because "My heart did begin to rejoice within me, knowing the mercies and the long-suffering of the Lord." I supposed "that He would be merciful unto them that they would again become a righteous people." (v. 12)
But Mormon's joy in his people's changed attitude was only of short duration. By it, for awhile, he was inspirited. He sought greater ends for them to accomplish, but he tells us that his joy was vain. He hoped for that which he saw not, for while their cries to the Lord were heart-rending, their actions belied their intentions. They still indulged their wicked appetites and practices. Their sorrow was not unto repentance, but was "because the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin." Their lamentations were not words of praise and thanksgiving to God for His goodness, but in them they expressed resentment because He allowed them to be visited with His wrath.