Alma 1 Intro: The account of Alma, who was the son of Alma, the first and chief judge over the people of Nephi, and also the high priest over the church. An account of the reign of the judges and the wars and contentions among the people. And also an account of a war between the Nephites and the Lamanites, according to the record of Alma, the first and chief judge.
1 Now it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi, from this time forward, King Mosiah having gone the way of all the earth; having warred a good warfare, walking uprightly before God, leaving none to reign in his stead;
2 Nevertheless he established laws, and they were acknowledged by the people; therefore they were obliged to abide by the laws which he had made.
3 And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgment seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged; a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength;
4 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church;
5 Declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their own hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people;
6 And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice;
7 For the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and in the end, all men should have eternal life.
8 And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much, that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money;
9 And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel; yea, and even began to establish a church, after the manner of his preaching.
10 And it came to pass as he was going to preach to those who believed on his word, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, yea, even one of their teachers;