The Science of the Fathers- Praying Like The Fathers

Because of the fall, our souls are incomplete. This idea of being complete is what is communicated in the phrases, "Be ye therefore perfect" and "Be ye holy". Because God is complete or whole, he can also make us holy or complete. In fact, God's greatest desires to make us whole and one with him. To do this, we must connect or become one with him.

In the ancient Science Of The Fathers communicated to the House of Israel, the greatest tool used along the path of wholeness or holiness is that of prayer. The practice of prayer in the Western Gentile cultures is a far cry from the practice of prayer taught by The Fathers. In our Western tradition, we often view prayer in a form of supplication where we ask God for the things we want etc. The idea of prayer taught by the ancients was that when we pray we are asking God to fill us. It does not have to do with the multiplying of many words, but depends on the desire of the heart.

In the Israelite concept of prayer, man is viewed as a vessel to be filled. He is seen as lacking, having an absence, or space within. The vessel is seen as having a lacking of love – both for God and man. This kind of love is the characteristic of bestowal- the characteristic of receiving to bestow.  In this ancient practice of prayer, the disciple is taught to pray to fill the space within like water being poured into a vessel.  This is the meaning behind the teaching of the Messiah:

" And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." (3 Nephi 12:6)

This idea of praying desire is also seen with Nephites as they prayed before the Messiah:

"And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the Father, he came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still continue, without ceasing, to pray unto him; and they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they were filled with desire." (3 Nephi 19:24)

Words are not the desires.  Partaking of the Word was meant to evoke the desire or intention.

Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness feel the void or lacking within-they feel the hunger.  Hungering for righteousness was to receive the attributes of male and female, mercy and judgment, long suffering and power to reach a state of beauty, wholeness, or holiness before God. When a disciple prayed desire to be filled with YHVH or with these attributes (and the balance that should exist between them) that portion of God (the Ruach Elohiym/Holy Ghost) is poured into them and they in turn bestow that portion in blessing God and blessing others. In doing so, they receive from the never ending river of the living waters of grace by bestowing grace upon others.  This same sentiment was expressed by the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us. And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;  And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness...I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness. For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace." (D&C 93: 11-13,19-20)

When a person desires or changes his intention from wanting to receive to covet (i.e. the natural man) to desiring to receive to bestow (the spiritual child of God) it was taught that he created a screen (masach) or a reflective surface. This screen or reflective surface enables us to reflect the joy (condition of oneness with God) to both God and mankind.  The simple change of intention or desire to receive the essence or attributes of God is what was known as the mighty change of heart. This is the ancient Hebrew Idea behind the scriptures:

" And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14)

I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances? (Alma 5:19)

When the offering of prayer is sincere desire and intent, we are filled with strength (gevurah) and we receive the light or Spirit of God.  The light we receive is mercy which allows us to receive wisdom and understanding.  As we are filled with light and truth, we understand the attributes of a spiritual condition or world (i.e. Assiyah, Yetzirah, Beriyah, Atzilut or This world, Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial).  As we are filled and progress receiving the conditions/attributes/ or spiritual substance, we progress from one world to another or one degree to another. Each world or degree corresponding with a greater state of wholeness/holiness/perfection and each degree having a new name.

Each degree or world represents our state or condition of spiritual progress. As we ascend this ladder, our minds, hearts, and consciousness become closer or in a state of greater oneness with God. As we progress up the ladder, the natural man is subdued as we submit to oneness with God.  We cannot destroy the natural man because in this world it is us, BUT we can transform the natural man like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.

This type of prayer, the offering and purification of our intentions or desires, is real repentance.  No fruits or works are manifest until after the intentions or desires are purified or transformed. While many religions teach that repentance is the changing or stopping of an action, the Science Of The Fathers teaches that true repentance takes place in the intentions or desires with the resulting fruits being naturally produced afterward.  The focus is on mirroring our desires and intentions with God. This is why Israelite repentance looks so bassackward to the western gentile mind.  The battle is not in the actions, but the battle is in the intention or desires. This is the understanding behind the phrase, "Repent, therefore, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance;" (Matthew 3:8).

True Repentance is the purification of intention and desire.  After the intentions and desires are purified, the works or fruits will naturally be produced.  Attempting to destroy or change the fruit is like trying to destroy the fruits or branches of a tree or weed without addressing the roots.  The roots are the unseen spiritual forces (intentions and desires).  If the roots are neither tamed, transformed, or pulled up then the branches can do nothing but produce the fruit that the roots provide nourishment for.  This is the ancient teaching behind the scripture, "And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so."

Every Tree (Man or Woman) produces after his or her own kind.  The outward branches and fruits (works) being a manifestation of the roots (desires and intentions).

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" (3 Nephi 14:16 and Matthew 7:16)


To be continued.

The Science Of The Fathers- The Book of Remembrance and The Scriptures of Israel

ADAM THE FIRST SCIENTIST

The history of this science that God delivered to The Fathers is traced to the foundations or the creation of this world.  In fact, however, the science is actually much older than this earth and contains the laws and principles upon which all creation was organized.  In Israelite tradition and lore, Adam and Eve kept a record of this knowledge and the  revelations of God that were supposedly passed down from one patriarch to another. Over the centuries there have been some oral teachings passed down through various sects of Judaism that claim to have preserved various portions of this knowledge, but no single sect appears to have preserved all of the teachings-with many teachings being lost all together.  It was also taught in the oral traditions of Israel that these records were preserved in the undefiled language of Adam and were the records by which his descendants were taught.  (Of note there are still some books in Judaism brought forth in the middle ages that claim to be this record, but there is no proof that the extant texts that make the claim are valid or of ancient date.)

What is important is that both Mormon and Jewish teachings share this concept of an ancient record composed by Adam. This same tradition and teaching regarding the existence of  the "first records" was also a teaching delivered by Moses:

"And a book of remembrance was kept, in the which was recorded, in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration; And by them their children were taught to read and write, having a language which was pure and undefiled."  (Moses 6:5-6)

According to Israelite tradition and lore, the record of Adam tells of the creation of the earth and the descent of the souls of man from heaven to earth.  It also supposedly detailed his interaction with different angelic beings assigned to this world and the eternal cycle of progression of God's children between the worlds.  The record also supposedly contained a revelation to Adam entailing the beginning of creation to the end of the world and progression into "the world to come".

ABRAHAM THE SCIENTIST

In Israelite tradition, Abraham was also a great teacher and preserver of the Science of The Fathers.  It is also told that he passed this knowledge through not only Isaac, but Ishmael, the Children of Keturah, and his many servants.  It was taught the he was shown the wonders of creation, asked direct questions to God, and ascended to through the worlds above like Enoch. It was also told that he passed the knowledge and keys of how to ascend into these upper worlds to his descendants as well as a knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and language, among many other things.

This same sentiment also exists within Mormonism as well.  As it is recorded in the Pearl of Great Price:

" In the land of the Chaldeans, at the residence of my fathers, I, Abraham, saw that it was needful for me to obtain another place of residence; And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers." (Abraham 1:1-2)

MOSES THE SCIENTIST

During Israel's sojourn in Egypt much of the knowledge of the Fathers had become lost or corrupted with idolatrous influences.  In response to Israel's condition, Moses was commanded by God to restore much of the Science of the Fathers to the various tribes of The House of Israel.  His disciples such as Joshua the son of Nun and the 70 Elders of Israel being the primary students and teachers to dispense this knowledge to the rest of the nation.  Unfortunately, due to Israel's rebellion, much of the great knowledge was withheld from the masses, but still preserved by the various disciples of Joshua and the 70 Elders for those who desired and qualified.  Part of the transmission of this ancient science was the revelation of the Torah which included the instructions whereby Israel on earth could obtain what was known as the "promised land"/Atzilut/ or the presence of God. Written in a manner to both reveal and conceal, the Torah of Israel contains this ancient science written in true Israelite Fashion to convey a story so simple a child could remember it and yet so sublime that those who were taught with the keys of the ancient knowledge could unlock the deeper teachings.

"The words of God, which he spake unto Moses at a time when Moses was caught up into an exceedingly high mountain, and he saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure his presence. And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless?

And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands; but not all, for my works are without end, and also my words, for they never cease. Wherefore, no man can behold all my works, except he behold all my glory; and no man can behold all my glory, and afterwards remain in the flesh on the earth. And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all." (Moses 1)

To understand The Science of the Fathers, we have to understand the manner in which it written. While it is not necessary to read and write Hebrew, we have to understand that this knowledge was transmitted using stories to present concepts and ideas. Stories about the events, people, and journeys become a method of transmitting great principles and ideas of the celestial worlds. The symbols in the accounts describe how the forces of the celestial worlds interact with this world. They transmit knowledge of how this world and the universe work. When the Scriptures are approached in this manner the stories in the Book of Mormon in the Bible take on new meaning.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree

In the Science of the Fathers, one of the first principles taught to a disciple when reading an account in the Scriptures was to identify the causative actions and their effects in every story. Tree of life symbols, philosophies, and paradigms permeate the world and words of the Scriptures. For example, in the Israelite mindset, the symbols of a tree or a plant with both branches and roots represent a series of causes and effects. Literally and figuratively the roots of the tree are equated with the cause. The effects are literally and figuratively considered the branches and the fruits. This same principle is encoded in the Hebrew language as Hebrew words have both parent roots and children branches.

The same is true with the stories and accounts recorded in the Scriptures. The roots are equated with spiritual principles, laws, and ordinances that cause certain effects be produced in this world. The branches and the fruits that come from them are the effects that are connected and originate from these roots or causes. It is taught that the roots exist in the celestial worlds while the branches exist in this world. In other words, just as roots grow below the ground and cannot be seen, so are the spiritual principles, laws, and forces unseen. This is why the prophets defined faith as follows:

"And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Alma 32:21)

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

We exercise faith based upon promises that are expected to be fulfilled, spiritual laws, and principles which are unseen or not yet materialized in the world that we live in. This is why the words of the Prophet Alma are so important because his parable of the seed and the tree in Alma 32 are perfect examples of this eternal principle:

"Now, as I said concerning faith—that it was not a perfect knowledge—even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.

But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me." (Alma 32: 26-28)

The seed is the word that is planted below the ground-the unseen world of the spiritual. Being nourished it begins to take root.  The roots representing the spiritual principles, laws, and forces of the unseen world.  The results or effects of these spiritual principles, laws, and forces being the seen trunk, branches, and fruit.

That which happens in the celestial or unseen worlds shows up in the material world. Stated another way, that which happens in the roots manifests in the branches and fruits (i.e. the kind and type of fruit or lack thereof). If the seed is nourished according to the principles, laws and forces of the celestial, they produce the desired fruit or effects. As man is both spiritual and physical, he exists as the link and mechanism between these two worlds being able to influence the spiritual and manifest in the physical.

As they read and studied the accounts given in the Scriptures, the disciples of the Science of the Fathers were to discover causes and effects or roots and branches of every story.  Each event, occurrence, and outcome of the particular story that occurred in their physical world capturing principles and laws of the Science of the Fathers.  Adam partaking of the tree of knowledge, Moses parting the Red Sea, Nephi obtaining the plates from Laban, Lehi finding the Liahona at the door of his tent, Nephi breaking his bow, or Nephi obtaining food, or building a ship to sail to the promised land being stories that both reveal and conceal great principles of this eternal science.  In feasting upon the words of the scriptures, they learned the celestial principles to transform their hearts and the world around them. This concept of unseen and seen or cause and effect being the Israelite understanding and practice communicated by Moses;

"And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; nevertheless, all things were before created; but spiritually were they created and made according to my word."  (Moses 3:7)

The various accounts in the Scriptures relate many stories and events. In addition to the literal rendering of the stories, the events were written in such a manner to preserve and teach the laws and principles behind the spiritual forces that govern the Heavens as well as mankind and world around us. Men and women such as Abraham and Sarah, Joseph in Egypt, Moses, Lehi, Nephi, etc are not only to be considered as people but also represent but spiritual elements/forces that work on and transform the desires of the heart.

For example, let's take the story of the Exodus.  Besides being an account of the physical events, the story was written in a manner to communicate certain teachings regarding The Science of the Fathers. As they were delivered from Egypt (Mitzraim-representing the trouble and tribulations of the World), they commenced their journey to ascend the Holy Mountain of Sinai into the presence of God.  The physical leaving of Egypt into the Wilderness being what was taught as a separation of the spiritual child of God from the world of the Natural Man.  Each event of the Exodus revealing and concealing the process and principles by which men ascend into the presence of God.

THE BOOK OF MORMON AS A SCIENCE BOOK

The purpose of the Book of Mormon was to preserve and restore many of the plain and precious truths of the Science of the Fathers as transmitted by the prophets Lehi, Nephi, and their descendents. In doing so Nephi follows the ancient method and pattern of transmission by communicating his journeys in a manner that captures both the literal events and preserves the principles of this ancient science. When Nephi obtained the Record of the Jews, he not only obtained the physical record, but also preserved teaching of how to obtain the Record of Heaven. When Lehi obtained the Liahona he not only obtained the ball of curious workmanship but also preserved teaching regarding the ancient Paths of Wisdom. When Nephi came to the land Bountiful and worked timbers of curious workmanship, he not only built the ship, but also preserved teaching of how man constructs his vessel to reach the promised land or the presence of God. Each word and event of the stories carefully preserved and chosen specifically to be communicated in a way to both reveal and conceal this ancient science. This is why Nephi draws upon various stories and teachings from the Torah of which the Exodus is but one:

"Therefore let us Go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea." (1 Nephi 4;2)

This portion of the Torah cited contains the primary teaching regarding the overcoming of our Mighty Adversary in the obtaining of the Record of Heaven. In the Exodus, Pharaoh and his armies represent a Mighty One in his forces who attempt to prevent the children of Israel from leaving spiritual Egypt to obtain the Torah of God and his presence. In Nephi's account Laban and his 50 representing a Mighty One who attempts to prevent Nephi and his brothers from obtaining the
Record of Heaven before their Exodus into the wilderness and their ultimate goal of reaching the land of promise. The fullest purpose of the story not being that the Exodus happened, or that Nephi just obtained plates, but that these events are happening to you. Not only that they are happening to you, but the stories contain the path and principles by which you are to obtain the same.

The Scriptures in general and specifically the Book of Mormon when understood in true Israelite manner really are a Great and Marvelous Work. The message being communicated in a multi-dimensional format. Many of the keys to understanding the Scriptures have either been hidden, lost, or disregarded because of the ignorance and stupidity of men throughout the ages. Yet despite this predicament, God has preserved these teachings and in his mercy extends them to us in our day. The language of Israelite symbols is a discipline of deep thought, revelation, and study. Where one may read the simple story of Adam and Eve and the serpent, another sees the ancient meaning of Adam as the desire to give/bestow while Eve is seen as the desire to receive with the serpent being the ego or natural man.

"And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.

And in that day Adam blessed (blessing - bestowal) God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.

And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed (i.e. woman being a receiver of the seed which brings life), and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient." (Moses 5:9-11)

To Be Continued

THE SCIENCE OF THE FATHERS- MAN IS THAT HE MIGHT HAVE JOY.

"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)

God called Israel to be The House through which he would disseminate his light and truth to the world. This endowment of light and truth contained the knowledge revealed by God to Adam and his posterity. The scriptures we have inherited are records transmitted through this covenant house (Israel).  The idea of a covenant house includes a covenant people, a covenant land, and a covenant culture.  But, Israel was not the first covenant people.  In truth, they were a covenant house or culture that was formed out of the heirs of prior covenant houses or civilizations that had passed away.  From Adam to Seth, and from Seth down to Enoch, and from Enoch to Noah, and from Noah to Abraham, and from Abraham to the House of Israel, God has made covenant with many houses through which light and truth has been transmitted in varying degrees until we reach modern day.  Part of that endowment is the science given to Adam by God that was designed to lift all mankind and the earth itself into a closer relationship with himself.  For the purpose of this chapter, we will refer to this knowledge as The Science of the Fathers.

The wisdom of The Fathers is not the property of any religious system or belief.  While religions may contain certain performances and ordinances that were developed to communicate certain principles of this ancient science, the Science of the Fathers transcends them all.  In doing so, the Science of the Fathers  was given to understand the nature and purpose of mortality, the higher worlds, and God.  It is the science of creation, eternal progression, and the cycles of eternity.  The purpose of this Science was not to create a cult or a corporation, but to connect heaven and earth in such a manner to transform the heart of man and the world upon which he lives. Where some religions often teach a person an outside in approach by engaging a person in religious performances and ordinances, the Science of the Fathers is a science of transformation from the inside out.

Almost every religion claims a connection to a "prophet".  The idea of a prophet is usually connected to a man who had a spiritual revelation and then disseminated his knowledge among the people. In other words the idea of a prophet became connected with a man to whom God reveals himself who would then communicate his experience and knowledge to those who would listen to him.  The concept of "prophet" (navi in Hebrew) in the mind of an ancient Israelite is not a person, but a condition of consciousness and connection to God that exists within all mankind. Over time the terms became intermingled as a true prophet was one who had an elevated state of consciousness and connection with God.  This was the deeper teaching behind the the statement of Moses:

" And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.

And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:25-29)

Those whose consciousness had truly ascended beyond the bounds of this world and had experienced the true God were then called to be teachers, but not teachers of dependency upon man.  They were called to transmit the light and truth whereby all men and women could reach the state of "prophet" and know (i.e. experience) God.

The cults and religions of today are more like copyrighted software like Windows or Google.  You must use their license and operating system to "know" or experience God. The Science of the Fathers is more like open source software whereby any person can know God.  The degree of this experience being limited only by the individual's desire and practice.

The scriptures passed down by the House of Israel are the stories and teachings written in plain story form but designed to conceal the great truths of this science through symbol, metaphor, and number to those who seek to learn this great science for themselves.  These men who reached the state of "prophet" record in true Israelite fashion the process they went through in step by step fashion so that those who read their records could attain the same.  The connection with God being based on their own internal desire, intentions, and applications and not the leadership of a cult or business.

THE BOOK OF MORMON AND THE SCIENCE OF THE FATHERS

The Book of Mormon together with the Bible contains this science as preserved and presented by the prophets Lehi, Nephi, and their descendants. as well as many great gifts meant for God's people in preparation for meeting his Son.  We read about the "plain and precious things" being taken from the scriptures, but what exactly are the "plain and precious things" and why are they important?


In reading the Book of Mormon the Prophet Nephi relates the following:

“Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God.  And after these plain and precious things were taken away it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles; and after it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles, yea, even across the many waters which thou hast seen with the Gentiles which have gone forth out of captivity, thou seest—because of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book, which were plain unto the understanding of the children of men, according to the plainness which is in the Lamb of God—because of these things which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them.
(1 Nephi 13:28-29)


In examining the concept of "plain and precious things" from a Israelite Mindset, we discover that there is more to the phrase than meets the eye.


Plain = {Nakoakh} = Straight, Uprightness

All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. (Psalms 8:8-9)
The word "plain" comes from the Hebrew word Nakoakh which means straight or uprightness.  In its mechanical sense the concept of straight refers to the surface of the land or path which one walks. So while it can be used in phrases attempting to convey that something is straightforward or self evident its deeper meaning refers to a path which one walks.

Understanding that the concept of plain can refer to a path that is "straight" helps us to understand that the scriptures contain a pathway and that there were those who altered, changed, or obstructed that pathway by removing great truths.  Altering or removing stones from this path, causes people to stumble by placing or creating stumbling blocks along the path that should be straight and level.  In the mind of an Israelite a stumbling block is anything which causes you to leave the observance or correct understanding of God's commandments.  One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to remove stumbling blocks and to make the path level again.  This is why Nephi later states:

And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks. (1 Nephi 14:1)

In taking away our stumbling blocks we are led to the proper understanding and observance of God's commandments.  In doing so we are able to walk a path of betrothal with God's Son and arrive at a state of oneness with God.

Precious= {Migdanah} = Choice or Excellent Thing

When we think of the word "Precious" it draws to mind things of choice or excellent things of great worth.  But in the mind of an Israelite this concept draws upon much deeper understanding.  To understand the concept of precious it helps to draw upon Nephi's source material, The Torah.

The word "precious" comes from the Hebrew word Migdanah meaning Choice or Excellent thing. In context of the Torah we find this word first used in regard to the betrothal of Rebekah. The first place in the Torah where we find the use of the word "Precious" refers to the scene where Eliezer, the servant of Abraham, was sent to find a bride for his birthright son.  As the story relates he went to the well and came upon Rebekah who used her vessel to bestow water of life upon Abraham's servant.  Seeing that this was the bride God had designed to bring to Abraham's Chosen Son, Eliezer presented betrothal gifts to Rebekah's family.  These betrothal gifts given by the Servant of Abraham are designed to purchase the bride and to adorn her with gifts to prepare her for her betrothal to the son or bridegroom, among other things.

Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken. And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. (Genesis 24:51-53)

In Hebraic context the "Precious Things" are equated with the betrothal gifts given to the Bride for her purchase, adornment, and preparation in getting ready to meet her Groom- Abraham's Only Begotten or Birthright Son.

The message of the Book of Mormon contains contains and endowment of this Science of the Fathers that is designed to bring us into his presence.  When the records and the people of the House of Israel (i.e. The Bible and the Book of Mormon) run together we have a complete road map to the plain (level or straight) path we are to walk as well as the precious things of adornment that we as a bride must adorn ourselves with to make ourselves ready for the Bridegroom.

THE PURPOSE OF MAN- A KEY PRINCIPLE IN THE SCIENCE OF THE FATHERS

One of the first principles preserved by the Book of Mormon in regard to The Science Revealed to the Fathers is the essential principle of the purpose of man.  The Prophet Lehi relates to his son, "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy (simchah)." (2 Nephi 2: 25).   Many readers of the Book of Mormon read over this statement never understanding the true Israelite meaning behind this statement.  To understand the meaning of this statement is to understand the purpose of the Science God revealed to Adam and what the science is designed to create.

In the mind of an Israelite joy is connected with the presence of God (YHVH).  As the Psalmist records, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11)

In other words Joy is the presence of God.  To be in the presence of God one must be "ONE" with God or in a state of oneness with YHVH. This is what is meant by the expression of "Be ye therefor Holy" or "Be ye therefore perfect"- Holy (Kadosh) or perfect being a state of wholeness which man cannot experience without being in a state of oneness with God.

If we were to restate this principle being communicated by the Prophet Lehi in our modern language it could read:

"Adam fell so that men might exist-the purpose of man and his existence is to be in a condition of Oneness with God."

This essential and foundation principle of the Science of the Fathers (even Adam) is the purpose for God revealing and transmitting this Science.  We are to experience oneness with God.  As both a creature of mortality and the spiritual, man exists as the connecting link between Heaven and Earth.  The connection of these two dimensions or spheres is the purpose of this science with Mankind being the principle instrument through which this can be accomplished.  MAN EXISTS TO BE ONE WITH GOD.

THE BOOK OF MORMON- THE CONNECTION WITH THE SEASONS OF JOY

The Prophetic significance of the Book of Mormon in connection with the Science of the Fathers cannot be overlooked. On September 22nd 1827 (The Feast of Trumpets) the heavens were parted and a trumpet was sounded in fulfillment of this Appointed Time for All Israel throughout their Generations.  And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed. (D&C 128:20)

The Feast of Trumpets commenced a Season of Joy (simchah) and was to be an ordinance through all generations as explained in Numbers 10:

"But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.

And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.

Also in the day of your joy (simchah), and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God." (Numbers 10: 7-10)

I find it interesting that a Book that teaches that the purpose of the existence of Man is to be One with God (i.e. joy) is brought forth out of the ground as a record commencing a Season of Joy (A Season of being in Oneness with God) containing the roadmap (plain) and gifts of God (precious truths) from the Fathers designed to bring us back into a condition of Oneness with God.  Really makes you think!

(to be continued).