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Laban. with them that they would consent to go. Though young, he had learned an exceedingly valuable lesson, that the Lord does not require His children to do impossible things, but that when He gives them a command He opens up the way for them to accomplish His requirements. Nephi felt at this time that if the Lord desired that they should have the records, then in the possession of Laban, He would control circumstances in such a way that they could obtain them.

The young men accordingly returned to Jerusalem. When they reached the holy city, it was decided that Laman, being the eldest, should first go to Laban and endeavor to obtain the records. Laman had no faith in his mission and, consequently, was unsuccessful. He was much abused by Laban for asking for the records, and returned to his brothers feeling very downhearted. The young men then decided that they would endeavor to purchase the records from Laban, so they went to their father's house, and gathered up some of the valuables that they had left therein when they deserted their home for the journey into the wilderness. Taking these precious things to Laban, they offered them to him in exchange for the plates. He, seeing how great was the value of the property offered him, desired to obtain it without giving up the records in return. He, therefore, with the aid of his servants, drove the young men from his house and sent his retainers to slay them, but he did not permit them to carry back the valuables they had brought. These he kept for himself.

After this second unsuccessful effort, Laman and Lemuel were very angry, and they went so far as to beat their younger brothers, Sam and Nephi, with a rod. While doing so, an angel appeared before them and upbraided them for their evil conduct. This rebuke for a time quieted