Literary: Verses 8 and 9 are meant to be contrasting parallels. In the old days Nephi would have had joy, but in these days he has sorrow. In the old days the people were righteous, now they are wicked. It is probable that he understands that he also plays on his own name as a pivot in this contrast. There was a Nephi; there is a Nephi. The circumstances, and therefore the joy available, are different.