A Dictionary of the Book of Mormon/Nephi, the son of Nephi, the disciple
NEPHI, THE SON OF NEPHI, THE DISCIPLE. This holy man appears to have arrived at the age of manhood when the Messiah visited the Nephites, as (if we get a right understanding of the sacred records,) the plates, with the other holy things, were taken charge of by him very shortly after that glorious appearing. It is presumable he was then a young man, as he retained them seventy-six years, or until A. C. 110, when his son Amos received them. His duty, as the recorder of the doings of his people, was a most happy one; he had nothing but good to relate of their lives and actions, and to record that perfect peace prevailed on all the vast continent. The Nephites increased in numbers (and Lamanites there were none), they prospered in circumstances, they grew in material wealth, all of which was held in common, according to the order of God; they colonized and spread far abroad; they rebuilt their ancient capital and many other cities, and founded many new ones; but, above all, they were rich in heavenly treasures, the Holy Spirit of God reigned in every heart, and illumined every soul. It was a foretaste of the Millennium to the whole people of half the world, and when Nephi died (A. C. 110) this inexpressibly happy, heavenly state still continued in undiminished warmth of Divine and brotherly love and strength of abiding faith. All the generation to which Nephi belonged entered in at the straight gate, and walked the narrow way to the Eternal City of God, not one of them was lost.