Literary: Mormon’s “therefore” indicates not only a conclusion, but marks a shift in the type of narration he gives us. He has been describing facts, but Mormon’s facts are never given simply because they are facts. All of his intent is to present that information to us so that we understand better what is before us. It is for this purpose that Mormon shifts away from the narrative present and addresses his future audience directly. Mormon knows that he is ending his account, and the ultimate purpose of that account is for future generations. Since the current generation would not listen to him, he turns to us in the hope that we will learn from their error. He hopes that we will listen when they did not.