"I see on every side among the Mormons, people who are honest in their convictions, who have a living faith and put their faith and teachings into practice, who are industrious and thrifty, kind to the poor, sober, virtuous. There are no signs of abject poverty anywhere in this city, and much less among the hundreds of country settlements; idleness is discountenanced by the Mormons, until among them as a people there are no beggars, tramps or drones.
"A few more words, and I will not tire you with more this time. While, of course, I do not agree with all the doctrines of the Church, I consider the people as a whole are fair minded, and broad in their views. I have met the chief men of the Mormon Church, and have had a number of pleasant interviews with them. I find them men of grave and reverend demeanor, very religions in thought and deed, but not given to cant. They have not the sanctimonious airs that are so frequently noticed in religious ministers. Wilford Woodruff is the present head of the Church, the fourth man who has occupied that position—his predecessors having been: Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and John Taylor.
"Mr. Woodruff is several years beyond four score, but is hale and hearty, very affable in manner and interesting in conversation. He is a man of sturdy build, with a kindly, honest, intelligent face, and a manner especially winning and agreeable. You know that I have contended that the leaders of this movement were insincere, but when I met them and talked with them, when I marked the unwavering faith of that good, venerable old man, I changed my mind. In some things, he may be mistaken, but he is an honest worshipper of God.
"I must not close without remembering Mr. Durant to you. He was overjoyed to find his family all well upon his arrival. During my stay in this territory, I have remained at his home a part of the time, and have been very kindly treated.
"With love to all, I am your friend,
"WALTER T. BROWN."
CHAPTER XV.
CONCLUSION.
Kind reader, a word before we separate: if you are not a member of what is commonly called the Mormon Church, having read the foregoing pages, you must certainly acknowledge that you know more concerning its doctrines, from a Mormon standpoint, than you ever knew before.
We have tried to present to you, in a plain and very simple manner, some of the first principles of our faith, the true gospel of Jesus Christ. What do you think of them? Will they, or will they not, stand scrutiny? It is left with you to answer, and as God has blessed you with free agency, it is your privilege to judge and decide.