bomcanon
1 Nephi 9
Nephi explains the distinction between his two sets of plates: the larger plates carry the political and military record of his people, while the smaller plates — these plates — are commanded by Jehovah specifically to preserve the account of the ministry. Nephi does not know the full purpose behind the commandment to keep the second record, but he trusts that Jehovah, who knows all things from the beginning, has prepared a way to accomplish His word through it. That trust is not naïve — it is covenant-grounded: what Jehovah commands, He will fulfill.
1
And all these things did my father see, and hear, and speak, as he dwelt in a tent, in the valley of Lemuel, and also a great many more things, which cannot be written upon these plates.
2
And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my people; for the plates upon which I make a full account of my people I have given the name of Nephi; wherefore, they are called the plates of Nephi, after mine own name; and these plates also are called the plates of Nephi.
3
Nevertheless, I have received a commandment of the Lord that I should make these plates, for the special purpose that there should be an account engraven of the ministry of my people.
4
Upon the other plates should be engraven an account of the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions of my people; wherefore these plates are for the more part of the ministry; and the other plates are for the more part of the reign of the kings and the wars and contentions of my people.
5
Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.
6
But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.
