This Nation will be on the...verge of crumbling to peices...& tumbling to the ground & when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin this people will be the Staff up[on] which the Nation shall lean & they shall bear the constitution away from the very verge of destruction. -JS

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. -Joseph Smith

“The Lord say: Go tell my servants who are the strength of mine house, my young men and middle-aged, etc., Come to the land of my vineyard and fight the battle of the Lord.” -Joseph Smith

Kings & Queens shall come,...the foreign saints shall come to fight for the land of my vineyard,for in this thing shall be their safety & 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.

I am tired of the misrepresentation, calumny and detraction, heaped upon me by wicked men; and desire and claim, only those principles guaranteed to all men by the Constitution and laws of the United States and of Illinois.

If we have to give up our chartered rights, privileges, and freedom, which our fathers fought, bled, and died for, and which the constitution of the United States and of this state guarantee unto us, we will do it only at the point of the sword and bayonet. -Joseph Smith

“Shall we longer bear these cruelties which have been heaped upon us for the last ten years in the face of heaven, and in open violation of the constitution and law of these United States and of this state? God forbid! I will not bear it.” -Joseph Smith

The benefits of the constitution and laws are alike for all; and the great Eloheim has given me the privilege of having the benefits of the constitution and the writ of habeas corpus.

I am the greatest advocate of the Constitution of the United States there is on the earth. -Joseph Smith

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. -Joseph Smith

[The Constitution] provides that all men shall enjoy religious freedom, yet it does not provide the manner by which that freedom can be preserved, nor for the punishment of Government officers who refuse to protect the people in their religious rights. -Joseph Smith

“The Constitution should contain a provision that every officer of the Government who should neglect or refuse to extend the protection guaranteed in the Constitution should be subject to capital punishment.” -Joseph Smith

“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.” -Joseph Smith

The constitution expects every man to do his duty; and when he fails the law urges him; or should he do too much, the same master rebukes him. -Joseph Smith

Will the Constitution be destroyed? No...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. -Brigham Young

What did the Prophet Joseph say? When the Constitution shall be tottering we shall be the people to save it from the hand of the foe. -Jedediah M. Grant

I believe [Joseph] said something like this—that the time would come when the Constitution and the country would be in danger of an overthrow; and said he, If the Constitution be saved at all, it will be by the Elders of this Church. -Orson Hyde

I heard the prophet Joseph Smith say if the people rose up and mobbed us and the authorities countenanced it, they would have mobs to their hearts’ content. -Eliza R. Snow

I heard [Joseph] say that the time would come when this nation would so far depart from its original purity, its glory, and its love for freedom and its protection of civil rights and religious rights, that the Constitution of our country would hang as it were by a thread. -E.R.S

He said, also, that this people, the sons of Zion, would rise up and save the Constitution and bear it off triumphantly. -Eliza R. Snow

“I arose and spoke substantially as follows: . . . I love the government and the constitution of the United States, but I do not love the damned rascals who administer the government.” - Brigham Young

Our national institutions will never fail, unless it be through the wickedness of the people, and the designs of evil men in brief authority; for those rights were ordained of God on this land, for the establishment of the principles of truth on the earth. -Brigham Young

With regard to the doings of our fathers and the Constitution of the United States, I have to say, they present to us a glorious prospect in the future, but one we cannot attain to until the present abuses in the Government are corrected. - Brigham Young

When the Constitution of the United States hangs, as it were, upon a single thread, they will have to call for the “Mormon” Elders to save it from utter destruction; and they will step forth and do it. - Brigham Young

“When the wicked rule the people mourn” [D&C 98:9], and when the corruption of a people bears down the scale in favor of wickedness, that people is nigh unto destruction. -Brigham Young

I do not lift my voice against the great and glorious Government guaranteed to every citizen by our Constitution, but against those corrupt administrators who trample the Constitution and just laws under their feet. -Brigham Young

The Constitution of the United States has ever been respected and honored by us. We consider it one of the best national instruments ever formed. - John Taylor

“Joseph Smith in his day said it was given by inspiration of God. We have ever stood by it, and we expect when the fanaticism of false, blatant friends shall have torn it shred from shred, to stand by the shattered ruins and uphold the broken, desecrated remnant..” -John Taylor

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. -John Taylor

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. - John Taylor

“When deserted by all, the elders of Israel would rally around its shattered fragments and save and preserve it inviolate.” -John Taylor

“When the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States the Elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of the earth and proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men,and extending the hand of fellowship to the oppressed of all nations.”

“They will tear away one plank of liberty after another, until the whole fabric will totter and fall; and many other nations will be cast down and empires destroyed; and this nation will have to suffer as others will.” -John Taylor

“There is no one found to sustain the remnants of liberty that may be left, the Elders of Israel will rally round the standard of freedom and proclaim liberty to all the world.” -John Taylor

“The elders of this Church will rally round the Constitution, lift up the standard of freedom, which is being trodden under foot and bedrabbled by demagogues, and proclaim liberty to the world; equal rights, liberty and equality; freedom of conscience...” -John Taylor

Who will sustain [the constitution]? We will, in the name of Israel’s God. Of this the Prophet Joseph Smith prophesied long, long ago.” -John Taylor

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. - John Taylor

[The wicked]...will be split up and divided, be disintegrated and become weak as water, for the Lord will handle them in his own way.I say these things in sorrow; but as sure as God lives unless there is a change of policy these things will most assuredly take place.-John Taylor

If our Constitution, our laws, and the fundamental principles of our Government are to be trampled underfoot, it would seem to be high time that all honorable men should stand up in defense of liberty and the rights of man. -John Taylor

“ We have been told by Joseph Smith that when the people of this nation would trample upon the Constitution, the Elders of this Church would rally round the flag and defend it And it may come to that; we may be nearer to it than some of us think...” -John Taylor

“You will find they will tear the Constitution to shreads, as they have begun now; they won’t have to begin; they have started long ago to rend the Constitution of our country in pieces..” -John Taylor

You will see trouble,trouble,trouble enough in these United States.But let us be on the side of human liberty and human rights,and the protection of all correct principles and laws and government,and maintain every principle that is upright and virtuous and honorable.-John Taylor

“During the lifetime of the Prophet Joseph Smith he predicted that the time would come when it would devolve upon the Latter-day Saints to uplift, defend and maintain the Constitution of the United States.” -John Taylor

The God of heaven will maintain them until Jesus Christ comes in the clouds of heaven to set up His throne in Jerusalem, and to reign on the earth a thousand years. -Wilford Woodruff

“The Prophet Joseph Smith had said the time would come when the principles of the Constitution would be forsaken and that instrument would be rent asunder, and this people would then step forward and rescue it from entire destruction.” -Wilford Woodruff

I would to God that our nation could understand the blessings they enjoy. There is no nation on the face of the earth that has the same liberty that is guaranteed to us by the Constitution of our country. -Wilford Woodruff

“I am going to bear my testimony...that those men who laid the foundation of this American government and signed the Declaration of Independence were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits.” -Wilford Woodruff

“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.” -Lorenzo Snow

“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.” -Joseph F. Smith

“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...” -Joseph F. Smith

“Joseph Smith, the prophet, was inspired to affirm and ratify this truth, and he further predicted that the time would come, when the Constitution of our country would hang as it were by a thread...” Joseph F. Smith

“We should stand with a front like flint against every spirit or species of contempt or disrespect for the Constitution of our country and the constitutional laws of our land.” -Joseph F. Smith

“I believe that the Constitution of the United States was and still is an inspired instrument. The Lord God Almighty inspired the minds that framed it, and I believe it ought to be most sacredly preserved. It is worthy of the defense and should be upheld..” -Joseph F. Smith

“[God] inspired the framers of the Constitution and the fathers of this nation to contend for their liberty.” - Joseph F. Smith

“We believe absolutely in the inspiration of God to the men
who framed our Constitution.” -Heber J. Grant

“No man who spends his money to help men break that law can truthfully say that he is a loyal citizen.” -Heber J. Grant

“The Latter-day Saints believe and have taught from the beginning that God raised up the men who wrote the Constitution of this country: that it was an inspired document, and that the Lord fought on the side of our revolutionary fathers.” -Heber J. Grant

Communism is not a political party nor a political plan under the Constitution; it is a system of government that is the opposite of our Constitutional government, and it would be necessary to destroy our government before Communism could be set up in the United States. - H.J.G.

No patriotic American citizen may become either a Communist or supporter of Communism. . . -Heber J. Grant

We call upon all Church members completely to eschew Communism. The safety of our divinely inspired Constitutional government and the welfare of our Church imperatively demand that Communism shall have no place in America. -Heber J. Grant

“Communism and all other similar isms bear no relationship whatever to the United Order. They are merely the clumsy counterfeits which Satan always devises of the gospel plan...“ -Heber J. Grant

“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..were written into the Constitution of the United States.”-HJG

“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...” -George Albert Smith

“Let us sustain good men & great men everywhere, & pray for them as we are told to do in this same record. Pray for the chief executive of the Nation & his associates,asking God to inspire them to labor for the good of humanity & the liberty of mankind.” -George Albert Smith

“It is pleasing...to me, that the Lord not only inspired men to prepare the Constitution but that he made record of the fact that he did raise them up for that purpose.” -George Albert Smith

“It is our duty to pray for good men and wise men, and to hold up their hands in their attempts to perpetuate peace and law and order among the nations of the earth.” -George Albert Smith

No loyal member of this great Church will raise his voice against the government, but he will be found upholding it; he will be found praying for those who have been exalted to the office of presidency and for those who make the laws, under the Constitution. -George Albert Smith

“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...” -George Albert Smith

“When we see that starry flag,men should uncover their heads in reverence,and our sisters should evidence their appreciation of it. Wherever we go,let us keep in our hearts this thought: this is the land of Zion,dedicated for the blessing...of mankind.” -George Albert Smith

“It behooves those who do understand to consider seriously and faithfully, the benefits that will flow to us by honoring and sustaining the government that was reared under the direction of our heavenly Father.” - George Albert Smith

“There are those who are misguided in the belief that they may organize groups and take into their own hands the punishment of those who have differed from them in their ideas of religion or government.” - George Albert Smith

It is your duty and mine to remember in our prayers the President of the United States of America,to remember [those] who represent us in the Congress of the United States,to remember the executives of the states of the nation,and to pray for them that they may have divine aid.

The founding of the United States was not an accident. The giving to us of the Constitution of the United States was not an accident. Our Heavenly Father knew what would be needed, and so he paved the way to give us the Constitution. It came under the influence of prayer.

“I hope that the membership of this Church will not be deceived into thinking that other plans, other forms of government, other systems of direction whatsoever, are desirable.”-George Albert Smith

“I want to say to you without any hesitation that no form of government in the world can be compared favorably with the government God gave to us. This is his plan.” - George Albert Smith

“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.” - George Albert Smith

“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.” -George Albert Smith

“Some of whom may be friends or relatives who are misguided by the idea that the Constitution of the United States isn’t as fine a system of government as...some other part of the world.” -George Albert Smith

“There is another danger even more menacing than the threat of invasion of a foreign foe. It is the unpatriotic activities and underhanded scheming of disloyal groups and organizations within our own borders. . .” -David O. McKay

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)

“If we would make the world better, let us foster a keener appreciation of the freedom and liberty guaranteed by the government of the United States as framed by the founders of this nation.” -David O. McKay

“There are unsound economic theories; there are European “isms,” which, termite-like, secretly and, recently, quite openly and defiantly, are threatening to undermine our democratic institutions.” David O. McKay

“Therefore, as against the tyranny and despotism of Totalitarianism and Dictatorships, let us willingly and heroically, defend the Constitution of this land that guarantees to every citizen of the republic, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness..” -David O. McKay

I repeat that no greater immediate responsibility rests upon members of the Church, upon all citizens of this Republic and of neighboring Republics than to protect the freedom vouchsafed by the Constitution of the United States. - David O. McKay

“Teachings & ideologies subversive to the fundamental principles of this great Republic,which are contrary to the Constitution of the United States, or which are detrimental to the progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,will be condemned.” -David O. McKay

“I appreciate the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights that grant unto each man individual liberty...I have nothing but contempt in my heart for men who would disgrace that flag or would mar the standards of freedom and individual liberty.” -David O. McKay

“I appreciate the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights that grant unto each man individual liberty. . . . I have nothing but contempt in my heart for men who would disgrace that flag or would mar the standards of freedom and individual liberty.”-David O. McKay

“I love the Stars and Stripes, and the American Way of Life. I have faith in the Constitution of the United States. I believe that only through a truly educated citizenry can the ideals that inspired the Founding Fathers of our Nation be preserved and perpetuated.”-David O. McKay

“Let every loyal member of the Church look down with scorn upon any man or woman who would undermine that Constitution.” -David O. McKay

Next to being one in worshiping God, there is nothing in this world upon which this Church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States! -David O. McKay

“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.” -David O. McKay

Strive 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 founding fathers. -David O. McKay

“We therefore commend and encourage every person and every group who is sincerely seeking to study Constitutional principles and awaken a sleeping and apathetic people to the alarming conditions that are rapidly advancing about us.” -David O. McKay

“Let us be true to our nation! There is every reason to be true to it.” -David O. McKay

“We should feel grateful that we are not hampered nor hindered in any way by a government that would presume to tell us how to worship, what to worship, or how to build.” -David O. McKay

In the United States of America, the Constitution vouchsafes individual freedom, and let us pray also that the Lord will frustrate the plans of the Communists who would deprive us of freedom. - David O. McKay

“Be true to the Constitution of the United States, to the Bill of Rights. Do not let any theories of immigrants or misguided politicians induce you to do anything that will deprive us of our liberties as vouchsafed by that immortal document.” -David O. McKay

“We should love the stars and stripes, and accept the constitution of these United States as divine. Don’t hesitate to stand on the right side.” David O. McKay

“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.” - David O. McKay

“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.” David O. McKay

“It is time the people of the United States were waking up with the understanding that if they don’t save the Constitution from the dangers that threaten it, we will have a change of government.” -Joseph Fielding Smith

“Our anxiety has been increased when we have listened to the attempts of men in high stations to stir up class hatreds that contradict the age-old constitutional guarantee of free enterprise.” - Harold B. Lee

Indeed, it has been said by a prophet in our generation that the time would come when the destiny of this nation would hang as by a single thread, but that it would be saved by the people who possessed faith in America and in her destiny. -Harold B. Lee

“The Constitution of the United States is as a tree of liberty under whose cooling branches one might find a haven from the scorching sun of turmoil and oppression and have his rights protected according to just and holy principles.” -Harold B. Lee

I would that all men could believe in the destiny of America as did the early pioneers: that it is the land of Zion; that the founders of this nation were men of inspired vision; that the Constitution as written by the inspiration of heaven must be preserved at all costs.-H.B.L.

Why the elders of this Church?Would it be sacrilegious to paraphrase the words of the Apostle Peter,&say that the Constitution of the United States could be saved by the elders of this Church because this Church & this Church alone has the words of eternal life? -Harold B. Lee

“Hold up...the prophetic statement of the...Joseph Smith that if & when our inspired Constitution should hang as by a thread,there would be prepared, well-qualified defenders of the faith of our fathers,the elders of this church, who would step forth & save the Constitution.”

“The righteousness of this people might again importune the Almighty to save it because of their pleadings.” -Harold B. Lee

“It is so easy to clamber onto the bandwagon & to join the extremists in condemnation, little realizing that when they commit their actions, they are not just tearing down a man; they are tearing down a nation...” - Harold B. Lee

“We should not be concerned about finding out what is wrong with America, but we should be finding what is right about America and should be speaking optimistically and enthusiastically about America.” - Harold B. Lee

I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through. -Harold B. Lee

“The sons of Zion, would rise up and save the Constitution and bear it off triumphantly.”

“The only way we can keep our freedom is to work at it. Not some of us. All of us. Not some of the time, but all of the time.” -Spencer W. Kimball

“So if you value your citizenship and you want to keep it for yourself and your children and their children, give it your faith, your belief, and give it your active support in civic affairs.” -Spencer W. Kimball

“It was to him that the founders of the American nation appeared in the St. George Temple, seeking to have the temple ordinances performed for them.” -Spencer W. Kimball

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. -Spencer W. Kimball

This same modern prophet [Joseph Smith] said—even though he knew he would suffer martyrdom in this land—”The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner.” -Ezra Taft Benson

[Joseph Smith] foresaw the time when the destiny of the nation would be in danger and would hang as by a thread. Thank God he did not see the thread break. -Ezra Taft Benson

[Joseph Smith]...indicated the important part his people should yet play in standing for the principles embodied in these sacred documents—the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. -Ezra Taft Benson

“The Prophet Joseph, as you will recall, had something to say regarding the important part which the elders of Israel would play in the safeguarding, if not the saving, of the Constitution of this land.” -Ezra Taft Benson

“We have heard that the Prophet Joseph said something about the time when the Constitution would be in danger. We do not know just what turn that will take.” - Ezra Taft Benson

“It is operated by human beings, but it is the best system in operation in this world today. If we are wise, we will preserve it, we will strengthen it and we will safeguard it for our children and our children’s children.” -Ezra Taft Benson

No true Latter-day Saint can be a Communist or a Socialist because Communist principles run counter to the revealed word of God and to the Constitution of this land which was established by men whom the God of Heaven raised up unto that very purpose [D&C 101:80].-Ezra Taft Benson

It is my conviction that the elders of Israel, widely spread over the nation, will, at the crucial time, successfully rally the righteous of our country and provide the necessary balance of strength to save the institutions of constitutional government. -Ezra Taft Benson

Now God will not permit America, his base of operations, to be destroyed. He has promised protection to this land if we will but serve the God of the land. He has also promised protection to the righteous even, if necessary, to send down fire from heaven to destroy their enemies.

No, God’s base of operations will not be destroyed. But it may be weakened and made less effective. -Ezra Taft Benson

“We must return to a love and respect for the basic spiritual concepts upon which this nation has been established. We must study the Constitution and the writings of the founding fathers.” -Ezra Taft Benson

In the providence of God, governments were intended to be the servants, not the masters of the people. This eternal truth needs to be emphasized and re-emphasized. -Ezra Taft Benson

“It is my firm belief, also, that the God of Heaven guided the Founding Fathers in establishing it for His particular purposes. But God’s purpose is to build people of character, not physical monuments to their material accumulations.” -Ezra Taft Benson