Page:A dictionary of the Book of Mormon.pdf/130

Gadianton. crimes. These oaths and secret compacts had not been searched out of the old records by Gadianton, but that same being who had revealed them to Cain, the first murderer, had whispered them to him. Gadianton was a crafty, capable man, full of strategy and cunning; a flatterer, and expert in the use of many words; and at this time he desired to be elected chief judge of the Nephite commonwealth. To this ambition his followers gave full consent, as he promised them that, when elected, they should fill the offices of honor and profit at his disposal. It was decided in their secret meetings that Helaman should be slain to make way for Gadianton, and Kishkumen, one of his lieutenants, was chosen to do the murderous work. He made the attempt, but failed; Kishkumen himself being slain. Finding their envoy did not return, and learning that the officers of the law were searching for them, the band, under Gadianton's direction, fled into the hills and the wilderness, which became their places of retreat ever afterwards when they were threatened by the more righteous part of the community — Nephite or Lamanite. (See Gadianton Robbers.) Of Gadianton's personal life we have no further record.  GADIANTON ROBBERS. Of all the factions that separated themselves from the Nephites, none worked so much injury to the people as did the bands of the Gadianton robbers. The very fact of their organization shows the deplorable condition of Nephite society; while their continuance and growth proclaims yet more loudly and emphatically how debased the community had become.

The Gadiantons were at first (B. C. 52), apparently, a band of robbers and murderers, bound together by the most horrible oaths of secresy and satanic covenants, to aid and shield each other in whatever sins and iniquities they might commit. 