The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1891-03-10
A SOUND SERMON.
Rev. Louis L. Barrett on THAT Empty
Tin Box" or Public Trusts and
Duties.

Rev. Louis L. Barrett on THAT Empty
Tin Box" or Public Trusts and
Duties.
after long time the lord OF those
servants cometh and reckoneth with
them. Matthew, 1919.
When Hamlet caught sight OF life,
and saw what he had to do and bear,
he said; IN 20 pray As the eiti-
the last week, he not only felt the ne
cessity OF prayer, but spirit OF in
quiry took possession of him, and he
asked himself: "Whither are we tend
| ing?' and what do these things
meanY What is the matter with the
treasurers of the States? In the
neighboring state Of Maryland an ex-
treasurer is in the pcntentiary, wear
ing the garb OF II convict; in some of
the other States the treasurers have
proved defaulters and a residence in
Canada is tho consequence. In this
little State OF Delaware the retiring
treasurer seems to be short in his ac-
counts, and transfers TO his successor
an empty tin box.
Tho tin cup played an important part
| in the last political cam puiEn, because
of the Mckinley Tariff bill, which It
was charged would 80 raise the price
OF tin that tin cups would jump up to
fabulous prices. The tin box is just at
this time prominent factor in Della
ware politics, not for its intrinsic
value, or what It contains. but for
what IL does not contain. When the
retiring treasurer transferred the
States money and securities to his
successor that official found an empty
tin box, with neither bank stocks nor
securities belonging TO the State. Tho
question as to where are they, what
has become of them, seems IA diff
cult to answer as the question who
wrote the letter of "Juhius," which 80
stirred the English public years ago,
or the whereabouts OF the lost ten
tribes OF Israel. Inquiry has elected
the fact that Tor about twenty years
the treasurers upon coming into Office
have received merely the box without
examination as to contents.
| Without charging any OF these OFF,
cials with dishonesty, 1t is. to say the
least. neither good iinanciering nor
good politics to take charge oil and re-
cetpt Tor box supposed to contain
valuable securities without knowing
what the contents OF the box really
are. II is time that the people of bella
! ware were reckoning little more
closely with their public servants l
do not mention this r;ise for the pt:r.
pose Ol entering Into discussion OF
the merits and dement's of the trans
action, ! leave that FOR the Legislature
and the newspapers. | believe II TO be
the province OF tile pulpit, however, to
treat public questions and transac-
lions ~ to tiIaw from them important
moral lessons, and to bring the great
law of God to bear upon the heart and
conscience. The parable from which
! 10
suggestive to be found in the teach
ings of Christ. He represents tho
Kingdom OF Heaven as n man TRAVELLING
into Iar country, and delivering his
goods unto his servants to keep anC
use during his ahseHce-tO one he gave
five to another two, to another one
talent, and took his departure. After
Q a long time the lord oil those servants
. eometh and reckoned with them.
Notice
: Man is Gods trustee" Inthis para
BILE the man delivered unto his servants
I his goods, not theirs. They received
them from their employer as a trust
If this truth could be securely fasten
ed upon human hearts, it would not
be long before the world would ht
. ready for the second coming OF I'll,
S Master st. james gays: Every GOO
/. and perfect gift is from above nm
-, cometh down from the Father o
! lights with whom there Is no variable
Il ness, neither of shadow of turning.
@ Our lives are filled with mercies an,
blessings every day; we receive then
y us matter OF course, and take then
Q as our personal property, to do wit
5 them as we please. We forget tina
a they are merely loaned for Droper in
= vestment and use. The same Is Iru
, of public office. The man you elect Il
c be governor or to any office is clothet
J. with the authority and robes of otiic
N as your trustee. He is to use his ofiic
y Tor the good and welfare of the who'll
y people, and he is not fit for the pos
e ton If he does not thus administer il
a duties. One of the nobiest politica
maxims over put forth by any one
u this: Public office Is public trust
J. This is worthy to be inscribed over til
= doorway OF every public Office. Ii In
u spirit OF the following was observe
" we would not SO often DO called upo
g. to view the spectacle OF some mon,
II Clothed IN q little brief authority.
C Cutting such tricks before high Heavel
~ As TO make the angels weep"
"a The preacher proceeded to explai
~ how admission could be gained to I'm
y Kingdom OF heaven. He dwelt on RI
~ llgious duties and trusts.
upllc uHl'e lb trust delivered [
the officer by the people who hay
elected him, and he is to administer il
a. duties as one who is to give acconl
to the sovereign people. it Is the dut
10 OF each individual to tind out what h
Q : talents are-not to receive them as ii
ID State Treasurer received the tin bo
y, without examination; but we sholll
10 examine our gifts and sec what tht
IN are, and how they are TO be used. -
IN A person must not depend on II
20 church to transport him to lleaye
IS like an express train, but on faithfl
Of obedience to the Gospel of Jesl
in Christ. He forcibly cited Biblical bi
ns gruphy.
:. The Measure of tile Divine Roduir
~ ment. Whom the treasurer takes no
We session OF the state moneys ana see
IN rites, what does the State requira ,
n him as its trustee2 That he use the
- trust funds with fidelity; that he
Sc faithful in the discharge OF his duiie
GA These securities may not Increase
liza par value; may not yield the State an
more dividends Tam formerly. Ht
ct the treasurer will not he to blame.
Is only required to be faithful in ii
use OF his trust. But how can lie
faithful without knowledge He shou
rs know what and where the securiti