We get a lot of noise about whether our founding fathers were Christians, Deists, Athiests, etc. John Adams was a devout believer in God and a strong defender of Chrisianity. Jefferson’s favorite quotation collection was made up of clippings from the New Testament. Franklin insisted on prayer in the constitutional convention because as he said, approximately: “If a sparrow cannot fall without His notice, then it is doubtful a nation can rise without His aid.” Washington did not pray in his extremities at Valley Forge because he thought with the Deists that God had no further interest in his people.
An ancient prophet Mormon in the Americas saw our day and wrote “the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts.” Does not the currently popular debunking of the founder’s beliefs in God fulfill his prophecy? Surveys of ministers and priests today report the majority do not believe in miracles anymore, do not believe Christ lives with a body of flesh and bone. As Paul wrote in the New Testament: “In the last days perilous times shall come.”
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Here's a rather interesting quote from Elder Orson Hyde:
ReplyDelete368 In those early and perilous times, our men were few, and our resources limited. Poverty was among the most potent enemies we had to encounter; yet our arms were successful; and it may not be amiss to ask here, by whose power victory so often perched on our banner? It was by the agency of that same angel of God that appeared unto Joseph Smith, and revealed to him the history of the early inhabitants of this country, whose mounds, bones and remains of towns, cities and fortifications speak from the dust in the ears of the living with the voice of undeniable truth. This same angel presides over the destinies of America, and feels a lively interest in all our doings. He was in the camp of Washington; and, by an invisible hand, led on our fathers to conquest and victory; and all this to open and prepare the way for the Church and kingdom of God to be established on the western hemisphere, for the redemption of Israel and the salvation of the world.
368 This same angel was with Columbus, and gave him deep impressions, by dreams and by visions, respecting this New World. Trammelled by poverty and by an unpopular cause, yet his persevering and unyielding heart would not allow an obstacle in his way too great for him to overcome; and the angel of God helped him—was with him on the stormy deep, calmed and troubled elements, and guided his frail vessel to the desired haven. Under the guardianship of this same angel, or Prince of America, have the United States grown, increased, and flourished, like the sturdy oak by the rivers of water.
368To what point have the American arms been directed since the Declaration of our National Independence, and proven unsuccessful? Not one!
369 The peculiar respect that high Heaven has for this country, on account of the promises made to the fathers, and on account of its being the land where the mustard seed of truth was planted and destined to grow in the last days, accounts for all this good fortune to our beloved America.
369 Had the United States been as faithful a guardian to the Latter-day Saints as the angel of God has been to them, she would never know dissolution, nor be humbled in dishonour by the decrees of any foreign powers.
369-370 When Justice is satisfied, and the blood of martyrs atoned for, the guardian angel of America will return to his station, resume his charge, and restore the Constitution of our country to the respect and veneration of the people; for it was given by the inspiration of our God.
-JD 6:367-370