young woman who, as a young bride, is so accepted and lavished by her village, ever turn her face from the refugee?

11Behold, the customs of the Ammonites, though they be different from those of their neighbors and benefactors the Nephites, do bring to pass great good and much righteousness. Wherefore, it is because of this that I dedicate myself to the recording of all their customs. For I believe that these customs will someday be the salvation of all the people.