America's Destiny

In after ages America was discovered by Christopher Columbus, who was directed by the Spirit of the Lord to cross the mighty deep. His prayer on landing was a dedication of this land to God. Then came the people from England and other countries of Europe to America, and they brought in their little ships not money, not merchandise, but they came weighted with religion, learning, law, and the spirit of men. Strong in God and their own heroic patience, they began their combat with danger and hardship. They built a house for God, then for themselves. They established education and a stern but august morality. They gave their sons to God; through him to virtue, and through virtue to the state. So they laid their foundations of government and life.

In time the government of the United States was established with its Constitution, which we believe was written by the blessing and power of God. The formation of the republic of the United States was an event ordered of God for the bringing of his kingdom upon the earth.

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Land of Liberty

We read in the Book of Mormon how Lehi's son Jacob taught the people the sacredness of America as a land preserved by the hand of God for his future holy work. . . .

The nineteenth century saw many new changes in economic, social, and religious thought. America became a land of freedom, and men could worship God as they pleased. In time, America became a nation of different churches. Christianity became more divided. Churches began to dispute with one another, and the divisions of Christianity became an affront to the divine teachings of the Redeemer. "The world had become filled," says Matthew Arnold, "with unprofitable disputes. The Church had been turned into an academy, and religion into wrangling. It had fallen into endless schism." The simple teachings of Christ our Redeemer had been lost.