Protection of All Flesh

                The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday is the simple fact that the Constitution of the United States protects all flesh.  In an article titled “The Protection of All Flesh,”  G. Homer Durham explains how the Constitution protects all flesh.

                In 1839 Joseph Smith said, “The Constitution is a glorious standard:  it is founded in the wisdom of God” (History of the Church, 3:304).  Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have great respect and love for the Constitution because of divine revelation such as the following.

                “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” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:5; italics added).

                The “constitution … which I have suffered to be established, … should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:77; italics added).

                After the above quotes, Brother Durham stated, “These quotations express the doctrine of `higher law’ – law designed to protect the free agency of man, law toward which religious men should aspire in their civil pursuits.

                “The doctrine of higher law is an ancient idea.  It runs to the most basic consideration in religion.  It is found in cultures throughout history.  God commanding Adam and Eve in the garden, Moses receiving the Ten Commandments – these constitute outstanding examples.  The Constitution of the United States is an outgrowth, in practical terms of man’s desire to protect the principle of free agency.  Constitutional, or higher, law undertakes to protect that principle by defining the role and limits of civil authority.  Jesus said, `Render … unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s’ (Matthew 22:21).