An Observation And Statement Of Sixty Years Ago

POWER OF SATAN IN GOVERNMENTS OF WORLD. The United States is not the kingdom of God, neither is England, Germany, or France. Take all of the nations put together, they do not constitute the kingdom of God, but are only man-made worldly governments. Notwithstanding the Father raised up righteous men and directed them in the framing of this government and in giving the people the Constitution of the United States, it is not the government of God. Like all the rest, it is a man-made government, and we will not have the government of God until Christ comes to reign, and when he comes he is going to be King of kings. He is going to take his rightful place.    
Satan has control now. No matter where you look, he is in control, even in our own land. He is guiding the governments as far as the Lord will permit him. That is why there is so much strife, turmoil, and confusion all over the earth. One master mind is governing the nations. It is not the President of the United States; it is not Hitler; it is not Mussolini; it is not the king or government of England or any other land; it is Satan himself.  
  
WORLD TURMOIL BY SATAN. What does the Lord say in the 1st section of the Doctrine and Covenants: "The hour is not yet [this was over 100 years ago], but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion."     
Well, Satan certainly has dominion over his own, for his is the power of confusion, strife, bitterness, and class distinction. His is the power of delusion and not one of peace and righteousness. Where can righteousness be found in the world? In Europe, in Asia, in the United States? I say unto you, you are not going to have peace in the United States or anywhere in the world until the Prince of Peace comes to bring it.    

Men have taken the law in their own hands, have defied law and order. When strikes are settled in one place, they will break out in another. Why? Because Satan has power over his own dominions, and even among our legislators and the men sworn to preserve the Constitution, we find those who encourage this lawlessness and lend to it their support. This condition does not come out of the kingdom of God. These things will increase until the prophecies will all be fulfilled, and eventually the earth will be cleansed, and Christ will come as King of kings.    

LACK OF CHRISTIANITY AMONG NATIONS. It seems a shame that billions in money have to be spent and extra burdens be placed upon the backs of the people in order that nations may protect themselves, fearing attack of other nations, and that men cannot live together in this world in peace. The United States is considered to be, or has been in the past, a Christian nation. So likewise are the nations of Europe. Yet we find this condition prevailing: fear in the hearts of the people, nation preparing against nation; struggles have arisen.    

We have seen the distress in years gone by that has come out of disagreements and selfishness and greed and determination of nations unrighteously to succeed in unrighteous desires. If they were really Christian nations, if they were truly worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ, if they believed in his doctrines, if they were applying them, these conditions would not prevail.    
   (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3 vols., edited by Bruce R. McConkie, 3:, p.314-316)