Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-07-27
BETRAYAL OF TRUSTS
Denounced in Strong Terms by a Will
kinsburg Preacher Yesterday.
THE BUILDING OF A CHARACTER.
Rev. ]. ". SprOull Tells Just How to Edu-
cate q Good Conscience.
OTHER PULPIT TOPICS OF THE DAY

Rev. James S. Freeman, of Trinity Re-
formed Church, Williamsburg, preached yes
terday morning from The text, Col: iv, 7:9.
He said:
"Paul brings to our notice two men of
whom nothing is known aside from few
references in the New Testament. They
did nothing that was extraordinary in Chris
tian work, vet it is profitable 10 study the
brief notices we have of these two men.
They are representative and typical Tychi-
Gus is mentioned in the Acts, toward the
close of Paul's missionary labors. He was
probably native of Ephesus converted
under the Apostles extended ministry. He
was with Paul al Rome ministering to him
during his imprisonment and going on
errands for him. Paul called him a faithful
minister. l. e., faithful in the services which
he rendered TO Paul He was trustworthy,
and conscientiously did his duty. He was
not slothful or negligent. He is representa-
tive Of that large class of Christians who are
not brilliant, who do not startle the world
by anything they do, but who are good and
honest men, loyal to the church and their
country. Their character is beyond re-
proach. Not original, but earnest and active
in every good cause. FaithfuIness is
virtue demanded not only in church affairs,
but in every relation of life. 1t is expected
of a trustee or guardian of an estate, of a
man in any official position and in every
business enterprise.
PHILADELPHIA RINGS DENOUNCED.
There has recently been disclosed a
lamentahle want of faithfulness in high
places Perhaps great deal more would
appear il we could get at the facts. A
venal press and corrupt political rings do
all in thei- power TO shield the culprits as
long aS there is any money in it. Only
few wears ago the gas ring of Philadelphia
was broken mp. Il had plundered the city
for wears The present disclosures, coming
after SO brief an interval, reflect unfavor-
ably on cur officials. Without a doubt
there is much untaithfulneSs which never
comes 10 light. 1t is surprising how long
good men viii suffer their public treasures
10 he plundered without rising in their
might "a throw overheard their corrupt and
UnfIirhful officials and demand that men be
placed in nomination who are known for
their integrity and honesty.
'Iychicus is iInmortalized by his faith
fulnrSs in service. Here is a lesson for
those who are ambitious for power, or
desire TO be leaders of fashion. They are
soon forgotten. How many of the last gen.
Grafton are known TO us? How many of our
own generation will be known to the next? |
Some are immortalized and have fame |
through their infamv, like Judas Iscariot.
Many are mentioned in the pages of history, |
but not with honor. Be faithful in doing |
good and future generations will call you |
blessed.
DISTINCTIONS RUBBED OUT. |
"Your name may not appear in history. |
IL Il
achievement. You may, perhaps, as it |
seems to you, be filling but a very subordi- |
nate and insignificant sphere, but let me as
sure YOU that there is an essential value in |
small and secular service done for Christ. !
The distinction between small and great |
disappears when both are alike indispensa-
bic.
"Onesimus represents TO us the trans
forming power of the Gospel He was a
runaway slave. He probably had all the
slaves vices-idleness, lying and dishon-
esty. We read of him in the epistle to
Philemon. He came from Colossae to Rome,
the cesSpool of the ancient world. Some
how he came under Paul's influence and |
was converted. He was then a changed |
man. and went back to his master, Phile-
mon When he left Rome Paul could COM
mend him as "A faithful and beloved
brother. The Gospel can and does work
these moral transformations, and nothing
but the Gospel can. Culture and refine
ment NAV give a man great advantage in
his battle with sin, hui only Christ can give
him the victory. Only as Christ lives in us
is there a change in our moral nature. The
Gospel despairs Of none
I'VE are reminded here, also, of the
power of the Gospel in binding men into a
true Brotherhood. a brotherhood that is
not based on seltishness but on their COM
Y,on uuipn with TpSuC Christ paul calls |
Onesimus a beloved brother because he
is a Christian Though he was unfaithful
he became new creature in Christ Jesus"