Words of Mormon 1

(February 20, 2014)
This chapter is so textually distinct from the remainder of the Book of Mormon that it sticks out like a sore thumb.  As I read through it, I couldn’t help but to think that perhaps the first 12 verses of this chapter were the last bit of commentary on the Book of Mormon that Mormon ever wrote.  That he had prepared the text, but felt prompted to add this section, so he went back to add it with a brief editorial comment.

By the time Mormon wrote this, the writing must certainly have been on the wall.  Perhaps some of the Book of Mormon was written when Mormon had hopes for the survival of his people, but by this point he must have known.  Yet, even in a set of circumstances that would cause me to have despaired, he stood strong in his stewardship, he continued to testify as to the truth, and he remained sufficiently still in his heart to hear the whisperings of the Spirit.  And how grateful we must be for our opportunity to receive those things which Mormon added.