The meeting at the Tabernacle [on 26 January 1902] was the quarterly conference of the Salt Lake Stake Y.M.M.I.A. Superintendent Richard R. Lyman presided. The session was of a very interesting nature.

The meeting was opened by the choir and congregation singing the hymn, “Come all ye sons of Zion.”

The invocation was offered by Elder Joseph A. West and the choir followed with the rendition of the anthem “Light and truth the world are waking.”

The first feature of the program was the presentation of the names of the Salt Lake stake authorities of the Young Men’s association, by Secy. Jesse B. Higgs. They were all unanimously sustained.

The next number was a brief address by Elder Henry S. Tanner. He began by stating that the work of the M.I.A. was of much moment; that it was doing a vast amount of good in the salvation of the young people of Zion. He said the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I this day had a beautiful and sublime history, and that it was established for the purification of the world. The prophets of old had predicted there would be a falling away from the truth, but there would also be a restoration of the truth, in the day that perilous times should be prevalent, and that the Gospel of the kingdom, which was preached by the Savior would have to be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations before the end should come. The restoration of the Gospel to the Prophet Joseph Smith, seventy years ago, was testified to in earnest terms, and the persecutions that came upon the youthful Prophet because of his declaration that he had seen an angel, were depicted in a strong manner. The speaker followed the history of the rise of the Church and traced its stormy path through Missouri and Illinois and across the great plains. it came to these valleys in fulfillment of the words of the Prophet Joseph. The Lord had shown to Isaiah that the “Mountain of the Lord’s house should be established in the tops of the mountains,” and that many would flow unto it, where they might learn the mind and will of the Lord.

The speaker deplored the evil institutions that had come into the midst of Zion, and that they would have to remain as they could not be plucked up lest the wheat be uprooted with the tares. The only thing that can be done is to surround the young people with safeguards, the work that the M.I.A. is endeavoring to do. And while it had not done as much as it should, it was increasing its efforts and the results are becoming more gratifying all the time. What the association is trying to instill into the hearts of the young men is a realization of the necessity of being guided by the Spirit of God. Under the inspiration of that Spirit the young men can go on unto perfection, being in touch with the unseen world.

Elder Tanner concluded by testifying that he knew the Lord revealed His Gospel to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and that it is established upon the rock of revelation.

Prof. McClellan played a beautiful selection on the organ which was followed by a few remarks by Superintendent Lyman. The latter said his work was principally with young men, and there was nothing he enjoyed more. Most of the people, said the speaker, have come into the world endowed with five talents and if they only improved those talents they would be able to do infinitely more for each other. It is not always a good thing to praise or flatter as it teaches people to defend themselves against criticism that is often just and essential.

It is not the duty of the Saints to stand up before the world and proclaim their own weaknesses but they should occasionally meet together and point out their failings. Although the Latter-day Saints are a good people, they are not what they should be. Are we honest in our hearts? was asked. Are we what we appear to be? that man is not honest or virtuous, continued the speaker, who pays his debts and remains moral for fear of the law. The honest man is honest in his heart and the first object of the officers of the M.I.A. is to see that they themselves are honest.

“Purity of heart and purity of thought are what we are trying to establish in this stake,” concluded the speaker, “that we may be worthy of all the good that is said of us.”

The choir sang the anthem “Hosannah,” with thrilling effect, after which Elder Willard Done was called upon for a few remarks. he outlined the work in detail that is being done by the M.I.A. There is what is known as the M.I. work proper, that is carried on about six months in the year, consisting of weekly meetings, where the young men deliver lectures on lessons previously outlined in the manual. The speaker thought these manuals had accomplished much good in bringing the first principles of the Gospel, historical facts and other important truths before the young men of Zion. Furthermore, young men acquire the ability to present these things to an audience. The manual also provides for a preliminary program consisting of musical and literary exercises, to be rendered at every meeting. The Improvement Era was also spoken upon, and it was explained that the missionary work of the elders abroad is greatly aided by this publication. Another division of the work of the association is the missionary work both at home and abroad. As long as there is a lack of faith and purity among the young people at home, the association has work to do here. if the wayward ones will not go to the meetings of the association it is the duty of the latter to go to them. General and local missionaries are laboring in all the stakes of Zion, and they are carrying the work to the young men, who perhaps could not otherwise be reached.

Elder Chas. W. Penrose on being requested, added a few words. He said he was deeply interested in the M.I. work and every other work that is calculated to further the upbuilding of the kingdom of God. What is most necessary is to bring humanity into harmony with the Deity. The people must become pure in heart else they cannot dwell with God. Here in the flesh is the place for the people to prepare themselves for the glory that is to cm. They just put away those habits that debase and drag mankind downward. “He that overcometh all things, shall inherit all things.” They shall dwell with the just and the pure of all ages. The speaker appealed to the wayward young men, to repent of their evil ways and return to the path of righteousness; that they may walk in the light.

The choir sang the anthem, “Let the hills resound with song,” and the benediction was pronounced by Elder Carl Badger.