6 Behold, it is expedient that much should be done among this people, because of the hardness of their hearts, and the deafness of their ears, and the blindness of their minds, and the stiffness of their necks;
7 Nevertheless, God is exceeding merciful unto them, and has not as yet swept them off from the face of the land.
8 And there are many among us who have many revelations: for they are not all stiff-necked.
9 And as many are not stiff-necked, and have faith, have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the children of men, according to their faith.
10 And now, behold, two hundred years had passed away, and the people of Nephi had waxed strong in the land.
11 They observed to keep the law of Moses, and the Sabbath day holy unto the Lord.
12 And they profaned not; neither did they blaspheme.
13 And the laws of the land were exceeding strict.
14 And they were scattered upon much of the face of the land; and the Lamanites also.
15 And they were exceeding more numerous than were they of the Nephites; and they loved murder, and would drink the blood of beasts.
16 And it came to pass that they came many times against us, the Nephites, to battle.