1 Nephi 13

I had to read this chapter very carefully. After figuring out what "gentile" means I had to make sure I understood which group of people Nephi was referring to, because he calls several groups Gentiles.
In the first verses he is talking about non-Israelites. So those Gentiles were in Europe. Nephi witnesses the formation of the great and abominable church. These dark ages did not have the truth. Christ was killed and the truth and light were removed from the children of men.
Verse 6 "And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it." Any and all churches established before Christ's church was restored falls into this category. Other religions could not be true, because they could not have the whole truth. It wasn't on the earth anymore. Some have partial truths but without Christ as their head an the proper authority to act in His name they can not be true and therefore fall into the category of the devil's church. He s the master of deception. To mix good with bad and then make you believe it is all good is his specialty.
Verses 8-10 Shows us the Gentiles (Europeans) were still in Europe trying to escape from religious persecution.
Verses 11-12 Nephi sees the Europeans "discover" America. They find what's left of Nephi's lineage - the Lamanites. (Native Americans/Indians)
Verse 13 The pilgrims leave Europe and come over to what is founded as the United States.
Verse 14 Because of the wickedness of the Lamanites the Gentiles (now in America) are allowed to drive them out of the land and they become scattered. This is the French/Indian War (the trail of tears, etc.)
Verse 15 Nephi sees the pilgrims prosper. He observes they are "white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain." -Personally this verse stands out to me and makes my heart ache for Nephi. We can clearly see his sorrow for his people.
Verse 17 talks about the Revolutionary War and how the Lord delivers the Gentiles (USA) from England.
The chapter continues to explain that the Gentiles (USA) brought with them a book. This is the Bible. When it was written by "the mouth of a Jew" it was true and pure. The great and abominable church edit the book. They remove "plain and precious truths". It becomes confusing for people to understand when it was originally easy and simple.
Verse 34 explains the restoration of the gospel.
Verse 35 is talking about Nephi's ancestors writing the Book of Mormon like he is doing.
The last verses talk about the coming forth of The Book of Mormon and how it will "make known the plain and precious things." I had to read these verses several times to feel like I understand them. Missionary work is bringing the truth to all the world. To every a nation - not China - but we will be in China soon! The scriptures are coming true right before our eyes! What a blessed time to be on Earth! The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Just like the Bible is a record of people in Jesus' time in Jerusalem and countries over there, the Book of Mormon is a record of Nephi's time and the people in the Americas. They work hand in hand to teach us the truths of history and of the gospel. It will bring us eternal life and eternal happiness.
This chapter is jam packed! Wow! Nephi must have felt overwhelmed by it all. He was a stronger man - spiritually - than I am but he was still a man. I'm sure it took some time to soak in. At least I would imagine - maybe he will talk about it after the vision is over. I hope he does.