8 And they have come unto us, insomuch that those who have risen up in rebellion against us, are set at defiance; yea, insomuch that they do fear us, and durst not come out against us to battle.
9 They have got possession of the land, or the city of Zarahemla: they have appointed a king over them, and he hath written unto the king of the Lamanites, in the which he hath joined an alliance with him;
10 In the which alliance, he hath agreed to maintain the city of Zarahemla, which maintenance he supposeth will enable the Lamanites to conquer the remainder of the land, and he shall be placed king over this people, when they shall be conquered under the Lamanites.
11 And now, in your epistle you have censured me; but it mattereth not, I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart.
12 I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment seat, that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people.
13 My soul standeth fast in that liberty, in the which God hath made us free.
14 And now behold we will resist wickedness, even unto bloodshed.
15 We would not shed the blood of the Lamanites, if they would stay in their own land.
16 We would not shed the blood of our brethren, if they would not rise up in rebellion and take the sword against us.
17 We would subject ourselves to the yoke of bondage, if it were requisite with the justice of God, or if he should command us so to do.
18 But behold he doth not command us that we shall subject ourselves to our enemies, but that we should put our trust in him and he will deliver us.
