Helaman 1:1

And now behold, it came to pass in the commencement of the fortieth year

of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi,

there began to be a serious difficulty among the people of the Nephites.

Helaman 1:2

For behold, Pahoran had died, and gone the way of all the earth;

therefore there began to be a serious contention

concerning who should have the judgment–seat

among the brethren, who were the sons of Pahoran.

Helaman 1:3

Now these are their names who did contend for the judgment–seat,

who did also cause the people to contend:

Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni.

Helaman 1:4

Now these are not all the sons of Pahoran (for he had many),

but these are they who did contend for the judgment–seat;

therefore, they did cause three divisions among the people.

Helaman 1:5

Nevertheless, it came to pass that

Pahoran was appointed by the voice of the people

to be chief judge and a governor over the people of Nephi.

Helaman 1:6

And it came to pass that Pacumeni,

when he saw that he could not obtain the judgment–seat,

he did unite with the voice of the people.

Helaman 1:7

But behold, Paanchi, and that part of the people

that were desirous that he should be their governor,

was exceedingly wroth;

therefore, he was about to flatter away those people

to rise up in rebellion against their brethren.

Helaman 1:8

And it came to pass as he was about to do this,

behold, he was taken,

and was tried according to the voice of the people,

and condemned unto death;

for he had raised up in rebellion

and sought to destroy the liberty of the people.