[. . .] At this point the audience were highly gratified to see Sister E. R. Snow come in to the meeting. [. . .]

Sung. “O my Father.” Sister Brown bore a faithful testimony, & asked God to bless Sister Snow & also Sister Horn [Mary Isabella Horne], that they may be spared a little longer to cheer their Sisters.

Sister Bird bore her testimony, also Sister Dugall [Maria Y. Dougall] who gave Sister Horn & Sister Snow a comforting blessing & felt to say that <they> would live untill they were satisfied with life.¹ [. . .]

Sister Snow had no language to express the joy she felt at beholding her Sisters once more, & said [p. 159] she is a living testimony, among the Saints, God is as willing to bless now, as He ever was.

[. . .] [p. 160]

[. . .]

Sister Horn was proud to have seen Sister Snow in our midst, felt her heart burned with thankfulness when she saw her enter. [. . .] [p. 161]

[. . .] Counselor E. [Elizabeth A.] Howard was addressing the congregation from the stand, when surprise and joy suddenly filled every heart and lighted up each countenance. This happy effect was occasioned by the entering, unannounced, of Zion’s venerable, honored and beloved Priestess and Poetess, Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith. This being her first appearance in public since her recovery from the very severe illness which she has lately endured, it was no wonder that the hearts of her sisters should overflow with unspeakable pleasure and gratitude at again beholding her in their mid[s]t.

Sister Howard closed her remarks, and by inspiration, the leader of the singing started the favorite hymn,

Every one sang, and every one wept tears of unutterable praise, love and thanksgiving.

The singing closed, and Sister Eliza arose and addressed the delighted congregation at some length in her own clear and distinct voice, and calm, dignified manner.

The substance of her remarks were, that Zion must be purified; that the work of cleansing will not cease until this end is accomplished. As individuals we must so live that faith may be increased within us, drawing nearer and nearer to our God day by day. We must not allow ourselves to entertain the least hard feeling towards any one, not even our enemies, and those who persecute us.

Following President E. R. Snow Smith’s remarks, many of the sisters bore testimony of the truth of the Gospel, the goodness, mercy and power of God, and also of the healing, prophetic and marvelously consoling gifts with which the prophetess Eliza is endowed.

[. . .] [p. 68]