2 Nephi 4

There are a few things I want to say regarding the prophecies made by Joseph of Egypt, of which my father has spoken. We know these to be true prophecies about his descendants because they were written on the brass plates we have carried with us from Jerusalem, and because many of these prophecies have already come true. Long ago, he truly prophesied about his descendants, and about our future generations.

When Lehi finished speaking about the prophecies of Joseph, he gathered to him the sons and daughters of Laman, and said to them, “God has said that if you keep his commandments you will prosper in this land, and if not, you will be cut off from him. Before I die, I want to leave you with a blessing. I know that if you are brought up properly, you cannot fail. My blessing is this — that if you do fail, that rather than being cursed yourselves, that curse will fall upon your parents for failing to bring you up properly. My blessing is that God will have mercy on you and your descendants.”

Lehi then brought the sons and daughters of Lemuel before him and said the same thing to them that he’d said to the children of Laman. Following that, he gathered the household of Ishmael to him and said likewise to them.

Finally, Lehi spoke to his son Sam, saying, “You and your descendants are blessed. You and your brother Nephi will inherit this land. Your descendants will be counted with his descendants and will be blessed for all their days.”

After having given his blessings to all of our party who had traveled with him from Jerusalem, Lehi aged quickly, died, and was buried.

Shortly after our father’s death, Laman, Lemuel, and Ishmael’s sons grew angry with me when I was compelled to speak to them about God’s warnings. I found it impossible not to remind them of what our father had said before he died.

In response to their anger, I have turned inward and found solace in writing on these plates the words that I can share, and that might benefit my descendants. In repose, I see how I could have been better, and am saddened. God has supported me and led me through my troubles in the wilderness. He protected me on the long ocean crossing. He has filled me with love and bewildered my foes. He has heard my anguish by day and answered me with visions at night. His angels have answered my prayers. Having seen all of this, why do I still sometimes yield to temptations and anger? I must awaken my soul and refuse to be angered, or saddened, by my troubles. In my heart, I rejoice in God, who is the rock of my salvation. Oh, God, will you redeem me, deliver me from my enemies, and protect me from sin? My heart is broken and my spirit is remorseful for my shortcomings. Oh, God, guide me on the path to righteousness and help to clear the way. Oh, God, I have trusted in you and will do so forever. I know that to listen to my own flesh, or put my trust in men, is to invite your curse. I know that God gives to those who ask, so I raise my voice to you as the rock of my everlasting faith.