The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon, upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi. Kirtland, OH: P. P. Pratt and J. Goodson; printed by O. Cowdery & Co., 1837. iii–vi, 7–619 pp., plus two additional pp. The copy used herein is held at CHL. Includes signature marks.
Nephites, and robbing, and plundering them; and their hearts were set upon riches, or upon gold, and silver, and precious stones; yet they sought to obtain these things by murdering and plundering, that they might not labor for them with their own hands: thus they were a very indolent people, many of whom did worship idols, and the curse of God had fallen upon them be cause of the traditions of their fathers; notwithstanding, the promises of the Lord were extended unto them, on the conditions of repentance; therefore this was the cause for which the sons of Mosiah had undertaken the work, that perhaps they might bring them unto repentance: that perhaps they might bring them to know of the plan of redemption; therefore they separated themselves one from another, and went forth among them every man alone, according to the word and power of God, which was given unto him.
Now Ammon being the chief among them, or rather he did administer unto them; and he departed from them, after having blessed them according to their several stations, having imparted the word of God unto them, or administered unto them before his departure; and thus they took their several journeys throughout the land. And Ammon went to the land of Ishmael, the land being called after the sons of Ishmael, who also became Lamanites. And as Ammon entered the land of Ishmael, the Lamanites took him and bound him, as was their custom, to bind all the Nephites who fell into their hands, and carry them before the king; and thus it was left to the pleasure of the king to slay them, or to retain them in captivity, or to cast them into prison, or to cast them out of his land, according to his will and pleasure; and thus Ammon was carried before the king who was over the land of Ishmael; and his name was Lamoni; and he was a desecendant of Ishmael. And the king inquired of Ammon if it were his desire to dwell in the land among the Lamanites, or among his people? And Ammon said unto him, yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die.
And it came to pass that king Lamoni was much pleased with Ammon, and caused that his bands should be loosed; and he would that Ammon should take one of his daughters to wife. But Ammon said unto him, nay, but I will be thy servant; therefore Ammon became a servant to king Lamoni. And it came to pass that he was set, among other servants, to watch the [p. 287]