Liberty Under the Law

Liberty Under the Law The heart that is not thrilled at men- tion of July 4, 1776, is not truly Amer- ican. When a people mighty in deter- mined purpose, even though small in num- ber, finds itself in oppressive and unen- durable bondage, there can be but one re- sult. Every school child knows and loves the story. Death was, as it ever must be, better than slavery, and American patriots by the thousands died willingly for the cause of freedom. But they did not die in vain, for millions are enjoying the free- dom bought at so great a cost. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States have a deeper significance for members of this Church, perhaps, than for any other peo- ple. Together with all other Americans, we recognize and admire the courage and ability of the mighty men who framed these documents. But the founding of this nation was not merely a human achievement. God had a hand in the matter. Nearly one hundred years ago, he said; "And for this purpose have I estab- lished 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." This basic law was designed to give true freedom to all men living under it. It accords to every man opportunities equal to those enjoyed by all others. That is real freedom, and one who desires more is cither inexcusably selfish or is a criminal. Passing years have made certain changes in the Constitution necessary; and this is no reflection upon the original document. Such a situation was foreseen by every thoughtful statesman. Referring to this subject in his first inaugural address, Abra- ham Lincoln gives expression to this pal- pable truth: "No organic law can ever be framed with a provision specifically ap- plicable to every question which may occur in practicable administration. No fore- sight can anticipate nor any document of reasonable length contain express pro- visions for all possible questions." Just as one set of scriptures is insuf- ficient to guide mankind under varying conditions of time and surroundings, so also laws must be enacted to meet changing situations. Recently the Church leaders have felt the necessity of emphasizing anew the importance of law observance, and, in line therewith, the Mutual Improvement As- sociations have wisely adopted a slogan which, during the coming months, will keep this matter prominently before their members: "We stand for law: For the people who live it, and the officers who enforce it." One hears complaints from the drinker, the smoker, the gambler, that present statutes infringe upon personal rights. It is surprising how many intelligent men ad- vance this absurdly selfish and puerile claim. As well might the school boy con- tend for the right to absent himself at will from his classes. No one will con- tend that the truant has in reality more freedom than the obedient lad, and yet this argument is advanced from one generation to another. It is gratifying to note that those who stand for law are beginning to demand a recognition of their own per- sonal rights, chief among which is the right to breathe pure air, to ride or walk on our streets without being run down by a drunken driver, and to enjoy all the liberties vouchsafed under the Constitution. The present battle against lawlessness is a battle for freedom, not less important than that waged by the Revolutionary patriots. The people, therefore, are justi- fied in every righteous effort to win the

790 IMPROVEMENT ERA fight. One of the first steps is to see that end they are unescapable, and, unfortun- strong, courageous and honest men are ately, the innocent suffer with the guilty, elected to office. Men may escape the "The mill-wheels of God grind slowly, results of lawlessness for a time, but in the but they grind exceedingly fine." — C. The June Conference None who attended the recent Mutual Improvement conference or witnessed the Primary parade and pageant will aver that "Mormonism" is not "carrying on." The thousands of young people, from all the organized stakes and many of the missions, who participated in these events did so with a spirit founded upon something more substantial than transitory enthusiasm. They gave evidence of a sublime faith — a faith, too, which is contagious — in the thing they were representing. Their ef- forts gladdened the hearts and dimmed the eyes of those who saw and heard them. It is a well known fact that people love that for which they labor, and the reason the Latter-day Saints love their Church was apparent in these gatherings. One unfamiliar with our methods would be astonished to learn the almost unbelievable number of hours of gratuitous work which were devoted to this successful conference; and. in addition to the labor, local people- bore the expense of their costumes, banners, floats, etc. Colorful as was the magnificent Pri- mary parade, the impressions made by the pageant presented later at the U. of U. stadium will perhaps be even more lasting. Looking eastward into and across the great bowl with its crowds of delighted children, their many-colored costumes, and with verdant and inspiring hills touched by the rays of the departing sun as a background, the onlooker might easily have imagined himself as gazing upon a picturesque Oriental scene. It was a splendid demon- stration of the place carved out for itself by the Primary organization in the fifty years of its existence; and the picture will live long in the memory of all who saw it. From the standpoint of attendance and program the conference leaves nothing to be desired. Topics treated by members of the General Boards and others were pre- sented tersely and in a manner which will bring results in the detailed work of the organizations, while instructions given by President Heber J. Grant and other Church Authorities were unusually inspirational. The one regettable feature of the con- ference was the absence of General Super- intendent George Albert Smith, who was detained at his home by a stubborn illness. The assembled multitudes united in earnest prayers for his early and complete recovery. An important feature of the gathering was the comprehensive explanation of the new plan of Priesthood quorum work as it relates to the Mutual Improvement meet- ings. This plan deserves the thoughtful consideration of all who belong to the organization. All will recognize in the theme of the conference one of the most vital questions confronting the pleasure-mad world of to- day: "The abundant life through the wholesome use of leisure time." Every person can with profit ponder over this important theme, with a view to making a personal application of it, — "the WHOLESOME use of leisure time." The judges of the contests discharged their difficult tasks in a commendable manner, and they and those taking part are to be congratulated. The high quality of the work done is deserving of especial mention. Many of the losers this year would easily have won first place, and in- deed would have been considered as out- standing, a few years ago. Though nat- urally disappointed, they were not dis- couraged and left the contest hall with the determination to be heard from later. This spirit is characteristic of the M. I. A. As an example, we might mention Kemmie Bagley, who took second place in the public speaking contest last year and who returned this year to win first place. Judged from any point of view, the ef- forts of the Mutual Improvement and the Primary Associations were eminently suc- cessful, and it is certain they will bear excellent fruit. — C.