The development of priestcraft among the Nephites also gave rise to another evil. Many of those who belonged to the apostate churches were not willing to openly plunder or murder for gain, but they were anxious that a monarchy be established that they might be appointed to offices such as therein would be provided. The kings of the Nephites had always been men of integrity, who ruled in righteousness. They had allowed no burdensome taxes to be imposed upon the people. Under them the people had prospered when they kept the commandments of God. There was no inequality among them; the ruled and the ruler were alike when they stood before the judgment bar of man. No one was permitted to fatten upon the public coffer. This thing was not agreeable to some who preferred authority, and not palatable to others who desired to dip their arms into the fat of sacrilege. Their hope and intention was to destroy the Church of God, and, undoubtedly, to despoil its members.
In the Fifth Year of the Judges, a willing instrument arose to effect their purposes. His name was Amlici who was a follower of Nehor, corrupt and ambitious, but was a man cunning in the ways of the world. He was chosen by the enemies of the commonwealth to be the king of the Nephites.