LDS Constitution Talks

Click on the following links to read the talks or magazine articles below:

The Constitution, a Glorious Standard  - President Ezra Taft Benson
Delivered by the Power of God - The American Revolution & Nephi's prophecy.  - Jonathan A. Dibble
A Standard of Freedom for this Dispensation - An appreciative view of the U.S Constitution.  -Jay M. Todd
Preparing the Way - The rise of religious freedom in New England.  -Milton V. Backman
Columbus and the Hand of God  (See Magazine Cover below) -DeLamar Jensen
Seeing the Constitution as a Covenant  - Lynn D. Wardle
Declaration of Dependence  Teaching patriotism in the home.  - Robert K & Shirley Thomas
The Protection of All Flesh The Constitution represents a practical guarantee in the political arena that individual freedom will not perish.  - G. Homer Durham
Beyond Voting  Some Duties of the LDS citizen.  -Cheryll Lynn May
Making a Difference  - Janice Smith
The Royal Law  The apostle James invites us to perfect liberty.  -Arthur R. Bassett
Just and Holy Principles  An examination of the U.S. Constitution - Arvo Van Alstyne
Dissent and Treason What do you do when the majority may vote to abolish free government?  -Orson Scott Card
The False Gods We Worship - Pres. Spencer W. Kimball
Eternal Principles of Government, a Theological Approach - Edwin Brown Firmage
A Promised Land - Jeffrey R. Holland
Wise Men Raised Up - Frank W. Fox and LeGrand L Baker
Enemies of Righteousness The Book of Mormon identifies latter-day forces that oppose the Lord.  -Dennis Largey
Religious Values & Public Policy - Dallin H. Oaks
Religion in a Free Society - M. Russell Ballard
A New Civil Religion - James E. Faust
The Divinely Inspired Constitution - Dallin H. Oaks
A Witness and a Warning - Pres. Ezra Taft Benson
I Testify - Pres. Ezra Taft Benson
Ethics & Honesty - David B. Haight
A Meaningful Celebration - L. Tom Perry
America's Promise - Pres. Marion G. Romney
Stand Strong Against the Wiles of the World -Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley
Stand Independent above All Other Creatures - Bruce R. McConkie
Witnesses of Christ - Dallin H. Oaks
Covenants The church's position on national issues.  - Boyd K. Packer
Will I Be Happy?  Teach moral values.  - James E. Faust

The Constitution—A Glorious Standard

BY PRESIDENT EZRA TAFT BENSON

  (Last paragraphs... Click on link above to read entire article.)

Will we be prepared? Will we be among those who will “bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction?” If we desire to be numbered among those who will, here are some things we must do:

1. 1. 
   We must be righteous and moral. We must live the gospel principles—all of them. We have no right to expect a higher degree of morality from those who represent us than what we ourselves exhibit. To live a higher law means we will not seek to receive what we have not earned by our own labor. It means we will remember that government owes us nothing. It means we will keep the laws of the land. It means we will look to God as our Lawgiver and the Source of our liberty.
2. 2. 
   We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then abide by its precepts. Have we read the Constitution and pondered it? Are we aware of its principles? Could we defend it? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound?
   I quote Abraham Lincoln:
   “Let [the Constitution] be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges; let it be written in primers, spelling-books, and in almanacs; let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And, in short, let it become the political religion of the nation.” ⁹
3. 3. 
   We must become involved in civic affairs. As citizens of this republic, we cannot do our duty and be idle spectators. It is vital that we follow this counsel from the Lord: “Honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.” (D&C 98:10.)
   Note the qualities that the Lord demands in those who are to represent us. They must be good, wise, and honest. We must be concerted in our desires and efforts to see men and women represent us who possess all three of these qualities—goodness, wisdom, and honesty.
4. 4. 
   We must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, and our advice. We must be wisely informed and let others know how we feel. We must take part in local precinct meetings and select delegates who will truly represent our feelings.
   I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church—men and women who will subscribe to and abide the principles of the Constitution.
   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. I testify that the God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and He has sent other choice spirits to preserve it.

We, the blessed beneficiaries, face difficult days in this beloved land, “a land which is choice above all other lands.” (Ether 2:10.) It may also cost us blood before we are through. It is my conviction, however, that when the Lord comes, the Stars and Stripes will be floating on the breeze over this people. May it be so, and may God give us the faith and the courage exhibited by those patriots who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor that we might be free, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

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Learn More about the Constitution:

Recommended Family Night activities, or personal study time.

Free Online Recorded Seminar & Guide Book Link 

From the National Center for Constitutional Studies website.  

This seminar is great, and they have made it available to more people by having it recorded.  It is an excellent way to educate yourself on the Constitution of the United States of America in an easily digestible format.  My 10 year old even attended it with me in person and enjoyed it.  

I feel that anyone, regardless of political affiliation, would find it interesting to listen to.  

It is educational, and inspiring.

- Candi

#2 We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then abide by its precepts. 

Have we read the Constitution and pondered it? Are we aware of its principles? 

Could we defend it? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound?  — Ezra Taft Benson