Mormon, like Nephi before him, knew and prophesied that the Book of Mormon would come forth to the remnants of the Nephites and the Lamanites by the hand of the Gentiles (see 1 Nephi 13:20-29, 35-39). The fullness of the gospel, as contained in the Book of Mormon and in the message of the Restoration, would come forth to the Lamanites, who would have fallen into a state of spiritual decline to the point that they would wander without spiritual direction, being led by Satan and false traditions. Even though they would be persecuted and driven by the Gentiles, the Lamanites would be gathered again to the covenant of Abraham (see also 2 Nephi 30:1-6).