10:17-22 the role of the Holy Ghost:
1. The Holy Ghost is a gift of God to those who diligently seek Him. The requirement of diligence is reiterated in verse 19 where the promise is that (a.) they will find what they seek and (b.) they will be shown the mysteries of heaven.
2. We know in some cases what is revealed is not to be shared. President Boyd K. Packer said, "Those who know don't tell and those who tell don't know." Verse 22 says that it is the Holy Ghost who gives such authority. In this case the commandment was given to share what Nephi was about to see and not deny it.
3. If we seek to do wickedly, we will see no such thing, but we will be found unclean. No unclean thing is invited into his presence. In verse 22 and in Chapter 11, Nephi is pondering. In my mind, he is in an attitude of prayer. I would be trying to recall everything my father had said and, perhaps, writing down what I could remember, so I could continue to reflect on it in the future. PONDER is not the same as WANDER. His mind was focused and his mind, heart and spirit were open to the messages of God. I doubt he expected the visitation he received, but when it came, he was prepared for and welcomed it. As it unfolded he did not pull back, but remained for the duration, which must have tried him physically as well as spiritually. He was aware that he had a full day of physical labor ahead of him, but he put those concerns aside to get as deeply into this spiritual experience as he possibly could.
This experience, however, Nephi knew was not just for his own consumption. He is the example of someone who is completely open to the Lord's will. He dutifully records and repeats what the Lord expects him to do. On the other hand, he keeps within himself what the Lord commands him not to share. Those things are for his broadened perspective as he serves God for the remainder of his life.
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