Mormon Abridges the Nephite Records

Mormon’s Prophecy about the Lamanites and the Gentiles

Mormon 5:8

As Mormon abridges the part of the plates of Nephi that he himself wrote, he writes that there are some things which must be known abroad.

And now behold, I, Mormon, do not desire to harrow up the souls of men in casting before them such an awful scene of blood and carnage as was laid before mine eyes; but I, knowing that these things must surely be made known, and that all things which are hid must be revealed upon the house–tops—

Mormon 5:9

Mormon only writes a moderated version of his people’s story, not wanting to inflict too much sorrow on the reader.

And also that a knowledge of these things must come unto the remnant of these people, and also unto the Gentiles, who the Lord hath said should scatter this people, and this people should be counted as naught among them—therefore I write a small abridgment, daring not to give a full account of the things which I have seen, because of the commandment which I have received, and also that ye might not have too great sorrow because of the wickedness of this people.

Mormon 5:10

Mormon speaks to the Gentiles, reminding them to remember where their blessing come from.

And now behold, this I speak unto their seed, and also to the Gentiles who have care for the house of Israel, that realize and know from whence their blessings come.

Mormon 5:11

The lack of repentance and the destruction of the Nephites will cause many to sorrow.

For I know that such will sorrow for the calamity of the house of Israel; yea, they will sorrow for the destruction of this people; they will sorrow that this people had not repented that they might have been clasped in the arms of Jesus.

Mormon 5:12

Mormon’s record will come forth it God’s own due time, and will be available to the remnant of house of Jacob.

Now these things are written unto the remnant of the house of Jacob; and they are written after this manner, because it is known of God that wickedness will not bring them forth unto them; and they are to be hid up unto the Lord that they may come forth in his own due time.

Mormon 5:13–14

This record will come forth to Jew and Gentile, with the intent to persuade them that Jesus is the Christ.

And this is the commandment which I have received; and behold, they shall come forth according to the commandment of the Lord, when he shall see fit, in his wisdom. And behold, they shall go unto the unbelieving of the Jews; and for this intent shall they go—that they may be persuaded that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God; that the Father may bring about, through his most Beloved, his great and eternal purpose, in restoring the Jews, or all the house of Israel, to the land of their inheritance, which the Lord their God hath given them, unto the fulfilling of his covenant;

Mormon 5:15

The Book of Mormon will help the Lamanites believe the gospel, which will come from the Gentiles; prior to its coming forth, they will be in a benighted state.

And also that the seed of this people may more fully believe his gospel, which shall go forth unto them from the Gentiles; for this people shall be scattered, and shall become a dark, a filthy, and a loathsome people, beyond the description of that which ever hath been amongst us, yea, even that which hath been among the Lamanites, and this because of their unbelief and idolatry.

Mormon 5:16

The Spirit has withdrawn from the Lamanites.

For behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are driven about as chaff before the wind.

Mormon 5:17–18

The Lamanites used to be a delightsome people, but now are shackled by Satan.

They were once a delightsome people,
and they had Christ for their shepherd;
yea, they were led even by God the Father.

But now, behold, they are led about by Satan,
even as chaff is driven before the wind,
or as a vessel is tossed about upon the waves,
without sail or anchor,
or without anything wherewith to steer her;
and even as she is, so are they.

Mormon 5:19–21

The Lord reserves his blessing for the Gentiles, through whom the gospel will be again revealed.

And behold, the Lord hath reserved their blessings, which they might have received in the land, for the Gentiles who shall possess the land. But behold, it shall come to pass that they shall be driven and scattered by the Gentiles; and after they have been driven and scattered by the Gentiles, behold, then will the Lord remember the covenant which he made unto Abraham and unto all the house of Israel. And also the Lord will remember the prayers of the righteous, which have been put up unto him for them.

Mormon 5:22–23

The Gentiles must likewise acknowledge and be aware of the power of God.

And then, O ye Gentiles, how can ye stand before the power of God, except ye shall repent and turn from your evil ways? Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command the earth shall be rolled together as a scroll?

Mormon 5:24

Repent, or face the consequences.

Therefore, repent ye, and humble yourselves before him, lest he shall come out in justice against you—lest a remnant of the seed of Jacob shall go forth among you as a lion, and tear you in pieces, and there is none to deliver.