Minutes of General Conference of Y. M. and Y. L. M. I. A., held in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, June 10, 1900, at 10 a. m., President Joseph F. Smith, presiding.

President Joseph F. Smith announced with regret the inability of President Lorenzo Snow to be present on account of affliction, as he suffered with sciatica. Asked an especial interest in the faith of all in his behalf. Prayed that all might be strengthened by this meeting, and go out with renewed zeal. Knew of no branch of work in the Church, except, perhaps, the Sunday school, that is of greater importance than this; perhaps it is even greater than

the Sunday school, because that deals with our little children who are still under the home influence, while Mutual Improvement deals with those who are passing through a very critical period. It is not only necessary that young people should be brought up under the influence of the Sunday school, but that they should continue in the influence of the Gospel. It is essential that they should know God's truth and the difference between that and the religions that have been handed down through the hands of men. There is good in every institution that exists, which has for its object the benefit of mankind. While this is true, it is essen

tial for the individual to know that God has declared by His own voice that all the religious denominations in the world were without His sanction and authority. Of course, all the good they do is acceptable, but it is without authority they act. They stand in the same position as the young man whom the Savior told, "Go and sell all that thou hast, and come and follow me." He loved riches better than his God. So it is with the whole world-if called upon to sacrifice all that they possess, they would turn as he did, because they lack that knowledge which would distinguish them from the remainder of mankind. It not only necessary that we should do good, but it is essential that we should keep His commandments. We should obey Him with a willing heart; should place ourselves in a condition where we would yield up all, to give obedience to His commandments. We came to do the will of Him who sent us, and must feel "Father, not my will but Thine be done." This is the distinguishing feature between members of this Church and the world. Wickedness cannot be tolerated in the household of faith, neither can confusion. Obedience is one of the primary laws of heaven, and so necessary that the Son of God Himself had to be obedient to God's will, even in the slightest respect. Those who teach righteousness will receive credit for it, but if they hold no authority, they cannot claim the recognition that will come to those who do. Our young people should be taught the difference between truth and error.

President E. S. Taylor was very much pleased to greet those present. Many more would have been here, had it been possible; we have had many letters to this effect. Prayed that the influence from the Conference might reach every far off hamlet. Felt that Brother Smith's remarks were true; that the foundation of all knowledge is that we know

the truth for ourselves; it is not only necessary that we know it, but we must love this truth and live it. May God help us all to do this.

Elder Francis Kirkham gave an earnest, interesting address on Mutual Improvement missionary work, and the good which may be accomplished by it.

Solo, Elder John Robinson.

A most excellent address on Character Building was given by Sister Meda Nelson, President of Oneida Y. L. N. M. I. A. In concluding she said: "I have every faith that the plan of salvation will perfect us if we keep the commandments as we know them; we will be prepared for the future, if we live up to the knowledge of the present.

An address by President Dora W. Pratt of Juarez Stake followed, outlining the work of the Y. L. M. I. A. Said the young ladies of Mexico are actuated by the same spirit as the girls elsewhere. Thirteen years ago, the first Young Ladies' Association was organized there with a membership of twenty; now we have seven associations with a membership of a little over two hundred.

At the afternoon session a history of Y. L. M. I. A. was given by Counselor M. Y. Dougall, commencing with the organization of the Retrenchment Association, Nov. 28, 1869, tracing it down through the years and showing the change of name twenty-five years ago. Bore testimony to the good accomplished by both Y. M. and Y. L. M. Î. A.

Solo, "Salvation," Elder Thos. S. Ashworth.

President Geo. Q. Cannon thought the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association as historically outlined to us has been productive of great beenfit. Now every girl can find the opportunity of using her talents to the best advantage. has led to some of the girls being sent on missions. Formerly this idea would have shocked some of our

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people, but this work of the Mutual Improvement Associations has broadened our minds. Women can preach and teach, though they cannot administer in the ordinances. They have been able to gain access to many whom our men cannot reach, because it removes prejudice when the people meet our sisters. I have listened to as logical discourses delivered by women as by any Elders. I look upon the opening up of the spheres of usefulness for women as being the greatest benefit derived from M. I. work, because the young men have their quorum meetings and other meetings to develop them.

Solo, Sister Luella Ferrin of Ogden.

"The Mutual Improvement Idea" was taken up by Elder Douglas M. Todd.

Brother Ray Ashworth followed on M. I. A. Periodicals, speaking of the "Amateur" (2 vol.), published by Brother Joseph A. West in Ogden; the "Contributor;" the "Manual," and the "Improvement Era," characterizing the "Era" as a bouquet of the choicest thoughts and sentiments of the men of this Church, and outlining subjects published in it.

Sister Belle Richards followed on the same line, taking up the "Journal," and giving thoughts inspired by a perusal of its pages.

Sister Nellie Todd Taylor of Davis Stake bore a strong testimony to the truth of the Gospel, and to the fulfillment of prophecy. "We must be tried seven times seven. and let me warn you not to speak against the Lord's anointed."

At the evening session, after opening services, Apostle H. J. Grant spoke on the history of the Y. M. M. I. A., going back to the time of the Prophet Joseph Smith, when an association of young men had for their motto "The Glory of God is Intelligence," and telling how later in Utah, in 1852, another beginning was made by the organization of the

Polosophical Society, under the direction of Lorenzo Snow.

Solo "Come Holy Spirit," Walter Wallace.

Address, "The Growth of M. I. A Work," by Sister Cornelia H. Clayton. Truly was the Prophet Brigham Young inspired when he organized these associations among the youth of Zion. During the first twelve years, growth was slow, but it has steadily progressed from year to year. The work has spread to Canada, Mexico, and wherever there is a Stake of Zion organized. Closed by bearing a strong testimony to the truth of the Gospel.

Solo, "Praise to the Lord," H. S. Ensign.

Apostle John H. Smith said 50,000 young men and women have banded together to better themselves and humanity. Congratulations are due for the great work that has been accomplished. He then introduced Elder Junius F. Wells, who had been one of the original promoters and workers in the Y. M. M. I. A. work.

Brother Wells said that he had come from New York to say that he wanted to work to help Zion.

Violin solo, Brother W. C. Clive.

Minutes of General Officers' meeting of the Y. L. N. M. I. A., held June 11, 1900, 10 a. m., in Fourteenth Ward Assembly Hall, Prest. Elmina S. Taylor presiding.

Prest. E. S. Prest. E. S. Taylor expressed pleasure in seeing so many present and in being present herself. Felt that a rich portion of the Spirit of the Lord had been in our midst during the Sunday sessions. Urged all to seek a true testimony of the Gospel. Then they would be better prepared to go on in M. I. work. Where much is given, much is required. Prayed that our spirits might be strengthened by this meeting.

Roll call showed all Stakes represented with exception of Sanpete.

Snowflake, St. John, and Uintah. Sanpete came in later.

Sister Gates said that in presenting a Guide lesson, there are two things to keep in mind-to get the most out of the lessons, and the most out of the girls. Gave some suggestions as to presenting the Guide work.

Sister Goddard said, never leave an answer incomplete; gain outside information, full and complete on every subject.

Counselor M. Y. Dougall made a report of the general work that has been and is being done by the General Board. Spoke of how the Lord had blessed the sisters, so that they were able and willing to visit the Stakes of Zion.

Prest. Taylor spoke words of praise in behalf of the members of her Board. Urged girls to make their word as good as their bond. Cultivate the love of telling the truth. Guard your tongues and be careful of the words you utter.

Sister Lillie T. Freeze felt thank ful for the privilege of being present. Urged the officers to appreciate the work of singers, secretaries, and all workers in the M. I. work. Spoke in tongues, which was interpreted by Sister Nellie T. Taylor, which was a glorious blessing for the daughters of Zion.

Sister Vance of Brigham City spoke words of comfort to the members of the Board, who were so weak in body. Felt it was because of their great spiritual strength. Also spoke forth a spirit of prayer and comfort to those who had left home and other duties to attend the Conference, and promised that all would be well with them.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Solo, "Oh, Eves that are Weary," Sister Arvilla Clark, of Provo.

Counselor M. H. Tingey was pleased at the number of Stakes rep.

resented, and the spirit of improvement shown. It will be twenty years on June 19th, 1900, since our general organization was effected; spoke of the changes and the improvement. made. We are learning that there is something else for women besides being in the home, though there is nothing higher or nobler than the position of wife and mother; but they can do both. We are called by the priesthood of God to these positions; we are called to fill a mission, and it is just as bad to refuse our call as for a man to refuse a call for a mission to the world. We have always taught the girls that their first duty is to the home; however, Prest. Taylor has been rearing a family when she held public positions, and has been blest.

Still, when one of our officers finds it impossible to attend to her duty, it would be better to stand aside temporarily after consulting her superior officers and Bishop. Don't resign entirely; if you cannot hold a very responsible position, keep your membership. If our hearts are all right, God, who knows our hearts, will not condemn us if we are not able to do, after an honest effort. Officers, stand as a model so far as possible; be able to say, "Come follow me;" learn your duty as president or whatever you may be; seek diligently for the Spirit of God to assist you, and I bear my testimony that He will help you. Humility of heart is more than education. God has chosen the weak things of the earth to confound the world. We thank you for your kindness to us all when we come to visit you, but do not entertain us so lavishly that you can not attend your meetings.

Sister Ruth M. Fox spoke on the travelling library. Explained the plan and read the rules, which have been published in the Journal, and are expected to be observed by all.

Continuing, Sister Fox said. "We are not counseling the reading of novels, but if the girls want that