At the October 1987 general conference, President Ezra Taft Benson spoke of the of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, the implementation of the government it created, and the writing and ratification of the Bill of Rights. "It is 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," he said.
President Benson spoke "about our divine Constitution, which the Lord said belongs to all mankind' (D&C 98:5)and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles.' (D&C 101:77.)"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.' (D&C 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 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.' (2 Ne. 1:8.)
"In the Lord's due time His Spirit wrought upon' Columbus, the pilgrims, the Puritans, and others to come to America (see 1 Ne. 13:12-13). They testified of God's intervention in their behalf. The Book of Mormon records that they humbledthemselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.' (1 Ne.13:16).
"Our Father in Heaven planned the coming forth of the Founding Fathers and their form of government as the necessary great prologue leading to the restoration of the gospel."
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