2 And the Lord did strengthen them, that the people of King Noah could not overtake them, to destroy them.
3 And they fled eight days' journey into the wilderness.
4 And they came to a land, yea, even a very beautiful and pleasant land; a land of pure water.
5 And they pitched their tents, and began to till the ground, and began to build buildings, etc.; yea, they were industrious and did labor exceedingly.
6 And the people were desirous that Alma should be their king, for he was beloved by his people.
7 But he said unto them, Behold, it is not expedient that we should have a king; for thus saith the Lord: Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another; therefore I say unto you, It is not expedient that ye should have a king.
8 Nevertheless, if it were possible that ye could always have just men to be your kings, it would be well for you to have a king.
9 But remember the iniquity of King Noah and his priests; and I myself was caught in a snare, and did many things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord, which caused me sore repentance;
10 Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands, in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth.
11 Nevertheless, in this I do not glory, for I am unworthy to glory of myself.
12 And now I say unto you, ye have been oppressed by King Noah, and have been in bondage to him and his priests, and have been brought into iniquity by them; therefore ye were bound with the bands of iniquity.
