RELIEF SOCIETY (Teachings of Joseph Smith)

Purpose of Relief Society to Inspire Men to Good Works, Assist Poor, Strengthen Female Community, etc. — Eliza R. Snow (March 17, 1842)

The meeting was address’d by Prest. Smith, to illustrate the object of the Society  — that the Society of Sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor- searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants — to assist by correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the female community, and save the Elders the trouble of rebuking; that they may give their time to other duties &c: in their public teaching.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 7, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Presidency over Relief Society Established — Eliza R. Snow (March 17, 1842)

Prest. Smith further remark’d that an organization to show them how to go to work would be sufficient. He propos’d that the Sisters elect a presiding officer to preside over them, and let that presiding officer choose two counsellors to assist in the duties of her office — that he would ordain them to preside over the Society — and let them preside just as the Presidency, preside over the church: and if they need his instruction — ask him, he will give it from time to time.

Let this Presidency serve as a constitution — all their decisions be considered law; and acted upon as such. . . .

He then suggested the propriety of electing a Presidency to continue in office during good behavior, or so long as they shall continue to fill the office with dignity &c. like the first Presidency of the church.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, pp. 7-8, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Offices in Relief Society Can Be Created — Eliza R. Snow (March 17, 1842)

If any Officers are wanted to carry out the designs of the Institution, let them be appointed and set apart, as Deacons, Teachers, &C. are among us. . . .

Those ordain’d to lead the Society, are authoriz’d to appoint to different offices as the circumstances shall require.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 8, 40, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Relief Society Minutes Set Precedent for Future Decisions — Eliza R. Snow (March 17, 1842)

The minutes of your meetings will be precedent for you to act upon — your Constitutio[n] and law.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 8, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Relief Society Presidency Counselors Ordained to Preside & Serve in Relief Society — Eliza R. Snow (March 17, 1842)

Mov’d by Prest. Smith, that Mrs. Smith proceed to choose her Counsellors, that they may be ordain’d to preside over this Society, in taking care of the poor — administering to their wants, and attending to the various affairs of this Institution.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 8, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Revelation About Emma Smith Being Elect Lady Fulfilled by Her Appointment to Relief Society President — Eliza R. Snow (March 17, 1842)

I assisted in commencing the organization of “The Female Relief Society of Nauvoo” in the “Lodge Room.” Sister Emma Smith, President, and Sisters Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland Counsellors, I gave much instruction, read in the New Testament, and Book of Doctrine and Covenants concerning the Elect Lady, and shewed that the elect meant to be elected to a certain work &c and that the revelation was then fulfilled by Sister Emma’s election to the Presidency of the Society, she having previously been ordained to expound Scriptures, Emma was blessed, and her counselors were ordained by Elder John Taylor.

History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842], p. 1295, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Relief Society Should Only Consist of Worthy, Select, Virtuous Individuals — Eliza R. Snow (March 31, 1842)

Pres. Joseph Smith arose — spoke of the organization of the society— said he was deeply interested that it might be built up to the Most High in an acceptable manner — that its rules must be observed— that none should be received into the society but those who were worthy— Propos’d that the Society go into a close examination of every candidate — that they were going too fast — that the society should grow up by degrees; should commence with a few individuals — thus have a select society of the virtuous and those who will walk circumspectly—

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 22, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Avoid Zeal without Knowledge, Purge Iniquity, Surmount Difficulties, & Practice Decision of Character Aside from Sympathy — Eliza R. Snow (March 31, 1842)

. . . commended them for their zeal but said sometimes their zeal was not according to knowledge— One principal object of the Institution was to purge out iniquity — said they must be extremely careful in all their examinations or the consequences would be serious. Said all difficulties which might and would cross our way must be surmounted, though the soul be tried, the heart faint, and hands hang down — must not retrace our steps— that there must be decision of character aside from sympathy— that when instructed we must obey that voice, observe the Constitution, that the blessings of heaven may rest down upon us—

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 22, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Relief Society “Should Move According to the Priesthood” — Eliza R. Snow (March 31, 1842)

. . . all must act in concert or nothing can be done— that the Society should move according to the ancient Priesthood, hence there should be a select Society, separate from all the evils of the world, choice, virtuous and holy— Said he was going to make of this society a kingdom of priests as in Enoch’s day — as in Paul’s day — that it is the privilege of each member to live long and enjoy health—

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, pp. 22-23, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Joseph Smith’s Advice to the Relief Society Intended Only for the Them — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

President Smith arose and said that the purport of his being present on the occasion was, to make observations respecting the Priesthood, and give instructions for the benefit of the Society that as his instructions were intended only for the Society; he requested that a vote should be taken on those present who were not members, to ascertain whether they should be admitted

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book,  p. 34, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Act Honestly, Repent, & God Would Bless in Exclusive Ways — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

. . . he exhorted the meeting to act honestly and uprightly in all their proceedings — inasmuch as they would be call’d to give an account to Jehovah. All hearts must repent — be pure and God will regard them and bless them in a manner that they could not be bless’d in any other way —

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book,  p. 34, The Joseph Smith Papers.

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.

Individuals Finding Fault with Relief Society Management Reproved — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

He reproved those that were dispos’d to find fault with the management of concerns — saying that if he undertook to lead the church he would lead it right — that he calculats to organize the church in proper order &c.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 36, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Aspiring Spirit in Elders & Relief Society 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.

Joseph Smith’s Teachings & Instructions to the Relief Society Limited — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

He said as he had this opportunity, he was going to instruct the Society and point out the way for them to conduct, that they might act according to the will of God — that he did not know as he should have many opportunities of teaching them — that they were going to be left to themselves — they would not long have him to instruct them — that the church would not have his instruction long, and the world would not be troubled with him a great while, and would not have his teachings — He spoke of delivering the keys to this society and to the Church — that according to his prayers God had appointed him elsewhere

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 37, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Relief Society Sisters Should Pray & Place Confidence in Leaders God Has Designated — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

He exhorted the sisters always to concentrate their faith and prayers for, and place confidence, in those whom God has appointed to honor, whom God has plac’d at the head to lead — that we should arm them with our prayers — that the keys of the kingdom are about to be given to them, that they may be able to detect every thing false — as well as to the Elders

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, pp. 37-38, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Corrupt Members Must Be Removed — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

He said if one member become corrupt and you know it; you must immediately put it away. The sympathies of the heads of the church have induc’d them to bear with those that were corrupt; in consequence of which all become contaminated —

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 38, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Relief Society Will Command Queens — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

This Society shall have power to command Queens in their midst — I now deliver it as a prophecy that before ten years shall roll around, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this Society — they shall come with their millions and shall contribute of their abundance for the relief of the poor— If you will be pure, nothing can hinder.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 39, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Members Should Get Instruction Through Proper Order by Those Appointed to Lead — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

This Society is to get instruction thro’ the order which God has established — thro’ the medium of those appointed to lead — and I now turn the key to you in the name of God and this Society shall rejoice and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time — this is the beginning of better days, to this Society. 

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 40, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Relief Society Labors Confined to Immediate Acquaintances & Fellow Relief Society Members — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

— Let your labors be confin’d mostly to those around you in your own circle; as far as knowledge is concerned, it may extend to all the world, but your administrations, should be confin’d to the circle of your immediate acquaintance, and more especially to the members of the Society.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 40, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Anything Taught By Gift of Tongues through Relief Society Members Should Not Be Received As Doctrine — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

If any have a matter to reveal, let it be in your own tongue. Do not indulge too much in the gift of tongues, or the devil will take advantage of the innocent. You may speak in tongues for your comfort but I lay this down for a rule that if any thing is taught by the gift of tongues, it is not to be received for doctrine.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, pp. 40-41, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Society Members May Administer to Sick Through Laying on of Hands — Eliza R. Snow (April 28, 1842)

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. . . .

Prest. S. then offered instruction respecting the propriety of females administering to the sick by the laying on of hands — said it was according to revelation &c. said he never was plac,d in similar circumstances, and never had given the same instruction. 

He clos’d his instruction by expressing his satisfaction in improving the opportunity.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 36, 41, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Relief Society’s Principles Are to Practice Holiness — Eliza R. Snow (August 31, 1842)

I have come here to bless you. The Society has done well — their principles are to practice holiness — God loves you and your prayers in my behalf shall avail much — Let them not cease to ascend to God in my behalf.

Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, p. 81, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Fighting Between Members Must Stop — Willard Richards (February 21, 1843)

Ladies you know whithr it is true. no use of living among hogs without a snout, this biting and devouring each other. for Gods sake stop it.

Discourse, 21 February 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards, pp. 209-210, The Joseph Smith Papers.