[. . .]

On the Stand were [. . .] Sisters Eliza R. Snow Smith, E. [Emmeline] B. Wells [. . .]

Prest. Sarah [Ann] Herrick made a few remarks, expressing pleasure at seeing so many present Felt we were truly blessed to day in having Sister Snow, Sister Wells, and others from Salt Lake <City> with us. Knew they had good counsel for us, and trusted we would all profit by what they might be led to say.

[. . .]

Sister E. R. Snow Smith, then addressed the Conference, expressing joy in being with the young sisters here in Ogden again after so long an absence. She felt greatly attached to them, and felt they were making rapid improvement. Observed a material growth among the young ladies of these organizations mental, and spiritual. Referred to the first associations of young ladies which she had the honor of effecting by direction of the Holy Priesthood. The parents had come to realize the benefit of these meetings by the result [p. 48]

The heart must be cultivated as well as the head; our spirits must be matured as well as our bodies. She had sometimes thought there were those who called themselves Saints, who thought they might enter the Kingdom of God without doing this.

Inasmuch as we direct our time and attention to the things of this world, and neglect our spiritual welfare, we will lose by it. What is the wealth of the world compared to the knowledge that God has spoken and the intelligence that has been revealed from Heaven! Urged the sisters to continue reading the Bible, Book of Mormon, & Doctrine and Covenants, they will show you how strict the Lord was with His servants, and what He required of them. Exhorted the young ladies to read carefully the revelation given to Emma Smith and notice at the close of this revelation that what the Lord said unto her, He said unto all. In order to carry out this in our lives, we need great cultivation; You will obtain this by applying your minds to reading the scriptures, by improving the opportunities afforded you in these meetings. Made allusion to the evils which were entering in amongst the children of the Saints and the necessity of taking care of them and preserving their bodies and souls pure.

[. . .] [p. 49]

Afternoon Session

[. . .] [p. 50]

Sister E. R. Snow Smith spoke upon the Gospel, and how we should obtain a perfect knowledge of it. Signs follow the believers and are not given to convince unbelievers. The Savior Said, in my name they shall cast out devils. We have precisely the same Gospel, Jesus and His disciples taught. We are philosophers enough to believe the same causes produce the same effects. She referred to the various sects professing to have the authority: Said if they had it must have come from the mother church. We have our authority from another source, direct from Heaven. Our religion covers everything in Heaven and upon the earth.

The Lord has given us perfect principles, but it will require the practice of these as well as the profession. Said we made a great profession, and should ever strive to honor it. Hoped the young ladies would try and realize how important is the part they are called to act in this great latter-day work, be alive to their duties, and devoted to the cause they have espoused. After giving much valuable instruction in regard to our many duties as saints, closed her remarks by asking the blessing of God [p. 51] upon all who are striving to serve Him.

[. . .] [p. 52]

[. . .]

Sisters Eliza R. Snow Smith, E. [Emmeline] B. Wells and E. [Ellen] B. Ferguson, M. D. each addressed the congregation. [. . .]

[. . .]

Sister E. R. Snow Smith addressed the meeting, expressing her joy in being with the sisters here in Ogden again, after so long an absence. She felt greatly attached to them, and she observed a material growth among the young sisters in these organizations, mental and spiritual; she realized it forcibly here to-day; referred to the first Association of young ladies which she had the honor of effecting by direction of the Holy Priesthood; these young sisters are respected now. The parents had come to realize the benefit of these meetings by the result. The heart must be cultivated as well as the head; our spirits must be matured as well as our bodies; she had sometimes thought there were those who called themselves Saints who thought they might enter the Kingdom of God without doing this. Inasmuch as we direct our time and attention to the things of this world, and neglect our spiritual welfare, we will lose by it. What is the wealth of the world compared to the knowledge that God has spoken and the intelligence that has been revealed from heaven? Urged the sisters to continue reading the Bible and Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants; they will show you how strict the Lord was with His servants; exhorted the young ladies to read carefully the revelation given to Emma Smith, and notice at the close of this revelation that what was said unto her was said unto all. It gave her advice in regard to her duty to her husband; in order to carry out this in our lives, we need great cultivation. You will obtain this by applying your minds to reading the scriptures and cultivating yourselves in these meetings by the aid of the Spirit of God. Sister Eliza also made allusion to the evils which were entering in among our children, and the necessity of taking care of the little ones and preserving their bodies and souls pure; spoke upon the Gospel and how we should obtain a perfect knowledge of it; signs follow the believers and are not given to convince unbelievers. The Savior said, “In my name they shall cast out devils.” We have precisely the same Gospel Jesus and His disciples taught. We are philosophers enough to believe the same causes produce the same effects; referred to the various sects professing to have the authority; but if they had, it must have come from the mother church. We have our authority from another source, direct from heaven. Our religion covers everything in heaven and upon the earth. The Lord has given us perfect principles, but it will require the practice of these as well as the profession. In conclusion she related a conversation with a lady from Boston, who thought the railroads would make great changes in our religion. Sister Eliza answered, “O, no, the principles of our religion are eternal—there can be no change.”

[. . .] [p. 24]