through a holy angel, these young men were turned from the error of their way, and afterwards became strong pillars in the Church, and messengers of salvation to both Nephite and Lamanite. For the four sons of Mosiah (named Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni), not content with their zealous labors among their countrymen, proposed to go and labor among the Lamanites. The good king, like many of his subjects, did not favorably regard this proposal, he feared for the lives of his sons; but having inquired of the Lord and received assurances of Heavenly protection, he gladly let them go.
Mosiah now felt that it was time that the question of the succession to the throne should be settled. In his magnanimity he sent among the people to learn whom they would have for their king. The people chose his son Aaron, but Aaron would not accept the royal power, his heart was set upon the conversion of his fellow-men to the knowledge of the gospel. This refusal troubled the mind of Mosiah; he apprehended difficulties if Aaron at some future time should change his mind and demand his rights. Mosiah therefore issued another address in which he proposed to retain the kingdom during the remainder of his life, after which the Nephites should be governed by judges elected by themselves. In other respects, also, Mosiah consented to newly arrange the affairs of the people; and, if we may so express it, to codify the laws. This code became the constitution of the nation under the rule of the Judges, which limited the powers of the officials and guaranteed the rights of the people. This compilation was acknowledged by the people, whereupon the historian remarks, "Therefore they were obliged to abide by the laws which he had made," and from that time they became supreme throughout the nation. It is stated in another place that this change was made by the direct
