Herbert Melbourne, X

HERBERT MELBOURNE. BY EDWIN F. PARRY.

X.

The little company of "Mormon" emigrants and returning missionaries on board the Atlantic steamer were a happy lot, not- withstanding some were seasick. The anticipation of gathering with the body of the Church in Zion gave them joy, although they were leaving their native lands, their homes, friends and families. But it was for the gospel, which was more dear to them than all else in this world.. When the Saints gathered together in the even- ings, and sang the songs of Zion, Herbert could not help thinking how literally they fulfiled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning the gathering of Israel in the last days: "The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy." Journeying on a fast-going vessel, the Saints were soon brought to the shores of America, and found themselves on board the railway cars, being hurled "with speed swiftly" across the continent towards the west. In his last letter to his mother, Herbert had informed her of the time when he expected to leave England; so when it was learned by his friends at home that the emigrants and returning missionaries with whom it was expected he would travel, had ar- rived and Herbert was not in the company, some of his neighbors wondered what the cause might be, and various surmises were in- dulged in.Bits of information were gathered and pieced together by gossiping busy-bodies, and a sensational story was made up. It was learned from a letter written by a missionary in the Shef- field conference — the one in which Herbert had labored — that Elder Melbourne and Siste~ (the young lady who was driven

8 72 IMPRO VEMENT ERA

from her home by her father) had just left together for Liver- pool. From another source it was learned that the young lady expected to make her home in Logan, and hence had not come to Salt Lake City; and the fact that Herbert had not arrived with the company suggested the thought that he had gone to Logan with the young lady — that he was in love with her and had brought her to Utah to make her his wife; that he had played false to Miss Williams, etc , etc. The story had a semblance of probability, and some there were who were so impatiently anxious to verify it that they - ' actually went to Miss Williams to offer ''sympathy'' and "'comfort iu her "distress." They did not know that she was in need of their sympathy, but they hoped to learn from her if the reported '

"facts" were really true. They used what tact they could com- mand in approaching Miss Alice up >n the subject uppermost in their minds. They talked about generalities, made several in-

quiries, and at last asked about the home-coming of Mr. Melbourne. Alice simply replied that she believed he was on his way home. Tien they asked if she had heard the current rumor about him. Sie had not heard it; so they related it to her in dramatic style, and with some few additions, of course. Alice did not faint after hearing the recital. Perhaps her visiting friends expected her to; but she didn't. She simply in-

formed them that she had nothing to say respecting the rumor set afloat. This information was rather depressing to her solici-

tous visitors, for they had almost hoped that there was some foundation for the startling story that had been circulated; an 1 that they would receive some corroboration of it from Miss Williams, then they would have the "distinction" of having veri- fied the rumor and furnishing the first authorized version of the story. Two days after the arrival of the little company of emigrating Saints, Herbert Melbourne reached Salt Lake City. He came alone. He had no young lady with him; and whether or not he had brought an English sweetheart to Utah, his inquisitive neigh- bors could not determine from what they had seen, so they would have to await further developments. No doubt some of his

neighbors were disappointed when it was learned that Herbert Mel-

HERBERT MELBOURNE. 873

bourne's delay in returning home was caused through visiting his brother-in-law, who was laboring as a missionary in the Central States. At the next Sunday evening meeting, in the ward where he resided, Herbert was the principal speaker. He gave an enter- taining account of his mission, and expressed his thankfulness for the privilege of having fulfiled one — a satisfactory one to himself at least. He bore an earnest testimony to the truth of the mes- sage he had been advocating. He quoted the following passage from St. John: "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." "For the past few years," Herbert continued, "I have been trying to do the will of our Father, and I have received an assur- ance that his doctrines are true. Our most certain knowledge comes through experience. While it is true that, as the scripture says, 'faith comes through hearing,' knowledge comes through doing. "I cannot refrain," added the speaker, "from contrasting in my mind my present spiritual condition with that of a few years ago. When I returned from college I had an ambition to d »

something, but just what to do I cjuld not decide. I had no fixed purpose that was noble and worthy. Life seemed to have no defi- nite meaning. I intended to follow the law as an occupation, — not particularly for the good I might thereby be able to render to my fellowman, but more especially for the remuneration I might get out of it for myself. It appeared to me that mankind were gen- erally striving for themselves. Perhaps I misjudged them through my own selfishness. I was not interested in religion, and I had

never learned how blessed it was to work for others. I did not know the happiness to be gained by seeking to make others happy. "Now it is all different. The gospel has broadened my view of life. Life to me now has a grander and nobler meaning. I see opportunities to uplift mankind and to make the world better even by my own humble efforts. The gospel has raised me to a higher plane, and at the same time it has awakened within my soul a de- sire to carry its light to others who may be searching for it. And

874 IMPROVEMENT ERA.

now that my feet are more firmly established upon its truths, I can see that the gospel presents possibilities of eternal progress. It affords me a guide to my daily conduct. It furnishes me a pur- pose for which to work. It sets at rest in my mind all questions as to what is the duty «f man, and satisfies all the cravings of the soul in its search for truth. "I return from my mission not only with an ambition to do something, but with a comprehension of what should be done for the greatest benefit of mankind as well as for myself. There is no question in my mind now as to what my course in life should be." He paid a high tribute to his friends, Oscar Nelson and Edvard Jones, ths ward teachers of the district in which he resided. He styled these Elders his "fathers in the gospel," "for, "said he, "they were the ones, aside from my dear mother, who had the patience to labor with all kindness for the purpo39 of awakening within me faith and interest in the gospel. I admire and respect these young men, and they shall have my eternal gratitude. I love and admire my noble mother for her

unceasing solicitude in my welfare, and for her gentle, sweet kindness everlastingly shown towards me.'' Herbert spent several days after his return home in calling upon his many friends, all of whom seemed pleased to meet him and welcome his return. It is ntedless to say that he, too, was happy. He noted the changes that had taken place in the neigh- borhood of his home, and in the city. There were some changes also which he found in the people of his acquaintance — several of his lady friends, for instance, had changed their names and their residences. Among those who had been married during his absence were Edward Jones and Lizzie Anderson; and they seemed to be a very happy couple. Elder Davis, his former missionary companion, was not married yet, but was still a regular visitor at the Williams home. He and Hazel had it in mind to suggest that there be a double wedding announced in the near future. A sort of loneliness came over Herbert when he visited his married friends. Their condition was a reminder that there was something lacking with him. But, like many other young returned missionaries, he became possessed of the spirit of matri- mony. Believing, as the Latter-day Saints do, that marriage is a