The first page is just what it says it is... a title page. Giving the reader an idea about what the book is about, where it came from and where it's headed.

We learn that this is only an abridgment (I pray that someday I may be able to read the complete history) of the Nephite's and Lamanite's records.
It tells us that Lamenite's are a remnant of the house of Israel

A line that stuck out to me was - "written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation. "
This stuck out because of the first part. To me, it means that there were people that weren't excited about having to write in there journal (like me) and that there were others that perhaps loved writing in theirs but then the ones that were moved so strongly by the spirit that the only thing that kept them from bursting was being able to write the experiences down for everyone and I do mean everyone to someday be able to read.

so fleetingly are we reminded that the Book of Mormon truly is a gift from God.

In the second paragraph it goes on to tell us that it also has an abridgment taken from the book of Ether which is a record of the people of Jared. You know the ones that built the tower to heaven
This is done to show them all the great things the lord has done for their fathers and so that they may know the covenant of the Lord, and they will see that they are not cast off forever.
Wow !!! Hello People that mean he loves us and is giving us ALL a chance to return to him.
but how are we suppose to know what promises were mad if we dont read it...life has time and time again proven that you can only learn about your future and be protected in the future if you know the history.

-"And also to the convincing of the Jews and the Gentile that Jesus is The Christ, The Eternal God. "

-'And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men;"

The paragraph ends with these word's to keep in mind...
-"wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.

We can not blame others for our faults, sins, or disorders all that we can do is grow , repent, and continually strive to be the best we can honestly , and by honestly I mean not allow ourselves to fall short but also not hold ourselves accountable for more then we can achieve. Honestly the best person we can be.