20 November 1879
Springville Relief Society; Springville Meetinghouse, Springville, Utah Territory
This building, now often called the White Meeting House, was used for church meetings in Springville, Utah Territory, from 1859 until 1928. This photograph was taken circa 1880–1900. (Used by permission, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Springville Pioneer Museum.)
[Editorial Note: This discourse was reported in two different sources. Both versions are transcribed below. For more information, see the source note following each transcript.]
I. From the Relief Society Minutes, Volume 3
[. . .] Sr. [Sister] Eliza R Snow was Introdused said she was happy to meet on this occasion thanked the Lord for this organization which was revealed by Joseph Smith after the pattern of the Church to accomplish the purposes of the almighty President [Brigham] Young organized them again and now they are organized in almost every settlement Br. Joseph said if the sisters of the Societies would live up to their privilidges they could become great and glorious in the Celestial kingdom more is expected of us now Why because this is to Last till the winding up scene and we should accomplish more but we must be united the purpose of our society is very little understood by many because they do not come to meeting some of the Brethern say we meet to talk about our husbands our aim is too great to condescend to this some of our sisters too will say here comes the beggars when visited by the teachers this is not their calling they must not ask for anything except it is for a special <purpose> if the poor are to be supported those that are not wilfully ignorant will know what they come for the teachers is a responsible position I will give you a key which I wish recorded never Shirk a duty no matter how large Sisters make the effort and God will assist you woman is called to be a great help to the Priesthood to take by the hand those that have left their first Love take them to meeting make as few mistakes as possible if we let go the things of eternal life we lose everything how is it <with> our young sisters those who take husbands who cannot take them to the alter they sacrifice everything that is dear to the human heart we have no record that God the father and God the son both appeared to the same person but they both did appear to Joseph what of uncle Sam their is no principle to be relinquished that God has revealed and we are not going to do it that this may be the case is my prayer amen
[. . .] [p. 69]
Source Note
Springville Ward, Utah Stake, Relief Society Minutes and Records (1871–1892), vol. 3 (1876–1881), p. 69, CHL (LR 8674 14); Sarah L. Mendenhall, Secretary.
See also “Home Affairs,” Woman’s Exponent 8, no. 13 (1 Dec. 1879): 101.
II. From the Relief Society Minutes, Volume 4
[. . .] sr [sister] E R Snow thanked the Lord for this organization revealed by Joseph Smith the Prophet to accomplish the work of God Pres [Brigham] Young reorganized Releif Societies & if we will live up to our privileges we will become great & glorious in the Celestial Kingdom exorted us to be dilligent united in accomplishing good encouraged the Teachers tis a respectful calling I will give you a Key Never shrink a Duty no matter how large make the effort God will assist you woman is called to be a help to the Preisthood there is no principle that God has revealed to be relinquished [. . .] Sr E R Snow spoke in tounges [tongues], Sr [Zina D. H.] Young gave inter[p. 25]pretation which was a blessing upon the society gave good instructions on diffrent subjects1 [. . .] [p. 26]
Source Note
Springville Ward, Utah Stake, Relief Society Minutes and Records (1871–1892), vol. 4 (1878–1884), pp. 25–26, CHL (LR 8674 14); Sarah L. Mendenhall, Secretary.