Venna Hastings

Story of an Eastern Mormon Convert

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.