The difference in the effectiveness of preaching righteousness compared to using military power is obvious. Moroni was able to defend and retake their land but it only made the Lamanites careful or timid, not friendly. Moronihah was able to retake half the land that had been lost but no more. On the other hand, the sons of Mosiah taught among the Lamanites until a large contingent joined the Nephites while Nephi and Lehi taught among the Lamanites and not only had the Lamanites return the land they had taken but also ushered in a long era of peace and prosperity along both Nations as they traded freely.
String military defense can bring peace through deterrence but spreading goodness and righteousness (including knowledge and prosperity) leads to even greater safety.
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