Bernard Gui

The repeated use of "after" in 1 Nephi 10:2-14 does indeed create an interesting gradation. I have previously stated that not all the examples are textbook as we define them, but I don't expect them to be. They come from Nephite minds, not ours. Another interesting example of stair-step or parallel gradation is used to communicate something important. It is offset from its surroundings, an instructional aside to those who do not believe in Christ. Mormon intentionally leads the reader through the basic concepts of the plan of salvation in a logical gradated sequence using repeated words or phrases. It is not copied from the Bible, meaning Joseph did not borrow or adapt it from preexisting scripture. It is a real rhetorical gradated figure that appears in a doctrinal and instructional context. It is clearly parallel with the teachings of the temple endowment: Pre-mortal existence, Creation, Fall of Adam, Redemption through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Return to the Presence of God, the Resurrection, Judgement, and Punishment or Salvation. It is a concise and masterful summation of the Plan. It clearly reflects what is discussed in LDS temple ordinances, but I believe, as per Hugh Nibley, that this teaching precedes both the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith's revelation of the Endowment. This knowledge has been around since the Council in Heaven. We shouldn't be surprised that it shows up in a variety of times and places. I don't think we need to be bothered about which came first.

Always love the comments when they are respectful and on topic. Always have, always will.

I’m not sure what you mean there was no reference to the source. I posted this in the OP: “Reading 3 Nephi 27 this week, I came across yet another example of stair-step parallelism, or anadiplosis. In this poetic form, words or phrases are repeated in a progressing sequence that leads to a conclusion: AABBCCDDEE…..… XXXXXXX…Here is the one I have found in 3 Nephi 17:13-22.…” As Ben aptly pointed out, I used the term “anadiplosis” inappropriately. That has been corrected. This thread is about yet another gradated or stair-step parallelism in the Book of Mormon (28 so far) not about chiasmus. IMO Narrator’s comment right off the bat is a derail…. “There has been some recent scholarship arguing that instead of an intentional form of writing, chiasmus is a natural result of memory retrieval due to how the brain stores and recollects information in oral presentations, which explains why chiasmus is present in virtually all ancient cultures but began to disappear as writing and technology replaced orality. In other words, rather than being a tool for memory, it's product of memory.“ You and Narrator may not agree, but I would be happy to participate in a discussion of his making on the matter of chiasmus, autism, or memory, and I asked him politely to do that. My hope was to discuss 3 Nephi 27:13-22. The subsequent comments bear this out…. No, I’m not concerned about non-spiritual sources. Saying “Let me fix this for you” is condescending and insulting.

“Let me fix it for you” is condescending and insulting. Make your comments without the insults, please.

Not in the least. That’s why I always ask for comments. I appreciate Ben’s comments about the term that I was using incorrectly and will make the necessary changes. Longview merely posted a chiasmus he found interesting. It was you who pursued the derail. That bothers me because as you can see here we are on the side track.

How about making your point without the insult?

Thank you for the thoughtful correction on the term anadiplosis. I am well aware that it is not the best word for this Nephite rhetorical device, but it will be correctly used in the future. While it may not perfectly conform with rhetorical structures we know (whatever those may be called,) this is a structure that is repeatedly and intentionally appears in Nephite discourse to teach important gospel ideas, and it does serve the purposes I have described. It might also be called gradated or climax parallelism. For convenience and lack of a better term I refer to it as stair-step parallelism because that best describes what is going on. I apologize for the confusion. 3 Nephi 27 is not be as clear-cut a stair-step as one might wish. I thought about noting that in the OP, but decided not to; nevertheless, it is clearly an intentional and wordy sequence of repeated identical phrases in parallel that leads the reader step by step to an important conclusion. IMO, this is not how a young 19th-Century frontiersman would have spoken. This may be simpler….

This is what you are looking for. Donald Parry’s Poetic Parallelisms in the Book of Mormon It is the entire text reformatted.

Please stop this derail. This topic is about the stair-step passage in 3 Nephi 27, not autism. Start your own discussion.

Anadiplosis is not chiasmus. Please don’t derail this….start your own discussion about chiasmus. Thank you.

Reading 3 Nephi 27 this week, I came across yet another example of stair-step parallelism, or anadiplosis. In this poetic form, words or phrases are repeated in a progressing sequence that leads to a conclusion: AABBCCDDEE…..… XXXXXXX. Using Donald Parry’s Poetic Parallelisms in the Book of Mormon, I have identified 28 such parallelisms so far. 1. 1 NEPHI 10:11 LEHI (BY NEPHI) TO LAMAN AND LEMUEL 2. 1 NEPHI 12: 19 - 13:5 NEPHI AND AN ANGEL IN A VISION 3. 1 NEPHI 15: 13-20 NEPHI TO LAMAN AND LEMUEL 4. 1 NEPHI 15:33-35 NEPHI TO LAMAN AND LEMUEL 5. 1 NEPHI 19:2-5 NEPHI TO READER 6. 1 NEPHI 22:9-12 NEPHI TO LAMAN AND LEMUEL 7. 2 NEPHI 1:13 LEHI TO LAMAN AND LEMUEL 8. 2 NEPHI 2:12-13 LEHI TO JACOB 9. 2 NEPHI 9:6-9 JACOB TO HIS PEOPLE 10. 2 NEPHI 9:25-26 JACOB TO HIS PEOPLE 11. 2 NEPHI 25:4-5 NEPHI COMMENTS ON ISAIAH TO HIS PEOPLE 12. 2 NEPHI 31:2-3 NEPHI TO HIS BELOVED BRETHREN 13. MOSIAH 2:17-19 KING BENJAMIN TO HIS PEOPLE 14. ALMA 5:37-38 ALMA TO PEOPLE OF ZARAHEMLA 15. ALMA 13:22 ALMA TO ZEEZROM 16. ALMA 32: 11-14 ALMA TO THE POOR ON THE HILL ONIDAH 17. ALMA 41:13-14 ALMA TO CORIANTON 18. ALMA 42:17-20 ALMA TO CORIANTON 19. ALMA 42:23 ALMA TO CORIANTON 20. ALMA 61:8 PAHORAN TO MORONI 21. HELAMAN 5:6-8 HELAMAN TO HIS SONS 22. HELAMAN 15:7-8 SAMUEL THE LAMANITE TO THE NEPHITES 23. 3 NEPHI 27:13-22 JESUS TO HIS NEPHITE DISCIPLES 24. MORMON 9:11-13 MORMON TO UNBELIEVERS 25. ETHER 3: 15 JESUS TO THE BROTHER OF JARED 26. MORONI 8:25-26 MORMON TO MORONI 27. MORONI 10:20-23 MORONI TO THE LAMANITES 28. MORONI 10:32-34 MORONI TO LAMANITES To review or for those unfamiliar with this Hebraism, here is a summary of common characteristics: · They are used as teaching tools when something important needs to be communicated in a methodical and easily understood manner. · None is copied from the Bible. · Each example appears in an address or letter from a prophet or leader in his own words. · There is only one example in historical narratives (Alma 61:8). · Seven of the examples occur in discussions that include Abraham or the Abrahamic covenant. · Nine illuminate the Plan of Salvation in logical sequence. · Some include teachings that faithful LDS will recognize as information addressed in the temple. Here is the one I have found in 3 Nephi 17:13-22. Jesus is summarizing his instructions to his Nephite disciples. He explains his mission from the pre-mortal existence to the final judgement and exaltation. Because he came to Earth to do his Father’s will, all those who repent, are baptized, are filled with the Spirit, and endure to the end will be saved in his Father’s kingdom. Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you— that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me. And my Father sent me that I might been lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil— And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works. And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world. And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end… Now this is the commandment: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do; Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day. Your comments are welcomed.

As is the case with all war.

Unless they have the ability to fold space. Dune has that covered. They might be spice travelers….💫

The demand for good leaders is ubiquitous, but I reckon that the Great Winding Up Scene might need a few with pretty good credentials to buck up all us mediocre falterers.

There is also this (among many other similar statements) regarding the Saints of our time… “Your Heavenly Father has known you for a very long time. You, as His son or daughter, were chosen by Him to come to earth at this precise time, to be a leader in His great work on earth.⁠ You were chosen not for your bodily characteristics but for your spiritual attributes, such as bravery, courage, integrity of heart, a thirst for truth, a hunger for wisdom, and a desire to serve others.You developed some of these attributes premortally. Others you can develop here on earth⁠ as you persistently seek them.” Russell M. Nelson, Oct 2013

My experience also.

“….Clemente would tell the children of his being in trenches with soldiers…..”

The Three Nephites hung around for quite a while…. The 12 disciples were necessary for Christ's Church in the Americas. Jesus chose them and ordained them. They were given authority to preach, baptize, give the Gift of the Holy Ghost, administer the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, perform miracles, organize churches throughout the land, ordain others to Priesthood offices, etc. When asked by Jesus what was the desire of their hearts, three of them asked that He allow them to tarry on the Earth until He comes again so that they could minister to the people of the Earth. He granted them their desire and caused a change in their bodies so that they would not die. We believe John the Beloved (Revelator) received the same gift. 3 Nephi 1: 4 And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself unto the three, and said unto them: What will ye that I should do unto you, when I am gone unto the Father? 5 And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired. 6 And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, andye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me. 7 Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven. 8 And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father. 9 And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand... 14 And it came to pass that the seventy and first year passed away, and also the seventy and second year, yea, and in fine, till the seventy and ninth year had passed away; yea, even an hundred years had passed away, and the disciples of Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all gone to the paradise of God, save it were the three who should tarry; and there were other disciples ordained in their stead; and also many of that generation had passed away.... 34 Nevertheless, the people did harden their hearts, for they were led by many priests and false prophets to build up many churches, and to do all manner of iniquity. And they did smite upon the people of Jesus; but the people of Jesus did not smite again. And thus they did dwindle in unbelief and wickedness, from year to year, even until two hundred and thirty years had passed away. 35 And now it came to pass in this year, yea, in the two hundred and thirty and first year, there was a great division among the people. 36 And it came to pass that in this year there arose a people who were called the Nephites, and they were true believers in Christ; and among them there were those who were called by the Lamanites—Jacobites, and Josephites, and Zoramites; 37 Therefore the true believers in Christ, and the true worshipers of Christ, (among whom were the three disciples of Jesus who should tarry) were called Nephites, and Jacobites, and Josephites, and Zoramites... 41 And thus did two hundred and fifty years pass away, and also two hundred and sixty years. 42 And it came to pass that the wicked part of the people began again to build up the secret oaths and combinations of Gadianton. 43 And also the people who were called the people of Nephi began to be proud in their hearts, because of their exceeding riches, and become vain like unto their brethren, the Lamanites. 44 And from this time the disciples began to sorrow for the sins of the world. 45 And it came to pass that when three hundred years had passed away, both the people of Nephi and the Lamanites had become exceedingly wicked one like unto another. Mormon 1: (about 325 AD) 13 But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people. 14 And there wereno gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief. Mormon 8: (about 415 AD) 10 And there are none that do know the true God save it be the disciples of Jesus, who did tarry in the land until the wickedness of the people was so great that the Lord would not suffer them to remain with the people; and whether they be upon the face of the land no man knoweth. 11 But behold, my father and I have seen them, and they have ministered unto us.

A MAN CALLED CLEMENTE As recollected and written by my mother Mamacita Gui, January 1, 1997 This story covers a span of twenty nine years from 1932 to 1961. The characters involved are a little Indian boy named Eugene Naranjo, his mother, a little Indian girl named Isabel, and a man who called himself Clemente. The locale is an Indian Pueblo named Santa Clara situated near the Rio Grande river in New Mexico. During the Spanish Colonial era, Catholic missions were established on or near Indian Pueblos all along the Rio Grande. The Spanish assigned a patron saint to each pueblo, and many were named after their saint; such as Santo Domingo, San Felipe, San Juan, and Santa Clara. Every year each pueblo celebrates a Feast Day in honor of their patron saint. Catholicism was forced upon these people by the Spanish Padres, and so many of the Indians practice dual religions even today. Feast Days begin with an early Catholic mass. Feasting and sacred dancing follows throughout the day. Visitors are invited into homes, and relatives who are living elsewhere return for the occasion -- uniting families. When Isabel was a small child, her mother died. Eugene's mother took Isabel into her home to care for her as her own. The year was 1932, and the nation was in the middle of the Great Depression. Food was scarce, but the Feast Day had to be celebrated. In the afternoon the dancers emerged from the kiva, a sacred place in the earth, to perform at the Pueblo. Eugene was one of the singers to the loud beating of the drums. The performers were surrounded by a ring of family members and visitors. A stranger appeared in the crowd. He was carrying a large leather bag. Eugene's mother told Eugene to invite this stranger to their house to eat of the feast. The man tells them his name is Clemente. Over the next few years Clemente always arrived on the Feast Day which is on the 12th of August, and he would only visit Eugene's home. He loved the children and was very kind to them. He told them many stories and taught them many things, and always carried the large leather bag. One time Isabel asked Clemente what he carried in the bag. He told her that it was full of records and very heavy. He never let the bag out of his sight nor anyone to touch it; however, once he allowed Isabel to touch the bag, but it was much too heavy for her to lift. Clemente would tell the children of his being in trenches with soldiers, or traveling from Taos that same morning which was quite a distance from Santa Clara in those days. Another story he told them was about visiting the San Juan Pueblo. He was hungry and needed shelter one night, so he knocked on the door of a prosperous appearing home and asked for food. The woman was unkind and sent him away. He then stopped at a poorer house and was taken in for the night. The next year when he traveled through San Juan, the once prosperous family was having financial hardships, and the struggling family that took him in was faring quite well. As Clemente left one morning, the mother called the children to the window. They watched as he walked down the highway and were amazed because they both noticed he seemed to be walking a few inches above the ground. Eugene and Isabel grew up. They loved each other and so were married. They moved to Utah to seek employment. The following years brought three daughters and one son into the family. Eugene provided for them and enjoyed hunting and fishing on the weekends. Soon after the family settled in Utah, the Relief Society Visiting Teachers from the Church of Latter-Day Saints began to visit and LDS [Ward] Teachers came regularly. Isabel was very receptive, but Eugene would not even remain in the house when they came. He wanted nothing to do with them. A window was left open on one warm day when they came to visit. As Eugene left the house, he overheard something that caught his ear; so he knelt down under the window and listened. He soon recognized that what they were telling Isabel and teaching his children were the same teachings he had heard when Clemente visited them while he was growing up. Eugene continued his weekend fishing or hunting. Then, one Sunday morning as he and Isabel were driving to his favorite fishing hole, he asked Isabel what she was reading. She replied, "The Book of Mormon.” Eugene turned the car around and headed back for town telling Isabel he was going to church. Isabel suspected he was returning to the Catholic Church; but instead, Eugene drove up and parked at an LDS Chapel. Not long after that, they were both baptized. Soon after their LDS baptism, they decided to move back to Santa Clara, New Mexico, to take the Gospel to their own people. Here they were not really accepted. Their children were spat upon, ridiculed, and mistreated by the other children. This went on for a few years, then things changed; they became very well respected and influential at the Pueblo. Eugene was elected judge, which is a very highly respected position. In the meantime, Eugene started to build a house for his family but didn't know how to make or lay adobe walls, the thick mud and straw bricks used for construction in northern New Mexico. Clemente suddenly appeared and told Eugene to go to San Juan Pueblo, for there he would find a man to help him with the adobes and would not charge very much for his labor. After the house was finished, Clemente came for another visit wanting to bless the house. He blessed it to be a haven for the family and to become a holy place. This was the last they ever saw of Clemente. Many LDS missionaries have been sheltered and fed in that home. Church meetings were held there as the few members developed into a branch with Eugene as Branch President. The branch then became part of the Española Ward with Eugene as a Bishop's Counselor and later a High Councilman. It was the 1970's when my husband [Bernard Sr.] and I were on a mission to the Lamanites at Santa Clara where we first met Branch President Eugene and his wife Isabel holding meetings in their home. Isabel worked as Primary President, Relief Society President, and as a teacher in the MIA. In later years the couple were temple workers at the Arizona Temple. Isabel still works there as Eugene passed away around 1992. Their children have all attended Brigham Young University. The oldest daughter traveled with the Lamanite Generation, and the son and second daughter have both fulfilled missions. One year Eugene and Isabel traveled to Salt Lake City to meet with the General Authorities. They related their story and all these happenings and asked if Clemente could possibly be one of the three Nephites mentioned in the Book of Mormon. The Authorities would only say that they could not say, but that Clemente's mission with them was completed.

It was a joke delivered at a conference of small business owners. Good jokes have some basis in reality. One might consider the audience. In this case, it accurately described their circumstances, hence the laughter in response.