As Mormon focuses on the one task in which he has hope, that this record will fulfill its prophesied role, he writes down the thoughts he has about that future. First, the people to whom it is directed. While Mormon usually includes the Gentiles as a target, his first interest is always in the remnant of the house of Jacob. Mormon understands that the Book of Mormon will come to the Gentiles, but his interests are heavily weighted towards his own people, the remnant of the house of Jacob.
[they are written after this manner, because it is known of God that wickedness will not bring them forth unto them]: This statement is enigmatic. Mormon is stating that there is something in the manner in which is message is written that is ordained of God because of the way it will come forth. The next sentence confirms that the coming forth of his text in latter days is what is on his mind. Therefore, it would appear that the manner of the writing was selected to assist in the manner of the coming forth. The probable meaning here is that the writing of his text on plates rather than on a perishable material is ordained of God so that the text would survive the method of delivery, which was to include being “hid up unto the Lord.”