Nephite Decline and Downfall

Religious Efforts

Mormon 3:1

A decade passes in peace, but Mormon, now 50, again prepares his people for an upcoming battle.

And it came to pass that the Lamanites did not come to battle again until ten years more had passed away. And behold, I had employed my people, the Nephites, in preparing their lands and their arms against the time of battle.

Mormon 3:2

The Lord commands Mormon to preach to the people, instructing them to repent, be baptized, and build up the church.

And it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me:

“Cry unto this people—
repent ye, and come unto me,
and be ye baptized,
and build up again my church,
and ye shall be spared.”

And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God.

Moroni 7:1

Mormon’s son Moroni makes and keeps a record of his father’s teachings.

And now I, Moroni, write a few of the words of my father Mormon, which he spake concerning faith, hope, and charity; for after this manner did he speak unto the people, as he taught them in the synagogue which they had built for the place of worship.

Mormon 3:3

Mormon’s preaching is largely ignored because the people do not recognize the hand of God in their lives, and instead, reject him.

And I did cry unto this people, but it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance. And behold they did harden their hearts against the Lord their God.

Moroni 8:1–30

Possibly around this time of religious endeavors, Mormon’s son Moroni is called to the ministry, and Mormon writes him a letter condemning false doctrines, in particular the practice of infant baptism.

An epistle of my father Mormon, written to me, Moroni; and it was written unto me soon after my calling to the ministry. And on this wise did he write unto me, saying: