[. . .] There were also present a large number of visitors, among whom were seen the loved faces of Sisters Eliza R. Snow Smith and Zina D. H. Young.

[. . .]

Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith then addressed the meeting saying, “In looking upon this beautiful audience, I can rejoice. I see that great responsibilities will devolve upon those here present. In these Young Ladies I see the future mothers of the future stalwart sons of Zion, who will perform a great and noble work. These sons will be great, their influence will be felt throughout the world.

I have been interested in listening to your thoughts [p. 257] as expressed through your paper; and I feel under great obligation for this opportunity of being present. Today is the 83rd anniversary of my birthday, my 84th birthday. And it is one of the happiest anniversaries of my life. A day that I will never forget. I can see that these young ladies are starting out to make of themselves useful and intelligent members of society. In starting out you want to be firm in the desire to resist all temptation. You want to cultivate a strong will and assert its this will in doing right. If any one proposes wrong to you, assert this will to resist the wrong. The field before us of doing good and being useful is long and broad, we have no time to idle away. In listening to your exercises many thoughts passed through my mind, but I must not talk too long. There was one item that I wish to correct, which was read from your paper, concerning what the prophet Joseph Smith said about the colored people. He said that the gospel was for the colored people as well as the white people. They could obey the gospel and could be baptized but the priesthood they could not have. ¹ There is of course some reason for this. God knows best.

As an aged mother in Israel, I bless you, that you may be preserved bodily & spiritually. Go to bed early, study the Doctrine & Covenants, seek to know more about the Bible. The more we study the Bible, the more we will find to learn. Reverence the Sabbath Day, and not desecrate it as many do at the present time.”

In closing Sister Eliza desired each one who spoke to speak sufficiently loud for all to hear, saying that a gentle voice is lady like, but it should be sufficiently loud to be heard.

[. . .] [p. 258] [. . .] [p. 259]

Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith said that the gift of tongues was considered the least of all God’s gifts. Yet it was a gift from God and should be held sacred. Said that if those present would exercise faith in her behalf she would speak a few words in tongues, which she did, Sister Zina Young giving the interpretation.

One thing that was remarkable in the tongues and interpretation was that the interpretation was given in exactly the same manner as the tongues were spoken, proving a strong testimony to the truth of these gifts.

Through the tongues Sister Snow said that there were those present who would receive the gifts of tongues, interpretation of tongues, prophecy and healing, and that they should be sought after for the comfort & consolation they would be enabled to give through the exercise of these gifts.

[. . .] [p. 260]