18 And even I myself have labored with all the power and faculties which I have possessed, to teach you the commandments of God, and to establish peace throughout the land,
19 That there should be no wars nor contentions, no stealing, nor plundering, nor murdering, nor any manner of iniquity;
20 And whosoever has committed iniquity, him have I punished according to the crime which he has committed, according to the law which has been given to us by our fathers.
21 Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just, it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you.
22 For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed! yea, and what great destruction!
23 Yea, remember King Noah, his wickedness and his abominations; and also the wickedness and abominations of his people.
24 Behold what great destruction did come upon them; and also because of their iniquities, they were brought into bondage.
25 And were it not for the interposition of their all-wise Creator, and this because of their sincere repentance, they must unavoidably have remained in bondage until now.
26 But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him, he did deliver them out of bondage;
27 And thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him.
28 And behold, now I say unto you, Ye can not dethrone an iniquitous king, save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood.
