Points to be remembered in this story: While in the ship Laman, Lemuel and Ishmael's sons with their wives act rude—Nephi was not pleased with their behavior and speaks to them—They get angry and bind Nephi with cords—A great storm arises and nearly sinks the ship—On the fourth day of the storm it becomes more terrible and Laman and Lemuel fear they will be drowned and release Nephi—Nephi prays to the Lord and the storm ceases—After sailing many days they reach the promised land—The country they arrive at is now called Chili, in South America—They plant the seed which they brought from Jerusalem and raise abundant crops—They find all kinds of animals in the forests, and gold, silver and copper in the earth—This is the choice land to which the Lord promised to lead them—The Lord fulfills all His promises—Lehi saw the destruction of Jerusalem in a vision.
LEHI AND HIS SONS
LEHI BLESSES HIS CHILDREN.
When the little colony of people led by Lehi arrived on the promised land Lehi was quite aged. He knew that he would not live very long. Before he died he wanted to speak to his children and grandchildren and all who came with him across the great ocean. He also desired to bless them, and as he was their father and a servant of the Lord, it was his right to do so.
Lehi was a great prophet. The Lord told him many things that would happen in years to come. When he called his people together to speak to them and bless them, he told them many things which the Lord showed unto him. He reminded them of the great mercy of God in leading them to such a beautiful land, and told them that if they and their children after them would be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord, they should possess the land forever.
The Lord had kept this land for a good people, and as long as they should serve Him they would prosper, but when they became wicked they would not be protected by the Lord. Other people would be led to their country and take possession of it.
Lehi told what should happen to his children or posterity down to the time in which we live. He also gave them some very good instructions. These instructions you can read in the Book of Mormon when you become older. The advice or counsel he gave them is good for others as well as his children, and should be read by everyone who is able to understand it.
LEHI BLESSING HIS FAMILY.
After telling them about these things, Lehi called his children to him one by one and blessed them.
In speaking to Laman and Lemuel, Lehi said he feared very much for them. On account of their disobedience he was afraid the Lord would cause a curse to come upon them and their children. He asked them to be obedient to Nephi, their younger brother, whom the Lord promised should be their leader on account of his faithfulness and obedience. If they would do as he desired them, Lehi promised they should not perish, but if they would not, the blessings he promised them would be taken from them.