2 Nephi 9
Jacob mentions secret combinations here before any such thing existed among the Nephites. It is interesting to note that Jacob had never lived in Jerusalem where such things may well have been. He must have learned about them from Nephi or the scriptures, either way it is interesting that he should mention them to the people now.
Some might say from this discussion of laws and the salvation of those who have no law that the Lord should not have provided a law, thus allowing all men to be saved on account of their ignorance. The fact is that God would not be God if He did not provide a law according to the order of eternal life. He would not be and the universe would be only chaos (as agnostics believe it to be anyway sometimes).
To be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. To be rich is good if they set their heart upon God and not upon treasure.