with only bare hands

Sebanta ha se bokwe ka diatla (The attacks of the wild beast cannot be averted with only bare hands).

Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. Back Bay Books. 1995. p. 271

gospel of peace

The gospel is the “gospel of peace.” How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace” (Isa. 52:7). Where the gospel principles prevail, there can be no war, except for self-defense, and in the Book of Mormon we read of a people that, under the influence of the Spirit of God, refused to take up arms even in self-defense (Alma 24:17-24). The gospel enjoins upon the Church to “lift up an ensign of peace… to all people” (D&C 105:38), and to make a proclamation for peace “unto the ends of the earth.” The Prophet Joseph was a true messenger of peace. His sentiments on bloodshed may be gathered from the following incident. When Zion’s Camp was traveling from Kirtland, the brethren one day came to a thick wood of recent growth. The Prophet felt very much depressed. He said that a great deal of blood had been shed in that place, and added these memorable words: “Whenever a man of God is in a place where many have been killed, he will feel lonesome and unpleasant, and his spirits will sink” (History of the Church, Vol. II., p. 66).


Doctrine and Covenants Commentary by Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodahl. Deseret Book. 1965. p.138

we must stand up for right and decency

We are people of peace. We are followers of the Christ who was and is the Prince of Peace. But there are times when we must stand up for right and decency, for freedom and civilization, just as Moroni rallied his people in his day to the defense of their wives, their children, and the cause of liberty.


Gordon B. Hinckley, The Times in Which We Live', General Conference, Sunday Morning Session, 7 October 2001

I never had it in mind to shoot at any man, ma'am, but when somebody takes up a gun and comes for you in anger, he borrows grief. He was fetching trouble, so I gave him what he asked for.


Louis L'Amour. Mojave Crossing by Louis L'Amour. 1964. P.34