The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1916-06-17
An Interesting Letter From---And An Impor
tant Address By Clement Friend Hawkins
of Australia
AUSTRALIA,
April %, 1916.

AUSTRALIA,
April %, 1916.
Rev. Wilbur Glenn Voliva, B. A., B. D.,
General Overseer, C. C. A. C. in Zion,
Zion City, Illinois.
My dear Friend:
On my Forty sixth birthday, April 16,
1916, I attended Zion Tabernacle, Mel
bourne. At the conclusion Of the ser
vice Elder Smith, with whom had had
a talk previously, called upon me to pray.
| responded.
This was the first time | had ever
opened my lips in a religious service
for nearly ten years. The last time I
had prayed was in 1906, in Zion Taber-
nacle, Swanson Street, Melbourne.
Hundreds of times friends had since
then pleaded with me to take up public
work again, in this church and that
church, but I always shook my head. I
told them that if ever my voice were
raised again in public religious work,
it would be within the walls of Zion.
The following Sunday easter Lords
Day. at Elder Smiths invitation I gave
an address, entitled, "My Ten Years
Silence" Elder Smith has notes of this,
which he will probably send on to you
I felt like one who had risen from the
grave! Only God knows how glad was
to hear my own voice again on Zion
platform
A thousand times during the long,
lonely years since last saw you have I
wished to write to you, but felt the
time had not yet come. I had wandered
long way away, and it took long time
to get back. Instead of going to the
Living Christ with my broken heart, I
soaked myself in German philosophy.
The booksellers in Sydney and Mel
bourne told me I was the first Australian
to have complete set of the great
modern German philosopher, Nietzsche
eighteen volumes), whose philosophy,
or Gospel, of the super-man was par
ticularly fascinating to one of my type
and experience.
But found no rest for my soul in
Nietzsche, and no healing for my body.
Jesus the Christ is the only Savior and
Healer.
When I gave up public work went
onto the land. For several years I have
not engaged in active farm work, but
have been in the Educational Depart
ment of Victoria.
have been taking up course of
study by correspondence for the d. E.
degree diploma Of Education), at the
Melbourne University.
I was at the University the whole of
the week before Easter, taking examina-
tions. Last December | took another
series of examinations, and I am hoping
to complete my course by next December.
I have had excellent reports from the
District Departmental Inspector.
When I have obtained my diploma I
shall be able to take large city school.
But my heart has been turning more and
more toward Zion and Zion City. have
hopes Of being able to take a trip to
Zion City and have long conference
with you for future work in Zion. I
feel should have a larger field for teach
ing, and could help to build up the old
work in which I had so many days of
delightful associations with you.
was almost moved to tears last Sun
day as I watched the little robed Choir
in Zion in Melbourne. A little girl lead
ing the professional reminded me most
vividly of little Ruth-now, I suppose,
quite grown up.
Elder Smith is faithfully holding the
fort in Melbourne. noticed many of
the old faces in the audience in Mel
bourne on Sunday night.
Will you pray that I may be Divinely
guided in making the next great move
in my perhaps the most important
one of all?
Wishing you every blessing and the
power of God upon your work, I am
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) CLEMENT FRIEND HAWKINS.