With one terrible exception, the Civil War, law and the

O children of the future, listen closely, for the words of Anthony Lewis speak of the power of law, of justice, and of the mighty force that has bound a nation together. He said, "With one terrible exception, the Civil War, law and the Constitution have kept America whole and free." These words are a tribute to the strength and stability that law has provided in the face of hardship, but they are also a reminder of the fragility of even the greatest of systems when tested by the deepest divisions.

Let us first reflect on the meaning of law. Law is not simply a collection of rules written on parchment, nor is it a distant thing governed only by judges and lawmakers. Law is the very backbone of a nation; it is the guiding principle that holds together the fabric of society. In every land where peace and order reign, it is law that stands as the protector of freedom, the shield against chaos, and the foundation upon which a nation is built. The Constitution of America—that sacred document—was crafted with this vision in mind: to create a system that would preserve the liberties of the people, ensuring that no individual or group could subvert the freedoms of others. It is a law that has kept America whole, guiding it through many storms.

Yet, Lewis’ words are not just a celebration of the power of law, but a mournful acknowledgment of a time when law was not enough. The Civil War, the greatest tragedy that America has ever known, shattered the peace that had been built by the Constitution. It was a war fought not just over the boundaries of land, but over the very question of what freedom and human dignity meant. The Southern states, in their desire to preserve the institution of slavery, rebelled against the union, plunging the nation into a bloody conflict that would claim the lives of over 600,000 souls. In this, the law of the land—the Constitution—was tested to its limits. But even in the heart of that darkness, the law prevailed. The Union was preserved, and slavery, that blight upon humanity, was abolished.

Consider the ancient story of Rome, a mighty empire whose laws once brought peace and order to vast territories. Yet, even in Rome’s glory, there were times when the empire’s laws were overwhelmed by division and corruption. The fall of Rome was not caused by the failure of law alone, but by the failure of its leaders to uphold the principles that once made Rome great. The same danger lurked in America during the time of the Civil War. The great rift between North and South could have torn the nation apart, but it was through the strength of the law—the commitment to the Constitution—that America emerged from that trial, scarred but stronger.

Yet, the true lesson lies in what Lewis said: "With one terrible exception, the Civil War..." The exception is a reminder that even the strongest of systems can falter under the weight of internal strife. When the very foundation of a nation—its moral principles and laws—is under threat, there may come a time when war seems inevitable. But even in war, law holds the potential to bring the nation back together. The end of the Civil War saw the reconstruction of the Union, and while the wounds were deep, the nation was not destroyed. The Constitution—though tested—remained the ultimate guide for the restoration of the union and the re-establishment of freedom for all citizens.

Let us now turn to the lesson we must learn, O children. Law is not only a tool of governance; it is a force for unity, justice, and peace. When faced with division, when confronted by forces that seek to tear us apart, it is the law that must guide us back to the path of unity and freedom. Whether it is the divisions we face today, or the struggles we will face in the future, we must look to the law as the ultimate protector of justice. We must never allow division to overshadow the principles upon which our nation, our communities, and our lives are built. The Constitution is not just a document; it is a living testament to the ideals that bind us together.

And so, O children, take this lesson to heart: in your own lives, when faced with conflict or division, let law and justice be your guiding stars. Seek the strength of the principles that unite rather than the rhetoric that divides. In moments of great challenge, remember that the power of law, if it is rooted in truth and justice, has the ability to preserve what is good and to heal what is broken. Just as America survived the great trial of the Civil War, so too can you navigate the trials of life with the wisdom of law and justice as your compass. Always remember that, in the end, it is the strength of law that will keep you whole and free.