In taking upon myself to address the sisters of the church, I do it with a view of stimulating and encouraging the best of feelings to exist among them; but by no means do I claim to be a dictator. I merely suggest what I consider would be a means of causing a more lively interest in each other’s society, by becoming more united in our efforts and extending a goodly influence in the sphere in which we are called to move.

When we take into consideration the many opportunities and various ways of usefulness, and the amount of good that may be accomplished by us who are engaged in so great a cause, some of you may feel that it is not our prerogative to interfere in the least, or to take one step towards building up the kingdom of God. But I feel that it is a mistaken idea to suppose that we cannot perform acts that would ennoble our character and position, when we are so nearly allied to the brethren of the priesthood, and they are required to use strenuous efforts to advance the cause of God. Not that I would wish it to be understood as suggesting anything that would interfere with the rights and duties of their high and holy calling. But could we not cherish a loving, kindred spirit towards each other? If we cannot often meet together in a social capacity, we may individually retain a more saintly oneness, and imbibe in our thoughts and sentiments a greater desire to bless and build up — to strengthen and encourage, and thus be a means of diffusing abroad a more lively interest in the kingdom of our Father, whose adopted ones we claim to be. As we are all of one family, let us be united in doing all the good we can in our sphere; for we are able to accomplish much, if we feel like doing it. Also in our fellowship meetings much depends upon the part we take.

We have each a mission to perform, if we were only to consider what responsibility there is devolving upon us in every act we perform, though we are the weaker vessels, and cannot be called to bear off the higher responsibilities which rest upon those holding the oracles of God. But can we not, dear sisters, carry with us a pure sentiment of kindly feeling, and assist to create a lively spirit and devoted earnestness to the cause; and I need not name one great privilege we have, when there is ample opportunity afforded us for testifying and exercising the gifts of the Spirit. How many times have we been forcibly struck by the manifest power of God in our meetings! In many instances, when we have participated in these holy inspirations, our testimony may have caused some who have been present to reflect more deeply and closely upon what has been said. The same also may be done on other occasions, while in company with our neighbor or friendly visitor, who may, perhaps, have called on us, desiring the loan of some book. Here we may have the chance of conversing upon the principles of the church, and disseminating the works of the church also; and who knows but that in this way we may be the means of convincing some honest lover of truth, and showing him or her the way of salvation! Many instances of this sort might be mentioned. But suffice it to say, I deem it unusual on my part to give such instructions to my sisters, who may fully understand their duties and the various ways of usefulness, and how they can be best engaged in spreading a knowledge of the truth, by inviting others to attend the assemblies and congregations of the Saints; for “a word in season, how good it is” to those who will take a hint!

We will now turn our attention to the domestic circle. Much depends upon us as to what kind of a spirit pervades our homes. As wives, we can create a little heaven there. When the head of a family returns from his daily toil, he necessarily looks for those comforts and attentions which it is unnecessary for me to mention, as all know best for themselves how to please and comfort those whom it is their privilege to look up to. There are also weighty responsibilities resting upon those of us that are mothers — namely, the proper training and instructing of our children. We cannot begin too early to instill into their young minds the principles of the church. I am frequently led into a train of serious reflections by questions asked by my little ones concerning the church. Their questions often arouse me to a sense of my duty. We are, dear sisters, held accountable to God for the manner in which we bring up our children. Do our little ones ever hear us pray for them? Do they ever see us kneeling by their little beds? For it is those children who hear their mothers pray who are most likely to pray for themselves.

I would also suggest another source of good to our children — namely, that of reading aloud to them, as often as we possibly can, the works of the church. Their young minds are very susceptible, and impressions are soon made, and their interest easily excited to that which is good. Take, for instance, an idea lately suggested by some of the brethren of the priesthood — that of traveling to Zion at the rate of three miles a penny: so every penny saved will bring you three miles nearer to Zion! If we can only get our children to take an interest in this, it would check that natural desire so prevalent amongst them of running away to buy cakes and sweets that only do them an injury.

I will mention one incident that came under my notice, for the encouragement of the young who may read it, or hear it read. Two little ones belonging to a family in the church had twopence each given them, and they came running to their mother, with joy beaming in their faces — “Oh, mother, we are six miles nearer to Zion! Please to put it in the box.” It would be well to encourage our children in this new movement. Although simple as it seems, our youngest children may in some instances be traveling three miles a day, and in a very easy way too, by putting their pence in a saving-box to their own credit. This will cause them and us to have the interest of the gathering at heart.

I trust that these few scattered remarks, written in all humility, will be received in the same kindly feeling; and I hope some more talented sister will take up the subject, as by that course we may greatly benefit each other. I do not wish any to think that I profess to be perfect. Alas, no. I feel my own imperfections but am endeavoring to overcome those things which I know to be a hindrance to my progress in the kingdom of God.

Source: “Address to the Sisters of the Church, Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star (Liverpool), 23, no 18 (May 4, 1861), pp. 277-278.

Also: At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-Day Saint Women, eds. Jennifer Reeder and Kate Holbrook (Salt Lake City: The Church Historian’s Press, 2017), pp. 34-36.