TRUTH AGAIN DEFEATS FALSEHOOD.

The meeting was to be held in the Town Hall on Saturday, and in the meantime our missionary busied himself variously, but devoted part of the time in getting his lecture arranged and in refreshing his memory on the topics upon which he wished to speak. When not thus employed he took strolls about the country, or engaged in pleasant bits of conversation with his acquaintances, and with others whom he happened to meet on the way. He was such a favorite at the Marshall mansion that the people there were always pleased to have him express a wish for anything, in order that it might at once be gratified; but such expressions were very rare and confined to the scope of his actual requirements.

On Friday afternoon he engaged in a pleasant discussion with Mrs. Marshall on some scriptural topic. Missionaries all understand the power of song, Mr. Durant was no exception, so at one point he sang one of his hymns:

"How the light from Zion's mountain
Clears the mists of error's age:
Clarified in ray and fountain,
How its truths our fears assuage!

"Tempest-tossed, we still are certain
Life is but a pleasant span.
Hope has painted every curtain
Pictured in the gospel plan.

"Once again to every nation,
Jesus opens wide the door;
Here are truths that bring salvation,
Preached and practiced as of yore.

"Joyful tidings to the people
From the perfect courts on high;
Sweetest chimes from tower and steeple
Ring: Redemption's drawing nigh.

"Shine, thou light, with doubled splendor,
Spread thy soothing, restful rings,
Till the sun of Zion, tender
Rise, with healing in his wings!"

The daughter was an interested listener, and at the close broke in with—"It seems to me that there is no such thing as perfect happiness after all. We are always being disappointed in relation to some hope or desire, and when we engage in that which affords pastime or amusement, there is invariably a penalty following. Is not this true, Mr. Durant?"

"I could scarcely dispute with a lady, even if there were grounds for it," said he, gallantly.

"But I prefer you would," she said, "because you appear to know all about these things and I desire to learn. Why is it, for instance, that after enjoying myself greatly at a dance or other late entertainment, injured nature afterward cries out for revenge, and takes it? So with all things it seems to me. The pleasure experienced in meeting a dear friend is beclouded by the knowledge that there must be a parting soon; and death is ever near as if to remind us of the fact that life, happiness, honor, wealth, youth, are all fleeting and unsubstantial."

"Very true."

"Why Claire," said her mother, "you are becoming a regular pessimist. Surely at your age there is no need to borrow trouble about death or anything else."

"I do not borrow it, mamma, it comes. Pain follows pleasure, sorrow treads upon the heals of happiness, and misfortune is the constant attendant of fortune. There is, as I said, no perfect happiness, so it seems to me."

"Pardon me," said the missionary, "but you did not finish your sentence. Shall I do so for you?"

"O, by all means," replied the girl with eager delight.

"Well, then," he continued, "doubtless what you meant to say was that there is no such thing as perfect happiness in either the contemplation or realization of things which in themselves are fleeting and unsubstantial—that is, the things of the world. Every movement of the machinery of a steamer, for instance, creates friction, which in turn indicates an eventual breaking down, and so it is with all temporal things; thus we cannot rely upon them for permanent good, and in addition they are constantly subjecting us to peril.

"It is impossible to create perfect results out of imperfect conditions; therefore, there can be no complete or unbroken happiness come out of earthly surroundings, for the reason that all such things are changeable and fleeting. And yet there is such a state as perfect joy unclouded and endless."

"But not in this life, as you yourself have shown."

"Yes, in this life."

"I thought you referred to this life as uncertain and ephemeral and as such curtailed or extinguished its own joys."

"That is true, also. But yet endless and supreme delight is to be found in it."

"Where and how, pray?"

"In observing principles and practicing truths which lead to immortality, and which confer upon us the title-deeds to homes where pains and penalties are unknown, where all is peace, contentment and love."

"Oh, yes, I did not think of that."

"In such enjoyment there is no alloy. More than that; the more it is engaged in, the more enjoyable it becomes; it does not cloy, we cannot become surfeited; the more we devote our attention and effort to it the greater the desire we have to continue and to increase our experience. This is that perfect happiness with which nothing else can compare."

"But would you have us dispense with all pleasures—with the refined indulgences, the innocent pastimes and the intellectual recreations which lighten our burdens at least for the time being, and have us participate in sacred things only? Should there be no buoyancy of spirit, no diversion, no relaxation, in order that there might be no penalty as the result of indulgence?"

"Why, what an—pardon me—absurd idea! Of course you do not advance it seriously and should therefore be free from criticism. Rather than that such a rule of conduct as you have suggested is the proper one, it is almost as bad as that in which amusement alone prevails. The medium course, which enables us to enjoy all that is properly enjoyable in its appropriate season, and still does not cause us to loose sight of the great aim and end of existence, is the right one. We should let our pastimes be the incidents in our career, not the objects of it; thus they lighten our burdens, and, for the time being, dispel some of the shadows that cross our pathway, whereas, if made the purpose of living—the only things to be considered—they become burdensome and even sinful."

"Then the devout Christian may be happy and jovial without being less a Christian, on account of that?"

"Yes, indeed. More—it is pleasing to our Father for His children to be light-hearted, so long as their pleasures are proper and are enjoyed in moderation. The people from among whom I come enjoy themselves as much as other people do, but do not overlook their devotions, and above all they remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."

"That seems to me," said Mrs. Marshall, "to be a sensible form of Christianity. Why, a person, according to your faith, can be profoundly religious and yet deny himself no proper amusement."

"Most decidedly; that is our belief and practice."

"It seems to me I would like to be a member of your Church," said the girl, artlessly, at which interesting stage of the conversation, Rev. Fitzallan entered, who greeted the party stiffly, his brow having a distinct frown as he looked at the westerner.

"Pardon me," said the Clergyman, after a few commonplaces had passed, "but we 'gather wisdom by the wayside,' and I have just acquired some information from that source concerning our friend here from the wilds, and as it surprised me, I thought it might equally surprise the rest of you, himself included, perhaps."

Evidently the churchman had been engaged in the questionable calling of picking up stray scraps of gossip here and there, containing as usual some truth mixed with much error. There was obviously trouble ahead.

"Anything concerning me is not apt to be of sufficient consequence to be very interesting," said Mr. Durant, "and having already stated all I thought worth saying about myself and my errand, there can be little or nothing that is surprising, I am sure."

"Is it not a fact that you are from Salt Lake City?"

"It is."

"It is! Why you never informed us of this and yet you have been associated with us several days."

"Indeed! May I ask you, Mrs. Marshall, and you, Miss Marshall, what part of the country our friend here comes from?"

The ladies did not know.

"Indeed! Why sir, you have been associated with this family several weeks, and yet they do not know what particular point you came from. Perhaps like myself, you were never asked."

"This is evasion," said the now thoroughly excited churchman. "There is no place in my district possessed of such peculiar conditions as would place one of its inhabitants under suspicion because of them."

"Nor in mine either, that I know of," calmly rejoined Durant.

"Is not Salt Lake City the headquarters and residence of a class of people known as Mormons who hold exclusive sway there?"

"No, sir."

"That is what I have heard."

"Surely, I am not accountable for what you have heard. There are a great many Mormons in Salt Lake, and just as many that are not Mormons; it is the headquarters of the Church as you suggest, but its members are not in exclusive sway there."

"How can that be?"

"No matter about the means; the fact itself is what concerns us."

The churchman was discomfited and measurably confused; he was compelled to change his course.

"You told us," said he, "that you were an advocate of the Church of Jesus Christ; should there not be a suffix in these words—Latter-day Saints?"

"That is correct."

"And is not 'Mormonism' its other name?"

"No, it has no other name. It is called 'Mormonism' by nearly every one not connected with it, and yet that is not a proper designation."

"Then to yourself you are a 'Latter-day Saint,' and to the world you are a 'Mormon?'"

"That is it exactly."

"Strange that we should be kept in ignorance of it so long."

"I have answered every question fairly and in addition have stated everything necessary to a full explanation of my cause and myself. If the doctrine I teach be true—and it has stood all tests so far—can you find nothing more than a name to oppose it?"

"I hope sir, you do not accuse me of innuendo?"

"I accuse you of nothing."

"Come now," said Mrs. Marshall, "do not be too earnest."

"Well, madam," said Rev. Fitzallan, "I thought my services in this connection would be received graciously and thankfully. As they are not I occupy the position of an intruder and will take my leave."

"Not on my account, I hope," said Mr. Durant. "If there is an intruder here it is I, and it would be my duty to depart."

"You must not go under such circumstances," said Mrs. Marshall.

The girl's looks seconded her mother's words, and the irate churchman permitted his passion to overcome his judgment.

"Excuse me," he said, "but I will take my leave. Under the circumstances my presence must be altogether unwelcome. I have heard of the fascinating character of some of the features of Mormonism, and the persuasiveness of those who advocate it. Violation of the laws of God and man by practicing polygamy is one of the seductive usages of that creed, I believe."

"Your belief is erroneous, then," said Durant.

"Whatever my people may have believed in the past as to the correctness of doctrines taught by the Bible and the prophets of old, they now obey the laws of the land in which they live."

"Marvelous! I have heard otherwise. I have even taken the pains to bring with me a newspaper which I received from a traveler, and in which information of a different character is obtained. It is published in Salt Lake City and should be correct. Here is part of a sermon delivered by a Mormon Bishop; and here an account of several arrests for violating the law against polygamy and kindred offenses, while an editorial in the same paper comments strongly on the deception and falsity pervading the Mormon people. There must be a mistake somewhere."

"No, there is no mistake at all, but much falsehood and misrepresentation. It is true that since the law against polygamy was enacted there have been many prosecutions of members of our Church chiefly because of their inability instantly to sever the happy associations of a lifetime which had been formed before the law went into effect, or their lack of exact knowledge as to what the law required of them. It was a difficult, I may say an impossible matter, for them to break away entirely from a part of their families and never go near them, to give a word of counsel, or it may be hurriedly to embrace the little ones from whom the law had separated them. When thus found they have been apprehended, tried, convicted and punished, often without an effort to defend themselves. The Bishop named by the paper, does not, and never did exist, and the sermon referred to was never delivered, as the same paper has been compelled to admit on several occasions; and the editor's views, or rather sayings, are the words of a man whose chief interest in the community is to fan the flames of discord so that his nefarious business may prosper. His statements are utterly and entirely false."

After these remarks the reverend went to his room, and shortly afterward took his departure.

"I don't like the Mormons at all, and I'm just sorry you're one," said the girl.

"I too, am somewhat opposed to that peculiar religion, but it does seem to me, after hearing you, that my dislike arises more from prejudice than from anything else," said the mother.

"I have here a card containing the articles of our faith from which you may learn that we are not so evil as we are represented to be."

We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

We believe that, through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

We believe that these ordinances are: First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

We believe that a man must be called of God, by "prophecy, and by the laying on of hands," by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.

We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.

We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes, That Zion will be built upon this continent. That Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, "We believe all things, we hope all things," we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these, things.—Joseph Smith.

With this Durant took from his pocket the card, and handing it to Mrs. Marshall, said:

"Examine it at your leisure." And without more adieu he was gone, leaving the ladies in reflective mood.

Mr. Marshall received the news regarding Durant, in silence; perhaps he had suspected, or even knew already, that the stranger was a "Mormon."