28 July 1869
Farmington Relief Society; Farmington Meetinghouse, Farmington, Utah Territory
[. . .] Eliza R. Snow arose and addressed the meeting, she said by the request of your Prest. [Sarah I. Holmes] I will make some remarks, and will say to those Sisters who have taken hold of this work they shall be blessed, and advised them to listen to Counsel do as they are told, and move forward. Said this is an organization of the Holy Priesthood, it is a blessing from God to the Sisters that they may do what they can to fill the measure of their creation she said God had given us something to prove that he had spoken to his people he has given us the Word of Wisdom and it is a commandment and do we all listen to that commandment? No I think not. Said it was the duty of woman to do all she can to help roll on this great work to give good instructions to their children teach them the ways of God that they may not be led away by evil influences. Said it was our business to keep cheerful faces, and our firesides bright and happy and not give way to evil temptations, let us not when we meet together indulge in talking about our neighbors, and do not talk over our troubles to one another, but try and do that which will benefit each other. And Mothers teach your Sons to pray not only privately but vocally, also to ask the blessing, so they may not grow up in ignorance then if they are called upon they will not be ashamed to do so, or if they are called upon missions they will be saved thousands of embarrasments. it is the Mothers who form the first impressions, Who makes the Statesman, Orator, Prophet and Seer. And teach your daughters to be good House-Keepers, perhaps to some it may seem to much trouble, but what are we living for but to do all we can for the building up of the Kingdom. I would ask the Sisters who have donated liberally to this Society if they feel any the poorer for so doing? I think not. the Society is to be a help to the Bishop and will be under his directions, and it is the duty of the members of the Society to listen to the instructions of their leaders. &c. &c.
Mrs. Sarah M. Kimball briefly addressed the meeting, said she felt embarased to speak, said she was surprised not to see more [p. 38] of the Sisters present, if she had given out word in ther ward that E. R. Snow was to be there the house would have been filled to overflowing. [. . .] [p. 39]