"Well," was the response, "I want you to excuse me, but I must say that you are about the most unreasonable man I have ever met in this country."
Springing to his feet, as though his anger was getting beyond control, he demanded that Elder Farrell prove it.
The reply was: "Your wife, according to your own words, was born a 'Mormon,' and cannot help herself. Don't you see how unreasonable you have been in locking her out of the house night after night, trying to burn her and indulging in other cruelty?"
Mr. Clark retorted: "I will never say a word to her again about religion. She can go to Utah with you if she wants to, and I'll not say a word to her."
"I don't want her," said Elder Farrell, "I have plenty of wives of my own."
"Do you have more than one?" inquired Mr. Clark.
"Yes," was the response. "I have two wives and sixteen children."
"Well," said Mr. Clark, "I think more of you than any other 'Mormon' I have met for your honesty. Others won't tell it, but you have honestly confessed it."
"Now," added the Elder, "I want to tell you that God lives and I am sent here to preach the Gospel of His Son Jesus Christ. If you repent of your sins and are baptized for their remission, and live your religion like a good, faithful Latter-day Saint you shall enjoy life to a good old age, and your last days shall be the best and happiest days of your life. You will enjoy the society of your family and your wife and children will enjoy your company. You will grow fond of attending the meetings of the Latter-day Saints, and in time be glad to repent of your sins and be baptized for the remission of them."
Just then the clock struck one, and Mr. Clark remarked, "Well, it is an hour past midnight. I am sorry I have kept you up so long. I will take you up to bed, and you remain there until I call you in the morning. I will call you in time for you to arise and get your breakfast, and from this time forth, whenever you come to Stanwick, come direct to my house, and make it your home; and if you advise when you are coming I will have one of my daughters go out and notify the people when you will be here. We will be most happy to receive you, and we will come and sing for you at your meetings."