Bears Quote by Eliza R. Snow
“I heard the prophet Joseph Smith say the time would come when this nation would so far depart from its original purity, its glory, and its love for freedom and its protection of civil rights and religious rights, that the Constitution of our country would hang as it were by a thread. He said, also, that this people, the sons of Zion, would rise up and save the Constitution and bear it off triumphantly.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 19th‑century LDS discourse, attributed to Joseph Smith, recorded by Eliza R. Snow
The nation will drift away from its founding ideals, leaving the Constitution fragile, until a faithful group restores it.
In simple terms: America risks losing its core values, but a devoted group can rescue its founding document.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the need for civic vigilance and moral leadership.
Themes
civic duty
religion
constitution
national identity
renewal
Mood
concerned
hopeful
determined
Type
prophetic
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political activism
- community organizing
- faith‑based advocacy
- educational campaigns
Key Concepts
Moral responsibility
collective action
constitutional preservation
Questions to Reflect On
- Who can you, as an individual, protect constitutional values?
- How can diverse groups collaborate to uphold civil rights?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes a singular, righteous group can save the Constitution, overlooking pluralistic solutions.
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