Honor Among Men; Forgotten Examples

So, what's the big deal about honor, anyway? Glad you asked! Many years ago, W. Cleon Skousen used to ask his BYU students: What is the source of God's power? Then he'd unload this on them:

"...for, behold, the devil...rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power..." (D&C 29:36)

All of a sudden "My honor is my power" takes on a whole new meaning. W. Cleon covered that years ago in his talk, "The Meaning of the Atonement." Honor is a very big deal. It is a component of the oil in your lamp. Honor breeds courage.

Without George Washington's patient, clear-headed, and peacemaking leadership, the odds would have been slim-to-none of our Constitution being created out of the vastly divergent opinions being debated at the convention of 1789. The mechanics of governing were disputed, even among those who cherished and desired an environment of liberty. George Washington was a noble hero, and indispensable component, in the history of liberty. Men of great honor are worthy of our study.

The Battle of Monongahela provided Washington the nickname "Old Bulletproof." Well, maybe not exactly, but the sentiment and reputation were certainly there, for such a young officer.

On July 9, 1755, 1,400 British troops commanded by General Edward Braddock, were on their way to seize the French Fort Duquesne. Eight miles from the fort they were ambushed by French regulars and Canadians accompanied by Potawatomi and Ottawa Indians. (https://m.middlesboronews.com/2020/02/18/indian-legend-of-george-washingtons-divine-protection/)

Twenty-three-year-old Colonel George Washington was the last officer on horseback. Stupidly, but according to British military tradition, Gen Braddock had ordered his troops to head straight into the battle while the Indians hid behind rocks and trees. Washington rode back and forth amid a hailstorm of musket balls delivering General Braddock's orders. Washington never received even a scratch.

George Washington described the Battle of Monongahela to his younger brother, John Augustine Washington, July 18, 1755: “...by the All-Powerful Dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me!”

"Fifteen years later, Washington and Dr. James Craik, a physician who served as Surgeon of the Virginia Regiment, and close friend of his from his youth, were traveling through those same woods near the Ohio river and Great Kanawha river. They were met by an old Indian chief, who addressed Washington through an interpreter: “I am a chief and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes and to the far blue mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle.

“It was on the day when the white man’s blood mixed with the streams of our forests that I first beheld this Chief. I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe – he hath an Indian’s wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do – himself alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss – `twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded you.

“Seeing you were under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, we immediately ceased to fire at you. I am old and soon shall be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy: Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man and guides his destinies – he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire. I am come to pay homage to the man who is the particular favorite of Heaven, and who can never die in battle.” (http://www.alancurrie.com/2015/07/18/indian-legend-of-george-washingtons-divine-protection/)

All, everywhere, ought to be familiar with that story, and the importance of honor and the power it provides. I expect Ol' General George and Captain Moroni are getting along quite famously.

In fact, another favorite moment in history finds Moroni facing significant challenges, on multiple fronts from Lamanite aggression. He sent a scathing letter to Pahoran, the chief judge, accusing him of all manner of malfeasance in not supplying needed supplies and replacements.

Unbeknownst to Moroni, Pahoran had been run out of town and the king-men had taken over. Pahoran could not help Moroni.

After Moroni had scolded Pahoran for his lack of support, not knowing his grave situation, Pahoran responded with kindness, understanding, true leadership, and honor. He didn't have to. Nevertheless, Pahoran chose to use his agency with honor.

Here are two snippets from Pahoran's response to Moroni's anger:

"And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free." (Alma 61:9)

"Therefore, my beloved brother, Moroni, let us resist evil, and whatsoever evil we cannot resist with our words, yea, such as rebellions and dissensions, let us resist them with our swords, that we may retain our freedom, that we may rejoice in the great privilege of our church, and in the cause of our Redeemer and our God." (Alma 61:14)

Fortunately today, according to D&C 63, "...the wicked shall slay the wicked..." Our task is not to “lock and load,” but to become a Zion people. Pahoran's entire response to Moroni is a study in Christlike thinking and honor.

Patrick Henry, with noble boldness, uttered some uniquely remarkable, and historically unequivocal principles of liberty and honor.

In early 1775, about 120 delegates gathered in St. John's Church in Richmond, for the Second Virginia Convention. King George had received a petition of grievances, from the first Continental Congress, including a demand for the repeal of the "Intolerable Acts." He was not happy with the impertinence of these defiant colonists. Ol' King George described them has having a "...daring spirit of resistance and disobedience to the law." Quite so.

Britain treated the colonies as a tax cash-cow and King George was particularly upset by the Boston Tea Party two years earlier. His retaliation stripped Massachusetts of its sovereignty and applied additional taxes and restrictions to all the colonies. Now the colonies were threatening to completely boycott British commerce—fighting words, for certain.

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson along with a number of the future signers of the Declaration of Independence were in attendance at the Richmond meeting. Patrick Henry, a popular lawyer with a smooth delivery, rose to speak words of honor and clarity. They are as relevant today, as then.

"The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

"Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it." Henry would complete his speech declaring death as preferable to a life without liberty.