It may not be amiss to ask
here, by whose power victory so often perched on our banner? It was by
the agency of that same angel of God that appeared unto Joseph Smith, and
revealed to him the history of the early inhabitants of this country, whose
mounds, bones, and remains of towns, cities, and fortifications speak from
the dust in the ears of the living with the voice of undeniable truth. This
same angel presides over the destinies of America, and feels a lively
interest in all our doings. He was in the camp of Washington; and, by an
invisible hand, led on our fathers to conquest and victory; and all this to
open and prepare the way for the Church and kingdom of God to be established
on the western hemisphere, for the redemption of Israel and the salvation of
the world.
This same angel was with Columbus, and gave him deep impressions, by dreams
and by visions, respecting this New World. Trammeled by poverty and by an
unpopular cause, yet his persevering and unyielding heart would not allow an
obstacle in his way too great for him to overcome; and the angel of the Lord
helped him, was with him on the stormy deep, calmed the troubled elements,
and guided his frail vessel to the desired haven. Under the guardianship of
this same angel, or Prince of America, have the United States grown,
increased and flourished, like the sturdy oak by the rivers of water.
Elder Orson Hyde, July 4th, 1854
Journal of Discourses, Vol. 6:368
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