The Collected Works. Joseph Smith Jr.
nevertheless, Lamoni began to fear
exceedingly, with fear lest he had done wrong in slaying his
servants;
Alma 18:6
6 For he had slain many of them because their brethren had
scattered their flocks at the place of water; and thus, because
they had had their flocks scattered they were slain.
Alma 18:7
7 Now it was the practice of these Lamanites to stand by the
waters of Sebus to scatter the flocks of the people, that thereby
they might drive away many that were scattered unto their own
land, it being a practice of plunder among them.
Alma 18:8
8 And it came to pass that king Lamoni inquired of his servants,
saying: Where is this man that has such great power?
Alma 18:9
9 And they said unto him: Behold, he is feeding thy horses. Now
the king had commanded his servants, previous to the time of the
watering of their flocks, that they should prepare his horses and
chariots, and conduct him forth to the land of Nephi; for there
had been a great feast appointed at the land of Nephi, by the
father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.
Alma 18:10
10 Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his
horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the
faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any
servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this
man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute
them.
Alma 18:11
11 Now I surely know that this is the Great Spirit, and I would
desire him that he come in unto me, but I durst not.
Alma 18:12
12 And it came to pass that when Ammon had made ready the horses
and the chariots for the king and his servants, he went in unto
the king, and he saw that the countenance of the king was
changed; therefore he was about to return out of his presence.
Alma 18:13
13 And one of the king's servants said unto him, Rabbanah, which
is, being interpreted, powerful or great king, considering their
kings to be powerful; and thus he said unto him: Rabbanah, the
king desireth thee to stay.
Alma 18:14
14 Therefore Ammon turned himself unto the king, and said unto
him: What wilt thou that I should do for thee, O king? And the
king answered him not for the space of an hour, according to
their time, for he knew not what he should say unto him.
Alma 18:15
15 And it came to pass that Ammon said unto him again: What
desirest thou of me? But the king answered him not.
Alma 18:16
16 And it came to pass that Ammon, being filled with the Spirit
of God, therefore he perceived the thoughts of the king. And he
said unto him: Is it because thou hast heard that I defended thy
servants and thy flocks, and slew seven of their brethren with
the sling and with the sword, and smote off the arms of others,
in order to defend thy flocks and thy servants; behold, is it
this that causeth thy marvelings?
Alma 18:17
17 I say unto you, what is it, that thy marvelings are so great?
Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever
thou desirest which is right, that will I do.
Alma 18:18
18 Now when the king had heard these words, he marveled again,
for he beheld that Ammon could discern his thoughts; but
notwithstanding this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, and said
unto him: Who art thou? Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows
all things?
Alma 18:19
19 Ammon answered and said unto him: I am not.
Alma 18:20
20 And the king said: How knowest thou the thoughts of my heart?
Thou mayest speak boldly, and tell me concerning these things;
and also tell me by what power ye slew and smote off the arms of
my brethren that scattered my flocks—
Alma 18:21
21 And now, if thou wilt tell me concerning these things,
whatsoever thou desirest I will give unto thee; and if it were
needed, I would guard thee with my armies; but I know that thou
art more powerful than all they; nevertheless, whatsoever thou
desirest of me I will grant it unto thee.
Alma 18:22
22 Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he said unto Lamoni: Wilt
thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do
these things? And this is the thing that I desire of thee.
Alma 18:23
23 And the king answered him, and said: Yea, I will believe all
thy words. And thus he was caught with guile.
Alma 18:24
24 And Ammon began to speak unto him with boldness, and said
unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?
Alma 18:25
25 And he answered, and said unto him: I do not know what that
meaneth.
Alma 18:26
26 And then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a Great
Spirit?
Alma 18:27
27 And he said, Yea.
Alma 18:28
28 And Ammon said: This is God. And Ammon said unto him again:
Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all
things which are in heaven and in the earth?
Alma 18:29
29 And he said: Yea, I believe that he created all things which
are in the earth; but I do not know the heavens.
Alma 18:30
30 And Ammon said unto him: The heavens is a place where God
dwells and all his holy angels.
Alma 18:31
31 And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth?
Alma 18:32
32 And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all