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Instructions delivered at the Nauvoo Female Relief Society on Thursday April 28, 1842 (Held in upper room of Red Brick Store)
Sources: Relief Society Minutes (pp. 33-42) (Eliza R. Snow) and Revisions of Snow by George A. Smith and Thomas Bullock in the Manuscript history of the Church vol. 3, 1326, vol. 4, addenda segment, 26-27, 38-43
Snow MinutesMs History
Minutes of the Proceedings
of the
Fifth Sixth Meeting of the Society

Lodge Room April 28,th 1842.

The Meeting meet met according to adjournment, present Prest. Joseph Smith and Elder W. Richards.

President Smith arose and said that the purport of his being present on the occasion was, to make observations respecting the Priesthood, and give instructions for the benefit of the Society That as his instructions were intended only for the Society; he requested that a vote should be taken on those present who were not members, to ascertain whether they should be admitted- he exhorted the meeting to act honestly and uprightly in all their proceedings- inasmuch as they would be call'd to give an account to Jehovah. All hearts must repent- be pure and God will regard them and bless them in a manner that they could not be bless'd in any other way-

A vote was then taken on the following names to wit,

Hannah Dibble...........aye      Elizabeth Sprague........aye
Sally Angell................aye      Mary McCarle............. "
Mary Ann Manfield....do      Marianne Chase........... "
Lydia A. Taylor.........do      Elzabeth Musie........... "
Harriet P. Decker........No      Olive Chase.............. "
Sarah D. Rich............Aye      Phebe Woodruff..........."
Philote Pack..............."      Abigail Dippetts......... "
Julia Pack................... "      Catharine Petty.......... "
Sarah Foster............... "      Charity Stoddard............. "
Sarah Boyce.............. "      Elizabeth Rolfe.............. "
Catharine Head.......... "      Jane Judd.................... "
Lury [Lucy] Scovill.............. "      Emerett L. Randall............ "
Emily Partridge.......... "      Emily Spenser................ "
Louisa Knight............ "      Anna Cleveland............... "
Tryphena Crandall..... "      Rachel Drollinger............ Aye
C    Wood................ No      Mary H. Palmer............ "
Elizabeth H. Barlow.. Aye      Lucinda A Hartwell...... "
Charlotte Higbee....... "      Amida Smith .............. "
Lucinda A. Hartwell... "      Elizabeth Edwards ........ "
Caroline Butler........... "      Roxena Repsher ........... "
Mary Ann Badlam....... "      Ruth Curtis................ "
Maria Gribble............. "      Lydia Knights............... "
Ann Montague.......... "      A    Clements.... "
Sarah Ann Whitney... "      Susan McArthur............. "
Almeda Snider............ "      Angeline E. Robinson....... No

    A Committee was then appointed to inquire into the cases of those persons to whom objections were made

    Councilors Whitney and Cleveland, Mrs. Allred, Durfee[,] Kimball and Hawes to be the committee.

Committee retir'd- and Prest J. Smith arose and call'd the attention of the meeting to the 12th Chap. of 1st Cor. "Now concerning spiritual gifts" &c.--. Said that the passage which reads "no man can say that Jesus is them Christ Lord but by the holy ghost," should be translated, no man can know &C

He continued to read the Chap. and give instructions respecting the different offices, and the necessity of every individual acting in the sphere allotted him or her; and filling the several offices to which they were appointed- Spoke of the disposition of man, to consider the lower offices in the church dishonorable and to look with jealous eyes upon the standing of others- that it was the nonsense of the human heart, for a person to be aspiring to other stations than appointed of God- that it was better for individuals to magnify their respective callings, and wait patiently till God shall say to them come up higher.

He said the reason of these remarks being made, was, that some little things was circulating in the Society, that some persons were not going right in laying hands on the sick &C. Said if he had common sympathies, would rejoice that the sick could be heal'd. that the time had not been before, that these things could be in their proper order- that the church is not now organiz'd in its proper order, and cannot be until the Temple is completed_ _ _ Prest. Smith continued the subject by adverting to the commission given to the ancient apostles "Go ye into all the world" &c. __ no matter who believeth; these signs, such as healing the sick, casting out devils &c. should follow all that believe whether male or female. He ask'd the Society if they could not see by this sweeping stroke, that wherein they are ordaind, it is the privilege of those set apart to administer in that authority which is confer'd on them- and if the sisters should have faith to heal the sick, let all hold their tongues, and let every thing roll on.1

He said, if God has appointed him, and chosen him as an instrument to lead the church, why not let him lead it through? Why stand in the way, when he is appointed to do a thing? Who knows the mind of God? Does he not reveal things differently from what we expect? He remark'd that he was continually rising__altho' he had every thing bearing him down- standing in his way and opposing_ after all he always comes out right in the end.

Respecting the female laying on hands, he further remarked, there could be no devil in it if God gave his sanction by healing- that there could be no more sin in any female laying hands on the sick than in wetting the face with water_ that it is no sin for any body to do it that has faith, or if the sick has faith to be heal'd by the administration.

He reprov'd those that were dispos'd to find fault with the management of concerns- saying if he undertook to lead the church he would lead it right- that he calculates to organize the church in proper order &c.

President Smith continued by speaking of the difficulties he had to surmount ever since the commencement of the work in consequence of aspiring men, "great big Elders" as he call'd them who had caused him much trouble, whom he had taught in the private counsel; and they would go forth into the world and ploclaim the things he had taught them; as their own revelations-- said the same aspiring disposition will be in this Society, and must be guarded against__that every person should stand and act in the place appointed, and thus sanctify the Society and get it pure--

He said he had been trampled underfoot by aspiring Elders, for all were infected with that spirit, for instance P. Pratt O. Pratt, O. Hyde and J. Page had been aspiring__they could not be exhalted but must run away as tho' the care and authority of the church were vested with them--he said we had a subtle devil to deal with, and could only curb him by being humble.

He said as he had this opportunity, he was going to instruct the Society and point out the way for them to conduct, that they might act according to the will of God--

that he did not know as he should have many opportunities of teaching them___that they were going to be left to themselves__they would not long have him to instruct them___that the church would not have his instruction long, and the world would not be troubled with him a great while, and would not have his teachings- He spoke of delivering the keys to this society and to the Church__ that according to his prayers God had appointed him elsewhere

He exhorted the sisters always to concentrate their faith and prayers for, and place confidence in those whom God has appointed to honor, whom God has plac'd at the head to lead_ that we should arm them with our prayers--

__ that the keys of the kingdom are about to be given to them, that they may be able to detect every thing false__ as well as to the Elders 2

He said if one member become corrupt and you know it; you must immediately put it away. The sympathies of the heads of the church have induc'd them to bear with those that were corrupt; in consequence of which all become contaminated___ you must put down iniquity and by your good example provoke the Elders to good works__ if you do right no danger of going too fast; he said he did not care how fast we run in the path of virtue. Resist evil and there is no danger.. God, man, angels, and devils can't condemn those that resist every thing that is evil__ as well might the devil seek to dethrone Jehovah, as that soul that resists every thing that is evil.

The charitable Society__this is according to your natures- it is natural for females to have feelings of charity__ you are now placed in a situation where you can act according to those sympathies which God has planted in your bosoms. If you live up to these principles how great and glorious! --if you live up to your privilege, the angels cannot be restrain'd from being your associates--

females, if they are pure and innocent can come into the presence of God, for what is more pleasing to God than innocence; you must be innocent or you cannot come up before God. If ye we would come before God let us be pure ourselves. The devil has great power___ he will so transform things as to make one gape at those who are doing the will of God--

You need not be teasing men for their deeds, but let the weight of innocence be felt; which is more mighty than a millstone hung about the neck. Not war, not jangle, not contradiction, but meekness, love, purity, these are the things that should magnify us.____ Achan [Joshua 7:18-26] must be brought to light--iniquity must be purged out--then the vail will be rent and the blessings of heaven will flow down--they will roll down like the Mississippi river. This Society shall have power to command Queens in their midst--

I now deliver it as a prophecy that before ten years shall roll round, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this Society--they shall come with their millions and shall contribute of their abundance for the relief of the poor___If you will be pure, nothing can hinder.

After this instruction, you will be responsible for your own sins. It is an honor to save yourself yourselves--all are responsible to save themselves.

Prest. Smith, after reading from the above mentioned Chapter, Continued to give instruction respecting the order of God, as established in the church; saying every one should aspire only to magnify his own office &c. __________

He then commenc'd reading the 13th chapter, "Though I speak with the tongues of men" &c; and said don't be limited in your views with regard to your neighbors' virtues, but be limited towards your own virtues; and not think yourselves more righteous than others; you must enlarge your souls toward others if yould do like Jesus, and carry your fellow creatures to Abram's bosom. He said he had manifested long suffering and we must do so too----- Prest. Smith then read, "Though I have the gift of prophecy" &c. He then said, though one should become mighty--do great things___ overturn mountains &C should then turn to eat and drink with the drunken; all former deeds would not save him-but he would go to destruction!

As you increase in innocence and virtue, as you increase in goodness, let your hearts expand--let them be enlarged towards others--you must be longsuff'ring and bear with the faults and errors of mankind. How precious are the souls of men!

___The female part of community are apt to be contracted in their views. You must not be contracted, but you must be liberal in your feelings.

Let this Society teach how to act towards husbands, to treat them with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with trouble--when he is perplex'd; if he can meet a smile, <not> an argument__ if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and soothe his feelings. When the mind is going to despair, it needs a solace.

This Society is to get instruction thro' the order which God has established__ thro' the medium of those appointed to lead__ and I now turn the key to you in the name of God and this Society shall rejoice and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time___this is the beginning of better days to this Society.

When you go home never give a cross word, but let kindness, charity and love, crown your works henceforward. Don't envy sinners--have mercy on them, God will destroy them.-- Let your labors be confined mostly to those around you to your own circle, as far as knowledge is concerned, it may extend to all the world, but your administrations, should be confin'd to the circle of your immediate acquaintance, and more especially to the members of the Society.

Those ordain'd to lead the Society, are authoriz'd to appoint to different offices as the circumstances shall require.

If any have a matter to reveal, let it be in your own tongue. Do not indulge too much in the gift of tongues, or the devil will take advantage of the innocent. You may speak in tongues for your own comfort but I lay this down for a rule that if any thing is taught by the gift of tongues, it is not to be received for doctrine.

Prest. S. then offered instruction respecting the propriety of females administering to the sick by the laying on of hands--said it was according to revelation--&C. said he never was plac'd in similar circumstances, and never had given the same instruction.

He clos'd his instruction by expressing his satisfaction in improving the opportunity.

The spirit of the Lord was pour'd out in a very powerful manner, never to be forgotten by those present on that interesting occasion.

The Committee appointed to investigate into the cases of individuals, returned & reported that the objections against A. E. Robinson were remov'd; and accordingly she was received by unanimous vote.

¶ The following pers ns names were also read and voted as follows

Lydia Knight............Aye     Hannah A. Dibble..............Aye
Rebecca Reed.........Aye      Polly Sherwood................"
Amy Clothier........... No      Mary C. Miller................."
Mary Smith............Aye       Laura Rupp......................"
Aphia Gale..............."        Jane Miller........................."
Anna Jones............No        Hannah Whitlock................"
Elizabeth Eaton......Aye      Eliza Mores.........................."
Lydia M. Smith......Aye      Abigail Works Johnson......"
Rosetta L. Snow......."
Nancy King.............."

The gentlemen withdrew and the sisters proceeded to business, concerning the poor &c.

Councillor Whitney call'd on those who could represent the poor, to do so.

The family by the name of Drury was represented as being very needy.

Prest E. Smith said there was some provision in the treasury- and call'd for a vote whether some should be appropriated for the above object.

Carried in the affirmative.

Mrs. Highman was represented as being destitute

Prest. S. recommended that the widow Highman should be visited to inquire if she was dispos'd to reform the order of her house.

After several exhortations by individuals and many comforting words &c., it was motioned, seconed and carried that we adjourn until next thurday, 2 O.clock

The meeting arose and was dissmissed by Councillor Whitney.

The following donations were made

            to wit.

                                                                                                                   $

Sally Angell______________________________________________ " 18 3/4

Lydia Anderson____________________________________________ 25

Elizabeth Allred____________________________________________ 50

Abigail Leonard___________________________________________ 25

Eliza Green_______________________________________________ 62 1/2

_ _ Bird__________________________________________________ 25

Nancy Winchester__________________________________________ 50

Olive Garr________________________________________________ 50

Kuhamath Derby__________________________________________ 1,00

                                                                             Wight _ _ appropriates 5,00

2 dollars of which to the schooling of widow Barkdall's children and 3, to widow Baggs' for schooling her children Magdaline Moemer donates pr. week out of the store 25

[ms history 3:1326]At two o'clock P.M. I met the members of the "female Relief Society" and after presiding at the admission of many new members gave a lecture on the Priesthood showing how the sisters would come in possession of

the privileges, blessings, and gifts of the Priesthood, and that the signs should follow them, such as healing the sick, casting out devils &C and that they might attain unto these blessings by a virtuous life and conversation and diligence in keeping all the commandments

[ms history 4:26-7, 38-42] Instructions delivered by Pres.t Joseph Smith, before the Female Relief Society, April 28th 1842 reported by Miss Eliza R. Snow

{Read to the council apr 1st 1855} Prest Joseph Smith arose and called the attention of the meeting to the 12th chapter 1st Corinthians. "Now concerning Spiritual gifts I would not have you Ignorant" Said that {erasure} the passage in the 3rd verse which reads "no man can Say that Jesus is the Lord but by the holy ghost" Should be translated "no man can know that Jesus is the Lord but by the holy ghost" He continued to read the chapter, and give instructions respecting the different offices, and the necessity of every individual acting in the Sphere allotted him or her, and filling the Several offices to which they were appointed. Spoke of the disposition of many men to consider the lower offices in the church dishonorable and to look with jealous eyes upon the standing of others who are called to preside over them. That is was the folly & nonsense of the human heart for a Person to be aspiring to other stations than those to which they are appointed of God for them to occupy that it was better for Individuals to magnify their respective callings and wait patiently till God shall Say to them "come up higher" He Said the reason of these remarks being mad was, that Some little foolish things were circulating in the Society, against Some Sisters not doing right in laying hands on the Sick. Said if the people had common Sympathies they would rejoice that the Sick could be healed; That the time had not been before that these things could be in their Proper order; that the church is not fully organized, in its Proper order, and cannot be, untill the temple is completed, where places will be provided for the administration of the ordinances of the priesthood.

President Smith continued the Subject, by quoting the commission given to to the ancient apostles in mark 16th 15, 16 17, 18 verses, "God ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that Believeth & is baptized Shall be saved; but he that believeth not Shall be damned. And these Signs Shall follow them that believe: In my my name Shall they cast out devils; they Shall Speak with new Tongues; They Shall take up Serpants; and if they Shran Drink any deadly thing, it Shall not hurt them they shall lay hands on the Sick & they Shall recover." No matter who believeth, these Signs Such as healing the Sick, casting out devils &c Should follow all that believe whether male or Female. He asked the Society if they could not See by this Sweeping promise, that wherein they are ordained it is the privaledge of those Set apart to administer in that authority which is confered on them; and if the Sisters Should have faith to heal the Sick let all hold their tongues, and let every thing roll on.

He Said if God had apointed him and chosen him as an instrument to lead the church, why not let him lead it through? Why stand in the way when he is appointed to do a thing? Who knows the mind of God? Does he not reveal things differently from what we expect? He remarked that he was continually rising, although he had every thing bearing him down, standing in his way, and opposing; notwithstanding all this. opposition he always comes out right in the end.

Repecting females administering for the healing of the sick he further remarked, there could be no devil in it, if God gave his sanction by healing; that there could be no more sin in any female laying hands on an praying for the sick, than in wetting the face with water; it is no sin for any body to administer that has faith, or if the sick have faith to be be healed by their administration.

He reproved those that were disposed to find fault with the management of the concerns of the church, saying God had called him to lead the church and he would lead it right; those that undertake to interfere will be ashamed when their own folly is made manifest, that he calculates to organize the church in its proper order as soon as the Temple is completed.

President Smith continued by speaking of the difficulties he had to surmount ever since the commencement of the work, in consequence of aspiring men. "Great Big Elders" as he called them, who had caused him much trouble; to whom he had taught the things of the kingdom in private Councils they would then go forth into the World and proclaim the things he had taught them, as their own revelations; said the same aspiring Disposition will be in this society, and must be guarded against- that every person should stand, and act in the place appointed, and thus sanctify the Society and get it pure He said he had been trampled under foot by aspiring Elders for all were infected with that Spirit; for instance John E Page and other had been aspiring; they could not be exalted, but must run away as though the care and authority of the church were vested with them. He said he had a subtle devil to deal with and could only curb him by being humble. As he had this opportunity, he was going to instruct the ladies of this Society and point out the way for them to conduct themselves that they might act according to the will of God that he did not know that he should have many opportunities of teaching them, as they were going to be left to themselves; they would not long have him to instruct them, that the church would no have his instructions long, and the world would not be troubled with him a great while, and would not have his teachings. He spoke of delivering the keys of the Priesthood to the church, and said that the faithful members of the Relief Society should receive them in connection with their husbands that the Saints whose integrity has been tried and proved faithful might know how to ask the Lord and receive an answer; for according to his prayers God had appointed him elsewhere. He exhorted the sisters always to concentrate their faith and prayers for, and place confidence in their husbands, whom God has appointed for them to honor and in those faithful men whom God has place at the head of the church to lead his people; that we should arm and sustain them with our prayers; for the keys of the kingdom are about to be giving to them that they may be able to detect every thing false; as well as to all the Elders who shall prove their integrity in due season. He said if one member becomes corrupt, and you know it, you must immediately put it away. or it will either injure or destroy the whole body. The sympathies of the heads of the church have induced them to bear a long time with those who were corrupt until they are obliged to cut them off, lest all become contaminated; you must put down iniquity, and by your good example, stimulate the elders to good works; if you do right there is no danger of your going too fast. He said he did not care how fast we run in the path of virtue; resist evil and there is no danger; God men and angels will not condemn those that resist every thing that is evil; and Devils cannot as well might the Devil seek to dethrone Jehovah, as overthrow an innocent soul that resists every thing which is evil.

This is a charitable Society & according to your natures; it is natural for females to have feelings of charity and benevolence you are now placed in a situation in which you can act according to those sympathies which God has planted in your bosoms. If you live up to these principles how great and glorious will be your reward in the celestial kingdom!! If you live up to your privileges the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates. Females, if they are pure and innocent can come into the presence of God; for what is more pleasing to God than innocence; you must be innocent or you cannot come up before God; if we would come before God we much keep ourselves pure as he is pure. The Devil has great power to deceive; he will so transform things as to make one gape at those who are doing the will of God. You need not be teazing your husbands because of their deeds, but let the weight of your innocence kindness and affections be felt, which is more mighty than a mill stone hung about the neck; not war not jangle, not contradiction, or dispute but meekness, love, purity, these are the things that should magnify you in the eyes of all good men. Achan must be brought to light, iniquity must be purged out from the midst of the Saints, then the veil will be rent and the blessings of heaven will flow down, they will roll down like the Mississippi river. If this Society listen to the Council of the almighty thro' the heads of the church they shall have power to command queens in their midst. I now deliver it as a prophecy if the inhabitants of this state, with the people of the surrounding Country will turn unto the Lord with all their hearts ten years will not roll round before the Kinds & Queens of the earth will come unto Zion and pay their respects to the leaders of this people they shall come with their millions; and shall contribute of their abundance for the relief of the poor and the building up and beautifying of Zion;

After this instruction you will be responsible for your own sins; it is a desirable honor that you should so walk before our Heavenly Father as to save yourselves we are all responsible to God for the manner we improve the light and wisdom given by our Lord to enable us to save ourselves. President Smith continued reading from the above mentioned chapter and to give instructions respecting the order of God as established in the church saying every one should aspire only to magnify his own office and calling. He then commenced reading the 13th Chapter "Though I speak with the tongues of Men and of Angles, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal". and said dont be limited in your views with regard to your neighbors virtues, but beware of self righteousness and be limited in the estimate of your own virtues, and not think yourselves more righteous than others, you must enlarge your souls towards each other, if you would do like Jesus and carry your fellow creatures to Abraham's bosom. He said he had manifested long suffering forbearance and patience towards the church and also to his enemies. and we must bear with each others failings as an indulgent parent bears with the foibles of his children. President Smith then read the 2nd verse "Though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries. and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains and havd not charity I am nothing." He then said though a man should become mighty, do great things, overturn mountains perform mighty works and should then turn from his high station to do evil to eat and drink with the drunken, all his former deeds would not save him, but he would go to destruction! As you increase in innocence and virtue, as you increase in goodness, let your hearts expand, let them be enlarged towards others; you must be long suffering, & bear with the faults and errors of mankind. How precious are the Souls of men! The female par of the Community are apt to be contracted in their views. You must not be contracted bu you must be liberal in your feelings Let this Society teach women how to behave towards their husbands to treat them with mildness and affection. When a man is borne down with trouble, when he is perplexed with care and difficulty if he can meet a smile instead of an argument or a murmur if he can meet with mildness, it will calm down his soul and sooth his feelings; when the mind is going to despair it needs a solace of affection and kindness you will receive instruction through the order of the Priesthood which God has established, through the medium of those appointed to lead guide and direct the affairs of the church in this last dispensation and I now turn the key in your behalf in the name of the Lord, and this society shall rejoice and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time henceforth; this is the beginning of better days to the poor and needy, who shall be made to rejoice and pour forth blessing on your heads.

When you go home never give a cross or unkind word to your husbands, but let kindness, charity, and love crown your works henceforward; don't envy the finery & fleeting show of sinners for they are in a miserable situation, but as far as you can have mercy on them for in for in a short time God will destroy them. if they will not repent and turn unto him. Let your labors be mostly confined to those around you in the circle of your own acquaintance, as far as knowledge is concerned, it may extend to all the world; but your administrations should be confined to the circle of your immediate acquaintance, and more especially to the members of the relief Society. Those ordained to preside over and lead you are authorized to appoint the different officers as the the circumstances shall require.

If any have a matter to reveal let it be in your own tongue; do not indulge too much in the exercise of the gift of tongues, or the Devil will take advantage of the innocent and unwary, you may speak in tongues for your own comfort, but I lay this down for a rule that if any thing is taught by the gift of tongues it is not to be received for doctrine.

Prest Smith then gave instruction respecting the propriety of females administering to the sick by the prayer of faith, the laying on of hands or the anointing with oil and said it was according to revelation that the sick should be nursed with herbs and mild food, and not by the hand of an enemy; who are better qualified to administer than our faithful and Zealous sisters whose hearts are full of faith tenderness sympathy and compassion? No one. Said he was never placed in similar circumstances before and never had given the same instruction and closed his instructions by expressing his heartfelt satisfaction in improving this opportunity.

The Spirit of the Lord was poured out in a very powerful manner, never to be forgotten by those present on this interesting occasion."


Notes

1. Compare remarks of 30May42.

2. The "keys" meaning the key-words, etc. mentioned elsewhere. Detecting evil refers at least in part to the instruction given on many occasions regarding detecting false spirits. See 1May42 and notes there. Once again Joseph hints at forthcoming temple rituals.


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