On Titles

EDITORS' TABLE 479 our children and to the world, this Church need have no fear of the outbursts of falsehood and indignation from our enemies and from those who seek to destory us with lies and sensational stories. We shall triumph over all, for truth and purity will triumph in the end. But woe unto us if we fail in this great duty, for the Lord will have a pure people. Joseph F. Smith. On Titles We desire to call special attention to an article appearing elsewhere in this issue, entitled, "The Honor and Dignity of Priesthood ;" written by Elder James E. Talmage, of the Council of the Twelve. We heartily commend the article to the careful study of every officer and member of the Church, as well as to our friends who are investigating the doctrines of the restored Church, and who have not yet identified themselves with us as members of this great organization, established by Divine command in this the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. Priesthood is not given for the honor or aggrandizement of man, but for the ministry of service among those for whom the bearers of that sacred commission are called to labor. Be it remembered that even our Lord and Master, after long fasting, when faint in body and physically weakened by exhausting vigils and continued abstinence, resisted the arch tempter's suggestion that he use the authority and power of his Messiahship to provide for his own immediate needs. The God-given titles of honor and of more than human distinction associated with the several offices in and orders of the Holy Priesthood, are not to be used nor considered as are the titles originated by man ; they are not for adornment nor are they expressive of mastership, but rather of appointment to humble service in the work of the one Master whom we profess to serve. The Scribes and Pharisees of old sought to be esteemed as great above their fellows, and loved to be greeted with distinct on in the markets and upon the streets, and to be called by titles d| honor, "But," said our Lord, addressing his disciples, "be not ye called Rabbi ; for one is your Master, even Christ ; and all ye a re brethren." '(See Matt. 23:1-8.) In our custom of using the expressive term of address,