My section of the Book of Mormon for our class (pages 171-191, which is Mormon and the first five chapters of Mosiah) is almost entirely spoken word. Mosiah chapter one documents his words to his sons, and also his words specifically to his son Mosiah (dialogue). Chapter two is the record of King Benjamin's speech to his people (the people of Zarahemla and the people of Mosiah; this is sermon). Chapter three is a continuation of his sermon, though he is quoting an angel. Chapter four gives his people some time to react then King Benjamin continues his speech. The people speak in chapter five (this is technically dialogue, but feels like prayer?) and then King Benjamin closes his sermon.
King Benjamin uses two beautiful examples of stylistic language in this section of the Book of Mormon. The first comes in chapter two, when addressing his people:
"Open your ears that ye may hear,Grant Hardy aligned that passage separately from the rest of the text to illustrate its different form. This last part "unfolded to your view" catches the reader's attention; it does not use overly descriptive language, yet it has an element of style that shows the mysteries are tangible lessons and revelations available to those who follow King Benjamin's instructions.
and your hearts that ye may understand,
and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view."
The second use of stylistic language that I will analyze in this section comes in chapter four:
"....ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain..."Let's read that again: "putteth up his petition to you in vain."
What a stark, sobering phrase. This stylistic language draws to mind both the many homeless people and the girl who never has someone to sit by in Relief Society and looks at you every week with an unspoken plea for company in her eyes.
We each petition to God for so much, yet we often miss the petitions His children are sending us. King Benjamin reminds us of our responsibility to be hands for the Savior through simple, though stylistic, language.
The beggar putting "up his petition to you in vain" is a phrase that sure cuts you deep. Not only is this an important citation of King Benjamin's stylistic language, it also shows you his mastery of using pathos to evoke a response in the listener.
ReplyDeleteI love the emotion in his words. You can feel the sympathy he has for those in need, and it stirs the same emotions in the listener who can visualize the beggar or the lonely. Reminds me of Jeffrey R. Holland's talk saturday
ReplyDelete