Whoso Shall Not Condemn It Because of the Imperfections Which Are in It

Bryan Richards

Again, let‘s take Brigham Young’s advice and imagine ourselves in Moroni’s position. He has been shown the latter-day Gentiles, with their intellectuals, their pride, and their strifes (v. 36). He also knows that he is writing to a huge audience. As most public speakers know, the larger the audience the more intimidating the speaking engagement—and Moroni was speaking to millions. His concern for his own writing style and potential imperfections are evident in this verse and in his abridgment of the Jaredites, Lord, the Gentiles will mock at these things because of our weakness in writing; for Lord thou hast made us mighty in word by faith, but thou hast not made us mighty in writing…I fear lest the Gentiles shall mock at our words. The reply is comforting, Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness (Ether 12:23-29). Moroni’s concern about imperfections in “the most correct book on earth” did not seem to be shared by his father.

"Instead of the concise, objective style of the sober and observant Mormon, Moroni gives us glimpses into his own fears, sorrows, and misgivings. As he begins to relate the events following the great battle at Cumorah, he describes his sorrow and loneliness and resignation (quotes Mormon 8:2-5).
"In his writing, Moroni also lacks the confident, concise, and detached style of Mormon. In addressing the future readers of this record, Moroni expresses his concern that others will condemn the record because of its imperfections and faults (Mormon 8:12, 17), a theme that he also states [in Mormon 9:31]. (Gary Hatch, Book of Mormon Symposium Series, 4 Nephi - Moroni, edited by PR Cheesman, MS Nyman, and CD Tate, Jr., 1988, p. 73)

Matthias F. Cowley

“Those persons who would esteem literary imperfections an evidence against the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon must belong to one of two classes-they are either not honest at heart and are seeking opportunity to evade the responsibility of knowing the truth, or they are shallow-minded, and to the world of sound reason, good judgment, and practical ability prefer the shadow compared with the substance. He ’that will do the will of the Father shall know of the doctrine (cf. Jn 7:17)’ is the promise of our Savior; and the promises in the Book of Mormon that those who will not condemn the things of God because of human imperfections, but shall receive greater knowledge, are plain enough to condemn the world if they reject them, as much as the teachings of the Jewish record shall condemn mankind if they will not hearken.” (Cowley’s Talks on Doctrine, p. 185)

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