Secret Combinations and LDSs

In the Forward to Brother Jack Monnett's book " Awakening To Our Awful Situation - Warnings from the Nephite Prophets", World Affairs Brief Editor, Brother Joel Skousen wrote: "The LDS faith is a great advantage in this world of deception. It is the only church with multiple scriptures warning the Saints to beware of these powerful secret combinations. The Book of Mormon, in particular, points out the way they operate, specifically touching upon their ability to use government and judges to provide cover and immunity....most Mormons pay little attention to this threat....it is disguised and not obvious to the cursory glance....But with those Book of Mormon warnings comes a grave responsibility to see the danger within and warn others, lest we be partially responsible for the fall of liberty. No, its not something you can leave to government, because the modern day Gadianton robbers have fully taken over large parts of government...." In the last paragraph of the Forward Joel wrote: "If....you cannot sense that something is wrong, you will have to await the grand announcements of the Second Coming -- when the secret acts of men throughout all the history of the earth will all be revealed."

Nephi son of Lehi prophesied "concerning the last days;" and included in his prophecy that there will be "secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil,..." [2 Nephi 26: 14&22].

Helaman and his son Nephi gave us excellent detailed insights into the evil works of secret combinations in their time. The goal of those conspiracies was "to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory...." by plundering wealth and taking control of government.

And Moroni gave us further warning and commandment in writing "....suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you. . . . Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you." and "....awake to a sense of your awful situation. . . ." [Ether 8:20-26]. President Boyd K. Packer reminded us of these statements most recently in the August 2010 Ensign Magazine [Page 23].

In the October 1988 Church General Conference, President Ezra Taft Benson told us that "Secret combinations lusting for power, gain and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world." Other latter-day prophets and apostles have given us similar such warnings.

But are Latter-day Saints generally awake and alert to this "awful situation"? We have been given commandments to read the scriptures, to be involved in learning about government, history, current events, and prophecy [D&C 88:79 and President Dieter Uchtdorf's reminder of this commandment in the October 2009 General Priesthood Meeting]. We have been told by almost every latter-day prophet and many apostles of the vital importance of studying, defending, upholding and abiding by the Constitution of the United States, with emphasis on understanding the original intent of the Founding Fathers who wrote it under the inspiration of the Lord. The ball is in our court.

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