Although it may be confusing to read “it was the place of the New Jerusalem” (past tense) the second phrase makes it clear that the New Jerusalem “should come down out of heaven” (future). This confusion was no doubt introduced during the translation. Moroni broaches the topic of the New Jerusalem because it is part of Ether’s vision, hence, occurring in Ether’s (and our) future. Once again, Moroni refers to Ether’s record without actually citing it.