The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1916-06-17

the light of history. [ have just beer
studying for an examination at the Mel
bourne University, in Ancient, Modern
and Constitutional history, in connection
with the degree for the Diploma of Educa-
ton: and have been struck with the way
all great reform movements have Jolted on
the nerves Of the people and how the peo
pie have always wanted to kill the leaders
how they have laughed at every setback
these reformers have had. Yet what a
splendid place in history these grand old
reformers and martyrs have secured We
build temples to the memory of the people
we have crucifed That is what the world
will do for John Alexander Dowie; but
it may take them one hundred years to
find out that he was a prophet sent from
God.
Now, I cannot attempt to discuss to-
night the great questions of inspiration,
or the Divine supervision of the universe,
or the Divinity Of Jesus the Christ; but,
taking these for granted, can confidently
say to you, ZION IS ALL RIGHT.
Mistakes have been made; that was in
evitable Zion has had tremendous set
backs. These were inevitable; they have
made for the publication of Zion Let us
hope that Zion may not need repetition
Of them.
I say again, ZION IS ALL RIGHT.
say it to the old members, I say it to the
new members. And [ say more-I say,
Voliva is all right That is, so far as
can judge.
know this, that Wilbur Glenn Voliva
was one of the purest minded and most
conscientious men [ ever knew. I have
no reason to think he has changed.
While in Australia he was scrupulously
conscientious in his loyalty and obedience
to Zion's Founder. [ have every reason
to believe that he remains loyal to Zion s
principles and to Zion's God
Before [ conclude will announce my
text q do not suppose it matters at which
end Of the sermon the text comes) "Seek
ye first the Kingdom of God, and His
Righteousness; and all these things shall
be added unto YOU"
We in Zion spell the Kingdom of God
with four letters the first Of which is 81. :"
O The foundation of Zion was the
cutting of new furrow in the field of
historical reform. The very daring and
originality of the movement is a proof Of
it's inspiration.
(2) The building up Of Zion unifes
and centralizes human effort and faith,
so that it is able to link up with the
Divine
(3) The elements of apparent exag-
geration in Zion are all essential to reform
propaganda and serve Divine purpose.
In connection with the second PROPOSE
ton [ would like to remind you of III. G.
Wells illustration of full salvation
Wells is one Of the leading figures in
English literature today and has made an
international reputation as philosopher.
Speaking as a philosopher, he points out
that he considers man fully saved who
has some great leading, all-pervading,
over-powering ambition or aspiration in
life which brings into line all his scattered
hopes and emotions and passions and in
stincts.
Translate this into religious terms, and
you have in Zion that very over-powering,
al-pervading aspiration and hope. This
gathers up all the loose ends of life and
wasted efforts into one great unity and
faith. This unity of faith expresses itself
in the rearing up of beautiful city on
earth where the corruptions and impurities
that damn all earthly cities are provided
against, not only by the Church's teach
ing but by the very conditions in the leases
under which the property is sold
The bogus spiritualistic medium says,
"Give me sufficiently sensitive and high
ly developed human instrument and I will
show you the very power of God"
We say, "Give us clean city, safe
guarded by those forces that make for
righteousness, and you shall see the very
power of God manifested in actual every
day life in way never dreamed of be-
FORE"
Such a city and such Church become
the channel through which God can ex
press Himself amongst men.
In connection with the third proposition
just mentioned, I can only take time to
say this that the strong and plain language
1 used in Zion to describe sin and denOunce