on, that the "Mormon" Church is simply a great
secret society, engaging in criminal practices under the cloak of their
religion--"

There was a hum of protest in the room. Elder Malby raised a hand of
warning to let the intruder proceed.

"'The attitude of "Mormonism" towards moral questions and its disregard
for the laws, have been shown again and again. "Mormon" missionaries are
now making a systematic canvas of every state in the Union, as well as
in Great Britain and other foreign countries. Every home, especially of
the poor and uneducated is to be visited. It would therefore be the part
of wisdom to give a timely word of warning. This is a time to cry aloud
and spare not, lest many be led astray by these pernicious teachings.'"

The minister followed up this reading by a stream of personal abuse
against "Mormons" in general and Elder Malby--whose name he knew--in
particular. Chester watched with keen interest the proceedings. Elder
Malby's face was a study. The angry priest paused, then stopped.

"Are you through, sir?" asked Elder Malby quietly. There was no reply,
so he continued. "If you are, I wish to say a word. You are entirely
mistaken, my dear sir. I have not come here to mislead or to teach any
such doctrine as you claim. True, I am now an American citizen, but I
was born an Englishman. This is my native country, and I have as much
right to be here as you have; and, thank God, this country provides for
free speech and allows every man to worship God according to the
dictates of his conscience. I love this, my native land--I love these,
my people. That's why I am here to preach to them the gospel of Jesus
Christ."

"You're a farmer, and not a minister," sneered the priest.

"Peter was a fisherman and Paul was a tent-maker," replied the Elder
calmly. "I suppose, sir, that if either of these men came here to
preach, you would look upon their occupation as a reproach."

There was no reply, so the "Mormon" continued. "It is true I am a
farmer. Some of my friends here know that, because sometimes I assist
them in the fields. And I have given them some helpful American hints
too, have I not, Brother Naylor?"

"Aye, that you have."

"Religion is not a thing apart from daily life," said Elder Malby,
speaking more to the listening people than to the priest. "A truly
religious person works with hands and brains as well as prays with lips
and heart. Let me tell you, good people, the 'Mormons' have shown to