Moroni abridges the writings of Ether and the history of the Jaredites, drawn from the 24 gold plates discovered by the people of King Limhi. Moroni, by commandment from God, seals up the sacred writings and revelations received by the brother of Jared. This sealed portion of the gold plates will not be revealed until some future time when members of His church have repented and become clean before Him.

Beginning at the tower of Babel, God leads Jared, his brother and their friends and families to America, the Promissed Land. Eight barges are built to carry these chosen people across the ocean to the promissed land of America.

The brother of Jared, filled with incredible faith, sees the finger of the Lord and is then priviledged to see the Spirit body of Jesus Christ. 

In Chapter 5, Moroni addresses himself to the future translator of the plates, Joseph Smith.