Nephi's Weak Writing to Be Made Strong

I, Nephi, cannot write everything that my people were taught. I am not a very good writer. I’m a much better speaker than a writer, because when one speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost, that power goes right to the hearts of those who hear. But many people harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, giving it no place in them. Because of this, they do not value the written word. I consider what I have written to be of great value, especially to my descendants. Every day I pray, and at night I weep over them because of what they will do. I cry to my God in faith, knowing that He will hear me. I know the Lord will answer my prayers by blessing my people, for even though my writings may be weak, they will be made powerful through the Holy Ghost when they are read by my descendants. They will persuade them to do good and will give them knowledge of their ancestors. My writings will speak of Jesus in order to persuade my descendants always to believe in Him, and thereby gain eternal life.

My words are harsh against sin because they are the simple and plain truth. Only those filled with the devil’s spirit will be angry with my writings. I glory in plainness, in truth, and in my Jesus because He has redeemed my soul from hell. I have charity for my people, great faith in Christ, and faith that I will meet many souls, spotless and sanctified, at His judgment-seat. I have charity for the Jews—the people of my heritage. I also have charity for the Gentiles, but no hope for any of them unless they are reconciled to Christ and stay on the straight path that leads to eternal life.

I speak to my descendants, to the Jews, and to all the people of the earth. If you believe my words, then you will believe in Christ, for He has given me the words that I now write to benefit you. These words teach all people in all places to do good. If you think my words are not Christ’s words, then judge them for yourselves. But I know, that at the last day Christ will show you with power and great glory that these are His words. Before His bar, we will stand face to face, and then you will know that He commanded me to write these things in spite of my weakness. I pray to the Father, in the name of Christ, that many of us, if not all, will be saved in His kingdom on that great and last day.

To all you descendants of the house of Israel, and to all people throughout the earth, I speak as one calling from the dust. Farewell, until that great day arrives.

And you who will not accept God’s goodness, who will not respect the words of the Jews, my words, or the words of the Lamb of God, I bid you an everlasting farewell, for these words will condemn you at the last day. Because the Lord commanded me to write, what I seal on earth will be brought against you at His judgment bar. Amen.