In trying to describe the seriousness of the sin, he uses many examples that the audience can understand. They are simple stories, which has been encouraged throughout the history of "Mormonism." He first uses this example:
"Most people, . . . as a rule do not run up to friends, put a loaded revolver
to their heads, and cavalierly pull the trigger. Furthermore,
when there is a click of the hammer rather than an explosion
of lead, and a possible tragedy seems to have been averted,
no one in such a circumstance would be so stupid as to sigh,
'Oh, good. I didn’t go all the way.'"
This quote is understandable and enables the reader to make the connections. Just because someone didn't go all the way through with the act doesn't mean they didn't "do" it. Why would someone go so far as to plan to commit the act, and then, by some circumstance, not go through with it and claim they didn't even do it?
The plainness of Holland's story is so that the audience doesn't spend time trying to figure out what he is trying to say. They know what he is saying; they are given the opportunity to ponder on their own lives and where they stand in the face of sin.
Holland uses another relatable story for Latter-Day Saints about how one should treat purity:
"Now, once again, I know of no one who would, for example,
rush into the middle of a sacramental service, grab the linen
from the tables, throw the bread the full length of the room,
tip the water trays onto the floor, and laughingly retreat from
the building to await an opportunity to do the same thing at
another worship service the next Sunday. ."
Through this, the audience can clearly draw a picture in their mind of someone completing this act. It isn't logical to do this! How can the reader know? Because Holland uses plain and simple examples to make the reader understand the seriousness and truthfulness of what he is saying. He follows the pattern to keep it simple and relatable so that the audience can be taught by the Spirit, but is still able to use logic and rhetorical devices to teach them.
