Enos 1:20

[pam]

Enos 1Â*

20 And I bear record that the people of Nephi did seek diligently to restore the Lamanites unto the true faith in God. But our labors were vain; their hatred was fixed, and they were led by their evil nature that they became wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, full of idolatry and filthiness; feeding upon beasts of prey; dwelling in tents, and wandering about in the wilderness with a short skin girdle about their loins and their heads shaven; and their skill was in the bow, and in the cimeter, and the ax. And many of them did eat nothing save it was raw meat; and they were continually seeking to destroy us.

Quotes for Discussion

Our labors were vain

His labors may have seemed vain to him and the other Nephite missionaries, but any honest effort put forth in proclaiming the truth is never in vain. First of all, this diligent effort obviously brought great blessings to Enos and his fellow workers; and second, through his faith and the faith of many others the record of the Book of Mormon was preserved and is now having a marvelous influence for good not only among the Lamanites but also among all people of the earth.

John H. Groberg, Heroes from the Book of Mormon [salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1995], 56

Full of idolatry

To create one’s own god is to have control over the demands and appetites of that god. It is said that religion is the system in which man serves a higher will, while magic is a system whereby man attempts to control higher powers. Such is the distinction that exists between true religion and idolatry.

Millet & McConkie, BOM Commentary, Vol 2, p. 103