I believe that the best way to control illegal immigration is to amend the United States Constitution to change the interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment to it. Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment – the part that pertains to immigration and naturalization – states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
Let’s pull this statement apart in order to understand the whole better. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States….” is very plain and easy to understand. I don’t think an explanation is required for understanding.
The next phrase “… and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” This phrase is also simple and easy to understand for people who understand the context used by the framers of the amendment. This amendment was written and ratified in an effort to insure that former slaves were considered as legal citizens of the United States and not to open our borders to any person who wants to sneak in.
The intent of the two principle authors of the Citizenship Clause in Section 1 of the Fourteenth Amendment is evident in their own words. Jacob Howard, Senator from Michigan, noted that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” did not include American Indians who had tribal nations and “persons born in the United States who are foreigners, aliens, who belong to the families of ambassadors or foreign ministers.” Illinois Senator Lyman Trumbull added that “subject to the jurisdiction of the United States” meant “not owing allegiance to anybody else.”
The words of the two men who wrote the Citizenship Clause are in plain language: Any child born on United States soil to parents who are citizens of another nation or who are not here legally does not have a birthright to citizenship in the United States.
I wrote my feelings about this incorrect interpretation to my then Senator Ted Stevens about five years ago. He answered my letter with a statement that the Constitution would need to be changed – as though it was an impossibility to change the Constitution. I was pleased when I read that conservatives in the House of Representatives were proposing to add another amendment to restore the original intent of the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Something obviously need to be done because “more than 20 percent of all children born in the United States are born to those who have entered the United States unlawfully, and who are by any authentic definition of the Fourteenth Amendment, NOT subject to the jurisdiction of the United States because they are not citizens” (Mark Alexander at PatriotPost.us).
A child born in the United States to a diplomat has no birthright to citizenship even though that diplomat is here legally. Why would a child born to someone who is here illegally have a birthright citizenship? The desires of the liberals and progressives to give citizenship to children of illegal aliens are not consistent with either the 1866 Civil Rights Act or the Fourteenth Amendment.
I believe that we will never have secure borders in our nation until we do something concrete about the Citizenship Clause. I urge you to support an amendment that would do away with birthright citizenship for the children of people who enter our country illegally.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
John Hancock
John Hancock (1737-1793) was leader in the American Revolution and the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence, probably in July 1776. He signed his name in large and bold strokes in order that the King of England could see it. His famous signature is referred to today whenever people say that they have "written their John Hancock," meaning they had signed their names.
Hancock was born in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts. His father was a minister who died when John was a young boy. John was adopted by his uncle, Thomas Hancock, one of the wealthiest merchants in Boston. He joined his uncle in business after he graduated from Harvard College in 1754. Upon his uncle's death in 1764, John inherited the company.
John became known as a revolutionary after an incident in 1768 known as the Liberty Affair. One of John's vessels, the Liberty, arrived in the Boston Harbor to unload a shipment of wine and to take on new cargo. British customs officials seized the Liberty and charged Hancock with disobeying regulation. This action angered the citizens of Boston, and mobs rioted. The British government sent soldiers to bring order to the area. The Liberty Affair was one of the events that led to the Revolutionary War.
Hancock was elected to the Massachusetts General Court (the lower house of the colonial legislature) in 1769. In 1774 the General Court became the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, and Hancock served as president in 1774 and 1775.
Tensions between the Americans and the British grew, and Hancock used his influence and wealth in the independence movement. The British regarded him as one of the most dangerous revolutionaries. John Hancock and Samuel Adams, another Revolutionary leader from Massachusetts, came close to being arrested by the British in 1775 but escaped when a fellow patriot named Paul Revere took his famous ride in order to give them warning and aid in their escape.
Hancock was president of the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1777. Because of his position of president, he had the honor of being the first to sign the Declaration of Independence when it was adopted by Congress. Hancock wanted to lead the Continental Army in the fight for independence during the Revolutionary War and was disappointed when Congress chose George Washington. Hancock, however, had the opportunity to serve in the military when he led about 5,000 soldiers from Massachusetts in an unsuccessful attempt to free Rhode Island from British control.
Hancock was president of the convention that adopted the Massachusetts Constitution in 1780. He also became the first person to serve as governor under the new charter. He served nine terms as governor, from 1780 to 1785, and again from 1787 until his death at age 55 on October 8, 1793.
Facts for this post came from an article by William Morgan Fowler, Jr. in World Book Encyclopedia, Vol. 9, pp 38-39.
Hancock was born in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts. His father was a minister who died when John was a young boy. John was adopted by his uncle, Thomas Hancock, one of the wealthiest merchants in Boston. He joined his uncle in business after he graduated from Harvard College in 1754. Upon his uncle's death in 1764, John inherited the company.
John became known as a revolutionary after an incident in 1768 known as the Liberty Affair. One of John's vessels, the Liberty, arrived in the Boston Harbor to unload a shipment of wine and to take on new cargo. British customs officials seized the Liberty and charged Hancock with disobeying regulation. This action angered the citizens of Boston, and mobs rioted. The British government sent soldiers to bring order to the area. The Liberty Affair was one of the events that led to the Revolutionary War.
Hancock was elected to the Massachusetts General Court (the lower house of the colonial legislature) in 1769. In 1774 the General Court became the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, and Hancock served as president in 1774 and 1775.
Tensions between the Americans and the British grew, and Hancock used his influence and wealth in the independence movement. The British regarded him as one of the most dangerous revolutionaries. John Hancock and Samuel Adams, another Revolutionary leader from Massachusetts, came close to being arrested by the British in 1775 but escaped when a fellow patriot named Paul Revere took his famous ride in order to give them warning and aid in their escape.
Hancock was president of the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1777. Because of his position of president, he had the honor of being the first to sign the Declaration of Independence when it was adopted by Congress. Hancock wanted to lead the Continental Army in the fight for independence during the Revolutionary War and was disappointed when Congress chose George Washington. Hancock, however, had the opportunity to serve in the military when he led about 5,000 soldiers from Massachusetts in an unsuccessful attempt to free Rhode Island from British control.
Hancock was president of the convention that adopted the Massachusetts Constitution in 1780. He also became the first person to serve as governor under the new charter. He served nine terms as governor, from 1780 to 1785, and again from 1787 until his death at age 55 on October 8, 1793.
Facts for this post came from an article by William Morgan Fowler, Jr. in World Book Encyclopedia, Vol. 9, pp 38-39.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Disorderly Behavior
The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday comes from Article I.5.2: “The House and the Senate shall each have the authority to punish its own members for disorderly behavior.” This principle allows both the House and the Senate to discipline their own members for bad behavior.
The presiding officer of either chamber has the right to order the sergeant at arms to quiet any disorder or even to make arrests for any disturbance.
This provision is especially interesting at this time because Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY), a forty-year veteran of the House, was censored on December 2, 2010, for eleven counts of violating ethics rules. The vote was 333-79. Being censored is the steepest form of punishment short of expulsion. Rangel is the 23d lawmaker to be censored in history of House and the 5th in last 100 years. He was once one of the most powerful members of the House but had to experience the humiliation of standing in the well of the House while being censored.
The presiding officer of either chamber has the right to order the sergeant at arms to quiet any disorder or even to make arrests for any disturbance.
This provision is especially interesting at this time because Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY), a forty-year veteran of the House, was censored on December 2, 2010, for eleven counts of violating ethics rules. The vote was 333-79. Being censored is the steepest form of punishment short of expulsion. Rangel is the 23d lawmaker to be censored in history of House and the 5th in last 100 years. He was once one of the most powerful members of the House but had to experience the humiliation of standing in the well of the House while being censored.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
The Millennium
Many people look forward to the Millennium, the thousand years of peace, love, and joy that will be ushered in at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. We can better understand what it will be like to live on earth during the Millennium by studying the scriptures and listening to prophets.
Only righteous people will be living on earth when the Millennium begins because the wicked will be destroyed when Christ comes. The righteous are those people who have lived virtuous and honest lives and will inherit either the terrestrial or the celestial kingdoms.
Mortals will live on the earth during the Millennium and will continue to have children just as we do now (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:58). According to Joseph Smith, immortal beings will visit the earth frequently to help with the government and other work. (See Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 268.) All mortals will continue to have their agency and will be free to continue to practice their choice of religions and ideas for a time; however, everyone will eventually come to the realization that Jesus Christ is the Savior.
Jesus Christ will “reign personally upon the earth” during the Millennium (Articles of Faith 1:10). According to the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ will “reign over the Saints and come down and instruct” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 258).
Two great works will be done during the Millennium by members of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These are temple work and missionary work. Missionary work will involve teaching the gospel with great power to all people. According to Jeremiah 31:34, the time will come when it will no longer be necessary to teach the first principles of the gospel because “they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord.”
Temple work will be accomplished to make sure that everyone has the necessary ordinances for exaltation. The necessary ordinances includes baptism by immersion, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, the endowment, temple marriage, and the sealing together of family units. Because many people have died without receiving these saving ordinances, people on earth must perform these ordinances for them. Even though this work is being currently done in the temples, there is too much work to complete it before Christ comes; therefore, it will be done during the Millennium. Mortals will be assisted in this work by resurrected beings. Mistakes made in research by mortals will be corrected by immortals that will also help find the necessary information to complete the records. (See Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols [1954-56], 2:167, 251-252.)
Life will be different during the Millennium than what we know on earth now. According to the Prophet Joseph Smith, “the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory” during the Millennium (Articles of Faith 1:10). Also, Satan will be bound during the Millennium, and he will no longer have power to tempt mortals (see Doctrine and Covenants 101:28). According to Doctrine and Covenants 45:58, the “children shall grow up without sin unto salvation.” Satan will have no power over the hearts of the people “because of the righteousness of [the Lord’s] people.” In fact, Satan will be bound for “many years” because the people will “dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth” (1 Nephi 22:26).
True peace will reign on earth because the people will live in peace and harmony together and will no longer have wars. In fact, the tools and equipment for making war will have other useful purposes. “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4; see also Isaiah 11:6-7; Doctrine and Covenants 101:26).
There will no longer be death on the earth. When mortals reach old age, they will not die, but they will be changed from their mortal condition to an immortal condition in “the twinkling of an eye.” (See Doctrine and Covenants 63:51; 101:29-31.)
The government during the Millennium will be righteous because the Lord will “reign personally upon the earth” (Article of Faith 1:10). President John Taylor taught, “The Lord will be king over all the earth, and all mankind literally under his sovereignty, and every nation under the heavens will have to acknowledge his authority, and bow to his scepter. Those who serve him in righteousness will have communications with God, and with Jesus; will have the ministering of angels, and will know the past, the present, and the future; and other people, who may not yield full obedience to his laws, nor be fully instructed in his covenants, will, nevertheless, have to yield full obedience to his government. For it will be the reign of God upon the earth, and he will enforce his laws, and command that obedience from the nations of the world which is legitimately his right” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor [2001], 225).
Even though all truths have not been revealed to us, during the Millennium all things will be revealed. We know this because the Lord said that He will “reveal all things – things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof – things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:32-34).
Life will continue in many ways as it is at the present time with the exception that everything will be done in righteousness. Mortals will continue to eat, drink, and wear clothing according to Brigham Young. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 333.) We also know from Isaiah 65:21 that people will continue to build houses as well as plant and harvest crops.
When the Millennium ends, Satan will again be set free but only for a short period of time. Satan will gather as many people as he can convince to turn away from Heavenly Father. Satan and his army will do battle with Michael (Adam) and the hosts of heaven. Following this final battle for the souls of men, Satan and all his followers will be cast into outer darkness forever. Then the earth will become a celestial kingdom. (See Doctrine and Covenants 29:22-29; 88:17-20, 110-115.)
Only righteous people will be living on earth when the Millennium begins because the wicked will be destroyed when Christ comes. The righteous are those people who have lived virtuous and honest lives and will inherit either the terrestrial or the celestial kingdoms.
Mortals will live on the earth during the Millennium and will continue to have children just as we do now (see Doctrine and Covenants 45:58). According to Joseph Smith, immortal beings will visit the earth frequently to help with the government and other work. (See Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 268.) All mortals will continue to have their agency and will be free to continue to practice their choice of religions and ideas for a time; however, everyone will eventually come to the realization that Jesus Christ is the Savior.
Jesus Christ will “reign personally upon the earth” during the Millennium (Articles of Faith 1:10). According to the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ will “reign over the Saints and come down and instruct” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 258).
Two great works will be done during the Millennium by members of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These are temple work and missionary work. Missionary work will involve teaching the gospel with great power to all people. According to Jeremiah 31:34, the time will come when it will no longer be necessary to teach the first principles of the gospel because “they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord.”
Temple work will be accomplished to make sure that everyone has the necessary ordinances for exaltation. The necessary ordinances includes baptism by immersion, the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, the endowment, temple marriage, and the sealing together of family units. Because many people have died without receiving these saving ordinances, people on earth must perform these ordinances for them. Even though this work is being currently done in the temples, there is too much work to complete it before Christ comes; therefore, it will be done during the Millennium. Mortals will be assisted in this work by resurrected beings. Mistakes made in research by mortals will be corrected by immortals that will also help find the necessary information to complete the records. (See Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols [1954-56], 2:167, 251-252.)
Life will be different during the Millennium than what we know on earth now. According to the Prophet Joseph Smith, “the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory” during the Millennium (Articles of Faith 1:10). Also, Satan will be bound during the Millennium, and he will no longer have power to tempt mortals (see Doctrine and Covenants 101:28). According to Doctrine and Covenants 45:58, the “children shall grow up without sin unto salvation.” Satan will have no power over the hearts of the people “because of the righteousness of [the Lord’s] people.” In fact, Satan will be bound for “many years” because the people will “dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth” (1 Nephi 22:26).
True peace will reign on earth because the people will live in peace and harmony together and will no longer have wars. In fact, the tools and equipment for making war will have other useful purposes. “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4; see also Isaiah 11:6-7; Doctrine and Covenants 101:26).
There will no longer be death on the earth. When mortals reach old age, they will not die, but they will be changed from their mortal condition to an immortal condition in “the twinkling of an eye.” (See Doctrine and Covenants 63:51; 101:29-31.)
The government during the Millennium will be righteous because the Lord will “reign personally upon the earth” (Article of Faith 1:10). President John Taylor taught, “The Lord will be king over all the earth, and all mankind literally under his sovereignty, and every nation under the heavens will have to acknowledge his authority, and bow to his scepter. Those who serve him in righteousness will have communications with God, and with Jesus; will have the ministering of angels, and will know the past, the present, and the future; and other people, who may not yield full obedience to his laws, nor be fully instructed in his covenants, will, nevertheless, have to yield full obedience to his government. For it will be the reign of God upon the earth, and he will enforce his laws, and command that obedience from the nations of the world which is legitimately his right” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor [2001], 225).
Even though all truths have not been revealed to us, during the Millennium all things will be revealed. We know this because the Lord said that He will “reveal all things – things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof – things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:32-34).
Life will continue in many ways as it is at the present time with the exception that everything will be done in righteousness. Mortals will continue to eat, drink, and wear clothing according to Brigham Young. (See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 333.) We also know from Isaiah 65:21 that people will continue to build houses as well as plant and harvest crops.
When the Millennium ends, Satan will again be set free but only for a short period of time. Satan will gather as many people as he can convince to turn away from Heavenly Father. Satan and his army will do battle with Michael (Adam) and the hosts of heaven. Following this final battle for the souls of men, Satan and all his followers will be cast into outer darkness forever. Then the earth will become a celestial kingdom. (See Doctrine and Covenants 29:22-29; 88:17-20, 110-115.)
Friday, December 3, 2010
Traditions
Families are strengthened by sharing uplifting family traditions. Traditions are formed over time as we repeat the same activities over and over again. We know that all families have traditions of one kind or another. Some of them have been passed down to us from our parents and grandparents; some of them have been intentionally started by us. Some traditions have more to do with material or temporal things and others are more spiritual in nature. Some traditions come from our ethic background, our culture, or our national heritage. Traditions are very important to us and become part of the very fiber of our beings.
The Apostle Paul counseled the Thessalonians, “Therefore, … stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). What traditions have we been taught? The Christmas season is a good time to review our traditions, keep those that are uplifting, and discard those that are not.
President Howard W. Hunter taught the following to students and faculty at the Church College of New Zealand: “I would like to say something to you that I consider to be very important. Throughout your life, you will be faced with many choices. How well you select among the alternatives will determine your success and happiness in life. Some of the decisions you will make will be absolutely critical and can affect the entire course of your life. Please measure those alternatives against the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“To be able to do that you must know and understand his teachings. As you exercise faith and live worthy of inspiration, you will be directed in the important choices you make.”
President Hunter continued, “… Measure whatever anyone else asks you to do, whether it be from your family, loved ones, your cultural heritage, or traditions you have inherited – measure everything against the teachings of the Savior. Where you find a variance from those teachings, set that matter aside and do not pursue it. It will not bring you happiness.”
It is not always easy to determine when a tradition is in conflict with the teachings of Jesus Christ, but it is important to abandon incorrect traditions. Because customs and traditions become a part of us, we must make sure that we keep only good traditions.
It is difficult to change a tradition that has become an embedded pattern in our life. When we try to change, we must not only overcome our own weaknesses, but we often have to endure comments and/or actions that ridicule, criticize, or even persecute us. We can gain strength by studying the scriptures, praying, and being obedient to God’s commandments. When we have overcome incorrect traditions, we are then in a position to help others overcome them.
Examples of traditions that are considered incorrect are: 1) spouses who are domineering and authoritarian and who insist on making all of the important decisions for the family; 2) traditions that violate the Word of Wisdom, 3) traditions that cause conflict with other cultures, 4) traditions of abuse.
We must remember that Satan is anxious to destroy all families. He wants to destroy Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. He wants to undermine righteous authority and order. He wants to divide us into groups with individual interests. He wants us to think that entertainment, excitement and fun are the most important things in life. He is completely opposed to all that Heavenly Father wants for us.
Heavenly Father’s plan was expressed by the Savior, “Behold, … I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). God’s plan for His children tells us that we must abandon selfish interests and make others happy by serving them. When we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we can become more united.
Brigham Young once taught, “A perfect oneness will save a people, because intelligent beings [can only] become perfectly one, … by acting upon principles that pertain to eternal life. Wicked men may be partially united in evil; but, … the very principle upon which they are partially united will itself breed contention … to destroy the temporary compact. Only … truth and righteousness can secure … an eternal continuation of perfect union; for only truth and those who are sanctified by it can dwell in celestial glory” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1961], 282).
Traditions that are uplifting are important in leading us to the things of the Holy Spirit. Traditions that strengthen our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and traditions that bring unity to families, communities, and nations are especially important.
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “Where family or national traditions or customs conflict with the teachings of God, set them aside. Where traditions and customs are in harmony with His teachings, they should be cherished and followed to preserve your culture and heritage. There is one heritage that you need never change. It is that heritage that comes from your being a daughter or son of Father in Heaven. For happiness, control your life by that heritage” (“Removing Barriers to Happiness,” Ensign, May 1998, 85).
Traditions are important in our lives and become part of us. The most important traditions deal with who we are and how we live our lives. The best traditions will enrich our lives for the better and be something that we want to pass down to our children and grandchildren. For this reason, families grow stronger and more unified when they share uplifting traditions.
The Apostle Paul counseled the Thessalonians, “Therefore, … stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). What traditions have we been taught? The Christmas season is a good time to review our traditions, keep those that are uplifting, and discard those that are not.
President Howard W. Hunter taught the following to students and faculty at the Church College of New Zealand: “I would like to say something to you that I consider to be very important. Throughout your life, you will be faced with many choices. How well you select among the alternatives will determine your success and happiness in life. Some of the decisions you will make will be absolutely critical and can affect the entire course of your life. Please measure those alternatives against the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“To be able to do that you must know and understand his teachings. As you exercise faith and live worthy of inspiration, you will be directed in the important choices you make.”
President Hunter continued, “… Measure whatever anyone else asks you to do, whether it be from your family, loved ones, your cultural heritage, or traditions you have inherited – measure everything against the teachings of the Savior. Where you find a variance from those teachings, set that matter aside and do not pursue it. It will not bring you happiness.”
It is not always easy to determine when a tradition is in conflict with the teachings of Jesus Christ, but it is important to abandon incorrect traditions. Because customs and traditions become a part of us, we must make sure that we keep only good traditions.
It is difficult to change a tradition that has become an embedded pattern in our life. When we try to change, we must not only overcome our own weaknesses, but we often have to endure comments and/or actions that ridicule, criticize, or even persecute us. We can gain strength by studying the scriptures, praying, and being obedient to God’s commandments. When we have overcome incorrect traditions, we are then in a position to help others overcome them.
Examples of traditions that are considered incorrect are: 1) spouses who are domineering and authoritarian and who insist on making all of the important decisions for the family; 2) traditions that violate the Word of Wisdom, 3) traditions that cause conflict with other cultures, 4) traditions of abuse.
We must remember that Satan is anxious to destroy all families. He wants to destroy Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. He wants to undermine righteous authority and order. He wants to divide us into groups with individual interests. He wants us to think that entertainment, excitement and fun are the most important things in life. He is completely opposed to all that Heavenly Father wants for us.
Heavenly Father’s plan was expressed by the Savior, “Behold, … I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). God’s plan for His children tells us that we must abandon selfish interests and make others happy by serving them. When we follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, we can become more united.
Brigham Young once taught, “A perfect oneness will save a people, because intelligent beings [can only] become perfectly one, … by acting upon principles that pertain to eternal life. Wicked men may be partially united in evil; but, … the very principle upon which they are partially united will itself breed contention … to destroy the temporary compact. Only … truth and righteousness can secure … an eternal continuation of perfect union; for only truth and those who are sanctified by it can dwell in celestial glory” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1961], 282).
Traditions that are uplifting are important in leading us to the things of the Holy Spirit. Traditions that strengthen our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and traditions that bring unity to families, communities, and nations are especially important.
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “Where family or national traditions or customs conflict with the teachings of God, set them aside. Where traditions and customs are in harmony with His teachings, they should be cherished and followed to preserve your culture and heritage. There is one heritage that you need never change. It is that heritage that comes from your being a daughter or son of Father in Heaven. For happiness, control your life by that heritage” (“Removing Barriers to Happiness,” Ensign, May 1998, 85).
Traditions are important in our lives and become part of us. The most important traditions deal with who we are and how we live our lives. The best traditions will enrich our lives for the better and be something that we want to pass down to our children and grandchildren. For this reason, families grow stronger and more unified when they share uplifting traditions.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Natural Law
The topic of discussion for this Freedom Friday is Natural Law or the laws of God. The first fundamental principle of freedom for a society is that the governing laws must be based on Natural Law or the laws of God. The Founders understood that basic rights come from God and not from government. In writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."
Our Founding Fathers wanted a government that would overcome the evils of past civilizations. They knew that individual liberty and collective prosperity could only happen among a moral and virtuous people. They understood that their new law had to be based on God's Law. Jesus Christ taught that the greatest commandment is "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment." Jesus added, "And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:36-40).
Every law of mankind should be based on these two great laws. We should also use God’s law to measure any other law. In order to build a free, moral and virtuous society, we must embrace Natural Law.
Our Founding Fathers wanted a government that would overcome the evils of past civilizations. They knew that individual liberty and collective prosperity could only happen among a moral and virtuous people. They understood that their new law had to be based on God's Law. Jesus Christ taught that the greatest commandment is "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment." Jesus added, "And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:36-40).
Every law of mankind should be based on these two great laws. We should also use God’s law to measure any other law. In order to build a free, moral and virtuous society, we must embrace Natural Law.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Hannah Jack Thornton
Hannah Jack Thornton and her husband Dr. Matthew Thornton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, were of Scotch-Irish descent. She was only eighteen years old in 1760 when she married Thornton, a man of middle age. Thornton signed the Declaration of Independence four months after the document had been adopted.
Mrs. Thornton was a daughter of Andrew Jack, who settled in Chester, New Hampshire, after immigrating from Londonderry, Ireland. His family, however, originally came from Scotland.
Dr. and Mrs. Thornton were parents of five children, four of whom grew to adulthood. Thornton lived seventeen years after the death of his wife and died in 1803. They are both buried at Thornton’s Ferry, New Hampshire.
Mrs. Thornton was a daughter of Andrew Jack, who settled in Chester, New Hampshire, after immigrating from Londonderry, Ireland. His family, however, originally came from Scotland.
Dr. and Mrs. Thornton were parents of five children, four of whom grew to adulthood. Thornton lived seventeen years after the death of his wife and died in 1803. They are both buried at Thornton’s Ferry, New Hampshire.
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