July 4, 2016

Whoa.  Let me just copy and paste some crazy wisdom about America my mission president just blasted us with today.

"Quoting from the D&C; “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I have raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.” (D&C 101:80) 

Having declared America a land of liberty, God undertook to raise up “wise” men who would write a constitution of liberty and establish the first free people in modern times. He declared that the United States Constitution was divinely inspired for the specific purpose of protecting rights and freedom and eliminating bondage and oppression. 

“The framers of the Constitution were part of a special generation of marked political genius, raised up to deal with the issues that surrounded the birth of this, the American nation. That assembly that met to consider the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, but concluded their deliberations by signing an entirely new Constitution, constituted a conclave unparalleled in the political annals of man. This was no accident of history. It was, in fact, essential to the eternal purposes of the Father and the Son.” (In The Lion’s Den, Verterli & Hainsworth, 279)

Because of and by the constitution the Lord would bring forth the Book of Mormon and the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Those men who assembled in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 constituted one of the most remarkable assemblies in human history. They were men of great learning, men of commerce, men of law, students of history and political theory, experienced in war, theology, and politics. Of the fifty-five men that set their hands to the task of writing a new constitution, most were exceptionally gifted… a [significant] number were men of outstanding intellect. What they gave to future generations was a political document like no other– a Constitution that made self-government, in the literal sense, possible.” (Ibid)

And self-government allows men to follow the One, even Jesus Christ. That this document was divinely inspired is of little doubt. Pres. Reagan told this story about the Signers of the Declaration of Independence and how they were struggling about the signing of the document. His source comes from the journals of Thomas Jefferson. 
Remember, their contemplated act was an act of treason against the mother country, punishable by death. Consequently, they had locked themselves in a room, we now call Independence Hall, and were hotly debating whether or not to sign: “The doors were locked, they were meeting in secret, there was contention in the room about signing the document, when an old man stood and told them that this was their greatest hour in the history of this nation and to step forward and sign the document and men would praise them forever. With the spirit they felt, they immediately went to the table and began to sign and when they turned to have the stranger come forward and sign, he was not there, the doors were still locked and he was gone. (Writings of Thomas Jefferson) (President Reagan told this story and one of the church curriculum writers called Senator Hatch and he talked to the President and the President responded with this letter, “I’m sorry to be so late in getting back to you about your request for more information about the unknown person at the signing of the Declaration of Independence who made an eloquent plea that it should be signed. The statement comes from the writings of Thomas Jefferson. I am confident in the validity of the story. I have seen it more than once in a variety of publications, which were not quoting me as the source. In fact, I doubt they even knew I had used it. Again my apologies for taking so long to get back to you. Sincerely, Ronald Reagan)

And then add this from a July 4th 1854 address by Orson Hyde found in the Journal of Discourses…“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. (See Mormon 8:35) 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 the Kingdom of God to be established on the Western hemisphere, for the redemption of Israel and the salvation of the world." 

"This same angel was with Columbus, and gave him deep impressions, by dreams and by visions, respecting this New World…was with him on the stormy deep, calmed 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.” (JD, Vol 6, p.368)."

Yeah.  I loved this a lot.  I hope you enjoyed it too.

Anyways.  It's been a really good week!  Our rigorous work this week culminated in nights of hard sleep!  I've been really tired this week haha.  Though tired, after teaching and testifying I feel psyched up to share even more.  There is a palpable energy that you feel after teaching the gospel with power and I love it!  Teaching solid truth and boldly inviting someone to change is one of the greatest feelings your spirit can experience.  It's an even more poignant experience if those you invite act on the invitation given and experience that power themselves.  It's the miracle of conversion.  I've seen it happen and continue to happen in myself and I've watched many many others embark on their own path of discipleship.  It's amazing.

On an ending note I'm so pumped and ready for this last transfer!  I'll be sprinting to the finish in this last leg of my spiritual-emotional-physical-roller-coaster-of-a-ride journey here in the land called Fresno.  And loving every second of it.

Love you all!

Elder Frame