Governing Without Consent – Sunday, April 14, 1940
To Abraham Lincoln is accredited this statement: “No man is good enough to govern another man without that man’s consent.” Significant in the day in which it was uttered, it has become more significant in our day in the light of current world happenings. In the affairs of men there is talk of superior and inferior peoples, of being born to high station or to low station, of inheriting the right to dominate others. But let it be remembered that the Lord God is no respecter of persons, and in an absolute sense – in the eternal scheme of things – men have a right only to those privileges and blessings which they earn by righteousness and diligence of their lives, both past and present and in times yet to come. They who suppose that they are heir to pre- ferment, regardless of merit, either in the affairs of God or in the affairs of men, fail to understand the basic principle upon which privileges and blessings are founded. It is as Paul clearly indicated to the Athenians, when he said: “God hath made of’ one blood all nations of men.” In this eternal picture, wealth and power and learning and race are minor considerations. The great differences between brother and brother grow out of the manner in which they are willing to accept truth and pattern their lives in accordance with it. In no other way has any man claim to superiority, and hence we say again In the words of Lincoln-. “No man is good enough to govern another man, without that man’s consent.”
Concerning laws and government, there is a declaration of belief accepted by many thoughtful men with the same unquestioning force as are the words of the ancient prophet. It reads: “We believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that He holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society. 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.” (Doctrine and Covenants 134:1 and 2) And herein lies the safety of all people – that they shall place their trust not in the technicalities of the statute books, but in the stewardship of wise and honest men.
April 14, 1940
Broadcast Number 0,556