Sister Eliza R. S. Smith made a most eloquent and stirring address, in which she included every blessing, duty and privilege in the life of a Latter-day Saint, and earnestly urged all to devote every faculty and all the means they might accumulate to the upbuilding of the kingdom of God, to have no selfish interests, for come life or come death, to fulfill the will of our Heavenly Father was the most important work in which any one could be engaged. Said when asked the question “Sister Eliza, what do you think of the times?” she replied, “I think they are glorious!” I am proud of those who are worthy to suffer for the Gospel’s sake, not counting their persecutions dear for Christ’s sake; Said this is only the beginning; we may round up our shoulders and bear it, for there is a purpose in it. Do our enemies do more to us than they did to Jesus? Will we be called to suffer any more than He did—is there any fear of it? He will have a tried people, and He has to make use of some very rough tools to refine and polish us; we have got to be in a different condition as a people before He can come out in judgment as he has predicted. Every one that maintains his or her integrity to the kingdom of God will see the most magnificent blessings will be poured out upon the Saints. Made some statements in regard to the persecutions in Kirtland, Missouri and Nauvoo, and how every trial had proved a blessing in the end, though it was not apparent while passing under the rod, and made many other references to the conditions which brought about persecution; said she wanted to see Zion independent, grow and put on her beautiful garments; the kingdom of God will protect all good citizens, shield and protect virtue, innocence and righteousness. Had thought in the past these things would not be in her day, but rejoiced that she had lived to see the events now transpiring. Exhorted all to purify their own hearts, and live as become sons and daughters of the Most High, and gave much special instruction for the benefit of those who desire to live lives of purity and holiness, and alluded to her once having had a foretaste of the blessedness and happiness the Saints will enjoy when they become as one.

[. . .]

Sister E. R. S. S. spoke appreciatingly of the efforts and labors of the secretaries, and blessed those who were willing to come forward and act in that office; she also spoke of the study of obstetrics, and the need of competent help in this profession, and advised the young sisters to study and inform themselves for their own benefit, if even they never shonld [should] be called to practice; said an excellent offer had been made to those who wished to study, by one of our sister in Salt Lake—Maggie C. Shipp—her terms were, two lectures a day for ten weeks, $10. Made some other remarks relating to the circumstances now surrounding the people, and the terrible events transpiring in the earth.

[. . .] [p. 183]