The Words of Mormon

As I read the Words of Mormon this morning, I kept asking myself - "What is the message that Mormon would have me understand". Mormon seems to suggest two important reasons why he included the "Small Plates of Nephi" in his record. First, being -

"...after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi.
4 And the things which are upon these plates pleasing me, because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled; yea, and I also know that as many things as have been prophesied concerning us down to this day have been fulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day must surely come to pass—" (Book of Mormon | Words of Mormon 1:3 - 4)

Much like I have felt lately, Mormon must have been very spiritually moved by the teachings and prophecies of Nephi and Jacob, especially in how many of the prophecies had been fulfilled. So Mormon includes this record before he proceeds to abridge the remaining records explaining -

"...I chose these things, to finish my record upon them, which remainder of my record I shall take from the plates of Nephi; and I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people." (Book of Mormon | Words of Mormon 1:5)

I've wondered if Mormon literally inserted Nephi's plates or whether he copied them on gold plates. I don't think there is any record that suggests that there were different types of plates within the gold plates so you would have to assume Mormon most likely copies the words from the small plates. If that is so, that must have been a lot of extra work. Mormon then explains his second purpose -

"...for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren.
7 And I do this for a wise purpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will." (Book of Mormon | Words of Mormon 1:6 - 7)

Though Mormon may have not ever known the very reason why he included this record, but other than how much doctrine and truth would be provided for his brethren in the latter days (which in my mind includes all of us), we now know that a portion of his record would eventually be lost.

We are grateful for prophets that are willing to follow the Lord's will.