_MR. MELVIN'S MARRIAGE AND TEACHINGS._
It was rumored for some time that the minister of Mount Zion, or the
incumbent, or pastor, or whatever you desire to call him, was in the
habit of visiting a certain young lady in a distant town. Now there
were many fine young ladies belonging to the tabernacle, but as
distance seemed to lend merit and attractiveness, its spiritual head
found his choice elsewhere. Although not a graduate, Miss Spencer was
a well-read young lady of refined instincts and excellent character;
she had taught school for some time, and was of French ancestry. In
commenting afterward upon his choice, Mr. Melvin said that as a
Canadian he saw that one of the most important steps in nation building
was to unify, as far as possible, the different races and creeds in
this country, and he was one of those who were setting the pace.
When Mrs. Melvin was brought home, after a very interesting ceremony at
the Spencer homestead, the people were charmed with her and the
tabernacle congregation gave her a splendid reception.
The minister's wife in every way justified the good opinion formed of
her at first sight. She was a quiet, unobtrusive Christian, with a
sympathetic nature, which soon brought her in touch with the poor and
afflicted in the community. Many a basket prepared by her own hand
found its way into the homes of want, and many a visit was made which
comforted and cheered the anguished sufferer, and which tended to turn
the hour of sorrow into one of joy. Mrs. Melvin proved herself an
angel of mercy in Carsville, and frequently relieved her husband by
taking charge of a service of praise, or by preaching a sermon in
connection with the Sabbath service. Her work as a teacher had made
her a fluent, impressive and logical speaker, who was always acceptable
to the people.
Mr. Melvin now saw that the time was ripe for moulding public opinion
along not only spiritual but national lines, and he did not even
consult the politicians concerning the matter, but as a teacher applied
himself resolutely to the task.
The very first Sunday after bringing his bride from her somewhat
distant home the pastor of Mount Zion Tabernacle preached on sin, and
said the individual must come out from among his sinful associates in
renunciation thereof, and dare to be singular, or there is little hope.
As it is with individuals, so with nations. The people who in a
national sense, associate with a country, to the extent of forming a
part of it, that reeks with drunkenness and licentiousness will
assuredly, if they do not come out from it, share its ruin, which is
sure and certain as the fact that God rules and reigns.
The following Sunday Mr. Melvin preached on the character and
attributes of Christ, saying that, He did not rule or reign among men
in an imperial sense, seated upon a kingly throne in such splendor that
only a chosen few could approach Him, but in a thoroughly democratic
manner, to whom the rich and poor, the learned and unlearned, all alike
could come, to find in Him a Saviour, Brother, Friend and merciful High
Priest, one who was touched with a feeling of human infirmity, and who
always entered into sympathy with humankind.
The third Sunday the subject was religion, the preacher asking if it
was a creed, or a bundle of doctrinal standards, if it was Calvinism or
Arminianism, Brahminism or Buddhism, Confucianism or Zoroastrianism, or
the cheering of narrow-minded bigots for sixteenth century ideas.
The man who with Pauline fearlessness asked these questions also
himself answered them, saying it is none of these, but it is to be so
filled with the loving Christ spirit as to visit the sick and
fatherless in their affliction, and keep unspotted from the world, to
manifest the Christ spirit in all life's relationships, which spirit
was one of broadest charity and love.
After those three momentous sermons the minister, to stimulate his
young people in a way that would lead to energetic action along the
line of acquiring knowledge, preached a sermon on the subject of
education. He told his hearers not to be afraid to read scientific and
philosophical as well as historical literature, and do not become
nervous, he said, if many of your old cherished ideas are proven to
have had for their foundation the ever-shifting sand.
If research proves that man has been on this earth 2,000,000 of years
instead of 6,000, as formerly taught, do not be afraid to accept it,
for it is in perfect harmony with the teachings of God's own
revelation, and infinitely more correct than the antiquated teaching of
the past, according to the most eminent authority in the world. If in
former times it was taught that the atmosphere was forty-five miles
high, who now would continue to adhere to such a belief, when with
their own' eyes they can see meteoric stones burst into flame one
hundred miles from the earth, thus proving the atmosphere to be
considerably more than that height, as in order to become so heated as
to glow it must collide with atmospheric particles for many miles. The
same may be said of history, study it in every phase, turn on the side
lights, and you will find that in many cases it is very different to
what you have always been taught. The immense congregation which
thronged the tabernacle were now beginning to find out that their
former teachers were of the antediluvian school, but that a man with
enlightened mind and scholarship so acute that it could not be measured
by academic degrees had come among them. This progressive and advanced
teacher, however, warned them that in the midst of all their
advancement they would find that Israel's God was their God, and that
they would have to obey Him, and live clean, faithful, fruitful lives,
so as to one day hear the "Well done," and enter into the Master's joy.