Lesson 61 - The Revolt on the Waters

When Nephi had finished the ship all the company went on board, and at once put to sea. The vessel was then driven by the winds towards the promised land. After they had been sailing prosperously for a number of days, the hearts of Nephi’s brothers and of the sons of Ishmael and others grew merry and in their merriment they forgot the Lord. They danced, and sang, and became very boisterous and rude. Nephi reproved them. This opened the old sore. They said they would not have him for their ruler, but would do as they pleased. Then they seized him and bound him, hands and feet, so tightly that he suffered a great deal. The result was that the Lord was angry at their wickedness, and the Liahona ceased to work. A heavy storm arose, a head wind drove them back upon the waters, the waves threatened to engulf them, and they were all in danger of being drowned. For three days the rebels continued stubborn in their anger; during that time they would not loose Nephi, and every one who pled for him or spoke in his favor was threatened with like tortures. But at last, on the fourth day, the danger grew so threatening that they released him; but his legs and arms had swollen so greatly by reason of the way in which he had been tied that he could scarcely use them. Notwithstanding his great weakness and sufferings, as soon as he was loosed he took the Liahona, and in his hands it began to work. Then the wind fell, the storm ceased, and there came a great calm. And Nephi took charge of the ship and guided it without further trouble, to the promised land.