President Kimball President Kimball

“…..My dear sisters, may I suggest to you something that has not been said before or at least in quite this way. Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world….Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the Church in the last days…..” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 103-104 (Priesthood and RS manual Teachings of the Presidents of the Church—Spencer W. Kimball 222-223)

Eliza R. Snow QuotationsEliza R. Snow QuotationsEliza R. Snow was secretary of the Relief Society in Nauvoo and recorded the Prophet Joseph Smith’s addresses to the sisters. In 1868 Brigham Young appointed Sister Snow to help bishops reorganize ward Relief Societies and to “instruct the sisters.” The following quotations are from two addresses Eliza R. Snow gave to ward Relief Societies.

“While sitting here I have been looking upon the faces of my sisters and can see the form of deity there, and I have been reflecting on the great work we have to perform.”

– Eliza R. Snow, Lehi Ward Relief Society

Most Beneficial Messages from Most Beneficial Messages from Eliza R. Snow’s TeachingsEliza R. Snow’s Teachings

Women can be in the form of deity Women have a great work to do The Lord has great expectations for women Seek validation from God instead of externally Be women of action Saviors on Mount Zion Women should recognize their power

“Eliza’s statements made me feel equal to men rather than talked

down to.”

Responses to Responses to Eliza R. Snow TeachingsEliza R. Snow Teachings

“If you understand who you are, you will know what you have the power to do—as well as what you

will be able to become.”

“This is an interesting perspective on womanhood that is not taught in the world or in the church.”

From Joseph Smith’s journal as written by his secretary Willard Richards, dated April 28, 1842, and published in the History of the Church, 4: 602

“At two o’clock 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.”

Excerpts from the Nauvoo Excerpts from the Nauvoo Relief Society MinutesRelief Society Minutes

Excerpts from Relief Society Minutes:From the minutes of the Nauvoo Relief Society, as recorded by Eliza R. Snow, dated 28 April, 1842

“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. . . . “President 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 the passage in the third 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 are appointed. He 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 it was the folly and 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.” [Relief Society Minutes, 1842-1844, manuscript, Church History Library. Spelling and punctuation have been standardized and paragraphs formatted.]

1 Corinthians 12And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities

of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. (v. 5-6)But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is

given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretations of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. ( v. 7-12)

Minutes of the Nauvoo Relief Society, as recorded by Eliza R. Snow, dated April 28, 1842, continued“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 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 [p.39] 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 perplexed, 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 through the order which God has established – through 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 in your own circle; 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 Society. “Those ordained to lead the Society, are authorized to appoint to different offices as the circumstances shall require. . . .” [Relief Society Minutes, 1842-1844, manuscript, Church History Library. Spelling and punctuation have been standardized and paragraphs formatted.]Scriptures from 1 Corinthians 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. ( V. 12, 23, 25, 27-31)

Minutes of the Nauvoo Relief Society, as recorded by Eliza R. Snow, dated April 28, 1842, continued“The charitable Society – this 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 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 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 tearing 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 must be brought to light – iniquity must be purged out – then the veil will be rent and the blessings of heaven will flow down. [p.38] – 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 around, 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 yourselves – all are responsible to save themselves.“Pres. Smith, after reading from the above mentioned chapter, continued to give instruction respecting the order of God, as established in the church; saying everyone should aspire only to magnify his own office &c.“He then commenced 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 you would 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 – Pres. 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. and should then turn to eat and drink with the drunken; all former deeds would not save him – but he would go to destruction! “He said he had manifested long suffering and we must do so too.”

“If you live up to these principles how great and glorious!—If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.” –Joseph Smith, Nauvoo Minutes

Most Beneficial Messages from the Most Beneficial Messages from the Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes Nauvoo Relief Society Minutes

If you live up to your privileges, angels cannot be restrained from being your associates

Women need to seek God to understand their work It is the nature of women to have charity Blessings come with serving Women are powerful

Responses to the Nauvoo Minutes Responses to the Nauvoo Minutes

"Motivation and positive feelings completely filled me when I read the document of Joseph Smith's words. I see it as a confirmation that women are loved, women can accomplish great things, and

women WILL accomplish great things. Faith knows no limits."

“Women need to learn to understand they are powerful beings. They need

to get that from themselves and Heavenly Father.”

“We sometimes get so complacent—we are living far

beneath our privileges and potential in the gospel.”

"I feel so much more empowered and privileged to be a

woman!"

After reading these Relief Society minutes and discussing their meaning, how do you feel about the role women have to play in the kingdom of God?

"These minutes have helped me set goals in my mind on how to better improve myself. The Lord needs my help in moving the kingdom forward through serving my fellow man, in the Relief Society, in whatever calling I may be given, and in my family. I am a large part of the movement of the Church."

"It gave me a chance to reaffirm and remember my worth. It reminds me to seek internal validation from the Lord rather than external validation from the world."

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