VENNA HASTINGS
Story ofAn Eastern Mormon Convert.
BY JULIA FARR
Independence, Jackson County, Mo.
1919
PREFACE.
First in my thought as I wrote this little book were the young peoplein the West, who enjoy the blessings of their religion, withoutrealization of the persecution of their missionaries on the fightingline. Perhaps if they read my description of religious conditions inthe East, they will more highly prize the truths they possess, andstrive to live more worthily, that their lives may contribute to thespread of the Restored Gospel.
George Eliot has said we cannot even think a good thought but that webecome a power against evil. So it behooves every Latter-day Saint tolive up to the very best that he or she may be a power in this greatwork of God's.
Second in my thought were the people of the East—those with whom Ihave lived and worked since my birth in Brooklyn, N. Y. I wish to sayto them, I hope no one of my friends will think that they are depictedin the characters of my novel.
I am aware that I have offered no convincing arguments concerningthe "Mormon" faith. But I hope that some of my readers may feel adistinction between the religious natures of my characters, andconsequently be led to investigate the truths of "Mormonism" forthemselves.
My experience has been that one who desires the truth can alwaysfind it, but never within the two covers of a short work of fiction.Therefore my object has been simply to endeavor to awaken a desirefor truth, which may lead the reader into deeper researches.
I know that no great literary ability is shown in this little volume ofmine, but I dare to put it before the world and ask every one to readit—why?—Because I have God's assurance that the weakest effort of mancan do much good, if that effort is put forth for the upbuilding of HisKingdom upon earth.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I
There is that in youth, untarnished by the world's experience, thatinvites the whisperings of diviner things.
CHAPTER II
In the full glare of the dazzling foot-lights of social life, we areblinded to the softer, purer rays that proceed from the "holy ofholies" 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 soulsgive 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 anycreed; believe nothing absolutely, and regard "Truth" as too delicatea thing to be handled.
CHAPTER X
To a materialist, a miracle is an impossible contradiction to Nature.To the spiritually m