The conclusion of these miraculous deliverances is not that they were blessed, but that because of that blessing theyh were able to teach. Mormon’s intent is to show us that they taught and were successful in the face of difficulties, not to amaze us with the miracles they performed. For Mormon, the most significant miracle they performed was many were “converted unto the Lord.”
[the people of that generation were blessed]: There have been four generations between the initiation of the story of the three Nephites and Mormon’s text. To which generation is Mormon referring when he says that “the people of that generation were blessed?” Mormon does not tell us, nor does he give any indicators of time at all. Since the difficulties appear to have happened after 200 years have passed away, it is possible that Mormon is referring to the third or fourth “generation.” Perhaps he is referring generically to events in both.