The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1919-06-14
mighty Empire, which was destined te
rule the world.

mighty Empire, which was destined to
rule the world.
The "Augustan Age" in the history of
Latin literature, is known as the Golden
Age" and EXTENDED over the period of
time from 81 B. C. to IA A. D. The
greater part of this period was devoted
by Augustus to internal organization; and
as we travel over the Empire tonight, we
shall see that law and order were firmly
established everywhere throughout its
breadth. We shall also learn how Angus
tus reared new structure of imperial
government out of long century of an
archy. And the Golden Age" first only
an anticipation on the part of Augustus
was later a realization on the part of
thousands of people.
AS we approach the Empire we note that
one of the most impressive features is the
old Roman roads, which,. upon closer in
vestigation, we find are of better quality
than any roads built in Our own day, and
constructed in such a manner that they
have been able to endure the travel of
centuries. These Roman roads were begun
in 312 B. c., mainly for military purposes,
but their service has been more far-reach-
ing and although the progress of construc-
ton was slow and costly, they served to
help bind the great Empire together, and
today they mark the land where Roman
rule was once supreme.
Now our attention is called to the mas
sive, impressive Roman architecture. The
styles employed passed through three stages,
the Eutruscan, the Greek and the Ro-
man. The Eutruscan style was employed
in the erection of the earlier temples, as the
Palatine, where the decorations were mostly
in gilt bronze rather than stone. The Greek
styles were used in the earlier imperial age,
and were the most artistic. The Romans,
devoid of originality, were able engineers
and invented the use of the arch and the
dome, as used in the Pantheon.
AS we continue to pass along through
hamlets, villages and cities, I'VE gaze in
wonder at the modern appearance Of all
the improvements. We notice the fire de-
partments, police departments and lighting
systems; everything points to peace and
prosperity.
1t is we'll for us to note that when this
Golden Age" was little more than half
over, Christ, Our Savior, Healer and Keeper,
was born in distant hamlet of the Roman
! Empire; and His religion was destined to
reach every nation and cline in preparation
for His second coming.
But it was not Gods will that the Old
Roman Empire should live on undisturbed
in all it's glory and power And, in Dan
iel, the Second Chapter, where Daniel in
terpreted Nebuchadnezzar' dream of the
mysterious image, it was prophesied that
the Old Roman Empire should be as strong
as iron and should break in pieces and sub
due many nations, but that, finally, the
great Empire itself should be broken in
pieces and subdued. This prophecy has
been fulfilled to the very letter.
During the reign of Trajan, from 90 to
117 A. D., the Empire reached its greatest
extent in power, having subdued the ma
tions until it extended north of the Danube
including Dacia; which is now modern
Roumania, to the Rhine on the northwest
east to the Euphrates, covering Armenia,
Mesopotamia and Assyria. The Empire al
SO included Palestine and Egypt, as well
as all the northern coast of Africa, and was
bounded on the West by the Atlantic.
However, under Theodosius, the great
Elliptic Was ullIlCu 1Ol PI dSIlSoliy LIN ie'o'
time From 3o2 to 2o5 A. D. he ruled as
sole Emperor Before his death, however,
he divided the Empire between his two sons,
and from that time on the Empire divided
itself, following two distinct lines of gov
ernment
In 476 A. D., only shadow of the old
western Empire remained. The provinces
of Gaul, Spain and Africa were in the
hands of the Franks, Vandals, Goths and
various other tribes. The Western En-
pire had fallen, and Italy, at her own re-
quest, became in effect province OF the
Empire in the East. -
From the division of the Empire in 3o5
A. D., the Eastern Empire lasted over one
thousand years, until the capture Of Con-
stantinople by the Turks in 1853 A. D.,
when the surviving remnant Of the Old
Roman Empire was itself subdued.
Thus we see how - "The old order
changeth, yielding place to the new, and
God fulills Himself in many ways, lest one
good custom should corrupt the world.
ssThe Revived Roman Empire"