The Minister's Temptation - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Rev. Henry Reyburn, a minister in a small town, with the usual accompaniment of an insufficient salary, is informed by his family doctor that an operation is absolutely necessary to save the life of his little girl, which must be performed...See moreRev. Henry Reyburn, a minister in a small town, with the usual accompaniment of an insufficient salary, is informed by his family doctor that an operation is absolutely necessary to save the life of his little girl, which must be performed by a noted specialist and will cost five hundred dollars. The minister applies to his wealthiest parishioner for a loan of the amount, but is refused. At this critical juncture the minister receives a letter from a wealthy lady, a former parishioner, enclosing a check for five hundred dollars for the benefit of his needy parishioners, according to his best judgment. We now see the terrible temptation to use the money to pay for the operation in spite of the fact that his conscience tells him it would be the same as theft. Alone in his study, the minister fights the battle between his conscience and a father's love for his only child. As he prays in anguish for Divine guidance he sees a vision of the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane as He, also in his crucial hour, prays "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me." He sees the chalice as it appears before the Savior and in his vision it appears to fade into the face of his suffering child. This decides him to use the money and take the consequences. The operation is performed, and is successful in restoring the little one to health, but the minister's conscience gives him no rest and he tells his wife the story of how he used the check and that he must tell his congregation all and then resign his pastorate. He makes a public confession after the Sunday services which rouses sympathy of his congregation, especially the wealthy Mr. Wakefield, who publicly accuses himself for refusing the loan and volunteers to give the amount to charity and the minister is absolved from blame and his self-respect restored. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less