jun 29, 23 BC - Nephi's Garden
Description:
Nephi had traveled among the people in the land Northward for six year. During this time he had preached the gospel, along with his brother. They preached with power, but the people in the land Northward seem to have been more hardened than the rest of the Nephites, and so they had little success in their missionary efforts.
After six years of nearly fruitless labor, Nephi returned to his home in Zarahemla. It seems he wanted to rest for a time from the labors of the ministry.
He found little rest however, as everywhere he saw the evidence of the people's great wickedness. This atmosphere and culture depressed him, and soon he turned to the Lord in prayer. He went out into his garden, on the top of a watch tower that had been built there, and began to poor out his soul.
As it happened, his garden was near the main highway leading to Zarahemla, and as he prayed very vocally, he soon attracted a sizable crowd, as the people were curious as to what was happening.
When he finished his prayer, which was evidently very lengthy considering the size of the crowd that had gathered, he turned to see the multitude. Seeing them together he began to chastise them for their wickedness.
Now, among the crowd were a number of judges who were part of the band of Gadianton. When they heard the words of Nephi they began to stir up the crowd against him, calling for his arrest. But there were others who stood to defend him.
Nephi prophesied of the great destructions that were to come upon the people if they did not repent. As a sign of the truth of his words he announced the murder of the Chief Judge, Seezoram.
After making this announcement Nephi left contending with the people. The judges, however, were astonished at the announcement and sent five men to verify it.
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