Discourse 1877-11-20
Br. Woodruff. Mothers, Daughters, and Sisters in Zion,
I feel happy to have the privilege of meeting with you, but
think it a difficult matter to speak to such a congregation.
It requires the spirit of God to speak & teach the sisters
in their duties. God has taken the weak things of thise world
to confound the wise. Said that Joseph Smith
organized the Female Relief Society as he did the church
by revelation; that when he did organize this Society he
had an object in view; so also did the Lord
Spoke on fore-ordination: clearly showing that the Lord
known unto his servants, those things that should come
to pass down to the present day. The Lord has
prepared a people to carry on His purposes that would
not be thwarted. Said the Lord had foreordained that
these mothers should come forth in this day and gen-
eration to raise up a people to carry on His work.
That they had a mission just as important as the
Brethren, but they must be co-workers with each other
Spoke at some length upon the sisters having the power
to controll the fashions; did not care how beautifully
we dressed, so that it was of comly and home-made.
Encouraged the sisters to cooperate in these things untill
we become independent of Babylon. Referred to Brigham
City as an example in cooperation.
Spoke at some length on selk culture, and showed
the nescessity of cultivating the mulberry tree, and encoraged
the sisters to enter into this with a will. Also spoke of the
laying up of grain, in case of famine—for it will surely
come. Spoke of the power the sisters have in assisting
to build temples and gather the poor. Spoke of the
responsibility resting upon mothers in bearing children
and training them to bear of this Kingdom.
Said there is many trials attending the principle of
Prural Marriage, but there is also the greatest blessings
attending the same. Made some very pleasing remarks
on this subject. Asked the blessings of God on all. Amen.
