7 August 1868

[. . .] Prayer by Sister Eliza R Snow [. . .]

Sister Eliza R Snow arose and addressed the Sisters, she felt to encourage them to rise and speak, thought it was a pity that we as Latter Day Saints should have nothing to say considering the many privileges we enjoy, and having access in so many ways to instruction. We were the daughters of Abraham. Spoke of the many influences, there were to lead us astray, said when the Sisters convened themselves together without authority, evil spirits would creep in, thought it better to stand still than to meet unlawfully. Alluded to some who were anxious to meet in prayer circles, it had been said they would have that privilege in due time. Recommended the Sisters never to form societies without proper authority and organisation. Some thought it was rather small and not dignified to meet and excercise their vocal powers, but those were the Sisters who were not up to their duties, nor of those who would obtain a fulness. Spoke of our living [p. 18] to merit certain glories. Some say, they would be satisfied with a lesser glory, but they do not know what they say. Only those who live for a fulness, will attain to the blessing promised to Abraham, felt it was better to live up to every privilege which was living for a fulness. Keeping the Celestial Law if we are faithful we shall attain to it. We talk about sacrifice, when we look at it rationally, we would not call it a sacrifice, we only barter the things of earth for more precious jewels. Those who are faithful will receive a crown of faithfulness. There is a time coming when the Lord will call the faithful out, when those who are not will not be amongst them. Sister Snow referred to the time, when she accompanied President [Brigham] Young to Dixie [Washington County, Southern Utah], she had heard him say who would not be worthy to go to Jackson County [Missouri] some said they did not want to go there, as for herself she did not want to be left behind on account of neglect of duty. Jackson County was where stood the Garden of Eden considered it an important point of obedience, that we should have an inheritance there. There the Lord would come again, and where the Glory of the Lord would be seen by the faithful and also enjoyed. It is no matter when that time will come soon or late, but our privilege to be ready. Spoke of the Sisters coming here tired, hoped they would not be discouraged, felt as though she wanted to work with us Alluded to the energy of the Sisters in the 14th Ward, wished to encourage the Sisters to speak and not to feel so diffident before each other, she did consider they were speaking in public, only in the presence of the brethren, they spoke encouragingly of the labors of the Societies and predicted that we were commencing a great work Alluded to her frequent rising up to speak, which she invariably did when invited it being a law to her. It is said that these Societies are to prepare the Sisters to come up side by side with the brethren. Spoke of the great things ahead, and the responsibilities of Mothers in raising up their children to become Statesmen, and hold responsible Offices, in which they will be required seeing that the Kingdom will soon be given into the hands of the just when all their abilities will be required. [p. 19]

Sister Rachael [R.] Grant, arose and said, she would have liked to have been at work but the instruction of Sister Snow, exceeded that pleasure, she, like many others felt tired when she came, but had been much refreshed. [. . .] Sister Snow again arose, exhorted the Sisters to overcome their diffidence she had to say something to satisfy her own feelings. Showed how many times when Sisters, through diffidence, felt they had nothing to say, if they would only stand upon their feet would often make some very edifying remarks.

Addressed herself to the young Sisters, urged them, now while young to be determined to make themselves very useful, and strive to raise their standard high, seek the company of the good, and not follow the example of the vain and trifling, be obedient to their Mothers, then they would be able to do a great deal of good. She felt to bless them, prayed that they might grow up to be shining lights and live upon the earth, till the Saviour Comes.

[. . .] [p. 20]