Discussion

OUR WORK. 807

in a proper spiritual condition, the detail work is sure to be carried out effectively. We sometimes hear of the selection of other officers for or- ganizations that have not been entirely successful, but that have been made very successful by the change of officers, largely due to the spirit- ual condition of the officers selected. We find in some associations, in nearly every stake, officers who fail to take the responsibilities upon the'm that are theirs by reason of their positions. I have been wonder- ing, since reading the incident mentioned in the paper that has just been read to us, how far the stake officers can be responsible for the non-per- formance of duty, on the part of the local officers selected, and I be- lieve that, as stake officers, we are sometimes responsible to an extent. I think we should be longsuffering, and if we are possessed of the proper spirit, we will have more influence, and will be stronger in the advice and counsel to be given, and in the inspiration that proceeds from our personality. If we are not possessed of the right spirit, we may be re- sponsible for the non-performace of the duties of the officers. The spirit of the work must proceed from the head. In closing, I desire simply to emphasize this particular point: That the greatest of all responsibilities of Mutual Improvement officers, is to get thoroughly converted to the work, and to be spiritually right. I pray that the blessings of the Lord may attend us. May His Spirit inspire our hearts to works of righteousness, and to deeds that will be uplifting; I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Sister Pyper said: In the few moments I expect to occupy, I shall touch upon those points which appeal to me most strongly, although there are so many good ideas treated in the paper that it is difficult to select from them for discussion. One of the requisites in my opinion, as in Brother Hickman's, is faithfulness to duty, which embraces punctuality and the most of other virtues. It should be the bounden duty of every officer to see that noth- ing but serious illness prevents his regular attendance, and so soon as it becomes known to the members of the association, that the officers will be at their post, so much greater the impetus to them to do likewise. Nor should an officer ask to be excused from an association after a few moments of attendance. I well remember as a member of the Y. L. M. I. A. the bad impression that was left upon the young people present by

the frequent request of the president to be excused, pleading another en- gagement. The disappointment and spirit of indifference that pervaded the room after her departure was most marked. Perhaps a speaker had gone to infinite pains to prepare her lecture or topic, having in mind, as part of her reward, the approval of her president, and the president was

not interested enough to stay and hear it. There should be no other en- gagement upon that night. From the President down, each one should make it a matter of conscience to be faithful to the trust reposed in him. How one who had agreed to accept the position, and who had been set apart to that duty, can fail in keeping his word is incomprehensible to

me. To make the fulfilling of a duty so much a matter of honor that to fail would be an unheard of circumstance, of which one would be heart- ily ashamed, should be our aim. In an experience of six years' service in one association, there was but one failure on the program. The silence .that followed that failure to respond was appalling. There were no more failures after that. Another essential point, and to the observance of which I believe the success of one association that I know of is due, and upon which I feel very enthusiastic, is punctuality. Start on time, if there be less than half a dozen people present, or if none other than the officers be there. Maintain order — one can be firm without being harsh —win the love and respect of those in your charge by practicing what you preach. There is another point which interests me very much which is in re- gard to wives hindering husbands in the performance of their duty. I am pleased with Brother Hickman's remarks, "If" the young ladies are to blame —for I — I am an advo- think the responsibility should be shared cate of the cause of the home life.The duty of every woman and every man begins there, though it should not end there. If one does his duty faithfully at home, there is no fear but that he will be just as faithful to any other appointment he may have to fill. To* often a father or mother becomes so engrossed in outside work that the greater need at home is neglected. It is a dangerous and most unwise thing for a wife to use her influence to prevent her husband from performing his Church duties, and I should not have any confidence in him, should he allow him- self to be so governed. But I also think that the home is first. I have in mind one good brother who lived a long life of usefulness in the Church, never missed an appointment, nor failed in anything that he was asked to do away from home. He died a few years ago and was eulo- gized as an exemplary man in every respect. But I do know that his children grew up without acquaintance with their parents. There was no time given to them, and when they reached manhood and womanhood, they seemed to be utterly indifferent to him and to their religion. It

seems to me that both could be given right attention, and if a woman be wise, she will urge her husband to do the right thing in this regard. And a man should not make light of her work. Brother Hickman's paper ap- peals to me strongly, for in it I find invaluable advice to stake officers, <\i which I am a very recent member.