Brief Explanation

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Summary:   The Brief Explanation page give a detailed record about the characteristics of the Book of Mormon.  As shown in the Other Information/Appendices - Book of Mormon Characteristics, the Book of Mormon consists of four distinct records.  The four records, are the Plates of Nephi (The Small Plates and the Large Plates), the Plates of Mormon, and the Plates of Ether.   Additionally, the Brass Plates (brought by the people of Lehi from Jerusalem) contain "the five books of Moses (see the Pearl of Great Price for Selection from the Book of Moses) and several quotes from ancient prophets within those books are quoted and contained in the Book of Mormon.

Lessons Taught/To be Learned:

The Book of Mormon comprises of several records written mostly during the time of 600BC to 421AD.  The records are primarily

• devoted to spiritual matters and the ministry and teachings of the prophets
• also contain a secular history of the people 

Key Scriptures (italicized and in quotes):

“In or about the year A.D. 421, Moroni, the last of of the Nephite prophet-historians, sealed the sacred record and hid it up unto the Lord, to be brought forth in the latter days, as predicted by the voice of God through his ancient prophets.”