Page:The House of the Lord.djvu/105



A more detailed consideration of modern temple service now claims our attention. The ceremonial work comprises:
 * 1) Baptism, specifically Baptism for the Dead.
 * 2) Ordination and associated Endowments in the Priesthood.
 * 3) Marriage Ceremonies.
 * 4) Other Sealing Ordinances.

As will be understood from what has been already written, each of these ceremonies or ordinances may be performed either for the living, present in person, or for the dead who are represented each by an individual living proxy. The living are but few compared with the dead; and it follows of necessity that the ordinance-work for the departed exceeds by a great preponderance that done for the living. The temples of today are maintained largely for the benefit and salvation of the uncounted dead.

As demonstrated in the preceding pages, the law of baptism is of universal application; in short, baptism is required of all who have lived to the age of accountability. Only those who die in infancy are exempt. Children, having no sin to expiate, and being unable to