16 For on the morrow, I shall proclaim unto this my people, out of mine own mouth, that thou art a king and a ruler over this people, whom the Lord our God hath given us.
17 And moreover, I shall give this people a name, that thereby they may be distinguished above all the people which the Lord God hath brought out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I do, because they have been a diligent people in keeping the commandments of the Lord.
18 And I give unto them a name, that never shall be blotted out, except it be through transgression.
19 Yea, and moreover I say unto you, that if this highly favored people of the Lord should fall into transgression, and become a wicked and an adulterous people, that the Lord will deliver them up, that thereby they become weak, like unto their brethren;
20 And he will no more preserve them, by his matchless and marvelous power, as he has hitherto preserved our fathers.
21 For I say unto you, that if he had not extended his arm in the preservation of our fathers, they must have fallen into the hands of the Lamanites, and become victims to their hatred.
22 And it came to pass that after King Benjamin had made an end of these sayings to his son, that he gave him charge concerning all the affairs of the kingdom.
23 And moreover, he also gave him charge concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass; and also, the plates of Nephi;
24 And also, the sword of Laban, and the ball or director, which led our fathers through the wilderness, which was prepared by the hand of the Lord, that thereby they might be led, every one according to the heed and diligence which they gave unto him.
25 Therefore, as they were unfaithful, they did not prosper nor progress in their journey, but were driven back, and incurred the displeasure of God upon them;
26 And therefore, they were smitten with famine and sore afflictions, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty.
