{"id":1691,"date":"2010-01-27T11:26:13","date_gmt":"2010-01-27T17:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ldswomenofgod.com\/blog\/?p=1691"},"modified":"2019-10-30T14:15:16","modified_gmt":"2019-10-30T20:15:16","slug":"youth-of-the-noble-birthright","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reliefsocietywomen.com\/blog\/2010\/01\/27\/youth-of-the-noble-birthright\/","title":{"rendered":"Youth of the Noble Birthright"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that a year after the Relief Society was organized, in 1843, a group of youth wanted to organize themselves to bring relief to the poor?<\/span><\/p>\n

Heber C. Kimball hosted a houseful of young men and women eager \u201cand delighted\u201d to receive counsel from him.\u00a0 These young men and women were \u201clamenting the loose style of their morals\u2014the frivolous manner in which they spent their time\u2014and their too frequent attendance at balls, parties, etc.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That first night was such a successful discussion, with the exhortation to lay aside their vanity and obey their parents more, that they assembled again with the entire house filled to overflowing.\u00a0 Each time they met, in fact, it was in a bigger house until Joseph suggested they meet in the lodge room above his store (where the Relief Society was organized). This room was still too small, but the attendance was evidence that the youth were truly interested in betterment to themselves, guidance, and involvement.<\/span><\/p>\n

In one meeting, Elder Kimball counseled those in attendance to study the scriptures.\u00a0 By doing so, he said, \u201dyou will be enabled to give a reason for the hope and the joy which exists within you\u2014you will always be prepared to explain the doctrine in which you believe\u2014you will ever be ready to prove and defend your religion\u2014you will be well received in company, and will be esteemed by all wise and good men.\u00a0 Strive, therefore, to show yourselves worthy.\u00a0 Be faithful, be obedient, and acquit yourselves like men, and women, of God.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

At another meeting, the youth were told to \u201cpay strict attention to the advice and command of their parents, who, being of mature years, and long experience, are much better calculated to guide the pathway of youth than they themselves.\u00a0 Elder Kimball warned them against giving heed to their passions, which he said would lead them into many snares, and difficulties.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joseph Smith addressed them in the lodge and complimented them on their enthusiasm and goodly desires.\u00a0 \u201cHe said he had never in his life seen such a large company of young people assembled together, pay such strict attention, listen with such profound silence, and keep such good order, as the assembly now before him.\u201d\u00a0 He praised them, taught them, and \u201cadvised them to organize themselves into a society for the relief of the poor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A severe storm blew over the night of one of their meetings and attendance didn\u2019t seem changed at all.\u00a0 Everyone there said they could not miss even one of their \u201cYoung People\u2019s Meetings.\u201d In fact, during the week, the favorite topic of conversation, amongst the youth, was what was learned and discussed at the previous meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the minutes of the first formation of this organization, it states, \u201cThe young gentlemen and ladies, citizens of the city of Nauvoo, are desirous of aiding and ameliorating the condition of the poor and of carrying out the principles of charity and benevolence, as taught in the Holy Scriptures, therefore, be it resolved that we form ourselves into a society to be styled the \u201cYoung Gentlemen and Ladies\u2019 Relief Society of Nauvoo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know what ever happened to this organization. An article found in the Relief Society Magazine, in March 1917<\/a> issue, explains its existence.\u00a0 And these notes are taken from an article written in the Times and Seasons, April 1, 1843.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n