August 17, 1835 - D&C 134 was received

[Hemidakota]

August 17, 1835— Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received D&C 134, a revelation and declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general. (History of the Church, 2:247–49)

Place: Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio.

PublicationSection 134 was first published in the Messenger and Advocate (August 1835) and was included as section 102 in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Historical Setting: On 17 August 1835 an important Church conference was convened in Kirtland for the purpose of examining and approving a compilation of revelations ready for printing. This compilation, called "Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints," was prepared by a committee consisting of Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams.

At the close of the meeting, after all those present had examined the revelations and voted to approve them, Oliver Cowdery stood and "read an instrument containing certain principles or items upon law in general & church governments." After he had read the document, the entire congregation unanimously voted that it be accepted and included with the revelations.

Although Joseph Smith and Frederick G. Williams were on a mission to Michigan when the above meeting was held, the Prophet approved of section 134 and declared the statement to be "the belief of the Church" on principles of law and government.

The authorship of section 134 traditionally has been attributed to Oliver Cowdery.

J. Rueben Clark - "At a general assembly held in Kirtland on August 16, 1835, the Saints adopted a series of statements regarding human government. [section 134.] They are wise and as far-reaching as the Articles of Faith themselves. . . . They were given after the mobbings, plunderings, the assassinations of and part of our experiences in Missouri. They were uttered by a people, who, judged by human standards, had every reason to feel that their government had failed, and that they might not hopefully and successfully look thereto for their protection." (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., CR, April 1935, p. 90)

Joseph Smith - A general assembly of the Church of Latter-day Saints was held at Kirtland on the 17th of August, 1835, to take into consideration the labors of a committee appointed by a general assembly of the Church on the 24th of September, 1834, for the purpose of arranging the items of the doctrine of Jesus Christ for the government of the Church. The names of the committee were: Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery, and Frederick G. Williams, who, having finished said book according to the instructions given them, deem it necessary to call a general assembly of the Church to see whether the book be approved or not by the authorities of the Church: that it may, if approved, become a law and a rule of faith and practice to the Church. Wherefore, Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon, members of the First Presidency, (Presidents Joseph Smith, Jun., and Frederick G. Williams being absent on a visit to the Saints in Michigan,) Appointed Thomas Burdick, Warren Parrish, and Sylvester Smith clerks, and proceeded to organize the whole assembly . . .

"President Oliver Cowdery then read the following article on 'Governments and Laws in General,' which was accepted and adopted and ordered to be printed in said book, by a unanimous vote: [beginning of article.] 'That our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, we have thought proper to present, at the close of this volume, our opinion concerning the same.' [section 134, follows.]" (Joseph Smith, HC 2:243, p.247)

Background Narration:

Joseph Fielding Smith

A Declaration of Belief. At a conference of the Church held in Kirtland, Ohio, August 17, 1835, the Doctrine and Covenants was presented to the assembled conference for their acceptance or rejection. After the brethren there assembled had carefully and studiously considered the matter, the revelations which had been previously selected by the Prophet Joseph Smith were accepted as the word of the Lord by the unanimous vote of the conference, and were ordered printed. On the occasion of this conference, Joseph Smith the Prophet and his second counselor, Frederick G. Williams, were not present. They were on a brief mission to the Saints in Michigan, and because of this were not familiar with all the proceedings of this conference. After the conference had accepted the revelations, an article on marriage, which had been written by Oliver Cowdery, was read by Elder William W. Phelps and was ordered printed in the book with the revelations.

When this action had been taken, Oliver Cowdery arose and read another article, also written by himself, on "Governments and Laws in General." This article the conference also ordered printed in the book of Doctrine and Covenants. Unfortunately, a great many people, because these articles appeared in the Doctrine and Covenants, readily concluded that they had come through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and hence were to be received on a par with the other parts of the book of revelations. Because of this misinformation articles have been published from time to time declaring that these words on Government and Laws have come to us with the force of revelation having been from the mouth of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This article and the one on "Marriage" were not considered as revelations by the conference, but were published as an expression of belief of the members of the Church at that time.

The article on Governments and Laws has appeared in each edition of the Doctrine and Covenants since 1835, and has been accepted, as the preamble of the article states, as a declaration of belief of the Latter-day Saints. . . . (The Progress of Man, pp. 367-368)

Richard C. Cowan

This statement, written by Oliver Cowdery on behalf of the First Presidency, was adopted at the same conference which approved the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants for publication. In the light of recent persecution and the apparent ineffectiveness of civil government in protecting the Saints, the brethren felt the need for clarifying the Church's stand.

Responsibility to Obey the Law. The twelfth Article of Faith states: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." This blanket statement is qualified somewhat in two Doctrine and Covenants passages. D&C 134, verse 5, states that the Saints are "bound to sustain and uphold" their "respective governments Â… while protected in their inherent and inalienable rights by the laws of such governments." D&C 98, verse 5, requires not only that the law support basic rights and privileges but that it must also be Constitutional. These conditions make the Saints' obligation to obey and sustain the law of the land more reasonable.

Church and State. Both civil governments and religion were instituted by God for the good of mankind. (See verses 1 and 4.) Yet, according to verse 9, one should not unduly dominate the other. Still there is not total separation, because religion may appeal to the state for protection (verse 11) and must also seek and uphold wise and good men in government (see D&C 98:10). On the other hand, the state may not interfere with religious beliefs unless they prompt practices which infringe on the rights of others or result in crime. (See verse 4.)

The United States Constitution includes three provisions regarding religion:

1. Congress (the national government) cannot establish an official state church.

2. Congress cannot infringe upon freedom of worship.

3. There can be no religious qualifications or test for holding public office. (Doctrine and Covenants, Our Modern Scripture, by Richard O. Cowan, p.204-205)

Section Header Notes: A declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general, adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the Church held at Kirtland, Ohio, 17 August 1835 (see History of the Church, 2:247–49). The occasion was a meeting of Church leaders, brought together to consider the proposed contents of the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. At that time, this declaration was given the following preamble: “That our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, we have thought proper to present, at the close of this volume, our opinion concerning the same” (History of the Church, 2:247).

1–4, Governments should preserve freedom of conscience and worship; 5–8, All men should uphold their governments and owe respect and deference to the law; 9–10, Religious societies should not exercise civil powers; 11–12, Men are justified in defending themselves and their property.

Versus amount: 12

Suggested link: 98, Articles of Faith, 11 and 12

Summary: This section of the Doctrine and Covenants provides insights to the purpose of Governments and laws. Whether those governments and laws have a divine origin or are the results of man's endeavors, the underlying justification for their function is the same. They are to protect man's life, liberty, and property, whether it be temporal or spiritual in nature.. (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants , vol. 1 by L. G. Otten, C. M. Caldwell, p.300)

Edited August 17, 2010 by Hemidakota

[Hemidakota]

Other notes:

James R. Moss spoke about ‘Church and State’, which is part of the D&C 134:

“As Latter-day Saints, "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." Further, "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law" (Articles of Faith, 11 and 12).

These two fundamental beliefs—freedom of worship, and support of secular government—are basic to our understanding of the gospel. Yet historically the relationship between church and state has been one of tension and great difficulty, both in America and throughout the world. Section 134 of the Doctrine and Covenants is a declaration on "government and laws in general" adopted by the Church 17 August 1835, "that our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood." The document was authored by Oliver Cowdery. Although not originally received as a revelation, it has since been accepted and sustained as scripture and therefore claims the same authority and power as other sections in the Doctrine and Covenants.

Section 134 may conveniently be divided into the following: vv. 1, 3, 5-6, 8: Support of secular government; vv. 2, 5, 11: Support of inherent rights and individual freedoms; vv. 4, 7, 10, 12: Support of religious freedom; v. 9: Support of separation of church and state. The section strikes a reasoned, careful, and inspired balance between the concerns of organized society and individuals, between church and state, and between freedom and appropriate social restraints.

As Latter-day Saints, we support the concept that secular governments are appropriate and legitimate forms of social organization here on earth, and that we should honor and obey the laws that come from them to govern us when they conform with gospel principles. President David 0. McKay taught, "The three significant words used in the 12th Article of Faith express the proper attitude of the membership of the Church toward law. These words are—obey, honor, and sustain. . . . We obey law from a sense of right. We honor law because of its necessity and strength to society. We sustain law by keeping it in good repute." This same attitude was expressed earlier in this dispensation by Brigham Young when he wrote to the Saints in the British Isles: "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."

The rule of law among men, rather than personal rule, is also supported by section 134. Joseph Smith taught that law is good and from God, and that we should use it in society: "If, then, we admit that God is the source of all wisdom and understanding, we must admit that by His direct inspiration He has taught man that law is necessary in order to govern and regulate His own immediate interest and welfare; for this reason, that law is beneficial to promote peace and happiness among men. And as before remarked, God is the source from whence proceeds all good; and if man is benefitted by law, then certainly law is good; and if law is good, then law, or the principle of it eminated from God; for God is the source of all good; consequently, then, he was the first Author of law, or the principle of it, to mankind."

Section 134 teaches, however, that there is a limit to the allegiance owed secular governments. God holds governments accountable for making and administering laws "for the good and safety of society" (D&C 134:1). Governments are to frame laws that "secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life" (D&C 134:2).

Governmental officers are to enforce and administer laws "in equity and justice" (D&C 134:3). Governments are to protect individuals "in their inherent and inalienable rights" and are to hold "sacred the freedom of conscience" (D&C 134:5). Governments are therefore to use their power and authority not to coerce individuals but to support them in their divine, inherent individual rights.

President Joseph F. Smith taught that as long as governments serve their citizens in righteousness, those citizens should support their government:

The law of the land, which all have no need to break, is that law which is the constitutional law of the land, and that is as God himself has defined it. . . . Now it seems to me that this makes this matter so clear that it is not possible for any man who professes to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to make any mistake, or to be in doubt as to the course he should pursue under the command of God in relation to the observance of the laws of the land. . . .

The Lord Almighty requires this people to observe the laws of the land, to be subject to "the powers that be," so far as they abide by the fundamental principles of good government, but He will hold them responsible if they will pass unconstitutional measures and frame unjust and proscriptive laws. . . . If lawmakers have a mind to violate their oath, break their covenants and their faith with the people, and depart from the provisions of the Constitution, where is the law, human or divine, which binds me, as an individual, to outwardly and openly proclaim my acceptance of their acts? (Studies in Scripture, Vol. 1: The Doctrine and Covenants by Robert L. Millet, Kent P. Jackson p.527-529)”