“After I Had Prayed and Labored with All Diligence”

Brant Gardner

It is therefore reasonable to assume that the record was at least sacred in purpose, if not in its physical form, for Enos. As such, if Enos had received his knowledge from the text, it seems likely that he would have noted the sacred origin of his information. Indeed, both Nephi and Jacob cited text (including whole passages) to support their preaching. Enos does not. Is it because he has not yet read the small plates?

Almost certainly, after Enos’s experience, his sensitivity to things of the Spirit would increase, increasing his desire to know the contents of the sacred records he is preserving. What Enos has unquestionably learned from his father is the importance of the plates. Thus, when he does pray for a great blessing from the Lord, it concerns these records.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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