Joseph Smith

“ And they were taught to hate the children of God, even as the Lamanites were taught to hate the children of Nephi, from the beginning.
And it came to pass that two hundred and forty and four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceeding more numerous than were the people of God. And they did still continue to build up churches unto themselves, and adorn them with all manner of precious things. And thus did two hundred and fifty years pass away, and also two hundred and sixty years. ”