Herbert Melbourne

HERBERT MELBOURNE. BY EDWIN F. PARRY. "I have only given you a mere outline of a few of the reasons that might be presented to prove the existence of God," continued Nelson. "It would take too long to give half of those that might be brought forth. I would suggest that you make it a matter of serious study. You know it is impossible to reason upon a subject about which you have no knowledge. Evidence comes with understanding. With the intelligence you possess, I am satisfied the doctrines of our religion will appeal to you when you become better acquainted with them, for they are consistent with reason. If you will devote as much study to religion as you have to law, for instance, or to any of the sciences which you have master°d, you will be satisfied that it is based upon principles of truth." "Well, I can agree with much that you have presented. One thing let me ask: What evidence can you show to prove that God is a personal being, and that he is in the form of man, as you claim?" "I cannot conceive of God being anything else than a personal Being, and that he is in the form of man. We are the children of the Deity, and as offspring are like their parents, I cannot believe otherwise than that we are in the image of our Heavenly Parent. But I am giving you the scriptural doctrine of Deity, while I presume you want scientific testimony. However, I would like to refer you to scriptural proof, if you will be kind enough to consider it." "Let me ask you, Brother Melbourne," interrupted Brother Jones, "what is your estimate of individual testimony as evidence?

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 89 Don't you consider that the testimony of men is valuable as proof?" "I do not consider it worth much on such subjects,'' replied Herbert. "Some people will testify most solemnly that they know God lives. How can they know such a thing any better than I can?" "By investigation, I will answer," explained Brother Jones. "You know that a good deal of what we call knowledge is received by us on the testimony of others. In your studies at college you accepted hundreds of statements made by the professors without any demonstration whatever. One's knowledge would be very limited, indeed, if he only accepted as truths those facts that are proven to his outward senses. In studying geography, such a person would have to travel the world over and see for himself every nook and corner, in order to be convinced that the places actually existed; and so it would be with every other study." ' 'I remember, " added Brother Nelson, as an illustration of what Brother Jones was remarking, "when I was on my way home from my mission, I got in conversation on the train with a young man who was just returning from an eastern medical college. We were talking about the medical profession, and I asked him if the microbe theory, advanced as an explanation of the cause of diseases, was generally accepted by medical men. '0 yes,' said he, 'there is no question as to its being correct.' Then he expressed his own satisfaction that the theory was sound beyond dispute. I inquired if he had made any original investigation of the subject. He said he had made none whatever; it was unnecessary; and yet he accepted it upon the testimony of his teachers." "Yes; but if he had desired to demonstrate the truth of the statements made to him he could have done so," responded Mr. Melbourne. "And so may you prove the statements made by men who testify they have come to a knowledge of God." "Well, I should like to know how it can be done." ■ "By personal investigation, I would say. Men who are in possession of a knowledge of God have gained it by first accepting the testimony of others and following the instructions laid down for their guidance in these matters. With faith in the

90 IMPROVEMENT ERA. promises made, they have prayed to God and received answers to their prayers; they have complied with the ordinances of the gospel, and the promised results have followed— the gift of the Holy Ghost has been received. As evidence that they have received the Holy Ghost, the promised gifts of the Spirit are enjoyed by them. Their minds are enlightened, and the testimony of Jesus brings to their souls absolute knowledge of the existence and goodness of God. This knowledge is an outgrowth of faith and experience; and brings to one's soul an actual demonstration of the truth of the gospel which they have accepted." "Bat, excuse me," interrupted Herbert, "what do you mean by their having demonstrated the truth of the gospel? They are not saved yet while they are on the earth; and when they die we do not know what becomes of them — we never hear from them." "No," continued Oscar, "they are not saved, but they are being saved ; they are on the right road, and so far as they have progressed they know they are right. Let me illustrate my meaning. When a child begins to go to school he is given to understand that by following the teachings he is about to receive, he will be enabled to read all kinds of books. At first it is only a belief with him— he does not know, but his faith is sufficient to cause him to put forth an effort. After a few lessons he finds he can read simple words. His faith is now turning to knowledge. While he may not yet know that he will become a fluent reader he does know that he has learned to read easy sentences. He knows that he is taking the right course and can demonstrate it to his entire satisfaction. It is the same with one who undertakes to gain salvation: he proves the correctness of the principles of the gospel as he puts them into practice." "0 yes, that may be true," assented Herbert, "but how can you prove, for instance, that there is a resurrection?" "We must approach that doctrine by degrees. Let us begin with something more fundamental. You know one cannot work in algebra without a knowledge of the first principles of mathematics. The resurrection is a promised reward of the future, not a principle to practice in ourevery-day lives. We obtain assurrance of its being a fact, by proving other truths that more directly concern us. When we obey the rules of conduct that the

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 91 gospel teaches, and the rewards promised as immediate results follow, we are justified in believing that those promised for the future will also come — " "But, friend Nelson, you haven't explained to my satisfaction how one can demonstrate the resurrection to be a fact." "I am coming to that point now, I trust, if my meaning is not already clear to you. With nearly every gospel requirement is promised a temporal blessing. When the requirements are obeyed and the immediate results promised are realized, is it not reasonable to conclude that the future blessings promised will also follow? Besides, when one has accepted the gospel in all sincerity, the Holy Spirit reveals to him that it is the truth. It assures him beyond all question that the Lord lives; that all the promises of the gospel are true, and that his course in life, if continued, will bring him eternal salvation. I may not be able to make this entirely clear to you all at once. It requires time and study, and practice, too, to become fully convinced of the truths of religion. You, of course, must realize that, from your experience in studying other subjects. True religion is a science that requires thoughtful and diligent study. It cannot be fully grasped or comprehended in a few lessons. It is a life study, and requires faith and works combined to master it. One who has not given it this kind of an investigation is not capable of passing judgment upon its merits, any more than one ignorant of the subject is able to judge of the correctness of astronomy, or of chemistry, or of any of the sciences." Mr. Melbourne made no reply to this last remark of Mr. Nelson, but sat in a thoughtful mood, with his chin resting on his hand and his eyes turned to the floor. After a moment's silence, Mr. Jones ventured to suggest to Herbert that he read the "Lectures on Faith," found in the forepart of the Doctrine and Covenants. That excellent treatise, he thought, would help him to reach the conclusion that there was good reason to believe in God. "It's pretty dry reading," was Melbourne's comment. "I never could get interested in the Doctrine and Covenants." "Perhaps you never got a full understanding of what you did read," suggested Nelson.

92 Ml' ROY FA! EXT ERA. "Perhaps not," answered Melbourne. "The book is a rich mine, containing nuggets of the finest philosophy; but the gems of truth it contains have to be sought," said Nelson. "Philosophy, did you say!" exclaimed Melbourne in surprise. "I didn't think there is any philosophy in it. I am fond of science and philosophy, and have read some of Emerson, .Spencer, Schopenhauer and others, but I never thought of looking for philosophy in the writings or teachings of Joseph Smith." "I fear you haven't studied his teachings very much. According to my idea, Joseph Smith's philosophy, so far as the purpose of life is concerned, is the only philosophy worth studying. His teachings not only agree with the sacred scriptures, but they harmonize with science and reason. One strong evidence of his inspiration is the power he possessed to expound scriptures and show that there is harmony between the different passages, and no conflict between them and true science. But," added Mr. Nelson, "it is getting late, and we do not wish to tire you. I would just like to add, in conclusion, that I believe that if you will only give the matter study and prayer you will find there is overwhelming evidence of the existence of a Creator, and that his gospel has been revealed anew in our day. The gospel is nothing less than a rule of conduct by which we can get the best results out of this life, and at the same time prepare for the future. It is not arbitrary in its requirements. It does not demand any rites or observances just to please an inexorable being. Our obedience to the gospel pleases the Lord, because he desires the salvation of his children; and there is no other way whereby we can be saved and exalted and become like him, except by the plan which he has given us. There is a reason — a scientific reason, if you will admit it — for every principle and ordinance taught in the gospel. Its principles will appeal to your scientific mind, if you will study them; and I believe that every objection you may have against the doctrines of true religion can be explained to your satisfaction." "Well, I hardly know about that," said Herbert, "there are many things about religion that do not appeal to me, and if you can enlighten me upon some of them, I shall be willing to listen.

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 93 You are welcome to come and see me whenever you have the time." "I shall be pleased to explain what I can in my simple way> so be prepared with your questions. We will call again soon — " "I would like to invite you to attend the meetings of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement association of the ward, and also to become a member. You know we meet every Tuesday evening," interposed Brother Jones, as both teachers arose to depart. "0, 1 may attend occasionally, but I will not promise to become a member. I have been to your meetings once "or twice; and to tell the truth, I was more interested in the president of the Young Ladies' association than in the lesson. I believe I would rather join the Young Ladies' association. The influence of that talented and lovely young lady, Miss Williams, the president, would convert me to religion sooner than all your arguments," confessed Mr. Melbourne, as he arose to shake hands with them as they were going. "I'm glad to hear you admit as much," said Mr. Jones. "That is just what Brother Nelson and I have been contending — that testimony is more effective than argument. The testimony of Alice Williams' devoted life is more convincing than all of our reasoning. Alice is a most excellent and lovely young lady, and she is a product of the gospel. Her pure and useful life is a demonstration of what the gospel of Christ will accomplish." Bidding Herbert and his mother a pleasant "good night," the teachers took their departure. It was too late to make another call that evening, so they returned to the Nelson home, and after a short visit Edward Jones escorted Lizzie Anderson to her home, and then, with a light heart, went to his own home, feeling well satisfied with the experiences of the evening. After the teachers left the Melbourne home, Herbert remarked to his mother, ' 'Oscar Nelson is a pretty bright fellow. His mission has polished him considerably; and he seems to be able to preach as glibly as the best of them." "Yes," replied Mrs. Melbourne, "his mission has been a blessing to him. I wish you would prepare yourself that you might be worthy of filling a mission. I am in hopes that some day that call will come to you; and it will come if you will only be ready to obey."

9 4 IMPRO VEMENT ERA . "0, no danger of me being called. They do not want men of my stamp. Well, if I were as well satisfied with religion as Oscar is I might go and preach it." "Well, Herbert, dear, take his advice and study the gospel, and pray for a testimony of its truth. Nothing in the world would afford me greater happiness than to see you take an interest in the Church." "Some day, mother, I may 'get religion,' if there is anything in it." "But do not delay it too long — start now, before it is too late. And you ought to be thinking of getting married before very long. Your brothers and sisters were all married before they reached your age, my son." "Married! There you go again! Urging marriage! I suppose I am old enough for that— perhaps too old. My married associates tell me they have abandoned me — left me behind to come along with the next generation." "In your half joking way you confessed to the teachers that you admired Alice Williams. You ought to prove your worthiness for such a girl as she is. Indeed, I think she is one of the best and sweetest young ladies in the community." "Do you really think so, mother? So do I. I may be more in earnest than you think. I believe she is just handsome and bright and witty. But then she's religious, and won't marry a fellow unless he is the same. Well, I can't blame her." "Nor I," added Mrs. Melbourne. "She is deserving of a good man, and the best thing for you to do is to attend your meetings and begin to pay your tithing and perform your other duties as I have always pleaded with you in kindness to do." Herbert said no more upon the subject that night. When he retired to his bed a short time later, he could not sleep. He could not help thinking of the words of those teachers and those of his mother — and of Alice. He tried to dismiss the thoughts from his mind, but they would not vanish. He lay awake far into the night pondering in his mind the arguments of his visitors, reviewing his career, and reflecting upon the almost aimless course of life he had been leading for the past few years. True, he had been industrious and temperate, but of what benefit was his life to

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 95 the community or to mankind at large? He called to mind his mother's oft-repeated counsel and encouragement. He fully believed that it was through her influence he had been kept free from the deadly evils and temptations of the world. He really loved his mother, his dearest friend on earth, who was ever patient and kinl — willing to sacrifice everything, even life itself, for his welfare. He was the idol of her existence. He was her dear "baby;" and since all the others were married and living in their own homes, and her husband was dead, her attentions were mostly confined to him. The next day the same thoughts haunted him. He could not drive them away. He felt a sense of ingratitude such as he had never experienced before. While he had always sought to be kind to his mother and considerate of her feelings, he had treated her counsel respecting religion, somewhat lightly, not with the least intention of causing her grief, only thoughtlessly. Now he realized that his conduct in this regard was unkind to a parent who manifested everlasting kindness towards him. Hitherto he had justified himself in the thought that he could not force himself to comply with his mother's wishes and be interested in religious matters. If he pretended to be religious, just to please his mother, he knew he would be a hypocrite, and a hypocrite he despised. But now he remembered that his mother never asked more than that he study and investigate her religion. In truth, it never dawned upon him before that there was anything to study about religion. He had regarded it as only a sentiment. Before this visit of the teachers the night before, he had never dreamed that there was logic in religion — that anyone claimed for it a place in rational philosophy, .or that it could be harmonized with science. He now promised himself that he would make an attempt, at least, to investigate the gospel. He would not an^ nounce this intention, not even to his mother, but would proceed quietly to carry it out. He decided to attend meetings on the Sabbath day, and to read those "Lectures on Faith" found in the Doctrine and Covenants; and further, he decided he would pray — yes, he would make an attempt at it — a practice he had neglected since he was a boy. -Salt Lake City, Utah. [to be continued. 1