Nephi was commanded by the Lord to obtain the brass plates to carry
with them as they journeyed into the wilderness. Laban resisted every
effort they had made to obtain the record. The Lord then delivered
Laban into Nephi=92s hands. Concerning the slaying of Laban, Nephi was
taught: =93It is better that one man should perish than that a nation
should dwindle and perish in unbelief.=94
