Narrative: This verse continues Nephi’s transition from the theme of his sermon in chapter 32 to his final testimony. He connects the theme he had ended on—his lament for his own people who were too “wicked” to follow the Spirit—to the spiritual plight of his future readers. Among them also will be those whose hearts are hardened “against the Holy Spirit,” making them unable to believe what he has written. Nephi draws a parallel between his people who could not accept the Spirit even when Nephi was preaching powerfully to them in person and whom he has served for about forty years and future readers who will be unable to discern the Spirit in the written word of God—in particular, Nephi’s book.