8 June 1878
Retrenchment Association; Fourteenth Ward Meetinghouse, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory
[. . .] Mrs. M. I. [Mary Isabella Hales] Horne presiding; Counselors E. R. Snow, Zina D. [H.] Young, S. [Sarah] M. Kimball, and P. [Phebe C.] Woodruff were also on the stand. [. . .] Counselor E. R. Snow made some remarks in which she exhorted the mothers to use their influence with the young people against night excursions and evening parties to public grounds or gardens. Parents do not forsee the consequences of these pleasure-parties. We like to have our young people enjoy themselves together, but there is an influence abroad whose tendency is to destroy, and if we are stupid and thoughtless in regard to the youth, the Lord will hold us responsible for a great many evils. Young ladies can have a great deal of influence over young men if they will use it in the right direction, and mothers should use their influence with their sons and daughters. The powers of darkness are so on the alert that we need to be wise and careful, for we are called to save souls as well as the brethren. [. . .] Counselor Zina D. Young made some remarks and spoke in strong terms against night excursions. Counselor S. M. Kimball in her remarks referred to having visiting some of the dens of iniquity in other cities. [. . .] Mrs. E. [Elmina] S. Taylor made a few remarks alluded to night excursions, said if only the pure and good went to those places, they would be enjoyable, but it was not so, the company was mixed and we should use our utmost influence against all such amusements. Teach the young people good principles at home and in their meetings and do all in our power to restrain them from evil. [p. 10]