--------------------------Part 3: The Scourge of War--------------------------

(Chamber Orchestra)

21. Prelude

22. Recitative

 "Moroni was a man of perfect understanding; a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and freedom of his country and his brethren; a man whose heart was thankful to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.  He was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood." -- Alma 48:11-13

23. Recitative

 "An epistle of Moroni." [Text added]

24. Solo and Chorus

"Great has been the slaughter among our people; thousands have fallen by the sword.  My men have suffered exceedingly; hunger, thirst, fatigue, and all manner of afflictions of every kind. Great has been your neglect towards us. Our enemies are murdering thousands of our brethren who have looked up to you for protection.  Many fought and bled out their lives for the welfare of this people -- And they perished because of your neglect. Now, my beloved brethren, the blood of thousands shall come upon your heads for vengeance; for known unto God were all their cries, and all their sufferings.  Do ye suppose they were killed because of their wickedness?  Ye have supposed this in vain; for the Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; behold, the righteous who are slain enter into the rest of the Lord their God. Ye have neglected us. I fear that the judgments of God will come upon this people, because of your neglect towards those who have been slain.  Have ye forgotten the many times we have been delivered out of the hands of our enemies?  Do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we do not make use of the means he provided us? Except ye do repent of that which ye have done, and show unto me a true spirit of freedom -- I will smite you that you have no power to impede the cause of our freedom.  For the sword of justice hangs over you; and it shall fall upon you to your utter destruction. I do not fear your power nor your authority, but it is my God whom I fear; and according to his commandment I take my sword to defend my country.  I seek not for power, but to pull it down.  I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of God, and the freedom and welfare of my country." -- Alma 60: various verses