“He Did Execute a Law Throughout All the Land”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

Shule established religious liberty by law, as did the framers of the American Constitution, by withholding from the Congress the authority to make laws respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, and reserving that prerogative to the people. (Amendments, Art. 1) He made it lawful to hold minority opinions on religious questions and to express them in public, naturally with due regard to the rights of others, and without disturbing the public peace. There can be no greater boon to a nation than such freedom. Saint Paul assures the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 3:17) that the Lord, the real Ruler, is the Spirit, and that were the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. The law of liberty is the rule where the Spirit of the Lord rules.

This freedom does not mean liberty to do anything but that which is right. It is not liberty to do wrong. (1 Peter 2:16)

The religious legislation of Shule made any outburst of hostility against the divine prophets illegal. It branded acts of intolerance as crimes. Thus the prophets were protected in the deliverance of their messages. Law can do no more, without depriving God's children of their free agency. What to believe and how to worship, are matters not of law; they are manifestations of an intelligent understanding of religion and a firm conviction which are obtained only in secret and sacred communion with God, and a conscientious performance of duty.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 6

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