CHAPTER XIII
THE NEW LIFE
The chief regret now in this young man's mind was the loss of two college years. Bishop Albertson greatly desired his return to the Monastery to take up and finish his collegiate course, and receive his diploma from that institution. But the father seriously objected, because this would necessitate his absence again from home. After much discussion and correspondence, the two bishops concluded to leave its decision to the young man himself. As soon as Eleen learned this her woman's sagacity told her what the decision would be. She had her brother's confidence, young as she was, and he had shown her Alice's photograph. She was correct in her conclusions. It was not many days before he made known his determination to return to the Monastery and finish his studies. This would only take two years.
Edward McLaren now felt how irksome this change of name would be among his friends at the Monastery, for there he was known only as "Carl." But this must be met honestly, so he returned at once to his true name in all his correspondence. Edward's expected return to the Monastery was hailed with delight by all. Two great loves welcomed him: first, Alice, of course, knowing how much she had done in his decision to return to America, and that but for his love for her he probably would not have returned, gave to him her implicit confidence and all the wealth of affection contained in her womanly heart. Then Tom, who had been bereaved sorely for four months, was in rapture; he, however, could not tolerate any name but the old one, "Carl." Nor was Bishop Albertson far behind these two in his expressions of affection and confidence. All matters of business, of a secular character, were placed in Edward's hands and his judgment was seldom overruled. But, finally, on account of his studies, Edward had to give these up. So with great reluctance he resigned his office as secretary. This was greatly regretted by the bishop, but he could not conscientiously oppose it. But at the suggestion of the retiring secretary Alice was appointed to fill the vacant place, with the promise that Edward, when possible, would render her his assistance. And thus the collegiate year commenced. The number of students matriculated was larger than ever before.
Edward again assumed charge of the organ and was recognized as music director of Monastery University and church. Tom, too, was entered in the last year of the preparatory department. Edward and he still occupied the room at the farm known as Carl and Tom's room. This was a great help to the boy, as they had set apart three hours each evening for their respective studies, and the elder student rendered Tom much assistance.
At the close of the year Tom passed out of the preparatory department and was admitted into the classical course, and Edward McLaren entered upon his senior year. Edward was likewise recommended as a licentiate for the ministry. But the committee ordered that before this should be fully granted the old custom should be observed and he should preach a "trial sermon," and the date was set for that occasion. If possible, this occasion was of more importance to Tom than to Edward. He was continually referring to it and hoping that it might be a great success. The committee had appointed Sunday afternoon as the time, and the service was announced throughout a wide territory.
The day for the sermon was clear and beautiful. The bishop and faculty were surprised at the amount of interest shown. Many persons remained after the morning service, having brought their luncheons with them, and, as the appointed hour, three o'clock, approached, it was seen that the college chapel would not contain the great crowd, and it was concluded that the service must be held in the auditorium of the church. The large audience room was filled to its utmost capacity. It was truly an ordeal for the young man to pass through. Tom was the most nervous person in the twelve hundred present. "Will my Carl stand the test?" asked Tom of himself. But of course he would. Two young clergymen had charge of the opening exercises. Alice presided at the organ, and a full choir rendered the music, doing justice to the hour and the service.
The young preacher was pale and somewhat nervous when he arose to announce his text. At first he could scarce be heard ten yards away; but he quickly corrected the fault and went on with fuller confidence and courage.
He spoke from Psalm 119. 59: "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies."
"Thinking is royal," he said. "Thought is king. Everything of beauty or usefulness is the child of thought. Here is the distinction between man and the brute. Here is the cause of difference between the savant and the savage. And here is the difference between men. Some think; others do not. And what fields for thought are spread out before the human mind! For instance, nations and cities once great and influential are now blotted out. Babylon, Rome, Palmyra, Jerusalem. What destroyed them? They refused to acknowledge God, and he left them to perish. Ah! They forsook God and he left them.