Omni 1:1

Behold, it came to pass that

I, Omni, being commanded by my father, Jarom,

that I should write somewhat upon these plates, to preserve our genealogy —

Omni 1:2

Wherefore, in my days, I would that ye should know

that I fought much with the sword to preserve my people, the Nephites,

from falling into the hands of their enemies, the Lamanites.

But behold, I of myself am a wicked man,

and I have not kept the statutes and the commandments of the Lord

as I ought to have done.

Omni 1:3

And it came to pass that two hundred and seventy and six years had passed away,

and we had many seasons of peace;

and we had many seasons of serious war and bloodshed.

Yea, and in fine, two hundred and eighty and two years had passed away,

and I had kept these plates according to the commandments of my fathers;

and I conferred them upon my son Amaron.

And I make an end.