Page:PlainBookOfMormon.pdf/227

 And these are his words:

"My brothers and sisters, I have not commanded you to come here to make light of what I will tell you, but to open you hearts and minds, so that God's mysteries may be unfolded to your view.

I have not commanded you to come here to fear me, or to make you think I am more than a mortal. Like everyone else, I too, am sometimes weak in body and mind.

But I've been chosen by you and consecrated by my father Mosiah, and I've been allowed to be your ruler and king. I've been saved by the Lord's matchless power to serve you with all the might, mind and strength that He gives me.

I've spent my life in your service, not seeking gold, silver or any kind of riches from you. I have not allowed slavery or confinement in dungeons. I have not allowed murder, plunder, stealing or adultery.

I have not condoned any kind of wickedness, but I have taught you to keep all the Lord's commandments. I've even labored with my own hands to serve you so you would not be burdened with taxes. You, yourselves, know all these things.

I do not say these things to boast or to accuse you. I say these things so that you will know that I can answer to God with a clear