| Show THE NAME OF THE LORD A subject that should receive special consideration COTI from religious people to is the proper and ial use of the name of the supreme being reflecting upon certain very common practices when referring to the father of alewe cannot but reach the conclusion that in many quarters this subject does not receive the class and measure of attention to which its importance entitles it judging by what frequently the ears upon the streets and ana in 0 public halls it would seem that there here are man among those who have a bellef belief in the deity who fall to inquire whether the frequent or vain repetition of the sacred name of the almighty does or does not diminish the measure of veneration which they profess to accord to him it is a fact as unpleasant as it to is true that there are many people who have little or no desire to obtain an understanding of correct principle in making reference to the ruler of the universe and probably it would prove a wate waste of time to attempt to reason with them on that topic it would be val vain n to call the attention of those who profane the name of the deity to the means for an increase or diminution of respect for him since that feeling has bait been crowded from their hearts the preparatory work necessary with them to la to implant in their minds the idea bat is a reverence another class of society consists of those who flippantly introduce the name of the most moat high into trivial conversation and jests or who irreverently use it to emphasize some expression on which they wish to lay jay particular stress they are not as vicious as the wilful blasphemer but their offense differs only in slight alight degree A very necessary qualification to constitute them good members of society to la to bring them to realize that it is a on gin to trifle with sacred things there is ie still another olisa elites of people whose situation la Is such that the theme under consideration is an appropriate one for serious reflection this division comprises those who have a deep feeling of reverence for that which is sacred and whose desire is ie to be guided by the holy spirit and to show their vve 1 ve of god by obeying his commandments among these there are many w hose frequent use of the name of deity in their prayers their conversations sat ions and their exhortations is so go mark marked that it causes a feeling of revulsion aulsion sion n in those who lisle late I 1 even though the latter at times io do not lecog ize what it Is that is objection able abbe how many too there are whose position to ie that ot of religious instructors to the people who reiterate the name of the most high in their discourses until the devout and sensitive worshiper is made to shudder at the offensive and really sacrilegious practical the law given to israel amid amici the thunders of mount sinai was thou not take the name of the lord thy god in vain this command inculcates cul cu cates leates a principle of observance by men mein and for their salvation the per son BOB who blasphemes the most high by prot profaning aning his name is guilty guilt v of a crime he be who ridicules or brings brines into derision the title of the holy one is under sin id and he whose frequent repetition of anat name makes unnecessary use of it commits an all offense by taking it in vain an sot act that is expressly forbidden by the great lawgiver himself to impress the principle more deeply upon the minds of those who receive his law the command was waa reiterated in imparting the information that the lord will not hold bold him guiltless that his name in vain many of those whose profession is 18 that of preachers of modern christianity evidently donot do not realize the force of the divine command judging by the uncalled for manner in which his name la in injected into their expressions especially when they assume to pose as exponents of the doctrines taught by the divine master and because of thid pernicious pernio iona ions disregard of a direct command they will not be held guiltless when they come before the great judge As with the pharisee pharisees Pharis ees of olden time condemnation will rest upon them for their heathenish practice of vain repetitions those among the latter day saints if any there be who have formed this habit of frequently and unnecessarily repeating the name of the almighty are without justification and are in pre pressing taing need of repentance for there Js is constantly before them a prominent example of the acceptable rule under direct revelation from heaven in this example la is found the reason for the name edeo being applied to the higher priesthood chis was a great high priest and the manner in which he be magnified his calling led to the selection of his name to designate that order before his days daye says the revelation alvon given to the prophet joseph it was called the holy priesthood after the order of the son of god bod but out of respect or reverence to the name of the supreme being to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name they the church in ancient days called the priesthood after edeo or the priesthood the almighty endorsed this action of the church anciently and the same rule was enjoined upon the church in this dispensation and is followed loll owed those who vary from the rule depart j rt from the order which the lord aird has instituted the use of his name is necessary sit at times as in certain ordinances among which is the administration of sacrament there are re occasions too in preaching in rayer prayer in admonition when such use to proper and is directed by the spirit of revelation but the rule to avoid its too frequent repetition to abstain from using it unnecessarily or irk in vain I 1 should hould be strictly adhered to in cases where doubt may arise it is well to be on the safe side and not transcend the limit of the commandment the latter day saints should be the most careful of all people in conforming to this principle and should not utter the name of their eternal father airily or upon occasions when it will be treated lightly or mention it axce except P t with feelings fee linga of the highest veneration |
