Chapter 27
Let Us Follow the Prophet
"Stand ye still, and see
the salvation of the LORD with you,
O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed;
to morrow go out against them: for
the LORD will be with you."
— 2 Chronicles 20:17

Someone once said that action without knowledge is dangerous, and knowledge without action is useless. And since we know what is happening and why, we now need to do something about it. President Spencer W. Kimball would most likely tell us to "lengthen your stride." To help us lengthen our stride, and stretch our faith, we will cover a few things that President Benson has admonished us to do — things which too many have neglected after receiving the Lord’s word from His Prophets.

President J. Reuben Clark tells us that we are all in this fight, whether we want to be in it or not. This is important to realize since we were no neutral spirits in the pre-earth life. We chose a side there, and we are choosing a side here: "This gigantic world-wide struggle, more and more takes on the form of a war to the death. We shall do well and wisely so to face and so to enter it. And we must all take part. Indeed, we all are taking part in that struggle, whether we will or not. Upon its final issue, liberty lives or dies." (PPNS, p. 318, from Vital Speeches, 5:174-175.)

A Mission to Perform
Before we get specifically into what our Prophet has instructed us to be doing, we will read a few preliminary words from him in relation to our duty. As an Apostle of the Lord, he said,

"The Lord’s priesthood has a mission to perform for liberty-loving people everywhere. We cannot, any more than Jonah of old, run away from our calling. . . . Our responsibility, as in Jonah’s case, is to see to it that the people have a chance to choose decisively after they have been shown clearly the Lord’s way and what the Lord expects of them." (CR, October 1954, p. 222.)
"Freedom is a weighty matter of the law; the lesser principles of the gospel you should keep but not leave this one undone." (CR, April 1965, pp. 123-24.)
"Those who support only the popular principles of the gospel have their reward.
"While the gentiles established the Constitution, we have a divine mandate to preserve it." (Ibid.)
". . . there should be no doubt in the mind of any priesthood holder that the human family is headed for trouble. There are rugged days ahead. It is time for every man who wishes to do his duty to get himself prepared — physically, spiritually, and psychologically — for the task which may come at any time, as suddenly as the whirlwind." (CR, October 1961, p. 70; "The American Heritage of Freedom - A Plan of God," p. 5-6.)
"Many of the prophecies referring to America’s preservation are conditional. That is, if we do our duty we can be preserved, and if not, then we shall be destroyed. This means that a good deal of the responsibility lies with the Priesthood of this Church as to what happens to America and as to how much tragedy can be avoided if we do act now." (CR, April 1965, p. 125.)
"We need a vast awakening of the American people as to the true nature of the Communist [Socialist] blueprint for revolution. Considering the degree to which the controlling influences of the federal government and many of the communications media are now furthering this Communist [Socialist] revolution, it is unrealistic to expect most of our present leaders or the networks to bring about this awakening. In fact, they may be expected to resist it. That means that individual citizens must stand up and assume more than their share of the responsibility. The speaker’s platform, hand distribution of literature, study clubs, home discussions — all must be pressed into service. . . . Each of us must be willing to discuss the problems openly with our friends. . . ." (CR, October 1967, p. 39.)
"Our stand for freedom is a most basic part of our religion; this stand helped get us to this earth, and our reaction to freedom in this life will have eternal consequences. Man has many duties, but he has no excuse that can compensate for his loss of liberty. . . . You cannot fully live the gospel without working to save freedom and the Constitution." (Conference Report, October 1966, p. 122.)
"Knowing what we know as His servants, can we hesitate to raise a warning voice to all who will listen so that they may be prepared for the days ahead? Silence in the face of such calamity is sin!" (Come Unto Christ, p. 113.)

Following Counsel
Now we will discuss the commandments as received from the Lord through His servant, our living Prophet. These "guidelines laid down by the Lord and His Prophet," have been received since Ezra Taft Benson has become the President of the Church and our Prophet, Seer, and Revelator.

There has been no attempt to collate them. However, some have been abridged for the sake of time and space. Before we start quoting them, let us hear from the Prophet and read his suggestions on how to approach the task:

"Usually the Lord gives us the overall objectives to be accomplished and some guidelines to follow, but he expects us to work out most of the details and methods. . . . Less spiritually advanced people, such as those in the days of Moses, had to be commanded in many things. Today those spiritually alert look at the objectives, check the guidelines laid down by the Lord and his prophets, and then prayerfully act — without having to be commanded "in all things." This attitude prepares men for godhood." (CR, April 1965, p. 121.)

As we study the following guidelines, we will not be receiving anything spectacular, but only what has been presented to us by President Benson. Other Church authorities have offered suggestions about our Constitutional responsibility and government involvement, and Ezra Taft Benson has done so many times before he became our Church President. However, we will be reading only some of those things he has suggested since he assumed leadership of the Church, but they are not all-inclusive.

These guidelines will not be presented in any special order other than chronologically. Sometimes the same suggestion is given in various addresses, so the reader will have to sort out what is important to him. In so doing let us remember that "Every member of the priesthood should understand the divine plan designed by the Lord to raise up the first free people in modern times." (CR, October 1961, p. 69; "The American Heritage of Freedom - A Plan of God," p. 1.)

We will be reading from three of his addresses: The Constitution A Heavenly Banner (1986), which has been published in book form; an address at the Provo Freedom Festival (1986); and a general conference address (1987). There could be other references but these should be sufficient.

THE CONSTITUTION: A HEAVENLY BANNER.
"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. 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 are. In the final analysis, people generally get the kind of government they deserve.
"2. We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then abide by its precepts. We have been instructed again and again to reflect more intently on the meaning and importance of the Constitution and to adhere to its principles. What have we done about this instruction? 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? The Church will not tell us how to do this, but we are admonished to do it.
"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: ‘I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, 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 98:8-10). . . . 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.
"4. We must make our influence felt by our vote. 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." (CHB, pp. 28-30.)

PROVO FREEDOM FESTIVAL, JUNE 19, 1986.
"How do we prepare ourselves so God will intervene in our behalf in the days ahead? I would like to suggest four important things we can do.
"1. We must, both as individuals and as a nation, look to God as our maker and as the source of our freedoms and blessings. Our nation has faced many crises since its founding. One of the most grave was the Civil War. Once again the Lord had raised up a great man to be the man of the hour. Abraham Lincoln understood the spiritual foundations of America and the need for divine help and guidance. He called upon the people to have a day of national fasting and prayer. His proclamation contains wisdom and counsel of great worth to us today: ‘It is the duty of nations as well as men to owe their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon, and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.’
"2. We must make the creation of quality family life a high priority in our lives. Families are the foundation blocks of any society. When the majority of families are strong and self-reliant, the nation prospers and dwells safely. But today there are many forces pulling at the fabric of family life. One of the primary goals of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to support strong family life.
"We teach and emphasize that the key to family stability is happy marriage based on family worship. Divorce is deplored.
"We are actively engaged in teaching fathers to be compassionate fathers, and mothers, full-time mothers in the home. Fathers are commanded to take the lead in all spiritual matters.
"We encourage parents to teach children fundamental spiritual principles that will instill faith in God, faith in their family, and faith in their country. We plead with parents to spend time with their children, both in teaching them and in building positive relationships. These are the things that create and foster strong family units and a stable society.
"3. We must become informed and knowledgeable citizens. The prophet Hosea said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." We must not let that happen here. There are two important things we must do:
"A. We must study and learn for ourselves the principles laid down in the Constitution which have preserved our freedoms for the last two hundred years. If we do not understand the role of government and how our rights are protected by the Constitution, we may accept programs or organizations that help erode our freedoms. An informed citizenry is the first line of defense against anarchy and tyranny.
"B. We must teach our children about the spiritual roots of this great nation. We must become actively involved in supporting programs and textbooks in the public schools that teach the greatness of the early patriots who helped forge our liberties. We must teach our children that it is part of our faith that the Constitution of the United States was inspired by God. We reverence it akin to the revelations that have come from His hand. The great heritage of freedom bequeathed to us by our forebears must be handed on to each succeeding generation with great care.
"4. We must become actively involved in supporting good, wise and honest people for public office and assume an active part in improving our communities. Edmund Burke once said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." It is not enough that we wring our hands and moan about conditions in America. We must seek good men and women and support them in running for public office. We must become involved in programs that seek to stop the decay of morality in America. We must become responsible citizens and carry out our civic duty. We should be "anxiously engaged" in good causes and leave the world a better place for having lived in it." ("Righteousness Exalteth A Nation," Provo Freedom Festival, Brigham Young University, June 29, 1986.)

GENERAL CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 1987.
"My beloved brethren and sisters . . . I ask for an interest in your faith and prayers as I speak to you about a subject that is very close to my heart and that affects the worldwide Church.
"I desire, therefore, to speak to you 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 Doctrine and Covenants states, "We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life" (D&C 134:2). Life, liberty, property — mankind’s three great rights.
". . . The Prophet Joseph Smith called it ‘a glorious standard . . . a heavenly banner’" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, . . . p. 147).
"Unfortunately, we as a nation have apostatized in various degrees from different Constitutional principles as proclaimed by the inspired founders.
"Only in this foreordained land, under its God-inspired Constitution and the resulting environment of freedom, was it possible to have established the restored Church. It is our responsibility to see that this freedom is perpetuated so that the church may more easily flourish in the future.
"How then can we best befriend the Constitution in this critical hour and secure the blessings of liberty and ensure the protection and guidance of our Father in Heaven?
"First and foremost, we must be righteous.
"John Adams said, ‘Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other’ (The Works of John Adams, ed. C.F. Adams, Boston: Little, Brown Co., 1951, 4:31). If the Constitution is to have continuance, this American nation, and especially the Latter-day Saints, must be virtuous.
"Second, we must learn the principles of the Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers.
"Have we read the Federalist papers? Are we reading the Constitution and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution and the threats to it?
"As Jefferson said, ‘If a nation expects to be ignorant and free . . . it expects what never was and never will be’" (Letter to Colonel Charles Yancy, 6 Jan. 1816).
"Third, we must become involved in civic affairs to see that we are properly represented.
"The Lord said that ‘he holds men accountable for their acts in relation’ to governments ‘both in making laws and administering them’ (D&C 134:1). We must 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 of those who are to represent us. They must be good, wise, and honest.
"Fourth, we must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, our teaching, and our advice.
"We must become accurately informed and then let others know how we feel. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, ‘It is our duty to concentrate all our influence to make popular that which is sound and good, and unpopular that which is unsound. ‘Tis right, politically, for a man who has influence to use it. . . . From henceforth I will maintain all the influence I can get’" (History of the Church, 5:286).
"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 upon it.
"I testify that the God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundations of this government, and He has now sent other choice spirits to help preserve it.
"May God give us the faith and the courage exhibited by those patriots who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
"May we be equally as valiant and as free, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen." (General Conference, October 1987; The Ensign, November 1987, pp. 4-7.)

What Is Our Position?
Our position depends on our attitudes, and our attitudes determine our eternal position in the hereafter.
H. Verlan Anderson, a member of the Quorum of the Seventy, has some excellent insights into our eternal situation regarding the attitudes and posture we take here in this life in relationship to free agency. His words offer us a very sobering perspective and some well needed "food for thought". In one of his books he wrote:

"The right of self-government provides the opportunity to follow or reject the Lord’s plan for protecting the free agency of the human race. However, since everyone lives under a government of some type and forms opinions regarding the laws enforced by that government, the Lord may judge all men by those opinions.
"Over and over again the scriptures emphasize that we will be judged according to our treatment of our fellow men. If we are charitable, we will be placed with the sheep in the Lord’s kingdom rather than with the goats in outer darkness (Matt. 25:31-46). If we forgive, we may be forgiven (Matt. 6:12). If we are just, we may rise in the resurrection of the just and dwell with them (D&C Sec. 76). If we refrain from exercising compulsion unrighteously, our dominion in the hereafter may be everlasting and flow unto us forever and ever ‘without compulsory means’ (D&C Sec. 121). In short, we can expect to be treated in the next life, as we treat others here.
"The exact implementation of this law of the harvest is made inevitable by the fact that at the end of this life, we will be divided into groups and each person will be consigned to spend eternity with those with whom he is most like. An unjust person will dwell with those who will treat him unjustly; a kind, forgiving person will enjoy the companionship of kind and forgiving associates, etc. But the fact which is important to our discussion here is that each person will be with that group who will allow him to exercise no more freedom than he is willing to allow them.
"If during this life we have been persuaded to believe that the force of government, or any other agency, should be used to deny our fellow men the stewardships which God has given them over their families, their property, and their private affairs, we can be very certain that we will be placed with a group in the hereafter who will hold similar views. With such an attitude we cannot expect to have stewardships or dominions of our own because we do not believe in them for others and neither will those with whom we will dwell believe in them for us. The poetic justice of God decrees that if we deprive our fellow men of those unalienable rights which, according to the Declaration of Independence, they have been endowed by their Creator, we will lose our free agency to the same extent." (H. Verlan Anderson, The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil, pp. 72-73.)

Considering Political Leaders
The Doctrine and Covenants tells us that "when the wicked rule the people mourn." Our political leaders should be as the Lord has directed. He has counseled us in these words: "Wherefore, 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.)

Have we chosen governmental leaders that are not wise and honest? It appears we have done just that, at least for the most part. What kind of leaders should we be putting into office? In the Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide President Spencer W. Kimball taught that successful leaders must following the Savior’s example: "The Savior’s leadership was selfless. He put himself and his own needs second and ministered to others beyond the call of duty, tirelessly, lovingly, effectively. So many of the problems in the world today spring from selfishness and self-centeredness." (Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide 1, 1988, p. 119.)

We can find this type of leadership in the Founding Fathers. They were ideal examples of what kind of judges Jethro counseled Moses to choose. Exodus 18:21 reads: "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them. . . ."

Are we putting such leaders over us today? With the foregoing references cited in these pages, we may be hard pressed to find many such leaders who meet the criteria just quoted.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to have as a statesman, a man like Captain Moroni? Let us review some of his qualities as found in the book of Alma:

"And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians.
"And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
"Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
"Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood." (Alma 48:10-13.)

It might be well for our Presidents, senators, representatives, governors, mayors, councilmen, all politicians and the like, to ask themselves a few questions, like: What side am I on? What am I made of? What laws am I writing, passing, and supporting? Does the vanity and pride of position have hold of me? Does the intimidation of those in higher places cause me to cower before the world and sink into submissive servitude at the expense of subjugating those who trust me? Have I been lulled away into carnal security and cunningly duped into believing that socialistic and freedom-destroying legislation is just? Since the Lord will conquer all, will I be on the winning side in the end?

Partisan politics only leads to favoritism — favoritism for the position. Hyrum Smith was for integrity and good men, regardless of political leanings. In May of 1844, he said,

"We engage in the election the same as in any other principle: you are to vote for good men, and if you do not do this it is a sin: to vote for wicked men, it would be sin. Choose the good and refuse the evil. . . . Damn the rod of tyranny; curse it. . . . We want a President of the U.S., not a party President, but a President of the whole people. . . . Have a President who will maintain every man in his rights." (HC, 6:323.)

Our Imperative Duty
Of all the wickedness in the world, none will triumph in the end, only the Lord Jesus Christ. Let there be no mistake about it. He will come out conqueror. The question might be asked: "What part will we play in that great outcome?" Are we willing to jeopardize our own salvation because of personal intimidation, fears from the worldly, or pride and vanity? Or, will we join in the fight for liberty, free agency, and God’s brand of government as we did in the pre-earth life?

We cannot expect from the Lord that which we are not willing to extend to others. If we are not willing to get involved in protecting our liberties, and the liberties of others, how can we expect God to preserve them for us? Again from Ezra Taft Benson:

"Men receive blessings by obedience to God’s law. And without obedience there is no blessing. Before the final triumphal return of the Lord, the question as to whether we may save our Constitutional Republic is simply based on two factors — the number of patriots and the extent of their obedience." (AEHDT, p. 55.)
"This is a glorious hour in which to live. Generations past and future will mark well our response to our awesome duty. Ours is the task to try to live and perpetuate the principles of the Christ and the Constitution in the face of tremendous odds. May we, with God’s help, have strength for the battle and fill our mission in honor for God, family, and country." (GFC, pp. 332-333.)

The Lord expects us to be involved without being forced, because to be forced, negates the principle of agency. Therefore, we must be willing to receive the blessings that only come to the obedient and faithful.

The scriptures tell us that we should "begin to be up and doing" (Alma 60:24), therefore we will close this subject with a couple of pertinent scriptures:

"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:25.)
"It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children, who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, under the most damning hands of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity.
"And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart —
"For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it —
"Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven — These should then be attended to with great earnestness." (D&C 123:7, 11-14.)

As we get into this freedom battle, it will be wise for us to "Trust in the Lord" with all our hearts, and "lean not unto thine own understanding." (Prov. 3:5-6.) He will direct our path when we acknowledge His hand in all things and realize that it is only by his good graces that we can come out conqueror. We are all in this fight, one way or another — on one side or another. Let us have the faith that Brigham Young had when he said,

"Let us sustain the Constitution that our fathers have bequeathed to us in letters of blood; and those who violate it will have to meet the crushing and damning penalties that will bury them in the mire of everlasting disgrace." (JD, 10:41.)