10 Inspirational Patriotic Quotes from LDS Leaders

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Patriotic Joseph Smith
Image via Mormon Channel.

The 12th Article of Faith states, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

In honor of the Fourth of July we have compiled 10 patriotic quotes from various leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

1. 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.

2. Gordon B. Hinckley

Image via Zionvision.com
Image via Zionvision.com

I am convinced that if we are to continue to have the freedoms which came of the inspiration of the Almighty to our Founding Fathers, we must return to the God who is their true author…May we look to him as the author of our liberty.

3. Vaughan J. Featherstone

Image via LDS Church News.
Image via LDS Church News.

The priesthood of God should be an example of patriotism and loyalty to our country.

4. Ezra Taft Benson

Image via roberttbarrett.com.
Image via roberttbarrett.com.

I thank the Lord for the eternal principle of freedom, free agency, the right choice. I cherish patriotism and love of country in all lands.

5. Dallin H. Oaks

Image via Deseret News.
Image via Deseret News.

The single word that best describes a fulfillment of the duties of civic virtue is patriotism. Citizens should be patriotic. My favorite prescription for patriotism is that of Adlai Stevenson… ‘What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? . . . A patriotism that puts country ahead of self; a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.’

6. William R. Bradford

Image via LDS.org.
Image via LDS.org.

Govern yourself in kingdom-building activities, such as keeping a personal journal, genealogy and temple work, improved home teaching, welfare services, civic and patriotic involvement to protect our freedom.”

7. Brigham Young

myth brigham young
Image via LDS.org.

Sustain the government of the nation wherever you are, and speak well of it, for this is right, and the government has a right to expect it of you, so long as that government sustains you in your civil and religious liberty, in those rights which inherently belong to every person born on the earth.

8. Ezra Taft Benson

RIGHTEOUSNESS

9. Heber J. Grant

From left, Horace S. Ensign, Heber J. Grant, Alma O. Taylor and Louis A. Kelsch. Image via BYU.
From left, Horace S. Ensign, Heber J. Grant, Alma O. Taylor and Louis A. Kelsch. Image via BYU.

I pray for the people of the world; not only for the Latter-day Saints, but I pray God’s blessings upon every loyal, patriotic man and woman that is endeavoring to do right, and to uphold the laws of the countries where they reside.

10. Thomas S. Monson

Image via LDS Living.
Image via LDS Living.

When we safeguard (the heavenly virtue of freedom), when we honor it, when we protect it, we will walk with Washington, we will pray with patriots, and we shall have peace on earth, good will to men.

Bridget is a newsroom writer at LDS.net. She graduated in April 2015 from Brigham Young University in communications with an emphasis of public relations. She served a Spanish speaking LDS mission in McAllen, Texas. She is a skilled pianist and an expert baker of chocolate chip cookies.