Herbert Melbourne, VIII

HERBERT MELBOURNE. BY EDWIN F. PARRY.

VIII.

At this point in the discussion the minister indicated by his actions that he wished to conclude the interview, and hinted as much by saying he would be pleased to talk to the young "Mor- mon" missionary again sometime in the future. Herbert Mel- bourne was not quite ready to end the discussion. He wanted to say a few words more; and this is about the substance of what he said: "My reverend friend, I have listened attentively to what you have said respecting the 'Mormon' interpretation of the Scriptures Will you do me the kindness to let me offer a few remarks in ex- planation of our position?" "Most certainly, most certainly," was the prompt reply. "I do not desire to give any offense, and what I shall say will be with the kindliest of feelings and the best of motives. I take

it for granted that you as a man of culture are somewhat familiar with the history of the science of astronomy. The astronomy of olden time taught that the earth was stationary, and that the sun, moon and stars revolved about it. This idea was held, with slight variations, for thousands of years. But as long as it was accepted very little advancement in the science was made. Four hundred years ago a Dutch astronomer, Copernicus, put forth the theory that the sun was the center of the planetary system "and that the earth and the other planets revolved around that great luminary This was a reversal of the old theory; and it has been demonstrated to be correct. Since its acceptance the science of astronomy has made wonderful advancement.

704 1MPRO VEMENT ERA

"Now, may it not be possible that the old method of inter- preting the scriptures, which you and the clergy generally adhere to, is faulty? And let me ask you kindly to lay it aside, tempo- rarily, at least, for the purpose of making a little investigation in search of the truth. With all due respect to you as a Christian scholar, I want to tell you that your theology needs revising. You, of course, are not to blame for its errors, neither is your church, for it was formulated and adopted long before your church came into existence. You are aware that it has been handed down from the dark ages. True, it has not as great antiquity as the old astronomy, but it has not been improved upon much more, if any, than had the latter before the days of Copernicus. So I would suggest you discard it and give consideration to 'Mormon' the- ology. Let me ask you to accept our doctrine of Godhood. 'Mor- monism' teaches that God the Father has a material body of flesh and bone; that Jesus Christ has a similar body; but the Holy Ghost is a spiritual being, without a body of flesh and bone. These three separate beings compose the Godhead — the ruling power of the universe. Where the Scriptures speak of these three as being one they have reference to their unity — they are one in purpose working in harmony — and not one in person. ' 'Mormonism' teaches that God is the father of the human race — that mankind are his children, and that they are destined to become like him. Man's recognition of this grand truth in- spires within him loftier hopes, and affords an incentive to greater effort: for knowing what possibilities are within his reach, he will strive the harder to obtain them. "If you will accept these fundamental truths as a basis of your theology you will find that they are in harmony with the teachings of your Bible, as well as with science and common sense, for revealed truths always agree with discovered truths. ' 'Mormonism' teaches that men will be 'punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression;' and that every one will be rewarded according to his works. It teaches that, 'through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.' Note this, that salva- tion is within the reach of all mankind, — not only those who in life accept its teachings, but those who have died without a knowl-

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edge of the gospel. It embraces the heathen nations those who — know not God — all mankind who have lived or may yet live upon the earth Every creature will have the opportunity of receiving or rejecting the message of salvation. And little children, who, by some of your creeds, are consigned to condemnation if they die without baptism, will all be saved in the kingdom of heaven. "You will find that 'Mormonism' is abroad and liberal system and is worthy of the source from which it originated; for, let me

tell you, that it is the gospel of Jesus Christ revealed to earth anew from heaven. It embraces all truth. One of its converts remarked to me that he had been a member of several Christian denominations before he accepted 'Mormonism,' yet in accepting 'Mormonism' he found that he had no occasion to renounce any truth he had found in any other religion. "Before taking my departure I desire to bear witness to you that 'Mormonism' has a solemn message for all mankind. It is a

system of religion possessing the power to save the human race. It not only teaches man in theory the true way of life, but it pos- sesses divine authority to administer unto him every ordinance es- sential to salvation and exaltation in God's kingdom. "'Mormonism' is the gospel of Christ restored to earth in fulfilment of the Scriptures which clearly prove that there should be a restoration in the last days, prior to the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I will not trespass upon your time at present to point out these scriptural evidences, but if you will kindly accept these tracts which I desire to leave with you, and read them carefully, I feel satisfied they will assist you in getting at the truth of this most important subject." "You speak as one having authority, and not as the Scribes," was the minister's comment on Herbert's remarks. He promised to read the tracts, and also the Book of Mormon which the young missionary loaned him. He shook hands in a friendly manner with his visitor as the latter took his departure; and for once Herbert Melbourne met a sectarian minister who did not lose his temper or become offended while discussing religion. On returning to his lodgings that afternoon our missionary found a letter from Utah. It was written by his late companion, Elder Davis. Herbert recognized the handwriting. "Now," he

said to himself, "perhaps I'll get a solution of the strange con- dition of affairs at home," as he nervously tore open the envelope. "If Davis has won Alice's heart, he will be frank enough to tell me," he added. This was the first letter his companion had written him since he left England. It was a long letter. Herbert read page after page of it, in which was recounted incidents of the journey to Zion. It told also of his doings and observations after arriving home, without any explanation of the strange condition of affairs existing there. But at the end of the letter were a few words that made all clear to him, and Herbert burst out laughing. Then he thought how foolish he had been to become disturbed and wrought up in his mind over imaginary conditions, and men- tally he rebuked himself for being so hasty in his conclusions.

Yes, Elder Davis was in love with, and paying attentions to, Miss Williams! He was seriously smitten, according to his own .

acknowledgment. But this admission did not alarm Herbert now in the least, for the young lady that had captured Elder Davis' heart was Miss Hazel Williams, Alice's sister! "Ha, ha!" laughed Herbert again, slapping his knee as he re-read the latter part of the letter containing the innocent con- fession. "That pleases me," he said to himself. "Davis is a fine chap, and if he wins Hazel he's a fortunate fellow — next to myself, the most fortunate of all fellows!" The young missionary's mind was now at rest concerning af- fairs at home; and feeling happier than ever he continued to labor

diligently in the good cause.

now two and a half years since Herbert Melbourne left It was

his native land. How rapidly the time had sped! To him it seemed no more than that number of months. He had been so busily occupied and so interested in his labors that the passing of the months and years had scarely been noted.The receipt of an honorable release from the president of the mission caused him to review his mis- sionary career, and like thousands of missionaries had done before nim, he expressed his unqualified conviction that the time he had spent in the mission field was the happiest period of his life. He had often heard that same statement made by returned mission-

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aries, but could scarcely believe their words; not until he had gone through the same experience did he become fully convinced. Now he had been tendered a release, he scarcely knew whether he was ready to accept it. He was more than ever interested in his labors. He loved the work, he loved the people; and the peo- ple loved him —that is the Saints, his fellow-missionaries, and the many friends he had made. His affection for dear ones at home was not lessened in the least degree. They were more endeared to him than ever, so his love was not transfered from the old to the new friends. The fact was his love had greatly increased. Never before did he realize that he was capable of entertaining so much affection for mankind. His heart went out to everybody. He could love his enemies, and do good to those who despitefully used him. No hatred was found in his heart, and he was truly happy. He was pleased that his mission had been acceptable to his president, and that he was worthy of an honorable release. While to him the time had passed rapidly and pleasantly, he remembered his aged mother at home, who no doubt was counting the weeks and days, and fondly hoping that she might be permitted to live to once more see her far-off son. For her sake, he felt it a duty to return home, now that he was released. Besides there was another powerful attraction to draw him homeward. That was Alice Wil- liams. She, too, was patiently and lovingly awaiting his return. Herbert decided to spend a short time in sight-seeing before leaving; then he would come back and bid his friends farewell. Some few of the Saints would go with him, having prepared to emigrate to Zion. Among them was the young lady, whose brutal father had driven her from home. She had saved money sufficient to pay her emigration, and had received promise of a home with a family that had gone to Utah a few years before More than .

that, she had received a promise of marriage from a worthy young man —a missionary who had made her acquaintance while he wa s in the field some two years before.

[to be continued] Salt Lake City, Utah.