The Articles of Faith / A Series of Lectures on the Principal Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

by James E. Talmage

LECTURE XXIII, ARTICLE 12.

Submission to the Law of the Land.

1. What are the teachings of the Church regarding the duties of its members with respect to the secular law?

2. Cite instances recorded in the Old Testament of Divine approval and admonition regarding the secular laws.

3. Give examples from the life of the Savior.

4. What were the teachings of the apostles of old regarding the observance of the law of the land by the members of the Church?

5. Cite the word of the Lord as given through modern revelation regarding the attitude of members of the Church toward the governments under which they live.

6. What has the Lord said as to His judgment concerning those who are effectually prevented by their enemies from a strict compliance with His requirements?

7. Give a modern instance of an abandonment by the Church, under pressure of secular law, of a Divine requirement.

8. Show that secular authority is recognized of God as necessary to the government of mankind, and that the officers of the law are therefore to be obeyed.

9. Summarize the declarations of belief regarding the duty of the Church toward the law of the land, as formulated by Joseph Smith, and as adopted by the Church.