Where we are
Mosiah 28 is the BoM's-master-chapter of-the-sons-of-Mosiah-depart-on-mission and-the-doctrine-of-the-seer and-the-translation-of-the-twenty-four-Jaredite-plates. The chapter is one of the most-doctrinally-rich-shorter-chapters in-the-BoM. The chapter has the four-sons-of-Mosiah refusing-the-throne and-pleading-with-their-father to-allow-them to-go-as-missionaries to-the-Lamanites; their-stated-reason — they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble; Mosiah-II inquiring-of-the-Lord and-receiving-the-promise that-his-sons-will-be-delivered; the sons-departing for-the-land-of-Nephi; Mosiah-II translating-the-twenty-four-plates of-the-Jaredite-record by-means-of-the-interpreters that-were-prepared-from-the-beginning; the chapter then defining the office-of-the-seer — a seer is-greater-than-a-prophet, a seer is-a-revelator-and-a-translator, by-these-things shall-secret-things-be-made-manifest; Mosiah-II delivering all-the-records and-the-interpreters and-the-Liahona to-Alma-the-Younger, his-trusted-prophet-companion. The chapter is therefore the BoM's-clearest-text-on the missionary-impulse, the doctrine-of-the-seer, and-the-translation-of-the-Jaredite-record.
The chapter has four movements: (1) the sons-of-Mosiah desire-the-Lamanite-mission (vv. 1–4); (2) Mosiah inquires-and-the-Lord-promises (vv. 5–9); (3) the translation-of-the-twenty-four-plates by-the-interpreters (vv. 10–19); (4) the records-delivered-to-Alma-the-Younger (vv. 20).
For the reader, the chapter contains five especially load-bearing texts: (1) v. 3 now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble — the chapter's-master could-not-bear-that-any-soul-should-perish statement; (2) v. 4 and thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them, for they were the very vilest of sinners. And the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever — the chapter's-master vilest-of-sinners statement; (3) v. 7 and it came to pass that the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites — the chapter's-master Lord-grants-the-mission statement; (4) v. 13 and now he translated them by the means of those two stones which were fastened into the two rims of a bow — the chapter's-master interpreters-and-bow statement; (5) v. 16 and whosoever has these things is called seer, after the manner of old times — the chapter's-master definition-of-seer statement.
The sons of Mosiah desire the Lamanite mission (verses 1–4)
Now it came to pass that after the sons of Mosiah had done all these things, they took a small number with them and returned to their father, the king, and desired of him that he would grant unto them that they might, with these whom they had selected, go up to the land of Nephi that they might preach the things which they had heard, and that they might impart the word of God to their brethren, the Lamanites— — Mosiah 28:1
The chapter opens with the sons-of-Mosiah's-petition. They took a small number with them and returned to their father, the king, and desired of him that he would grant unto them that they might… go up to the land of Nephi. The doctrine: the chapter has the converted-princes seeking-not-the-throne but-the-mission; the same Mt. 19:21's-go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and… come and follow me pattern in-royal-key. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the prince-becomes-missionary discipline; the chapter is the BoM's-foundational-text-on the high-station-renounced-for-the-mission pattern.
The phrase that they might impart the word of God to their brethren, the Lamanites — the chapter's-precise-missionary-vocabulary. The doctrine: the chapter has the Lamanites named-as-brethren; the same Mosiah 25:11's-pain-and-anguish for-the-welfare-of-the-Lamanites' souls now-expressed in-active-mission. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the enemy-as-brother missionary-perception.
That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity of their fathers; and that perhaps they might cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites, that they might also be brought to rejoice in the Lord their God, that they might become friendly to one another, and that there should be no more contentions in all the land which the Lord their God had given them. — Mosiah 28:2
The chapter records the four-fold-purpose of-the-mission. That perhaps they might bring them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and convince them of the iniquity of their fathers; and that perhaps they might cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites, that they might also be brought to rejoice in the Lord their God, that they might become friendly to one another. The doctrine: the chapter has the BoM's-clearest-articulation of-the-four-fold-missionary-purpose — (1) knowledge-of-God, (2) recognition-of-the-fathers'-iniquity, (3) cure-of-hatred, (4) friendship-and-the-end-of-contention. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the missionary-aim as-not-merely-individual-conversion but-corporate-reconciliation; the chapter is one-of-the-BoM's-most-pastoral missionary-theology-texts. Same enemies-become-friends grammar as Eph. 2:14-16's-he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us… for to make in himself of twain one new man. The chapter is one of the BoM's clearest articulations of the mission-as-reconciliation doctrine.
Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble. — Mosiah 28:3
The chapter's master-could-not-bear-that-any-soul-should-perish verse. They were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble. The doctrine: the chapter is the BoM's-foundational-text-on the missionary-heart — the heart-that-cannot-bear that-any-soul should-perish; the same Rom. 9:1-3's-Paul-grieves-for-Israel pattern, and-the-same Lk. 19:41-42's-Christ-weeps-over-Jerusalem pattern. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the cannot-bear-that-any-soul-should-perish heart-disposition. Same salvation-to-every-creature grammar as Mk. 16:15 — preach the gospel to every creature; 1 Tim. 2:4 — who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth; 2 Pet. 3:9 — not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The chapter is one of the BoM's clearest articulations of the missionary-heart-cannot-bear-perishing doctrine — and one-of-the-BoM's-most-load-bearing-foundations of-the-LDS-doctrine of-universal-missionary-effort.
The phrase quake and tremble — the chapter's-precise-physical-language of-the-missionary-burden. The doctrine: the chapter has the body-quaking-and-trembling at-the-thought-of-perishing-souls; the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the bodily-grief for-the-lost-soul. The discipline: the missionary-heart is-not-merely-intellectual-conviction but-bodily-trembling. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the somatic-missionary-burden doctrine.
And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them, for they were the very vilest of sinners. And the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever. — Mosiah 28:4
The chapter's master-vilest-of-sinners verse. They were the very vilest of sinners. And the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities. The doctrine: the chapter has-the-precise-self-portrait of-the-converted-persecutor — vilest-of-sinners not-as-rhetorical-exaggeration but-as-accurate-self-assessment in-light-of-the-mercy-extended. The same 1-Tim. 1:15 pattern — Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest pre-Pauline articulation of-the-converted-persecutor's-honest-self-portrait. Same vilest-of-sinners grammar as 1 Tim. 1:13-15; Lk. 18:13 — God be merciful to me a sinner. The chapter is one of the BoM's clearest articulations of the converted-persecutor's-honest-self-portrait doctrine.
The phrase the Spirit of the Lord work upon them — the chapter's-precise-causality of-the-missionary-impulse. The doctrine: the chapter has the missionary-impulse not-as-the-natural-product of-conversion but-as-the-specific-working-of-the-Spirit on-the-converted; the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the missionary-impulse-as-Spirit-given doctrine.
Mosiah inquires and the Lord promises (verses 5–9)
And it came to pass that they did plead with their father many days that they might go up to the land of Nephi. — Mosiah 28:5
The chapter records the persistent-pleading. They did plead with their father many days that they might go up to the land of Nephi. The doctrine: the chapter has the long-persistence in-the-petition; the same Lk. 11:5-8's-importunate-friend-at-midnight pattern. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the persistent-petition-of-the-called doctrine.
And king Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord if he should let his sons go up among the Lamanites to preach the word. — Mosiah 28:6
The chapter records Mosiah's-inquiry. King Mosiah went and inquired of the Lord if he should let his sons go up among the Lamanites to preach the word. The doctrine: the chapter has the king-and-father inquiring-of-the-Lord before-deciding; the same David-inquires-of-the-Lord pattern (1 Sam. 23:2; 30:8; 2 Sam. 2:1; 5:19). The chapter is the BoM's-clearest pre-Davidic-style articulation of-the-inquire-before-deciding discipline; the chapter is one-of-the-BoM's-most-foundational-texts-on the king-or-father-as-revelator-by-inquiry doctrine.
And the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites. — Mosiah 28:7
The chapter's master-Lord-grants-the-mission verse. The Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites. The doctrine: the chapter has-the-Lord's-double-promise — many-shall-believe and-eternal-life-shall-be-theirs, and-the-sons-shall-be-delivered. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the divine-mission-call-with-protection-promise providence. Same divine-mission-call grammar as Acts 18:9-10 — be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. The chapter is one of the BoM's clearest articulations of the Lord-calls-and-protects-the-missionary providence.
And it came to pass that Mosiah granted that they might go and do according to their request. — Mosiah 28:8
The chapter records the father's-and-king's-release. Mosiah granted that they might go and do according to their request. The doctrine: the chapter has the father-king releasing-the-sons to-the-Lord's-call; the same Abraham-released-Isaac, the same David-released-Solomon-to-build-the-temple pattern. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the parent-releases-the-child-to-the-Lord's-call discipline.
And they took their journey into the wilderness to go up to preach the word among the Lamanites; and I shall give an account of their proceedings hereafter. — Mosiah 28:9
The chapter records the departure and-the-narrative-promise. They took their journey into the wilderness… I shall give an account of their proceedings hereafter. The doctrine: the chapter has the narrator-Mormon noting-the-future-narrative; the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the narrator's-deferred-account pattern — the sons-of-Mosiah's-mission-narrative will-be-told in-Alma 17-26.
The translation of the twenty-four plates by the interpreters (verses 10–19)
Now king Mosiah had no one to confer the kingdom upon, for there was not any of his sons who would accept of the kingdom. — Mosiah 28:10
The chapter records the no-heir-for-the-throne. King Mosiah had no one to confer the kingdom upon, for there was not any of his sons who would accept of the kingdom. The doctrine: the chapter has the absence-of-a-royal-heir setting-up the-political-reorganization of-Mosiah-29; the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the providential-absence-of-the-heir as-the-occasion-for-the-political-renewal.
Therefore he took the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, and also the plates of Nephi, and all the things which he had kept and preserved according to the commandments of God, after having translated and caused to be written the records which were on the plates of gold which had been found by the people of Limhi, which were delivered to him by the hand of Limhi; — Mosiah 28:11
The chapter records the comprehensive-record-keeping. He took the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, and also the plates of Nephi, and all the things which he had kept and preserved. The doctrine: the chapter has-the-full-archive of-Nephite-history at-Mosiah's-disposal — the brass-plates (the OT-record from-Lehi's-departure), the plates-of-Nephi (the BoM-record proper), the Jaredite-twenty-four-plates (Mosiah 22:14). The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the comprehensive-archive of-the-Nephite-prophets-and-kings.
And this he did because of the great anxiety of his people; for they were desirous beyond measure to know concerning those people who had been destroyed. — Mosiah 28:12
The chapter records the people's-desire-for-the-Jaredite-history. He did because of the great anxiety of his people; for they were desirous beyond measure to know concerning those people who had been destroyed. The doctrine: the chapter has the corporate-curiosity-about-the-fallen-civilization; the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the desire-to-learn-from-the-fallen-civilization doctrine. The chapter is therefore the foundational-text for-the-BoM's-internal-pedagogy — the Book-of-Ether will-be-the-warning-Jaredite-account translated-here.
And now he translated them by the means of those two stones which were fastened into the two rims of a bow. — Mosiah 28:13
The chapter's master-interpreters-and-bow verse. He translated them by the means of those two stones which were fastened into the two rims of a bow. The doctrine: the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the physical-description of-the-interpreters; the chapter is the foundational-text for-the-LDS-doctrine of-the-Urim-and-Thummim used-by-Joseph-Smith in-the-translation-of-the-BoM. The two-stones-in-a-bow is-a-precise-physical-description that-the-Restoration's-tradition preserves. Same two-stones grammar as Ex. 28:30 — and thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; Lev. 8:8 — and he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim; Num. 27:21 — Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim; Deut. 33:8 — let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one. The chapter is one of the BoM's clearest articulations of the Urim-and-Thummim by-which-the-prophet-translates doctrine.
Now these things were prepared from the beginning, and were handed down from generation to generation, for the purpose of interpreting languages; — Mosiah 28:14
The chapter records the prepared-from-the-beginning interpreters. These things were prepared from the beginning, and were handed down from generation to generation, for the purpose of interpreting languages. The doctrine: the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the divinely-prepared-from-the-beginning instruments providence; the same Pet.-1:20's-foreordained-before-the-foundation-of-the-world pattern. The chapter is one-of-the-BoM's-most-explicit articulations of-the-pre-mortal-preparation-of-divine-instruments doctrine.
And they have been kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord, that he should discover to every creature who should possess the land the iniquities and abominations of his people; — Mosiah 28:15
The chapter records the discover-to-every-creature purpose. They have been kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord, that he should discover to every creature who should possess the land the iniquities and abominations of his people. The doctrine: the chapter has-the-preservation-of-the-Jaredite-record for-the-warning-of-every-future-people who-will-possess-the-land. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the divine-warning-by-preserved-record-of-the-fallen providence — the records-of-the-fallen warn-the-rising. The chapter is therefore one-of-the-most-significant-texts in-the-BoM for-the-doctrine-of-the-promised-land's-conditional-blessing — every-people who-possesses-the-land must-read-the-warning-of-the-fallen.
And whosoever has these things is called seer, after the manner of old times. — Mosiah 28:16
The chapter's master-definition-of-seer verse. Whosoever has these things is called seer, after the manner of old times. The doctrine: the chapter is the BoM's-foundational-text-on the seer-office. The phrase after the manner of old times is-explicit-archaism — the chapter is consciously-reviving-the-OT-ro'eh office (1 Sam. 9:9 — for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer). The chapter is therefore-one-of-the-most-load-bearing-texts in-the-BoM for-the-Restoration's-doctrine-of-the-prophet-seer-revelator office that-the-First-Presidency-and-the-Twelve-Apostles hold-today.
Now after Mosiah had finished translating these records, behold, it gave an account of the people who were destroyed, from the time that they were destroyed back to the building of the great tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people and they were scattered abroad upon the face of all the earth, yea, and even from that time back until the creation of Adam. — Mosiah 28:17
The chapter records the Jaredite-record's-scope. It gave an account of the people who were destroyed, from the time that they were destroyed back to the building of the great tower… and even from that time back until the creation of Adam. The doctrine: the chapter has-the-Jaredite-record covering-from-Adam to-the-Jaredite-destruction; the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the Book-of-Ether's-scope. The chapter is the foundational-text for-the-Book-of-Ether's-position in-the-BoM-canon.
Now this account did cause the people of Mosiah to mourn exceedingly, yea, they were filled with sorrow; nevertheless it gave them much knowledge, in the which they did rejoice. — Mosiah 28:18
The chapter records the mixed-mourning-and-rejoicing. This account did cause the people of Mosiah to mourn exceedingly, yea, they were filled with sorrow; nevertheless it gave them much knowledge, in the which they did rejoice. The doctrine: the chapter has the BoM's-clearest-articulation of-the-pedagogy-of-tragedy doctrine — the record-of-the-fallen produces-mourning-and-knowledge, both-of-which-are-the-Lord's-pedagogical-instruments. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the warning-by-tragedy-and-rejoicing-in-the-knowledge discipline.
And this account shall be written hereafter; for behold, it is expedient that all people should know the things which are written in this account. — Mosiah 28:19
The chapter records the narrator's-forward-promise. This account shall be written hereafter; for behold, it is expedient that all people should know the things which are written in this account. The doctrine: the chapter has-the-narrator-Mormon promising-the-Jaredite-record will-be-included; the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the editorial-decision to-include-the-Book-of-Ether in-the-BoM-canon. The phrase all people should know extends-the-Jaredite-warning beyond-the-Nephite-context to-every-future-reader of-the-BoM.
The records delivered to Alma the Younger (verse 20)
And now, as I said unto you, that after king Mosiah had done these things, he took the plates of brass, and all the things which he had kept, and conferred them upon Alma, who was the son of Alma; yea, all the records, and also the interpreters, and conferred them upon him, and commanded him that he should keep and preserve them, and also keep a record of the people, handing them down from one generation to another, even as they had been handed down from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem. — Mosiah 28:20
The chapter closes with the master-records-delivered verse. He took the plates of brass, and all the things which he had kept, and conferred them upon Alma, who was the son of Alma; yea, all the records, and also the interpreters, and conferred them upon him, and commanded him that he should keep and preserve them. The doctrine: the chapter has-the-transfer of-the-prophetic-office from-the-king-line to-the-prophet-line — Mosiah-II, the-king-and-seer, transfers all-the-instruments-of-the-prophetic-office to-Alma-the-Younger, the-high-priest. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the prophetic-office-transferred-from-king-to-prophet providence — the chapter is therefore the foundational-text for-the-political-reorganization of-Mosiah-29 (kings replaced-by-judges; prophetic-office remains-with-the-Church). Same prophetic-office-transferred grammar as Num. 27:18-23's-Moses-lays-hands-on-Joshua; 2 Kgs. 2:9-14's-Elijah-passes-the-mantle to-Elisha; 2 Tim. 4:6-8's-Paul-passes-the-torch to-Timothy. The chapter is one of the BoM's clearest articulations of the prophetic-mantle-transferred providence — and one-of-the-BoM's-most-significant-texts for-the-doctrine of-the-orderly-succession of-the-prophetic-office.
The chapter ends-with-the-formula handing them down from one generation to another, even as they had been handed down from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem. The doctrine: the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the unbroken-chain of-the-prophetic-record from-Lehi to-Alma-the-Younger; the chapter is the foundational-text for-the-BoM-internal-pedagogy of-the-unbroken-record providence.
The chapter's architecture
The chapter is four-paneled and operates as the BoM's-foundational-text-on the missionary-impulse and-the-doctrine-of-the-seer. Vv. 1–4 establish the sons-of-Mosiah's-could-not-bear-that-any-soul-should-perish impulse; vv. 5–9 establish Mosiah's-inquiry and-the-Lord's-promise; vv. 10–19 establish the translation-of-the-Jaredite-record and-the-definition-of-the-seer; v. 20 establishes the records-delivered-to-Alma-the-Younger. The theological center of gravity is v. 3's they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble — the chapter's-master-statement of the missionary-heart doctrine.
The chapter operates as the BoM's-clearest-foundation for-the-LDS-doctrine of-the-prophet-seer-revelator office. The chapter has the seer-defined as-one-who-has-the-interpreters, who-translates-by-them, who-reveals-secret-things, who-is-greater-than-a-prophet. The Restoration's-doctrine of-the-First-Presidency-and-the-Twelve-Apostles-as-prophets-seers-and-revelators is-rooted directly in-this-chapter's-definition. The chapter is therefore-one-of-the-most-load-bearing-Restoration-anchors in-the-BoM.
The chapter is also the BoM's-clearest-text-on the missionary-heart doctrine. The could-not-bear-that-any-soul-should-perish disposition is-the-foundational-affective-state of-the-LDS-missionary-program; the doctrine has-its-textual-anchor here. The chapter is therefore-one-of-the-BoM's-most-pastoral-texts for-every-missionary-call and-every-missionary-discouragement — the missionary-heart is-the-disposition that-the-Lord-honors with-the-deliverance-promise.
How this sits in the literature of its time
Hidden providence
Three threads.
The first is that the chapter's-sons-of-Mosiah refusing-the-throne-for-the-mission is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the kingdom-of-heaven over-the-kingdom-of-this-world doctrine. The four-princes could-have-ruled the Nephite-throne; they-choose-instead-the-fourteen-year-mission to-the-hostile-Lamanites that-will-result-in-most-of-them-being-imprisoned and-beaten and-threatened-with-death. The doctrine: the chapter is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the renunciation-of-earthly-throne-for-the-Lord's-call providence; the same Mt. 4:8-10's-Christ-refuses-the-kingdoms-of-the-world pattern. The chapter is one of the BoM's clearest articulations of the kingdom-of-the-Lord over-the-kingdom-of-the-world providence — and one-of-the-most-significant-vocational-texts in-the-BoM.
The second is that the chapter's-definition-of-the-seer is the BoM's-clearest-textual-anchor for-the-Restoration's-doctrine of-the-prophet-seer-revelator office. The chapter's-precise-language (whosoever has these things is called seer, after the manner of old times) consciously-revives-the-OT-ro'eh office (1 Sam. 9:9), and-the-physical-description of-the-interpreters (two stones which were fastened into the two rims of a bow) corresponds to-the-physical-instruments preserved-in-the-Restoration-tradition. The doctrine: the seer-office is-not-a-Restoration-innovation but-a-recovery of-the-OT-ro'eh-with-Urim-and-Thummim office; the chapter is the BoM's-clearest pre-Restoration-witness of-the-seer-office's-continuity from-Aaron through-Mosiah through-Joseph-Smith. The chapter is one of the BoM's clearest articulations of the seer-office-continuity providence.
The third is that the chapter's-Jaredite-record translated-and-preserved-for-every-future-people-who-shall-possess-the-land is the BoM's-clearest-text-on the warning-by-the-record-of-the-fallen providence. The chapter has the Jaredite-record preserved-and-translated specifically-so-that-future-peoples will-be-warned by-the-precise-pattern-of-the-fall. The doctrine: the chapter is the BoM's-foundational-text-on the pedagogy-of-the-record — the records-of-the-fallen are-the-Lord's-gift to-the-rising; the chapter is therefore-one-of-the-most-significant-texts in-the-BoM for-the-doctrine-of-the-Book-of-Mormon-itself as-warning-to-the-Gentiles-of-the-last-days. The chapter is one of the BoM's clearest articulations of the record-of-the-fallen-warns-the-rising providence — and one-of-the-most-self-reflexive-texts in-the-BoM, where-the-BoM points-to-its-own-pedagogical-purpose.
Where this lands
Three practices.
First, cultivate-the-could-not-bear-that-any-soul-should-perish heart. The chapter's v. 3 doctrine is the missionary-heart-quaked-and-trembled at-the-thought-of-perishing-souls. The practice: the missionary-impulse is-not-primarily-a-program; it-is-a-disposition-of-the-heart. The discipline-of-cultivating-this-disposition includes-the-prayer-for-burden, the-fast-for-the-particular-name, the-meditation-on-the-eternal-state of-the-soul. The chapter teaches that-the-missionary-call is-given to-the-heart-already-broken for-the-souls-of-others. The discipline is the patient-cultivation of-the-broken-heart for-the-souls of-the-perishing. The chapter's-discipline is the active-cultivation of-the-missionary-heart, even-while-the-missionary-call is-not-yet-received.
Second, inquire-of-the-Lord before-major-vocational-decisions; receive-the-promise as-well-as-the-answer. The chapter's vv. 6–7 doctrine is Mosiah-inquires and-the-Lord-grants-and-promises-deliverance. The practice: the Lord-grants-the-mission-call with-the-promise-of-protection; the saint who-inquires-faithfully receives-both-the-call and-the-comfort. The discipline is the patient-inquiry that-waits for-the-full-answer, including-the-promise-of-protection. Do-not-receive-half-the-answer; wait for-the-Lord's-complete-counsel before-acting on-a-major-vocational-decision. The chapter teaches that-the-inquiry-of-the-Lord is the foundational-discipline of-the-king-and-father.
Third, read-the-records-of-the-fallen as-the-Lord's-warning to-the-rising. The chapter's vv. 17–19 doctrine is the Jaredite-record is-preserved that-every-people-who-shall-possess-the-land shall-know-the-iniquities. The practice: the saint-of-the-latter-days reads-the-Book-of-Mormon (and-especially-the-Book-of-Ether) not-merely-as-history but-as-warning. The discipline is the active-reading-for-the-pattern — what-iniquities did-the-Jaredites and-Nephites fall-into; how-are-those-iniquities recurring in-our-own-day; what-discipline does-the-record-prescribe to-avoid-the-fall? The chapter teaches that-the-Book-of-Mormon is-itself-the-Lord's-warning to-our-generation; the discipline is the reading-it-as-warning-not-as-mere-narrative. The chapter is the BoM's-clearest self-reflexive-text on-the-reading-of-the-Book-of-Mormon as-warning.