The hill where Ammaron had hidden the plates was named Shim (see Mormon 1:3). Mormon kept two records, the full account on the (large) plates of Nephi, and a briefer account on the plates upon which he was abridging (Mormon 2:17–18). In spite of the continual scene of wickedness that was before him all of his days, Mormon knows he will be lifted up at the last day (v. 19). Was his calling and election made sure? The Apostle Peter (see 2 Peter 1:10), the Apostle Paul (see Ephesians 1:13–14), and the Prophet Joseph Smith (see TPJS, 149– 150) taught us concerning this doctrine. The Lord appeared to Mormon when he was fifteen years old in A.D. 326. Nineteen years later, A.D. 345, Mormon professes his knowledge of being saved. He appears to have been sealed up unto eternal life. “The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood. It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance” (D&C 131:5–6).
Driven until they had come northward (Mormon 2:20) seems to describe a long distance. We must not confuse the hill Shim with the land Shem (v. 20).