588-Page Book of Mormon in Alphabetics

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Page 588 of Webster's 1961 Dictionary

One of the three columns on page 588 of my Webster's 1961 dictionary contains the word "decrease" and its derivatives.  The antonym meaning is "increase" as in "receiving greater things."

The last definition on the page is

decussate to cross, cut, or divide in the form of an X: intersect ~ vi: to cross each other in the form of an X

This calls to mind chiasmus of which we saw an example at the beginning of this write-up in the ABBA literary arrangement of the Book of Mormon text talking about receiving that which we have been given so that greater things can be manifest.

Back in 1992 when I began digging chiasms and parallels out of the scriptures in earnest (now published on this site), I had the distinct impression that these provided a means for the faithful to obtain greater light and knowledge -- in the form of a parable -- that others skip over for neglect.

Again, this is gratifying to me that this methodology would be so strongly alluded to on page 588 of an English dictionary.

p. 588 Webster's New International Dictionary, 3rd Ed. 1961
decussate

Page 588 of The New Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary

My 1971 New Webster dictionary is one my parents had during my growing up years.  I like to check the page numbers on it as well, usually finding significant correlations to whatever it is I'm looking up in alphabetics at the time.

The first and last definitions on page 588 seem the most applicable here.

The page begins with this definition that pairs up with the definition we saw for word 588 in the Old Testament lexicon.

oscitancy The act of gaping or yawning; sleepiness; drowsiness.

Again, this brings to mind the idea that the scriptures are to awaken our spiritual senses from slumber.

The last word on the page is

otiose  Idle; unemployed; useless; futile; needless; being at leisure.

 I can relate completely with that definition in that people have time and again labeled my work in this manner.

I find solace in the fact that word definition 888 in the New Testament lexicon means "useless," and is the sum of the numeric values of the spelling of the word "Iesous."  That is how Jesus was treated by the Jews, culminating with his crucifixion.

Another definition on page 588 is

ostracism  banishment from society; expulsion; ostracized, ostracizine. ...to exclude from public or private favor.

On the opposite page, facing the word "otiose" is the word:

Ouija  A trademark for a board, marked with symbols and the alphabet, used with a smaller board that is moved over it with the fingertips to obtain answers and messages.

While I personally do not ascribe to this practice, in this context I see it as alluding to this approach of Alphabetics whereby hidden messages of commentary and insight are uncovered.

Page 588 Webster's II New Riverside Dictionary

I also have a dictionary hanging around that I bought for college.

Here are some relevant definitions from page 588, beginning with the first word on the page and ending with the last.

refinish To apply a new finish to
reflect 3. To manifest: reveal. 4. To think seriously: meditate
reform: 2. change for the better
reformation 2. The 16th-cent. movement leading to separation of the Protestant churches from the Roman Catholic Church
refresh 3. to renew by stimulation
refuse¹ To decline to do, accept, give, or allow
refuse² Something rejected or discarded as worthless
refute To prove to be false or mistaken: disprove
regard v. 2. consider; n. 2. careful attention: heed. 3. respect, affection, or esteem.
regenerate 1. To reform morally or spiritually. 2. To build, make, or start anew. adj. 2. Restored: renewal.

Page 588 Webster's II New Riverside Dictionary

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