The Recent Improvement Conference

THE RECENT IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE.

The recent conference of the Mutual Improvement Associations demonstrated that the work is making progress; it brought forth, too, several important matters for the consideration of the young men engaged in this great work. In the first place the report of the secretary of the Y. M. M. I. Associations showed an increase both in the number of associations and the number of members which now total upwards of thirty thousand. There were sixteen more associations than at the last report, making the total number now five hundred and thirty-five: the exact number of members is twenty-nine thousand

and forty-nine, an increase of two thousand two hundred and twenty. The members of the association who are upon missions now number one thousand two hundred and thirty-eight. The meetings held, the public lectures, the conferences and special meetings, all show a commendable increase. Taking, then, the actual twork accomplished in home preparations, in missionaay labor and in other local etforts in the associations, there is much cause for rejoicing at the progress made; though was clearly it

demonstrated that renewed diligence must be exercised the coming year if the associations are to hold their own. Some apprehension was expressed that we might not be able to do this, but generally a hopeful view was taken, if the officers will do their full duty, — and this they must, there is no time for neglect. Aside from these statistical observations, some very important matters of doctrine were presented to the young men. Two of the greatest moment were,' first, the subject of tithing; and secondly, the instilling of a more spiritual feeling into the exer-

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cises of the associations, fear having been expressed that their rendition was becoming stereotyped and void of the Spirit. On the subject of tithing President Lorenzo Snow, who, the day previous to the opening of the conference, had returned with his company from an old-fashioned tour of the settlements south, delivered the word of the Lord to the young people on the necessity of obeying the law of tithing. He said it was neglected to an alarming extent among the people, and this condition was displeasing in the sight of the Lord, and if persisted in by the Saints — might deprive them of a right to an inheritance in Zion it would not be a land of Zion unto them. President Snow spoke at three different times upon this all important subject, followed by many of the leading brethren. Their remarks are more fully related in the minutes of the conference published in this and the August number of the Era. On Tuesday afternoon he seemed to realize keenly the heavy burden resting upon him, and after he had impressively addressed the officers of the young men upon this subject. Elder B. H. Roberts was led to offer the following resolution which was adopted by those who were present: "We accept the doctrine of tithing as now presented by President Snow as the present word and will of the Lord unto us, and we do accept it with all our hearts, we will ourselves observe it, and we will do all in our power to get the Latter-day Saints to do likewise." The brethren who were present arose to their feet and clearly and distinctly, as well as unanimously, shouted "Aye," as with one voice, upon its adoption. Then it was that the venerable President immediately arose and said: "The God of our Fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, bless you. Every man who is here, who has made this promise will be saved in the Celestial Kingdom. God bless 'you. Amen." Not a person in the large congregation, the cream of the young men of Zion, but felt the solemnity of the occasion, and was thrilled with the significance of the glorious promise. Many expressed themselves afterwards that such a blessing from the mouth-piece of God was worth every sacrifice that could be made. Let it prove a stimulant to the young men to righteous living, and> an incentive to diligent performance of duty. Upon the second subject, President Smith particularly dwelt-

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in his impressive- remarks on Sunday afternoon. He urged the young people to commit to memory the instructions concerning the fruits of the Spirit as set forth by Paul in his epistle to the Galatians, fifth chapter. He showed the necessity for complying with the requirements of the Lord in order that our knowledge may bear the proper fruit. This should be impressed in the exercises of the associations. Owing to his duties in preparing for Congress, Elder B. H. Roberts withdrew from the editorial department of the Era, though not from being a regular contributor to it, and announced that Elder Edward H. Anderson would succeed him. All our readers will regret the necessity for the severance of Elder Roberts from this work. He was practically the founder of the magazine, and hasmade it a power for good among the youth of Zion. He loved the work, looked upon the Era as his child, and does not withdraw from its immediate care without feelings of sorrowful longing. His soul would be full, however, if he could read the mutual sentiments in the hearts of the youth of Israel. Many good words were expressed for our magazine, and it was urged upon all to see that the subscriptions were renewed promptly and increased for the third volume, the most critical period of its existence, the test of its life. It appeared from the treasurer's report that $1,845 had been collected on the Improvement Fund, an increase of $180 over last year. When we remember that the fund was reduced from fifty to twenty-five cents, it is pleasant to note that more than twice as many contributed this year as last. Still there is room for improvement, for only seven thousand three hundred and eighty paid their due, out of an enrollment of nearly thirty thousand. Some attention, too, was given to the missionary labors among the young people, and after a free discussion, the detail of this branch was left with the General Board, and it is probable that a new system will be inaugurated in this important department of our work. The new manual was also discussed and the plan explained. A pleasant and patriotic diversion, was the visit of Rear- Admiral W. S. Schley, the hero of Santiago Bay, accompanied by Senator Manderson, to the afternoon Sunday services. They were