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"There Should Be an Equality among All Men," Mosiah 27:1-7

Mosiah 27:1-7

These first verses of this chapter are given more as a setup to what follows. However, I've taken a moment to contemplate the law that was enacted and the purpose for which it was given. As a result of persecution by the unbelievers towards those that did believe, King Mosiah had been petitioned to take action.

Consequently, a command was enacted to dissolve persecutions and to protect the equality of all his people. The details of that command included that there was to be no pride or haughtiness that would disturb their peace, that every man should esteem his neighbor as himself, and that all should be industrious or labor with their own hands for their support. (see vs 2-4)

The result of this command or law was that there was increased peace and prosperity. I am amazed that it appears to have been so simple, that the king issued a command after consulting with his priests and then that the effects were that of general increased peace and prosperity.

Oh, how the times were different for these people. Still they were only one generation removed from King Benjamin's discourse and the powerful converting and unifying experience that that was for the people. There was a great deal of work prior to that, including wars and reform among the Nephites that came before this period. So that in this instance the challenge was resolved with a proclamation from the state perhaps doesn't seem so out there after all.

The other thing that strikes me as interesting is that a people, a nation as a whole, could be that pure and simple in a good way. That is not to say that they had lost their humanity in any way. Moreover, there was little or no skepticism, no general negativity towards the government, no abuse of authority, as we have it today.

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