Ether’s people did not believe the great and marvelous things he taught “because they saw them not.” They were blinded to spiritual things, not having an “eye of faith” (Alma 5:15) to view and comprehend matters of eternal consequence (see commentary at Alma 5:15).
“Ether Did Prophesy Great and Marvelous Things Unto the People”
In this chapter Moroni highlighted the teachings of Ether. What do Ether and Moroni have in common? They were the last prophets of their civilizations, and interestingly, in their final instructions and warnings they both focused on faith, hope, and charity in Jesus Christ—the only way they could have a positive attitude in their lives (see also Moroni 7). Faith leads to hope, and hope is an anchor that makes people sure and steadfast, always doing good, and giving God the glory.
Hope engenders a positive outlook and an upbeat attitude, even in times of personal adversity and social perversity. Hope is much more than wishing. It is a twin sister of faith, an anticipation of the all-powerful redemption of Christ, which is manifested by a person’s commitment to and demonstration of good works. Moroni speaks of hope “with surety.” Ether, Mormon, and Moroni are impressive models of hope even in the face of the gross corruption and despair that surrounded them.