Joseph Smith

“ And we multiplied exceedingly, and spread upon the face of the land, and became exceeding rich in gold, and in silver, and in precious things, and in fine workmanship of wood, in building, and in machinery, and also in iron, and copper, and brass, and steel, making all manner of tools of every kind to till the ground, and weapons of war ”

“ Behold, it is expedient that much should be done among this people, because of the hardness of their hearts, and the deafness of their ears, and the blindness of their minds, and the stiffness of their necks; nevertheless, God is exceeding merciful unto them, and hath not as yet swept them off from the face of the land. And there are many among us which have many revelations: for they are not all stiffnecked. And as many as are not stiffnecked, and have faith, have communion with the Holy Spirit, which maketh manifest unto the children of men, according to their faith. ”

“ And it came to pass that two hundred and thirty and eight years had passed away, after the manner of wars, and contentions, and dissentions, for the space of much of the time. And I, Jarom, do not write more, for the plates are small. -- But behold, my brethren, ye can go to the other plates of Nephi: for behold, upon them the record of our wars are engraven, according to the writings of kings, or that which they caused to be written. And I deliver these plates into the hands of my son Omni, that they may be kept according to the commandments of my fathers. ”