The Divine Origins of The Constitution

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Why do we, as Americans, believe that our Constitution and form of government are so important? There are many nations in the world with various forms of governments. What makes ours stand out? What makes it special? Why is it necessary that we befriend the Constitution?

Our Constitution is special because it did not come from man, but from our Heavenly Father. It stands out because it is the best form of government for mortal men. In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord acknowledges that He is the author of the Constitution. D&C 101:80 says, “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose…”

The entire history of the United States is one of Divine origin. In a vision to Nephi, recorded in 1 Nephi 13, Heavenly Father explained how He guided the destiny of the United States. He inspired Columbus to discover America (verse 12). He gave promptings to those such as the Pilgrims, with deep Christian convictions and yearnings for freedom, to leave their homeland and travel to the New World (verse 13) to establish colonies. When war broke out between the colonies and Great Britain, our Heavenly Father again exercised divine intervention and strengthened the fledgling colonies, allowing them to win the Revolutionary War (verses 17-18). In this way, He set the stage for the creation of the Constitution.

After the Revolutionary war, it became obvious that a new type of government was necessary. The colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia to solve the problem. The men who met that summer were very different. They had very different backgrounds, interests and ideas. Sometimes the arguments were intense. There were several times when it seemed like they would fail. But somehow, despite their different backgrounds, ideas and feelings, they managed to write the Constitution. The fact that men who were so different could come together and agree is evidence that Heavenly Father was helping and guiding them. The first president of our Country, George Washington, said, “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.” George Washington acknowledged and was thankful for the help Heavenly Father gave in establishing the United States and the Constitution.

Why is it important to understand and believe that our Constitution is inspired of God? Why does it matter to us where it came from? It matters for this reason: if we believe that the Constitution is inspired, then we believe that the rights and privileges contained are given to us by God. And if we believe they are given to us by God, we understand the importance in not giving up those rights and privileges to those who would try to persuade us that there is a better way. We already have the best way. We know that the Constitution comes from God. We know that it is the best form of government. It would follow, then, that it deserves our loyalty, support, and protection.

Sources:
George Washington, First Inaugural Address, April 30, 1789

Published July 10, 2016

Our Purpose

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“And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land.”

We are a group of Latter-day Saints who love and revere the Constitution of the United States. We recognize it as an inspired document, founded in the wisdom of God. Our feelings toward the Constitution are best expressed in the words of Ezra Taft Benson: “I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed his stamp of approval on the Constitution of this land.” These feelings of reverence for the Constitution come with a desire to befriend and defend it and the timeless principles upon which it was founded. As Ezra Taft Benson said, “For centuries our forefathers suffered and sacrificed that we might be the recipients of the blessings of freedom. If they were willing to sacrifice so much to establish us as a free people, should we not be willing to do the same to maintain that freedom for ourselves and for future generations?” How then, do we do that?

John Taylor related: “Some years ago, in Nauvoo, a gentleman in my hearing, a member of the Legislature, asked Joseph Smith how it was that he was enabled to govern so many people, and to preserve such perfect order; remarking at the same time that it was impossible for them to do it anywhere else. Mr. Smith remarked that it was very easy to do that. ‘How?’ responded the gentleman; ‘to us it is very difficult.’ Mr. Smith replied, ‘I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.’”

John Adams stated the same concept in these words: “It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand.”

There are correct principles, with religious and moral roots, upon which freedom and self government must be based and without which they cannot exist. When people live their lives and structure their governments according to these principles, peace, prosperity, and freedom naturally follow. When they turn away from them, confusion, bondage, and destruction will be the inevitable result.

On June 21, 1788, The Constitution of the United States was ratified. Our Founding Fathers, drawing upon experience, history, religion, and inspiration from Deity, established a system of government grounded in principles of freedom. The Constitution is for a people willing to understand the principles upon which it is based. It is for those willing to understand correct principles of personal behavior and live accordingly. For, as Thomas Jefferson said, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” And as John Adams stated, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.”

Befriend The Constitution is dedicated to teaching the principles necessary for freedom and self government. We accept as our authorities the founding documents of the United States, the words of the Founding Fathers, ancient and modern scripture, and the words of the ancient and modern prophets. We will discuss the principles upon which the Constitution is based. We will discuss the structure and function of the Constitution. We will review the application of the Constitution in our day. We will suggest reading material that will help the interested person gain greater understanding.

Please join with us in befriending and defending the Constitution and helping to preserve our Republic. No matter where you are in your understanding of the Constitution, we have a place for you here. Whether you are a beginner in the study of the Constitution, or a seasoned friend and defender, you can help. Please help us by spreading the word. Share our website with your friends, family and coworkers. Follow us on Facebook and like and share our posts. When you read an article you find helpful, share it with others. Teach others about the Constitution and principles of freedom. With your help, we can make a difference in the defense of our Constitution, our Republic and the principles that make America great.

Sources:
Doctrine and Covenants 98:5-6
Our Divine Constitution, Ezra Taft Benson, General Conference, October 1987
Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Joseph Smith, pg 284
https://en.wikiquote.org/ wiki/John_Adams
https://en.wikiquote.org/ wiki/Thomas_Jefferson
https://en.wikiquote.org/ wiki/John_Adams

Published July 4, 2016