Helaman 6:37-39

"And it came to pass that the Lamanites did hunt the band of robbers of Gadianton; and they did preach the word of God among the more wicked part of them, insomuch that this band of robbers was utterly destroyed from among the Lamanites.
And it came to pass on the other hand, that the Nephites did build them up and support them, beginning at the more wicked part of them, until they had overspread all the land of the Nephites, and had seduced the more part of the righteous until they had come down to believe in their works and partake of their spoils, and to join with them in their secret murders and combinations.
And thus they did obtain the sole management of the government, insomuch that they did trample under their feet and smite and rend and turn their backs upon the poor and the meek, and the humble followers of God."
Helaman 6:37-39


Interesting stuff... the Lamanites, in their newly-converted state, eradicate the bad guys (partly by preaching, which is cool...), but the Nephites, in their experienced-in-the-Gospel wisdom, help the bad guys take over the government.  Yikes... and really, too close to comfort in our modern world as well.  Interesting how they talk about it using the word "seduced" in the second verse.  Sin is attractive like that... "look, we murder and steal from people, and get away with it... wouldn't you like some of our stash?"   And the injustice of it all plays with your mind, and the money tempts you for so many reasons... and there you are, in the middle of it all.  Part of the evil.
What was different about the Lamanites and the Nephites here... why did the Lamanites find a different way to deal with things than the Nephites did?  Were they more experienced in that type of evil, and knew what to avoid?   Were the Nephites so used to the gospel that they could not take it seriously?  ... I think it all relates to the "endure to the end" mantra. :)  Enduring to the end isn't just gritting our teeth and getting through it painfully... it's retaining that hope and wonder and belief in the gospel all the time.  Remembering that it is still miraculous, no matter how many times we hear the same topic discussed in Sunday School... remembering that God still talks to us and answers prayers, even when we think we know it all. :)   Let's retain our hope, and not give in to temporary temptations, no matter how seductive they are.  We're children of God, not the Devil... let's remember that, and not repeat this part of Nephite history.