RLDS Chapter Context

Intro: The Book of Mormon An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon Upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi

1 Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites;

2 written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile;

3 written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation.

4 Written, and sealed up, and hid unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed; to come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof; sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by the way of Gentile; the interpretation thereof by the gift of God.

5 An abridgment taken from the Book of Ether; also, which is a record of the people of Jared; who were scattered at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people, when they were building a tower to get to heaven:

6 which is to shew unto the remnant of the house of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off for ever;

7 and also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.

8 And now if there are faults, they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment seat of Christ.