The example of these self-appointed teachers (See v. 16) produced a spirit of idleness in their churches, and their members became full of devices to enable them to live without honest toil. They gave way to sorcery and idolatry, to robbery and murder, and to all manner of wickedness, for which offenses they were punished according to the law whenever conviction was obtained, and also when the intent of the law was not thwarted by their unholy combinations. This development of priestcraft also gave rise to another evil. Many belonging to the apostate churches, though not willing to openly plunder or murder for gain, were anxious for a monarchy to be established, that thereby they might be appointed office holders, etc., and by taxes maintain themselves in plenty. Their hope and intention was to destroy the Church of God, and, undoubtedly, to despoil its members.
By unselfishly enforcing the law every breaker thereof came within its power, and no one was excused because of station or rank. The deportment of those who before had sought to evade or circumvent its authority, became more inclined to observe its requirements and, "therefore, there was much peace among the people of Nephi until the fifth year of the reign of the judges."