Moroni’s surprise at still being alive is again expressed (v. 1). However, he is now able to fulfill a request made by his father. Mormon had told his son that many Nephites “have deserted over unto the Lamanites, and many more will also desert,” and requested he “write somewhat a few things if thou art spared” (Mormon 9:24, see Moroni 1:4). Although the Nephites were spared because they denied the Christ (v. 2), Moroni was only able to survive by his ability to exist alone (v. 3). We probably haven’t given enough consideration to his loneliness and his living in fear of his life for somewhere between fifteen and thirty-five years. His consolation must have come from an assurance that he would attain eternal life (see Moroni 10:34).