Members Should Magnify Their Callings & Not Aspire to Higher Offices — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)
He continued to read the Chap. and give instructions respecting the different offices, and the necessity of every individual acting in the sphere allotted him or her; and filling the several offices to which they were appointed — Spoke of the disposition of man, to consider the lower offices in the church dishonorable and to look with jealous eyes upon the standing of others — that it was the nonsense of the human heart, for a person to be aspiring to other stations than appointed of God — that it was better for individuals to magnify their respective callings, and wait patiently till God shall say to them come up higher. He said the reason of these remarks being made, was, that some little things was circulating in the Society, that some persons were not going right in laying hands on the sick, &c. Said if he had common sympathies, would rejoice that the sick could be heal’d . . . Prest. Smith continued the subject by adverting to the commission given to the ancient apostles “Go ye into all the world” &c. no matter who believeth; these signs, such as healing the sick, casting out devils &c. should follow all that believe whether male or female. He ask’d the Society if they could not see by this sweeping stroke that wherein they are ordaind, it is the privilege of those set apart to administer in that authority which is confer’d on them — and if the sisters should have faith to heal the sick, let all hold their tongues, and let every thing roll on.
Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, pp. 35-36, The Joseph Smith Papers.
Aspiring Spirit in Men & Women Only Curbed by Humility — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)
President Smith continued by speaking of the difficulties he had to surmount ever since the commencement of the work in consequence of aspiring men, “great big Elders” as he call’d them who had caused him much trouble, whom he had taught in the private counsel; and they would go forth into the world and proclaim the things he had taught them; as their own revelations — said the same aspiring disposition will be in this Society, and must be guarded against — that every person should stand and act in the place appointed, and thus sanctify the Society and get it pure—
He said he had been trampled under foot by aspiring Elders, for all were infected with that spirit, for instance P. Pratt O. Pratt, O. Hyde and J. Page had been aspiring — they could not be exalted but must run away as though the care and authority of the church were vested with them — He said we had a subtle devil to deal with and could only curb him by being humble.
Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 37, The Joseph Smith Papers.
Everyone Should Aspire Only to Magnify Their Own Office — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)
Prest. Smith, after reading from the above mentioned Chapter, continued to give instruction respecting the order of God, as established in the church; saying every one should aspire only to magnify his own office &c.
Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 39, The Joseph Smith Papers.
