It was requested of me that I share with you some of the thoughts that came out of the original Minute Book.    Over the years a variety of General Authorities, including our Relief Society leaders, have quoted from it.  There might be more, but two talks, in particular, focus completely on the original Relief Society and quote a lot from the Minute Book:
            The Relief Society and the Church by Elder Dallin H. Oaks, 1992 May Ensign
In Elder Oaks’ talk he shares with us what Emma Smith said, “Each member should be ambitious to do good.”  (I hope that ideal never ends; it should define us.) He quotes John A. Widtsoe as saying, “To save souls opens the whole field of human activity and development; relief of poverty, relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief of ignorance—relief of all that hinders the joy and progress of women.  What a magnificent commission!”  (This is a great talk)
            “Something Extraordinary” by Sheri L. Dew, 1992 March Ensign
These talks were given at the 150 year celebration of Relief Society.  Sis. Dew gives us a great overview of our sisterhood.  She quotes Sis. Elaine Jack as saying, “The women in this church must be singular in purpose.  We must seek first the kingdom of God.  We need each other.  We must connect in ways that comfort and sustain rather than compete.”  (Such a fantastic talk)
Here are some quotes taken directly from the Minute Book:
·         “The popular institutions of the day should not be our guide—that as daughters of Zion we should set an example for all the world.”  Eliza R. Snow
·         “We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another, and give instruction that we may all sit down in Heaven together.”  Lucy Mack Smith
·         “Nothing is so much calculated as to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand and watch over them in tenderness.”  Joseph Smith
·         “Our duties to each other, seek out and relieve the distressed, that each member should be ambitious to do good—that the members should deal frankly with each other, to watch over the morals and be very careful of the character and reputation of the members of the institution.”  Emma Smith
·         “[I] rejoiced at the formation of the society, that we might improve upon our talents and prepare for those talents and blessings which God is soon to bestow upon us” Bishop Newel K. Whitney
·         “We design to act in the Name of the Lord—to relieve the wants of the distressed, and do all the good we can”   Sarah Cleveland
·         “We can enjoy the privilege of associating together to converse on the things of the Kingdom, to comfort and edify each other while passing through this vale of tears.”  Elizabeth Ann Whitney
Do you feel the spirit of these words?  The world cannot offer us what the Lord has promised us.  We have work to do, sisters.  We need to refocus our objectives.  May we follow earnestly the messages from our leaders and stop making excuses.  If we could reach our efforts toward one purpose; one goal, that of preparing ourselves and our loved ones for eternal life, we could have an astounding influence upon the world.