The American Constitution – Sunday, September 18, 1960
This week we would let the words of the great British statesman, William E. Gladstone, suggest a subject: “… the American Constitution, is so far as I can see, the most wonderful word ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.”1 This we would cite also from another source: “The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; a heavenly banner; … like the cooling shades and refreshing waters of a great rock in a weary and thirsty land. . . like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun … founded in the wisdom of God”2 “by the hands of wise men whom [God] raised up unto this very purpose.”3
With the recurring anniversary of the Constitution, the contrast between the principle of freedom and the opposite intent to enslave men and their minds has become so sharp, so apparent, that gratitude for freedom and dedication to its principles and preservation could scarcely by overemphasized. In a recent significant address, an eminent judge had this to say concerning these contrasts: “. . . today we face a crisis which calls upon the devotion of every citizen as never before”4 . . . “funds have been poured out like water . . .” for the preservation of freedom…… But material benefits are not enough, we must keep the flame of freedom burning”‘ . . . “teach the youth coming on the meaning of the Declaration of Independence, of the Constitution of the United States”4 (and we would add with words that have no double meaning, but faith, conviction, and the willingness to live with dedication or to die for freedom) —and “create in the uncaptured nations a love of liberty like that which led our fathers to cross the seas”4 . . . “The oppressed should also know that the choice is not mainly between low and high standards of living, but between freedom and slavery. . . .”4
The following is from the words of George Washington: “. . . it is easy to foresee,” he said, “that, from different causes, and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your mind the conviction of this truth … against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed.”5 And you must watch “for its preservation with jealous anxiety.”5
And this from Andrew Jackson: “Our Constitution is no longer a doubtful experiment … It has … shown the wisdom and foresight of those who framed it; . . . You have the highest of human trusts committed to your care. Providence has showered on this favored land blessings without number, and has chosen you, as the guardians of freedom, to preserve it for the benefit of the human race. May he who holds in his hands the destinies of nations make you worthy of the favors he has bestowed, and enable you, with pure hearts, and pure hands, and sleepless vigilance, to guard and defend to the end of time the great charge he has committed to your keeping.”6 And then he added, as fervently do we all, “Thank God that my life has been [lived] in a land of liberty.”6
1William E. Gladstone, “Kin Beyond Sea”
2Joseph Smith, “The Principle of Religion”
3Doctrine and Covenants, 101:80
4Florence E. Allen, U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, Commencement Address, University of Utah, Aug. 26, 1960
5George Washington, Farewell Address
6Andrew Jackson, Farewell Address
“The Spoken Word,” heard over Radio Station KSL and the CBS Radio Network, from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, September 18, 1960, 11.30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Eastern Time. Copyright 1960
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September 18, 1960
Broadcast Number 1,622