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Dear
Gramps, We hear a lot about the last days, one such “prophecy” is that
the constitution will hang by a thread. I have searched the standard works
for this and I cannot find it. Where does this come from? Cyndi, from Utah |
Dear
Cyndi,
You
won’t find the statement that you reference in the scriptures. It was stated,
however, by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and has been referred to again and again
by the leaders of the Church, down to our own day. Here are a couple of early
references to the statement—
“In
the month of May 1843. Several miles east of Nauvoo. The Nauvoo Legion was on
parade and review. At the close of which Joseph Smith made some remarks upon our
condition as a people and upon our future prospects contrasting our present
condition with our past trials and persecutions by the hands of our enemies.
Also upon the constitution and government of the United States stating that the
time would come when the Constitution and Government would hand by a brittle
thread and would be ready to fall into other hands but this people the Latter
day Saints will step forth and save it. General Scott and part of his staff on
the American Army was present on the occasion.
I James Burgess was present and testify to the above” (James Burgess
Notebook, Church Archives).
“The
History of the Church account is an amalgamation of the reports in the Joseph
Smith Diary and the Nauvoo Neighbor. The report by Levi Richards is here
published for the first time. A reminiscent account of this discourse by James
Burgess contains the essential details found in the other three accounts
published here, and adds that the ‘Constitution and Government would hang by
a brittle thread’” (Ehat & Cook, Words, 6 May 1843 Note, p.279).
“When
the Constitution of the United States hangs, as it were, upon a single thread,
they will have to call for the "Mormon" Elders to save it from utter
destruction; and they will step forth and do it . . . Will the
Constitution be destroyed? No; it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as
Joseph Smith said, ‘The time will come when the destiny of the nation will
hang upon a single thread. At this critical juncture, this people will step
forth and save it from the threatened destruction.’ It will be so”
(Discourses of Brigham Young, p.361, 469).
Gramps