23 September 1881¹

Present on the stand, Prest. M. A. [Mary Ann P.] Hyde and Counselors, of Sanpete Stake Relief Society; also Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith and Sister E. [Emmeline] B. Wells, of Salt Lake City [. . .]

Sister Snow Smith felt happy to meet with the sisters of Manti, and felt thankful to see so many of the brethren present, as she knew that they were equally interested with us in forwarding the work. She wished them to know how the sisters spent their time in their meetings, and that they had no time to be faultfinding and gossiping, of which they were sometimes accused. Said we should find much more happiness in improving ourselves and occupying our time to advantage, than if we took the opposite course. We are called upon to make silk, to store grain, to assist the needy and care for the sick, all of which is outside of our household duties. We can do all of these things if we will seek unto the Lord for strength. Exhorted the sisters to rise and bear testimony when occasion required it, and they would be blessed accordingly. We should go forward and not backward, and our reward will be in proportion to our works. Urged [p. 94] the sisters to be energetic in every worthy enterprise. God has done His part, and He now expects us to do ours, if we expect to realize the blessings promised to the faithful in the eternal worlds. Said it was the duty of the sisters to wash and anoint the sick when requested, and that they should do it with humble and prayerful hearts. The speaker advised all the members of the Relief Society, and also the members of the Young Ladies’ Association to take shares in the Sanpete Factory now in contemplation. Urged the sisters to be punctual in attending elections, and also to encourage their children to attend the meetings of the Primary Associations, and to strive to keep out evil influences. Closed by invoking the blessing of Heaven on the congregation.

[. . .] [p. 95]