We are coming to the last 3 chapters of Nephi's writing. He said that he wrote because he had been commanded of [God] to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness. (2 Nephi 33: 11) He worried that people might reject the things he wrote and regard them as things of naught because, in his own words, he was not mighty in writing, like unto speaking. (33:1) As he bids his people farewell, he says, I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. (33:3) He intended his works to testify of Jesus Christ to Jew and Gentile as well.
As I read these things, I decided to research the process of engraving on metal, such as the thin plates of gold he used. I knew it must have been a cumbersome process, but I soon found out exactly how cumbersome it was! Knowing this, and knowing the Nephi wrote only the most sacred things on the small plates, (See 1 Nephi 19: 5) it leads me to appreciate this magnificent prophet and the work that he did. When reading the writings of Nephi, I can feel comfort in knowing that he wrote only those things he considered to be sacred and those things of which the Lord approved. Therefore, I take what he said lightly.
Most of the websites about engraving on metal were modern using an electric tool called a dremel. It took some searching before I found a description of the old way, the way most likely used by Nephi. Here is what I learned:
 |
| The graver tool for writing on metal |
When using
the hammer and chisel method, both hands are required; one to hold the graver,
and the other to deliver light hammer impacts against the graver, driving it
forward through the material being cut.
With the
push graver method, the graver is generally fitted to a small wooden handle
held in the palm. The graver remains stationary, and the item being engraved is
held firmly and fed into the graver's tip or rotated into it when a circular or
curved line is desired. When making a straight line, the graver is pushed
forward using only hand pressure. Each of these methods requires a . . . holding device, to hold the item being engraved. (https://engravingschool.com)
What are a few of those topics Nephi felt were sacred and important enough to close his account?
Chapter 31:
- Jesus Baptism: How He was baptized and why He was baptized
- Necessity of Baptism for all - the gateway onto the path to Eternal Life
- The first 4 principles and ordinances of the Gospel
- Enduring to the end after baptism
Chapter 32:
- The doctrine of Christ
- The role of the Holy Ghost in showing us the way we should go
- The necessity of prayer and of feasting on the Words of Christ regularly.
Chapter 33:
- Nephi's words are true
- Those who believe Nephi will also believe Christ
- Nephi's words will stand as a witness when we all stand before the judgment bar.
Over the next few days, I will be spending a lot of time in these 3 chapters. There is so much inspiration and doctrine in such a short amount of words, it is difficult to know where to begin. I pray for spiritual guidance as I seek out those things which the Spirit inspires me to write . . . even if no one else ever reads them
© March 2020 Dr. Kathleen Rawlings
Buntin Danielson
No comments:
Post a Comment