Circle of Fire

By Mabel Jones Gabbott

(See Hel. 5:20–52.)

The frightening word that there was a fire at the prison quickly passed among the Lamanites in the land of Nephi. And many hurried to see what had become of Lehi and Nephi, who this very day were to be slain. Before they were taken away by an army they had converted eight thousand Lamanites to the church of God. Because they had been so successful in preaching the gospel the missionaries had been cast into prison and for many days had been without food.

This was the day the soldiers were going to kill their Nephite prisoners.

Aminadab, a Nephite by birth who had once belonged to the church of God, hurried along with the soldiers and curious onlookers. When they arrived at the prison they were astonished to see that Lehi and Nephi were encircled by a pillar of fire. But the heat was so intense that the Lamanites could not get near enough to lay hold of the prisoners. And when they saw that Nephi and Lehi stood in the midst of the flames and were not burned, they were struck dumb with amazement.

Although Nephi and Lehi were weak from their imprisonment, they took courage as they realized that because of their faithfulness, they were being protected from their enemies. Speaking boldly to the Lamanites they said, “Fear not, for behold, it is God that has shown unto you this marvelous thing … [the fact] that ye cannot lay your hands on us to slay us.”

Suddenly the earth trembled, and a great cloud of darkness overshadowed those assembled. They stood motionless with fear, and above the cloud of darkness came a voice, saying, “Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings.

“… When they heard this voice … it was not a voice of thunder … but … a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul—

“And notwithstanding the mildness of the voice, behold the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison trembled again, as if it were about to tumble to the earth. …”

Three times the voice came through the darkness. And the Lamanites could not move because of the fear that was upon them. Then Aminadab turned and saw the faces of Nephi and Lehi shining through the cloud of darkness.

Aminadab called to the people to look, to believe the words of Nephi and Lehi, and to repent and believe in Christ. The Lamanites humbly called unto the Lord in great faith. Suddenly the cloud of darkness left, and they also were encircled about by fire.

“And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words.

“And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying:

“Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.”

Illustrated by Ron Crosby