Reading from the words of Mormon, I gained greater insights of the prophet-historian-general.
As a young man Mormon was brought up in the ways of the Lord. He knew of the sacred record of his people and of his future role in preserving it for a future generation.
Around the age of 15, Mormon was called to be the general of the Nephite army. He fought side by side a people he thought shared common beliefs and values. Because they were united in the cause for freedom and the right to worship the Lord, the Nephites were victorious in battle. Much of their success was attributed to Mormon.
Sadly, the Nephites drew further and further from the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They drew far away from the God that had protected and upheld them for centuries. They became lustful for power and control over their enemies land. They also gradually became more bloodthirsty and mercy fled from their hearts.
This caused Mormon deep sorrow and anguish because these were the same people whom he served and fought vigorously for. He would not stand by these misguided motives in battle.
In his writings and record of these events, Mormon's feelings and emotions spill from the pages. He is seeing the end of a once righteous and prosperous people; his people.

His commission to follow the Lord becomes that much more meaningful as the reader feels empathy for Mormon.
I am grateful for Mormon the man. In times of trial and dispair, his voice echoes through the ages to love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. To such a man, who, in times where there could be none else in whom the Spirit could be found, valiance prevailed in the heart of Mormon. Becauce of such a man, I have the Book of Mormon, which drew me closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ than any other book.

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