8 March 1883
Weber Stake Relief Society; Ogden Tabernacle, Ogden, Utah Territory
Original Ogden Stake Tabernacle. Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society.
[Editorial Note: This discourse was reported in several sources. Two versions are transcribed below. For more information, see the source note following each transcript.]
I. From the Relief Society Conference Minutes
[. . .]
Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith then addressed those assembled. Spoke of the importance of educating and training the children of the Latter-day-saints. The human race requires to be educated, and it is doubtless true that the greater part of that education is obtained by example rather than precept; this is especially true respecting character and habits. The importance of a good example on which the young may exercise this powerful and active element of their nature, is a matter of the utmost importance. The children of the saints are quick to learn. Let us then strive to set them good examples in everything, both spiritually and temporally. She also spoke on the subject of the sacrament.
(The remainder of the minutes have been lost.)
[p. 104]
Source Note
Weber Stake, Relief Society Conference Minute Book (1855–1899), p. 104, CHL (LR 9970 29).
See also Weber Stake, Relief Society Minutes and Records (1867–1968), vol. 6 (1877–1900), p. 109, CHL (LR 9970 14).
II. From the Woman’s Exponent
On the stand were President Jane S. Richards, Counselors Hattie [C.] Brown and Sarah I. Herrick, and Sisters Eliza R. Snow Smith, Zina D. H. Young [. . .]
Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith addressed the meeting. She spoke first on the subject of baptism, and how a real Saint of God felt when this holy ordinance was performed; refered briefly to the paying of tithing; thought all should attend to this duty, even little children should be taught this principle, no matter whether we have much or little. The Lord is very particular in small things; we know this by reading the Bible. Let us also strive to be particular in all little matters pertaining to this life; by so doing we are preparing for our future existence, which is something well worth living for here. Spoke on the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, and the necessity of partaking of it with a pure heart before the Lord. She dwelt some time on the subject of training and educating the young and rising generation, especially the girls; thought they should have a good kitchen education, and that they would then be good housewives, be good for something, besides simply to drum a few tunes on an organ or piano; the education of our girls must be in everything that is ennobling to womankind. Hoped all would be diligent in attending to their duties, no matter how small they might appear.
[. . .] [p. 166] [. . .] Both Sisters Snow and Zina dwelt long on the above subject. I cannot begin to describe in language as heart felt as they spoke. It is hoped that all who heard them will remember their words. They gave much valuable instruction on a variety of subjects.
[. . .] [p. 167]
Source Note
Monta Harris, “R. S., Y. L. M. I. A. and Primary Reports: Ogden, Weber Stake,” Woman’s Exponent 11, no. 21 (1 Apr. 1883): 166–167.
See also “Editorial Notes,” Woman’s Exponent 11, no. 20 (15 Mar. 1883): 158.