Review
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Title: Making Precious Things Plain
A Book of Mormon Study Guide, Volume One
Author: Randal S. Chase
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Genre: Non-fiction
Year Published: 2007
Number of Pages: 299
Binding: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-59955-078-7
Price: $26.99


Title: Making Precious Things Plain
A Book of Mormon Study Guide, Volume Two
Author: Randal S. Chase
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Genre: Non-fiction
Year Published: 2008
Number of Pages: 209
Binding: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-59955-130-2
Price: $24.99

Reviewed by Jaymie Reynolds


President Ezra Taft Benson has said, "There is a book we need to study daily, both as individuals and as families, namely the Book of Mormon. I love that book. It is the book that will get a person nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other book." (Ensign, May 1986) For those who are ready to move from a casual reading to a serious study of the Book of Mormon, "Making Precious Things Plain", by Randal S. Chase, is a great series to begin with. These books contain a wealth of information, including many quotes and additional scriptural references. These books have the potential to bring a greater understanding of the Book of Mormon, a book written for our day.

In these study manuals, Randal S. Chase has assembled a vast collection of gospel quotes. The majority of these come from past and present prophets, apostles, and general authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some of these quotes are humorous and some are purely informative. All of them will help the reader to reach a new level of faith and understanding. These quotes are liberally interspersed with scripture references that bring greater clarity to the verses that are being studied. All of these quotes and references are tied together with snippets of commentary from the author.

Dr. Chase writes in a very personal, upbeat manner. Studying with these manuals has the feel of attending one of Dr. Chase's institute classes. It is like listening to an institute lesson, rather than reading the lesson plan. These manuals would be slightly more readable, however, if they were printed in the traditional two-column per page format that most study guides use. Each of these books contains a great deal of information, so much so, that it would not be unusual to take several days studying one or two chapters of the Book of Mormon. The books are set up so as to encourage a detailed study of small sections at a time.

I would recommend these books for any beginning student of the Book of Mormon. They will help the reader to form a daily habit of serious study. When used in conjunction with the Book of Mormon, these books can establish a pattern for learning and increase understanding of how and why to apply the scriptures to our own lives. These manuals are more structured than might be comfortable for readers who have a long-standing practice of daily study. Those who are at a more intermediate or advanced level of study will still enjoy the many quotes and scriptural references offered, although the commentary is best suited to those who are beginning their studies.