Page:A dictionary of the Book of Mormon.pdf/218

Laman. oppressive, and under their exactions and cruelty the condition of Limhi's subjects grew continually worse, until they were little better off than were their ancestors in Egypt before Moses their deliverer arose. Three times they broke out in ineffectual rebellion, and just as often their task-masters grew more cruel and exacting, until their spirits were entirely broken; they cowered before their oppressors, and bowed "to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened according to the desires of their enemies."

In process of time the Lord softened the hearts of the Lamanites, so that they began to ease the burdens of their slaves, but He did not deliver the Nephites out of bondage at once. They, however, gradually prospered, and raised more grain, flocks and herds, so that they did not suffer with hunger. And in the Lord's due time they escaped from their Lamanite oppressors and in safety reached the land of Zarahemla.

Great was the excitement among the subjects of Laman when they found their Nephite vassals had disappeared. An army was immediately sent in pursuit. It followed the fugitives for some distance, but did not overtake them, and lost itself in the wilderness. In their wanderings the Lamanite troops found the priests of Noah and their Lamanitish wives, and later they came across the people of Alma in the land of Helam. The Lamanites extended their suzerainty over both these peoples, and king Laman appointed Amulon, the leader of the priests of Noah, the local ruler.

Amulon and the priests, possibly because of their Lamanitish wives, soon gained great favor with king Laman and were made teachers to his people. Educated in the language of the Nephites, they began to instruct the Lamanites therein. They taught the Lamanites nothing of the