Herbert Melbourne

HERBERT MELBOURNE. BY EDWIN F. PARRY. The Nelson family was cozily seated around the dining-room table, enjoying the evening meal. There were only four in the family — father, mother and two children. Both children were boys, aged respectively two and four years. Oscar Nelson had finished his day's labor in the printing office, and had received a hearty greeting from his young wife and little ones on his arrival at the comfortable yet modest home. It was a happy little family. Since the marriage of the parents, nothing had occurred in the domestic affairs to mar their peace. True it was that there had been a temporary separation of something more than two years, during which time Oscar was performing missionary service in the land of his forefathers — Scandinavia, for he was an elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife was a devout member of the same Church. "Lena," remarked the husband, as he was nearing the completion of his supper, "this is Thursday — my regular evening for visiting as a teacher in my district. I expect Edward Jones will call for me in a few minutes. He has been appointed to labor with me as an acting teacher. I shall have to leave you alone with the children for an hour or so. I do not expect to be out very late." "Yes, I remembered this was your evening for visiting," said Mrs. Nelson, "and I invited Lizzie Anderson to come and spend the evening with me for company." "Well, now, if she is coming I feel tempted to remain at home to enjoy her company. She is such a sweet girl, and always

HERBER T ME LB 0 URNE. 1 1 so interesting, you know," said Oscar in an effort to tease his wife a little. But it was a weak attempt, and she simply replied, "0 your company is not needed. Go and fulfil your duty. We have particular business of our own, and can get along just as well without you." "I was only thinking of remaining for Edward's sake," Oscar added by way of explanation; "you know he has a sort of sly afection for Lizzie, but is almost too timid to assert it." "Well, you might ask him to call here on your return, if you think best, and he can escort her home.'' "A happy thought! I believe I shall," Oscar decided. Just then a knock on the door was heard. "That's Edward, I believe!" exclaimed Oscar. "Keep your seat, Lena, and finish your supper; I'm through with mine, and I'll go to the door." "Ah, Edward, it's you; come in. How are you tonight? Please be seated — " "I am too early, I fear. You haven't finished your supper; but go ahead ; I can wait, ' ' said the visitor. "Yes, I have just finished, and will be ready in a few minutes. My wife is always the last at the table — and the first, too — " "Yes, Brother Jones, that's true," said the wife. "I have to be here first to wait on him and the children, and take what's left. Men are so helpless about the table — they have to be served like children. Won't you have something to eat with us — with me, rather?" "Thank you, Sister Nelson, I have just been eating, and have no appetite for more," answered Mr. Jones. "Brother Jones, where shall we make our calls tonight?" asked Oscar. "Well, Brother Nelson, I believe you told me there were only two more families yet to be visited this month, unless you intend to call on Herbert Melbourne. You recollect you were asking me last week if I knew whether he and his mother had been visited lately. I was talking to James Allen yesterday. You know he was the leading teacher in our district before you were appointed, after your return from a mission. He told me he and his com-

12 IMPROVEMENT ERA. panion used to visit Herbert's mother occasionally when they were pretty sure the son was not at home. They talked with Herbert a few times, he said, after he came home from college, but they did not like his cynical manner. It appears to me from what Brother Allen said, that Herbert was rather smart in asking puzzling questions; and he seemed to do it just to corner them on doctrines of the Church, and not for any enlightenment he was seeking. So they concluded he was too skeptical, and it was not worth their while to waste time with him, so the teachers kept clear of the house whenever they believed he was at home." "That is just what I have suspected. Now, I believe Herbert is a pretty fine young man. You know him, don't you, Edward?" asked Oscar. " 0 yes, I am slightly acquainted with him; but I never see him at meetings in the ward. I do not know much of his history." "Well, I will tell you in brief about him. His parents were good Latter-day Saints. They had quite a large family of boys and girls. The children are now all grown up, and every one married except Herbert. The family was just fairly well-to-do. The children had a good common school education. Herbert is the youngest of the family, and as the other children left the home and started out in life for themselves, the father began to accumulate more means, and so he determined to give Herbert a collegiate education. Herbert was a studious boy and was highly pleased with the prospects of going to college. After finishing a four-year course in our University, here in Salt Lake, he went to the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where, I understand, he graduated with high honors. He did intend to follow the profession of law, but for some reason he disliked it, and was somewhat undecided as to what he would follow. After his return home he taught school for awhile; but that was distasteful to him, and from that he went to a railway office, where he finally fell into a remunerative position which he still holds. His father died soon after his return from the east, and he has been living with and taking care of his mother ever since. He is very kind to his mother, and does everything to make her comfortable. But it appears that he has lost faith in the gospel, or, at any rate, has become very indiffer-

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 13 ent about it. All the other members of the family seem to be strong in the faith, but Herbert evidently is not interested in religion. I believe he is a good, moral young man, and have hopes that he will become interested in spiritual matters some day. There are always hopes for a young man who is morally clean. While he is an intelligent and well educated young man , he has not been educated spiritually. To be an intelligent Latter-day Saint, a person must study our doctrines. I believe that salvation is education. But that is only another way of expressing what the Prophet Joseph Smith said — that a man cannot be saved in his ignorance, and that we are saved only so fast as we gain knowledge. Herbert is bright enough to understand the gospel, and will appreciate its beauties if he once gets interested enough to investigate it." "Then, I think it would be well to visit him. He may need our visits more than some people in our district who are called upon every month. If he is willing to receive us as teachers we may be able to do him some good. We can at least show our good will towards him, and perhaps retain his friendship," was Edward's comment. "That is how I feel about the matter. As to being made welcome at the house by him, I have no fears. Herbert is very gentlemanly in his manner — is quite sociable, too. As I have already told you, he is not interested in religion, and is somewhat inclined to ridicule it. Well, if you say so, we'll go and visit him. I hope we will find him at home. I am ready to go at any time now, Edward." "I am at your service, Brother Nelson.'' A few words of prayer were offered; Oscar kissed his wife and babies, and the two men were off. Happily they found Herbert Melbourne at home. He cordially invited them into the parlor, set chairs for them and bade them be seated, and before giving them a chance to state their errand, called to his mother, who was in the dining room adjoining, saying that teachers had called to see her, adding in the same breath, "I'm such a 'hopeless infidel' that they will not want to see me, so I would better retire." "No; we've come to visit you, Herbert," protested Brother

14 IMPRO VEMENT ERA . Nelson. Of course, we want to visit your mother, too; but our special errand is to talk with you." "Well, you are not like Allen and his companion. They gave me up long ago as lost, and took good care to come and visit mother when I was not at home. I believe they were a little afraid of me," added Herbert, with a laugh, "because I propounded so many questions which they could not answer. Perhaps you can solve the theological problems with which I am perplexed, so I shall give you a chance." "If inability to answer your questions will frighten men away, we have cause to fear, for we don't pretend to be able to explain mysteries. As acting teachers in the Church, we have come to ask questions rather than to answer conundrums; and I will begin by asking you and your mother if you have any objections to us occupying a few moments of your time this evening in a heart-toheart talk; and further, will you permit us to begin in our usual way as teachers, by offering prayer and singing a hymn?" "I surely have no objections," answered Herbert, "unless you make your prayers too long. Have you any, mother?" "None whatever. I am glad to have their visits, and I assure them that they are always welcome." "I am not sure that you are acquainted with Brother Jones, my companion, Sister Melbourne. Herbert has met him before, I believe," said Oscar by way of introducing his fellow teacher. "We have just recently been appointed to labor in this district." "Well, you are welcome to come here as of ten as you find time," said Mrs. Melbourne. "Yes," added Herbert, "if you can stand it, we can." Brother Jones led in the prayer, and Brother Nelson led in the hymn. In fact, he sang the hymn almost entirely alone, his companion being a poor singer. "That's pretty good singing, Oscar, you ought to join a minstrel troupe — excuse me, an opera troupe, I should say, " exclaimed Herbert, beginning to fire off his shots of sarcasm. But Oscar thought it best not to notice his sallies, and to proceed to business at once. "We have come," he began, "to inquire into your spiritual condition, Herbert. As teachers in the Church, it is our mis-

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 15 sion to see that the members are attending to their duties as Saints, and to offer encouragement and counsel. We are expected to see to it that the members under our charge meet often to worship in public and see that there is no iniquity in the Church, and to look after the general welfare of all those under our care." "I do not know that you consider me a member. I'm not much of a saint. I never go to meeting. Haven't paid tithing, and don't believe in many doctrines taught in the Church," explained Herbert. "You were baptized, I presume, when eight years old, were you not?" "0 yes, and was ordained a deacon when about thirteen years of age, but have renounced everything religious of late years. I don't take any stock in it!" "You have not renounced it in any formal way — you haven't been dealt with for your fellowship, have you?" queried Brother Nelson. "No; simply let the Church alone, and it has left me alone — that's all," was the answer. "Well, until you are formally dealt with, you are counted as a member — " "A dead member, yes!" "Would you mind stating what particular doctrines of the Church you object to?" requested Brother Jones who up to this time had said but very little. "Well, about everything." "You don't claim to be an infidel, do you?" asked Brother Nelson. "Not exactly that. I am what you might call an agnostic. While I do not deny that there is a God, I do not know that there is such a being. Some people say they know that there is a God, when in truth it is only a belief they have. They do not seem to understand the difference between knowledge and faith," Herbert replied. "Don't you think it is possible for one to get a knowledge of God — that is, to know that he exists?" further inquired Brother Nelson. "If a person actually saw him, that, I consider, would be good

1 6 IMP 110 VEM ENT ERA . evidence that there was such a being. But I have never met any one who would admit that he ever saw God; and yet many of our preachers will testify most positively that they know he lives, and they attempt to describe his character, and so on." "Hut don't you believe, Herbert, that it is possible for one to reach the conclusion that there is a Creator without actually seeing him?" "Yes, he might do so, provided he were furnished with some tangible evidence — something that would demonstrate the fact beyond question." "You want a mathematical demonstration?" "Yes, something that would be conclusive." "And what kind of demonstration would you consider as being conclusive?" "I should say, seeing, or hearing, or feeling, would perhaps be the most substantial evidence one could have of the existence of anything, or of any being." "Then you consider that we have only a knowledge of those things that appeal to our outward senses? You are conscious of the fact that our senses may be deceived, and also that there are other means of obtaining knowledge aside from our physical senses." "Yes, I believe one can determine some facts from reason. You know in law there are two kinds of testimony that are accepted — direct evidence and circumstantial evidence. When we sense a thing, we have direct proof of its existence; conclusions deducted through reasoning are what might be regarded as indirect evidence, or proof." "I understand that you have studied law, Herbert, and I believe you have stated it about right. Now let me ask you to apply your knowledge of the law in answering another question: Which is considered the best evidence, direct or circumstantial?" "That is an unsettled question. It is difficult to determine. As you just remarked, our senses may be deceived, and witnesses may not tell the truth, while circumstances, it is claimed, never lie." "Yes, that's true. You are well posted on questions of law, I see. I do not understand why you do not follow the profession.

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 17 Now you admit that circumstantial evidence is as good as direct evidence, do you?" "Yes." "Facts can be proved from circumstances to your satisfaction and acceptance?" "Oscar, I can see the purpose you have in carrying on this inquisition. You've got me to admit that circumstantial evidence is conclusive, and now you are going to spring the proposition that the existence of a Creator is evident from circumstances. But you will have to show me yet, so go on. By the way, you would make a good prosecuting attorney. I'm surprised that you are not a lawyer. You'd better hang out your shingle or run for office of county attorney." "Well, you know, a printer gets a smattering knowledge of law and nearly everything else. He picks it up as he picks up the types. Now, seriously speaking, don'c you believe there is sufficient circumstantial proof of the existence of a Creator?" "Well, mention some, and then perhaps I can better answer your question." "Let me give you some of what are regarded as scientific proofs. You have been to college and studied science — " "But you know science and religion never agree, and religious teachers have the presumption to ask a man to accept religious dogmas, even when they are in conflict with demonstrated scientific truths!" "You do not mean ministers of our Church. We may see as we proceed, if science and true religion conflict. Truths are always in harmony with each other, and wherever there is a disagreement there is something wrong with what is taught as religion or as science. Before we proceed further, let me ask your mother if she will not take this comfortable rocker. Perhaps our discussion will not interest her, in that case she can just take a quiet little nap." "0 no, Brother Nelson, thank you, I am quite comfortable where I am; and I am interested in your conversation," said Sister Melbourne. "Yes," added her son, "she's pleased when someone preaches religion to me. Well, perhaps I need it, if it is good for anyone, for I haven't got any in me. You know she preaches to me a good

1 8 IMPR 0 VEMENT ERA . deal, and I guess she's about come to the conclusion that I am an ungrateful son, and a hopeless skeptic— our former teachers came to that conclusion long ago, and quit visiting me." "No, Herbert, I do not think you are ungrateful," replied the mother; "you've been a good son to me, and have always taken good care of your mother. Brother Nelson, he questions many things pertaining to our faith, but his heart is good, and he has very few bad habits." "I'm pleased to hear that from his mother, and I believe it is all true. I have known Herbert for many years, and I find him possessed of good principles. In practice his religion is good so far as it goes. All he needs is a little more understanding of its theory, and then he will see the necessity of complying more fully with the gospel requirements. Say, Brother Jones, I do not want to do all the talking for us. You are my companion teacher, so do not let me monopolize all the time." "0, you are doing well, so go on. I'll be the referee in this debate," urged Brother Jones. "And I will be the interested audience," added Sister Melbourne. "Yes, go ahead, Oscar; you were going to show me that science and superstition, which you call religion, can be harmonized," exclaimed Herbert. "I may come to that part of the subject after awhile; but what I started to do was to give you scientific evidence of the existence of Deity. As a student you have observed that there is system in nature throughout the universe. The planets of our solar system revolve in perfect harmony, as do those of other systems that surround our own, so far as man can determine. The same beautiful harmony exists on the individual .planets, taking our own as an illustration. We have the alternating seasons, recurring with unfailing regularity; we have the daily transition from darkness to light; and these changes not only afford variety, but they are necessary to our welfare. The same might be said of the mineral, the vegetable, and the animal kingdoms: they not only afford beauty to please the mind, but they, too, are for a purpose, and each one serves its own purpose most admirably. And when we inquire into the minutest details of the creations and phenomena of nature we

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 19 find evidences of design, evidences of the deepest wisdom. When we contemplate these wonderful things we are compelled to admit that nature has a great Designer — an allvvise and all-powerful Creator and Controller." "Yes, I will admit all that. I believe in the God of nature. There must, of course, be some force that brought about these happy conditions; but that is as far as I can comprehend." "I am pleased to hear you acknowledge that you believe that much — so far so good. I think you will agree with me, also, respecting the character of the Creator, if you will consider the subject thoroughly. There are some persons who attempt to describe God as the natural forces of the universe. But such a theory will not account for what we know exists in the universe. The forces of nature are only the means in the hands of the Creator. Natural forces cannot reason and plan and carry out design. They must be directed by a higher intelligence to bring about the results that we see about us. In this part of the country we depend greatly upon irrigation of the soil to insure our food crops. Fortunately for us, we dwell in valleys surrounded by high mountains. The winter snows are stored in these mountains until they are needed by the farmer, then the heat of summer melts the snow and by the natural force of gravity the water is carried down the hillsides to be used by man as he may direct. What caused the mountains to be uplifted? we ask. The force of internal disturbances causes the upheaval. And what causes these eruptions? The force of pentup fires beneath the earth's crust, you answer. Then what causes those fires? We may not be able to tell — the force of friction, perhaps, as some claim. But no matter, we are compelled to acknowledge that the first cause that directed these forces to act must be an intelligence, because the whole train of causes and effects is acting in unison to bring about a result that is for a particular purpose; that is, to enable man to exist upon the earth. No matter what branch of nature we undertake to investigate, we find that all the wonderful forces of the universe are combined for the accomplishment of one grand purpose, and that is to make the happiness of man complete. I need but remind you that all races of people have a natural tendency to worship a Creator. To some extent they appreciate the beauties of creation, are led to admire

20 1MPRO VEMENT ERA . them, and, of course, to admire in a higher degree the Creator of them. In their simplicity and ignorance, of course, some of them are led to worship the forces of nature instead of the Director and Controller of those forces — the true Creator. But the fact serves to show that belief in Deity is universal and has been since time immemorial." "Oscar, you talk like a philosopher!" exclaimed Herbert provokingly; " 'Whence hath this man this wisdom?1 'Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.' 'Much learning doth make thee' — I wont say the rest. I'll paraphrase the scripture and say 'Much learning doth make thee wise." "Thanks," retorted Nelson; I am pleased to know that you are able to quote scripture so readily, though it is somewhat disjointed. Your sarcasm will persist in breaking out occasionally; but I do not mind, I'm nearly through with the subject— that is, for the present." "Excuse my interruption, Mr. Nelson," apologized Herbert, "it seems to be my nature to make such thrusts. I'll try not to 'break out' again." Salt Lake City, Utah. [to be continued.] TRUTH S DESTINY. (For the Improvement Era.) In truth's mighty battle, ye hosts of the Lord, Your triumph shall come without carnage or sword, The foe, it is true, is abroad in the land, But he carries his own swift defeat in his hand. Let the slanderer rail with his finger of scorn, For his boast shall go down e'er his triumph is born. Let the foe do his worst, every shaft he has sped Shall return with a curse on his own guilty head. Our victory's sure, though we waste not a breath, For Error and Sin worketh sorrow and death. So cleave to the truth which descends to our view, Though her cause is obscure and her patriots few. For Truth, born of heaven, Jehovah her friend, The nations her field, and their conquest her end, Shall march to her throne with a triumph complete, With the earth and her enemies under her feet. Salt Lake City, Utah. Theo. E. Curtis.