Laws And Men

Why do we have laws? What's the purpose of laws? That's right, we need laws to govern society. To protect life and property and to make rules for the way our society works. If we had no laws, there would be nothing to stop a man from injuring someone weaker than himself or stealing from others. Laws are essential for any civilized society.

But you know, there are laws and laws. For instance, we speak of the laws of nature. Is that some kind of written rule that everything in nature must follow? Not really. It's more like a description of the way the natural world works. The law of nature tells us that predator animals like lions will kill and eat prey animals like wildebeests and antelopes - not because they are vicious but that is nature's way of sustaining her creatures.

Then there's the Scout Law. Are the 12 points of the Scout Law something that must be obeyed or you'll go to jail? Of course not. The Scout Law is a different kind of law. It's a prescription for a good character. but in it's way, the Scout law is just as important as the laws Congress passes because the man who follows the Scout Law will be the best kind of citizen. That kind of citizen tries his best to obey not only the Scout Law but also the laws of his community, state, and nation. Let's now stand and renew our pledge to the Scout Law.