Herbert Melbourne, VI

HERBERT MELBOURNE. BY EDWIN F. PARRY. VI. In due time Herbert Melbourne and his fellow-missionaries landed in Liverpool, England. Herbert received his appointment to labor in the Sheffield conference. He at once took train for his destination. The day after his arrival at the headquarters of the conference, he had the opportunity of meeting all the missionaries of the district, as they were assembled for their monthly priesthood meeting. On hearing the verbal reports of their labors and associating with them, he discovered that there were some bright, intelligent young men among them, especially so were some who had been there a year or two. Having had a good deal of experience in outdoor meetings, they were fluent speakers, and were well posted on the scriptures. Although he was a college graduate and perhaps the only one among the elders of that conference he felt that he was among his superiors. It was fortunate he arrived at such an opportune time, when he could meet with so many of those with whom he was expected to labor. They were all strangers to him, but he felt as much at home with them as among his old associates. Their enthusiasm was an inspiration to him, and he was seized with a longing to be able to speak as they did. But there was much for him to learn. True, he had studied some during the past year or more, — ever since he had begun to take interest in the subject of religion, though his studies were not very systematic. Then he was not entirely free from his skeptical views. Questions were

43G IMPROVEMENT ERA. frequently springing up in his mind which he was not yet able to answer to his own satisfaction. He had received considerable enlightenment, however, upon spiritual matters, and he had resolved in his mind to continue the investigation, first for his own satisfaction, and then he would be enabled to testify to others. Owing to the uncertainties which he felt were in his mind, he suggested to the conference president that he be permitted to stay in and study for a few weeks before entering upon active missionary work. But his president's experience taught him to think differently, and he explained to Herbert that a better plan would be to start at once to work. By going out "tracting," and by holding meetings, he would come in contact with people who would propound questions to him that would require study to answer satisfactorily. This experience would be an incentive to study. Besides, in his public speaking he could tell of what he did know, even if his testimony of the gospel was not yet so strong as that borne by some of his companions. He knew of the good character and the sincerity of the people whom he represented. He knew that the teachings of his parents and of the authorities of his Church were pure and elevating, and that if followed would make mankind better. This much he did know and could testify to honestly; and by working as well as studying, further knowledge would be gained. Herbert was assigned to labor in a small town with an elder who had been in the mission over a year, and where there was a small branch of the Church. He was faithful and diligent in attending to the duties of a missionary, as far as he understood them. Each day he went out "tracting," as did his companion, and in the evening either visited friends and investigators in company with his fellow-laborer, or helped him hold out-door meetings. What spare time he had he devoted to the study of the scriptures and the history of the latter-day gospel. He had with him a history of the Prophet Joseph Smith, which he was reading carefully, in connection with the story of the gospel as contained in the New Testament. After continuing this course of study for a few weeks, he remarked to his companion, "Elder Davis, it appears to me that this history of Joseph

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 437 Smith would be a splendid book to loan to investigators — those who are interested sufficiently to read such a volume. I must admit it has impressed me very deeply — especially that part given in the language of the prophet himself. His sincerity cannot be doubted after reading his history." "0 yes, Brother Melbourne, I fully agree with what you say. I have loaned three copies of the History, and I believe the parties who have them are reading them. I have not seen them for some time, though." "Another thing I have especially noted, in reading of the coming forth of the gospel in the latter-day, is the similarity of its reception to that of the former-day gospel. In the days of the Savior and his apostles, the lowly and the humble were the ones who accepted their teachings, while the haughty and proud ignored it, and the teachers of religion persecuted those who accepted it. These same teachings have received the same kind of reception in this age. I have only mentioned these few points of similarity between the former-day and the latter-day gospel,but I have observed that they are similar in every detail, and this leads me to believe that if the one be true, the other must be. I am willing to admit that I have received a good deal of enlightenment from my studies and my conversations with you during the past few weeks. It appears to me now that my unbelief was nothing short of stupidity. Your favorite quotation, 'He that judgeth a matter before he heareth it is not wise,' is true, if not exactly scriptural. I have been unwise in asserting my disbelief in religion when I knew nothing about it, I should have known better." "You are not the only one who has been hasty in proclaiming yourself an unbeliever. I believe all skeptics and so-called infidels have so declared themselves without sufficient investigation. They are either ill-informed, or not at all informed as to what religion is. I do not believe an intelligent person can study our religion thoroughly and honestly without discovering that it is the truth. You speak of the impression made upon your mind by reading the history of Joseph Smith. Let me ask, what is your impression of the Book of Mormon, which the prophet was instrumental in bringing to light?"

438 IM PRO VEMENT ERA . "To tell the truth, Brother Davis, answered Herbert, I have never read it." "What! Never read the Book of Mormon?" "No, never. I have picked it up several times, and read a little here and there, but never completed it— never completely read a book in it." "And did you ever read the Bible before you were called upon a mission?" "I read considerable of it when a boy. And in Sunday school we studied it some, when I was young. But I quit going to Sunday school when I was sixteen, and never read much of it from that time till recently." "Well, it's easy to understand how you became skeptical. But I want to read to you a passage from the Book of Mormon, and then I want you to read the book from beginning to end. It will help to qualify you for your labors as a messenger of salvation. Indeed, I do not know how you can become a good missionary without a knowledge of the Book of Mormon. The passage I shall read is found in the tenth chapter of Moroni, beginning at the fourth verse: "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost; "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. "If you will read this book with the desire to know of its truth, I am satisfied the knowledge will be given you. If you receive a testimony that the book is true, you will also know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, for no man could bring forth such a work unless he was inspired of the Lord. You will find in it a thousand evidences of its authenticity and divinity," "I certainly must read the work. I should have done so long ago. There is no excuse for a man coming out here to preach the gospel without knowing of its truth. ' But I am learning gradually, and if I do no one else any good, I will be benefited myself by my coming." And so Herbert's faith became strengthened day by day, as

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 439 he performed his labors. He not only gained knowledge through study of the Church works, but also through his experience and observation. The promises of the scripture were fulfiled in his own experiences. He enjoyed the fruits of the Spirit, and witnessed the exercise of many of the gifts of the gospel. By the power of the Holy Ghost, his mind was enlightened, and he was led to see the truth and force of the scriptures, in his studies, and when hi addressed the people, the same power brought things to his remembrance, and he was led to utter truths that were even new to himself. But this was not all. He found that his words of testimony brought conviction to his hearers. On one ocasion he was preaching on the streets to a small group who had gathered to listen to his remarks. After the close of the meeting, and as he was leaving the place, a man and his wife stepped up to him and the man said, "Your words have pricked my heart, and I want to know what I shall do." This declaration reminded him of Peter's preaching on the day of Pentecost, when the people being "pricked in their hearts cried out, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?' " True, it was only one man that appealed to him on this occasion, but there is no telling how many others present at the meeting were similarly impressed. In distributing tracts from door to door he enjoyed the gifts of the Spirit. Upon many occasions he was directed by it to go to certain places, and by obeying the promptings, he found people who were looking for the truth, and who were prepared to receive his message. At one time he was impressed to call at a certain house, and when he entered, the lady, although an entire stranger, recognized him, stating that she had seen him in a dream which had deeply impressed her, insomuch that she had been led to pray to the Lord to send some one who could tell her the true way of salvation, which she had been earnestly seeking for a long time. By this same Spirit he had been forewarned of attempts of evil-disposed persons to entrap him and to harm him. Several times he witnessed miraculous healings and other signs that follow the believers. But what gave him more satisfaction and assur-

440 IMPROVEMENT ERA. ance than all these outward manifestations, was the possession of the Holy Spirit which appealed to his inward soul and assured him that he was in the actual service of his Maker. He recalled a remark made by his companion, Elder Davis, when he first came to labor with him. The statement was something like this, and was in a testimony meeting of the Saints of the branch: "My brethren and sisters, I am satisfied that the gospel is true, and that, as the Apostle Paul says, it is the 'power of God unto salvation.' I know this through the testimony of the Holy Spirit.

• • I, perhaps, have never told this little congregation before that in my own experience I have witnessed one of the most remarkable instances of the healing and preserving power of the Lord. I once met with a very severe accident. From all human appearances it was unquestionably fatal. Two doctors examined me and were agreed that it was impossible for me to live twelve hours, and none of my friends had any hope that I would live except through divine interposition. Some of them hal faith, and I had a strong desire to live. I was anointed with holy oil and prayed for, and almost immediately I began to amend, and in a remarkably short time I was entirely healed. Now, I feel assured that this was through the blessing of the Lord, bestowed especially upon me at this time. To me it his always appeared a most remarkable miracle, but let me tell you, that that miracle does not give me so much assurance that I am engaged in the work of the Lord, as does the sweet, peaceful innuenc3 of the Spirit which I enjoy from day to day, and which almost constantly tells me that the gospel is true." When Herbert first heard this testimony from the lips of Elder Davis, he wondered if it could be possible that a man could receive a greater testimony to the truth of the gospel than that gained through witnessing a miracle — such a miracle as that experienced by his companion. But now he could fully believe the remarks of Elder Davis, for he had received that greater evidence himself. He, too, had observed cases of remarkable healing; he had heard prophecies uttered and noted their fulfilment; he had heard the gift of tongues and the interpretation of tongues. But there was one little experience in his missionary career which gave him more satisfaction and comfort than even these gifts, and

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 441 yet there was nothing that seemed miraculous about the experience. He could tell nothing about it that would convey to others an idea thit there was anything remarkable in the experience, unless it was told to those who had enjoyed similar outpourings of the Spirit. The circumstance referred to was that of a priesthood meeting held by the elders of the conference in which he labored. The meeting was conducted in the usual manner. It was opened by singing and prayer, and then the elders in turn were called upon to report their labors during the past month- The president followed by reporting his own labors, adding words of advice and encouragement. No extraordinary progress was reported; no wonderful experiences were related; there was no visible, outward manifestation — nothing that can be described as marvelous; yet the spirit enjoyed upon that occasion was most remarkable to those who felt it, and all seemed to feel it to a great degree. Great love for each other was manifest and expressed; everyone was encouraged and felt like going forth with renewed energy and faith, some even shed tears of joy, and all were more or less softened in their feelings; confessions of neglect of duty or weakness were freely made; and no elder left that meeting who was not affected by the divine influence that pervaded the place. Not only upon this occasian did Herbert enjoy this feeling, but it was with him more or less every day. It assured him constantly that he was in the service of the Lord, and that his labors and his life were acceptable unto him. It was with him when he preached in the halls or on the streets. It banished from his mind all doubts regarding the principles of the gospel; and the fact that Joseph Smith was almighty prophet was borne in upon his soul, and the desire he possessed to testify of the gospel was irresistible. He felt that he could not do enough for the cause. "Do you know, I was at one time skeptical about religion," remarked Elder Melbourne one day to his room mate, Elder Davis. "I could hardly believe there was a Supreme Being. Now I wonder how I could have been so blind. Everything I observe or read now seems to give evidence of the truth of the gospel of Christ as taught by the Latter day Saints. It is all wonderful to me. You have noticed that directly opposite the front window of

442 IMPROVEMENT ERA. our room— on the hillsido facing us, is a coal mine, where many men are employed?" "Yes, I have been over there. Some of our members work in the mine." ''Well, I was talking the other day with Brother Brown. He works there. He told me how he became connected with the gospel. A few years ago an elder who labored in this conference went over to the mine with one of the local brethren. He was permitted to go into the mine, and down there he was introduced to several of the miners and had a conversation with them. He also handed to them some tracts which he had with him. The result was one of them at least was led in this manner into the fold of Christ, and that one was Brother Brown. By the way, he expects to emigrate with his family to Utah next month." "So I have heard. But do you know there are scores of miners who have labored in this very place who have joined our Church, and many are in Utah today." "What impressed me is this: It is a striking fulfilment of the prediction of Jeremiah concerning the gathering of Israel in the last days. Let me read to you the passage I refer to — no doubt you are familiar with it. It is in the sixteenth chapter: "Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks." "It seems to me that prophecy is here literally fulfiled — 'and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks,' — can any prediction be more completely fulfiled?" "Many other predictions of the ancient prophets concerning the gathering of Israel are also fulfiled in the preaching of this gospel," added Elder Davis. "One of our brethren here, remarked to me not long since that he and his sister were the only ones of his family who had embraced the gospel, and as his sister lived in another place the prophecy concerning the Lord taking 'one of a city and two of a family,' and bringing them to Zion was exactly verified in their case, for they were then ready to take their departure to the 'mountain of the house of the Lord,' that they

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 443 might be taught in his ways and 'walk in his paths/ in fulfilment of another prediction of scripture." A little unpleasant experience which Elder Melbourne passed through convinced him that the Savior's words to his former disciples were still true, "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you." He could hardly believe that men in this enlightened age would persecute their fellow-men for their religious views. But he was rudely convinced of the fact, when upon one occasion while holding a meeting on the street he was mobbed and driven away by violence. And this treatment was not received from infidels or heathens, but from professed religionists, who were incited to thus mistreat him by a preacher of religion! This again helped to confirm him in his growing belief, for he realized, as he had never done so fully before, the Savior's promise: "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. * * * For so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Another incident that transpired some months later, served to impress him with other sayings of Christ, such as the following: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I come not to send peace, but a sword. "For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother and the daughter-in-law against the mother-in-law. "And a man's foes shall be they of his own household."

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"And ye shall be betrayed both by parents and brethren, and kinsfolks and friends." There was a young lady who became converted to the gospel, and like many others, had to endure much persecution from her father, who was not a member of the Church, but was a bitter opponent of the work. At times he became so enraged that he would strike his daughter, and otherwise ill-treat her, and for no other reason than that she was a "Mormon." She waited until she was of age before being baptized, and was a faithful and obedient daughter, regarding her parents' wishes in everything else but this one. But life became so unpleasant to her that she was compelled to leave home; yet her father was not satisfied. He

1 1 1 IMPRO VEMENT ERA . followed her to her lodging place and sought to inflict bodily punishment upon her. Then she went to live with a family, the head of whom was a man who forbade the young lady's parent coming near his house. The cowardly father was afraid of this man, and kept away from him. But his bitterness continued. A conference of the Saints was to be held. His daughter would likely attend, and on her way from the meeting he would seek an opportunity to catch her alone and give her another beating. He waited until the close of the meeting, and watched by the door of the meetinghouse for his daughter's appearance. She was on her guard, however, and walked away between two young lady friends. When he discovered her he followed. It was a long distance between the meeting hall and the place where the daughter was staying, and part of the way was through a lonely district. Instead of attempting to go directly home the ladies kept on the principal streets, as much as possible, going round about in a circuitous course, hoping the enraged man would lose them in the crowd. But he continued the chase, until Elder Melbourne, being notified of the man's intention, overtook him and followed him, or rather walked side by side with him. After satisfying himself that the man was following the ladies, turning every time they turned, Elder Melbourne asked, "What do you mean by following those ladies?'' The man made no reply. ' 'I demand to know why you are following those ladies?" repeated Melbourne in more severe tones. "None of your business!" was the blunt answer. "But I shall make it my business to stay with you;" said the elder, and he continued by his side. Presently the two men overtook the three women, and followed at their heels. They were now in a crowded part of the street, and of course the father made no attempt on the daughter. The women made their way through the crowd, and soon they were on a street where but few people were to be seen. Now, the man thought, was his opportunity. He raised the heavy cane, which he carried, in an attempt to strike his daughter, who was directly in front of him, and easily within his reach. In an instant Elder Melbourne seized the cane, and just an

HERBERT. MELBOURNE. 445 instant later a young man, a member of the local branch, who knew the character of the man, and who had just overtaken him from the rear, grasped the desperate man bodily and threw him to the ground. He held him there till a policeman came. An explanation of what happened was made to the officer, and the man was allowed to go. In the meantime the women were far enough away to be safe, and this time the brutal father was baffled in his wicked attempt to beat, and perhaps kill, his own loving daughter. Salt Lake City, Utah. [to be continued.]