From Jacob 4

 (and I cannot write but a ^alittle of my words, because of the ^bdifficulty of engraving our words upon plates) and we know that the things which we write upon plates must remain

I have often wondered about that; how the writers in the Book of Mormon could write such lengthy words because it would be so difficult to carve them in the plates.  But, the irony of this sentence is that after Jacob wrote this, he went on to write a rather lengthy section on the allegory of the olive tree.  Seems ironic that he would write so long just after telling how difficult it is, but before that allegory, he says this, which is so beautiful and profound:

2 But whatsoever things we write upon anything save it be upon ^aplates must perish and vanish away; but we can write a few words upon plates, which will give our children, and also our beloved brethren, a small degree of knowledge concerning us, or concerning their fathers—

3 Now in this thing we do rejoice; and we labor diligently to engraven these words upon plates, hoping that our beloved brethren and our children will receive them with thankful hearts,

But, I do give thanks and receive these words with a grateful heart.  I'm so thankful for the Book of Mormon and its testimony of the Saviour.