Sweet Land of Liberty

[ChelC]

For who might be interested, I am posting the text of the talk I've prepared to give this Sunday.

I know, I'm lame and I have to type the entire text... my husband is one of those people who can write a few words as prompts on an index card and wing it. Not me. I go completely braindead when put on the spot. Anyway, hopefully all of us will start getting these opportunities to speak. As mentioned in another thread the topic of liberty has been pretty well sanitized from most lessons anymore. I can't say I know the reasons, but those of us with a desire to seek after those things will always have them available to us.

There is still time to tweak it a bit, suggestions are welcome!

Here it is:

Captain Moroni


I have been given the task of speaking to you today about the words of Captain Moroni. I would like to begin by giving a brief overview of the personal attributes of this great man.

In Alma 48:11-13 we read:
"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 blood."

Moroni was also a great military strategist who was appointed to his position over the Nephite army at just twenty five years of age.

In Alma 48:17 we read:
"...if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men."

The Nephite people knew much of contention. Captain Moroni enters the scene just prior to a particularly fierce battle with the Lamanite army led by Zerahemnah who desired to overthrow the freedom of the land and appoint himself as ruler over all.

Using spies and revelation from God given through Alma, Moroni's armies were able to cut off the armies of Zerahemnah at every turn. Inspired by the wicked chief captains, we read that they fought like dragons! The Nephites were about to flee in fear, and sensing this, Moroni sent forth thoughts to inspire the men. Thoughts of their liberty, and freedom from bondage. The Nephites turned on the Lamanites, "crying with one voice unto the Lord for their liberty". Moroni demanded that Zerahemnah hand over his weapons and leave with a sworn oath that never again would they come upon the Nephites to battle. Zerahemnah handed over his weapons, but refused the oath.. Because of Zerahemnah's refusal to enter into an oath, Moroni returned his weapons to him. We are told that Zerahemnah rushed forward to slay Moroni, when one of Moroni's men smote his sword to the ground and removed his scalp in the process. As Zerahemnah withdrew, the soldier placed the scalp on the end of his sword and said, "Ye shall fall as the scalp if ye do not depart with a covenant of peace."

Many of the Lamanites were struck with fear and did drop their weapons, entered the covenant and departed into the wilderness. The remaining were stirred to anger by Zerahemnah. Moroni commanded his men to again fall upon the Lamanites. When they were about to all be destroyed, Zerahemnah finally entered into a covenant of peace. The numbers of dead, too great to be counted were cast into Sidon and today are buried in the depths of the sea.

Following this battle, the Nephites enjoyed peace as well as prosperity. As is a repetitive historical theme, many of the Nephites grew proud in their riches, and dissension arose among them. Those who would not hearken to the words of Helaman gathered against their brethren. They were angry and desired to slay them. A leader rose up among them by the name of Amalickiah. Amalickiah desired to be King. Many of the dissenters were the lower judges of the land who sought further power over the people. Amalickiah promised these men the power they sought for if they would support him as King.

Even after defeating a powerful outside force, the Nephites faced a graver danger. Corrupt kingmen within their own government. Believing on the flattering words of Amalickiah, even many in the church joined forces with him.

In Alma 46:8 we read:
"Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one."

Moroni became angry with Amalickiah,

In Alma 46:12,13 we read:
"And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it - In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children - and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
And he fastened on his headplate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to posess the land-"

After his prayer, Moroni named the land to the south Desolation, and their land he called a chosen land, and the land of liberty.

Moroni then proceeded to go among the people waving the title of liberty and said in verse 20:
"Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them."

In response to this request people came running, wearing their armor and ready to join in the battle for liberty. They threw their garments at the feet of Moroni in a symbolic gesture, and covenanted with the Lord that if they ever should fall into transgression and deny their God, that the Lord should likewise cast them at the feet of their enemy.

Seeing the great numbers of Moroni's followers, Amalickiah took his men and departed into the land of Nephi. Moroni knew that Amalickiah would join up with the Lamanites, and this would cause them again to come upon the Nephites. He gathered his armies and headed them off. Moroni demanded that Amalickiah's men join in the cause of liberty. Any who would not were put to death. We read that there were but a few who denied it.

Moroni caused that the Title of Liberty should be displayed proudly upon every tower in the land. And thus the Nephites again enjoyed peace for a time.

Through all of earthly history the contending ideals of liberty and force have battled on. Nothing ever has incited such passion or won more wars than the inherent desire to live freely. It's antithesis can be found in the communist manifesto. No place else is the difference between good and evil so apparent than in the opposing forces of bondage and freedom. I can think of no other speech which stirs this desire for personal liberty than that of Patrick Henry who famously concluded with these words:
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God - I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" -Great Epochs in American History Vol. 3

This war began of course in the pre existence.
In the June 2007 Ensign President Hinckley said:
“That war, so bitter, so intense, has never ceased. It is the war between truth and error, between agency and compulsion, between the followers of Christ and those who have denied Him. His enemies have used every stratagem in that conflict. They’ve indulged in lying and deceit. They’ve employed money and wealth. They’ve tricked the minds of men. They’ve murdered and destroyed and engaged in every kind of evil practice to thwart the work of Christ.”
John Taylor said:
“Besides the preaching of the Gospel, we have another mission, namely, the perpetuation of the free agency of man and the maintenance of liberty, freedom, and the rights of man." –General Conference April 1882

Ezra Taft Benson said:
"Unless we continue to seek righteousness and preserve the liberties entrusted to us, we shall lose the blessings of heaven." -June 29, 1986 "Righteousness will exalt a nation"

We all know the history leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Speaking in reference to it's signing, President Benson said:
"Man therefore was master over government, rather than the other way around. That is what the American Revolution was all about. Not just seperation from England, but a seperation from a historical tradition that made one man another's chattel and denied all men liberty and prosperity."-June 29, 1986 "Righteousness will exalt a nation"

Despite the victory of the Revolutionary War, the rising nation was in danger. It lacked a head, had no president, no supreme court and a congress with no power to enforce its laws.

Many felt the need to revise the articles of confederation. Some wanted to start over with a new constitution. After near deadlocks, when it seemed that compromise would never be reached, Benjamin Franklin said:

"... God governs in the affairs of man. And, if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aide?" -Madison, America Vol. 4

He called for prayer in the meetings which many believe led to the great compromises resulting in our constitution.

It is the position of this Church that the Constitution is an inspired document that protects our liberties.

D&C 101:78-80 States:
"That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.
And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood."

George Albert Smith said:
"The Constitution of the United States of America is just as much from my Heavenly Father as the Ten Commandments." -CR April 1948

Joseph F. Smith said:
"There has been a tendency among some Latter-day Saints, even when the Constitution is mentioned, to say, "There he goes talking politics." I am not talking politics. I am quoting the words of the Lord." -CR April 1946

The Constitution protects God's children from a loss of liberty, and thus from a loss of agency.

President Benson said:
"Let us first consider the origin of those freedoms we have come to know are human rights. There are only two possible sources. Rights are either God-given as part of the Divine Plan, or they are granted by government as part of the political plan. Reason, necessity, tradition and religious convictions all lead me to accept the divine origin of these rights. If we accept the premise that human rights are granted by government, then we must be willing to accept the corollary that they can be denied by government. -CR October 1968

Thomas Jefferson said:
"God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever." -American Reference Library

The Book of Mormon is a warning for our day. What then are we to learn from it?

President Benson said:
"Joseph Smith said that the Book of Mormon was the "keystone of our religion" and the "most correct" book on earth. (DHC, vol.6 p. 56) This most correct book on earth states that the downfall of two great American civilizations came as a result of secret conspiracies whose desire was to overthrow the freedom of the people.
Now undoubtedly Moroni could have pointed out many factors that led to the destruction of the people, but notice how he singled out the secret combinations, just as the Church today could point out many threats to peace, prosperity, and the spread of God's work, but it has singled out as the greatest threat the Godless conspiracy. There is no conspiracy theory in the Book of Mormon- it is a conspiracy fact." -"Civic Standards for the Faithful Saints" 1972 General Conference

Seeing our day, Moroni 2 speaks directly to us saying in Ether 8:23
"Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain - and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.
Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you...
For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries... for it is built up by the devil."

President Benson warned:
"If America is destroyed, it may be by Americans who salute the flag, sing the National Anthem, march in patriotic parades, cheer fourth of July speakers. Normally good Americans, but Americans who've failed to comprehend what is required to keep our country strong and free. Americans who have been lulled away into a false security. Great nations are never conquered from the outside unless they are rotten inside." "The American Challenge" April 21, 1970

We now rejoin Captain Moroni only eleven years after rallying the people behind the Title of Liberty. In Alma chapter 60, Moroni delivers a scathing letter to Pahoran. At this time the Lamanites have been invading and pillaging Nephite lands. Nephite armies have suffered neglect at the hands of their own government.

In Alma 60:24 Moroni warns Pahoran:
"And now, except ye do repent of that which ye have done, and begin to be up and doing, and send forth food and men unto us, and also unto Helaman, that he may support those parts of our country which he has regained, and that we may also recover the remainder of our possessions in these parts, behold it will be expedient that we contend no more with the Lamanites until we have first cleansed our inward vessel, yea, even the great head of our government."

In response, Pahoran told Moroni that the government had been infiltrated and he had been forced out of his seat of authority. The dissenters elected a King, named Pachus who formed an alliance with the Lamanites to let them conquer the land, in exchange for his seat as King of the Nephite people. Ending his letter, Pahoran pleaded with Moroni to leave a portion of his men and take the rest to join him in battling against Pachus and his people.

Moroni heeded the call of his country, planting the standard of liberty wherever he entered along the way. He and his men joined with Pahoran and any others who would, and marched into the conquered Zerahemlah. They were victorious as they met in battle and Pachus was killed along with any of his men who refused to fight for their liberty and the freedom of their country.

Despite the very real outside threat to the Nephite nation, Moroni saw the need to first cleanse the inner vessel. We've been promised that as long as we remain clean and seek only after our liberties, we can expect the protection of the Lord.

Ezra Taft Benson said:
"President McKay has stated that the Supreme Court is leading this Christian nation down the road to atheism. I believe the court is also leading us down the road to anarchy and atheistic communism." -"The Book of Mormon Warns America" BYU speeches May 21, 1968

He goes on to say:
"... the court is hamstringing the police, destroying property rights, encouraging civil disobedience, undermining state sovereignty, and so forth."

We don't have to look far to confirm that these quotes were not only true when spoken, but that the problem has infected more than the Supreme Court. In the years that have gone by citizens have been shackled with an out of control national debt and taxes which will have to increase exponentially to keep up with various government programs. While researching this topic, I was amused at the following quote from President Benson:

"There were no fringe benefits at Valley Forge. The West was won without an Area Redevelopment Program." -"The American Challenge" 1970

David O. McKay said:
"There are "two contending forces. Those forces are known and have been designated by different terms throughout the ages. "In the Beginning" they were known as Satan on the one hand, and Christ on the other... in these days, they are called "domination by the state" on one hand, "personal liberty," on the other." -"Two Contending Forces" BYU speeches May 18, 1960

With the attacks against us openly, we can only guess at the level of evil which we've been warned exists secretly and whose goal is the overthrow of ours and all nations. This combination knowingly or not, employs Satan at the helm, and seeks to implement that same plan rejected by our Father in the pre- existence. We've been told that it wll stop at nothing, including deceit and even murder to accomplish its objectives.

So where does all this leave us, and what are our obligations?

David O. McKay said:
"Next to being one in worshiping God there is nothing in this world upon which the Church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States."
-CR, October 1939, p. 105. also Quoted by Elder L. Tom Perry BYU Sept. 1987

President Benson outlined common excuses that we use for not getting involved in the fight for freedom. The excuses he considered false and directed by the Adversary were these:

"First: "We really haven't received much instruction about freedom" the devil says.

Second: "You're too involved in other church work," says the devil.

Third: "You want to be loved by everyone," says the devil, "and this freedom battle is so controversial you might be accused of engaging in politics."

Fourth: "Wait until it becomes popular to do so," says the devil, "or, at least until everybody in the Church agrees on what should be done."

Fifth: "It might hurt your business or your family," says the devil, "and besides why not let the Gentiles save the country? They aren't as busy as you are."

Sixth: "Don't worry," says the devil "the Lord will protect you, and besides the world is so corrupt and heading toward destruction at such a pace that you can't stop it, so why try?"

(Seventh:)"Don't do anything in the fight for freedom until the Church sets up its own specific program to save the Constitution."
- CR April 1965

President Hinckley said in his book Standing for Something:
"We are involved in an intense battle. It is a battle between right and wrong, between truth and error, between the design of the Almighty on the one hand and that of Lucifer on the other. For that reason, we desperately need men and women who, in their individual spheres of influence, will stand for truth in a world of sophistry. I have lived long enough now to know that many political campaigns, for example, are the same. I have heard again and again the sweet talk that leads to victory but never seems to be realized thereafter. We need moral men and women, people who stand on principle, to be involved in the political process. Otherwise, we abdicate power to those whose designs are almost entirely selfish."

J. Reuben Clark Jr. said:
"I say unto you with all the soberness I can, that we stand in danger of losing our liberties, and that once lost, only blood will bring them back; and once lost, we of this Church will, in order to keep the Church going forward, have more sacrifices to make and more persecutions to endure than we have yet known, heavy as our sacrifices and grievous as our persecutions of the past have been." April 1944 Conference

I would like to end with the closing remarks of Elder Anthony W. Ivins, speaking in the October 1918 General Conference:
"So I appeal to you to reflect, and to resolve, in the words of Moroni which I have read, that so long as there is a band of Christians left in the world, they will gird on their armor, the armor of righteousness, that the word of the Lord may be advocated in every nation, and if necessary the arm of every Christian be steeled to fight for the perpetuity of these eternal truths upon which the salvation of the world depends today. God give victory to the armies which are fighting in defense of these principles. May he give strength to the Latter-day Saints to properly perform their part in this great struggle, and above all may he give power to spread these truths among all nations, until the world shall be converted, God's kingdom come, and his will be done upon earth, as it is in heaven, I pray, through Jesus Christ. Amen."

[HeirofNumenor]

Wonderful talk!
The only correction I would make is to:

Joseph F. Smith said:
"There has been a tendency among some Latter-day Saints, even when the Constitution is mentioned, to say, "There he goes talking politics." I am not talking politics. I am quoting the words of the Lord." -CR April 1946

Replace Joseph F. Smith with Joesph Fielding Smith. Joseph F. died in 1918.

Any chance you will include Pres. Benson's quote from his "I Testify" talk in Oct 1988?

[lundbaek]

Copmment from a friend who had worked several years for the Freemen Institute and the National Center for Constitutional Studies:
"It' a great talk, but it packs too much for a sheep to understand in one sitting.
Whoever is giving this talk, they are blessed TO EVEN BE ASKED!"

[ChelC]

I always get the F and the Fielding mixed up. The Conference archives though do have it listed as Elder Joseph F. Smith.

I'm not sure I know which Benson quote you mean, I will look it up.

Lundbaek, I did take your advice about the scalp part and toned it down for the kiddies. I think your friend is probably right that much of it will go in one ear and out the other, but even if one of these great sources sticks, that's good enough for me. It's really hard to narrow all of this stuff down into a talk. I've had to dump so many gems and have whittled it down a lot. I'm still over the alotted time, but my husband doesn't mind. He is speaking on King Benjamin's sermon so we both could easily take up the full hour with each of our subjects.

[ChelC]

I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. (See D&C 1:14–16; D&C 84:49–53.) It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world. (See Ether 8:18–25.)

That one?

[Proud 2b Peculiar]

I know you are over on time already, but it is awesome, and the only thing I would like to see is the Quotes that you see Dr. Jones mentioning together all over the forum LOL One from August 2005 Ensign, and I don't remember where the other is. But basically it states that the BOM reads like the daily news, and discusses bad government guys manipulating people, and leading them into terrible wars that lead to their destruction as nations... (paraphrased of course)

[Army Of Truth]

Great talk, ChelC! I love it! I think you have a good balance of "milk" vs "meat" and the members who are spiritually prepared to digest a little more than just the milk that you present will hopefully start to seek more political truths from all of our previous prophets that have been hidden from us due to our government's manipulating of "church and state" separation and our 501c3 involvement.

Keep praying about your talk so you can let the Spirit tell you what you need to leave in and what you need to take out, if anything.

BTW, here is the Prof. Jones quote that Charity is referring to:

It's actually in the Aug. 2005 Ensign (First Presidency Article). Let me quote a little from it:

“The Book of Mormon.. is as current as the morning newspaper… The people succumbed to the wiles of ambitious and scheming leaders who oppressed them with burdensome taxes, who lulled them with hollow promises… These evil schemers led the people into terrible wars." Pres. Hinckley, Aug 2005 Ensign ("A Testimony Vibrant and True," Ensign, August 2005)

I like to juxtapose that significant statement with this one:
"We are involved in terrible wars..." Pres. Hinckley, Gen. Conf. April 2006. (“The Need for Greater Kindness,” Ensign, May 2006, 58–61)

[HeirofNumenor]

I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. (See D&C 1:14–16; D&C 84:49–53.) It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world. (See Ether 8:18–25.)

That one?

Yes, THAT one...

[ChelC]

Well, the deed is done. I didn't get booed off or anything. Actually had a few comments from people including one elderly woman who told me it was her favorite subject.

Now I should be good on talks for a couple years right?

[Army Of Truth]

Bravo, ChelC! I'm sure all the prophets were smiling down on you and your courage to continue with what they started in waking up a "sleeping and apathetic" people.

[BroJones]

Great talk, Chelc -- well done!