Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints (The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, Vol 13) by Hugh Nibley & Don E. Norton & Shirley S. Ricks

Author:Hugh Nibley & Don E. Norton & Shirley S. Ricks
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Zion, Wealth, Nature, Teachings of the Prophets, Peace, Gospel Teachings, Scholarly, Environment
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Published: 2010-11-15T07:00:00+00:00

"Every" and "all" are the key words:

We deem it a just principle, and it is one the force of which we believe ought to be considered by every individual, that all men are created equal, and that all have the privilege of thinking for themselves upon all matters relative to conscience. Consequently, then, we are not disposed, had we the power, to deprive any one of exercising that free independence of mind which heaven has so graciously bestowed upon the human family as one of its choicest gifts. 31

Trust lies at the root of everything. It is not for us to monitor the freedom of others: "Those who are valiant and inspired with the true independence of heaven . . . will go forth boldly in the service of their God, leaving others to do as they please, determined to do right, though all mankind besides should take the opposite course." 32 And so the great-hearted Joseph: "It is a love of liberty which inspires my soul—civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race. . . . I will lift them up, and in their own way too, if I cannot persuade them my way is better; and I will not seek to compel any man to believe as I do." 33

The principles of civil and religious liberty enunciated in the Constitution and now embodied in the constitutions of most nations carried recognition of man's free agency to a point which was considered radically dangerous at the time; but without them the Church could never have been restored to earth; they are the franchise of the Saints. In any other country they might have found less persecution ("The inhumanity and murderous disposition of this people! . . . It cannot be found among the nations where kings and tyrants are enthroned" 34), but in no other country would their actions be beyond the reach of all legal persecutions. "It was in this government, formed by men inspired of God, although at the time they knew it not, . . . that the Lord sent forth His angel to reveal the truths of heaven as in times past." 35 "Could that book [of Mormon] have been brought forth and published to the world under any other government but the Government of the United States? No." 36 No people ever clung to the Constitution with greater fervor than the Latter-day Saints; they could not afford to do otherwise, and they knew it. They were convinced that they were "the only people who know the worth of the Constitution." 37 An official statement issued in Nauvoo at the height of crisis illustrates that moderation and restraint which proved their unswerving patriotism, and the sublime confidence in God which made it possible:

To show our loyalty to the institutions of our country and preserve peace in the county, as a people, we pledged ourselves to . . . abide the decisions of the court, not taking vengeance into our own hands [the mob was at the time mortally afraid of the Mormons] .

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