| The Constitution | ||||||||||
| A Heavenly Standard | ||||||||||
The meeting place was Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The year 1787. Fifty-five delegates, representing twelve of the thirteen states (none from Rhode Island), gathered together to determine how they could strengthen the United States government. George Washington, who stood at the head of this convention, announced, "Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair. The event is in the hand of God." [1]Proposals were made, opinions expressed, debates ensued, and after almost 17 weeks, the glorious document we now know as the Constitution of the United States of America was produced. Speaking of the men who brought forth this inspired document, President Ezra Taft Benson said, "I testify that the God of heaven selected and sent some of his choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this [the American] government as a prologue to the restoration of the gospel and the second coming of our Savior." [2]Latter-day Saints understand the establishment of this country and its Constitution were revealed to ancient prophets long before Christopher Columbus ever sailed to America. It was part of the Lord's plan that this land be prepared as a place of freedom so that the gospel of Jesus Christ could be restored to the earth. In order for this to happen freedom had to be established and practiced. Many of the freedoms we enjoy today are the result of much suffering and bloodshed on the part of our forefathers who were supported and raised up by the hand of the Lord. Speaking of this, the Lord has said, "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, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood." [3] Latter-day prophets have also counseled us to to learn the principles set for in the Constitution. President Ezra Taft Benson was probably one of the most outspoken regarding this responsibility. We should understand the Constitution as the founders meant that it should be understood.... Such understanding is essential if we are to preserve what God has given us. [4]Joseph Smith was also a firm believer in the principles set forth in the Constitution. In the 1836 dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple the Prophet petitioned the Lord to preserve the Constitution. "Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever." [5]Joseph Smith understood, perhaps better than most, how important the freedoms set forth in the Constitution would be in restoring the gospel to the earth. He himself was mocked, beaten, imprisoned, and eventually martyred for his religious convictions. It was only after many trials and hardships that the Saints were able to find peace and the "freedom to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of [their] own conscience" (11th Article of Faith). However, these freedoms are only guaranteed as long as they are protected and practiced. According to Ezra Taft Benson, there are four things we need to do to ensure that our Constitutional freedoms are protected:
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