Voice of the people desirable to preserve climate of liberty
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In instituting a system of government by judges among the Nephites, Mosiah gave this rationale:
"Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law - to do your business by the voice of the people." (Mosiah 29:26.)Mosiah thus affirmed the desirability of government by representative democracy, a form that has been sustained in latter days by the United States Constitution and similar documents of other nations.
Apparently, such a government is best for preserving a climate of liberty in which God's children can choose to keep His commandments and individually work out their salvation. Thus, the Lord revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith: "It is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.
"And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me. (D&C 98:4-5.)
But the Lord added: "Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.
"Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil." (D&C 98:9-10.)
In a letter written - ironically - from Liberty Jail on March 25, 1839, to the Church at large, Joseph Smith declared: "The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner; it is to all those who are privileged with the sweets of its liberty, like the cooling shades and refreshing waters of a great rock in a thirsty and weary land. It is like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun." (History of the Church 3:304.)
