What do you think?
Rate this book
The Witness of Women: Firsthand Experiences and Testimonies from the Restoration
Latter-day Saint women actively participated in the Restoration, and their voices and testimonies need to be included in Church history. The Witness of Women helps accomplish that. Teachers, parents, gospel scholars, and every member seeking a connection with the women of our past will relish discovering the vital role that women played in the Restoration.
Through short, first-person experiences and testimonies helpfully organized by topic, readers will now be ale to learn directly from women who witnessed and participated in the Restoration. As you read their words, you'll be able to:
Draw on their witness of the Book of Mormon and experiences with the Prophet Joseph Smith to strengthen your own conviction.
Learn to handle adversity by seeing how they coped with severe trials.
Gain greater understanding from their insights about Jesus Christ, revelation, priesthood, the temple, education, and other timeless topics.
Share women's experiences and testimonies in lessons, talks, and at home.
We know that women were there every step of the way from Palmyra to the Salt Lake Valley and beyond. Now you can come to personally know those women through their own inspiring words.
Through short, first-person experiences and testimonies helpfully organized by topic, readers will now be ale to learn directly from women who witnessed and participated in the Restoration. As you read their words, you'll be able to:
Draw on their witness of the Book of Mormon and experiences with the Prophet Joseph Smith to strengthen your own conviction.
Learn to handle adversity by seeing how they coped with severe trials.
Gain greater understanding from their insights about Jesus Christ, revelation, priesthood, the temple, education, and other timeless topics.
Share women's experiences and testimonies in lessons, talks, and at home.
We know that women were there every step of the way from Palmyra to the Salt Lake Valley and beyond. Now you can come to personally know those women through their own inspiring words.
256 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2016
20 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 16, 2017
When I first heard of the book The Witness of Women by Janiece Johnson and Jennifer Reeder, I thought it sounded interesting. I then heard that it was intended to be a resource for Relief Society and Gospel Doctrine classes, and I thought that would be great- especially since we are studying the Doctrine and Covenants this year. Indeed, it’s introduction states that “Gospel Doctrine teachers, Young Men and Young Women teachers, religion professors, family history researchers, and church members in general” are welcome to use the materials liberally in lesson plans. I then heard that this book was wonderful, excellent, inspiration for all! So then I thought it was probably too good to be true, so prepared for disappointment.
Oh, but I was wrong. There is not one iota of disappointment to be found! It is wonderful. It is excellent, and it is inspirational for all.... the read the rest of this review, please go to the Exponent blog here: http://www.the-exponent.com/book-revi...
Oh, but I was wrong. There is not one iota of disappointment to be found! It is wonderful. It is excellent, and it is inspirational for all.... the read the rest of this review, please go to the Exponent blog here: http://www.the-exponent.com/book-revi...
June 25, 2017
I read this during sacrament meeting over the last couple of months. It was a nice reminder that women were just as important to the restoration of the gospel as men were. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to hear more from women in the gospel or who would like to hear testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and what these women witness during the early part of the LDS church's history.
April 16, 2021
I loved this book. I sat for 5 hours today in blazing hot Bamako weather waiting, but this book transported me to other times and places. I felt I was in the best of company, with women I would have loved as my neighbors and friends.
What a gift it is to have journals and letters and primary sources from long ago gathered for us in such a thing as a book here and now. I'm grateful for these words and grateful for these authors.
What a gift it is to have journals and letters and primary sources from long ago gathered for us in such a thing as a book here and now. I'm grateful for these words and grateful for these authors.
Read
January 16, 2017I enjoyed reading the stories of so many women from LDS Church history. I also appreciate the research it took for the editors to verify and compile this.
Here's the link to the short feature I did for the Mormon Times section of the Deseret News.
Here's the link to the short feature I did for the Mormon Times section of the Deseret News.
October 31, 2018
This book is a series of journal excerpts of women during the beginning years of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is a must-have for every home library. Unfortunately the patriarchal church that we love often ignores that women are a huge part of our founding stories (and current stories) as well. I learned so much and reference it often.
September 18, 2018
I really liked this book. It helped to strengthen my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the voices of women. It was great to see the church as a whole, and not just leaders being quoted. The authors even included excerpts from Hispanic and black women. This book is totally worth your time.
June 29, 2021
The two women who compiled this book--brought hundreds of stories together--are both powerful academicians. They are also exceptional historians--especially where LDS Church History is concerned.
I felt deeply of each of these stories and came to know, love, AND admire each and every woman and her story. My husband and I leave on Sunday, July 4, for a 12-day Church History tour through Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri. I will be tracing the steps of these women--living and walking in their footsteps.
I am eager to walk those paths, to imagine each of these women in their sphere...to experience this portion of Church history fully through these womens' stories. "The work of women--their influence, their witness reaches through history to empower and enable us to rejoice in truth today." -- the authors.
Added to this, I will next be reading Johnson & Reeder's other book, "As the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women".
I felt deeply of each of these stories and came to know, love, AND admire each and every woman and her story. My husband and I leave on Sunday, July 4, for a 12-day Church History tour through Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri. I will be tracing the steps of these women--living and walking in their footsteps.
I am eager to walk those paths, to imagine each of these women in their sphere...to experience this portion of Church history fully through these womens' stories. "The work of women--their influence, their witness reaches through history to empower and enable us to rejoice in truth today." -- the authors.
Added to this, I will next be reading Johnson & Reeder's other book, "As the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women".
July 28, 2025
This is a great book to be able to go to for quotes or helps with talks or lessons. I stay engaged more in books that just go right through, so having it broken into topics and women who made comments on that topic was hard for me at first, but once I realized how it was set out I was fine with it.
I have started marking and making notes in books I read, so I thought I would start adding them to my GoodReads
"Take care of the minutes, and the hours will take care of themselves. We should endeavor to make the best use of our time." - Mary Jane Crosby
"Study self-improvement no matter how old we are we can improve." - Mary Jane Crosby
" We should read to develop the mental powers, such as the memory, imagination, fancy and thinking faculties. We may develop the memory by reading such literature as will be so striking and impressive that we cannot help but remember it. In history we have a broad field for developing this power." - Anna Covington
I have started marking and making notes in books I read, so I thought I would start adding them to my GoodReads
"Take care of the minutes, and the hours will take care of themselves. We should endeavor to make the best use of our time." - Mary Jane Crosby
"Study self-improvement no matter how old we are we can improve." - Mary Jane Crosby
" We should read to develop the mental powers, such as the memory, imagination, fancy and thinking faculties. We may develop the memory by reading such literature as will be so striking and impressive that we cannot help but remember it. In history we have a broad field for developing this power." - Anna Covington
May 27, 2017
Sunday School teachers may feel some sadness that men's histories dominate the story of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "The Witness of Women" restores balance to the Force! This book offers inspiring and important firsthand accounts by Mormon women. These accounts, briefly introduced with pithy and insightful historical context, supplement Sunday School lessons and might well be used in family night. Topics range from eyewitness accounts of the Restoration of the gospel to the sacrifices of time and talents needed to build the Kirtland Temple, as well as the miraculous sightings of angels during the dedication ceremony. Students of Mormon history and teachers of the restored gospel would do well to obtain, annotate, and share these insightful stories.
August 29, 2018
This book compiles short journal entries by topic of women during the restoration. Before each entry you also get a brief bio and picture of the women. While not all entries were as compelling as others, I loved reading their perspectives, struggles, and testimonies. They were courageous, valiant, and so strong. There were many times when I would try to put myself in their shoes and wonder if I could do what they did. I hope I would, but I am not so sure. What wonderful examples they are to me and I'm grateful for their legacy of faith and sacrifice. It truly puts our modern day trials in perspective.
February 23, 2021
This book is a wonderful reference; a treasure trove of female witnesses of their faith in the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. It's organized by topic: education, priesthood, Jesus Christ, etc. and so it's easy to go to what you are studying/teaching and find a female voice on the topic. What I think is most powerful about this book is that the author does not analyze and make conclusions based on isolated quotes, so the voices in this book stand powerfully on their own for the reader to understand where each woman stood on a given issue. There is something so respectful and empowering about this format.
August 17, 2017
This book contained testimonies from a lot of the women who lived during the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. It is very humbling to read about the persecution they suffered and yet they remained faithful and stalwart. Some things were heartbreaking to read. I liked that the book included pictures of some of the women.
January 1, 2018
I found this collection very helpful as I worked on Sunday School Supplements for the Doctrine and Covenants, and would highly recommend it to gospel doctrine teachers. It works better as a reference than a book that you would read straight through. I liked the combination of big name and lesser known women's writings, and the subject matter the authors selected.
June 21, 2020
I loved hearing these voices from my fellow Latter-day Saint sisters from the past. Their faith, courage and testimony inspired and strengthened me. I gained new insights from these remarkable women, many of whom I had never heard of. The authors did a wonderful job of weaving together the different experiences in organized themes. I would highly recommend this lovely book!
April 25, 2023
Definitely more of a resource book rather than a read-all-the-way through narrative. Organized by topic and quotes drawn from personal accounts of women who were witnesses to the restoration. I feel like I'll use this time and again to find pertinent quotes to use in lessons to amplify the voices of women.
September 12, 2018
This book tells of the testimonies and experiences of the women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when the church was in it's infancy. Incredible! It tells of their courage, hope, faith, determination through all their struggles.
February 25, 2021
My husband bought this for my 62nd birthday. I've been strengthened by the firsthand experiences and testimonies of women witnessing the restoration of the gospel and their faith in the Lord as they lived their lives.
May 21, 2024
Libby. Very good book written by many different voices from our sisters from the past. They maud the road for us to follow as we listen to their heartfelt stories and Testimonies they enlighten our minds and we want to do better live better and be grateful for all they done to make our path here.
July 3, 2017
Loved this collection!
December 28, 2021
Interesting firsthand accounts by women of the Restoration of the Gospel and events associated with it.
January 30, 2023
Good stories, but I did a lot of picking and choosing which stories interested me.
March 11, 2023
Loved hearing the testimonies and experiences of early women Saints!
April 2, 2020
This book is such an awesome resource. If you’re a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it’s ESSENTIAL. Love loved it.
February 18, 2017
I didn't know exactly what to expect when I started this book. A lot of the testimonies are so short, I don't know that you would recognize their significance without the background story that the authors give before the account.
The witnesses are divided by topic, which I think does add to the overall reading experience.
Most of the accounts were interesting to me, but every once in a while one would really hit me. It is difficult to imagine what the pioneers experienced. How dedicated so many of them were, despite extreme trial and heartache. There is much to be learned from their examples.
I especially enjoyed reading the accounts of Lydia Knight. My husband is a direct descendant of Lydia and Newel, so her accounts were especially interesting to me.
My main take-away...how can I live my life to be true to their sacrifices? How can I follow their example in my dedication to Christ? In my service and charity toward others? To persevere in my faith, despite the trials that I might experience? The Restoration was/is full of women of faith. I am grateful I have them to look up to.
The witnesses are divided by topic, which I think does add to the overall reading experience.
Most of the accounts were interesting to me, but every once in a while one would really hit me. It is difficult to imagine what the pioneers experienced. How dedicated so many of them were, despite extreme trial and heartache. There is much to be learned from their examples.
I especially enjoyed reading the accounts of Lydia Knight. My husband is a direct descendant of Lydia and Newel, so her accounts were especially interesting to me.
My main take-away...how can I live my life to be true to their sacrifices? How can I follow their example in my dedication to Christ? In my service and charity toward others? To persevere in my faith, despite the trials that I might experience? The Restoration was/is full of women of faith. I am grateful I have them to look up to.
October 11, 2023
I love this book! It is a great collections of powerful stories and events voiced through women. The authors selected wonderful passages and this book is a joy to read!
April 9, 2017
This is a wonderful book! It’s full of testimonies of sisters from the time of the restoration. They have different stories, but a similar faith. Quotes are organized by topic – Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, revelation, Joseph Smith, priesthood, sharing the gospel, consecration, gifts of the Spirit, commandments, temples, education, personal apostasy, building Zion, affliction, ordinances and covenants, and Abrahamic sacrifices. There is much to learn from these sisters and their faith.
Here are a few of my favorites:
“Mary proclaimed the initial witness of the resurrected Christ to his apostles: ‘she has seen the Lord, and…he had spoken these things unto her.’ Latter-day Saint women observed and followed her example (p. 1).”
“The witness of women reaches through history to empower and enable us to rejoice in truth today (p. 6).”
“Many women felt that miraculous events in their lives prepared them to find the Church… They invested time and effort to carefully study, observe, and investigate different claims of truth (p. 7).”
“We had been praying to know from the Lord how we could obtain the gift of the Holy Ghost…. ‘I am Joseph Smith the Prophet; you have prayed me here, now what do you want of me?’ My husband brought them directly to our house; we were more than glad to welcome them and share with them all the comforts and blessings we enjoyed (Elizabeth Ann Whitney, p. 8).”
“In the autumn of 1829, the tidings reached my ears that God had spoken from the heavens; that he had raised up a prophet, and was about to restore the fullness of the gospel with all its gifts and powers…. I…attended the first meeting within my reach…. The spirit bore witness to me of the truth… my heart was now fixed; and I was baptized on the 5th of April, 1835 (Eliza R. Snow, p. 11).”
“Nancy Naomi Alexander Tracy (1816-1902) heard of a ‘gold bible’ shortly after her marriage. Initially she wanted to see a Mormon missionary purely out of curiosity about the sensational stories she had heard. Then she met a Mormon apostle, and her interest quickly transformed into a belief that he was truly a representative of Christ who could teach her ‘the pure doctrine of our Savior.’ She believed and was changed by his witness (p. 16).”
“She would not let anything impede her path to Christ (Laura Farnsworth Owen, p. 23).”
“The Book of Mormon played a valuable role in the conversion of early Latter-day Saint women. Women participated in the translation and protection of the gold plates and used the Book of Mormon in their own personal study… The Book of Mormon became a foundation of Latter-day Saint faith, bringing additional ‘light and intelligence’ to add to the biblical message. Testimonies of the Book of Mormon are highly individualized (p. 25).”
“I know Mormonism to be the truth; and believe the Church to have been established by divine direction. I have complete faith in it (Emma Hale Smith, p. 27).”
“Joseph Smith could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well-worded letter, let alone dictating a book like the Book of Mormon. And, though I was an active participant in the scenes that transpired, and was present during the translation of the plates, and had cognizance of things as they transpired, it is marvelous to me, ‘a marvel and a wonder,’ as much so as to anyone else…. My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity—I have not the slightest doubt of it (Emma Hale Smith, p. 28).”
“I felt anxious to see the Book of Mormon they had told us about and I asked one of the Elders if I could see the book and read some in it that evening. So he gladly handed me the book and I asked the company to excuse me for the evening and I retired to my room and spent the balance of that evening and the most of the night in reading that book. I was truly greatly astonished at its contents that it left an impression upon my mind not to be forgotten for in fact the book appeared to be open before my eyes for weeks (Sarah DeArmon Pea Rich, p. 34).”
“If there are principles which have given me strength, and by which I have learned to live more truly a life of usefulness, it seems to me I could wish to impart this joy and strength to others; to tell them what the Gospel has been and is to me, ever since I embraced it and learned to live by its laws. A fresh revelation of the Spirit day by day, an unveiling of mysteries which before were dark, deep, unexplained and incomprehensible; a most implicit faith in a divine power, in infinite truth emanating from God the Father (Elizabeth Ann Whitney, p. 39).”
“‘Oh my Heavenly Father,’ I cried, ‘what shall I do? Thou seest my poor wounded boy and knowest my inexperience. Oh, Heavenly Father, direct me what to do!’ And then I was directed as by a voice speaking to me…. Having done as directed I again prayed to the Lord and was again instructed as distinctly as though a physician had been standing by speaking to me…. ‘Well, the Lord can make something there in the place of your hip, don’t you believe he can, Alma?’ ‘Do you think that the Lord can, mother?’…. ‘Yes, my son, he has showed it all to me in a vision (Amanda Barnes Smith, p. 41).’”
“I thought if God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, I will go to Him on my bended knees and ask him if he has revealed Himself from the Heavens and sent forth messengers to gather His elect from the four quarters for the earth. I covenanted with the Lord to be a faithful witness to this testimony, provided He gave it to me... I would bear testimony to all the world that I received it in answer to my prayer, leaving no room for doubt (Wilmirth Matilda Greer East, p. 47).”
“Before Joseph left Carthage, Emma desired a blessing from him, but there was no time. Joseph instructed her to write out a blessing, and he would sign it on his return. The following was taken from this text….. ‘I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I might be able to overcome whatever of tradition or nature that would not tend to my exaltation in the eternal worlds. I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through His servants without doubting (Emma Smith Hale, p. 48).”
“This was the first time I ever beheld a prophet of the Lord, and I can truly say at the first sight that I had a testimony within my bosom that he was a man chosen of God to bring forth a great work in the last days (Mary B. Noble, p. 50).”
“I resided in the family of Joseph Smith, and taught his family school, and had ample opportunity to mark his ‘daily walk and conversation,’ as a prophet of God; and the more I became acquainted with him, the more I appreciated him as such. His lips ever flowed with instruction and kindness; and, although very forgiving, indulgent, and affectionate in his temperament, when his Godlike intuition suggested that the welfare of his brethren, or the interests of the kingdom of God demanded it; no fear of censure—no love of approbation could prevent his severe and cutting rebuke (Eliza R. Snow, p. 57).”
“I well recollect the sensations with which my mind was actuated when I learned the fact that my husband had been called and ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood and would undoubtedly be required to travel and preach the gospel to the nations of the earth. I realized in some degree the immense responsibility of the office, and besought the Lord for grace and wisdom to be given him that he might be able to magnify his high and holy calling (Caroline Barnes Crosby, p. 62).”
“His handmaidens are called to be co-laborers with our brethren in building up the kingdom of God upon the earth, in assisting to build Temples, wherein we can receive blessings for time and eternity. In all the ordinances received in the House of the Lord, woman stands beside the man, both for the living and the dead, showing that the man is not without the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord. Then what manner of women should we be? Faithful in performing all the duties devolving upon us as daughters of God. Sisters, do we appreciate the privileges we enjoy, and the relationship we sustain to God, to each other, and to His kingdom on the earth? We know there are very many faithful sisters, striving with all their might to do all that is required of them. To all such we say, God bless you, sisters! And give you strength to do all your hearts desire to do in righteousness (Mary Elizabeth Horne, p. 66).”
“My faith is as strong as ever in this thing, and I rejoice that the Lord has suffered me to live in this day when this work has come forth to the children of men (Almira Mack Covey, p. 71).”
“I felt assured I had found the truth, and I was desirous my friends and relations should also come to a knowledge of it. For this purpose, I took every opportunity of presenting to them the principles I had embraced (Elizabeth Anderson Howard, p. 74).”
“Those who acknowledge God in all things and worship Him in sincerity and truth with His wisdom and providence may be able to stand, although it will require not only obedience to divine laws but the consecration of all one’s life and talents to His service (Emmeline Wells, p. 81).”
“The poor were provided for, as well as those who had put their money in the treasury (Emily M. Coburn Austin, p. 82).”
“By their united faith and works, with fasting and prayer, the sick were healed and made to rejoice more abundantly in the mercy of their Lord (Helen Mar Whitney, p. 83).”
“I have often thought I would like to tell my sisters a little of my experience in the United Order… It teaches us faith and instead of worrying for every little necessity we simply ask our Father in Heaven, for He knows the desires of our hearts, and the way always opens so that we need not suffer; for if we have given all our worldly goods for the upbuilding of His Kingdom, and spend our time and talents for the same; we can have implicit faith that the Lord will care for us (H.L., p. 83).”
“Having a knowledge that God is our Father, and that He holds us accountable for the use we make of the talents He has given us, how necessary it is that we should cultivate and improve those God-given germs and apply them to usefulness in this kingdom. We are living in the day when the Priesthood of God is on earth, and through the great mercy of God man partakes of its blessings; we are not left in darkness and ignorance like those who have not received the fullness of the Gospel. We have many advantages which others do not possess; we have means for acquiring a higher development of mind and of obtaining knowledge which is of the greatest worth (M.A.F.J., p. 88).”
“If we could only realize the work we have to perform and the short time we have to do it in, I think we would be more ready and willing to respond to the calls that are made of us from time to time (Almira Sophronia Jackman Hanks, p. 90).”
“I believe it was for this purpose we were sent to earth, to improve our talents and our times as God assigned. For his designs and purposes are much greater than ours, and will result in the greater good to ourselves, if we learn and follow them (Mary Ellen Kimball, p. 90).”
“Just previous to the gospel being preached in Kirtland I had made all needful preparations for a visit to my parents in Connecticut; but after receiving the gospel I abandoned the idea, determining to devote my life, my energies and all that I possessed, towards sustaining and building up the Kingdom of God on the earth. My whole heart was in the great work of the last dispensation, and I took no thought of my own individual comfort and ease (Elizabeth Ann Whitney, p. 92).”
“Now we cannot love God with all the affections of the heart, and with all the energies of the mind and the body, without a knowledge of His characteristics and requirements… God is omnipotent, omniscient, unchangeable; a God of justice, judgment, mercy and truth, long suffering, compassionate and impartial…. if we wish to evince our love to God we just keep all His commands as revealed through His Song, and our prophets (Excelette, p. 106).”
“He chided my mother for paying her tithing, called her anything but wise and prudent; and said there were others able to work that were supported from the tithing office. My mother turned upon him and said: ‘William, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Would you deny me a blessing? If I did not pay my tithing I should expect the Lord to withhold His blessings from me; I pay my tithing, not only because it is a law of God but because I expect a blessing by doing it. By keeping this and other laws, I expect to prosper and to be able to provide for my family (Mary Fielding Smith, p. 110).’”
“My faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is as strong today—nay it is if possible stronger—than it was the day I was first baptized (Jane Elizabeth Manning James, p. 115).”
“‘Well, sisters,’ observed Joseph, ‘you are always on hand. The sisters are always first and foremost in all good works. Mary was the first at the resurrection; and the sisters are now the first to work on the inside of the temple (Polly Johnson Angell, p. 120).’”
“The ceremonies of that dedication may be rehearsed, but no mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations of that memorable day. Angels appear to some, while a sense of divine presence was realized by all present, and each heart was filled with joy inexpressible and full of glory (Eliza R. Snow, p. 124).”
“The work of performing the ceremonies requires as much labor and falls with as much dignity upon woman as man. Therein is the goodness of our Father to His daughters made manifest. Holy women now minister in the Temple of God (Esther, p. 129).”
“When I realize the responsibility that rests upon me in regard to rearing up my little ones, I feel [to] ask an interest in your prayers and to so live that I may be guided by the Spirit of truth and wisdom, that every principle that leads to uprightness may be planted in their hearts and grow with their growth (Lydia Goldthwaite Knight, p. 133).”
“Take care of the minutes, and the hours will take care of themselves. We should endeavor to make the best use of our time. There is no end to intelligence that might be gained by study, by reading, and by reflecting. This world is full of pleasant and beautiful things; learn to prize those priceless gems of intelligence…. If we wish to become noble women we must make ourselves such by our own merits. Sisters awake, be up and doing, strive to live the life of saints and the victory will be ours (Mary Jane Crosby, p. 138).”
“God has a great purpose in view in the creation of every human soul. That purpose is its truthful education. Life is God’s school, He is its great superintendent, His Son is its primary instructor. The world is his primary school house... Here we learn the alphabet of things, and learn to read and spell a little... The use we make of this life is left to us. Our standing we are to choose, to a certain extent. Our characters are to be the workmanship of our own hands (Rachel Amanda Reynolds, p. 140).”
“The Lord knows what our situations are and he will support us and give us grace and strength for the day if we continue to put our trust in him and devote ourselves unreservedly to his service (Mary Fielding Smith, p. 146).”
“To look at our situation at the present time it would seem that Zion is all destroyed, but it is not so, the work of the Lord is on the march… God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform. Many have been sifted out of the church, while others have been rooted and ground in love and are the salt of the earth (Elizabeth Haven Barlow, p. 160).”
“Many were the blessings we had received in the house of the Lord, which has caused us joy and comfort in the midst of all our sorrows and enabled us to have faith in God, knowing He would guide us and sustain us in the unknown journey that lay before us (Sarah DeArmon Pea Rich, p. 162).”
“We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort on another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together (Lucy Mack Smith, p. 164).”
“Despite the difficulties, these Latter-day Saint women found solace in their faith and saw these afflictions as a proving ground that could purify and sanctify (p. 167).”
“I could bear it no longer. I pined to hear once more my own voice in petition to my Heavenly Father. I stole down into a cornfield, and crawled into a ‘stout of corn.’ It was the temple of the Lord to me at that moment. I prayed aloud and most fervently. When I emerged from the corn a voice spoke to me. It was a voice as plain as I ever heard one. It was no silent, strong impression of the spirit, but a voice, repeating a verse of the saint’s hymn: That soul who on Jesus has leaned for repose, I cannot, I will not desert to its foes (Amanda Barnes Smith, p. 172).”
“I received a powerful testimony of the truth which was a great blessing to me in the opposition I had to meet with from my relatives and past friends. Old associates turned their backs on me, but I rejoiced continually because I had received the Gospel of our Savior and had seen the gifts made manifest that were to follow the believer and confirm the word (Elizabeth Brotherton Pratt, p. 177).”
“Their son’s early death had been a constant concern for Jane [Harper Neyman] and her husband. When she heard about the doctrine of baptism for the dead in August 1840 from Joseph Smith, she eagerly requested to perform the ordinance for her son that same day. She is considered to be the first person in this dispensation to be baptized for the dead (p. 180).”
“I admired the building from outside: But greater pleasure took possession of my mind when I entered and beheld the beautiful rooms within. I felt a reverential awe knowing this to be the temple of God built by revelation (Mary Ellen Kimball, p. 183).”
“When the heart is sick and the soul faint and we feel we have no friend on Earth to whom we can go with feelings of perfect confidence and trust the very mind seems ready to burst. Could I go to the Lord and tell him all but I do not know what to say (Emmeline B. Wells, p. 197).”
“When Joseph Smith visited the Nauvoo Relief Society on April 28, 1842, he prophetically told them that ‘the church would not have his instruction long and the world would not be troubled with him a great while… God had appointed him elsewhere (p. 199).”
“June 28. This afternoon the bodies of the martyrs arrived in town. I went and heard the speeches made by our brethren and friends. They stood where Joseph last stood and addressed the brethren, or he called them sons. Went into his house for the first time and there saw the lifeless speechless bodies of the two martyrs for the testimony which they held. Little did my heart ever thank that mine eyes should witness this awful scene (Zina Diantha Huntington Young, p. 203).”
“As I looked upon their peaceful, smiling countenances, I seemed almost to hear them say, ‘Mother, weep not for us, we have overcome the world by love; we carried to them the gospel, that their souls might be saved; they slew us for our testimony, and thus placed us beyond their power; their ascendancy is for a moment, ours is an eternal triumph (Lucy Mack Smith, p. 204).’”
“There are many that will rejoice and think Mormonism is down now, but they will be mistaken, for the Lord has begun his work and he will carry it on in spite of all mobs and devils (Sally Carlisle Randall, p. 210).”
“The Restoration brought these women together…. As Latter-day Saints, we are a part of this same holy narrative…. We can further increase our own witnesses and expand our ability to love and serve as we learn of our sisters’ experiences. We have the same charge that was given to ‘elect lady’ Emma Smith: to ‘expound’ and ‘exhort.’ It is the Lord’s voice ‘unto all (p. 211).”
Here are a few of my favorites:
“Mary proclaimed the initial witness of the resurrected Christ to his apostles: ‘she has seen the Lord, and…he had spoken these things unto her.’ Latter-day Saint women observed and followed her example (p. 1).”
“The witness of women reaches through history to empower and enable us to rejoice in truth today (p. 6).”
“Many women felt that miraculous events in their lives prepared them to find the Church… They invested time and effort to carefully study, observe, and investigate different claims of truth (p. 7).”
“We had been praying to know from the Lord how we could obtain the gift of the Holy Ghost…. ‘I am Joseph Smith the Prophet; you have prayed me here, now what do you want of me?’ My husband brought them directly to our house; we were more than glad to welcome them and share with them all the comforts and blessings we enjoyed (Elizabeth Ann Whitney, p. 8).”
“In the autumn of 1829, the tidings reached my ears that God had spoken from the heavens; that he had raised up a prophet, and was about to restore the fullness of the gospel with all its gifts and powers…. I…attended the first meeting within my reach…. The spirit bore witness to me of the truth… my heart was now fixed; and I was baptized on the 5th of April, 1835 (Eliza R. Snow, p. 11).”
“Nancy Naomi Alexander Tracy (1816-1902) heard of a ‘gold bible’ shortly after her marriage. Initially she wanted to see a Mormon missionary purely out of curiosity about the sensational stories she had heard. Then she met a Mormon apostle, and her interest quickly transformed into a belief that he was truly a representative of Christ who could teach her ‘the pure doctrine of our Savior.’ She believed and was changed by his witness (p. 16).”
“She would not let anything impede her path to Christ (Laura Farnsworth Owen, p. 23).”
“The Book of Mormon played a valuable role in the conversion of early Latter-day Saint women. Women participated in the translation and protection of the gold plates and used the Book of Mormon in their own personal study… The Book of Mormon became a foundation of Latter-day Saint faith, bringing additional ‘light and intelligence’ to add to the biblical message. Testimonies of the Book of Mormon are highly individualized (p. 25).”
“I know Mormonism to be the truth; and believe the Church to have been established by divine direction. I have complete faith in it (Emma Hale Smith, p. 27).”
“Joseph Smith could neither write nor dictate a coherent and well-worded letter, let alone dictating a book like the Book of Mormon. And, though I was an active participant in the scenes that transpired, and was present during the translation of the plates, and had cognizance of things as they transpired, it is marvelous to me, ‘a marvel and a wonder,’ as much so as to anyone else…. My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity—I have not the slightest doubt of it (Emma Hale Smith, p. 28).”
“I felt anxious to see the Book of Mormon they had told us about and I asked one of the Elders if I could see the book and read some in it that evening. So he gladly handed me the book and I asked the company to excuse me for the evening and I retired to my room and spent the balance of that evening and the most of the night in reading that book. I was truly greatly astonished at its contents that it left an impression upon my mind not to be forgotten for in fact the book appeared to be open before my eyes for weeks (Sarah DeArmon Pea Rich, p. 34).”
“If there are principles which have given me strength, and by which I have learned to live more truly a life of usefulness, it seems to me I could wish to impart this joy and strength to others; to tell them what the Gospel has been and is to me, ever since I embraced it and learned to live by its laws. A fresh revelation of the Spirit day by day, an unveiling of mysteries which before were dark, deep, unexplained and incomprehensible; a most implicit faith in a divine power, in infinite truth emanating from God the Father (Elizabeth Ann Whitney, p. 39).”
“‘Oh my Heavenly Father,’ I cried, ‘what shall I do? Thou seest my poor wounded boy and knowest my inexperience. Oh, Heavenly Father, direct me what to do!’ And then I was directed as by a voice speaking to me…. Having done as directed I again prayed to the Lord and was again instructed as distinctly as though a physician had been standing by speaking to me…. ‘Well, the Lord can make something there in the place of your hip, don’t you believe he can, Alma?’ ‘Do you think that the Lord can, mother?’…. ‘Yes, my son, he has showed it all to me in a vision (Amanda Barnes Smith, p. 41).’”
“I thought if God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, I will go to Him on my bended knees and ask him if he has revealed Himself from the Heavens and sent forth messengers to gather His elect from the four quarters for the earth. I covenanted with the Lord to be a faithful witness to this testimony, provided He gave it to me... I would bear testimony to all the world that I received it in answer to my prayer, leaving no room for doubt (Wilmirth Matilda Greer East, p. 47).”
“Before Joseph left Carthage, Emma desired a blessing from him, but there was no time. Joseph instructed her to write out a blessing, and he would sign it on his return. The following was taken from this text….. ‘I desire the Spirit of God to know and understand myself, that I might be able to overcome whatever of tradition or nature that would not tend to my exaltation in the eternal worlds. I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through His servants without doubting (Emma Smith Hale, p. 48).”
“This was the first time I ever beheld a prophet of the Lord, and I can truly say at the first sight that I had a testimony within my bosom that he was a man chosen of God to bring forth a great work in the last days (Mary B. Noble, p. 50).”
“I resided in the family of Joseph Smith, and taught his family school, and had ample opportunity to mark his ‘daily walk and conversation,’ as a prophet of God; and the more I became acquainted with him, the more I appreciated him as such. His lips ever flowed with instruction and kindness; and, although very forgiving, indulgent, and affectionate in his temperament, when his Godlike intuition suggested that the welfare of his brethren, or the interests of the kingdom of God demanded it; no fear of censure—no love of approbation could prevent his severe and cutting rebuke (Eliza R. Snow, p. 57).”
“I well recollect the sensations with which my mind was actuated when I learned the fact that my husband had been called and ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood and would undoubtedly be required to travel and preach the gospel to the nations of the earth. I realized in some degree the immense responsibility of the office, and besought the Lord for grace and wisdom to be given him that he might be able to magnify his high and holy calling (Caroline Barnes Crosby, p. 62).”
“His handmaidens are called to be co-laborers with our brethren in building up the kingdom of God upon the earth, in assisting to build Temples, wherein we can receive blessings for time and eternity. In all the ordinances received in the House of the Lord, woman stands beside the man, both for the living and the dead, showing that the man is not without the woman nor the woman without the man in the Lord. Then what manner of women should we be? Faithful in performing all the duties devolving upon us as daughters of God. Sisters, do we appreciate the privileges we enjoy, and the relationship we sustain to God, to each other, and to His kingdom on the earth? We know there are very many faithful sisters, striving with all their might to do all that is required of them. To all such we say, God bless you, sisters! And give you strength to do all your hearts desire to do in righteousness (Mary Elizabeth Horne, p. 66).”
“My faith is as strong as ever in this thing, and I rejoice that the Lord has suffered me to live in this day when this work has come forth to the children of men (Almira Mack Covey, p. 71).”
“I felt assured I had found the truth, and I was desirous my friends and relations should also come to a knowledge of it. For this purpose, I took every opportunity of presenting to them the principles I had embraced (Elizabeth Anderson Howard, p. 74).”
“Those who acknowledge God in all things and worship Him in sincerity and truth with His wisdom and providence may be able to stand, although it will require not only obedience to divine laws but the consecration of all one’s life and talents to His service (Emmeline Wells, p. 81).”
“The poor were provided for, as well as those who had put their money in the treasury (Emily M. Coburn Austin, p. 82).”
“By their united faith and works, with fasting and prayer, the sick were healed and made to rejoice more abundantly in the mercy of their Lord (Helen Mar Whitney, p. 83).”
“I have often thought I would like to tell my sisters a little of my experience in the United Order… It teaches us faith and instead of worrying for every little necessity we simply ask our Father in Heaven, for He knows the desires of our hearts, and the way always opens so that we need not suffer; for if we have given all our worldly goods for the upbuilding of His Kingdom, and spend our time and talents for the same; we can have implicit faith that the Lord will care for us (H.L., p. 83).”
“Having a knowledge that God is our Father, and that He holds us accountable for the use we make of the talents He has given us, how necessary it is that we should cultivate and improve those God-given germs and apply them to usefulness in this kingdom. We are living in the day when the Priesthood of God is on earth, and through the great mercy of God man partakes of its blessings; we are not left in darkness and ignorance like those who have not received the fullness of the Gospel. We have many advantages which others do not possess; we have means for acquiring a higher development of mind and of obtaining knowledge which is of the greatest worth (M.A.F.J., p. 88).”
“If we could only realize the work we have to perform and the short time we have to do it in, I think we would be more ready and willing to respond to the calls that are made of us from time to time (Almira Sophronia Jackman Hanks, p. 90).”
“I believe it was for this purpose we were sent to earth, to improve our talents and our times as God assigned. For his designs and purposes are much greater than ours, and will result in the greater good to ourselves, if we learn and follow them (Mary Ellen Kimball, p. 90).”
“Just previous to the gospel being preached in Kirtland I had made all needful preparations for a visit to my parents in Connecticut; but after receiving the gospel I abandoned the idea, determining to devote my life, my energies and all that I possessed, towards sustaining and building up the Kingdom of God on the earth. My whole heart was in the great work of the last dispensation, and I took no thought of my own individual comfort and ease (Elizabeth Ann Whitney, p. 92).”
“Now we cannot love God with all the affections of the heart, and with all the energies of the mind and the body, without a knowledge of His characteristics and requirements… God is omnipotent, omniscient, unchangeable; a God of justice, judgment, mercy and truth, long suffering, compassionate and impartial…. if we wish to evince our love to God we just keep all His commands as revealed through His Song, and our prophets (Excelette, p. 106).”
“He chided my mother for paying her tithing, called her anything but wise and prudent; and said there were others able to work that were supported from the tithing office. My mother turned upon him and said: ‘William, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Would you deny me a blessing? If I did not pay my tithing I should expect the Lord to withhold His blessings from me; I pay my tithing, not only because it is a law of God but because I expect a blessing by doing it. By keeping this and other laws, I expect to prosper and to be able to provide for my family (Mary Fielding Smith, p. 110).’”
“My faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is as strong today—nay it is if possible stronger—than it was the day I was first baptized (Jane Elizabeth Manning James, p. 115).”
“‘Well, sisters,’ observed Joseph, ‘you are always on hand. The sisters are always first and foremost in all good works. Mary was the first at the resurrection; and the sisters are now the first to work on the inside of the temple (Polly Johnson Angell, p. 120).’”
“The ceremonies of that dedication may be rehearsed, but no mortal language can describe the heavenly manifestations of that memorable day. Angels appear to some, while a sense of divine presence was realized by all present, and each heart was filled with joy inexpressible and full of glory (Eliza R. Snow, p. 124).”
“The work of performing the ceremonies requires as much labor and falls with as much dignity upon woman as man. Therein is the goodness of our Father to His daughters made manifest. Holy women now minister in the Temple of God (Esther, p. 129).”
“When I realize the responsibility that rests upon me in regard to rearing up my little ones, I feel [to] ask an interest in your prayers and to so live that I may be guided by the Spirit of truth and wisdom, that every principle that leads to uprightness may be planted in their hearts and grow with their growth (Lydia Goldthwaite Knight, p. 133).”
“Take care of the minutes, and the hours will take care of themselves. We should endeavor to make the best use of our time. There is no end to intelligence that might be gained by study, by reading, and by reflecting. This world is full of pleasant and beautiful things; learn to prize those priceless gems of intelligence…. If we wish to become noble women we must make ourselves such by our own merits. Sisters awake, be up and doing, strive to live the life of saints and the victory will be ours (Mary Jane Crosby, p. 138).”
“God has a great purpose in view in the creation of every human soul. That purpose is its truthful education. Life is God’s school, He is its great superintendent, His Son is its primary instructor. The world is his primary school house... Here we learn the alphabet of things, and learn to read and spell a little... The use we make of this life is left to us. Our standing we are to choose, to a certain extent. Our characters are to be the workmanship of our own hands (Rachel Amanda Reynolds, p. 140).”
“The Lord knows what our situations are and he will support us and give us grace and strength for the day if we continue to put our trust in him and devote ourselves unreservedly to his service (Mary Fielding Smith, p. 146).”
“To look at our situation at the present time it would seem that Zion is all destroyed, but it is not so, the work of the Lord is on the march… God moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform. Many have been sifted out of the church, while others have been rooted and ground in love and are the salt of the earth (Elizabeth Haven Barlow, p. 160).”
“Many were the blessings we had received in the house of the Lord, which has caused us joy and comfort in the midst of all our sorrows and enabled us to have faith in God, knowing He would guide us and sustain us in the unknown journey that lay before us (Sarah DeArmon Pea Rich, p. 162).”
“We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort on another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in heaven together (Lucy Mack Smith, p. 164).”
“Despite the difficulties, these Latter-day Saint women found solace in their faith and saw these afflictions as a proving ground that could purify and sanctify (p. 167).”
“I could bear it no longer. I pined to hear once more my own voice in petition to my Heavenly Father. I stole down into a cornfield, and crawled into a ‘stout of corn.’ It was the temple of the Lord to me at that moment. I prayed aloud and most fervently. When I emerged from the corn a voice spoke to me. It was a voice as plain as I ever heard one. It was no silent, strong impression of the spirit, but a voice, repeating a verse of the saint’s hymn: That soul who on Jesus has leaned for repose, I cannot, I will not desert to its foes (Amanda Barnes Smith, p. 172).”
“I received a powerful testimony of the truth which was a great blessing to me in the opposition I had to meet with from my relatives and past friends. Old associates turned their backs on me, but I rejoiced continually because I had received the Gospel of our Savior and had seen the gifts made manifest that were to follow the believer and confirm the word (Elizabeth Brotherton Pratt, p. 177).”
“Their son’s early death had been a constant concern for Jane [Harper Neyman] and her husband. When she heard about the doctrine of baptism for the dead in August 1840 from Joseph Smith, she eagerly requested to perform the ordinance for her son that same day. She is considered to be the first person in this dispensation to be baptized for the dead (p. 180).”
“I admired the building from outside: But greater pleasure took possession of my mind when I entered and beheld the beautiful rooms within. I felt a reverential awe knowing this to be the temple of God built by revelation (Mary Ellen Kimball, p. 183).”
“When the heart is sick and the soul faint and we feel we have no friend on Earth to whom we can go with feelings of perfect confidence and trust the very mind seems ready to burst. Could I go to the Lord and tell him all but I do not know what to say (Emmeline B. Wells, p. 197).”
“When Joseph Smith visited the Nauvoo Relief Society on April 28, 1842, he prophetically told them that ‘the church would not have his instruction long and the world would not be troubled with him a great while… God had appointed him elsewhere (p. 199).”
“June 28. This afternoon the bodies of the martyrs arrived in town. I went and heard the speeches made by our brethren and friends. They stood where Joseph last stood and addressed the brethren, or he called them sons. Went into his house for the first time and there saw the lifeless speechless bodies of the two martyrs for the testimony which they held. Little did my heart ever thank that mine eyes should witness this awful scene (Zina Diantha Huntington Young, p. 203).”
“As I looked upon their peaceful, smiling countenances, I seemed almost to hear them say, ‘Mother, weep not for us, we have overcome the world by love; we carried to them the gospel, that their souls might be saved; they slew us for our testimony, and thus placed us beyond their power; their ascendancy is for a moment, ours is an eternal triumph (Lucy Mack Smith, p. 204).’”
“There are many that will rejoice and think Mormonism is down now, but they will be mistaken, for the Lord has begun his work and he will carry it on in spite of all mobs and devils (Sally Carlisle Randall, p. 210).”
“The Restoration brought these women together…. As Latter-day Saints, we are a part of this same holy narrative…. We can further increase our own witnesses and expand our ability to love and serve as we learn of our sisters’ experiences. We have the same charge that was given to ‘elect lady’ Emma Smith: to ‘expound’ and ‘exhort.’ It is the Lord’s voice ‘unto all (p. 211).”
April 11, 2017
I loved this collection! It has been an invaluable resource in incorporating the voices of women of the early Mormon church. Thank you Johnson & Reeder for combing through & compiling this outstanding book!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews