The following article was written by an incredibly perceptive fellow “DN” (anonymous for now) about 20 years ago. It was true then. And it feels even truer today!
Do you think we have any Gadiantons in our beloved Cedar Hills? Would you recognize one is you met one? Are you a pro-Gadianton? If you say, “No way!, then what have you done to expose or combat those in “secret combinations?? Take a read…
Gadianton Robber/Secret Combinations
What is a Gadianton Robber?
A Gadianton Robber is someone who uses force, secrecy, and deceit to obtain
power over other men. Gadianton Robbers lie, bribe, cheat, steal, make
secret pacts and agreements, hold secret meetings to plan unethical and
sometimes illegal actions, and worse:
“…Akish gathered in unto the house of Jared all his kinsfolk, and said
unto them: Will ye swear unto me that ye will be faithful unto me in the
thing which I shall desire of you? And it came to pass that they all sware
unto him, by the God of heaven, and also by the heavens, and also by the
earth, and by their heads, that whoso should vary from the assistance which
Akish desired should lose his head; and whoso should divulge whatsoever
thing Akish made known unto them, the same should lose his life. And it came
to pass that thus they did agree with Akish. And Akish did administer unto
them the oaths which were given by them of old who also sought power, which
had been handed down even from Cain, who was a murderer from the beginning.
And they were kept up by the power of the devil to administer these oaths
unto the people, to keep them in darkness, to help such as sought power to
gain power, and to murder, and to plunder, and to lie, and to commit all
manner of wickedness and whoredoms.” (Ether 8:13-16)
“And seeing the people in a state of such awful wickedness, and those
Gadianton robbers filling the judgment-seats–having usurped the power and
authority of the land; laying aside the commandments of God, and not in the
least aright before him; doing no justice unto the children of men;
condemning the righteous because of their righteousness; letting the guilty
and the wicked go unpunished because of their money; and moreover to be held
in office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their
wills, that they might get gain and glory of the world, and, moreover, that
they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do
according to their own wills…” (Helaman 7:4-5)
Gaddianton Robbers are predators who like to target the poor and those who
are the weakest, or have the least influence, in a society. They take
particular pleasure in persecuting those who refuse to join them in their
iniquity:
“And… they [Gadianton Robbers in power] did trample under their feet and
smite and rend and turn their backs upon the poor and the meek, and the
humble followers of God.” (Helaman 6:39)
Gadiantons who excel in their craft master the use of flattery and unethical
promises to obtain followers and power. Consider the founder of the Book of
Mormon Gadianton movement:
“For there was one Gadianton, who was exceedingly expert in many words, and
also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and of robbery;
therefore he became the leader of the band of Kishkumen. Therefore he did
flatter them… that if they would place him in the judgment-seat he would
grant unto those who belonged to his band that they should be placed in
power and authority among the people…” (Helaman 2:4-5)
The end goal of Gadianton-ism is to overthrow liberty:
“For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the
freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the
destruction of all people…” (Ether 8:25)
For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of
thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the statutes, and
judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people. (Alma 8:17)
Gadianton-ism is simply a form of priestcraft. As the prophet Nephi wrote:
“He [the Lord] commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold,
priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the
world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the
welfare of Zion. Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing…” (2 Nephi
26:29-30)
In summary, if you lie in order to obtain or retain political power over
others, you are a Gadianton Robber. If you steal, cheat, or use the force of
law to gain unjust advantage over your fellow man, you are a Gadianton
Robber. If you make unspoken or secret agreements with other people to hide
or conceal immoral and unethical activities, you are a Gadianton Robber. If
you accept or give out money or special privileges in exchange for political
favors, you are a Gadianton Robber.
What motivates a Gadianton Robber?
Gadianton Robbers are motivated by a lust for power and praise of other men;
“…to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and
glory of the world, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit
adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills…”
(Helaman 7:5)
“But behold, it is to get again, to be praised of men, yea, and that ye
might get gold and silver. And ye have set your hearts upon the riches and
the vain things of this world, for the which ye do murder, and plunder, and
steal, and bear false witness against your neighbor, and do all manner of
iniquity.” (Helaman 7:21)
Do Gadianton Robbers operate in complete secrecy?
Only in the beginning. Gadianton Robbers prefer to work in secrecy, but as
society erodes, they become more bold and open. Gadianton Robbers tend to
arise out of more populated areas, where it is easier to hide:
“…There was continual peace established in the land, all save it were the
secret combinations which Gadianton the robber had established in the more
settled parts of the land, which at that time were not known unto those who
were at the head of government; therefore they were not destroyed out of the
land.” (Helaman 3:23)
As their numbers and influence increase, things that were once done strictly
behind closed doors are done more openly. Robbers who excel at their craft
are careful to ride the ever-retreating line of what is “acceptable to the
masses,” or what they can get away with. Consider the Gadianton judges of
Zarahemla who attempted to put away the prophet Nephi for exposing their
wickedness:
“And now it came to pass that when Nephi had said these words, behold, there
were men who were judges, who also belonged to the secret band of Gadianton,
and they were angry, and they cried out against him, saying unto the people:
Why do ye not seize upon this man and bring him forth, that he may be
condemned according to the crime which he has done? Why seest thou this man,
and hearest him revile against this people and against our law? For behold,
Nephi had spoken unto them concerning the corruptness of their law; yea,
many things did Nephi speak which cannot be written; and nothing did he
speak which was contrary to the commandments of God. And those judges were
angry with him because he spake plainly unto them concerning their secret
works of darkness; nevertheless, they durst not lay their own hands upon
him, for they feared the people lest they should cry out against them.
Therefore they did cry unto the people, saying: Why do you suffer this man
to revile against us? For behold he doth condemn all this people, even unto
destruction; yea, and also that these our great cities shall be taken from
us, that we shall have no place in them. And now we know that this is
impossible, for behold, we are powerful, and our cities great, therefore our
enemies can have no power over us. And it came to pass that thus they did
astir up the people to anger against Nephi, and raised contentions among
them; for there were some who did cry out: Let this man alone, for he is a
good man, and those things which he saith will surely come to pass except we
repent; yea, behold, all the judgments will come upon us which he has
testified unto us; for we know that he has testified aright unto us
concerning our iniquities. And behold they are many, and he knoweth as well
all things which shall befall us as he knoweth of our iniquities; yea, and
behold, if he had not been a prophet he could not have testified concerning
those things. And it came to pass that those people who sought to destroy
Nephi were compelled because of their fear, that they did not lay their
hands on him… (Helaman 8:1-10)
Robbers are calculated, intelligent smooth talkers–catering to the whims
and baser desires of the people they are attempting to manipulate. Here is
the description of the lawyers of Ammonihah who sought legal excuse to
incarcerate and persecute the prophet Alma:
“Nevertheless, there were some among them who thought to question them, that
by their cunning devices they might catch them in their words, that they
might find witness against them, that they might deliver them to their
judges that they might be judged according to the law, and that they might
be slain or cast into prison, according to the crime which they could make
appear or witness against them. Now it was those men who sought to destroy
them, who were lawyers, who were hired or appointed by the people to
administer the law at their times of trials, or at the trials of the crimes
of the people before the judges. Now these lawyers were learned in all the
arts and cunning of the people; and this was to enable them that they might
be skilful in their profession. And it came to pass that they began to
question Amulek, that thereby they might make him cross his words, or
contradict the words which he should speak.” (Alma 10:13-16)
Can Gadianton Robbers be respected members of the community?
Can they hold high political office? Can they be members, or even leaders, of any faith
that claims to follow Jesus Christ?
Yes. Consider the following:
“And thus they did obtain the sole management of the government, insomuch
that they did trample under their feet and smite and rend and turn their
backs upon the poor and the meek, and the humble followers of God.” (Helaman
6:39)
“And seeing the people in a state of such awful wickedness, and those
Gadianton robbers filling the judgment-seats having usurped the power and
authority of the land…” (Helaman 7:4)
“…There were men who were judges, who also belonged to the secret band of
Gadianton… And those judges were angry with him because he spake plainly
unto them concerning their secret works of darkness…” (Helaman 8:1,4)
“Now there were many of the people who were exceedingly angry because of
those who testified of these things; and those who were angry were chiefly
the chief judges, and they who had been high priests and lawyers; yea, all
those who were lawyers were angry with those who testified of these things.
Now there was no lawyer nor judge nor high priest that could have power to
condemn any one to death save their condemnation was signed by the governor
of the land. Now there were many of those who testified of the things
pertaining to Christ who testified boldly, who were taken and put to death
secretly by the judges, that the knowledge of their death came not unto the
governor of the land until after their death. Now behold, this was contrary
to the laws of the land, that any man should be put to death except they had
power from the governor of the land–therefore a complaint came up unto the
land of Zarahemla, to the governor of the land, against these judges who had
condemned the prophets of the Lord unto death, not according to the law. Now
it came to pass that they were taken and brought up before the judge, to be
judged of the crime which they had done, according to the law which had been
given by the people. Now it came to pass that those judges had many friends
and kindreds; and the remainder, yea, even almost all the lawyers and the
high priests, did gather themselves together, and unite with the kindreds of
those judges who were to be tried according to the law. (3 Nephi 6:21-27)
Can Gadianton Robbers exist in our enlightened age? in our own state and
nation?
The prophet Nephi writes the following of our day and society:
“They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and
wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save
it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are
led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the
precepts of men.” (2 Nephi 2:14)
Nephi continues later:
“And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have
stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that they have
built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles
of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own
learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor. And
there are many churches built up which cause envyings, and strifes, and
malice. And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old,
according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all
these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he
leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his
strong cords forever.” (2 Nephi 26:20-22)
The prophet Moroni is even more specific about the broad scope of our
problems today:
“And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combinations,
for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all people, and
they are had among the Lamanites.” (Ether 8:20)
No matter what the society or religion, if the people in it do not remain
righteous and vigilant, Gadianton Robbers will organize and eventually
destroy that society. The devil will take whatever inroads the people give
him:
“And behold, it is he [the devil] who is the author of all sin. And behold,
he doth carry on his works of darkness and secret murder, and doth hand down
their plots, and their oaths, and their covenants, and their plans of awful
wickedness, from generation to generation according as he can get hold upon
the hearts of the children of men.” (Helaman 6:30)
In any society or religion, if the shepherds fall asleep, ravenous wolves
will enter the flock and destroy it.
“For what shepherd is there among you having many sheep doth not watch over
them, that the wolves enter not and devour his flock? And behold, if a wolf
enter his flock doth he not drive him out? Yea, and at the last, if he can,
he will destroy him. And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call
after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his
fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous
wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed.” (Alma 5:59-60)
The only way to remain vigilant is to place God and His righteousness above
other men–or the arm of flesh. As Alma warned:
“Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think
himself above another… Even so I desire that ye should stand fast in the
liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a
king over you. And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister,
except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his
commandments.” (Mosiah 23:7,13-14)
Can average citizens become Gadianton Robbers? If so, how?
It is very easy. All you have to do is to knowingly support and encourage
those who lie, steal, cheat, or who secretly do evil to obtain power over
others.
Do you look the other way and continue to support a political, religious, or
business authority who commits an immoral, unethical act? Do you believe
that you are a decent, respectable citizen for doing so? Do you personally
gain prestige or influence by your actions? You have been seduced into being
a complicit party in helping that person retain unjust power and influence.
YOU ARE A GADIANTON ROBBER:
“And it came to pass on the other hand, that the Nephites did build them up
and support them, beginning at the more wicked part of them, until they had
overspread all the land of the Nephites, and had seduced the more part of
the righteous until they had come down to believe in their works and partake
of their spoils, and to join with them in their secret murders and
combinations.” (Helaman 6:38)
One Book of Mormon robber, Giddianhi, explained the lure and attraction of
joining the Gadianton society:
“…Yield yourselves up unto us, and unite with us and become acquainted
with our secret works, and become our brethren that ye may be like unto
us–not our slaves, but our brethren and partners of all our substance.” (3
Nephi 3:7)
What will become of Gaddianton Robbers and those who support, join, or
otherwise uphold them?
The Lord is very clear about the destruction that awaits Gadianton Robbers
and those who uphold them:
“Yea, wo be unto you because of that great abomination which has come among
you; and ye have united yourselves unto it, yea, to that secret band which
was established by Gadianton! Yea, wo shall come unto you because of that
pride which ye have suffered to enter your hearts, which has lifted you up
beyond that which is good because of your exceedingly great riches!”
(Helaman 7:25-26)
“Yea, even at this time ye are ripening, because of your murders and your
fornication and wickedness, for everlasting destruction; yea, and except ye
repent it will come unto you soon.” (Helaman 8:26)
“And again, the Lord God hath commanded that men should not murder; that
they should not lie; that they should not steal; that they should not take
the name of the Lord their God in vain; that they should not envy; that they
should not have malice; that they should not contend one with another; that
they should not commit whoredoms; and that they should do none of these
things; for whoso doeth them shall perish.” (2 Nephi 26:32)
Evidently, mankind will fail to destroy the many secret combinations among
us:
Wherefore, for this cause, that my covenants may be fulfilled which I have
made unto the children of men, that I will do unto them while they are in
the flesh, I must needs destroy the secret works of darkness, and of
murders, and of abominations. Wherefore, he that fighteth against Zion, both
Jew and Gentile, both bond and free, both male and female, shall perish; for
they are they who are the whore of all the earth; for they who are not for
me are against me, saith our God. (2 Nephi 10:15-16)
America is particularly vulnerable to the arm of God’s justice:
“For behold, there is a curse upon all this land, that destruction shall
come upon all those workers of darkness, according to the power of God, when
they are fully ripe; therefore I desire that this people might not be destroyed…
Yea, and cursed be the land forever and ever unto those workers
of darkness and secret combinations, even unto destruction, except they
repent before they are fully ripe.
” (Alma 37:28-31)
Eventually, all of the lies and secret works of darkness will be revealed in
broad daylight:
“There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no
work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is
nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed.” (2 Nephi
30:17)
Conclusion
“Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be
shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that
these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get
power and gain–and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon
you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon
you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.
Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come
among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of
this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because
of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for
vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up. For it cometh to
pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all
lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of
all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies;
even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar
who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened
the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and
cast them out from the beginning. Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to
write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come
that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but
that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto
the fountain of all righteousness and be saved.” (Ether 8:23-26)
Free PDF of “Gadianton Robbers / Secret Combinations” here … Gadianton Robbers – Secret Combinations – by DN anonymous – May 2002 v2a
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