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Rise Up and Speak: Selected Discourses of Eliza R. Snow
376 pages, Hardcover
Published March 2, 2026
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March 3, 2026
The publication of Rise Up and Speak: Selected Discourses of Eliza R. Snow represents a landmark achievement in the ongoing effort by the Church Historian’s Press to document the foundational voices of the Restoration. Edited by Jennifer Reeder, Sharalyn D. Howcroft, Elizabeth A. Kuehn, and Jessica M. Nelson, this volume serves as a powerful corrective to the popular, albeit limited, image of Eliza R. Snow as primarily a poet and hymn writer. Here, we encounter Snow as she was known to her contemporaries: a formidable orator, a theologian, and a tireless administrator who shaped the lived religion of nineteenth-century Latter-day Saint women.
Archival Depth and Theological Precision
The scale of the research project distilled into these fifty-two representative addresses is daunting. The editors processed nearly 1,300 discourses discovered across 1,600 minute books—a daunting archival task. The editors have curated a selection that prioritizes Snow’s doctrinal contributions. What emerges is a Christ-centered theology that is both practical and aspirational. Snow frequently reminds her sisters of their covenant identity, stating, “We are sisters, doubly sisters. We are sisters by being the daughters of God … and sisters by receiving the everlasting gospel in its fulness” (p. 96).
Snow’s understanding of the Relief Society was inherently tied to the priesthood. She was blunt in her assessment that “many of the sisters do not realize that the Female Relief Societies are an organization of the priesthood, but treat the matter as of little consequence. They must learn better … Their calling is a high, holy, and honorable one” (p. 84). For Snow, this calling encompassed both temporal and spiritual spheres: to “relieve the poor,” and “to look after the morals and virtue of the society,” and “also to save souls” (p. 175).
A Manual for Modern Discipleship
For the contemporary church member, Rise Up and Speak is more than an academic resource; it is an invaluable toolkit for personal study and lesson preparation. Those preparing sacrament meeting talks or Sunday School lessons will find an abundance of clear and evocative teaching.
If one is seeking to teach on the nature of grace and judgment, for example, Snow offers the comforting assurance that “God will judge the motive of the heart … God will accept the will for the deed” (p. 45). On the topic of enduring trials as soul-building experiences: “If we want to be superfine flour, we must stand still and let the mill roll on; He can overrule all things for our good” (p. 51). She understood that “it is necessary for us to taste affliction that we may learn to appreciate the blessings of God” (p. 51).
Lessons on character and self-worth would be greatly enriched by Snow’s thoughts on “dignity of character,” which she argued should be cultivated because, “with dignity of character, if I have not a farthing in my pocket, I am still Father’s daughter and a sister of Jesus Christ’s” (p. 99). Likewise, her instructions to the youth in the Nauvoo Common School remain startlingly relevant: “The boys and girls of the present are an index to the society of the future” (p. 81). She warned against wasting time, noting that how we “improve the present period will have a bearing upon your conditions and characters hereafter” (p. 9).
Navigating History and Patriotism
One of the greatest strengths of this volume is the editors’ commitment to intellectual honesty. They do not attempt to sanitize Snow’s voice to fit modern sensibilities. The introductions and notes candidly address her defense of plural marriage, her exercise of charismatic spiritual gifts (such as healing by the laying on of hands and speaking in tongues), her perspective on the Fall and Eve, and the cultural biases typical of Americans in her era.
For instance, the inclusion of her discourses regarding Indigenous peoples reflects the complex, often contradictory Latter-day Saint settler view of the time: seeing them as part of the House of Israel while simultaneously employing the “civilizing” and assimilationist rhetoric common to the nineteenth-century frontier.
We also see her fierce, yet nuanced, patriotism. Even after the Saints were driven from the United States, she exhorted them to “struggle to preserve the sacred Constitution of our country, one of the blessings of the Almighty” (p. 73). She distinguished between “pure principles” and a “degenerate administration,” insisting that the Constitution remain “sacred” and be “borne off triumphantly” (p. 18, 73).
By providing this context, the editors allow Snow to remain a “woman for her time” while still highlighting the enduring value of her core testimony as a woman for all times.
Conclusion
Rise Up and Speak is an essential resource for both the general membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for any serious student of Latter-day Saint history or theology. It demands that we take Eliza R. Snow seriously as a religious thinker. Reading these discourses rewards the reader with a deeper understanding of the spiritual power that fueled the pioneer era and continues to offer guidance for our own. Whether used for a Sunday lesson, for personal reflection on the “sweeping consolation” of the Spirit, or in historical and theological research, this book is a wonderful addition to the Latter-day Saint library.
Archival Depth and Theological Precision
The scale of the research project distilled into these fifty-two representative addresses is daunting. The editors processed nearly 1,300 discourses discovered across 1,600 minute books—a daunting archival task. The editors have curated a selection that prioritizes Snow’s doctrinal contributions. What emerges is a Christ-centered theology that is both practical and aspirational. Snow frequently reminds her sisters of their covenant identity, stating, “We are sisters, doubly sisters. We are sisters by being the daughters of God … and sisters by receiving the everlasting gospel in its fulness” (p. 96).
Snow’s understanding of the Relief Society was inherently tied to the priesthood. She was blunt in her assessment that “many of the sisters do not realize that the Female Relief Societies are an organization of the priesthood, but treat the matter as of little consequence. They must learn better … Their calling is a high, holy, and honorable one” (p. 84). For Snow, this calling encompassed both temporal and spiritual spheres: to “relieve the poor,” and “to look after the morals and virtue of the society,” and “also to save souls” (p. 175).
A Manual for Modern Discipleship
For the contemporary church member, Rise Up and Speak is more than an academic resource; it is an invaluable toolkit for personal study and lesson preparation. Those preparing sacrament meeting talks or Sunday School lessons will find an abundance of clear and evocative teaching.
If one is seeking to teach on the nature of grace and judgment, for example, Snow offers the comforting assurance that “God will judge the motive of the heart … God will accept the will for the deed” (p. 45). On the topic of enduring trials as soul-building experiences: “If we want to be superfine flour, we must stand still and let the mill roll on; He can overrule all things for our good” (p. 51). She understood that “it is necessary for us to taste affliction that we may learn to appreciate the blessings of God” (p. 51).
Lessons on character and self-worth would be greatly enriched by Snow’s thoughts on “dignity of character,” which she argued should be cultivated because, “with dignity of character, if I have not a farthing in my pocket, I am still Father’s daughter and a sister of Jesus Christ’s” (p. 99). Likewise, her instructions to the youth in the Nauvoo Common School remain startlingly relevant: “The boys and girls of the present are an index to the society of the future” (p. 81). She warned against wasting time, noting that how we “improve the present period will have a bearing upon your conditions and characters hereafter” (p. 9).
Navigating History and Patriotism
One of the greatest strengths of this volume is the editors’ commitment to intellectual honesty. They do not attempt to sanitize Snow’s voice to fit modern sensibilities. The introductions and notes candidly address her defense of plural marriage, her exercise of charismatic spiritual gifts (such as healing by the laying on of hands and speaking in tongues), her perspective on the Fall and Eve, and the cultural biases typical of Americans in her era.
For instance, the inclusion of her discourses regarding Indigenous peoples reflects the complex, often contradictory Latter-day Saint settler view of the time: seeing them as part of the House of Israel while simultaneously employing the “civilizing” and assimilationist rhetoric common to the nineteenth-century frontier.
We also see her fierce, yet nuanced, patriotism. Even after the Saints were driven from the United States, she exhorted them to “struggle to preserve the sacred Constitution of our country, one of the blessings of the Almighty” (p. 73). She distinguished between “pure principles” and a “degenerate administration,” insisting that the Constitution remain “sacred” and be “borne off triumphantly” (p. 18, 73).
By providing this context, the editors allow Snow to remain a “woman for her time” while still highlighting the enduring value of her core testimony as a woman for all times.
Conclusion
Rise Up and Speak is an essential resource for both the general membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for any serious student of Latter-day Saint history or theology. It demands that we take Eliza R. Snow seriously as a religious thinker. Reading these discourses rewards the reader with a deeper understanding of the spiritual power that fueled the pioneer era and continues to offer guidance for our own. Whether used for a Sunday lesson, for personal reflection on the “sweeping consolation” of the Spirit, or in historical and theological research, this book is a wonderful addition to the Latter-day Saint library.
April 20, 2026
Great book!
"Eliza Roxcy Snow was the most prominent Latter-day Saint woman of her time. As a writer, organizer, temple worker, and advocate for women, Snow was a key figure in expanding women's participation and leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... Snow traveled extensively, preaching about the gospel of Jesus Christ and ministering to the women of the church (p. xiii)."
"Snow was born in Massachusetts in 1804 and grew up on the Ohio frontier, where as a child she memorized long passages from the Bible. By the time she joined the church in 1835, she was a published poet and a well-educated and careful thinker (p. xiv)."
"In March 1842, Nauvoo women attempted to organize a 'society' to sew shirts for temple construction workers. Snow presented Joseph Smith with a proposed constitution and bylaws for the group; he praised her work but told her he had 'something better' for the sisters (p. xiv)."
"After visiting communities in southern Utah Territory, Young realized the practical need to organize the women and enlist their aid in combating poverty and improving relationships with neighboring Indigenous peoples (p. xiv)."
"Each individual Relief Society... was 'no trifling thing--its organization places woman in a position to act in accordance with the law of the priesthood (p. xvi)."
"Though Brigham Young gave Snow the enormous task of rebuilding Relief Societies, he did not give her an official title for this role, and she acted independently in coordinating these efforts (p. xvi)."
"Taylor then formalized central Relief Society leadership when he nominated Snow as the president of 'all the Relief Societies' (p. xvii)."
"'The time has come when we must live for holy purposes' (p. xix)."
"In 1878, Snow assisted Aurelia Spencer Rogers in creating a new organization for children--the Primary Association (p. xix)."
"The Savior was central to Snow's understanding of the gospel (p. xxi)."
"She encouraged young women to 'talk of the gospel of Jesus Christ' (p. xxi)."
"Snow often exhorted her listeners to rely on Christ throughout life's trials and recognized that adversity can often turn people to the Savior (p. xxii)."
"Snow preached what she practiced, and modern ministering efforts within the church can benefit from her personal experience (p. xxii)."
"'I thank our Heavenly Father that I am associated with you, not only in the precious and everlasting bonds of the glorious gospel of the Prince of Peace but also in the sacred, God-revealed organization of the Relief Society' (p. xxiii)."
"'Glory in thy Lord's affection;
Triumph in thy Chieftains worth' (p. xxiv)."
"This volume presents fifty-two transcripts selected from nearly thirteen hundred discourses given by Eliza R. Snow from 1840 to 1887... While Snow perhaps spoke most frequently to ward and stake Relief Societies, she also addressed mixed congregations of men and women at cultural and political events, youth and children's meetings (p. xxvii)."
"At the founding meeting of the Relief Society on 17 March 1842 in Nauvoo, Joseph Smith charged its members to care for and administer to the wants of impoverished people and to strengthen female virtue (p. 3)."
"Eliza R. Snow's enthusiasm for education spanned her whole life, and she eventually became an educator herself (p. 7)."
"'Let not your time run to waste. Let not your early life be trifled away on nonsensical objects, but in all your pursuits, have a wise reference to the future... Let your thoughts be elevated' (p. 9)."
"'The human mind possesses an adhesive quality--it is apt to adhere to and contract a likeness to that with which it comes most in contact or with which it is most conversant' (p. 11)."
"'Court the society of the aged who have trod the path of life before you--those who have accumulated wisdom by length of years and practical experience. Listen respectfully to their instructions and profit by their counsels. Never treat them with that arrogance and insolence which too much characterizes the manners of the present age' (p. 12)."
"'Diligently seek wisdom and knowledge. Study attentively the revelations which God has given heretofore, and receive and treasure up whatever shall proceed from His mouth' (p. 12)."
"'If you calculate to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, you must be determined--you must not be afraid to be singular: for though you are privileged above all the world with regard to society' by being associated with the Latter-day Saints, remember that all are not Israel that are of Israel' (p. 12)."
"'I pray that God will enlighten your minds by His Spirit continually to enable you to judge correctly and distinguish between the false honors of the world and the honor that comes from God' (p. 13)."
"On July 24 1849, Eliza R. Snow gathered with a large group of Latter-day Saints in the Salt Lake Valley to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the first company's arrival in the valley. Lorenzo Snow, her brother, planned the day's events (p. 15)."
"She considered herself a fervent patriot (p. 16)."
"There are sometimes small and seemingly trivial events in the life of man, with which every other period most naturally associates' (p. 16)."
"Snow had carried the Nauvoo minute book with her to Salt Lake City. Some groups of women in Utah Territory formed ad hoc Relief Societies in the 1850s to aid Indigenous peoples and others in need... Snow did not participate in these 1850s Relief Society groups, and without the Nauvoo minute book, centralized leadership, and proper organizational procedures--without the constitution initiated by Joseph Smith--most of these organizations withered (p. 29)."
"She felt as though the Lord had opened the way for the sisters to do a great work (p. 32)."
"The Prophet Joseph Smith anticipated great results from the formation of Female Relief Societies (p. 35)."
"How necessary then for us to do our duty and live humbly before God, learning to understand each other and be united (p. 36)."
"Sister Eliza R. Snow addressed the visiting committee and said they were not required to make their visits too laborious (p. 36)."
"Snow reminded the women of their divine identity and taught them about their priorities and the promise of spiritual assistance (p. 44)."
"'God will judge the motive of the heart. Many of us may have great desires to perform some great good we cannot. God will accept the will for the deed... How elevated we should be in our thoughts and actions, and remember eternal life is true riches' (p. 45)."
"At the reorganization meeting on 12 May, [Charles] Robson taught that the Relief Society was formed 'for the purpose of uniting the sisters together in the bonds of love' (p. 49)."
"'A society of this kind has always existed whenever the priesthood has been upon the earth' (p. 50)."
"'If your labors are acceptable to God, however simple the duties, if faithfully performed, you should never be discouraged... Some sisters will not move forward because they wish to go hand in hand with the world. We should improve our talents... This society should work for the poor... If we are called to suffer afflicition, God will sanctify it to our good' (p. 51)."
"'I am glad to see a good turnout today, for there is strength in union, numbers, and perseverance' (Marinda Hyde, p. 55)."
"Snow then taught the fundamental mission of Relief Society: to sincerely care for each other... 'The power and glory of godliness is spread out on a broad principle to throw out the mantle of charity' (p. 56)."
"'You should first ascertain whether a desired thing is requisit and advisable, then go to with your might, and with God's blessing you shall accomplish it... Your mission is to look after the poor and watch over the souls of all with whom you are associated. Therefore be watchful and cultivate confidence... We must watch ourselves and not look for failings; look for the best side, for when this fleshy tabernacle is laid off, we are free from failings... Watch over and help each other in love and have an interest one in the other... Let us be diligent and improve every opportunity we have... You, my sisters, are laboring for eternity. Your doings affect in the other world' (p. 57)."
"'Gain strength of character and honorably acquit ourselves and fill those positions destined for noble woman... Love and keep the commandments of God, that we may all meet where celestial beings are and that we may come back into the presence of the Father' (p. 58)."
"'Without order we have no claim to the Spirit; we must ahve the Spiit or we cannot remain organized' (p. 63)."
"'By doing the best you can, you will increase. Union is requisite; your hearts must be united and clothed with the Spirit. Associate together; you will love each other more by so doing. Be united and increase in faithfulness, and you will find those whom you thought neglectful will be alive to their duties... We cannot go ahead of the brethren owing to their priesthood, but we can help. Let us set our hearts and heads together to improve mentally, morally, and financially. Be economical; have wisdom in distributing to the wants of the poor; seek to know their circumstances' (p. 64)."
"'We are living in a land of freedom, under a constituion that guarantees civil and religious liberty to all... we have met today to manifest our views and feelings concerning the oppressive policy exercised twoards us by our repubulican government... I will now ask this intelligent assembly of ladies: Do you know of any place on the face of the earth where woman has more liberty, and where she enjoys msuch high and glorois privileges as she does here, as a Latter-day Saint? 'No.' The very idea of women here in a state of slavery is a burlesque on good common sense... As women of God...we not only speak because we have the right, but justice and humanity demand that we should... Woman's faith can accomplish wonders' (p. 68)."
"'Our trust is in God... God bless you and help us all to keep His holy commandments and be valiant for the truth, that whether life or death, in life and in death, we may triumph over evil and return to the presence of the Holy One, pure, having kept the faith and finished our course, that the crown laid up for us may be presented to us in the kingdom of our God in the eternal world' (p. 73)."
"Snow taught that obedience to the principles and commandments of the gospel... would help individual Latter-day Saints, and ultimately the world, overcome this fallen state (p. 79)."
"'The work we are required to perform is to labor for the salvation of the children of men' (p. 80)."
"'We want to learn to bring ourselves into subjection to what is right... We need not be discouraged, my sisters. If we are trying to cultivate the Spirit, to make home heaven, if we live our religion and feel its sweet influence day by day, we are happy and have a right to be' (p. 82)."
"'What a blessing it is that we are under the direction of the priesthood of God, that we can attend to the ordinances of life for the living and the dead and attain to the gift of eternal lives' (p. 84)."
"'We must be alert also against the devices of the enemy' (p. 85)."
"Eliza R. Snow, who oversaw all women's work in the church, was also present at that founding meeting and became a leading voice in the retrenchment movement (p. 89)."
"'We are very apt to see the errors of others before we can sicern our own. We should not be offended to be told of our faults but receive it with mildness' (p. 91)."
"'In every aspect there is order. I greatly admire the order in the baptism for the dead' (p. 92)."
"'If we ever become Saints of God, we have to learn to work together in love and confidence' (95)."
"'The Lord desires to have a peculiar people--a people that will gather out of the land of our nativity' (p. 96)."
"'The more sisters come togetehr, the more they wi'l love each other. Truth begets truth; love begets love; integrity begets integrity' (p. 98)."
"'We expect to live forever. We are laying a foundation for eternity. Then let us study and pray, and God will pour out on us a spirit of knowing these things... We want to be as different from the outside world as it is possible so that we may be known by our countenances' (p. 99)."
"'My sisters, we have an incomprehensible work before us and much to sacrifice. As long as we differ in opinion, we will not rise to that perfection we would' (p. 104)."
"'Faith combined with study will help us to attain a large amount of knowledge in a short time (p. 106)."
"'When I am filled with that Spirit, my soul is satisfied, and I can say in good earnest that the trifling things of the day do not seem to stand in my way at all' (p. 116)."
"'Paul the apostle anciently spoke of holy women. It is the duty of each one of us to be a holy woman. We shall have elevated aims if we are holy women. We shall feel that we are called to perform important duties' (p. 116)."
"'The Spirit of God will impart instruction to your minds, and you will impart to each other' (p. 117)."
"'We do not as a people possess sufficient energy of character. We are too easily discourage. We should be indomitable in courage' (p. 124)."
"'Learn to work in union. Union is strength. By uniting ourselves together, we can do a great work' (p. 128)."
"'I have heard it said, show me the women of a nation, and I'll tell you what that nation is' (p. 129)."
"'My young sisters can treasure up something every day, and by the time they are as old as I am, then how much will they know. Select good books. Get the Spirit of God nor forget your prayers. Pray for the Spirit of God. Pray earnestly, pray often. Speak in meeting when you have a chance. Speak with the Spirit of God. If you cannot speak, select some good moral piece and read it. It will instruct your mind' (p. 130)."
"Seek education, assist in domestic work, and develop... talents (p. 133)."
"'I know the young ladies in this ward have the Spirit of God in their hearts--it breathes from their minutes. Cling closely to it! I wish all the girls and boys in Zion had more of that Spirit. It is a safeguard against the temptations of the adversary. There are only two kingdoms on the earth: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan' (p. 141)."
"'When the Lord starts a thing, it is going to be accomplished... When I embraced the gospel, I set my eyes Zionward. I do not care for the world. The interests of the kingdom of God are my interests' (p. 142)."
"'There is no more important office than that of a teacher to deal out the bread of life to those who have lost the warmth of the Spirit of the Lord' (p. 148)."
"'To minister to the sick and poor is an angelic work that devolves upon women, and there are many other higher and nobler duties to perform... What a privilege ot have a knowledge of the gospel' (p. 156)."
"'Be humble and prayerful, and each day be more diligent and careful to do everything for the interest of Zion, and the angels of God will hover over you and bless you' (p. 158)."
"Since she began reorganizing Relief Societies in 1868, Snow had encouraged the women to use their meetings to become more comfortable and adept public speakers (p. 169)."
"'Let not the sisters think that because they are not officers that they have no responsibility, for all have responsibility' (p. 175)."
"'When you come together, instruct each other to get rid of everything that is not of the Spirit of God, that we may make our homes happy. Get the Spirit of God. When you meet together, don't sit and say nothing, lest the stones should cry out against you, but hold sweet communion with each other in the path of rightouesness' (p. 176)."
"'It is good to come together for the purpose of the Lord our Father, and He will pour out His Spirit upon us, and we will all be enlivened' (p. 187)."
"'We learn by what we suffer, inasmuch as we acknolwedge the hand of God in all things' (P. 196)."
"Instances when Snow bestowed blessings in tongues were usually noted only briefly in meeting minutes (p. 211)."
"'We must be faithful and do our duties if we would be happy' (p. 213)."
"In June 1880, while Snow was serving as Relief Society president of the Eighteenth Ward, President John Taylor appointed her president of all the church's Relief Societies (p. 229)."
"'Never allow a word said disrespectful of the priesthood by the children or ever allow a word to slip from your own lips, and never complain if you have not everything your neighbor enjoys; we do not as Saints feel to set our hearts upon the things of the earth, but the riches of heaven' (p. 232)."
"Eliza R. Snow encouraged women to be politically active as part of their commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ (p. 235)."
"'Are we devoting our whole lives, minds, ands trength, united as the heart of one, working for one point? Living day by day, as the Saints of the Most High God, our future depends on this. Are we putting from us every evil thought, every jealousy?' (p. 237)"
"Children were always important to Eliza R. Snow, though she never had any of her own. She often exhorted mothers in Relief Society to care for their young ones and taught that mothers' influence would prepare future leaders and could change the world (p. 241)."
"'When you sing, you sing the praises of God' (p. 243)."
"'In attending meetings, if we are humble and prayerful, we are sure to get reshreings from above, the influence of which is carried to our homes--home is made happier. Let no one grow weary in well doing, but let us all be learning day by day, little by little, overcoming our own weaknesses and hsorcomings until we attain to perfection' (p. 248)."
"Snow was proud of her personal connection to Joseph Smith... Snow's sealing to Joseph Smith would have been common knowledge at the time (p. 257)."
"Despite her advanced age of seventy-seven years, Eliza R. Snow maintained her rigorous schedule full of speaking engagements and the work of organizing women and children throughout the Intermountain West (p. 263)."
"'Work unitedly to assist in building up the kingdom of God on the earth' (p. 266)."
"Eliza R. Snow spoke often of love and expressed God's love for all... She frequently expressed hope that the women would be filled with love, unity, humility, friendship, and confidence (p. 269)."
"'We have the Comforter that Jesus gave... which leads into all truth' (p. 276)."
"'I sometimes think we do not contend as earnestly for the faith as we should' (p. 277)."
"Snow frequently spoke about gifts fo the Spirit (p. 279)."
"Snow illustrated her frequent reliance on help from God (p. 283)."
"Snow overcame an earlier fear or public speaking through years of determination and experience (p. 289)."
"Eliza Roxcy Snow was the most prominent Latter-day Saint woman of her time. As a writer, organizer, temple worker, and advocate for women, Snow was a key figure in expanding women's participation and leadership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... Snow traveled extensively, preaching about the gospel of Jesus Christ and ministering to the women of the church (p. xiii)."
"Snow was born in Massachusetts in 1804 and grew up on the Ohio frontier, where as a child she memorized long passages from the Bible. By the time she joined the church in 1835, she was a published poet and a well-educated and careful thinker (p. xiv)."
"In March 1842, Nauvoo women attempted to organize a 'society' to sew shirts for temple construction workers. Snow presented Joseph Smith with a proposed constitution and bylaws for the group; he praised her work but told her he had 'something better' for the sisters (p. xiv)."
"After visiting communities in southern Utah Territory, Young realized the practical need to organize the women and enlist their aid in combating poverty and improving relationships with neighboring Indigenous peoples (p. xiv)."
"Each individual Relief Society... was 'no trifling thing--its organization places woman in a position to act in accordance with the law of the priesthood (p. xvi)."
"Though Brigham Young gave Snow the enormous task of rebuilding Relief Societies, he did not give her an official title for this role, and she acted independently in coordinating these efforts (p. xvi)."
"Taylor then formalized central Relief Society leadership when he nominated Snow as the president of 'all the Relief Societies' (p. xvii)."
"'The time has come when we must live for holy purposes' (p. xix)."
"In 1878, Snow assisted Aurelia Spencer Rogers in creating a new organization for children--the Primary Association (p. xix)."
"The Savior was central to Snow's understanding of the gospel (p. xxi)."
"She encouraged young women to 'talk of the gospel of Jesus Christ' (p. xxi)."
"Snow often exhorted her listeners to rely on Christ throughout life's trials and recognized that adversity can often turn people to the Savior (p. xxii)."
"Snow preached what she practiced, and modern ministering efforts within the church can benefit from her personal experience (p. xxii)."
"'I thank our Heavenly Father that I am associated with you, not only in the precious and everlasting bonds of the glorious gospel of the Prince of Peace but also in the sacred, God-revealed organization of the Relief Society' (p. xxiii)."
"'Glory in thy Lord's affection;
Triumph in thy Chieftains worth' (p. xxiv)."
"This volume presents fifty-two transcripts selected from nearly thirteen hundred discourses given by Eliza R. Snow from 1840 to 1887... While Snow perhaps spoke most frequently to ward and stake Relief Societies, she also addressed mixed congregations of men and women at cultural and political events, youth and children's meetings (p. xxvii)."
"At the founding meeting of the Relief Society on 17 March 1842 in Nauvoo, Joseph Smith charged its members to care for and administer to the wants of impoverished people and to strengthen female virtue (p. 3)."
"Eliza R. Snow's enthusiasm for education spanned her whole life, and she eventually became an educator herself (p. 7)."
"'Let not your time run to waste. Let not your early life be trifled away on nonsensical objects, but in all your pursuits, have a wise reference to the future... Let your thoughts be elevated' (p. 9)."
"'The human mind possesses an adhesive quality--it is apt to adhere to and contract a likeness to that with which it comes most in contact or with which it is most conversant' (p. 11)."
"'Court the society of the aged who have trod the path of life before you--those who have accumulated wisdom by length of years and practical experience. Listen respectfully to their instructions and profit by their counsels. Never treat them with that arrogance and insolence which too much characterizes the manners of the present age' (p. 12)."
"'Diligently seek wisdom and knowledge. Study attentively the revelations which God has given heretofore, and receive and treasure up whatever shall proceed from His mouth' (p. 12)."
"'If you calculate to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, you must be determined--you must not be afraid to be singular: for though you are privileged above all the world with regard to society' by being associated with the Latter-day Saints, remember that all are not Israel that are of Israel' (p. 12)."
"'I pray that God will enlighten your minds by His Spirit continually to enable you to judge correctly and distinguish between the false honors of the world and the honor that comes from God' (p. 13)."
"On July 24 1849, Eliza R. Snow gathered with a large group of Latter-day Saints in the Salt Lake Valley to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the first company's arrival in the valley. Lorenzo Snow, her brother, planned the day's events (p. 15)."
"She considered herself a fervent patriot (p. 16)."
"There are sometimes small and seemingly trivial events in the life of man, with which every other period most naturally associates' (p. 16)."
"Snow had carried the Nauvoo minute book with her to Salt Lake City. Some groups of women in Utah Territory formed ad hoc Relief Societies in the 1850s to aid Indigenous peoples and others in need... Snow did not participate in these 1850s Relief Society groups, and without the Nauvoo minute book, centralized leadership, and proper organizational procedures--without the constitution initiated by Joseph Smith--most of these organizations withered (p. 29)."
"She felt as though the Lord had opened the way for the sisters to do a great work (p. 32)."
"The Prophet Joseph Smith anticipated great results from the formation of Female Relief Societies (p. 35)."
"How necessary then for us to do our duty and live humbly before God, learning to understand each other and be united (p. 36)."
"Sister Eliza R. Snow addressed the visiting committee and said they were not required to make their visits too laborious (p. 36)."
"Snow reminded the women of their divine identity and taught them about their priorities and the promise of spiritual assistance (p. 44)."
"'God will judge the motive of the heart. Many of us may have great desires to perform some great good we cannot. God will accept the will for the deed... How elevated we should be in our thoughts and actions, and remember eternal life is true riches' (p. 45)."
"At the reorganization meeting on 12 May, [Charles] Robson taught that the Relief Society was formed 'for the purpose of uniting the sisters together in the bonds of love' (p. 49)."
"'A society of this kind has always existed whenever the priesthood has been upon the earth' (p. 50)."
"'If your labors are acceptable to God, however simple the duties, if faithfully performed, you should never be discouraged... Some sisters will not move forward because they wish to go hand in hand with the world. We should improve our talents... This society should work for the poor... If we are called to suffer afflicition, God will sanctify it to our good' (p. 51)."
"'I am glad to see a good turnout today, for there is strength in union, numbers, and perseverance' (Marinda Hyde, p. 55)."
"Snow then taught the fundamental mission of Relief Society: to sincerely care for each other... 'The power and glory of godliness is spread out on a broad principle to throw out the mantle of charity' (p. 56)."
"'You should first ascertain whether a desired thing is requisit and advisable, then go to with your might, and with God's blessing you shall accomplish it... Your mission is to look after the poor and watch over the souls of all with whom you are associated. Therefore be watchful and cultivate confidence... We must watch ourselves and not look for failings; look for the best side, for when this fleshy tabernacle is laid off, we are free from failings... Watch over and help each other in love and have an interest one in the other... Let us be diligent and improve every opportunity we have... You, my sisters, are laboring for eternity. Your doings affect in the other world' (p. 57)."
"'Gain strength of character and honorably acquit ourselves and fill those positions destined for noble woman... Love and keep the commandments of God, that we may all meet where celestial beings are and that we may come back into the presence of the Father' (p. 58)."
"'Without order we have no claim to the Spirit; we must ahve the Spiit or we cannot remain organized' (p. 63)."
"'By doing the best you can, you will increase. Union is requisite; your hearts must be united and clothed with the Spirit. Associate together; you will love each other more by so doing. Be united and increase in faithfulness, and you will find those whom you thought neglectful will be alive to their duties... We cannot go ahead of the brethren owing to their priesthood, but we can help. Let us set our hearts and heads together to improve mentally, morally, and financially. Be economical; have wisdom in distributing to the wants of the poor; seek to know their circumstances' (p. 64)."
"'We are living in a land of freedom, under a constituion that guarantees civil and religious liberty to all... we have met today to manifest our views and feelings concerning the oppressive policy exercised twoards us by our repubulican government... I will now ask this intelligent assembly of ladies: Do you know of any place on the face of the earth where woman has more liberty, and where she enjoys msuch high and glorois privileges as she does here, as a Latter-day Saint? 'No.' The very idea of women here in a state of slavery is a burlesque on good common sense... As women of God...we not only speak because we have the right, but justice and humanity demand that we should... Woman's faith can accomplish wonders' (p. 68)."
"'Our trust is in God... God bless you and help us all to keep His holy commandments and be valiant for the truth, that whether life or death, in life and in death, we may triumph over evil and return to the presence of the Holy One, pure, having kept the faith and finished our course, that the crown laid up for us may be presented to us in the kingdom of our God in the eternal world' (p. 73)."
"Snow taught that obedience to the principles and commandments of the gospel... would help individual Latter-day Saints, and ultimately the world, overcome this fallen state (p. 79)."
"'The work we are required to perform is to labor for the salvation of the children of men' (p. 80)."
"'We want to learn to bring ourselves into subjection to what is right... We need not be discouraged, my sisters. If we are trying to cultivate the Spirit, to make home heaven, if we live our religion and feel its sweet influence day by day, we are happy and have a right to be' (p. 82)."
"'What a blessing it is that we are under the direction of the priesthood of God, that we can attend to the ordinances of life for the living and the dead and attain to the gift of eternal lives' (p. 84)."
"'We must be alert also against the devices of the enemy' (p. 85)."
"Eliza R. Snow, who oversaw all women's work in the church, was also present at that founding meeting and became a leading voice in the retrenchment movement (p. 89)."
"'We are very apt to see the errors of others before we can sicern our own. We should not be offended to be told of our faults but receive it with mildness' (p. 91)."
"'In every aspect there is order. I greatly admire the order in the baptism for the dead' (p. 92)."
"'If we ever become Saints of God, we have to learn to work together in love and confidence' (95)."
"'The Lord desires to have a peculiar people--a people that will gather out of the land of our nativity' (p. 96)."
"'The more sisters come togetehr, the more they wi'l love each other. Truth begets truth; love begets love; integrity begets integrity' (p. 98)."
"'We expect to live forever. We are laying a foundation for eternity. Then let us study and pray, and God will pour out on us a spirit of knowing these things... We want to be as different from the outside world as it is possible so that we may be known by our countenances' (p. 99)."
"'My sisters, we have an incomprehensible work before us and much to sacrifice. As long as we differ in opinion, we will not rise to that perfection we would' (p. 104)."
"'Faith combined with study will help us to attain a large amount of knowledge in a short time (p. 106)."
"'When I am filled with that Spirit, my soul is satisfied, and I can say in good earnest that the trifling things of the day do not seem to stand in my way at all' (p. 116)."
"'Paul the apostle anciently spoke of holy women. It is the duty of each one of us to be a holy woman. We shall have elevated aims if we are holy women. We shall feel that we are called to perform important duties' (p. 116)."
"'The Spirit of God will impart instruction to your minds, and you will impart to each other' (p. 117)."
"'We do not as a people possess sufficient energy of character. We are too easily discourage. We should be indomitable in courage' (p. 124)."
"'Learn to work in union. Union is strength. By uniting ourselves together, we can do a great work' (p. 128)."
"'I have heard it said, show me the women of a nation, and I'll tell you what that nation is' (p. 129)."
"'My young sisters can treasure up something every day, and by the time they are as old as I am, then how much will they know. Select good books. Get the Spirit of God nor forget your prayers. Pray for the Spirit of God. Pray earnestly, pray often. Speak in meeting when you have a chance. Speak with the Spirit of God. If you cannot speak, select some good moral piece and read it. It will instruct your mind' (p. 130)."
"Seek education, assist in domestic work, and develop... talents (p. 133)."
"'I know the young ladies in this ward have the Spirit of God in their hearts--it breathes from their minutes. Cling closely to it! I wish all the girls and boys in Zion had more of that Spirit. It is a safeguard against the temptations of the adversary. There are only two kingdoms on the earth: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan' (p. 141)."
"'When the Lord starts a thing, it is going to be accomplished... When I embraced the gospel, I set my eyes Zionward. I do not care for the world. The interests of the kingdom of God are my interests' (p. 142)."
"'There is no more important office than that of a teacher to deal out the bread of life to those who have lost the warmth of the Spirit of the Lord' (p. 148)."
"'To minister to the sick and poor is an angelic work that devolves upon women, and there are many other higher and nobler duties to perform... What a privilege ot have a knowledge of the gospel' (p. 156)."
"'Be humble and prayerful, and each day be more diligent and careful to do everything for the interest of Zion, and the angels of God will hover over you and bless you' (p. 158)."
"Since she began reorganizing Relief Societies in 1868, Snow had encouraged the women to use their meetings to become more comfortable and adept public speakers (p. 169)."
"'Let not the sisters think that because they are not officers that they have no responsibility, for all have responsibility' (p. 175)."
"'When you come together, instruct each other to get rid of everything that is not of the Spirit of God, that we may make our homes happy. Get the Spirit of God. When you meet together, don't sit and say nothing, lest the stones should cry out against you, but hold sweet communion with each other in the path of rightouesness' (p. 176)."
"'It is good to come together for the purpose of the Lord our Father, and He will pour out His Spirit upon us, and we will all be enlivened' (p. 187)."
"'We learn by what we suffer, inasmuch as we acknolwedge the hand of God in all things' (P. 196)."
"Instances when Snow bestowed blessings in tongues were usually noted only briefly in meeting minutes (p. 211)."
"'We must be faithful and do our duties if we would be happy' (p. 213)."
"In June 1880, while Snow was serving as Relief Society president of the Eighteenth Ward, President John Taylor appointed her president of all the church's Relief Societies (p. 229)."
"'Never allow a word said disrespectful of the priesthood by the children or ever allow a word to slip from your own lips, and never complain if you have not everything your neighbor enjoys; we do not as Saints feel to set our hearts upon the things of the earth, but the riches of heaven' (p. 232)."
"Eliza R. Snow encouraged women to be politically active as part of their commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ (p. 235)."
"'Are we devoting our whole lives, minds, ands trength, united as the heart of one, working for one point? Living day by day, as the Saints of the Most High God, our future depends on this. Are we putting from us every evil thought, every jealousy?' (p. 237)"
"Children were always important to Eliza R. Snow, though she never had any of her own. She often exhorted mothers in Relief Society to care for their young ones and taught that mothers' influence would prepare future leaders and could change the world (p. 241)."
"'When you sing, you sing the praises of God' (p. 243)."
"'In attending meetings, if we are humble and prayerful, we are sure to get reshreings from above, the influence of which is carried to our homes--home is made happier. Let no one grow weary in well doing, but let us all be learning day by day, little by little, overcoming our own weaknesses and hsorcomings until we attain to perfection' (p. 248)."
"Snow was proud of her personal connection to Joseph Smith... Snow's sealing to Joseph Smith would have been common knowledge at the time (p. 257)."
"Despite her advanced age of seventy-seven years, Eliza R. Snow maintained her rigorous schedule full of speaking engagements and the work of organizing women and children throughout the Intermountain West (p. 263)."
"'Work unitedly to assist in building up the kingdom of God on the earth' (p. 266)."
"Eliza R. Snow spoke often of love and expressed God's love for all... She frequently expressed hope that the women would be filled with love, unity, humility, friendship, and confidence (p. 269)."
"'We have the Comforter that Jesus gave... which leads into all truth' (p. 276)."
"'I sometimes think we do not contend as earnestly for the faith as we should' (p. 277)."
"Snow frequently spoke about gifts fo the Spirit (p. 279)."
"Snow illustrated her frequent reliance on help from God (p. 283)."
"Snow overcame an earlier fear or public speaking through years of determination and experience (p. 289)."
May 1, 2026
A masterful work of historical research and editorial restraint. The included discourses are surprisingly relevant and show that women have been educated, high achievers for far longer than us modern women often assume.
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