THE HONORABLE LAWS OF THE LAND, Chapter 13 of United Order

THE HONORABLE LAWS OF THE LAND, Chapter 13 of United Order 

Pages 185 to 195

http://ogdenkraut.com/?page_id=212

We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. (12th Article of Faith)

In Thompson, near Kirtland, Ohio, some of the Latter-day Saints; attempted to organize themselves into a United Order. But, before a full organization could be completed, according to the principles of consecration, some of the wealthy members backed out. They turned to the gentile civil courts and sued the Church. This was a serious blow to the establishment of the United Order in its earliest attempt, because they won the case, causing the collapse of the order. The Saints learned from this early lesson that it was necessary to organize, purchase land, and deed properties according to the laws of the land; otherwise, the gentiles and the apostates would have power to destroy and rob them of their property.

This rule of obeying the law of the land in temporal affairs was also confirmed by the Lord who said, “Organize yourselves according to the laws of man; that your enemies may not have power over you”. (D. & C. 44:4-5)