“The Decrees of God Concerning This Land”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

In these two paragraphs, Moroni, by way of comment, repeats and emphasizes the solemn obligations which the inhabitants of this land of promise assume when making their homes here, under the covenant of God with the Brother of Jared: "Whatsoever nation shall possess it," Moroni says, "shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of His wrath shall come upon them." (v. 9) That is the covenant. It is a mortgage resting on the entire land.

Owing to His special interest in this portion of the Earth, the Lord raised up unto Him, wise men, and caused them to establish a Constitution "for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles." He even "redeemed the land by the shedding of blood," this being inevitable at the time of the revolutionary conflict. (D. and C. 101:77-80) It was God who inspired and established the American Constitution. The Lord further said that it is He Who has made the people free; therefore, they are free indeed.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 6

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