Mormon makes a very specific “wo” against those who created a philosophy that denies the mission of the Triumphant Messiah for the purpose of personal gain. This is preistcraft, and the Nephites had had long struggles with priestcraft. Mormon would have understood from his sources that the Gadianton influence that destroyed the Nephite polity was one that supported priestcraft. His identification of the Gadiantons of his own day would reinforce the dangers of priestcraft. From personal experience as well as prophetic inspiration, he warns future generations against such priestcrafts.