The times., 1899-08-21
MODERN POLITICS impure
A Preacher Laments Nineteenth
Century Degeneracy.
The Rev. Mr.. Stuchc1i. of New York.
David to the Throne of fsrnei and
Says Men Today Are Not Chosen for
Public ohsce Because of Merit.

The service yesterday morning at West
Street Presbyterian Church was conducted
by the Rev Mr.. Stuchell, Superintendent
of Outdoor Instruction of the Public
Schools of New York THE Test of True
Nobility" was the subject of the discourse.
and was suggested by words found in
Samuel l. XVII: THE Lord seeth not as
man soeth for man looketh on the external
appearance but the Lord looketh on the
heart"
The speaker introduced his subject by
giving an historical review of the times
and incidents connected with the elevation
of the shepherd boy David to the throne
of Israel, at that time the most powerful
nation in the known world.
Samuel. at that time the prophet of Is
rael," said the speaker. was chosen by
the Lord to select a King in the place Of
Saul, who had given offence to the Al
mighty. His instructions were to choose
a ruler from the sons of Jesse, and to an
nounce him King of the chosen people. AT
the appointed time the old prophet had the
young men brought before him. All were
present but the boy David who was herd
ing sheep and tending cattle on the hills of
Israel. AS one by one the sons were
brought before him. mighty in stature,
handsome in countenance, bright OF eye
and altogether fair to look upon, the voice
of the Lord told the old prophet that
the chosen ruler of Israel was yet absent.
David was asked for. and, on coming into
/ the presence of Samuel, was Immediately
chosen as the Lords anointed."
David was described as being of frail
| physique of tender years, and OF possess
! ing none of the outward appearances that
| beft kind. But" said the speaker, ''he
possessed kingly heart, a nobility o.
character, and a love for God that made
] him the greatest ruler the world ever
saw The Rev. Mr.. Stuchen then COM
pared the politics of the past and present
and said: In days gone by men wee
chosen for positions of trust on their
merits. A man who aspired for political
preferment was not only required to pos
sess ability, but honesty and integrity as
well Those were the days OF mighty
| leaders, the days of the fairest history. the
< days when a public Office was a public
! trust, and when 10 be ruler was a mark
of distinction How mighty has been the
changel No longer is public position re-
! garded as sacred trust. but as the means
OF rewarding political friends and Of SELF
elevation. An Office is sought not because
Of the honor attached TO it, but Of the op-
portunity it affords for making money and
further helping the occupant to attain
ether worldly ambitions. Political influ-
ence may now be purchased with money
| regardless OF the character of the person
seeking il. Money now controls electiols
and shapes the policies of nations
The speaker then reviewed the cause OF
/ Saul's dethrouement and the elevation OF
/ David to kingly dignity. He said that Saul
/ had disregarded the commands of the LORD
,k,a
! this he believes that the day of reckoning
! Will finally come to all modern usurpers OF
! authority. The tendency of modern times
| to regard wealth and position as the sole
objects in life was according to the speaker
4 wrong principle. In this connection the
( Rev. Mr.. Stucheil said popular heroes fall
and are forgotten. Praise today is abuse
tomorrow. Wealth brings its miseries and
| is dissipated in a generation. Public Of
! ficials are relegated to private life and
| spend their days in worrying to regain their
] lost popularity. In contrast to this an hon
| est and God-fearing man always lives. He
| lives with clear conscience here and an
! eternal life OF joy and happiness awaits
him in the world hereafter. The attain
ment of happiness may be gained by follow
ing the teachings of Gods word. 1t is nc
use to say that it is impossible. Phil
| osophers teach the law of heredity and men
| say that they are the victims of circum-
| stances The Bible also teaches the law oi
heredity. but 1t shows the way of overcom-
| ing every obstacle" The preacher theI
| spoke of how man may elevate himself
! He said human being is controlled by hi:
thoughts and that by thinking of God be
becomes more like him. In this eonnec-
tion the speaker said: by drawing closer
TO God worldly attractions become less, anc
the desire to lead pure life greater. Al
| problems that confront the human minc
may be solved by reference to the Bible
! There is nothing mystical about its teach
! ings all is plain and easily understood. "
In conclusion he spoke Of the beauty o
| living for others and of benefiting mankind
The rewards of a happy life and an eterna
existence were held out as the result OF 81
doing.