Mormon Explains Small and Largeplates

Event 42

Reference: W of M 1:1-9

AND now I, Mormon, being about to deliver up the recordwhich I have been making into the hands of my sonMoroni, behold I have witnessed almost all the destructionof my people, the Nephites. 2 And it is many hundred yearsafter the coming of Christ that I deliver these records intothe hands of my son; and it supposeth me that he willwitness the entire destruction of my people. But may Godgrant that he may survive them, that he may writesomewhat concerning them, and somewhat concerningChrist, that perhaps some day it may profit them. 3 Andnow, I speak somewhat concerning that which I havewritten; for after I had made an abridgment from the platesof Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whomAmaleki spake, I searched among the records which hadbeen delivered into my hands, and I found these plates,which contained this small account of the prophets, fromJacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and alsomany of the words of Nephi.MormonLand northwardA.D. 3854 And the things which are upon these plates pleasing me,because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and myfathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled; yea,and I also know that as many things as have beenprophesied concerning us down to this day have beenfulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day must surelycome to pass— 5 Wherefore, I chose these things, to finishmy record upon them, which remainder of my record I shalltake from the plates of Nephi; and I cannot write thehundredth part of the things of my people. 6 But behold, Ishall take these plates, which contain these prophesyingsand revelations, and put them with the remainder of myrecord, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will bechoice unto my brethren. 7 And I do this for a wise purpose;for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of theSpirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not knowall things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are tocome; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to hiswill. 8 And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once again come to the knowledge of God,yea, the redemption of Christ; that they may once again be adelightsome people.MormonLand northwardA.D. 3859 And now I, Mormon, proceed to finish out my record,which I take from the plates of Nephi; and I make itaccording to the knowledge and the understanding whichGod has given me.