will feel a special interest, this morning, and through the day, and offer their prayers in his behalf that he may be speedily restored from his sickness. I am pleased to see so many present, and I congratulate those present upon their interest in the work. I know of no branch of work in The Church, save perhaps it may be the Sunday Schools, which is of as great importance or necessity as this work in which we are engaged for the youth of Zion; and I don't know but that it is even paramount to the Sunday Schools, for they deal with the little folks who are yet under the control of their parents, and, while this is important, it is of equal importance, if not greater, that those who are passing out of that control, should be looked after and reminded of the truths taught them in their childhood that they may become established in the Gospel. It is essential that our young people know the truth as it has been revealed in the latter days, essential that they know the difference between the Gospel as revealed to the Prophet Joseph and that which has been followed by men for generations past. It is not only necessary to do good, but it is necessary that we should do good in accordance with the will of the Almighty, that we keep the commandments in the spirit of the commandments. The Lord requires the heart and the willing mind, and the rebellious and disobedient shall be cut off from his presence. It is, therefore, necessary that we should be willing to yield up everything for truth and righteousness sake. We should learn the great lesson which Jesus taught: "Father, not my will, but thine, be done." You and I came here not to do our own wills, but the will of him that sent us, and we should express in every act of our lives the words of the Savior just referred to. This is the distinctive feature between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the churches of the world. It is said that order is Heaven's first law. Before order can be obtained, however, there must be obedience. Therefore obedience is one of the primary laws of heaven. It is so necessary that even the Son of God had to be obedient to the will of his Father in the slightest things. Even baptism had to be obeyed by him who was without sin and it could not be passed over because it was necessary for him to "fulfill all righteousness." These are the things we should learn ourselves and teach our young people that they may not be so blind that they cannot see the difference between the doctrines of the world and the Gospel of Christ as revealed from heaven in these days. Sister Elmina S. Taylor, General President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations, addressed the meeting. She said in part: I am pleased to be here this morning. My heart is made glad to see so many young people present, and I am glad to welcome you. We have thousands of good workers scattered throughout the length and breadth of The Church, and we are glad to welcome you as their representatives who have come to receive instructions from the servants and hand-maidens of the Lord. I trust that the influence of this conference will reach to the uttermost place, wherever there is a mutual improvement worker and that we shall have a conference inspired of the Spirit of the Lord. Elder Francis Kirkham of Utah Stake, who labored last winter as a Mutual Improvement Association missionary in Oneida Stake, addressed the conference upon the subject of "The Mutual Improvement Association Missionary Work." He referred to his own experience as one of great delight and profit and showed the great opportunity for good afforded in this work. The object of the labor was to arouse in the hearts of the young men of Israel a love for the truth, and make them active workers in the cause of Christ. Much had been accomplished in this direction, but its full fruit would be seen in the future. The possibilities were great, and if the work of the local missionaries were continued there would be raised up a mighty band of faithful workers in The Church at home, and of missionaries who should carry the message of salvation to the nations. A beautiful solo was then rendered by Elder John Robinson. Sister Dora W. Pratt, President of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations of Juarez Stake, Mexico, made a brief and instructive address to the young people. A telegram was read from Elder Milton H. Hardy, who was expected to speak of "Mutual Improvement Association Reminiscences," stating that on account of a serious accident he was unable to attend. The choir and congregation sang the hymn "Our God we raise to thee, thanks for thy blessings free," and benediction was pronounced by Sister Mary A. Freeze. SUNDAY, 2 P. M. The Tabernacle Choir sang the hymn on page 14, "We are not ashamed to own our Lord." Prayer was offered by Apostle John Henry Smith. The hymn on page 374 was sung. Sister Maria Y. Dougall made an interesting address on the history of Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Associations, stating that on November 28, 1869, President Brigham Young called his family together in the Lion House parlor and organized his daughters into a retrenchment society, desiring that they should set an example to all the people of Zion-that they should retrench in all their extravagances—in dress -in eating, etc. He also desired that his wives and children should have a testimony of the truth of the Gospel, and he was anxious that they should have a meeting of their own where they could bear this testimony to one another. This idea grew, and in the following February, similar societies were organized in several of the wards under the direction of Sisters Eliza R. Snow, Zina D. H. Young and M. Isabella Horne. In 1875, the name of "Retrenchment Society" was changed to "Mutual Improvement Association." In 1878-79 organizations were formed in the stakes with stake presidents and other officers. In 1880 a general board was organized and Sister Elmina S. Taylor was called to preside over the entire organization. From time to time, changes have occurred in the work of the associations as the greater development demanded, and now the general board comprises twenty-two sisters, all actively at work in the interest of the associations. part: Elder Thomas S. Ashworth sang a beautiful solo. President George Q. Cannon addressed the conference, saying in It is a very inspiring sight to look at the audience from this stand. The organization of the sisters, which has been described this afternoon, has served a most excellent purpose in furnishing labor of an uplifting character to the sex. The men, having the priesthood, and having the authority to officiate in the offices of the priesthood and to administer in the ordinances of The Church furnished an outlet for all the energy of the young men, but until the organization of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations the field of the young ladies was very narrow, or many thought it was too narrow for their abilities and desires. In the organization they have been given opportunities of doing a vast amount of good, and it has led to the selection of some to go on missions to the nations. It is to the credit of these associations that the ideas of the people concerning the Latter-day Saints have become enlarged and much prejudice has been allayed. A woman may do many things in guiding and teaching and not transcend the bounds of propriety, and without exceeding the authority which she holds. It has been found that in the missionary field women have been able to carry the Gospel into places where men could not go, and they have accomplished a great deal of good, and their appearance in the world has had the effect of removing many deep-seated prejudices. The organization |