8 June 1886


Weber Stake Relief Society; Ogden Tabernacle, Ogden, Utah Territory

A long, rectangular building with triangle roof, a single chimney, and three arched, front-facing windows

Original Ogden Stake Tabernacle. (Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society.)

[. . .]

Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith felt delighted to see the faces of her sisters in this Stake of Zion again; felt they were all daughters of the one great Father, and co-workers in the great movement in these the latter days. Thought our hearts should be lifted up to God in thankfulness for His goodness unto us. We ought always to have faith in God; if we seek the Lord our spirits will certainly be refreshed, while they remain in these frail bodies, which feel drawn down to earth. Being earthly they need spiritual food as those in the royal courts above. We also need to eradicate from our hearts all feelings but of [p. 146] good will and love unto all mankind. Love casteth out fear; love is such a great power that it seems to gather strength from obstructions, and at every difficulty rises to higher might. It is the light of life—that principle to which after all our struggling and twisting all things must be resolved. Take it away and the world would indeed seem a barren wilderness. In the noble heart or in the heart of any one that is a saint, it imparts a portion of that heavenly flame which is their element, refining them and expelling all that is mean or debasing to mankind. Therefore let us all cultivate love among us, which can fill the earth with the glory of the Lord and make glad the city of Zion. This love would indeed be heaven upon earth. Spoke of those who were against us; felt that the hand of God would guide all things right and all would be well with us in the end. She loved freedom. Who does not? It was bequeathed to us by our forefathers. The Prophet Joseph [Smith] once said that the constitution would hang by a single thread, but our enemies can go no farther than the Lord sees fit to let them. They are no more satisfied with some of the laws which they make than we are. Shakespeare [Henry W. Longfellow] says, “The Lord makes mad those whom he would destroy.” She spoke at some length on various subjects and the duties devolving upon the women of Zion; they have much to do; hoped they would hold on with firm grip to the rod of iron, ever trusting in the goodness and love of our Heavenly Father to help them through every difficulty.

[. . .] [p. 147] [. . .] [pp. 148–149]

[. . .]

Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith addressed the conference. Spoke of the disasters that are taking place in the world, and the blessings which have attended this people since they have been living in these valleys. She spoke of the establishment of a hospital at Salt Lake City, called the Deseret Hospital. Spoke also of home industry, and many other useful subjects.

[. . .] [p. 150]

Source Note

Weber Stake, Relief Society Conference Minute Book (1855–1899), pp. 146–150, CHL (LR 9970 29).

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8 June 1886, Weber Stake Relief Society; Ogden Tabernacle, Ogden, Utah Territory, The Discourses of Eliza R. Snow, accessed November 14, 2024 https://chpress-web.churchhistorianspress.org/eliza-r-snow/1880s/1886/06/1886-06-08