Centennial Anniversary Monument

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182 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

as he is, not as he is supposed to be, that men hate him. Was not the same conditions existent in Judea nineteen hundred years ago? Then, up with the standard of truth, and honor and glory to the standard bearer, who went down to his grave in the battle with death and hell, holding that banner aloft as he chanted a hymn to God and Christ! We thank God that our eyes may still see, our ears still hear, and our lips still speak the praises of our "prophet, priest and king." In conclusion, let us give some extracts from the teachings of this great man to the Woman's Society, which he, under reve- lation from God, had established on March 17, 1842, in Nauvoo. A perusal of the minutes, kept by the Secretary, Eliza R. Snow, gives a wonderful insight into the liberality and justice manifested by Joseph Smith towards women and womanhood. Let young elders and bishops note the breadth and scope given to all wo- men by the teaching of the Prophet. One may learn more of a man's attitude on any question by reading what he says, himself, than by reading what others say about him. Hence it is that the reading of the Scriptures is far more profitable than reading any number of commentaries and stories about them. Let us go to the fountain head for light: The meeting was addressed, March 17, 1842, by President Joseph Smith, to illustrate the object of the society — that the society of the sisters might provoke the brethren to good works, in looking to the wants of the poor, searching after objects of charity, and administering to their wants — to assist by correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the community, and save the elders the trouble of rebuking; that they may give their time to other duties, etc., in their public teaching. * * He proposed that the sisters elect a presiding officer to preside over them, and let the presiding officer choose two counselors 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 instructions, he will give it from time to time. * * * j^ g^jjy officers are wanted to carry out the designs of the institution, let them be ap- pointed and set apart as deacons, teachers, etc., are among us.

President Smith gave an initial donation of five dollars — gold piece to commence the funds of the society, and said that whatever he gave in charity would hereafter be given through this society.