[. . .]

Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith, then addressed the congregation, said since she had met with us, she had met with many congregations of sisters. said it was gratifying to her to know that there were so many among them, aiming at the same point, as our selves. she was five months in the south, and had traveled in three different territories. and now she was back here. her heart was full of gratitude to God. Thought it no trifling [p. 83] thing thing to meet together to worship God. and speak of His goodness. We should help one another in the great work before us. she related a conversation that she had with a lady that morning; the lady was not of our religion; found her dark as midnight as far as spiritual matters were concerned. In speaking of us the lady acknowledged that her views in regard to us were changing. How thankful ought we to be that we can understand the Gospel in its true light. How inteligent we should be, we should be grasping for knowledge. Said let us strive to live and dwell on those things that will abide with <us> for ever; we will then have no time to take our ease. Woe to the women that are at ease in Zion. How little have I done in 77. years. but I feel to do a little better, and live a little nearer to God every day. The things of this life, are nothing compared with the life that is to come We find that in coming together that we are more united, we feel to renew our covenents, and our hearts are comforted. Felt honored to see the brethren, felt to thank them, and to thank God for them. Spoke some on the subject of obeidence. And the training of children. Spoke feelingly in regard to the high honor confered upon her. by the Relief Societies of this County. and others who prepared an excelent party in honr of her birthday. Bro, [Wilford] Woodruff enjoyed himself very much. knew that if she had been present she would have been overcome by the kindness & thoughtfullness of her many friends: felt greatful to them for their good feelings toward her; felt to bless all in the name of the Lord

[. . .] [p. 84] [. . .] [p. 85] [. . .]

Afternoon session [. . .]

Sister [Jane S.] Richards made a few remarks, said, that by request of Sister E. R. Snow, Brother [Franklin D.] Richards would read an article that all would like to hear. He read from volume 19 Millennial Starr, in which the Prophet Joseph Smith refered to the first organization of the Relief Society in Nauvoo, to the sisters in regard to their duty &c.

Elder Samuel Eggleston next spoke, said he was acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith in early days and also with Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith, whom he had seen with the Prophet many times. [. . .]

[. . .]

Sister E. R. Snow Smith felt pleased in listening to the remarks made by the Presidents who had spoken. Refered to the education and training of children. said that if she had the responsibility of forty children, she would rather teach and learn herself, than one of them should attend an outside school; hoped mothers would take this into consideration and use their influence with those who did send their children to these schools. What is the use of spending thousands of dollars on missionaries to go out and try to convert the outside world, while our own children are being neglected, and being sent to destruction by being sent to outside schools. The Gentiles will come here and bring babylon with them, they have a right to come, and we have a right to keep them here, if we are foolish enough to do so, but dont let us en[p. 86]courage them. Spoke of the Primary associations, children need a great deal of love, protection and kindness. thrown around them, The mothers must help them that they may grow up in the fear of God, that they might be a great strength in Zion. Hoped the saints would never be discouraged, but hold on to the rod of iron and keep faithful, for insomuch as we strive and are humble, God will help us, and His blessings will abide with us.

[. . .]

Sisters, Snow, and [Emmeline B.] Wells both spoke feelingly of many things in the past, hoped to be firm and stead fast in the future. spoke also of sericulture exhorted the sisters to diligence in this art, knew in time they would reap a rich reward,

[. . .] [p. 87]

[. . .]

On the stand were [. . .] Eliza R. Snow Smith and Mrs. E. [Emmeline] B. Wells, of Salt Lake City [. . .]Sister J. [Jane] S. Richards gave the audience kindly greeting, made preliminary remarks expressing her great pleasure in having Sister Eliza present after so long an absence, and her desire to receive and hearken to the instructions she might give on the occasion.

Sister E. R. Snow Smith gave a very entertaining account of her trip to St. George and the southern settlements, the enjoyment she realized in officiating in the Temple, and in organizing the children in the Primary Associations. She referred feelingly to the affectionate remembrance of the societies of Weber Stake in preparing the excellent party given in honor of the anniversary of her birthday, and her gratitude to all who assisted, but felt humble and weak in having so much honor heaped upon her. She exhorted the sisters to faithfulness and diligence in the performance of duties as wives and mothers, and earnestly entreated mothers to be loving and tender and guard carefully the precious souls of their little ones, and throw around them every possible safeguard to protect them from evil influences; thought the Saints should be indefatigable in their labors in this respect; urged the sisters to hold fast to the “iron rod,” and never lose sight of the exaltation they had set out to obtain.

[. . .] [p. 23]