“The Things Written Were Shown After Christ Came”

Monte S. Nyman

Moroni now speaks to the latter-day translator. The reason the Nephites never knew what the brother of Jared had seen (vv. 1–2) was probably because of the principle of agency. The Lord would not allow it to affect their right of choice. The same principle applies to the sealed portion of the plates that were not to be translated by Joseph Smith. Because the Nephites had dwindled in unbelief and the Lamanites had rejected the gospel of Christ, Moroni was commanded “to hide [all of the records] up again in the earth” (v. 3). Mormon, the father of Moroni, promised that after the Book of Mormon had come forth, and the faith of the people had been tried, “then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them” (3 Nephi 26:9). Certainly the greater things had reference to, but not exclusively to, the things written by the brother of Jared. “There never were greater things made manifest” to man than the things which he saw (Ether 4:4). Moroni did as he was commanded—seal up the records and the interpreters (v. 5). We are now challenged to no longer treat “lightly the [Book of Mormon we] have received … and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which [Jesus Christ has] given [us], not only to say, but to do according to that which [He has] written” (D&C 84:54–57). When that day comes, we will be given the greater things made manifest to the brother of Jared (Ether 4:4).

Book of Mormon Commentary: I Mormon Make a Record

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