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The Personal Writings of Eliza Roxcy Snow
Known variously as "Zion's poetess," "priestess," and "prophetess," Eliza Roxcy Snow is the first lady of Mormon letters. Secretly married to Mormon Church founder Joseph Smith in 1842, and wed after Smith's death to his successor Brigham Young, she was also the sister of Lorenzo Snow, fifth president of the church. Her list of credentials is president of the Relief Society from the time of its reorganization in Utah, author by her own count of nine published volumes, president of the Deseret Hospital Association, organizer of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association, the children's Primary Association, and the Woman's Commission Store, Snow lived a long life of real accomplishment. This volume brings together for the first time her life writings. They present Snow's life from different times and from differing points of view, and are interesting not only for what they reveal about Eliza R. Snow, but for what they suggest yet do not reveal about a public woman who wished to maintain her privacy.
316 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2000
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July 3, 2021
I’ve always looked to Eliza Roxcy Snow as one of my heroes. She was a dynamic leader in the church, and fierce defender of women’s rights. What I learned from her writings was that, yes, she was all that, but only after she lived as a quiet, sickly woman. During the journey west, she depended on others for support much of the time, which burdened her mind. After her trial of the plains it took 10 years to recover her health. Through her trials of a murdered husband, living on the charity of others, and grave illness, she was purged and came forth refined like gold and ready to do battle for the Lord.
After being ill for so long on the trek west: “It took Eliza Snow ten years to recover her health; Susa Young Gates insists Eliza had tuberculosis from which she cured herself by taking a cold bath each morning, summer and winter alike. By 1867 Eliza of the trail—passive observer and quiet chronicler—had become Sister Snow, dynamic organizer and daring activist. Whatever the source of her strength—she would have attributed it to having “no whereon to lean, but God alone”—Eliza R. Snow had passed through her 'dark night of the soul’ to find enlightenment and power.”
p. 175
———
On Women’s Rights:
Edward W Tullidge’s “The Women of Mormondom” New York 1877, was financed through shares purchased by ward Relief Societies. Eliza R snow collected sketches of mormon women for the volume and read and revised the manuscript. Here is part of the introduction describing women belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Women with their eyes open, and the prophecy of their work and mission…who have dared to enter upon the path of religious empire-founding with as much divine enthusiasm as had the apostles who founded Christendom.
We can…only comprehend the wonderful story of their lives by viewing them as apostles, who have heard the voices of the invisibles commanding them to build the temples of a new faith.
…let us think of them as apostolic mediums of a new revelation… Let us view them purely as prophetic women, who undertook to found their half of a new Christian empire, and we have exactly the conception with which to start the epic story of the Women of Mormondom.
…they had yearned for the pentecosts of the early days.
Excerpt from: "The Women of Mormondom" by Edward W. Tullidge. Scribd.
—————
In 1866 Eliza was set apart as president over the entire sisterhood of the Church—the Relief Society General President.
Eliza wrote many poems to friends and family, some were meant as comfort to those whose loved ones had died:
Round the grave there are no shadows—
‘This no Moore a dread to die:
Death is but a friendly porter
Op’ning to the worlds on high.
Eliza’s description of the scene on the journey west sounds a lot like St. George, Utah:
Our road was round about between bluffs being strip’d with nearly a chalk color, the little greens shrubs & herbage gave it a romantic appearance. p. 193
I never had shrunk from duty, and it was too late too begin. p.37
The mind must be fix’d on God, that the cheering influencing of his spirit may elevate our hopes above the power of changing circumstances; then will the aged rejoice, and the young be encouraged, even amid scenes of difficulty and peril. To stand still and see the salvation of God seems to be the only alternative at the present. P. 57
How much better—how much nobler the principle of habituating yourselves to derive pleasure by contributing too the happiness of those around you, than tot. Seek it tin. The indulgence of the little selfishness of feeling which extends no father, and haas no other object than mere personal gratification? p. 69
Ho awkward you would feel to be introduced into the society of beings filled with intelligence and surrounded with. Glory, if entirely unprepared for such society? Life itself might seem too short for such a preparation. Then diligently seek wisdom and knowledge. Study attentively the revelations which God has given heretofore, and receive & treasure up whatever shall proceed from his mouth from time to time; for we live in a day. When he is speaking to his people and to the inhabitants of the earth, through the prophet whom he has raised up for. That purpose. P. 71
A disposition to conform to circumstances is a blessing for which I feel very grateful. As saints of the Most High subject to all the vicissitudes attendant on an adherence to the principles of the celestial kingdom: in order tot render life desirable; we must cultivate feelings of submission, and cherish in our own bosoms, that peace and tranquility which will enable us to rejoice in whatever situation we may be placed. P. 84
To rejoice, or even feel calm and contented, when suffering injustice from our fellow creatures; would certainly require an exertion of reach, or at least proportionably so; inasmuch as we verily believe that God whom we worship to be a God of justice, and that sooner or later a just retribution will follow— p. 85
From her patriarchal blessing: Thou hast and shall have the blessing to improve upon every talent and gift that the God of nature has bestow’d upon thee. p. 90
——
From a meeting Dec. 31st, 1843 — an impromptu discourse from her brother Lorenzo Snow:
He said the year upon which. we are soon to enter, will probably release some of us from the difficulties into which the changes of the. Past have placed us; it will open our path and make things clear before us, but, perhaps we shall then meet other things of an unpleasant nature, as consequent attendants on those circumstances, and. That scenery in which we may find ourselves.
He forcibly suggested the utility of suppressing all anxiety with respect to the future, saying, “How illy were we qualified one year ago to pass though the scenes through which we have been led with success! From which, let us realize the folly of an over anxiety to pry into scenes that are lying before us, inasmuch as God will prepare the way by the gradual process, step by step; and leading us forward in a manner that will prove easy, as we pass along, but which if presented to our view at once, would seem insurmountable.
He said that inasmuch as we are disposed too do right, we may learn from the past year’s experience, that those things which we are called to suffer, if they were present before us in prospect; producing pleasure and satisfaction where we would look for misery. While we reflect with astonishment on the past, we may be instructed to set our hearts at rest with regard to the future; and also by contrasting the situations of some present with our situations one year ago, and taking into consideration our present enjoyments, we find it practicable for the mind to rise superior to the circumstance; by having cultivated in our bosoms such principles as are calculated to elevate the affections—bring the feelings into subjection and give stability to the mind; thus producing happiness independent of outward contingencies—possessing our happiness within ourselves.
He said, in taking a retrospective view of our lives, even from the time we embraced the Gospel, although we had passed through some scenes of severe trials, God had borne us off victoriously thus far, even to our great astonishment and we may confidently trust in His guidance and protection for the coming year! P. 93
——-
While crossing the plains Eliza was very ill most of the time. But she prophesied that she would visit the land of Palestine, which she did while on official church business almost 30 years later. p. 127
After being ill for so long on the trek west: “It took Eliza Snow ten years to recover her health; Susa Young Gates insists Eliza had tuberculosis from which she cured herself by taking a cold bath each morning, summer and winter alike. By 1867 Eliza of the trail—passive observer and quiet chronicler—had become Sister Snow, dynamic organizer and daring activist. Whatever the source of her strength—she would have attributed it to having “no whereon to lean, but God alone”—Eliza R. Snow had passed through her 'dark night of the soul’ to find enlightenment and power.”
p. 175
———
On Women’s Rights:
Edward W Tullidge’s “The Women of Mormondom” New York 1877, was financed through shares purchased by ward Relief Societies. Eliza R snow collected sketches of mormon women for the volume and read and revised the manuscript. Here is part of the introduction describing women belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Women with their eyes open, and the prophecy of their work and mission…who have dared to enter upon the path of religious empire-founding with as much divine enthusiasm as had the apostles who founded Christendom.
We can…only comprehend the wonderful story of their lives by viewing them as apostles, who have heard the voices of the invisibles commanding them to build the temples of a new faith.
…let us think of them as apostolic mediums of a new revelation… Let us view them purely as prophetic women, who undertook to found their half of a new Christian empire, and we have exactly the conception with which to start the epic story of the Women of Mormondom.
…they had yearned for the pentecosts of the early days.
Excerpt from: "The Women of Mormondom" by Edward W. Tullidge. Scribd.
—————
In 1866 Eliza was set apart as president over the entire sisterhood of the Church—the Relief Society General President.
Eliza wrote many poems to friends and family, some were meant as comfort to those whose loved ones had died:
Round the grave there are no shadows—
‘This no Moore a dread to die:
Death is but a friendly porter
Op’ning to the worlds on high.
Eliza’s description of the scene on the journey west sounds a lot like St. George, Utah:
Our road was round about between bluffs being strip’d with nearly a chalk color, the little greens shrubs & herbage gave it a romantic appearance. p. 193
I never had shrunk from duty, and it was too late too begin. p.37
The mind must be fix’d on God, that the cheering influencing of his spirit may elevate our hopes above the power of changing circumstances; then will the aged rejoice, and the young be encouraged, even amid scenes of difficulty and peril. To stand still and see the salvation of God seems to be the only alternative at the present. P. 57
How much better—how much nobler the principle of habituating yourselves to derive pleasure by contributing too the happiness of those around you, than tot. Seek it tin. The indulgence of the little selfishness of feeling which extends no father, and haas no other object than mere personal gratification? p. 69
Ho awkward you would feel to be introduced into the society of beings filled with intelligence and surrounded with. Glory, if entirely unprepared for such society? Life itself might seem too short for such a preparation. Then diligently seek wisdom and knowledge. Study attentively the revelations which God has given heretofore, and receive & treasure up whatever shall proceed from his mouth from time to time; for we live in a day. When he is speaking to his people and to the inhabitants of the earth, through the prophet whom he has raised up for. That purpose. P. 71
A disposition to conform to circumstances is a blessing for which I feel very grateful. As saints of the Most High subject to all the vicissitudes attendant on an adherence to the principles of the celestial kingdom: in order tot render life desirable; we must cultivate feelings of submission, and cherish in our own bosoms, that peace and tranquility which will enable us to rejoice in whatever situation we may be placed. P. 84
To rejoice, or even feel calm and contented, when suffering injustice from our fellow creatures; would certainly require an exertion of reach, or at least proportionably so; inasmuch as we verily believe that God whom we worship to be a God of justice, and that sooner or later a just retribution will follow— p. 85
From her patriarchal blessing: Thou hast and shall have the blessing to improve upon every talent and gift that the God of nature has bestow’d upon thee. p. 90
——
From a meeting Dec. 31st, 1843 — an impromptu discourse from her brother Lorenzo Snow:
He said the year upon which. we are soon to enter, will probably release some of us from the difficulties into which the changes of the. Past have placed us; it will open our path and make things clear before us, but, perhaps we shall then meet other things of an unpleasant nature, as consequent attendants on those circumstances, and. That scenery in which we may find ourselves.
He forcibly suggested the utility of suppressing all anxiety with respect to the future, saying, “How illy were we qualified one year ago to pass though the scenes through which we have been led with success! From which, let us realize the folly of an over anxiety to pry into scenes that are lying before us, inasmuch as God will prepare the way by the gradual process, step by step; and leading us forward in a manner that will prove easy, as we pass along, but which if presented to our view at once, would seem insurmountable.
He said that inasmuch as we are disposed too do right, we may learn from the past year’s experience, that those things which we are called to suffer, if they were present before us in prospect; producing pleasure and satisfaction where we would look for misery. While we reflect with astonishment on the past, we may be instructed to set our hearts at rest with regard to the future; and also by contrasting the situations of some present with our situations one year ago, and taking into consideration our present enjoyments, we find it practicable for the mind to rise superior to the circumstance; by having cultivated in our bosoms such principles as are calculated to elevate the affections—bring the feelings into subjection and give stability to the mind; thus producing happiness independent of outward contingencies—possessing our happiness within ourselves.
He said, in taking a retrospective view of our lives, even from the time we embraced the Gospel, although we had passed through some scenes of severe trials, God had borne us off victoriously thus far, even to our great astonishment and we may confidently trust in His guidance and protection for the coming year! P. 93
——-
While crossing the plains Eliza was very ill most of the time. But she prophesied that she would visit the land of Palestine, which she did while on official church business almost 30 years later. p. 127
June 9, 2014
This is an interesting book. Much of it is in Eliza R. Snow's own words. It contains the "Sketch of My Life" that she wrote about her conversion and earlier years, her Nauvoo journal and notebook, and journal entries from her time on the trail to Salt Lake (from February 1846 to September 1849). Scattered throughout are some of her other writings and poems.
It it quite amazing to think about her history, her life, her faith, her sacrifice, and her unwavering devotion to the truth. She had to have had many remarkable, but also many trying experiences in the middle of many important events and relationships in the early years of the Church.
I found these links from LDS.org and The Encyclopedia of Mormonism quite instructive as well. I have been inspired by some of her writings and even more so knowing more of her history. I would like to learn more about her and her faith.
Here are a few quotes that I liked from the book:
"My parents carefully imprest on the minds of their children, that useful labor is honorable--idleness and waste of time disgraceful and sinful; and, with us, book-studies and schooling were ever present--intermingling with every other industry, not omitting music and singing: Thus we never knew what it was to be idle (p. 7)"
"Although my parents adhered to the Baptist creed, they extended to their children the right, and afforded us every opportunity we desired, to examine all creeds--to hear and judge--to 'prove all things.' Through being conversant with priests and people of different sects, I found them widely differing from each other; and all, more widely differing from that 'form of doctrine,' and practice described in the New Testament, with the writings which, I grew more and more familiar year by year. Feeling that religion was necessary, I sought for it....I heard of Joseph Smith as a Prophet to whom the Lord was speaking from heavens....A Prophet of God--the voice of God revealing to man as in former dispensations, was what my soul hungered for, but could it possibly be true--I considered it a hoax--too good to be true (p. 9)."
"The spirit bore witness to me of the truth. I felt that I had waited already a little too long...but my heart was now fixed; and I was baptized on the 5th of April, 1835. From that day to this I have not doubted the truth of the work (p. 10)."
"I resided in the family of Joseph Smith, and taught his family school, and had ample opportunity to mark his 'daily walk and conversation,' as a prophet of God; and the more I became acquainted with him, the more I appreciated him as such. His lips ever flowed with instruction and kindness; and, although very forgiving, indulgent, and affectionate in his temperament, when his God-like intuition suggested that the welfare of his brethren, or the interests of the kingdom of God demanded it; no fear of censure--no love of approbation could prevent his severe and cutting rebuke. Though his expansive mind grasped the great plan of salvation and solved the mystic problem of man's destiny--though he had in his possession keys that unlocked the past and the future with succession of eternities; in his devotions he was humble as a little child (p. 11)."
"The heavens became shadowed with clouds and a heavy shower of rain and hail ensued, and I exclaim'd 'O God, is it not enough that we have the pre-possessions of mankind--their prejudices and their hatred to contend with; but must we also stand amid the rage of elements?' I concluded within myself that the period might not be far distant, that will require faith to do so; but the grace of God is sufficient, therefore I will not fear. I will put my trust in Him who is mighty to save; rejoicing in his goodness and determin'd to live by every world that preceedeth out of his mouth (p. 52)."
"How awkward you would feel to be introduced into the society of beings filled with intelligence and surrounded with glory, if entirely unprepared for such society? Life itself might seem too short for such a preparation. Then diligently seek wisdom and knowledge. Study attentively the revelations which God has given heretofore, and receive and treasure up whatever shall proceed from his mouth from time to time; for we live in a day when he is speaking to his people and to the inhabitants of the earth, through the prophet whom he has raised up for that purpose. If you calculate to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, you must be determined--you must not be afraid to be singular (p. 70)."
"Last Sunday I had the privilege of attending meeting and in the forenoon listening to a very interesting discourse by Pres. J. Smith. He took for his subject the words of the Savior to wit. 'O Jerusalem thou that killest the prophets and stonest them that are sent unto you! how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and you would not!' He beautifully and in a most powerful manner illustrated the necessity of the gathering and the building of the Temple that those ordinances may be administered which are necessary preparations for the world to come: he exhorted the people in impressive terms to be diligent--to be up and doing lest the tabernacle pass over to another people and we lose the blessings (p. 76)."
"Eliza was learning to improve her life by her own enterprise. Self-determination was a heady draft for a genteel nineteenth-century woman, and Eliza was beginning to sip its flavor (p. 173)."
It it quite amazing to think about her history, her life, her faith, her sacrifice, and her unwavering devotion to the truth. She had to have had many remarkable, but also many trying experiences in the middle of many important events and relationships in the early years of the Church.
I found these links from LDS.org and The Encyclopedia of Mormonism quite instructive as well. I have been inspired by some of her writings and even more so knowing more of her history. I would like to learn more about her and her faith.
Here are a few quotes that I liked from the book:
"My parents carefully imprest on the minds of their children, that useful labor is honorable--idleness and waste of time disgraceful and sinful; and, with us, book-studies and schooling were ever present--intermingling with every other industry, not omitting music and singing: Thus we never knew what it was to be idle (p. 7)"
"Although my parents adhered to the Baptist creed, they extended to their children the right, and afforded us every opportunity we desired, to examine all creeds--to hear and judge--to 'prove all things.' Through being conversant with priests and people of different sects, I found them widely differing from each other; and all, more widely differing from that 'form of doctrine,' and practice described in the New Testament, with the writings which, I grew more and more familiar year by year. Feeling that religion was necessary, I sought for it....I heard of Joseph Smith as a Prophet to whom the Lord was speaking from heavens....A Prophet of God--the voice of God revealing to man as in former dispensations, was what my soul hungered for, but could it possibly be true--I considered it a hoax--too good to be true (p. 9)."
"The spirit bore witness to me of the truth. I felt that I had waited already a little too long...but my heart was now fixed; and I was baptized on the 5th of April, 1835. From that day to this I have not doubted the truth of the work (p. 10)."
"I resided in the family of Joseph Smith, and taught his family school, and had ample opportunity to mark his 'daily walk and conversation,' as a prophet of God; and the more I became acquainted with him, the more I appreciated him as such. His lips ever flowed with instruction and kindness; and, although very forgiving, indulgent, and affectionate in his temperament, when his God-like intuition suggested that the welfare of his brethren, or the interests of the kingdom of God demanded it; no fear of censure--no love of approbation could prevent his severe and cutting rebuke. Though his expansive mind grasped the great plan of salvation and solved the mystic problem of man's destiny--though he had in his possession keys that unlocked the past and the future with succession of eternities; in his devotions he was humble as a little child (p. 11)."
"The heavens became shadowed with clouds and a heavy shower of rain and hail ensued, and I exclaim'd 'O God, is it not enough that we have the pre-possessions of mankind--their prejudices and their hatred to contend with; but must we also stand amid the rage of elements?' I concluded within myself that the period might not be far distant, that will require faith to do so; but the grace of God is sufficient, therefore I will not fear. I will put my trust in Him who is mighty to save; rejoicing in his goodness and determin'd to live by every world that preceedeth out of his mouth (p. 52)."
"How awkward you would feel to be introduced into the society of beings filled with intelligence and surrounded with glory, if entirely unprepared for such society? Life itself might seem too short for such a preparation. Then diligently seek wisdom and knowledge. Study attentively the revelations which God has given heretofore, and receive and treasure up whatever shall proceed from his mouth from time to time; for we live in a day when he is speaking to his people and to the inhabitants of the earth, through the prophet whom he has raised up for that purpose. If you calculate to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, you must be determined--you must not be afraid to be singular (p. 70)."
"Last Sunday I had the privilege of attending meeting and in the forenoon listening to a very interesting discourse by Pres. J. Smith. He took for his subject the words of the Savior to wit. 'O Jerusalem thou that killest the prophets and stonest them that are sent unto you! how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and you would not!' He beautifully and in a most powerful manner illustrated the necessity of the gathering and the building of the Temple that those ordinances may be administered which are necessary preparations for the world to come: he exhorted the people in impressive terms to be diligent--to be up and doing lest the tabernacle pass over to another people and we lose the blessings (p. 76)."
"Eliza was learning to improve her life by her own enterprise. Self-determination was a heady draft for a genteel nineteenth-century woman, and Eliza was beginning to sip its flavor (p. 173)."
August 15, 2025
In reading the autobiography portion I was amazed at the far reaching influence Eliza Snow had on the early church as she lived through the presidencies and deaths of multiple founding presidents. She was on close terms and acted as a counselor and advisor to them. She was responsible for the conversion of her brother and future president of the church Lorenzo Snow. For these and many other reasons she may well be one of the most influential figures in church history. Maybe more amazing was her response hardships, she mostly laughed at setbacks and kept up good humor in spite of extreme challenges. 5 stars for the sketches of my life part, 2.5 for the rest.
March 25, 2011
I had to 'be' Eliza R. Snow for a dinner party (R.S.) this week and this book was my main source. I really found the 1st person helpful, as then I could simply compile enough quotes to fill 15 minutes time and be authentic.
I don't get into early church history much because it tends to baffle me and remind me too much of the negetive off-shoots of the church still existing today. I'm really glad for President Monson and the current 12 apostles and that the church continues to meet our needs with each day.
I'm glad for the good that Eliza contributed to the the early organization of the church. What a lady! As I read her accounts, I liked best the parts that demonstrated her sense of humor. The part that most touched me was her marriage to and grief over Joseph Smith Jr. when he died. She was staying in the upper room of a cabin of a family and had no one to turn to in her grief over losing her husband. Not much is known about their marriage, but it was in this grief and solitude that she penned the words for the hymn, 'Oh My Father.' Read the lyrics and so much more comes to light.
Yes: what a woman!
I don't get into early church history much because it tends to baffle me and remind me too much of the negetive off-shoots of the church still existing today. I'm really glad for President Monson and the current 12 apostles and that the church continues to meet our needs with each day.
I'm glad for the good that Eliza contributed to the the early organization of the church. What a lady! As I read her accounts, I liked best the parts that demonstrated her sense of humor. The part that most touched me was her marriage to and grief over Joseph Smith Jr. when he died. She was staying in the upper room of a cabin of a family and had no one to turn to in her grief over losing her husband. Not much is known about their marriage, but it was in this grief and solitude that she penned the words for the hymn, 'Oh My Father.' Read the lyrics and so much more comes to light.
Yes: what a woman!
January 15, 2009
Eliza Roxcy Snow . . . what a woman. She accomplished so much! Maureen Beecher did a good job of editing, putting together, and even noticing important things in the journal. Many of Snow's poems I've never seen before were enjoyable to find here.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews