| 154 work progressing night and day, until the time is made up, which we expect will be in about three weeks.
Conference
We have had a very interesting conference, perhaps as much so as any that we have had since our settlement in Nauvoo.
The weather that had been so severe for such a length of time lost its violence; and we were favored all the time with beautiful warm weather, which to us proved very propitious, in consequence of our having to hold our conference in the open air.
The foundation of the Temple was crowded to excess, with thousands of saints, whose faces beamed with gladnes [gladness] as they listened to the Prophet, and others who officiated at the conference. The walls were also covered and the ground outside. for some distance around the Temple.
There never was a time perhaps when there was more order, and the most perfect harmony and unity prevailed.
As the minutes of the conference will be given in full, and most of the discourses, it will be unnecessary to make any further remarks.
A SHORT SKETCH OF THE RISE OF THE YOUNG GENTLEMEN AND LADIES RELIEF SOCIETY OF NAUVOO.
One evening in the latter part of January last, a few young people having assembled at the house of elder H. C. Kimball; the follies of youth, and the temptations to which they are exposed generally, but more especially in our city, became the topic of conversation. The company were lamenting the loose style of their morals-the frivolous manner in which they spent their time-and their too frequent attendance at balls, parties, &c. &c., when elder Kimball proposed that an appointment should be given out expressly for the young ladies and gentlemen, and he would give them such instruction and advice as the spirit of the Lord might suggest to him; which, if followed, would doubtless lead to a reformation in the conduct of his young friends. This proposition was received with delight, and acted upon with alacrity. An appointment having been given out, a number of the young people assembled at the house of elder Billings, when elder Kimball addressed them for some time upon the duties of children to their parents, to society, and to their God; exhorting them to lay aside their vanity, lightmindedness, pride, and frivolity; and endeavor to show themselves worthy of the religion which they had embraced; advising them to shun evil company, (for by an individual's company is his character estimated,) and to be obedient to their parents, for this was the first commandment with promise.
This address was so well received by the assembled congregation, that it was voted, almost by acclamation, that a similar meeting should be held on the ensuing week. An appointment was accordingly circulated for the next Wednesday evening at Br. Farr's schoolroom, as elder Billings' house was too small to contain the assemblage.
On the appointed evening, the room was filled to overflowing. Elder Kimball addressed the crowded, but silent and attentive congregation, for the space of an hour; in that plain, simple, and affectionate manner, which goes directly to the heart, and which is so natural to the speaker. He first explained the duty which the youth owed to themselves, and the manner in which they might obtain honor and respect, viz: by applying their minds with determined perseverance to all the studies commonly deemed necessary to fit them for active life, and polish them for society; and not to be these, but also the study of the Scriptures, by the book of Mormon, the book of Doctrine and Covenants, and the theological work of their most talented elders. By pursuing this course, said he, "you will be enabled to give a reason for the hope and the joy which exists within you-you will always be prepared to explain the doctrine in which you believe-you will ever be ready to prove and defend your religion-you will be well received in company, and will be esteemed by all wise and good men. We who have borne the heat and burden of the day, will soon go the way of all the earth, and give place to you, my young brethren. You will soon come upon the stage of action, and be called upon to carry the glad tidings of the new and everlasting covenant to the remotest parts of the earth, and proclaim the news of gospel grace to a lost and ruined world. Strive, therefore, to show yourselves worthy of your calling: be dutiful, be humble, be faithful, be obedient, and quit yourelves [yourselves] like men, and men of God." He concluded his interesting discourse with a general exhortation to keep all of the commandments of God, to associate with none but the wise and virtuous, and lastly to keep themselves pure and unspotted from the world. This discourse like the preceding one, was received with delight by all the hearers. Brother Farr then made a few short but pertinent remarks, when a vote was taken whether the meetings should be continued, which was carried unanimously in the affirmative. This room being also too small, the next appointment was made for the meeting to be held at the house of President Smith.
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