“There Cannot Be Written in This Book Even a Hundredth Part”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

The conference lasted for three days, but the minutes of only two are given in detail. In explanation, the Prophet Mormon, who abridged the record that was made at the time of the Savior's visit, informs us that the Lord, after having quoted the Scriptures, expounded all things from the beginning, and that even a hundredth part of the teachings of Jesus during these days of heavenly guidance could not be recorded or be reproduced in his relatively short summary. Christ's words of solace and His benedictions given in explication of the Gospel Plan caused, as we have said, the multitude of Nephites to rejoice in the eternal purposes of God. They were all written down on the Plates of Nephi, but Mormon was not permitted to copy it in detail. The full minutes of the Third Day of the Conference are therefore eliminated, and the general statement is made, that, after the second ascension-which would be the third day-the multitude saw and heard the little children of the Nephites "Open their mouths and utter marvelous things; and the things which they did utter were forbidden that there should not any man write them." (v. 16)

In summing up the information contained in verses 1-13, let us say this: For three days did the Savior mingle with the Nephites, and did instruct them; and even after that, He met with them often and with them, partook of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 7

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