Secret combinations are “according to the combinations of the devil.” The devil is “the founder of murder, and works of darkness” (2 Nephi 26:22).
Gadianton the robber established secret combinations in “the more settled parts of the land,” and those at the head of government did not know of them at that time (Helaman 3:23). Workers of darkness and secret combinations murdered prophets, and the land was cursed unto destruction unless they repented (Alma 37:30-31).
A nation may uphold secret combinations “to get power and gain” until they spread over the nation. Such a nation “shall be destroyed” (Ether 8:22).