2 And
about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me,
(I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the
manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that
thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe;
3 Therefore,
when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the
things that ye have observed concerning this people; and when ye are of that
age go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim; and there
have I deposited unto the Lord all the sacred engravings concerning this
people.
4 And
behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi unto yourself, and the remainder
shall ye leave in the place where they are; and ye shall engrave on the plates
of Nephi all the things that ye have observed concerning this people. (Mormon
1:2-4)
It is extraordinary that
Mormon was chosen for this role of record-keeping at age 10. Ammaron’s words
about him are that he was a sober child and quick to observe. I have to wonder
how much Ammaron had to search and do some observing himself as he was trying
to decide who would be not just a good caretaker of the records, but who would
be willing to write more for them and who would have edifying things to
write. It would have to be someone
who was willing, who was able, who was committed, and who had the resources to
take the time. I think it is very
likely that the Spirit helped Ammaron choose Mormon.
It is interesting to think
about Ammaron’s faith as he gave this charge to a 10-year-old boy. He had to have faith that Mormon would
stay faithful, not only up to age 24, but for the rest of his life. If at any
point Mormon had fallen away from the church, the records would have been in
jeopardy and would have to be taken away from him.
I notice that once Ammaron
found Mormon, he didn’t automatically dump all the records on him immediately.
(And he couldn’t, since the records were hid up in the hill Shim, probably in enormous
piles.) Instead, he gave him a charge to begin the record-keeping and writing of
observations on the plates starting at age 24. This would give Mormon time to
grow and mature into the role.
I wonder if Mormon had a
really good memory, or if he began writing his observations immediately to
prepare for that day and then had to condense when he turned 24.
I also wonder if maybe the
charge of future record-keeping also acted as both a spur and a stabilizing
factor in Mormon’s life, especially during the difficult times as he led the
Nephites in their battles until the Lamanites wiped them out. Before he was 24,
I wonder if he made important life choices according to whether they would fit
him better spiritually for his record-keeping duties. And once he retained the plates, I wonder if he ever found
himself making choices according to whether it would help him write with the
Spirit or not.
I’ve noticed writing this
blog has done a bit of that for me, though I don’t see this blog as anywhere
near the imperative for the future that Mormon’s record-keeping was. For some reason I feel driven to write,
even if I don’t know why. But I have noticed that keeping it going requires I
live at a little higher level. I’ve
noticed I have to be more careful about the media I consume. I have to make
good choices about what I do so I can be prepared to write. It’s both a goad and a stabilizing blessing
to me.
Perhaps you have writing
that gives you the same feelings.
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