Our Work: Important Items from the Late Conference

OUR WORK.

IMPORTANT ITEMS FROM THE LATE CONFERENCE. Among the many items affecting the work of the associations in the coming year that were decided at the annual conference of the Improvement Associations in the latter part of May, we desire especially to call attention to the following: First: "That all the associations in any event be required to begin this fall with the new Manual, with a view to completing it during the season." This was adjudged necessary because of the importance of having all the associations work at thesame time on one general subject. Any other course would soon lead to confusion in the work of the associations. It is the purpose of the General Board to supply the associations with a Manual each year, to make these Manuals progressive in their character, and project them along lines leading up at last to the consideration of the great dispensation of the fullness of times, with the view to establishing in the hearts of the youth of Zion faith in the work of that great dispensation. It is therefore of the utmost importance that this item of instruction shall be complied with on the part of all the associations. If it is not so complied with it will be but a short time until the utmost confusion will exist. Some associations would be at work on Manual No. i, others on Manuals No. 2, 3, 4, etc., and no general instructions could at any time be given at once

applicable to all the associations. But if the associations will take up these Manuals as they come out and devote themselves earnestly to each subject as it is presented, and all the associations are engaged on that one theme, order will prevail, the same class of instruction, either by members of the General Board as they meet with the associations or of the Superintendency through the Era, will be applicable alike to all. Members of associations who failed to complete the last Manual should be encouraged to complete it by studying it at home. But the associations, to be in harmony with the instruction of the general conference should in any event begin this fall with the new Manual, and be determined in their efforts to complete it during the season. Second: ' 'On motion of Elder Joseph E. Robinson it was decided to

commence the meetings of all the associations on the first week after the general conference in October." This action of the conference should not be overlooked, and an earnest effort should be made to carry the resolution into effect. Third: "Elder B. H. Roberts suggested that the Stake Superintendents begin their preliminary work early in the fall, and get their associations organized and in running order so as to be ready to begin work in earnest on the date decided upon for the commencement of the work." We would further suggest that the presidents of associations arrange the program a week or two before the time of the first meeting. That they select some of the most active and able members of the association to take part in the program, that a vigorous effort be put forth to make the meeting of the associations a success from the start. It would also be well for the president and his associates to have prepared the program for the second meeting, with members assigned to the various parts of the lesson so that there may be a continuation of the success achieved at the first meeting. The oflQcers should give this item their attention, as upon it depends the success of starting our association work. Fourth: "On motion of Elder Edward H. Anderson it was decided that wherever possible the associations have a uniform night of meeting throughout the respective stakes. "On motion of Elder Joseph E Johnson it was decided that wherever practicable, Tuesday night be the night of meeting for the Young Men's Associations, and that the joint sessions be held on Sujiday evening, the evening of the Fast Day being selected for that purpose wherever possible." It is to be hoped that this decision of the conference has not been over-

looked, but that the ofificershave already consulted with presidents of stakes and the bishops of wards with a view to carrying out this action of the conference. It may be true that for the present, in some places, the securing

of the nights designated- may not be practicable, but the effort should be continued so that as soon as local circumstances change Tuesday night and the Sunday night designated may be secured, that finally in all the wards and Stakes in Zion there shall be uniformity in the night on which the associations meet. If that is done amusements and social gatherings, both

of a public and private character, will soon adjust themselves to this arrangement, and our association night will be protected from infringements by other appointments of parties, theatres, sociables, etc etc and , ,

in time we shall be as secure from interruptions on our meeting nights as, at present, the Sabbath Schools are in their time of meeting; and there is no doubt but what this will inure to great advantage to the associations. That all these items of instruction issued from the late general conference of the associations, if carried into effect, will result in great advantage to

our societies there can be no question; and we respectfully urge them upon the attention of stake superintendents and ward presidents in the hope that an effort will be made to see them carried into effect.