143 And they were called Gadianton's robbers and murderers; and it was they who did murder the chief judge Cezoram, and his son, while in the judgment seat; and behold they were not found.
144 And now it came to pass that when the Lamanites found that there were robbers among them, they were exceeding sorrowful; and they did use every means in their power, to destroy them off the face of the earth.
145 But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants, and their oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another, in whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their stealings.
146 And it came to pass that they did have their signs, yea, their secret signs, and their secret words; and this that they might distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant, that whatsoever wickedness his brother should do, he should not be injured by his brother, nor by those who did belong to his band, who had taken this covenant;
147 And thus they might murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit whoredoms, and all manner of wickedness, contrary to the laws of their country and also the laws of their God;
148 And whosoever of those who belonged to their band, should reveal unto the world of their wickedness and their abominations, should be tried, not according to the laws of their country, but according to the laws of their wickedness, which had been given by Gadianton and Kishkumen.
149 Now behold, it is these secret oaths and covenants, which Alma commanded his son should not go forth unto the world, lest they should be a means of bringing down the people unto destruction.
150 Now behold, those secret oaths and covenants did not come forth unto Gadianton from the records which were delivered unto Helaman;
151 But behold, they were put into the heart of Gadianton, by that same being who did entice our first parents to partake of the forbidden fruit; yea, the same being who did plot with Cain, that if he would murder his brother Abel, it should not be known unto the world.
152 And he did plot with Cain and his followers, from that time forth.
153 And also it is that same being who put it into the hearts of the people, to build a tower sufficiently high that they might get to heaven.
