Chapter I: Preface

First in my thought as I wrote this little book were the young people in the West, who enjoy the blessings of their religion, without realization of the persecution of their missionaries on the fighting line. Perhaps if they read my description of religious conditions in the East, they will more highly prize the truths they possess, and strive to live more worthily, that their lives may contribute to the spread of the Restored Gospel.

George Eliot has said we cannot even _think_ a good thought but that we become a power against evil. So it behooves every Latter-day Saint to live up to the _very best_ that he or she may be a power in this great work of God's.

Second in my thought were the people of the East--those with whom I have lived and worked since my birth in Brooklyn, N. Y. I wish to say to them, I hope no one of my friends will think that they are depicted in the characters of my novel.

I am aware that I have offered no convincing arguments concerning the "Mormon" faith. But I hope that some of my readers may feel a distinction between the religious natures of my characters, and consequently be led to investigate the truths of "Mormonism" for themselves.

My experience has been that one who desires the truth can always find it, but never within the two covers of a short work of fiction. Therefore my object has been simply to endeavor to awaken a _desire_ for truth, which may lead the reader into deeper researches.

I know that no great literary ability is shown in this little volume of mine, but I dare to put it before the world and ask every one to read it--why?--Because I have God's assurance that the weakest effort of man can do much good, if that effort is put forth for the upbuilding of His Kingdom upon earth.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I There is that in youth, untarnished by the world's experience, that invites the whisperings of diviner things.

CHAPTER II In the full glare of the dazzling foot-lights of social life, we are blinded to the softer, purer rays that proceed from the "holy of holies" within our hearts.

CHAPTER III "In the midst of life is death."

CHAPTER IV Life is measured, not by time, but by experience.

CHAPTER V Just be glad that you are living and keep cheering someone on.

CHAPTER VI Under the influence of spring, sunshine and flowers, our souls give birth to new thoughts, new ambitions.

CHAPTER VII To the so-called "broad thinker" of today, Satan comes as "an angel of light."

CHAPTER VIII If Dame Gossip enjoyed revelling in the good instead of the evil, what universal joy her tongue would give!

CHAPTER IX To be popular in the religious world today, one must smile upon any creed; believe nothing absolutely, and regard "Truth" as too delicate a thing to be handled.

CHAPTER X To a materialist, a miracle is an impossible contradiction to Nature. To the spiritually minded, it is the expression of that Higher Power which controls Nature.

CHAPTER XI "I wonder if St. Peter at the Gate of Heaven will distinguish between the 'Pious' and the 'Godly'?"--Irony of Boss Holden.

CHAPTER XII When we undertake to defend Christendom we often assist the devil.

CHAPTER XIII The happiness derived from doing our duty is the greatest joy the world affords.

CHAPTER XIV "Our extremity is God's opportunity."

CHAPTER XV To be popular and also truthful is beyond the power of man.

CHAPTER XVI "For all eternity."

CHAPTER XVII Everywhere Ruin, standing side by side with the Sign of the Cross!

CHAPTER XVIII "Somewhere in France."

CONCLUSION.

VENNA HASTINGS.

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