The theocrat. [volume] (Zion City [i.e. Zion], Ill.) 1914-1949, 1919-06-14
Essay
Bv Ernest HoSken

Our class, the Class of 1919, taken as a
whole, already has had twelve years OF edit
cational work - eight in the grammer
schools, one in the Zion City High School
and the remaining three in Zion Prepare
tory College.
Some of us will be leaving school life
forever when we receive our diplomas on
Commencement Day. The question might
arise, therefore, as to why this line OF
Scripture, which implies continuation OF
study, should have been chosen as our
motto, our ideal, Our prime motive in hte:
To study usually means to apply ones self
in obtaining specific knowledge; but it may
also be used as meaning, to endeavor dill
gently. Since we are about to take up the
duties of life, which may differ widely &C
cording to our individual talents, we pre-
fer to apply the latter meaning. To en-
deavor diligently to show ourselves approx
ed unto God = that certainly is no mean
object in life.
Indeed it is and always has been the
high and noble ideal of all true Christians.
1t has been the ma jor maxim in the develop
ment of every really great character. 10
live with the determination OF making as
nearly perfect record as possible; to gam
the favor of God in this life and to be owned
as His children in the next = this inspiring
ideal has produced some of the greatest
and most admirable men in all history:
Luther, man ready to become a martyr
for his convictions; Lincoln, considered by
manv to be the greatest American who ever
lived: Tohn Alexander Dowie, the founder
of this institution, who is now considered
thinkers
the twentieth century.
And well may we the graduating class
of 1919, adopt so well proven GUIDE as
our pilot through life. Such an ideal Will
have helpful and inspiring influence upon i1
all who endeavor to follow 1t. 1t VIII
strengthen weary back or clear muddied
brain. 1t will decide a doubtful question,
Alright 1t will cultivate fellow feeling and
reduce strife 1t will encourage us to seek
out the good in everything.
Why does a flower display SURPRISING
beauty? Why does bird sing SO sweetly?
WHY is sunset so magnificent, or noun
tain so maiestically formed? : Nature IN
all her forms is striving to declare the
glory" of her Creator. go,
Study an authors works and you Will
know the author Discover the laws OF ma.
ture and YOU will have found the laws OF
God. The oak tree shelters the violet; GOD
is love. The bee obtains honey from the
flower and in return scatters its pollen !;
cooperation is the will of the Creator Ma
ture is only as the bark of the tree, however,
or the husk to the ear of corn.
If you wish to know the great plan OF
God the only place to find it is IN HIS
masterpiece, the Book of books. therein
is displayed the wonderful life of the Christ,
fine Pattern that all Christians strive to toll
low. Throughout His earthly life, His tore
most object was ito do the will OF Ills
Father"
Could you find more worthy, motive
Each individual has some particular talent
which may be developed to high degree
of perfection. Specialize on that, and sue
cess is assured. Master some single art
and through it you will be able to master
others. Then use all in the struggle tor
God and right, and you will write an ePltaph
on the souls of men which will outrank any
monument ever erected. You will show
yourself approved unto God.