Moroni had written what he had believed was going to be his final words in Mormon chapters 8 and 9. In that earlier conclusion, he focused on fulfilling his father’s requests—writing things that were important and necessary to be included in the Nephite record. Although his words were heartfelt, Moroni was recording these things as part of his duty as his father’s scribe and editor.
Now, in Moroni chapter 10, Moroni opened up his heart and expressed what he really wanted to say. These were the things about which he felt passionate. There could be no better ending to the Book of Mormon than chapter 10 of Moroni.
Hugh Nibley often spoke candidly about the relevance of the Book of Mormon to our day, and particularly the words of Moroni. Nibley memorably stated, “I intend to take Moroni as my guide to the present world situation.” He pointed out that the Book of Mormon gives answers to issues of today—important questions of “prosperity and security—the great inseparably related issues of wealth and war.” He further noted, “In the Book of Mormon, the very questions which now oppress the liberal and fundamentalist alike, to the imminent overthrow of their fondest beliefs, are fully and clearly treated. No other book gives such a perfect and exhaustive explanation of the eschatological problem. … Here you will find anticipated and answered every logical objection that the intelligence and vanity of men even in this sophisticated age has been able to devise against the preaching of the word. And here one may find a description of our own age so vivid and so accurate that none can fail to recognize it.”
Hugh W. Nibley, “Gifts,” in Approaching Zion (Salt Lake City, UT: Deserert Book and FARMS, 1989), 89.
Gary P. Gillum, ed. and comp., Of All Things: A Nibley Quote Book (Salt Lake City, UT: Signature Books, 1981), 86–87.
John W. Welch, “Hugh Nibley and the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, April 1985, online at churchofjesuschrist.org.