Our Divine Constitution

                The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday comes from a talk entitled “Our Divine Constitution” given by President Ezra Taft Benson at a General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in October 1987.  The title of my post is the same as the talk given by Prophet.

                “We have recently celebrated the bicentennial of the signing of the United States Constitution.  That commemoration marked the beginning of a series of bicentennial anniversaries of events leading up to the ratification of the Constitution, implementation of the government it created, and the writing and ratification of the Bill of Rights.  We look forward to the future commemoration of each of these important events during the next four years.  It is a as a result of these events that we are able to meet today in peace as members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ.  For this we should all be eternally grateful.  I desire, therefore, to speak to you about our divine Constitution, which the Lord said `belongs to all mankind’ (Doctrine and Covenants 98:5; italics added) `and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles’ (Doctrine and Covenants 101:77; italics added).

                “The Constitution of the United States has served as a model for many nations and is the oldest constitution in use today.

                “`I established the Constitution of this land,’ said the Lord, `by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose’ (Doctrine and Covenants 101:80).  For centuries the Lord kept America hidden in the hollow of His hand until the time was right to unveil her for her destiny in the last days.  `It is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet form the knowledge of other nations,’ said Lehi, `for behold, many nations would overrun the land should be kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations,’ said Lehi, `for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance’ (Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ, 2 Nephi 1:8).

                President Benson continued his talk reminding his listeners how “His Spirit `wrought upon’ Columbus, the pilgrims, the Puritans, and others to come to America.”  He spoke of how the “coming forth of the Founding Fathers and their form of government” was part of Heavenly Father’s plan to prepare this land for “the restoration of the gospel.”  I encourage you to read President Benson’s entire talk.