60 And it came to pass that he did no more attempt a battle with the Lamanites in that year; but he did employ his men in preparing for war: yea, and in making fortifications to guard against the Lamanites; yea, and also delivering their women and their children from famine and affliction, and providing food for their armies.
61 And now it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites, on the west sea, south, while in the absence of Moroni, on account of some intrigue amongst the Nephites, which caused dissensions amongst them, had gained some ground over the Nephites, yea, insomuch that they had obtained possession of a number of their cities in that part of the land;
62 And thus because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea, because of dissension and intrigue among themselves, they were placed in the most dangerous circumstances.
63 And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people of Ammon, who, in the beginning were Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren, or rather by the power and word of God, they had been converted unto the Lord;
64 And they had been brought down into the land of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected by the Nephites; and because of their oath, they had been kept from taking up arms against their brethren;
65 For they had taken an oath, that they never would shed blood more; and according to their oath, they would have perished; yea, they would have suffered themselves to have fallen into the hands of their brethren, had it not been for the pity and the exceeding love which Ammon and his brethren had had for them;
66 And for this cause, they were brought down into the land of Zarahemla; and they ever had been protected by the Nephites.
67 But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved with compassion, and were desirous to take up arms in defense of their country.
68 But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made;
69 And Helaman feared lest by so doing, they should lose their souls; therefore all those who had entered into this covenant, were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances, at this time.
70 But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, who had not entered into a covenant that they would not take their weapons of war to defend themselves against their enemies;
