Textual: The two types of sources for Mormon’s record are given in verses 16 and 17. In verse 16 the first set of sources is “the accounts which have been given by those who were before me.” These are the volumes of records that are before Mormon. However, in addition, Mormon makes a “record of the things which [he has] seen with [his] own eyes.” Thus Mormon not only makes a record from that which is written, but he writes of his own experience. As a disciple of the Lord, this personal witness extends beyond the eye witness to historical events, and becomes a personal witness of the gospel contained in the text. While Mormon may not have seen the events written in the accounts, he may nevertheless testify to their truth because of his position as a witness for the Lord.