In Ether 4:17, Moroni notes in speaking to future generations: "When ye shall receive this record ye may know that the work of the Father has commenced upon all the face of the land." The context here of the term "this record" clearly implicates the sealed portion of the plates. But does the term "this record" imply the unsealed portion also? We know that the "work of the Father" has commenced, but has it commenced upon all the face of the land"? Is this the same promise as found in 3 Nephi 21;1-11, 26-29? [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes] [See the commentary on 3 Nephi 20:10--23:1 (Jesus' Covenant People Discourse--Chiastic Outline)]
“When Ye Shall Receive This Record Ye May Know That the Work of the Father Has Commenced”
By commandment of the Lord, Moroni quotes some prophetic words of the Lord about the process and content of the revelations contained in the account of the brother of Jared (Ether 4:4-19). These words are intended to come forth in the latter days to the Gentiles and the remnant of the house of Israel. However, in Ether 4:17 the Lord says, "when ye shall receive this record ye may know that the work of the Father has commenced upon all the face of the land." The reader might wonder just exactly what "record" the Lord is referring to. In view of the fact that our present Book of Mormon only represents a part of those plates given to Joseph Smith (the part containing the full account of the brother of Jared being sealed), the Lord must have been referring, in general, to the whole set of plates. It is noteworthy that a full understanding of what is contained on just the part that was translated by Joseph Smith is still being sought in an ongoing process. Hopefully, our understanding will someday merit the revelation of what is contained on the sealed portion of the plates. The reader should note that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon was also prophetically given as a significant sign of the last days by Jesus Christ himself to the people on the American continent after the Lord's resurrection. [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes] [See the commentary on 3 Nephi 21:1-7; and 29:1-2]