The incredible power of the American Covenant came to life for me in this read. I have now read four of Tim Ballard's books and each has added upon the other, expanding my mind and my knowledge of America's history.
Within these pages, I learned:
why James Madison was the chosen one to be "the father of the Constitution."
why the Constitution is a direct reflection of the American Covenant.
why Joseph Smith so loved the Constitution, and why he felt compelled to run for the presidency of the United States.
why Abraham Lincoln, like a prophet of old, believed he had received revelation from the Almighty pertaining to this national covenant.
why Lincoln sought out a copy of The Book of Mormon and how it might have helped convert him to the national covenant.
why the Civil War was so tightly connected to the Restoration of God's efforts to build His Kingdom on the earth.
why one of our more modern-day US presidents felt an inexplicable bond with a prophet of God
and finally, why WE need to understand and live this national covenant in America today--as never before.
Seriously, this book humbled me perhaps more than anything, other than the holy scriptures, with regard to my responsibility as an American Covenant keeper.
As one of the reviewers of this book said, "By rereading American history in light of the Restoration, Ballard has given readers a clear path to follow in understanding just how God has guided history, resulting in the ushering in of the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times." -- Jeffrey Needle
In the open pages, Ballard quotes James Madison, who said, "It is impossible for the pious man not to recognize in [the Constitution] a finger of that Almighty Hand which was so frequently extended to us in the critical stages of its evolution." Joseph Smith said, "The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard...a heavenly banner."
My lessons learned from reading these books have been life-changing. I have now a deep seeded love, respect, and so much appreciation for American history and it's divine role in the gathering of Israel.