Minutes of the proceedings

of the

Second Meeting of the

Society.

Lodge Room

March 24^th 1842.

Meeting open’d with singing “How pleas’d and blest was I” &c.—¹ Prayer by Pres^t. Emma Smith.

Pres^t. E. Smith then rose and said that measures to promote union in this Society must be carefully attended to— that every member should be held in full fellowship— as a society, hop’d they would divest themselves of every jealousy and evil feeling toward each other, if any such existed— that we should bring our conduct into respectability, here & eveery where else— said she rejoic’d in the prospect before her——.

Pres^t. E. Smith continued by saying, that those wishing to join the Society could have the privilege—

Mov’d, seconded & unanimously carried that the following persons be receiv’d as members of this Society— to wit.

[p. 15]

Mrs. Mary Smith then rose and said the Institutution had her hearty concurrence— that nothing was more laudable than feeding the hungry, clothing the naked &c.— that she desired to aid in accomplishing objects so generous.

Mrs. Vilote Kimball said she had not fully understood what were the objects of the Institution but desired to be found aiding in every benevolent cause [p. 16]

Pres^t. E. Smith said, no one need feel delicate in reference to inquiries about this Society— there is nothing private— its objects are purely benevolent.

Mother Lucy Smith arose and said she rejoic’d in view of what was doing—² as she came in and look’d upon the sisters, it gave her feelings of deep interest— Wept— said she was advanc’d in years and could not stay long—³ hop’d the Lord would bless and aid the Society in feeding the hungry, clothing the naked— that her work was nearly done— felt to pray that the blessings of heaven might rest upon the Society.

Pres^t. E. Smith rose and read from the Book of records, the proceedings of the first meeting of the Society— She then proceeded to read to the honorable body, a report, wherein Clarissa Marvel was accus’d of scandalous falsehoods on the character of Pres^t. Joseph Smith, without the least provocation, praying that they would in wisdom adopt some plan to bring her to repentance— said she presum’d that most of the Society knew more about Clarissa Marvel than herself——

Mrs. Agnes Smith said Clarissa Marvel had liv’d with her nearly a year— she had seen nothing amiss of her—

Councillor [Elizabeth Ann] Whitney propos’d that some one be appointed to go and labor with her and if possible reform her——

Mov’d and carried that Mrs. Markam be one to go and converse with C. Marvel.

Mrs. Markam objected on the ground that she was unacquainted with the circumstances. [p. 17]

Pres^t. Smith said that would make no difference— she could attend to it— that it should be be done in a private manner, with great prudence—

Mrs. Pres^t. continued, by saying that we intend to look into the morals of each other and watch over each other— that she intended to walk circumspectly and to shun the appearance of evil— all are required to be very careful in their words and actions at all times— said she believed Clarissa Marvel might be reform’d.⁴

Mrs. Billings inquired if C. M. had parents.

Pres^t. Smith said she has no parents— she is under our care and observation— she needs friends——

Mrs. [Elizabeth] Jones enquired if the proceedings of this Society should be divulged out of the Society

Pres^t. Smith said all proceedings that regard difficulties should be kept among the members— as to the Institution, its objects are charitable— none can object to telling the good— the evil withhold— hoped all would feel themselves bound to observe this rule.

Councillor Whitney said she felt deeply interested— thought we could not take too much pains in this matter— to avoid all evil— We must avoid the appearance of evil— we must pray much for each other that we may succeed in the work before us and have wisdom given us in all our pursuits.——

Mother Lucy Smith said— this Institution is a good one— we must watch over ourselves— that she came into the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to do good— to get good, and to get into the celestial kingdom. She said we must [p. 18] cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together.

Mrs. Hillman rose and said she was contemplating the blessings with which we were surrounded— the privileges of this Society— said she desir’d to be watch’d over and aided in the better performance of her duty.—

Pres^t. Smith said all who wish’d should have informatio[n] respecting this Society; as they would be published.—⁵ She hinted the propriety of having Auxiliary Societies form’d in other parts of the City— any one who felt dispos’d might send in a request to this effect— said it was the duty of every person to inquire into the condition of the poor and represent their true state.⁶

Councillor Whitney call’d on the members to contribute to the fund

The following appropriations were made to the fund of the Society——

Mrs. [Phebe Ann] Hawkes arose to represent Mrs. Drury as an object of charity, being sick and destitute of food. [p. 19]

Mrs. Wooley corroborated the testimony of Mrs Hawkes—