Alma 1:16

Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land;

for there were many who loved the vain things of the world,

and they went forth preaching false doctrines;

and this they did for the sake of riches and honor.

Alma 1:17

Nevertheless, they durst not lie, if it were known, for fear of the law,

for liars were punished;

therefore they pretended to preach according to their belief;

and now the law could have no power on any man for his belief.

Alma 1:18

And they durst not steal, for fear of the law,

for such were punished;

neither durst they rob, nor murder,

for he that murdered was punished unto death.

Alma 1:19

But it came to pass that

whosoever did not belong to the church of God began to persecute those

that did belong to the church of God, and had taken upon them the name of Christ.

Alma 1:20

Yea, they did persecute them, and afflict them with all manner of words,

and this because of their humility;

because they were not proud in their own eyes,

and because they did impart the word of God, one with another,

without money and without price.

Alma 1:21

Now there was a strict law among the people of the church,

that there should not any man, belonging to the church,

arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church,

and that there should be no persecution among themselves.

Alma 1:22

Nevertheless, there were many among them who began to be proud,

and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows;

yea, they would smite one another with their fists.

Alma 1:23

Now this was in the second year of the reign of Alma,

and it was a cause of much affliction to the church;

yea, it was the cause of much trial with the church.

Alma 1:24

For the hearts of many were hardened,

and their names were blotted out,

that they were remembered no more among the people of God.

And also many withdrew themselves from among them.