The Prophets and the Constitution
Donald Q. Cannon
Joseph Smith
According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I [the Lord] have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles. (D&C 101:76-77)
1.5. Have mercy, O Lord, upon all the nations of the earth; have mercy upon the rulers of our land; may those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever. (D&C 109:54)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 3.)
1.13. Hence we say, that the Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner; it is to all those who are privileged with the sweets of liberty, like the cooling shades and refreshing waters of a great rock in a thirsty and weary land. It is like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun. . . .
We say that God is true; that the Constitution of the United States is true; that the Bible is true. (TPJS 147-48)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 4.)
1.16. Even this Nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to peices [sic] and tumbling to the ground and when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin this people will be the Staff up [on] which the Nation shall lean and they shall bear the constitution away from the very verge of destruction. (WJS 416)
1.17. This people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction.—Then shall the Lord say: Go tell my servants who are the strength of mine house, my young men and middleaged, etc., Come to the land of my vineyard and fight the battle of the Lord. Then the Kings and Queens shall come, yea the foreign saints shall come to fight for the land of my vineyard, for in this thing shall be their safety and they will have no power to choose but will come as a man fleeth from a sudden destruction. I know these things by the visions of the Almighty. (Joseph Smith Collection; from an address given 19 Jul 1840)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 5.)
1.30. I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on the earth. In my feelings I am always ready to die for the protection of the weak and oppressed in their just rights. The only fault I find with the Constitution is, it is not broad enough to cover the whole ground.
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 8.)
1.36. If I lose my life in a good cause I am willing to be sacrificed on the altar of virtue, righteousness and truth, in maintaining the laws and Constitution of the United States, if need be, for the general good of mankind. (HC 6:211; also in TPJS 332; WJS 320)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 10.)
.48. Will the Constitution be destroyed? No: it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as Joseph Smith said, "The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction." It will be so. (JD 7:15; quoted by Brigham Young)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 12.)
Brigham Young
2.5. There never was a better constitution on the face of the earth than the constitution of the United States. There is nothing but the people of God could enjoy under it. But the Federal constitution is trodden under foot. All that I am afraid of is that the Elders of Israel will forget their God. (JH [8 Jul 1849] 3)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 17.)
2.13. In these secluded vales we gather the Saints that we may enjoy the rights and privileges of the Constitution, denied to us elsewhere; that we may have the privilege of worshipping God according to the dictates of our own consciences. (MFP 2:136)
2.14. In this view we consider that the men of the Revolution were inspired by the Almighty, to throw off the shackles of the mother government, with her established religion. For this cause were Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, and a host of others inspired to deeds of resistance to the acts of the King of Great Britain, who might also have been led to those aggressive acts, for aught we know, to bring to pass the purposes of God in this establishing a new government upon a principle of greater freedom, a basis of self-government allowing the free exercise of religious worship.
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 21.)
2.16. It is incumbent upon us to use our influence for the preservation of ourselves, our wives, our children, our brethren, our sisters, and all of our society from the contaminating influence of vice, sin, immorality, and iniquity, let it emanate from where it will. If it exists in high places, so much the more need of rebuking it, for from thence it will do the most harm.
I claim this as a right, as a Constitutional right; I believe it is legal to exercise all the power and influence which God has given me for the preservation of virtue, truth, and holiness; and because we feel sensitive upon points such as these, should it be construed that we are enemies to the Federal Government? . . . In this view of the case the Government should also be our friends. . . .
This then is our position towards the Government of the United States, and towards the world, to put down iniquity, and exalt virtue; to declare the word of God which He revealed unto us, and build up His Kingdom upon the earth. . . . To serve God, and keep His commandments are first and foremost with me. If this is higher law, so be it. As it is with me, so should it be with every department of the Government; for this doctrine is based upon the principles of virtue, and integrity; with it the Government, her Constitution, and free institutions are safe; without it no power can avert their speedy destruction. It is the life giving power to the government; it is the vital element on which she exists and prospers; in its absence she sinks to rise no more.
We now proceed to discuss the question, does our faith and practice,—our holy religion, as we hold and believe it, come within the purview of the Constitution; or in other words, is it a religious question over which the Constitution throws its protecting shield? (Discourses Delivered by Presidents Joseph Smith and Brigham Young 9; also in JD 2:176)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 23.)
2.21. We as a people have more reason to respect, honor, love and cherish the Government of the United States, and her Constitution and free institutions than any other people upon the face of the earth. ("Oration by His Excellency Governor Young" 4; also in Vetterli 378)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 26.)
2.36. If there is a people within the pales of this nation that is worthy of the constitution, good laws and institutions of the American Government, it is this people called Latter-day Saints. It is the best earthly Government that ever was framed by man, and the true and righteous are alone worthy of it. It cannot long be administered by wicked hands. "When the wicked rule, the people mourn" [D&C 98:9]. (JD 9:368)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 30 - 31.)
John Taylor
. . . Sometimes people think we are acting almost hypocritically when we talk of loyalty to the constitution of the United States. We will stand by that constitution and uphold the flag of our country when everybody else forsakes it. We cannot shut our eyes to things transpiring around us. We have our reason, and God has revealed unto us many things; but never has he revealed anything in opposition to those institutions and that Constitution, no, never; and, another thing, he never will. (JD 11:90-92)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 45.)
3.32. We are told, however, that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty;" and as we possess the best Constitution and the best government in the world, let us preserve it, and transmit it intact, pure and unadulterated to our children. (JT Papers 1:285)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 47.)
3.53. Truth ultimately will triumph, as according to the old adage, "Truth, crushed to earth, will rise again." And what will you do? Contend for constitutional principles, or lie down and let the vicious, the mendacious and unprincipled run over and overslaugh you? (JD 23:61)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 55.)
3.55. Besides the preaching of the Gospel, we have another mission, namely, the perpetuation of the free agency of man and the maintenance of liberty, freedom, and the rights of man. There are certain principles that belong to humanity outside of the Constitution, outside of the laws, outside of all the enactments and plans of man, among which is the right to live; God gave us the right and not man; no government gave it to us, and no government has a right to take it away from us. We have a right to liberty—that was a right that God gave to all men; and if there has been oppression, fraud or tyranny in the earth, it has been the result of the wickedness and corruptions of men and has always been opposed to God and the principles of truth, righteousness, virtue, and all principles that are calculated to elevate mankind. The Declaration of Independence states that men are in possession of certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This belongs to us; it belongs to all humanity. I wish, and the worst wish I have for the United States, is, that they could have liberality enough to give to all men equal rights. (JD 23:63)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 56 - 57.)
3.59. If other people can afford to trample under foot the sacred institutions of this country, we cannot. And if other people trample upon the Constitution and pull it to pieces, we will gather together the pieces and rally around the old flag, or what is left of it, and proclaim liberty to the world, as Joseph Smith said we would. Is that treason? I do not know; no matter, it is true. Are we going to hurt anybody? No. (JD 23:239)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 59.)
. . We have rights under the Constitution, and however much these may be denied to us, it is still our bounden duty to contend for them, not only in behalf of ourselves, but for all our fellow citizens and for our posterity, and for humanity generally throughout the world. Were we to do less than this, we would fail in performing the mission assigned to us, and be recreant to the high trust which God has reposed in us. . . . (MFP 3:12-14, 16, 19, 30)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 67.)
Wilford Woodruff
4.1. But O!! America America!! whose land is choice above that of all the footstool of God, whose constitution was framed by the Spirit of inspiration & whose Government was established by the hand of Omnipotent power. (WW 2:42)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 72.)
4.13. I have heard Joseph Smith say that if he were emperor of the whole world, holding the destinies of all men in his hands, he would defend the religious rights of every man, whether his religion was right or wrong. And especially ought this to be the case in this American nation, the constitution of which guarantees to all people the right to worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience. This is the broad platform upon which our government has been founded. I have looked upon the Constitution of the United States as one of the best instruments ever devised by man for the government of the inhabitants of the earth. (JD 24:237)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 75.)
…Why should it be stated that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," [U.S. Constitution Amendment I] if men were not to be allowed to act? Why, in the exercise of their religion, men must act: and it is straining points, it is overstepping the bounds of the Constitution to pass laws taking away the rights and privileges of any people because of their religion—because they happen to differ from their neighbors. Where will such a course land our government? I will tell you what it will do. It will rend the government in twain like unto a potter's vessel. It will lay the nation in the dust. It will overthrow the government. Why should it be stated that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," [U.S. Constitution Amendment I] if men were not to be allowed to act? Why, in the exercise of their religion, men must act: and it is straining points, it is overstepping the bounds of the Constitution to pass laws taking away the rights and privileges of any people because of their religion—because they happen to differ from their neighbors. Where will such a course land our government? I will tell you what it will do. It will rend the government in twain like unto a potter's vessel. It will lay the nation in the dust. It will overthrow the government….
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 76 - 77.)
4.18. As far as constitutional liberty is concerned, I will say, the God of heaven has raised up our nation, as foretold by His Prophets generations ago. . . . It is also well known how our forefathers found a home and an asylum in this land from the hand of persecution, and how they planted here the tree of liberty and jealously guarded it from the attempt of the mother country to uproot and destroy it. The hand of God was in this; and it is through the intervention of His providence that we enjoy to-day the freest and most independent government the world ever saw. And what was the object of this? It was to prepare the way for the building up of the kingdom of God in this the last dispensation of the fullness of times; and as long as the principles of constitutional liberty shall be maintained upon this land, blessings will attend the nation. ("Discourse by President Wilford Woodruff" 801-02)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 77 - 78.)
Lorenzo Snow
5.1. We trace the hand of the Almighty in framing the constitution of our land, and believe that the Lord raised up men purposely for the accomplishment of this object, raised them up and inspired them to frame the constitution of the United States. (JD 14:301; also in Brown 359)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 82.)
Joseph F. Smith
6.1. The Lord Almighty has prepared the way for the coming forth of the kingdom of God in this dispensation by establishing the republican government of the United States; a government affording the widest liberty and the greatest freedom to man that has ever been known to exist among men, outside of those governed by the direct communication of heaven. It was part of the design of the Almighty when He influenced our fathers to leave the old world and come to this continent; He had a hand in the establishment of this government; He inspired the framers of the Constitution and the fathers of this nation to contend for their liberties; and he did this upon natural principles, that the way might be prepared, and that it might be possible for Him to establish His kingdom upon the earth, no more to be thrown down. (JD 22:44-45)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 86.)
6.9. It was part of the design of the Almighty when He influenced the fathers to leave the old world and come to this continent; He had a hand in the establishment of this government; He inspired the framers of the Constitution and the fathers of this nation to contend for their liberty. ("The Constitution Is an Inspired Document" 644)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 90.)
And such the Constitution of the United States must be to every faithful Latter-day Saint who lives under its protection. That the Lord may help him to think straight, and to pursue a straight course regardless of personal advantage, factional interest, or political persuasion, should be the daily prayer of every Latter-day Saint. I counsel you, I urge you, I plead with you, never, so far as you have voice or influence, permit any departure from the principles of government on which this nation was founded, or any disregard of the freedoms which, by the inspiration of God our Father, were written into the Constitution of the United States. ("Admonition and Blessing" 694-95)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 99.)
George Albert Smith
.2. I feel that, as long as the people of this land obey, or strive to keep the commandments of God, this liberty will continue to flow unto us. . . . I say to you that our only hope, and the hope of the sons and daughters that God may bless us with, to enjoy peace and liberty in this land, is in standing by the Constitution that God has inspired to direct this government. . . . (CR [Oct 1911] 45)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 102.)
8.8. Our feet have been planted upon this sacred soil for a wise purpose. This land has been dedicated for the blessing of mankind. The Constitution and the laws that have been enacted under its provisions are calculated to insure liberty, not license, to all who dwell here. . . .
Upon you men of Israel—to whom the Priesthood of the Holy One has been given—there rests an obligation. You must serve the Lord and keep his commandments. It matters not what others may do, but for you there is only one course, and that is to be obedient to law, and to sustain the Constitution of this great land, and to sustain those influences and powers wherever they may be, that are calculated to uplift the human family. (CR [Oct 1922] 96)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 105.)
8.16. Since the God of this choice land is Jesus Christ, we know that his philosophy of free agency should prevail here. Thou didst amply demonstrate this great principle to us by raising up wise men for the very purpose of giving us our constitutional form of government, concerning which thou hast said:
. . . I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose. . . (D&C 101:77-80.)
There are those, our Heavenly Father, both within and without our borders, who would destroy the constitutional form of government which thou hast so magnanimously given us, and would replace it with a form that would curtail, if not altogether deprive, man of his free agency. We pray thee, therefore, that in all these matters thou wilt help us to conform our lives to thy desires, and that thou wilt sustain us in our resolve so to do. We pray thee that thou wilt inspire good and just men everywhere to be willing to sacrifice for, support, and uphold the Constitution and the government set up under it and thereby preserve for man his agency. ("Dedicatory Prayer . . . Idaho Falls Temple" 564)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 108.)
8.20. Now, there are many things that I might talk about, tonight, but I want to raise my voice to you and say, our Heavenly Father raised up the very men that framed the Constitution of the United States. He said He did. He gave to us the greatest Palladium of human rights that the world knows anything about, the only system whereby people could worship God according to the dictates of their consciences without, in any way, being molested when the law, itself, was in effect. Now that is what the Lord gave to us. That is the Constitution of this country. Yet, we have people who would like to change that and bring some of those forms of government that have failed absolutely to make peace and happiness and comfort any other place in the world, and exchange what God has given to us—the fullness of the earth and the riches of liberty and happiness. Yet, there are those who go around whispering and talking and saying, "Let us change this thing." I am saying to you that to me the Constitution of the United States of America is just as much from my Heavenly Father as the Ten Commandments. When that is my feeling, I am not going to go very far away from the Constitution, and I am going to try to keep it where the Lord started it, and not let anti-Christs come into this country that began because people wanted to serve God. (CR [Apr 1948] 182)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 110 - 111.)
8.27. No nation in the world has a constitution that was given to it by our Heavenly Father except the United States of America. I wonder if we appreciate that. The Lord gave us a rule of life for this great nation, and as far as we have lived up to it and taken advantage of it, the nation has grown, and the people have been blessed.
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 114.)
. . He [the Lord] watched over them [the Pilgrims] and safeguarded their descendants and those who followed them to America, and in due time, there came an opportunity to establish liberty such as humankind had not known before. The Lord raised up Washington, and with him that body of men who fought valiantly to establish for us in this land a government for which surely we are all grateful. . . .
The Lord has watched over his land: He directed Columbus to these shores: he led the Pilgrims here; he established the Constitution of the United States, and through the Prophet Joseph Smith restored the everlasting gospel to bless the children of men. If they will accept it and obey it, it will result in the salvation of the human family. ("For Law and Liberty—and Salvation" 869-70)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 115.)
David O. McKay
Latter-day Saints should have nothing to do with secret combinations and groups antagonistic to the Constitutional law of the land, which the Lord "suffered to be established," and which "should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;
That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.
And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood. (D&C [101:]77-80) (CR [Oct 1939] 102-05;
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 119.)
9.19. Next to the divine authority of the Priesthood I believe that no principle of the Gospel is more endangered today than is that principle which gives us individual freedom. . . .
It was that very principle that induced our Founding Fathers to declare their independence from the countries in Europe and to establish the Constitution, giving to each individual the right to worship, the right to build, the right to work, the right to think, to speak, to preach, so long as each gave to other individuals that same privilege. (Statements on Communism and the Constitution of the United States 19; from the dedication of the Douglas Ward Chapel, Salt Lake City, UT, 18 Oct 1953)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 124.)
9.23. We are grateful for the Constitution of the United States of America which permitted the Church of Jesus Christ to be established through heavenly messengers, and which grants to every man the right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience. ("Dedicatory Address Delivered at Swiss Temple Dedication" 798; also in Morrell 167-68)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 125 - 126.)
9.25. We are grateful for this land of America, "choice above all other lands" [2 Nephi 1:5]. The freedom vouchsafed by the Constitution of the United States, which guarantees to every man the right to worship Thee in accordance with the dictates of his own conscience, made possible the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. O Father, may the American people not forget thee! Help us to see the greatness of this country and to minimize its weaknesses. . . . Government exists for the protection of the individual—not the individual for the government. Bless, we beseech Thee, the President of the United States, his Cabinet, the Houses of Congress and the Judiciary. Give the President health and wisdom needful for the world leadership now placed upon him. ("Dedicatory Prayer—Los Angeles Temple" 226; also in Thompson 125)
9.26. So the perpetuity of this land and nation depends upon faith. Any power or any influence that will destroy directly or indirectly this principle of faith in God is an enemy to the Constitution of the United States. ("Faith and Freedom: Two Guiding Principles of the Pilgrims" 322; also in Treasures of Life 143)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 126.)
. . . However, the point I wish to make is that Benjamin Franklin emphasized that faith in God is a fundamental principle of the Constitution of the United States. I should also like to refer to a remark made by George Washington, who, following the establishment of the Constitution, and the acceptance of it by the thirteen Colonies, wrote this:
Of all the dispositions of habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. . . .
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 129 - 130.)
9.35. The First Presidency has previously issued a statement urging you as citizens to participate in the great democratic processes of our national election in accordance with your honest political convictions.
We have urged you, above all, to try to support good and conscientious candidates of either party who are aware of the great dangers inherent in communism and who are truly dedicated to the constitution in the tradition of our fathers. We have suggested also that you should support candidates who pledge their sincere fidelity to our liberty—a liberty which aims at the preservation of both personal and property rights. ("Vote Your Convictions" A1)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 130.)
Church members are at perfect liberty to act according to their own consciences in the matter of safeguarding our way of life. They are, of course, encouraged to honor the highest standards of the gospel and to work to preserve their own freedoms.
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 131.)
9.46. It is a part of our "Mormon" theology that the Constitution of the United States was divinely inspired; that our Republic came into existence through wise men raised up for that very purpose. We believe it is the duty of the members of the Church to see that this Republic is not subverted either by any sudden or constant erosion of those principles which gave this Nation its birth.
In these days when there is a special trend among certain groups, including members of faculties of universities, to challenge the principles upon which our country has been founded and the philosophy of our Founding Fathers, I hope that Brigham Young University will stand as a bulwark in support of the principles of government as vouchsafed to us by our Constitutional Fathers. (Letter to Ernest L. Wilkinson 2)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 133.)
Joseph Fielding Smith
10.18. All of this had to be before the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints upon the earth. These things took place in Europe before the discovery of America. After America was discovered liberty upon this land received an impetus which the old world could not give to it; and through the shedding of blood, the land was redeemed (the Lord has said it [D&C 101:80]) and freedom proclaimed in the constitution of the country, so that all peoples of the earth could find a place of refuge in America, the Land of Promise. When that was accomplished, the time had come for the bringing forth and establishing of the gospel of Jesus Christ upon the earth. (Doctrines of Salvation 1:179)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 142 - 143.)
Harold B Lee
11.17. Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won't fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges. (Ye Are the Light of the World 350-51)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 152.)
Spencer W. Kimball
12.8. We encourage all members, as citizens of the nation, to be actively involved in the political process, and to support those measures which will strengthen the community, state, and nation—morally, economically, and culturally. (Quoted in Benson, "A Witness and a Warning" 33; from a letter from the First Presidency, 29 Jun 1979)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 160.)
Ezra Taft Benson
13.2 Twenty-five years later, another prophet [Jacob], son of the first one quoted [Lehi], was privileged to see into the future regarding this land and to proclaim that God would fortify the land against other nations; that he that fought against Zion would perish; that no king would ever be raised on these shores; that the Lord would be their king and be a light unto the people forever who accepted and listened to his words.
And so this great nation, has come into being under the inspiration of the Almighty to accomplish his purposes. Through modern revelation we have had made very plain to us something of the mission of America and the establishment of our national Constitution in this dispensation. ("America: Land of the Blessed" 283; revised in RC 109)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 164.)
13.16. To every Latter-day Saint, we have a tremendous obligation to be good citizens, to uphold the Constitution of this land, to adhere to its basic concepts, to do all in our power to protect the freedoms and the liberties and the basic rights which are associated with citizenship. The Lord has said even in our day, through the Prophet Joseph Smith, that we have an obligation. He has not only spoken about the Constitution being inspired, he has said that if we are to be good Latter-day Saints, we also have to take an interest in this country in which we live and we are to see to it that good men are upheld and sustained in public office. (TETB 615-16; from an address given at Short Hills, NJ, 15 Jan 1961)
13.17. I would to God that every citizen of this land might read the Book of Mormon prayerfully and learn something of the prophecies made regarding this land—the promises made and the conditions upon which they are made—that we might as an American people so live that these great promises could be fully realized; that we might come to know that the Constitution of this land has been established by men whom the God of heaven raised up unto that very purpose. ("A World Message" 432; also in TL 213)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 171.)
13.23. If the Gentiles on this land reject the word of God and conspire to overthrow the liberty and the Constitution, then their doom is fixed, and they "shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant." (3 Nephi 21:11, 14, 21; 1 Nephi 14:6; D&C 84:114, 115, 117.) ("The American Heritage of Freedom" 952-53; also in The American Heritage of Freedom 5; TL 181)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 174.)
13.51. The scriptures also tell about our inspired Constitution. If you accept these scriptures, you will automatically reject the counsel of men who depreciate our Constitution. If you use the scriptures as a guide, you know what the Book of Mormon has to say regarding murderous conspiracies in the last day and how we are to awake to our awful situation today (see Ether 8:18-25). I find certain elements in the Church do not like to read the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants so much—they have too much to say about freedom. ("A Race Against Time" 17; also in TL 80-81; TETB 81)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 182 - 183.)
13.62. Now, the Lord knew that before the gospel could flourish there must first be an atmosphere of freedom. This is why he first established the Constitution of this land through gentiles whom he raised up before he restored the gospel. ("Not Commanded in All Things" 538; also in GFC 385)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 186.)
13.63. The devil knows that if the elders of Israel should ever wake up, they could step forth and help preserve freedom and extend the gospel. Therefore the devil has concentrated, and to a large extent successfully, in neutralizing much of the priesthood. He has reduced them to sleeping giants. His arguments are clever.
Here are a few samples:
First: "We really haven't received much instruction about freedom," the devil says. . . .
Second: "You're too involved in other church work," says the devil. . . .
Third: "You want to be loved by everyone," says the devil, "and this freedom battle is so controversial you might be accused of engaging in politics." . . .
Fourth: "Wait until it becomes popular to do," says the devil, "or, at least until everybody in the Church agrees on what should be done." . . .
Fifth: "It might hurt your business or your family," says the devil, "and besides why not let the gentiles save the country? They aren't as busy as you are." . . .
Sixth: "Don't worry," says the devil, "the Lord will protect you, and besides the world is so corrupt and heading toward destruction at such a pace that you can't stop it, so why try." . . .
And now as to the last neutralizer that the devil uses most effectively—it is simply this: "Don't do anything in the fight for freedom until the Church sets up its own specific program to save the Constitution." This brings us right back to the scripture I opened with today—to those slothful servants who will not do anything until they are "compelled in all things" [D&C 58:26]. Maybe the Lord will never set up a specific church program for the purpose of saving the Constitution. Perhaps if he set one up at this time it might split the Church asunder, and perhaps he does not want that to happen yet for not all the wheat and tares are fully ripe. ("Not Commanded in All Things" 538-39; also in GFC 385-89)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 186.)
13.67. Leaders of youth, teach our young people to love freedom, to know that it is God-given. . . . Teach them to love their country, to know that it has a spiritual foundation, that it has a prophetic history, that it is the Lord's base of operation.
Teach them that the Constitution of the United States was established by men whom God raised up for that very purpose, that it is not outmoded, that it is not an old-fashioned agrarian document, as some men in high places are calling it today. (Enemy 303-04; from an address delivered at the MIA Conference, Salt Lake City, UT, Jun 1966)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 188.)
13.69. The question as to whether we may save our constitutional republic is simply based on two factors: the number of patriots and the extent of their obedience.
That the Lord desires to save this nation which he raised up there is no doubt. But that he leaves it up to us, with his help, is the awful reality. ("Prepare, Then Fear Not" 58; revised in Enemy 55; GFC 327; from an address given at the New England Rally for God, Family, and Country; Boston, MA, 4 Jul 1966)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 189.)
13.71. For years we have heard of the role the elders could play in saving the Constitution from total destruction. But how can the elders be expected to save it if they have not studied it and are not sure if it is being destroyed or what is destroying it?
Now it is not so much a case of a man giving up all his other duties to fight for freedom, as it is a case of a man getting his life in balance so he can discharge all of his God-given responsibilities. And of all these responsibilities President McKay has said that we have "no greater immediate responsibility" than "to protect the freedom vouchsafed by the Constitution of the United States."
There is no excuse that can compensate for the loss of liberty.
Satan is anxious to neutralize the inspired counsel of the Prophet and hence keep the priesthood off balance, ineffective and inert in the fight for freedom. He does this through diverse means, including the use of perverse reasoning. . . .
The cause of freedom is a most basic part of our religion. Our position on freedom helped get us to this earth and it can make the difference as to whether we get back home or not. . . .
Now part of the reason why we do not have sufficient Priesthood bearers to save the Constitution, let alone to shake the powers of hell, is, I fear, because unlike Moroni, our souls do not joy in keeping our country free and we are not firm in the faith of Christ, nor have we sworn with an oath to defend our rights. ("Our Immediate Responsibility" 10-11; also in Enemy 313-15)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 189.)
13.72. Here in America, the Lord's base of operations—so designated by the Lord Himself through His holy prophets—we of the priesthood, members of His restored Church, might well provide the balance of power to save our freedom. Indeed we might, if we go forward as Moroni of old, and raise the standard of liberty throughout the land [Alma 62:4]. My brethren, we can do the job that must be done. We can, as a priesthood, provide the balance of power to preserve our freedom and save this nation from bondage.
The Prophet Joseph Smith is reported to have prophesied the role the priesthood might play to save our inspired Constitution. Now is the time to move forward courageously—to become alerted, informed, and active. . . .
We know, as do no other people, that the Constitution of the United States is inspired—established by men whom the Lord raised up for that very purpose [D&C 101:80]. We cannot—we must not—shirk our sacred responsibility to rise up in defense of our God-given freedom. ("Our Immediate Responsibility" 17; compare Enemy 321; TETB 620)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 190.)
13.80. It is a part of my religious belief that America is a land choice above all others, that we are not just another of the family of nations, but that we have been singled out to perform a divine mission for liberty-loving people everywhere. Those who founded this republic were wise men raised up by our Father in heaven to perform that very task, and the Constitution of this land was inspired by God. We have a divine duty—even a destiny—to preserve that Constitution from destruction and hold it aloft to the world. (GFC 405; from an address given at the New England Rally for God, Family, and Country honor banquet; Boston, MA, 4 Jul 1972)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 193 - 194.)
The destiny of America was divinely decreed. The events that established our great nation were foreknown to God and revealed to prophets of old. As in an enacted drama, the players who came on the scene were rehearsed and selected for their parts. Their talent, abilities, capacities, and weaknesses were known before they were born. ("God's Hand in Our Nation's History" 297-98; revised in This Nation Shall Endure 11)
13.89. The Lord has also decreed that this land should be "the place of the new Jerusalem, which should come down out of heaven, and the holy sanctuary of the Lord." (Ether 13:3.) Here is our nation's destiny! To serve God's eternal purposes and to prepare this land and the people for America's eventual destiny, He "established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom [He] raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood." (D&C 101:80.) ("God's Hand in Our Nation's History" 301; This Nation Shall Endure 13)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 196.)
13.97. You must keep your honor. You cannot yet speak officially for the country, but you can become informed. You can speak your mind. You may think you can do little about the national economy or the actions of our government and the moral weakness all about us, but we must all remember that the Lord has placed great responsibilities upon the elders of Israel in the preservation of our Constitution. (TETB 622; from an address given at a Young Adult Fireside, Logan, UT, 11 Feb 1979)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 200 - 201.)
. . . I further witness that this land—the Americas—must be protected, its Constitution upheld, for this is a land foreordained to be the Zion of our God. He expects us as members of the Church and bearers of His priesthood to do all we can to preserve our liberty. ("A Witness and a Warning" 33)
13.100. Before the gospel could again shine forth its resplendent light, religious and political freedom first had to be restored. This land had been preserved as a continent apart from the religious oppression, tyranny, and intolerance of Europe. In time, emigrants came to the new land and established colonies. By and large, they were a God-fearing people. A war was fought for their independence, and by God's intervention, victory was achieved (see 1 Nephi 13:16-19). By that same omnipotent power the Constitution was born (see D&C 101:80), which guaranteed religious and political liberty (see D&C 98:5-8). Only then was the time propitious for the kingdom of God—that "stone cut out without hands"—to be restored (see Dan 2:34). (This Nation Shall Endure 116; compare TETB 109)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 201.)
13.104. The Founding Fathers understood the principle that "righteousness exalteth a nation" (Prov 14:34), and helped to bring about one of the greatest systems ever used to govern men. But unless we continue to seek righteousness and preserve the liberties entrusted to us, we shall lose the blessings of heaven. Thomas Jefferson said, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." The price of freedom is also to live in accordance with the commandments of God. The early Founding Fathers thanked the Lord for His intervention in their behalf. They saw His hand in their victories in battle and believed strongly that He watched over them.
The battles are not over yet, and there will yet be times when this great nation will need the overshadowing help of Deity. Will we as a nation be worthy to call upon Him for help? (TETB 601; from an address given at the Provo Freedom Festival, Provo, UT, 29 Jun 1986)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 203.)
13.107. The War that began in heaven is not yet over. The conflict continues on the battlefield of mortality. And one of Lucifer's primary strategies has been to restrict our agency through the power of earthly governments. . . .
. . . We must appreciate that we live in one of history's most exceptional moments—in a nation and a time of unprecedented freedom. Freedom as we know it has been experienced by perhaps less than one percent of the human family. (CHB 3-4)
13.108. History is not an accident. Events are foreknown to God. His superintending influence is behind the actions of his righteous children. Long before America was even discovered, the Lord was moving and shaping events that would lead to the coming forth of the remarkable form of government established by the Constitution. America had to be free and independent to fulfill this destiny. (CHB 10; compare TETB 587)
13.110. The coming forth of the Constitution is of such transcendent importance in the Lord's plan that ancient prophets foresaw this event and prophesied of it. In the dedicatory prayer for the Idaho Falls Temple, President George Albert Smith indicated that the Constitution fulfilled the ancient prophecy of Isaiah that "out of Zion shall go forth the law" (Isa 2:3). (CHB 16; also in TETB 595)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 204.)
13.115. To all who have discerning eyes, it is apparent that the republican form of government established by our noble forefathers cannot long endure once fundamental principles are abandoned. Momentum is gathering for another conflict—a repetition of the crisis of two hundred years ago. This collision of ideas is worldwide. Another monumental moment is soon to be born. The issue is the same that precipitated the great premortal conflict—will men be free to determine their own course of action or must they be coerced?
We are fast approaching that moment prophesied by Joseph Smith when he said: "Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction." (July 19, 1840, Joseph Smith Collection, LDS Church Historical Department.) (CHB 27-28; revised in TETB 623-24)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 206.)
13.116. Will we be prepared? Will we be among those who will "bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction?" If we desire to be numbered among those who will, here are some things we must do:
1. We must be righteous and moral. We must live the gospel principles—all of them. We have no right to expect a higher degree of morality from those who represent us than what we ourselves are. In the final analysis, people generally get the kind of government they deserve. To live a higher law means we will not seek to receive what we have not earned by our own labor. It means we will remember that government owes us nothing. It means we will keep the laws of the land. It means we will look to God as our Lawgiver and the Source of our liberty.
2. We must learn the principles of the Constitution and then abide by its precepts. We have been instructed again and again to reflect more intently on the meaning and importance of the Constitution and to adhere to its principles. What have we done about this instruction? Have we read the Constitution and pondered it? Are we aware of its principles? Could we defend it? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? The Church will not tell us how to do this, but we are admonished to do it. I quote Abraham Lincoln: "Let [the Constitution] be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges, let it be written in primers, in spelling books and in almanacs, let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And, in short, let it become the political religion of the nation."
3. We must become involved in civic affairs. As citizens of this republic, we cannot do our duty and be idle spectators. It is vital that we follow this counsel from the Lord: "I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil. And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God" (D&C 98:8-11).
Note the qualities that the Lord demands in those who are to represent us. They must be good, wise, and honest. Some leaders may be honest and good but unwise in legislation they choose to support. Others may possess wisdom but be dishonest and unvirtuous. We must be concerted in our desires and efforts to see men and women represent us who possess all three of these qualities.
4. We must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, and our advice. We must be wisely informed and let others know how we feel. We must take part in local precinct meetings and select delegates who will truly represent our feelings.
I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. But it will not be saved in Washington. It will be saved by the citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church—men and women who will subscribe to and abide the principles of the Constitution. (CHB 28-31)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 206.)
13.117. I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval on the Constitution of this land [D&C 101:76-80]. I testify that the God of Heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and He has sent other choice spirits—even you who read my words—to preserve it. (CHB 31; compare TETB 614)
13.118. We encourage Latter-day Saints throughout the nation to familiarize themselves with the Constitution. They should focus attention on it by reading and studying it. They should ponder the blessings that come through it. They should recommit themselves to its principles and be prepared to defend it and the freedom it provides. (D&C 109:54.) . . .
Because some Americans have not kept faith with our Founding Fathers, the Constitution faces severe challenges. Those who do not prize individual freedom are trying to erode its great principles. We believe the Constitution will stand, but it will take the efforts of patriotic and dedicated Americans to uphold it. . . . We, as Latter-day Saints, must be vigilant in doing our part to preserve the Constitution and safeguard the way of life it makes possible.
This bicentennial year affords us renewed opportunities to learn more about this divinely inspired charter of our liberty, to speak in its defense, and to preserve and protect it against evil or destruction. ("First Presidency Urges Observance of Bicentennial of the Constitution" 11)
13.119. May we be worthy of the freedoms that have been provided us in our Constitution, and equal to the trials and tests that shall surely come. We truly have special and individual responsibilities to befriend and to defend that "glorious standard," our Constitution.
Our Heavenly Father raised up the men who founded this government (see D&C 101:80), thereby fulfilling the prophecy of His Beloved Son that the people "should be established in this land and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father" (3 Nephi 21:4). (TETB 594; from an address given at the Bicentennial Ball, Salt Lake City, UT, 18 Sep 1987)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 208.)
13.122. How then can we best befriend the Constitution in this critical hour and secure the blessings of liberty and ensure the protection and guidance of our Father in Heaven?
First and foremost, we must be righteous. . . .
Two great American Christian civilizations—the Jaredites and the Nephites—were swept off this land because they did not "serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ" (Ether 2:12). What will become of our civilization?
Second, We must learn the principles of the Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers. ("Our Divine Constitution" 6-7)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 209.)
13.124. I testify that America is a choice land. (See 2 Nephi 1:5.) God raised up the founding fathers of the United States of America and established the inspired Constitution. (See D&C 101:77-80.) This was the required prologue for the restoration of the gospel. (See 3 Nephi 21:4.) America will be a blessed land unto the righteous forever, and is the base from which God will continue to direct the worldwide latter-day operations of His kingdom. (See 2 Nephi 1:7.) ("I Testify" 87)
(Donald Q. Cannon, ed., Latter-day Prophets and the United States Constitution [Provo: BYU Religious Studies Center, 1991], 210.)
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——. True Patriotism—An Expression of Faith. N.p.: Columbia Broadcast System, 1941.
——. Ye Are the Light of the World. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974.
McKay, David O. "Address to Marines Enlisted in Newest 'Mormon Battalion.'" Church News (18 Jul 1942) 4.
——. "Cherish Noble Aspirations." Improvement Era (Dec 1965) 68:1160-61; also in Conference Report (Oct 1965) 144-46.
——. "The Church and the Present War." Improvement Era (May 1942) 45:276, 340-42; also in Conference Report (Apr 1942) 70-74.
——. "Closing Address." Improvement Era (Dec 1952) 55:952-54; also in Conference Report (Oct 1952) 128-31.
——. Conference Report (Apr 1935) 110-16.
——. Conference Report (Apr 1937) 27-31.
——. Conference Report (Oct 1939) 101-05.
——. Dedicatory Address Delivered at Swiss Temple Dedication." Improvement Era (Nov 1955) 58:795+.
——. "Dedicatory Prayer—Los Angeles Temple." Improvement Era (Apr 1956) 59:225-27.
——. "'Education for Citizenship.'" Church News (13 Mar 1954) 2-3.
——. "The Enemy Within." Instructor (Feb 1956) 91:33-34.
——. "Essentials of a Better World." Improvement Era (Nov 1940) 43:656+; also in Conference Report (Oct 1940) 101-05.
——. "Faith and Freedom: Two Guiding Principles of the Pilgrims." Instructor (Nov 1956) 91:321-22.
——. "Favorable and Unfavorable Phases of Present-day Conditions." Improvement Era (Jun 1952) 55:406-08; also in Conference Report (Apr 1952) 11-16.
——. "The Founding of an American Republic." Instructor (Jul 1964) 99:249-51.
——. "Free Agency . . . A Divine Gift." Improvement Era (May 1950) 53:366-67, 378; also in Conference Report (Apr 1950) 31-37.
——. "The Gospel and the Individual." Improvement Era (Dec 1962) 65:900-03; also in Conference Report (Oct 1962) 5-8.
——. Gospel Ideals. Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1953.
——. "Honor, Honesty, Integrity." Improvement Era (Aug 1952) 55:565-66.
——. "Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts." Improvement Era (Jun 1969) 72:28-31; also in Conference Report (Apr 1969) 93-97.
——. Letter to Ernest L. Wilkinson. N.d. Special Collections. Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young Univ, Provo, UT.
——. "The Light That Shines in Darkness." Improvement Era (Nov 1942) 45:690-91, 750; also in Conference Report (Oct 1942) 67-70.
——. Man May Know for Himself. Comp. Clare Middlemiss. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1967.
——. Pathways to Happiness. Comp.Llewelyn R. McKay. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1957.
——. "Principle of Choice Most Vital to World." Church News (2 Jan 1952) 2-4.
——. "Safeguard in Loyalty." Church News (29 May 1954) 2-3.
——. Secrets of a Happy Life. Comp. Llewelyn R. McKay. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1967.
——. "Statement Concerning the Position of the Church on Communism." Improvement Era (Jun 1966) 69:477, 580; also in Conference Report (Apr 1966) 109-10, and Conference Report (Apr 1969) 93-97.
——. Statements on Communism and the Constitution of the United States. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1964
——. Stepping Stones to an Abundant Life. Comp. Llewelyn R. McKay. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1971.
——. Treasures of Life. Comp. Clare Middlemiss. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1962.
——. "True Education: The Paramount Purpose of a Free People." Instructor (Sep 1952) 87:257-58.
——. "Vote Your Convictions." Deseret News (2 Nov 1964) A1.
Melville, J. Keith. President John Taylor: A Latter-day Saint Legacy of Liberty. Provo, UT: Extension Services, Brigham Young Univ, 1964.
Morrell, Jeanette McKay. Highlights in the Life of President David O. McKay. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1966.
Nibley, Preston. "What of Joseph Smith's Prophecy That the Constitution Would Hang by a Thread." Church News (15 Dec 1948) 24.
The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith. Comp. Dean C. Jesse. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976.
Roberts, B. H. The Life of John Taylor. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1963.
——. Mormonism: The Relation of the Church to Christian Sects, Origin and History of Mormonism, Doctrines of the Church, Church Organization, Present Status. Salt Lake City: Deseret News, n.d.
Smith, George Albert. Conference Report (Oct 1911) 43-46.
——. Conference Report (Apr 1914) 10-14.
——. Conference Report (Oct 1917) 39-46.
——. Conference Report (Oct 1921) 158-62.
——. Conference Report (Oct 1922) 94-99.
——. Conference Report (Oct 1924) 44-49.
——. Conference Report (Oct 1928) 90-95.
——. Conference Report (Oct 1936) 71-77.
——. Conference Report (Apr 1940) 83-88.
——. Conference Report (Apr 1948) 177-85.
——. "Dedicatory Prayer . . . Idaho Falls Temple." Improvement Era Oct 1945) 48:562-65.
——. "Dedicatory Prayer. This Is the Place Monument." Church News (2 Aug 1947) 9, 12.
——. "For Law and Liberty—and Salvation." Improvement Era (Nov 1950) 53:869-70.
——. "From a Prophet to His People." Improvement Era (May 1949) 52:266+; also in Conference Report (Apr 1949) 165-71.
——. Improvement Era (Nov 1945) 48:712+; also in Conference Report (Oct 1945) 167-75.
——. "Liberty Under the Constitution." Improvement Era (Dec 1950) 53:963-65; also in Conference Report (Oct 1950) 4-9.
——. "Lincoln . . . and This Land." Improvement Era (Feb 1951) 54:77; also in Conference Report (Oct 1922) 94-99.
——. "Obedience to Law." Improvement Era (Jul 1949) 52:429, 477.
——. "Our Father's Work." Improvement Era (Nov 1949) 52:698+; also in Conference Report (Oct 1949) 4-9.
——. "Perpetuating Liberty." Improvement Era (Feb 1950) 53:93-94.
——. "Progress of the M.I.A.—Their Slogans." Improvement Era (Aug 1924) 27:899-904.
——. Sharing the Gospel with Others. Comp. Preston Nibley. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1948.
——. "Welfare Program, A Wonderful Thing." Improvement Era (Nov 1949) 52:699; also in Conference Report (Oct 1949) 168.
——. "The Work of God." Improvement Era (May 1947) 50:266+; also in Conference Report (Apr 1947) 160-67.
Smith, Joseph. Powers and Policy of the Government. Nauvoo, IL: Taylor, 1844.
Smith, Joseph F. "An Address. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the World." Improvement Era (May 1907) 10:481-95.
——. "Magazine Slanders Confuted." Improvement Era (Jun 1911) 14:719-24.
——. "The Mexican Trouble—Loyalty to the Constitution." Improvement Era (Dec 1912) 16:91, 98-102; also in Conference Report (Oct 1912) 1-11.
——. "The 'Mormonism' of To-Day." Arena (May 1903) 29:449-56.
——. "Thrift and Economy." Improvement Era (May 1918) 21:631-37.
Smith, Joseph Fielding. "Blessed Is the Nation Whose God Is the Lord." Improvement Era (May 1943) 46:274-75, 312-13; also in Conference Report (Apr 1943) 11-16.
——. Church History and Modern Revelation. 2 vols. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1953.
——. Conference Report (Apr 1935) 96-100.
——. Doctrines of Salvation. Comp. Bruce R. McConkie. 3 vols. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-56.
——. "Founded in the Wisdom of God." Improvement Era (May 1950) 53:370+; also in Conference Report (Apr 1950) 153-59.
——. The Progress of Man. Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1936.
——. Seek Ye Earnestly. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1970.
——. The Signs of the Times. Independence, MO: Press of Zion's Printing and Publishing, 1947.
——. Take Heed to Yourselves! Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1966.
Smith, Joseph Fielding, Jr., and John J. Stewart. The Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, Tenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1972.
Snow, Eliza R. "Eliza R. Snow." Deseret News Weekly (19 Jan 1870) 556-57.
Snow, Lorenzo. "Boys Are Welcomed Home By Patriotic Multitude." Salt Lake Herald (20 Aug 1899) 1.
——. "Mighty Demonstration of Joy and Rejoicing Greet the Heroes Everywhere." Deseret Evening News (19 Aug 1899) 1; also in Deseret Semi-Weekly News (22 Aug 1899) 1.
Taylor, John. An Address to the Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. N.p.: n.p., 1882.
——. Conference Report (Apr 1880) 99-103.
——. The Gospel Kingdom. Comp. G. Homer Durham. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1964.
——. "Introductory Address." Mormon (17 Feb 1855) 2.
——. A Short Account of the Murders, Roberies, . . . Martin Mormon Pamphlet Reprint Series, No. 23. Provo, UT: Martin, n.d.
Taylor, Samuel W., and Raymond W. Taylor. The John Taylor Papers: Records of the Last Utah Pioneer. 2 vols. Redwood City, CA: Taylor, 1984-85.
The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988.
The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball. Ed. Edward L. Kimball. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982.
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Comp. Joseph Fielding Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976.
Thompson, Dennis L. "The Latter-day Saint Concept of an Inspired Constitution of the United States." Master's thesis. Tempe, AZ: Arizona State Univ, 1961.
Tyler, Daniel. The Mormon Battalion. Glorieta, NM: Rio Grande, 1881.
Vetterli, Richard. Mormonism, Americanism, and Politics. Salt Lake City: Ensign, 1961.
Wilford Woodruff's Journal. Ed. Scott G. Kenney. 9 vols. Midvale, UT: Signature, 1983-85.
Woodruff, Wilford. Conference Report (Apr 1898) 88-90.
——. "Discourse by President Wilford Woodruff." Millennial Star (23 Dec 1889) 51:801-02.
——. Inaugural Address. Salt Lake City: Barrett, 1896.
——."Official Declaration." Millennial Star (20 Jan 1890) 52:33-35.
——. Prayer Offered at the Dedication of the Temple of the Lord. Salt Lake City: n.p., 1893.
——. "President Woodruff States the Facts." Millennial Star (16 Dec 1889) 51:788-89.
——. "Remarks." Deseret News (7 Oct 1857) 246.
The Words of Joseph Smith. Comp. and ed. Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980.
Young, Brigham. "History of Brigham Young." Millennial Star (21 May 1864) 26:326-29.
——. "Oration by His Excellency Governor Young." Deseret News (9 Jul 1856) 4.